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Which Tools Can Aid the Management of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Community Based Heritage Organizations in Cairo? A Case Study of Shubra’s Archive
Get PDFThis thesis provides a comprehensive overview of cultural heritage management in Cairo, focusing particularly on intangible heritage and the potential benefits of digital tools in this field. It highlights the marginalization of community-based organizations in the broader narrative of heritage management in Cairo, along with the limited alignment and collaboration between local, national and international heritage institutions. Drawing from ethnographic research conducted at the Shubra’s Archive (SARD), this study identifies the challenges faced by such organizations, including the reliance on volunteers and international funding for mission implementation. It emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and collaboration with municipal and national entities to further the goals of community-based heritage management initiatives. The study also delves into the potential of digital tools in heritage management, highlighting their positive impact when implemented at the grassroots level. Based on empirical insights and conversations with SARD\u27s founder and volunteers, strategic recommendations are offered to enhance the organization\u27s effectiveness and sustainability. These recommendations include continued digitization efforts, community engagement, and collaboration with governmental bodies and other stakeholders. Looking ahead, the study advocates for ongoing research and innovation in heritage management. It emphasizes the importance of continual collaboration and adaptation to evolving contexts, both locally and globally, to ensure the preservation and promotion of intangible heritage in Cairo
Examining Undergraduate Students’ Learning Transfer from English for General Academic Purposes (EGAP) Courses to Discipline-Specific Courses
Get PDFThe principal aim of this study is to explore university students’ learning transfer from two English for General Academic Purposes (EGAP) courses into a variety of non-EGAP courses. The current study examines near and far transfer based on three dimensions of Barnett and Ceci’s (2002) transfer taxonomy. It investigates (a) the writing samples of undergraduate students from different majors, with a special focus on the transfer of five learning outcomes (LOs) namely: Sentence Structure, Essay Structure, Cohesion, Coherence, and Language Errors, (b) the impact of their majors on transfer, (c) their perceived transfer, and (d) their perceptions of the EGAP courses and writing performance. This study adopts a mixed method approach and utilizes two instruments, which are students’ EGAP and non-EGAP writing samples and a questionnaire, to answer the research questions. While a quantitative analysis is run on 41 questionnaire responses, a qualitative analysis is performed on 76 writing samples that are gathered from 38 students. Results reveal that successful transfer is found in the LOs of Sentence Structure, Cohesion, and Coherence while unsuccessful transfer is observed in the remaining LOs. On the contrary, when examining the same LOs across seven semesters, the successful transfer is mainly detected in far transfer contexts, specifically Cohesion in the 3rd semester and Sentence Structure in the 6th semester. As for the influence of majors on transfer, students could transfer more LOs in social science courses (near transfer) than in science courses (far transfer). Besides, there are some discrepancies between their perceived transfer, reported in the questionnaire, and their actual transfer, examined in writing samples. They think that their essay structure skills are better than their sentence structure strategies, yet the opposite is observed in their writing samples. Furthermore, they state that EGAP courses swing between helpful to somewhat helpful in sharpening their language skills. Finally, they believe their writing performance is very good in most of the examined LOs. These results imply that integrating more reviewing and proofreading sessions in the EGAP courses could improve students’ transfer. Also, raising EAP educators’ awareness of the influence of majors on learning transfer can lead to modifying their teaching strategies. Strengthening the collaboration between EGAP and discipline-specific instructors to enable students to draw associations between the two contexts is encouraged, as well
Promoting and Developing Industrial Organic Clusters in Egypt: Case Study of Damietta Furniture Cluster
Get PDFThis study examines the development of industrial clusters in Egypt, with a specific focus on the Damietta Furniture Cluster, an organic industrial cluster known for its rich tradition in furniture craftsmanship. These industrial clusters, which are primarily composed of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), are characterized by the geographical concentration of interconnected firms and institutions, play a critical role in fostering economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness, particularly in emerging economies. The research explores the key factors affecting the development of the Damietta Furniture Cluster, identifies the challenges it faces, and provides policy recommendations to enhance its growth and global competitiveness.
The study employs a qualitative research approach, utilizing 14 in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including government officials, business owners, and representatives from support organizations. The findings highlight the cluster\u27s strengths, such as its deep-rooted craftsmanship and a strong network of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). However, the cluster also faces significant challenges, including limited access to finance, outdated infrastructure, and the need for technological upgrades. These challenges are compounded by a restrictive legislative and regulatory environment, fragmentation among support organizations, and fluctuating prices for raw materials.
