Identification of the Factors for the Selection of Cement Brands by Construction Companies and Selection of Optimal Cement Brand using TOPSIS for Kathmandu Valley along with the Physical Strength Comparison of Various Cement Brands

2020 ◽  
Vol 07 (3&4) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Abhishek Jha ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Setting Time ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Physical Characteristics ◽  
Kathmandu Valley ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physical Strength ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Lab Test ◽  
Selection Of

Cement comprises major proportion in any construction materials and the right selection of cement is equally important for construction companies. The objective of this research is to find the criteria used by the construction companies in cement selection and using the required criteria adopt TOPSIS (Technique of Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) as Multi Criteria Decision Making method for the selection of optimal cement brand among various cement brands for the construction projects in Kathmandu. Another objective is to find the physical characteristics of the selected cement brands in laboratory. For the methodology, non-random sampling was adopted. Data were collected by questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, KII and Lab test. For physical characteristics comparison of cement brands, samples were collected from hardware shop and lab test were conducted in private lab. For the factors in cement selection quality, ex-factory rate, credit-terms, delivery-time, relationship, self-clinker production, production-capacity, technology and financial-conditions were identified and ranked in relevant order. Six factors were chosen for TOPSIS for the six cement brands for Kathmandu valley. From TOPSIS, it was foundSarbottam cement is best suited for projects in Kathmandu valley in terms of physical strength Hongshi had the highest 3 and 7 days of compressive strength where as Sarbottam had highest 28 days strength. Maruti cement had longest setting time whereas United cement had shortest setting time. 28 days strength of all the cement were as per the NS 49whereas except for Maruti and Shivam, all the brands had strength as per IS 8112 criteria.

Topik-Topik Komunikasi Dakwah Dalam Mesej Akidah Kepada Masyarakat Orang Asli di Selangor

Sains Insani ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-21
Author(s):  
Zulkefli Aini ◽  
Abdul Ghafar Don ◽  
Ahmad Irdha Mokhtar ◽  
Nur Uswah Ahmad Fauzi
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Verbal Feedback ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Orang Asli ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Beliefs And Practice ◽  
Islamic Faith ◽  
Selection Of

One of the factors that can affect a person's behavior is a communication message. In the context of the da`wah, preachers who involved actively in da`wah communication with the Orang Asli should be able to ensure that the message conveyed can be understood by the target group. In addition, the selection of the correct messages of da`wah based on the foremost priority simplify the process of sharing information between the preachers and the Orang Asli. Accordingly, this article aims to identify specific topics of Islamic faith (akidah) submitted by the Orang Asli in the process of da`wah communication and to identify verbal feedback given by the preachers to the Orang Asli of the topics. This qualitative study using case study design and data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Interviews involving nine preachers were active in da`wah activity to the Orang Asli community in Selangor. Data were analyzed thematically according to the specified objectives. The study found that the topics frequently raised by the Orang Asli is concerned about belief in Allah, belief in Malaikat, and belief in Qada' and Qadar. The topics may be found within the framework of worldview in their beliefs and practice of ancient traditions. Therefore, the preachers gave verbal feedback on these topics is based on a clear and precise sample corresponding to the level of their thinking. The emphasis on these topics is very important to strengthen and purify the faith of the community.Keywords: Communication; Message; Preacher; Indigenous community Abstrak: Elemen mesej dalam komunikasi merupakan salah satu faktor yang dapat memberi kesan terhadap perubahan tingkah laku seseorang. Dalam konteks dakwah, pendakwah yang terlibat dalam proses komunikasi dakwah dengan Orang Asli seharusnya berkebolehan memastikan kandungan mesej yang disampaikan boleh difahami oleh sasaran dakwahnya. Di samping itu, pemilihan mesej dakwah yang betul mengikut keutamaan memudahkan proses perkongsian maklumat antara pendakwah dengan Orang Asli. Sehubungan dengan itu, artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengenalpasti topik-topik tertentu dalam mesej akidah yang dikemukakan oleh masyarakat Orang Asli kepada pendakwah dan mengenalpasti maklum balas lisan yang diberikan oleh pendakwah kepada Orang Asli terhadap topik tersebut. Kajian kualitatif ini menggunakan reka bentuk kajian kes dengan pengumpulan data melalui temu bual separa struktur. Temu bual melibatkan sembilan orang pendakwah yang aktif dalam aktiviti dakwah masyarakat Orang Asli di Selangor. Data kajian dianalisis secara tematik mengikut objektif yang ditentukan. Kajian ini mendapati bahawa topik-topik yang sering dikemukan oleh Orang Asli kepada pendakwah dalam penyampaian mesej akidah ialah berkenaan tentang keimanan kepada Allah SWT, keimanan kepada malaikat, dan keimanan kepada qada’ dan qadar. Topik-topik berkenaan didapati berada dalam kerangka worldview kepercayaan dan amalan tradisi mereka. Sehubungan dengan itu, pendakwah memberikan maklum balas lisan terhadap topik-topik tersebut adalah berdasarkan keterangan yang jelas dan contoh yang tepat bersesuaian dengan tahap pemikiran mereka. Penekanan terhadap topik-topik tersebut merupakan perkara yang penting dalam rangka mengukuhkan dan memurnikan akidah masyarakat Orang Asli.Kata kunci: Komunikasi; Mesej; Pendakwah; Komuniti Orang Asli

