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Investigating challenges and opportunities to achieve SDG 6: a study of Benin City, Nigeria
No full textAccess to clean water and adequate sanitation improve sound health, enhance socio cultural development, and promote economic balance. This study focuses on investigating the challenges and opportunities to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 by 2030: a case study in Benin City, Nigeria. Three local government areas in Benin City (Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, and Oredo) were selected for this study. The survey involved the use of 150 structured questionnaires administered to the people from the local government areas (LGAs). A total of 127 responses were received and processed for analysis. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 27.0) software application. Although the Federal Government has put in measures such as the National Action Plan (NAP) to ensure that the objectives of SDG 6.1 and 6.2 are achieved, the findings of the study however have shown that there are still problems of accessibility, acceptability, availability, affordability, and quality. Seventy-eight percent of the respondents indicated to spend over 2,000 naira monthly on water while 86% indicated to pay extra changes to acquire water. 48.8% residents have to cover a long distance of 3 km in order to get water. 61.4% found water not to be safe for drinking while 84.3% indicated that the quality of water and sanitation in public places are of bad quality. 63.8% indicated to have challenges to availability of water and sanitation. A large percent of the residents indicated to have felt discriminated regarding water and sanitation because of their socio level. However, the study found lack of water and sanitation to be gender neutral, as both men and women are affected
Understanding the complexities of non-familial child abductions: a systematic literature review on the behavioural characteristics of acquaintance and stranger abductors.
No full textPurpose: Reports from 2016-2017 suggest that approximately 870 cases of non-familial child abduction (NFA) are recorded in England and Wales per year. Yet, empirical knowledge of the victims, offenders, and offence characteristics is limited in comparison to other forms of child victimisation. Furthermore, much of the available knowledge is constrained by a lack of clarity around the differences between acquaintance and stranger abductors. This systematic literature review aimed to develop a comprehensive overview of acquaintance and stranger child abductions, focussing on the similarities and differences in offending behaviours.Methods: Research databases (PsycArticles, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PsycINFO, Criminal Justice Abstracts, MEDLINE, and ERIC) and the Grey Literature (ETHOS and EBSCO) were screened for peer-reviewed research published between 1995 and 2018.Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised using a modified version of the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Case Reports.Findings: Six key areas within NFA offences and their characteristics were identified as offering potential for differentiating acquaintance and stranger abductors: victim-offender relationship, number of victims and offenders, motives, modus operandi, victim injury, sexual assault, and mechanism of death (in fatal cases). The results of this review are discussed with consideration given to investigative implications, limitations, and directions for future study
Comparison of the effects of antimony trioxide and zinc, calcium and copper stannates on the thermal degradation of polyamide-6,6
No full textThermal and thermo-oxidative decompositions of polyamide 6.6 (PA66) in the presence and absence of zinc (ZnSt), calcium (CaSt) and copper stannates (CuSt), and in the presence of antimony trioxide (ATO), have been studied by TGA-FTIR and pyrolysis GC/MS. It is shown that whilst ATO has a negligible effect on the rate of decomposition and products of pyrolysis under both slow heating on a TGA and rapid heating on a pyrolysis/GC/ MS apparatus, the stannates have a catalytic effect in the order ZnSt ≈ CaSt > CuSt, evident through release of volatiles at a lower temperature and in a different product distribution following rapid high temperature pyrolysis. In particular, rapid pyrolysis at high temperature in the presence of the stannates promotes formation amongst the pyrolysis products of, for example, 6-aminohexanenitrile. 1,6-hexanediamine, 1-methyl-3-formylindole and 1,2,3,7-tetramethylindole, whilst yields of others are reduced, e.g., hexanedinitrile, caprolactam, diaminomethylidene(2-hydroxypropyl)azanium, prop‑2-enenitrile (acrylonitrile) and azacyclodecan-5-ol. We suggest that these effects arise from complexation of the electropositive metal in the stannate (Zn, Ca or Cu) with the C=O groups of PA66, thus weakening the C(O)-C and C-N bonds adjacent to the C=O groups. The fact that ZnSt has the most pronounced effect on the pyrolysis product distribution and CuSt the least, we explain in terms of the order of electropositivity of the metal (Zn>Ca>Cu)
Facile preparation of flame-retardant cellulose composite with biodegradable and water resistant properties for electronic device applications
