Additional Value Research Articles

ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE ON PERFORMANCE (SIERRA LEONE COMMERCIAL BANK) (SLCB)

ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE ON PERFORMANCE (SIERRA LEONE COMMERCIAL BANK) (SLCB)

Drivers of Urban Agriculture and their Influence on the Socio-Economic Status of the Urban Farmers in Uganda, A Case Study of Kampala and Mbarara Cities

The study analyzed the influence of forms and drivers of urban Agriculture on the socio-economic status of the farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. The specific objective of the study was to examine the influence drivers of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of farmers. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design using multiple data collection methods. A multistage cluster sampling technique involving simple random sampling to get both primary and secondary sampling units, snowball to get target respondents and purposive sampling for key informants and focus group members was used. Data were collected using social survey questionnaires for households, focus group discussions checklist (FGDs), key informant interview guides and observations, from a sample of 384 respondents. The study found a strong association between drivers of UA and the socioeconomic status of the urban farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. Household socio-economic status has substantially correlated with the drivers of the urban farmers and out of 9 items considered only 5 was significant which include access to capital (x2 = 1.175, p< 0.047), access to agriculture extension services (x2 = 3.634, p< 0.026), access to financial grants (x2 = 5.190, p<0.001), access to markets (x2 = 6.993, p< 0.001), value addition(x2 = 3.718, p<0.014). The study confirmed a significant relationship between drivers of urban agriculture and the socio-economic status of urban farmers. Urban agriculture drivers like access to capital and financial grants, nature of market access and value addition had a significant influence on household socio-economic status.

Exploring Consumer Perceptions and Value Addition in Street Cuisine: A Case of Kalai Ruti

Aims: The study focused on Kalai Ruti, a popular street food made from black gram in Chapai Nawabganj, Bangladesh. It is aimed to examine the potential for enhancing the dish’s value and to assess consumer attitudes towards street food in that region. Study Design: This study adopted quantitative approach where purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample size. Face-to-face interviews were performed with a structured questionnaire facilitated in-depth interactions with the respondent to reach the goal. Methodology: The research involved direct surveys with 100 Kalai Ruti customers and 30 local vendors. It is employed multiple linear regression and descriptive statistics to analyze data. This included examining the value addition from incorporating various meats and vegetables typical in Bangladeshi cuisine of Kalai Ruti, as well as analyzing the cost and selling price of these ingredients. Results: Findings showed significant value addition from different meats: BDT 370.07 per kg for chicken, BDT 988.3 per kg for beef, BDT 386.03 per kg for duck, and BDT 38.8 per kg for eggplant. Consumer’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with over 76% of participants expressing favorable opinions. The analysis also revealed that the street food culture around Kalai Ruti is shaped by a blend of value addition, consumer preferences, and socio-demographic factors. It is also seen that education, family size, and income had minor effects, age, gender, occupation, and marital status significantly influenced consumer choices. Conclusion: The study offers valuable insights that can help enhance marketing strategies and support the sustainable development of the street food sector in the area. Furthermore, it is opening the gate of future research on this sector to discover the scope and expansion of Kalai Ruti’s market.

Development of a Low-Cost Banana Fiber Extractor

Banana fiber is an underutilized natural resource with potential for industrial applications and value addition at the smallholder farm level. Traditional manual methods for extracting fibers from banana plant wastes are inefficient and labour-intensive. This limits opportunities for rural communities in Africa to commercialize banana cultivation. The study aimed to address this challenge by developing an affordable and effective mechanized solution for extracting banana fibers tailored to small farms. Key design considerations included ease of operation, portability, durability, and optimization for a single operator. Fabrication using basic workshop tools demonstrated technical feasibility. Structural analysis validated structural integrity. Performance testing showed 85% extraction efficiency at 5.36kg/sec, outpacing manual methods. Results confirm the potential of the machine to promote higher fiber yields. With further refinement, the developed technology can stimulate enterprise and industry centered on banana production, contributing to improved rural livelihoods on the continent.

