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Article
Publication date: 17 July 2017

Alireza Ahmadian F.F., Taha H. Rashidi, Ali Akbarnezhad and S. Travis Waller

Enhancing sustainability of the supply process of construction materials is challenging and requires accounting for a variety of environmental and social impacts on top of the…

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Abstract

Purpose

Enhancing sustainability of the supply process of construction materials is challenging and requires accounting for a variety of environmental and social impacts on top of the traditional, mostly economic, impacts associated with a particular decision involved in the management of the supply chain. The economic, environmental, and social impacts associated with various components of a typical supply chain are highly sensitive to project and market specific conditions. The purpose of this paper is to provide decision makers with a methodology to account for the systematic trade-offs between economic, environmental, and social impacts of supply decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a novel framework for sustainability assessment of construction material supply chain decisions by taking advantage of the information made available by customized building information models (BIM) and a number of different databases required for assessment of life cycle impacts.

Findings

The framework addresses the hierarchy of decisions in the material supply process, which consists of four levels including material type, source of supply, supply chain structure, and mode of transport. The application is illustrated using a case study.

Practical implications

The proposed framework provides users with a decision-making method to select the most sustainable material alternative available for a building component and, thus, may be of great value to different parties involved in design and construction of a building. The multi-dimensional approach in selection process based on various economic, environmental, and social indicators as well as the life cycle perspective implemented through the proposed methodology advocates the life cycle thinking and the triple bottom line approach in sustainability. The familiarity of the new generation of engineers, architects, and contractors with this approach and its applications is essential to achieve sustainability in construction.

Originality/value

A decision-making model for supply of materials is proposed by integrating the BIM-enabled life cycle assessment into supply chain and project constraints management. The integration is achieved through addition of a series of attributes to typical BIM. The framework is supplemented by a multi-attribute decision-making module based on the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution to account for the trade-offs between different economic and environmental impacts associated with the supply decisions.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 17 August 2018

Noraini Mahmad, R.M. Taha, Rashidi Othman, Sakinah Abdullah, Nordiyanah Anuar, Hashimah Elias and Norlina Rawi

The purpose of this paper is to validate the antimicrobial activity (both antibacterial and antifungal) of in vivo and in vitro ethanolic anthocyanin extracts of Clitoria ternatea

540

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to validate the antimicrobial activity (both antibacterial and antifungal) of in vivo and in vitro ethanolic anthocyanin extracts of Clitoria ternatea L. (vivid blue flower butterfly-pea) and Dioscorea alata L. (purple yam) against selected bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and fungi (Fusarium sp., Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma sp.).

Design/methodology/approach

The freeze-dried samples (0.2 g) from in vivo vivid blue flowers of C. ternatea L. were extracted using 10 mL ethanol (produced ethanolic red extraction) and 10 mL distilled water (produced aqueous blue extraction) separately. Two-month-old in vitro callus samples (0.2 g) were only extracted using 10 mL ethanol. The anthocyanin extractions were separated with the addition (several times) of ethyl acetate and distilled water (1:2:3) to remove stilbenoids, chlorophyll, less polar flavonoids and other non-polar compounds. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties were determined using agar diffusion technique. Three bacteria (B. subtilis, S. aureus and E. coli) and fungi (F. sp., A. niger and T. sp.) were streaked on bacteria agar and dextrose agar, respectively, using “hockey stick”. Then, the sterile paper discs (6 mm diameter) were pipetted with 20 µL of 1,010 CFU/mL chloramphenicol (as control for antibacterial) and carbendazim (as control for antifungal) in vivo and in vitro extracts. The plates were incubated at room temperature for 48 h, and the inhibition zones were measured.

Findings

Based on the results, both in vivo and in vitro ethanolic extracts from vivid blue flowers of C. ternatea L. showed the best antibacterial activity against the same bacteria (B. subtilis), 11 and 10 mm inhibition zones, respectively. However, different antifungal activity was detected in in vitro ethanolic callus extract (12 mm), which was against T. sp., contrary to in vivo ethanolic extract (10 mm), which was against F. sp.; antibacterial activity of D. alata L. was seen against the same bacteria (E. coli) with the highest inhibition zone for in vivo extract (8.8 mm), followed by in vitro extract (7.8 mm).

Research limitations/implications

Anthocyanins are responsible for the water soluble and vacuolar, pink, red, purple and blue pigments present in coloured plant pigments. These pigments (pink, red, purple and blue) are of important agronomic value in many crops and ornamental plants. However, anthocyanins are not stable and are easy to degrade and fade whenever exposed to light.

Social implications

Plant extracts containing bioactive agents with antimicrobial properties have been found to be useful in treating bacterial and fungal infections, as well as showed multiple antibiotic resistance.