No full textThe aim of the present study is to produce flexible, flame-retardant, water-resistant and biodegradable composite materials. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop simple processes for the production of bio-based materials capable of replacing non-degradable substrates in printed circuit board. Cellulose was chosen as a renewable resource, and dissolved in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ionic liquid to prepare a cellulosic continuous film. Since flame retardancy is an important criterion for electronic device applications and cellulose is naturally flammable, we incorporated ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as a flame-retardant filler to increase the flame retardancy of the produced materials. The developed material achieved a UL-94 HB rating in the flammability test, while the cellulose sample without APP failed the test. Two hydrophobic agents, ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate and trichloro(octadecyl)silane were applied by a simple dip-coating technique to impart hydrophobicity to the cellulose-APP composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that the mechanical properties of the cellulosic materials were not significantly affected by the addition of APP or the hydrophobic agents. Moreover, the biodegradability of the cellulosic materials containing APP increased owing to the presence of the cellulase enzyme. The hydrophobic coating slightly decreased the biodegradability of cellulose-APP, but it was still higher than that of pure cellulose film
Optimizing the accuracy of patients length of stay (LOS) in hospitals using Novel Enhanced Gradient Boosting (NEGB) Algorithm in comparison with K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN)
No full textThe comparative study is performed on improved Novel Enhanced Gradient Boosting Algorithm (NEGB) and KNearest Neighbors (KNN) Algorithm, which determines the patient’s duration of staying in hospitals. The Novel Enhanced Gradient Boosting by taking the highest priority of maximized gain is proposed. The proposed algorithm implements Novel Enhanced Gradient Boosting framework with maximized gain probability. The Novel Enhanced Gradient Boosting algorithm and K-Nearest Neighbors Algorithm used in this research article. The concrete evidence for the performance evaluation, the sample size prejudge mental tools were used under the conditions of gpower 0.8, alpha 0.05 and confidence interval 95% during the estimation. The NEGB has a better accuracy rate (89.90%) compared to KNN has the accuracy rate (74.25%). The significance of 0.241 (p>0.05) value implies that experiment driven in this research was insignificant. The NEGB Algorithm is good in recalculating the stay duration of patients and also improves accuracy more than the K-Nearest Neighbors algorithm
Designing carbon fibre-reinforced composites with improved structural retention on exposure to heat/fire
No full textCarbon fibre-reinforced composites (CFRCs) are increasing in popularity due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion. However, when exposed to temperatures above 300°C, the polymer matrix within CFRCs decomposes and then starts burning, exposing carbon fibres to the surroundings. The residual carbon fibres being electrically conductive, may pose a hazard to the surrounding electronics. Moreover, at over 550°C the carbon fibres begin to oxidise. This can lead to fibre defibrillation which also poses significant harm to human health as broken fibres can be sharp enough to cut through human skin, and under 7µm these particles are considered respirable where on inhalation they can causes damage to the trachea and lungs.While considerable work has been carried out on assessing the effect of heat/fire on degradation of the composite resin (matrix) and CFRCs themselves, there are limited studies on identifying the damage to carbon fibres within CFRCs and the hazards posed by the exposed damaged carbon fibres. This study examined the damage caused by high temperatures, radiant heat and flames on carbon fibres and CFRCs, and the effects on their physical properties. A methodology was developed to study and quantify the structural damage to carbon fibres and CFRCs after exposure to a range of heat/fire conditions. These included thermogravimetric analysis (up to 900oC in nitrogen and air atmospheres), the tube furnace (450oC–900oC), cone calorimeter (35kWm-2 to 75kWm-2 ) and a propane burner (116kWm-2 ) to simulate jet fuel fire conditions.Residual fibres were removed from different parts of the CFRCs and the physical properties were studied, such as fibre diameter reduction, change in electrical conductivity and decrease in tensile strength. It was found that at heat fluxes ≥60kWm-2 oxidation of the carbon fibres occurred. After 10min exposure to the propane flame, fibres in direct contact with the flame showed signs of internal oxidation.The aim of this PhD project was to also improve the structural retention of CFRCs on exposure to heat/fire so that the structural integrity is maintained and the carbon fibres are not exposed to the environment. To address this, the following approaches were undertaken:• Modification of the resin by adding flame retardants and nanoparticles in order to reduce the flammability of CFRCs, improve the mechanical integrity of the char and its adherence to the fibre. Flame retardants included ammonium polyphosphate, resorcinol bis-(diphenyl phosphate), 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide, and the nano-additives, nano-clay, layered double hydroxide and carbon nano-tubes. Cone calorimeter testing at 75kWm-2 showed that the addition of 15wt% ammonium polyphosphate resulted in large char formation and adherence to fibres in the underlying plies, which resulted in less oxidation to these carbon fibres. The addition of layered double hydroxides and carbon nano-tubes on the other hand caused pitting on fibres.