scholarly journals ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AS A DRIVER FOR SUSTAINABILITY: STATE OF IMPLEMENTATION, BENEFITS AND BARRIERS IN GERMAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan-Simon SCHMIDT ◽  
Rainard OSEBOLD
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
The State ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Environmental Management Systems ◽  
Large Measure ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Ecologically Sustainable ◽  
Corporate Business

The construction industry, as one of almost every economy’s major generators of environmental impact, can contribute in large measure to achieving the goals of sustainability. However, most publications in this field deal with sustainability with reference to selecting construction materials and improvements in the operating phase of buildings. When considering ecological sustainability the focus has to be extended from the finished building to the building pro­cess. Therefore the actors of the construction sector who are responsible for the production process have to be studied: the construction companies. The goal of this paper is to study the state of ecologically sustainable corporate business management in construction. The state of application of elements of environmental management systems (EMS) is used as an indicator of the current situation in German construction companies. EMS can help continuously to environmen­tally improve the operating processes of the firms. A broad survey about the extent of EMS has been conducted consid­ering the barriers and drivers. In general, a relatively low interest in EMS and a lack of knowledge is noticeable within the sector. As a result, strategic recommendations are made on how to promote environmental management to foster sustainable thinking in the German construction industry.

Evaluation of a permissible roadbed thawing depth in permafrost

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 18-22
Author(s):  
Alexandr Galkin
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Resistance ◽  
Biot Number ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Road Base ◽  
Thawing Depth ◽  
Roadway Construction ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Purpose Of Evaluation

Roadbed thermal conditions in permafrost are subject to seasonal changes affecting roadway resilience. A roadbed thawing depth is important for road base processing, especially in permafrost. This research had the purpose of evaluation of a permissible roadbed thawing depth based on the Biot number reflecting general thermal resistance of roadbed layers. These results will contribute to understanding road bed thermal resistance and selection of roadway construction materials.

scholarly journals IMPLEMENTING HOME SAFETY TOOLKIT TO CAREGIVERS OF VETERANS WITH DEMENTIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S243-S243
Author(s):  
Scott A Trudeau
Keyword(s):  
Formative Evaluation ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Home Safety ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
Key Staff ◽  
Type 3 ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract The purpose of this project was to study the processes necessary to make a Home Safety Toolkit (HST) for Veterans with dementia accessible to veterans and their caregivers. This Type 3 Implementation–Effectiveness Hybrid Research Design, included diagnostic analyses of the current processes by which Veterans receive home safety items, and identification of modifications necessary in order to provide the HST to Veterans with dementia. Two Veterans Health Administration Networks, one in the Northeast and one in the Mid-Atlantic region, participated. A formative evaluation used semi-structured interviews with key staff informants and caregivers identified facilitators and barriers to successful acquisition and use of home safety items. Qualitative data analysis reveals key barriers of time and cost, selection of best items, and caregiver reluctance to change. There was resounding support from caregivers regarding the potential benefits of self-paced toolkit including education and home safety items to implement for their veteran.

