- 2023 - 2021
- 2020 - 2018
- 2017 - 2015
- 2014 - 2012
Eco materials from CO2 capture: Compressive strengths of a plasterboard alternative
The utilization of carbon dioxide to produce solid carbonates as construction materials can provide a large-scale sink for CO2, in terms of long-term storage, while providing a sustainable solution for the industry. In this context, nesquehonite (MgCO3·3H2O), that may be...
Eco-efficiency of a novel construction material produced by carbon capture and utilization
Carbon capture and utilization, CCU, has a great potential for the improvement of the environmental profile of products and services. This is the case for construction materials, which are able to sequester an enormous amount of carbon dioxide in the...
Techno-economic assessment of calcium sulfoaluminate clinker production using elemental sulfur as raw material
The foreseen decarbonisation of the cement industry by 2050 will require a combination of different measures in the current manufacturing practices such as the improvement of the energy efficiency, the use of alternative fuels, the reduction of the clinker to...
Modeling of dust soiling effects on solar photovoltaic performance: A review
The known standard equations that describe the physics of light converting into electricity inside a photovoltaic (PV) cell do not necessarily comprise the different operating environments' effects. The scientists investigated several environmental factors that would influence the performance of solar...
An experimental evaluation of indirect direct evaporative cooling unit for hot climate
Direct and indirect evaporative cooling system is experimentally investigated using a plate heat exchanger for hot climate conditions. The effects of chilled water and ambient temperatures, water flow rates, humidity, and the operating cooling mode on the supply air temperature...
Photocatalytic H2Evolution from Oxalic Acid: Effect of Cocatalysts and Carbon Dioxide Radical Anion on the Surface Charge Transfer Mechanisms
Photocatalytic reforming of carboxylic acids on cocatalyst-loaded semiconductors is an attractive process for H2 generation that has been studied for years. Experimental support for the surface reaction mechanisms, nevertheless, is still insufficient. Herein, the mechanism of the photocatalytic conversion of...
A comprehensive energy and exergoeconomic analysis of a novel transcritical refrigeration cycle
A comprehensive energy and exergoeconomic analysis of a novel transcritical refrigeration cycle (NTRC) is presented. A second ejector is introduced into the conventional refrigeration system for the utilization of the gas-cooler waste heat. The thermodynamic properties of the working fluid...
Operational mode optimization of indirect evaporative cooling in hot climates
This study experimentally investigates the performance of an indirect evaporative cooling fresh air-handling unit at different modes of operation under harsh climatic conditions experienced in Qatar. Temperature and relative humidity are measured at various points within the fresh air handling...
Experimental analysis of mist injection and water shower indirect evaporative cooling in harsh climate
An experimental investigation of the performance of a direct-indirect evaporative cooling fresh air handling unit with different modes of operation is presented. Linear regression analysis is used to fit the experimental results, and the correlation coefficient is evaluated. It is...
Experimental analysis of the cooling performance of a fresh air handling unit
An experimental investigation of the performance of a fresh air handling unit integrating indirect evaporative and vapor compression cooling is conducted. Temperature and relative humidity measurements at main points within the cooling unit were logged using a wireless data acquisition...
Stabilisation of α′ dicalcium silicate in calcium sulfoaluminate clinker
Calcium sulfoaluminate cements are widely used as special cements and, because of their low specific carbon dioxide emissions relative to those of Portland cement, they have potential for use in general construction. However, their widespread application has been limited by...
Techno-economic assessment of a carbon capture and utilization process for the production of plaster-like construction materials
In the context of the decarbonisation of the building sector, this work focuses on the process economics of a carbon capture and utilization alternative for the production of a novel construction material based on magnesium carbonate trihydrate, also known as...
Exploring Floriculture Potential for Sustainable Livelihood of Subsistence Communities in Indian Himalaya
The present paper describes the impact of floriculture on socio-economic development of the rural communities inhabited in the Himalayan Mountains. Rural and traditional societies are interested and many are involved in floriculture business for supplementing their livelihood for sustainability in...
Performance assessment of a hybrid vapor compression and evaporative cooling fresh-air-handling unit operating in hot climates
Evaporative cooling can be integrated into fresh-air-handling units, to reduce cooling demand. This study considers a hybrid fresh-air-handling unit which incorporates a vapor-compression cooling cycle and indirect evaporative cooling to condition an ambient primary airstream to a desired supply air...
