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The purpose of this study is to numerically simulate the Lamb wave propagation through a clamp-on ultrasonic gas flowmeter (UGF) in contact mode, using a new semi three-dimensional approach. Moreover, experimental and analytical modeling results for transit time difference method have been used to confirm the simulation results at different gas flow velocities from 0.3 to 2.4 m/s.

The new semi three-dimensional approach involves the simulation of the flow field of the gas in a three-dimensional model and subsequently the simulation of wave generation, propagation and reception in a two-dimensional (2D) model. Moreover, the analytical model assumes that the wave transitions occur in a 2D mode.

The new approach is a semi three-dimensional approach used in this work, has better accuracy than a complete 2D simulation while maintaining the computing time and costs approximately constant. It is faster and less expensive than a complete 3D simulation and more accurate than a complete 2D simulation. It was concluded that the new approach could be extended to simulate all types of ultrasonic gas and non-gas flowmeters, even under harsh conditions.

In this work, a new approach for the numerical simulation of all types of ultrasonic flowmeters is introduced. It was used for simulation of a Lamb wave ultrasonic flow meter in contact mode.

A wide band perfect THz absorber is presented in this work. The structure includes two layers of graphene disks on the silicon dioxide dielectric layer while a golden plate is placed at the bottom to act as a fully reflecting mirror against THz waves. According to the simulations, the device is robust enough to show independent operation versus layers thicknesses variations, chemical potentials mismatches and changing of electron relaxation time. The designed THz absorber in this work is an appropriate basic block for several applications in THz optical systems such as sensors, detectors and modulators.

The layers in the proposed device are modeled via passive circuit elements and consequently, the equivalent circuit of the device is calculated. Leveraging the developed equivalent circuit model (ECM) and impedance matching concept, the proposed device is designed to perfect absorption with 4.7 THz bandwidth that possesses over 90% absorption. Ample simulations are performed using MATLAB (ECM) and CST (finite element method) to verify the superior performance of the device. According to the simulations, the device is robust enough to show independent operation versus layers thicknesses variations, chemical potentials mismatches and changing of electron relaxation time.

This work reports a wideband THz absorber, composed of two graphene layers. This paper considers the circuit model representation for two different layers of the device. For a unique structure, a highly tunable response versus chemical potential is obtained. The circuit model approach and impedance matching theory are exploited to reduce computational time regarding conventional approaches.

A wide band absorber in THz band is presented. Leveraging circuit model approach and impedance matching theory, the design procedure is simplified regarding CPU time and memory requirements compared to conventional methods. Detailed calculations and ample simulations verify the performance excellency of the device to absorb THz incident waves in 2–6.5 THz frequencies. Also, the robustness of the device is investigated versus parameters mismatches like layers thicknesses and chemical potentials values. According to the simulations and absorption response, the proposed device is an appropriate block to be used in THz optical systems such as detectors, imaging systems and optical modulators.

The purpose of this research is to efficiently separate incident terahertz (THz) waves into distinct transmission and reflection channels by minimizing the absorption ratio. So, the optical systems operating within the THz frequency range can developed. To achieve a multi-band response, four different periodic arrays of graphene patterns are used. These arrays are strategically stacked on both sides of three SU-8 photoresists, serving as dielectric materials. Consequently, each layer exhibits a unique influence on the device's response, and by applying four external bias voltages, the behavior of the device can be precisely controlled and adjusted.

A novel optoelectronic device operating in the THz frequency range is introduced, using periodic arrays of graphene patterns and SU-8 photoresist dielectrics. The design of this device is based on meta-surface principles, using both the equivalent circuit model (ECM) and transmission line concept. The output of the device is a THz coupler implemented by analyzing the reflection and transmission channels. The structure is characterized using the ECM and validated through comprehensive full-wave simulations. By representing the electromagnetic phenomenon with passive circuit elements, enabling the calculation of absorption, reflection and transmission through the application of the theory of maximum power transfer.

Based on simulation results and theoretical analysis, the proposed device exhibits sensitivity to gate biasing, enabling efficient reflection and transmission of THz waves. The device achieves reflection and transmission peaks exceeding across the five distinct THz bands 90%, and its behavior can be tuned by external gate biasing. Moreover, the device's sensitivity to variations in geometrical parameters and chemical potentials demonstrates its reliable performance. With its outstanding performance, this high-performance meta-surface emerges as an ideal candidate for fundamental building blocks in larger optical systems, including sensors and detectors, operating within the THz frequency band.

