An information systems security framework for the e-Government Programme of Jordan

Any e-government programme provides e-services as one of the most important means by which the interaction between citizens, businesses and governments takes place. This has brought great opportunities but also raises serious cybersecurity challenges. Critical information assets are facing various potential security risks and threats. Information systems security is necessary to mitigate those risks and threats that are faced by the e-government programme and to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the available e-services. In light of the above, the aim of this study is to examine how information security is managed and approached within e-government programmes and the case study of the Ministry of ICT in Jordan informs that aim. The study deconstructs information security through the Technical/Formal/Informal (TFI) framework and enriches that framework by customising it for e-government, expanding it also to include citizens’ online trust. To achieve this aim, a qualitative investigation of the Jordanian e-government programme was conducted by following the research design of a case study in the interpretivist tradition. Furthermore, a survey was used as a complementary phase to examine citizens’ perspectives on e-government security. By combining, analysing and reflecting on the empirical data, a consolidated information security framework was developed for different security aspects, based on the TFI model (technical, formal and informal). The dissertation contributes to the knowledge domain at the intersection of e-government and cybersecurity both practically and theoretically, focusing on technical aspects and non-technical aspects as well. The proposed framework provides an overview of the TFI-categorised elements that can help governments reflect on and manage the security challenges of their corresponding e-government programmes

Pouvoir politique, liberté économique et performance du secteur bancaire Tunisien: Théories et validations empiriques

Over the past decades, the banking sector has undergone tremendous transformation, and its performance is subject to increasingly important factors. Among these factors, political power and economic freedom which are the subject of our paper. This paper presents a theoretical examination of the fundamentals and the intervention mechanisms of political power. Then a presentation of the different perceptive of economic freedom and the different dimensions of banking performance. Finally, an empirical study is settle down for the Tunisian banking sector, first by a descriptive study then an econometric study. An econometric analysis using panel data by the Generalised Least Squares  (GLS) method was carried out,   on a sample that covers 6 Tunisian commercial banks, three state owned banks and three private banks that account for 70% (= 68.8%) of  the outstanding deposits. The banks studied are banks listed on the Tunisian Stock Exchange (BVMT). Our sample therefore includes the main commercial banks in Tunisia during the period 2008-2018. The dependent variable retained in our model is the return on assets “ROA”. This variable presents the banks performance in our paper  and we will be testing the effect of both political power and economic freedom on it. We empirically confirm the existence of an important relationship between political power and the performance of Tunisian banks. Indeed, banking performance improves by the decrease of political power existance d in the sector. On the other hand, we empirically demonstrated that economic freedom has no significant effect on banking performance in Tunisia. But, it remains important to point out the existence of a strong significance between banking performance and other variables of the chosen econometric model hence the need for further academic work.Au cours des dernières décennies, le secteur bancaire a subi des transformations considérables et sa performance devient de plus en plus dépendante des plusieurs facteurs. Parmi ces facteurs, le pouvoir politique et la liberté économique qui font l'objet de notre article. Cet article présente un examen théorique des fondamentaux et des mécanismes d'intervention du pouvoir politique. Puis une présentation des différentes perceptions de la liberté économique et des différentes dimensions de la performance bancaire. Enfin, une étude empirique est mise en place pour le secteur bancaire tunisien, d'abord par une étude descriptive puis une étude économétrique. Une analyse économétrique à partir de données de panel par la méthode Moindres carrés généralisés (MCG) a été réalisée , sur un échantillon couvrant 6 banques commerciales tunisiennes, trois banques publiques et trois banques privées qui représentent 70% (= 68,8%) de l'encours des dépôts. Les banques étudiées sont des banques cotées à la bourse des valeurs mobilières de Tunis (BVMT). Notre échantillon comprend donc les principales banques commerciales en Tunisie au cours de la période 2008-2018. La variable dépendante retenue dans notre modèle est le rendement des actifs «ROA». Cette variable présente la performance des banques dans notre article et nous allons tester l'effet du pouvoir politique et de la liberté économique sur notre variable. Nous confirmons empiriquement l'existence d'une relation importante entre le pouvoir politique et la performance des banques tunisiennes. En effet, la performance bancaire s'améliore par la diminution du pouvoir politique dans le secteur. D'un autre côté, nous avons démontré empiriquement que la liberté économique n'a pas d'effet significatif sur la performance bancaire en Tunisie. Mais, il reste important de souligner l'existence d'une forte significativité entre la performance bancaire et les autres variables du modèle économétrique choisi d'où la nécessité de poursuivre les travaux académiques