Assessing the water energy nexus and sustainability benefits of a closed loop water treatment system in Qatar
Qatar has very limited freshwater resources. This paper assesses the sustainability implications of using bore water and treated sewage effluent (TSE) for residential water supply (for non-drinking purposes) in a residential compound in Doha, Qatar. The treated bore water was...
Photocatalytic Functionalized Aggregate: Enhanced Concrete Performance in Environmental Remediation
Engineering of effective photocatalytically active structures is of great importance as it introduces a solution for some existing air pollution problems. This can be practically achieved through the bonding of particulate photocatalysts to the surface of construction materials, such as...
Techno-economic and Environmental Implications of the Use of a Closed Loop Water Recycling System in Qatar
This paper presents the environmental and economic benefits from the use of potable water from a desalination plant, and treated sewage effluent (TSE) for non-potable reuse, in Lusail, Doha. This newly built city plans to use TSE for a large...
Seed maturation time influences the germination requirements of perennial grasses in desert climate of Arabian Gulf
Qatar has a dry, subtropical desert climate, with minimum annual rainfall and intensely hot and humid summers. Using indigenous grass, those adapted to local conditions have the potential to be used for fodder and can also be used for restoration...
The Conversion of Magnesium Carbonates into Plaster-Like Products: A Preliminary Study of the Hardening Mechanism
Magnesium carbonate trihydrate, nesquehonite, is proposed as a precursor for the production of a construction material similar to plasterboard, in a unique carbon capture and utilisation process [1]. The hardening process is thought to follow a similar mechanism to gypsum...
Conceptual design of a CO2 capture and utilisation process based on calcium and magnesium rich brines
Carbon capture and utilisation processes, CCU, are those processes aiming to produce usable products from CO2-based materials. Although there are a large number of CCU alternatives, only a few are able to propose routes for the massive production of marketable...
Germination Patterns of Dimorphic Achenes in Launaea nudicaulis (Asteraceae) Growing in Desert Environments
Launaea nudicaulis (Asteraceae) produces two morphologically distinct types of achenes (whitish brown and black) in a single capitulum. All L. nudicaulis achenes have a pappus and pappi were removed artificially in this study for experimental purposes. The germination of achenes...
Impact of indoor environmental quality on occupant well-being and comfort: A review of the literature
Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and its effect on occupant well-being and comfort is an important area of study. This paper presents a state of the art study through extensive review of the literature, by establishing links between IEQs and occupant...
Aerial seed bank affects germination in two small-seeded halophytes in Arab Gulf desert
Aerial seed banks protect seeds against granivores, help seed dispersal over time and maintain seeds in a favorable microhabitat. We hypothesized that the aerial seed bank in maternal tissues could protect halophyte seeds from lethal salinity effects of soils. Effects...
The development of a novel process for the production of calcium sulfoaluminate
In an industrial climate where the reduction of carbon emissions is paramount to meeting industry standards for a sustainable future, the cement industry is looking for alternative and creative solutions to reducing its carbon footprint and energy consumption. The title...
Occupant productivity and indoor environment quality: A case of GSAS
Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to establish links between Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) factors that affect occupant productivity and Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) building rating system. The paper analyses the current state of GSAS using a desktop...
Life cycle assessment for environmental product declaration of concrete in the Gulf States
Construction is the fastest-growing sector in Qatar, with a growth rate of 11.4% per year due to commencement of mega-projects. The construction industry causes significant environmental impacts in terms of global warming impacts and embodied energy consumption. Qatar has set...
Advances in clinkering technology of calcium sulfoaluminate cement
A new method for producing calcium sulfoaluminate (C$A) clinkers is described. Sulfur is introduced from the gas phase as sulfur dioxide and oxygen and reacts with solids during clinkerisation. In this paper, the laboratory experiments are described and thermodynamic calculations...
Perianth colour dimorphism is related to germination properties and salinity tolerance in Salsola vermiculata in the Arabian deserts
We investigated the dimorphic perianth colour of Salsola vermiculata and its association with seed germination percentage, interactions with temperature, light, salinity and recovery from prior salinity exposure. Seeds with and without pink and yellow perianth were incubated at three thermal...
