Digital Commons Network^™

Humanising Commercial Streets As A Tool For Social Sustainability, Mona Helmy, Nada El-Hama

Architectural Engineering

Commercial Streets are the beating heart of any city, the hubs of leisure, business, and social gatherings, in which they also reflect cultures and be used to assess the level of well-being of citizens. Recently, due to the world population increase and other various factors, such as excessive urbanism and the domination of vehicle movement over pedestrianization rights, some commercial streets suffer from dehumanisation causes and symptoms. Those vary between substandard planning and construction, inhospitable landscaping, and excessive visual pollution, among other causes and symptoms. Thus, this research investigates various Humanisation strategies adopted worldwide. It discusses the potential of applying …

Revitalizing Historic Plazas For Integrated Urban Conservation, Mona Helmy

Architectural Engineering

Historic plazas play a major role in improving or creating place identity, place memory, and belonging of heritage areas. They maintain elements of tangible and intangible heritage, such as accommodating social networks, traditions, lifestyles, traditional crafts, festivals, or rituals. Above all, they manifest a unique sense of place, and collective memory of cities to local communities, contributing to the historical character of heritage areas. The paper claims that the revitalization of historic plazas intends to reconcile conserving their historical urban landscape (HUL) to meet the changing requirements of local communities. It argues that revitalizing historical plazas is an innovative approach …

Assessing Indoor Temperature Control Using Different Materials And Designs, Amany G. Micheal Prof.

Architectural Engineering

Controlling indoor temperature in buildings is gaining much importance. This is attributed to the increasing awareness around the world of the mandate reduction in fossil fuel consumption to produce electricity necessary to control temperature inside buildings. This research studies the potential to improve the indoor environment of buildings using different materials either insulators or incorporated inside a building and façade design. The study involves phase changing materials (PCM), thermal insulation materials and façade shading and design. Thermal insulation materials include mineral wool and polystyrene boards, which are the most popular insulators in arid countries. Wood cladding influence on the indoor …

Experimental Investigation On Properties Of Sugarcane Bagasse Fiberboard Manufactured With Different Techniques, Amany G. Micheal Prof., Marianne Nabil Girgis Ass. Prof., Omar Mohasen Khalaf Eng.

Architectural Engineering

Within an ongoing research project investigating the use of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) to develop different building materials, this article adopts an experimental approach to determine the effect of the manufacturing technique on proposed composite fiberboards. Two different prototypes of composite fiberboards are developed using (SCB) as a natural fiber, and different matrices are tested. The epoxy resin and polyester resin are used as the alternative matrices. Fiberboards are proposed to be used as cladding boards or as internal furnishing units material instead of using MDF or HDF that exploit the usage of natural soft or hard wood that is unrecyclable, …

Enhancing The Mechanical Properties Of Green Concrete Blocks Mixture, Amany G. Micheal Prof., Tuka Fahmy El Ghazaly Arch., Rania Rushdy Moussa Dr.

Architectural Engineering

Concrete is a very abundant building material and flexible in construction. Yet cement is the main material used in concrete mixture, which consumed a lot of energy and money. Cement is a very un-eco-friendly material when it comes to production and is a main contributor to global warming. On the other hand, Polymers can be toxic to people, fauna, and flora. In the last century, Egyptian citizens complained that the waste has increased, and the inappropriate waste disposal effect the Egyptian health and quality of life. The alternative is to burn the polymers; however, it will produce toxic emissions that …

A Framework For Developing Sustainable Architectural Entrepreneurship Start-Ups In Egypt, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Mariz Ahmed Aziz, Fatma Othman Alamoudy

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – This research aims to develop and validate a framework to support the development of sustainable architectural entrepreneurship start-ups (AES) in Egypt by overcoming the challenges that obstruct their development. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative and quantitative research methodology was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review investigated the concept of entrepreneurship, the challenges of AES in Egypt and Egypt’s Vision 2030. Four case studies were analysed to validate the identified challenges and strategies adopted to overcome these obstacles. A survey questionnaire was conducted with AES founders in Egypt to assess their perception of entrepreneurship, challenges and strategies adopted …

Managing Design Changes Through Integrating Concurrent Engineering Into The Architectural Design Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Mariam Sherif Ali

