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1 – 10 of 59Mahmoud A. Nasr and Collins G. Ntim
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corporate governance (CG) mechanisms (board size, board independence, separation of chairman and chief executive officer…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corporate governance (CG) mechanisms (board size, board independence, separation of chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) roles and external auditor type) on accounting conservatism in Egypt.
Design/methodology/approach
Archival data relating to CG and accounting conservatism are collected and analysed using multivariate regression techniques.
Findings
The findings indicate that board independence is positively associated with accounting conservatism. By contrast, board size and auditor type are negatively associated with accounting conservatism, while separating the chairperson and CEO roles has no significant relationship with accounting conservatism.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is one of the first empirical attempts at providing evidence on the relationship between CG and accounting conservatism in Egypt.
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Gomaa Abdel-Maksoud, Hanaa Nasr, Sayed Hussein Samaha and Mahmoud Saad ELdeen Kassem
This study aims to evaluate the state of preservation of one of the most famous manuscripts dated back to the 15th century using some analytical techniques to identify the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the state of preservation of one of the most famous manuscripts dated back to the 15th century using some analytical techniques to identify the manuscript components, explain its deterioration mechanisms and produce some solutions for conservation processes in future studies.
Design/methodology/approach
The analytical techniques used were visual assessment, digital microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDX, pH measurement, attenuated total reflection – Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FTIR) and cellulose crystallinity.
Findings
Stains, missed parts and scratching were the most common aspects of deterioration. Some insects were observed by digital microscope. The SEM showed that linen fibers and goat skin were used to manufacture paper sheets and leather binding. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis proved that niobium and tantalum were added during the manufacture of paper sheets. Carbon black ink was the main writing material. The other pigments used were cinnabar in red ink, gold color from brass and blue color from lapis lazuli. FTIR analysis proved that some chemical changes were noticed. Low crystallinity of the historical paper was obtained. There was a reduction in the pH value of the historical bookbinding.
Originality/value
The importance of the analytical techniques used to detect the main components, forms and mechanism of deterioration of the studied manuscript. The elements of niobium and tantalum were added to paper sheets, which protected them from deterioration. The insects such as house flies and Sitophilus granarius were found in the manuscripts.
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This paper is an attempt to present legal issues of Islamic corporate governance (ICG) in the presence of global financial crises. It presents ICG model and discusses its…
Abstract
This paper is an attempt to present legal issues of Islamic corporate governance (ICG) in the presence of global financial crises. It presents ICG model and discusses its viability in today’s corporate structure. The model is based on institution of Hisbah which demands book keeping, disclosure, transparency based on Shariah principles of Islamic Finance Ethics.
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Khaled Mohamed Mohamed Koriem, Nevein Naim Fadl, Salwa Refat El-Zayat, Eman Nasr Hosny, Karima Abbas El-Shamy, Mahmoud Soliman Arbid, Fatma Adly Morsy and Marwa Helmy El-Azma
The purpose of this paper is to check the geranium oil and anise oil effect to inhibit inflammation in brain cerebral cortex and hippocampus areas in depression.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to check the geranium oil and anise oil effect to inhibit inflammation in brain cerebral cortex and hippocampus areas in depression.
Design/methodology/approach
Depression defined as psychiatric disease and chronic mild stress (CMS) model a well-known animal model of depression that represented major symptoms occurred in human depression. Geranium oil and anise oil selected for such a study to check their anti-inflammatory effect in brain tissues in depressed animal model.
Findings
The brain cerebral cortex and hippocampus neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and interleukin (IL)-10 significantly decreased (p < 0.001) while brain cerebral cortex and hippocampus IL-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Ki-67 levels significantly increased (p < 0.001) in CMS rats compared to control. The oral intake of venlafaxine drug, anise oil and geranium oil significantly increased (p < 0.001) serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA and IL-10 while significantly decreased (p < 0.001) IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and Ki-67 levels to approach normal levels in brain cerebral cortex and hippocampus areas compared with CMS rats.
Originality/value
Antidepressants used in depression treatment but these drugs are either too expensive or had side effects. Folklore and complementary medicine used in different diseases treatment due to cheap and available source. Geranium oil and anise oil had anti-inflammatory effect in brain cerebral cortex and hippocampus areas in CMS rats.
