Revisiting the spiral of silence in a social media environment: Egypt’s 2014 presidential election as a case study

With the advent of the Internet and anonymous features of online media, users have established novel platforms to voice their opinion freely without fear of negative feedback. This thesis explores the application of a long-standing public opinion theory– the spiral of silence by Elizabeth Noelle-Neumann–within the prevalent Social Networking Sites (SNS), particularly Facebook. When applying spiral of silence to online mediated environment, it seems intuitive that the lack of verbal cues and anonymity offered would serve to undermine the fear of isolation and restlessness that results in unwillingness to express minority views. This research contributes to understanding how the spiral of silence might operate in the social media era, and adds a view on how SNS influence opinion-forming variables. This study uses survey and in-depth interviews to assess willingness to speak out on political stands during the Egyptian presidential election of 2014. A survey was distributed to query Egyptian SNS users about their willingness to express their political opinion prior to casting votes in the nation’s 2014 presidential election. In-depth interviews were also conducted offering interpretations to the perception of the general opinion climate, and expected consequences of expressing views about controversial issues to Facebook\u27s friends. This study considered online negative feedback on the users\u27 profile as the form of fear of isolation, to accommodate new form of isolation in social media environment. Tests of negative evaluation fears showed no relation between sample\u27s apprehension of a negative feedback on facebook and their tendency to express their political opinion on the presidential election, questioning spiral of silence\u27s explanation of compelling social factors. Respondents with higher knowledge level showed higher tendency to express their views on the issue of the election than those with lower knowledge level regardless of their social belonging status. The perceived majority\u27s opinion showed no influence on users\u27 inclination to express views, nor did it influence willingness to enter a discussion with holders of opposing views. Willingness to speak out under a minority label was not affected in an online environment. Moreover, no statistical significance was found to indicate that spiral of silence existence is still embedded in a real-life setting. Contrary to literature on the spiral of silence, findings revealed equal attention paid to elements of close circle and community at large, and perceived importance of identifying their opinion on the presidential election prior to evaluating personal opinion. The author can be contacted at [email protected]

Measuring the Impact of Higher Education in Promoting Sustainable Development Goals: Analysis of the Arab universities’ performance

Sustainability's global importance has amplified the role of universities in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, education, and community engagement. Aim: This study aims to provide valuable insights into the role of Arab universities in promoting sustainability within the context of global higher education. Approach and methods: This study analyzes the performance of 200 universities from 15 Arab countries in the THE IMPACT Rankings. Their performance was compared to 135 universities from three of the leading world-class higher education systems: Canada, UK, and USA. Results: A global demand for sustainable development, Arab universities face challenges in improving their contributions to the SDGs and sustainability rankings. Despite the impressive growth in the participation of Arab universities in THE IMPACT Rankings yet lags in quality and impact of Arab universities contributions towards SDGs. Conclusion: The policy implications underscore the importance of institutional commitment to sustainability in Arab universities, urging the alignment of policies, funding, and curriculum with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Arab universities need to bridge performance gaps, promote green initiatives, and contribute effectively to the achievement of SDGs while recognizing the diverse socio-economic context and priorities of the Arab region.Globalne znaczenie zrównoważonego rozwoju spotęgowało rolę uniwersytetów w realizacji Celów Zrównoważonego Rozwoju (SDG) ONZ poprzez badania, edukację i zaangażowanie społeczności. Cel: Celem tego badania jest dostarczenie cennych spostrzeżeń dotyczących roli uniwersytetów arabskich w promowaniu zrównoważonego rozwoju w kontekście globalnego szkolnictwa wyższego. Podejście i metody: Badanie to analizuje wyniki 200 uniwersytetów z 15 krajów arabskich w rankingach THE IMPACT. Ich wyniki porównano z 135 uniwersytetami z trzech czołowych światowych systemów szkolnictwa wyższego: Kanady, Wielkiej Brytanii i USA. Wyniki: W obliczu globalnego zapotrzebowania na zrównoważony rozwój, uniwersytety arabskie napotykają wyzwania w poprawie swojego wkładu w SDG i rankingi zrównoważoności. Pomimo imponującego wzrostu udziału uniwersytetów arabskich w rankingach THE IMPACT, jest jeszcze wiele do zrobienia w zakresie jakości i wpływu ich wkładu w SDG. Wnioski: Implikacje polityczne podkreślają znaczenie zobowiązania instytucjonalnego do zrównoważonego rozwoju w uniwersytetach arabskich, nawołując do dostosowania polityk, finansowania i programów nauczania do Celów Zrównoważonego Rozwoju (SDG) ONZ. Uniwersytety arabskie muszą zniwelować luki w wynikach, promować inicjatywy zielone i efektywnie przyczyniać się do osiągnięcia SDG, uwzględniając różnorodny kontekst społeczno-ekonomiczny i priorytety regionu arabskiego. &nbsp

