Durable Impact Research Articles

Designing a Second Life: An Action Research Project Implementing an Employment Platform in Japan

In Japan, with rising longevity actively “designing a second life” is vital including the potential to work, which is key for those retiring from employment and women after child-rearing. This brings vitality to local communities, given demographic trends and the health and well-being benefits of appropriate employment. Yet, existing local labour market mechanisms do not serve well many such individuals.This paper provides insights into an ongoing action-research programme to achieve social impact by developing a platform to support people’s second life related to employment. The initial focus is on a city in which to develop a prototype. The approach involves forming a consortium of local stakeholders, and then pursuing initiatives to develop the platform’s two sides: bringing potential employers onboard and attracting people in their second life. In the next phase, the aim is to develop a model to support other cities’ learning and adaptation.The initial priority in the focal city is to have a durable local impact by ‘going slow’ to establish the platform with local stakeholders, to then ‘go fast’ in increasing impact through matching: in practice, however, once established, accelerating impact locally is challenging. Nonetheless, the focal city provides a base for transfer of learning to other cities so as to increase impact on people’s second life and thereby contributing to achieving a sustainable society.

Nanocomposites in Tire Development – Benefits, Challenges, and the Role of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene

In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, enhancing vehicle performance and sustainability through innovative materials is paramount. Nanocomposite materials, incorporating nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and silica, have emerged as key enablers in redefining tire technology with improved durability, efficiency, and environmental impact. This review discusses the integration of these nanocomposites into tire manufacturing, emphasizing their role in enhancing mechanical properties, wear resistance, and rolling efficiency while reducing environmental footprints. Challenges such as dispersion uniformity within the rubber matrix and economic considerations due to high material costs are examined, alongside future research directions aimed at scalability and cost reduction. The paper predicts a significant increase in the adoption of nanocomposite tires, driven by technological advances and the shift toward sustainable manufacturing practices. By detailing the synergistic effects of nanocomposites, this review highlights their potential to revolutionize tire performance and contribute to the next generation of green automotive technologies.

Comparative analysis of powertrain architectures for fuel cell light commercial vehicles in terms of performance and durability

At the present time, the critical climate situation has raised awareness about the importance of developing carbon-free technologies. In this context, fuel cell systems (FCS) have become one of the key technologies in the pathway to decarbonization. Given that road transport is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, this paper focuses on a specific segment of this sector: light commercial vehicles (LCVs). The current market situation shows that LCV manufacturers have not yet decided what is the appropriate powertrain architecture for this kind of vehicle. Thus, the current paper studies a wide range of possible FCS-based propulsive system designs, changing the size of the FCS, electric battery and H2 tank. These propulsive system architectures are analyzed concerning the performance of the vehicle, in terms of consumption and range, and the durability of its FCS. The evaluation of these different designs will be highly valuable for the LCV industry and manufacturers, as it allows to understand the optimal powertrain solution. The study demonstrates that a significant increase in range can be achieved with only a minor penalty in hydrogen consumption. Additionally, the research indicates that it is feasible to employ one of the most durable FCS designs while meeting LCV mission requirements with minimal consumption penalty. In conclusion, this paper provides valuable data to the ongoing research in this field, offering a detailed analysis of the impact of H2 consumption, autonomy, and durability of the FCS across various vehicle architectures under typical LCV driving conditions.

Enhancing concrete sustainability by incorporating crushed ceramic tiles as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete mixture

In this study, the possibility of partially replacing ceramic tiles with fine particles in concrete mixtures is investigated in order to increase the sustainability of concrete. Recycling and utilizing ceramic waste are essential because its disposal causes environmental problems. In this study, we examine how the amount of crushed ceramic tile affects many aspects of concrete, such as compressive strength, durability, and environmental impact. According to our research, adding crushed ceramic tiles to concrete reduces waste while also demonstrating promising outcomes in terms of strength and durability, making it a more environmentally friendly choice than using traditional fine aggregates. Utilizing ceramic waste in concrete production offers the opportunity to be cost-effective and environmentally sustainable, advocating for resource efficiency and eco-friendly construction practices. let's break down how we're going to carry out this project in simple terms. First, we'll gather all the materials we need, like regular concrete stuff and crushed ceramic tiles. Then, we'll mix them up in different ways to see what works best. After that, we'll make small samples and test how strong and durable they are. We'll repeat these tests a few times to make sure our results are reliable. Along the way, we'll keep track of everything we do, so we can explain it to others and make sure our project is solid.