Stability of ternesite and the production at scale of ternesite-based clinkers
A method to synthesize high-purity ternesite is presented and the importance of reaction volume is highlighted; a brief description of the product morphology is also presented. Thermodynamic data for ternesite are derived and the limits of ternesite stability are then...
Ecological role of distinct fruit-wing perianth color in synchronization of seed germination in Haloxylon salicornicum
Haloxylon salicornicum is a perennial shrub that grows in sandy and stony desert areas. This species produces two types of dispersal unit with yellow and pink winged perianths that are wind dispersed. This species has been considered as an excellent...
The production of hydrogen as an alternative energy carrier from aluminium waste
Background Aluminium dross is a valuable resource that is often redirected to landfill as there are no real viable solutions for the utilisation of this industrial waste. A study has been conducted to provide a recycling process where the dross...
Design guidelines for air conditioned stadiums in hot-humid climates
Energy efficiency awareness and regulations continue to rise in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Extreme climatic conditions impose a heavy reliance on cooling, mostly electricity-based, and thus a strong and structural dependency of a high energy resource. The design...
Revealing the first super-efficient “all in one” smart cooling system
The design and construction of buildings in hot-humid climates requires high energy consumption typically for air conditioning due to higher thermal loads. Regionally, there is a rising concern on the current rate of energy consumption due to air conditioning. Considering...
Phase compatibility in the system CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-SO3-Fe2O3 and the effect of partial pressure on the phase stability
The compatibility of phases within the CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-SO3-Fe2O3 system is revisited. The influence of the SO2 partial pressure on the formation of phases and the stability of phase assemblages is addressed by means of new experimental methods (performed under controlled atmospheres) and thermodynamic...
Phase Compatibility in the System CaO–SiO2–Al2O3–SO3–Fe2O3 and the Effect of Partial Pressure on the Phase Stability
The compatibility of phases within the CaO–SiO2–Al2O3–SO3–Fe2O3 system is revisited. The influence of the SO2 partial pressure on the formation of phases and the stability of phase assemblages is addressed by means of new experimental methods (performed under controlled atmospheres) and thermodynamic...
Fair design of CCS infrastructure for power plants in Qatar under carbon trading scheme
Qatar is currently the highest emitter per capita and targets emission reduction by exercising tight controls on gas flaring. In order to limit the emission under allowances, the power plants have two options: investing in carbon capture and storage (CCS)...
Criteria and indicator approach of global sustainability assessment system for sustainable landscaping using native plants in Qatar
The present study focuses on the importance and need to identify criteria and indicators (C&I) for sustainable landscaping using native plants in Qatar. The conditions for operationalizing the criteria and indicators approach are being incorporated into sustainable development practices and...
Criteria and indicator approach of global sustainability assessment system for sustainable landscaping using native plants in Qatar
The present study focuses on the importance and need to identify criteria and indicators (C&I) for sustainable landscaping using native plants in Qatar. The conditions for operationalizing the criteria and indicators approach are being incorporated into sustainable development practices and...
[Seed dormancy of Ochradenus baccatus (Resedaceae), a shrubby species from Arabian desert regions, Dormición de semillas de Ochradenus baccatus (Resedaceae), una especie arbustiva de las regiones desérticas arábicas]
Ochradenus baccatus is a perennial glycophyte growing in Middle East and it is one of the most important food sources for many animal species in desert regions. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of seed storage,...
Germination and recovery of heteromorphic seeds of Atriplex canescens (Amaranthaceae) under increasing salinity
This study was conducted in order to determine the role of the two seed morphs, observed for the first time in a desert population of the widespread Atriplex canescens (Amaranthaceae), in regard to their germination requirements, salinity tolerance and recovery...
Occupant productivity and office indoor environment quality: A review of the literature
The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature to draw an understanding of the relationship between indoor environmental quality and occupant productivity in an office environment. The study reviews over 300 papers from 67 journals, conference articles...
[Seed colour affects light and temperature requirements during germination in two Lotus species (Fabaceae) of the Arabian subtropical deserts, El color de la semilla afecta los requerimientos de luz y temperatura durante la germinación en dos especies de Lotus (Fabaceae) de los desiertos subtropicales Árabes]
Heterogeneity in seeds mostly occurs due to physiological, environmental and genetic factors, and these could affect seed dormancy and germination. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the effect of seed colour on germination behavior. For this, both...
