14129 research outputs found
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Sustainable Concrete Mix Design: Experimental Study of Life-Size Columns
No full textConcrete is the most used material in the construction industry due to its strength, durability, and versatility. With material scarcity, landfill saturation, and concrete production being responsible for 8% of the global CO2 emissions, researchers shifted their goal towards creating greener concrete by reducing emissions and reusing materials. Sustainable Concrete involves the partial substitution of concrete mixture components for an eco-friendly design and outcome. This study focused on assessing life-size isolated footings by replacing 10% of the cement, sand, and gravel with wood ash, fine glass, and recycled concrete aggregates, respectively. This study addresses the use of a unique 3-part substation made from those materials, as well as the life-sizing of Sustainable mixes, which is not highlighted in previous research.
Columns were built as Isolated footings and subjected to axial loading and lateral displacement simulating a real-life scenario and compared to standard concrete samples. Results showed a 10% decrease in compressive strength but a similar performance between Virgin and Sustainable mix when comparing Lateral Load over Lateral Displacement. This paper focuses solely on the experimental aspect of this study, while further research will follow to validate the results numerically and explore other properties for comparison. Future opportunities and research topics will emerge from this study, as it opens doors to experimental data validation and the possibility of achieving ACI-approved standard procedures for sustainable mix designs
Exploring Ultra-Processed Foods: Impact on Satiety, Eating Patterns, Blood Glucose Levels and Food Addiction
No full textIntroduction: The global rise in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption has significantly
altered dietary habits, leading to adverse health outcomes such as obesity and metabolic
dysregulation. Characterized by hyper-palatable ingredients and extensive processing, UPFs
contribute to increased caloric intake, impaired satiety signals, and a higher prevalence of
addictive-like eating behaviors. Aim: By investigating the associations between UPFs
consumption, satiety, eating behaviors, food addiction, and blood glucose (BG) levels, this
research aims to fill a gap in understanding UPFs-related health impacts. Methods: Using a
cross-sectional design, the study recruited 222 participants, aged 18 to 65 years. Data collection
employed validated tools, including the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) for
assessing eating behaviors, the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) for food addiction, and the
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for satiety. BG levels were measured in a subsample (n=22) of
participants using fasting glucose tests. The 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4)
provided insights into participants' anxiety and depression, which may mediate the relationship between UPFs consumption and eating behaviors. UPF intake was quantified using a NOVAbased
food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), adapted from existing tools and categorized into
tertiles based on consumption levels. Classification of UPFs was guided by the NOVA system
and included items such as packaged snacks, sugary cereals, sweetened beverages, and processed
meats. Statistical analyses included multiple linear regressions, ANOVA, and non-parametric
tests. Results: Higher UPF intake was significantly associated with lower enjoyment of food (p =
0.002), greater food cravings (p = 0.003), and higher food addiction (FA) symptoms (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between UPF intake and post-meal hunger (ρ =
0.214, p < 0.001). However, no significant associations were found between UPF intake and
emotional eating, overall satiety ratings, psychological distress (PHQ-4), or fasting BG levels (p
= 0.171). Conclusion: High UPF consumption is linked to reduced food enjoyment and increased
compulsive eating tendencies, even among healthy individuals, with no chronic health conditions
Monitoring Poverty in a Data-Deprived Environment: The Case of Lebanon
Full text linkThis paper addresses the lack of data and limited statistical capacity in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly amid Lebanon's economic collapse. We apply a novel data augmentation technique to analyze poverty when traditional income data are limited or unavailable. By adapting existing methods, we recover continuous income distributions from interval data and derive dominance conditions for such data, accounting for non-response. The proposed approach enables robustness checks by estimating the bounds of admissible cumulative distribution functions. Our empirical analysis uses Lebanese data to perform first-order dominance tests on these bounds, highlighting the importance of the approach. We demonstrate how alternative data sources can be leveraged for essential poverty analysis.Publishe
Determinants of improper versus proper waste disposal practices by households: Evidence from greater Cairo’s urban slums
Full text linkWith ambitious plans to enhance municipal solid waste management as part of Egypt’s Vision 2030 plan, it becomes increasingly important for policymakers to consider all relevant stakeholders. No study to date evaluates the determinants of waste disposal practices across Egyptian households, let alone those in urban slums. Accordingly, this study investigates the determinants of household solid waste disposal practices in the urban slums of Greater Cairo using data from the Survey of Young People in Informal Urban Areas of Greater Cairo (SYPE-IGC) in 2016. We use a multinomial logistic regression to determine the probability of a household adopting various disposal practices over strictly improper ones, given certain demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. The main results indicate that household wealth, the educational attainment of its head, and the availability of waste services are positively associated with proper household disposal practices. The results from the subsamples reiterate the uneven distribution of waste services.Publishe
من جارور لجارور
No full textقسم الإنكليزية وفنون الإبداع يدعوكم لحضور عرض مسرحي من إنتاج جمعية مسار، الإثنين، 24 شباط 2025، الساعة السابعة مساء على مسرح إروين، حرم الجامعة في بيروت؛ نص وإخراج عصام بو خالد؛ تمثيل جويل منصور، يارا زخور، تالا محمود، ميشال فغالي، طوني فرح، علي بليبل، وسام بتديني ومنير يحفو
Addressing Barriers and Empowering Entrepreneurs in Lebanon.
