The Impact of Female Directors on the Relationship Between Corporate Social Responsibility and Capital Structure: Evidence From Egypt

This paper examines how corporate social responsibility affects capital structure. The sample consists of 58 non-financial companies listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange, with 464 firm-year observations made between 2014 -2021 using the generalized method of moments and ordinary least squares. Data was gathered from reports and financial statements from an Egyptian information dissemination firm. This paper demonstrates that firms with female directors explain the negative impact of the association between corporate social responsibility and capital structure. Female directors and CSR disclosure improve manager oversight and reduce information asymmetry and agency conflicts. Results support agency and gender theories that expect different behavior from women in leadership posts

Novel Strategies to Improve CAR-T Cells in Solid Tumors: Mini Review

Purpose: The paper reviews the obstacles that face CAR-T cells in solid tumors and the suggested novel strategies to overcome these obstacles in association with the efficacy as well as the safety profile of CAR-T cell therapy. Subjects and Methods:  This is a systematic review exploring the novel strategies to improve CAR-T cells in solid tumors. Results:  Several strategies have been developed, including: 1) targeting multiple  antigens; 2) improving trafficking of CAR-T cells into tumor tissues; 3) Preventing the immunosuppression of TME on CAR-T cells by different approaches such as  blocking the recruitment of MDSCs or TAM  in TME, saving CAR-T cells viability from exhaustion by blocking negative signals, and enhancement of CAR-T cells persistence activity by blocking PD-1/PDL-1 pathway in TME, 4) designing novel CAR-T cells to prevent the exhaustion; and 5) inducing a self T cells response in the tumor-bearing host to prevent tumor escape and enhance CAR-T cells activity. Conclusions: Recent researches about CAR-T cells therapy carries new hope for targeting solid tumors

BPR initiatives: The impacts of IT and organisational customs and practices

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University, 28/02/2002.This research is designed to investigate the relationship between IT and Organisational customs and practices in Business Process Reengineering (BPR) projects based on a research framework, which consists of organisational culture, IT and the outcome of BPR initiatives together with the inextricable interdependence between them. The focus is on developing a process oriented, context-based description and explanation of the BPR phenomenon in Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC) countries. The study strives to describe and explain the process of adopting and implementing BPR initiatives in petrochemical and utilities industries in AGCC countries in terms of interaction of contextual conditions, actions and consequences. The research methodology of this thesis focuses on the pragmatics of conducting case studies as a rigorous and effective method of research. The study emphasises on conducting positivist inquiry of three case studies' data to deductively test the researcher's understanding on BPR and her assumptions of 'Blueprints' for successful BPR in AGCC countries. Two of the case studies organisations are sister companies operating in the oil and gas industry, whereas the third case study organisation is a utility company operating in the field of water and electricity generation and supply. This study resulted in a framework that could serve as a prescription to achieve a successful BPR initiative. It has identified a number of organisational elements that emphasised the necessity to pay attention to cultural and IT issues prior to undertaking BPR projects. These include the development of strategy and sound stimuli for the project, the availability of leadership, top management vision, availability of required skills and expertise and the maturity of the IT infrastructure. In addition, the study has empirically emphasised a number of BPR project implementation elements that should be in place to ensure successful implementation and management of the project including: the availability of an appropriately composed project team, continuous communication, users' involvement and usage of communication technologies

Market Orientation in the Sudanese Manufacturing Firms (An Empirical Study)

The researcher used the stratified random sampling method. A total number of 91 companies out of 114companies participated (with a response rate of 80%).To analyze the data, the researcher used descriptive statistics including methods like tables, frequencies, and averages to assess the were tested using sophisticated methods like multiple regression analysis (stepwise regression analysis) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The findings of this study confirm the applicability of the empirical model in Sudan. Ten antecedents/factors determine the market orientation of the manufacturing companies in Sudan that including, top management emphasis, management training, risk aversion, formalization, market based reward system, interdepartmental conflict, interdepartmental connectedness, competition, market turbulence, and general economy. Only three antecedents, formal marketing education, centralization and technological turbulence are not effective in determining the MO and its components in Sudan.  The findings also confirm that the MO significantly contributes to the achievement of superior performance, both the economic and non-economic. The most important recommendations of this research indicate that the model of MO developed for Sudan makes a significant contribution to the MO literature in that country particularly, to the manufacturing companies. The Sudanese organizations can use this model as a guide for their businesses. This model confirms that both superior economic and non-economic performance of business are determined by the level of MO of an organization. The empirical findings of this investigation have policy implications for large companies in developing countries in general and Sudan in particular. It is expected that this model will be used as a starting point for further researches and to be tested in other countries in the world, both developed and developing

