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Article
Publication date: 15 March 2022

Mohamed H. Sharaf, Adham M. Nagiub, Salem S. Salem, Mohamed H. Kalaba, Esmail M. El Fakharany and Hamada Abd El-Wahab

This study aims to focus on the preparation and characterization of the silver nanowire (AgNWs), as well as their application as antimicrobial and antivirus activities either with…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the preparation and characterization of the silver nanowire (AgNWs), as well as their application as antimicrobial and antivirus activities either with incorporation on the waterborne coating formulation or on their own.

Design/methodology/approach

Prepared AgNWs are characterized by different analytical instruments, such as ultraviolet-visible spectroscope, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction spectrometer. All the paint formulation's physical and mechanical qualities were tested using American Society for Testing and Materials, a worldwide standard test procedure. The biological activities of the prepared AgNWs and the waterborne coating based on AgNWs were investigated. And, their effects on pathogenic bacteria, antioxidants, antiviral activity and cytotoxicity were also investigated.

Findings

The obtained results of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the paint formulation demonstrated the formulations' greatest performance, as well as giving good scrub resistance and film durability. In the antimicrobial activity, the paint did not have any activity against bacterial pathogen, whereas the AgNWs and AgNWs with paint have similar activity against bacterial pathogen with inhibition zone range from 10 to 14 mm. The development of antioxidant and cytotoxicity activity of the paint incorporated with AgNWs were also observed. The cytopathic effects of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) were reduced in all three investigated modes of action when compared to the positive control group (HSV-1-infected cells), suggesting that these compounds have promising antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses, including DNA and RNA viruses.

Originality/value

The new waterborne coating based on nanoparticles has the potential to be promising in the manufacturing and development of paints, allowing them to function to prevent the spread of microbial infection, which is exactly what the world requires at this time.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 52 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2021

Mohammad Osama, Aly Sherif and Mohamed Badawy

This paper aims to enlighten the importance of the risk management process which is considered as a major procedure to effectively handle the potential inherent risks in the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to enlighten the importance of the risk management process which is considered as a major procedure to effectively handle the potential inherent risks in the construction industry. However, most traditional risk analysis techniques are based on theories that deal with each risk factor as an independent, which does not take into consideration the causal relationships between risk factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aspires to identify the overall risk of the administrative construction projects in Egypt and to recognize the most influencing risk factors through the project life cycle by using Bayesian belief networks (BBN). Through a review of the literature, 27 risk factors were identified and categorized as the most common risk factors in the construction industry. A structured questionnaire was performed to estimate the probability and severity of these risks. Through site visits and interviews with experts in the construction field, 200 valid questionnaires were collected. A risk analysis model was developed using BBNs, then the applicability of this model was verified using a case study in Egypt.

Findings

However, the outcome showed that critical risks that manipulate administrative construction projects in Egypt were corruption and bribery, contractor financial difficulties, force majeure, damage to the structure and defective material installation.

Practical implications

The proposed study presents the possibilities available to the project parties to obtain a better forecast of the project objectives, including the project duration, total project cost and the target quality by examining the causal relationships between project risks and project objectives.

Originality/value

This study aspires to identify the overall risk of the administrative construction projects in Egypt and to recognize the most influencing risk factors through the project life cycle by using BBNs.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2017

Ammar Mohamed Aamer, Mohmmed A. Al-Awlaqi and Sharaf M. Alkibsi

The purpose of this paper is to assess the TQM readiness level of Yemeni Organizations. In addition, this study compares the level of readiness between the various Yemeni…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the TQM readiness level of Yemeni Organizations. In addition, this study compares the level of readiness between the various Yemeni organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the TQM literature, related and relevant information had been gathered to develop an assessment tool used in this research. The main content of the assessment focused on statements related to the most common TQM principles. Data were collected by an assessment team and analyzed using quantitative methods to answer the related research questions.

Findings

The analysis results showed some of the TQM principles were being practiced by Yemeni organizations, to some extent, and with variant levels. The most widely practiced principle was customer focus, and the lowest principle practiced was continuous improvement. Also, the data showed the level of TQM readiness in Yemeni organizations was 58.93 percent. This level of TQM readiness indicates there is a potential for successful adoption of quality management standards and models in Yemeni organizations.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends previous limited research in TQM readiness level measurement. It also adds to the body of TQM knowledge within the context of Yemen. In addition, this study contributes to the understanding of TQM implementation in an least developed countries (LDC) environment, where LDC organizational culture has its particularities on implementing TQM.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to a better understanding of TQM in an LDC country, which is Yemen. The paper points out which of the TQM principles are important to potential adoption of quality management standards and models. This study could further expand research, regarding the TQM in Yemen.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 June 2023

Roma G. Elfadel, Hala M. Refat, H. Abdelwahab, Salem S. Salem, Mohamed A. Awad and M.A.M. Abdel Reheim

This paper aims to investigate the prepared modified alkyd and poly(ester-amide) (PEA) resins as antimicrobial and insecticide binders for surface coating applications.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the prepared modified alkyd and poly(ester-amide) (PEA) resins as antimicrobial and insecticide binders for surface coating applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Salicylic diethanolamine and 4-(N, N-dimethylamino) benzylidene glutamic acid were prepared and used as new sources of polyol and dibasic acid for PEA and alkyd resins, then confirmed by: acid value, FT-IR and 1H-NMR. The coating performance of the resins was determined using measurements of physico-mechanical properties. The biological and insecticide activities of the prepared resins were investigated.

Findings

The tests carried out revealed that the modified PEA and alkyd enhanced both phyisco-mechanical and chemical properties in addition to the biological and insecticide activities. The results of this paper illustrate that the introduction of salicylic diethanolamine and 4-(N, N-dimethylamino) benzylidene glutamic acid within the resin structure improved the film performance and enhanced the antimicrobial activity performance of PEA and alkyd resins.

Research limitations/implications

The modified alkyd and PEA organic resins can be used as biocidal binders when incorporated into paint formulations for multiple surface applications, especially those that are exposed to several organisms.

Originality/value

Modified alkyd and PEA resins based on newly synthesized modifiers have a significant potential to be promising in the production and development of antimicrobial and insecticide paints, allowing them to function to restrict the spread of insects and microbial infection.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 August 2023

Mesbah Fathy Sharaf and Abdelhalem Mahmoud Shahen

This study aims to examine the symmetric and asymmetric impact of external debt on inflation in Sudan from 1970 to 2020 within a multivariate framework by including money supply…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the symmetric and asymmetric impact of external debt on inflation in Sudan from 1970 to 2020 within a multivariate framework by including money supply and the nominal effective exchange rate as additional inflation determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize an Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to examine the symmetric impact of external debt on inflation, while the asymmetric impact is examined using a Nonlinear ARDL (NARDL) model. The existence of a long-run relationship between inflation and external debt is tested using the bounds-testing approach to cointegration, and a vector error-correction model is estimated to determine the short parameters of equilibrium dynamics.

Findings

The linear ARDL model results show that external debt has no statistically significant impact on inflation in the long run. On the contrary, the results of the NARDL model show that positive and negative external debt shocks statistically affect inflation in the long run. The estimated long-run elasticity coefficients of the linear and nonlinear ARDL models reveal that the domestic money supply has a statistically significant positive impact on inflation. In contrast, the nominal effective exchange rate has a statistically significant negative impact on inflation.

Practical implications

The reliance on symmetric analysis may not be sufficient to uncover the existence of a linkage between external debt and inflation. Proper external debt management is crucial to control inflation rates in Sudan.

Originality/value

To date, no empirical study has assessed the external debt-inflation nexus and its potential asymmetry in Sudan, and the current study aims to fill this gap in the literature.

Details

Journal of Business and Socio-economic Development, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2635-1374

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2005

Qinglan Li, Jonathan Beaver, Ahmed Amer, Panos K. Chrysanthis, Alexandros Labrinidis and Ganesh Santhanakrishnan

Wireless sensor networks are expected to be an integral part of any pervasive computing environment. This implies an ever‐increasing need for efficient energy and resource…

Abstract

Wireless sensor networks are expected to be an integral part of any pervasive computing environment. This implies an ever‐increasing need for efficient energy and resource management of both the sensor nodes, as well as the overall sensor network, in order to meet the expected quality of data and service requirements. There have been numerous studies that have looked at the routing of data in sensor networks with the sole intention of reducing communication power consumption. However, there has been comparatively little prior art in the area of multi‐criteria based routing that exploit both the semantics of queries and the state of sensor nodes to improve network service longevity. In this paper, we look at routing in sensor networks from this perspective and propose an adaptive multi‐criteria routing protocol. Our algorithm offers automated reconfiguration of the routing tree as demanded by variations in the network state to meet application service requirements. Our experimental results show that our approach consistently outperforms, in terms of Network Lifetime and Coverage, the leading semantic‐based routing algorithm which reconfigures the routing tree at fixed periods.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 1 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1980

E.A. Lowe and I. Shahin

An account is presented of part of an extensive empirical research project concerned with the role of the internal auditing function within enterprises. The main focus of this…

Abstract

An account is presented of part of an extensive empirical research project concerned with the role of the internal auditing function within enterprises. The main focus of this paper is upon the propensity for bias in the information flows of the budgetary control process. A model of the “traditional” budget process is modified successively to take account firstly of the presence of information bias and secondly of the function of internal auditing as a process of feedback and “counterbias”. Further discussions of the implications for the role of the internal auditor within this context together with some prognostic conclusions are then presented.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Article
Publication date: 11 May 2015

