Proceedings of the ICSDI 2024 Volume 1

This study was aimed at reducing the thickness of reinforced concrete (RC) silo wall to achieve economy and increase the buckling capacity of silo by using different types of concrete. The buckling design of RC silos subjected to wind pressure is demonstrated in accordance with the Indian code (IS: 4995, IS456, IS875) and proposed combinational load case EW (empty silo + wind) and FW (full silo + wind). The four different models are modeled and buckling analysis is carried out by using SAP 2000 software based on different types of concrete. For all the silo model’s slenderness ratio is kept same. It is observed that the base shear, displacement, buckling factor and Eigen values are directly proportional and natural period is inversely proportional with the different types of concrete properties such as, elastic modulus and characteristic strength. The base shear, displacement and buckling factor is reduced for FW load case as compared to EW load case. The displacement and natural period are within the permissible limit. It was found that the economical cross section of the silos can be achieved by using different types of concrete, this leads to the reduction of self-weight of structure and also to achieve economy.

The Mosque in Saudi Arabia is one of the most important and prominent urban monuments in the neighborhood. The mosques have recently witnessed a remarkable development in audio and sound systems. In addition, with the increasing number of mosques in one neighborhood, the residents sometimes complain about the high level of sound. This research aims to measure the sound level and study the factors that affect the noise in the interior and outdoor environment, as well as health and management. The research methodology relies on the use of a device to measure the sound level inside and outside the mosque. It relies on the design and distribution of a questionnaire to the prayers at different times during the day and at peak times such as Friday and prayers on the days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Three case studies were selected in Al Rwadah neighborhood in Riyadh. The result shows that the sound level in the indoor environment is above (60 to 80) dB which exceeds the limit and the sound level in the outdoor environment is between (50 to 60) dB which is within the limit. The conclusion in architectural techniques is to reduce the level of noise inside and outside the mosque. The results of the research will be applied in standards to manage the high sound level and maintain it inside the mosques by using smart devices.

By making use of the benefits of moderately substituting concrete aggregates with rubber, rubberized concrete is commonly utilized in construction to improve several concrete qualities and offer an ecologically friendly alternative. This study examined the experimental investigation of incorporating crumb rubber (CR) as a substitute for traditional coarse aggregate in concrete by assessing its effects. Rubber was added to concrete samples in varying amounts (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Additionally, the stainless-steel fibers impact was studied. The slump test results as well as the mechanical characteristics were explored. The compressive strength of cylinders made of rubberized concrete was found to have decreased. However, compared to traditional concrete, less unit weight and more hardness were attained. The development of constitutive expressions to forecast the unit weight and compressive strength after adding the crumb rubber and steel fibers was presented.

Polymer concrete (PU-based PC) is increasingly used as a pavement repair material. The study investigates the impact strength and non-destructive test of PU-based polymer concrete (PU-based PC) using a U-shaped drop-weight impact test device (USDWIT), and the cylinder was evaluated. The impact behavior of PU-based PC materials was compared with that of normal strength concrete (NSC) and support vector machine (SVM)) was used to train the impact dataset to estimate the impact strength at failure stage (N2). To prepare the polymer concrete, three mixes of sand-to-PU matrix mixing ratios 85/15 and 90/10 were used, and normal concrete with a target compressive strength of 50 MPa was also prepared. The findings indicated that the PU binder content significantly improved impact times and energy absorption capability. The ultrasonic pulse velocity of PUC-10 samples demonstrates the highest ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) value of 3.0494 km/h, which is 22.53% and 20% greater than that of PUC-15 and PUC-20. The result of the developed model shows that model SVM-M3 predicted the impact strength with the highest accuracy, with R2 greater than 95% at the two modeling stages.

This paper investigates pool-boiling heat transfer using surface modification, examining smooth and rough pin-finned surfaces on copper and aluminum. The study visualizes bubble formation and departure diameter, aiming to predict heat transfer coefficients (HTC) under different heat fluxes (HF). Four surfaces were tested: smooth copper, pin-fin copper, smooth aluminum, and rough pin-finned aluminum. Results reveal differences in bubble characteristics and formation/departure times between smooth and rough surfaces. For example, on smooth copper, bubble diameter sizes (low, medium, and CHF) were 0.2803 cm, 0.437 cm, and 0.67 cm, with corresponding formation and departure times of 0.2859 s, 0.305 s, and 0.4025 s. Pin-finned copper surfaces exhibited larger diameters (0.745 cm, 1.38 cm, 1.95 cm) and shorter times (0.184 s, 0.207 s, 0.417 s). Smooth aluminum surface had diameters (0.63 cm, 0.96 cm, 1.27 cm) and times (0.27s, 0.36s, 0.40s), while pin-finned aluminum showed sizes (0.24 cm, 0.30 cm, 0.83 cm) and times (0.11 s, 0.13 s, 0.21 s). The study concludes that rough pin-finned copper enhances boiling HTC and HF at lower wall superheat temperatures compared to the smooth surface. Keywords: Pool boiling, heat transfer, bubble dynamics, critical heat flux.

To ensure the stability and safety of the structure against the risks of sliding along the sliding surface of civil engineering foundations, it is necessary to predict the soil's bearing capacity. Conventional analytical techniques are costly, time-consuming, and difficult. A relative comparison of software computational models is presented. Ultimate bearing capacity of soil was predicted in this study using Three different machine learning techniques namely: feed forward neural network (FFNN), support vector machine (SVM), and multilinear regression (MLR). Cohesion (C), internal friction angle (Ø), and ultimate bearing capacity are examples of input variables. 200 datasets were acquired from secondary sources, of which 175 were used for model training and 25 for model validation. The findings show that the proposed method for estimating the final bearing capacity has good predictive reliability. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the three models (FFNN, SVM, and MLR) in forecasting the ultimate bearing capacity of the three different foundation types, however, FFNN outperforms SVM and MLR by a little margin. Consequently, in order to compare the performance of the models, a number of error criteria have been taken into consideration, including correlation coefficient (R), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and coefficient of determination (R2). Likewise, the corresponding R2 values of ANN-strip (0.9501), ANN-square (0.9846), ANN-circular (0.9680, SVM-Strip (0.9627), SVM-Square (0.9915), SVM-Circular (0.9517), MLRA-Strip (0.9501), MLRA-Square (0.9549) and MLRA-Circular footing (0.9578) respectively. Utilizing soft computing can offer fresh perspectives and techniques to reduce the risk of correlation problems.

Acenaphthene has been well recognized as a significant organic pollutant in wastewater, exhibiting detrimental impacts on both flora and fauna. Several water treatment techniques have demonstrated considerable potential for effectively removing ACEs from the wastewater. However, the techniques are considered expensive. Adsorption is considered an economical method for the pollutants removal in wastewater. The present study aimed to assess the efficiency of utilizing tea waste biochar as an adsorbent for acenaphthene. The biochar was synthesized through the process of pyrolysis, therefore turning waste tea into a valuable form of biochar. During the adsorption procedure the analysis of acenaphthene was conducted using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Three controlled factors were used to determine the efficiency of the adsorbent material: pH value, contact time (in min), and dosage of the biochar (in mg/L). The response surface methodology and artificial neural network were used to determine the optimal settings of factors. The findings of the study indicate that tea waste biochar exhibited a significant capacity for adsorption by achieving a 99.95% removal percentage of acenaphthene, making it a promising and effective adsorbent. The optimal pH for this adsorption process was determined to be 5.4, while the ideal contact duration was found to be 12.8 min. Additionally, the optimum dosage of the adsorbent was determined to be 185 mg/L. Both models performed well for the optimization of parameters. Artificial neural network was less complex and needed less computation time compared to response surface methodology.

