13780 research outputs found
Sort by
Toward Transformative Social Protection: Integrating Economic Empowerment and Addressing Graduation Challenges in Egypt’s Takaful and Karama Program
Full text linkThis study investigates how Egypt\u27s Takaful and Karama Program (TKP) can enhance long-term poverty reduction and program sustainability through the inclusion of economicempowerment interventions. Based on the frameworks of Social Risk Management 2.0 and Transformative Social Protection, the study places Egypt\u27s experience in the context of international discussions about conditional cash transfers, multidimensional poverty, and graduation models. The study uses a qualitative methodology, conducting semi-structured interviews with academics, civil society experts, and policymakers. The interviews\u27 findings are supported by content analysis of policy documents and impact evaluations on TKP and Forsa. According to the research analysis, cash transfers help alleviate poverty in the short term, but they rarely allow for a long-term escape from poverty without the help of other transformative and promotive interventions. Both programs face challenges like weak design, targeting, dependency, and limited institutional coordination. The study recommends embedding Forsa into TKP registration, redefining TKP as an asset- and livelihood-building program, and promoting gradual graduation through bundled support and extended assistance. Aligning these reforms with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the SDGs would enable a shift from protective to transformative social protection, advancing sustainable inclusion and resilience
Journeys of Emancipation, Struggle, or Both? Accounts from Professional Egyptian Migrant Women in Germany
Full text linkThis thesis explores the migration experiences of a group of professional Egyptian migrant women living in Germany. By employing a qualitative approach, primarily through semi-structured interviews, and guided by migration literature, this research attempts to move away from the oversimplistic approach that migration is an ‘either or’ reality. Mainstream migration scholarship, specifically that focusing on migrant women, tends to focus on depicting migration within an emancipation-struggle binary, presenting migrant women either as victims or as heroines. This work, antithetically, describes how migrant women experiences can be complex, highlighting, both instances of strength and struggle. Grounded in the words of the participants, this thesis presents their migration motivations, the challenges they face as migrants in Germany, and the positive impact that their migration journeys have on them. Along the way, this thesis emphasizes how gender and social norms act as a significant motivating factor of migration for professional Egyptian migrant women and how that is tightly interconnected with other economic, personal, and political motivations. Towards the end, this work also aims at depicting the transnational identities that these migrant women develop through migration and how these identities are dynamic, temporal, and changing in nature. Finally, this thesis highlights some of these migrant women’s future dreams and aspirations, emphasizing their ‘on-holdness’ and their delays due to migration management bureaucracies
Compositing LaSrMnO3 perovskite and graphene oxide nanoribbons for highly stable asymmetric electrochemical supercapacitors
No full textThe anticipated large contribution of renewable energy resources to the sector of energy production strongly motivated the development of energy storage technologies, of which supercapacitors have drawn a lot of attention. In this work, Lanthanum-Strontium-Manganese-oxide (LSMO) perovskite nanoparticles, graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs), and LSMO-GONRs composite were synthesized and tested as electrode materials for supercapacitor applications. The LSMO was synthesized using the co-precipitation/calcination method, while the GONRs were synthesized using the oxidative unzipping of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The physical/chemical structures were studied using XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, SAED, and XPS. In 1 M KOH, the LSMO-GONRs electrode exhibited a specific capacitance of 490F/g compared to 342F/g and 294F/g for GONRs and LSMO electrodes, respectively, at 1 A/g, showcasing a performance that is not just superior but truly impressive, to the different types of perovskite/carbon-based material composites. The fabricated asymmetric SC device of LSMO-GONRs//GONRs exhibited a potential window of 1.7 V, a specific capacitance of 92.3F/g, an energy density of 38 Wh/kg, and a power density of 860 W/kg at 1 A/g. Moreover, the LSMO-GONRs//GONRs device showed excellent capacity retention and Coulombic efficiency after 10,000 cycles at 10 A/g, revealing the promising employment of LSMO-GONRs composite as a highly stable material for supercapacitor applications
Three-dimensional spectrum coverage gap map construction in cellular networks: A non-linear estimation approach
No full textData collection techniques can be used to determine the coverage conditions of a cellular communication network within a given area. In such tasks, the data acquisition process faces significant challenges for larger or inaccessible locations. Such challenges can be alleviated through the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This way, data acquisition obstacles can be overcome to acquire and process the necessary data points with relative ease to estimate a full area coverage map for the concerned network. In this study, we formulate the problem of deploying a UAV to acquire the minimum possible measurement data points in a geographical region for the purpose of constructing a full communication coverage gap map for this region. We then devise an estimation model that utilizes the measured data samples and determines the noise/loss levels of the communication links at the other unvisited spots of the region accordingly. The proposed estimation model is based on a cascade-forward neural network to allow for both nonlinear and direct linear relationships between the input data and the output estimations. We further investigate the conventional method of using linear regression estimators to decide on the received power levels at the different locations of the examined area. Our simulation evaluations show that the proposed nonlinear estimator outperforms the conventional linear regression technique in terms of the communication coverage error level while using the minimum possible collected data points. These minimum data points are then used in constructing a complete coverage gap map visualization that demonstrates the overall network service conditions within the surveyed region
Framing the Sudanese Refugee Flows to Egypt Across Traditional and Social Media.