Surface treatments on commercial glasses: durable impact on the retention of lead, barium and boron

Glass durability is one of the properties that can be affected by surface treatments such as coatings or chemical attacks. These treatments can be used to reduce the quantities of potentially toxic elements contained in glass that may be released in solution. Five surface treatments were selected: three different coatings (SnO2, TiO2, SiO2) and two acidic attacks (SO2 dealkalization and acid polishing). These treatments were performed on five glass compositions (soda-lime, borosilicate, barium silicate, opal, and lead crystal). Their effects on alteration rates and mechanisms were investigated through a single protocol (acetic acid 4%, 70 °C) simulating accelerated aging conditions for containers of beverages or food. The data collected over 1.3 years showed significant reduction of lead leaching with all treatments except acid polishing. The best reduction factor was obtained with SO2 dealkalization, which also demonstrated beneficial effects towards the retention of Ba by reducing the diffusion of alkalis.

Design Guidelines for Building and Infrastructure Integrated Photovoltaic Modules

The demand for renewable energy is increasing as efforts to decarbonize energy sources continue. Photovoltaic (PV) generation systems are the main contributor to the growth of renewable energy, but limited land availability in countries such as Belgium and Netherlands poses a challenge to their deployment. Integrated PV (IPV) can be a promising solution, but requires special consideration regarding electrical and fire safety, efficiency, durability, cost, and environmental impact in the design process. This study seeks to assist designers of IPV products by guiding the selection of materials, technologies, mechanical designs, and production methods for PV semifabricates (SF). It provides a comprehensive list of general design criteria, each offering various options in terms of bill of materials and production technologies. These options come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, which are enumerated and quantified wherever feasible. The general design guidelines are validated based on the building‐integrated PV and infrastructure‐integrated PV demonstrators (in this case a noise barrier) being developed in the Solar Energy Made Regional (SolarEMR) project.

Estimating best nanomaterial for energy harvesting through reinforcement learning DQN coupled with fuzzy PROMETHEE under road-based conditions

Energy harvesters based on nanomaterials are getting more and more popular, but on their way to commercial availability, some crucial issues still need to be solved. The objective of the study is to select an appropriate nanomaterial. Using features of the Reinforcement Deep Q-Network (DQN) in conjunction with Fuzzy PROMETHEE, the proposed model, we present in this work a hybrid fuzzy approach to selecting appropriate materials for a vehicle-environmental-hazardous substance (EHS) combination that operates in roadways and under traffic conditions. The DQN is able to accumulate useful experience of operating in a dynamic traffic environment, accordingly selecting materials that deliver the highest energy output but at the same time bring consideration to factors such as durability, cost, and environmental impact. Fuzzy PROMETHEE allows the participation of human experts during the decision-making process, going beyond the quantitative data typically learned by DQN through the inclusion of qualitative preferences. Instead, this hybrid method unites the strength of individual approaches, as a result providing highly resistant and adjustable material selection to real EHS. The result of the study pointed out materials that can give high energy efficiency with reference to years of service, price, and environmental effects. The proposed model provides 95% accuracy with a computational efficiency of 300 s, and the application of hypothesis and practical testing on the chosen materials showed the high efficiency of the selected materials to harvest energy under fluctuating traffic conditions and proved the concept of a hybrid approach in True Vehicle Environmental High-risk Substance scenarios.

Development of superhydrophobic PVA/CNC nanofibrous membranes for enhanced oil-water separation

Effective oil–water separation is crucial for environmental purification and the remediation of oil pollution, yet current methods face limitations in efficiency, durability, and environmental impact. In this study, we aimed a green nanofibrous membrane with excellent oil–water separation efficiency, addressing the significant environmental challenge of separating oil from water in various states. For this purpose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based nanofibers were prepared by aqueous electrospinning. The mechanical strength of the nanofibers was reinforced by adding cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The surface of the nanofibers was modified with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) to induce hydrophobicity, evidenced by the increase in contact angle from 44.41° to 133.19°, facilitating effective oil separation from various states, including dispersed, suspended, and emulsified states. The prepared PVA/CNC-HDTMS nanofiber showed 194 %, 539 %, and 407 % higher tensile strength, yield strength, and Young’s modulus than PVA nanofibers, respectively. The oil sorption capacity of the nanofibers varied widely from 17.01-113.76 g/g, which is strongly influenced by the viscosity and volatility of the oil species. The durability and reusability of the nanofibers were well maintained, even after being reused more than 10 times without morphological deterioration. In separating oil–water mixtures, the nanofibers maintained a high flux of 40,039 L/m2h and a separation efficiency of 99.2 % under pressurized conditions. Additionally, the nanofibers achieved a separation efficiency of 98.5 % in oil–water emulsion states.