Architectural Engineering

This research aims to investigate the role of concurrent engineering (CE) towards managing design changes (DCs) during the architectural design process (ADP). To achieve this aim, a mixed research approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods was designed to accomplish four objectives. Firstly, the literature review investigated ADP, causes and impacts of DCs and CE. Secondly, three case studies of construction projects from Finland, China and Indonesia were collected and analysed to validate the identified causes and impacts of DCs and examine the role of CE towards managing DCs during ADP. Thirdly, a survey questionnaire was conducted with a representative sample …

A 4-Dimensional Strategy For Managing Construction Waste Originating During The Design Process Within Architectural Design Firms In Egypt, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Aya Said Muawad Saad

Architectural Engineering

This study aims to develop and validate a comprehensive strategy consisting of four dimensions for effectively managing construction waste (CW) arising during the Architectural Design Process (ADP) within Architectural Design Firms (ADFs) in Egypt. To accomplish this aim, a hybrid research approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods, was designed to address four specific objectives. Firstly, a thorough literature review was conducted to explore the topics of ADP, CW, Waste Management (WM), as well as national and international Waste Management Strategies (WMS). Secondly, three construction-based case studies from Saudi Arabia, China, and Thailand were gathered and analyzed to investigate the efficacy …

A Strategy For Reducing Construction Waste Generated During The Design Process In Architectural Design Firms In Egypt, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Aya Said Saad

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – This paper aims to develop and validate a strategy for reducing construction waste (CW) generated during the design process (DP) in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative and quantitative research methodology was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review investigated DP, CW, waste management (WM) and WM strategies (WMS). Three case studies were analysed to investigate the role of WMS towards reducing CW during DP. A survey questionnaire was conducted with a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to assess their perception and application of WMS during DP. Lastly, a strategy was developed and …

A Lean Management Framework For Achieving Sustainability Through Reducing Risks During The Design Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Sherouk Mohamed Abdelrahim

Architectural Engineering

The building sector is a substantial global industry that plays a significant role in the social and economic advancement of nations. The construction industry has been criticized for its unsustainable practices, including waste generation, pollution, and the consumption of non-renewable resources and energy. Due to the dynamic nature of the construction industry and the involvement of multiple parties with diverse goals, knowledge, and skills, the industry is susceptible to various risks that can undermine the sustainability of projects. This research aims to develop a Lean Management (LM) framework to deliver sustainable construction projects through reducing risks during the design process. …

Early Supplier Involvement Framework For Reducing Construction Waste During The Design Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Yomna Abdelghany El-Saeidy

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework to facilitate early supplier involvement (ESI) as an approach for reducing construction waste (CW) generated during the design process. Design/methodology/approach – A research methodology consists of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire was designed to achieve the abovementioned aim. First, the literature review was used to investigate CW, CW generated during the design process, the design process and ESI. Second, two construction projects were analysed to investigate the role of ESI towards reducing CW generated during the design waste. Third, a survey questionnaire was carried out with …

A Framework For Enhancing Building Maintainability Through Facilitating Early Suppliers’ Involvement In The Design Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Ahmed Ramadan Kamal

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to develop a framework to enhance building maintainability through facilitating early suppliers’ involvement (ESI) in the design process. Design/methodology/approach – A research methodology consisting of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire was designed to achieve the above-mentioned aim. Firstly, literature review was used to examine the concepts of building maintenance, maintainability, the design process and ESI. Secondly, three case studies were presented and analysed to investigate the role of ESI towards enhancing building maintainability during the design process. Thirdly, a survey questionnaire was carried out with a representative sample of architectural …

Innovation Management Framework For Achieving Sustainability Through Managing Risks Of Innovative Solutions During The Design Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Rawan Medhat Hussein

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – Construction waste drivers, amplified by the linear economy model, contribute significantly to resource consumption and waste generation across various phases of the construction process. Recognizing the critical influence of the design process on these outcomes, this study aims to develop a framework integrating circular economy to reduce construction waste and promote sustainable practices during the design process within architectural design firms in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative and quantitative research approach was used to accomplish four objectives. A comprehensive literature review explored the concepts of construction waste, the design process, the circular economy and Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy …

Bim Roles In Enhancing Building Performance In Construction Projects Through Communication Management Case Study: The Grand Egyptian Museum, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Hussien Shanawany,, Shaimaa Ali

Architectural Engineering

No abstract provided.

