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Unlocking Prosperity: The Role of ICTs in Alleviating Poverty in Middle East and Africa
Get PDFMost countries in the Middle East and Africa region (MEA) have recently witnessed digital improvements despite the increase in poverty rates. This thesis investigates the potential relationship of Information and Communication Technologies and poverty reduction using annual unbalanced panel data for 21 MENA countries and 48 Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries from 1990 to 2022. By focusing on two primary ICT indicators representing ICT usage and access—internet penetration and mobile subscriptions— our research applies Fixed-Effects Two Stage Least Square (2SLS) economic model to explore their relationship with the poverty headcount ratio at the $2.15 per day international poverty line. The 2SLS results suggest a significant, negative correlation between ICT and the poverty headcount ratio in MEA countries. In other words, an improvement in both the internet access and the mobile usage is associated with a significant decrease in the poverty headcount ratio, controlling for other variables. These results are robust to different estimation techniques
The Inflammatory Exposome of Major Depressive Disorder in an Egyptian Sample
Get PDFMajor depressive disorder (MDD) has been recognized as a global public health concern affect-ing the lives of 264 million people with increasing prevalence worldwide. Inspired by the expo-somic research, this study aims to investigate the dynamic and complex interplay between dif-ferent demographic, lifestyle, environmental factors and bimolecular factors that are potentially involved in the pathology of MDD in a sample of Egyptian adults living in Cairo. This is in an attempt to acknowledge the biological underpinnings of MDD without underestimating the role of environmental influences. The context of Egypt provides richness to the current study given the national transition from an agricultural society, to a more industrialized one. The sample in-cluded 107 adults from both genders between the ages of 18 and 50. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from different social and community platforms. Participants were excluded on the basis of having comorbid psychotic or neurodegenerative disorders, terminal conditions and cognitive disabilities that might interfere with their clinical presentation. A com-prehensive questionnaire was developed and then refined to collect demographic, psychosocial, lifestyle and environmental data in addition to a mini mental state examination (MMSE). Addi-tionally, the Arabic version of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms and to generate a symptoms profile. The translated Mini In-ternational Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI 7.0.2) was used to diagnostically differentiate be-tween participants with MDD and healthy controls in addition to identifying cases of past episodes and recurrent episodes of MDD. Participants were also required to give blood samples for the examination of a wide range of biomarkers that are theoretically expected to be linked with MDD. These included EGF, FGF-2, FGF-9, FGF-21, FGF-22, IFN-γ, IGF-1, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α , VEGFC, and VEGFD in addition to complete blood parameters. Statistical analysis were conducted including basic descriptive testing, correlational testing and mediation analysis. Results show several significant correlations between different inflammato-ry and neurotrophic biomarkers. Significant correlations were also established between different
lifestyle factors and MDD outcomes and different biomarkers and MDD outcomes. Some bio-markers (namely, EGF, FGF-2, FGF-21, FGF-9, IGF-1, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-6, TNF-α , VEGFD, WBC, MCH and RBC) showed symptom-specific correlations. More in-depth analysis revealed the mediational effect of a few biomarkers between some risk factors and MDD outcomes. Howev-er, some challenges limit the generalizability of the findings including the sample size, the cross-sectional study design and the use of peripheral rather than central biomarkers. In conclusion and despite its limitations, this study offers valuable insights about the complexity of MDD in an Egyptian sample combining psychosocial, environmental and biomolecular data. Such find-ings highlight the pressing need for a more personalized approach in the study of MDD and other psychiatric disorders. It shows real potential of investing in precision mental health re-search for the development and enhancement of personalized intervention and prevention strategies
Investment Strategies of GCC Sovereign Wealth Funds: Aligning National Development and Geopolitical Goals
Get PDFThis thesis examines how Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) prioritize and implement investment strategies in the context of national development and geopolitical dynamics. Using a qualitative case study approach, it analyzes the assets, key industries, leadership, and historical evolution of major GCC SWFs (ADIA, Mubadala, ADQ, QIA, and PIF) based on publicly made available information.
