Mahmoud Al Saeed and Raffaello Furlan
West Bay, the Business District of Doha, the capital city of the State of Qatar, is facing an urban regeneration phase due to the construction of the West Bay Central Train…
Abstract
Purpose
West Bay, the Business District of Doha, the capital city of the State of Qatar, is facing an urban regeneration phase due to the construction of the West Bay Central Train Station, a four-storey underground building hosting the intersection of two metro lines – one long-distance train and one people mover. The development of the transit village, or transit-oriented development, is raising concerns related to the need to enhance liveability (as urban quality of life) and sense of place (considering the local cultural identity). The purpose of this paper is to investigate existing urban elements, such as transit stations, as well as their impact on the liveability and identity of the place and to define a comprehensive urban regeneration strategy for the development of the distinctive urban village of West Bay.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis and data collection were based on the type of data as tangible aspects which mainly include the physical, and aspects such as diversity, density, connectivity, transportation systems and public realm. Intangible factors are concluded from close and direct site observation, semi-structured in-depth interviews, as a face-to-face type of data collection with key persons in Qatar Rail, the Ministry of the Municipality and public work authorities, where the intangible aspects were briefed by economic aspects, environmental situation, social pattern and human behaviours. After siting the base ground of theoretical knowledge and site condition analysis, the authors identified a group of key factors that respond to the targeted (tangible and intangible) aspects and threats, to propose a design treatment for the site threats and highlighted issues in addition to a group of recommendations and design strategies (Charmaz, 2006; Marshall and Rossman, 2010).
Findings
From the data analysis of the site and by revisiting the literature review, a group of recommendations are formulated. The authors divided the recommendations into two types according to their method of application. The first is the design approach, where the authors propose integrated design proposals to tackle and solve the highlighted issues from the findings of site analysis (diversity, density, connectivity in addition to economic, social and environmental factors). Meanwhile, the second part represents the systematic recommendations that should be adopted and implemented to enhance the existing situation and form a guideline for further developments.
Research limitations/implications
This research study could be further expanded to urban planning, urban design, social development and environmental engineering. Urban design and social development chiefly focus on the relationship between built and unbuilt forms with an eye to creating healthy, sustainable communities for current and future generations.
Originality/value
Because issues of social sustainability and urban design have failed to attract suitable levels of attention from local scholars, gaps have arisen in the research. Accordingly, this research study investigates the relationship between social sustainability and urban design standards in the State of Qatar with an eye to translating theoretical knowledge into applicable principles of urban planning. In doing so, it will help close the gaps in knowledge related to Qatar and GCC countries.
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Arshad Hasan, Usman Sufi, Mahmoud Elmarzouky and Khaled Hussainey
This study examines the influence of corporate governance indicators (CGIs) on the textual tone of nonfinancial firms in a developing economy.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the influence of corporate governance indicators (CGIs) on the textual tone of nonfinancial firms in a developing economy.
Design/methodology/approach
The data from 1,250 annual reports of listed nonfinancial firms in Pakistan are collected for 10 years. The narrative disclosure tone (NDT) is derived using the sentiment analysis of annual reports, resulting in six distinct NDT scores. The CGIs data are also extracted from the annual reports. The fixed effects model is used as the primary analytical tool, supplemented by machine learning-based linear regression. System GMM and two-stage least squares regressions are employed for robustness checks.
Findings
The findings reveal that most CGIs significantly influence all six NDTs. These results align with the existing theoretical literature, except those related to audit committee independence and gender diversity.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to the use of annual reports as a source of narrative disclosures. Future research might employ other sources, such as earning press releases and social media.
Practical implications
Within the unique regulatory environment of Pakistan, the study offers insights for regulators to enhance the efficacy of independent directors, discourage concentrated ownership and promote the inclusion of women in board subcommittees to establish the authenticity of textual disclosures.
Originality/value
The study adds to the limited literature on the determinants of NDT. It underscores the importance of understanding textual tone for informed investor decision-making and restoring investor confidence. Moreover, it contributes by focusing on six NDTs and exploring the interplay between CGIs and textual tone.
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Tamer Mohamed Shahwan and Mohamed Mahmoud Fathalla
This paper aims to investigate the impact of intellectual capital (IC) as a mediator variable on the association between corporate governance (CG) practices and firm performance…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the impact of intellectual capital (IC) as a mediator variable on the association between corporate governance (CG) practices and firm performance. This study also examines bi-causality linkages between these variables.
Design/methodology/approach
The designated corporate governance index and the value-added intellectual coefficient method were used to assess the level of CG practices and the performance of IC. Tobin’s Q (TQ) and operating efficiency ratio were used to measure firm performance.