Circular Economy For Minimising Waste Generation During The Architectural Design Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Abeer Ahmed Kamel, Fatma Othman Alamoudy

Architectural Engineering

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence Towards Enhancing The Risk Management Practices During The Design Process, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Nadia Mohamed Algheetany, Fatma Othman Alamoudy

Architectural Engineering

No abstract provided.

Challenges Of Implementing Integrated Project Delivery In The Construction Industry In Egypt, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Doaa Refahy, Ashraf Nessim

Architectural Engineering

No abstract provided.

Project Managment, Bryant University

Catalogs and Programs

No abstract provided.

Leveraging Brazilian Administrative Data To Examine The Impact Of Unobservable Factors On Earnings, Victor Gabriel Antunes Buttignon, Francis Carlo Petterini Lourenço, Edinaldo Tebaldi

Mathematics and Economics Faculty Journal Articles

This research contributes to the literature and fills a gap in the Brazilian literature on the returns to public and private education. Most research examining this differential are subject to potential bias because of the lack of controls for unobservable variables. This work accounts for unobservable traits by leveraging the methodology proposed by Dale and Krueger (2002) and data from the National Association of Graduate Centers in Economics (ANPEC) and administrative data from the Annual List of Social Information (RAIS). The findings indicate that the positive earnings differential for public education turns insignificant when controls for unobservable characteristics are accounted …

In This Issuesystematic Revieworiginal Article

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

War And Health Crisis In Gaza, Fahdah Alokaily

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

The Importance Of The Erythrocyte Distribution Width/Albumin Ratio In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation, Berrin Z. Eraslan, Sümeyye K. Cengiz, Seda B. Sagmen, Kübra Z. Yalçınkaya, Nesrin Kıral, Sevda Cömert

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To investigate the relationship of the erythrocyte distribution width (RDW)/albumin ratio on hospital length of stay (LOS) and prognosis in patients hospitalized with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. Methods: Patients hospitalized in our clinic for COPD exacerbation were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas, history of hospitalization due to exacerbation in the last year, LOS, C-reactive protein, RDW, albumin, platelet counts, and 30-day mortality status were recorded. Significant cut-off RDW/albumin ratio values that could predict hospitalization for 10 days or more were analyzed. Results: A total of 58 patients were included in our …

Impact Of Pulmonary Infection After Radical Esophagectomy On Serum Inflammatory Markers, Pulmonary Function Indices, And Prognosis, Wu Wang, Tianbao Yang, Jinbiao Xie, Shijie Huang

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To analyze the influence of pulmonary infection after radical esophagectomy on serum inflammatory markers, pulmonary function, and prognosis. Methods: We enrolled 278 esophageal cancer patients who underwent radical esophagectomy. Patients were split into the infected (n=51) and uninfected groups (n=227). The inflammatory parameters, complications, and prognosis were compared. Results: In the infected group, interleukin (IL)-6 was 16.19±2.63 ng/L, tumor necrosis factor-α was 19.64±3.07 µg/L, and IL-1β was 22.49±5.13 ng/L at 7 days postoperatively; white blood cell counts was 12.65±2.14 ×10 9 /L, percentage of neutrophils (NEU%) was 67.04±10.48%, and platelet (PLT) counts was 249.82±63.26 ×10 9 /L; the increasing …

Comparison Of Lidocaine Viscous Gargle And Topical Application On Laryngeal Mask Airway In General Anesthesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Yan Peng, Ju Qian, Yiqun Mao

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To investigate the effects and safety of lidocaine viscous gargle on postoperative sore throat (POST) in patients receiving a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in general anesthesia. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 90 patients undergoing urological surgery were allocated into 2 treatment arms (n=45): lidocaine viscous gargle before LMA insertion (Group G) and topical application of lidocaine viscous on the LMA (Group T). Outcome data were collected before placement of LMA (T0), after insertion of LMA (T1), immediately (T2), one hour (T3), and 24 hours after removal of LMA (T4). We analyzed the incidence of POST, pharynx dryness, and …

Treatment Of Non-Displaced Intracapsular Femoral Neck Fractures With Dynamic Hip And Cannulated Screws Resulting In Avascular Necrosis: A Comparative Study Of Complications, Hashem A. Bukhary, Fahd I. Aljuaid, Khalid M. Alhomayani, Abdulelah A. Saati, Amaal M. Aldosari, Wateen A. Hammadi, Hamed S. Qutbuddeen, Abdulhafiz A. Wazuddin, Haneen A. Hammadi, Amjad M. Jawhari