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Diabetic Patients (Type II) Regarding Life Style Modification at Qena University Hospital in (Upper Egypt)

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder of multiple etiological factors characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with disturbance of carbohydrate, fat  and  protein metabolism which resulted from either insufficient Insulin secretion, resistance to the action of Insulin or both .The purpose of this study was to assess Knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetic patients ( type II)  regarding life style modification. A descriptive study was conducted using a structured questionnaire amongst 150 type II diabetic patients seen at the diabetic clinic at Qena University Hospital in( UpperEgypt) from the first of June (2015) to the end of August (2015). Socio-demographic characteristics of the participants were obtained and their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding lifestyle modification were assessed. Results showed that more than three quarter of the participants had poor knowledge regarding the benefits of exercise and weight loss ,while 84% had poor knowledge regarding a healthy diet. About the practice, participants showed poor practice to life style modification. Nevertheless, our patients had positive attitude toward healthy lifestyle habits which could potentially be harnessed and translated into healthy lifestyle practices. A Life style modification has important roles in management and prevention of many chronic diseases like (type II) DM. It was recommended that implementation of health education programs about life style modification importance of physical exercise and weight loss, fast food, smoking and drinking (alcohol) to the general society should be by the responsible body. Medical nutrition intervention program should be implemented with a multidisciplinary team (nurses, doctors, dietician, pharmacists…) Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus (type II) - knowledge, attitude, practice and life style modificatio

The Use of System Dynamics Simulation Models in Project Management Education

This thesis explores the impact of using System Dynamics (SD) as a simulation tool to help learners understand complex, dynamic concepts in project management education, and specifically with the learning of the theory associated with Earned Value Management (EVM). SD simulation models have been used widely but mainly in business contexts to support managers in the decision making process. However the application of SD in the field of project management education has been limited and particularly in terms of assessing its potential impact to help improve learners’ skills and understanding about project management concepts. ‘Projects’ are considered to be complex information feedback systems, characterized by causality and underlying dynamic relations between multiple variables, and the ability of junior project managers to apply and experience higher practical skills in the management of these complex systems presents a real challenge in the higher education context. The ability of SD to simulate the behaviour of a system, to reveal the underlying relationships, and to help visualize its dynamic changes over time, makes SD a potential modelling tool to help supporting the learners in the project management education area. This study sets out to evaluate the use of SD in an instructional context to help postgraduate project management students to visualize and to more understand the complex dynamic relationships in the concept of EVM, a topic that features significantly in project management education. In this study, SD was deployed to teach EVM through a series of computer based models to visualize changes of multiple interacting variables over time. The SD simulations were evaluated and improved in a series of pilot and formal studies. In an experimentally controlled study involving 46 students, EVM content was delivered with SD simulations and using traditional methods respectively. Results, both quantitative and qualitative, demonstrated a positive impact of SD on the learning of the EVM concept. Recommendations of further work to deploy SD in the delivery of complex project management content and other challenging topics, with wider pool of learners are discussed