Findings
The aggregate CG score has a significant positive impact on the IC and the two measures of firm performance. However, the IC has only a partial mediation effect on the relationship between the aggregate corporate governance score and a firm’s operational efficiency ratio. The IC has partial and full mediation effects in the relationship between the sub-dimensions of corporate governance and the performance of Egyptian corporates. Moreover, a bi-causality relationship can be observed between CG and TQ.
Research limitations/implications
Generalizing the obtained results would require the sample size to be extended.
Practical implications
The findings should alert legislative institutions and practitioners of the need to comply with good CG practices and develop the efficiency of IC to elicit a firm’s superior performance.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first attempts to investigate the causality relationships and the mediation impact of IC on the relationship between CG practices and corporate performance in the Egyptian context.
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Khaled M. M. Koriem and Mahmoud S.S. Arbid
This paper aims to evaluate hematological parameters, blood glutathione (GSH), serum glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PD) and liver function in favism animals' models after…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate hematological parameters, blood glutathione (GSH), serum glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6-PD) and liver function in favism animals' models after oral intake with a mixture of pickled olives and Vicia faba (V. faba) seeds.
Design/methodology/approach
Favism is a life-threatening hemolytic crisis. It results from the ingestion of V. faba by the individuals. The hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), serum glucose, blood GSH, serum G6-PD, serum thiobarbaturic acid reactive substances (TBARS), liver protein and liver function were evaluated after oral administration with a mixture of pickled olives with V. faba seeds in favism animals' models.
Findings
The favism-, vicine- and convicine-treated animals showed a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in Hb (6.42, 7.23 and 5.96 g/dl), Hct (25.4, 26.4 and 25.1%), RBCs (2.56, 2.45 and 2.60 106 cells/mm3, WBCs (4.35, 4.25 and 4.30 103 cells/mm3), serum glucose (95.8, 97.1 and 96.5 mg/dl), blood GSH (24.7, 26.6 and 23.8 mg/dl), serum G6-PD (15.8, 15.9 and 15.7 U/L), serum aspartate aminotransferase (6.35, 6.59 and 5.97 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (4.49, 4.61 and 4.50 U/L), total protein (6.54, 6.59 and 6.40 g/dl), albumin (3.84, 3.91 and 3.75 g/dl), globulin (2.70, 2.48 and 2.65 g/dl) and liver protein (3.37, 3.10 and 3.42 g/g tissue) but a significant increase (p < 0.01) in serum TBARS (38.7, 38.9 and 39.4 nmol/dl), alkaline phosphatase (275, 271 and 281 U/L) and total bilirubin (0.93, 0.89 and 0.91 mg/dl) compared to Hb (16.3 g/dl), Hct (45.3%), RBCs (5.80 106 cells/mm3), WBCs (9.45 103 cells/mm3), serum glucose (96.5 mg/dl), blood GSH (39.7 mg/dl), serum G6-PD (36.1 U/L), serum TBARS (18.0 nmol/dl), serum aspartate aminotransferase (19.8 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (9.23 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (214 U/L), total bilirubin (0.57 mg/dl), total protein (8.76 g/dl), albumin (4.85 g/dl), globulin (3.91 g/dl) and liver protein (6.28 g/g tissue) in control group. The oral administration with pickled olives + V. faba, pickled olives + vicine and pickled olives + convicine into favism animals' models, vicine-treated animals and convicine-treated animals, respectively pushed all the above-mentioned parameters to near the control levels.
Originality/value
V. faba contains vicine and convicine glycosides. Vicine and convicine glycosides in V. faba are hydrolyzed by intestinal microflora to aglycones divicine and isouramil, respectively. Divicine and isouramil are highly reactive compounds generating free radicals where divicine and isouramil are the main factors of favism. The ß-glucosidase in pickled olives converts both vicine and convicine glycosides into aglycones divicine and isouramil, respectively, in aerobic condition outside the human body (in inactive forms) and prevent these glycosides to cause favism.
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Mahmoud Taban and Alireza Basohbat Novinzadeh
One of the challenges encountered in the design of guided projectiles is their prohibitive cost. To diminish it, an appropriate avenue many researchers have explored is the use of…
Abstract
Purpose
One of the challenges encountered in the design of guided projectiles is their prohibitive cost. To diminish it, an appropriate avenue many researchers have explored is the use of the non-actuator method for guiding the projectile to the target. In this method, biologically inspired by the flying concept of the single-winged seed, for instance, that of maple and ash trees, the projectile undergoes a helical motion to scan the region and meet the target in the descent phase. Indeed, the projectile is a decelerator device based on the autorotation flight while it attempts to resemble the seed’s motion using two wings of different spans. There exists a wealth of studies on the stability of the decelerators (e.g. the mono-wing, samara and pararotor), but all of them have assumed the body (exclusive of the wing) to be symmetric and paid no particular attention to the scanning quality of the region. In practice, however, the non-actuator-guided projectiles are asymmetric owing to the presence of detection sensors. This paper aims to present an analytical solution for stability analysis of asymmetric decelerators and apprise the effects of design parameters to improve the scanning quality.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach of this study is to develop a theoretical model consisting of Euler equations and apply a set of non-dimensionalized equations to reduce the number of involved parameters. The obtained governing equations are readily applicable to other decelerator devices, such as the mono-wing, samara and pararotor.