Originality/value

Both in vivo and in vitro extracts from vivid blue flower petals (C. ternatea L.) and purple yam (D. alata L.) have important applications as natural antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) agents in the coating industry, instead of natural pharmaceutical products.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 47 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

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Article
Publication date: 18 October 2018

Hashimah Elias, Rosna Mat Taha, Nor Azlina Hasbullah, Rashidi Othman, Noraini Mahmad, Azani Saleh and Sakinah Abdullah

This paper aims to study the effect of different organic solvents on the extraction of pigments present in callus cultures of E. cinerascens.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effect of different organic solvents on the extraction of pigments present in callus cultures of E. cinerascens.

Design/methodology/approach

Attempts have been made to extract pigments from callus cultures through tissue culture system as an alternative replacement for conventional plant cultivation as tissue culture provides unlimited supplies of plant samples. Callus of E. cinerascens was induced from stem explant cultured in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with combination of 0.5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine and 0.5 mg/L α-naphthaleneacetic acid maintained under photoperiod of 16 h light and 8 h dark. Fresh samples of the callus were harvested and dissolved in various types and concentrations of solvents such as 100 per cent acetone, 80 per cent acetone, 95 per cent ethanol, 100 per cent methanol and 90 per cent methanol. Each of the mixtures was directly centrifuged to get clear supernatant containing pigments of interest. The pigments were detected and subsequently quantified via two simple techniques, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer and thin layer chromatography (TLC).

Findings

UV-Vis spectrophotometer detected two families of pigments present in the callus cultures, namely, carotenoids (carotene and xanthophyll) and tetrapyrroles (chlorophyll a and b). Pigment contents in various solvent extractions were estimated using spectroscopic quantification equations established. Through TLC, spots were seen on the plates, and Rf values of each spots were assessed to indicate the possible existence of carotenoids and tetrapyrroles.

Originality/value

This preliminary study offers significant finding for further advance research related on natural pigments extracted from E. cinerascens that would provide profits in the future applications, especially in food industry, medicine, agriculture, etc.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 47 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

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Article
Publication date: 21 August 2018

Nordiyanah Anuar, Rosna Mat Taha, Noraini Mahmad and Rashidi Othman

The purpose of the study is to identify the high valuable compounds which are crocin, crocetin and zeaxanthin in the stigmas and stamens of Crocus sativus grown under controlled…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to identify the high valuable compounds which are crocin, crocetin and zeaxanthin in the stigmas and stamens of Crocus sativus grown under controlled environment in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis were used to identify and measure crocin, crocetin and zeaxanthin content qualitatively and quantitatively in the stigmas and stamens of C. sativus grown under controlled environment in Malaysia.

Findings

The results of this study showed that crocin, crocetin and zeaxanthin were detected in the stigmas. However, among those three compounds, only crocetin was detected in the stamens. In the stigmas, the detectable level of crocin was high compared to crocetin and zeaxanthin. It was also found that crocetin was higher in the stamens compared to in the stigmas.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt in Malaysia that the stigmas and stamens were directly purified from the natural sources by means of no addition of preservatives as C. sativus has never been grown here before. Furthermore, limited reports are available regarding the identification of compounds in saffron stamens.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 47 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

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Article
Publication date: 23 November 2018

K. Ramesh and Sartaj Ahmad Eytoo

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the three fundamental flows (namely, both the plates moving in opposite directions, the lower plate is moving and other is at rest, and…

69

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the three fundamental flows (namely, both the plates moving in opposite directions, the lower plate is moving and other is at rest, and both the plates moving in the direction of flow) of the Ree-Eyring fluid between infinitely parallel plates with the effects of magnetic field, porous medium, heat transfer, radiation and slip boundary conditions. Moreover, the intention of the study is to examine the effect of different physical parameters on the fluid flow.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical modeling is performed on the basis of law of conservation of mass, momentum and energy equation. The modeling of the present problem is considered in Cartesian coordinate system. The governing equations are non-dimensionalized using appropriate dimensionless quantities in all the mentioned cases. The closed-form solutions are presented for the velocity and temperature profiles.

Findings

The graphical results are presented for the velocity and temperature distributions with the pertinent parameters of interest. It is observed from the present results that the velocity is a decreasing function of Hartmann number. Temperature increases with the increase of Ree-Eyring fluid parameter, radiation parameter and temperature slip parameter.

