Enhancing the application of the Environmental Management System (EMS) in the UAE aluminium industry

Aluminium is widely used in all UAE construction related projects. However, the sustainability and the environmental performance of the aluminium production process is questionable. The production of this metal is associated with many environmental impacts, such as intensive energy consumption, emission of greenhouse gases, and generation of waste, which impacts the sustainable production of aluminium. One of the sustainable solutions is to create a sustainable metal whilst also making a positive net impact on the environment over the life cycle of aluminium products. Environment Management System (EMS) is proposed as an effective tool to control environmental impacts and improve the environmental performance of UAE upstream aluminium production industry. The question that this study tries to answer is how to effectively implement the EMS in order to control and manage the environmental and sustainability aspects of the UAE aluminium industry. This study reveals several gaps in the implementation of the EMS in the UAE aluminium industry such as inconsistent leadership commitment, weak communication, and poor environmental training quality. The aim of this study is to propose a framework for enhancing the implementation of the EMS in UAE aluminium industry. Firstly, the aim is achieved through conducting a questionnaire to identify external and internal factors affecting the implementation of EMS and diagnose its current status. Secondly, a case study is formulated to verify the findings obtained through the questionnaire by collecting on-site observations and conducting interviews of management and operational staff. Thirdly, a framework for effective implementation of EMS in UAE aluminium industry is proposed based on the elements found during the questionnaire and the case study stages. Finally, a robust qualitative and quantitative validation process of the proposed framework is conducted to achieve the final EMS framework output. The proposed EMS framework for UAE aluminium industry is envisaged to be mandatory for the industry and it includes human, organizational and systemic aspects. In addition, it tackles legal framework gaps identified in the UAE aluminium industry and prescribes an enhanced implementation process of the EMS in the UAE aluminium industry. This study contributes to the knowledge by adding a customized EMS framework for UAE aluminium industry. Further recommendations as a result of this study include cumulatively evaluating the EMS practices for all available aluminium production and recycling stages, testing the framework when implemented in the aluminium industry and linking environmental planning and management outcomes for the aluminium industry. Moreover, it is proposed that a life cycle assessment inventory be created to feed into the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) process gap identified in the UAE aluminium industry

Architecture of Adaptation: Structure in Nature

The concept of a piece of architecture taking on adaptive qualities is based on the ability that a system can effectively respond to the environment and the evolving programs. Architects strive to create designs that respond to external changes, creating a challenge with kinetic and the immovable aspects of a building, which can be identified as the systems of walls, ceilings, and columns. This system however, creates the foundation of a successful built environment but also hinders the adaptive and flexible qualities. These systems are implemented permanently and confined to the site and program that has been defined to them. Keeping this challenge in mind, one cannot help to see nature and be inspired by the adaptive and the systematic qualities that nature constantly is using, from the fractal branching of a tree to the efficient way of filling space in a honeycomb. We can start seeing a trend in nature and the adaptive qualities it tends to. Nature does not create form without a function. This thesis investigates the discourse that architects have had with the adaptive qualities of architecture by taking inspiration from nature as a design strategy. The project instantiates this notion into a pavilion that is programed for informal performance and exhibition space. This pavilion will test out the performative qualities by responding to the exterior environment and the evolving nature of the program, concluding with a system that will bring forth a refined appearance all in one single configuration

