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Article
Publication date: 12 June 2007

Aktham Maghyereh and Ahmad Al‐Kandari

The purpose of this research is to examine the linkages between oil prices and stock market in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Prior work argues that oil prices and the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the linkages between oil prices and stock market in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Prior work argues that oil prices and the GCC stock markets are not related. This conclusion could be due to the fact that only linear linkages have been examined.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs newly developed techniques of rank tests of nonlinear cointegration analysis proposed by Breitung and Gourieroux and Breitung. The Breitung's method is selected in this study due its potential superiority at detecting cointegration when the error‐correction mechanism is nonlinear.

Findings

The empirical analysis of the paper supports that oil price impact the stock price indices in GCC countries in a nonlinear fashion. Thus, the statistical analysis in this paper obviously supports a nonlinear modeling of the relationship between oil and the economy.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contains the normal limitations associated with the econometric method including statistical bias.

Practical implications

The implication of this paper findings is that policy makers at GCC countries should keep an eye on the effects of changes in oil price levels on their own economies and stock markets. For individual and institutional investors, the nonlinear relationship between oil and stock markets imply predictability in the GCC stock markets.

Originality/value

The paper presents new findings on the relationships between oil prices and the stock market in GCC countries. These findings should be of interest to researchers, regulators, and market participants.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 33 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

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Executive summary
Publication date: 27 October 2017

KUWAIT: Politics will be fractious

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES225427

ISSN: 2633-304X

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Geographic
Topical
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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2001

Ayed A. Alwraikat and Fayez A. Simadi

Examines the relationship between some socio‐demographic factors and modernity in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Looks at 630 subjects from Jordan and 209 from the UAE…

631

Abstract

Examines the relationship between some socio‐demographic factors and modernity in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Looks at 630 subjects from Jordan and 209 from the UAE and uses multiple regression to examine the role of these factors in explaining their attitudes to modernity. Includes predictor variables such as: educational attainment, place of living, age, income, occupation, nationality and gender. Concludes that the Jordanians had a more modern orientation and that education, place of living, age and income were the most influential factors.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 21 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

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Article
Publication date: 14 February 2023

Michaela Jánská, Marta Žambochová and Pavol Kita

Health is an essential issue in the motivation to eat organic food. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship if people who have a positive view of a healthy…

540

Abstract

Purpose

Health is an essential issue in the motivation to eat organic food. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship if people who have a positive view of a healthy lifestyle (want to live healthy) have an influence on the tendency to buy organic food.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis of secondary data dealing with the issue was supplemented by primary data. In order to meet the main aim, a preliminary objective was set which was to determine the influence of socio-demographic factors on the recommended lifestyle. Specifically, the largest statistically significant difference in influence on healthy lifestyle was gender, followed by education and age. The survey was conducted in the period of January–May 2019 on a sample of 1,373 respondents from Slovakia.

Findings

The data was evaluated by means of selected specific statistical methods (Kruskal–Wallis test, Man-Whitney test and Decision tree methodology). The results of the research verified that the lifestyle of Slovak consumers has an influence on the consumption of organic products and that people who practise healthy eating buy organic food more often. Our research has shown that lifestyle is increasingly influencing consumer purchasing behaviour.

Originality/value

The results showed that today's healthy lifestyle increases the demand for healthy food among potential consumers. Furthermore, the presented results of our research in Slovakia could establish some basis for conducting similar research in other European countries.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 125 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Article
Publication date: 27 January 2023

Rashed Alhaimer

This study aims to focus on how virtual campaigns are affecting voters in the elections of Kuwait, as well as whether such virtual campaigns will replace traditional campaigns in…

196

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to focus on how virtual campaigns are affecting voters in the elections of Kuwait, as well as whether such virtual campaigns will replace traditional campaigns in the post-COVID era.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research adopts a purposeful sample when selecting participants from candidates and the managers of electoral campaigns in Kuwait. Fifteen participants were selected, which has been sufficient to achieve data saturation, and then, textual data were collected via semistructured interviews from 15 candidates and the managers of electoral campaigns in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The findings indicate that candidates preferred using virtual campaigns which enabled them to reach voters during the time of COVID-19’s lockdown. Majority of responses underlined that social media platforms do direct political messages to the voters. Hence, social media platforms should be perceived as preferred medium for communicating with supporters, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. However, some responses uphold the importance of keeping traditional political campaigns due to the peculiar nature of the Kuwaiti community where there is a need for socialization and meeting face-to-face with voters.

Originality/value

This research provides a new evaluation about the role of virtual political campaigns in Kuwait. It highlights the crucial and increasing role of virtual political campaigns in attracting voters; nevertheless, it found that virtual campaigns should be used as addendum to conventional political campaigns in the post-COVID-19 era in Kuwait.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 74 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

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Article
Publication date: 5 July 2011

L.Z. Liu, L. Weng, Y.X. Song, L. Gao, H. Zhao and Q.Q. Lei

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of coupling agents on the structure and properties of the nanocomposite films and clarify their mechanism. Polyimide (PI)/Al…

343

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of coupling agents on the structure and properties of the nanocomposite films and clarify their mechanism. Polyimide (PI)/Al2O3 nanocomposite films were prepared using different coupling agents.

