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The Confluence of Big Data and Cloud Computing in SME Adoption Strategies
Full text linkThis paper explores the adoption of cloud computing and big data technologies in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), focusing on synthesizing key factors influencing adoption. By conducting a comprehensive literature review and analyzing theoretical frameworks such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, this study proposes a novel conceptual model tailored to the unique socio-economic context of SMEs in the MENA region. The methodology includes an analysis of 30 research articles, highlighting enablers and barriers to adoption. Key contributions include a taxonomy of factors and actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners. This research addresses gaps in existing studies by providing a region-specific perspective on cloud computing and big data technologies adoption for SMEs. This strong tendency towards services provided by cloud computing is very clear, and to shape their future IT, it’s worth highlighting the existence of such technology. A synthesis of the literature on cloud computing adoption was presented in this paper classifying reviews based on factors that play an important role in taking the adoption decision incorporating the theoretical frameworks. Moreover, the relationship between big data and cloud computing has been explored. In addition to proposing a synthesized findings model, this paper includes various factors derived from the literature and related theoretical frameworks. In this paper we select research articles from broadly recognized research databases, as well as undertaking a comprehensive review of these selected articles focusing on the adoption of cloud computing and big data. It also includes a bibliography containing the most relevant publications in these domains, from 2011 to 2024. By examining 30 articles, the objectives of the paper are to analyze data derived from articles as well as to study the academic frameworks used in both developing and developed nations. Inferring this knowledge is important to the growing cloud computing market and accelerating its utilization among SMEs in the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA) region was the intent behind working on this paper.Publishe
Keeping the magic alive : The multiple functions of magic concepts
No full textDespite scholarly fascination with magic concepts, empirical research on how they fare in practice is scarce. This study explores how magic concepts retain their magic when used in public organizations. Using survey data and case studies, we identify “trust” as a magic concept in Scandinavian municipalities and develop a typology of its four central functions. We find that the concept of trust is used to confirm and confront old organizational practices, as well as to calibrate and catalyze new ones. We suggest that the multivocal character of magic concepts enables them to fit multiple agendas simultaneously, strengthening their ability to stay magic.
Breaking Norms : Depictions of Violent Girls in Swedish Newspapers
No full textThis study explores the portrayal of girls engaged in violence within Swedish newspapers, focusing on contemporary representations in the media landscape. News media plays a pivotal role in shaping societal perceptions and norms, including those surrounding violence and gender. Analyzing media depictions of girls’ violence is crucial as it influences our understanding of gender norms and violence. We examined newspaper articles from 2021 to discern how violent girls were depicted, the portrayal of their actions, and whether they were given agency in the narratives. Utilizing gender theory with an intersectional lens, we scrutinized how Swedish media reported on and portrayed girls’ violence. Three key themes emerged: the characteristics of violent girls, the forms of violence, and explanations for their behavior. Notably, explanations for girls’ violence often focused narrowly on individual or relational factors, neglecting broader social contexts. Additionally, the girls were rarely given a platform to express their perspectives. Media portrayals positioned them as deviant from both feminine and violent norms, reinforcing societal stereotypes
Teachers’ Facebook rebellion groups: Sites for professional collegial deliberation?
