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1 – 10 of 138The purpose of this paper is to examine the representations of male and female social actors within the subversive gendered discourse of “equal opportunities for men and women” in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the representations of male and female social actors within the subversive gendered discourse of “equal opportunities for men and women” in Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) textbooks.
Design/methodology/approach
From the methodological perspective, this study fused van Leeuwen’s (2003) “Social Actor Network Model” and Sunderland’s (2004) “Gendered Discourses Model”.
Findings
Data obtained from this study showed the subversive gendered discourse of “equal opportunities” was supported through such representations within a narrow perspective in line with dominant gender ideologies in Iran. The findings suggest the resistance against such subversive gendered discourse in Iranian EFL textbooks underpins gender norms and religious ideologies existing in Iran.
Originality/value
Such representations of male and female social actors in school textbooks show inclusive education and the discourse of “equal opportunities” have yet to be realised in education system of many countries, including Iran.
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Over the past several weeks, Tehran has gradually shifted from a position of ‘strategic patience’ to escalatory action in an attempt to pressure Washington to back off and elicit…
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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB244967
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Said Adekunle Mikail, Muhammad Ali Jinnah Ahmad and Salami Saheed Adekunle
This paper aims to investigate the utilisation of both zakāh and waqf fund as external resources to ensure micro-takāful services are delivered to underserved communities in an…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the utilisation of both zakāh and waqf fund as external resources to ensure micro-takāful services are delivered to underserved communities in an effective and sustainable manner. It also addresses Sharīʿah issues related to the zakāh- and waqf-based model.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is a qualitative-based research. It uses both focus group and content analysis approach to gather primary data and identify and interpret relevant secondary data and Sharīʿah concepts in developing the zakāh- and waqf-based micro-takāful model.
Findings
It is discovered throughout the investigation of attributes of beneficiaries of zakāh and waqf institutions as well as micro-takāful scheme that all share commonalities in terms of social securities and socio-economic support to low-income households in societies. The study also finds that the disintegration of zakāh and waqf which form part of the Islamic ecosystem from the micro-takāful model makes it less effective and sustainable.
Originality/value
This study appears as a primitive attempt to discuss and develop a zakāh and waqf-based micro-takāful model with reference to Malaysian jurisdiction.
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Ukanah Suleiman Pendo, Kasali Ademola Bello, Mohammed Kabir Yakubu, Abdulraheem Giwa, Umar Salami Ameuru, Ali Reza Harifi-Mood and Azim Ziyaei Halimehjani
This paper aims to synthesize a novel series of monoazo disperse dyes based on N-(1-phthalimidyl)-naphthalimides by coupling with substitute anilines, naphthylamines and naphthol…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to synthesize a novel series of monoazo disperse dyes based on N-(1-phthalimidyl)-naphthalimides by coupling with substitute anilines, naphthylamines and naphthol derivatives.
Design/methodology/approach
The purification of the intermediates and the dyes was carried out by recrystallization. The structures of the synthesized intermediates and the dyes were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. The absorption maxima, molar extinction coefficient and halochromic properties of the dyes were determined spectrophotometrically using solvents of different polarity.
Findings
The dyes were applied on polyester using a high-temperature high-pressure dyeing machine, and the dyeing performance parameters such as colour build-up on fabrics, wash fastness, perspiration fastness and light fastness were evaluated. The colour build-up was found to be very good and the wash fastness (4–5) and perspiration fastness (4–5) were excellent, whereas the light fastness was found to vary from moderate to very good (3–6).
Research limitations/implications
It is not possible to investigate the structure of the synthesized dyes by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis due to the low solubility of dyes in deuterated solvents.
Originality/value
A novel method for the synthesis of a new category of monoazo disperse dyes based on N-(1-phthalimidyl)-naphthalimides was developed. These dyestuffs could be used in textile printing of polyester fabrics.
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This study aims to investigate entropy generation through natural convection and examine heat transfer properties within a partially heated and cooled enclosure influenced by an…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate entropy generation through natural convection and examine heat transfer properties within a partially heated and cooled enclosure influenced by an angled magnetic field. The enclosure, subjected to consistent heat production or absorption, contains a porous medium saturated with a hybrid nanofluid blend of Cu-Fe3O4 and MoS2-Fe3O4.
