Search results
1 – 10 of 760
This paper sets out to propose a new cut‐off optimization algorithm for effective decision making at the open pit mine planning stage.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper sets out to propose a new cut‐off optimization algorithm for effective decision making at the open pit mine planning stage.
Design/methodology/approach
The determination of optimum cut‐off grade to maximize the net present value of an open pit mining operation is influenced by the economic parameters including metal price and operating costs, the capacities of mine, mill, and refining stages, and grade distribution of the mineral deposit. The market plays a vital role in changing the economic parameters; therefore, they may escalate during mine life. The effect of these changes could be enormous on optimum cut‐off grade policy. The main motive is to introduce economic parameters escalation into the established theory of optimum cut‐off grades and study the impact of these changes on overall economics of the operation. Therefore, a cut‐off grade optimization algorithm is developed, which considers dynamic metal price and cost escalation during mine life.
Findings
A copper deposit case study shows that, keeping the metal price escalation at a minimum, the impact of mining and milling costs escalation is relatively higher than refining and administrative costs. Hence, a high‐escalation rate in mining and milling costs may change an economic operation into an uneconomic scenario.
Research limitations/implications
Management of stockpiles as a policy may be introduced in the algorithm for improvement in economy through maximum utilization of mineral resources.
Originality/value
The algorithm due to its flexibility allows analysis of various options in the least possible time, which makes it valuable to mine planners in decision making for major mining investments.
Details
Keywords
Sonali Khatua, Manoranjan Dash and Padma Charan Mishra
Ores and minerals are extracted from the earth’s crust depending on the type of deposit. Iron ore mines come under massive deposit patterns and have their own mine development and…
Abstract
Purpose
Ores and minerals are extracted from the earth’s crust depending on the type of deposit. Iron ore mines come under massive deposit patterns and have their own mine development and life cycles. This study aims to depict the development and life cycle of large open-pit iron ore mines and the intertwined organizational design of the departments/sections operated within the industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data were collected on the site by participant observation, in-depth interviews of the field staff and executives, and field notes. Secondary data were collected from the literature review to compare and cite similar or previous studies on each mining activity. Finally, interactions were conducted with academic experts and top field executives to validate the findings. An organizational ethnography methodology was employed to study and analyse four large-scale iron ore mines of India’s largest iron-producing state, Odisha, from January to April 2023.
Findings
Six stages were observed for development and life cycle, and the operations have been depicted in a schematic diagram for ease of understanding. The intertwined functioning of organizational set-up is also discovered.
Originality/value
The paper will benefit entrepreneurs, mining and geology students, new recruits, and professionals in allied services linked to large iron ore mines. It offers valuable insights for knowledge enhancement, operational manual preparation and further research endeavours.
Details
Keywords
Sayyed Javad Asad Poor Zavei and Mahmud Bin Mohd Jusan
Providing operational approach to end-users' motivational tendencies in housing facilitates user-centered approach enhancing person-environment congruence. The operational…
Abstract
Providing operational approach to end-users' motivational tendencies in housing facilitates user-centered approach enhancing person-environment congruence. The operational approach is highly critical in case of inaccessibility of end-users in decision making, i.e. mass housing. Therefore, this study aims at explaining end-users' housing motivations from their housing attributes preferences, through a theoretical framework developed based on Maslow's theory. The investigation was carried out by using a self-administered questionnaire conducted on 127 Iranian postgraduate students of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and their spouse who lived alongside them. They were selected from those who lived more than one year in mass housing apartments in Malaysia. Using exploratory factor analysis, the housing attributes preferences were analyzed to underlie the latent structure and relations among them; the extracted factors were also labeled based on the different level of needs. Then, conducting one sample t-test hierarchical tendencies among the different motivational factors were identified. Referring to Maslow's theory to explain the concept and characteristics of housing needs results in identification of two different categories of housing attributes in association with the different level of needs. Accordingly, primary levels of needs that associate with relatively tangible and concrete attributes are more likely to be content-specific and predictable. The higher levels of needs that associate with relatively complicated and abstract attributes are more likely to be problematical, confusing, and non-predictable.
Details
Keywords
Asad Shukri Albostami, Zhangjian Wu and Zhenmin Zou
An analytical investigation has been carried out for a simply supported rectangular plate with two different loading conditions by using 3D state space approach (SSA). Also, the…
Abstract
Purpose
An analytical investigation has been carried out for a simply supported rectangular plate with two different loading conditions by using 3D state space approach (SSA). Also, the accurate location of the neutral plane (N.P.) through the thickness of the plate can be identified: the N.P. is shifted away from the middle plane according to the loading condition. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
SSA and finite element method are used for the determination of structural behaviour of simply supported orthotropic composite plates under different types of loading. The numerical results from a finite element model developed in ABAQUS.
Findings
The effect of the plate thickness on displacements and stresses is described quantitatively. It is found that the N.P. of the plate, identified according to the values of the in-plane stresses through the thickness direction, is shifted away from the middle plane. Further investigation shows that the position of the N.P. is loading dependant.
Originality/value
This paper describe the effect of the plate thickness on displacements and stresses quantitatively by using an exact solution called SSA. Also, it is found that the N.P. of the plate, identified according to the values of the in-plane stresses through the thickness direction, is shifted away from the middle plane. Further investigation shows that the position of the N.P. is loading dependant.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Nadeem, Ji-Huan He and Asad Islam
This study aims that very lately, Mohand transform is introduced to solve the ordinary and partial differential equations (PDEs). In this paper, the authors modify this…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims that very lately, Mohand transform is introduced to solve the ordinary and partial differential equations (PDEs). In this paper, the authors modify this transformation and associate it with a further analytical method called homotopy perturbation method (HPM) for the fractional view of Newell–Whitehead–Segel equation (NWSE). As Mohand transform is restricted to linear obstacles only, as a consequence, HPM is used to crack the nonlinear terms arising in the illustrated problems. The fractional derivatives are taken into the Caputo sense.
Design/methodology/approach
The specific objective of this study is to examine the problem which performs an efficient role in the form of stripe orders of two dimensional systems. The authors achieve the multiple behaviors and properties of fractional NWSE with different positive integers.
Findings
The main finding of this paper is to analyze the fractional view of NWSE. The obtain results perform very good in agreement with exact solution. The authors show that this strategy is absolutely very easy and smooth and have no assumption for the constriction of this approach.
Research limitations/implications
This paper invokes these two main inspirations: first, Mohand transform is associated with HPM, secondly, fractional view of NWSE with different positive integers.
Practical implications
In this paper, the graph of approximate solution has the excellent promise with the graphs of exact solutions.
Social implications
This paper presents valuable technique for handling the fractional PDEs without involving any restrictions or hypothesis.
Originality/value
The authors discuss the fractional view of NWSE by a Mohand transform. The work of the present paper is original and advanced. Significantly, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no such work has yet been published in the literature.
Details
Keywords
Mohammad Abu Hasan Khondoker, Asad Asad and Dan Sameoto
This paper aims to target to print functionally gradient materials (FGM) devices made of immiscible polymers in multi-material fused deposition modelling (FDM) systems. The design…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to target to print functionally gradient materials (FGM) devices made of immiscible polymers in multi-material fused deposition modelling (FDM) systems. The design is intended to improve adhesion of dissimilar thermoplastics without the need for chemical compatibilization so that filaments from many different sources can be used effectively. Therefore, there is a need to invent an alternative solution for printing multiple immiscible polymers in an FDM system with the desired adhesion.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the authors have developed a bi-extruder for FDM systems which can print two thermoplastics through a single nozzle with a static intermixer to enhance bonding between input materials. The system can also change the composition of extrudates continuously.
Findings
The uniqueness of this extruder is in its easy access to the internal channel so that a static intermixer can be inserted, enabling deposition of mechanically interlocked extrudates composed of two immiscible polymers. Without this intermixer, the bi-extruder extrudes with simple side-by-side co-extrusion having no mechanical interlocking. The bi-extruder was characterized by printing objects using pairs of materials including polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and high impact polystyrene. Microscope images of the cross-sections of the extrudates confirm the ability of this bi-extruder to control the composition as desired. It was also found that the mechanically interlocked extrudates composed of two immiscible polymers substantially reduces adhesion failures within and between filaments.
Originality/value
In this study, the first-ever FDM extruder with a mechanical blending feature next to the nozzle has been designed and used to successfully print FGM objects with improved mechanical properties.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Mujtaba Asad, Shahzeen Younas and Fahad Sherwani
The research explores how artificial intelligence-driven natural language processing can be integrated into digital game-based learning to enhance science education worldwide. It…
Abstract
The research explores how artificial intelligence-driven natural language processing can be integrated into digital game-based learning to enhance science education worldwide. It conducted a thorough literature review focusing on electronic bibliographic databases, identifying nine key themes. The chapter discusses the potential of digital games to improve science education, including theoretical frameworks, integration techniques and problem-solving methods. It also examines the impact of gaming on critical thinking and natural language processing. The findings suggest that integrating natural language processing into digital game-based learning shows promise for improving inquiry-based teaching and student performance in science education. Digital platforms can offer personalized feedback, support natural language interactions and customize content for each student. However, addressing pedagogical concerns and technological limitations is crucial for fully realizing these benefits. Practically, the research offers guidance for educators, curriculum developers and policymakers. It emphasizes the importance of educating educators on natural language processing, developing inquiry-driven digital learning platforms and establishing supportive policies. This signifies a move toward student-centered learning and the integration of innovative technologies into education. In terms of originality and value, the study contributes to the existing knowledge by discussing challenges and potential strategies for integrating digital game-based learning with natural language processing globally. It suggests that future research and practical efforts in this area can benefit from a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and implications of this educational approach, informed by extensive research across various themes.
