M. Ziad Saghir and Abdulmajeed Mohamed
Nanofluids are widely used in heat transfer phenomena owing to the higher rate of heat removal as compared to their base fluids. Nanoparticle’s motion in nanofluids is analysed by…
Abstract
Purpose
Nanofluids are widely used in heat transfer phenomena owing to the higher rate of heat removal as compared to their base fluids. Nanoparticle’s motion in nanofluids is analysed by slip mechanisms that consider physical properties, which can be found in literature. It is assumed that among few, only Brownian motion and thermophoresis affect the slip mechanism to produce a relative velocity between the nanoparticles and the base fluid. The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis in a square cavity by considering it pure fluid as well as porous cavity.
Design/methodology/approach
A finite element method is used to solve the flow porous equations together with the heat transfer equation and the mass transfer equation numerically. The heat and mass transfer equations were modified to take into consideration the Brownian motion as well as the thermophoresis effect.
Findings
A negligible amount of Brownian motion and thermophoresis effect has been found by considering 1 to 3 Vol.% of aluminium oxide as nanoparticles suspended in base fluid of water.
Practical implications
This study has provided an interesting insight into the importance of Brownian motion as well as the thermophoresis effect in heat enhancement.
Originality/value
The present study is believed to be an interesting and original contribution on nanofluid thermal behaviours.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat Ishak, Muhammad Huzaifah Kamaruddin and Abdulmajeed Muhammad Raji Aderemi
This paper aims to explore the applicability of mudharabah (partnership) based crowdfunding as an alternative fund to support the book publishing industry, particularly for…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the applicability of mudharabah (partnership) based crowdfunding as an alternative fund to support the book publishing industry, particularly for self-publishers and small publishers.
Design/methodology/approach
This is an exploratory qualitative study whereby the data are obtained from library research and empirical studies. As for empirical data, it is sourced from semi-structured interviews with three types of groups: the book industry, the crowdfunding platform and Shari’ah experts.
Findings
The study found that mudharabah crowdfunding could overcome the book publishing industry’s financial problems. However, this requires special requirements for applicants (writers or publishers) to avoid fraudulent cases, as well as committed management in running the platform and a substantial crowd of loyal funders to maintain the platform. Simultaneously, even though mudharabah is a risky instrument, the risk can be mitigated by closely monitoring the progress of the project. As a result, this study proposes a special framework for mudharabah based crowdfunding to fund self-publishers and small publishers in Malaysia.
Research limitations/implications
This is an exploratory study, in which its findings may not be generalised due to the limited number of participants.
Practical implications
A special model for mudharabah based crowdfunding can be established through an online platform to support book publishing in Malaysia.
Social implications
As this mudharabah crowdfunding model has the potential to support the book industry financially, it could also nurture talented young writers while also preserving knowledge.
Originality/value
This study highlights a fresh and in-depth discussion both in theory and practice in proposing a special Islamic crowdfunding framework based on mudharabah as an alternative fund for the book industry, particularly to support self- and small publishers.
Details
Keywords
Honin Ali Yahya Al-Shaeer, J.M. Irwan, Abdullah Alshalif, Mugahed Amran, Hani Alanazi, W.C. Tang, Liyaning Tang, Abdulmajeed Alhokabi and Ayed Eid Alluqmani
This study aims to enhance the resilience of foamed concrete (FC) against carbonation and water absorption (WA) by integrating microorganisms, specifically Aspergillus iizukae…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to enhance the resilience of foamed concrete (FC) against carbonation and water absorption (WA) by integrating microorganisms, specifically Aspergillus iizukae EAN605.
Design/methodology/approach
The focus was on understanding how variables such as microorganism concentration, concrete density and water-to-cement (w/c) ratio affect these properties. Optimal results were observed under specific conditions—FC density set at 1800 kg/m³, a w/c ratio of 0.5 and an Aspergillus iizukae EAN605 concentration of 0.5 g/L—resulting in significant reductions in carbonation and WA compared to standard FC.
Findings
It is observed that fungi not only fill pores with calcium oxalate but also limit carbonation by consuming CO2 and block water penetration through their mycelial network. A central composite design within response surface methodology was employed for the experimental design, resulting in mathematical models that align closely with the empirical data. The models identified the most effective parameters for minimizing carbonation depth: FC density at 1970 kg/m³, fungal concentration at 0.585 g/L and w/c ratio at 0.470. Further regression analysis showed a high correlation between the experimental data and the predicted outcomes, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 92.29 and a model F-value of 16.45.
