1st Intl Conference on Women Development in Engineering Science & Technology

on 25/10/2023

A 2-day international conference was held at the U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W), Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro.
The purpose of the conference was to promote gender equality while fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration among women professionals, researchers, and innovators.
The conference aimed to catalyze increased representation of women in engineering, science, and technology, leading to more diverse and innovative advancements in these fields.
Key Highlights
Inauguration Ceremony: The conference opened with inspiring keynote addresses from renowned thought leaders, including a welcome Address by Prof. Dr. Khadija Qureshi (Conference Chair), and an address by the Guest of Honor, Engr. Syed Abdul Qadir Shah, Chairman Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), An address by Prof. Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali, Vice Chancellor Mehran UET Jamshoro, An address by the Chief Guest, Engr. Najeeb Haroon, Chairman Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), and a keynote speech by Fathiah Binte Mohamed Zuki, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Malaya. Their presentations set the tone for an intellectually stimulating event.
Plenary Sessions: The panel Discussions such as ‘Women’s Development in Engineering, Sciences, and Technology: A Meaningful Conversation and Insights’ and ‘Global Leaders Panel Discussion: Charting STEM Careers’ were both informative and engaging. They offered practical insights and enhanced attendees’ skills in particular areas. The discussions were moderated by Dr. Shumaila Memon and Dr. Mamiko Reeves Respectively.
Parallel Sessions: During the 2 days of the conference, a number of sessions were delivered by various researchers and intellectuals. The sessions had varied categories like Technical sessions, keynote speaker sessions, guest speaker sessions, and paper presentations.
Technical sessions
Various Technical sessions were held in the areas of Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture Engineering, Social Sciences, and so on. The sessions provided a platform for researchers, experts, and practitioners to present their latest findings, innovations, and discoveries.
Keynote Speaker Sessions
The keynote talks provided a focal point for addressing critical themes and trends, offering valuable insights from distinguished experts. These sessions not only set the tone for the entire conference but also served as a source of inspiration and knowledge for attendees, helping them gain a broader perspective and deeper understanding of the subject matter. Following Keynote sessions were held:
• Building(s) for the future – questions vs answers by Prof. Dr. Griet Verbeeck.
• The Joys and Challenges of International Collaborations by Dr. Julie A. Sinclair.
• The Next Generation Battery: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future by Dr. Haeyoung, Choi.
• Exploring Gender Equity in Elementary and Middle School Small Group STEM Activities by Dr. Jeanna R. Wieselmann
• Scoping an ethical framework for information systems while swimming in the academic waters Prof. Sule Yildirim Yayilgan
• Designing for Impact by Dr. Natalia Plechkova
• Water & Sediment Assessment of Water Bodies in Pulau Indah and Klang Port Terminal by Dr. Fathiah Binte Mohamed Zuki,
• Advanced Method for Synthesizing Metal-Organic Framework Membrane for Gas Separation by Dr. Yeong Yin Fong.
Invited Talks: Guest speaker talks played a crucial role in the conference, bringing authoritative voices, fresh perspectives, and cross-disciplinary insights to attendees. They inspired, motivated, and provided invaluable networking opportunities, contributing significantly to the event’s success. Following guest speaker talks were held:
• ‘Applications of membrane Technology in CO2 Capture’ by Prof. Dr. Arshad Hussain
• ‘Road that I traversed as a women engineer: current research and future outlook’ by Dr. Aqsa Shabbir
• Andragogy: Methods and Techniques of Teaching Adults by Dr. Ahmed Hussain
Training Workshop: An interactive workshop was held titled ‘Unlocking the Power of Patents: A Comprehensive Talk on Intellectual Property and Women’s Contributions’. The workshop was facilitated by Prof. Dr. Attiya Baqai, Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, MUET, Jamshoro.
Networking Opportunities: The conference provided ample networking opportunities to the attendees and they had the pleasure of connecting with fellow professionals, sharing experiences, and building potential collaborations.
Closing Ceremony: The closing ceremony of the conference was a momentous occasion, featuring several notable speakers who highlighted the conference’s achievements and outlined its impact. The notable talks included a conference report by Dr. Khadija Qureshi (Conference Chair), an Address by Prof. Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali, Worthy Vice Chancellor, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, an Address by Guest of Honor, Dr. Tahmina Mangan Worthy Vice Chancellor Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University, Sukkur, an Address by Chief Guest, Engr. Rukhsana Zuberi, Member of the Senate of Pakistan, Former Chairperson of Pakistan Engineering Council, and a Vote of thanks by Dr. Masroor Ahmed Abro, Conference Secretary.
Key Takeaways:
• Enhanced Gender Inclusivity: The conference promoted greater gender inclusivity in engineering, science, and technology, encouraging women’s active participation and leadership.
• Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration: Attendees benefited from valuable knowledge exchange, networking, and collaborative opportunities.
• Empowerment and Inspiration: Participants left the conference inspired and empowered to overcome challenges, advance their careers, and contribute to positive change in their respective fields.
Conclusion:
In summary, the 1st International Conference on Women Development in Engineering Science & Technology was a remarkable event that facilitated the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences among professionals. The conference made a pivotal step towards gender equality, empowerment, and collaboration among professionals.

