M.R. Lasheen, G. El‐Kholy, C.M. Sharaby, I.Y. Elsherif and S.T. El‐Wakeel
The purpose of this paper is to assess and monitor a sample of heavy metals, namely lead, cadmium and copper, in water treatment plants at Greater Cairo, Egypt, to assess the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess and monitor a sample of heavy metals, namely lead, cadmium and copper, in water treatment plants at Greater Cairo, Egypt, to assess the efficiency of water treatment plants for metals removal and to monitor lead concentrations in the distribution system.
Design/methodology/approach
Water samples were collected from two water treatment plants. In addition, randomly flushed tap water samples from different districts at Greater Cairo were analyzed for lead concentration. Other water quality parameters also were monitored in water samples.
Findings
The study indicated that for water treatment plant intake, the mean concentrations were 4.44, 0.38 and 5.54μg/l for lead, cadmium and copper respectively. However, the final effluent shows that the mean concentrations of lead, cadmium and copper were 2.0, 0.15 and 2.78μg/l respectively. The drinking water mean metals concentrations were below World Health Organization drinking water guidelines and the Egyptian drinking water standards. The results revealed that water‐treatment plants have a high efficiency for metals removal where lead, cadmium and copper concentrations were reduced by 54.9, 60.5 and 49.8 per cent respectively. On the other hand, as expected, the water treatment plant sludge showed high accumulation with metals in concentrations decreased in the following order Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd. The mean lead concentration was 9.5μg/l in tap water samples.
Originality/value
Water treatment plants have a high efficiency for metals removal; water treatment plant sludge contains high concentrations of metals and should be treated before discharge; lead contamination from the distribution system is well established and lead concentration in homes in studied areas were higher than concentrations in plant effluent.
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Eman A.E. Badr, Asmaa A.E. Agrama and Safaa A.E. Badr
This study seeks to find out if chronic exposure via drinking water to high doses of a mixture of metals found as contaminants in tap and bottled water sources can alter the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to find out if chronic exposure via drinking water to high doses of a mixture of metals found as contaminants in tap and bottled water sources can alter the systemic physiology of residents.
Design/methodology/approach
A case control study was designed, 18 subjects drinking mainly tap water as main group (group I) and 15 subjects drinking exclusively bottled water as control group (group II) for a minimum of two years. Cadmium, lead, chromium and iron concentrations in drinking tap and bottled water samples were measured. The effect potential of the same metals were evaluated by assessing liver and kidney functions and haemoglobin levels for the studied subjects.
Findings
Iron concentration was found to be significantly higher in drinking tap water samples compared to bottled. Chromium, lead and iron were significantly higher in blood samples of group I subjects compared to the control group. Blood creatinine levels were positively correlated with that of chromium and cadmium of group I; and chromium levels of group II. Urea levels was positively correlated with lead levels of group I. Haemoglobin was positively correlated with iron blood levels of group I and negatively with lead levels of group II. No appreciable changes were found in the blood clinical markers of the liver functions of either group.
Originality/value
This study gives a concise idea about the higher level of some heavy metals in tap water compared to bottled and how heavy metal contaminants in drinking water may affect kidney function and haemoglobin level of consumers.
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Ernestina Mawushie Amewornu and Nnamdi I. Nwulu
This research studies the impact of introducing distributed generators (DGs) into a distribution network. The aim of this paper is to optimally site DGs based on economic…
Abstract
Purpose
This research studies the impact of introducing distributed generators (DGs) into a distribution network. The aim of this paper is to optimally site DGs based on economic, environmental and reliability indices are presented.
Design/methodology/approach
The considered network was modelled by using the network’s line parameters and capacity of the load bus with the help of Power System Analysis Toolbox. The location of the DG is based on voltage stability index and power loss reduction index. The DG energy sources considered are the diesel generator, solar photo-voltaic (PV) and wind generator, and the objectives were to minimize cumulative cost while maximizing reliability of the network. The Advanced Interactive Multidimensional Modelling System was used for the mathematical modelling.
