I. Introduction It is no secret that Islamic countries have entered a new epoch in which serious questions regarding the nature of their economic institutions have taken on…
Abstract
I. Introduction It is no secret that Islamic countries have entered a new epoch in which serious questions regarding the nature of their economic institutions have taken on renewed urgency. During the past few years, elan debates have taken place, both nationally and internationally, among specialists in economic sciences, specialists in traditional Islamic disciplines, and intellectual exponents of various Islamic political movements. Inherently complex, the discourse, which appears in academic and semi‐ academic publications as well as the popular press, is made distinctly more complex as it often takes place in an extremely volatile environment, which has been shaped by severe economic crises, political turmoil, and social unrest.
Walaa Metwally Kandil, Fawzi H. Zarzoura, Mahmoud Salah Goma and Mahmoud El-Mewafi El-Mewafi Shetiwi
This study aims to present a new rapid enhancement digital elevation model (DEM) framework using Google Earth Engine (GEE), machine learning, weighted interpolation and spatial…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present a new rapid enhancement digital elevation model (DEM) framework using Google Earth Engine (GEE), machine learning, weighted interpolation and spatial interpolation techniques with ground control points (GCPs), where high-resolution DEMs are crucial spatial data that find extensive use in many analyses and applications.
Design/methodology/approach
First, rapid-DEM imports Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data and Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery from a user-defined time and area of interest into GEE. Second, SRTM with the feature attributes from Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery is generated and used as input data in support vector machine classification algorithm. Third, the inverse probability weighted interpolation (IPWI) approach uses 12 fixed GCPs as additional input data to assign the probability to each pixel of the image and generate corrected SRTM elevations. Fourth, gridding the enhanced DEM consists of regular points (E, N and H), and the contour interval is 5 m. Finally, densification of enhanced DEM data with GCPs is obtained using global positioning system technique through spatial interpolations such as Kriging, inverse distance weighted, modified Shepard’s method and triangulation with linear interpolation techniques.
Findings
The results were compared to a 1-m vertically accurate reference DEM (RD) obtained by image matching with Worldview-1 stereo satellite images. The results of this study demonstrated that the root mean square error (RMSE) of the original SRTM DEM was 5.95 m. On the other hand, the RMSE of the estimated elevations by the IPWI approach has been improved to 2.01 m, and the generated DEM by Kriging technique was 1.85 m, with a reduction of 68.91%.
Originality/value
A comparison with the RD demonstrates significant SRTM improvements. The suggested method clearly reduces the elevation error of the original SRTM DEM.
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It will take time for investigators to determine the cause of the crash. However, evidence indicates that it was most likely caused by an explosive device smuggled on board with…
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB206666
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Mahmoud Ramadan Al-Azab and Heba Salah Zaki
This paper aims to examine the antecedents of green entrepreneurship intention (GEI) amongst tourism and hospitality higher education students and further explores the effect of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the antecedents of green entrepreneurship intention (GEI) amongst tourism and hospitality higher education students and further explores the effect of green entrepreneurship intention on sustainable development (SD). It also investigates the mediating role of GEI in the relationship between the antecedents of GEI and SD in students' future tasks in tourism and hospitality.
Design/methodology/approach
Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze data collected via an online questionnaire from 970 tourism and hospitality universities' students in Egypt, either undergraduate or postgraduate.
Findings
The results show that green entrepreneurship intention is positively affected by attitude, subjective norms, environmental education, risk aversion, self-efficacy and environmental values. The results also revealed that green entrepreneurship intention is a significant driver for sustainable development. Moreover, the findings revealed that GEI mediates the link between the antecedents of GEI and SD.
Practical implications
The results offer highly persuasive insights that may be used to promote GEI and SD among tourism and hospitality students. The effectiveness of GEI in achieving SD will motivate government and educational institutions to develop GEI for university students. This study will assist policymakers in developing a novel strategy, providing a contribution to the green behavior literature in an emerging context.
