Search results

This study aims to develop a way to inhibit fungal attacks on paper manuscripts, as fungi are a major deterioration factor that causes aesthetic appearance and fragility degradation using fungal inhibitors including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs).

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs) doped with AgNPs (TiO₂NPs@AgNPs) were produced and combined with cellulose acetate solution before membrane production. Thus, two distinct cellulose acetate (CA) membranes were created: AgNPs-loaded CA membranes (CAAg) and TiO₂NPs@AgNPs-loaded CA membranes (CATAg). The fabricated membrane was applied to paper samples using cotton fibers containing ink or free of ink.

The findings revealed that these nanoparticles (AgNPs and TiO₂NPs@AgNPs) have a distinct shape, small size and high stability. Furthermore, once loaded onto the CA membrane, such nanoparticles might suppress fungal assault on the surface of paper samples. According to the analysis and the acquired results, the CAAg membrane was the best material to use without affecting the paper’s properties.

This paper provides a novel approach for inhibiting the fungal attacks on paper manuscripts without affecting the paper properties by using membranes from cellulose acetate loaded onto nanoparticles as inhibitors.

In an era marked by growing environmental concerns, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in influencing customer behavior, particularly in the context of sustainability and green practices. This paper aims to examine the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on Customer Green Behavior (CGB) through the mediating role of corporate image, service quality, customer trust and customer satisfaction.

A convenient sampling technique was employed to collect the data sample. A total of 741 questionnaires were distributed across four different hotel sectors in China. By using Structural Equation Modeling, the results suggest that CSR significantly influences CGB. Moreover, corporate image, service quality, customer trust and customer satisfaction show a partial mediating effect in the relationship between CSR and CGB.

The study findings suggest that the hotel industry should invest in CSR initiatives to enhance CGB by conducting pro-environmental activities. This study emphasizes how important CSR initiatives are in encouraging customers to adopt eco-friendly behavior. Overall, the results of this study extend the understanding of CSR, CGB, corporate image, service quality, customer trust and customer satisfaction in the context of the hotel industry and offer theoretical and managerial implications for developing and developed economies.

The originality value of this research lies in its comprehensive examination of the mediating effects of corporate image, service quality, customer trust and customer satisfaction on the relationship between CSR and CGB in the hotel industry. Furthermore, the study’s focus on the specific context of China adds novel insights to the existing literature on CSR and CGB. Discussions, limitations and research suggestions for future study are also provided.

The article reports research activities on documentation, representation and analysis of a modernist building located in Baghdad –-Iraq, which is the Iraq Natural History Researches’ Center and Museum. The building was designed by the Iraqi architect Qahtan Madfai. It represents the essential architectural characteristics of Madfai’s modernist work, and reveals the authenticity of his approach, in addition to being a valuable example of modern architecture in Iraq of the mid-twentieth century. As the building is being in use since its establishment, and is expected to have intervention works in the near future, it becomes necessary to conduct an accurate documentation process, for the purpose of providing highlight on Madfai’s distinguished approach alongside with drawing attention to the importance of Iraqi modern architecture, and to set an integrated and easy-to-handle information base to professionals engaged in future intervention beside authorities concerned with modern heritage architecture conservation and restoration.

This is based on the “survey process of the building” using a combination of classic and new surveying technologies such as level survey and hand measurements beside UAV and terrestrial hand camera photogrammetry, in addition to an analysis of the available archived documentation. The survey data was then used for the 3D model representation in the BIM environment from which conventional representations and levels of interpretation are extracted.

The obtained model illustrates the main authentic features of Madfai’s design, and will inform sound decisions and ensure easy data flow during future projects of the building.

The paper presents a digital documentary 3D model of the Iraq Natural History Researches Center and Museum building, as the first attempt of its kind in Iraq for modern buildings, with a minimal budget and execution time.

This paper aims to investigate the ability of traditional biopolymers, such as funori or the nanoscale form of cellulose nanocrystals, to consolidate fragile paper and preserve it for as long as possible.