Based on the data analysis and findings, the study suggests various policy recommendations that build upon previous and current efforts and initiatives. Addressing these challenges is essential to unlocking the Damietta Furniture Cluster\u27s full potential and ensuring its sustainable growth in the global market.
This study contributes to the broader understanding of industrial clusters development in developing economies and offers practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders involved in the economic development of Egypt. Future research could expand on these findings by exploring comparative studies with other clusters in Egypt or similar contexts globally
Conflict and Resolution at the Table: The Role of Food in the TV Series \u3ci\u3eSuccession\u3c/i\u3e / الصراع وحله على طاولة الطعام: دور الطعام في المسلسل التلفزيوني \u3c/b\u3eالإرث\u3cb\u3e
No full textThis article examines the role of food in the TV series Succession from three perspectives: (1) as a symbol of wealth and class through food choices, the trappings of food presentation, and the power to choose not to eat; (2) as a device for juxtaposing the commonplace with the intensity of corporate drama triggering comic relief and continued audience engagement; and (3) as a marker of status and solidarity through the concepts of commensality, table manners, and hospitality that variously provide civility and respite from the dynastic blood-letting, family stability and identity, and opportunities for rapprochement, complicity, and violence.
تتناول المقالة دور الطعام في مسلسل الإرث (Succession) من خلال ثلاثة محاور: أولاً، بوصفه رمزاً للثراء والمستوى الاجتماعي من خلال اختيارات الطعام، وتمثلات عرضه، والقدرة على اختيار الترفع عنه؛ ثانياً، بوصفه وسيلة لمناقضة المألوف مع حدة الصراع الدرامي، الأمر الذي يؤدي إلى خلق الجانب الهزلي للأحداث واستمرار تفاعل الجمهور معها؛ وثالثاً، بوصفه مؤشراً للمكانة والتضامن، من خلال مبادئ الأكل والمؤاكلة والضيافة وآدابها، التي تخفف من نزيف الصراع العائلي، وتوفر للعائلة استقرارها، كما تمنح فرصاً للتقارب أو التواطؤ أو العنف
Extract from the Novel \u3ci\u3eKohl and Cardamom\u3c/i\u3e / مقتطف من رواية \u3c/b\u3eكحل وحبهان\u3cb\u3e
No full textOmar Taher’s novel Kohl and Cardamom is a deft and sensitive representation of Egyptian food culture. It tells the story of Abdullah along two subplots: the first features him as a troublemaking teenager, living with his family in a remote Egyptian town, while in the second he is a grown-up man living alone in Cairo. Throughout the two subplots, the narrative intimately depicts Egyptian food culture, with ample space given for the protagonist’s internal monologues about food, what it represents, and how it is linked to aspects of human life, such as the expression of affection, and the performance and reflection of gender roles and norms.
تستعرض رواية كحل وحبّهان لعمر طاهر ثقافة الطعام المصرية بحرفية وحساسية عالية. تحكي الرواية قصة عبد الله من خلال حبكتين فرعيتين. نراه في الأولى مراهقاً مشاغباً يعيش مع أسرته في بلدة مصرية نائية، على حين يظهر في الثانية في صورة رجل يعيش وحيداً في القاهرة. يحتل الطعام موقعاً مركزياً على مدار الحبكتين الفرعيتين، حيث يستعرض السرد مختلَف جوانب ثقافة الطعام المصرية، مبرزاً تأملات بطل الرواية حول الطعام، وأبعاده الرمزية، وعلاقته بعدد من جوانب حياة الإنسان، مثل التعبير عن المشاعر، والمعايير والممارسات الجندرية
What is Beyond Graduation for MENA Scholarship Alumni? Understanding the Global Journeys of Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship Alumni
Get PDFThe research conducted by the author delves deeply into the migration experiences of students from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with a specific focus on graduates of the Tomorrow\u27s Leaders scholarship program. Through the use of a case study methodology, the study investigates the complex interconnections between migration, development, inequality, and the students\u27 countries of origin.
The investigation critically analyzes the aftermath of pursuing higher education on a scholarship basis, shedding light on how migration experiences are intertwined with broader issues of development and inequality in the MENA region. Furthermore, the research examines the factors that drive students to pursue further studies abroad and provides insights into the policies and procedures governing their movement and entry into countries of education.
This contribution to the existing literature on the migration experiences of MENA scholarship recipients goes beyond by exploring the influence of social networks on migratory trajectories. The study emphasizes the need to understand the multifaceted factors that impact the mobility decisions of international students after graduation.
The findings of the research reveal a complex interplay of influences on students\u27 aspirations and migration plans, with the labor market and economic conditions playing crucial roles. The study indicates a growing trend where students intend to pursue higher education in third countries, influenced by social networks and family pressures. Furthermore, the research highlights the impact of historical events, such as the Arab Spring, which have contributed to increased emigration from the MENA region.
In conclusion, this research underscores the dynamic interplay between external circumstances and individual choices in shaping the experiences of international students. The challenges associated with securing post-graduation prospects often lead to irregular employment situations, while host countries emerge as spaces for holistic growth and the formation of meaningful social connections. Additionally, the study sheds light on the phenomenon of students returning to their home countries, emphasizing the temporary respite sought and the desire to reconnect with familial roots. Ultimately, personal experiences and social networks are identified as central factors that shape the complex post-graduation plans of MENA scholarship recipients
Fast and Accurate Automatic Design of Spiral Inductors from High-Level Specification
No full textIntegrated on-chip planar spiral inductors are widely employed in communication circuit blocks and other various electronic devices, thus becoming an essential passive component of RF integrated circuits (RFICs). A common vital spiral inductor design problem is determining the optimum layout parameters of spiral inductors that yield the desired inductance value and achieve highest quality factor at the intended operating frequency. Various approaches tackle this difficulty, but the most prevalent approaches for designing inductors are using an electromagnetic simulator or a library of pre-designed inductors. The latter approach requires an extensive amount of time and computational resources, whereas the former restricts the design space and performance. A further approach that has been extensively emerging recently is undergoing optimization algorithms, such as sequential quadratic programming, simulated annealing, artificial neural network, genetic algorithms… etc. This thesis presents a simple, fast, and accurate automated design approach of spiral inductors from high-level specifications based on parametric modeling. Since this approach is based on modeling, two novel wide-band models are proposed for the overlap coupling capacitance of the adjunct coplanar strips. These two models are tested against the simulation results obtained from the dominant mainstream electromagnetic simulators HFSS and EMX and have showed enhanced accuracy over previously proposed models in literature especially at high frequencies. One of the proposed models was selected and implemented using a JavaScript software tool on Google Apps Script platform. The App has a user-friendly interface that automatically finds the optimal design of spiral inductors. This tool achieves the target user high-level specifications within a maximum error bound of seven percent when compared to the simulation results from EMX, which can reduce designing time and hence product time to market
Thermal Insulation and Fire Protection Plaster for FRP System Incorporating Aerogel Nanoparticles and Phyllosilicates
No full textFor more than two decades, new innovative materials have been introduced to the market such as nano materials that can be utilized for their high performance in different aspects of the construction industry. Structural repair and strengthening is one of the most demanding fields in the construction industry for innovative and high-performance materials due to its specialty. Time, quality, economy, and sustainability are the main factors that control this field, and for that, new systems keep being introduced to the market to reduce the time of repair and enhance its efficiency. Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) Systems are the most advanced type of systems that have been used in the strengthening and repair field for the last few decades for their minimal time of application, limited space needed, and high durability. However, FRP Systems still has a major drawback that limits its utilization in many projects, namely its low fire resistance. Several research have been investigating different types of fire insulations that are already being used in regular Reinforced Concrete (RC) elements and steel elements, however, due to the low failure temperature of the FRP system these insulation types do not perform as efficient as with other structural systems. One of the new novel materials that was introduced lately to the market with a substantial thermal performance is Aerogel, which has been widely utilized in different fields such as bio-medicine and aerospace.
This study attempted to develop fire-protective plaster incorporating nano silica-aerogel particles, phyllosilicates, and different mineral and chemical additives. During the experimental process, different surfactants were assessed as wetting agents, and their impact on both mechanical and thermal properties of both cement and mineral matrices was studied. Finally, the selected plaster was evaluated under fire conditions according to international codes of practice such as ASTM E119.