Findings
The results show that the stability of the body can be preserved under certain conditions. Moreover, pertinent conclusions are outlined on the sensitivity of flight behavior to the variation of design parameters.
Originality/value
The analytical solution and sensitivity analysis presented here can efficiently reduce the design cost of the asymmetric decelerator.
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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.
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Rasha H.A. Mostafa and Mohamed Mahmoud Ibrahim
This paper aims to investigate the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations represented in religious motivation and customer equity (CE) drivers, respectively, and switching…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations represented in religious motivation and customer equity (CE) drivers, respectively, and switching costs (SCs), on customer’s retention to conventional banks and their switching intention (SI) to Islamic ones in the context of the Egyptian banking sector.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the literature, a theoretical model is proposed and examined using structural equation modeling (AMOS) 24. Data were obtained using an intercept sample of 273 conventional bank customers in two major cities in Egypt, namely, Cairo and Giza.
Findings
The results supported the positive effect of CE and SCs on customer retention (CR) to conventional banks. Value equity has direct positive effect on CR. In addition, SC significantly mediated the relationship between relationship equity (RE) and service encounter employee’s equity (SEEE) and CR. Finally, religious motivations positively and significantly influence customers SI to Islamic banks.
Practical implications
CE, including all its drivers, namely, value, brand, relationship and SEEE, are the best force of CR in the Egyptian banking sector. The mediating role of SC in the relation between RE and SEEE and CR is perceived as a barrier to switch, instead of reflecting real desire from customers to stay tuned to their conventional banks. In addition, religious motivation should be considered while planning banking services because of its significant direct effect on customers SI from conventional banks to Islamic ones. Finally, both utilitarian extrinsic motivation and hedonic intrinsic ones are influencing customer’s retention and SI, respectively.
Originality/value
This paper develops and adds a fourth driver to previously examined and validated CE drivers, namely, SEEE. Further, it provides empirical analysis to the effect of religious motivation and CE drivers on SCs, CR and SI in a developing and Islamic dominating context, namely, Egypt. Moreover, it introduces a framework that could be examined and validated in other Islamic contexts to further comprehend bank customers' switching behavior. Yet, the current research focused on the Egyptian banking sector only, where the individual customers represent the sampling unit.
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Rabia Imran, Kamaal Allil and Ali Bassam Mahmoud
The purpose of this paper is to explore the path of motivation leading to organizational commitment resulting in reduced turnover intentions (TIs). It examine the relationship…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the path of motivation leading to organizational commitment resulting in reduced turnover intentions (TIs). It examine the relationship between dimensions of motivation (amotivation, introjected regulations (IRs) and intrinsic motivation (IM)) with dimensions of commitment (affective, normative and continuance). Furthermore, it test the effect of these three dimensions of commitment on TIs.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 467 teachers working in public schools in Dhofar Governate in Sultanate of Oman was selected for the study. A path analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized model.
Findings
The analysis unveils that teacher’s TIs can be reduced with a right mix of motivation and commitment. Furthermore, amotivation is only linked to affective commitment and this linkage is positive; IRs positively affect continuance and normative commitment (NC); and IM positively affects affective commitment and NC. Moreover, a significant negative effect of affective, normative and continuance commitment is found on TIs.
Originality/value
This research sheds light on how motivation can indirectly affect TI through commitment. This study is of immense importance as it focuses on the education sector in Oman especially in Dhofar Governate.
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Thowayeb Hassan and Mahmoud Ibraheam Saleh
This study aims to highlight the importance of using attribution theory in metaverse tourism research. The study addresses the lack of clarity regarding the attribution theory’s…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to highlight the importance of using attribution theory in metaverse tourism research. The study addresses the lack of clarity regarding the attribution theory’s dimensions (locus, stability, controllability) potential application in the metaverse tourism context.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a comprehensive exploration of the research gap by searching top-tier journals in Scopus and Web of Science databases about the relevant literature to analyze relevant data to provide a foundation for future transformative research. The study examines the relationship between attribution theory and metaverse tourism and explores how attribution theory can inform the understanding of tourists’ judgments and actions in the metaverse context.
Findings
The study shows that attribution theory has the potential to significantly improve the understanding of metaverse tourism by illuminating tourists’ decision-making processes and the factors contributing to those decisions. The study highlights the importance of applying attribution theory to generate more impactful and reliable implications for the tourism industry.