The strong ground motion generated by an earthquake considerably damages the infrastructure. Earthquake-resistant design of the structure makes it capable of withstanding surface waves. However, an additional cloak is recommended to dampen very strong surface waves. In this study, a new eco-friendly and sustainable cloaking method is suggested to dampen strong surface waves without damaging surrounding infrastructure. For this purpose, a physical model was built to simulate and compare the outcomes of the new cloaking method with old-fashioned meta-barriers. The model consisted of an assembly of a vibration generator and an Arduino-based accelerometer to record ground vibrations in terms of g-values. The meta-barriers were simulated as follows: concentric rings of earthen material with different densities and configured concentric rings of a hollow cylinder made of polymeric material. The new cloaking method is based on e-brick, a non-recyclable plastic bottle stuffed with plastic waste. In this cloaking technique, a trench was excavated and back-filled with e-bricks to attenuate strong surface waves. Results showed that overall g-values recorded by the e-brick method were found 54–60%, 43–48%, and 39–47% less than no shadow zone, density contrast, and hollow cylindrical methods respectively. It shows that the e-brick method has a competitive edge over traditional meta-barrier techniques. It damps the vibrations and protects the surrounding infrastructures by converting vibrational energy into heat and sound. The outcomes of the proposed research can be recommended as a reference in waste disposal management systems, geotechnical earthquake engineering, foundation designing, and infrastructure protection.

In the quest for sustainable geotechnical engineering solutions, this study delves into the evaluation of rigid inclusion techniques for soil stabilization, employing the BS 8006 design method. Drawing upon data from six distinct case studies, we scrutinize the method's efficacy in predicting the load transfer mechanisms, which are fundamental to the performance of rigid inclusions. The BS 8006 method, often preferred for its clarity, has garnered attention for its capacity to provide reliable estimations of rigid inclusion efficiency. However, it becomes evident through this assessment that the existing design methodologies harbor uncertainties, with some tending to either overestimate or underestimate the load transfer mechanisms when compared to real-world measurements. A notable revelation from our analysis is the BS 8006 design method's superiority in predicting rigid inclusion efficiency in many instances. Despite this achievement, our study underscores the significance of considering factors such as load transfer platform cohesion to refine the accuracy of rigid inclusion system design. We conclude that rigid inclusions present an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective approach to soil stabilization. As we move forward, it is imperative to address the limitations in the BS 8006 methodology, emphasizing the importance of integrating load transfer platform cohesion into the estimation of load transfer mechanisms. Future research endeavors may benefit from harnessing artificial intelligence to identify critical variables for incorporation into the BS design method, promising advancements in geotechnical engineering and sustainable infrastructure practices.

Transportation infrastructure greatly impacts society's everyday existence. Highway authorities prioritize cost-effective design methods. Engineers are studying Rock Wool Fiber for the market as a pavement improvement. Resource Waste Reduction Framework (RWF) helps save natural resources and use waste. Asphalt concrete needs strong tensile strength to resist cracking and structural failure from traffic loads, temperature variations, and environmental conditions. Rock wool may improve asphalt concrete tensile strength. This research examines how rock wool affects asphalt concrete tensile properties. Tests were performed to determine tensile strength under normal and defined settings, and the impact of unconditional and conditional testing on TSR. Tensile strength is maximum with 0.80% rock wool and unconditional samples are stronger than conditional ones. Models and mixed proportions were designed using RSM. Each reaction is predicted by an equation, and experimental validation is done using optimized responses.

The utilization of specific materials on the exterior of a building's envelope inherently affects both heat gain and the increase in temperature within the microclimate. However, there is a dearth of research in this area. Hence, this research examines the impact of different materials utilized in constructing a specific façade, as well as the orientation of such façade, in relation to the angle of solar radiation on the surface temperature of buildings in hot climatic regions. Furthermore, it involves the influence of the surface temperature on the microclimate in the immediate vicinity.This study encompasses an examination of the educational building 104 situated at Prince Sultan University in Riyadh. The envelope surface of the structure incorporates a combination of glass wall, concrete, and an angled east-facing façade. The methodology employed in this study entails the utilization of a thermal camera at two distinct spots. The camera is positioned at selected daytime hours, capturing images from identical perspectives. Additionally, air temperature loggers are strategically placed in proximity to the chosen building surfaces.The findings suggest that the temperature of the building surface exhibits notable variations based on factors such as the type of materials used, the orientation of the materials’ surface, the form or angle of the materials, and the timing of thermal measurements. The impact on the surrounding air temperatures differs slightly between the surfaces and the two locations. However, it is evident that the glass surface, specifically the heat-reflecting glass, experiences a significantly higher temperature than concrete surface. As a result, the outdoor air temperatures in close proximity to the glass surface are elevated. Nevertheless, the influence of this surface temperature on the microclimate of the neighboring area is minimal due to the inclination of the building’s façade. Furthermore, research has indicated that the reflectivity of a material's surface significantly contributes to the mitigation of solar radiation and hence prevents the increase in surface temperature.

Rigid pavements are developed to endure heavy loads and harsh weather conditions, Concrete pavements can be improved in various ways depending on the circumstances. The main goal of this paper is to propose sustainable new types of rigid pavements with 0.05% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and 1% steel fibers (SFs) and study their mechanical properties. Eight slabs were developed and experimentally tested for failure loads, deflections, and crack patterns using a center static load. ANSYS finite element models were then developed to analyze stress distribution. Results show that the concrete mixture with nanoparticles and SFs significantly improved load-bearing capacities while reducing deflections and cracks. These rigid pavements are expected to be more sustainable, offer better serviceability, and have lower maintenance costs. Also, the ANSYS results align well with experimental data, demonstrating an accurate prediction of slab-soil interaction.

The construction sector is among the primary generators of material waste, responsible for more than one-third of the volume recorded worldwide. Due to the high demand for infrastructure development, the numbers are expected to increase. Therefore, waste reduction at any stage is essential to comply with global sustainability targets. However, it has been recognized that design-related factors cause more than 32% of the construction waste. Hence, enhancing sustainable construction design practices is essential to mitigate the problem. This can be supported by better engineering practices in the construction design as the study delves into the exploration of effective utilization of materials and waste reduction in construction such as designing for deconstruction, flexibility, standardization, and durability; designing out of waste and selecting reclaimed materials. The present study scrutinizes opportunities for efficient materials use and the reduction of material waste in construction activities through the identification of novel design strategies.

Due to rapidly growing urbanization, it is imperative to prioritize sustainable renovation of historical structures to integrate cultural heritage with current ecological requirements. This study investigates the conservation of Makhet Castle, a famous historical site situated in Al Medina along the Hejaz Railway, emphasizing its architectural design and historical significance. The study employs a synergistic methodology by integrating preliminary investigation techniques with advanced computational modelling to conduct a detailed structural analysis of the castle. This approach enables accurate assessment of structural vulnerabilities, hence providing a chance for targeted conservation initiatives. The research provides a detailed clarification of the process, including a description of the assessment techniques utilized and the specific criteria for the provided computer models. The structural evaluation findings are provided, providing crucial insights into the castle's status and determining the selection of restoration methods. The study supports the integration of modern restoration techniques with the castle's traditional architectural principles, therefore promoting a sustainable approach to preserving historical sites. The conclusions are derived from an interpretation of the data and research. The study's ramifications transcend the specific situation of Makhet Castle, presenting a reproducible Approach to the sustainable conservation of cultural places.

