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Article
Publication date: 9 November 2022

Said Ihbour, Oumaima Essaidi, Meriem Laaroussi, Mohamed Najimi and Fatiha Chigr

This study aims to examine the associations between reading difficulties, anxiety and depressive symptoms, self-esteem status and academic achievement among children of school age…

227

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the associations between reading difficulties, anxiety and depressive symptoms, self-esteem status and academic achievement among children of school age in the Moroccan context.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 302 Moroccan students aged 9 to 16 years, the latter having voluntarily participated in the different stages of the proposed assessments. Standardized reading tests administered individually allowed us to classify participants into three groups (good readers, intermediate level and weak readers). The subjects completed the measurements of three self-evaluative scales: the Beck depression inventory, the Coopersmith scale of self-esteem and the Taylor questionnaire of manifest anxiety. The variable of academic achievement is constituted by calculating the grade point averages of the last three semesters.

Findings

Emotional disturbances are more frequent in the “weak readers” and the “intermediate level” group when compared to the good readers. Academic achievement and reading level are negatively correlated with anxious-depressive symptoms and positively with self-esteem at each reading level; the analysis of the results does not show any relevant difference in terms of the psychopathological disorder intensity between girls and boys.

Research limitations/implications

This study emphasizes improving education and psychological support for learners. It also encourages the strengthening of strategies for dealing with learning disabilities and the emotional distress associated with them.

Practical implications

The trend toward an inclusive school and the recruitment of school psychologists is advantages to be considered in the Moroccan educational system.

Originality/value

In addition to psychopathological vulnerability and academic failure, the social and family dimensions of self-esteem are impaired in weak readers.

Details

The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-6228

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Article
Publication date: 20 November 2007

A. Kaveh and M. Najimi

This paper aims to study the variation theorems for pin‐jointed structures and rigid‐jointed frames.

227

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the variation theorems for pin‐jointed structures and rigid‐jointed frames.

Design/methodology/approach

The generalized force method is explained in a form to illustrate the parallelism of this method and the variation theorem approaches. The inter‐relation between the variation theorems and the force method is then established.

Findings

Examples are presented to illustrate the above‐mentioned parallelism.

Originality/value

The paper shows the power of the force method as a basis of variation theorems.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 24 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 6 May 2021

Niranjan L. and Manoj Priyatham M.

The purpose of this paper is to improve the lifetime ratio of wireless sensor networks for maintaining the battery level at a desired point for better improvement of network…

57

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the lifetime ratio of wireless sensor networks for maintaining the battery level at a desired point for better improvement of network health.

Design/methodology/approach

Sensor point network (SPN) is used for variety of applications like weather check, tracking of undesirable vehicles and delivery of data to end points. The proposed special high health sensing point (SHHSP) scheme will overcome several limitations of existing game theory approaches with respect to delay, health and overall throughput.

Findings

The simulation results of the proposed SHHSP scheme confirms the excellence over the existing works examined with respect to delay, hops, energy consumed, nutrition SP, harmful SP, throughput and overhead.

Practical implications

It is proposed for a smart communication system in IoT, where in the communication between the sensing point network to its neighbouring sensing network is carried out by selection of SHHSP, this is implemented by using the remaining energy and distance vector with respect to control station. The system is applicable to weather check and can also be used in tracking of vehicles in a vehicle ad hoc networks.

Originality/value

It is subsidized to the IoT system and vehicle-to-vehicle communication system where in the safety is of utmost concern. The system is concentrated on the battery concern of SPN in a pool of SPNs.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

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Article
Publication date: 14 June 2022

Mustafa Eken

The aim of this study is to investigate the usability of horsetail, sunflower stalk, wheat stalk and corn stalk ashes as additives in paints and their performance against…

128

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the usability of horsetail, sunflower stalk, wheat stalk and corn stalk ashes as additives in paints and their performance against corrosion resistance when used.

Design/methodology/approach

The ashes of horsetail, sunflower stalk, wheat stalk and corn stalk were investigated in this study in single, binary and ternary combinations with three different percentages as additives in paints. Samples of concrete with any combinations of ashes resisted against the corrosion of steel reinforcements, but horsetail ash proved to be the most effective.

Findings

It can be said that these research results show that the paint containing horsetail ash is an excellent coating material that can be used in paints for the corrosion resistance of steel in reinforced concrete. The corrosion rate decreased with the increase in the amount of reactive SiO2. There was less mass loss with the formation of resistance against corrosion in the horsetail ash added concretes. That is why horsetail ash is one of the most effective options for the aforementioned purpose.

