Experimental Study on Fractional Replacement of Cement with Waste Paper Pulp in Concrete

This study is about waste paper pulp from paper industries to be employed as a fractional substitution of cement in concrete at varying percentages to access its properties and performance. To evaluate the fresh property of concrete, slump cone test was conducted. The concrete compressive strength test (CST) was evaluated by testing 36 cubes of side 150mm. Twelve concrete cylinder specimens of ‘diameter 150mm and height 300mm’ were cast to evaluate the split tensile strength (STS) and twelve specimens of size ‘150mm x 150mm x 700mm’ were cast to find out the modulus of rupture (MOR) of concrete. The slump value showed an indirect correlation with the increment in the percentage of waste paper pulp.  The 28th day strength tests revealed that the compressive strength was increased by 15.5% for a 10% substitution of cement. The compressive strength was nearly the same for 5% substitution and there was a fall in compressive strength by 16.67% for 15% substitution. The tensile strength was increased by a maximum of 7.5% for 5% substitution of cement and it decreased progressively after 10% substitution. Flexural strength was increased by about 10.89% for 5% substitution, 2.5% for 10% substitution and a decrease in flexural strength of about 13.9% for 15% substitution was observed. Thus, it was concluded that fractional substitution of cement by waste paper pulp can be achieved by 5% for optimum results. The 5% substitution of cement may yield an economic and environment-friendly concrete construction

Synthesis and in vitro antimicrobial evaluation of 5-amino-7-aryl-6-cyano-4H- pyrano[3,2,b]pyrrole derivatives catalyzed by reusable ZrOCl2•8H2O

An efficient synthesis of a new series of 5-amino-7-aryl-6-cyano-4H-pyrano[3,2-b]pyrrole derivatives from the reaction of 3-hydroxypyrrole, malononitrile, and various aromatic aldehydes using ZrOCl2·8H2O, an environmentally friendly catalyst under a thermal solvent-free green procedure is described. This simple protocol offer advantages such as shorter reaction times, simple work-up and excellent yield. The catalyst ZrOCl2·8H2O can be reused. The reusability of the catalyst has been studied for the synthesis of 5-amino-7-aryl-6-cyano-4H-pyrano[3,2-b]pyrrole. All the compounds were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activity.KEY WORDS: ZrOCl2·8H2O, Pyranopyrrole, Malononitrile, 3-Hydroxypyrrole, Solvent-freeBull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2014, 28(1), 91-100.DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v28i1.11<w:LsdExc

MARKETING OF GREEN PRODUCTS AND ITS UNDERLYING PRACTICES

According to the American marketing Association green marketing is the marketing of products that are presumed to be environmentally safe. Every company has its own favorite marketing mix. Companies that develop new and improved products and services with environment inputs in mind give themselves access to new markets, increase their profit sustainability, and enjoy a competitive advantage over the companies which are not concerned for the environment. This study discusses the manufacturers green marketing practices and analyze the respondents’ views about Green Marketing Practices. The researcher has selected 149 units, as samples selected through Proportionate Stratified Random sampling method. The researcher uses the interview schedule instrument to collect the data from the respondents. The main objectives of the study is consists, to know the awareness level of respondents about green marketing practices and which factor more accounted to adopt green marketing practices into their business. Therefore, to know the perception level on the green marketing practices; There are 30 statements observed by the researcher which are relevant and accounted for green marketing practices. The factor analysis technique applied for the purpose of extracting the latent factors accounted for green marketing practices. From the results of factor analysis, “business ethics” factor is high loading factor to influence the sampled respondents to adopt green marketing practices. Another thing should be noted that most of the respondents in the study very aware of green marketing and its practices. Finally the researcher offers suggestion for improvement of green marketing practices

Charge scheduling optimization of plug-in electric vehicle in a PV powered grid-connected charging station based on day-ahead solar energy forecasting in Australia

