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Article
Publication date: 24 February 2012

Mohammed A. Mahmoud and Robert E. Hinson

The aim of this study is to generate insights into whether market orientation – as defined by Kohli and Jaworski – is being practiced in the Ghanaian public sector.

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to generate insights into whether market orientation – as defined by Kohli and Jaworski – is being practiced in the Ghanaian public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a case‐study of a local government, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (the Assembly), semi‐structured interviews were conducted with departmental heads and their assistants to collect data. A total of 14 key informants participated in the interviews, and this sample size compared favourably with prior qualitative studies.

Findings

The assembly collects intelligence on citizens' present needs, their earning potential and the political and technological environment, ignoring citizens' satisfaction with development projects. Meetings are regularly held by the various units in the Assembly to share and discuss the generated intelligence, yet one can see little consideration of citizens' needs and their satisfaction with projects in these discussions.

Research limitations/implications

Further research into local governments across multiple regions in Ghana, or from a range of countries within Sub‐Saharan Africa, could provide an opportunity for greater generalisability of the results.

Practical implications

Local authorities must develop formal procedures for monitoring citizens' satisfaction with services, programmes and development projects. There is need to harness the intelligence inherent among staff with the use of focused communication or knowledge management strategies.

Originality/value

Recent efforts to extend market orientation application to the public sector have over‐concentrated on western countries. Based upon empirical evidence from a non‐western (Ghanaian) context, this study further assuages fears that market orientation may not be applicable to public institutions like local government.

Details

International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3558

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Article
Publication date: 25 April 2023

Nehal Elshaboury, Eslam Mohammed Abdelkader, Abobakr Al-Sakkaf and Ashutosh Bagchi

The energy efficiency of buildings has been emphasized along with the continual development in the building and construction sector that consumes a significant amount of energy…

118

Abstract

Purpose

The energy efficiency of buildings has been emphasized along with the continual development in the building and construction sector that consumes a significant amount of energy. To this end, the purpose of this research paper is to forecast energy consumption to improve energy resource planning and management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes the application of the convolutional neural network (CNN) for estimating the electricity consumption in the Grey Nuns building in Canada. The performance of the proposed model is compared against that of long short-term memory (LSTM) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural networks. The models are trained and tested using monthly electricity consumption records (i.e. from May 2009 to December 2021) available from Concordia’s facility department. Statistical measures (e.g. determination coefficient [R2], root mean squared error [RMSE], mean absolute error [MAE] and mean absolute percentage error [MAPE]) are used to evaluate the outcomes of models.

Findings

The results reveal that the CNN model outperforms the other model predictions for 6 and 12 months ahead. It enhances the performance metrics reported by the LSTM and MLP models concerning the R2, RMSE, MAE and MAPE by more than 4%, 6%, 42% and 46%, respectively. Therefore, the proposed model uses the available data to predict the electricity consumption for 6 and 12 months ahead. In June and December 2022, the overall electricity consumption is estimated to be 195,312 kWh and 254,737 kWh, respectively.

Originality/value

This study discusses the development of an effective time-series model that can forecast future electricity consumption in a Canadian heritage building. Deep learning techniques are being used for the first time to anticipate the electricity consumption of the Grey Nuns building in Canada. Additionally, it evaluates the effectiveness of deep learning and machine learning methods for predicting electricity consumption using established performance indicators. Recognizing electricity consumption in buildings is beneficial for utility providers, facility managers and end users by improving energy and environmental efficiency.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

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Publication date: 25 November 2024

Evie Kendal

One of the more plausible methods of establishing an off-world human society is to transport a small number of adults alongside a large supply of frozen embryos. This would…

Abstract

One of the more plausible methods of establishing an off-world human society is to transport a small number of adults alongside a large supply of frozen embryos. This would minimize the costs of transportation and protect genomic diversity across future generations. However, there are various ethical issues with attempting off-world pregnancies, in terms of unknown risks to pregnant people and fetuses, and potential discrimination concerns if the adults selected for the mission are required to be willing and able to gestate this genetically diverse population of embryos. An alternative would be the development and use of artificial womb technology (ectogenesis) to perform this latter function. Benefits might include freeing all crewmembers to devote all their energies to establishing the off-world facility without pregnancy-related illness affecting health and productivity, and providing a safer environment for fetal development, for example, providing additional radiation shielding around the artificial wombs. This chapter will explore some of the ethical issues surrounding ectogenesis and its space applications.

