An empirical investigation of total quality management in Libya: a proposed guideline of implementation

Rapid socio-economic and technological changes have urged the implementation of new approaches to procure construction projects. Total Quality Management (TQM) is one of the approaches that contribute towards ensuring that projects are being delivered to the stakeholder requirements. This study identifies critical success factors (CSFs) that affect the implementation of TQM in the Libyan Construction Industry (LCI) and develops guidelines which help companies implement and maintain quality management systems. To achieve these aims, the research employed both quantitative and qualitative methods. Based on a thorough review of literature, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to 200 managers. Data from 130 completed questionnaires were then analysed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), which reveals the internal structure of the data in a way that explains the dimensions of TQM implementation in LCI. The results identify five reliable and valid TQM dimensions, namely organisation management, communication to improve quality, training and development, employee involvement and recognition, and culture. Supported by relevant literature and interviews with a number of managers, they provide the basis for developing the guideline for successful implementation of TQM in Libyan construction companies

Effect of Density on Critical Depth of Liquefaction in a Soil Deposit Containing Double Loose Sand Lenses

Large surface deformations due to liquefaction have been observed in many soil deposits which seem to feature good geotechnical characteristics. These deformations are often caused by the liquefaction of sand layers surrounded by clayey or silty soils called “sand lenses”. Liquefaction potential often decreases with increasing of depth. Hence, a specific depth of embedment of the lenses can be defined below which liquefaction would unlikely happen or the consequential surface deformation would be negligible. This depth is called critical depth. This research aims at studying the effects of the relative density of the sand within the lenses on the critical depth of liquefaction in a soil deposit containing double sand lenses. The soil deposit is simulated in plane strain condition using the computer code, FLAC (Version 4), which is based on finite difference method. Soil deformation, hysteresis loops, shear strain, shear stress, pore water pressure and effective stress in the sand lenses have been plotted during seismic loading. Results indicate that critical depth is strongly dependent on the relative density of the sand. The rate of change of the critical depth versus the standard penetration test number decreases with increasing relative density

Investigation possibility culture of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei with brackish water of Caspian Sea in Mazandaran Province

Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus Vannamei) is one of the most important species for aquaculture development, because of tolerance and adaptation to different ecological conditions. The aim of this study was determine the bionormative parameters of vannamei shrimp culture using Caspian Sea brakish water in Mazandaran province and also possibility of introduction a new aquatic species for rearing in Mazandaran province. The Shrimp vannamei reared with the brackish water (10±0.43ppt) of the Caspian Sea in Mazandaran province and the Caspian Sea Ecological Research Iinstitute in summer 1391, 1393 and 1394. In this study, were evaluated the effect of different densities (45/m^2, 50/m^2, 55/m^2 and 60/m^2) primary stock whiteleg shrimp postlarvae (PL12) on the growth, survival rate and also population structure of phytoplankton in shrimp vannamei. Initially, post larvae in brackish water were gradually adopted. The density of 35 per square pieces in an earthen pond (1000m^2) was stocking. The rearing time was 85 days. Average daily growths: 0.31±0.037g; final mean weight: 21.11±0.71; Feed conversion ratio: 0.79 and final yield: 531kg were determined. In addition the experiment of 1391, the results of Mazandaran province vannamei shrimp culture, were observed in 1393 and 1394, the average weight average daily growing and FCR % were 20-18 g and 0.68 - 0.77 respectively during 90 days culture period with harvesting of 40 PL /m^2 at cement culture pond. The experiments of effect of different densities were performed separately in 1391, in 12 circular concrete pound with a sandy bed (area: 78m^2) in the four treatments and three replications for each treatment. The experiments performed in a 75-day period. During the test, the water temperature was 27.4±1.79°C. The results showed that growth parameters and survival rate in experimental treatments, there was a statistically different (Duncan test, P<0.05). Thus, with high levels of density, the amount of weight gain and survival rate (SR), specific growth rate (SGR) and daily growth rate (ADG) has decreased. In addition, the treatments were different variations of FCR (P<0.05) and not depend on the primary stock density of postlarvae. The highest growth (SGR=11±0.04 and ADG=0.25±0.01) and survival rate and calculate the amount of production per hectare (5596±433) were observed in low density (45m2). In this study identified 20 genera of phytoplankton from five division of the Phytoplankton. Phylum Cyanophyta, with 30 percent of the identified genera that much more constituted. And the phylum Chlorophyta with 25 percent, of Bacillariophyta 20 percent Pyrrophyta 20 percent and Euglenophyta 5 percent had the lowest frequency. Chlorophyta with 25 percent allocated to the division, with 20 percent of Bacillariophyta, with 20 percent of the division; Pyrrophyta Euglenophyta division with 5 percent had the lowest frequency. Euglenophyta phylum was identified as a species. Therefore, based on acquired results, was observed that, vannamie shrimp was reared well using Caspian Sea brakish water in Mazandaran province. In addition, it seems that, vannamei shrimp was gained better results in Mazandaran province compared to other provinces, because of suitable water salinity