Seed mucilage effect on water uptake and germination in five species from the hyper-arid Arabian desert
The effect of mucilage removal on germination percentages and velocity (Timson's index) was studied for five Arabian desert species (Lavandula subnuda, Lepidium aucheri, Boerhavia elegans, Plantago ciliata and Plantago amplexicaulis) under two photoperiods (0, 12 h of light daily) and three thermoperiods (night/day temperatures of 15/25, 20/30 and 25/35 °C). Mucilage presence increased water...
Germination response of Salsola schweinfurthii (Chenopodiaceae) to salinity and winged perianth removal
Salsola schweinfurthii is a perennial branched halophytic shrub that inhabits arid environments in and around the Arabian Peninsula. Its tolerance to extreme drought renders it suitable for urban arid landscaping. Germinability of intact and de-winged seeds (winged perianth removed) was...
Maternal salinity environment affects salt tolerance during germination in Anabasis setifera: A facultative desert halophyte
The effects of maternal salinity and light incubation on the salinity tolerance of the facultative halophyte Anabasis setifera during their germination stages were assessed. Seeds were collected from non-saline habitats in Egypt and saline habitats in ARE (UAE). The seeds...
Nickel oxide photocathodes prepared using rapid discharge sintering for p-type dye-sensitized solar cells
This paper compares the photoelectrochemical performances of nickel oxide (NiO) thin films processed using two different sintering procedures: rapid discharge sintering (RDS) and conventional furnace sintering (CS). Prior to sintering, NiO nanoparticles were sprayed onto substrates to form loosely adherent...
A Novel Integrated Building Energy System for High Performance Façade
Qatar National Development Strategy (QNDS 2011-2016) stated that residential cooling loads count for two-thirds of the energy consumption. The extreme high air-conditioning loads raise the urgent need for novel and multifunctional technologies that reduce the thermal energy demand. The Global...
Influence of aerial seed banks on germination response in three desert plant species
Aims To determine if the germination response of desert plant species to a period of aerial storage in field conditions (i.e. mature seeds that remain attached to the parent plant) is comparable to seeds harvested at maturity and stored in...
Foliage colour influence on seed germination of Bienertia cycloptera in Arabian deserts
Bienertia cycloptera (Chenopodiaceae) produces two types of leaf foliage colour (reddish and yellowish). In order to determine the role of leaf colour variation in regulating the germination characteristics and salinity tolerance during germination, a study was conducted on seeds collected...
Effects of maternal salinity on salt tolerance during germination of Suaeda aegyptiaca, a facultative halophyte in the Arab Gulf desert
Suaeda aegyptiaca is a facultative halophyte found in saline and non-saline habitats of the Arab Gulf desert, which produces small-sized undispersible seeds. The interactive effects of maternal salinity and other environmental conditions, such as salinity, light and temperatures, that are prevailing...
Germination and seedling performance of five native legumes of the Arabian Desert
Introducing nitrogen-fixing legumes in desert land could enhance rangeland productivity and help in soil reclamation. However, detailed information about germination and seedling performance of many desert legumes species is still lacking. We investigated these plant characteristics for five native legumes...
Maternal habitat affects germination requirements of Anabasis setifera, a succulent shrub of the Arabian deserts
The effects of maternal habitat on light and temperature requirements during germination were assessed for the succulent desert shrub Anabasis setifera. Seeds were collected from the Mediterranean habitats of Egypt and the hyper-arid subtropical habitats of the United Arab Emirates...
Promoting medicinal plants cultivation as a tool for biodiversity conservation and livelihood enhancement in Indian Himalaya
The present paper discusses the development of a participatory approach to promote medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) cultivation as a tool for biodiversity conservation and livelihood enhancement in Champawat district of Uttarakhand state in India. People perception analysis revealed that...
Solar pond powered liquid desiccant evaporative cooling
Liquid desiccant cooling systems (LDCS) are energy efficient means of providing cooling, especially when powered by low-grade thermal sources. In this paper, the underlying principles of operation of desiccant cooling systems are examined, and the main components (dehumidifier, evaporative cooler...
Environmental assessment of aqueous alkaline absorption of carbon dioxide and its use to produce a construction material
The use of carbon dioxide emissions as a raw material, e.g. for the chemical industry and for the production of synthetic fuels, is regarded as an alternative to its storage, as the potential benefits are dual: emissions are removed at...