Design/methodology/approach

Poly(amic acid) (PAA) was firstly synthesised from appropriate pyromellitic diannanocomposite and oxydianiline in N‐dimethylacetamide. Calculated amount of nano‐Al2O3 particles modified by different coupling agents (KH550, KH560, KH570 and AE3012) were added to PAA solution by an ultrasonic‐mechanical method and PI/nano‐Al2O3 film was fabricated by heat curing. The microstructure, thermal stability, mechanical properties and electric breakdown strength of the films were characterised.

Findings

The addition of coupling agents could greatly improve the dispersion homogeneity of Al2O3 nano‐particles in PI matrix. Results of corresponding characterisations indicated that both the thermal stability and mechanical properties of PI/Al2O3 nanocomposite film with KH550 were greater/better than others, while AE3012 could improve the electric breakdown strength.

Research limitations/implications

In the present discussion, the effects of different coupling agents, KH550, KH560, KH570 and AE3012, were investigated. Results of this research work would be beneficial to an in‐depth understanding on the relationship between microstructure and properties of PI composites, and further promote the development of the high‐performance PI insulating materials.

Originality/value

The four coupling agents, KH550, KH560, KH570 and AE3012, were firstly used to disperse the nano‐Al2O3 particles in PI matrix. The effects of coupling agents on microstructure and properties of composites were discussed by the authors in detail.

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Article
Publication date: 26 November 2024

Khaled Jamal Alrabea, Mohammad Alsaffar, Meshari Abdulhameed Alsafran, Ahmad Alsaber, Shihanah Almutairi, Farah Al-Saeed and Anwaar Mohammad Alkandari

By addressing the dearth of literature on the subject of cybersecurity risks and artificial intelligence (AI), this study aims to close a research gap by concentrating on the…

40

Abstract

Purpose

By addressing the dearth of literature on the subject of cybersecurity risks and artificial intelligence (AI), this study aims to close a research gap by concentrating on the ever-changing environment of online social networks (OSNs) and technology. The main goals are to classify cyberattacks into categories like malware, phishing/spam and network intrusion detection; to identify efficient algorithms for preventing cyber threats; to review relevant literature from 2019 to 2020; and to use machine learning algorithms to detect suspicious behavior related to malware. The study offers a novel framework that suggests particular machine learning algorithms for every kind of cyber threat, hence improving cybersecurity knowledge and reaction capacities. This makes the research useful for examining the impact of cybersecurity on smart cities.

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty papers have been examined on AI and machine learning algorithms, including K-nearest-neighbor (KNN), convolutional neural networks (CNN) and Random Forest (RF), that were published in 2019 and 2020. Using analytical software (NVivo), a qualitative approach is used to retrieve pertinent data from the chosen research. The researchers divide cyberattacks into three groups: network intrusion detection, phishing/spam and malware.

Findings

The study’s conclusions center on how AI and machine learning algorithms linked to cybersecurity are reviewed in the literature, how cyberattacks are classified and how an inventive framework for identifying and reducing risks is proposed. This makes the research useful for researching the implications of cybersecurity for smart cities.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research are noteworthy, particularly in the realms of technology, AI, machine learning and innovation. The utilization of the NVivo technique enhances decision-making in uncertain situations, making the study’s results more reliable. The findings showcase the applicability of tools in analyzing malicious cyberattacks to address issues related to social media attacks, emphasizing their practical utility. The study’s relevance is further highlighted by a real-world example, where a Kuwaiti public sector fell victim to a malware attack, underlining the importance of cybersecurity measures aligned with the New Kuwait 2035 strategic development plan. The innovative framework presented in the research guides the selection of algorithms for detecting specific malicious attacks, offering practical insights for securing information technology (IT) infrastructure in Kuwait.

Social implications

The rapid digitization in Kuwait, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the pivotal role of technology in government services. Ma’murov et al. (2023) emphasize the significance of digitization, particularly in accessing and verifying COVID-19 information. The call for a dedicated digital library for preserving pandemic-related material aligns with the evolving digital landscape. Cybersecurity emerges as a critical concern in Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), necessitating transnational cooperation (Nasser Alshabib and Tiago Martins, 2022). In the local context, the inefficiency of information security systems and low awareness among government employees pose cybersecurity challenges (Abdulkareem et al., 2014). Social media’s role during the pandemic highlights its significance, yet the need for cybersecurity in this domain remains underexplored (Ma’murov et al., 2023; Safi et al., 2023).

Originality/value

The unique aspect of the paper is its in-depth investigation of the relationship between cybersecurity and AI in OSNs. It uses a special application of machine learning methods, including CNN, RF and KNN, to identify suspicious behavior patterns linked to malware. The detailed analysis of 30 research papers released between 2019 and 2020, which informs the choice of suitable algorithms for diverse cyber threats, further emphasizes the study’s uniqueness. The novel framework that has been suggested categorizes assaults and suggests certain machine learning techniques for identification, offering a useful instrument to improve comprehension and reactions to a variety of cybersecurity issues.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

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Article
Publication date: 2 November 2020

Nikhil Yadav, Priyanka Tandon, Ravindra Tripathi and Rajesh Kumar Shastri

The purpose of the study is to investigate the long-run and short-run dynamic relationship between crude oil prices and the movement of Sensex for the period of 2000–2018.

