François Pérès, Farid Taha, Marie‐Antoinette de Lumley and Emmanuel Cabanis
The National Museum of Natural History has been carrying out, over the last several years, a study of hominid fossil skulls, which have been discovered in different regions of the…
Abstract
The National Museum of Natural History has been carrying out, over the last several years, a study of hominid fossil skulls, which have been discovered in different regions of the world. The aim of the palaeo‐anthropological study of these skulls is to reconstruct the genealogic tree of the evolution of man and to understand better, the diversity of the homo Erectus species on the different continents. Currently, digital techniques and those of rapid prototyping offer a solution to these problems by allowing the virtual or physical reconstitution of the skulls for scientific study. This paper presents this new perspective for the world of palaeontology.
Details
Keywords
Zainab Taha, Farid El Ktaibi, Dimitrios Papandreou, Aysha Ibrahim Al Dhaheri and Ahmed Ali Hassan
This study aims to better understand advanced maternal age (AMA) and its impact on maternal and perinatal health by investigating the prevalence, sociodemographic profiles and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to better understand advanced maternal age (AMA) and its impact on maternal and perinatal health by investigating the prevalence, sociodemographic profiles and adverse pregnancy outcomes of AMA in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is a part of a large multicenter cross-sectional study. The project aimed to improve maternal and early child health in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It was conducted at seven healthcare centers located in the urban, suburban and rural areas of Abu Dhabi. The project’s data included all mothers (i.e. Emirati and non-Emirati mothers) who came to the centers looking for healthcare follow-up.
Findings
From the total of 1,710 enrolled mothers with complete data, 379 were with AMA, having a prevalence of 22.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 20.2, 24.2). Among 379 advanced maternal age (AMA) mothers, 328(84.5%), and 51(15.5) mothers were between 35 and 39 years, and =40 years, respectively. The mean (SD) of maternal age was 30.0(5.2) years. No significant association was found between AMA, and parent’s education, family income, child gender, preterm birth and low birth weight. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, factors significantly associated with AMA were higher parity (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] = 2.24, 95%CI = 2.00, 2.50), p-value < 0.001, non-Arab mothers (AOR = 2.44, 95%CI = 1.83, 3.24), p-value < 0.001, maternal employment (AOR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.05, 1.77), p-value = 0.019, and cesarean delivery (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.83, 3.24), p-value = 0.011, pre-pregnancy maternal overweight (AOR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.12, 1.98), p-value = 0,006, and pre-pregnancy maternal obesity (AOR = 2.15, 95%CI = 1.35, 3.44), p-value = 0.001.
Research limitations/implications
First, unlike other studies, not all obstetrical outcomes (e.g. maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity) were included as the current study data were part of a large project, and such limitations are expected; second, only quantitative method was used in the present study, it is clear from the literature AMA is a dilemma. Therefore, a qualitative study and mixed methods (both quantitative and qualitative) will provide a better explanation for such an understudied topic. Therefore, further research is recommended to overcome the abovementioned limitations aiming to explore the complexity of AMA, including studying its social determinants. Furthermore, it is worth emphasizing that future research involves more concerned parties, including health, culture and planning authorities, to better understand AMA issues.
Originality/value
The study provided valuable information regarding AMA issues in the UAE. Such information is of paramount importance to all involved parties, including policymakers, to take action regarding improving the health of mothers with advanced ages. Specific actions can be taken through thorough counseling of all expectant mothers with advanced ages before pregnancy, throughout pregnancy and delivery and beyond, by dealing with existing medical conditions and highlighting possible risks of AMA on pregnancy outcomes and how to overcome them in advance. In addition, further research is recommended to explore the social determinants of AMA.
Details
Keywords
Najib Mahfuz is the first Arab‐language author to win the Nobel Prize in literature. Born in 1911 the son of a middle‐class Jamaliyah merchant, he became the most popular novelist…
Abstract
Najib Mahfuz is the first Arab‐language author to win the Nobel Prize in literature. Born in 1911 the son of a middle‐class Jamaliyah merchant, he became the most popular novelist in Egypt and the Arab countries.
