Middle East Countries Research Articles

Social Capital in Arab Countries: A Theoretical Perspective

Purpose- This study focuses on social capital, which has gained popularity as a multifaceted concept in economic, political, and social disciplines. There are three social capital dimensions: bonding, bridging, and linking. In this study, we focus on bonding and bridging social capital due to their implications for individuals, the community, and the country. We examine bonding social capital in the Arab Middle East countries, taking the region's economic social, and political composition into account. Methodology- Building on data from the World Values Survey, we examine different proxies of both social capital dimensions in Arab countries. We aim to facilitate an understanding of different social capital dimensions and comprehend their implications for the social, political, and economic development of Arab countries. Conclusion- The emphasis of traditional economic theories has shifted from orthodox factors of production to the importance of factors such as an educated workforce, and sociocultural factors such as a country's social development, and cultural structure, in addition to factors such as social interactions, social capital, trust, cooperation, and tolerance.

Development of A Responsible Investment for Low Carbon Economy: Renewable Energy Responsible Investment Index and Conceptual Framework for MENA Region

Responding to climate change creates particular challenges for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries in terms of oil output and water scarcity, but also gives potential for new paths to sustainability. The low-carbon energy transition poses critical concerns for MENA oil and gas producers, particularly about the impact on their reliance on hydrocarbon earnings. Without adjustment, this would exacerbate macroeconomic imbalances and possibly jeopardise pre-existing social contracts. Politicians are attempting to promote a variety of renewable energy sources and implementation tactics in order to mitigate the adverse consequences of climate change. As a result, the development of an index capable of effectively measuring and benchmarking the overall sustainability and economics of a country becomes necessary. In reality, the index should be capable of reflecting a near-complete assessment of renewable energy's current and future conditions. Simultaneously, it should be capable of revealing critical ESG and economic aspects of the renewable energy business. The proposal aims to create a composite index, dubbed the Renewable Energy Responsible Investment Index (RERII). It is comprised of 19 nations and 22 distinct metrics. From 2010 to 2019, a trend in RERII is computed. The RERII suggested in this work may be utilised as a screening tool, a decision-making tool, a benchmarking tool, and a tool for guiding sustainable development.

Examining contributing factors for the implementation of inclusion students with disabilities from the perspective of university academics in Saudi Arabia

Inclusive education focuses on implementing education for individuals who do not follow typical learning trajectory and require special educational needs (SEN). Educational systems in many countries around the world, including Saudi Arabia, tend to implement and practise inclusive education in order to fulfill relevant international conventions and achieve educational standards of acceptable quality in educating children and young people with medical and neurodevelopmental conditions. This study seeks to reveal some of the factors that may help to overcome the obstacles faced in the implementation of inclusive education from the point of view of academics of special education in Saudi universities. To achieve this goal, the study used semi-structured interviews as its primary tool for data collection. Sixteen male and female faculty members specialized in special education in several Saudi public universities were interviewed. The data were analysed thematically. Two master themes were derived from the thematic analyses, 1) theoretical factors and 2) applied factors. Both master themes had several sub-themes. A number of factors were identified as helping to implement inclusive education thereby changing the behaviours and attitudes towards including students with disabilities Saudi context. It is suggested here that similar factors might exist in other countries in Middle East and beyond.

Whole Pancreas and Islet Cells Transplantation for Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Mini-Review and Middle East-North Africa Experience.

Pancreatic and islet cell transplantation are considered surgical therapeutic modalities for type 1 diabetes mellitus with or without end-stage renal disease. The pancreatic transplant can be performed alone or with the kidney transplant simultaneously or at different times. It contributed to an improved quality of life in those patients. Pancreatic transplantation and islet cell transplantation provide different degrees of insulin independence. Although the latter needs less monitoring, yet, it is more expensive and tedious. The experiences in the Middle East and North African countries for both procedures are young but mature. They need more scheduled national and/or regional programs to provide diverse options for their citizens.