Surface architecture of the mouth cavity of Pagellus affinis (Boulenger, 1888)

The topological characteristics of the mouth cavity of the carnivorous fish Pagellus affinis was studied by using a light microscope. The results revealed that all the teeth of P. affinis are pointed and canine-like, papilliform teeth present on the premaxillae and the anterior regions of the dentaries are associated with seizing, grasping and holding of prey. The morphology and distribution of different taste buds of P. affinis were predominantly localized at the anterior and tongue regions of the mouth cavity. Two types of taste buds are elevated from the epithelium at different levels, which may be useful for ensuring full utilization of the gustatory ability of the fish, detection and analyzing of taste substances, as well as for assessing the quality and palatability of food, during its retention in the mouth cavity. Observations of the surface architecture of the mouth cavity of P. affinis are discussed within the context of feeding and habitat preferences as well as ecomorphological adaptation of the species

A study on oxidative stress biomarkers and immunomodulatory effects of pesticides in pesticide-sprayers

AbstractThis work was conducted on 95 adult males from Al-Salheya Algadeeda-Sharkeya governorate. They were classified according to pesticides residues into control group (30 unexposed healthy adult males living in the same area), insecticides exposed workers group (55 adult males exposed to organophosphate and carbamates) and fungicides exposed workers group (10 adult males exposed to fungicides). The study was designed to investigate and compare the oxidative stress and immunomodulatory effects of pesticides exposure among agricultural workers according the level of pesticide residues in their blood which was measured by HPLC. The oxidative stress status has been evaluated by assessment of (SH-protein), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, the acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity was measured as a biomarker of toxicity. We used IgG, IgM, as immunological biomarkers to test the humoral immune function as well as TNFα as a biomarker of cellular immune function. Our result revealed statistically significant reduction of the activity of (AchE), antioxidant defense enzymes, total antioxidant capacity, IgM and IgG while, MDA and TNF levels showed significant elevations in insecticides-exposed workers versus control. Results of fungicides exposed workers revealed non-significant reduction of the activity of (AchE), antioxidant defense enzymes, IgM, IgG and TNFα levels while there was significant elevation of MDA level and significant reduction of total antioxidant capacity level

Machine Learning Data Suitability and Performance Testing Using Fault Injection Testing Framework

Creating resilient machine learning (ML) systems has become necessary to ensure production-ready ML systems that acquire user confidence seamlessly. The quality of the input data and the model highly influence the successful end-to-end testing in data-sensitive systems. However, the testing approaches of input data are not as systematic and are few compared to model testing. To address this gap, this paper presents the Fault Injection for Undesirable Learning in input Data (FIUL-Data) testing framework that tests the resilience of ML models to multiple intentionally-triggered data faults. Data mutators explore vulnerabilities of ML systems against the effects of different fault injections. The proposed framework is designed based on three main ideas: The mutators are not random; one data mutator is applied at an instance of time, and the selected ML models are optimized beforehand. This paper evaluates the FIUL-Data framework using data from analytical chemistry, comprising retention time measurements of anti-sense oligonucleotide. Empirical evaluation is carried out in a two-step process in which the responses of selected ML models to data mutation are analyzed individually and then compared with each other. The results show that the FIUL-Data framework allows the evaluation of the resilience of ML models. In most experiments cases, ML models show higher resilience at larger training datasets, where gradient boost performed better than support vector regression in smaller training sets. Overall, the mean squared error metric is useful in evaluating the resilience of models due to its higher sensitivity to data mutation.Comment: 18 page

