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1 – 10 of 19Eisa Ahmad S. Asiri, Yousef Sahari, Ibrahim Alasmri and Ahmad Assiri
This paper investigates professional translation practice in Saudi Arabia with a particular focus on translation ethics. Following an examination of varying opinions and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates professional translation practice in Saudi Arabia with a particular focus on translation ethics. Following an examination of varying opinions and contentious concepts relating to translation, this paper suggests that Saudi Arabia should establish a code of ethics for translation services. It investigates the ethical challenges that translators encounter during their professional work and considers their responses to these challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative methodology was adopted to collect data from forty participants. This self-completed survey uncovered 11 ethical dimensions that translators encounter during the translation process and the researchers used descriptive analysis to calculate the mean and standard deviation of their frequency and importance. Participants' responses to the multiple-choice questions were categorised as personal, professional ethics or sociopolitical activism, and their overall percentages calculated.
Findings
For all 11 dimensions, the mean scores fell in the mid-frequency range between 2.74 and 3.88, inferring that the respondents faced these ethical challenges neither particularly frequently nor infrequently. Regarding the importance rankings, the mean scores varied between 1.58 and 2.04, consistently lower than the experience frequency rankings, which indicates that these challenges were considered important regardless of their frequency. The majority (40.27%) related to professional notions of ethics, followed by personal ethics (35.22%) and sociopolitical and activist conceptions of ethics (24.14%), while less than 1% (0.37%) reflected mixed motivations.
Originality/value
The study's concept and methodology are both novel. The researchers believe that this is the first study to examine professional translation ethics in the Saudi context. Unlike most studies in this field, this study adopted a quantitative approach, thus calling for the development of an effective professional code of ethics for translators.
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Bahram Jalili, Milad Sadinezhad Fard, Yasir Khan, Payam Jalili and D.D. Ganji
The current analysis produces the fractional sample of non-Newtonian Casson and Williamson boundary layer flow considering the heat flux and the slip velocity. An extended sheet…
Abstract
Purpose
The current analysis produces the fractional sample of non-Newtonian Casson and Williamson boundary layer flow considering the heat flux and the slip velocity. An extended sheet with a nonuniform thickness causes the steady boundary layer flow’s temperature and velocity fields. Our purpose in this research is to use Akbari Ganji method (AGM) to solve equations and compare the accuracy of this method with the spectral collocation method.
Design/methodology/approach
The trial polynomials that will be utilized to carry out the AGM are then used to solve the nonlinear governing system of the PDEs, which has been transformed into a nonlinear collection of linked ODEs.
Findings
The profile of temperature and dimensionless velocity for different parameters were displayed graphically. Also, the effect of two different parameters simultaneously on the temperature is displayed in three dimensions. The results demonstrate that the skin-friction coefficient rises with growing magnetic numbers, whereas the Casson and the local Williamson parameters show reverse manners.
Originality/value
Moreover, the usefulness and precision of the presented approach are pleasing, as can be seen by comparing the results with previous research. Also, the calculated solutions utilizing the provided procedure were physically sufficient and precise.
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Hasna Balaj Albaroudi and Shahzaf Iqbal
This study examines the influence of quality culture (QC) on university performance (UP) within the higher education (HE) context of Saudi Arabia, exploring the mediating roles of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the influence of quality culture (QC) on university performance (UP) within the higher education (HE) context of Saudi Arabia, exploring the mediating roles of transformational (TFL) and transactional leadership (TNL) styles.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilizes a cross-sectional survey approach, collecting data through online surveys from administrators representing public and private universities in Saudi Arabia. Data analysis is conducted using PLS-SEM.
Findings
The findings indicate that QC exerts a notable direct influence on UP, along with an indirect effect mediated by TFL and TNL. Additionally, the influences of TFL and TNL on UP are statistically significant. However, the effect of TNL on UP and its role as a mediator in the QC-UP relationship demonstrate partial significance.
Research limitations/implications
This study enriches the theoretical comprehension of quality assurance in HE by incorporating QC as a dynamic capability within Dynamic Capability Theory and TL and TFL as valuable resources within Resource-Based View theory. However, limitations such as a cross-sectional design and reliance on input solely from university administrators must be acknowledged.
Practical implications
The study offers practical insights for policymakers, administrators, and quality managers, emphasizing the economic benefits of robust QC in universities. It highlights QC's impact on policy, curriculum development, and public trust, advocating tailored strategies to improve efficiency and collaboration, crucial for overcoming bureaucratic barriers, especially in public universities.
Originality/value
The originality of this study lies in introducing TFL and TNL as mediators between QC and UP within a university setting.