MUET, Archroma Pakistan Extend Agreement of Cooperation

on 25/10/2023

On a momentous occasion at the Archroma Pakistan Ltd. facility in Jamshoro, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology and Archroma Pakistan Ltd. renewed their commitment to collaboration. Prof. Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali, the esteemed Vice Chancellor of Mehran University, and Mr. Mujtaba Rahim, the visionary CEO of Archroma Pakistan Ltd., came together to extend their Agreement of Mutual Cooperation for another five years.
This significant partnership was sealed in the presence of Mr. Mark Garret, the distinguished President and Group CEO of Archroma LLC, who expressed his unwavering support and confidence in the collaboration.
The roots of this collaboration trace back to August 1, 2017, when the initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the main campus of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology in Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan. Now, this dynamic duo is ready to embark on another exciting chapter of cooperation. Both parties are committed to fostering innovation through collaborative Research and Development (R&D) projects. They will continue to provide valuable training and mentorship for students, ensuring their holistic development. Workshops and seminars will be conducted, benefiting not only the university faculty but also the dedicated staff at Archroma. But the scope of cooperation doesn’t stop there! The partnership will also see the organization of joint national and international events that promise to bring together experts and innovators from diverse fields.
At the signing ceremony, the distinguished attendees included Prof. Dr. Kamran Ansari, Director of the US-Pakistan Center of Advanced Studies in Water, Prof. Dr. Zeeshan Khatri, Chairman of the Department of Textile Engineering, Dr. Awais Khatri, Associate Professor in the Department of Textile Engineering and the Focal Person for the Agreement, as well as Mr. Naeemuddin Qazi, Head of Operations, Mr. Ahsan Siddiqui, Head of Quality Assurance, and Mr. Sajid Ahmed Junejo, Manager Admin and IR at Archroma Pakistan Ltd. This renewed partnership between Mehran University of Engineering and Technology and Archroma Pakistan Ltd. promises to be a beacon of innovation, education, and progress for the years to come.

Haier Pakistan-commercial
AC Shines at 2023 Haier Overseas
Entrepreneurs Summit in China