Full text linkThis thesis examines the framing of Sudanese refugees in Egyptian media during the first year of the Sudanese conflict (April 2023–March 2024). Employing a content analysis framework, the research investigates content from three Egyptian newspapers—Al Ahram, Al Masry Al Youm, and Al Wafd—alongside tweets from the social media platform X. The study identifies recurring frames, themes, and narratives, highlighting differences between traditional media and social media platforms in their portrayal of Sudanese refugees. Key findings reveal that neutral tone dominate traditional media, focusing on factual reporting, followed by negative, then positive tones. Conversely, social media predominantly features negative narratives, such as social rejection, mass influx and economic strain, reflecting public fears and stereotypes. The most dominant frames found in online media were the mass influx, economic threat, and vulnerability frames. While unique frames on social media, including humanitarian advocacy and call for actions, demonstrate its potential for mobilization and raising awareness. Although social media allows the opinion of normal people to appear, yet concerns around its credibility remain a critical issue. Recommendations include fostering more balanced and inclusive media representation of refugees, emphasizing transparency, and addressing public concerns through informed coverage
The Role of Planetary Health in the Context of Healthcare Sustainability; An Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes & Practices of Healthcare Sector Workers in Egypt
No full textIntroduction: Climate change imposes escalating threats to human health and well-being globally. The healthcare sector, as a key contributor to environmental degradation, must address its ecological footprint while supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation policies that promote planetary health. This study investigates Egyptian healthcare professionals\u27 awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding planetary health and healthcare sustainability and explores barriers to their implementation. With healthcare at the frontlines of climate change impacts, assessing professionals\u27 readiness for this role, provides evidence to mobilize Egyptian health systems to safeguard community health within a climate-challenged future. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap and stimulates progress toward sustainable healthcare in Egypt.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design used a standardized questionnaire to measure the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the healthcare sector personnel in Egypt. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive, correlation, and regression methods.
Results: The findings highlight current gaps in the climate literacy of healthcare workers revealing moderate knowledge levels (52%) and a notable disparity between attitudes (77%) and sustainable practices (18%). The findings also provide a perspective on incorporating sustainability into healthcare delivery, as it recognizes the lack of time, awareness, and patient interest as the main barriers to implementing sustainable health practices in Egypt.
Conclusion: This research provides baseline data on Egyptian healthcare practitioners\u27 readiness to incorporate planetary health principles into their medical practice. The findings can inform educational policies and interventions to build the healthcare workforce\u27s capacity for planetary health, enabling the sector to exemplify sustainability leadership and contribute to the global efforts in its war against climate change and advancing planetary health
A Global Assessment Tool for Reduction of CO2 Emissions Associated with Portland Cement and Relevant Sectors
No full textThe cement industry is key in the global construction development taking place, yet it contributes to environmental drawbacks, particularly global warming. Cement production is estimated to be responsible for 8% of the global CO2 emissions. There are global efforts to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with cement production. In addition to CO2 emissions, cement plants contribute to environmental dilapidation, poor air quality, and public health problems through NOx, Sox, and particulate matters emissions. Cement production is an intensive energy process, fossil fuel and raw materials consumer. Therefore, there are some challenges facing the cement industry to implement sustainable measures in its manufacturing processes and products. Evaluating the sustainability of cement plants and their manufacturing process is becoming a necessity. For that, an assessment framework for effectively identify, assess, categorize, and rate the most applicable CO2 improvement measure is proposed.
This work has three correlated parts. The first part is the proposed set of improvement measures, based on the 5Cs approach for decarbonizing the cement industry and the sustainability pillars, for evaluating the sustainability of cement plants. These measures should represent a roadmap to CO2 reduction potentials considering the materials and energy streams within the cement production process. The concept of “Cleaner production” was used as a supporting theoretical concept for the logical flow of the measures. The measures were prioritized based on the hierarchy process and by integrating the industry and academic experts’ opinions. The second part is the building of an assessment model, using software tool, to evaluate and rate the implementation level of each improvement measure in cement plants. Through a structured yet flexible model each measure was evaluated based on assessment questions that are given significance factors and percentages compiled by the industry surveys, experts, site visits, and literature. A score for each measure is computed by the tool and is reflected in the overall cement plant score. The model is automated to formulate the results in a color-coded rating system.
