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The fundamental aim of the study is to investigate the implications of labor housing designs in Dubai, with a focus on courtyards and the governing building regulations, on daylight performance as an underlying factor impacting laborers’ indoor environmental quality. Several studies shed light on the subject of labor camps and labor migration in Dubai, but few have focused on the subject from the perspective of the environmental performance of these camps. A model that represents one of the labor camps was built using Rhinoceros 7.0 and Grasshopper software packages. Annual daylighting and glare simulations were carried out using the lighting modeling engine RADIANCE 5.0 in conjunction with the “ClimateStudio”.

The construction sector has emerged as a significant economic development driver, attracting a diverse labor force from a variety of countries to Dubai. As a result, Dubai authorities have implemented several measures to ensure the provision of suitable housing facilities for its labor force. These measures contribute to the reduction of energy costs in labor housing by encouraging the use of renewable energy. While several studies shed light on the subject of labor camps and labor migration in Dubai, few have focused on the subject from the perspective of the environmental performance of these camps.

The study provided statistical evidence that the current regulations governing courtyards in labor housing resulted in significant changes in daylight levels across different floor levels of the labor housing units. It is suggested that both 2:3 and 3:4 Court Width-to-Height ratios would further contribute to a more consistent daylight Illuminance with marginal statistical differences between floor levels (p > 0.05). The 3:4 ratio, on the other hand, offers a consistent distribution across all floor levels in the North and South with negligible variances, although weakly significant differences can be yet expected between the first and fourth floors in the East and West orientations (p < 0.05). The results of Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE) suggest excessive solar incidence and a high probability of glare, which remains a problem that must be addressed under the governing building regulations.

This study could serve as a framework for analyzing and contrasting the findings of other studies on labor accommodation, notably in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Such an approach has the potential to enhance living conditions in labor accommodations in Dubai and other areas. It is necessary to meet people' physical and psychological well-being while also addressing sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Although the phenomenon of the corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) has derived the interest of several scholars, in recent years, the comparative studies between Islamic banks (IBs) regarding CSRD quantity versus quality have not been the subject matter of studies till now. In this perspective, this chapter aims to investigate the importance given by IBs to the quality and quantity disclosure of CSR. Moreover, it seeks to explore the impact of CSRD quality and quantity on the IBs' financial performance (FP). To meet these objectives, we used a sample of 59 IBs from 2011 to 2016 in the Arab world and non-Arab world. Then, by adopting the content analysis approach, the authors constructed two CSRD indexes (quality and quantity). The empirical results indicated that IBs give more importance to the qualitative disclosure than the quantitative. Our findings will be very helpful for the policymakers and the managers of IBs because maintaining a good CSRD policy increases the capacity of IBs to deal with possible reputational events, thus protecting their profits and financial results. As far as the comparison between the Arabian and non-Arabian IBs, based on financial reports and Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) governance standard N°7 is concerned, our study is among the first studies that provides two new CSRD indexes (quantity and quality).

This study aims to optimize heat transfer efficiency and minimize friction factor and entropy generation in hybrid nanofluid flows through porous media. By incorporating factors such as melting effect, buoyancy, viscous dissipation and no-slip velocity on a stretchable surface, the aim is to enhance overall performance. Additionally, sensitivity analysis using response surface methodology is used to evaluate the influence of key parameters on response functions.

After deriving suitable Lie-group transformations, the modeled equations are solved numerically using the “spectral local linearization method.” This approach is validated through rigorous numerical comparisons and error estimations, demonstrating strong alignment with prior studies.

The findings reveal that higher Darcy numbers and melting parameters are associated with decreased entropy (35.86% and 35.93%, respectively) and shear stress, increased heat transmission (16.4% and 30.41%, respectively) in hybrid nanofluids. Moreover, response surface methodology uses key factors, concerning the Nusselt number and shear stress as response variables in a quadratic model. Notably, the model exhibits exceptional accuracy with $R^2$ values of 99.99% for the Nusselt number and 100.00% for skin friction. Additionally, optimization results demonstrate a notable sensitivity to the key parameters.

