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Article
Publication date: 23 November 2021

Mohamed A. Khalifa, Mohamed A. Aziz, Mohamed Hamza, Saber Abdo and Osama A. Gaheen

Fire door should withstand a high temperature without deforming. In the current paper, the challenges of improving the behaviour of the conventional fire door were described using…

Abstract

Purpose

Fire door should withstand a high temperature without deforming. In the current paper, the challenges of improving the behaviour of the conventional fire door were described using various internal stiffeners in pair swinging-type fire door.

Design/methodology/approach

The temperature distribution on the outside door surface was measured with distributed eight thermocouples. Subsequently the internal side was cooled with pressurized water hose jet stream of 4 bar. The transient simulation for the thermal and structure analysis was conducted using finite element modelling (FEM) with ANSYS 19. The selected cross sections during numerical simulation were double S, double C and hat omega stiffeners applied to 2.2 m and 3 m door length.

Findings

During the FEM analysis, the maximum deformations were 7.2028, 5.4299, 5.023 cm for double S, double C and hat omega stiffeners for 2.2 m door length and 6.57, 4.26, 2.1094 cm for double S, double C and hat omega stiffeners for 3 m door length. Finally, hat omega gives more than three times reduction in the deformation of door compared to double S stiffeners which provided a reference data to the manufacturers.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitation included the limited number of fire door tests due to the high cost of single test, and the research implication was to achieve an optimal study in fire door design.

Practical implications

Achieving the optimum design for the internal door stiffeners where the hat omega stiffener gives minimum door deformation compared to the other stiffeners was considered the practical implication. The work included two experimental fire door tests according to the standard fire test (ANSI/UL 10C – Positive Pressure of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies) for a door of 2.2 m length with double S stiffeners and a door of 3 m length with hat omega stiffeners, which achieved minimum deformation.

Originality/value

The behavior and mechanical response of door leaf were improved through using internal hat omega stiffeners under fire testing. This study was achieved using FEM in ANSYS 19 for six cases of different lengths and stiffeners for fire doors. The simulation model showed a very close agreement with the experimental results with an error of 0.651% for double S and 1.888% for hat omega.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

Christine Wamsler

Increasingly, attention has been given to the need to mainstream risk reduction in development work in order to reduce the vulnerability of the urban poor. Using El Salvador as a…

Abstract

Increasingly, attention has been given to the need to mainstream risk reduction in development work in order to reduce the vulnerability of the urban poor. Using El Salvador as a case study, the paper analyses the mainstreaming process in the developmental disciplines of urban planning and housing. The overall aim is to identify how the existing separation between risk reduction, urban planning and housing can be overcome and integration achieved.

Since Hurricane Mitch in 1998, and especially after the 2001 earthquakes, not only relief and development organisations, but also social housing organisations have initiated a shift to include risk reduction in their fields of action in order to address the underlying causes of urban vulnerability. The factors that triggered the process were: 1) the negative experiences of organisations with non-integral projects, 2) the organisations' increased emphasis on working with municipal development, 3) political changes at national level, and more importantly, 4) the introduction and promotion of the concept of risk reduction by international and regional aid organisations. However, required additional knowledge and institutional capacities were mainly built up independently and internally by each organisation, and not through the creation of co-operative partnerships, thus duplicating efforts and increasing ineffective competition.

Whilst positive experience has been gained through the implementation of more integral projects, the creation of adequate operational, organisational, institutional and legal frameworks is still in its initial stage. Unfortunately, four years after the 2001 earthquakes, emergency relief funding for post-disaster risk reduction is coming to an end without the allocation of resources for following up and consolidating the initial process. Based on the findings, an integral model is proposed which shows how mainstreaming risk reduction in urban planning and housing could be dealt with in such a way that it becomes more integrated, inclusive and sustainable within a developmental context.