Impact of alemtuzumab-mediated lymphocyte depletion on SIV reservoir establishment and persistence.

Persistence of the rebound-competent viral reservoir (RCVR) within the CD4+ T cell compartment of people living with HIV remains a major barrier to HIV cure. Here, we determined the effects of the pan-lymphocyte-depleting monoclonal antibody (mAb) alemtuzumab on the RCVR in SIVmac239-infected rhesus macaques (RM) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Alemtuzumab administered during chronic ART or at the time of ART initiation induced >95% depletion of circulating CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood and substantial CD4+ T cell depletion in lymph nodes. However, treatment was followed by proliferation and reconstitution of CD4+ T cells in blood, and despite ongoing ART, levels of cell-associated SIV DNA in blood and lymphoid tissues were not substantially different between alemtuzumab-treated and control RM after immune cell reconstitution, irrespective of the time of alemtuzumab treatment. Upon ART cessation, 19 of 22 alemtuzumab-treated RM and 13 of 13 controls rebounded with no difference in the time to rebound between treatment groups. Time to rebound and reactivation rate was associated with plasma viral loads (pVLs) at time of ART initiation, suggesting lymphocyte depletion had no durable impact on the RCVR. However, 3 alemtuzumab-treated RM that had lowest levels of pre-ART viremia, failed to rebound after ART withdrawal, in contrast to controls with similar levels of SIV replication. These observations suggest that alemtuzumab therapy has little to no ability to reduce well-established RCVRs but may facilitate RCVR destabilization when pre-ART virus levels are particularly low.

Sex-related differences among patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement-a propensity score matched study.

We investigated the sex-related difference in characteristics and 2-year outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) by propensity-score matching (PSM). Data from 2 prospective registries, the INSPIRIS RESILIA Durability Registry (INDURE) and IMPACT, were merged, resulting in a total of 933 patients: 735 males and 253 females undergoing first-time SAVR. The PSM was performed to assess the impact of sex on the SAVR outcomes, yielding 433 males and 243 females with comparable baseline characteristics. Females had a lower body mass index (median 27.1 vs 28.0 kg/m2; P = 0.008), fewer bicuspid valves (52% vs 59%; P = 0.036), higher EuroSCORE II (mean 2.3 vs 1.8%; P < 0.001) and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (mean 1.6 vs 0.9%; P < 0.001), were more often in New York Heart Association functional class III/IV (47% vs 30%; P < 0.001) and angina Canadian Cardiovascular Society III/IV (8.2% vs 4.4%; P < 0.001), but had a lower rate of myocardial infarction (1.9% vs 5.2%; P = 0.028) compared to males. These differences vanished after PSM, except for the EuroSCORE II and Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores, which were still significantly higher in females. Furthermore, females required smaller valves (median diameter 23.0 vs 25.0 mm, P < 0.001). There were no differences in the length of hospital stay (median 8 days) or intensive care unit stay (median 24 vs 25 hours) between the 2 sexes. At 2 years, post-SAVR outcomes were comparable between males and females, even after PSM. Despite females presenting with a significantly higher surgical risk profile, 2-year outcomes following SAVR were comparable between males and females.

Will a lack of fabric durability be their downfall? Impact of textile durability on the efficacy of three types of dual-active-ingredient long-lasting insecticidal nets: a secondary analysis on malaria prevalence and incidence from a cluster-randomized trial in north-west Tanzania