Lubrication is a vital method to minimize friction and wear in the automobile sector, contributing significantly to energy efficiency, environmental conservation and carbon reduction. The incorporation of nickel and manganese zinc ferrites into SAE 20 W-40 motor oil lubricants, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, significantly improves their performance, particularly in terms of tribological attributes.

This work stands out for its focus on applications such as hybrid electromagnetic fuel cells and nano-magnetic material processing. While these applications are gaining interest, there is still a research gap regarding the effects of melting on heat transfer in a NiZnFe_2O_4-MnZnFe_2O_4/20W40 motor oil hybrid nanofluid over a stretchable surface, necessitating a thorough investigation that includes both numerical simulations and statistical analysis.

This paper aims to examine the acceptance of Zakat institutions in Malaysia towards Micro Credit-Qard Hasan Financing through Zakat Fund (MCZF) for post-pandemic asnaf entrepreneurs. The study is motivated by the declining trend in Zakat collection and the increasing number of asnaf individuals in the post-pandemic period. This necessitates alternative initiatives such as the MCZF scheme by Zakat institutions. However, the reception of the MCZF scheme in Malaysia is unfavourable, despite studies suggesting its suitability for Zakat institutions and asnaf entrepreneurs.

This study adopts a qualitative methodology involving library and field research as data collection methods. The library research encompasses reviewing relevant books, articles, statutes and circulars. In terms of the field study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five selected Zakat management officers from Zakat institutions and two proficient academics specialising in Shariah and Zakat management. The interview data generated several themes analysed using the content analysis method. Consequently, the snowball method was employed to determine the sample size of Zakat institutions, ensuring comprehensive coverage of their acceptance of the MCZF scheme.

The study’s findings reveal that three Zakat institutions accept the MCZF scheme for implementation, justifying it as a matter of differing opinions (khilaf) that allows room for ijtihad based on the current needs and well-being (maslahah). However, one of the Zakat institutions expresses unpreparedness to implement the scheme due to obstacles posed by an official fatwa. Additionally, the study demonstrates that two Zakat institutions reject the MCZF scheme, citing reasons such as the principle of direct ownership (tamlik) in giving Zakat funds, the prohibition specified by the official state fatwa, and the prevailing societal expectation of direct Zakat distribution without loans.

This study focuses solely on five Zakat institutions in Malaysia, all of which have specific fatwas concerning the MCZF scheme. Future research may explore Zakat institutions in other states. Furthermore, this study specifically concentrates on asnaf entrepreneurs. Hence, further research could investigate the applicability of the MCZF scheme for other asnaf groups, such as asnaf students.

This study examines the acceptance of Zakat institutions towards the MCZF scheme and the justifications provided by Zakat institutions for its implementation. The findings of this study can guide Zakat institutions in Malaysia in accepting and implementing the MCZF scheme. It can significantly impact these institutions by assisting asnaf entrepreneurs in securing capital and expanding their businesses.

This study has substantial implications for society, particularly for asnaf entrepreneurs, as loans provided through Zakat funds can help boost their business capital. Consequently, this can elevate the asnaf group from being recipients of Zakat to becoming contributors. Furthermore, when Zakat funds are provided as debt to asnaf entrepreneurs, they can be motivated to grow their businesses since they commit to repaying the debt through instalments.

This study analyses the acceptance of the MCZF scheme by Zakat institutions in Malaysia as an alternative initiative to support asnaf entrepreneurs after the pandemic.

Recent advancements in the field of organizational psychology have transformed the employees’ perceptions related to the reactions of the employment relationship. The main aim of the study is to explore the consequences of psychological contracts among the nursing staff and how to provide better patient care and quality service in the health-care system as nurses play a pivotal role in the context of Pakistan. Significantly, this study attempts to bridge the research gap by exploring consequences of psychological contracts. Drawing on the social exchange theory, this study examined the psychological contracts of nurses and their reactions to the perceived violation.