Details

The Ethics Gap in the Engineering of the Future
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-635-5

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Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 November 2023

Hamed Abdelreheem Ead

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…

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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

Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2632-279X

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Article
Publication date: 24 May 2024

Iddrisu Mohammed, Mahmoud Abdulai Mahmoud and Robert Ebo Hinson

Using the transportation theory, and the brand equity model, this study aims to examine how short video narratives from a tourist perspective increased brand equity dimensions…

328

Abstract

Purpose

Using the transportation theory, and the brand equity model, this study aims to examine how short video narratives from a tourist perspective increased brand equity dimensions which could lead to intention to patronise. Further, the study tested the moderating role of real-world video between the brand equity dimensions and intention to patronise.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential explanatory mixed method is adopted for this study. An empirical study was conducted in the first phase with 1,119 participants. In the second phase, the quantitative results were used to develop a semi-structured interview guide for in-depth interviews with 9 respondents to validate the quantitative outcomes. The structural equation modelling technique was utilised to analyse the quantitative data, whereas content analysis was used for the qualitative data.

Findings

The results revealed that short video narratives lead to horti-awareness, image and value. Additionally, horti-awareness, and value had a significant impact on intention to patronise horti-tourism destinations. Another interesting observation is that the negative perceived quality might be as a result of the short video emanating from a tourist perspective. Importantly, potential tourists perceived the real-world video to be authentic, thus strengthening the relationship between the brand equity dimensions and intention to patronise.

Practical implications

This research provided valuable insights for marketers/management and stakeholders within the tourism and hospitality sector to achieve benefits derived from the findings of the study.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors knowledge, this study is the first attempt to embed the theory of transportation and the brand equity model in understanding horti-tourism destinations, which can rarely be found in extant literature.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

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Article
Publication date: 26 September 2023

Iddrisu Mohammed, Mahmoud Abdulai Mahmoud and Robert Ebo Hinson

This paper aims to draw the attention of the academic scholars to how marketing of horti-tourism can take action to contribute to tourism agenda 2030.

458

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to draw the attention of the academic scholars to how marketing of horti-tourism can take action to contribute to tourism agenda 2030.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviewing literature on tourism, this paper builds a case for marketing horti-tourism based on the research gaps in literature, and future research directions are proposed to aid in the achievement of tourism agenda 2030.

Findings

Scholarly research on horti-tourism remains scarce, and more research attention is suggested on this subject matter. The tourism sector produced varied forms of tourism where horti-tourism is associated with horticulture farms, vegetable gardens and flower gardens which provide direct gains such as employment creation, foreign currency earnings, income generation source, poverty reduction and other gainful commercial activities. Despite the importance attached to this form of tourism in literature, less research has been conducted to market its relevance to nations and businesses. Much academic studies are needed to project this form of tourism.

Originality/value

This perspective paper serves as a call for tourism firms, governments and other stakeholders within and outside to make theoretical and practical contributions by marketing horti-tourism destinations to visitors which aid in the UN Tourism Agenda of 2030.

目的

这篇文章提出观点和视角, 旨在引起学术界学者对 2030 年旅游议程的关注, 通过园艺旅游营销, 如何采取行动为推动 2030 年旅游议程做出贡献。

设计/方法/途径

本文回顾了旅游业的相关文献, 根据文献中的研究空白构建了营销园艺旅游的案例, 并提出了未来的研究方向, 以帮助实现 2030 年旅游议程。

发现

关于园艺旅游的学术研究仍然很少, 建议对该主题进行更多的研究关注。旅游业产生了多种旅游形态, 其中园艺旅游与园艺农场、菜园和花园相关, 提供直接收益:如创造就业、外汇收入、拓展收入来源、减贫和其他有收益的商业活动。尽管在众多文献中都很重视这种旅游形态, 但很少研究其与国家和企业的相关性, 需要大量的学术研究来预测这种形式的旅游。

原创性/价值

这篇观点文章呼吁国内外的旅游公司、政府和其他利益相关者通过向游客营销园艺旅游目的地来进一步取得理论和实践成果, 以帮助推动联合国 2030 年旅游议程。

Objetivo

Este documento tiene como meta analizar cómo el marketing de Horti-turismo puede contribuir al desarrollo de la agenda del turismo 2030.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se ha realizado una revisión de la literatura en bases de datos científicas de impacto a nivel internacional sobre la comercialización del horti-turismo.