533

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the long-run and short-run dynamic relationship between crude oil prices and the movement of Sensex for the period of 2000–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the augmented Dickey–Fuller test for the presence of unit root, Johansen cointegration test for estimating the cointegration among the variables. Further, in the case of no cointegration found, the study employed the vector autoregression (VAR) model to estimate the long-run relationship and the Granger causality/Wald test for short-run relationship. The study also conducted tests for the prerequisites of the model: serial correlation, heteroskedasticity and normality of data.

Findings

The study found that both the variables, crude oil prices and Sensex are integrated of order 1, that is, I (1), and there is no cointegration between them. Further, the results proliferated from the VAR model unfold the marked effect of previous month crude oil prices (lag 1) on the movement of Indian stock market represented by Sensex considered as the benchmark index. Furthermore, VAR–Granger causality/block exogeneity Wald tests results indicated that there is a causal relationship between the crude oil prices and Sensex under the VAR environment. The model does not have any serial correlation and heteroskedasticity indicating toward the unbiased and robust estimates.

Research limitations/implications

The study is conducted till the year 2018, and data for the present period (post-2018) is excluded due to ongoing trade issues between the USA and oil-exporting countries such as Iran. The current COVID-19 outbreak has also put serious issues. Due to limited time and availability of standardized data, researchers have considered Sensex as equity index only, but for more generalized research outcome few other equity indexes could have been taken for study.

Originality/value

The study is completely original in nature and is an extensive study of the relationship between the crude oil price and Indian stock market with reference to causality between the variables.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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Article
Publication date: 22 December 2020

Sajjad Ahmad, Kanwal Ameen and Shehzad Ahmad

The purpose of this study is to investigate the self-perceptions of university information professionals about the current state of their soft skills and to highlight the barriers…

736

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the self-perceptions of university information professionals about the current state of their soft skills and to highlight the barriers faced in the development of such skills.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential mixed method research design using a questionnaire followed by in-depth interviews as data collection tools were used to achieve the objectives of the study. Self-completion questionnaires were used to collect the data from 560 respondents spread over 33 universities of Pakistan. Then, 21 interviews were conducted with purposely selected library and information professionals at the qualitative phase.

Findings

The findings of the survey revealed that the majority of the information professionals perceived themselves “moderately competent” in soft skills. Only 14.8% information professionals considered themselves “competent”. The qualitative findings revealed that university library and information professionals generally faced several barriers in the development of their soft skills that included “lack of administrative support”, “lack of personal commitment”, “lack of financial support by the parent organizations”, and so many others, which might have affected their current levels of soft skills.

Research limitations/implications

The possible limitation of this study may be the bias of the respondents, toward their self-judgment. During interviews, most of the assistant librarians were not comfortable and expressive. This might be due to lack of soft skills knowledge, interview anxiety and poor communication skills.

Originality/value

This research is the first study in Pakistan that dealt with the state of soft skills and barriers in its development among university library and information professionals having a large number (N = 372) of respondents.

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Article
Publication date: 18 March 2022

Mohammed Sharar, Kofi Agyekum, Patrick Manu, Che Khairil Izam Che Ibrahim, Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu, Maxwell Fordjour Antwi-Afari and Frederick Owusu Danso

Design for safety (DfS), also known as prevention through design (PtD), is a concept that mitigates accidents and hazards through considerations during the design stage of…

395

Abstract

Purpose

Design for safety (DfS), also known as prevention through design (PtD), is a concept that mitigates accidents and hazards through considerations during the design stage of building projects. The literature provides much information on this concept, but such information is only limited to a few developed countries such as the UK, the USA and Australia. There is limited insight into DfS implementation in the construction industry of several countries, including countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) such as Kuwait. Therefore, this study investigates DfS implementation among design professionals in the Kuwait construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a questionnaire survey to obtain data from design professionals. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (i.e. analysis of variance and t-test).

Findings

The results revealed that DfS awareness among design professionals is very high; there is a very high willingness among design professionals to apply the concept, and design professionals generally view DfS implementation as important. Despite these, the frequency of implementation of DfS practices is generally moderate. In addition, the results revealed that though there is a high interest in DfS training among the design professionals, their actual engagement in training is low. The results also suggest some association between the frequency of engagement in the DfS practices and designers' DfS awareness, training and education. DfS related regulations, industry guidance, formal education and training are considered by design professionals to have the greatest influence on DfS implementation in Kuwait.

Originality/Value

These emerging findings both mirror and contradict aspects of the outcomes of previous DfS studies in other countries. Furthermore, the findings from this study provide insights into a less investigated area regarding work-related health and safety in the GCC region. It offers new and additional information and insights into the current state-of-the-art DfS implementation in the construction industry in Kuwait. In view of the findings, joined-up efforts by government, industry and academia are needed to enhance DfS implementation by design professionals in Kuwait.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 42 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

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