The Stigma of Wasta: The Effect of Wasta on Perceived Competence and Morality

Wasta is an Arabic word that means the use of social connections to obtain benefits that otherwise would not be provided. Wasta plays a very important role in securing of employment in Arab countries. This paper attempts to study the attribution effects of wasta on perceptions of competence and morality. The main hypotheses is that those that use wasta to obtain employment will be perceived as incompetent and immoral irrespective of their true competence and morality. Data gathered from an Egyptian sample supports the hypotheses. Thus, we conclude that wasta may tarnish the image or stigmatize its user.Nepotism, attribution theory

Geometrical Analysis and Rectification of Thermal Infrared Video Frame Scanner Imagery and Its Potential Applications to Topographic Mapping

This thesis is concerned with an investigation into the possiblites of generating metric information and carrying out topographic mapping operations from thermal frame scanner video images. The main aspects discussed within the context of this thesis are:- (i) the construction and operational characteristics of video frame scanners; (ii) the geometry of frame scanners; (iii) geometric calibration of thermal video frame scanners; (iv) the devising, construction and integration of a video-based monocomparator for video image coordinate measurements; (v) devising and implementing suitable analytical photogrammetric techniques to be applied to frame scanner imagery; (vi) the use of such frame scanners to acquire airborne video images for a pre-selected test area; (vii) the interpretation of thermal video frame scanners for topographic mapping; (viii) digital rectification of frame scanner imagery; and (ix) creation of a three-dimensional stereo model on a video monitor screen using the digitally rectified video images

Schistosomiasis and Bladder Cancer in Egypt: Truths and Myths

BACKGROUND: The gathered archeopathological evidence has confirmed that Schistosomiasis has been endemic in Ancient Egypt for over 500 decades. The association between Schistosoma hematobium and increase bladder cancer risk is also well acknowledged. However, over the years, there is a proved changing pattern of bladder cancer that needs to be investigated. AIM: We aim to discuss the truths and myths about bladder cancer and its association with Schistosomiasis in Egypt. METHODS: A cross-sectional, case-control study was performed to collect recent data on the topic. RESULTS: Of the reported cancer cases, 79.3% were transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), an additional 6% showed associated squamous features. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) constituted only 13.8% of cancer cases. Schistosomiasis was histologically confirmed in 19 cancer cases, only one was SCC. The relative frequency of TCC is increasing, while SCC is decreasing. There is no evidence that this pattern is related to smoking or environmental factors, as the incidence of lung cancer, is not proportionately increasing. CONCLUSION: The old concept that Schistosomiasis is associated with SCC should be revaluated as most cases are associated with TCC. Relying on the histopathology for confirmation of Schistosomiasis in our research studies appears to be non-accurate and leads to irrelevant results