Development of a Cost-Effective Coconut Dehusking Machine

This study aimed to develop an affordable mechanized solution to address this challenge.A coconut dehusking machine prototype was designed, fabricated, and tested. It consists of a rigid steel frame, two counter- rotating cylindrical drums fitted with spikes, an electric motor, a V-belt drive system, and a control panel. Components were sized through structural and mechanical calculations. Fabrication utilized locally sourced materials within a 250,000 NGN budget.Testing showed the machine achieving 90% dehusking efficiency at 120 nuts/hour. Operational costs are minimized through a 1.5HP electric motor. Finite element analysis verified the structural integrity of machine components under operational loads.Results indicate the objectives of developing an affordable and efficient mechanized solution were achieved. Widespread adoption has the prospect of enhancing coconut farming viability, boosting rural livelihoods, and promoting agro- industrialization in Nigeria through coconut value addition. This study demonstrates how appropriately designed technology can support sustainable agricultural development in resource-constrained communities.

Comparative Nutritional Analysis of Improved and Local Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Cultivars.

Chickpeas have large variations in their types and nutrient composition, owing to diverse environmental conditions, breeding techniques, and cultivars. Thirty-one improved varieties of chickpeas bred for various agronomic traits like high yield, resistance to diseases, and tolerance to abiotic stress were analyzed for their nutrient composition, along with two local varieties. They were found to be rich in proteins (16.09-26.22g/100g) and dietary fiber (10.33-26.33g/100g) with moderate amounts of available carbohydrates (34.20-54.72g/100g) and to have a significant quantity of minerals like calcium (127.50-183.86mg/100g), iron (4.55-8.33mg/100g), and phosphorous (285.92-528.31mg/100g). They were found to be similar (fat, carbohydrates, dietary fiber) or statistically higher (protein, ash) than the local varieties for all the nutrient parameters that were analyzed. A significant difference was also found between the desi and kabuli varieties, where the desi variety was found to have significantly lower fat and available carbohydrates but high dietary fiber content. This study signifies that the varietal differences in nutritional composition are significant in chickpeas. Varieties likeSasho,ICCV 96030, andTeketayshowed desirable nutritional qualities associated with moisture, protein, dietary fiber, and minerals like zinc, phosphorous, iron, copper, and calcium. This data will be beneficial for manufacturers in the product development and value addition industries for the selection of varieties ideal for their needs since the nutrient component also confers several functional and physiochemical properties to the chickpea seed besides providing a nutritionally diverse diet.

Chemical, structural, and techno-functional characterization of yam (Dioscorea) flour from South West Ethiopia

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a versatile tuber crop that holds nutritional, cultural, and economic values. Yam is a major source of carbohydrates for tropical Countries and provides various nutrients and health benefits. This study aims to characterize the chemical, structural, and thermal properties of yam flour using various analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal analysis. Additionally, the pasting and rheological properties of yam flour were evaluated, as they are crucial for product development and enhancing the value of this unconventional vegetable. D. cayenensis complex had the highest total starch (64.63 ± 1.61 %) and soluble sugar (4.95 ± 0.46 %) content, which was significantly higher than other yam species. The amylose content of yam flours showed significant (p < 0.05) differences among the yam species. D. cayenensis flour exhibited significantly the highest peak (2923.66 cP) and steak back viscosity (2097.66 cP) among the yam species associated with their greater amylose content. There were notable variations in pasting and gelatinization parameters among the species. The peak temperatures of D. bulbifera and D. cayenensis complex were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than D. cayenensis and D. rotundata flours. The rheological measurements of yam flours demonstrated solid-like behavior with varying intensities. Furthermore, the morphology of tuber yam flour particles was oval to ellipsoidal shaped, with some appearing ovoid, and the smaller granules appearing spherical. The X-ray diffraction showed that all yam flours exhibit a B-type pattern. This study provide a better understanding of this unconventional vegetable's potential applications in the food industry and contribute to its value addition.

Reducing food loss through sustainable business models and agricultural innovation systems

Purpose This study aims to explore how sustainable business models (SBM) can be developed within agri-innovation systems (AIS) and emphasize an integration of the two with a systemic understanding for reducing food loss and value loss in postharvest agri-food supply chain. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted longitudinal qualitative research in a developing country with food loss challenges in the postharvest supply chain. This study collected data through multiple rounds of fieldwork, interviews and focus groups over four years. Thematic analysis and “sensemaking” were used for inductive data analysis to generate rich contextual knowledge by drawing upon the lived realities of the agri-food supply chain actors. Findings First, this study finds that the value losses are varied in the supply chain, encompassing production value, intrinsic value, extrinsic value, market value, institutional value and future food value. This happens through two cumulative effects including multiplier losses, where losses in one model cascade into others, amplifying their impact and stacking losses, where the absence of data stacks or infrastructure pools hampers the realisation of food value. Thereafter, this study proposes four strategies for moving from the loss-incurring current business model to a networked SBM for mitigating losses. This emphasises the need to redefine ownership as stewardship, enable formal and informal beneficiary identification, strengthen value addition and build capacities for empowering communities to benefit from networked SBM with AIS initiatives. Finally, this study puts forth ten propositions for future research in aligning AIS with networked SBM. Originality/value This study contributes to understanding the interplay between AIS and SBM; emphasising the integration of the two to effectively address food loss challenges in the early stages of agri-food supply chains. The identified strategies and research propositions provide implications for researchers and practitioners seeking to accelerate sustainable practices for reducing food loss and waste in agri-food supply chains.