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Mohamed A. Khashan, Thamir Hamad Alasker, Mohamed A. Ghonim and Mohamed M. Elsotouhy
The success of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is determined by the numerous facilitators and obstacles that influence physicians' intentions toward using these…
Abstract
Purpose
The success of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is determined by the numerous facilitators and obstacles that influence physicians' intentions toward using these technologies. This study examines physicians' intentions to use EHR by applying the extended technology readiness and acceptance model (TRAM) factors, the result demonstrability, colleagues' opinions, perception of external control, and organizational support.
Design/methodology/approach
Convenience sampling was used to collect data from physicians in Egypt (n = 520). To evaluate the model's hypotheses, this study used the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method with WarpPLS.7.
Findings
The results revealed that positive TR factors (innovativeness and optimism) positively affect perceived usefulness and ease of use, while negative TR factors (discomfort and insecurity) negatively impact perceived usefulness and ease of use. Furthermore, the result demonstrability and colleagues' opinions positively influence perceived usefulness, while the perception of external control and organizational support positively influence perceived ease of use. In addition, significant relationships between perceived ease of use and usefulness and adoption intention were identified.
Originality/value
This is the first study to apply the TRAM to understand physicians' adoption intentions to use EHR systems. Moreover, this study determined the different roles of positive and negative TR affecting physicians' cognition regarding using EHR systems.
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Stuti Saxena, Deo Shao, Anastasija Nikiforova and Richa Thapliyal
This paper aims to provide insights into the integration of blockchain technology in e-government services.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide insights into the integration of blockchain technology in e-government services.
Design/methodology/approach
The article invokes an exploratory approach to emphasize the possibilities of integrating blockchain technology in e-government services. A cybernetic model is detailed in the paper for bridging the gulf between blockchain and e-government.
Findings
The integration of blockchain technology in e-government services is capable of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. Furthermore, this integration would facilitate in maintaining the privacy of the online transactions.
Originality/value
Hitherto, studies have focused on the blockchain technology in many sectors; however, the integration and utility of blockchain technology for the government sector have remained unexplored. The current study seeks to fill this gap.
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Syadiyah Abdul Shukor and Uraiporn Kattiyapornpong
This study aims to provide an insight into research related to Muslim travellers in the past 42 years.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide an insight into research related to Muslim travellers in the past 42 years.
Design/methodology/approach
Using 342 articles collected from the Scopus database from 1981 to 2023, this study adopted the Bibliometrix in RStudio package and Biblioshiny Web application to analyse the research on Muslim travellers in two main categories: overview and intellectual structures.
Findings
The first publication related to Muslim travellers occurred in 1981 and number of publications remained few in the first three decades. Starting 2015, publications on Muslim travellers experienced a growing development of discussions and publications. Four prominent research clusters were identified: “halal tourism”, “hajj”, “Islamic tourism” and “tourist post-purchase”. Themes within the research on Muslim travellers have evolved from the “pilgrimage” to “Islamic tourism” theme. Then, the “Islamic tourism” theme has been expanded to a variety of topics that were primarily relevant to Muslim tourist behaviour. Themes related to “climate change” and “Syria” have been identified as the niche themes that need further study.
Research limitations/implications
Scopus database is regularly updated as the number of papers and journals may increase or decrease from time to time. This may impact on the fluctuation of the theme analysis from the article search at that time.
Originality/value
This study reviews publications related to Muslim travellers over the past four decades. Accordingly, it can aid interested researchers and stakeholders in gaining a more thorough understanding of Muslim traveller research.
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Usama Afzal, Kanza Maryam, Fatima Afzal and Muhammad Aslam
The purpose of this study is to fabricate a highly sensitive humidity sensor for observing the humidity effect on a robot’s body as an application of the Internet of Things. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to fabricate a highly sensitive humidity sensor for observing the humidity effect on a robot’s body as an application of the Internet of Things. The sensor has been fabricated by depositing a thin sensing layer of nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) between two silver electrodes.
Design/methodology/approach
The structure of the thin film was observed by X-ray diffraction, optical properties by UV Vis and surface morphology by scanning electron microscope. The capacitance and the resistance with respect to change in relative humidity from 0 to 100%RH have been measured by LCR meter at 1 kHz.
Findings
The sensor’s response time is 7.5 s and its recovery time is 3.7 s, with high sensitivity of 127,259 pF/%RH and 332.287 MΩ/%RH. The authors have also used a proposed sensor on a steel body and observed humidity values. The analysis of all measured values was performed through the classical and neutrosophic approaches. By comparing, the authors have observed that the neutrosophic approach is more efficient in analyzing the sensor data.
Originality/value
In this work, the authors will fabricate a capacitive and resistive-type humidity sensor using the thin film of NiPc. The structural, optical and morphological properties of NiPc thin film will be investigated with different characterization techniques. The electric properties, i.e. capacitance and resistance, will be measured at intervals with an LCR meter by changing relative humidity (%RH). Moreover, the measured data will be analyzed through different statistical approaches, as already used in [12].