The purpose of the paper is to showcase the significant achievements of Egypt's scientists in the 20th century across various fields of study such as medicine, physics, chemistry…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to showcase the significant achievements of Egypt's scientists in the 20th century across various fields of study such as medicine, physics, chemistry, biology, math, geology, astronomy and engineering. The paper highlights the struggles and successes of these scientists, as well as the cultural, social and political factors that influenced their lives and work. The aim is to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and make their own contributions to society by presenting these scientists as role models for hard work and dedication. Ultimately, the paper seeks to promote the importance of science and its impact on society.
Design/methodology/approach
The purpose of this review is to present the scientific biographies of Egypt's most distinguished scientists, primarily in the field of Natural Sciences, in a balanced and comprehensive manner. The work is objective, honest and abstract, avoiding any bias or exaggeration. The author provides a clear and concise methodology, including a brief introduction to the scientist and their field of study, an explanation of their major contributions, the impact of their work on society, any challenges or obstacles faced during their career and their lasting legacy. The aim is to showcase the important achievements of these scientists, their impact on their respective fields and to inspire future generations to pursue scientific careers.
Findings
The group of outstanding scientists in 20th century Egypt were shaped by various factors, including familial upbringing, education, society, political and cultural atmosphere and state support for scientific research. These scientists made significant contributions to various academic disciplines, including medicine, physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and engineering. Their impact on their communities and cultures has received international acclaim, making them role models for future generations of scientists and researchers. The history of these scientists highlights the importance of educational investments and supporting scientific research to foster innovation and social progress. The encyclopedia serves as a useful tool for students, instructors and education professionals, preserving Egypt's scientific heritage and honouring the scientists' outstanding accomplishments.
Research limitations/implications
The encyclopedia preserves Egypt's scientific heritage, which has been overlooked for political or other reasons. It is a useful tool for a variety of readers, including students, instructors and education professionals, and it offers insights into universally relevant scientific success factors as well as scientific research methodologies. The encyclopedia honours the outstanding scientific accomplishments of Egyptian researchers and their contributions to the world's scientific community.
Practical implications
The practical implications of this paper are several. First, it highlights the importance of education, family upbringing and societal support for scientific research in fostering innovation and social progress. Second, it underscores the need for continued funding and support for scientific research to maintain and build upon the accomplishments of past generations of scientists. Third, it encourages young people to pursue scientific careers and make their own contributions to society. Fourth, it preserves the scientific heritage of Egypt and honors the contributions of its outstanding scientists. Finally, it serves as a useful tool for students, instructors and education professionals seeking to understand the factors underlying scientific success and research methodologies.
Social implications
The social implications of the paper include promoting national pride and cultural identity, raising awareness of the importance of education and scientific research in driving social progress, inspiring future generations of scientists and researchers, reducing socioeconomic disparities and emphasizing the role of society, politics and culture in shaping scientific researchers' personalities and interests.
Originality/value
The paper's originality/value lies in its comprehensive documentation of the scientific biographies of Egypt's most prominent scientists in the 20th century, providing unique insights into the factors that contributed to their development and their impact across various academic disciplines. It preserves Egypt's scientific heritage and inspires future generations of scientists and researchers through the promotion of educational investments and scientific research. The encyclopedia serves as a useful tool for education professionals seeking to understand scientific success factors and research methodologies, emphasizing the importance of supportive and inclusive environments for scientific development.
Details
Keywords
Communication apprehension (CA) is the fear or anxiety about communicating. In addition, self-perceived communication competence (SPCC) refers to the learners' perception of their…
Abstract
Purpose
Communication apprehension (CA) is the fear or anxiety about communicating. In addition, self-perceived communication competence (SPCC) refers to the learners' perception of their competence. CA hampers individuals' ability to communicate effectively in various communication contexts, which has an impact on their employability. Confident communicators with effective communication skills are important issues for graduation as well as desirable attributes for recruiting agencies. Given that employers value graduates who can communicate effectively in the workplace without any apprehension, this study was designed to determine the levels of CA and SPCC among final-year non-English major undergraduate students in Saudi Arabia and the extent to which SPCC could affect their CA when speaking in English with implications for their employability as the next generation of workers.
