Search results

This research uses contingency theory and Venkatraman’s concept of moderating fit to explore how key project stakeholders (clients, consultants and suppliers) influence project performance from the perspective of small and medium contractors in the Jordanian construction industry.

An anonymous structured survey was performed comprising 200 key informants including senior project managers, construction managers, engineers and general managers working for small- and medium-sized contractors in the Jordanian construction industry. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data.

The results of this study show that consultant-related factors (quality of documentation produced, ability to communicate and technical competencies) are perceived to have the most significant direct effect on project performance, followed by client-related factors (payment promptness, decision certainty and documentation control) and supplier-related factors (supplier performance, defects control and logistics management).

The results contribute new theoretical, empirical and practical insights to existing construction project performance research by highlighting the key performance factors which need to be managed for each stakeholder group to ensure effective project performance from a small- and medium-sized contractor perspective.

The purpose of this study is to determine the viability of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1 (L. rhamnosus GR-1) in five yogurt samples with or without quinoa, chickpea, soybean and rice flour over various fermentation periods and refrigerated storage durations, with a focus on exploring the potential of functional foods, which provide health benefits beyond nutritional value. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate consumer acceptance of yogurt fortified with functional flour. Using a nine-point hedonic scale, from 1 (dislike extremely) to 9 (like extremely), participants rated appearance, flavour, texture and overall acceptability.

The samples were inoculated with the probiotic strain L. rhamnosus GR-1 and fermented for 0, 2, 4 and 6 h at 38°C, followed by refrigerated storage at 4°C for 1, 15 and 30 days, respectively. Microbial enumeration was performed throughout fermentation and storage to assess the viability of L. rhamnosus GR-1. A sensory evaluation involving 86 participants was conducted to assess the consumer acceptability of the yogurt samples.

Notably, L. rhamnosus GR-1 achieved viable counts of 108 colony-forming units per mL in all treatments at all fermentation time points. Over the 30-day storage period, no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in average pH values were observed among the five treatments, and within each treatment, pH levels remained stable, with an overall mean of 4.2 ± 0.64. Treatment 4, which featured rice flour fortification, received higher hedonic scores from sensory panellists in terms of appearance, flavour, texture and overall acceptability. These findings indicate that incorporating functional flours in conjunction with cow’s milk effectively promotes and preserves the viability of L. rhamnosus GR-1 in yogurt.

Exploring the potential of probiotic yogurt enriched with diverse functional flours to enhance nutritional content and health benefits as well as attract new consumers, this study addressed a critical gap in understanding consumer perceptions and generated insights for creating innovative and health-promoting dairy products.

The concept of working capital management (WCM) has been a fundamental financial accounting term that has evolved in financial theory for centuries. Given that the construction industry (CI) is financially dynamic, there is an imperative need to understand its WCM practices. The call for the industry players to adhere to efficient financial management practices as a result of a huge financing gap requires consented effort. This study aims to explore the trend of practices of WCM in the CI and elicit a broader polemic dialogue about this crucial theme.

The source of information for the study was secondary mainly from referenced journals and international conference papers published on WCM relating to the CI. A three-step sample selection strategy was adopted to identify the range and scope of publications on WCM in the CI based on the systematic literature review method.

The CI cannot boost of enough empirical WCM research to gain in-depth understanding of its practical trend. The developing economies are failing to produce insightful peer-reviewed papers on WCM to assist in bridging the infrastructural financing gap through apposite strategies. Gaining appropriate knowledge of the short-term financial operations through a conceptualization of WCM practices in the CI may lead to better strategies formulated for smooth operations.

This is a pioneering paper in developing economies that have taken stock of WCM knowledge of the practical trend in the CI. Future research prospects in which WCM matters can use it as a reference point.

This paper aims at studying numerically the entropy generation of nanofluid flowing over an inclined sheet in the presence of external magnetic field, heat source/sink, chemical reaction along with slip boundary conditions imposed on an impermeable wall.