The Effects of Frondoside A in Acute Leukemia

Among hematological malignancies, acute leukemia is the major cause of mortality. Despite improvement of survival with current chemotherapies, some patients still diefrom the disease or the treatment side effects. Thus, new therapeutic agents are needed. Anti-cancer drugs derived from natural products are of interest. Frondoside A is a triterpenoid glycoside form the sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa that has shown potent antitumor effects in various cancers. Previous studies in acute leukemia are limited. The current study investigated the effects of frondoside a in acute leukemia cell lines alone and in combination with drugs currently used for this malignancy. This study is the first to attempt comparing the efficacy of this compound to available conventional drugs. The acute leukemia cell lines used were CCRF-CEM, HL-60 and THP-1. Cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of frondoside A, vincristine sulphate, asparaginase and prednisolone each compound alone and in combination with frondoside A. Experiments were conducted with treatment incubation periods of 24, 48 and 72h. The inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) for each compound at each time point was determined for the three cell lines using the CellTiter-Glo luminescence assay. Induction of apoptosis was examined using Annexin V test and expression of apoptosis-related genes (low-density expression array) was investigated in two acute leukemia cell lines. The expression of protein products of selected genes was also investigated. The effect of frondoside A combined with NFκB pathway inhibitor, andrographolide in acute leukemia cell lines was also examined. CCRF-CEM cells were very sensitive to frondoside a treatment while HL-60 and THP-1 were less sensitive. Frondoside A markedly enhanced the anticancer effects of all of the conventional drugs in all cell lines. Synergistic effects were seen in some of the combination concentrations. Induction of apoptosis was confirmed morphologically and by Annexin V in CCRF-CEM and THP-1 treated cells. Analysis of the effect of frondoside a on expression of apoptosis-related genes showed marked changes in multiple pro- and anti-apoptotic genes. Expression of some genes coding for both pro-apoptosis and anti-apoptosis proteins were increased, suggesting that a survival pathway was also activated in the frondoside A-treated cells. Frondoside A treatment increased the gene expression of multiple members of both the intrinsic and extrinsic as well as the executioner pathways. The compound also up regulated the genes encoding multiple death receptors and death effect or domains. In THP-1 cells, frondoside a treatment resulted in the increased expression of the tumor suppressor protein p21 and it decreased the expression of the mutated p53 protein in CCRF-CEM cells. Frondoside A treatment also markedly up regulated multiple genes in the NFκB pathway with changes being more marked in the THP-1 cell line, which is more resistant to the effects of frondoside A. Combining andrographolide IC50 concentration with frondoside A in the treatment of acute leukemia cell line resulted in marked enhancement of frondoside A anti-leukemia effect. Frondoside A has marked anti-leukemia effects. It decreased the viability of acute leukemia blasts and induces apoptosis. The apoptosis appeared to be due to the activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Resistance to frondoside A can be due to the activation of the NFκB survival pathway in the treated cells and combining the treatment with NFκB pathway inhibitors results in dramatic enhancement of the anti-leukemic effect of frondoside A. Frondoside A affected different genes and pathways in leukemia blast cells and inhibiting malignant cells by targeting multiple pathways might be more beneficial in the treatment strategy. It potentiates the anticancer effects of all three drugs currently used to treat acute leukemias and it may be a valuable addition to the therapeutic options in these deadly diseases especially in high-risk patients by sparing the side effects of high dose therapy and bone marrow transplantation

Sustainable Development: An Analytical Vision for Smart Dubai City Social Policies

This study explores the sociological perspective required for achieving holistic and sustainable development in social contexts. It focuses on Dubai as a smart city exemplar, investigating the integration of comprehensive development that encompasses social, economic, cultural, and technological aspects, as well as sustainable development that includes environmental sustainability. The research provides valuable insights into Smart Dubais social dimensions and highlights its commendable efforts towards sustainable social development. The discussion explores the various social policies implemented in Dubai, which serve to regulate the conduct, initiatives, and practices of both the government and non-governmental entities, as well as individuals, in order to address a wide array of social challenges. Furthermore, it explores the application of certain development theories, such as post-modernism, and how they have contributed to Dubais cultural shift towards embracing socio-economic standards. Additionally, the theory of ecological modernization is examined, highlighting its role in integrating environmental concerns with social institutions that promote sustainable policies for the advancement of a smart city. The research employs a case study methodology, analyzing secondary data and official records to assess Smart Dubais policies and highlight its social sustainability development. Findings reveal that Smart Dubai has made significant progress in embracing social issues through its policies, and it is on the road towards social sustainability in terms of family unity, gender equality, demographic balance, health, education, popular participation and balancing in terms of services between UAE citizens and expatriates. The research recommends that Dubai have a bureau for studying policies to mitigate social challenges and phenomena as well as an authority for collecting social data