Design/methodology/approach
Two survey questionnaires were administered to 70 non-English major undergraduate students in their final year employing probability random sampling to measure their CA level and to assess their SPCC in different English as foreign language (EFL) contexts. Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis were used to investigate the relationship between CA and SPCC. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics in SPSS 21.
Findings
The findings indicated a medium level of SPCC and CA. Moreover, the correlation formula revealed that there was a moderately significant association between learners' SPCC and their CA (r (70) = −0.524, p < 0.01). Through regression analysis, it was found that their SPCC could predict 27% of the variance in their CA. The moderate effect of SPCC on CA implied that students could be prepared to cope and perform in the workplace.
Originality/value
Without communication, the establishment and evolution of the human community are unattainable. This aspect is more evident and crucial in the list of graduate objectives and needed outcomes for future career endeavors. The findings encourage instructors and course designers to provide many learning opportunities in pleasurable learning environments to raise students' perceptions of their competence, in turn enhancing their confidence to speak in English and ensuring a smooth transition from academia to the workplace. Based on the findings, several suggestions for future studies in the EFL context are presented.
Details
Keywords
Reginald Harris and Byron Bartlett
Poets House, a poetry special collection in New York, hosts an annual exhibit of the preceding year's poetry publications in the USA. This paper aims to offer a selection of…
Abstract
Purpose
Poets House, a poetry special collection in New York, hosts an annual exhibit of the preceding year's poetry publications in the USA. This paper aims to offer a selection of recommended titles that reflect the range of poetry titles including single‐author works, anthologies, and prose about poetry.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper researched and requested donations of 2010‐2011 poetry titles from US poetry publishers to assemble and display a comprehensive collection of poetry publications, from which a selection of 50 titles was made. The selections should appeal to a range of poetry readers, from novices and students to poets looking to access the latest work from their peers.
Findings
Over 2,500 poetry titles were published and/or available to readers in the USA between June 2010 and June 2011. These titles range from mainstream publishers to independent presses to artists' collectives publishing works from established poets as well as emerging and international poets.
Research limitations/implications
Without a budget for collection development, the exhibit and resulting titles represent those which publishers have opted to donate to the library. Every effort is made to be all‐inclusive, with the understanding that publishers may send only a selection of their list. The selected titles herein are based on the titles received for the exhibition.
Practical implications
For 19 years Poets House's annual Showcase has been the main collection‐development tool. Publishers donate copies of their titles, which are arranged by publisher for a month‐long exhibition. This approach enriches the poetry special collection, a unique poetry library built on community participation. The all‐inclusive collection‐development approach results in a full representation of poetry publishing.
Originality/value
A selection made from a comprehensive collection of the year's poetry titles offers a sample of poetry publishing from large to small presses and the self‐published in the USA.
Details
Keywords
Poets House, a poetry special collection in New York, hosts an annual exhibit of the preceding year's 2,100+ poetry publications in the USA. This paper aims to offer a selection…
Abstract
Purpose
Poets House, a poetry special collection in New York, hosts an annual exhibit of the preceding year's 2,100+ poetry publications in the USA. This paper aims to offer a selection of recommended titles that reflect the range of poetry titles including single‐author works, anthologies, and prose about poetry.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper researched and requested donations of 2009‐2010 poetry titles from US poetry publishers to assemble and display a comprehensive collection of poetry publications, from which a selection of 50+ titles was made. The selections should appeal to a range of poetry readers, from novices and students to poets looking to access the latest work from their peers.
Findings
More than 2,500 poetry titles were published in the USA between June 2009 and June 2010. These titles range from mainstream publishers to independent presses to artists' collectives publishing works from established poets as well as emerging and international poets.
Research limitations/implications
Without a budget for collection development, the exhibit and resulting titles represent those which publishers have opted to donate to the library. Every effort is made to be all‐inclusive, with the understanding that publishers may send only a selection of their list. The selected titles herein are based on the titles received for the exhibition.
