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1 – 10 of 288Luiz Fernando Capretz, Faheem Ahmed, Shereef Al‐Maati and Zaher Al Aghbari
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of a pragmatic approach to components off‐the‐shelf (COTS)‐based development. Software product line (SPL) is at the forefront…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of a pragmatic approach to components off‐the‐shelf (COTS)‐based development. Software product line (SPL) is at the forefront among the techniques for reducing costs, decreasing schedule time, and ensuring commonality of features across a family of products – as COTS are reused in multiple products.
Design/methodology/approach
A disciplined process for SPL development is still needed. This paper proposes the Y‐model for COTS‐based SPL development. The model put forward identifies and elaborates the essential phases and activities of SPL development from COTS‐based repository.
Findings
The Y‐model provides an efficient way of integrating the approaches of SPL and COTS‐based development as a cohesive software development model.
Practical implications
The model has the potential to tremendously increase software engineers' productivity. Thus, software architects, domain engineers and component designers should become aware of how to use these ideas to structure their models and designs.
Originality/value
This paper describes a systematic approach for COTS‐based development that takes into account the cataloguing and retrieval of software assets permeating a process that encompasses all stages of software development, from system product requirements engineering to system deployment.
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Roy Majed Sinno, Graham Baldock, Kimberly Gleason and Zaher Zaher
The purpose of this paper is to describe the progression from trade-based money laundering to service-based money laundering using the Regulatory Dialectic Theory with an…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the progression from trade-based money laundering to service-based money laundering using the Regulatory Dialectic Theory with an explanation for the success of this progression arising from Agency Theory.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors provide a literature review regarding agency theory and the regulatory dialectic as the framework to examine service-based money laundering using three documented case studies. Using the caselet approach, this paper demonstrates that innovation in financial crime typologies is ongoing.
Findings
The short cases in this paper illustrate the factors related to the regulatory dialectic theory that have yielded innovation in service-based money laundering.
Research limitations/implications
This paper examines only three recent SBML innovations.
Practical implications
Service-based money laundering represents an incremental advancement in money laundering beyond trade-based money laundering, in part supported by agency conflicts between financial intermediaries and stakeholders.
Social implications
Managers and regulators should take into account that typologies will change as predicted by the regulatory dialectic and that the regulatory response can be burdensome to financial sector entities. This paper also provides recommendations for managers and regulators.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to uncover new innovations in SBML in a high-risk geographic region.
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Sara I. Abdelsalam, A. Magesh, P. Tamizharasi and A.Z. Zaher
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behavior of a non-Newtonian nanofluid caused by peristaltic waves along an asymmetric channel. Additionally considered is the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behavior of a non-Newtonian nanofluid caused by peristaltic waves along an asymmetric channel. Additionally considered is the production of thermal radiation and activation energy.
Design/methodology/approach
The equations of momentum, mass and temperature of Sutterby nanofluids are obtained for long wavelength. By taking into account the velocity, temperature and concentration, the formulation is further finished.
Findings
Analyses of the physical variables influencing flow features are represented graphically. The present investigation shows that an enhancement in the temperature ratio parameter results in an increase in both the temperature and concentration. The investigation also shows that the dimensionless reaction rate significantly raises the kinetic energy of the reactant, which permits more particle collisions and as a result, raises the temperature field.
Originality/value
Due to their importance in the treatment of cancer, activation energy and thermal radiation as a route of heat transfer are crucial and exciting phenomena for researchers. So, the cancer cells are killed, and tumors are reduced in size with heat and making hyperthermia therapy a cutting-edge cancer treatment.
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A.Z. Zaher, Khalid K. Ali and Kh. S. Mekheimer
The study of the electro-osmotic forces (EOF) in the flow of the boundary layer has been a topic of interest in biomedical engineering and other engineering fields. The purpose of…
Abstract
Purpose
The study of the electro-osmotic forces (EOF) in the flow of the boundary layer has been a topic of interest in biomedical engineering and other engineering fields. The purpose of this paper is to develop an innovative mathematical model for electro-osmotic boundary layer flow. This type of fluid flow requires sophisticated mathematical models and numerical simulations.
Design/methodology/approach
The effect of EOF on the boundary layer Williamson fluid model containing a gyrotactic microorganism through a non-Darcian flow (Forchheimer model) is investigated. The problem is formulated mathematically by a system of non-linear partial differential equations (PDEs). By using suitable transformations, the PDEs system is transformed into a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations subjected to the appropriate boundary conditions. Those equations are solved numerically using the finite difference method.