• Provide heat protection to carbon fibres within CFRCs by the inclusion of high performance fibrous veils/woven fabrics of aramid, basalt, E-glass, polyphenylene sulphide and Kevlar.The inclusion of the woven E-glass resulted in a notable reduction in the percentage of carbon fibre oxidised. However, the volatiles produced during the decomposition of Kevlar and PPS sensitised the carbon fibre to oxidation, causing it to occur more rapidly and at a lower temperature.• Using high temperature chemical coatings to individually coat carbon fibres prior to making the CFRCs. Ceramic compounds (silica, alumina and zirconia), chosen as coating materials because of their high thermal stability, were applied by different processes. The most promising coatings included alumina and silica formed via sol-gel process and polysiloxane deposited during plasma exposure. Tows coated in these chemicals underwent heat testing in a tube furnace where those coated with alumina maintained the largest fibre diameters. While polysiloxane coating provided oxidation protection up to 600°C, after which cracks in the coating were observed. This was attributed to the mechanical mismatch of the polysiloxane coating and the carbon fibre
An application of bootstrap Data Envelopment Analysis: measuring the trade-off between sustainability and outreach of Islamic microfinance institutions and conventional microfinance institutions in Bangladesh
No full textMicrofinance (MF) has achieved tremendous success in improving socio-economic conditions all over the world, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Although, interest-based Conventional Microfinance Institutions (ConMFI’s) have been operating successfully in the majority of developing countries, there are still some Muslim people who are reluctant to receive financial support from ConMFI’s, due to their religious prohibitions on interest. To meet the demand for non-interest-based financing alternative, Islamic Microfinance Institutions (IsMFI’s) have emerged and are now operating alongside ConMFI’s. Moreover, rapid expansion and recent commercialisation of this sector introduced new challenges for Microfinance Institutions (MFI’s) i.e., financial self-sustainability and social outreach. Now both IsMFI’s and ConMFI’s in Bangladesh, with their unique dual objectives, operate in the same marketplace facing the same challenges. This makes it imperative to assess the performance of both type of MFI’s, using identical theoretical and methodological assessment frameworks, to improve their performance and realise their full potential towards economic development and improving socio-economic conditions of the poor.The main aims of this study are to provide an empirical performance comparison between IsMFI’s and ConMFI’s and to examine the trade-off between financial sustainability and social outreach objectives, in the Islamic microfinance sector of Bangladesh. This study uses non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method, to measure and compare the efficiency of 384 MFI’s in Bangladesh over the period 2017-2020. Additionally, this research estimates bias corrected efficiency scores, utilising the Bootstrap DEA method, to overcome the limitations of the Standard DEA method and to provide a more accurate analysis of the MF and Islamic MF sectors of Bangladesh. Furthermore, separate assessment frameworks have been used for each dimension of performance, which gives a better understanding of the challenges on each aspect of performance, for IsMFI’s and ConMFI’s in Bangladesh.The first contribution of this study is towards MF and Islamic MF literature of Bangladesh by developing dedicated assessment models, with specific focus on the dual objectives, both simultaneously and in isolation. The methodological contribution of this study is towards the empirical performance comparison of IsMFI’s and ConMFI’s, by developing a methodology to overcome the contrast between 8 IsMFI’s and 376 ConMFI’s in the sample. The final contribution of this study is towards the unsettled debate on the trade-off between sustainability and outreach objectives of MFI’s, by providing an objective measurement of both dimensions of performance.The outcome of the research suggests that IsMFI’s are not as efficient as ConMFI’s, but they are not as inefficient either. ConMFI’s get the highest and lowest efficiency estimation according to the analysis, although IsMFI’s, on average, get higher efficiency estimates, from all three perspectives (social, financial, and double bottom-line) of performance analysis. There is no consistent pattern of change in efficiency over the year from financial and double bottom line perspectives, whilst social efficiency improves overtime. MFI’s are better at attaining their social goals than financial goals, according to the analysis. Research outcomes regarding the second aim suggest that there is a trade-off between most of the IsMFI’s and ConMFI’s in Bangladesh. However, 1 MFI in 2017, 2018 and 2020 and 9 MFI’s in 2019 do not show trade-off between their social and financial objectives which suggests that it is possible to maintain both dual objectives simultaneously for IsMFI’s and ConMFI’s in Banglades
COVID-19: Lessons to learn from student Nurses joining the pandemic workforce