The indirect costs of vaccine-preventable cancer mortality in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

Background Infections are responsible for ∼13% of cancer cases worldwide, with human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B (HBV) among the infections associated with cancer for which vaccines are available. The aim of this study was to estimate the indirect cost of premature mortality related to cancers caused by HPV and HBV in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. Methods The number of deaths and years of life lost (YLL) in 2019 from four HPV-related cancers: cervical cancer, oral cavity cancer, laryngeal cancer, and oropharynx cancer, as well as HBV-related liver cancer were sourced from the Institute for Health Metrics Evaluation (IHME) Global Burden of Disease database. HPV-attributable fractions were applied to deaths and YLL. The human capital approach was used to measure productivity loss, through value of YLL (VYLL), and estimated using gross domestic product per capita (World Bank; in USD). Seventeen countries in the MENA region were included. Four countries in the region were not included due to data availability. Results In 2019, there were 11,645 potentially vaccine-preventable cancer-related deaths across the MENA region. This resulted in an indirect cost of $1,688,821,605, with 76.1% of this accrued in the Middle East ($1,284,923,633). The number of deaths in the Middle East (5,986) were similar to Northern Africa (5,659) but YLL were higher in Northern Africa (179,425) compared to the Middle East (169,207). The highest indirect cost per death occurred in Qatar ($1,378,991), compared to $14,962 in Sudan. Oral cavity cancer had the highest VYLL per death ($186,084). Conclusions There is a high burden of premature mortality and indirect costs of potentially vaccine-preventable cancer-related deaths in the MENA region. Improved vaccination program implementation, increased vaccine coverage of HPV and HBV vaccinations, and continued prioritization of public health measures, such as screening, could effectively reduce premature mortality and associated costs.

The mediating effect of bank risk on the relationship between diversification strategies and discretionary loan loss provisions

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effect of income and asset diversification on earnings management using discretionary loan loss provisions (LLP) in banks, and the role of risk level in mediating this effect. Design/methodology/approach A sample of banks operating in Middle East and North Africa countries was used to test the mediation model of Baron and Kenny (1986) with different measures of diversification and risk. Findings The results show that bank income and asset diversification have unique and combined effects on earnings management. The results also support the idea that a risk-mediating effect contributes to explaining this relationship among banks. Specifically, bank diversification strategies positively affect LLP-based earnings management by increasing bank risk. This result is relevant for conventional banks. However, only a direct and positive effect of diversification strategies on LLP-based earnings management can be observed in Islamic banks, and the indirect effect is not supported. Originality/value This study extends previous research by examining the unique and combined effects of income and asset diversification strategies on earnings management in the banking sector. Specifically, it provides new evidence that diversification strategies increase LLP-based earnings management, both directly and indirectly, through bank risk.

What helps or hinders effective end-of-life care in adult intensive care units in Middle Eastern countries? A systematic review

BackgroundAs many patients are spending their last days in critical care units, it is essential that they receive appropriate end-of -life care. However, cultural differences, ethical dilemmas and preference practices can arise in the intensive care settings during the end of life. Limiting therapy for dying patients in intensive care is a new concept with no legal definition and therefore there may be confusion in interpreting the terms ‘no resuscitation’ and ‘comfort care’ among physicians in Middle East. Therefore, the research question is ‘What helps or hinders effective end-of-life care in adult intensive care units in Middle Eastern countries?’MethodsThe authors conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review using five electronic databases. We identified primary studies from Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Psycinfo and Scopus. The team assessed the full-text papers included in the review for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist (JBI). We completed the literature search on the first of April 2022 and was not limited to a specific period.ResultsWe identified and included nine relevant studies in the review. We identified five main themes as end-of-life care challenges and/or facilitators: organisational structure and management, (mis)understanding of end-of-life care, spirituality and religious practices for the dying, communication about end-of-life care, and the impact of the ICU environment.ConclusionsThis review has reported challenges and facilitators to providing end-of-life care in ICU and made initial recommendations for improving practice. These are certainly not unique to the Middle East but can be found throughout the international literature. However, the cultural context of Middle East and North Africa countries gives these areas of practice special challenges and opportunities. Further observational research is recommended to confirm or modify the results of this review, and with a view to developing and evaluating comprehensive interventions to promote end-of-life care in ICUs in the Middle East.

Зачем была написана "Книга путешествий" Джона Мандевиля?

The article is devoted to the “Travel Book” which was written by John Mandeville in the middle of the 14th century and remained extremely popular over the next few centuries. The author of the article describes the handwritten and the first-printed traditions of the existence of the “Book”, dwells on the circumstances of its origin, on the problem of its authorship and on the content of its two parts. Based on the analysis of numerous miracles, both quite real and fictional, which John Mandeville mentions while describing his adventures in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and distant exotic countries, the author of the article comes to the conclusion that the “Travel Book” was not a typical medieval travelogue, but it rather belonged to the genre of didactic literature. John Mandeville tried to teach his contemporaries a lesson about what it means to be a true Christian, how a person can approach the Lord and His plan for creating everything on earth, what ideas and values ру should share at the same time. In particular, Mandeville constantly returns to the idea of a new Crusade, which remained extremely popular in the middle of the 14th century, but he criticizes it on the grounds that Europeans should not plan to conquer foreign lands (even the Holy Land) without solving their own internal, primarily moral, problems.

Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2C19 in ecuadorian population: An interethnic approach

IntroductionCYP2C19 is a highly polymorphic gene responsible for metabolizing commonly used drugs. CYP2C19*2,*3 (loss of activity alleles) and *17 (increased activity allele) are the principal alleles included in clinical guidelines, however their prevalence varies among different ethnicities. Ecuadorian population is formed by Mestizos, Afrodescendants and Native Americans and frequency of CYP2C19 alleles could be different among them. The objective of this study was to establish the frequency of these variants in the different populations of Ecuador and to compare them with other populations. Materials and methodsDNA from 105 Afrodescendants, 75 Native Americans of the Kichwa ethnicity, and 33 Mestizos Ecuadorians was analyzed by nested-PCR to identify CYP2C19*17 carriers. CYP2C19*2 allele was analyzed in DNA from 78 Afrodescendants, 29 Native Americans of the Kichwa, and 16 Mestizos by TaqMan Allelic Discrimination Assay. CYP2C19*3 was analyzed in 33 Afrodescendants by nested-PCR. ResultsThe global frequencies of the alternate alleles were 14.22% (CYP2C19*2) and 2.10% (CYP2C19*17). No differences (p > 0.05) were observed among the subgroups. No CYP2C19*3 carrier was identified. CYP2C19*2 frequencies in Ecuador were similar to the ones reported in Europe, Africa and Middle East countries and to some American populations. Low CYP2C19*17 frequencies, like the ones in our population, were also observed in East and South Asia and in Native American groups. DiscussionAbsence of differences in the ethnic groups in Ecuador for CYP2C19*2 and *17 could be due to either a bias in sample selection (ethnic group was assed by self-identification) or to a high interethnic admixture in the Ecuadorian population that would had diluted genetic differences. In addition, CYP2C19*2, *3, and *17 alleles frequencies in our study suggest that Ecuadorians ancestry is mostly of Native American origin.

How to follow the guidelines, when the appropriate fluid is missing?

Intravenous maintenance fluid therapy (IV-MFT) is probably the most prescribed drug in paediatric hospital care. Recently paediatric societies have produced evidence-based practice guidelines that recommend the use of balanced isotonic fluid when prescribing IV-MFT in both acute and critical paediatric care. Unfortunately, the applicability of these guidelines could be called into question when a ready-to-use glucose-containing balanced isotonic fluid is not available. The main objective of this study was to describe the availability of glucose-containing balanced isotonic fluids in European and Middle Eastern paediatric acute and critical care settings. This work is an ancillary study of the survey dedicated to IV-MFT practices in the paediatric acute and critical care settings in Europe and Middle East, a cross-sectional electronic 27-item survey, emailed in April-May 2021 to paediatric critical care physicians across 34 European and Middle East countries. The survey was developed by an expert multi-professional panel within the European Society of Peadiatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC). Balanced isotonic fluid with glucose 5% was available for only 32/153 (21%) responders. Balanced isotonic fluid with glucose 5% was consistently available in the UK (90%) but not available in France, Greece, The Netherlands and Turkey. Conclusion: Ready-to-use isotonic balanced IV solutions containing glucose in sufficient amount exist but are inconsistently available throughout Europe. National and European Medication Safety Incentives should guarantee the availability of the most appropriate and safest IV-MFT solution for all children. What is Known: • Intravenous maintenance fluid therapy (IV-MFT) is probably the most prescribed drug in paediatric hospital care. • Balanced isotonic fluid is recommended when prescribing IV-MFT in both acute and critical paediatric care. What is New: • Balanced isotonic fluid with glucose 5% is available for less than 25% of the prescribers in Europe and the Middle East.Availability of balanced isotonic fluid with glucose 5% varies from one country to another but can also be inconsistent within the same country. • Clinicians who have access to a ready-to-use balanced isotonic fluid with glucose 5% are more likely to consider its use than clinicians who do not have access to such an IV solution.

Prevalence, Predictors, and the Role of Social Support in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Cancer Patients in Oman.

