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1 – 10 of 12Jawad Ahmad Dar, Kamal Kr Srivastava and Sajaad Ahmad Lone
The Covid-19 prediction process is more indispensable to handle the spread and death occurred rate because of Covid-19. However early and precise prediction of Covid-19 is more…
Abstract
Purpose
The Covid-19 prediction process is more indispensable to handle the spread and death occurred rate because of Covid-19. However early and precise prediction of Covid-19 is more difficult because of different sizes and resolutions of input image. Thus these challenges and problems experienced by traditional Covid-19 detection methods are considered as major motivation to develop JHBO-based DNFN.
Design/methodology/approach
The major contribution of this research is to design an effectual Covid-19 detection model using devised JHBO-based DNFN. Here, the audio signal is considered as input for detecting Covid-19. The Gaussian filter is applied to input signal for removing the noises and then feature extraction is performed. The substantial features, like spectral roll-off, spectral bandwidth, Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC), spectral flatness, zero crossing rate, spectral centroid, mean square energy and spectral contract are extracted for further processing. Finally, DNFN is applied for detecting Covid-19 and the deep leaning model is trained by designed JHBO algorithm. Accordingly, the developed JHBO method is newly designed by incorporating Honey Badger optimization Algorithm (HBA) and Jaya algorithm.
Findings
The performance of proposed hybrid optimization-based deep learning algorithm is estimated by means of two performance metrics, namely testing accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 0.9176, 0.9218 and 0.9219.
Research limitations/implications
The JHBO-based DNFN approach is developed for Covid-19 detection. The developed approach can be extended by including other hybrid optimization algorithms as well as other features can be extracted for further improving the detection performance.
Practical implications
The proposed Covid-19 detection method is useful in various applications, like medical and so on.
Originality/value
Developed JHBO-enabled DNFN for Covid-19 detection: An effective Covid-19 detection technique is introduced based on hybrid optimization–driven deep learning model. The DNFN is used for detecting Covid-19, which classifies the feature vector as Covid-19 or non-Covid-19. Moreover, the DNFN is trained by devised JHBO approach, which is introduced by combining HBA and Jaya algorithm.
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Tariq Elyas and Abdullah Ahmed Al-Ghamdi
This chapter briefly explores selected English and general education policy documents, curricula, and textbooks within the context of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from a Critical…
Abstract
This chapter briefly explores selected English and general education policy documents, curricula, and textbooks within the context of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from a Critical Discourse Analysis perspective and examines how they have changed pre- and post-21st century. First, a policy document related to education in KSA in general (pre-21st century) is analyzed along with an English language teaching (ELT) policy document of the same period. Next, two general policy documents post-21st century are explored, followed by one related to ELT policy. Finally, one post-21st century document related to higher education is discussed. The “network of practices” within which these documents are situated are first detailed, as well as the structural order of the discourse, and some linguistic analysis of the choice of vocabulary and grammatical structures (Meyer, 2001). Issues which might be problematic to the learning and teaching identities of the students and teachers interpreting these documents are also highlighted. Finally, we consider whether the network of practices at this institution and KSA in general “needs” the problems identified in the analysis and critically reflect on the analysis.
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There is almost a consensus amongst Muslim scholars that the most crucial problem faced by the Muslim world is in the prevailing ideas (including sanctification, archaism, the…
Abstract
Purpose
There is almost a consensus amongst Muslim scholars that the most crucial problem faced by the Muslim world is in the prevailing ideas (including sanctification, archaism, the common paradigm, the absence of the role of the intellectual, etc.) which formulate people’s thoughts and determine their options. There will not be a genuine renaissance of Islam without updating these ideas and emerging from the cocoon of the past. This can be done through a modern approach which would respond to the changes by looking towards the future rather than towards the past. This study aims to identify the intellectual aspects of this crisis and how this crisis has formed and influenced Islamic banking.
Design/methodology/approach
To analyse this crisis, the methodology called causal layered analysis (CLA) is used, which is drawn from the field of strategic foresight and designed by Inayatullah (2002). CLA is designed on the basis that the way to understand the nature of the problem will determine the proposed solutions, by diving through the surface phenomena of the problem to the depth of the “motors” of the crisis.
Findings
The author finds that Islamic banking is the offspring of its incubator ideas and reform, and the change and progress of Islamic banking can only deal with a critical approach of these ideas; Islamic banking promotes itself as an alternative to conventional banking, but this has not been achieved except on the level of form rather than substance; Islamic banking is a movement within a variable reality, and inertia in specific form and context will keep it in a state of crisis and may lead to its demise.
Originality/value
To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study showing the roots of the ideas making up the fabric of banking in the Muslim world and the repercussions of intellectual crisis on Islamic banking.