Physico-chemical parameters and aquatic investigation in Tajan River and identification of effects on destroytion its

This project was carried out for one year in 1994-1995. Tajan River originated from Alborz Mountain and passes from sari city, and then entered into Caspian Sea. In this study 14 physical and chemical factors surveyed. This survey demonstrated that water quality in milk factory and kilka factory was more than standard. With utilization of water in agriculture period and dry of river, caused to increasing of chloride, total hardness, Ca^++, Mg^++ in estuary. This issue obtained to mixture of fresh water and saline water in estuary. In the survey of the river phytoplankton, 92 species identified that belong to 41 genus and five phyla. The Chrysophyta has more variation and density. Zoo plankton of river included in Protozoa, Rotaria, Cladocera and Copepoda, also the meroplankton such as Lamellibanchiate and Cirripedia observed. The high species variation is relative to protozoa but copepoda has high density and biomass. The five classes of zoobenthos observed in Tajan river such as Bivalvia, Crustacea, Arachnoids, Oligochaeta and insecta. The insecta class has six order and 22 families that Diptera order from insecta class has high variation. The river fishes are belonging to 23 species, 18 genus and eight families. The highest variation observed in station 4 in estuary that 17 species identified in this area. Ths seasonal stations situated in tributary river, station 5 (Zarem rood) has high variation and station 7 (Khormabad river) has important for salmo truta fario habitat

The survey of diversity, distribution and abundance of phytoplankton in the southern of Caspian Sea

The survey sampled during the fourth stage of the season was in 1387. Sampling in eight directions perpendicular (transect) to the beach and 480 samples was performed. In each transect from Astara to the Turkmen 5 stations at depths of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 m were selected for sampling. The total number of 191 species was identified; Bacillariophyta category species number was 97, equivalent to %50.8, category of Chlorophyta 28 species, equivalent to %14.7, category of Pyrrophyta 26 species, equivalent to 13.6 %, category of Cyanophyta 25 species, equivalent to 13.1% and category of Euglenophyta 15 species, equivalent to 7.9% of all species formed. Average abundance of phytoplankton was 27947500(SD=2465184) n/m^3. The average biomass was 125.51(SD=8.84) mg/m^3. Abundance and biomass in spring and summer, autumn and winter have been significant differences (p <0.05). The highest frequency was in winter, autumn, summer respectively and spring was (p <0.05) and the highest biomass in winter, fall, spring and summer was respectively (p <0.05). Bacillariophyta category has the highest abundance equal to 14390833 ± 16262.35 n/m^3 (mean ± standard error) were equivalent to %51.49 of the total abundance, Euglenophyta category has the least density equal to 109791 ± 16262.14 n/m^3 (mean ± standard error), which is equivalent to % 0.39 of total abundance were included. Also Pyrrophyta category has the highest biomass equal to 69.66 ± 5.53 mg/m^3 (standard error ± mean) were equivalent to %53.14 of the total biomass and Chlorophyta category with an average of 0.68 ± 0.11 mg/m^3 (mean ± standard error) have the lowest biomass, were equivalent to %0.54 of the total. Phytoplankton Categories in every season, with biomass and abundance have been different (p <0.05). Abundance and phytoplankton biomass in the upper layer and lower layer varies with depth of 50 meters (p <0.05). With distance from shore and depth increases, reducing the mean abundance and biomass were observed (p <0.05). The highest and lowest abundance of phytoplankton was observed at depths of 10 and 100 meters respectively. The maximum amount of phytoplankton biomass in surface areas of deep stations 20 m and the lowest biomass sampled at the deepest point of the station was 100 meters. Abundance and biomass of phytoplankton in the deep layers of the sample with significant difference (p<0.05). So that the highest abundance layers of 10 m, the surface layer of 5 m, 20 m, 50 m and 100 m, respectively(p <0.05), and the most biomass in the surface layers of 5 m, 20 m, 10 m, 50 and 100 meters, respectively (p <0.05). Abundance and biomass of phytoplankton in transects was significant difference (p <0.05). Most phytoplankton respectively transect Astara, Babolsar, Anzali Amirabad, Turkmen, Sefidrud, Noshahr, Branch was observed (p <0.05) and in terms of biomass, respectively transects Astara, Anzali, Sefidrud, Babolsar, Noushahr, Branch, Amirabad and Turkmen values were higher (p <0.05). Species diversity indexe (Shannon – Wiener) phytoplankton was equivalent to 2.92. Environmental conditions and nutrients in different seasons on these parameters influenced the way that species diversity was lowest in summer and in autumn, winter, and spring, respectively, species diversity increased