Experience of nurses with using eHealth in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan: a qualitative study in primary and secondary healthcare

Background: To improve the quality of health care in remote parts of Pakistan, a research project was initiated in the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan using information and communication technology to improve patient care and support continuing education of health providers (eHealth). This paper describes the experience of nurses in using eHealth in their routine practices. Methods: All health centres of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan using eHealth as part of this study, were taken as a single case. These include four primary healthcare centres, three secondary care centres and one medical centre. In-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview guide to study nurses’ perspective about using eHealth, and its perceived impact on their professional lives. Results: According to the respondents, eHealth enhanced access to care for remote communities, and improved quality of health services by providing opportunities for continuing learning. Nurses also appreciated eHealth for reducing their professional isolation, and providing exposure to new knowledge through teleconsultations and eLearning. The responses categorized under six major headings include: gaps in health services prior to eHealth; role of eHealth in addressing these gaps; benefits of eHealth; challenges in eHealth implementation; community’s perception about eHealth; and future recommendations. Conclusions: Low-cost and simple eHealth solutions have shown to benefit nurses, and the communities in the remote mountainous regions of Pakistan

Survival through an ‘age of conflict’: marking the trajectory of a Spanish, Ismaili family during and after La Guerra Civil Española

During The Spanish Civil War, few minority communities existed within Franco’s Catholic Spain; Ashad Ali Haji, an Ismaili Muslim born in India, led one such Shia, Muslim community. This research preserved the oral histories of Haji and his family’s survival as Spanish Muslims living in political and social conflict. Acknowledgements: Institute of Ismaili Studie

Asynchronous Bioplausible Neuron for Spiking Neural Networks for Event-Based Vision

Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) offer a biologically inspired approach to computer vision that can lead to more efficient processing of visual data with reduced energy consumption. However, maintaining homeostasis within these networks is challenging, as it requires continuous adjustment of neural responses to preserve equilibrium and optimal processing efficiency amidst diverse and often unpredictable input signals. In response to these challenges, we propose the Asynchronous Bioplausible Neuron (ABN), a dynamic spike firing mechanism to auto-adjust the variations in the input signal. Comprehensive evaluation across various datasets demonstrates ABN's enhanced performance in image classification and segmentation, maintenance of neural equilibrium, and energy efficiency.Comment: 10 page

Conceptual framework for development of comprehensive e-Health evaluation tool

Objective: The main objective of this study was to develop an ehealth evaluation tool based on a conceptual framework including relevant theories for evaluating use of technology in health programs. This article presents the development of an evaluation framework for e-health programs. Materials and Methods: The study was divided into three stages: Stage 1 involved a detailed literature search of different theories and concepts on evaluation of e-health, Stage 2 plotted e-health theories to identify relevant themes, and Stage 3 developed a matrix of evaluation themes and stages of e-health programs. Results: The framework identifies and defines different stages of e-health programs and then applies evaluation theories to each of these stages for development of the evaluation tool. This framework builds on existing theories of health and technology evaluation and presents a conceptual framework for developing an e-health evaluation tool to examine and measure different factors that play a definite role in the success of e-health programs. The framework on the horizontal axis divides e-health into different stages of program implementation, while the vertical axis identifies different themes and areas of consideration for e-health evaluation. Conclusions: The framework helps understand various aspects of e-health programs and their impact that require evaluation at different stages of the life cycle. The study led to the development of a new and comprehensive e-health evaluation tool, named the Khoja–Durrani–Scott Framework for e-Health Evaluation

Extensive primary malignant thymoma involving pericardium, pleura, diaphragm and lungs--a case report

Malignant thymoma is an extremely rare entity. According to a study, the annual incidence of malignant thymoma was estimated to be 0.15 per 100,000 person-years. We present the case of a 42-year-old female who came to us with a Type AB, Masaoka stage III malignant (invasive) thymoma with widespread involvement of the mediastinum