The findings show that GCC SWFs prioritize investments in strategic sectors, geographical destinations, and the private sector. These investments align closely with their respective national development plans, such as \u27We the UAE 2031\u27, Qatar National Vision 2030, and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Additionally, the findings reveal a linkage between GCC SWF investment strategies and their countries\u27 respective geopolitical aspirations. In terms of implementation, the research shows that GCC countries heavily incorporate the ruling elite into positions of authority within their SWFs to integrate investment strategies with national ambitions. Moreover, investment strategies are implemented through unique organizational structures within each SWF, designed to best achieve its irrespective countries national development goals and geopolitical aspirations.
The thesis serves as a timely analysis as the region seeks to diversify its economy away from oil revenue and modernize its society, using SWFs as major vehicles of change. Insights from the thesis clarify how SWFs have evolved into pivotal tools for national development, driving economic diversification and enhancing geopolitical positioning in the GCC
Navigating the Rules: Integrating TD3 and Sensor Fusion for Traffic-Aware Autonomous Vehicle Path Planning
Get PDFThis work presents a novel algorithm for local path planning for autonomous vehicles (AVs) which prioritizes both safety and adherence to traffic regulations, addressing critical functions for AV navigation, such as navigating complex environments, avoiding obstacles, and ensuring passenger and road users safety. The algorithm integrates the Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (TD3) with sensor fusion based on Nvidia Convolutional Neural Network (NCNN). The study utilizes the CARLA simulator, and real-world datasets, including KITTI and WAYMO, to train and evaluate the proposed algorithm. The proposed algorithm leverages the complementary strengths of Imitation Learning (IL) and Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) techniques, IL utilizes human driving data to provide the DRL agent with a foundation for safe and rule-abiding behavior, while the DRL agent refines its decision-making capabilities through real-time interaction with the environment. This combined approach aims to overcome limitations associated with individual techniques, such as long training time for DRL and lack of generalizability of supervised learning methods. Results from the CARLA simulations demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method and sensor fusion in obstacle detection and navigation precision. Realworld testing further validated the model’s ability to generalize from simulated environments to actual driving conditions, highlighting its potential for practical deployment in autonomous vehicles
Reducing Water Footprint in Portland Cement Concrete Manufacturing
Get PDFDespite water covering roughly 71 percent of the Earth\u27s surface in various forms, including oceans, seas, ice caps, glaciers, lakes, and atmospheric moisture, there is a looming crisis concerning freshwater availability. Wastage occurs across diverse sectors such as households, commercial establishments, industries, agriculture, and transportation hubs. For instance, an average household squanders around 70 gallons (265 liters) of water per day. Moreover, the concrete industry significantly contributes to water consumption, utilizing approximately 16.6 × 109 m3 annually, with each square meter of construction requiring about 410 liters of water. This wastage occurs throughout the concrete manufacturing process, prompting the necessity to explore direct and indirect methods to curtail freshwater consumption, both within the production process and the concrete mix itself.
This study aims at providing a comprehensive understanding of the state of freshwater footprint in the concrete industry to seek means to reduce its consumption without compromising on its performance. To achieve this objective, the research proposes conducting comprehensive case studies involving concrete factories and stone crushers to assess current water usage and waste levels. By scrutinizing various stages of production, from raw material extraction to finished product manufacturing, the research aims to pinpoint areas where water conservation measures can be implemented effectively. Additionally, our investigation extends to examining efforts made by factories to diminish wastewater generation, thereby addressing environmental concerns, and promoting sustainable practices within the industry.
