Search results
1 – 10 of 20Jamal Mousa Shamieh, Ihab Hanna Sawalha, Amer Z. Salman, Emad K. Al-Karablieh, Mohammad A. Tabieh, Hussain F. Al-Qudah and Osama O. Jaara
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to estimate the water demand elasticities using a parametric linear programming (LP) model to provide an insight into the accurate and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to estimate the water demand elasticities using a parametric linear programming (LP) model to provide an insight into the accurate and flexible pricing policy of irrigation water in the Jordan Valley; and second, to highlight key risk aspects, related to water demand, which are likely to impact the community.
Design/methodology/approach
A parametric LP model was used in this research. Primary and secondary data were collected.
Findings
Results revealed that the demand elasticity is high in Spring and Summer than in Fall and Winter, meaning that during Spring and Summer farmers are willing to forgo larger amounts of water than in other months. This is because of areas planted during Spring seasons are much less than those of Autumn and Winter.
Practical implications
The Jordan Valley suffers from water scarcity risk, and consequently the area to be planted is not fully utilized, leading to lower cropping intensities. Responsible authorities in Jordan need to address these issues and propose proper solutions in order to reduce further escalation of this risk and subsequent impact on local communities. Insight into the value of water demand elasticities is essential to support and mitigate policy decision making under risk conditions, concerning investments in water supply systems; investments in the water distribution and irrigation systems; efficient allocation of water with competing sectors; setting water pricing and tariffs; setting cost recovery mechanisms, and the risks encountered under lack of mitigated policy decision making.
Originality/value
This is one of few studies that addresses in detail using a parametric LP model the issue of water scarcity, related risks and subsequent impact on society in Jordan. It is expected to help policy and decision makers better formulate future estimates and demand which subsequently reduce related risks.
Details
Keywords
Salman Alzayani, Mohammed Al Sedran, Safa Aburowais, Jumana Hammad, Noora Almuaili, Shaikha Alkawari, Rayan Bureshaid, Muhannad Almalki, Amer Almarabheh and Afif Ben Salah
Seasonal influenza epidemics accounted for significant morbidity and mortality loads worldwide despite the availability of a safe vaccine as an efficient tool against severity of…
Abstract
Purpose
Seasonal influenza epidemics accounted for significant morbidity and mortality loads worldwide despite the availability of a safe vaccine as an efficient tool against severity of the disease. However, the uptake of the latter was sub-optimal. This study aims to identify predictors and barriers related to seasonal influenza vaccine uptake in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study enrolled 502 individuals attending primary healthcare centers in Bahrain for ambulatory care between July and August 2022. The data were collected using an interviews-based questionnaire which included questions on demographic data, knowledge and attitudes and practices toward influenza vaccine. The authors identified the barriers as well as the determinants of the vaccine uptake and its recommendation to others.
Findings
The mean age of participants was 35.07 years (SD = 13.9). Most of the respondents were Bahraini (86.5%) and 53.4 % were females. The results revealed that 34.1% have previous information about the influenza vaccine and 36.9% versus 69.9% are willing to receive the vaccine or advice it to others, respectively. Determinants of vaccine uptake were identified.
Originality/value
This study confirmed a sub-optimal influenza vaccine acceptance in the general community of Bahrain despite a global access in primary care. Health professionals need to be more proactive in mobilizing the community and particularly females toward influenza vaccination.
Details
Keywords
Hamzah Abdulrahman Salman, Amer M. Hussin, Arshad Hamed Hassan, Haleama Al Sabbah and Khattab Al-Khafaji
Several types of vaccines were manufactured by different companies to control and stop the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to identify the postvaccination side effects of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Several types of vaccines were manufactured by different companies to control and stop the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to identify the postvaccination side effects of the three different vaccines (Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm) among the Iraqi population in Baghdad, Iraq.
Design/methodology/approach
A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Baghdad, Iraq from May 2021 to March 2022. An online-based questionnaire was used to collect the data through social media, i.e. WhatsApp, Messenger and Google Classroom. A total of 737 vaccinated participants using a snowball sampling methodology were used in this study.
Findings
Among the study population, 328 (44.50%) were males and 409 (55.50%) were females. The highest age group that participated was 18–30 years (79.10%) followed by 31–40 years (12.10%), 41–50 years (4.20%), 51–60 years (2.40%) and 60 = years (2.20%). However, 58.8% of the participants received Pfizer-BioNTech, 23.7% received the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine and 17.5% received Sinopharm. Out of the total participants, 56.60% showed postvaccination side-effects such as fever, headache, fatigue and dizziness, while 33% showed no side-effects and 10.40% were not sure. Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccines were the most vaccines prevalent of side-effects.
