Aysun Aksit, Nurhan Onar, Bengi Kutlu, Evren Sergin and Ismail Yakin
The purpose of this paper is to develop the flame retardancy properties of cotton fabrics with treatment of phosphorus and nitrogen containing silane-based nanosol by sol-gel…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop the flame retardancy properties of cotton fabrics with treatment of phosphorus and nitrogen containing silane-based nanosol by sol-gel process.
Design/methodology/approach
Nanosols containing tetraethoxysilane or (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane as precursors, (3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane as cross-linking agent and guanidine phosphate monobasic as flame retarding agent were impregnated on cotton fabrics. Flame retardancy properties of the fabric samples were determined by limited flame spread test and limited oxygen index (LOI) test. In addition, microstructural and surface morphological properties of the fabric samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope.
Findings
Depending on the limited flame spread test, the authors show that the coated fabric samples gain flame retardancy properties and the LOI value of the samples increased as to 45.7 per cent by the synergistic effect of phosphorus-nitrogen-silicon.
Originality/value
There have some studies in flame retardancy behaviour of textiles. In this study, flame retardant cotton fabric with very low weight in grams was improved by sol-gel process. Moreover, ecological process was provided thanks to using halogen-free flame retardant.
Details
Keywords
Norma, Saad, M. Shabri Abd. Majid, Salina Kassim, Zarinah Hamid and Rosylin Mohd. Yusof
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficiency of selected conventional and Islamic unit trust companies in Malaysia during the period 2002 to 2005.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficiency of selected conventional and Islamic unit trust companies in Malaysia during the period 2002 to 2005.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to investigate efficiency, as measured by the Malmquist index, which is decomposed into two components: efficiency change and technical change indexes.
Findings
The study indicates that technical efficiency is the main contributor to enhancing the efficiency of the Malaysian unit trust industry. In addition, the larger the size of the unit trust companies, the more inefficient the performance. In comparing the efficiency of unit trust companies, the study finds that some of the Islamic unit trust companies perform better than their conventional counterparts.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to five Islamic unit trust companies. Thus, the findings of this study are indicative, but inconclusive for the unit trust industry as a whole.
Practical implications
The results have two important implications for both conventional and Islamic unit trust companies in Malaysia. First, the deterioration of total factor productivity (TFP) in the unit trust industry in Malaysia is due to the deficiency of innovation in technical components. Second, the size of the unit trust companies has an adverse effect on the TFP performance.
Originality/value
The contribution of this study is that it analyzes the efficiency of the two types of unit trust industry which are important and relevant for Malaysia. This significance arises from the dual financial system, in which the Islamic unit trust companies operate in parallel with their conventional counterparts. The comparison sheds some light on the performance of the Islamic unit trust companies, whose operations are based on profit‐sharing, in contrast to the conventional unit trust companies.
Details
Keywords
Muthmainnah Muthmainnah, Ahmad Al Yakin, Muhammad Massyat, Enkeleda Lulaj and Gul Erkol Bayram
An introduction to edupreneurship, which combines the terms education and entrepreneurship, is a concept that cannot be broken down into its component parts for the sake of…
Abstract
An introduction to edupreneurship, which combines the terms education and entrepreneurship, is a concept that cannot be broken down into its component parts for the sake of simplicity. Together, these two form one unit since their process is an example of what entrepreneurship education is all about: teaching someone to create something that’s worth selling and then making use of it for themselves or their community. When it comes to the purpose of the implementation of this edupreneurship, it is in line with Law No. 20 of 2003 on the System of National Education, which states that ‘National Education works to develop skills and shape the character and civilisation of a dignified nation in order to enrich the life of a nation’.
Aim: Aimed at developing potential students to become humane, those who have good life skills can deal more effectively with life’s demands and obstacles because they can adapt and behave positively. It’s important to have a diverse set of life skills because there are five main categories: self-awareness abilities, thinking abilities, social abilities, academic abilities and occupational abilities.
Procedure: The research was carried out in the Indonesian region of West Sulawesi at Universitas Al Asyariah Mandar. This study was conducted at a university since the primary goal was to develop students’ life skills in a way that incorporates entrepreneurship education as a means of improving entrepreneurial skills. For the purpose of selecting the sample, purposive sampling was used. This study used Google Forms to collect the research data. It was all done online. This study employed a qualitative research design to gather data and analyse the findings. A purposive sampling technique was employed for the sampling, that is, determining sampling with particular considerations based on the fact that the sample in this study is the sixth-semester students of the 2021/2022 academic year who have completed practical work in the Entrepreneurship education course at the teacher training and education faculty (FKIP), totalling 97 students, but only 39 students accepted the online questionnaire.
Findings: Entrepreneurship simultaneously develops students’ life skills such as communication, interpersonal skills, decision-making, problem-solving, negotiation, creative thinking, critical thinking, self-awareness, empathy, self-control, resilience and organising skills.