Sustainable University campus design is a growing area of interest as universities seek to reduce their environmental impact and create more healthy and livable spaces for students, faculties, and staff. This research delves into a case study of a groundbreaking and environmentally conscientious university campus in Egypt, utilizing simulation modeling for one of the campus's faculties. The overarching design concept revolves around establishing parity among all professions and conveying a clear message that all professions complement one another to form a cohesive community. Any missing profession would result in an incomplete representation of the community. This concept is realized by integrating all university campus facilities into a central interactive plaza that brings together students from all majors. The case study design is rooted in the principles of sustainability (social, environmental, and economic). The university campus design incorporates several groundbreaking sustainable design features, encompassing green spaces, harmonious integration of faculties and other elements, utilization of sustainable building materials, and energy-efficient buildings and systems. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was performed for a single faculty building to model natural ventilation airflow, assess thermal comfort, and evaluate faculty energy consumption. The simulation findings demonstrate that the proposed design achieves a 45% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional designs, while simultaneously ensuring user thermal comfort, fostering integration with nature, and maximizing reliance on natural lighting and ventilation.

This study investigates the utilization of Prosopis africana biomass material as a sustainable and eco-friendly source of biomass for creating a conductive thick-film paste, particularly tailored for electronic applications. Prosopis Africana is an abundantly available plant species in various regions of Saharan Africa. This study explores the formulation and characteristics of this conductive thick-film paste by meticulously analyzing parameters such as electrical conductivity, surface morphology, and thermal stability, which are essential for electronic applications. This highlights the potential of Prosopis africana biomass material to serve as an ecologically responsible alternative for developing electronic devices and fabricating components, addressing the growing need for sustainable materials in the electronics domain. This study introduces an innovative approach that harnesses natural resources for electronic applications, aligning with both technological advancement and environmental conservation, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly electronics industry. Prosopis Africana Char (PAC) nanopowder was mixed with an organic binder formulation consisting of m-xylene, linseed oil, and α-terpineol. Diverse pastes of PAC were meticulously prepared for an extensive evaluation of their characteristics. Following this, the PAC paste sample was applied to alumina substrates using a screen-printing process and subsequently subjected to drying and firing at 300 ℃. The results revealed that PAC paste with a composition ratio of 45 wt% to 55 wt% organic binder exhibited favorable adhesion to the substrate, and microscopic analysis was conducted to identify the most suitable composition ratio for PAC paste production. It was also found to have high dielectric properties, good electrical conductivity (4.08 S/m, and sustained thermal stability up to 700 ℃ in an airflow atmosphere. These excellent biomass materials are good candidates for deployment in the electronics industry.

Construction materials sustainability is a significant contemporary issue worldwide. This work aimed at evaluating the role of thermally treated high-grade metakaolin (MK) in the performance of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) mortar. MK was developed by the thermal treatment of locally sourced clay, namely ADM, collected from Adam, Oman. The reactivity of ADM clay was determined through XRD analyses and compression tests of mortar containing 10 wt.% ADM-MK. In the first phase, the calcination temperature (460, 530, 590, and 640 ℃) was determined at constant burning duration (3 h). In the second phase, different calcination durations (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 h) were examined to determine the optimum one. The results proved that, at a constant calcination duration of 3 h, the cement mortar containing ADM-MK calcined at 590 ℃ showed the highest compressive strengths at 7 days of curing, with an increase of 12%. However, a decrease or increase in the calcination temperature and duration resulted in a lower effect. Additionally, optimizing calcination duration at 1.5 h for ADM-590 resulted in higher strength development at both early and later ages. The X-ray diffraction (XRD)-analysis proved that the temperature of 590 ℃ is adequate for transforming most of the crystalline aluminosilicate minerals into an amorphous structure with high pozzolanic reactivity. Further increasing in the calcination temperature to 640 ℃ was found to have no effect. The production of MK from local clay at low temperatures and holding time strongly contributed to enhancing the mass production and commercial viability of MK-blended high-performance concrete in Oman.

This study introduces a unique method for continuously removing methylene blue dye from water using graphite-TiO2-doped sand granules. The granules, coated with graphite and infused with activated carbon (AC) and titanium dioxide (TiO2), were prepared through a process involving titanium isopropoxide (TiP) and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Varying the sand granule weight from 5 to 20 g significantly influenced adsorption capacity, with a notable increase observed up to 10 g. Calcination temperatures more than 500 ℃ had minimal influence on adsorption affinity, highlighting the robust nature of the coated granules. Increasing PVP and TiP quantities enhanced adsorption capacity, with diminishing returns at higher levels. The inclusion of AC particles notably improved the dye removal process, especially under light radiation. Flow rate studies indicated that keeping a flow rate of 4 ml/min·cm2 led to stable and continuous dye removal (90% removal efficiency for 90 min.). On the other hand, when the flow rate was increased to be 8 ml/min·cm2, a linear removal rate (77% in 90 min.), but when the flow rate was kept at 18 ml/min·cm2, an S-shaped adsorption-isotherm, reaching 35% dye removal after 90 min. This innovative strategy for immobilizing graphite and functional materials on silica granules shows promise for sustained organic pollutant removal, demonstrating synergistic adsorption and photocatalytic degradation capabilities.

Sand and dust storms (SDSs) are recognized as meteorological hazards that negatively impact air quality, visibility, human health, and various socioeconomic factors. Dust reduces visibility, which may contribute to a variety of transportation and navigation safety hazards, such as flight delays. The State of Kuwait experiences SDSs frequently in spring and summer due to strong northwesterly winds that are locally called shamal and strong southeasterly winds locally known as kous. The dust deposited in Kuwait is characterized by fine lightweight particles that can be easily suspended in air due to wind movement. These particles are contaminated with emissions from traffic, the cement industry, and petroleum refineries, as well as construction dust. No previous studies have tackled the impact of dust on construction schedules and worker health and performance in Kuwait. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of SDSs on the progress of construction projects as well as worker health and performance. For the study, 120 questionnaires were distributed to contractors and construction companies, and 73 responses were received. The results indicate a significant impact on project timelines from delays due to SDSs. Although most construction activities are disabled during SDSs, 22% of the sample respondents experienced respiratory problems during such dust events. The results of this study will contribute to supporting decision-makers, such as engineering firms and consultancies, in determining potential SDSs risks to project timelines, as well as to the health and safety of workers and nearby residents.

One of the most common sources of emissions and greenhouse gases (GHG) in the oil and gas industry is fired-based equipment, which needs to be minimized and mitigated to improve sustainable manufacturing systems. Local regulations provide allowable limits for GHG, which must be complied with. This study proposes a health index (HI) based emissions-monitoring system. The proposed HI quantifies the condition of the equipment's environmental efficiency to take corrective actions and improvement decisions. Also, the HI can be used as a national benchmark for regulation and improvement measurement purposes. A case study was applied to test the approach of a new health index in one gas plant in Oman, taking a stationary combustion steam boiler. The results show a good presentation of indices for each condition of GHG and the overall Health index for the equipment, which supports corrective actions.

The transition period from conventional vehicles to electric vehicles in Indonesia is accompanied by various issues. One of them is the range anxiety felt by potential electric vehicle users. Range anxiety exists because the user does not know whether the energy in the electric vehicle is sufficient or not to reach their destination. To overcome this, in this study, a dynamic model of electric vehicles that can estimate vehicle energy consumption is made. Apart from being able to help the process of selecting electric vehicle components, performance evaluation can also be carried out before building an electric vehicle. The dynamic model will be used to estimate the energy consumption of electric buses. The model was developed by applying the principles of longitudinal dynamics of vehicles, electric motors, and batteries from a system-level perspective. Model validation is carried out by comparing the parameters of the simulation results with the actual data from the electric bus test results. The validated model is used to evaluate electric bus performance including system efficiency and electric bus energy consumption.