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Kassim Slim Zeni and Geraldine John Kikwasi
The state of public buildings in Tanzania exhibits evidence of a lack of maintenance and repair. Despite efforts to raise the performance of public buildings, little emphasis is…
Abstract
Purpose
The state of public buildings in Tanzania exhibits evidence of a lack of maintenance and repair. Despite efforts to raise the performance of public buildings, little emphasis is placed on maintenance works and related factors affecting maintenance costs of public buildings, which are often high. This study aims to examine factors affecting maintenance costs of public buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
This was a case study involving two government building agencies – Tanzania Buildings Agency (TBA) and National Housing Corporation (NHC). A total of 387 tenants and 29 experts participated in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using Stata version 16 – descriptive statistics feature reporting absolute numbers and frequencies.
Findings
Both tenants and experts ranked building age, poor quality control, building material used, execution of work when it is urgent and inadequate financial resources as major factors affecting maintenance costs of public buildings. In the distinctive rating, tenants ranked resource management as a major factor, while experts ranked ignorance about the property of materials, misuse of buildings and faulty maintenance as major factors.
Research limitations/implications
The study has some limitations such as geographical coverage which is limited to Dar es Salaam and Dodoma regions, hence missing information from other regions may have different experiences. Additionally, data were collected in a self-reported manner which could bring about information bias.
Practical implications
Findings of this study provide an insight on recent developments on the factors affecting maintenance cost of buildings using two cases of NHC and TBA which are single entities owning a substantial amount of housing units in Tanzania. Factors affecting the maintenance cost of public buildings identified in this study is a threshold for experts to devise strategies for minimizing maintenance costs.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that assessed factors affecting maintenance cost in public buildings run by TBA and NHC from the tenant and expert perspectives.
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Feda Abdalla Zahor, Reema Jain, Ahmada Omar Ali and Verdiana Grace Masanja
The purpose of this paper is to review previous research studies on mathematical models for entropy generation in the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flow of nanofluids. In addition…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review previous research studies on mathematical models for entropy generation in the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flow of nanofluids. In addition, the influence of various parameters on the velocity profiles, temperature profiles and entropy generation was studied. Furthermore, the numerical methods used to solve the model equations were summarized. The underlying purpose was to understand the research gap and develop a research agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reviews 141 journal articles published between 2010 and 2022 on topics related to mathematical models used to assess the impacts of various parameters on the entropy generation, heat transfer and velocity of the MHD flow of nanofluids.
Findings
This review clarifies the application of entropy generation mathematical models, identifies areas for future research and provides necessary information for future research in the development of efficient thermodynamic systems. It is hoped that this review paper can provide a basis for further research on the irreversibility of nanofluids flowing through different channels in the development of efficient thermodynamic systems.
Originality/value
Entropy generation analysis and minimization constitute effective approaches for improving the performance of thermodynamic systems. A comprehensive review of the effects of various parameters on entropy generation was performed in this study.
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Jawad Abdul Ghaffar, Muhammad Sualeh Khattak, Tazeem Ali Shah and Mahad Jehangir
This study examines the role of the big five personality traits: conscientiousness, openness, extroversion, neuroticism and agreeableness in financial planning.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the role of the big five personality traits: conscientiousness, openness, extroversion, neuroticism and agreeableness in financial planning.
Design/methodology/approach
The research design is a quantitative approach. The study has used structured questionnaires to collect data from 403 business students. The hypotheses were tested through structural equation modeling using AMOS.
Findings
The findings revealed that extroversion of personality traits have a significant negative influence on financial planning, neuroticism and conscious personalities have a significant positive effect on financial planning. However, two personality traits, namely openness and agreeableness, have no significant influence on financial planning. The study confirmed that out of five, three personality traits have significant impact on financial planning.
Research limitations/implications
The results suggest that all personality traits do not influence financial planning among students. Financial planning is deemed an essential decision in life. Although some people are very conscious about their future expenditures, others are not much concerned. Based on the findings, this study recommends that policymakers may conduct workshops and arrange seminars and conferences for the promotion of financial planning and individual's financial well-being. The government needs to promote financial education that can directly and indirectly enhance the saving planning capabilities of the people.
Practical implications
The results suggest that not all personality traits facilitate financial planning. Financial planning is deemed as a crucial decision in life. Some students are very conscious about their future expenditures, while others are not much concerned. This study recommends that policymakers conduct workshops and arrange seminars and conferences to promote financial planning and individuals' financial well-being. The government of Pakistan needs to promote financial education that can, directly and indirectly, enhance the savings and planning capabilities of the students.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the personality literature, the theory of planned behavior and the life cycle theory by testing the model based on empirical evidence. The current study is the first to focus on the role of the big five personality traits in financial planning among students in Pakistan, an emerging economy.