Luminescência persistente de nanotubos, nanoarames e cápsulas de SrAl2O4:Ce(III), Dy, Eu para pessoas com deficiências: nano-emergência

Doutoramento em Ciência e Engenharia dos MateriaisEste estudo transversal está focado na propriedade de luminescência persistente do aluminato de estrôncio co-dopado com cério (III), disprósio (III) e európio (II), SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+, em sistemas de sinalização de áreas de risco e emergências para pessoas com deficiências. Na área da ciência e engenharia dos materiais, foram desenvolvidos novos materiais com características nanométricas, nanotubos, nanoarames e nanobastões luminescentes de SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+ para aplicações na área da reabilitação e acessibilidade de pessoas com deficiências. Os nanotubos foram obtidos a partir de micro- e nano-partículas precursoras sintetizadas por reacção do estado-sólido e tratamento térmico de recozedura (1273-1473 K). Os nanoarames e nanobastões foram preparados por moagem, sonificação e recozedura (373 K). Novas nanocápsulas de aluminatos luminescentes dopados com cério (III) e encapsulados com TiO2 foram criadas de modo a obter-se materiais multifuncionais, designadamente com acção fotocatalítica antimicrobiana, antibacteriana e resistência à água. Tais aluminatos podem ser amplamente aplicados como superfícies higiénicas, auto-limpantes, em biomateriais, no domínio de medicamentos antibióticos, na formulação de vacinas, e com ênfase à aplicação em cerâmicas fotoluminescentes. As metodologias de obtenção de tais nanoestruturas de aluminato de estrôncio dopado com cério (III) e do seu encapsulamento, desenvolvidas no âmbito desta tese, são aplicáveis a diversos aluminatos dopados com outros iões lantanídeos (Ln consiste em La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Tm ou Lu) com a fórmula M(1-x-y)N2O4:Cex, Lny, onde M é Be, Mg, Ca, Sr ou Ba. Na área da oftalmologia, foi desenvolvido um equipamento médico para o diagnóstico de biofuncionalidade das células retinais fotoreceptoras, e como suporte à telemedicina oftalmológica. Este equipamento foi utilizado para realizar testes de visão cromática FM100HUE em fundo branco/preto para a personalização de materiais luminescentes. Os resultados demonstraram uma biofuncionalidade celular à visibilidade fotópica das cores em fundo preto superior no grupo de tratamento, composto por pessoas com retinopatia diabética (n=38), em comparação ao grupo de referência (n=38). Estes resultados sugerem a recomendação de materiais com fotoluminescência persistente (λem=485-555 nm), incluindo SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+, para o referido grupo de tratamento, em sinalização de emergência e em ambientes de baixa iluminação. Na área da arquitectura, foi proposta uma nova aplicação dos referidos nanomateriais luminescentes à base de SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+ em cerâmica de revestimento, tendo em vista a sua boa visibilidade e uso por pessoas com deficiências. Novos pavimentos, cerâmicos, fotoluminescentes, foram desenhados com propriedades multisensoriais (contraste táctil, sonoro e visual) e antimicrobianas, para pessoas portadoras de deficiências utilizarem, no escuro, com a prioridade de salvar vidas em emergências. Tais pisos, com relevos, podem ser combinados de modo a compor um sistema exclusivo de sinalização fotoluminescente multisensorial que possibilita a rápida evacuação mediante o uso de auxílios de mobilidade (e.g. bengala, cadeira de rodas, andadores, muletas). A solução integrada de tais inovações que potencializa a propriedade de luminescência persistente de SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+ de modo acessível para as pessoas com deficiências, pode contribuir para salvar vidas, no escuro, em emergências.This transversal study is focused on the persistent luminescence property of the strontium aluminate co-doped with cerium (III), dysprosium (III) and europium (II), SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+, in signalling systems of risk areas and emergencies for people with disabilities. In the area of materials science and engineering, new nanostructured luminescent materials were developed, SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+ nanotubes, nanowires and nanorods, for applications in rehabilitation and accessibility for people with disabilities. The nanotubes were obtained from precursor micro- and nano-particles as-synthesized by solid-state reaction and under thermal treatment of post-annealing (1273-1473 K). The nanowires and nanorods were prepared by grinding, sonification and post-annealing (373 K). New luminescent core-shells of strontium aluminate doped with cerium (III) and encapsulated with TiO2 were created in order to obtain multifunctional materials, especially with photocatalytic activity, antimicrobial, antibacterial and water resistance. Such aluminates can be widely applied as hygiene surface, self-cleaning, in biomaterials, in the field of antibiotic drugs, in the formulation of vaccines, with emphasis on application in photoluminescent ceramics. The methods of obtaining such strontium aluminate nanostructures doped with cerium (III) and its encapsulation process developed in this thesis are applicable to various aluminates doped with other lanthanide ions (Ln is La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Tm or Lu) with the formula M(1-x-y)N2O4:Cex, Lny, where M is Be, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba. In the field of ophthalmology, medical equipment was developed for the diagnosis of