Geometry Analysis of Ratawi Field

Ratawi Field is a promising hydrocarbon bearing structure conforming several reservoirs. Ratawi Field lies northwest of the Basrah city and west of Northern Rumaila Field.The study focuses on the structural analysis (geometric analysis) of Ratawi Structure. Reinterpretation of Seismic Data proved that no presence of any Fault in Ratawi Structure. The Fold Classifications (Geometric Analysis) proved that Ratawi Structure is Dome and Anticline shape, Gentle, Upright and Supratenuous Fold

El rol del profesional de enfermería en el trastorno del espectro autista

Trabajo fin de grado en EnfermeríaObjetivos: conocer el rol de los profesionales de enfermería en el abordaje de los individuos diagnosticados de TEA y sus familias. Material y métodos: se ha llevado a cabo una revisión narrativa mediante una búsqueda bibliográfica realizada en las bases de datos de CINAHL,PubMed, Cuiden y sciELO, tras la cual se han aplicado en los artículos escogidos una serie de criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados: fueron seleccionados 13 artículos, que fueron agrupados en tres categorías: respecto al paciente diagnosticado con TEA, respecto a la familia del individuo con TEA y en relación con la percepción de los profesionales enfermeros acerca de su papel en el autismo. Discusión y conclusiones: los individuos autistas y sus familias sufren un gran impacto en todas las esferas de su vida provocado por este trastorno. Por este motivo, requieren de un cuidado holístico que aborde todas sus necesidades, el profesional de enfermería es el más indicado para ejercer esta labor.Objectives: To know the role of nursing professionals in the approach of individuals diagnosed with ASD and their families. Methods: A narrative review was carried out through a bibliographic research carried out in the databases of CINAHL, PubMed, Cuiden and sciELO, after which a series of inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied in the articles selected. Results: 13 articles were selected and were grouped into three categories: regarding the patient diagnosed with ASD, regarding the family of the individual with ASD and in relation to the perception of the nursing professionals about their role in autism. Discussion and conclusions: Autistic individuals and their families have a great impact on ll areas of their lives caused by this disorder. For this reason, they require a holistic care that addresses all their needs, the nursing professional is the most appropriate to carry out this work

Effect of Educational Program on Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Permanent Pacemakers’ Implantation

Contents: Patients undergoing permanent implantable pacemaker, challenge with multiple physical, psychological along with social complications. Teaching patients the essential points involving pacemaker management can prevent complications.Aim: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of an educational program on outcomes of patients undergoing permanent pacemakers' implantation. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre/posttest and follow-up design were used to conduct this study. A convenient sample of 35 adult patients from both genders undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation was recruited from Beni-Suef University hospital's catheter lab, inpatient department, ICU, CCU, and outpatient cardiology clinic. Patients' interviewing questionnaire, patient performance checklist, pacemaker self-efficacy scale, and Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to achieve this study's aim. Results: 91.4% of the studied patients had unsatisfactory total knowledge at the baseline, improved to 85.7% had a satisfactory knowledge immediately post educational intervention, and relatively maintained to 68.6% of them had a satisfactory level of total knowledge after four weeks of the program implementation. 97.1% of the studied patients had unsatisfactory total practice at the baseline, improved to 65.7% had a satisfactory practice immediately post educational intervention, and improved to 77.1% of them had a satisfactory level of total practice after four weeks of program implementation. 71.4%, and 85.7% of the studied patients were not confident at all with their ability to control symptoms and maintain their usual functions respectively before education. 91.4% of them reported a total low self-efficacy score before the educational intervention. In comparison, 45.7% were very confident in controlling symptoms and moderately confident in maintaining usual functions at the follow-up phase. Besides, 65.7 exhibited total high self-efficacy at the follow-up assessment. 57.1% of the studied patients exhibit severe anxiety at the baseline assessment, while 65.7% and 74.3% exhibit mild anxiety at the post and follow-up assessment. Conclusion: A statistically significant improvement in patients' knowledge, practice, self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression immediately and after four weeks compared to their baseline. The study recommended that the educational program be an essential part of the total management of patients undergoing implanted pacemakers