This research adopted a qualitative method and was based on an exploratory approach. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews from 21 nurses working in public, private and charity hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. The thematic content analysis is employed for the analysis of data by using NVivo software.

The study identified the relational and transactional elements related to the psychological contract of nurses who predominantly consisted of supervisor support, autonomy, tangible/intangible rewards and trust. The intrinsic motivation which relates to their devotion to work was found as an additional element to balance their psychological contract. This research also establishes that the psychological contract of nurses is being violated in their work settings.

By highlighting the importance of psychological contract breach, the findings demonstrate that health-care institutions should take measures to cope with psychological contract breach issues at the workplace.

This study contributes to the body of knowledge by exploring psychological contract breach. Substantially, there are rare studies conducted on psychological contract breach among nurses in developing country context (Pakistan). However, this study adds to the previous studies related to the psychological contract of nurses in the context of Pakistan by using social exchange theories. Finally, this study enables the management of healthcare to balance the psychological contract issues effectively.

From a target perspective, this paper aims to examine the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transaction valuations.

This paper uses a sample of 629 international transactions conducted between 2002 and 2020. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was applied by using ESG aggregate score and the three ESG pillars: environment, social and governance.

This paper finds that the ESG performance of targets has a negative and significant impact on acquisition premiums. However, this paper finds that targets receive lower premiums by increasing their ESG score, suggesting that targets would do better to focus on ESG to increase shareholder wealth. Thus, results of this paper support the view that ESG-focused firms create shareholder value through the M&A process. Furthermore, results of this paper indicate that environmental and social aspects of ESG drive the acquisition premium. The governance score does not seem to be related to acquisition premiums.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first study to assess whether ESG performance impacts the valuation of M&A transactions by decomposing ESG into its three components.

This study aims to explain the emergence and development of the concept of “Policy Networks” as a unit of analysis in the realm of public policies and their role in formulating a comprehensive policy for health insurance. The developments that took place over the past few decades had impacted a shift in the state’s role in shaping public policies, from a sole, key actor to one among other actors, both governmental and non-governmental, working interdependently through a set of networks.

The present study adopts the social network analysis as an approach and the social policy network as a tool to analyze public policymaking. The approach suggests the presence of a number of actors and interest groups that are actively involved in public policy and decision-making. These groups may vary from a cause to another and also from time to time. This research investigates and juxtaposes a selected sample of members of the health insurance policy network in Egypt.

In light of the study findings, one can see the existence of a policy network for the comprehensive health insurance system in Egypt. The study reveals the interrelations among a number of official and non-official key actors. The network has gone through several phases; the pre-establishment phase during the early stages of policymaking; the official establishment phase during the formative stage; and finally, the network operation phase during the implementation stage. The study also concludes that the policy network has influenced the different stages of policymaking through several tools and strategies. Moreover, the roles of different actors varied within the network; international organizations were the primary influencer in the early stages of policymaking; syndicates dominated the formative stage; and the public sector played the leading role in the implementation stage.

Serious attempts were made to benefit from policy networks with a particular focus on using the strengths of each actor while establishing an official institutional framework that consolidates coordination and cooperation among the involved parties. This framework should keep pace with global changes and developments. It should also have an official meeting venue. Above all, all parties should be listened to and their demands should be considered seriously as long as they are not actualized at the expense of the public interest nor do they undermine the sovereignty of the state. The study also enhances researchers to use policy networking as a unit for analyzing public policy and their effect on these policies.

Public policymaking in Egypt can become more responsive to people’s demands and more democratic once it was made through informative and interactive policy network. This pattern of policymaking will enhance both efficient and responsive.

Practical Implications: public policy making in Egypt can become more responsive to people demands and more democratic once it was made through informative and interactive policy network. This pattern of policymaking will enhance both efficient and responsive.

In addition to its practical contributions to the field of policymaking, this research fills a gap in the literature on the theoretical level.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the factors that influence the adoption of new sustainability reporting (SDG) and external assurance (EXTA) practices. This study also examines the relationship between sustainability reporting activity and corporate economic performance for a sample of 99 companies in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries that addressed SDGs in their sustainability reports published in 2019.