on 25/10/2023

In the ever-evolving world of technology and innovation, the 2023 Haier Overseas Entrepreneurs Summit in China emerged as a pivotal event that brought together major brands and companies from around the globe. Colleagues from various global regions communication EMCs participated in the summit. The Haier Global Communications Summit stands as an annual gathering of industry leaders, tech innovators, and communication experts. It provides an exceptional forum to discuss emerging trends, share success stories, and explore the future of global communications. Located in China, it serves as a bridge between East and West, cultivating cooperation and synergy among participants from diverse corners of the globe.
Centered around the theme of “Communication Creates Value,” the summit was divided into three sections: Innovation, Sharing, and Win-Win, exploring how to accelerate the construction of Haier Smart Home’s global communications ecosystem. Amidst a sea of prominent participants, Haier Pakistan distinguished itself by securing a top-tier position at this prestigious summit. This article delves into the key highlights and achievements of Haier Pakistan at the summit, highlighting the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
The 2023 Haier Global Communications Summit was successfully held on the 20th of September 2023 with the prior arrival of guests on the 17th of September. The guests were warmly welcomed by the Haier HQ team upon arrival in Qingdao City, China. All guests were then invited to join the Haier HQ facility the next day to witness the latest technology products being showcased over there. Guests from all over the world have shown their keen interest in the Haier products and expressed their deep gratitude. The live interactive session being the guests continued for a long for discussing the products, latest innovations, and further research work in process for the upgradation of products as per the latest industry standards and comfort.
Haier Overseas RenDanHeYi Strategy Communication Conference was held on the 19th of September. Guests or participants from all the over globe participated in it and shared their experiences and feedback for future prospects with Haier. A contingent of Haier Pakistan’s Commercial Air Conditioning (CAC) Department including Mr. Salman Saleem (HOD Commercial AC) with their Chinese Counterparts Mr. Long Bin and Mr. Yu Zijing participated in the conference. The Haier Pakistan’s Commercial Team secured a top-tier position amongst all the global guest partners. The team was considered premium finalists from global teams with their strong commitment towards brand and achievements in sales and growth of Commercial AC products, worldwide. This achievement underscores the brand’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and its unwavering commitment to serving the Pakistani market with cutting-edge products and solutions. Haier Pakistan Commercial AC took the top spot due to continuous efforts in terms of:
Innovation Showcase: Haier Pakistan – CAC showcased a wide array of innovative products and solutions at the summit. From smart appliances to state-of-the-art home automation systems, Haier Pakistan demonstrated its prowess in embracing emerging technologies to enhance the lives of its customers.
Sustainability Commitment: Sustainability has become a cornerstone of Haier Pakistan’s operations. The company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and energy-efficient products resonated strongly with the global audience, as sustainability continues to be a pressing concern worldwide.
Industry Collaborations: The summit provided a unique platform for Haier Pakistan to forge valuable partnerships and collaborations with other global industry leaders. These alliances are expected to drive further innovation and expand the company’s reach in the Pakistani market.
Customer-Centric Approach: Haier Pakistan’s success is deeply rooted in its customer-centric approach. The brand’s dedication to understanding the unique needs of Pakistani consumers and tailoring its products and services accordingly was a focal point of discussion at the summit.
In the dynamic world of global communications, it is crucial for brands and companies to stay at the forefront of innovation and connectivity. The 2023 Haier Global Communications Summit, held in China, was a true testament to this relentless pursuit. This summit brought together major brands and companies from around the world, creating a vibrant platform for sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and charting the future of global communications. Among the distinguished participants, Haier Pakistan emerged as a top-tier standout, showcasing the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence in the realm of global communication.
As Haier Pakistan emerges from the 2023 Haier Global Entrepreneurs Summit with accolades and newfound industry connections, the brand is poised for even greater success in the future. By continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation, embracing sustainability, and remaining committed to its customers, Haier Pakistan is well-positioned to shape the future of technology and communications in Pakistan. The summit served as a testament to the global impact of Haier Pakistan. The brand’s remarkable achievements and contributions were acknowledged and celebrated among industry peers and leaders. As Haier Pakistan continues to lead the way in innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, it stands as a shining example of success in the ever-evolving world of technology and communication.

Belt and Road initiative after 10 years of its birth Has BRI really trapped countries into a debt distress?

on 25/10/2023

While China concentrates on celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Belt and Road initiative, multiple countries and analysts are looking at the success of this initiative which according to many, continues to lose its charm among the nations that banked on it for the economic development.
The initiative, a signature foreign policy strategy launched in autumn 2013 after Xi became president has spawned ports, railways, highways, power plants and other projects stretching from Asia to Africa, says a report that appeared in a leading Asian news outlet.
From Beijing’s standpoint, the report says, the BRI has largely achieved its two original goals, according to Ammar Malik, a senior researcher at AidData, a research lab at U.S. University William & Mary.
One was to deploy “excess construction and financial capacity at home to return-generating projects abroad,” he said. The other, he added, was to build strategic leverage by spreading goodwill toward China in participating countries and gaining policy influence over governments.
China’s State Council recently said that about 150 countries and 30 international organizations had signed BRI cooperation agreements by June this year, with construction contracts reaching $2 trillion.
But while the BRI helped to meet developing economies’ project financing needs, alongside other international lenders, critics say it has contributed to debt distress amid rising interest rates and other economic pressure.
“The proportion of BRI participating countries now suffering from debt distress per the International Monetary Fund has doubled in the past eight years,” said AidData’s Malik. He cited examples including Zambia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which have either defaulted or are at risk of doing so.
China consistently rejects the charge that it has led some countries into a “debt trap.”
But AidData’s study also found that over a third of all BRI projects have suffered from implementation challenges such as environmental damage, corruption scandals and labor violations. One example is Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link, which had to be renegotiated after a new Malaysian government was elected in 2018 and suspended it on concerns about costs and transparency.
The world around the BRI is changing, too.
During the early years, U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” slogan against globalization made the Chinese idea of connectivity and integration more appealing to many countries, said Xue Gong, an academic at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
However, BRI activity has declined significantly since 2018, amid a slowdown in China’s own economy and growing concerns about unsustainable debt in recipient countries, according to U.S. risk adviser Eurasia Group.
“For construction projects, the [average] deal size in 2022 was the lowest since the BRI was announced in 2013, with about $321 million in 2022 compared to $496 million in 2021,” a report issued by Shanghai’s Fudan University said. “Construction projects tended to be smaller, possibly as they rely on sovereign guarantees that became harder to secure due to tighter recipient government budgets and adjusted risk management models of Chinese financial institutions in the global economic uncertainty.”
A decade on, China appears to be honing its pitch, shifting the emphasis from large-scale infrastructure projects to what it deems “small and beautiful” technology-based cooperation in recent years. Beijing has also pledged to cease fossil fuel investments in favor of clean energy development.
In a policy paper published last week, Beijing vowed to open up the BRI to more areas of cooperation and provide project financing based on local needs and conditions to avoid causing debt risk.
Still, questions persist over the enduring appeal of the BRI after the experience of the past 10 years.
China has said that over 140 countries are sending representatives to this week’s forum. Apart from Putin, the guest list includes the leaders of Serbia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, among others. But the event was expected to attract only about a dozen heads of state and government after more than 35 attended the last BRI gathering in 2019.
“Unlike the success of the two BRI summits held several years ago, the expected low attendance at the upcoming third forum is a sign that the BRI may be losing its attraction,” said Singapore’s Gong.