Originality/value
The majority of the side reactions associated with the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines were manageable and self-limiting, including fever, fatigue, headache, joint pain and dizziness, compared to the Sinopharm vaccines, which reported lower postside effects.
Details
Keywords
Ji-Huan He, T.S. Amer, W.S. Amer, H.F. Elkafly and A.A. Galal
The purpose of this paper is to study the dynamical properties of a rotating rigid body (RB) containing a viscous incompressible fluid.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the dynamical properties of a rotating rigid body (RB) containing a viscous incompressible fluid.
Design/methodology/approach
The Reynolds number is assumed to be small so that the governing equations can be easily obtained, and the asymptotic technique is used to solve the problem.
Findings
The effects of the various body parameter values on the motion’s behavior are theoretically elucidated, which can be used for optimization of the charged RB.
Originality/value
This paper finds the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to the rotating RB containing a viscous fluid; it clearly elucidates graphically how the body parameters affect its dynamical properties.
Details
Keywords
Amer Sarfraz and Asif Khurshid Mian
This study aims to address a leading challenge of confusion about the concept of takāful confronted by existing and potential consumers of the insurance industry. There are…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to address a leading challenge of confusion about the concept of takāful confronted by existing and potential consumers of the insurance industry. There are multiple sources of confusion, including the lack of consensus among religious scholars to implement a standardized business model of takāful, the lack of knowledge or awareness and the lack of skilled or trained personnel, which prevent existing and potential consumers from adopting takāful products or services. The fundamental concept of takāful is introduced mainly to fulfill the religious, social and economic needs of Muslims. Thus, the choice of takāful activates the religious, cultural, family and tradition values of individuals. Hence, the primary purpose of this study is to determine the impact of tradition value and stimulation value on consumer adoption of takāful services. Further, the scope of this study is extended to establish the mediating role of religiosity and moderating role of confusion on the association between tradition value and consumer adoption of takāful services.
Design/methodology/approach
This study follows quantitative research methods and a cross-sectional approach for data collection. Thus, the sample is collected from 768 respondents belongs to rural and urban areas by using a close-ended questionnaire. The mediation and moderation analysis are performed by using Andrew F. Hayes process Models-4 and −5.
Findings
The result reveals that religiosity mediates and confusion moderates the relationship of tradition value and consumer adoption of takāful. However, the tradition value shows a negative effect on consumer adoption of takāful. Moreover, the confusion negatively moderates the association between tradition value and consumer adoption of takāful. Finally, the stimulation value also reflects a negative effect on consumer adoption of takāful services.
Originality/value
The findings of this study shed novel insights into the existing literature of takāful and basic human values. The outcomes of stimulation values contradict with the findings of Wang et al. (2008). The result of mediation analysis reveals that religiosity plays a vital role in activating the goals of tradition value, which motivates consumers to adopt takāful services. The present study is useful for takāful operators to understand the value priorities of prospect clients belong to rural and urban areas.
Details
Keywords
Dina Hanifasari, Ilyas Masudin, Fien Zulfikarijah, Aniek Rumijati and Dian Palupi Restuputri
This paper aims to investigate the impact of halal awareness on the relationship between halal supply chain knowledge and purchase intention for halal meat products in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the impact of halal awareness on the relationship between halal supply chain knowledge and purchase intention for halal meat products in the millennial generation.
Design/methodology/approach
The quantitative approach with the respondents of 177 millennial generations in Indonesia is selected to understand the relationships between variables. Structural equation model-partial least square is used to analyze the relationship between variables.
Findings
The findings of this study found that the purchase intention of halal products in the millennial generation is influenced by several factors such as halal supply chain knowledge, halal certification and logo and religious beliefs. However, the results of this study also show that concern for halal products failed to moderate the relationship between these three main variables on the purchase intention of halal products.
Originality/value
This study provides insights into the concern that strengthens the relationship between the main variables on the intention to purchase halal meat products for the millennial generation.
Details
Keywords
Amer Sarfraz, Asif Khurshid and Wisal Ahmad
This study aims to determine the impact of basic human values on consumer purchase intention of takaful. The core purpose of this study is to establish the moderation of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine the impact of basic human values on consumer purchase intention of takaful. The core purpose of this study is to establish the moderation of similarity of competitors between the proposed relationship of tradition value, conformity value and consumer purchase intention of takaful.
Design/methodology/approach
This study supports the positivist philosophical paradigm and follows quantitative research methods, cross-sectional approach and close-ended questionnaire technique for data collection. The IBM SPSS and AMOS programs were used to perform data analysis.
Findings
The finding reveals that tradition value produces positive effect and stimulation value produces negative effect on consumer purchase intention of takaful. Meanwhile, the similarity of competitors moderates the proposed relationship of tradition value, conformity value and consumer purchase intention of takaful.
Research limitations/implications
The scope of this study is limited to measure the role of tradition value, conformity value, stimulation value and self-direction value. However, future studies should investigate the role of hedonism value, achievement value and universalism value in consumer purchase intention of takaful. Further, the data collection from three major cities of Pakistan is considered as a main limitation of this study including scarcity of time and resources. Future studies should enhance the geographical scope of research by including large and small cities, town and rural areas to enhance the generalization of the study.
Originality/value
The present study highlights leading challenges faced by takaful industry including the perception of similarity of competitors that create confusion in the mind of consumers. This study also introduces the role of basic human values in activating consumer’s intention to purchase takaful services.
Details
Keywords
Hanane Bouhmoud, Dalila Loudyi and Salman Azhar
Considering the world population, an additional 415.1 billion m2 of built floor will be needed by 2050, which could worsen the environmental impact of the construction industry…
Abstract
Purpose
Considering the world population, an additional 415.1 billion m2 of built floor will be needed by 2050, which could worsen the environmental impact of the construction industry that is responsible for one-third of global Carbon Emissions (CEs). Thus, the current construction practices need to be upgraded toward eco-friendly technologies. Building Information Modeling (BIM) proved a significant potential to enhance Building and Infrastructure (B&I) ecological performances. However, no previous study has evaluated the nexus between BIM and B&I CEs. This study aims to fill this gap by disclosing the research evolution and metrics and key concepts and tools associated with this nexus.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method design was adopted based on scientometric and scoping reviews of 52 consistent peer-reviewed papers collected from 3 large scientific databases.
Findings
This study presented six research metrics and revealed that the nexus between BIM and CEs is a contemporary topic that involves seven main research themes. Moreover, it cast light on six key associated concepts: Life Cycle Assessment; Boundary limits; Building Life Cycle CE (BLCCE); Responsible sources for BLCCE; Green and integrated BIM; and sustainable buildings and related rating systems. Furthermore, it identified 56 nexus-related Information and Communication Technologies tools and 17 CE-coefficient databases and discussed their consistency.
Originality/value
This study will fill the knowledge gap by providing scholars, practitioners and decision-makers with a good grasp of the nexus between CEs and BIM and paving the path toward further research, strategies and technological solutions to decrease CEs of B&I sectors and their impacts on the climate change.
Details
Keywords
Salman Alzayani, Khaldoon Al-Roomi and Jamil Ahmed
The paper intends to explore the lived experiences of medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their lifestyles and mental wellbeing.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper intends to explore the lived experiences of medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their lifestyles and mental wellbeing.
Design/methodology/approach
Fourteen medical students from the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain, were enrolled, and their narratives were obtained. Data were analyzed and conducted using Colaizzi’s phenomenological descriptive method of enquiry.
Findings
The analysis identified two themes, along with nine subthemes, that were generated. The first theme focused on mental and social experiences, while the second focused on lifestyle changes. During the pandemic, students had time to reflect on themselves and started to think positively about their lives, although they felt fearful, uncertain, stressed and anxious due to preventive control measures that were mandated, including social distancing and lockdowns. Participants’ lifestyles changed generally negatively, as they adapted to the preventive measures, rendering them physically inactive and exposing them to unhealthy food and disturbed sleep.
Originality/value
The findings provide an insight into the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle and mental wellbeing of medical students. Educational institutes need to offer their students both short as well as long-term health, social and mental support to overcome the impact of the pandemic on their lives.
José Luis Santos, Kenneth R. Roth, Adrian H. Huerta and Zachary S. Ritter
As demand for access to colleges and universities prompts higher education systems for creative and efficient solutions, we examine technology-centric approaches to education…
Abstract
As demand for access to colleges and universities prompts higher education systems for creative and efficient solutions, we examine technology-centric approaches to education delivery and their implications for policy, student outcomes, and resource allocation. Our work is framed by Kingdon’s adapted multiple streams theory of national policymaking. However, the real elephant in the room may be the skyrocketing costs of administration that may need wrangling before resources can be directed to the future potential savings obtained through developing infrastructure for, and delivery of, tech-centric teaching approaches. We provide examples and strategies, policy implications, and recommendations for research and practice.
Details