Originality/value

First time in the literature, the authors obtained closed-form solutions for the fundamental flows of Ree-Erying fluid between infinitely parallel plates with the effects of magnetic field, porous medium, heat transfer, radiation and slip boundary conditions. Moreover, the results of this paper are new and original.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

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Article
Publication date: 30 March 2023

Wilson Charles Chanhemo, Mustafa H. Mohsini, Mohamedi M. Mjahidi and Florence U. Rashidi

This study explores challenges facing the applicability of deep learning (DL) in software-defined networks (SDN) based campus networks. The study intensively explains the…

336

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores challenges facing the applicability of deep learning (DL) in software-defined networks (SDN) based campus networks. The study intensively explains the automation problem that exists in traditional campus networks and how SDN and DL can provide mitigating solutions. It further highlights some challenges which need to be addressed in order to successfully implement SDN and DL in campus networks to make them better than traditional networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a systematic literature review. Studies on DL relevant to campus networks have been presented for different use cases. Their limitations are given out for further research.

Findings

Following the analysis of the selected studies, it showed that the availability of specific training datasets for campus networks, SDN and DL interfacing and integration in production networks are key issues that must be addressed to successfully deploy DL in SDN-enabled campus networks.

Originality/value

This study reports on challenges associated with implementation of SDN and DL models in campus networks. It contributes towards further thinking and architecting of proposed SDN-based DL solutions for campus networks. It highlights that single problem-based solutions are harder to implement and unlikely to be adopted in production networks.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

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Article
Publication date: 4 September 2017

Laura Peña-Parás, Patricio García-Pineda, Demófilo Maldonado-Cortés, Gerardo Tadeo Garza and Jaime Taha-Tijerina

The purpose of this work is to investigate the effect of temperature on the extreme-pressure (EP) properties of CuO and TiO2 nanoparticle-filled polymeric lubricants for…

161

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to investigate the effect of temperature on the extreme-pressure (EP) properties of CuO and TiO2 nanoparticle-filled polymeric lubricants for metal-forming processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper studies the effect of nanoparticle additives of CuO and TiO2 on the load-carrying capacity of a metal-forming polymer lubricant used for deep-drawing at varying temperatures. EP measurements are performed with a four-ball tribotester according to the ITeE-PIB Polish method for testing lubricants under scuffing conditions. Tests are run at 25, 40, 60 and 75°C to further decrease the lubricant film thickness and determine the effect on the load-carrying capacity and the tribological mechanisms of nanoparticles. The tribological mechanisms of nanoparticles is studied using energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS).

Findings

Results indicate that nanoparticle additives increase the load-carrying capacity of the polymeric lubricant at all concentrations up to 60°C attributed to a mending effect and a reduction in the area of contact of moving surfaces; at 75°C, the improvement is lowered due to nanoparticle re-agglomeration. The best results are found with TiO2 nanoparticles due to their smaller size compared to CuO.

Practical implications

Nanoparticles of CuO and TiO2 are potential EP additives for metal-forming lubricants, providing protection to working components and extending tool life.

Originality/value

These results show the effectiveness and the tribological mechanisms of nanoparticle additives under EP conditions and increasing temperatures found in metal-forming processes.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 69 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

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Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Hanisah Ali, Saiful Anuar Karsani, Rashidi Othman and Jamilah Syafawati Yaacob

The purpose of the present study is to understand the role of auxin and cytokinin in stimulating the production of pigmented callus in Orthosiphon stamineus and to gain…

339

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to understand the role of auxin and cytokinin in stimulating the production of pigmented callus in Orthosiphon stamineus and to gain correlation between the callus colours with their antioxidant capacity and bioactive constituents.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, plant tissue culture was used to induce production of callus of various colours from leaf explants of O. stamineus, via manipulation of plant hormones (0-2.0 mg L−1 indole-3-acetic acid [IAA] and Kinetin [Kin]). The coloured callus was subjected to solvent extraction and used for quantification of its carotenoid, chlorophyll, anthocyanin and phenolic contents. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of the extracts was also evaluated, before and after four weeks of storage at −20°C.

Findings

The highest mean (per cent) explants that produced roots (93.33 ± 0.05 per cent) were observed when the cultures were supplemented with 2.0 mg L−1 IAA. The colour of the callus changed with time, from green to cream to brown after two and four months of culture, respectively. Optimum production of green callus was achieved with addition of 2.0 mg L−1 Kin plus 1.0-2.0 mg L−1 IAA to the media, while cream callus in 0.5 mg L−1 Kin plus 2.0 mg L−1 IAA and brown callus in 0.5 mg L−1 Kin plus 1.5 mg L−1 IAA. Green callus was found to contain the highest amount of chlorophylls, carotenoid and anthocyanin, while cream callus contained the highest amount of phenolic compounds. The amount of pigments and secondary metabolites in the callus extracts decreased after four weeks of storage, except anthocyanin. The antioxidant potential of the extracts also increased after storage.

Research limitations/implications

The major compounds identified in the methanolic extracts of O. stamineus-coloured callus are chlorophylls, carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Future research work should include improvements in the extraction and identification methods which may lead to detection of other compounds that could attribute to the antioxidant capacity, to complement the findings of the current study.