Design/methodology/approach
The temperature and velocity equations are converted to a dimensionless form using suitable non-dimensional quantities, adhering to the imposed constraints. To solve these transformed dimensionless equations, the finite-difference method, based on the MAC (Marker and Cell) technique, is used. Comprehensive numerical simulations address various control parameters, including nanoparticle volume fraction, Rayleigh number, heat source or sink, Darcy number, Hartmann number and slit position. The results are illustrated through streamlines, isotherms, average Nusselt numbers and entropy generation plots, offering a clear visualization of the impact of these parameters across different scenarios.
Findings
Results obtained show that the Cu-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluid exhibits higher entropy generation than the MoS2-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluid when comparing them at a Rayleigh number of 106 and a Darcy number of 10–1. The MoS2 hybrid nanofluid demonstrates a low permeability, as evidenced by an average Darcy number of 10–3, in comparison to the Cu hybrid nanofluid. The isothermal contours for a Rayleigh number of 104are positioned parallel to the vertical walls. Additionally, the quantity of each isotherm contour adjacent to the hot wall is being monitored. The Cu and MoS2 nanoparticles exhibit the highest average entropy generation at a Rayleigh number of 105 and a Darcy number of 10–1, respectively. When a uniform heat sink is present, the temperature gradient in the central part of the cavity decreases. In contrast, the absence of a heat source or sink leads to a more intense temperature distribution within the cavity. This differs significantly from the scenario where a uniform heat sink regulates the temperature.
Originality/value
The originality of this study is to examine the generation of entropy in natural convection within a partially heated and cooled enclosure that contains hybrid nanofluids. Partially heated corners are essential for optimizing heat transfer in a wide range of industrial applications. This enhancement is achieved by increasing the surface area, which improves convective heat transfer. These diverse applications encompass fields such as chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, surface research, energy production and heat recovery processes. Researchers have been working on improving the precision of heated and cold corners using various methods, such as numerical, experimental and analytical approaches. These efforts aim to enhance the broad utility of these corners further.
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Rajwa AlDhaheri, Fauzia Jabeen, Matloub Hussain and Ali Abu-Rahma
The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of a range of factors on the decision of female Emirati students to join the private sector as a career choice.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of a range of factors on the decision of female Emirati students to join the private sector as a career choice.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to prioritise the factors affecting Emirati students’ choice of career. The AHP model was developed with five criteria and 19 sub-criteria based on previous literature. Data were collected through interviews of 12 female Emirati students enroled in higher educational institutions in the UAE. The respondents were selected from both public and private universities on the basis of their majors and their academic performance (GPA). The data collected were interpreted and a priority vector was assigned to each criterion and sub-criterion.
Findings
The findings show that emotional stability for engineering students and job-skills mismatch for business students are the most important factors that influence the career choice of female Emirati students in the private sector.
Research limitations/implications
Authors can develop this model in their academic pursuits, and the AHP method can be used to solve employment-related decision-making problems in the private sector. Also, the findings can help policy makers and related associations to develop various policies based on the specific factors found to empower female Emirati students in the private sector in an effective manner.
Originality/value
The low rates of employment of the native population in the private sector is a major issue in the UAE. The study is the first of its kind to propose an AHP model that prioritises the factors which influence female Emirati students to join the private sector.
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This study adopts a qualitative approach to a critical media analysis of the multifaceted aspects of child marriage in the Yemeni context as an example of the broader Arab…
Abstract
Purpose
This study adopts a qualitative approach to a critical media analysis of the multifaceted aspects of child marriage in the Yemeni context as an example of the broader Arab context. It seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the current situation, underlying causes and consequences of child marriage, as well as efforts to curb the practice.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes a thematic analysis approach, examining various textual and multimodal sources on child marriage. A corpus of Arab media, including news and opinion articles, online discussions and public comments, was compiled and analyzed. Additionally, sentiment analysis techniques were employed to examine a YouTube report about Nujood Ali, a victim of child marriage in Yemen, to gauge the emotional tone and attitudes of viewers towards the media coverage and the practice itself.