Research on and application of low-temperature calcination on waste Taiwanese hard clam shell during Taiwanese hard clam aquaculture

This study uses a circular economy-regenerative value addition approach. Pre-treated waste clam shells were calcined at a low temperature (about 300 °C) and then crushed into clamshell powder. Taiwanese hard clam shell (THCS) powder and commercially available calcium carbonate products, such as low-temperature calcined oyster shell (OS) powder, slaked lime, and calcium carbonate, were compared experimentally, and the safety of THCS powder was determined. In the safety evaluation, the Vibrio-like bacteria test results showed that no colony growth was found for the low-temperature-calcined THCS powder, indicating that it did not contain Vibrio-like bacteria. Tolerance test results showed that high-dose slaked lime will cause high Taiwanese hard clam mortality, and the survival rates of other groups were all 100%. In addition, slaked lime had the most significant effect on increasing the water pH. OS powder had the greatest effect on increasing the calcium ion concentration in the water, followed by THCS power. The aquaculture benefit-related experimental results showed that the low-temperature calcined OS powder and THCS powder groups had the most favorable performance in terms of Taiwanese hard clam growth rate, shell weight, and shell thickness. This study used different calcium carbonate products as additives in Taiwanese hard clam aquaculture ponds and observed growth differences between the different groups. These results indicated that the low-temperature calcination of THCS in Taiwanese hard clam aquaculture can effectively replace the commonly used OS powder, slaked lime, and calcium carbonate products in traditional aquaculture. Furthermore, it can effectively solve the problem of THCS waste accumulation, promote environmental beautification, create a circular economy and aquaculture application value, and conform to the economic benefits of aquaculture.

Listen to the other side: impact of supply chain integration practices on value chain performance of pineapple firms in Ghana

Improving the value chain of firms is major source of competitive advantage. Traditionally, firms use their knowledge of customer preferences to propose value to products. Often, these products do not meet customer expectations. While customers are part of a firm's value chain, other actors could provide solutions to existing product issues or launch a new product. Hence, narrowing down on the role of multiple actors can help managerial interventions improve value chain performance. This study explored the impact of supply chain integration practices (internal integration, supplier integration, consumer integration) on value chain performance with the boundary condition of information sharing. A sample of 271 actors in the value chain from pineapple firms in Ghana was used to test hypotheses. As predicted, supply chain integration practices related positively to value chain performance but the effect size differs. These positive relations are amplified by information sharing. The results imply that firms can reconceive products and markets with actors linked to productivity in the value chain. This study is among the earliest to investigate how supply chain integration practices improve value addition to products in the context of pineapple production, processing and consumption.

Phenolics production via the catalytic pyrolysis of organosolv lignin over praseodymium doped lanthanum nickelate

To fully utilize the aromatic ring structure of lignin and realize high value addition, organosolv lignin (OL) extracted from papermaking waste liquid was subjected to catalytic pyrolysis for the production of phenolic compounds. Using self-made carbon nanospheres as a template, cellular La0.8Pr0.2NiO3 perovskite was prepared by the sol-gel method and used as catalyst in the pyrolysis of OL at 600°C for 3 h. The yield of liquid-phase product was 21.34%, and the selectivity of phenolic compounds reached 70.20%, constituting increases by 43.41% and 25.87% compared with the yield and selectivity of the catalyst-free process, respectively. After four cycles of regeneration, La0.8Pr0.2NiO3 perovskite still demonstrated good structural and catalytic stability. This work provides a theoretical basis for the development of green and sustainable chemical products.