The survey of diversity, distribution and abundance of phytoplankton in the southern part of the Caspian Sea

The Study of phytoplankton in the Caspian Sea was substantially started in the 1990s with the aim to produce and record data. phytoplankton study in this area became more important because of the occurance of some ecological events in recent years (such as bloom and arrival invader species). The study was seasonally conducted in western (Giulan province) to eastern coast (Golestan province) at 8 transects (Astra, Anzali, Sefidrud, Tonekabon, Nowshahr, Babolsar, Amirabad and Bandar Turkman) from inshore (5 m depth) to offshore (100 m). 476 samples were collected to study quantification and qualification of phytoplankton in 2009-2010. Results showed that 195 species of phytoplankton were identified in 8 phylums which were classified to Bacillariophyta (81 species), Pyrrophyta (33 species), Cyanophyta (28 species), Chlorophyta (38 species), Euglenophyt (11 species), Xantophyta (1 species), Chrysophyta (2 species) and Haptophyta (1 species). Abundance and biomass of phytoplankton were significantly different between euphotic layer (0 to 20m depths) and aphotic layer (50 to 100m depths) (p0.05). In spring, Bacillariophyta and Pyrrophyta with 40% and 29% of total abundance were dominant phylum at euphotic layer. In fall, Bacillariophyta (57% of total abundance) and Cyanophyta (28% of total abundance) were the first and second dominant phyla. While in summer and winter the predominant phyla was made by Cyanophyta (92% of total abundance) and Bacillariophyta (94% of total abundance) respectively. Species richness in western, central and eastern regions was 119, 141 and 147 respectively. Shannon index was 2.39 and 2.04 at euphotic layer and below photic layer, respectively. Shannon and evenness indices in eastern region was lower than western and central regions. Meanwhile, Shannon index in spring and autmn (2.50 and 2.39) was higher than summer and winter (0.21 and 0.36). In photic layer, dominant species were Stephanodiscus hantzschii Chrysochromulina sp. and Exuviaella cordata in spring. While Oscillatoria sp. was the predominant species in summer. In fall, dominant species contained Thalassionema nitzschioides and Oscillatoria sp. Finally, Pseudonitzschia seriata and Cerataulina pelagica made the most abundance species in winter. The dominant species in the below phoyic layer was very similar to photic layer. The mean abundance of Pseudonitzschia seriata , Oscillatoria sp. and Dactyliosolen fragilissima was higher than other species in all regions of study area (west, middle and east). Seasonal succession of dominant species were under the influence of natural factors such as sunlight, heat, river currents, wind and vertical mixing of water. However it seems that the invasion of ctenophore into Caspian Sea (with change in nutrient levels and decline of phytoplankton predator) and also human activities (i.e. water balance of ships and discharge of sewage) are severely impact on seasonal dominant species, pattern of species composition and relative abundance of species. These changes mainly accompany with appearance of new and harmful species (with the ability of severe proliferation) and displacement of native and dwell species