BackgroundThe Dual-Active Ingredient long-lasting insecticidal nets (Dual-AI LLIN) have been developed to counteract the reduced efficacy of pyrethroid (PY)-only nets due to widespread pyrethroid insecticide resistance in malaria vector mosquitoes. They constitute half of the nets distributed in sub-Saharan Africa between 2022 and 2024. However, their effectiveness once they develop holes is unclear, particularly in pyrethroid-resistant settings. This study evaluates the textile integrity of three dual- AI LLINs compared to standard PY LLN, over 3 years of use in a community in Tanzania and the associated impact on malaria prevalence and incidence.MethodsA secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in North-western Tanzania was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of α-cypermethrin only; pyriproxyfen and α-cypermethrin (PPF-PY); chlorfenapyr and α-cypermethrin (chlorfenapyr-PY); and the synergist piperonyl butoxide and permethrin (PBO-PY) LLINs on malaria infection prevalence and case incidence. The association between the net textile condition and 1/malaria prevalence over 3 years of use between 2019 and 2022, and 2/malaria case incidence in a cohort of children over 2 years of follow-up was assessed between 2019 and 2021.ResultsThere was no significant association between damaged (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.71–1.37, p-value = 0.655) and too-torn (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.77–1.47, p-value = 0.694) compared to intact nets on malaria prevalence for all net types. However, there were reduced rates of malaria case incidence in children sleeping under a net in good condition compared to too-torn nets (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.76 [95% CI 0.63–0.92], p = 0.005). Malaria incidence was also consistently lower in too-torn PBO-PY LLIN (IRR = 0.37 [95% CI 0.19–0.72], p = 0.003) and chlorfenapyr-PY LLIN (IRR = 0.45 [95% CI 0.33–0.97], p = 0.053) compared to an intact PY-only LLIN during the first year of follow up. In year 2, the incidence was only significantly lower in intact chlorfenapyr-PY LLIN (IRR = 0.49 [95% CI 0.29–0.81], p = 0.006) compared to intact PY LLIN.ConclusionThe study confirmed that sleeping under a chlorfenapyr-PY LLIN or PBO-PY LLIN offered superior protection to pyrethroid-only nets even when torn. Preventing the development of holes is essential as they impact the level of protection offered against malaria infection.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, number (NCT03554616)

Durability and mechanical characteristics of unidirectional jute/banana and synthetic fiber reinforcement epoxy composite

Corrosive environments affect the physical and mechanical properties of natural fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. In such a context, this study focuses on the durability and corrosive impact on the mechanical properties of bast fiber-based composites. Synthetic glass fiber, and aluminium foil were also used for hybridization. The composites and hybrids were made using unidirectional jute and banana-fiber mats. Composites were immersed in a NaCl solution to create a corrosive environment, and their mechanical properties were investigated. Hybridization with glass fiber has the lowest impact on corrosive conditions. However, in a saline environment, it substantially alters the mechanical properties of composite materials. XRD and SEM were also performed for dry samples, and samples immersed in pH 8. XRD analysis revealed that adding synthetic fiber to natural fiber decreases the crystallinity. Hence, this study shows that hybridizing bast fiber with glass fiber is a noble approach to use in corrosive environments. The experimental results were verified by finite element analysis using ABAQUS.

Effect of rubber granules and rubber threads on mechanical properties of cement-bound base course

The study investigates the application of waste rubber in cement-stabilized base course (CBC), aiming to address internal stresses, reflective cracks, and waste disposal issues. Mixtures of gravel and sand stabilized with varying cement and rubber content were examined, including reference mixtures and those with granulated rubber or rubber threads, a total of 17 mixtures. Mechanical properties, durability, and environmental impact were evaluated through standard tests such as Proctor elements, compressive and tensile strengths, freezethaw resistance, shrinkage, and scanning electron microscope analysis. Non-standard, non-contact methods like ultrasonic pulse velocity and 3D digital image correlation were employed. Results indicate the feasibility of using waste rubber in CBC, with the optimal mixture containing 5 % cement and 20 % rubber as a replacement for sand showing satisfactory compressive strength (3.01 MPa) for application as a base layer, reduced stiffness, improved frost resistance (9.76 %), improved tensile to compressive strength ratio (52.99 %), and increased resistance to reflective cracking comparing to reference mixture. Moreover, it exhibited minimal shrinkage compared to other mixtures. The study underscores the importance of assessing environmental acceptability in waste materials for road construction, emphasizing the need for further research. Furthermore, the possibility of employing non-contact testing methods has been demonstrated.

