ABSTRACT
Natural disasters and human demolition create vast amounts of construction and demolition waste (CDW), with a substantial portion being concrete waste. Managing this concrete waste is a daunting challenge for developing countries with limited resources, aiming to mitigate its harmful environmental effects. Therefore, the proposed approach involves using recycled fine aggregates (RFA) instead of fresh fine aggregates (FFA) in concrete, which aligns closely with achieving sustainable environmental objectives. Extensive laboratory tests were conducted to assess the effects of adding RFA to concrete. The influence of 0 to 100% RFA replacement and different curing times was investigated on compressive strength, tensile strength, resistance against chloride ion penetration and chemicals exposure, and quality of aggregates. So, around 30%, 35%, 20%, and 79% reductions in compression strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and workability were estimated when 100% RFA was used in recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). However, according to results analyses, the performance of RAC is reliable up to 50% of RFA in proposed conditions and mix design. In addition, major environmental impacts such as global warming potential, aquatic eutrophication, and aquatic acidification were reduced by 47%, 40%, and 18%, respectively, for concrete having 50% RFA than concrete having 100% FFA.
Subject(s)
Construction Materials , Recycling , Environment , Tensile StrengthABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Over the course of recent years smartphone and tablet technology has evolved rapidly. Similarly, the sphere of healthcare is constantly developing and striving to embrace the newest forms of technology in order to optimise function. Many opportunities for mobile applications (i.e. 'apps') pertinent to the healthcare sector are now emerging. OBJECTIVE: This study will consider whether registered pharmacists within the United Kingdom (UK) believe it appropriate to use mobile apps during the provision of healthcare within the community setting. METHODS: Further to Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) ethical approval, the 30 item questionnaire was distributed to UK registered pharmacists (n=600) practising within inner city Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle. The questions were formatted as multiple choice, Likert scales or the open answer type. On questionnaire completion and return, data were analysed using simple frequencies, cross tabulations and non-parametric techniques in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (v18). RESULTS: The majority of respondents (78.4% of 211 participants) confirmed that they were confident when using mobile apps on their technology platform. In general, mobile apps were perceived to be useful in facilitating patient consultations (55%) and supporting healthcare education (80%). The main barrier for mobile app use within the workplace was company policy, deemed significant in the case of regional / national chain pharmacies (p<0.001). Pharmacists alluded to the fact that whilst mobile apps demonstrate potential in modern day practise, they will have a greater impact in the future (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The data indicate that although pharmacists are supportive of mobile apps in healthcare, a number of factors (i.e. risk, company policy and lack of regulation) may preclude their use in modern day pharmacy practise. Clearly, limitations of the technology must be addressed in order to maximise uptake within healthcare systems. Pharmacists suggest that as the younger generation ages, mobile apps will become a more accepted method by which to manage healthcare in the wider population.
ABSTRACT
Background: Over the course of recent years smartphone and tablet technology has evolved rapidly. Similarly, the sphere of healthcare is constantly developing and striving to embrace the newest forms of technology in order to optimise function. Many opportunities for mobile applications (i.e. apps) pertinent to the healthcare sector are now emerging. Objective: This study will consider whether registered pharmacists within the United Kingdom (UK) believe it appropriate to use mobile apps during the provision of healthcare within the community setting. Methods: Further to Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) ethical approval, the 30 item questionnaire was distributed to UK registered pharmacists (n=600) practising within inner city Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle. The questions were formatted as multiple choice, Likert scales or the open answer type. On questionnaire completion and return, data were analysed using simple frequencies, cross tabulations and non- parametric techniques in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (v18). Results: The majority of respondents (78.4% of 211 participants) confirmed that they were confident when using mobile apps on their technology platform. In general, mobile apps were perceived to be useful in facilitating patient consultations (55%) and supporting healthcare education (80%). The main barrier for mobile app use within the workplace was company policy, deemed significant in the case of regional / national chain pharmacies (p<0.001). Pharmacists alluded to the fact that whilst mobile apps demonstrate potential in modern day practise, they will have a greater impact in the future (p<0.001). Conclusion: The data indicate that although pharmacists are supportive of mobile apps in healthcare, a number of factors (i.e. risk, company policy and lack of regulation) may preclude their use in modern day pharmacy practise. Clearly, limitations of the technology must be addressed in order to maximise uptake within healthcare systems. Pharmacists suggest that as the younger generation ages, mobile apps will become a more accepted method by which to manage healthcare in the wider population (AU)
Antecedentes: La tecnología de smatphones y tablets ha evolucionado rápidamente en el transcurso de los últimos años. Igualmente, la esfera de la sanidad está constantemente en desarrollo y esforzándose para incluir las nuevas formas de la tecnología para optimizar su funcionamiento. Están apareciendo muchas oportunidades para las aplicaciones de móviles (i.e., apps) en el sector de la salud. Objetivo: este estudio considera si los farmacéuticos registrados en el Reino Unido (UK) creen apropiado el uso de apps de móviles durante la atención a la salud en el entorno comunitario. Métodos: Después de la aprobación de ética de la Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), el cuestionario de 30 ítems fue distribuido a los farmacéuticos registrados en UK que trabajaban en la ciudad de Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle (n=600). Se formatearon las preguntas como escalas de Likert de selección múltiple o de tipo abierto. Cuando completaron y devolvieron los cuestionarios, se analizaron los datos usando frecuencias simples, tablas de contingencia y métodos no paramétricos en el SPSS (v18). Resultados: La mayoría de los respondentes (78,4% de 211 participantes) confirmaron que sentían confianza cuando usaban apps de móviles en sus plataformas tecnológicas. En general, las apps de móviles eran percibidas como útiles para facilitar la consulta con el paciente (55%) y apoyar la educación sanitaria (80%). La principal barrera para el uso de apps de móviles en el lugar de trabajo era la política de la compañía, lo que resultó significativo en el caso de cadenas de farmacias regionales / nacionales (p<0,001). Los farmacéutico aludieron al hecho de aunque las apps de móviles demuestran un potencial en la práctica diaria moderna, tendrán mayor impacto en el futuro (p<0,001). Conclusión: Los datos indican que aunque los farmacéuticos son favorables a las apps de móviles en la atención sanitaria, determinados factores (i.e., riesgo, política de compañía y falta de reglamentación) pueden impedir su uso en la práctica diaria moderna. Claramente, deben afrontarse las limitacion es de la tecnología para maximizar su beneficio en lo s sistemas sanitarios. Los farmacéuticos sugieren que, a medida que las generaciones más jóvenes crezcan, las aplicaciones de móviles serán un método más aceptado para la atención sanitaria en mayores poblaciones (AU)