Solar desalination system for fresh water production performance estimation in net-zero energy consumption building: A comparative study on various machine learning models.

This study employs diverse machine learning models, including classic artificial neural network (ANN), hybrid ANN models, and the imperialist competitive algorithm and emotional artificial neural network (EANN), to predict crucial parameters such as fresh water production and vapor temperatures. Evaluation metrics reveal the integrated ANN-ICA model outperforms the classic ANN, achieving a remarkable 20% reduction in mean squared error (MSE). The emotional artificial neural network (EANN) demonstrates superior accuracy, attaining an impressive 99% coefficient of determination (R2) in predicting freshwater production and vapor temperatures. The comprehensive comparative analysis extends to environmental assessments, displaying the solar desalination system's compatibility with renewable energy sources. Results highlight the potential for the proposed system to conserve water resources and reduce environmental impact, with a substantial decrease in total dissolved solids (TDS) from over 6,000 ppm to below 50 ppm. The findings underscore the efficacy of machine learning models in optimizing solar-driven desalination systems, providing valuable insights into their capabilities for addressing water scarcity challenges and contributing to the global shift toward sustainable and environmentally friendly water production methods.

Pharmacy students attitude and perception toward working in community pharmacy in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the level of attitude and perception of Saudi pharmacy students toward working in community pharmacies after graduation and to assess cultural, educational, and job related barriers and limitations that interfere with students and community pharmacy as a favorable workplace. METHODS: A cross sectional questionnaire, was mailed to a random sample of 600 pharmacy students. It included questions on students' future careers, ideal environment and barriers that might face them in community pharmacy. RESULTS: Four hundreds and twelve (412) completed the survey (response rate was 69%). Mean age was 23 years and 51.2% of respondents were female. Our results revealed low responses toward how interested they are to work in community pharmacy. The study response showed that improvement in salary and money incomes (46%) and culture and society issue (45%) are the two main barrier to make the career in community pharmacy more attractive. CONCLUSIONS: Saudi pharmacy students had a negative attitudes and insufficient knowledge about community pharmacy. Pharmacy school would have an important role to fill the knowledge gap and prepare the student to work in the community pharmacy. In order to successfully "Saudization" the community pharmacy setting, efforts should be made to overcome their perceived barriers.

A state-of-the-art review of the physical and durability characteristics and microstructure behavior of ultra-high-performance geopolymer concrete.

This paper provides a comprehensive review of ultra-high-performance geopolymer concrete (UHPGPC), an innovative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective variant of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), devised to meet the rising request for ultra-high-strength construction materials. Previous research papers have not thoroughly analyzed and compared the rheological, physical, durability, and microstructural properties of UHPGPC with UHPC. Similarly, review articles scarcely investigate UHPGPC's strength properties and microstructural behavior under high temperatures. This paper includes an assessment of the correlation between compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity (MOE). The current study also compares chloride ion penetration test outcomes, elevated temperature, electrical resistivity, and porosity tests to evaluate durability. To analyze the microstructure of UHPGPC, the paper assesses results from Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP). The findings from the present paper suggest that UHPGPC effectively meets the ideal mechanical property specifications of UHPC. Compared to UHPC, UHPGPC displayed a higher ion passage propensity due to larger pores (>100 nm). Geopolymer technologies present a greener path for producing UHPC by consuming less energy and emitting reduced CO2. Introducing mineral fillers like silica fume impacts the mixture's flowability and increases its water needs. However, adding an optimal ratio of micro-silica as a partial substitute for granulated blast furnace slag further bolsters the strength characteristics of UHPGPC. The strength of UHPC can also be notably improved by adjusting the water-to-binder ratio, with specific ratios yielding considerable enhancements in compression strength. The selection of an alkaline activator plays a pivotal role in UHPC's heat resilience. Among them, a combination of potassium hydroxide and sodium silicate is the prime chemical activator for boosting strength performance, durability behavior, and microstructural attributes, particularly at temperatures beyond 600 °C. Eco-friendly Geopolymer Composites (EGCs) offer lower embodied energy and CO2 emissions than traditional composites, with certain components like polyvinyl alcohol fibers being key contributors to these emissions. Progress in self-healing materials is driving sustainability in construction through innovative techniques, such as bacterial applications and specific chemical reactions. The strength and workability of Engineered Geopolymer Composites are influenced by their fiber content, with certain fibers interacting weaker than others. On a microstructural level, UHPGPC has a relatively weaker structure than UHPC due to differences in pore size, but its durability is improved when reinforced with fibers.