Findings
The boundary layer velocity is lower in the case of non-Newtonian fluid when it is compared with that for a Newtonian fluid. The electro-osmotic parameter makes an increase in the velocity of the boundary layer. The boundary layer velocity is lower in the case of non-Darcian fluid when it is compared with Darcian fluid and as the Forchheimer parameter increases the behavior of the velocity becomes more closely. Entropy generation decays speedily far away from the wall and an opposite effect occurs on the Bejan number behavior.
Originality/value
The present outcomes are enriched to give valuable information for the research scientists in the field of biomedical engineering and other engineering fields. Also, the proposed outcomes are hopefully beneficial for the experimental investigation of the electroosmotic forces on flows with non-Newtonian models and containing a gyrotactic microorganism.
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Hoda Sabry Othman, Maher A. El-Hashash, S.H. El-Sabbagh, A.A. Ward and Galal A.M. Nawwar
Calcium and Zinc lignates were proven to be good antioxidants for rubber composites. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the copper lignate antioxidant activity along with…
Abstract
Purpose
Calcium and Zinc lignates were proven to be good antioxidants for rubber composites. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the copper lignate antioxidant activity along with evaluating its electrical conductivity in rubber composites.
Design/methodology/approach
The antioxidant activity of the Cu-LSF complex was compared with that of standard commercial antioxidant additives as a green alternative. The rheological characteristics, thermal aging and mechanical and electrical properties were evaluated for the NBR vulcanizates containing the different antioxidants in the presence or absence of coupling agents.
Findings
Results revealed that the Cu-LSF complex (5 phr) can function as a compatibilizing, antioxidant and electrical conductivity agent.
Originality/value
The new copper complex prepared from paper-pulping black liquor of wastes could be used as a green antioxidant and electrical conductivity agent in rubber composites.
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Mohamed Marzouk and Mohamed Zaher
This paper aims to apply a methodology that is capable to classify and localize mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) elements to assist facility managers. Furthermore, it…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to apply a methodology that is capable to classify and localize mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) elements to assist facility managers. Furthermore, it assists in decreasing the technical complexity and sophistication of different systems to the facility management (FM) team.
Design/methodology/approach
This research exploits artificial intelligence (AI) in FM operations through proposing a new system that uses a deep learning pre-trained model for transfer learning. The model can identify new MEP elements through image classification with a deep convolutional neural network using a support vector machine (SVM) technique under supervised learning. Also, an expert system is developed and integrated with an Android application to the proposed system to identify the required maintenance for the identified elements. FM team can reach the identified assets with bluetooth tracker devices to perform the required maintenance.
Findings
The proposed system aids facility managers in their tasks and decreases the maintenance costs of facilities by maintaining, upgrading, operating assets cost-effectively using the proposed system.
Research limitations/implications
The paper considers three fire protection systems for proactive maintenance, where other structural or architectural systems can also significantly affect the level of service and cost expensive repairs and maintenance. Also, the proposed system relies on different platforms that required to be consolidated for facility technicians and managers end-users. Therefore, the authors will consider these limitations and expand the study as a case study in future work.
Originality/value
This paper assists in a proactive manner to decrease the lack of knowledge of the required maintenance to MEP elements that leads to a lower life cycle cost. These MEP elements have a big share in the operation and maintenance costs of building facilities.
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Mohamed Zaher, David Greenwood and Mohamed Marzouk
The purpose of this paper is to facilitate the process of monitoring construction projects. Classic practice for construction progress tracking relies on paper reports, which…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to facilitate the process of monitoring construction projects. Classic practice for construction progress tracking relies on paper reports, which entails a serious amount of manual data collection as well as the effort of imagining the actual progress from the paperwork.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a new methodology for monitoring construction progress using smartphones. This is done by proposing a new system consisting of a newly-developed application named “BIM-U” and a mobile augmented reality (AR) channel named “BIM-Phase”. “BIM-U” is an Android application that allows the end-user to update the progress of activities onsite. These data are used to update the project’s 4D model enhanced with different cost parameters such as earned value, actual cost and planned value. The “BIM-Phase” application is a mobile AR channel that is used during construction phase through implementing a 4D “as-planned” phased model integrated with an augmented video showing real or planned progress.
Findings
The results from the project are then analysed and assessed to anticipate the potential of these and similar techniques for tracking time and cost on construction projects.
Originality/value
The proposed system through “BIM-U” and “BIM Phase” exploits the potential of mobile applications and AR in construction through the use of handheld mobile devices to offer new possibilities for measuring and monitoring work progress using building information modelling.