Originality/value
The field of the green entrepreneur is uncharted and still in its infancy. As a result, further research is needed in the literature to better understand green entrepreneurship intention. Enhancing tourism and hospitality students' green entrepreneurial intentions will help the economy expand sustainably in the future because they are the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. The findings hold important implications for both the research community and tourism education and business management.
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Mohamed Moshreh Ali Ahmed, Dina Kamal Abd El Salam Ali Hassan and Nourhan Hesham Ahmed Magar
The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether audit committee characteristics, in particular audit committee size, audit committee activity and audit committee gender…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether audit committee characteristics, in particular audit committee size, audit committee activity and audit committee gender diversity, are associated with financial performance in Egyptian banks. The second purpose of this paper is to explore the moderating role of board gender diversity on the relationship between audit committee characteristics and financial performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A multiple regression analysis is used to estimate the moderating role of board gender diversity on the relationship between audit committee characteristics and financial performance of a sample of Egyptian banks during the period between 2018 and 2022.
Findings
The results indicate that audit committee size has a negative and insignificant effect impact on return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE), respectively. The results also indicate that the audit committee gender diversity has a significant positive impact on ROA and ROE, respectively. Regarding audit committee activity, the number of board meetings has a negative and insignificant effect on ROA and ROE, respectively. Regarding gender diversity as a moderating variable, in general there is a positive effect of gender diversity on the relationship between audit committee characteristics and financial performance.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to 20 banks in one country, but it sets the tone for future empirical research on this subject matter. The study also relied on one moderating variable, which is board gender diversity. This study provides an avenue for future research in the area of corporate governance and financial performance in other emerging countries, especially other African countries.
Practical implications
This study provides useful insights for managers and policymakers to better understand which audit committee characteristics can best encourage a company to improve financial performance. Furthermore, regulators should ensure that banks strictly adhere to corporate governance principles to build a strong banking industry capable of achieving economic development.
Social implications
Banks will benefit equally from valuable qualities across demographic groupings in society by having females on the audit committee and appropriate audit committee meetings. Additionally, if audit committee members are correctly selected, banks with more females in audit committee and suitable audit committee meetings can successfully contribute to strengthening financial performance and social welfare of diverse segments of society. A culture of good banking governance must emerge to improve bank financial stability and, as a result, greater stability and economic growth.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is, perhaps, the first to examine the moderating role of board gender diversity on the relationship between audit committee characteristics and financial performance in Egyptian banks. This study adds to the literature by investigating such an issue in a developing economy that operates in a different context than those in developed countries.
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Doaa Salaheldin Ismail Elsayed
According to the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) report of heritage at risk for 2011–2013, Cairo is facing serious conservation challenges after the…
Abstract
Purpose
According to the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) report of heritage at risk for 2011–2013, Cairo is facing serious conservation challenges after the revolution of 2011, witnessing aggressive cultural heritage vandalism. A marginalized inaccessible heritage site is considered one of the most vulnerable cultural assets. Existing studies focused on safeguarding accessible historical centers while insufficient attention is given to marginalized inaccessible heritage sites. The paper questions: how far the reaccess is preventive conservation action acting against possible encroachments? And if accessibility could stand as the key player promoting networks of marginal heritage landscapes, facilitating documentation and rehabilitation programs.
Design/methodology/approach
The research adopts both analytical and experimental approaches. The former departs from cartographic studies and systematic contextual surveys carried out in March 2017 and was updated in July 2019 concerning the delimitation of historic Cairo. It concludes by mapping marginal heritage besides classifying their value significance, urban risks and causes of inaccessibility. The latter phase structures a framework guiding accessibility interventions of marginal heritage and examines its applicability through a cross-case comparison between four sites while proposing accessibility interventions strategies.
Findings
Finally, the study offers a comprehensive assessment model for the new interventions measuring the contextual, economic, social and administrative influences of accessibility.
Practical implications
The framework is considered a decision-making tool defining marginalized heritage areas with the highest priorities of enactments. The study aims to facilitate the mission of governors, policymakers and experts in conserving problematic urban heritage through soft transformations.