Los Hallazgos

La investigación prospectiva sobre horti-turismo sigue siendo escasa y se sugiere más atención científica sobre este tema. El sector turístico produjo variadas formas de turismo donde el horti-turismo está asociado con granjas de horticultura, jardines vegetales y jardines de flores que proporcionan beneficios directos como la creación de empleo, ganancias en divisas extranjeras, fuente de generación de ingresos, reducción de la pobreza y otras actividades comerciales lucrativas. A pesar de la importancia atribuida a esta forma de turismo en la literatura, se ha prestado menos atención en la comercialización a las naciones y las empresas. Se ha puesto de manifiesto la necesidad de desarrollar más estudios para formentar esta forma de turismo.

Originalidad/valor

Este artículo exploratorio permite a las empresas de turismo, los gobiernos y otras partes interesadas dentro y fuera realizar contribuciones teóricas y prácticas a fin de comercializar sus productos en destinos de horti-turismo y, con ello, fomentar el desarrollo Agenda de Turismo de las Naciones Unidas de 2030.

Details

Tourism Review, vol. 79 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1660-5373

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Article
Publication date: 9 June 2021

Abdulrahman Ismaeel Janahi, Iman Fahmi Mahmoud, Ibrahim Mohammed Al Alhareth, Alaa Yousef Alnakhli, Sara Nasser Almisrea, Hadel Mohammed Aljohani, Omar A. Alhaj, Adla Bakri Hassan and Haitham Jahrami

The complex interaction between the gut flora and central nervous systems made probiotics one promising natural candidate for the management and treatment of depression. Hence…

154

Abstract

Purpose

The complex interaction between the gut flora and central nervous systems made probiotics one promising natural candidate for the management and treatment of depression. Hence, the purpose of this paper was to assess the knowledge, patterns of consumption and attitudes of patients with depression toward probiotics.

Design/methodology/approach

In this cross-sectional study, and through simple random sampling, 200 adults who were diagnosed with various depressive symptoms were selected. A link to a self-reported survey was sent to them with the aim of collecting sociodemographic data, assessing participants’ attitudes and knowledge toward probiotic consumption, and measuring their depression status via the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

Findings

A total of 164 participants (82%) provided usable responses. Approximately 55% of participants had moderate depression (PHQ-9). Participants (22.6%) tend to comply with their psychiatrists’ advice regarding probiotics more than other health specialists’ advice (p = 0.04). Only 59 (36%) had knowledge about probiotics and believed that probiotics should be consumed regularly and not only after an antibiotic course. However, many tended to follow marketing tricks and were willing to buy the most expensive and advertised probiotic products. Participants showed some differences in their attitude and knowledge toward probiotics according to symptoms severity; however, the differences were insignificant (p = 0.88).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is believed to be the first investigation assessing the probiotics’ knowledge, patterns of consumption and attitude of patients with various depression symptoms in Bahrain. The findings of this study may help improve the well-being of depressive patients by addressing the probiotic knowledge gap among them, expand the market of probiotics and enrich nutritional psychiatry literature.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 51 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

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Article
Publication date: 6 September 2022

Iddrisu Mohammed, Mahmoud Abdulai Mahmoud, Alexander Preko, Robert Hinson and Joseph G. Yeboah

This paper sought to examine the factors that influence intention to recommend, focussing on the extension of the theory of planned behaviour in halal tourism, with additional…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper sought to examine the factors that influence intention to recommend, focussing on the extension of the theory of planned behaviour in halal tourism, with additional instruments such as halal safety and security, and trustworthiness of halal information.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by a quantitative approach, cross-sectional data were collected using 394 Muslim diaspora tourists. The analysis technique used in this study is the partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results suggest that halal planned behaviour may account for the intention to recommend. Halal attitude, subjective norm, halal image, halal value, halal safety and security, and trustworthiness of halal information positively and significantly affect intention to recommend.