Degraded papers dating back two centuries were separated into paper samples for consolidation processes. Funori – a marine spleen – was used as a traditional consolidation material and a mixture with ZnO NPs compared with modern materials, such as cellulose nanocrystals. The samples were aged for 25 years, examinations and analyses were performed using scanning electron microscopy and color change was assessed using the CIELAB system, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

According to the results, using traditional materials to consolidate damage, such as funori, after aging resulted in glossiness on the surface, a color change and increased water content and oxidation. Furthermore, samples treated with a mixture of ZnO NPs and funori revealed that the mixture improved the sample properties and increased the degree of crystallization. Cellulose nanocrystals improved the surface, filled gaps, formed bridges between the fibers and acted as a protector from aging effects.

This paper highlights the ability of nanomaterials to enhance the properties of materials as additives and treat the paper manuscripts from weaknesses.

This chapter explores various innovative financing instruments, including green bonds, climate funds, blended finance, impact investing, public-private partnerships, carbon pricing and results-based financing. Each mechanism offers unique benefits and is vital for mobilising the necessary resources for climate and sustainability projects.

The authors employ a comprehensive review to examine the effectiveness of these innovative financing mechanisms. The study provides insights into aligning organisational strategies with climate and sustainable development goals (SDGs) by evaluating the strategic and operational implications for policymakers and practitioners.

Effective alignment of organisational strategies with climate and SDG goals is essential for accessing these financing mechanisms. Building specialised knowledge and skills within teams, developing robust risk management frameworks and fostering strong stakeholder engagement are crucial for successful project implementation. Establishing rigorous monitoring and evaluation systems ensures accountability and transparency, enhancing project performance and credibility.

The result is strategic prescriptions and a broad agenda to guide future research and practice integrating climate action and SDGs through innovative financing in India. The chapter's final section provides additional avenues for future research, focusing on technological innovation, policy advocacy and the development of sustainable business models.

This chapter highlights the importance of strategic management in leveraging innovative financing for climate action and sustainable development in India. It highlights pathways and solutions to overcome challenges, maximise impact and ensure long-term success. It provides a rigorous review of innovative financing mechanisms for sustainable development.

The purpose of the study has been to fill the gap detected in the literature and to analyze whether the application of management of R&D in accordance with UNE 166002:2021 allows companies to obtain higher product innovation and better performance, specifically incremental and radical product innovations.

The population used in this study included Spanish manufacturing organizations that were active, had more than 50 employees according to the SABI. The information was collected through a structured questionnaire previously tested using a company specializing in the sector under the supervision of the authors. A total of 1,154 companies were randomly contacted in order to reach an acceptable number of 225 valid questionnaires. The data analysis has been carried out with structural equation methodology.

The results obtained with a sample of 225 companies show that the application of this standard for innovation management promotes the development of new products with incremental and radical changes, and improves business performance. It has also been found that incremental and radical product innovations mediate the relationship between this standard and performance.

Firstly, the survey is only addressed to the company's operations manager. Secondly, the sample used is cross-sectional, whereas innovation management implies a broad implementation process.

Managers must know that radical and incremental product innovation can improve the company's operational performance. And the most direct implication of this work is that, those companies that are committed to the development of innovations should seriously consider the application of the principles incorporated in Standard 166,002, as an instrument that improves the results of innovation in the organization. Since this SIMS promotes both types of innovations, it improves results directly and indirectly through these product innovations.

The existing literature indicates that no empirical study has focused on the benefits of this SIMSs for innovation and BP. This paper fills this gap detected in the literature and analyzes the results of the implementation of this standard on incremental and radical product innovations and business performance.

This paper aims to investigate the impact of FinTech on sustainable growth. First, we delve into the evolution of FinTech solutions and the key factors that shape their influence on sustainability. We highlight how FinTech fosters environmental, social and economic sustainability (ESG) within the financial sector. Additionally, we provide practical examples of FinTech firms contributing to the promotion of ESG factors, the enhancement of renewable energies and the reduction of energy costs. Furthermore, we review empirical studies that confirm the significant and positive impact of FinTech on various aspects such as financial inclusion, green finance, women's empowerment, renewable energy adoption, ESG considerations and environmental protection. These insights have substantial implications for all stakeholders involved. By harnessing adherence to FinTech solutions and promoting FinTech innovations, efficiency and sustainable practices, stakeholders can actively contribute to building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable global economy.