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To compare the complications associated with cannulated hip screws (CHS) and dynamic hip screws (DHS) techniques. Methods: In this multicenter retrospective chart study, we reviewed the records and data of all patients operated upon by DHS or CHS for treatment of Garden type I and type II intracapsular non-displaced femoral neck fracture from January 2017 to December 2022. Patients with incomplete files or follow-ups of less than one year were excluded from the study. Results: The study enrolled 85 patients, 35 males, and 50 females, with a mean age of 72±5.4 for males and 70.6±7.6 for females. A total …

The Prevalence Of Extracranial Carotid Atherosclerosis Detected Via Ultrasound Imaging: A Single-Centre Study In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Salahaden R. Sultan

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Data on patients who underwent carotid ultrasound examinations between 2017-2021 were collected retrospectively from the archive of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patient characteristics, blood lipid profiles, and plaque features were extracted from the medical records and ultrasound images. Descriptive data were presented as percentages. Results: In total, 1334 patients were reviewed. Of these, 13.5% had carotid plaques and were included in the analysis. The mean patient age was 69.8±10.4 years, and 76.1% were men. The prevalence of hypertension was 62.7% and the prevalence of …

The Effect Of Having A Physician In The Triage Area On The Rate Of Patients Leaving Without Being Seen: A Quality Improvement Initiative At King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Faisal T. Mahmood, Mohammed M. Alghamdi, Mohammad O. Alqithmi, Nasser M. Faris, Muhammad U. Nasir, Ali Salman

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of the presence of a physician in the triage area on the number of patients who leave without being seen (LWBS) and some of the factors affecting emergency department (ED) crowding. Methods: This was a pre-post study carried out at King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The 3-month study, consisting of 7826 patients, was split into pre-physician and post-physician periods. Variables compared across these periods were the number of LWBS patients, length of hospital stay, time to physician, and time to disposition decision. Statistical analysis was carried out using R version 4.3.0. Results: Our …

Cross-Cultural Modification Of The University Of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test For The Saudi Arabian Population: Validation And Normative Values, Saad Alsaleh, Ahmed Alhussien, Nawaf Alsubaie, Ziyad Alajlan, Sakhar Albader, Ibrahim Alarifi, Hussain Albaharna, Ibrahim Sumaily

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To develop a reliable version of the Saudi Arabian-University of Pennsylvania smell identification test (SA-UPSIT) and to establish normative values for both genders. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on voluntarily recruited normal participants in King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from April 2018 to May 2023. Culture-familiar odors were chosen and the kit was translated into Arabic for the study. The test was modified 3 times in 4 versions. Following this, a random sample was collected to carry out a re-test after 6 weeks. Results: A total of 288 subjects participated in the development of …

How Do Contraception Preferences Change Over Time? Eight Years Of Experience In A Tertiary Hospital, Merve A. Talmac, Seyma C. Yuksek, Selim Afsar, Aysegul Bestel, Izel Gunay, Ismail Ozdemir

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To examine the contraceptive preferences of women based on their age and to track changes in these preferences over time. Methods: This was an observational, retrospective cross-sectional study. Data from 2742 patients were evaluated for this study. The patient group of the first 4 years was classified as Group I (n=1371) and the last 4 years was classified as Group II (n=1371). The preferred contraception methods between the groups and their changes across the years were examined. Results: Coitus interruptus was found to be the prevailing contraceptive method across all age groups, with 304 (70.9%) in 18-24 age group; …

Developing, Translating, And Validating A Survey Instrument For Assessing Hospital Food Service Staff’S Food Safety Knowledge, Perceptions, And Practices During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Nisreen M. Abdulsalam, Hajar B. Alnomani

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the food safety knowledge, perceptions, and practices (KPPs) of hospital food service staff (FSS) amidst the challenges of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The questionnaire was subjected to a rigorous evaluation process, which included a literature review and focus groups comprising the general public, FSS, and key experts in food service. The pilot testing highlighted its utility and determined its content validity ratio (CVR). Results: Most items received high CVR scores of 0.96, indicating excellent content validity. A subsequent pilot study involved 40 FSS. Reliability testing, using Cronbach’s alpha value …