Practical implications
For 18 years Poets House's annual Show‐case has been the main collection‐development tool. Publishers donate copies of their titles, which are arranged by publisher for a month‐long exhibition. This approach enriches the poetry special collection, a unique poetry library built on community participation. The all‐inclusive collection‐development approach results in a full representation of poetry publishing.
Originality/value
A selection made from a comprehensive collection of the year's poetry titles offers a sample of poetry publishing from big to small presses in the USA.
Details
Keywords
Abraham Stefanidis, Moshe Banai and Grace K. Dagher
This study refines theory of social capital by nesting it within a cultural context. More specifically, it aims at describing, explaining, and predicting the role of wasta, a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study refines theory of social capital by nesting it within a cultural context. More specifically, it aims at describing, explaining, and predicting the role of wasta, a social capital concept, as a moderator in the relationship between employees' ethical idealism and work engagement in Lebanon.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a survey questionnaire translated from English into Arabic, 317 responses were collected from employees in Lebanon. Confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were employed to test the hypothesized relationships among the examined variables.
Findings
Ethical idealism was found to be positively related to work engagement, and wasta was found to moderate the relationship between ethical idealism and work engagement. Work engagement levels of employees who displayed high levels of ethical idealism were less influenced by the negative effect of wasta than work engagement levels of employees who displayed low levels of ethical idealism.
Practical implications
Human resource managers, international negotiators, and global executives in Lebanon may use the findings of this study to update corporate human resources systems, such as employee recruitment and selection, handbooks, orientation, training programs, and performance appraisal, to better address employee attitudes toward the practice of wasta.
Originality/value
The study adds ethical idealism as an antecedent of work engagement, demonstrating the significant impact that wasta, with its positive and negative characteristics, has on the engagement of employees from the Arab world.
Details
Keywords
Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat, Lakshmi Narayan Mishra, Vishnu Narayan Mishra, Cemil Tunç and Osman Tunç
This study aims to discuss the numerical solutions of weakly singular Volterra and Fredholm integral equations, which are used to model the problems like heat conduction in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to discuss the numerical solutions of weakly singular Volterra and Fredholm integral equations, which are used to model the problems like heat conduction in engineering and the electrostatic potential theory, using the modified Lagrange polynomial interpolation technique combined with the biconjugate gradient stabilized method (BiCGSTAB). The framework for the existence of the unique solutions of the integral equations is provided in the context of the Banach contraction principle and Bielecki norm.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have applied the modified Lagrange polynomial method to approximate the numerical solutions of the second kind of weakly singular Volterra and Fredholm integral equations.
Findings
Approaching the interpolation of the unknown function using the aforementioned method generates an algebraic system of equations that is solved by an appropriate classical technique. Furthermore, some theorems concerning the convergence of the method and error estimation are proved. Some numerical examples are provided which attest to the application, effectiveness and reliability of the method. Compared to the Fredholm integral equations of weakly singular type, the current technique works better for the Volterra integral equations of weakly singular type. Furthermore, illustrative examples and comparisons are provided to show the approach’s validity and practicality, which demonstrates that the present method works well in contrast to the referenced method. The computations were performed by MATLAB software.
Research limitations/implications
The convergence of these methods is dependent on the smoothness of the solution, it is challenging to find the solution and approximate it computationally in various applications modelled by integral equations of non-smooth kernels. Traditional analytical techniques, such as projection methods, do not work well in these cases since the produced linear system is unconditioned and hard to address. Also, proving the convergence and estimating error might be difficult. They are frequently also expensive to implement.
Practical implications
There is a great need for fast, user-friendly numerical techniques for these types of equations. In addition, polynomials are the most frequently used mathematical tools because of their ease of expression, quick computation on modern computers and simple to define. As a result, they made substantial contributions for many years to the theories and analysis like approximation and numerical, respectively.
Social implications
This work presents a useful method for handling weakly singular integral equations without involving any process of change of variables to eliminate the singularity of the solution.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the authors claim the originality and effectiveness of their work, highlighting its successful application in addressing weakly singular Volterra and Fredholm integral equations for the first time. Importantly, the approach acknowledges and preserves the possible singularity of the solution, a novel aspect yet to be explored by researchers in the field.