Details
Keywords
Ahmad Izudin, Muh Isnanto, Dandung Budi Yuwono and B.J. Sujibto
This study aims to revisit the practice of multiculturalism within the co-existence of halal food products in non-Muslim communities in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to revisit the practice of multiculturalism within the co-existence of halal food products in non-Muslim communities in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through observations, interviews and documentation using a case study approach.
Findings
The important findings in the existing study indicate that social practice related to the acceptance and expression of non-Muslim communities towards halal products and certificates is integrated into the daily life of the people. It has contrasted with other regions in Indonesia where debates between cultural and structural aspects of halal product studies and certification prevail, often dominated by ego-sectoral interests and Islamic theology. Although Kupang’s predominantly non-Muslim population, the practice and model of halal products emerge with uniqueness within communal traditions and socio-cultural practices take precedence over structural factors.
Research limitations/implications
The most significant contribution of this research lies in mutual understanding, interfaith dialogue and religiosity that have fused into social life, specially building social coexistence in halal products.
Practical implications
These findings contribute to policymakers to reformulate halal certification and products, which are not solely driven by the interests of the Muslim community.
Originality/value
This study presents a new synthetic theory about halal products, confirming a case study in Kupang where non-Muslim communities accepted halal products as a reflection of cultural and local customs. This acceptance has led to the development of a new identity without contradictions among business interests, ideologies, sectoral aspects, hygiene, health and structural state movements.
Details
Keywords
This study aims to embed anatase, rutile and brookite TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with different crystal phases into cotton fabrics by epoxy silane and to examine the effect of these…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to embed anatase, rutile and brookite TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with different crystal phases into cotton fabrics by epoxy silane and to examine the effect of these applications on the photocatalytic and mechanical properties of the fabric.
Design/methodology/approach
Different aqueous dispersions which contain anatase, rutile and brookite were prepared at three different concentrations (5%, 10% and 15%). These NPs were embedded in cotton fabrics by using GPTS [(3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane]. Characterization tests were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT/IR). Samples were stained with methylene blue (MB) and then exposed to solar light for different periods. Color changes of the samples were examined with a spectrophotometer. Air permeability, abrasion and tear strength tests were applied to all samples.
Findings
According to SEM images, the NPs were successfully attached to the cotton fabrics, and epoxy silane coating surrounded the fiber surfaces. The presence of the coating was also confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and FT/IR. The treatments reduced the stainability of the samples. The most effective applications for ensuring photocatalytic activity in cotton fabrics were suspensions as 10% brookite, 10% anatase and 5% anatase, in descending order. The applied coating slightly reduced the samples’ air permeability, and wear and tear strength.
Originality/value
The importance of this study is to determine the optimal crystal phase and its concentration by using epoxy silane to ensure self-cleaning properties on cotton fabrics. The sample treated with 10% brookite is the most approached its original white color by 99.65% as a result of degradation of MB (after 120 min). On the other hand, using the pure rutile with epoxy silane was not suitable for removing MB from the fabric.
Details
Keywords
Beatriz Campos Fialho, Ricardo Codinhoto and Márcio Minto Fabricio
Facilities management (FM) plays a key role in the performance of businesses to ensure the comfort of users and the sustainable use of natural resources over operation and…
Abstract
Purpose
Facilities management (FM) plays a key role in the performance of businesses to ensure the comfort of users and the sustainable use of natural resources over operation and maintenance. Nevertheless, reactive maintenance (RM) services are characterised by delays, waste and difficulties in prioritising services and identifying the root causes of failures; this is mostly caused by inefficient asset information and communication management. While linking building information modelling and the Internet of Things through a digital twin has demonstrated potential for improving FM practices, there is a lack of evidence regarding the process requirements involved in their implementation. This paper aims to address this challenge, as it is the first to statistically characterise RM services and processes to identify the most critical RM problems and scenarios for digital twin implementation. The statistical data analytics approach also constitutes a novel practical approach for a holistic analysis of RM occurrences.
Design/methodology/approach
The research strategy was based on multiple case studies, which adopted university campuses as objects for investigation. A detailed literature review of work to date and documental analysis assisted in generating data on the FM sector and RM services, where qualitative and statistical analyses were applied to approximately 300,000 individual work requests.
Findings
The work provides substantial evidence of a series of patterns across both cases that were not evidenced prior to this study: a concentration of requests within main campuses; a balanced distribution of requests per building, mechanical and electrical service categories; a predominance of low priority level services; a low rate of compliance in attending priority services; a cumulative impact on the overall picture of five problem subcategories (i.e. Building-Door, Mechanical-Plumbing, Electrical-Lighting, Mechanical-Heat/Cool/Ventilation and Electrical-Power); a predominance of problems in student accommodation facilities, circulations and offices; and a concentration of requests related to unlisted buildings. These new patterns form the basis for business cases where maintenance services and FM sectors can benefit from digital twins. It also provides a new methodological approach for assessing the impact of RM on businesses.
Practical implications
The findings provide new insights for owners and FM staff in determining the criticality of RM services, justifying investments and planning the digital transformation of services for a smarter provision.