Social implications
Both the framework and the assessment model are based on social empowerment and involvement within different phases of design, management and monitoring plans.
Originality/value
It aims to perform new urban codification representing the contemporary identity of marginal heritage landscape in developing countries challenging heritage vandalism. It enables reconfiguring the delimitation of historic Cairo through proposing new parameters and guidelines.
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Marwa M. El-Ashmouni and Ashraf M. Salama
The purpose of this paper is to develop an analytical account on the contemporary architecture of Cairo with emphasis on the past three decades, from the early 1990s to the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an analytical account on the contemporary architecture of Cairo with emphasis on the past three decades, from the early 1990s to the present. The paper critically analyses narratives of the plurality of “isms”, within architectural vocabulary and discourse, that resulted from the contextual particularities that shaped it.
Design/methodology/approach
Three lines of inquiry are envisioned as overarching aspects of architecture: the chronological, the interventional and the representational. These discussions are underpinned by the discourse of decolonialisation and cosmopolitanism, posited sequentially by Frantz Fanon in The Wretched of the Earth (1961), and Ulrich Beck in The Cosmopolitan Vision (2004). The analysis expands to interrogate these two notions as prelude for reflecting on representations of selected projects: The Smart Village (2001); the Great Egyptian Museum (2002), Al-Azhar Park (2005), American University in Cairo New Campus (2008/2009), and the New Administrative Capital (2018).
Findings
The investigation on the interventional and the representational levels via aspects of discursivity and contradictions highlights that decolonisation and cosmopolitanism are two inseparable facets in the architectural practice in Egypt’s 21st century. These indivisible notions are based on idiosyncratic core to human experience, which emerged from concurrent overturning historical and secular everyday life striving to suppress ideological supremacy.
Research limitations/implications
Further detailed examples can be developed to offer discerning elucidations relevant to both notions of cosmopolitanism and decolonialisation.
Originality/value
The paper offers novel theoretical analysis of Cairo’s most recent architecture. The reflection on the notions of decolonialisation and cosmopolitanism is a timely example of the complex cultural encounters that have shaped the Egyptian architecture, given the recent interventions by the “Modern State” that legitimised such notions.
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Ehab Alshamaileh, Mazen Al-Sulaibi, Ahmad Al-Khawaldeh, Mansour H. Almatarneh, Dina El-Sabawi and Aiman Al-Rawajfeh
The current status of nanotechnology research and development in Jordan is analyzed. In recent years, Jordanian institutions demonstrated considerable interest in the development…
Abstract
Purpose
The current status of nanotechnology research and development in Jordan is analyzed. In recent years, Jordanian institutions demonstrated considerable interest in the development and production of nanotechnology. Here the purpose of this paper is to provide detailed information about the status of nanotechnology in Jordan in terms of several factors that influence selectivity in nanotechnology and the number of published peer-reviewed research articles.
Design/methodology/approach
Several factors that influence selectivity in nanotechnology and the number of published peer-reviewed research articles were analyzed. A detailed analysis of the collected data reveals that the number of publications, citations, and patents is highly dependent on the amount of research fund.
Findings
The development in nanotechnology is associated with presence and accessibility of sensitive laboratory equipment. The nanotechnology research output in Jordan is still lower than it should be due to the lack of necessary laboratory infrastructure. This is due to the insufficient funds allocated to scientific research, the restrictive access to available instruments and the bureaucracy of some governmental departments. Compared to some developed countries, Jordan is noticeably behind in developing a nanotechnology system of research and industry. It will take time as well as technical and financial resources in order to achieve an advanced level in the field of nanotechnology in Jordan. Nevertheless, many Jordanian researchers are doing their best and are producing some good research articles.
Research limitations/implications
The many applications to the same approach.
Practical implications
Time and publications’ resources.
Social implications
Peer cooperation.
Originality/value
First comprehensive review ever. A base for researchers and decision makers.
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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.