Optimization and development of a new rotary magnetic refrigerator

AbstractMagnetic refrigeration is becoming increasingly relevant as a means to achieve sustainability in refrigeration, thanks to its durability, efficiency, and low environmental impact. This paper regards the design of a new rotary magnetic refrigerator feasible for domestic use at room temperature. An interdisciplinary approach was necessary to perform the design, construction, and optimization of the device through mechanical design, thermo-hydraulic design, and integration into a proper test rig. Optimization of critical parts, such as the regenerator, the magnet structure, and the external heat exchangers, was performed using numerical models. The optimal values of control parameters were determined using a parametric sweep study. The results of all these steps of the study resulted in significant progress in designing and constructing an efficient rotary magnetic refrigerator. This work presents the insights obtained from the project implementation, including the design and construction aspects, presented in a practical way that can guide future projects in the field of magnetic refrigeration. Graphical abstract

Durability of decisions explained by actor-strategies in games: A multiple case study analysis

Public decision-making contains several decisions taken by multiple actors intended to lead to collective gains. The impact of these decisions varies over time. This paper presents a novel approach to explain the durability, i.e., impact, of decisions in relation to strategies performed by actors involved in infrastructure development projects. The concept of durability is operationalised in terms of actors fulfilling joint aims and creating joint focus. We aim to explain why some decisions have a durable (lasting and joint focus) impact and why other decisions have a non-durable (temporary and no joint focus) impact. Actor-strategies performed in the decision-making process are used to explain the different types of decision impact. After analysing several Dutch Railway projects, we discovered that durable decisions appear when (i) obstructive non-deciding and non-cooperative strategies are dealt with, (ii) responsibilities are clearly divided, (iii) the scope alternates between internal and external focus and coupling of issues happens, and (iv) the design of the decision-making process is made explicit and information asymmetry is managed.

Extended commentary—U.S.‐Asian policy in the throes of McCarthyism, old and new

AbstractThe subtext of this extended commentary for the 2024 Policy Studies Yearbook in Politics &amp; Policy is the crucial role that liberalism and civil rights must play in U.S. foreign policy if America is to be on the right side of history. Our explicit subject is the conflux of elite and populist forces that constantly work against such liberal‐democratic engagement. It is no secret that today's MAGAism (“Make America Great Again”) wears many of the same antiliberal stripes as did postwar McCarthyism, which was its direct progenitor. Thanks largely to the center‐right resistance of President Eisenhower, McCarthyism was ultimately held in check domestically. Unfortunately, that was not the case on the side of U.S. foreign policy, where tenacious strains of antiliberalism had a very long shelf life. Thus, McCarthyism ended up having its most durable impact in the developing world, where cozy relations with highly reactionary regimes were considered necessary in the face of communist inroads. At a time when liberalism was hitting its full stride on American soil, U.S. foreign policy was exporting a very different America abroad, and especially in Asia. Even domestically, the waspish virulence of McCarthyism was never eradicated. It simply hibernated, and in 2016, it came back with a vengeance in the even more truculent form of Trumpism. Once again, xenophobic populism is laying claim to U.S. foreign policy and savaging liberal internationalism. The entrenched progressivism that stood its ground against McCarthyism has long since eroded. MAGAism faces no obstacle comparable to the dynamic liberalism of the 1950s or the counterculture of the 1960s. Seen from the perspective of January 6, 2021, the old McCarthyism looks tame by comparison.Related ArticlesCraig, Stephen C., and Jason Gainous. 2024. “To Vote or Not to Vote? Fake News, Voter Fraud, and Support for Postponing the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.” Politics &amp; Policy 52(1): 33–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12577.Haar, Roberta N., and Lutz F. Krebs. 2021. “The Failure of Foreign Policy Entrepreneurs in the Trump Administration.” Politics &amp; Policy 49(2): 446–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12399.Skidmore, Max J. 2023. “Abortion—Reactionary Theocracy Rises in America, While Declining Elsewhere.” Politics &amp; Policy 51(3): 437–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12534.

Solar Power and the Struggle for Electrification in Africa

Off-grid solar technologies have emerged as one of the remedies to Africa’s severe lack of access to electricity. Evidence from Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya suggests that these systems positively affect income generation, education, health, and safety and security. Despite its potential, off-grid solar power’s technical limitations, combined with concerns about durability and environmental impact, underscore the need for more comprehensive solutions. Addressing Africa’s electrification crisis requires a multifaceted approach involving collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure sustainable, reliable, and inclusive energy access.