Details
Keywords
Ayuba Napari, Rasim Ozcan and Asad Ul Islam Khan
For close to two decades, the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) has been preparing to launch a second monetary union within the ECOWAS region. This study aims to determine the…
Abstract
Purpose
For close to two decades, the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) has been preparing to launch a second monetary union within the ECOWAS region. This study aims to determine the impact such a unionised monetary regime will have on financial stability as represented by the nonperforming loan ratios of Ghana in a counterfactual framework.
Design/methodology/approach
This study models nonperforming loan ratios as dependent on the monetary policy rate and the business cycle. The study then used historical data to estimate the parameters of the nonperforming loan ratio response function using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The estimated parameters are further used to estimate the impact of several counterfactual unionised monetary policy rates on the nonperforming loan ratios and its volatility of Ghana. As robustness check, the Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator (LASSO) regression is also used to estimate the nonperforming loan ratios response function and to predict nonperforming loans under the counterfactual unionised monetary policy rates.
Findings
The results of the counterfactual study reveals that the apparent cost of monetary unification is much less than supposed with a monetary union likely to dampen volatility in non-performing loans in Ghana. As such, the WAMZ members should increase the pace towards monetary unification.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the existing literature by explicitly modelling nonperforming loan ratios as dependent on monetary policy and the business cycle. The study also settles the debate on the financial stability cost of a monetary union due to the nonalignment of business cycles and economic structures.
Details
Keywords
Sohail Raza Chohan, Guangwei Hu, Asad Ullah Khan, Ahmad Tisman Pasha and Muhammad Atif Sheikh
The purpose of this paper is to describe the application of design and behavior science collectively in refining the government to citizens’ (G2C) cognitive-communication by using…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the application of design and behavior science collectively in refining the government to citizens’ (G2C) cognitive-communication by using artificial intelligence (AI) artifacts. It investigates the citizens’ behavior intention to use AI cognitive-communication channels in e-government services.
Design/methodology/approach
This study reveals the potential of unification in design and behavior science paradigms when integrated into AI artifacts in measuring the constructive outcome of proposed architecture that embraces the perceived risk and trust in citizens’ usage behavior intentions. To evaluate the practical relevance of design science paradigm, action research was incorporated by developing an app as an exemplified scenario.
Findings
The weaknesses of traditional G2C channel communication obliterated by AI virtual agents. This study proposes a five-layer architecture model created with citizens-centered design highlighting the improved relevance for G2C cognitive-communication. The behavior model supports citizens’ usage behavior intentions through trust as a positive attribute and negative attribute as a perceived risk.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to the knowledge of design science paradigm particularly to AI-based cognitive G2C communication. The architecture serves for deploying virtual agents to automate the public officials for decision-making processes. The authors have constructed a cognitive-communication model and have examined the relationships among the extents of cognitive-communication model. This channel has the potential to significantly transform G2C cognitive and intelligent communication.
Practical implications
This cognitive-communication channel has the potential to significantly transform the communication between government and citizens. Such a model can be an interest of developers, researchers and government policymakers in a holistic approach drawn from theory and methods of both design and behavior science to create a successful communication scenario.
Social implications
Advances in technology are not without social implications. The study results can dramatically improve the efficiencies of government workplaces and can augment the human working. It will help to reduce the government services discriminations among the citizens and contribute to society through social inclusion.
Originality/value
This study addresses the duality in information system research by first defining the theoretical framework for G2C cognitive-communication architecture and then developing a research model drawn upon a citizens’ service usage behavioral theory. It will also contribute to providing important perceptions of AI practices in the public sector.
Details
Keywords
This paper aims to explore the root cause of growing gap in Islamic moral ideals and practices by examining paradigmatic foundation and moral axioms of Islamic business ethics. It…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the root cause of growing gap in Islamic moral ideals and practices by examining paradigmatic foundation and moral axioms of Islamic business ethics. It compares and contrasts Tawhidi and secular paradigms in terms of their moral axioms and ethical mandates.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper first presents the paradigmatic foundation of Islamic ethics, namely, ihsan ethics. Second, it compares Tawhidi paradigm of Islam with secular paradigm in respect to their ontological, axiological, anthropological and teleological differences. Third, it links to Islamic moral axioms to the relevant paradigmatic pillars. Fourth, it defines “ihsan ethics” based on Tawhidi paradigm and moral axioms. Finally, it sheds some light on the gap between moral ideals and realities through the theory of ihsan ethics.
Findings
The paper attempts to provide strong conceptual and theoretical tools to understand ethical problems in the Muslim societies. The paper makes a strong case that Muslim minds shall be de-secularized to perceive the reality, truth and telos within Tawhidi worldview. As Muslims reach the level of ihsan by perceiving transcendental reality, they are likely to practice what they preach.
Originality/value
The paper proposes “ihsan ethics” based on Tawhidi worldview and Islamic moral axioms.
Details