Benchmarking energy utilization in cement manufacturing processes in Nigeria and estimation of savings opportunities

Nigeria is a leading producer of cement in Africa. Because cement production is energy intensive, with significant adverse impacts on the environment, an apparent need exists to assess the Nigerian cement industry to identify energy use mitigation options. The potentials for reducing energy use in typical Nigerian cement manufacturing plants, through the implementation of available energy efficiency measures, were assessed in this study, alongside the attendant costs of implementing those measures. To achieve these, using numerous globally available energy efficiency technologies and measures, energy conservation supply curves were constructed for three Nigerian cement manufacturing plants which operate on wet, semi-wet, and dry cement manufacturing processes, respectively. Comparisons with global best and Chinese benchmark plants with respect to thermal and electrical energy consumption were also made. The comparisons showed that, with respect to the global benchmark plants, thermal energy savings of between 19.83 and 52%, and electrical energy savings of between 35.23 and 43.10%, were possible. With respect to the Chinese benchmarks, thermal energy savings of 10.74–47.32%, and electrical energy savings of 20.95–30.17%, could be achieved. The plants considered performed significantly less than either of the benchmarks in terms of both thermal and electrical energy usage. The energy conservation supply curves for the plants showed that implementing the cost-effective energy efficiency measures could lead to energy savings of about 235,038, 237,913 and 374,055 GJ/year, for the wet, semi-wet, and dry cement manufacturing plants, respectively. Furthermore, technically feasible efficiency measures could yield energy savings of about 250,272, 259,795 and 395,447 GJ/year, respectively. Achieving these savings will improve profitability in the Nigerian cement industry and make the unused energies available for utilization in other sectors of the Nigerian economy.     

The contextualization of divergent outlooks in a Greenfield master-planned community: a pathway towards reflexivity

Comprehensive design schemes and specifications have progressively shaped Master-Planned Communities (MPCs). The market largely predetermines these outcomes, with background input from communities. Therefore, this paper endeavours to define the fundamental structures that generate differences between market actors and residents within the North Lakes MPC. This study employs ‘habitus theory’, which is a sociological phenomenon describing the divergence of personal outlooks and expertise. The application of this theory is thus illustrative of the evolution of distinct observations within MPCs. Contemporary studies have under-researched these inherent gaps between communities, authorities, and critics, and these frictions could be exacerbated within restrictive developmental contexts. Epistemic and objectified content analyses collated over many years and sources will uncover the underlying differences between the relevant groups. These analyses will enable the progression of a framework for understanding power relation biases and how reflexivity can enhance current consultative methods.     

Modified Atmosphere Packaging Technology of Fresh and Fresh-cut Produce and the Microbial Consequences—A Review

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology offers the possibility to retard the respiration rate and extend the shelf life of fresh produce, and is increasingly used globally as value adding in the fresh and fresh-cut food industry. However, the outbreaks of foodborne diseases and emergence of resistant foodborne pathogens in MAP have heightened public interest on the effects of MAP technology on the survival and growth of pathogenic organisms. This paper critically reviews the effects of MAP on the microbiological safety of fresh or fresh-cut produce, including the role of innovative tools such as the use of pressurised inert/noble gases, predictive microbiology and intelligent packaging in the advancement of MAP safety. The integration of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points-based programs to ensure fresh food quality and microbial safety in packaging technology is highlighted.     

Effect of cellulase/glucanase/xylanase (Roxazyme G2) enzymes combination on nutrients utilisation of vegetable meal (Amaranthus cruentus) fed as sole dietary protein source in rat assay

Amaranthus cruentus vegetable meal (ACVM) had 23% crude protein. Ca, Na, K, Mg and Fe were abundant at 2.0 g kg^?1, 7.1 g kg^?1, 4.8 g kg^?1, 2.5 g kg^?1, 1109 mg kg^?1, respectively. P‐phosporous, oxalates and tannins were noticeable. Lysine, methionine and cystine were limiting. Weight gain for rats on the reference (casein) diet 2 at 6.30 g ±2.87 was highest (P < 0.05) followed by diet 6 (12% ACVM with enzyme supplementation) at 5.01 g ±2.42. Feed intakes were similar (P > 0.05) for rats on the reference diet and for rats on 10% and 12% with/without enzyme supplementation ranging from 42.90 g ± 4.52 in reference diet to 45.12 g ± 3.64. Nitrogen retention was highest for rats on reference diet but similar (P > 0.05) to rats on 12% enzyme supplemented diet at 0.53 ± 1.12 and 0.53 ± 2.10, respectively. Other investigated protein evaluation parameters revealed similar results among rats kept on reference diet and the rats on ACVM based diets with enzyme supplementations. Enzyme supplementation had a complimentary role in ACVM nutrition in rat trial.     