Experimental Investigation on Mechanical and Durability Properties of Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract: Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is a new type of concrete that is made with alkaline activators and aluminosilicate materials, such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). GPC has several advantages over traditional Portland cement concrete (OPC), including higher early strength, better durability, and lower environmental impact. This paper presents an experimental analysis of the mechanical and durability properties of GPC. The mechanical properties investigated include compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity. The results show that GPC has comparable or better mechanical properties than OPC at all ages. GPC also has superior durability properties to OPC, with lower water absorption, higher acid resistance, and lower chloride permeability. The overall findings of this study indicate that GPC is a promising alternative to OPC for a wide range of applications. Since Geopolymer concrete doesn’t use any cement, the production of cement shall be reduced and hence the pollution of atmosphere by the emission of carbon dioxide shall also be minimized. Cement, being a key material of concrete, experiencing a rise in global demand. It has a massive carbon footprint having a contribution of about 8% to the global Carbon dioxide emissions. Geopolymer concrete has a huge potential to replace ordinary Portland concrete. For sustainable construction, GPC reduces the use of cement and finds the alternative of cement for the material's binding property. So, the geopolymer concrete is an alternative to Portland cement concrete and it is a potential material having large commercial value and for sustainable development in Indian construction industries.

A comprehensive study on mechanical properties, durability, and environmental impact of fiber-reinforced concrete incorporating ground granulated blast furnace slag

Concrete pavements are integral to sustainable infrastructure, offering longevity and resilience in construction and transportation. This study focuses on optimizing concrete pavements through the incorporation of steel and carbon fibers with Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) to enhance mechanical strength, reduce fracture development, and minimize carbon emissions. Utilizing 25 mixing designs with a consistent water-to-cement ratio of 0.40, varying ratios of GGBS, steel fibers, and carbon fibers (0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 % based on concrete volume) were explored. A comprehensive evaluation, including slump, compressive strength, flexural strength, split tensile strength, water absorption, abrasion resistance tests, carbon dioxide emissions, and cost analysis, was conducted at different curing stages. Results revealed a decline in compressive strength for all mix designs at 28 days, attributed to reduced cement strength with GGBS substitution. The 1.5 % steel fiber and 50 % GGBS mix demonstrated minimal compressive strength reduction (30.1 MPa, 5.5 % less than control), outperforming other mixtures. Steel fibers surpassed carbon fibers, likely due to \\erior distribution. Notably, 1.5 % steel fibers showed superior results, particularly with 50 % GGBS. Compressive strength generally increased with GGBS content, except for 1 % fibrous samples where 40 % GGBS produced optimal results. At 90 days, compressive strength increased for most designs, with G50S1.5 exhibiting over 38 % growth compared to the control. Steel fiber-containing samples outperformed carbon fiber-containing ones, showcasing the efficacy of steel fibers in enhancing compressive strength. Split tensile strength generally decreased, but steel fibers improved it, emphasizing their positive influence. Flexural strength increased in 28 and 90 days, with steel fiber-containing designs outperforming. G30S1.5 showed the most significant increase (33.3 %) at 28 days, and G30S1.5 exhibited the highest growth (32.22 %) at 90 days. Abrasion resistance tests indicated steel fibers and GGBS positively impacted abrasion reduction. G50S1.5 demonstrated the highest abrasion resistance (25 % increase over control). The environmental evaluation revealed lower CO2 emissions for GGBS-containing designs. G50S0.5 showed a 40.34 % reduction compared to the control sample. Cost analysis showed GGBS reduced costs, but fiber addition, particularly carbon fibers, increased costs. G30C1.5 had the highest cost increase (208.5 %), while G50S1.5 showed a marginal rise (3.9 %) compared to the control. Therefore, steel fibers in concrete pavements offer improved mechanical properties, durability, and reduced environmental impact, making them a viable choice despite a slight increase in cost. Conversely, carbon fibers are cautioned against due to their higher cost and inferior mechanical properties.

Profitability and Expanding Collection Period in Bangladesh

In this article, the authors investigate the relationship between profitability and receivables management of DSE listed non-financial firms in Bangladesh for the years 2000-2017. A cointegration model is used to examine the relationship between average collection period (ACP), return on assets (ROA), firm size, and debt ratio of firms. Impulse response analysis indicates that while the other variables quickly return to equilibrium, a shock to ACP or profitability seems to have a significant and durable impact on the relationship. A GMM model has also been used to estimate a regression that shows the impact of increasing ACP on profitability. The results strongly point to a cointegrating relationship and the critical role of receivables management on profitability. The article contributes to the existing literature by providing strong evidence that the average collection period is the most critical variable in addressing control of working capital management. However, this variable is the most difficult variable to manage, especially after there is an indication that it is worsening.