In this study, three types of buildings’ structural frames (Buildings A, B, and C consisting of CLT, steel-concrete, and CLT-steel-concrete, respectively) were modeled, and the amount of materials was calculated in order to determine carbon emissions. A comparison of structural performance was conducted in accordance with the applicable design code criteria. Based on the structural analysis and design results, all three modeled frames showed acceptable performance under the critical combinations of lateral and gravity loads. It was clear from the present study that greater carbon emissions (e.g., 295.58 tons) were found in frame B, which consisted of concrete and steel. On the other hand, CLT and hybrid frames (A and C) showed no emissions under the designed conditions for structural frames of ten-storey residential buildings. Utilizing CLT instead of steel and reinforced concrete frames can be recommended in the Kingdom’s green projects (e.g., Line of NEOM). As CLT components are lightweight and act as carbon sinks, engineers will undoubtedly reconsider using them in midrise buildings.

Manufacturing methods with an in-depth understanding of the compaction process and electrochemical properties of solid electrolytes remain limited. At the same time, these are essential points for having higher solid-state battery performance. This study proposes solid electrolyte pellets made of LATP material and by conventional compaction and sintering, expectantly allowing easy adoption for laboratory research scale. The ready-made pellet was done under compaction pressure of 420 MPa and 80 MPa; then, it was measured under electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to obtain its ionic conductivity and tested under compressive loading to obtain its mechanical strength and compressive modulus. The quantified parameters of fabrication, electrical, and mechanical were also analyzed and compared with other related studies. With the same material composition, sintering parameters, and testing methods, the investigation generally found that the denser pellet, indicated by higher compaction pressure, significantly influenced the end electromechanical properties of LATP solid electrolyte for being higher with unchanged typical behavior. The findings received by the proposed manufacturing and testing methods in this study are then expected to support battery and electric vehicle technologies in further research development.

In this study, a UV-based Fig. 4® 3D printer has been utilized for the 4D printing of polymeric-based structures. This work focus on developing a methacrylate-based resin by incorporating modified graphene nanoplatelets to examine the thermal characteristics and shape memory behaviour under 1000 h of accelerated weathering ageing. The 3DPd components exhibited improvement in the storage modulus and glass transition temperature results after including graphene nanoplatelets and accelerated weathering ageing. The results indicated that the direct shape recovery at high temperature (90 ℃) is faster than the gradual recovery from room temperature to high temperature (90 ℃) by 230% for the flat-3D printed and 46% for circular-3D printed structures, respectively. The recovery of the flat and circular structures were greater than 93%. The developed shape memory structures exhibited an extraordinary durability of 22 cycle-life. This study assists in a deep understanding of the temperature-time-shape memory behaviour in terms of shape recovery and shape fixity, which can provide new knowledge in developing and expanding 4D printing in various engineering applications like soft robots as actuators and thermal sensors or aerospace as self-deploying structures.

In recent years, the escalating global energy demand, coupled with the imperative to address climate change, have underscored the urgency of transitioning to energy from renewable sources. Geothermal energy piles (GEPs) are one of such renewable sources of energy that utilizes low heat within the shallow depths of the ground for heating or cooling buildings. The use of GEP systems in buildings to regulate indoor temperatures has proven to be economical and environmentally friendly. Despite the surge in adoption of this sustainable technology over the last two decades, a holistic understanding of the long-term performance and thermo-mechanical behaviour of GEPs is still at its early stages and therefore has been a subject of interest to researchers. This paper provides an overview of field studies on the application of GEPs and their performance with regards to heat exchange efficiency and thermo-mechanical behavior. Based on literatures, it was observed that the long-term seasonal heating coefficient was quite high resulting in a seasonal energy reduction compared to conventional air-conditioning. Also, the magnitude of induced strains and stresses is influenced by the restraints at the ends of the pile and the properties of the surrounding soil, while thermal loading had little impact on side friction. Moreover, the thermal axial strains fall within acceptable ranges, suggesting a minimal risk of structural failure. Thus, it was concluded that when appropriately designed and accurately installed, the GEP system operates as an efficient alternative energy source that benefits the environment.

The excessive consumption of natural sand can result in environmental issues such as erosion, depletion, and groundwater disturbances. This study aims to investigate the possible utilization of Omani marble waste as an alternative to natural sand in mortar, thus contributing to the ongoing revolution in waste management and sustainable construction practices. The mortar mixtures were designed at a constant water-to-cement (w/c) ratio of 0.5, and the weight percentage (wt.%) replacement of the wadi sand (WS) by the marble waste (MWS) ranged from 0% to 100% in increments of 20%. Characterization of the natural materials was conducted and the mechanical properties of cement mortars were determined after 28 days of water curing. This assessment included measuring flowability, fresh and hardened density, strength property, porosity, ultrasonic pulse velocity and examining microstructure characteristics. The results from the experimental testing program show that the mixture with 60–80% MWS replacement can be considered the optimal mixture, with higher compressive strength than the 0MWS blend. The research findings indicate that incorporating marble waste as a replacement for sand contributes to an improved mechanical performance of cement mortar.

Countries’ recent transformations and urban growth have provided different approaches to social places and socialization. The paper investigates possible strategies that can influence the past and future approaches to social places for communities and social needs worldwide. The research has been based on comparing possible design strategies in diverse world capitals such as Shenzhen in China, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, based on reflection conducted into an extended design competition. The approach to analyses has highlighted similar societal needs, especially regarding communities. The research methodology is based on an analysis conducted in Amsterdam investigating the adopted design competition for community centers and proposing a possible interpretation of community users’ needs. Located in the western Netherlands, the IJsselmeer Amsterdam is connected to the North Sea. It quickly developed into a trading point and was affected by many urban transformations due to its changing population. The research methodology included analyses of case studies based on comparisons of parameters set to establish some guidelines for designing places for social interactions. As a result, the paper proposes a project for a community center that has been compared with the needs of other capitals, especially fast-growing countries such as Saudi Arabia and China, to define possible strategies for community center design. Results show how the case study design parameters supported a new community center design proposal enhancing sustainable social interaction and well-being by offering employment, education, and overall improvement opportunities.

This paper explores the development of a sign language to text app, which can translate sign language gestures into written text. The app leverages machine learning and computer vision technology to identify and analyse hand movements and gestures made by users, and accurately transcribes them into text in real-time. The app has the potential to revolutionise communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, as well as bridge the communication gap between hearing and non-hearing individuals. The essay further discusses the challenges faced during the development process, including the complexity of sign language and the need for accuracy in transcription, and proposes potential solutions to overcome these challenges. Additionally, the essay highlights the ethical considerations surrounding the app’s development, such as ensuring user privacy and accessibility. Overall, the sign language to text app has the potential to transform communication accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and has far-reaching implications for accessibility and inclusivity in society. Utilising a TensorFlow architecture, the model employs a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for effective feature extraction from hand gestures. Trained on a number of sign language gestures, the CNN contributed to the model’s high accuracy, achieving exceptional precision and recall metrics during real-time recognition. The gesture recognition model achieved outstanding precision (0.95), recall (1.0), and F1 score (0.974), ensuring accurate sign language translation. Confidence levels consistently surpassed 97%, with the confusion matrix demonstrating a 91% reliability in gesture identification.