Spectrum splitting for efficient utilization of solar radiation: a novel photovoltaic–thermoelectric power generation system
Standard photovoltaic solar cells (PV cells) use only about half of the light spectrum provided by the sun. The infrared part is not utilized to produce electricity. Instead, the infrared light heats up the PV cells and thereby decreases the...
Storage on maternal plants affects light and temperature requirements during germination in two small seeded halophytes in the Arabian deserts
Seeds are either stored in a soil seed bank or retained on maternal plants until they are released (aerial seed bank). Though there are extensive studies on the germination requirements of seeds in soil banks of saline habitats, studies conducted...
Seed germination and growth performance of Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss ex Schult
The present investigation emphasizes the significance and conservation values of an important medicinal plant Aerva javanica for sustainable utilization and urban landscaping in Arabian Desert. Seeds of A. javanica germinated well under laboratory as well as nursery conditions, indicating their...
Climate Change Mitigation through Energy Benchmarking in the GCC Green Buildings Codes
It is well known that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of countries resides at or close to the top of the global table of CO2 emissions per capita and its economy relies heavily on its fossil fuels. This provides a context...
Creating a better healing environment in Qatari healthcare sector: Exploring the research agenda for the future
Healing environment and Health Associated Infections (HAI) have been researched for more than 30 years globally. There is definitely a consensus among the researchers and practitioners about its importance. A range of issues such as knowledge management, performance management, design...
Ethnobotanical magnitude towards sustainable utilization of wild foliage in Arabian Desert
The present investigation was deals with identifying traditional uses of medicinal plants for curing a variety of ailments and degree of religious conservation for retention of ethnobotanical knowledge. The study was carried out in the State of Qatar to document...
Approaches to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the built environment: Low carbon cities
The interactions between water, energy, and food in terms of economic and environmental outcomes under conditions of a changing climate are something that all countries will need to understand if they intend to effectively manage the consequences. Qatar’s measures to...
Environmental Impact Assessment Of New District Developments
Over the last decade, the term “sustainability” has figured prominently in city planning discussions aiming to create comfortable places to live, work, learn and relax. In an accelerated world, the need to set standards that guide city development becomes necessary...
The Impact of Tuneable U-Value on Energy Efficiency and Carbon Emissions of an Eco-Villa in the Gulf Region
The eco-villa project was set up to evaluate the use of a dynamically insulated building envelope construction in the hot humid climate of the Gulf Region. The villa, a detached family home on two floors, was built using pre-cast concrete...
A Novel Solar Desiccant Cooling System with Low Grade Heat Source for GCC Countries
Amidst the growing commitment of reducing energy consumption across the Gulf Region, the rising discourse and practice of sustainability in institutions of higher learning has led to energy- efficiency investments to improve the overall environmental performance. There is an increasing...
Perianth colour affects germination behaviour in wind-pollinated Salsola rubescens in Arabian deserts
Salsola rubescens Franch. is a wind-pollinated halophytic shrub that produces fruits with red and yellow winged perianths. Germinability of seeds from both fruit types was determined under various light, temperature, and salinity treatments. Red seeds, with and without winged perianths,...
Green building practices: Optimisation of CCHP and biomass heating for maximum CO2 reduction in a mixed-use development
Current building regulations enforce building designers towards efficient system design and provision of alternative means of supplying energy. Different green building certification schemes are deployed worldwide to encourage creating a sustainable built environment and the adoption of green building best...
Importance of seed banking and herbarium collections in biodiversity conservation and research: A new initiative in the united arab emirates
Importance of seed banking and herbarium collections in biodiversity conservation and research: A new initiative in the united arab emirates
Modelling the thermal energy demand of a Passive-House in the Gulf Region: The impact of thermal insulation
The built environment has a direct impact on the Gulf Region natural environment, the economy and human health. Buildings have to respond to local climate and site conditions to maximize building users’ comfort and health while minimizing energy use. Global...
Improving building fabric energy efficiency in hot-humid climates using dynamic insulation
New effective technologies and materials that have the potential to reduce energy demand with excellent energy efficiency and low environmental impact are urgently required in the Gulf Region. Dynamic insulation, which functions by recycling fabric heat loss back to the...