The results reveal that aerogel incorporation in mineral (gypsum) matrix was successfully achieved using various types of surfactants as wetting agents. Mechanical and thermal performance of plasters developed showed promising outcome along with fire rating performance reaching 82 minutes protection for FRP system
Self-assessment as a Learning Tool in EFL Writing Classrooms: Perceptions of Egyptian Teachers and Adult Learners
Get PDFThe principal aim of this study is to examine the perceptions of adult Egyptian EFL learners and Egyptian EFL teachers on the use of self-assessment as an assessment-for-learning tool in adult EFL courses offered at a private language institution in Cairo, Egypt. It is centered around three main areas of investigation pertaining to the perceptions of adult Egyptian EFL learners and Egyptian EFL teachers on the usefulness of self-assessment, the challenges they face when using self-assessment in adult EFL writing classes, and the affordances that should be given to both groups to ensure the successful application of self-assessment in EFL writing classes. The study aims to fill a gap in the literature by examining the topic of self-assessment within the context of adult EFL language courses, a context which has not been sufficiently investigated.
The study adopts a mixed-methods approach in which questionnaire and interview data were collected and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The study explored the perceptions of two main groups: EFL teachers and adult EFL learners at the institution. A total of 40 teachers responded to the teacher questionnaire, and five teachers were interviewed. A total of 40 learners enrolled in English language courses for adult learners in the same institution responded to the student questionnaire, and four students were interviewed.
The results from quantitative and qualitative data analysis reveal that both EFL teachers and learners hold positive views about the usefulness of self-assessment as a tool to improve writing skills in adult EFL classes. Major benefits reported by both groups include the promotion of learners\u27 autonomy and the increased awareness of the learners about their English writing. In addition, several key challenges have been identified, such as the teachers’ and learners’ lack of training on self-assessment, the learners’ resistance to self-assessment and the lack of clear self-assessment criteria. The teachers and learners reported certain affordances to address these issues. The key affordances that have been identified are the standardization of self-assessment in language institutions and the provision of training for both teachers and learners.
This study has implications for the practice of EFL teaching. One implication is that EFL teachers are encouraged to incorporate more self-assessment practices in their writing classes given their role in improving learners’ autonomy and awareness. In addition, private language institutions are advised to initiate policy changes that facilitate the incorporation of self-assessment in their instructional models to promote more learning-oriented assessment practices aimed at improving the learning and teaching processes
Green Fame on TikTok Analyzing digital persuasion appeals on climate change discourse among the public and youth.
Get PDFIn a constantly changing media ecosystem, TikTok is gaining prominence and attention, particularly among youth and Gen Z. The platform’s unique affordances are recently being utilized by young voices to promote self-expression and social activism. Consequently, TikTok’s changing nature is giving space for serious social and political issues impacting the future of young generations on topics such as climate change. By analyzing the top N=400 TikTok videos from the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), this study contributes to rare knowledge of utilizing TikTok’s affordances in scientific and political topics such as climate change, using the rhetorical appeals: ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade. As young agents of change, youth are considered central to public policy, and their voices and participation are integral from a sustainable and developmental aspect.
The study also explores the impact that the intervention had on public interaction with information and the formulation of opinions on climate change. The findings indicate that the COP as an intervention shifted the persuasion pattern among youth, from being heavily dominated by emotions (pathos) to using more logical and evidence-based persuasion methods (logos and ethos). With around (75%) of emotional appeal prominence (pathos), logos followed with (63.5%) and ethos were the least prominent with (42%). The dominance of high sentiments towards the topic reflects how youth utilize TikTok’s affordances to express their sadness and fear (32.8%), as well as hope for climate action (16%).
By reflecting on the global narrative, the findings suggest that it is critical to sustain international awareness raising by synergizing online and offline efforts on climate change to create momentum. As presented in the study, the intervention had a significant impact on creating affective publics in the short and long run. However, their persuasion methods faded and reverted to the initial pattern.
The power of social media platforms such as TikTok and its affordances allows youth to visually discuss and intervene in experts’ level conversation, that usually takes place among politicians, journalists, scholars, and scientists. Despite not offering expert-level advice on the causes, affects, and solutions, youth have established a global network that is concerned with global affairs that goes beyond boundaries, which proves that today we live in a ‘digital village’