The Use of System Dynamics Simulation Models in Project Management Education

This thesis explores the impact of using System Dynamics (SD) as a simulation tool to help learners understand complex, dynamic concepts in project management education, and specifically with the learning of the theory associated with Earned Value Management (EVM). SD simulation models have been used widely but mainly in business contexts to support managers in the decision making process. However the application of SD in the field of project management education has been limited and particularly in terms of assessing its potential impact to help improve learners’ skills and understanding about project management concepts. ‘Projects’ are considered to be complex information feedback systems, characterized by causality and underlying dynamic relations between multiple variables, and the ability of junior project managers to apply and experience higher practical skills in the management of these complex systems presents a real challenge in the higher education context. The ability of SD to simulate the behaviour of a system, to reveal the underlying relationships, and to help visualize its dynamic changes over time, makes SD a potential modelling tool to help supporting the learners in the project management education area. This study sets out to evaluate the use of SD in an instructional context to help postgraduate project management students to visualize and to more understand the complex dynamic relationships in the concept of EVM, a topic that features significantly in project management education. In this study, SD was deployed to teach EVM through a series of computer based models to visualize changes of multiple interacting variables over time. The SD simulations were evaluated and improved in a series of pilot and formal studies. In an experimentally controlled study involving 46 students, EVM content was delivered with SD simulations and using traditional methods respectively. Results, both quantitative and qualitative, demonstrated a positive impact of SD on the learning of the EVM concept. Recommendations of further work to deploy SD in the delivery of complex project management content and other challenging topics, with wider pool of learners are discussed

New algorithms to Enhanced Fused Images from Auto-Focus Images

هذا البحث يقترح طريقة جديدة لدمج صورة ذات التركيز التلقائي بالاعتماد على خوارزميات جديدة. الخوارزمية الأولى تعتمد على حساب الانحراف المعياري لدمج صورتين. الخوارزمية الثانية تتركز على التباين عند نقاط الحافات وطريقة الترابط كعامل معيار لجودة الصورة الناتجة. هذه الخوارزمية تعتمد على ثلاثة مربعات بأحجام مختلفة عند المناطق المتجانسة وتتحرك 10 نقاط ضمن المنطقة المتجانسة.  الصورة الناتجة من الدمج تحتوي على نتائج جيدة في التباين بسبب إضافة نقاط حافات من الصورتين والتي تعتمد على الخوارزميات المقترحة. تم مقارنة النتائج مع طرق مختلفة.Enhancing quality image fusion was proposed using new algorithms in auto-focus image fusion. The first algorithm is based on determining the standard deviation to combine two images. The second algorithm concentrates on the contrast at edge points and correlation method as the criteria parameter for the resulted image quality. This algorithm considers three blocks with different sizes at the homogenous region and moves it 10 pixels within the same homogenous region. These blocks examine the statistical properties of the block and decide automatically the next step. The resulted combined image is better in the contrast value because of the added edge points from the two combined images that depend on the suggested algorithms. This enhancement in edge regions is measured and reaches to double in enhancing the contrast. Different methods are used to be compared with the suggested method

Desarrollo y caracterización de una nueva formulación nano-lipoosómica de alendronato sódico con un polímero biodegradable