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Keywords
Hoda Sabry Othman, Salwa H. El-Sabbagh and Galal A. Nawwar
In continuation to the previous work on copper (lignin/silica/fatty acids) (Cu-LSF) complex as a natural antioxidant/electrical conductivity agent for nitrile-butadiene rubber…
Abstract
Purpose
In continuation to the previous work on copper (lignin/silica/fatty acids) (Cu-LSF) complex as a natural antioxidant/electrical conductivity agent for nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), this study aims to perform further investigations for NBR vulcanizates loaded with different concentrations of Cu-LSF complex, including swelling behavior and hardness properties, as well as evaluating their thermal stability via thermogravimetric analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
The behavior of Cu-LSF complex in NBR matrix was compared with that of the standard commercial antioxidants (2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline/N-isopropyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine [TMQ/IPPD]).
Findings
Results revealed that Cu-LSF complex can act as an effective reinforcing and hardening agent, with exhibiting fluid resistance, even when compared with the commercial antioxidants. In comparison with the previous studies on its Zn and Ca analogues and their behavior in different rubber matrixes, Cu-LSF complex showed higher values of hardness and less susceptibility for swelling, respectively. Moreover, Cu-LSF antioxidant activity becomes in accordance with the previous work.
Originality/value
The new Cu-LSF complex could be used as a green alternative to the commercial antioxidants (TMQ/IPPD) with introducing further advantages to the rubber matrix, such as hardening, fluid resistance and thermal stability.
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Heba F. Zaher and Gilberto Marquez-Illescas
This paper aims to examine the existing literature on firms’ power through the lens of the supply chain and highlights some gaps that could be covered by future research.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the existing literature on firms’ power through the lens of the supply chain and highlights some gaps that could be covered by future research.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a systematic framework-based review combining the insights of the antecedents, decisions and outcomes (ADO) and theories, contexts and methods (TCM) frameworks. The review was carried out using a sample of 108 articles published between 1984 and 2022 in 25 prestigious journals.
Findings
The ADO framework maps out the state of the art of the antecedents of power (i.e. sources and types of firm power), the decision to use power and the effect that exercising power over other firms may have on firm performance and the quality of inter-firm relationships. In addition, this framework highlights factors that mediate or moderate the decision to exercise power and the factors that mediate or moderate the outcomes of exercising power or power asymmetry. The TCM framework provides insights into the theories, contexts (i.e. countries, industries, level of analysis and sources of data) and methods used by the existing literature. The content analysis using the aforementioned frameworks provides the basis to elaborate propositions for future research on power in the supply chain from the perspective of gender differences.
Research limitations/implications
This systematic literature review offers a comprehensive guide for researchers to understand the antecedents, decisions and outcomes of firm power in the supply chain, as well as the TCM used in the literature. The content analysis using frameworks provides a road map to investigate the proposed factors that might moderate the decision to exercise power and the outcome of exercising power or power asymmetry from the perspective of gender differences. In addition, based on content analysis, the authors make propositions about TCM that could be applied in future research.
Practical implications
From a practical perspective, this systematic literature review may help managers to better understand the sources and consequences of their firm’s power. This would allow managers to make better decisions when negotiating with their supply chain parties, which could potentially lead to better performance for their firms and the whole supply chain.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to conduct a comprehensive systematic literature review of the different dimensions of firms’ power in the supply chain.
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Mohamed Marzouk and Mohamed Zaher
Facility management gained profound importance due to the increasing complexity of different systems and the cost of operation and maintenance. However, due to the increasing…
Abstract
Purpose
Facility management gained profound importance due to the increasing complexity of different systems and the cost of operation and maintenance. However, due to the increasing complexity of different systems, facility managers may suffer from a lack of information. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new facility management approach that links segmented assets to the vital data required for managing facilities.
Design/methodology/approach
Automatic point cloud segmentation is one of the most crucial processes required for modelling building facilities. In this research, laser scanning is used for point cloud acquisition. The research utilises region growing algorithm, colour-based region-growing algorithm and Euclidean cluster algorithm.
Findings
A case study is worked out to test the accuracy of the considered point cloud segmentation algorithms utilising metrics precision, recall and F-score. The results indicate that Euclidean cluster extraction and region growing algorithm revealed high accuracy for segmentation.
Originality/value
The research presents a comparative approach for selecting the most appropriate segmentation approach required for accurate modelling. As such, the segmented assets can be linked easily with the data required for facility management.
Details