The proposed device covers a significant portion of the THz gap through the provision of five adjustable peaks for reflection and transmission channels. Additionally, the ECM and impedance matching concept offers a simplified and time-efficient approach to designing the meta-surface. Leveraging this approach, the proposed device is effectively represented using passive circuit elements such as inductors, capacitors and resistors, while its performance is validated through the utilization of the finite element method (FEM) as a full-wave simulation tool. This combination of circuit modeling and FEM simulation contributes to the robustness and accuracy of the device's performance evaluation.

This paper aims to offer a wider examination of the research concerning entrepreneurship characteristics in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region via a review of recent studies relevant to this topic. Research publications concerning entrepreneurship within the MENA region evidence growing interest in this field of study, with the potential to boost and drive future economic development and growth. This focus within entrepreneurship research is because of the economic development in the region, which is becoming increasingly important for policymakers and businesses.

The author performed a systematic literature review to produce robust information about entrepreneurship in the MENA region, followed by a thematic analysis to identify key research themes within each category.

Despite the growth in entrepreneurship research in the MENA region, research on certain factors is lacking. An analysis of 271 studies published between 2009 and 2019 identifies 9 main research categories, within which 30 themes have attracted significant academic attention. Female entrepreneurship and gender, youth entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship behaviour and orientation are the three key categories influencing perspectives on entrepreneurship in the MENA region. This study highlights research gaps and provides recommendations to guide future research on the sustainable development of entrepreneurship in the MENA region.

This paper highlights trends in entrepreneurship research amongst scholars within the MENA region and suggests paths for future research efforts.

To ensure effective national governance, it is essential to enhance employees' well-being in the workplace. Employees with good mental and physical health are more likely to demonstrate a high level of commitment and engagement in advancing public policy objectives, which serve as instruments of public will. A comprehensive understanding of the various effective strategies to improve workplace well-being is indispensable to formulating human resource management policies within the public sector. Therefore, this study aims to uncover and prioritize the key strategies, programs and actions that contribute to enhancing the workplace well-being of public employees in Iran, drawing from their perspectives and experiences.

We conducted a mixed-method study incorporating both qualitative and quantitative phases to recognize and measure these strategies. In the first phase, a qualitative content analysis was carried out based on the perspectives of Iranian public sector employees. In the subsequent phase, a questionnaire derived from the qualitative findings was randomly distributed to 374 employees from 14 public organizations.

Workplace well-being strategies can be summarized according to the level of their importance as follows: employees' well-being through “inter-personal relationship,” “systems,” “technologies,” “structure,” “culture” and “environment” within the organization. These strategies as six themes divided into 13 categories and 60 subcategories of programs and actions to promote employee well-being in the work setting.

The importance of considering employees' perspectives on workplace well-being is highlighted as a crucial aspect, rather than depending exclusively on managerial viewpoints for the implementation of well-being initiatives. Adopting an integrated and holistic approach to workplace well-being through strategies, programs and actions is another significant contribution of this study.

With the rapid advancement of technology, companies use new technologies to produce their products and services to maintain a competitive advantage. As companies alone cannot research and develop their technologies, they should use knowledge sources outside the organization that may exist throughout the world; hence, organizations need technology transfer. Because the success rate of technology transfer projects is low, the need to accurately assess and investigate the critical success factors of technology transfer projects is felt. In this regard, this study aims to identify and prioritize the critical success factors in technology transfer projects.

In this research, 56 critical success factor (CSF) were extracted from the context of the articles and were adjusted using experts’ opinions in different phases, as well as the fuzzy-Delphi approach. Finally, 15 factors were categorized in the form of steps of the technology transfer model: STAGE-GATE. In the next step, the set of criteria needed to prioritize CFSs was extracted from the literature and finalized with the help of the experts. Then, how each of the CSF influences the identified criteria was scored according to the organization’s export opinions. Finally, the priority of each key success factor was calculated using the additive ratio assessment (ARAS) method.

The results obtained for prioritization of the critical success factors show that experience in technology transfer in the transferee company, the existence of experienced technology transfer managers, sufficient organizational infrastructure and documenting project problems, achievements and experiences are four critical success factors of the technology transfer projects. Considering the long-term and short-term specific goals of the technology transfer process and the choice of technology in line with the company’s commercial strategy are also the critical success factors with the next priorities.

The combination of ARAS and step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis methods for identifying and prioritizing managerial decisions in the high-tech industries is a value of this research. Also, a combination of novel multi-attribute decision-making methods by the older framework of new product development is another contribution of this research.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges faced by rural women entrepreneurs in Lebanon and explore how stakeholder engagement strategies, guided by stakeholder theory, can mitigate these challenges. By analyzing the interactions between stakeholders and women entrepreneurs, the study aims to uncover effective solutions that contribute to the sustained success of women entrepreneurs in Lebanon's rural areas.