This work was supported by the pharmacological departmental grant.Background: Alendronate Sodium (ALDS) is the drug of choice for treatment of osteoporosis. However, 50% of the osteoporotic patients ceased the treatment within the first year due to its potential side effect on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Objective: The current study aimed to utilize nanotechnology to develop a nano-oral liposomal preparation containing biodegradable polymer (Starch) that enhance the drug prosperities. Methods: Nanoliposomes of ALDS were prepared using different concentrations of solubilized starch (0.1 - 0.5 g ) by thin film hydration method. A new method of alendronate quantitative determination was used to overcome the obstacle of its determination by using a new highly sensitive derivatization method. The selected formula was visualized using TEM, in vitro release studies and Stability study was also carried out. Furthermore, ulcerogenicity studies were performed to compare between the optimum prepared formula and a standard nonliposomal ALDS. Results: Six nano-oral liposomal formulations were prepared with zeta potentials ranging from -12 mV to -39 mV and a particle size ranging from 94 nm to 298 nm. The encapsulation efficiency studies demonstrated that the amount of ALDS entrapped within liposomes increased with increasing starch concentration. The stability studies confirmed the role of starch in increasing the stability of the prepared liposomes. In vitro release studies have demonstrated a relative delay in ALDS releases from the liposome core. Ulcerogenicity studies proofed that the prepared formula has a significant gastric tolerance. Conclusion: a novel liposomal formula of ALDS was developed with better tolerability. However, further clinical investigations are necessary to evaluate its therapeutic effectiveness.Antecedentes: El alendronato sódico (ALDS) es el fármaco de elección para el tratamiento de la osteoporosis. Sin embargo, el 50% de los pacientes osteoporóticos cesaron el tratamiento en el primer año debido a su posible efecto secundario en el tracto gastrointestinal (GIT). Objetivo: El presente estudio tiene como objetivo utilizar la nanotecnología para desarrollar una preparación liposomal nano-oral que contiene polímero biodegradable (almidón) que mejoran la prosperidad de la droga. Métodos: Se prepararon nanoliposomas de ALDS utilizando diferentes concentraciones de almidón solubilizado (0,1 - 0,5 g) mediante un método de hidratación de película delgada. Se utilizó un nuevo método de determinación cuantitativa de alendronato para superar el obstáculo de su determinación utilizando un nuevo método de derivatización altamente sensible. La fórmula seleccionada se visualizó utilizando TEM, estudios de liberación in vitro y se realizó también un estudio de estabilidad. Además, los estudios de ulcerogenicidad se realizaron para comparar entre la fórmula óptima preparada y un estándar no liposomal ALDS. Resultados : Se prepararon seis formulaciones liposomales nano-orales con potenciales zeta que oscilaban entre -12 mV y -39 mV y un tamaño de partícula que variaba de 94 nm a 298 nm. Los estudios de eficacia de la encapsulación demostraron que la cantidad de ALDS atrapada dentro de los liposomas aumentaba con el aumento de la concentración de almidón. Los estudios de estabilidad confirmaron el papel del almidón en el aumento de la estabilidad de los liposomas preparados. Los estudios de liberación in vitro han demostrado un retraso relativo en las liberaciones de ALDS del núcleo de liposomas. Los estudios de ulcerogenicidad demostraron que la fórmula preparada tiene una tolerancia gástrica significativa. Conclusión: se desarrolló una nueva fórmula liposomal de ALDS con mejor tolerabilidad. Sin embargo, otras investigaciones clínicas son necesarias para evaluar su efectividad terapéutica

Alternative technique using dual source CT imaging for assessment of myocardial perfusion

AbstractPurposeTo elucidate the diagnostic role of multidetector DSCT for the assessment of myocardial perfusion in correlation with coronary luminal integrity in a single CT scan while both tubes were operated in single energy mode.Methods and materialThirty-five patients were subjected to single acquisition contrast-enhanced, ECG-gated DSCT of the heart at rest. Postprocessing was performed generating two image sets: coronary CT angiographic images (cCTA) and myocardial perfusion images (CTP) for respective correlative assessment of coronary luminal integrity and myocardial perfusion. Perfusion defect was detected subjectively using gray scale images and the color coded first pass and color overlaid late enhancement (color attenuation) images were used for semi-objective evaluation and final objective and quantitative confirmation by density measurement.ResultsSignificant correlation and good agreement between the findings of DSCT myocardial perfusion and the findings of stenosis and its degree on cCTA on a segmental basis is noted with Cohen’s Kappa=0.67 and prevalence and bias adjusted Kappa=0.71 emphasizing the high diagnostic value of DSCT myocardial perfusion as compared to cCTA as the gold reference standard.ConclusionWe propose that comprehensive evaluation of coronary artery morphology and myocardial perfusion in patients with CAD could be achieved by single reproducible non-invasive contrast enhanced CT acquisition using DSCT scanners while operated in single energy mode with high sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy, it also has the potential to be the first, independent and stand out imaging choice in such field

Discovery of novel phthalimide analogs

In continuation of our endeavor towards the design and development of potent and effective antimicrobial agents, three series of phthalimide derivatives (4a–i, 5a–f, and 6a-c) were synthesized, fully characterized and evaluated for their potential antibacterial, antifungal and antimycobacterial activities. These efforts led to the discovery of nine compounds 4c, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 5c, 5d, 5e, and 6c (MIC range from 0.49 to 31.5 μg/mL) with potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antimycobacterial activities. Ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, amphotericin B were used as references for antibacterial and antifungal screening respectively, while isoniazid was used as a reference for antimycobacterial testing. Furthermore, molecular modeling studies were done to explore the binding mode of the most active derivatives to M. tuberculosis enoyl reductase (InhA) and DNA gyrase B. Our study showed the importance of both hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions as a key interaction with the target enzymes