biofunctionality of retinal photoreceptor cells, and for to support the ophthalmic telemedicine. This equipment was used for testing colour vision FM100HUE in white/black backgrounds for personalization of luminescent materials. The results showed a superior cellular biofunctionality to the photopic visibility of colours on a black background in treatment trials with diabetic retinopathy (n=38) than compared with references subjects (n=38). These results suggest the recommendation of persistent luminescent materials (λem=485-555 nm), including SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+, specifically to the said people with diabetes, in emergency signalling and for a better life quality in low lighting environments. In the field of architecture, we proposed a new application of these SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+ based-nanomaterials in ceramic tiles, in view to the superior persistent luminescence visibility and use by disable persons. New floors, photoluminescent-warning ceramic tiles were designed with multi-sensory (tactile, sonorous and visual contrast) and antimicrobial properties, for people with disabilities use them in the dark, with the priority of saving lives in emergencies. Such floors, with reliefs, can be combined to compose a unique multisensory photoluminescent signalization that enables a rapid evacuation through the use of mobility aids (e.g. canes, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches). The integrated solution of such innovations that enhances the persistent luminescence property of SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+ accessible for people with disabilities, can help save lives in the dark in an emergency.Cette étude transversale se concentre sur des propriété de luminescence persistante liées à l’aluminate de strontium dopé par cerium (III), dysprosium (III) et europium (II), SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+, dans les systèmes de signalisation des zones de risques ou d'urgences pour les personnes handicapées. Dans le domaine de la science et ingénierie des matériaux, a développé de nouveaux matériaux luminescents à l'échelle nanométrique, SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+ nanotubes, nanofils et nanotiges, pour les applications dans la réhabilitation et l'accessibilité des personnes handicapées. Les nanotubes ont été obtenus à partir de micro- et nano-particules précurseurs par synthèse à l'état solide suivie d’un de traitement thermique de post-recuisson (1273-1473 K). Les nanofils et nanotiges ont été préparés par broyage, traitement aux ultrasons et post-recuits (373 K). Les capsules luminescents originalles, basées sur les aluminates dopés au cérium (III) et encapsulés avec le TiO2, ont été créés afin d'obtenir des matériaux multifonctionnels avec une activité photocatalytique, y compris les antimicrobiens, antibactériens et des propriétés de résistance à l'eau. Ces aluminates peuvent être largement appliqués en tant que surface d'hygiène, d'auto-nettoyage, dans les biomatériaux, dans le domaine des antibiotiques, dans la formulation des vaccins, en mettant l'accent sur l'application de la céramique photoluminescent. Les méthodes pour obtenir ces nanostructures à l’aluminate de strontium dopé au cérium (III) et de son encapsulation, développé dans cette thèse, sont applicables aux différents aluminates dopées avec d'autres ions lanthanides (Ln est La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Tm ou Lu) avec la formule M(1-x-y)N2O4:Cex, Lny,, où M est Be, Mg, Ca, Sr ou Ba. Dans le domaine de l'ophtalmologie, un équipement médical été développé pour le diagnostic de biofunctionalité des cellules photoréceptrices de la rétine et le soutient de la télémédecine en ophtalmologie. Ce équipement été utilisé pour tester la vision des couleurs FM100HUE en blanc/noir fond pour le personnalisation de matériaux luminescents. Les résultats montrent une biofunctionalité cellulaire supérieure à la visibilité photopique de couleurs sur un fond noir chez les traitement groupe de personnes atteintes de rétinopathie diabétique (n=38) que par rapport aux sujets de référence (n=38). Ces résultats suggèrent la recommandation de matériaux photoluminescents (λem= 485-555 nm), y compris SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+, à ces traitement personnes atteintes de diabète, dans la signalisation d'urgence et pour une meilleure qualité de vie dans l'éclairage faible. Dans le domaine de l'architecture, nous avons proposé une nouvelle application de ces nanomatériaux luminescents basée sur SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+, en carreaux céramiques, en vue de la bonne visibilité pour les personnes ayant déficiences visuelles. Nouveaux pavements, céramiques, photoluminescents, ont été conçus avec des propriétés multi-sensorielle et antimicrobiennes, dans des conditions d’obscurité pour les personnes handicapées, et dans le but de sauver des vies dans les situations graves d'urgence. Ces pavements, en reliefs, peuvent être combinés pour composer un signal unique photoluminescent multisensoriel qui permet une évacuation rapide grâce à l'utilisation des aides à la mobilité (par exemple, cannes, fauteuils roulants, des déambulateurs). La solution intégrée de ces innovations améliorent la propriété de luminescence persistante de SrAl2O4:Ce3+, Dy3+, Eu2+ nanomatériaux accessible aux personnes handicapées et peut aider à sauver des vies, dans l'obscurité, dans une situation d'urgence.MCTESBDUA | RECTORY | f2698 | 2006-2010INR - National Institute for RehabilitationPrémio Maria Cândida da Cunha 2009MTS

Impact of PAI-1 4G/5G and C > G polymorphisms in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction and stable angina patients: A single center Egyptian study

Background: Many genetic factors, including polymorphisms in the genes regulating blood coagulation and fibrinolysis have been proposed as risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). PAI-1 is the chief inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator and urokinase plasminogen activator. PAI-1 has a crucial role in regulation of fibrinolysis.Aim of the study: Is to investigate the association between Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G, PAI-1C/G polymorphisms and CAD. In addition, studying the relation of these polymorphisms to the level of active PAI-1 in Egyptian patients presenting to a single tertiary center in Cairo.Subjects and methods: One hundred and forty-four patients were included in this study: 42 STEMI (ST elevation myocardial infarction) patients, 63 stable angina patients, and 39 as a control group. Detection of PAI-1 4G/5G and C > G polymorphisms was done using allele specific polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) respectively. Plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity was detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: In the studied CAD patients, PAI-14G/5G polymorphism showed 31.7%, and 68.3% for 5G/5G, and (4G/5G + 4G/4G) respectively; however for the control group, 5G/5G, and (4G/5G + 4G/4G) were detected in 21.6%, and 78.4% respectively (p value 0.59). The genotypic frequencies for PAI-1C/G in CAD patients accounted for 27% (CC), 73% (CG + GG); while in the control group these frequencies were 35.3%, and 64.7% respectively (p value 1.43).Conclusion: No significant association between PAI-1 4G/5G and C > G polymorphisms and the risk of coronary artery disease or the activity level of PAI-1 among the studied Egyptian population sample. However, STEMI patients showed significant presence of combined mutant allele of both genes more frequently.Keywords: Coronary artery disease, Plasminogen activator inhibitor, Genetic polymorphism, 4G/5G, C>

Design and synthesis of novel di‐ and triblock amphiphilic polyelectrolytes:Improving salt‐induced viscosity reduction of water solutions for potential application in enhanced oil recovery

In the present study, three different block copolymers based on styrene, tert‐butyl methacrylate, and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) were synthesized via sequential atom transfer radical polymerization. The addition of the GMA block was found to be best performed at 60°C. The polymers were then hydrolyzed and neutralized, to afford amphiphilic block copolymers, and the rheological properties of their aqueous solutions were measured, in order to investigate solution properties relevant for enhanced oil recovery, as a function of the polymer structure. It was observed that these polymers behave as thickening agents with shear thinning behavior. As expected, the polymers were sensitive to the presence of salt, as lower viscosities were recorded in saline water. However, the viscosity is less affected by high salinity, when compared to previously studied analogous diblock systems. In the best case, the viscosity only decreased by a factor of 1.8 upon salt addition whereas it decreased by a factor of 10 in previously reported non‐GMA containing polymers. Finally, thermo‐responsive behavior was found for one of the synthesized polymers. In particular, a hydrolyzed triblock poly[styrene‐b‐tert‐butyl methacrylate‐b‐glycidyl methacrylate], which synthesis is reported here for the first time, showed a thermothickening behavior, promising for the intended application in oil recovery

Facial Teratoma in the Newborn: Diagnosis and Prognosis

Facial teratoma is an extremely rare germinal tumor in newborn babies. It is often diagnosed antenatally by means of ultrasound and even MRI. The prognosis of this tumor depends mainly on the size and the location of the lesion (eye, respiratory and digestive tracts). Multidisciplinary examination is needed to ensure the newborn’s survival. Pre-operative conditioning is needed to avoid complications and carcinogenic risks. The aim of this article is to Specify the anatomical features of facial teratoma and consider the interests of foetopathology review. We report a male baby, prematurely born at 28 WA dead at hour 23. Physical examination reveals a frontal mass on the left side of the face plus a facial dysmorphia. Dissection shows hyperplasia of lungs, hypertrophied liver and a splenomegaly. Histological examination reveals neural tissue associated with areas of cartilage and hair; hence the diagnosis of congenital teratoma of the face. Antenatal diagnosis of congenital teratoma of the face is very crucial allowing a multidisciplinary care involving obstetricians, neonatologists, surgeons and anesthesiologists

EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PERCEPTUAL LOAD PATTERNS, SELECTIVE ATTENTION AND VISUOSPATIAL WORKING MEMORY OF TWICE EXCEPTIONAL PUPILS WITH DYSCALCULIA OF PRIMARY STAGE

The research aims to examine the relationships between perceptual load patterns, selective attention and visuospatial working memory of twice exceptional pupils with dyscalculia of primary stage. The sample size consisted of 20 twice exceptional pupils with dyscalculia from sixth primary grade. The instruments were used for date collection: ordinary matrices test, prepared by Raven (1938); reading comprehension test, prepared by researcher; basic mathematical operations test, prepared by researcher; Bender gestalt test of motor visual disorder, prepared by Loretta Bendar (1938); Arabization by Fahmi, Ghoneim, Abu Al-Azayem Hospitalization (1990); quick survey form prepared by researcher; Wechsler 's Test of Children's Intelligence - Revised (1974), Arabization by Ismael and Malika (1999) ; selective attention task, prepared by researcher ;Computerized Verbal and Visual perceptual load pattern tasks (high-medium-low) prepared by researcher and Computerized Visuospatial working memory tasks (Pattern memory-Visual spatial sequencing) prepared by researcher. The date collected were analyzed by using the following statistical methods: frequency counts, percentages, Step-wise multiple regression analysis statistics, Z scores. The research concluded that perceptual load patterns, selective attention were very good predictors of visuospatial working memory of twice exceptional pupils with dyscalculia of primary stage.  Article visualizations

A Consumer-Centred Sensory Vocabulary for Open-Food Innovation

Through crowdsourcing and open innovation, product manufacturers are exploiting digital technologies to communicate with their consumers, drawing on the crowd to propose new products and designs. The food industry has struggled with adopting this model due to the lack of an effective language around the taste and texture of food. Existing sensory vocabularies are complex and target food professionals instead of consumers. To address this, we created a new consumer-centred sensory vocabulary aimed at underpinning future crowdsourcing platforms for open innovation in food manufacturing, with a focus on cake