No full textThis study examines conversations in a Swedish teachers’ School Rebellion (SR) group on Facebook, a group that attracts members who wish to engage in activism for a different and better Swedish school system and improved conditions for teachers. The phenomenon of teachers’ Rebellion Facebook groups is relatively new. It has emerged in several countries over the past decade and clearly differs from traditional online teacher collaboration and professional development groups. Placing the Swedish SR initiative in the context of discussions on changing teacher professionalism over the last decade, the aim of this study is to examine what content is given presence in SR posts and how it is discussed by members and to determine the extent to which the communication between the participating teachers has the potential to strengthen collective professionalism. To this end, curriculum theory and the concept of deliberative communication are combined to address questions of content and various relations between actors and levels, such as power and responsibility issues. The analysis shows that many topics related to teaching and education appear in the conversations, deliberative approaches vary from what is termed pre-deliberative to deliberative and even counter-deliberative. Although all participants have a voice, the administrators’ role is shown to be of special interest. Based on these findings, the administrators’ responsibility to maintain professional collegial deliberation is discussed as a complex mission of deliberation over political, pedagogical, and practical issues
Scale-size dependent multi-continuum homogenization of complex bodies
No full textWe derive effective equations of a periodically heterogeneous Cosserat material encompassing intrinsic lengths modelling scale-size effects. The resultant homogenized material supports internal body torques and leads to an asymmetric effective stress providing a connection to the theory of odd elasticity. Furthermore, a link to the classical Cauchy stress is given. Moreover, the corresponding local problem exhibits asymmetry as well, due to the micropolar couple modulus inherited from the original microscopic Cosserat problem. We validate our results by conducting numerical simulations using the finite element method on circularly perforated square and rectangular unit cells, highlighting the impact, of not only volume fraction but also of internal body torques on effective coefficients. Additionally, we numerically quantify the ``amount" that the body can torque internally.
First Impressions by Machine: Candidates’ Perceptions of Ethics and Employer Image in AI Recruitment Process
No full textPurpose – The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of perceived usefulness of AI recruitment processes (PU-AIRP) on candidate perceptions of utility (PUT), fairness (PF), and privacy (PP), and how these factors influence organizational attractiveness (OA). It further examines the mediating roles of PF, PP, and PUT, and explores whether candidate experience with AI recruitment (E-AIRP) moderates the relationship between PU-AIRP and PUT.
Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative methodology was employed using an online survey targeting job seekers and employees with exposure to AI-based recruitment tools such as applicant tracking systems (ATS), chatbots, or automated screening. Data were collected in early 2025, yielding 221 valid responses from participants across Lebanon, the GCC, Europe, and the United States. Structural relationships were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4, assessing both direct and indirect effects, as well as the moderating role of experience. Findings – The results show that PU-AIRP positively influences candidates’ perceptions of fairness and PUT but negatively affects PP. Fairness and utility significantly contribute to OA, while privacy does not. Additionally, candidates with E-AIRP strengthens the positive relationship between PU-AIRP and PUT but has no direct effect. Mediation analysis confirms that fairness and utility serve as key intermediaries in shaping candidate perceptions, while privacy does not.
Research limitations/implications – Although the study is limited to a cross-sectional sample and self-reported data, it offers valuable insights into how candidates form ethical and practical evaluations of AI in recruitment. It supports organizations in designing AI hiring systems that balance efficiency with fairness, transparency, and candidate trust. Originality/value – This research contributes to the growing literature on AI ethics in HR by integrating both utilitarian and deontological perspectives into a single candidate-centered framework. It is among the first to model fairness, privacy, and utility as mediators in AI recruiting perceptions while testing the moderating influence of prior experience
Exploring the Fecal miRNA Profile in FMF Patients and the Role of miR-21-5p in Inflammatory Pathways Associated with FMF Pathogenesis
No full textIntroduction: Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory
disease caused by mutations in the MEFV gene encoding pyrin, a key inflammatory regulator. In
addition to genetic factors, epigenetics seems to play an important role in the manifestation of
FMF.
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the differential expression of selected miRNAs in stool
samples of FMF patients, and to investigate the functional role of mir-21-5p in FMF-related
inflammatory pathways.
Methods: Twenty-four FMF patients, five patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI),
and 25 controls were recruited for this study. MEFV genotyping of FMF patients was performed
by Sanger sequencing and disease severity was evaluated using the International Severity Score
for FMF (ISSF). The fecal levels of 27 selected miRNAs implicated in inflammation, apoptosis,
and autophagy were quantified by qRT-PCR. The functional role of mir-21-5p in regulating NF-
κB and pyrin inflammasome pathways was investigated in LPS-stimulated THP-1 derived
macrophages transfected with an anti-mir-21-5p inhibitor via western blot.