Findings
The obtained results in the cases of introducing renewable energy into a network improves network performance. The benefits of renewable energy on the distribution network measured in terms of electricity production cost, gas emission cost, fuel cost and value of energy not supplied were positive. The research also showed that the total benefit of renewable energy reduces as the price of the renewable generators increases.
Originality/value
This paper introduces a new approach to determining the optimal location of DG for reducing line losses and improved voltage profile. A new cost modelling function based on external grid power transfer cost, technical losses and cost because of the various energies source is also introduced.
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The purpose of this paper is to focus on measuring financial inclusion (FI) level for the developing countries.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on measuring financial inclusion (FI) level for the developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach
By using a two-stage principal component analysis method, we construct a composite FI index to measure the degree of FI. Data are collected through secondary sources including World Bank and IMF reports for the period 2012–2018.
Findings
We have built an overall FI index which is considered as a comprehensive measure of FI, a useful tool for policymaking and policy evaluation. Comparison with other studies shows that our FI index corroborates with them.
Practical implications
Building a good FI measurement method is important for developing countries. It helps to assess and compare the level of FI of each country and between countries together, made easily and accurately.
Originality/value
This study emphasizes the important role of FI in the economy. From there, an FI solution is integrated into the construction and calculation of its impact on other factors. This will help policymakers to take effective measures to increase FI levels to achieve sustainable economic growth.
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Eman E. Elsharkawy, Neveen A. El-Nisr, Nahed M. Wahba and Walaa M. Elsherif
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the restoration effect of camel's milk against methoxychlor induced liver toxicity.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the restoration effect of camel's milk against methoxychlor induced liver toxicity.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study was carried out to investigate the restoration effect of camel's milk against methoxychlor induced liver toxicity.
Findings
Methoxychlor (MXC) caused a significant increase in serum transaminases (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) and alkaline phosphatase, while MXC induced a significant reduction in total protein and albumin levels. MXC significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation and markedly enhanced glutathione in liver homogenate. Pathological damages as degeneration and coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes were established in liver. Newly formed bile ducteules denotes neoplastic changes in the portal tract with abnormal mitotic pattern were associated with the long-term exposure.
Originality/value
The present study concluded that camel milk treatment may play a protective role against methoxychlor-induced liver damage in rats.
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Riyad Eid, Hassan Selim and Yasser El-Kassrawy
The growing popularity of mobile technology has led governments across the world to develop mobile business models and encouraged the transition from the electronic government…
Abstract
Purpose
The growing popularity of mobile technology has led governments across the world to develop mobile business models and encouraged the transition from the electronic government (e-government) to the mobile government (m-government). However, only a small amount of data is available regarding m-government implementation in developing countries and users’ behavioural intentions (BIs) with respect to the utilization of such services. To address this issue, this study attempts to identify factors that affect m-government acceptance among citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aims to examine the relationships between m-government service characteristics and m-government technology characteristics by analysing their perceived ease-of-use, perceived usefulness, user attitudes towards m-government usage and corresponding BIs with respect to utilization of m-government services.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on a quantitative survey conducted among 326 users of m-government services in the UAE. The responses were tabulated on a five-point Likert scale. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the performance of the proposed model and verify the hypothesized relationships between its constructs.
Findings
Overall, the research findings indicate that: users’ intention to use m-government applications has three determinants – attitude towards m-government use, m-government ease of use and m-government usefulness; m-government usefulness and ease of use have a significant influence on user attitudes towards m-government; and perceived ease of use of the service, currency of the services, the accuracy of the provided information, the security concerns associated with the utilization of the m-government services, trust in the m-government services and the risks perceived in using the m-Government service are antecedents of users’ perceptions of the m-government services.
Originality/value
This study has improved our understanding of the critical mobile technology factors that are needed to improve user acceptance of m-government services. The study presents important implications for both theory and practice.