Details

Open House International, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 February 2020

Sabah Ahmd Farag

This theme will be addressed through main points: Special Nature of Investment Disputes and its methods of peaceful settlement. International legal framework governing Arbitration…

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Abstract

Purpose

This theme will be addressed through main points: Special Nature of Investment Disputes and its methods of peaceful settlement. International legal framework governing Arbitration in investment disputes: A. Multilateral legal framework. B. Bilateral legal framework/Investment promotion and protection agreementsTypes of arbitration in investment disputes. The Egyptian experience in investment disputes arbitration. The National legal framework. Egypt on the map of investment disputes in the world. A case study. Conclusion: Results related to the legal framework regulating investment disputes in Egypt. Results related to The arbitration cases against Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher investigates the subject of international arbitration in investment disputes in the framework of voluntary theory, which is based on the premise that the satisfaction of people who are addressing the international legal norm is the basis of the same rule. In other words, the basis of international law is based on the satisfaction of the State and other international legal persons Both, and then express or implied consent.

Findings

Despite the availability of domestic and regional arbitration mechanisms in Egypt represented by a large number of cases.

Research limitations/implications

The theme for the study primarily on Egypt and the international arbitration of investment disputes, through theoretical and practical study of disputes arbitration which Egypt is a party defendant in which to focus on what was issued in which the provisions of the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes, in an attempt to find out the reasons for the verdicts image released it, where it came mostly against Egypt, and whether these judgments against them in investment disputes due to reasons related to the legal framework of the arbitration process, or for reasons of bodies of arbitration issued by those provisions, or to the defense, which represents the Egyptian party, or to the circumstances Economic and political (which represents the investment climate).

Originality/value

The proposed solutions to improve the conditions and factors surrounding the arbitration disputes that Egypt is waging against foreign investors, whether they are initially alleged or accused of drafting agreements and contracts, through amending the relevant legislation and laws, selecting arbitration bodies and defense bodies.

Details

Review of Economics and Political Science, vol. 8 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2356-9980

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 May 2021

Hamza Kamel Qawqzeh, Mohamed Mahmoud Bshayreh and Alaa Wasel Alharbi

This study aims to investigate the effect of the ownership structure types on the indicators of the external audit quality, in the light of the weak legal protection of the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of the ownership structure types on the indicators of the external audit quality, in the light of the weak legal protection of the shareholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the panel data of 94 listed Jordanian companies from 2009–2018 and the fixed-effect method.

Findings

The results revealed a significant relationship between the directors’ ownership, family and institutional ownership with the audit quality. By contrast, the managerial ownership had an insignificant influence on audit quality.

Research limitations/implications

The results show the important role played by the directors’ and institutions’ ownership in ensuring the audit quality in Jordan. The results have implications for the policymakers in Jordan, to encourage and support the participation of such types of the investors and provide an effective monitoring over other types of ownership in the Jordanian capital markets.

Social implications

This study suggests that the ownership structures are an essential and effective determinants of the external audit quality, which ultimately affects the performance and financial statements.

Originality/value

These results are consistent with prior studies, which have indicated a significant relation between ownership structure and the demand of the audit quality, even in a setting where legal protection of the shareholders plays essentially no role. To the best knowledge of the researchers, this study is one of the few studies that separates the ownership by the directors into two separate types. Further, this is the first study that used several indicators to measure the audit quality at the same time.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 August 2018

Abdelkrim Benammar, Karima Anouche, Hasnia Lesgaa and Yamina Hamza Cherif

This paper aims to examine the impact of an open-plan office (OPO) space organisation on a user’s attitude in the Algerian context; more specifically, it investigates gender…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of an open-plan office (OPO) space organisation on a user’s attitude in the Algerian context; more specifically, it investigates gender differences in the occupants’ perception of such working environment. It, principally, aims to explore the employees’ reaction towards OPO and sees how much such local office type complies with indoor environment quality (IEQ) and psychological comfort.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework of the study is mainly related to environmental psychology referring to the interaction between users and their environment. Post-occupancy evaluation was carried out using exploratory study and questionnaires, followed by statistical analyses. It was performed on a large-scale sample of employees (296 employees) working in recently built OPO situated in Oran (Algeria).

Findings

Fundamentally, women appear to show more concern regarding comfort. They do not show much reluctance to be mixed with men in a large office space as opposed to more conservative reaction towards mixing up in outdoor public space environment. As for environmental factors (IEQ), indicators have shown the inadequacy of most buildings in terms of thermal, light or noise comfort. The study has also revealed that a majority of users recognise the professional advantages of the OPO, although it is suggested that their preferred type would be the individual office.