Influences of Mining Depths of Coal Faces in Duanwang Coal Mine on the Gas Emission Law

2013 ◽  
Vol 295-298 ◽  
pp. 2874-2878
Author(s):  
Xin Xian Zhai ◽  
Yan Wei Zhai ◽  
Shi Wei Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Analysis ◽  
Coal Mine ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Shanxi Province ◽  
Coal Face ◽  
Gas Emission ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Mining Depth ◽  
Selection Of

Duanwang Coal Mine in Shanxi province, China, is located at north of Qinshui coalfield which gently inclined and thick seams have been mined. Authorized production capacity of the coal mine is 1.8Mt/a. With the increase of mining depth, the mine gas emission quantity increased. The mine became high gassy one from low gassy mine. Using field measurement and theoretical analysis methods, the following conclusion can be drawn. Gas emission quantity of coal face is directly correlated with mining depth. With the increase of mining depth, both absolute and relative gas emission quantities at coal face increased. The gradient of gas emission quantity was 0.0438-0.1338m3/t/m, the average value was 0.1062m3/t/m. These results would provide a foundation for prediction of the gas emission quantity and selection of gas control measures.

scholarly journals SELECTION OF WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY FOR TRACKING CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS USING A FUZZY DECISION MODEL / BELAIDŽIO RYŠIO TECHNOLOGIJŲ ATRANKA STATYBINĖMS MEDŽIAGOMS STEBĖTI, TAIKANT NEAPIBRĖŽTŲJŲ AIBIŲ SPRENDIMO MODELĮ

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaohua Jiang ◽  
Won-Suk Jang ◽  
Mirosław J. Skibniewski
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Wireless Technologies ◽  
Scope Of Application ◽  
Fuzzy Decision Model ◽  
Specific Technology ◽  
Selection Of

As the size and scale of construction projects increase, inefficiencies related to the manual operations about field data in current tracking systems are becoming an important issue. While emerging wireless technologies are providing a feasible vision of ubiquitous computing and sensor networks applicable to the large-scale construction industry, it has become even harder to select a suitable technology for tracking construction materials because of the differing functionalities, capabilities, and scope of application of the specific technology. This research proposes a multi-criteria decision-making model that leverages the decision process in choosing various wireless technologies available on the market. To justify the selection of a specific technology, a fuzzy method was adopted to provide an appropriate way to decide among five alternatives (e.g., RFID, GPS, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and UWB). Fuzzy ranking was obtained from the aggregated fuzzy appropriate index (FAI) based on a person's point of view (optimist, pessimist, or neutral). The results showed that Wi-Fi might be a suitable solution for optimists and neutral persons, but UWB might be the better alternative for pessimists. The results of this research may assist construction engineers in applying reasonable decision-making procedures in a fuzzy environment such as construction sites, and rank the relative importance of the various criteria and alternatives specified in this research. Santrauka Augant statybos projektų mastui, rankinis dabartinių stebejimo sistemų duomenų apdorojimo neefektyvumas tampa svarbia problema. Nors naujos belaidžio ryšio technologijos gali sudaryti galimybę įvesti visur prieinamus kompiuterinius ir jutiklių tinklus, naudojamus plataus masto statybos pramonėje, tampa vis sudėtingiau pasirinkti tinkamas technologijas statybinėms medžiagoms stebėti, nes kiekviena technologija atlieka skirtingas funkcijas, skiriasi jų galimybės ir taikymo apimtis. Šiame tyrime siūlomas daugiakriterinis sprendimų priėmimo modelis, kuris, sprendimų priėmimo procesą pasirenkant rinkoje, siūlomas belaidžio ryšio technologijas išskaido į atskirus lygius. Siekiant pagrįsti tam tikros technologijos pasirinkimą, buvo pritaikytas neapibrežtųjų aibių metodas, pasirenkant geriausią technologiją iš penkių alternatyvų (t. y. RFID, GPS, Wi-Fi, Zigbee ir UWB technologijų). Neapibrežtumo rangas buvo gautas taikant agreguotą neapibrežtumo tinkamumo indeksą (FAI), atsižvelgiant į asmens požiūrį (optimistinis, pesimistinis ar neutralus). Gauti rezultatai parodė, kad Wi-Fi technologija yra tinkama optimistams ir neutraliems asmenims, o UWB technologija būtų geresnė alternatyva pesimistams. Šio tyrimo rezultatai gali padėti statybos inžinieriams priimti pagrįstus sprendimus neapibrėžtoje aplinkoje, tokioje kaip statybos aikštelės, ir suranguoti pagal svarbą įvairius kriterijus bei aptartas šiame tyrime alternatyvas.