Findings
This study identifies prevalent themes, narratives and perspectives related to child marriage in Yemen, highlighting the diverse journalism genres addressing the issue. The thematic analysis of the media corpus reveals several themes that align with findings from other studies, particularly those discussing the practice, its causes and its prevalence. The sentiment analysis of a YouTube report on Nujood Ali reveals significant insights into the public’s emotional response and attitude towards child marriage.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to the content available in the compiled corpus and the specific methodologies employed, including thematic and sentiment analysis. These limitations might influence the generalizability of the findings.
Originality/value
This study is distinctive in its comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to examining child marriage in Yemen and the broader Arab context. It employs a selection of digital humanities software to attempt a systematic, critical media analysis on child marriage in Yemen. Thematic analysis has uncovered unique insights, such as the inadvertent consequences of legislation intended to protect children, which have instead exacerbated the problem. In addition, the media has highlighted the negative role played by some religious scholars in Yemeni Parliament. These scholars have used their political power and immunity to obstruct efforts to end the practice, either directly or by mobilizing their supporters. A sentiment analysis of YouTube comments clearly indicates that the practice of child marriage is not widely accepted within the Yemeni community, despite some perceptions to the contrary.
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Ting‐Yi Chang, Yu‐Ju Yang and Chun‐Cheng Peng
In keystroke‐based authentication systems, an input device to enter a password is needed. Users are verified by checking the validity of the password and typing characteristics…
Abstract
Purpose
In keystroke‐based authentication systems, an input device to enter a password is needed. Users are verified by checking the validity of the password and typing characteristics. However, some devices have no standard desktop keyboard such as personal digital assistants and mobile phones. With these types of electronics, the system cannot successfully work in the authentication phase while the registration process is implemented based on a computer keyboard. This results in a reduction of system portability. The purpose of this paper is to employ the rhythm clicked by a mouse as another identifiable factor to authenticate a user's identity.
Design/methodology/approach
Mouse click can be replaced by a stylus and fingers on touch screens or numeral buttons on mobile phones. A total of 25 users participated and the click data are based on time instances of pressing and releasing the mouse button, which are captured while the user clicks a rhythm. Three features are calculated using these click data, and a reasonable amount of results with neural networks and other classifiers shows the click characteristics are able to function as another identifiable factor.
Findings
A reasonable amount of results with neural networks and other classifiers shows the click characteristics are able to function as another identifiable factor.
Originality/value
The paper presents a personalized rhythm click‐based authentication system.
Details
Keywords
IRAN: Guard will boost economic and political roles
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES260412
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Monsurat Ayojimi Salami, Harun Tanrivermis and Yesim Tanrivermis
Management soundness is essential for the effectiveness of any industry, most especially in any Islamic financial sector, whereby fairness and justice are the key factors to be…
Abstract
Purpose
Management soundness is essential for the effectiveness of any industry, most especially in any Islamic financial sector, whereby fairness and justice are the key factors to be observed. This paper aims to examine the management soundness of the takaful industry regarding their asset quality, re-takaful and actuarial and earning and profitability.
Design/methodology/approach
This study obtained quarterly data from 2019Q1 to 2021Q4 from the Islamic Financial Services Board across Malaysia, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. The panel data modelling with random-effect and fixed-effect estimators were used for the analysis.
Findings
The finding revealed a strong relationship between re-takaful and earnings with management soundness and a weak relationship between asset quality and management soundness. In addition, the result established a significant and strong association between management soundness and earnings and profitability. Therefore, re-takaful and profitability contributed more to the management soundness of the takaful industry than asset quality during the study. An increase in earnings and profitability to enable the takaful industry to pay the claims, especially in calamity, and more focus on the quality of the asset they invested in could enable the smooth running of their day-to-day business affairs.
Practical implications
More attention is required on the quality of assets in their portfolio for the sustainability of the takaful industry to fulfil their underlying objectives. Management soundness in the takaful industry should address the challenges of managerial lathery, which some studies linked with operational inefficiency because of unskilled personnel in the takaful industry. This could benefit takaful clients, irrespective of religion, to attain their associated share of benefits from the Islamic insurance industry.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study that examined the effectiveness of takaful management across Malaysia, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.
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