Full text linkThis policy brief examines the key factors influencing entrepreneurial success in Lebanon, focusing on gender dynamics, socio-cultural barriers, and systemic challenges. Entrepreneurship plays a critical role in Lebanon’s economic growth, innovation, and job creation, yet local entrepreneurs face significant obstacles. These challenges, including high operational costs, political instability, and gender-based discrimination, are compounded by limited access to resources such as funding, networks, and mentorship, particularly for women.
The brief draws on data from the MENA Entrepreneurship and Labour Market Survey (MELMS) to provide insights into Lebanon’s entrepreneurial landscape. Based on the findings, this brief highlights the urgent need for targeted policy interventions aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem and addressing gender inequities. The recommendations include increasing awareness of support services, improving access to financial resources, fostering innovation through tech hubs and R&D incentives, and promoting a more inclusive entrepreneurial culture.
To address gender-specific barriers, the brief proposes expanding training and mentorship programs tailored for women, along with targeted outreach efforts to bridge the gap in access to information. Strengthening Lebanon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through public-private partnerships, international collaborations, and leveraging the Lebanese diaspora is also critical for driving economic resilience.
The proposed recommendations call for the establishment of a National Entrepreneurship Strategy that integrates public institutions, NGOs, and private sector initiatives to foster sustainable growth. By creating a more supportive environment for entrepreneurs, Lebanon can unlock its entrepreneurial potential, driving long-term innovation, job creation, and global competitiveness. This brief aims to inform policymakers, donors, and stakeholders of strategic interventions that can contribute to Lebanon’s economic revitalisation.Publishe
Strategic scaling initiatives and client networking dynamics for small and medium-sized enterprises growth: a comprehensive case study analysis Open Access
Full text linkPurpose
The research investigates scaling and client networking in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), using ABCD, an Indonesian telecom tower provider, as a case study. Key findings underscore the importance of strategic planning, human resource management, networking and customer-centric approaches for successful scaling. ABCD's experiences inform practical guidance for SMEs, advocating strategic scaling, leveraging personal networks, implementing customer relationship management (CRM), fostering adaptability and prioritizing customer satisfaction. Theoretical implications enrich discussions on demand-driven scaling, network dynamics and CRM application. Overall, the study offers concise insights into SME growth strategies, drawing from ABCD's experiences and broader literature.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology employed in this study adopts a case study approach, focusing on ABCD, a telecom tower provider in Indonesia. Qualitative analysis of textual data is conducted, combining deductive reasoning to establish theoretical frameworks from existing literature and inductive reasoning to identify emergent themes. Interviews, structured around four thematic domains, were conducted with a diverse cohort of participants selected through convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Ethical considerations were paramount, with written consent obtained and interviews conducted in Bahasa Indonesia to ensure linguistic alignment. Grounded Theory was applied to analyse data, seeking to enrich theoretical frameworks and inform managerial practices in SMEs.
Findings
The findings illuminate strategies applicable to all SMEs in scaling up and fortifying client networks. Emphasizing demand-driven scaling and strategic client acquisition, SMEs are encouraged to leverage personal networks and exhibit adaptability in response to market trends. Implementing CRM principles fosters lasting client relationships and profitability. Practical implications underscore the importance of strategic planning, proactive networking and customer-centric approaches for SMEs aiming to navigate growth complexities. Theoretical insights contribute to scholarly discourse on SME growth strategies, network dynamics, CRM application and organizational strategies, enriching understanding of SMEs' journey in scaling up and client networking.
Research limitations/implications
The study's limitations encompass its reliance on a single case study, necessitating caution in generalizing findings to diverse SME contexts. Further empirical validation is warranted to enhance the study's robustness. However, the study offers exciting implications for both academia and practice, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of scaling strategies and client networking in SMEs. Its critical appraisal of conventional notions challenges prevailing wisdom, paving the way for future research to explore innovative approaches and enrich scholarly discourse.
Practical implications
The practical implications underscore the transformative potential for SMEs, urging strategic adoption of scaling strategies and client networking dynamics. Emphasizing proactive planning and adaptive approaches, SMEs can navigate growth complexities and fortify client relationships. By prioritizing human capital, leveraging personal networks and embracing customer-centricity, SMEs can enhance profitability and sustainability. These insights serve as a roadmap for SMEs, guiding them towards strategic growth and success in a dynamic business landscape.