Assessing the role of plant clinic advisory services in plant health improvement in Chakwal district Punjab

Plant clinic (plant-wise) is a global catalog that Punjab Agriculture Extension is currently implementing to reduce crop losses to improve food security and rural incomes. Plant clinics provide farmers with information that obligates them to lose less of their produce due to pest and disease outbreaks. Plant clinics are held once a week in a village where farmers come to get advice on crops under the protection of a shade. The goal of the desk monitoring was to assess the overall execution and the assistance provided by this initiative. The study covered the district Chakwal, and 225 total participants were randomly selected for data collection in the research area. The data was collected by a well-structured interview schedule consisting of closed-ended and open-ended questions to maintain the quality regarding farmers' perceptions of plant clinics. After data collection, it was analyzed by using SPSS. Descriptive statistical analysis, including frequencies, averages and percentages was undertaken. The results show that 55.6% of the respondents belonged to middle aged. About 60.0% work as private jobs, 44.0% attained matric level education and 60/0% of them were living in a nuclear family. According to 100.0% of the respondents, the plant clinic was providing services about disease management, pest control resources, and integrated pest management. All (100.0%) the respondents reported that extension field staff teaches them methods of weed control, pest identification, fungal and bacteria identification through plant clinic. About 66.7% of the respondents learned the manure application from plant clinic activities. According to 100.0% of the respondents, disease identification and control of the disease were very important. All (100.0%) of the respondents never visited the plant clinic daily. All (100.0%) of them communicated with office calls. The vast majority (90.2%) of the respondents contacted the plant clinic through the farm visit. The majority (82.2%) of respondents disclosed that crop production increased up to 25% with the adoption of the plant clinic services advises. The majority (82.2%) of plant clinics are working with value addition. All (100.0%) of the respondents had awareness about the disease’s services, pest identification &amp; control, seed verities recommendation, and spraying technique services. About all (98.2%) of them also stated that they had increased awareness about the fertilizer’s application services from the plant clinic. The majority (82.7%) of the respondents enhanced awareness about the disease’s services, pest identification &amp; control, seed varieties recommendation, and spraying technique services.

Postharvest practices and loss determinants for interventions among smallholder potato farmers in Tiyo district, Arsi zone, Ethiopia

Postharvest loss reduction, which will contribute to several sustainable development goals (SDGs) including SDG 1, 2, 3, 9, 12 and 13, is an important strategy for food and nutrition security. It requires interventions designed based on timely and reliable statistical data. However, lack of produce-specific loss data and associated factors along the postharvest value chain stages remains a challenge to implement appropriate interventions. Therefore, a survey was conducted on socio-demographic characteristics, postharvest practices, extent and causes of losses, and factors influencing postharvest loss of potato crops in Tiyo district of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia in 2022. A multistage sampling method was used to select a total of 209 smallholder potato farming household heads through a combination of purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Quantitative data collection was carried out online using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) by programming a semi-structured questionnaire in KoboCollect software for tablets. Descriptive statistics and ordinal probit regression model were used to analyze the collected data and determinant factors influencing postharvest loss of potatoes at various farm-level stages, respectively. An aggregate of 15-46% loss exists between harvesting and marketing. Losses during harvesting, sorting, cleaning, packaging, field-to-storage transport, storage, and storage-to-market transport were 58.9%, 6.2%, 2.9%, 2.4%, 3.8%, 20.1%, and 5.7%, respectively. Elevated loss during harvesting and storage in the area is likely to reflect poor handling and storage practices. The primary causes of losses were poor harvesting and handling techniques, poor storage facility, and insects and worms. Moreover, regression model estimations of categorical losses, as perceived by farmers, reveal that socio-demographic variables and postharvest factors influenced potato loss. During the harvest stage, working family members significantly (p&lt;0.01) increased loss while years of schooling (p&lt;0.05) significantly reduced loss. In addition, harvesting using leaf color change observation as a criterion had significantly (p&lt;0.01) mitigated potato loss. In storage, female respondents (p&lt;0.05), land size (p&lt;0.05), and lack of training (p&lt;0.1) had accentuated loss. During transport, the age of household reduced (p&lt;0.1) loss whereas farming experience promoted (p&lt;0.1) it. To reduce the existing losses, farmers’ awareness should be increased concerning each stage. The study recommends the need for stakeholders’ intervention focusing on postharvest knowledge and skill capacity building, demonstration of simple innovative ventilated storage construction using locally available materials, appropriate packaging (such as reusable plastic crates) and transport methods, and simple value addition methods (such as potato drying using indirect solar dryers and potato flour processing for fortifying local cereals). Key words: CAPI, Ethiopia, ordinal probit regression, postharvest practices, potato loss determinants

Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Minor Fruit Crops: Cultivation Practices, Market Strategies, and Contributions to Agricultural Diversity and Sustainability

Cultivating minor fruit crops constitutes a vital component of diversified agriculture, contributing to local economies, dietary variety, and niche markets. This explores the intricacies of minor fruit crop production, emphasizing the importance of suitable variety selection, meticulous cultivation practices, and effective pest management. Key considerations include water and nutrient management, pruning techniques, and post-harvest handling. Market strategies such as exploring local markets and value addition are discussed, highlighting growth opportunities. The cultivation of minor fruit crops not only enhances agricultural biodiversity but also fosters resilient and sustainable food systems. This encapsulates the essence of cultivating minor fruit crops, highlighting their significance in the broader agricultural landscape. Value addition through processing, such as making jams, jellies, or juices, is discussed as a means of enhancing market appeal and economic viability for growers. The role of minor fruit crops in promoting agricultural sustainability and resilience. By fostering biodiversity and offering alternatives to globally dominant fruit varieties, these crops contribute to the creation of dynamic and resilient food systems.

Consumer Awareness, Utilization, and Acceptance of Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) Value-added Food Products in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya

Sweet potatoe is a crucial crop for food security. promoted in Kenya due to its reported health benefits and resilience to drought. The benefits and application of the sweet potato with orange flesh (OFSP) in Elgeyo Marakwet County have, however, not been established. The current research sought to establish knowledge, method of utilization, and acceptability of specialty products made from OFSP. Information on sweet potato knowledge and use was gathered from 201 smallholder farmers in Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County, using a multi-stage sampling technique. Promotion of recipes of OFSP value-added products was undertaken among 30 selected farmers through practical demonstration and a farmer participation approach. The evaluation was undertaken through semi-structured questionnaires and scoring sheets for the preferred products and reasons to support their preferences. The results indicated that 82.6% of farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet are aware Compared to other crops, sweet potatoes are easier to grow and more suited to difficult climates (80.1 %). They were also aware of the advantages OFSP has for health (61.7%) and as a household food security crop (79.1%). However, 89.1% of the farmers have inadequate knowledge and skills in value addition. The majority of the farmers (70%) boil the sweet potatoes while 30% make snacks out of the OFSP. Consumer knowledge, utilization, and acceptability are influenced by demographic factors such as gender, education levels, size of land, and occupation. Products made with OFSP puree are the most preferred over wheat justifying its uses to produce acceptable and nutritious chapati, mandazi, and yogurt as part of diversification from the current practice of simply eating the boiled roots. These results suggest that increased efforts are required to educate farmers about the nutritional advantages of cultivating and consuming OFSP. to boost agricultural value addition and boost the amount of vitamin A in households’ diet.

Maximizing Marketing Efficiency: A Deep Dive Analysis into Castor crop in Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, India

Castor is a vital industrial oilseed crop with a range of uses that have increased its global economic importance. The research study was conducted using primary data collected through personal interview using well-structured and pre-tested interview schedules with 125 castor farmers and 50 intermediaries were selected purposively random sampling method. The study revealed that marketing of castor, small farmers often sell to local traders due to transportation costs, while larger farmers transport directly to market for higher prices. Main markets for castor are Namakkal, Tiruchengode and Paramathi. The most efficient marketing channel for castor was found to be Producer, Village Trader and Processor i.e. Channel I followed by Producer, Wholesaler and Processor i.e. Channel II and subsequently, Producer and Processor i.e. Channel III. Major constraints identified include pests, labour shortages, monsoons failure, high input &amp; labour costs and lack of market information. Fruitful suggestions to improve the marketing efficiency of agricultural commodities like castor, it is important to consider the benefits of value addition reaching farmers and customers. Dealing with insect pests is crucial, so farmers need access to resistant cultivars and pest management methods. Weather-based crop insurance can protect against production risks. The castor industry is hindered by a lack of infrastructure, so improvements in processing, value addition, grading, packaging, storage, and market infrastructure are necessary. Encouraging farmers to add value to castor could be a profitable strategy.