Originality/value

Being cheap and easily obtainable, the materials used for coating in this study are perfect candidates for industrial use.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 52 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

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Article
Publication date: 10 April 2017

Adnan Qadir and Uneb Gazder

The purpose of this study is to investigate the incorporation of lightweight aggregate concrete modify with fiber (LWACF) in water retaining structure. In developed countries…

160

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the incorporation of lightweight aggregate concrete modify with fiber (LWACF) in water retaining structure. In developed countries LWACF is being successfully used as structural concrete; however, third-world countries such as Pakistan are still struggling to come up with the practical applications of lightweight concrete in the building and construction industry. One reason is because of the lack of reliable data regarding its performance as a structural member in the building and construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study inspected the flexural and shear tolerance of fiber-reinforced LWACF by testing six beam specimens’ cast, cured and tested after 28 days for the purpose. An overhead tank of 1,000-gallon capacity was also constructed to verify the application of LWACF by observing its water retention behavior. The experimental design included a mix design of concrete at a target strength of 21 MPa for control sample natural aggregate and for synthetic aggregate modified with polypropylene fibers. Compressive strengths of both categories of concrete were also determined by crushing the cylindrical samples at the age of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The cast beams were later subjected to the application of two-point loading test until failure.

Findings

It was found that the beams fabricated with LWACF possessed better resistance to cracks compared with those fabricated with normal weight concrete, both in terms of number and crack width. The study also concluded that the constructed water tank with LWACF was thermally efficient and structurally sound, as it showed no sign of seepage for the observed period.

Originality/value

On the basis of the results, it can be concluded that the LWACF used has revolutionized the concept of using lightweight aggregates in regular structures and that consequently it will help in a constructing a sustainable environment. One of the useful applications of such material is for water-retaining structures.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

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Article
Publication date: 26 September 2024

Amgoth Rajender, Amiya K. Samanta and Animesh Paral

Accurate predictions of the steady-state corrosion phase and service life to achieve specific safety limits are crucial for assessing the service of reinforced concrete (RC…

66

Abstract

Purpose

Accurate predictions of the steady-state corrosion phase and service life to achieve specific safety limits are crucial for assessing the service of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Forecasting the service life (SL) of structures is imperative for devising maintenance and repair strategy plans. The optimization of maintenance strategies serves to prolong asset life, mitigate asset failures, minimize repair costs and enhance health and safety standards for society.

Design/methodology/approach

The well-known empirical conventional (traditional) approaches and machine learning (ML)-based SL prediction models were presented and compared. A comprehensive parametric study was conducted on existing models, considering real-world conditions as reported in the literature. The analysis of traditional and ML models underscored their respective limitations.

Findings

Empirical models have been developed by considering simplified assumptions and relying on factors such as corrosion rate, steel reinforcement diameter and concrete cover depth, utilizing fundamental mathematical formulas. The growth of ML in the structural domain has been identified and highlighted. The ML can capture complex relationships between input and output variables. The performance of ML in corrosion and service life evaluation has been satisfactory. The limitations of ML techniques are discussed, and its open challenges are identified, along with insights into the future direction to develop more accurate and reliable models.

Practical implications

To enhance the traditional modeling of service life, key areas for future research have been highlighted. These include addressing the heterogeneous properties of concrete, the permeability of concrete and incorporating the interaction between temperature and bond-slip effect, which has been overlooked in existing models. Though the performance of the ML model in service life assessment is satisfactory, models overlooked some parameters, such as the material characterization and chemical composition of individual parameters, which play a significant role. As a recommendation, further research should take these factors into account as input parameters and strive to develop models with superior predictive capabilities.

Originality/value

Recent deployment has revealed that ML algorithms can grasp complex relationships among key factors impacting deterioration and offer precise evaluations of remaining SL without relying on traditional models. Incorporation of more comprehensive and diverse data sources toward potential future directions in the RC structural domain can provide valuable insights to decision-makers, guiding their efforts toward the creation of even more resilient, reliable, cost-efficient and eco-friendly RC structures.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

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Article
Publication date: 1 November 2018

Hanieh Gholamnejad, Ali Darvishpoor Kakhki, Fazlollah Ahmadi and Camelia Rohani

Hypertension is the most common chronic disease throughout the world. Self-care is the key criteria in determining the final course of the disease. However, the majority of…

425

Abstract

Purpose

Hypertension is the most common chronic disease throughout the world. Self-care is the key criteria in determining the final course of the disease. However, the majority of elderly people do not observe self-care behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the experiences of elderly people with hypertension in order to understand the barriers of their self-care behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study with a conventional content analysis approach conducted in Tehran, Iran in 2017. Data collection was done among 23 participants – 14 elderly people; 6 cardiologists, geriatric physicians and nurses working in the cardiovascular ward; and 3 caregivers – who were selected by purposeful sampling. Using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews, data collection was continued until data saturation.