In the current scenario of contemporary environmental and social sustainability, sustainable construction is becoming an important topic. While buildings are the largest contributor to depletion of environmental resources, earth construction is being explicitly rethought considering the detrimental effects cement-based products have on the environment. The research on progressive construction from earthy material has focused primarily on manufacturing clay-rich soil, such as in adobe and cob methods. However, very little research has been done on mechanizing other methods, like rammed earth. This paper examines literature on thermal performance of rammed earth construction, in hot arid regions. An investigation of recent rammed earth projects as case studies was conducted, and compared, to produce realistic feasibility assessment of thermal performance of the material, that considered both the potentials of the technique and the technical challenges. The knowledge gained from these case studies offers comprehensive and concrete road map for viability of rammed earth construction based on its thermal performance, for hot arid regions which helps to increase its desirability and ability to attain passive thermal comfort in modern residential buildings in Riyadh.

Incorporating art into healthcare environments has become increasingly recognized as an essential element in patient care and recovery. This paper explores the influence of visual art and music on health outcomes and user satisfaction; and evaluates the art preferences of users in an Egyptian children’s cancer hospital. The research methodology involved conducting a survey among a representative sample of patients, medical staff and visitors. The findings in the literature suggest that exposure to visual art and music has a positive impact on the well-being of pediatric cancer patients, as well as their families and healthcare providers, reducing anxiety and stress, and increasing positive emotions. According to the research, the majority of the users viewed art as an important aspect in healthcare built environments and believed that visual art and music can positively change their psychological states and can help with the recovery. This paper calls for greater collaboration between the fields of architecture, art and medicine to develop innovative evidence-based approaches to the use of visual art and music in healthcare built environments for a sustainable tomorrow.

Using cellphones while driving poses a significant risk to road users and increases the probability of having crashes. Many countries have imposed a ban on cellphones use while driving to enhance road safety by reducing drivers’ distractions. However, the cellphone use while driving ban effectiveness relies mostly on the enforcement level. Using a collected questionnaire survey data, a random parameters binary logit approach with heterogeneity in means was employed to assess the effectiveness of smart detection cameras on restricting cellphone use while driving in Saudi Arabia. A wide range of variables were discovered to have an impact on the concealing phone use when approaching detection cameras’ locations. The findings show a necessity of road safety awareness and education programs to highlight the posed risk of using handheld devices while driving. In addition, the findings show drivers could adopt enforcement avoidance behaviors which jeopardizes the effectiveness of using smart detection cameras to ban cellphone use while driving. Policy makers could use the findings to enhance the enforcement which reduces risky driving behaviors leading to safer roads and sustainable transport system.

In pursuing efficient photosynthetic CO2 conversion, using TiO2 as a photocatalyst has encountered challenges, including high bandgap energy levels and recombination rates of photogenerated charges. Addressing these issues, a key strategy involves modifying the anatase TiO2 surfaces with a thin coating layer, wherein the introduction of oxygen vacancies at non-lattice regions proves instrumental in retaining long-lived electrons essential for CO2 photoreduction. Notably, this study introduces a novel approach by incorporating perfluorinated Nafion with a significant distribution of sulfonyl groups at TiO2/Nafion interfaces on anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (S-TiO2) synthesized via sonothermal assisted sol-gel route. Furthermore, the Nf/S-TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit lowest electron-hole recombination, showcasing improved in photogenerated carrier transport from valence to conduction band. This research pioneers the exploration of the effect of Nafion coating on light absorption wavelength and photogenerated charge carrier activities using luminescence spectroscopy. The proposed ranking of photocatalytic activity—Nf/C-TiO2 < C-TiO2 < S-TiO2 < Nf/S-TiO2—underscores the potential of the Nafion layer in augmenting the suppression of undesired recombination of holes and electrons. Improved light utilisation in term of photonic efficiency and selectivity of CO2 reduction is of demand interest for future work.

There are many projects on heritage areas upgrading and preservation. Still, some are more architectural or urban characteristics development-focused, others are risk-focused or impact-focused, and the majority are economic-focused. In contrast, the conservation projects need to meet all cultural heritage elements and social aspects that may enhance the opportunity for sustainable development. Therefore, the study starts with a theoretical review of each architectural, urban, and human factor related to cultural heritage through a complete sustainable framework for preserving and upgrading to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). The study reviews the global experiences approach in cultural heritage development and preservation to highlight important practical aspects that serve the developing process. Finally, the research reaches out to the importance of comprehensive sustainable development in consideration of human factors and cultural, social, and societal visions in using technology to maintain and improve heritage areas for the upcoming generation.

This study explores an innovative and sustainable approach to improve the performance and cost-effectiveness of hip joint replacements by redesigning the femoral head. The research focuses on integrating vertical grooves into the femoral head's surface, addressing critical concerns such as friction and wear. Utilizing CAD software and Ansys 20R1 simulation, models of both solid and hollow femoral heads and stems are created and subjected to varying loads. Key evaluation metrics encompass total deformation (TD), maximum principal stress (MPS), maximum strain energy (MSE), and maximum shear stress (MSS).The findings highlight the superior performance of the hollow femoral head with vertical grooves, showcasing reduced weight, friction, and surface contact, leading to minimized wear and tear. This innovative design not only optimizes production costs by utilizing less material but also maintains the necessary strength. A comprehensive comparative analysis of load-bearing capacity demonstrates that the hollow component stands out as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to the solid counterpart in hip joint replacements.In conclusion, this research presents a novel femoral head design incorporating vertical grooves aimed at improving joint performance and cost-effectiveness. The innovation offers a financially efficient solution for hip joint replacements, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and reducing financial burdens on healthcare systems. The study contributes to medical engineering, providing relevant idea for the prosthetic industry and emphasizing sustainable and cost-effective healthcare solutions.

Global urbanization imposes a burden on limited resources, with more than half of the world's population expected to live in cities by 2050, resulting in massive deforestation and environmental challenges. In this context, urban green spaces (UGSs) emerge as essential elements for promoting sustainability. UGSs encounter challenges in terms of land availability, quality, and distribution. Overcoming these obstacles necessitates the development of a sustainable framework, the exploration of planning techniques, and indicators for assessing UGS and its management practices that support sustainability.This paper tries to understand the UGS concept through its linkage with sustainability and, its benefits to achieve sustainable development goals. It studies indicators under the three dimensions of sustainability to obtain a comprehensive view of indicators studied globally across the urban planning domain. Forty peer-reviewed journal papers on the UGS are studied to understand their assessment methodology and indicator framework. The indicators are categorized under three sustainable pillars: a) environment; b) economic; and c) socio-cultural. The indicators were shortlisted after removing duplication and were further analyzed at three different scales of study. The results reveal a diverse set of priorities among regional, city, and neighborhood scales and majorly periodizing environment criteria indicators. The study develops a framework using selected indicators for UGS sustainability assessment. The framework guides urban planners in creating successful green space development, ensuring optimal distribution and access to UGS.

This study explores the dynamics of the growing food truck business in the United Arab Emirates, focusing on the interplay between site selection, sustainability practices, alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and their impact on Urban Planning and Development. Using quantitative methodology and Smart (PLS-SEM) analysis, the research confirms the substantial relationship between geographical location, sustainability, SDG alignment, and urban planning, shaping the success of food truck businesses in the UAE. The findings emphasize the importance of site selection and sustainability for food truck success, mediated through urban planning and development. The study contributes fresh insights into the impact of food trucks on the UAE's urban landscape, providing valuable information for small-scale culinary firms and enhancing understanding of their role in sustainable urban development. The results offer perspectives for food truck operators, city planners, and decision-makers, emphasizing the potential of food trucks to foster vibrant and sustainable urban environments.