Social implications
The research unfolds critical insights with profound social implications for SMEs worldwide. By illuminating effective strategies in scaling up and nurturing client networks, it empowers SMEs to thrive in competitive landscapes, fostering economic growth and job creation. Additionally, its emphasis on leveraging personal networks and adopting customer-centric approaches underscores the importance of social capital and community engagement in business success. This not only strengthens SME resilience but also cultivates a culture of collaboration and innovation within local communities. Ultimately, the research serves as a catalyst for social transformation, empowering SMEs to become engines of prosperity and positive change.
Originality/value
The findings critically appraise strategies imperative for all SMEs, challenging conventional notions and offering pragmatic insights into scaling and client networking dynamics. By juxtaposing empirical evidence from ABCD's experiences with existing theoretical frameworks, the study exposes nuances often overlooked in scholarly discourse. Its value lies in bridging the gap between theory and practice, shedding light on the intricate challenges facing SMEs in navigating growth complexities.Publishe
The transition behaviour of self-employed in the UK and the role of unionisation during 2008 economic downturn
No full textPurpose
This study aims to examine the transitions of workers between paid employment and self-employment before and after the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the drivers behind increased self-employment in the UK and the role of trade union membership in these transitions.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a long-running panel data set, the labour market is divided into three groups: sustained self-employed, always employed and those who transition between the two. The framework assesses the influence of union membership on these transitions.
Findings
Long-term paid employees, rather than those transitioning between employment types, are driving increased self-employment. Union membership appears more attractive post-crisis to paid employees, but disengagement from unions may be linked to transitions towards self-employment.
Originality/value
This research highlights the nuanced role of trade unions in employment transitions and contributes to understanding labour market dynamics post-financial crisis in the UK.Publishe
Understanding Work Ability in Employees with Pain and Stress-Related Ill-Health : An Explorative Network Analysis of Individual Characteristics and Psychosocial Work Environment
No full textPurpose: There is a wide range of individual and work environment factors that influence work ability among workers with pain and stress-related ill-health. The multiple interactions and overlap between these factors are insufficiently understood, and a network approach could mitigate limitations of previous research. This pilot study aimed to explore interactions between individual characteristics and psychosocial work environment and potential links to long-term work ability. Methods: Prospective data from a prevention project was used. Individuals (N = 147) with pain and/or stress-related ill-health (95% women) at public sector workplaces filled out baseline questionnaires about a collection of individual and work environment factors, which were used for constructing undirected networks. The model was run in three subsamples of workplaces. Finally, a separate model was established with work ability at 6-month follow-up as outcome variable. A shortest pathway analysis was calculated to identify mediators of work ability. Results: Symptom catastrophizing and perceived stress were the most influential factors in all network models. Symptom catastrophizing and pain-disability risk were found to mediate the relation between perceived stress and long-term work ability. Further, demand-control-support factors were interrelated, and patterns of interaction differed between different types of workplaces. Conclusion: The findings support the importance of individual factors, specifically symptom catastrophizing in an individual’s coping with pain or stress-problems and its influence on long-term work ability. Catastrophizing might play a role in stress-related disorders which should be further investigated. Individual and work environment factors interact and vary across context, which needs to be taken into consideration to prevent pain and stress-related ill-health at work.
Exploring the influence of salesperson lone wolf tendencies on customer value co-creation: a social exchange perspective
No full textPurpose
As business-to-business (B2B) sales organizations increasingly adopt collaborative and solution-oriented selling approaches, the lone wolf tendencies (LWTs) in salespeople require further examination due to their potential to impact salesperson–customer relationships. With shifts toward cooperative paradigms favoring value co-creation between salespeople and their customers, LWTs may act as a deterrent to building successful and mutually collaborative salesperson–customer relationships. Although the potential link between salesperson personality traits and customer reactions in B2B sales has been suggested, it is unclear how the impact of salesperson’s LWTs on customer value co-creation is. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of LWTs on value co-creation and relationship building.
Design/methodology/approach
A multimethod, multistudy approach was used to explore the link between salesperson LWTs and customer responses by analyzing data from B2B salespeople, customers and company sales figures, using a social exchange framework that emphasizes trust and conflict levels.
Findings
The results from the quantitative study indicate that salesperson LWTs reduce customer value co-creation, which can, in turn, boost sales performance while decreasing customer propensity to leave. The findings suggest that salespeople with higher LWTs are more likely to undermine customer trust and escalate conflicts with customers. A qualitative study confirms earlier quantitative results and shows how LWTs are deeply embedded in sales culture, especially in high-autonomy, high-pressure environments. While LWTs can promote short-term individual success, they also pose risks to team cohesion and long-term value – highlighting the importance of strategic management that balances independence with collaboration.
Originality/value
The study’s insights offer a theoretical contribution to the sales literature by revealing the mechanisms through which salesperson LWTs influence customer relationships and ultimately impact sales performance. The study offers a clearer understanding of how LWTs impact sales and behavioral performance. By advancing the knowledge of these complex dynamics, this research provides valuable insights for both academicians and practitioners.Publishe