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Fatma A. Mohamed, Saadia A. Abd El-Megied, Mahmoud S. Bashandy and Hassan M. Ibrahim
This study aims to synthesise and characterise new reactive dyes based on thiazole derivatives which act as chromophoric moieties. These dyes were applied to cotton fabric…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to synthesise and characterise new reactive dyes based on thiazole derivatives which act as chromophoric moieties. These dyes were applied to cotton fabric, resulting in the dyed fabrics exhibiting good colour strength, light fastness and other fastness properties. The antibacterial activity of the dyed cotton fabric was evaluated against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
Design/methodology/approach
The dyes were synthesised in two steps. First, the coupling compound was formed by adding H-acid solution to cyanuric chloride in an ice bath at pH 5 then adding 4-aminobenzenesulphonic acid portion-wise at room temperature and at pH 6-7. Second, different diazonium salts 4-phenylthiazol-2-amine (2a) and 4-(4-methoxyphenyl) thiazol-2-amine (2b) were coupled with the coupling compound at pH 5. The resultant monochlorotriazine (MCT)-reactive dyes (6a, 6b) were formed. The synthesised dyes were applied onto cotton fabric under typical exhaust dyeing conditions and their dyeing properties were investigated.
Findings
High antimicrobial activity, dye exhaustion and fixation yield on cotton fabric were recorded for each dye. All dyes showed high stability against washing, rubbing, perspiration and light fastness.
Research limitations/implications
Dyeing of cotton fabric with these dyes which have higher fastness, higher exhaustion and higher antibacterial activity is considered one of the most important reactive dyes species.
Practical implications
The preparation procedure showed the synthesis of the novel MCT-reactive dyes derived from thiazole derivatives followed by the application of these dyes on cotton fabrics.
Social implications
Use of reactive dyes will bring a number of benefits to society including higher fastness and higher antibacterial activity so, and these dyes can be used for dyeing cotton.
Originality/value
In this work, the new reactive dyes derived from thiazole derivatives were synthesised and their structures were confirmed by the analytical and spectral data. Such compounds are considered to be excellent reactive dyes with different colour shades and higher antibacterial activity.
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Baher Rahma, Tomaž Kramberger, Mahmoud Barakat and Ahmed Hussein Ali
In recent years, the global focus has increasingly shifted toward the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) due to growing concerns about environmental sustainability and the…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, the global focus has increasingly shifted toward the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) due to growing concerns about environmental sustainability and the imperative of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation sector, a significant contributor to air pollution and climate change, faces increasing pressure to embrace EVs as a solution. However, the resistance exhibited by customers toward adopting new technology poses a substantial obstacle to the widespread adoption of EVs. Drawing on the link between theory of reasoned action (TRA) and self-congruity theory, this research aims to determine the factors that affect the customer intention toward EV.
Design/methodology/approach
The research conducts a questionnaire collecting 950 respondents from the Egyptian market. The research used primary quantitative data from online and self-administered questionnaires.
Findings
The findings indicated that green trust, price sensitivity and reliability have a positive impact on customer’s intention. However, self-image congruence was not affecting customer intention. For the moderating role of financial self-efficacy, it is affecting the relationship between price sensitivity and customer’s purchase intentions toward EV.
Research limitations/implications
This research will expand the theory by conceptualizing its abstract notions through research variables and implementing them in the Egyptian market. Furthermore, it links the two distinct theories. This knowledge can be utilized by policymakers and stakeholders to expedite the adoption of EVs in the Egyptian market.
Originality/value
This study presents a conceptual framework for managers and policymakers about the factors that affect the customer to buy EVs, since the international organizations emphasize eco-friendly transportation systems.
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Bataa Sayed Mohamed Mazen, Badawi Mohamed Ismail, Rushdya Rabee Ali Hassan, Mahmoud Ali and Wael S. Mohamed
The purpose of this study is to detect the effect of some natural cellulosic polymers in their nano forms with the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles on restoring the lost…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to detect the effect of some natural cellulosic polymers in their nano forms with the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles on restoring the lost mechanical strength of degraded papyrus without any harmful effects on the inks.
Design/methodology/approach
In the current study, the USB digital microscopy, scanning electron microscope, measurement of mechanical properties (tensile and elongation), pH measurement, color change and infrared spectroscopy were undertaken for the samples before and after treatment and aging.
Findings
In the current study, the USB digital microscopy, scanning electron microscope, measurement of mechanical properties (tensile and elongation), pH measurement, color change and infrared spectroscopy were undertaken for the samples before and after treatment and aging.
Originality/value
The effect of strengthening materials was studied on cellulose and carbon ink, which makes this study closer to reality as the manuscript is the consistent structure of cellulose and inks, whereas most of the literature stated the impact of consolidation materials on the strengthening the cellulosic supports without attention to their impact on inks.