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The purpose of this paper is to offer an historical perspective on Islamic modesty and discuss its implications for female employment in Muslim majority countries (MMCs).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to offer an historical perspective on Islamic modesty and discuss its implications for female employment in Muslim majority countries (MMCs).
Design/methodology/approach
First the paper explores the textual roots of modesty as enshrined in the Quran and the hadith and the historical and socio‐cultural contexts within which the concept was introduced and subsequently transformed. It then discusses implications of Islamic modesty for female employment in MMCs.
Findings
The paper argues that the originally protective provisions for women in the principal sources of Islam were gradually transformed in the subsequent periods into strict patriarchal institutions of female seclusion and gender segregation. This shift was incorporated into Islam by way of the exegesis of the Quran and other religious narratives, resulting in an extremely restrictive concept of female modesty.
Research limitations/implications
The paper argues that in its current form the concept of Islamic modesty poses significant social, physical and emotional challenges for working women; unless these challenges are understood and addressed in their historical and socio‐cultural contexts, it will remain difficult to achieve gender equality at work in MMCs.
Practical implications
The orthodox (patriarchal) perspective on modesty does not grant women a role in a nation's economy, resulting in an inefficient utilisation of human resources. A possible way forward is to engage in critical reinterpretation of religion to reform gender relations in MMCs, including with respect to gender equality at work.
Originality/value
There has been relatively little research on Islam and gender equality in the context of employment. The usual radical feminist position is to view Islam and gender discrimination as intertwined, a union which would invariably result in female disadvantage in the workplace. This article contributes to this debate by offering an historical, socio‐cultural perspective on Islamic female modesty and considering its implications for female employment.
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The purpose of this paper is to describe a normative perspective of employment relations in Islam.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a normative perspective of employment relations in Islam.
Design/methodology/approach
The perspective on employment relations offered in this paper is based on a reading of the principal Islamic texts (the Qur'an and the hadith) and a review of the literature on Islamic economics.
Findings
Despite varied interpretations and practices of the economic system in Islam, it is possible to identify a common emphasis on ethical conduct of employers and employees and social justice in Islamic ideology.
Originality/value
Given the paucity of research on employment relations in Islam, the paper offers an original perspective on this topic.
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Shazia Kousar, Abdul Rehman, Mahwish Zafar, Kamran Ali and Nadia Nasir
The purpose of this paper is to discuss positive spillovers of this project, especially for Pakistan because the majority of the literature discusses challenges associated with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss positive spillovers of this project, especially for Pakistan because the majority of the literature discusses challenges associated with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Design/methodology/approach
This study reviews the available literature to assess the role of CPEC in the sustainable economic development of Pakistan.
Findings
This study indicates that CPEC is an ambitious development project because it needs a larger restructuring of the economy of Pakistan and it will be productive with the successful blend of policy changes and participation of the business community in Pakistan. This project primarily creates a huge amount of foreign direct investment for Pakistan, at the same time, it will also create greater trade opportunities to China by giving access to a new market for its trading goods.
Originality/value
This study established that CPEC will improve the economic growth and trade, enhance regional connectivity, overcome energy crises, develop infrastructure and establish people-to-people contacts in both the countries, which will further help to improve the tourism sector.
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Mohamed Al Amine Sano and Salina Kassim
The purpose of this paper is to seek to establish an effective governance framework for waqf (Islamic endowment) in the Republic of Guinea that would assist in enhancing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to seek to establish an effective governance framework for waqf (Islamic endowment) in the Republic of Guinea that would assist in enhancing socio-economic activities and eradicating poverty in the country.
Design/methodology/approach
It examines key governing features within the said country’s waqf legal framework and undertakes a comparison with other countries’ legal frameworks. This paper also examines waqf-related legal references of Guinea and other countries and analyses relevant online sources such as journal articles, research papers, webpages as well as informal discussions with persons informed on the subject matter within and outside the Republic of Guinea.
Findings
This paper identifies a number of prevailing issues affecting the development of the institution of waqf in the Republic of Guinea and, thereafter, proposes key reformatory measures. These include the passing of general codified legislation that comprehensively governs waqf affairs in the country and the setting up of a dedicated supervisory entity and competent managerial bodies to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the institution in the country.
Originality/value
This research proposes an innovative and befitting governance framework for waqf operations in the Republic of Guinea. These recommendations, if correctly adopted, would ensure the viability and efficacy of the institution of waqf in the Republic of Guinea and would lead to socio-economic development, as has been the case in other nations. Moreover, other countries with underdeveloped waqf governance systems could also model their waqf operations based on these recommendations, as they are most likely already encountering or going to encounter identical issues in this particular field.
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