Using a two-stage analysis, this study examines how firms’ characteristics and corporate governance variables affect SDG and economic performance, as well as the firm’s decision to adopt EXTA statements for a sample of companies in that addressed SDGs in their sustainability reports published in 2019. The authors collected data from the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) Sustainability Disclosure database and the Bureau van Dijk for Orbis database.

The results show that the variables firm size, profitability, big 4 auditors and government ownership significantly affect SDG and economic performance. The results also reveal that firms operating in the manufacturing sector are positively correlated with SDG and the firm’s decision to adopt EXTA statements. Furthermore, the results indicate that board independence positively affects SDGs and EXTA.

The results can be particularly relevant and timely in helping large GCC companies promote their engagement to sustainable development practices by adopting more sustainable long-term strategies and policies. The findings could also guide managers in the strategic direction to identify firms’ characteristics and corporate governance features essential to promote sustainability reporting, an increasingly important performance indicator for investors and to enhance their confidence in the capital market. The results may also have practical implications to policymakers and other regulators in GCC countries to define effective frameworks that promote sustainable development reports and the use of EXTA.

The results make significant contributions by providing new insights to the existing literature on sustainability reporting in emerging markets by examining a unique perspective on the influence of firms’ characteristics and corporate governance features on the adoption of new sustainability reporting practices. The authors further add to the previous literature on the relationship between a firm’s economic performance and sustainable reporting by providing evidence from large companies in GCC countries, which might benefit from the adoption of multiple conceptual lenses, in this case, legitimacy and stakeholder theories. Lastly, through the empirical findings, this study provides economic validity to the 2018 joint initiative of the GRI and the United Nations Global Compact to strengthen corporate actions to achieve the United Nations SDGs.

This study examined the factors influencing oil palm farmers’ decisions to engage in contract farming as well as their extent of participation.

The study used cross-sectional data collected from 210 oil palm producers in the western region of Ghana. Descriptive statistics and Cragg’s double hurdle model were the methods of analysis.

The results showed that household size, membership of farmer association, farm size, market knowledge and loan availability significantly positively influence farmers’ decisions to engage in contract farming. Also, while membership in farmer associations and market knowledge exerted significant positive influences on the extent to which farmers participated in contract farming, extension contacts and distance to the farm exerted significant negative influences on the extent of farmers’ participation.

The government, in collaboration with other interested parties, should educate and encourage farmers on the benefits of participating in contract farming arrangements with reputable and well-known institutions that have taken steps to make their services available to farmers.

The study recommends that the government and other contracting firms, like the Golden Star Oil Palm Plantation, should make farm credit a key aspect of their packages, as this will be more attractive to the smallholders.

The study adds to existing literature by providing contracting companies with helpful information on factors influencing oil palm farmers’ decisions to engage in contract farming.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2024-0284

A university’s brand is a key competitive advantage in higher education (HE). This study examines the university's reputation’s intermediary impact on core services (emotional environment, perceived faculty and course suitability) and brand loyalty in private universities in Iran.

A quantitative method was used to achieve research objectives. The data collected from students enrolled in major private universities in the capital of Iran were analyzed to test the proposed model, both directly and indirectly, using structural equation modeling (SEM).

The findings confirmed all of the hypothesized relationships. Prominently, the core service construct (emotional environment, perceived faculty and course suitability) was found to be significantly affecting the university brand reputation. The study found evidence for the impact of university reputation on students' loyalty. Findings also indicated the presence of several indirect relationships among the considered dimensions.

Current research offers implications for universities that are met with the perpetual challenge of survival in the competitive HE marketplace. Findings from the study not only help build theory on university brand loyalty but also make an essential contribution towards guiding managers in developing effective strategies by building reputation and loyalty by concentrating on the most crucial determinants.

Although research in HE marketing is growing, the effects of university core services on building loyalty have not garnered attention, which is theoretically a vital construct. The paper presents a new framework to realize university brand loyalty with the help of integrated relationships among select dimensions in the setting of an emerging HE market.