This study examines the Saudi Arabian Najid residential buildings, including internal courtyards, adobe mud buildings, alfuraj, and shura, with the objective of developing a greater awareness of the importance of these historic Najd homes. The center courtyard controls the environmental conditions within the residence by promoting airflow cycles and holding the cold air. Manufactured from the natural adobe mud in the area, these dwellings protect from severe summer weather. In Najdi settlements, small openings known as alfuraj let light and air flow through. Shurâf, or the distinctive wind towers, are towering structures that extend vertically from walls and provide shade for roofs during the summer, allowing individuals to sleep there. Three selected case studies have been compared in light of the technique used in the research. It highlighted the benefits of constructing with adobe mud by making an analogy between the significance of the shura and the alfuraj opening in Najdi populations. The findings of the research show the positive effects of employing adobe mud and Najd constructive techniques in urban planning. These advantages involve high performance in arid climate conditions, providing a sustainable approach, ease of accessibility, and social interaction while maintaining moderateness, privacy, and remarkable architectural value. Najd houses preserve their historical appeal, are affordable, and have passive cooling qualities, even if they require maintenance and restoration. These topologies are now being used in contemporary urban development projects in Riyadh. The results emphasize how crucial it is to investigate and learn about Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural legacy with the goal of advancing sustainable national development in accordance with Saudi National Vision 2030.

Multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) have become increasingly prevalent in urban areas to meet the rising demands of growing populations and optimize limited urban space. However, these structures are also significant consumer of energy and natural resources. Likewise, tackling carbon footprint of new and existing MURBs is essential for a sustainable future. The integration of balconies within MURBs presents a promising avenue to reduce operational energy, and increase well-being of the occupants. When thoughtfully designed, balconies in cold climates can amplify solar gains, while in warmer climates they can serve as spaces capable of cooling internal areas. This research offers an overview of the impact of balconies on MURBs’ energy efficiency through a comprehensive literature review and aims to provide valuable insights for researchers and stakeholders involved in building construction.

As concerns rise about the impact of air quality on human health, this research investigates air purification materials and techniques, particularly focusing on photocatalytic materials. The study assesses a system incorporating TiO2 and cement, aimed at addressing environmental pollution by integrating photocatalysts into construction materials. This photocatalytic method seeks to break down organic pollutants, while maintaining the visual appeal of concrete structures and removing air contaminants. The research involved experiments in A reactor designed for testing photocatalytic activity, employing concrete blocks coated with TiO2 under UV light. Toluene, a representative of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), was introduced at a level of 210 ppm. The effectiveness of toluene removal was measured using GC-FID and GC-MS multi-analyzer as it processed through the photocatalytic reactor. The findings reveal that TiO2 has a higher efficiency in adsorbing toluene and in photodegradation, achieving a reduction of 137 ppm in 5–7 h, proving its efficacy as a photocatalyst for enhancing indoor air quality.

Photovoltaic systems are used vastly for their ease of installation, maintenance, and direct energy conversion. Most of the energy in such systems is lost in a thermal form. So, it was convenient to make use of this lost thermal energy as a useful heat in the form of hot water, which is called photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems. The use of both thermal and electrical energies production increases the overall efficiency of the system and reduces the emissions from producing hot water. In this paper, a cascade channels thermal module is used beside the PV panels for cooling and increasing efficiency. The simulations used parameter ranges of 600–1200 W/m2 of solar radiation, flow rate range from 0.06 to 0.117 kg per sec, and coefficient of convection range of 5.48–20.7W/m2.K. The efficiencies of thermal, electrical, and overall reached 63.42%, 13.95%, and 77.21%, respectively, using this cooling configuration. Moreover, A new model of ANN is proposed to model the PVT system performances. The optimal architecture of the proposed ANN is attained by applying a new optimization technique called archerfish hunting optimizer (AHO). Therefore, a hybrid model of the AHO and ANN is created to obtain the performance of the PVT.

Since natural colorants have been used for dyeing for years, synthetic dyes have replaced them because they are more affordable and convenient to use. However, as synthetic dyes have been shown to contribute to pollution and have an adverse effect on the environment, scientists and researchers are once again focusing on environmentally friendly and sustainable colorants. Natural dyes are those that come from natural sources and have thus been shown to combat some of the current environmental problems including biodegradability and the reduction of water and air pollution, which not only helps the environment but also has been shown to be hygienic.Red onion peels may be used as a natural dye to produce a spectrum of warm, earthy colors. Because red onion peels contain natural pigments called anthocyanins, they are well-known for their potential as a natural dye.In this research, natural colors were extracted from red onion peel by drying, crushing, and boiling it in water. Thereafter, the extracted solution was applied on to polyester fabric using an ultrasonic technique in the presence alum as mordant (alum) by varying dye concentration, treatment time, temperature, and mordant concentration. The dyed samples were tested for color yield (K/S value) and color fastness to light, washing and rubbing.Samples dyed with ultrasonic technique have produced light to medium colors with good K/S value and fastness properties. Thus, this can be inferred that ultrasonic technique for natural dyeing of polyester is plausible with reasonable K/S values and fastness properties. It may be preferred to HT dyeing because it requires less water and energy compared to traditional dyeing method.

The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) utilizes a polymer membrane as an electrolyte, possibly needing filler or functionalization for improved cell effectiveness. In this study, carbon nanodots (CDs) were functionalized by polydopamine (PD) to enhance the properties of CDs as potential filler for fuel cell applications. The functionalized carbon nanodots (PD-CDs) were subjected to characterization of Structural groups, building properties, elemental evaluation, thermal properties, and morphological features of the resulting functionalized carbon nanodots (PD-CDs) using FTIR, XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, SEM-EDX, as well as TEM. Ion exchange capacity (IEC) was also conducted to quantify ions transfer to have more insight on the potential use of PD-CDs as filler. The infrared spectra of PD-CDs reveal a broader band at 3400 cm−1 compared to CDs. This peak is attributed to the presence of N-H and O-H groups formed in the PD functionalization process. The diffractogram of PD-CDs exhibits a wide peak at 2θ = 26°, which is a result of the creation of a PD covering on outerly of CDs. However, thermal analysis shows that PD-CDs have lower thermal stability than CDs. Filler morphology does not alter by the coating as shown by microscopy images except increasing in its size across. Micrographs of the filler confirmed size growth after dopamine alteration, crediting a positive PDA layer decoration on CDs. IEC value of the PD-CDs increases from 0.56 to 1.22 mmol g−1 with the increasing temperature. These PD-CDs have great potential as fillers for PEMFC construction.

Digital Twin City is a new model of smart cities that aims at enhancing smartness, development, and management strategies. Which in turns, achieves better and more successful smart cities through adopting digital twin technology. The ‘New Administrative Capital’, NAC is considered the 1st smart city in Egypt, therefore, this research is concerned with assessing the role of digital twin technology as a tool to enhance smartness within NAC. The main aim is to adopt a holistic approach to achieve Smart Digital Twin City Model that can be replicated allover Egypt. To achieve the objective of the research, analysis of literature sources has been performed to identify the concept of digital twin technology and its influence on smart cities from an academic point of view; then, some existing digital twin cities have been analyzed to assess the impact of adopting digital twin technology in achieving smartness of cities from a practical point of view. Finally, a preliminary framework for utilizing Digital Twin (DT) Technology as a Tool to Achieve Smartness within NAC has been extracted.