The purpose of this paper is to assess the perceived level of Jordanian nurses’ competencies in offering care to the community during a disaster.

A correlational descriptive design was used to assess nurses’ competencies in offering care for the community during a disaster.

A total of 370 nurses (55 % males) aged 25−55 agreed to participate. The mean score of competencies of nurses who offer care to the community during the disaster was 2.11 (SD = 0.59) points. The results of correlation coefficient tests revealed a significant positive correlation between stated competencies level and nurses’ sex, receiving disaster education and training with rpb (371) = 0.13, p < 0.01; rpb (598) = 0.15, p = 0.004; rpb (598) = 0.21, p < 0.001, respectively. Furthermore, the “care of communities” subscale had a weak positive correlation with the.

Nurses play a critical role in disaster response. However, there was a gap in nurses’ competencies for disaster, which shows there is a crucial need to include disaster management courses in the nursing curriculum and update disaster management courses in hospitals based on nurses’ needs to improve their competencies during disasters.

The energy efficiency of buildings has been emphasized along with the continual development in the building and construction sector that consumes a significant amount of energy. To this end, the purpose of this research paper is to forecast energy consumption to improve energy resource planning and management.

This study proposes the application of the convolutional neural network (CNN) for estimating the electricity consumption in the Grey Nuns building in Canada. The performance of the proposed model is compared against that of long short-term memory (LSTM) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural networks. The models are trained and tested using monthly electricity consumption records (i.e. from May 2009 to December 2021) available from Concordia’s facility department. Statistical measures (e.g. determination coefficient [R²], root mean squared error [RMSE], mean absolute error [MAE] and mean absolute percentage error [MAPE]) are used to evaluate the outcomes of models.

The results reveal that the CNN model outperforms the other model predictions for 6 and 12 months ahead. It enhances the performance metrics reported by the LSTM and MLP models concerning the R², RMSE, MAE and MAPE by more than 4%, 6%, 42% and 46%, respectively. Therefore, the proposed model uses the available data to predict the electricity consumption for 6 and 12 months ahead. In June and December 2022, the overall electricity consumption is estimated to be 195,312 kWh and 254,737 kWh, respectively.

This study discusses the development of an effective time-series model that can forecast future electricity consumption in a Canadian heritage building. Deep learning techniques are being used for the first time to anticipate the electricity consumption of the Grey Nuns building in Canada. Additionally, it evaluates the effectiveness of deep learning and machine learning methods for predicting electricity consumption using established performance indicators. Recognizing electricity consumption in buildings is beneficial for utility providers, facility managers and end users by improving energy and environmental efficiency.

Achieving sustainability goals for manufacturing firms depends on green human resource management practices and green intellectual capital. This study explores how sustainable approaches, such as green human resource management practices, green intellectual capital, sustainable leadership and green innovation, enhance sustainable performance. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether green intellectual capital and innovation mediate between green human resources management practices and sustainable performance in Pakistan’s manufacturing industry.

The data were collected from 458 executives representing 155 (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector in Pakistan using a self-administered questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed for the data analysis.

The results indicated that green human resource management practices positively impact green intellectual capital, green innovation and sustainable performance. Additionally, green intellectual capital significantly affects both green innovation and sustainable performance. Furthermore, green intellectual capital and innovation mediate the relationship between green human resource management practices and sustainable performance. Results also reveal that sustainable leadership significantly moderates the relationships between green human resource management practices, green intellectual capital and green innovation.

The results of this study assist practitioners in appreciating and assessing the significance of green intellectual capital and green human resource management techniques. It also emphasizes the importance of green innovation and sustainable leadership in fostering sustainable performance.

This study guides managers and policymakers on how green human resource management practices, intellectual capital, innovation and sustainable leadership enable firms to achieve sustainable performance goals.