Originality/value
Statistical analysis highlighted the significant roles of density and fungal concentration in these reductions. Besides, scanning electron microscopy provided visual evidence of fungal-mediated mineral formation in FC, supporting the empirical findings. Overall, the study demonstrated the effective use of Aspergillus iizukae EAN605 in enhancing the durability of FC, marking an innovative stride in sustainable construction materials.
Details
Keywords
Abdulmajeed Muhammad Raji Aderemi and Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat Ishak
This paper aims to explore the viability of applying Qard Hasan as an Islamic crowdfunding financial instrument to finance micro-enterprises in Malaysia.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the viability of applying Qard Hasan as an Islamic crowdfunding financial instrument to finance micro-enterprises in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative study in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with several crowdfunding professionals concerning the application of Qard Hasan in Islamic crowdfunding. To realise the purpose of this study, the data is subjected to thematic analysis.
Findings
The finding reveals that though it is often argued that Qard Hasan is basically not a business-oriented instrument, a closer look at the framework reveals the uniqueness and flexibility of this instrument to be adopted as a viable financial instrument for crowdfunding in financing micro-enterprises in Malaysia. Although it is associated with various risks including default risk and the risk of attracting big funds. However, these risks can be managed and overcome by using FinTech mechanisms such as blockchain to carry out due diligence, monitor the project and ensure the repayment in installment.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study may not be suitable for generalisation to all crowdfunding practices as the semi-structured interview is concentrated predominantly in Malaysia. However, it still provides valuable contributions to the Islamic crowdfunding sector in Malaysia between theory and practice.
Practical implications
The Qard Hasan crowdfunding framework in this study can potentially be applied to help micro-entrepreneurs reach out to financial services within their means. This framework provides means to grow the micro-enterprise sector.
Social implications
Qard Hasan crowdfunding will effectively alleviate poverty by creating an avenue of opportunities for business enterprises and close the gap between the wealthy and the poor classes in society, which will eventually bring about more cooperation, more collaboration and cultivate a generous society.
Originality/value
In spite of the fact that Islamic crowdfunding is not a new topic in research, it lacks empirical studies, particularly qualitative analysis. As this study engages with experts in Shari’ah and crowdfunding regarding the potential application of Qard Hasan, it highlights a fresh discussion both in theory and practice.
Details
Keywords
Ha Duy Khanh, Soo Yong Kim and Le Quoc Linh
This study aims to focus on exploring the construction productivity of building projects under the influence of potential factors. The three primary purposes are (1) determining…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on exploring the construction productivity of building projects under the influence of potential factors. The three primary purposes are (1) determining critical factors affecting construction productivity; (2) identifying causal relationship and occurrence probability of these factors to develop a Bayesian network (BN) model; and (3) validating the accuracy of predictions from the proposed BN model via a case study.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework that includes three performance stages was used. Twenty-two possible factors were screened from a comprehensive literature review and evaluated through expert opinions. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire-based survey and case-study-based survey. The sampling methods were based on non-probability sampling.
Findings
Worker characteristic-related factors significantly affect labour productivity for a construction task. Construction productivity is dominated by the working frequency of workers (overtime), complexity of the task, level of technology application and accidents. Labour productivity is defined as nearly 50% of the baseline productivity using the BN model created by the caut 2sal relationship and probability of factors. The prediction error of the BN model was 6.6%, 10.0% and 9.3% for formwork (m2/h), reinforcing steel (ton/h) and concrete (m3/h), respectively.
Research limitations/implications
The evaluation or prediction of productivity performance has become a necessary topic for research and practice.
Practical implications
Managers and practitioners in the construction sector can utilise the outcome of this study to create good productivity management policies for their prospective projects.
Originality/value
Worker-related characteristics are dominant among critical factors affecting labour productivity for a construction task; the proposed BN-based predictive model is built based on these critical factors. The BN approach is highly accurate for construction productivity prediction. The findings of this study can fill gaps in the construction management body of knowledge when modelling construction productivity under the effects of multiple factors and using a simple probabilistic graphic tool.