Yasmin Khodary and Nehal Hamdy
This study aims to detect the main factors impeding the anti-female genital mutilation (FGM) efforts in Egypt post the January 25 revolution, with a special focus on the era of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to detect the main factors impeding the anti-female genital mutilation (FGM) efforts in Egypt post the January 25 revolution, with a special focus on the era of president El-Sisi. The purpose of this paper is to explain the reasons behind the continuation of violence against women in Egypt, namely, FGM, in light of the patriarchal structures and the state willingness to address that challenge.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilizes a qualitative methodology. The study embarks on in-depth semi-structured interviews with 23 participants who experienced FGM and nine key informants from medical, religious, political and civil society backgrounds, including a professor of pathology, a gynecologist, a diplomatic researcher in Al-Azhar, three members of parliament, a representative of the Ministry of Population, the reporter of the National Council for Women and a representative of Nazra non-governmental organization for feminist studies in Egypt.
Findings
The findings reveal that FGM remains prevalent not only due to the persisting socio-cultural context that continues to embrace and reproduces gender inequalities, but also because of the insufficient political will to combat FGM and enforce the required laws.
Social implications
FGM is considered one form of gender inequality perpetuated by social, cultural and economic structures. It is recognized internationally as a crime and a violation against women’s rights as per the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, etc. Although the Egyptian Government passed laws banning the practice of FGM, it continues to form a challenging problem to social workers, women activists, human rights groups and public health officials.
Originality/value
Little work has been done to investigate FGM post the January 25 revolution in Egypt and identify the main factors impeding the anti-FGM efforts in Egypt. This work fills this gap and concludes with some lessons learnt to fight FGM and improve the anti-FGM efforts.
Details
Keywords
Nehal S. Ahmed, Hamdy S. Abdel-Hameed, Ahmed F. El-Kafrawy and Amal M. Nassar
The aim of this paper is to solve the problem of carbonaceous deposits in automotive engines by preparing different ashless detergent/dispersant additives based on propylene oxide…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to solve the problem of carbonaceous deposits in automotive engines by preparing different ashless detergent/dispersant additives based on propylene oxide (PO) and different amines. Carbonaceous deposits in automotive engines are the major problems associated with oil aging. Efficient detergents and dispersants have been used to solve this problem, particularly in lubricating oils.
Design/methodology/approach
The structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) for determination of molecular weight. This was followed by the evaluation of the prepared compounds such as detergent/dispersant and antioxidants additives for lubricating engine oil using several techniques such as variation of viscosity ratio, change in total acid number, optical density using infrared techniques, spot method, determination of sludge and determination the potential detergent dispersant efficiency (PDDE).
Findings
All the prepared compounds were found to be soluble in lubricating oil. The efficiency of the prepared compounds such as antioxidant and detergent/dispersant additives for lubricating oil was investigated. It was found that the additives have excellent power of dispersion, detergency and the most efficient additives such as antioxidant those prepared by using n,n-dimethyloctadecylamine (NDOA) and di-n-butyl dithio phosphoric acid.
Practical implications
The paper includes preparation of new compounds from the reaction of propoxylated amines and different organic acids and evaluates them as detergent/dispersant and antioxidants additives by using several techniques.
Originality/value
This paper fulfils an identified need to prepare new compounds from the reaction of propoxylated amines and different organic acids and evaluates them as additives by using different methods. All were found to have better efficiency as compared with commercial additives.
Details
Keywords
Hossein Motahari-Nezhad, Maryam Shekofteh and Maryam Andalib-Kondori
This study aims to investigate the characteristics, as well as the purpose and posts of the COVID-19 Facebook groups.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the characteristics, as well as the purpose and posts of the COVID-19 Facebook groups.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic search for COVID-19 Facebook groups was conducted on June 1, 2020. Characteristics of the groups were examined using descriptive statistics. Mann-Whitney test was used to study the differences between groups. The study of the most popular groups’ posts was also carried out using the content analysis method.
Findings
The groups had a combined membership of 2,729,061 users. A total of 147,885 posts were received. There were about approximately 60% public groups. A high percentage of the groups (86.5%) had descriptions. The results showed a significant relationship between the groups’ description status and the number of members (p-value = 0.016). The majority of COVID-19 Facebook groups (56%) were created to meet their members’ information needs. The highest number of studied posts were related to vaccination (35.2%), followed by curfew rules (19.6%) and symptoms (10.6%).
Originality/value
Translating these insights into policies and practices will put policymakers and health-care providers in a stronger position to make better use of Facebook groups to support and enhance public knowledge about COVID-19.