Furthermore, the third part is the application of the assessment tool on two major international cement plants operated also in Egypt. The results from the two cement plants provide insights about the most implemented CO2 reduction measures and the ones that need further implementation. Both plants’ have applied some sustainability measures and advancements in the industry that are reflected in the overall plants scores. Additionally, plant A computed overall score is 3.315, and plant B score is 3.441. The results are promising for the implementation level of CO2 improvement measures for both plants. The assessment tool facilitates the decision-making and investments allocations through prioritizing the scores of each measure. However, the transition of the cement industry towards net-zero emissions by 2050 requires continuous innovation, capital investments, regulation support, and global collaboration
The Role of Business Viability Assessments in Microcredit - The Case of Egypt
Full text linkThis paper aims to examine the role of business assessments of microfinance applicants and its correlation with microbusiness success as measured in income generated. The key research question of this study is: How do the results of business viability assessments influence the income generated by these businesses? The research methodology used in this study is a combination of both qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative research includes in-depth interviews with 10 microfinance institutions (MFIs) in five governorates (Al-Sharqia, Assiut, Beni Suef, Giza, and Minya) across Egypt. The quantitative research includes an interviewer-administered questionnaire of 151 micro-business owners who have been in operation for a period of 6 to 12 months. The study found a strong positive correlation between the total score of the business viability assessment and the income level generated by the business.
Business assessments can serve as a practical solution in underserved communities where applicants have limited or no collateral, thereby expanding the support capacity of microfinance institutions (MFIs) that currently rely on collateral as their primary risk-mitigation tool. Inputs from in-depth interviews with Egyptian MFIs indicate a strong favoring of those with existing businesses (operating for more than one year) over newly established ones and idea-stage applicants. As a result, individuals without collateral often face higher perceived risk and are less likely to secure microloans. Therefore, this study emphasizes the role of incorporating effective business assessments as a complementary screening measure—one that reduces collateral-based bias and strengthens the potential for business success and subsequent loan repayment
The Influence of the UN Watercourses Convention on the Development of a Policy Design in the Nile River Basin
Full text linkThe adoption in 1997 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-navigational Uses of International Watercourses (UN Watercourses Convention or UNWC) marked a milestone in the codification and progressive development of international water law. Similarly, the signature in 2010 by the majority of the Nile Basin states of the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) was a major step towards a permanent legal and institutional framework as well as a significant shift from the currently applicable legal regime in the basin. The research concludes that the principles enshrined in the UNWC can assist future regional treaty negotiations, thereby enhancing its universal status in the development of transboundary watercourse agreements.
The investigation includes an analysis of the UNWC impact on the case of GERD dispute, emphasizing the role of the UNWC in mitigating conflicts and promoting cooperation, the thesis delves briefly into case studies, to illustrate real-world applications. The findings demonstrate the compatibility and efficacy of UNWC principles in facilitating equitable transboundary water management. However, the challenges in implementation, including fact-finding, conflicts of interest, and political considerations, underscore the need for a ‘neutral’ third-party intervention.
Within a policy design perspective, the thesis explores how the identified principles of international law have been employed in prolonged negotiations, offering insights that could inform the resolution of the Egypt-Ethiopia conflict. While acknowledging that international law principles alone may not completely resolve the conflict. Emphasizing both the principle of equitable and reasonable use and a human needs approach, the thesis suggests that these frameworks have the potential to shift the narrative away from a security-focused approach and a zero-sum game perspective. Instead, they encourage an approach grounded in the importance of cooperation between the involved parties, offering a pathway for a more constructive resolution to the conflict
MiR-125a-3p and its Targets: Promising Biomarkers for Ovarian, Liver, and Breast Cancers, Offering a Beacon of Hope for More Effective Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies
No full textCancer is a worldwide health problem with various genetic and epigenetic alterations, resulting in disease heterogeneity. Effective diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring markers have been determined recently; however, new diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic markers are needed. MicroRNAs (miRNA), short non-coding RNAs, have a highlighted role in cancer progression, migration, and programmed cell death. Our study aims to investigate the significance of miR-125a-3p and its downstream targets in breast (BRCA), hepatocellular (HCC), and ovarian (OVCA) malignancies and their possibility as diagnostic biomarkers and targets for therapeutic agents. Bioinformatics and online tools were used to determine the miRNA-predicted downstream targets, analyze GEO datasets, and perform functional annotation of the miRNA-target genes. We tested the levels of miR-125a-3p and its targeted genes expression in SKOV-3, Hep G2, and MCF-7 cell lines in addition to ovarian cancer tissue samples and SKOV-3 treated with paclitaxel (PTX) using qPCR. Combining the in silico and in vitro analyses, miR-125a-3p was significantly downregulated in BRCA, OVCA and HCC. At the same time, it was significantly elevated in the ovarian cancer tissue samples obtained from pre-treated patients, indicating that miR-125a-3p is an oncosuppressor miRNA. Our in silico analysis determined BOK and ARHGEF39 as potential downstream targets of miR-125a-3p. BOK was significantly downregulated in BRCA and HCC cancers; on the contrary, its expression was raised in OVCA. It was also upregulated in OVCA pre-treated samples and cell lines. ARHGEF39 was significantly upregulated in BRCA, HCC, and OVCA and downregulated in pre-treated OVCA samples and cell lines. Finally, our findings suggest miR-125a-3p, BOK, and ARHGEF39 could serve as possible diagnostic and monitoring biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment