Country Reputation and Corporate Reputation in e-Government Context: A Mixed Method Study of UAE

The academic study of country reputation is still relatively limited and new. This doctoral research investigates the impact of country reputation and corporate reputation in the e-government context in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The transformational approach adopted by the UAE government and their leadership specifies the future directions through their vision and strategic objectives to assure the country’s competitiveness among other countries around the world. The ultimate vision and goal of the country is to leverage the well-being and happiness of its citizens through government services in different government fields including e-government services. Thus, this research investigates the effect of country and corporate reputation on customer loyalty, customer happiness and overall happiness thorough the quality of the e-government services provided. A mixed method approach was used in this research starting with an exploratory study using qualitative methodology (Phase 1) by conducting interviews and a focus group. This was followed by a quantitative study (Phase 2) using structural equation modeling for the data collected through questionnaires. In phase 1 of the research design, the sample consisted of twelve decision makers in government organizations (including ministries and managers). In addition, seven customers who used e-government services were asked about their perceptions about country and corporate reputation and customers’ outcomes

Role of nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) in the vascular complications of diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common metabolic disease worldwide. This condition accounts for the majority of renal failure and blindness in adults aged between 20 to 74 years of age. After 20 years, some of type 1 diabetic patients and around 60% of type 2 diabetic patients will be diagnosed with retinopathy. In 2011, a survey was presented and supplied data on the number of people who are suffering from diabetes. In Scotland, they found that 247,278 people were diagnosed with diabetes. In addition, about 36.6% of patients were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and 31.7% of those with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). In this research, the role of inflammatory mediators in the progression of the vascular complications of diabetes was investigated. Specifically, the role of nuclear factor kappa B1 (NFĸB1). There were 2 approaches used in this study: i) a bioinformatics approach to determine what single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) may occur within the NFĸB1 gene in T2DM and ii) a molecular biology approach to investigate the role of the SNP of interest in a human monocyte cell line using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzymes. Methods: Genetic polymorphisms were investigated using bioinformatics tools through computational analysis and databases, such as, Ensembl and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), NEB cutter, Primer Quest and NetPhos. The SNP of interest was identified due to its role in diabetes. Primers were designed to span the region for the SNP of interest, amplified using PCR and resolved in an agarose gel. The SNP of interest was restricted with three restriction enzymes (HpyCH4iii, Alu1 and PvuII) followed by sequencing of the product. The U937 monocyte cell line was used to investigate the expression of the NFĸB gene. Cells were incubated in RPMI 1640 with 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/mL Penicillin, Streptomycin and 10% heat inactivated foetal bovine serum (FBS) with H2O2 for up to 180 minutes with 5.5mM, 20mM and 40mM glucose +/- H2O2. RNA extraction was followed by cDNA amplification, which was subsequently used in reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and for a period of time to address the biological significance of NFĸB activation in these conditions. Results: A DNA fragment corresponding to the 206bp fragment was identified that spanned the area containing the SNP. Successful restriction with HpyCH4iii has not been possible, therefore, DNA sequencing was carried out. Sequencing identified the A allele indicating the presence of the homozygous wild type form of this region. Also, determining the role of NFĸB activation, HIF1-α and β2-microglobulin in U937 cells mRNA via culturing U937 under high glucose (HG) condition in different concentrations (5.5mM, 20mM and 40mM). The NFĸB and β2-microglobulin PCR product was not detected during incubations with various glucose concentrations. Conclusion: The DNA sequence of the U937 cell line corresponds to the wild type form of the SNP under investigation. This model has enabled the investigation of the effect of glucose concentration on the expression of the NFĸB and HIF1-α genes and this has provided useful insight that can be used to develop this work further

Preparation and characterization of new hybrid organic/inorganic systems derived from calcium (aminoalkyl)-phosphonates and -phosphonocarboxylates

We have studied the phenomenon of calcium complexation by lab synthesized amphiphilic (α-aminoalkyl)-phosphonocarboxylic or -phosphonic acids. The electrical conductivity of aqueous solutions of sodium salts of all these acids was measured versus the volume of a calcium salt solution added. It appeared that calcium complexes are formed in a Ca/P atomic ratio close to 1. Calcium phosphonocarboxylates and calcium phosphonates were also precipitated by mixing aqueous solutions of disodium salts of phosphorus amphiphiles and calcium nitrate solutions. Before chemical analysis, these complexes were calcined to remove the organic part. In the mineralized products, calcium and phosphate were assayed: the Ca/P atomic ratio was equal to 1. X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy showed that they are made entirely of β pyrophosphate (Ca2P2O7), a result in agreement with previous chemical analysis. The chemical formula of the starting calcium complexes could be written as CaL·2H2O (L= ligand). The SEM micrographs of these complexes show plate-like structures. XRD patterns are characteristic of layered structures. These facts suggest that calcium complexes are composed of alternating bimolecular layers of calcium alkylphosphonocarboxylates or calcium alkylphosphonates, the chains being tilted and partially interdigitated

Types of Polymers Using in 3D Printing and Their Applications: A Brief Review

The technology based on using 3D printing machines (3DPs) can be considered a promising approach in industry. A 3D printer might be define as machines which manufacture 3D products or models that already designed by computer aided design (CAD) software programs. These machines can create geometries that are very complicated and so difficult to fabricate by traditional manufacturing approaches. Additionally, it has capability to create items that is so complex internal design products with lower time and cost. Several kinds of materials have been applied in this technology. The polymers is one the most common materials that are using in 3D printing. This review seeks to clarify the features and benefits of different types of polymers including Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polylactic acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Glycolized polyester(PETG), Polycarbonate (PC), Polypropylene (PP), Nylon, and Hybrid and composite materials.&nbsp

Characteristics of Leaders of Change for Principals in Al Ain Schools, the United Arab Emirates

This study investigates the characteristics and skills of leaders of change that are exhibited by AI Ain Education Zone school principals. The research design is mainly a quantitative survey study. Data were gathered from 434 teachers in AI Ain schools. Means, standard deviations, t test and one-way analysis of variance were used as statistics to analyze the data. The study found out that school principals in AI Ain exhibit the characteristics of leaders of change regarding sharing vision and values, valuing human resources, fostering collaborative relationships, communicating effectively, being proactive, creating and sharing knowledge, and managing resistance to change. The study also found out that there is a significant difference in the perceptions of female and male teachers regarding school principals\u27 characteristics as leaders of change. The statistical differences were in valuing human resources and being proactive. A significant difference in the perceptions of Emirati and non-Emirati teachers of their school principals\u27 characteristics as leaders of change was also found. Non-Emirati teachers rated their principals higher in valuing human resources, communicating effectively, being proactive, creating and sharing knowledge, and managing resistance to change. However, years of experience had no impact on the teachers\u27 perceptions

MANAGING INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Purpose of the study: This conceptual paper critically analyzes the critical issues of creativity and innovation management and its implication on the sbroader development aspect of human resource management by highlighting possible scenarios in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methodology: This study employs review analysis methodology approach. This study utilizes document analysis while employing literature review study approach. Several key literatures in the domain areas of innovation management were analyzed in light of the topic of managing innovation and creativity in human resource and management. Main Findings: The key contributions for this study demonstrate that creativity and innovation in organization is crucial to institutional survival and growth. This study discovers the role of creativity and innovation as an element of competitive advantage for organizations. Creative and innovative institutions will be demanded to be skilled at creating, acquiring and transferring knowledge and modifying behaviors by using these methods to reflect new knowledge and insights. Applications of this study: This study can be of importance in the area of innovation management and human resource management. The challenges demands utilization of effective human resource management practices or innovative practices within the new human resource management ecosystem that focuses on enabling the social capital though innovation system. The ability of organization’s to be adaptive for such challenges may lead to organizational competitiveness that allows sustainable performance and growth. Novelty/Originality of this study: In order for organizational success to be achieved, human resource management ecosystem is to be reshaped into a more adaptive innovative environmental system. This could only be implemented with the strong leadership will by the management

Views of the Tenth Grade Female Students about the Factors Affecting the Academic Achievement

This study aims to identify the views of Tenth Grade female students in the schools of Fujairah Educational Zone about the factors affecting the academic achievement. The descriptive research method was employed to achieve the study\u27s objectives. A questionnaire of 21 questions is developed for investigating four aspects related to school administration roles: if- the role of the large number of different materials on academic achievement, ii- the role of communicating between school principals and families, iii- the role of families in raising student achievement, and iv- the role of the programmer in raising the student achievement prepared by the school administration. The pilot, validity and reliability tests of the questionnaire were carried out prior to distributing to the population sample drawn from secondary schools of girls. The data was analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). The views of the Tenth Grade female students revealed that: i- there is a big influence of the large number of different materials on academic achievement, ii- there is a positive role of communicating between school administration and families, iii- there is a role of parents in raising student achievement, and iv- there is a role of the programs that are prepared by the school administrations in raising the student achievement. Fujairah

MIGRATION DIPLOMACY IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH - A CASE OF QATAR

This abstract discusses the impact of international migration on foreign policy-making, focusing on the host country Qatar and the home countries in the Arab and Asian regions. While research on migration has predominantly focused on sociological and economic aspects, there is a lack of understanding regarding the influence of migration on international relations and foreign policy. The study employs a case study approach, interviewing five migration and international scholars along with five diplomats. Through content analysis of the collected data, the findings indicate that international migration affects interstate relationships between Qatar and other migrant states both positively and negatively. Qatar has implemented migration diplomacy measures to attract and protect international migrants, relying on their labor and skills. The country offers economic incentives such as high wages, benefits for families, and a comprehensive welfare system encompassing healthcare, education, and transport for migrant workers and their families. This migration diplomacy has contributed to stability in Qatar, reducing poverty levels among citizens and improving living standards for all residents