Limnologic study Sabalan run off Dam for aquaculture fish cold water

Limnological study of Sabalan run off Damfor aquaculture cold water fish was conducted in sixtimesat four stations from July to December 2009. Average minimum and maximum parameters measured in different stations were included water temperature, dissolved Oxygen, total hardness, electrical conductivity, pH, BOD5, COD, TDS, NH4, NO2, NO3, PO4, TN, TP, SiO2, respectively (10/3±9/5-14±8/7°C), (9±1/2-11/4±2/1 mg/liter), (367±19/8-381±17/8mg/liter), (0/95±0/07-1/05±0/07 mz/cm), (8/3±0/1-8/4±0/1), (3/3±1/14-3/88 ± 0/71mg/ liter), (15/5 ± 3/1-16/3 ± 3 mg/liter), (0/48 ± 0/04-0/54 ± 0/06mg/ liter), (0/08 ± 0/02-0/13 ± 0/07 mg/liter), (0/004 ± 0/003- 0/05 ± 0/1 mg/ liter), (0/6 ± 0/2-0/64 ± 0/29 mg/ liter), (0/19 ± 0/07-0/22 ± 0/07 mg/ liter), (10/48 ± 0/6-10/98 ± 0/54mg/liter), (0/39 ± 0/11-0/44 ± 0/18 mg/liter), and(9/9 ±0/6-11/1 ± 1/4 mg/liter). Average minimum and maximum of water heavy metalswas included of Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cuand Ni respectively was measured as ND(No Deliver), ND, ND- 0/242, ND- 1/075, ND- 0/018 and ND-0/014inmg/ liter. Also among the 16 organochlorinecom pounds measured the highest amount of was belonged totoxin Hexachlorine Benzene (1/5 mg/ liter). The results of the analysis of water quality parameters showed that parameters except ofCOD, TDS, PO4, TP, Zn, Fe and water temperature, other parameters do not haveany restrictions foraquaculturecold water fish in therunoffDam. Based on data results it was noticed that there was temperature restriction up to November at downstream and station 2 showed less temperature fluctuation and more suitable condition compared to other stations. BOD5 value was within the allowable range for growing trout, in which station 2 somewhat with lower volatility of value had the most suitable BOD5 condition. In the present study, the amount of TDS in the study area was somewhat higher than the limitation and since TDS values increased with distance from the dam, therefore station 2 had somewhat better conditions for fish farming. In addition the amount of EC in the study area, indicating the inappropriateness of it for various activities in the fisheries. Although none of the stations in terms of the amount of phosphorus didn't show favorable conditions for rainbow trout fish propagation, it appears between the researches stations, station 2 had the most favorable terms. The results of this study (regardless of the unseen), it seems that in August and September; Zn had overestimated value for cold fish propagation. Recent study showed that among heavy metals, Fe in water, sediments and fish was over limitation value. Also, Fe value was measured of 1.08 at station 4, which showed over normal value for cold fish propagation. Therefore, station 2 at downstream seemed to have suitable cold fish propagation due to lower Fe value. On the based on the recent study, planktonic biological index did not endorse water quality for fish propagation. In this study, aquatic plant such as Potamogeton pectinatus and Pheragmitie saustralis was found at water of higher and somehow polluted organic matter. Probably, based on the results it was noticed that downstream water of dam was polluted to organic matter. At the recent study, resisted maroinvertebrates to organic matter (Chironomidae) was consisted noticeable frequency compared to other sensitive invertebrates to organic matter (EPT).Statistically, it can be expressed that probably organic pollution resulted to increase of resistance invertebrates and decreased of sensitive groups. In recent study, EPT/CHIR index was measured 0.6 in station 2 and 1.74 in station 4. This ration was less to many other mountain rivers. As ETP sensitive invertebrates has higher sensitive to other groups with the regards of environmental condition and pollution, unpredicted increase of Chironomidae compare to sensitive groups resulted of EPT/CHIR value which showed environmental stress. In this study, HFBI index was measured as 7.49 at station 2 and 7 in station 4. Based on HFBI index, station 2 was classified as a high organic pollution and station 4 with noticeable organic pollution. At the recent study, station 2 was catch more fish to station4. For instance, Squaliuscephalus and Alburnoides pinctatus were catch in station 2 and were not found in station 4. As a whole, Biological indicators whichwas included Plankton Bioindicator, EPT / CHIR. ,Hilsenh off Biological Indicator, diversity and distribution ofaquatic plants and fish, showed water situation in run off Damrich inorganic matter. Finally, the study area was approved for fish farm about 50 tons and needs management arrangements with the increased production rate

Pattern recognition receptors in immune disorders affecting the skin.

Contains fulltext : 109004.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) evolved to protect organisms against pathogens, but excessive signaling can induce immune responses that are harmful to the host. Putative PRR dysfunction is associated with numerous immune disorders that affect the skin, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome, and primary inflammatory skin diseases including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. As yet, the evidence is often confined to genetic association studies without additional proof of a causal relationship. However, insight into the role of PRRs in the pathophysiology of some disorders has already resulted in new therapeutic approaches based on immunomodulation of PRRs

Effect of geocell-reinforced sand base on bearing capacity of twin circular footings

The presence of a rigid layer underlying a soil bed layer supporting twin footings affects the footing bearing capacity and settlement. In this study, the bearing capacity and settlement of twin large-scale circular footings on unreinforced and geocell-reinforced sand layers with various thicknesses are investigated. The role of layer thickness, distance between two adjacent footings, and footing diameter indicates that the rigid base substantially influences the footing bearing pressure, settlement and tilt. The results show that the maximum bearing capacity is achieved when two footings are in contact and the rigid base is at shallow depth. The influence of the footing interference on settlement and tilting of closely spaced footings at a given load decreases with decreasing depth of rigid base and reinforcing the sand with geocells. This is observed for rigid bases located at less than about 2B, where B is the footing diameter