The worldwide accumulation of plastic waste (PW) has reached concerning proportions, leading to significant economic and environmental difficulties. Regarding this matter, the recycling of plastic waste has become a crucial area of study, especially in the field of modified asphalt as this approach has the potential to address these problems. A significant proportion of PW is derived directly from plastic product manufacturing; thus, these waste streams have superior quality and improved ease of handling. Most common PW streams, made of mostly Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), have shown effective incorporation into pavement materials. Consequently, the possibility of using this waste for modifying asphalt becomes achievable by using a suitable pre-processing technique. The main objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of modifying asphalt cement by adding LDPE waste by investigating the thermal characteristics of LDPE in powder form (0.075 to 0.6 mm) using a wet procedure. The research begins with a thermal examination and then comprehensively examines the physio-rheological characteristics of modified asphalt. The results indicate that the use of LDPE powders improves the adhesive strength and ability of asphalt to withstand high temperatures, ultimately, leading to an increase in permanent deformation resistance.

The use of oily contaminated sand in geopolymer and concrete cement is being explored as a cost-effective method to mitigate environmental impacts. However, further understanding of certain phenomena is needed to ensure the longevity of this material. Carbonation, or the development of salts on the surface of geopolymers, has been seen in several industrial applications and laboratory studies. The presence of carbonation may have detrimental effects on the performance of materials since it leads to microstructural alterations caused by the leaching and carbonation of alkalis. This study examines the carbonation process in geopolymer pastes polluted with varying proportions of crude oil. Additionally, it examines methods to reduce the quantity of unbound or movable alkali cations, the connectedness of the pore network, and the process of carbonation. The mechanical and microstructural characteristics of geopolymer cement, produced from fly ash, are examined at oil contamination levels ranging from 0% to 10%. The study found that at 1% oil contamination, geopolymer paste had a 10% strength gain compared to control samples. However, it experienced a decrease in compressive strength at 4% or higher oil contamination. The carbonation formation decreased with increasing oil contamination, indicating that controlling oil contamination up to a certain level can enhance performance and durability in geopolymers.

The rapid development of smart cities driven by emerging information technologies has ushered in new opportunities and challenges in various domains, including education. As the prevalence of misinformation and fake news continues to grow, there is a pressing need to develop resilient smart cities that can effectively address this issue. This paper proposes a novel approach to address misinformation and fake news in propaganda texts within smart cities. It emphasizes the importance of smart education (SE) in equipping individuals with critical thinking and media literacy skills to combat misinformation effectively. This study leverages artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and education to detect and debunk fake news across multi-domain, targeting vulnerable populations. This study emphasizes collaborative efforts between educational institutions, AI developers, and smart city stakeholders to promote information resilience, address ethical considerations and data privacy, and enhance media literacy and critical thinking in diverse smart cities, highlighting the pivotal role of education in countering misinformation in the digital age.

Software development projects are inherently risky, with the potential for delays, cost overruns, and quality issues. Risk management is critical for ensuring project success, and risk prioritization is an essential component of risk management. The Simulation Analytical Hierarchy Process (SAHP) is a decision-making tool that enables project managers to prioritize risks based on their potential impact on project objectives. This paper evaluates the applicability of SAHP for prioritizing risks in software development projects by implementing the approach on a benchmark case study from NASA’s project library. The paper demonstrates the importance of incorporating the cascading effects of risks and their interactions as risk probabilities evaluated by SAHP may be significantly different from risk probabilities evaluated by other techniques since risks may be triggered by other risks in the project network. The paper concludes by highlighting the potential for SAHP to enhance risk management practices in software development projects.

The aim of this research is to create a novel conductive material that has the capability to efficiently initiate proton transfer in a fuel cell membrane by conjugating imidazole with magnetic particles (MagP). The alignment of heterocyclic molecules by applying MagP facilitated proton transfer. The imidazole coated magnetic particles (Imid-MagP) was synthesized through several steps including the consecutive synthesis of oleic coated MagP (Oleic-MagP) and epoxy coated MagP (Epoxy-MagP). Elemental analysis of Imid-MagP was carried and the particle size distribution and morphology of Imid-MagP were investigated. It was identified that Fe was the most abundant element in Imid-MagP (87.94 wt %), the particle size distribution of Imid-MagP was 134.16 nm, and the morphology of Imid-MagP exhibited a lump-like material. The FTIR spectra of Imid-MagP exhibited a shift of imidazole at 1550 cm−1, which refers to the N-H deformation band. The ion exchange capacity (IEC), an important property in fuel cells that indicates the amount of proton exchanged in the material, of Imid-MagP was 0.675 mmol.g−1. The Imid-MagP material demonstrated excellent properties for improving proton conductivity, which is very important in fuel cell applications.

To project Egypt's Vision 2030 and the United Nations' sustainable development goals in urban planning practice, this research investigates the application of the neo-arid city manifesto at an existing site in Cairo, Egypt. The manifesto correlates sustainable design strategies at the urban pattern and building scales to each other in one design phase to generate a neighborhood detailed plan that considers microclimate conditions as a base for city planning. Such comprehensive design focuses on adjusting the relation between fabric-space as well as environment-economy to intensify shading, and thermal mass insulation while considering low-cost construction trade-off at the environment-economy dimension. The proposed manifesto utilizes urban passive design in terms of court-yarded clustered free planning as an alternative design grain to substitute conventional back-to-back parcel. Urban courtyards as a main urban morphology and design grain element are characterized by; 1) linear and semi-compact patterns with clustered and micro-climatically adjusted housing typology; 2) thermal resistant and mass walls with attached and semi-attached passive housing units; 3) low-cost eco-friendly materials and bearing wall construction using Stabilized Compressed Earth Blocks (SCEB) having the majority of its mixture of clay complete the passive design on the urban-building dimensions; and 4) applies photovoltaic renewable energy on roofs based on the initially adjusted pattern orientation. A bundle of dynamic and numerical simulations took place. Results showed improved indoor-outdoor environmental conditions with a reduced air temperature of 1 ℃-1.4 ℃ respectively. 10 ℃ pedestrian thermal comfort drop variance was noticed. 16.16 ℃ mean radiant temperature cut, and 475 w\m2 global radiation differences at peak hours. Further, it can be said after another design experiment of the same paradigm that the generated urban form expresses a NEO revitalization of the traditional courtyard into a neighborhood scale with improved sustainable measures on its other urbanism coin side.

A sustainable transport system refers mainly to safety, green environment, and mobility, aiming at achieving zero road accidents, zero traffic emissions, and zero traffic congestion. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Agenda 2030, adopted by the United Nations (UN), included a goal of halving the number of deaths from road accidents, listed in target 3.6. Another goal is to access safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, listed in target 11.2, in addition to a goal towards quality, reliable, green, smart sustainable infrastructure, listed in targets 9.1, 12.c, and 13.2. In line with the goals outlined in the SDGs Agenda 2030, this paper delves into the pivotal role of intelligent technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and data analysis in shaping sustainable transport systems. It emphasizes the integration of these technologies to achieve the objectives of zero road accidents, traffic emissions, and congestion. Drawing from a comprehensive review of best practices across various countries, this paper critically assesses the key components contributing to the efficacy of Sustainable Urban Transport Systems. By synthesizing insights from extensive literature review and aligning with the SDGs, a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) is formulated to evaluate the functionality and success of sustainable transport systems within cities. These KPIs are delineated into three dimensions: Safe, Green, and Smart, providing a structured approach to quantitatively measure their performance and progress towards achieving the designated targets.