Originality/value
This study is transformative because it provides a foundational understanding of the application of attribution theory in metaverse tourism research. The study is significant because it sheds light on an underexplored area where the theoretical framework is necessary to inform and guide tourism technology research. The study’s originality lies in its contribution to tourism by identifying room for improvement in metaverse tourism research and highlighting the potential benefits of using attribution theory.
设计/方法论/方法
本研究通过在Scopus和Web of Science数据库中搜索相关文献的顶级期刊, 对研究空白进行了全面探索, 以分析相关数据, 为未来的变革性研究提供基础。本研究考察了归因理论与元宇宙旅游之间的关系, 并探讨了归因理论如何在元宇宙背景下为理解游客的判断和行为提供信息。
目的
本研究强调了归因理论在元宇宙旅游研究中的重要性。该研究解决了归因理论在元宇宙旅游背景下的潜在应用维度(轨迹、稳定性、可控性)缺乏明确性的问题。
研究结果
研究表明, 归因理论有可能通过阐明游客的决策过程和促成这些决策的因素, 显著提高对元宇宙旅游的理解。该研究强调了应用归因理论对旅游业产生更具影响力和可靠性的影响的重要性。
创意/价值
本研究具有变革性, 因为它为归因理论在元宇宙旅游研究中的应用提供了基础性的理解。这项研究意义重大, 因为它揭示了一个研究不足的领域。在此领域, 理论框架是为旅游技术研究提供信息和指导所必需的。本研究的独创性在于它对旅游业的贡献, 它确定了元宇宙旅游研究的改进空间, 并强调了利用归因理论的潜在好处。
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
Este estudio se basa en una exploración exhaustiva de la brecha de investigación mediante la búsqueda de revistas de primer nivel en las bases de datos Scopus y Web of Science sobre la literatura relevante para analizar los datos relevantes con el fin de proporcionar una base para futuras investigaciones transformadoras. El estudio examina la relación entre la teoría de la atribución y el metaverso turístico y explora cómo la teoría de la atribución puede facilitar la comprensión de las evaluaciones y acciones de los turistas en el contexto metaverso.
Propósito
Este estudio pone de relieve la importancia de utilizar la teoría de la atribución en la investigación turística en metaverso. El estudio aborda la falta de claridad sobre las dimensiones de la teoría de la atribución (lugar de causalidad, estabilidad y, controlabilidad) y su posible aplicación en el contexto del turismo en metaverso.
Conclusiones
El estudio muestra que la teoría de la atribución tiene el potencial de mejorar de forma significativa la comprensión del metaverso turístico al esclarecer los procesos de toma de decisiones de los turistas y los factores que contribuyen a dichas decisiones. El estudio destaca la importancia de aplicar la teoría de la atribución para generar implicaciones más impactantes y fiables para la industria turística.
Originalidad/valor
Este estudio es transformador porque proporciona una comprensión fundacional de la aplicación de la teoría de la atribución en la investigación del metaverso turístico. El estudio es significativo porque arroja luz sobre un ámbito poco explorado cuyo marco teórico es necesario para informar y orientar la investigación sobre tecnología turística. La originalidad del estudio radica en su contribución al turismo al identificar las posibilidades de mejora en la investigación del metaverso turístico y destacar los beneficios potenciales de la utilización de la teoría de la atribución.
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Abdelrahim Alqudah, Esam Qnais, Salsabeel H. Sabi, Yousra Bseiso, Omar Gammoh and Mohammed Wedyan
The purpose of this study was to explore the potential benefits of Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum) on anxiety, depression, sleep quality and memory among students.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore the potential benefits of Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum) on anxiety, depression, sleep quality and memory among students.
Design/methodology/approach
This randomized controlled trial involved university students aged 18–25 years, who had no known allergies to C. sativum or were using psychotropic medication. After giving informed consent, participants were randomly assigned using a computer-generated random sequence to either 500 mg C. sativum seeds or a placebo. Primary outcomes measured changes in memory (prospective and retrospective memory questionnaire [PRMQ]), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), while secondary outcomes assessed sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality inventory [PSQI]).
Findings
A sample of 86 students with a mean age of 20.05 ± 1.6 years was selected for the study. Initial assessments ensured no significant differences in demographic or study variables between the control and intervention groups. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in memory (PRMQ: p = 0.006), anxiety (Hospital Anxiety Scale: p = 0.04) and depression (Hospital Depression Scale: p = 0.002), as well as in sleep quality (PSQI: p = 0.03) in the group receiving C. sativum compared to the control group.
Originality/value
This research offers initial insights into the potential benefits of C. sativum intake, specifically its role in enhancing memory performance and mitigating anxiety among student populations. The results present a compelling case for further research in this domain to solidify these preliminary conclusions.