Originality/value

The paper provides a concise starting point for future research interested in developing Algerian context OPO design in terms of both indoor environmental and psychological comfort.

Article
Publication date: 21 February 2020

Wisam Abu Jadayil, Mwafak Shakoor, Adnan Bashir, Hamza Selmi and Mohamed Rafik N.N. Qureshi

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the service quality of wireless telecommunication services in the UAE.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the service quality of wireless telecommunication services in the UAE.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the five dimensions of SERVQUAL instrumentation (reliability, assurance, tangibility, empathy and responsiveness) that are believed to represent service quality to approach a result of service quality level through comparing customers’ expectations to their perceptions. A SERVQUAL survey was constructed and distributed among a total number of 100 Etisalat users from four different age groups.

Findings

The results showed a significant difference between users’ expectations and the current level of quality of services in tangibility dimension of quality. The other variables were ranked in this order, assurance, reliability, responsiveness and empathy in service quality.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings encompass individuals from society only and may not be practical to generalize the findings to business organizations or industries as they have special offers and packages designed for their nature of the study.

Practical implications

This research is intensely valuable for Etisalat telecommunication company as it reflects and rates their service provided to the individuals of the society (citizens and residents) from five different critical dimensions. Consequently, it offers the firm the chance to improve the negative gaps in their services. Thus, higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Originality/value

This study demonstrated that a multi-cultural society could influence customers’ expectations and perceptions of service quality. The study results showed opposing expectations and perceptions to the same dimension from people of the same age group. The highest gaps were found to be in the tangibility and assurance dimensions whilst the lowest gap was found in the empathy dimension.

Details

International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-669X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2017

Haider Boudjemline, Mohamed Touahria, Abdelhak Boubetra and Hamza Kaabeche

The development of context-aware applications in ubiquitous environments depends not only on the user interactions but also on several context parameters. The handling of these…

Abstract

Purpose

The development of context-aware applications in ubiquitous environments depends not only on the user interactions but also on several context parameters. The handling of these parameters is a fundamental problem in these systems. The key purpose of this work is to enrich the unified modeling language (UML) class diagram with new constructs to provide a universal model capable of coping with the context-awareness concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide a review of existing context handling approaches. Afterward, they relied on the UML extensibility mechanisms to propose a heavyweight extension for the UML class diagram. This generic approach allows describing the different context parameters since the modeling phase.

Findings

Existing solutions for context handling apply the contextual constraints on finished applications or tend to be dependent on a specific development process. This paper presents a solution based on UML, which allows dealing with context since the modeling phase, and independently of development processes. This proposal is implemented as an eclipse editor and illustrated through a case study in the healthcare field.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the problem of context handling, and it presents a review of the foremost existing solutions. The paper also presents a heavyweight extension for the UML class diagram, which consists in enriching it with additional constructs, capable of monitoring how applications are linked to context parameters and how the values of these parameters may affect the application behavior.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 July 2020

Aliaa AlSadaty, Dalila ElKerdany, Neveen Hamza, Sahar Imam, Tamer ElSerafi and Mahmoud Abdallah

This paper aims to address socio-spatial challenges facing the sustainable regeneration of the 19th-century historic covered Attaba market. One of the few remaining historic…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to address socio-spatial challenges facing the sustainable regeneration of the 19th-century historic covered Attaba market. One of the few remaining historic market buildings in Cairo. Understanding these challenges is crucial as there is a pressing need for these buildings to be included in the national heritage regeneration policies that would foster their role as sustainable socio-economic urban nuclei within the city center.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper detects the socio-spatial transformation of the Attaba market through the comparison of archival material. This is supported by observations on the current socio-spatial aspects of the market including forms of interactions, conflicts and interventions of various user groups. A number of 30 semi-structured interviews with traders of the Attaba market were conducted inside the market, along with in-depth observations carried out between 2016 and 2018. Finally, information about local policies toward the market is obtained through interviews with local officials currently managing the market, namely, the Egyptian Endowment Authority and Cairo Governorate.

Findings

The findings reveal a lack of clear regeneration policy and a complete absence of public participation in decision-making. These factors erode the crucial role these markets play in revitalizing the city’s socio-economic strength and threaten their tangible and intangible values.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on one of the understudied building types that, however, represent key opportunities for the sustainable development of their contexts. The paper proposes a framework that can be applied to regenerate the Attaba market and its surroundings. When tested, the framework can be also adjusted and applied to the other historic covered markets in Cairo.

Details

Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences, vol. 3 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN:

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 6 May 2024

Farrat Outmane, Hajji Zouhair and Benabdallah Hamza

To achieve sustainable development objectives, managers are encouraged to implement best practices in corporate social and environmental responsibility within their…

Abstract

To achieve sustainable development objectives, managers are encouraged to implement best practices in corporate social and environmental responsibility within their establishments. The main objective of this chapter is to assess the quality of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) communication for Moroccan financial institutions. This chapter is devoted to the content analysis of the annual reports of 14 financial institutions listed in Morocco regarding ESG strategies between 2017 and 2021. The reference assessment tool we used is the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards (2016), based on six principles. Each principle contains requirements and guidance on how to apply it. These principles are summarized in the following: Accuracy, Balance, Clarity, Comparability, Reliability, and Timeliness. The sample is composed of 14 financial institutions listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange. After checking the content of the annual reports of listed Moroccan financial institutions, we detected several shortcomings in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting behavior. Companies avoid disclosing information about negative events and performance. We saw this as a bad sign for stakeholders. The results showed a significant gap between the GRI standards and the content of the annual reports. These weaknesses mainly concern accuracy, comparability, and, timeliness, hence the need to carry out corrective measures to improve the quality of ESG practices within Moroccan financial institutions. One of the limitations of this research is its focus on financial institutions. However, it is possible to broaden the scope of the research by assessing the quality of ESG communication for nonfinancial companies.

Details

The Emerald Handbook of Ethical Finance and Corporate Social Responsibility
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-406-7

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 July 2021

Hamza Berrehal, G. Sowmya and Oluwole Daniel Makinde

In heat transfer, fluids and nanoparticles can provide new innovative technologies with potential to adapt the heat transfer fluid’s thermal properties through control over…

Abstract

Purpose

In heat transfer, fluids and nanoparticles can provide new innovative technologies with potential to adapt the heat transfer fluid’s thermal properties through control over particle size, shape and others. This paper aims to examine the effects of spherical and non-spherical (cylinder, disk, platelets, etc.) shapes of silver (Ag) nanoparticles on heat transfer enhancement and inherent irreversibility in hydromagnetic water base nanoliquid flow over a convectively heated stretching sheet with heat generation/absorption.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying suitable similarity constraints, the model partial differential equations are transformed into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Solutions are obtained analytically via optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) and numerically via shooting technique coupled with the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg (RK-F) method.

Findings

The impact of Ag nanoparticle’s shape along with other germane factors, such as Biot number, magnetic field, solid volume fraction and heat source/sink on velocity and thermal profiles, Nusselt number, skin friction coefficient, heat transfer enhancement, rate of entropy generation and irreversibility ratio, are scrutinized via graphical simulations and discussed. This study revealed that cylindrical shape Ag nanoparticles generate high entropy and fluid friction irreversibility, whereas disk shape Ag nanoparticles exhibit high transfer enhancement rate. Moreover, a boost in magnetic field intensity, volume-fraction parameter and Biot number enhances the thermal boundary layer thickness.

Originality/value

The main objective of this work is to examine the different Ag nanoparticles shape effects on the heat transfer enhancement and inherent irreversibility owing to hydromagnetic nanoliquid flow past a convectively heated stretching sheet with heat source/sink, which has not been yet studied. It is hope that this study will bridge the gap in the present literature and serve as impetus to scholars, engineers and industries for more exploration in this direction. The intrinsic nonlinearity of the model equations precludes its exact solution; hence, OHAM and shooting technique coupled with the RK-F method have been used to numerically tackle the problem. Pertinent results are discussed quantitatively and displayed graphically and in tabular form.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

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