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Yimei Chen, Huanhuan Cheng and Baoquan Li
The purpose of this study is to propose a path-planning strategy based on the velocity-virtual spring method to realize collision-free tasks in dynamic environments and further…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to propose a path-planning strategy based on the velocity-virtual spring method to realize collision-free tasks in dynamic environments and further improve the effect.
Design/methodology/approach
By considering factors such as the relative velocity and direction of dynamic obstacles, the repulsive force of the robot is improved, thereby enhancing the adaptability of the strategy and achieving flexible and effective avoidance against dynamic obstacles. The attraction formula has been designed to allow the robot to have better smooth changes and higher gradients near the target, helping robots better reach the target and follow formations. Moreover, to meet the demands of the various stages during the driving process, the null space behavioral control is used to solve multi-task conflict problems and strengthen formation coordination and control.
Findings
Comparison of the planning path and formation effects through simulation and physical experiments, the results of this study show that the algorithm proposed can successfully maintain formation stability and plan smooth and safe paths in static or dynamic environments.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a path-planning strategy based on the velocity-virtual spring method to plan collision-free paths for formation in dynamic environments.
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This study aims to investigate about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) (man machine relationship) regarding organizational behavior. The aim of this research paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) (man machine relationship) regarding organizational behavior. The aim of this research paper is to analyze whether the current AI is used also to replace man in “creative” activities.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on a qualitative and explorative approach. It is made a review of the literature with “Scopus” and “Web of Science” databases. The research fields are AI, organizational behavior, man-machine relationship and creativity.
Findings
Analyzing whether the intensive use of AI in organizational behavior can replace human work in creative activities.
Research limitations/implications
The connection of AI with creative activities within the organization is only just beginning. For this reason, other sources, like Harvard Business Review, public reports and professional papers found on the internet have been considered. The most important limitation of this paper is that all the results presented here do not concern a single case study.
Practical implications
In this paper, there are some examples that can show the use of AI in creative activities; however, this does not complete the situation facing companies in any sector because the AI technologies used within enterprises are constantly evolving. It is possible to continue to do research in this field.
Originality/value
The paper is meaningful because highlights the development of AI toward creative activities typically of human resources. It is also interesting because it analyzes the exploratory use of AI in increasingly human work, generating positive and negative externalities.
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This study aims to describe the m-learning experience of school students and teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the factors influencing the continuance intention…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to describe the m-learning experience of school students and teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the factors influencing the continuance intention of m-learning.
Design/methodology/approach
Semistructured interviews of 24 students and 09 teachers of schools in national capital territory (NCT) Delhi, India were conducted over 03 months and transcribed verbatim. A hermeneutic phenomenological design was used to interpret the text and bring out the “lived experiences” of m-learning.
Findings
The following 15 themes or factors influencing continuance intention emerged through the hermeneutic circle: (1) actual usage, (2) attitude, (3) context, (4) extrinsic motivation, (5) facilitating conditions, (6) intrinsic motivation, (7) perceived compatibility, (8) perceived content quality, (9) perceived mobile app quality, (10) perceived teaching quality, (11) perceived usefulness, (12) satisfaction, (13) self-efficacy, (14) self-management of learning and (15) social influence.
Research limitations/implications
The study offers insightful recommendations for school administrators, mobile device developers and app designers. In addition, suggestions for effectively using m-learning during disasters such as COVID-19 have been provided. Several future research directions, including a nuanced understanding of m-assessment and online discussions, are suggested to enhance the literature on m-learning continuance.
Originality/value
The study enriches the literature on m-learning continuance. A qualitative approach has been used to identify relevant factors influencing m-learning continuance intention among secondary and higher secondary level (Grades 9 to 12) school students and teachers in India. In addition, a conceptual framework of the relationships among the factors has been proposed. Further, an analysis of the lived experiences of m-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic indicated several issues and challenges in using m-learning during disasters.