An Exploratory Study on Factors Influencing the Purchase Intention of Packaged Milk in Erode District, India

Consumption of unbranded milk leads to several problems in children and adults. Therefore, innovative packaging technologies is needed for the development of extended shelf life and value added foods and food products. The objective of the present study is to identify the factors influencing the purchase intention towards packaged milk. The study area is confined to Erode district because of its high population and high purchase of packaged milk. Primary data were collected by using a well-structured and pre tested questionnaire. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify the underlying factors of consumer intention towards            packaged milk. From the analysis, it is found that, product quality, value addition and  promotional activities like advertisement were the factors that influenced the buying intention of packaged milk.

Economic Viability and Financial Feasibility of Secondary Processing Unit of Turmeric in Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka, India

Turmeric is an important commercial crop with both domestic and international demand facing challenges due to the absence of organized processing units at production centres. Addressing this gap requires a thorough analysis of the economic viability and financial feasibility of establishing turmeric processing units to empower stakeholders and foster agricultural advancement in the study area. The study was conducted in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, by collecting primary data on establishment and annual processing costs and secondary data on market prices of turmeric rhizome and powder. Financial feasibility analysis revealed positive Net Present Value (NPV) of ₹1,714.36 lakh and ₹623.56 lakh, Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 2.37 and 1.76, Internal Rate of Returns (IRR) of 76 and 57 per cent at current and constant market prices, respectively. The findings showed that the establishment of turmeric processing units are both economically viable and financially feasible. Emphasizing this potential through extension systems can empower farmers to maximize benefits through mechanized value addition. These insights provide valuable guidance for entrepreneurs, Farmers Producers Organizations, Self Help Groups and cooperatives facilitating informed decisions on establishing small-scale turmeric processing units.

S2O: A smart objects orchestrator framework based on the web of things

The Web of Things (WoT) is a new paradigm in which everyday objects are connected to the Internet using popular Web technologies. The smart things are abstracted into RESTful Web services to facilitate their manipulation. The composition of these objects within the same business process creates an automated, time-synchronized routine that can perform even the most complex tasks. BPEL is an orchestration language that defines the process responsible for coordinating the Web services involved. However, this language presents some limitations in this context. BPEL 2.0 does not support RESTful Web services; its specification is incompatible with this architectural style of services. Moreover, its temporal expressivity is insufficient to cover all the constraints that may arise when composing services. This work aims to adapt BPEL to the requirements of the WoT environment, enabling it to create processes that invoke the smart things in precise time intervals. The solution is to exploit one of BPEL's strengths: its extensibility. The BPEL specification is enriched with four activities that reflect the REST uniform interface. They include the necessary attributes to send the request to the target object and receive the response in convened format representation. Also, temporal attributes are added to BPEL elements to schedule their start, end, and duration of execution. The manual addition of these temporal values requires a verification of their accuracy. The BPEL process must be reviewed to ensure its validity before its execution. A temporal Petri Net is proposed to detect any conflicts or inconsistencies between BPEL activities. As a result, associating the formal model with the extension allows BPEL to orchestrate smart things represented by RESTful Web services according to a well-defined temporal scenario. They respect the REST constraints and provide the BPEL activities with temporal attributes for efficient time management. The approach can be applied in all application areas to create temporal scenarios.

An innovative sanitary fixture for performing ablution in public facilities

PurposeThis study aims to introduce the design and the design process for an innovative sanitary fixture to be used in public facilities for the purpose of ablution. This purpose-made fixture is needed to support the hygienic, safe and comfortable performance of this essential function in public facilities in many parts of the world. The study also clarifies the need for this function and critically reviews current designs to address it.Design/methodology/approachThe study started by critically reviewing the standard built-in models for ablution. It also identified and analyzed new approaches to designing standalone ablution fixtures. The study then specified the characteristics of a better ablution fixture and involved drafting a design based on these characteristics, making a wooden prototype to test the design and receiving users’ feedback. The design was adjusted and tested again for more feedback. Finally, the study resulted in the development of a final design. It used digital fabrication to create the design prototype with improved aesthetics, tested it again and received user feedback.FindingsA survey of users showed that they found the innovative fixture more comfortable and safer than the commonly used built-in models. The main concern was the potential for water to splash on clothes from the high faucet.Originality/valueIn addition to showing an innovative design for a purpose-made sanitary fixture for ablution, the study makes the reader aware of the various challenges of providing a hygienic, safe and comfortable facility for users to perform this function. This is very useful for the many designers and facility managers who deal with the issue.