scholarly journals Prioritization and Selection of High Biomass Energy Producing Plant Species at Boset District, Central Ethiopia: An Ethnobotanical Approach 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tinsae Bahru Yifru ◽  
Berhane Kidane ◽  
Amsalu Tolessa
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Calotropis Procera ◽  
Sampled Data ◽  
High Biomass ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Acacia Senegal ◽  
Selection Of Species ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Background: In Ethiopia, about 92.3% of all the biomass energy is consumed by domestic households and the demand is growing from 10-14%. However, there are little/no practical experiences or documented indigenous knowledge on how traditional people identify and select high biomass producing plant species with short rotation periods at Boset District. Therefore, the present study was aimed at: (1) selecting and documenting high biomass energy producing plant species at Boset District; (2) identifying major predictor variables that influence the prioritization and selection of species; and (3) develop a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) to predict the selection of species. Methods: A total of 96 informants comprising 59 men and 37 women between the ages of 18 and 81 were sampled. Data were collected using structured interviews, guided field walk, discussions and field observations. Results: Collected data indicated that 88.5% of the informants involved in firewood collection, while 90% practiced charcoal making. A total of 1533.60 Birr per household on average was earned annually from this activity. A total of 25 firewood and/or charcoal plant species were identified and documented at Boset District. Of these, Acacia senegal, Acacia tortilis and Acacia robusta were the three best prioritized and selected indigenous high biomass producing species. Prosopis juliflora, Parthenium hysterophorus, Azadirachta indica, Calotropis procera, Cryptostegia grandiflora, Lantana camara and Senna occidentalis further grouped under introduced fuelwood species. Prediction of GLM assured sampled Kebeles and source of income generated from fuelwood species positively and significantly (p<0.001) related to selection of species. Higher efficiency to provide energy and heat; little or no smoke or soot; easier to cut and split the wood and easier availability were some of the main selection criteria. Conclusions: This study provides valuable information in selection and documenting of high biomass producing plant species for proper management and sustainable use at Boset District. The three most selected species (A. senegal, A. tortilis and A. robusta) should be further evaluated at laboratory to determine their energy values.

scholarly journals Research and development projects fuzzy definition in the university context

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Kuchta
Keyword(s):  
Research Funding ◽  
Fuzzy Theory ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Innovative Potential ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – research on R&D projects implemented at universities shows that many researchers feel that the requirements set on R&D project definition in the process of calls for projects brake the innovativeness and the freedom of research. Thus, the objective of the paper is to propose a soft, fuzzy set based method of R&D project definition, which would allow to evaluate projects in the stage of project calls, but at the same time would not act contrary to the research ideas of the most ingenious and innovative researchers. Research methodology – the proposal is based on the results of over 70 structured interviews with R&D project managers from Polish and French universities. The respondents expressed their critical opinion about the required definition of R&D projects in the application stage of most calls, suggested which elements should be improved and in which way. Most of them criticised the required detail level of projects description and emphasized the uncertainty present in their research. Then we propose to model this uncertainty by means of fuzzy sets. Findings – the result of the research presented in the paper is a new way of R&D project definition, based on the fuzzy theory, adjustable to each R&D project type. The new method of project definition will express the actual uncertainty and innovative potential of each R&D project and thus allow a selection of R&D projects which would maximise their contribution to the university and science development. Research limitations – the proposed approach needs to be validated and verified on the basis of a big sample of a real world R&D project, with the participation of a representative sample of researchers. Another limitation is a highly probable resistance against such an approach among the researchers and research funding institutions, as it requires a deep analysis of the planned research and its context. Practical implications – it is proposed that the method will be used by research funding institutions in project calls. This will increase the efficiency of financial resources spent on research, in terms of value-added per one dollar invested in the research. Originality/Value – the proposed method is the first approach to project definition based on fuzzy numbers and one of very few existing approaches to project definition taking uncertainty into account

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