Practical implications

This analysis provides valuable information on the application of IAA and Kinetin (Kin) to manipulate the content of major pigments with medicinal benefits in O. stamineus by using the plant tissue culture system.

Originality/value

A comparative study on antioxidant capacity and bioactive constituents of pigmented callus from O. stamineus leaves is original. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt of comparative evaluation on antioxidant potential of O. stamineus-coloured callus produced using IAA and Kin.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 47 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

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Article
Publication date: 26 November 2024

Mohammad Nabeel Almrafee

This study aims to understand the potential influence of several factors that may affect females’ intentions to undergo breast cancer screening (BCS) in Jordan.

18

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand the potential influence of several factors that may affect females’ intentions to undergo breast cancer screening (BCS) in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

A positivistic research methodology was used with the aim of gathering and interpreting the data quantitatively. A questionnaire was created and given to the selected respondents. Females who were at least 18 years old made up the study’s population. In addition, using a sample size of n = 237 was warranted and appropriate. Data were collected from Karak, Tafilah, Aqaba and Ma’an, four cities in southern Jordan. Smart partial least squares version 4.0.9.2 and SPSS version 26 have been used for data analysis.

Findings

The findings showed that attitudes, subjective norms, disease susceptibility and cues-to-action among females have a significant impact on their intention to undergo BCS. Whilst, the benefits of using BCS have not been shown to have a substantial impact on females’ intentions to undergo BCS. Furthermore, this study indicated that there were no significant differences between females’ intention to conduct BCS and the control variables (age and education).

Research limitations/implications

There are specific restrictions in place. First, although the study’s sample size of respondents was adequate, it would be advantageous to have a larger sample size in the future to improve the reliability of the results. Second, the BCS behavior in Jordan’s southern cities was the sole subject of this study. Therefore, it would be beneficial to also explore other areas of Jordan. Third, only female candidates for BCS were examined in this study. It might be necessary to do a more thorough investigation to find the obstacles preventing them from performing the test. Fourth, the current study did not analyze the actual behavior required to perform the BCS test; instead, it sought to understand females’ intentions for undergoing the test. Therefore, it would be beneficial to research actual female behavior toward BCS in the future. The current study also used a quantitative research methodology. Therefore, more study is required using qualitative techniques like focus groups, interviews and brainstorming to better understand females’ intentions toward BCS.

Originality/value

According to the author’s best knowledge, this study marks the first effort to highlight behavioral intentions toward performing BCS in the Jordanian context. In addition, by incorporating extra factors obtained from the health belief model within the context of BCS behavior, the current study broadens the theory of reasoned action. This can be viewed as a significant contribution to the subject’s theoretical foundations. Besides, the current study incorporated demographic characteristics and used them as a control variable. This can be seen as another contribution to the literature on health-care marketing in the case of BCS.

Details

International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6123

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Article
Publication date: 29 July 2021

A. A. Alanazi, Sultan Z. Alamri, S. Shafie and Shazirawati Mohd Puzi

The purpose of this paper is to obtain the nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLSE) numerical solutions in the presence of the first-order chromatic dispersion using a second-order…

166

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain the nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLSE) numerical solutions in the presence of the first-order chromatic dispersion using a second-order, unconditionally stable, implicit finite difference method. In addition, stability and accuracy are proved for the resulting scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

The conserved quantities such as mass, momentum and energy are calculated for the system governed by the NLSE. Moreover, the robustness of the scheme is confirmed by conducting various numerical tests using the Crank-Nicolson method on different cases of solitons to discuss the effects of the factor considered on solitons properties and on conserved quantities.

Findings

The Crank-Nicolson scheme has been derived to solve the NLSE for optical fibers in the presence of the wave packet drift effects. It has been founded that the numerical scheme is second-order in time and space and unconditionally stable by using von-Neumann stability analysis. The effect of the parameters considered in the study is displayed in the case of one, two and three solitons. It was noted that the reliance of NLSE numeric solutions properties on coefficients of wave packets drift, dispersions and Kerr nonlinearity play an important control not only the stable and unstable regime but also the energy, momentum conservation laws. Accordingly, by comparing our numerical results in this study with the previous work, it was recognized that the obtained results are the generalized formularization of these work. Also, it was distinguished that our new data are regarding to the new communications modes that depend on the dispersion, wave packets drift and nonlinearity coefficients.

Originality/value

The present study uses the first-order chromatic. Also, it highlights the relationship between the parameters of dispersion, nonlinearity and optical wave properties. The study further reports the effect of wave packet drift, dispersions and Kerr nonlinearity play an important control not only the stable and unstable regime but also the energy, momentum conservation laws.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 31 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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