Findings

Three main categories, including attitude limitations, inefficient supportive network and desperation, all showed barriers to self-care by the experiences of elderly people with hypertension.

Originality/value

Lack of knowledge of the disease and its treatment process is one of the main barriers to self-care in elderly people with hypertension. Deficient supportive resources along with economic and family problems exacerbate the failure to do self-care behaviors.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

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Article
Publication date: 4 March 2022

Jessica A. Harris, Julia Carins, Sharyn Rundle-Thiele and Patricia David

The purpose of this study is to respond to calls to increase levels of theory application and extend understanding beyond individuals ensuring social and structural environmental…

357

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to respond to calls to increase levels of theory application and extend understanding beyond individuals ensuring social and structural environmental considerations are taken into account. Social cognitive theory (SCT) was applied across two settings to examine its potential to explain breakfast eating frequency.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two institutional feeding populations [military (n = 314) and mining (n = 235)]. Participants reported key SCT constructs including breakfast eating behaviour (self-efficacy, skills, practice), cognitive aspects (knowledge, attitude, expectations) and their perceptions regarding environmental constructs (access, social norms, influence). These were measured and analysed through SPSS and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

Results indicated that 71% males and 90% females in the military do not eat breakfast at work, and in the mining, 23% males and 24% of females do not eat breakfast at work. Furthermore, SEM modelling found only a satisfactory fit for SCT as operationalised in this study. Within the models, behavioural aspects of self-efficacy, skills and practice were significant influences on breakfast eating. Cognitive influences and perceptions of environmental influences exerted little to no effect on breakfast eating. Study results indicate that SCT, as measured in this study using a selection of environment, cognitive and behavioural constructs, does not offer sufficient explanatory potential to explain breakfast eating behaviour.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is to deliver a complete application of Social Cognitive Theory, ensuring multiple constructs are measured to examine the explanatory behaviour of breakfast eating frequency in workplace institutional settings.

Details

Journal of Social Marketing, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6763

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Article
Publication date: 13 February 2023

SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi, Behnam Farhoudi, Elnaz Shahmohamadi, Mehrnaz Rasoolinejad, Maliheh Hasannezhad, Mohammad Rasool Rashidi, Omid Dadras, Ali Moradi, Zohal Parmoon, Hooman Ebrahimi and Ali Asadollahi-Amin

Hepatitis C is one of the major health issues in both developed and developing countries. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is more common in prisoners than in the general…

86

Abstract

Purpose

Hepatitis C is one of the major health issues in both developed and developing countries. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is more common in prisoners than in the general population. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of HCV and its associated risk factors in Iranian male prisoners in Tehran.

Design/methodology/approach

In this cross-sectional study, the authors investigated the frequency and risk factors of hepatitis C infection among male prisoners in the Great Tehran Prison. Information on risk factors including the length of imprisonment, previous history of imprisonment, history of drug injection, history of tattooing, history of piercing, history of high-risk sex and family history of hepatitis C were extracted from patients’ records. To evaluate HCV status, blood samples were collected and tested.

Findings

In this study, 179 participants were included. Nine participants (5.0%, 95% CI, 2.3-9.3) were positive for hepatitis C. HCV infection was not significantly associated with age, marital status, education, previous history of imprisonment, length of imprisonment, piercing and high-risk sex; however, there was a significant association between a history of tattooing and a history of injecting drug use and Hepatitis C.

Originality/value

The prevalence of hepatitis C among male prisoners in Great Tehran Prison was 5% in this study, similar to recent studies on prisoners in Tehran. A history of drug injections as well as tattooing were the most important risk factors for hepatitis C in male prisoners.

Details

International Journal of Prisoner Health, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-9200

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Article
Publication date: 3 January 2017

Hamid Asgari, Mohsen Fathi Jegarkandi, XiaoQi Chen and Raazesh Sainudiin

The purpose of this paper is to develop and compare conventional and neural network-based controllers for gas turbines.

388

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and compare conventional and neural network-based controllers for gas turbines.

Design/methodology/approach

Design of two different controllers is considered. These controllers consist of a NARMA-L2 which is an artificial neural network-based nonlinear autoregressive moving average (NARMA) controller with feedback linearization, and a conventional proportional-integrator-derivative (PID) controller for a low-power aero gas turbine. They are briefly described and their parameters are adjusted and tuned in Simulink-MATLAB environment according to the requirement of the gas turbine system and the control objectives. For this purpose, Simulink and neural network-based modelling is used. Performances of the controllers are explored and compared on the base of design criteria and performance indices.

Findings

It is shown that NARMA-L2, as a neural network-based controller, has a superior performance to PID controller.

Practical implications

This study aims at using artificial intelligence in gas turbine control systems.

Originality/value

This paper provides a novel methodology for control of gas turbines.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 89 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

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