Results: Among the 27 analyzed miRNAs, eight miRNAs were significantly higher in FMF
patients compared to controls, with mir-21-5p, mir-30e-3p, and mir-148a-3p being specific to FMF
patients. Correlation studies revealed that three anti-inflammatory miRNAs, mir-144-3p, mir-29b-
3p, and mir-374b-5p, were downregulated in M694V homozygous patients compared to those with
other genotypes and six miRNAs were higher in patients with greater disease severity. The
inhibition of mir-21-5p in LPS-stimulated THP-1 derived macrophages reduced the activation of
NF-κB and inflammasome pathways.
Conclusion: Our findings highlight the role of miRNAs in intestinal inflammation and their
potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers in FMF. Furthermore, our functional data
underscores the therapeutic potential of targeting mir-21-5p to treat FMF patients refractory to
colchicine
Enhancing Task Performance through HR Practices: The Role of Organizational Support and Employee Creativity
No full textFor publication purposes, the abstract has been temporarily removed
Including the Excluded: How can Social Intelligence and AI help achieve the UN SDGs 4 and 8 for Persons with Disabilities?
No full textOver the years, society has demonstrated varied perceptions toward individuals with impairments, mostly one of prejudice and discrimination. This has led to steep barriers hindering their full integration in various life domains, notably education and employment. Being continuously left out not only impedes individuals with impairments from living an honorable life but also delays progress toward achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Accordingly, this thesis analyzes 136 survey responses from working-age persons with and without disabilities in Lebanon. IBM SPSS was used to examine the role of technological advancements, mainly AI, and institutional decision-makers' social intelligence in attaining quality education (SDG4) and decent work (SDG8). Additionally, the software analyzed the mediating roles of access to resources and community support. Findings demonstrated a huge opportunity gap between persons with and without impairments. Results confirmed that technology adoption enhances access to resources, significantly influencing the achievement of quality education and employment. Furthermore, decision-makers’ social intelligence was integral in increasing perceived support, which was found to be essential for decent work. However, the link between enhanced support and quality education has not been proven, but social intelligence still contributes to both positive outcomes. Finally, a significant interaction effect between technology and social intelligence was proved to amplify quality education, but not decent work, possibly due to the interference of external factors such as the country’s security and financial instability. This study is pertinent in its potential to inform inclusive practices. It offers policy recommendations, which, when enacted, would contribute to enhancing education and work opportunities for persons with disabilities, shaping a future where they feel heard, valued, and seen
Living in A Seashell - Exploring the Different Approaches for Protecting Women in Druze Communities and its Impact on Religiously Observant Women's Access to Education and Economic Independence
No full textThe Druze, an Islamic religious sect primarily concentrated in the Middle Eastern countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and occupied Palestine, are known for their unique interpretation of the Quran, particularly in terms of gender equity. While their doctrine promotes gender equity, societal norms might often steer towards patriarchy. This research examined how certain patriarchal norms manifest as social overprotection, which include practices that aim to safeguard women, but it adversely limits their educational opportunities, and economic independence, particularly among those who are religiously observant. This study involved interviews with twenty-four Druze women, both religiously observant and non-observant, who either had or were denied the opportunity to pursue higher education and careers outside their community. It highlighted the challenges they encountered both within and outside the Druze community, and the broader impact of these experiences on their personal and professional lives. The significance of this research lies in its potential to offer insights into the intersection of faith, culture, and gender within Druze community. By comparing the experiences of religiously observant and non-observant women, the study illustrates how religious observance introduces an additional layer of intersectionality that shapes women's lives in distinct ways. By delving into this underexplored domain, especially in Lebanon, this research seeks to inform policies and practices that empower Druze women and improve their overall well-being and self-satisfaction