A suitable similarity transformation technique has been used to convert the coupled nonlinear partial differential equations to ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The ODEs are then solved simultaneously using the finite difference method implemented through an in-house computer program. The effects of different controlling parameters such as magnetic parameter, radiation parameter, Brownian motion parameter, thermophoresis parameter, chemical reaction parameter, Reynolds number, Brinkmann number, Prandtl number, velocity slip parameter, temperature slip parameter and the concentration slip parameter on the entropy generation and Bejan number have been discussed comprehensively through the relevant physical insights for the first time.

The relative strengths of the irreversibilities due to heat transfer, fluid friction and the mass diffusion arising due to the change in each of the controlling variables have been delineated both in the near-wall and far-away-wall regions, which may be helpful for a better understanding of the thermo-fluid dynamics of nanofluid in boundary layer flows. The numerical results obtained from the present study have also been validated with results published in open literature.

The effects of different controlling parameters such as magnetic parameter, radiation parameter, Brownian motion parameter, thermophoresis parameter, chemical reaction parameter, Reynolds number, Brinkmann number, Prandtl number, velocity slip parameter, temperature slip parameter and the concentration slip parameter on the entropy generation and Bejan number have been discussed comprehensively through the relevant physical insights for the first time.

Work engagement denotes to a state of positive and affective motivation of elevated power joined with high educational levels and a great concentration on occupation and it is negatively affected by psychological problems. This study aims to assess the stress and work engagement among Palestinian nurses working in intensive care units.

A cross-sectional design was adopted. A convenience sample consisting of 225 intensive care nurses from governmental hospitals was recruited to participate. Data collection used the Nursing Stress Scale and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-9, and demographic data were used to gather data throughout the period from February 10 to March 30, 2023.

Findings demonstrated that nurses’ stress levels were high (M = 105.9 ± standard deviation [SD] = 11.91). Concerning work engagement, the nurses endorsed moderate work engagement levels with a mean of 3.7 (SD = 0.4). Regarding work engagement subscales, the mean of vigor was 3.7 (0.6), dedication with a mean of 3.7 (0.6) and absorption with a mean of 3.7 (0.6). Also, the findings showed that stress, gender and monthly income were predictors of work engagement (p < 0.05).

Despite the significant results, this study had the following limitations: the design was cross-sectional, which limits the ability to explore the cause and effect of the study variables, thus longitudinal studies are recommended. In addition, the study adopted a self-reported questionnaire based on participants’ understanding, culture and work context which could influence their responses.

The intensive care nurses had high stress levels and moderate work engagement. Stress, gender and monthly income were predictors of the work engagement. Thus, interventions should be encouraged to minimize stress, which has a significant influence on work engagement.

The aim of this study is to provide an empirical investigation of the agricultural cluster’s economic, social and environmental values. By doing so, the authors aim to offer policymakers and decision-makers a strategic approach that promotes competitiveness and economic development through shared value.

The authors used AMOS software and applied structural equation modeling to achieve the study’s objectives. The study used this approach with path analysis through the Analysis of Moment Structures software.

The empirical results indicate that creating shared value (CSV) can enhance the agricultural sector’s competitiveness through clustering. Rather than enhancing competitiveness directly, CSV plays a crucial role in improving the relationship between clustering and competitiveness. The authors also examined Porter’s diamond of competitiveness and evaluated factors for creating a shared value strategy, such as factor conditions, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, strategy, structure, rivalry and the role of government.

This study focuses solely on the agricultural cluster in Qalqilya governorate and cannot be applied to other regions without additional research.

Ensuring that stakeholders in the agricultural sector are kept informed about the activities of the cluster and the benefits of their participation is crucial. Empirical findings and conclusions have demonstrated that a shared value strategy can enhance the competitiveness of this sector. To achieve this, institutions involved in developing the agricultural cluster must increase their efficiency and capacity. Consulting experts in this field and drawing on experiences from other countries can aid in achieving this goal. Additionally, enhancing farmers’ productivity should be a priority, and the Ministry of Agriculture can provide training and workshops to improve their skills and expertise.

This study suggests that Palestinian policymakers should establish effective partnerships between the government and the agricultural sector’s firms in Qalqilya to reinforce the cluster’s competitiveness. This strategy can stimulate competitiveness and promote economic and social development in Palestine.

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of various techniques for enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) in construction. It analyzed the alterations in the concentration of indoor air pollutants over time for each product employed in controlling pollution sources and removing it, which included eco-friendly substances and adsorbents. The study will provide more precise and dependable data on the effectiveness of these control methods, ultimately supporting the creation of more efficient and sustainable approaches for managing indoor air pollution in buildings.

The research investigates the impact of eco-friendly materials and adsorbents on improving indoor air quality (IAQ) in Dubai's tall apartment buildings. Field experiments were conducted in six units of The Gate Tower, comparing the IAQ of three units built with “excellent” grade eco-friendly materials with three built with “good” grade materials. Another experiment evaluated two adsorbent products (H and Z) in the Majestic Tower over six months. Results indicate that “excellent” grade materials significantly reduced toluene emissions. Adsorbent product Z showed promising results in pollutant reduction, but there is concern about the long-term behavior of adsorbed chemicals. The study emphasizes further research on household pollutant management.

The research studied the effects of eco-friendly materials and adsorbents on indoor air quality in Dubai's new apartments. It found that apartments using “excellent” eco-friendly materials had significantly better air quality, particularly reduced toluene concentrations, compared to those using “good” materials. However, high formaldehyde (HCHO) emissions were observed from wood products. While certain construction materials led to increased ethylbenzene and xylene levels, adsorbent product Z showed promise in reducing pollutants. Yet, there is a potential concern about the long-term rerelease of these trapped chemicals. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing research in indoor pollutant management.

The research, while extensive, faced limitations in assessing the long-term behavior of adsorbed chemicals, particularly the potential for rereleasing trapped pollutants over time. Despite the study spanning a considerable period, indoor air pollutant concentrations in target households did not stabilize, making it challenging to determine definitive improvement effects and reduction rates among products. Comparisons were primarily relative between target units, and the rapid rise in pollutants during furniture introduction warrants further examination. Consequently, while the research provides essential insights, it underscores the need for more prolonged and comprehensive evaluations to fully understand the materials' and adsorbents' impacts on indoor air quality.

The research underscores the importance of choosing eco-friendly materials in new apartment constructions for better IAQ. Specifically, using “excellent” graded materials can significantly reduce harmful pollutants like toluene. However, the study also highlights that certain construction activities, such as introducing furniture, can rapidly elevate pollutant levels. Moreover, while adsorbents like product Z showed promise in reducing pollutants, there is potential for adsorbed chemicals to be rereleased over time. For practical implementation, prioritizing higher-grade eco-friendly materials and further investigation into furniture emissions and long-term behavior of adsorbents can lead to healthier indoor environments in newly built apartments.

The research offers a unique empirical assessment of eco-friendly materials' impact on indoor air quality within Dubai's rapidly constructed apartment buildings. Through field experiments, it directly compares different material grades, providing concrete data on pollutant levels in newly built environments. Additionally, it explores the efficacy of specific adsorbents, which is of high value to the construction and public health sectors. The findings shed light on how construction choices can influence indoor air pollution, offering valuable insights to builders, policymakers and residents aiming to promote public health and safety in urban living spaces.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the linkage between stock markets in Middle Eastern countries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic by using daily and monthly data sets for the period from 2011 to 2021.

The multivariate BEKK-GARCH model was computed to evaluate the existence of non-linear linkage among Middle Eastern stock markets. A correlation approach was used in this study to determine the type of linear connectivity between Middle Eastern stock markets. The study used monthly and daily data sets covering the years 2011 to 2021 to investigate the linkage between stock returns and the volatility spillover between the stock markets in Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, both before and during COVID-19. To understand the types of relationships between markets before and during COVID-19, the daily data set was split into two periods.

Results from the pre-COVID-19 suggest that the Syria stock market is not related to any stock market in the Middle East markets; the Palestine and Lebanon stock markets exhibit a weak relationship, but Jordan and Palestine stock markets are strongly linked. Conversely, results from COVID-19 evince a very strong bidirectional volatility spillover between Middle East stock markets. Overall, the results indicate the existence of increased linkage during the COVID-19.

The data collection on a daily and monthly basis, both before and during COVID-19, presents certain limitations for the paper. Another limitation is that the data cannot be generalized to all other Middle Eastern countries; rather, the conclusions drawn can only be applied to these four countries. This is especially true if the scholars collected most of the necessary data but were unable to obtain certain data for various reasons.

These findings have implications for risk management, market regulation and the growth of local stock markets. Facilitating the growth of smaller, more specialized markets to improve integration with other Middle Eastern markets is one of the goals of the domestic stock market development policy. To ensure financial stability, Middle Eastern stock market linking policies should consider spillover risk and take steps to minimize it. Enhancing the range of investment opportunities accessible to shareholders and functioning as confidential risk-sharing mechanisms to facilitate improved risk management in Middle Eastern stock markets will not only significantly influence the mobilization of private capital to promote investment and local economic growth but also lay groundwork for integrated market platforms.

This paper adds to the body of literature by demonstrating the nature of the connections between these small markets and the larger markets in the Middle East region. Information from the smaller markets provides institutional insights that enhance the body of existing research, guide the formulation of evidence-based policies and advance financial literacy in these markets. This study contributes by comparing data from different stock markets to better understand the type and strength of the link and relationship between Middle Eastern stock markets, as well as any underlying or reinforcing factors that might have contributed to the relationship and the specific types of links that these markets shared prior and during COVID-19.

This paper aims to compare the impacts of adaptive daily and seasonal cooling setpoints on cooling energy consumption and overheating hours to determine which approach is more effective in a desert climate, develop a methodology that effectively integrates passive strategies with adaptive daily and seasonal cooling setpoint strategies and assess how future climate conditions will impact these strategies in the medium and long term.

(1) Integrate adaptive thermal comfort principles into mechanical cooling systems to find the optimized cooling setpoint. (2) Evaluating the optimized cooling setpoints using a mixed-mode operation: In this step, the natural ventilation is activated by opening 40% of the window area when the indoor temperature is higher than 23°C and the outdoor temperature. Both the adaptive seasonal and daily setpoint strategies are evaluated. (3) If overheating hours exceed acceptable limits gradually add mitigation measures (e.g. exterior shading, cool roofs and green roofs). (4) If necessary, further reduce the cooling setpoint until acceptable limits are met. (5) Generate extreme future climate scenarios and evaluate the optimized model. (6) Implement additional measures and setpoint adjustments to maintain acceptable overheating hours in future conditions.

Although the building complies with the Dubai Green Code and uses external shading, its cooling energy consumption was 92 kWh/m² in 2021 with a 24°C setpoint. Using the adaptive seasonal setpoint combined with a cool roof, night cooling and cross-ventilation reduces cooling energy consumption by 52, 48 and 35% in 2020, 2050 and 2090, respectively, with overheating hours not exceeding 40 h annually. Using an adaptive daily setpoint strategy with the same mitigation measures is similarly effective; it achieved a 57, 42 and 34% reduction in cooling energy consumption in 2020, 2050 and 2090, respectively, while eliminating overheating hours.

The originality and value of this study lie in optimizing cooling setpoints without the effect of overheating hours in desert climates. Using the adaptive seasonal setpoint combined with a cool roof, night cooling and cross-ventilation reduces cooling energy consumption by 52, 48 and 35% in 2020, 2050 and 2090, respectively, with overheating hours not exceeding 40 h annually. Using an adaptive daily setpoint strategy with the same mitigation measures is similarly effective; it achieved a 57, 42 and 34% reduction in cooling energy consumption in 2020, 2050 and 2090, respectively, while eliminating overheating hours.

• (1)

  A methodology is developed to find the optimal cooling setpoints

• (2)

  Adaptive thermal comfort concept is extended for integration with a cooling system

• (3)

  Validation simulation model is used using certain building information

• (4)

  Climate change effect is studied using current and future warmer typical years

• (5)

  Effective passive summer mitigation measures are studied

A methodology is developed to find the optimal cooling setpoints

Adaptive thermal comfort concept is extended for integration with a cooling system

Validation simulation model is used using certain building information

Climate change effect is studied using current and future warmer typical years

Effective passive summer mitigation measures are studied