Practical implications

Muslim diaspora tourists are identified to have halal planned behaviour on intention to recommend. Hence, destination managers and practitioners are suggested to develop proactive halal products and services that appeal to tourists' intention to recommend.

Originality/value

This study has developed two new constructs: halal safety and security, and the trustworthiness of halal information grounded on the theory of planned behaviour in halal tourism. Specifically, the focus is on Muslim diasporic tourists' perspective in a non-Islamic context.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 6 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

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Article
Publication date: 23 August 2024

Mohammed Sani Abdullahi, Marina Arnaut, Adams Adeiza, Mahmoud Ahmad Mahmoud, Javad Shahreki, Osaro Aigbogun, Farouk Umar Kofar Naisa, Muhammad Shaheer Nuhu and Abba Ya'u

The purpose of this research is to assess how full-time tenured academic staff promotion practices (SPP) in Malaysian private universities (MPUs) influence academic staff…

58

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to assess how full-time tenured academic staff promotion practices (SPP) in Malaysian private universities (MPUs) influence academic staff engagement (SE) and academic staff performance (SP).

Design/methodology/approach

The research used quantitative and descriptive methods, focusing on MPUs' academic staff as the unit of analysis. Sampling involved simple random and stratified techniques, with 314 academic personnel surveyed. Participant data was collected through a questionnaire, and study hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) via a bootstrapping approach.

Findings

The findings show that SE somewhat mediates the connection between SPP and SP and that SPP significantly influences SP.

Practical implications

This study emphasizes the importance of impartiality and transparency within university administration when promoting academic staff. Universities should adopt modern strategies and approaches for advancing their employees to higher positions, doing so will motivate employees to fully invest in their work, leading to sustained high-performance levels.

Originality/value

This research has substantially improved the understanding and the practical utilization of literature about SP, SPP and SE. This improvement can potentially facilitate the development of models, theories, research initiatives, and practical strategies geared toward enhancing staff efficiency.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

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Article
Publication date: 7 June 2021

Hamed El Khayat, Marwa El Deeb, Mahmoud Elhabiby, Amira Mohammed Ibrahim Ahmad Mourad and Michael Elnemais Fawzy

This study aims to assess the relationship between sleep habits and obesity in children.

169

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the relationship between sleep habits and obesity in children.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an observational cross-sectional case–control study conducted on 100 children aged 6–12 years, selected randomly from the OPC of the Pediatric Hospital, Ain-Shams University. The subjects were subdivided into two groups: the control group of 50 and the target group of children who are classed overweight or obese. Subjects were excluded where the obesity could be explained owing to an endocrinal and/or any identified disease, those who have a medical or psychiatric illness, and those whose parents refused to give consent. All patients had a full history taken, and each child’s parent fulfilled one questionnaire on sleep behaviors.

Findings

This study found that 72% with bedtime resistance compared to only 14% among the control subjects, 68% of children experienced a delay with sleep onset compared to 14% among controls, 68% experienced sleep duration abnormalities compared to 12% in the control group, 60% of children stated they needed their parents while going to sleep, compared to 12% among controls, 64% of cases suffered from walking during the night compared to 12% among controls, 64% of cases had a Parasomnia compared to 12% among controls, 66% of cases snoring loudly compared to 12% among controls, and 66% suffering from Apnea, compared to 6% in the control group, and 50% of cases had daytime sleepiness compared to 14% among controls.

Research limitations/implications

It is hoped that this research will be remedied through the adoption of a child-centered approach inspired by the rights to health and play, and the general principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Practical implications

The results showed a strong association between excessive weight and increased risk of sleep problems, which were broadly diffused in the population childhood.

Originality/value

This current study has given us a base for the overwhelming fact that these children are directly affected by obesity. A chronic medical condition has enormous implications on health and can lead to many associated disease processes.

Details

International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4902

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