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Sharifatul Ain Binti Sharifuddin, Salwani Binti Ismail, Imran Abdullah, Irfan Mohamad and Javeed Shaikh Mohammed
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) are among the pathogens detected during Hajj pilgrimage known…
Abstract
Purpose
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) are among the pathogens detected during Hajj pilgrimage known to cause pneumonia. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of activated carbon cloth (ACC) with Ag+ impregnated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) against these pathogens.
Design/methodology/approach
ZnO NPs were impregnated into ACC-Ag+ via layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the fine surface morphological details of the ACC-Ag+-ZnO sheets. Antibacterial activity of the ACC-Ag+-ZnO sheets was evaluated using the disk-diffusion susceptibility assay. Allergy patch test was done to evaluate allergic reactions of the ACC-Ag+-ZnO sheets on human skin.
Findings
SEM micrographs showed successful impregnation of ZnO NPs into the ACC-Ag+ sheets. Disk-diffusion susceptibility assay results of ACC-Ag+-ZnO sheets against S. aureus, K. pneumoniae and S. pneumoniae showed good antibacterial activity; with 1.82 ± 0.13 mm zone of inhibition for S. pneumoniae, at a ZnO concentration of 0.78 mg mL-1. No signs of human skin irritation were observed throughout the allergy patch test.
Originality/value
Results indicate that ACC-Ag+-ZnO sheets could potentially be embedded within surgical face masks (pilgrims’ preferred) to reduce the risks involved with the transmission of respiratory tract infections during and after mass gatherings (e.g. Hajj/Umrah, Olympics).
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Tang Ting, Md Aslam Mia, Md Imran Hossain and Khaw Khai Wah
Given the growing emphasis among scholars, practitioners and policymakers on financial sustainability, this study aims to explore the applicability of machine learning techniques…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the growing emphasis among scholars, practitioners and policymakers on financial sustainability, this study aims to explore the applicability of machine learning techniques in predicting the financial performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs).
Design/methodology/approach
This study gathered 9,059 firm-year observations spanning from 2003 to 2018 from the World Bank's Mix Market database. To predict the financial performance of MFIs, the authors applied a range of machine learning regression approaches to both training and testing data sets. These included linear regression, partial least squares, linear regression with stepwise selection, elastic net, random forest, quantile random forest, Bayesian ridge regression, K-Nearest Neighbors and support vector regression. All models were implemented using Python.
Findings
The findings revealed the random forest model as the most suitable choice, outperforming the other models considered. The effectiveness of the random forest model varied depending on specific scenarios, particularly the balance between training and testing data set proportions. More importantly, the results identified operational self-sufficiency as the most critical factor influencing the financial performance of MFIs.
Research limitations/implications
This study leveraged machine learning on a well-defined data set to identify the factors predicting the financial performance of MFIs. These insights offer valuable guidance for MFIs aiming to predict their long-term financial sustainability. Investors and donors can also use these findings to make informed decisions when selecting their potential recipients. Furthermore, practitioners and policymakers can use these findings to identify potential financial performance vulnerabilities.
Originality/value
This study stands out by using a global data set to investigate the best model for predicting the financial performance of MFIs, a relatively scarce subject in the existing microfinance literature. Moreover, it uses advanced machine learning techniques to gain a deeper understanding of the factors affecting the financial performance of MFIs.
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Yee Rock Leong, Farzana Parveen Tajudeen and Wai Chung Yeong
The aim is to reveal contemporary research trends and patterns in Internet of Things (IoTs) so that social scientists who are new to the discipline may be steered towards rightful…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim is to reveal contemporary research trends and patterns in Internet of Things (IoTs) so that social scientists who are new to the discipline may be steered towards rightful directions when examining this phenomenon.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 169 IoT articles indexed in the Web of Science database were analyzed via bibliometric analysis and content analysis. The VOSViewer software was used to identify popular keywords of the IoT topics, its publication productivity, the most relevant journals, and the most prolific authors within. Content analysis was conducted manually to determine the most popular research methods used, the most frequently studied contexts, the most popular IoT application areas, the most highly examined user perspectives, and the most often employed theories.
Findings
The synthesis of both the bibliometric and content analysis results suggest the necessity of investigating the post-adoption technology usage behavior of IoT technology in developing countries, particularly in smart home. This is especially so from new landscapes using other theories or models, apart from the overwhelmed Technology Adoption Model (TAM) and its variants.
Originality/value
With a focus on addressing the state-of-the-art of IoT in social science, and to synthesize its future research directions systematically, this study was conducted with both bibliometric and content analysis, in order to enhance the overall analysis for higher accuracy and more reliable results.
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