Tarun Pal Singh, Parminder Singh and Pavan Kumar

The purpose of this paper is to focus on natural food additives identified in the drumstick (Moringa Oleifera) and their probable application as novel ingredients in the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on natural food additives identified in the drumstick (Moringa Oleifera) and their probable application as novel ingredients in the development of functional food products. This plant additive has attracted interest as one of the prominent candidates for the purpose of improving processing, quality and the safety of various livestock foods such as meat, milk, fish and their products. The search of natural food additives for the processing and preservation of high-quality, ready-to-eat products has notably increased due to the adverse effects of chemical additives on human health.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditionally, Moringa is a pan-tropical plant species, which is well-known for its nutritional and medicinal properties in human nutrition. Its leaves, seeds, flowers, pods (fruit), bark and roots are extremely valuable sources of nutrition for people of all ages. Moringa is nowadays also considered as an important source of nutraceuticals which may find wide application in the food industry. These nutraceuticals have a positive impact on the body’s function or condition by affecting the digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems, and it may ultimately influence health.

Findings

Several additives that are released in vitro or in vivo from various parts of Moringa have been attributed to different health effects, including antimicrobial properties, antioxidant activities, anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-convulsant activities and there is enhancement of nutritional and organoleptic attributes of various livestock foods. Extensive research has been undertaken to identify and characterize these additives as a new source of biologically active ingredients for the development of functional foods with specific benefits for human health.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the properties, utilization and scope of Moringa Oleifera in livestock products, all of which indicate that its effective utilization is the need of the hour.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 45 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2015

Heba Abdelrazik Mohamed and Mona Hassan Abdel Rehim

– The purpose of this paper was to protect carbon steel from corrosion with self–aggregated, eco-friendly, water-soluble hyperbranched polyamide-ester (Hb-PAE).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to protect carbon steel from corrosion with self–aggregated, eco-friendly, water-soluble hyperbranched polyamide-ester (Hb-PAE).

Design/methodology/approach

Hb-PAE was synthesized through bulk polycondensation reaction between maleic anhydride and di-isopropanol amine. Complete structural analysis for the obtained polymer was performed using Fourier Transfer Infra-Red Spectroscopy, 1H NMR, Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry, and the molar mass was measured using gel permeation chromatography/refractive index. For this study, the surface activity of Hb-PAE with hydroxyl end groups was investigated. Surface tension of 1.0 × 10−6 to 0.1M of both Hb-PAE/H2O and Hb-PAE/1N HCl systems was measured, and the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) in both systems was determined. Hb-PAE was examined as a corrosion inhibitor for plain carbon steel in both neutral (distilled water) and acidic (1N HCl) media. The corrosion of the steel was studied quantitatively by measuring its weight loss in both media in the absence and presence of Hb-PAE. The surface morphology of the exposed steel test samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

It was found that Hb-PAE inhibited corrosion of steel around the CAC, and its corrosion inhibition efficiency was increased by increasing its concentration.

Originality/value

The research can provide a reference for the relationship between the aggregation concentration of the prepared Hb-PAE with its corrosion inhibition efficiency on plain carbon steel. Hb-PAE as a corrosion inhibitor is environmentally acceptable, economical and readily available.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 62 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 December 2021

Hani S. Abd El-Montaleb, Khaled Abd-Elhakam Abbas, Mai Ali Mwaheb and Shaimaa Mohamed Hamdy

The purpose of this study is to develop functional probiotic Labneh cheeses supplemented with broccoli florets.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop functional probiotic Labneh cheeses supplemented with broccoli florets.

Design/methodology/approach

Probiotic Labneh cheese was produced using broccoli florets paste at four different levels (0, 5, 10 and 15%), with Lactobacillus casei NRRL B-1922 as a probiotic strain, to evaluate its physicochemical, phenols, antioxidant activity, minerals, vitamins, textural, microbiological and sensory characteristics during storage for 15 days.

Findings

The results indicated that Labneh cheese with added broccoli paste exhibited significantly (p = 0.05) higher level of moisture, acidity, soluble nitrogen, phenols, antioxidant activity, minerals and B vitamins, and lower protein, fat, ash and pH values when compared to control Labneh cheese. Textural analysis of Labneh cheese indicated that Labneh with higher level of broccoli (15%) exhibited harder texture than others. Higher viable counts of Lactobacillus casei and Streptococcus thermophilus were detected in Labneh with broccoli paste, and the counts (107 cfu/g) were higher than the number should be present to achieve their health benefits. The most acceptable Labneh cheeses were those supplemented with 5 and 10% broccoli paste.

Originality/value

This study revealed broccoli florets could enhance the growth of Lactobacillus casei and Streptococcus thermophilus in the Labneh matrix, which resulted in a wider spectrum of health benefits of Labneh cheese to the consumers.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 124 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

1 – 10 of 21