Extensive research revealed that the primary concrete-producing countries are facing notable water stress. Moreover, there\u27s a limited number of studies globally addressing the water footprint in concrete manufacturing, with none originating from the Middle East. This underscores the significance of this research as a crucial starting point for addressing the water footprint in concrete manufacturing and devising strategies to mitigate it
Nourriture, identité et enjeux de pouvoir dans le roman \u3ci\u3eBoadour\u3c/i\u3e de Firmin Lacpatia / إشكاليات الطعام والهوية والقوة في رواية \u3c/b\u3eبوادور\u3cb\u3e لفيرمان لاكپاتيا
No full textFollowing abolition in 1848, the colonial enterprise set up the indentureship system in Reunion Island. This system involved bringing Chinese and Indian labourers under contract to work on sugar cane plantations. The aim of this article is to study the role of food in the adaptation of workers to their new environment in the novel Boadour : Du Gange à la rivière des Roches written by Reunionese writer Firmin Lacpatia and published in 1978. Svetlana Boym’s The Future of Nostalgia and Michel de Certeau’s The Practise of Everyday Life serve as the article’s theoretical framework.
عقب إلغاء العبودية في عام ١٨٤٨ ، أسست المنظومة الاستعمارية نظام السخرة في جزيرة لا ريونيون، حيث اعتمد النظام استقبال عمال من الصين والهند للعمل بمزارع قصب السكر. تهدف المقالة إلى دراسة دور الطعام في إطار محاولة عمال السخرة التأقلم في بيئتهم الجديدة في رواية بوادور للكاتب فيرمان لاكپاتيا من جزيرة لا ريونيون، التي نشرت عام ١٩٧٨، بالإفادة من كتابيّ مستقبل النوستالجيا لسفيتلانا بويم وابتكار الحياة اليومية لميشيل دو سارتو بوصفهما إطاراً نظرياً للمقالة
Food Studies in the Arab World: An Interview /دراسات الطعام في الوطن العربي: حوار
No full textIn this interview, Middle East historian and Food Studies scholar Anny Gaul addresses questions gathered from scholars and students from different fields of the humanities and social sciences. She provides her insights on using food as an approach to studying Middle Eastern history, society, culture, and literature, and grapple with ideas on modernity, gender, and colonization. For Gaul, cooking through a written recipe is a form of close reading: it forces her to scrutinize instructions, note what is missing, and analyze form and language. This and other methods for studying food culture offer novel ways to bridge the study of cultural texts and social practices.
تجيب آني جول، مؤرخة الشرق الأوسط وباحثة دراسات الطعام، عن أسئلة مجموعة من الأساتذة والطلبة من شتى العلوم الاجتماعية والإنسانيات. تعطي جول تصوراتها حول استخدام الطعام بوصفه مدخلاً نقدياً في دراسة تاريخ الشرق الأوسط ومجتمعاته وثقافاته وآدابه، وفي مقاربة مفاهيم متعلقة بالحداثة والجندر والاستعمار. تصف جول الطبخ باستخدام وصفة مكتوبة بأنها وسيلة للقراءة الفاحصة، حيث تجبرها على تدقيق المقادير والمواقيت، والحكم على ما لم تذكره الوصفة، والالتفات إلى بنية الوصفة ولغتها. وتوفر هذه الطريقة، ضمن طرق أخرى تتطرق إليها جول، أساليب جديدة لسد الفجوة بين دراسة النصوص الثقافية والممارسات الاجتماعية
«لامية العرب»: الشاعر الجائع والبحث عن قيم جديدة / The Hungry Poet of “Lāmiyyat al-‘Arab” and the Search for New Values
No full textتستكشف هذه المقالة مظاهر الجوع وتوصيفه في قصيدة «لامية العرب» للشنفرى الذي يمثل الشعراء الصعاليك وأعرافهم، ويبني نصه على فكرة الجوع وظلالها. تتشابك التمثيلات المتعددة للجوع بشكل صريح وضمني في القصيدة لتعكس صدى الراوي المسكون بالجوع باستمرار والذي يحاول كبح الحاجة المُلحة إلى الطعام. تقترح المقالة إعادة قراءة القصيدة من منظور الجوع ليساعدنا على اكتشاف البنية الفنية والنفسية والأخلاقية فيها. كذلك تعطينا المقالة تصوراً مفاده أن الشنفرى في لاميته يتبنى الحرمان من الطعام كأسلوب حياة متلائم مع فلسفته في تجنب الاعتماد على البشر ومواردهم المادية، محاولاً اللجوء إلى بدائل عبر سبر أغوار الجسد الإنساني بفكره وشعره وطاقته الإنسانية في التحمل.