Thermal Performance of Ground Source Heat Pumps

on 25/10/2023

A ground source heat pump, also known as a geothermal heat pump, is a heating and cooling system for structures that use a specific thermal heat pump to transfer heat to or from the ground, utilizing the earth’s relatively constant temperatures throughout the year. Geothermal heat pumps, also known as ground source heat pumps, are among the most energy-efficient technologies for delivering HVAC and water heating. They consume far less energy than resistive electric heaters or burning fuel in a boiler or furnace. Liquid-to-water heat pumps are hydronic systems that distribute warmth or cooling to baseboard heaters, conventional radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water tanks through the building’s pipes. For pool heating, these heat pumps are also favored. Boilers normally run at 65-95 °C (149-203 °F), whereas heat pumps typically only efficiently heat water to around 55 °C (131 °F). When upgrading a home from a boiler to a heat pump, larger radiators may be needed since the size of radiators made for the higher temperatures generated by boilers may be too small for use with heat pumps. Water-to-air heat pumps, also known as liquid-to-air heat pumps, produce forced air and are most frequently used to replace central air conditioning and older forced air furnaces. Split systems, high-velocity systems, and ductless systems are all possible variations.
A ground heat exchanger in contact with the ground or groundwater is used by ground source heat pumps to extract or release heat. Accurate system design is essential to a successful system since poor design can lead to the system freezing after several years or to very inefficient system performance. The effectiveness of a heat pump is influenced by efficient compressors, variable-speed compressors, and larger heat exchangers. Currently, available residential ground source heat pumps have standard COPs between 2.4 and 5.0 and EERs between 10.6 and 30. Heat pumps must achieve specific minimum COP and EER values, which vary depending on the kind of ground heat exchanger, to be eligible for the Energy Star label. The ISO 13256-1 heating COP and cooling EER for closed-loop systems, respectively, must both be 3.3 or higher.
The soil at depths of several meters or more and without the addition or removal of artificial heat maintains a fairly steady temperature throughout the year. This temperature is about equivalent to the location’s normal yearly air temperature, which in the north of the US is around 7–12 °C (45–54 °F) at a depth of 6 meters (20 ft). Ground-source heat pumps outperform air conditioners and air-source heat pumps during extremely high air temperatures because this temperature is more consistent throughout the seasons than the air temperature. The diversity of the time and space scales involved presents a challenge in estimating the thermal response of a ground heat exchanger (GHE). The heat transport of GHEs involves eight time periods and four spatial dimensions. The diameter of the borehole ( 0.1 m) and the corresponding duration are the first spatial scales of practical significance. During this time, the effect of the heat capacity of the backfilling material is substantial. The half distance between two nearby boreholes, which is on the scale of several meters, is the second crucial dimension of space. The matching period, which is around a month, is crucial for the thermal interaction between nearby boreholes.
By utilizing interseasonal heat transfer and seasonal thermal energy storage, ground source heat pumps’ efficiency can be significantly increased. Thermal banks allow for the efficient retrieval of heat that was caught and stored over the summer. The importance of this advantage is greatest in commercial or district heating systems because heat storage efficiency rises with scale. Additionally, by using big, affordable, water-filled solar collectors, tiny heat pump installations already in place can increase their efficiency. By inserting one-inch PE pipes into the outer layer, they can be integrated into a parking lot that is being renovated, as well as in wall or roof projects.