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Shahin Ahmadi, Bahaaddin Mahmoodi, Mohammad Kazemini and Niyaz Mohammad Mahmoodi
Environmental issues and lack of drinking water have forced researchers to find some alternatives to wastewater treatment. Because dyes are used in a variety of industrial…
Abstract
Purpose
Environmental issues and lack of drinking water have forced researchers to find some alternatives to wastewater treatment. Because dyes are used in a variety of industrial applications such as textile and pharmaceutical, wastewater of these factories leads to several environmental problems. Using catalysis under ultraviolet-irradiation (photocatalysis) is one of the cases that is used in wastewater treatment. The purpose of this work is the photocatalytic degradation of dye (Reactive Red 198) and pharmaceutical (tetracycline) using MIL-53(Fe) and MIL-100(Fe).
Design/methodology/approach
In this work, Reactive Red 198 (RR198), an anionic dye and tetracycline as a pharmaceutical are tested with two catalysts, MIL-53(Fe) and MIL-100(Fe). Catalyst synthesis method and characterization were discussed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared analyses, and their results are described in detail.
Findings
Dye concentration varies among 15, 20, 30 and 40 mg/L for MIL-100(Fe) for which the removal percent is 97%, 94%, 89% and 58% and for MIL-53(Fe), dye concentration increases from 20 to 40, 60 and 80 mg/L, the removal percent of which is 98%, 88%, 75% and 50%. Pharmaceutical degradation by MIL-53(Fe) and MIL-100(Fe) was 75% and 80%, respectively.
Originality/value
Photocatalytic degradation of RR198 and tetracycline using MIL-53(Fe) and MIL-100(Fe) was not studied in detail.
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Mojtaba Nasr-Esfahani, Mehdi Pourriahi, Abolfazl Motalebi and Mahmoud Zendehdel
The purpose of this investigation was to study the corrosion protection and structural characteristics of a hybrid organic-inorganic thin film preloaded with green corrosion…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this investigation was to study the corrosion protection and structural characteristics of a hybrid organic-inorganic thin film preloaded with green corrosion inhibitor for anticorrosive protection of stainless steel 304L.
Design/methodology/approach
An ethanol solution of the polymerized 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilan and tetraethylorthosilicate was mixed with henna extract to give homogeneous sols. The morphology, composition and adhesion of hybrid sol-gel coatings were examined by SEM, EDX and pull-off tests, respectively. The surface chemistry of the hybrid sol-gel coatings was investigated with polarization scans and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the physiological saline solution.
Findings
The polarization curves and EIS data were in agreement. Henna extract additions significantly increased the corrosion protection capability of the sol-gel thin film to greater than 85 percent in the physiological saline solution. In addition, the doped hybrid coating on stainless steel 304L was useful in 3.5 percent NaCl solution.
Originality/value
There have been few reports on the hybrid organic-inorganic thin films preloaded with corrosion inhibitor, as described in the paper, and this environmentally friendly coating on stainless steel 304L was found to be highly effective for industrial applications.
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Mahmoud Sodangi and Zaheer Abbas Kazmi
The paper is aimed at identifying, analysing and prioritizing the critical constraints affecting efficient management of historic buildings in remote areas of Saudi Arabia.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper is aimed at identifying, analysing and prioritizing the critical constraints affecting efficient management of historic buildings in remote areas of Saudi Arabia.
Design/methodology/approach
Thematic content analysis and expert-based evaluation approaches were used to identify and evaluate the constraints. The DEMATEL technique was deployed to define the interrelationship complexities between the constraints and evaluate the impact of these interrelationships to ascertain the influential constraints.
Findings
The results identify “lack of clearly defined roles for the multiple government agencies” as the most influential constraint for managing historic sites and buildings in remote areas of Saudi Arabia.
Research limitations/implications
The contextual interrelationship between the constraints is due to the experts' perceptions, which may be biased due to their proficiencies and professional backgrounds. Since the evidence on which the findings of this paper are established is predominantly from experiences related to historic sites and buildings in remote areas of Saudi Arabia, the results of this paper may not be entirely applicable elsewhere.
Practical implications
The paper provides invaluable methodology that can support practitioners and policymakers to establish sustainable strategies that can enhance the management and protection of historic buildings in remote areas of Saudi Arabia.
Originality/value
This study noticeably contributes to knowledge by providing comprehensive understanding of the major impediments to the successful management of historic buildings in remote areas of Saudi Arabia, which can assist in mitigating the potential impacts of these constraints and to advocate for the achievement of efficient management and protection of the historic sites and buildings.
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