This study uses participatory action research (PAR) and narrative inquiry. PAR involves women entrepreneurs as active collaborators, fostering participation and enabling marginalized voices to address business challenges. Narrative inquiry delves into their experiences deeply, accessing multiple perspectives and insights.

This study uncovers challenges in resource accessibility, societal norms and market limitations for rural women entrepreneurs in Lebanon. Stakeholder influence, especially community support and tailored training programs, proves crucial. However, governmental involvement remains limited, relying more on nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and expert mentorship. Targeted interventions and policies are essential for inclusive growth and gender equality in entrepreneurship.

This paper offers a unique perspective by focusing on rural women entrepreneurs in Lebanon, exploring their specific challenges within the country's socioeconomic landscape. Its interdisciplinary approach and actionable recommendations for practical strategies, along with a comprehensive stakeholder analysis, provide novel insights into women's entrepreneurship in rural settings.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives (social responsibility, economic responsibility and environmental responsibility) on Jordanian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (JPM) industry’s business performance.

This study follows a quantitative descriptive design. The data were collected from 116 managers working at seven JPM organizations by questionnaire. After confirming validity and reliability of the tool, the statistical analysis means, standard deviations and t-values were used to test implementation and finally multiple regressions were used to test the hypothesis.

Results show that there are relationships between CSR variables, and all the three variables are strongly related to business performance. The results also indicate that the three sub-variables together affect JPM industry’s business performance. The environmental responsibility has the highest effect on JPM industry’s business performance, followed by the economic responsibility, and then the social responsibility.

This study was directed toward pharmaceutical industry in Jordan. Generalizing the results to other industries and countries is questionable. Therefore, further research on other industries and countries will help mitigate the issue of generalizing conclusions.

CSR should be formulated clearly within JPM corporate strategy. The elements of CSR need to be integrated with the present performance management criteria, leadership development programs and organizational development programs, and a champion for CSR needs to be assigned.

The CSR initiatives should be derived from local culture and match with international initiatives because CSR is the responsibility of every person.

Still the topic of CSR is not well implemented and does not have priority by Jordanian companies; therefore, this study may be considered as one of the few studies dedicated to study this topic and create awareness about it in Jordan.

This study aims to examine the key determinants of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure of all listed banks that operate their function in an emerging market, Pakistan.

This study applied the principles of systems-oriented theories such as legitimacy, stakeholder and agency theory. The hypothesis is linking the bank’s social disclosure and its determinants are developed. The relevant data was gathered from the bank’s annual reports and Pakistan Stock Exchange from 2008 to 2018. Further, governance attributes and performance measures are used as the predictor variable and the CSR score as the predicted variable. This study applied panel data analysis on the sampled banks to examine the proposed hypothesis for empirical estimation.

This study’s inclusive results confirm that the hypothesized determinants of board size, foreign directors on board and female directors on board positively impact the CSR disclosure potential. Board size significantly explains the CSR disclosure in all bank samples. The determined performance measures, profitability and liquidity show a significant positive relationship with CSR disclosure except for few exceptions.

This study’s results lack generalizability due to its unique setting; future researchers can extend the research scope in national–international settings and a regional context.

This study enriches the literature on CSR disclosure determinants and is relevant to practice in an emerging context. It can be helpful from a policy perspective; institutions (bodies) that regulate banks should recognize the governance and performance aspects essential to enhancing CSR disclosure and enhancing the bank’s performance hence value.

This research offers empirical evidence that sheds light on the key governance attributes and performance measures that partially affect CSR disclosure and its extent. In doing so, this study’s findings contribute to the literature significantly, along with regulators, shareholders, deposit holders, individual–institutional investors.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an initial empirical insight into the mediating role of quality performance on the association between six specific organisational factors (top management support, employee involvement, employee empowerment, reward and recognition, training and customer focus) and competitive advantage.

A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 179 garment organisations in a developing country, Bangladesh.

The results show that quality performance mediates the association between three specific organisational factors (top management support, employee involvement and reward and recognition) and competitive advantage. In addition, a fourth organisational factor, employee empowerment, exhibited a direct association with competitive advantage.

The findings provide managers of developing economies with an important insight into the critical role of quality in achieving competitive advantage. In line with the resources-based view, the findings suggest that managers should deploy their limited resources to focus on providing top management support for, encourage employee involvement in and provide adequate rewards and recognition in respect to quality initiatives.