Using PLS-SEM technique to model construction organizations' willingness to participate in e-bidding

The push for the use of e-bidding is on the increase. In many countries, e-bidding has become part of the public procurement reform. However, previous studies have reported the low uptake of e-bidding in the construction industry. This study develops a theoretical structural model representing the impact six latent variables on the willingness of construction organizations to participate in e-bidding. Data from a questionnaire survey of 64 respondents from clients, contractors, consultants, and suppliers organizations was used to analyze the model. The result of the data analysis suggests that perceived barriers, cost, the perceived benefits of e-bidding and security concerns are the factors influencing willingness participate in e-bidding with perceived barriers being the most significant influencing factor. The perception about the adequacy of the existing traditional paper-based tendering and the perception about the non-readiness of business partners are the underlying barriers that need to be addressed when introducing e-biding. This study also discovers that when the respondents concern about the cost of e-bidding is high, their reported willingness to participate in e-bidding is higher when the perceived benefits is high that when the perceived benefits is low. To enhance the participation of the industry in e-bidding, public sector and large private clients would need to take leadership by making bidder's capability for e-bidding and e-project management at all project phases a criteria in bid evaluation. E-bidding developers and promoters need to use test project cases to monitor, measure, and document the benefits of e-bidding. To disseminate the perceived benefits, promoters would need to work closely with industry professional associations to develop promotional programmes linked to continuous professional development (CPD) points. The analytical approach used in this study should assist other researchers who might wish to address a similar research problem under a similar data and model constraints.     

User-oriented Security Supporting Inter-disciplinary Life Science Research across the Grid

Understanding potential genetic factors in disease or development of personalised e-Health solutions require scientists to access a multitude of data and compute resources across the Internet from functional genomics resources through to epidemiological studies. The Grid paradigm provides a compelling model whereby seamless access to these resources can be achieved. However, the acceptance of Grid technologies in this domain by researchers and resource owners must satisfy particular constraints from this community - two of the most critical of these constraints being advanced security and usability. In this paper we show how the Internet2 Shibboleth technology combined with advanced authorisation infrastructures can help address these constraints. We demonstrate the viability of this approach through a selection of case studies across the complete life science spectrum.     

Legal Framework for Alternative Dispute Resolution: Examination of the Singapore National Legal System for Arbitration

Effectiveness of any alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method depends on the national legal system to which it is subjected. In Singapore, the increasing growth in the use of ADR methods may be adduced to developments in the Singapore legal environment. This paper reviews the characteristics of the Singapore national legal system for arbitration. It examines how the legal system facilitates effective use of ADR. By its features, the Singapore national legal system ensures parties’ autonomy but deters parties from taking opportunistic advantage of the voluntary nature of ADR. It enables procedural flexibility, and confidentiality of arbitration proceedings. It insulates the arbitration process from intervention from the Singapore courts and from corruption; and it provides maximum judicial support in the arbitral process. Hence, it ensures that disputes can be brought to a conclusion within a reasonable amount of time, at a reasonable cost, as well as preserving business relationships. The Singapore legal system insures the integrity of arbitration and the independence of arbitrators and arbitral institutions by immunity provisions. In addition, the legal system enhances the use of mediation and conciliation in a sequential tier with arbitration by providing a time limit for mediation or conciliation to terminate should they fail to produce a mutually acceptable settlement. In Singapore, the court system is generally known to be efficient; hence, ADR faces the practical challenge of becoming lengthier than court proceedings. The continuing search for and use of expedited arbitration procedures by arbitral institutions such as the Singapore International Arbitration Centre should reduce this challenge. This paper provides useful information on how a national legal system may be designed to support the use of ADR methods and facilitate their effectiveness.