This article explores the manifestation and characterization of hunger in al-Shanfarā’s “Lāmiyyat al-‘Arab.” Representing the Ṣa‘ālik (the brigand-poets) and their mores, al-Shanfarā depicts a super-heroic persona, physically, mentally, and morally, while centering the poem on the hunger motif. The multiple representations of hunger are intertwined in the entire poem, resonating with the continuously hungry narrator and his struggle in suppressing the need for food. It argues that al-Shanfarā embraces hunger as a way of life, fitting his philosophy to avoid relying on human beings and their sources—while finding alternatives in nature and in one’s body and mind
الطعام والهُويّة السردية في رواية \u3cb\u3eأيام الشمس المشرقة لميرال الطحاوي / Food and Narrative Identity in \u3ci\u3eDays of the Rising Sun\u3c/i\u3e by Miral al-Tahawy
No full textتبدأ المقالة بتقديم مهادٍ نظري عام عن علاقة الطعام بالهُوية لتوضيح مدى رسوخ العلاقة بينهما، ثم تتناول بالتحليل رواية أيام الشمس المشرقة (٢٠٢٢) للروائية المصرية ميرال الطحاوي من خلال ثلاثة محاور هي: الطعام والطبقة، والطعام والجندر، والطعام والوطن، لتكشف عن الكيفيات التي بها يكون الطعام في حضوره وغيابه فاعلاً في بناء الهُويات السردية داخل الرواية. وذلك في محاولة للإجابة عن سؤال مركزي لهذه المقالة، ألا وهو: إلى أي مدى كانت العلاقة بين الطعام والهُوية السردية في رواية أيام الشمس المشرقة تجلياً من تجليات الصراع بين السلطة والحرية، سواء في الوطن الأصلي أو في وطن الأحلام (المهجر).
This article provides a theoretical preface on the relationship between food and identity, emphasizing the affinity between them. It analyzes Miral al-Tahawy’s novel Days of the Rising Sun (2022) by examining food and class, food and gender, and food and homeland. It aims to reveal the ways the presence and absence of food is active in building narrative identities within the novel, answering a central question: to what extent is the relationship between food and narrative identity in the novel a manifestation of the struggle between power and freedom, in the native homeland or in the diaspora (homeland of dreams)
QoE Fairness and Resilience Strategies for Access Point Failures in Smart Greenhouses
No full textNetworked Control Systems (NCSs) are often used in smart greenhouses for remote monitoring and control of various environmental factors. The crop yield is highly dependent on the proper monitoring and control of said factors. Often these NCSs utilize wireless sensors communicating with a controller. In this paper, the network involves Wi-Fi Access Points (APs) linking the sensors to the switched Ethernet network, on which the controller resides. The greenhouse is split into multiple cells, each with a dedicated AP. This research work revolves around the impact of AP failures. Spanning various failure scenarios, sensors may redirect their traffic to other functioning cell APs. In this paper, Riverbed Modeler is used to simulate a comprehensive and representative set of failure scenarios, with different traffic redirection schemes. The simulations produce measures of Packet Loss Rate (PLR), which is factored into a measure of Quality of Experience (QoE). Finally, QoE Fairness is calculated for the various redirection schemes, to identify the optimal redirection scheme, for each failure scenario. This serves as a case study for traffic redirection schemes in similar scenarios, and in a broader sense for the application of QoE Fairness in fault-tolerance planning