Optimal charge scheduling of electric vehicles in solar-powered charging stations based on day-ahead forecasting of solar power generation is proposed in this paper. The proposed algorithm’s major objective is to schedule EV charging based on the availability of solar PV power to minimize the total charging costs. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm is validated for a small-scale system with a capacity of 3.45 kW and a single charging point, and the annual cost analysis is carried out by modelling a 65 kWp solar-powered EV charging station The reliability and cost saving of the proposed optimal scheduling algorithm along with the integration and the solar PV system is validated for a charging station with a 65 kW solar PV system having charging points with different charging powers. A comprehensive comparison of uncontrolled charging, optimal charging without solar PV system, and optimal charging with solar PV system for different vehicles and different time slots are presented and discussed. From the results, it can be realized that the proposed charging algorithm reduces the overall charging cost from 10−20% without a PV system, and while integrating a solar PV system with the proposed charging method, a cost saving of 50−100% can be achieved. Based on the selected location, system size, and charging points, it is realized that the annual charging cost under an uncontrolled approach is AUS $28,131. On the other hand, vehicle charging becomes completely sustainable with net-zero energy consumption from the grid and net annual revenue of AUS$28,134.445 can be generated by the operator. New South Wales (NSW), Australia is selected as the location for the study. For the analysis Time-Of-Use pricing (ToUP) scheme and solar feed-in tariff of New South Wales (NSW), Australia is adopted, and the daily power generation of the PV system is computed using the real-time data on an hourly basis for the selected location. The power forecasting is carried out using an ANN-based forecast model and is developed using MATLAB and trained using the Levenberg−Marquardt algorithm. Overall, a prediction accuracy of 99.61% was achieved using the selected algorithm

Addressing the unmet clinical need for low-volume assays in early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

The incidental detection of pancreatic cysts, an opportunity for the early detection of pancreatic cancer, is increasing, owing to an aging population and improvements in imaging technology. The classification of pancreatic cystic precursors currently relies on imaging and cyst fluid evaluations, including cytology and protein and genomic analyses. However, there are persistent limitations that obstruct the accuracy and quality of information for clinicians, including the limited volume of the complex, often acellular, and proteinaceous milieu that comprises pancreatic cyst fluid. The constraints of currently available clinical assays lead clinicians to the subjective and inconsistent application of diagnostic tools, which can contribute to unnecessary surgery and missed pancreatic cancers. Herein, we describe the pathway toward pancreatic cyst classification and diagnosis, the volume requirements for several clinically available diagnostic tools, and some analytical and diagnostic limitations for each assay. We then discuss current and future work on novel markers and methods, and how to expand the utility of clinical pancreatic cyst fluid samples. Results of ongoing studies applying SERS as a detection mode suggest that 50 µL of pancreatic cyst fluid is more than sufficient to accurately rule out non-mucinous pancreatic cysts with no malignant potential from further evaluation. This process is expected to leave sufficient fluid to analyze a follow-up, rule-in panel of markers currently in development that can stratify grades of dysplasia in mucinous pancreatic cysts and improve clinical decision-making

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

A Critical Review of the Oxford Q-Skills Placement Test at A Saudi Arabian University

There is a genuine need to ascertain Saudi Arabian university entrants' English language abilities upon admission. In order to accurately determine the English language levels of students, this study evaluates the Q-Skills Placement Test (QSPT) designed by Oxford University through the most recent evaluative model in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL); the Cambridge VRIPQ (2013) model. The data used to evaluate the efficacy and predictive power of the QSPT is obtained through both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitatively, the QSPT results are statistically analyzed, whilst from a qualitative approach, interviews, and focus group discussions with teachers and students provide depth and insight. The strengths and weaknesses of the placement test are discussed here from a critical perspective with a view towards the improvement of the test. Although the test proved to be valid, it lacked the acknowledgement of the students' context and was not able to discriminate accurately for students who scored less than 30% on the test

Theoretical Antecedent of Customer Relationship Management of Banks in India

This paper has attempted to study the theoretical antecedents of CRM in banks and validate the instrument scale for CRM especially for customer perspective. The researcher has developed the hypothetical model of CRM Practices for banks. Due to insufficient literature in CRM model development study, the researcher has concentrated universal study to focus and form the study conundrum. The research design of the present study is both descriptive and empirical in nature. The sample was identified with the help of online sample service portal. The study data collected with the sample size of 384 with judgment sampling method. At the time of analyzing the data for envisage the results the researcher applies training and hold out sample method was adopted for better results. To achieve the validity aspects of scale used for this study evaluated with factor analysis. Both factor analysis methods were adopted. To check the existing theory latent construct Exploratory Factor Analysis is conducted and its results validated through Confirmatory Factor Analysis. At the end of the process the researcher offers recommendation for better development and practices for CRM in banks of India