Originality/value
This study represents a unique approach to FM and provides detailed evidence to identify novel RM patterns of critical service provision and activities within organisations for efficient digitalised data management over a building’s lifecycle.
Details
Keywords
Hoda Abdelrazik and Mohamed Marzouk
Maintenance of heritage buildings in Egypt is essential for extending their life and preserving them in a good condition for current use and future generations. The purpose of…
Abstract
Purpose
Maintenance of heritage buildings in Egypt is essential for extending their life and preserving them in a good condition for current use and future generations. The purpose of this paper aims to study the significant parameters to be taken into consideration in the decision-making process for maintenance of heritage buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
This research identifies and analyzes the parameters affecting maintenance decision-making process using relative importance index method. Sixty-three parameters were collected from the literature and were categorized into six groups. The feedback of 15 experts who represent owners' representatives and consultants in the field of maintenance and preservation of heritage buildings was obtained through a questionnaire survey and analyses were conducted on the results.
Findings
According to the highest values of the relative importance index method, the top 10 influencing parameters are determined. A comparison between feedback of the two groups of experts is conducted. Statistical analysis is carried out to test the parameters, revealing a strong correlation between structural and geotechnical groups of parameters.
Originality/value
Parameters affecting decision-making for maintenance of heritage buildings were identified, influencing parameters can be used to compare between heritage buildings in greater need of maintenance than others.
Details
Keywords
Kassim Slim Zeni and Geraldine John Kikwasi
The state of public buildings in Tanzania exhibits evidence of a lack of maintenance and repair. Despite efforts to raise the performance of public buildings, little emphasis is…
Abstract
Purpose
The state of public buildings in Tanzania exhibits evidence of a lack of maintenance and repair. Despite efforts to raise the performance of public buildings, little emphasis is placed on maintenance works and related factors affecting maintenance costs of public buildings, which are often high. This study aims to examine factors affecting maintenance costs of public buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
This was a case study involving two government building agencies – Tanzania Buildings Agency (TBA) and National Housing Corporation (NHC). A total of 387 tenants and 29 experts participated in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using Stata version 16 – descriptive statistics feature reporting absolute numbers and frequencies.
Findings
Both tenants and experts ranked building age, poor quality control, building material used, execution of work when it is urgent and inadequate financial resources as major factors affecting maintenance costs of public buildings. In the distinctive rating, tenants ranked resource management as a major factor, while experts ranked ignorance about the property of materials, misuse of buildings and faulty maintenance as major factors.
Research limitations/implications
The study has some limitations such as geographical coverage which is limited to Dar es Salaam and Dodoma regions, hence missing information from other regions may have different experiences. Additionally, data were collected in a self-reported manner which could bring about information bias.
Practical implications
Findings of this study provide an insight on recent developments on the factors affecting maintenance cost of buildings using two cases of NHC and TBA which are single entities owning a substantial amount of housing units in Tanzania. Factors affecting the maintenance cost of public buildings identified in this study is a threshold for experts to devise strategies for minimizing maintenance costs.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that assessed factors affecting maintenance cost in public buildings run by TBA and NHC from the tenant and expert perspectives.
Details
Keywords
Rizal Yaya, Ilham Maulana Saud, M. Kabir Hassan and Mamunur Rashid
This study aims to explore the governance practices of profit and loss sharing (PLS) financing in connection to the socio-economic development objective of the Islamic financial…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the governance practices of profit and loss sharing (PLS) financing in connection to the socio-economic development objective of the Islamic financial institutions (IFIs).
Design/methodology/approach
The study context included IFIs from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A two-stage research methodology was used. In the first stage, top ten IFIs – three Islamic commercial banks, three Islamic rural banks and four Islamic micro finance institutions – were considered for in-depth interviews. Formal interview protocol was followed to record and transcribe interviews. In the second stage, a questionnaire survey considered 26 IFIs. Unit of measurement was individuals working at the mid and top level from the selected organisations.
Findings
The governance process of providing and managing PLS financing involves several critical factors, such as the financing duration, instalment timing, contract approval and cost, basis of sharing, risk management, customer empowerment and Sharīʿah compliance. Contrary to the existing belief, the authors found that PLS financing is primarily available for shorter period of time (three years) and it is unavailable for start-ups. Also, newer IFIs rely less on PLS financing than the older IFIs. In addition to worrying about the higher risk of return, IFIs considered government regulation on PLS to be tighter in terms of provision and rescheduling.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to investigating IFIs in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This limitation is covered by taking samples from three types of IFIs.
Practical implications
For IFI practitioners, these findings are expected to improve their confidence in undertaking more progressive efforts in adopting governance policies that contribute to greater socio-economic justice.
Social implications
If the governance good practices are implemented by all IFIs, a higher degree of social welfare and customer awareness can be achieved.
Originality/value
Across all types of IFIs, this study’s results confirm that PLS is less preferred for long-term and start-up financing. These findings should be the ingredients to push research on PLS further, as these findings grossly violate the theory. Fulfilling these gaps could strengthen the nexus between PLS and socio-economic justice.