The paper explores the relationship between contract farming and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The focus is on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) (SDGs). Contract farming holds great potential to positively impact small and medium-scale farmers by providing economic opportunities, contributing to inclusive economic growth, and addressing the challenges of agricultural risks. This potential was recognized by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Their plan is to develop a framework for contract farming to boost the financial inclusion of farmers.However, contract farming also introduces challenges, primarily the inherent imbalance of bargaining power between small and medium-sized farmers and big buyers. This leads to the imposition of unfair trading practices (UTPs), which negatively affect the farmers and can hinder the realization of SDGs.The paper emphasizes the crucial role of regulating these challenges to achieve the outlined SDGs and proposes measures and recommendations to regulate UTPs. It highlights the importance of developing robust contract farming frameworks to achieve equitable agreements and farmers’ access to commercial justice and contract enforcement. The recommendations include establishing transparent contractual arrangements, promoting farmer education and empowerment, and implementing alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms.

Many studies have investigated the livability assessment of urban areas; the increasing demands for products and services have led to social, economic, and environmental challenges. Governments and decision-makers have dedicated considerable attention to these issues, affecting cities’ livability and sustainable development. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced significant urbanization and demographic changes, leading to an increasing demand for residential areas that meet its residents’ preferences. In this context, the livability assessment of the residential area becomes paramount to guarantee the well-being and satisfaction of its residents. The previous studies showed an urgent need to answer how we can assess the livability of urban areas based on people's preferences. This study applies the integrating approach of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as an innovative approach to evaluate the livability of residential areas in the UAE by integrating social preferences within the urban design and planning processes. This research aims to improve the quality of life and standard of living of UAE residents. The data is collected via surveys across the UAE targeting different demographics. The data gathered was investigated using the BIM platform, which effectively represents the varied preferences of the UAE population. Utilizing a model-based methodology in this context facilitates a means to visualize and assess different design possibilities effectively. This enables planners, architects, and policymakers to make well-informed decisions based on data concerning the development of residential areas and optimizing user preferences. The research findings showed that the UAE urgently needs an index to measure the livability of residential areas based on people’s preferences.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) has gained a lot of importance regarding its capabilities to not only track & trace objects but also to provide valuable information exploited in diverse industrial sectors and vertical activities. A basic RFID system consists of a reader (base station) and a transponder. Depending on the application, an information system could be mandatory to not only record transponder data, but also to analyse this data and to offer meaningful insights for decision makers looking for a tangible return on investment (ROI) and driving innovation. Although RFID is a set of technologies as defined by MIT into five classes, most people and even industrials confuse RFID with the first class denoted by class 0 as this category of system is widespread in real life and associated with read only transponders. And when it comes for integrators to develop an RFID solution, they even face problems regarding identification rate and object misreading as they did not select the appropriate system. This is why raising awareness of RFID technologies is more than necessary to understand RFID basics, unlock its innovation potential and to provide best practice to select the right system. This paper discusses RFID opportunities, challenges within smart cities innovation context, and provides comprehensive guide to choose the right RFID technology based on key metrics.

The integration of plastic waste, including diverse forms of plastic materials, into road construction materials offers a promising dual advantage of mitigating plastic pollution and enhancing the engineering properties of roads. This paper focuses on the potential utilization of plastic waste, with a specific emphasis on sachet water plastic waste (SWPW), as an additive in soil for rural road construction in Nigeria. SWPW samples were collected in Kano, Nigeria and prepared as fibers and powder. Lateritic soils used for rural roads were mixed with 0–15% SWPW and tested. SWPW powder (P-SWPW) addition sharply reduced California bearing ratio (CBR) from 11.95% at 0% to 0.93% at 15% addition. However, SWPW fibers (F-SWPW) improved CBR from 11.95% at 0% to peak 15.6% at 5% content before declining. Similarly, P-SWPW reduced maximum dry density from 1.94 g/cm3 at 0% to 1.33 g/cm3 at 15% plastic, while F-SWPW caused lesser density reductions. Optimum moisture content increased more prominently for both forms up to 18.41% with F-SWPW and 17.51% for P-SWPW. Thus, SWPW usage demonstrates promise, though optimal type and content ratios should be explored considering that the P-SWPW reduces strength at higher dosages while F-SWPW enhance strength at dosages up to 5%. This can address Nigeria's plastic waste issues while identifying sustainable construction practices.

Recently, the application of deep learning approaches has significantly contributed to the success of soil investigations, particularly in the categorization of soil images. This, in turn, facilitates informed decision-making in geotechnical engineering projects. This paper introduces an efficient soil classification method utilizing transfer learning models based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to categorize soil images. Various pre-trained networks, including Alexnet, Vgg16, Googlenet, Resnet50, Mobilenetv2, and Squeezenet, are employed in this study. The highest accuracy, reaching 90.32%, is achieved by Googlenet, while Alexnet follows closely with an accuracy of 89.24%. Conversely, Squeezenet yields the lowest accuracy at 79.56%. This proposed framework has the potential for integration into Internet of Things (IoT) systems, leading to the development of an innovative, portable IoT-based device for soil type recognition at remote geo-sites, catering to the needs of geotechnical engineers. The results obtained highlight that the Googlenet-based framework outperforms others, offering a superior performance in soil classification. This framework serves as a valuable tool for implementing an intelligent soil image classification system, supporting real-time decision-making in geotechnical engineering applications.

In sustainable development, assessing existing buildings via the lens of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards provides critical insights into the efficiency of implemented environmental practices. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding sustainable building trends in Saudi Arabia by analyzing six facilities awarded LEED 2009 credits. The goals are several: first, to find overall patterns in the environmentally friendly building practices used in these buildings; second, to compare and contrast how well they did in important LEED 2009 categories such as Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Material and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation, and Regional Priority Credits; and third, to explain the pros and cons of these practices. Significant advancements in water efficiency and indoor environmental quality across the studied facilities highlight the comprehensive analysis’s diverse approach to sustainability. However, the study also uncovers notable challenges, particularly in Material and Resources, indicating areas that necessitate further development. In conclusion, this research offers a detailed and nuanced understanding of the contemporary state of sustainable practices in Saudi Arabian buildings. It serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders in the construction and management sectors, promoting a more profound comprehension of sustainable building trends and encouraging further advancements in this evolving field.

Smallholders are one of the main contributors to the palm oil industry in Malaysia. To improve the capacity and well-being of smallholders, numerous projects, and policies were put into place. However, there is still a dearth of clear evidence and linkages between smallholders’ capacity, perceived capability, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study intends to investigate the capacity, perceived capability, and SDG attainment of the existing smallholders, as well as the relationships between these three variables. Secondary data, field visits, interviews, and quantitative surveys had all been used to meet the research’s goals. Utilizing clustered purposive sampling with three criteria in mind: smallholders’ organization, partnership, and certification, primary data were gathered from 420 respondents from both organized and independent smallholders, including 215 samples from Perak and 205 from Kedah, Malaysia. Additionally, primary data was gathered from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), state economic reports, and the annual report of Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA). The findings contain smallholders’ baseline data, pertinent SDGs achievement and survey results on smallholders’ perceived capability and capacity. Organised smallholders are, on average, accomplishing the SDGs at a better rate despite some challenges and limitations. The results for the SDG indicators also showed a disparity, particularly in the areas of education, responsible production and consumption, life on land, and the eradication of poverty. The perceptions of capability, capacity, and revenue creation between the two groups of smallholders showed slight differences.