In response to the challenges of climate change, this study explores the use of moringa pod powder as reinforcement in the manufacture of compressed earth bricks to promote sustainable building materials. The objective is to evaluate the impact of African locust bean pod powder on the mechanical properties of the bricks. Two types of soils from Togo were characterized according to geotechnical standards. Mixtures containing 8% African locust bean pod powder at various particle sizes (0.08 mm, 2 mm, and between 2 and 5 mm) were formulated and tested for compression and tensile strength. The results show that the addition of African locust bean pod reduces the mechanical strength of the bricks compared to the control sample without pods, with strengths ranging from 0.697 to 0.767 MPa, compared to 0.967 to 1.060 MPa for the control. However, the best performances for the mixtures were obtained with a fineness of less than 2 mm. This decrease in performance is attributed to several factors, including inadequate water content and suboptimal preparation and compaction methods. Optimizing formulation parameters is necessary to maximize the effectiveness of African locust bean pods. This work highlights the valorization of agro-industrial waste, paving the way for a better understanding of bio-based materials and future research for sustainable construction.
Service composition enables the integration of multiple services to create new functionalities, optimizing resource utilization and supporting diverse applications in critical domains such as safety-critical systems, telecommunications, and business operations. This paper addresses the challenges in comparing load-balancing algorithms within service composition environments and proposes a novel dynamic load-balancing algorithm designed specifically for these systems. The proposed algorithm aims to improve response times, enhance system efficiency, and optimize overall performance. Through a simulated service composition environment, the algorithm was validated, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing the computational load of a BMI calculator web service. This dynamic algorithm provides real-time monitoring of critical system parameters and supports system optimization. In future work, the algorithm will be refined and tested across a broader range of scenarios to further evaluate its scalability and adaptability. By bridging theoretical insights with practical applications, this research contributes to the advancement of dynamic load balancing in service composition, offering practical implications for high-tech system performance.
Customers are displaying heightened awareness and involvement in their banking arrangements, and they are actively assessing and remembering information to make informed decisions regarding the allocation of their financial resources towards environmental protection solutions such as clean energy, sustainable construction, climate change control and social protection. Based on the current theoretical gap of factors influencing customer satisfaction and thereby encouraging continued engagement in green finance initiatives, this study aims to identify the factors influencing customer satisfaction as a means of fostering greater participation in green finance amongst customers of commercial banks in Ho Chi Minh City. Using data from a survey of 479 individuals who are customers at commercial banks in Ho Chi Minh City, this study analyses and evaluates the impact of factors influencing customer satisfaction and the role of customer satisfaction in green finance continuance behaviour. Combining basic analysis techniques in quantitative research such as statistics, evaluation of Cronbach’s alpha reliability, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), measurement models and Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) from SPSS and SMART PLS software. the results of this research indicate that: (1) Green Banking initiative (GB), Information Support (IS) and Emotional Support (ES) positively impact Customer Satisfaction (SA); (2) Customer Satisfaction (SA) positively impacts Green Finance Continuance Behaviour (GF).
The covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected the sustainability of micro and small enterprises (MSEs), with a particularly pronounced impact in Central Java. Entrepreneurs who struggle to adapt to reduced consumer purchasing power and the increasing reliance on digital technology are at heightened risk of business closure. Despite these challenges, inclusivity remains a crucial element for MSEs in fostering local economic development. Accordingly, this study seeks to examine the role of inclusivity in the sustainability of MSEs that are based on digital technology. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires and focus group discussions. Respondents were digital-based MSEs entrepreneurs from five selected regions, with Central Java having the largest number of digital media users. Key informants included experts from Diponegoro University, the International Council of Small Business (ICSB), the Department of Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises at the provincial and district levels, and non-governmental organizations. The collected data was analyzed using the Rapid Appraisal for Micro and Small Enterprises (Rap-MSE’s) method. To assess the sustainability status, the study utilized several dimensions, including economic, environmental, social, institutional, technological, and inclusivity factors. Both multidimensional and individual analyses indicated that the sustainability status was relatively robust. MSEs that integrated digital technology into their operations were able to withstand the challenges posed by covid-19 and adapt to the new normal. In conclusion, the inclusivity dimension in the adoption of digital technology has gained increased importance in driving local economic development.
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