No full textObjective: To understand the thoughts, feelings, and support needs of student nurses called into practice during a pandemic.Methods: A descriptive narrative method was used as part of a collaborative approach with student nurses to help them explore their thoughts and feelings about working during the pandemic and also identify resulting support needs.Results: Student nurses were excited about the opportunity to join the workforce and both develop new skills and use existing competencies. However, there was also nervousness about their readiness for practice and the financial and health implications for themselves and their families.Conclusion: Students are an important part of the nursing workforce and the pandemic provided unique opportunities to learn key competencies in an unprecedented situation. Recognising the contribution of student nurses will enhance the response to future pandemics and providing clarity for the role of the student in these situations will ensure appropriate support is in place. Consequently, plans for student nurses to join the workforce should be put into place before another pandemic develops
Data-driven analysis of privacy policies using LexRank and KL summarizer for environmental sustainability
No full textNatural language processing (NLP) is a field in machine learning that analyses and manipulate huge amounts of data and generates human language. There are a variety of applications of NLP such as sentiment analysis, text summarization, spam filtering, language translation, etc. Since privacy documents are important and legal, they play a vital part in any agreement. These documents are very long, but the important points still have to be read thoroughly. Customers might not have the necessary time or the knowledge to understand all the complexities of a privacy policy document. In this context, this paper proposes an optimal model to summarize the privacy policy in the best possible way. The methodology of text summarization is the process where the summaries from the original huge text are extracted without losing any vital information. Using the proposed idea of a common word reduction process combined with natural language processing algorithms, this paper extracts the sentences in the privacy policy document that hold high weightage and displays them to the customer, and it can save the customer’s time from reading through the entire policy while also providing the customers with only the important lines that they need to know before signing the document. The proposed method uses two different extractive text summarization algorithms, namely LexRank and Kullback Leibler (KL) Summarizer, to summarize the obtained text. According to the results, the summarized sentences obtained via the common word reduction process and text summarization algorithms were more significant than the raw privacy policy text. The introduction of this novel methodology helps to find certain important common words used in a particular sector to a greater depth, thus allowing more in-depth study of a privacy policy. Using the common word reduction process, the sentences were reduced by 14.63%, and by applying extractive NLP algorithms, significant sentences were obtained. The results after applying NLP algorithms showed a 191.52% increase in the repetition of common words in each sentence using the KL summarizer algorithm, while the LexRank algorithm showed a 361.01% increase in the repetition of common words. This implies that common words play a large role in determining a sector’s privacy policies, making our proposed method a real-world solution for environmental sustainability
Analysis of a Joint Impact of Climate Change and Anthropogenic Interventions on Groundwater Depletion in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas - Chapter 12
No full textAvailability of groundwater has been largely impacted by climate change worldwide, especially in arid and semi-arid areas where water is limited. In arid and semi-arid areas, which are heavily rely on groundwater to meet their water demands, there is a high risk of excessive use of groundwater, particularly during successive dry periods. This paper aimed at assessing changes in groundwater levels due to seasonal and annual variations in precipitation when storage of groundwater aquifers is largely depending on the amount of precipitation. Erbil province in Iraq was chosen as a representative example for many arid and semi-arid areas that suffering from overexploitation use of groundwater resources. Climate change has contributed to increase the pressure and stress on the availability of groundwater and increases environmental concerns. In this work, the long-term falling of groundwater levels is also examined. Monthly records of groundwater level between January 2004 and January 2016 observed at 54 observation wells in Erbil were assessed. Findings revealed that nearly 91% of the observation wells are associated with a drop in groundwater level, the remaining 9% were linked to steady or slight rising in groundwater level. Approximately 50% of those linked to a fall in groundwater level is associated with a significant drop (> 1.73 m/year), and 24% are linked to moderate drops (0.58 m/year ≤ drop ≤ 1.73 m/year), whereas the remaining 26% relate to low falls (< 0.58 m/year) in groundwater level. The slopes of groundwater level fall between 0.005 and 0.32, with a mean of 0.11. The outcomes of this study would support the decision makers and water managers to sustainably manage groundwater in the study area and other similar areas. Moreover, the study represents an important step towards launching nation-wide groundwater assessment programmes to achieve sustainable abstraction and rational utilization and management of groundwater resources