Cancer, regardless of type, presents a formidable life challenge affecting patients' psychological well-being. Many perceive cancer diagnosis and treatment as traumatic. This study aimed to estimate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence in Omani adult cancer patients, identify predictors, and probe its correlation with social support. This cross-sectional study enrolled 343 adult cancer patients undergoing treatment from 3 hospitals in the Middle East country of Oman. Posttraumatic stress disorder was assessed via the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and perceived social support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The prevalence of PTSD among Omani adult cancer patients was 27.4%. Enhanced social support correlated with lower PTSD risk (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-0.97; P < .001). Predictors included shorter time since diagnosis (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99; P = .017), no psychiatric referral (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.23-0.96; P = .04), and insufficient social support (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.98; P < .001). Social support significantly mitigates PTSD risk. Routine assessment and psychiatric referrals, especially for recent diagnoses, can enhance patients' lives. Reevaluating the PTSD diagnostic cutoff score (33) merits consideration for improved clinical use. Early PTSD assessment, particularly for low-social support new-diagnosed patients, is crucial for timely intervention. Psychiatric referrals can guide specialized treatments. Stressing social support's role can guide healthcare providers, including oncology nurses, in supporting patients effectively.

(209) Investigating if Polygamy is Associated with Higher Levels of Testosterone or Not

Abstract Introduction Introduction: in middle east countries polygamy is legal and common. While the majority of married men have only one wife, some of them have more than one wife. Objective Objectives: Its a common hypothesis among public that a man who has more than one wife at a time is hypersexual and has higher levels of testosterone. We ran this study to check if this hypothesis is true or not. Methods We prospectively enrolled men who attended the andrology clinic for different reasons in this study in one-year duration. Exclusion criteria were: being single, age &amp;gt;45, body mass index (BMI) &amp;gt;30 or &amp;lt;20, diabetics, dyslipidaemia, pituitary dysfunction, thyroid dysfunction, cryptorchidism, history of primary infertility or azoospermia and testosterone supplementation. All patients had thorough medical history and marital status. Number of children of each participant was also recorded. All patients had blood sample for total testosterone between 9–11 am. Statistical analysis was performed using the T- Student test. Serum testosterone was compared in a multivariate analysis to martial history and number of children. Results 214 men were included in this analysis. The mean age was 28(19–45).98 patients had one wife (46%),43 had two wives (20%),37 had 3 wives (17.2%), and 36 had 4 wives (16.8%) at the time of presentation. The average number of children for each man was 4(1–17). The mean serum total testosterone was 4.6 ng/ml (3.2–7.6). The number of children was correlated with the number of wives (r=0.522, P&amp;lt;0.01). The number of children was negatively correlated with the testosterone level (r=-0.170, P&amp;lt;0.05). The number of wives was negatively correlated with the testosterone level (r=-0.180, P&amp;lt;0.01), see table 1.Once age has been controlled for, the correlation disappeard, see table 2. Conclusions Increasing numbers of both wives and children are not associated with higher levels of testosterone. Disclosure No.

India’s Defence Cooperation with the GCC: Role for the Indian Navy

The success of India’s ‘Look West’ Policy for promoting ties with the Middle East countries has helped to build upon historical trade and cultural ties and paved the way to progress defence and security cooperation. This could be led by the Indian Navy which has emerged as the regional net security provider and which also played an instrumental role in promoting India’s relations with the Southeast Asian countries under India’s ‘Look East’ Policy of the 1990s. Close maritime security cooperation between the Arab Gulf navies and the Indian Navy could be mutually beneficial and help to improve overall regional maritime security. This article looks at how this could be achieved, overcoming potential challenges along the way.

Estimated prevalence of keratoconus in the largest metropolitan area of Italy.

To estimate the prevalence of keratoconus in a population of subjects undergoing first eye examination in an eye clinic in Italy. A single-center, cross-sectional, study was conducted involving patients who underwent first eye examination at an eye clinic in Rome between September 2021 and June 2022. The prevalence of keratoconus was determined by Placido-disk corneal topography using the maximum keratometry (Kmax) value and the Cone Magnitude and Location Index (CLMI) for keratoconus screening. Subjective analysis was performed by two experienced corneal specialists, who classified the outcome into two groups: normal and keratoconus. Risk factors, including family history of keratoconus, allergy or atopy, thyroid disease, eye rubbing habit and gender were also examined. A total of 512 subjects between 7 and 81 years old were evaluated. The inter-observer agreement to classify subjects in normal or keratoconus group was excellent (k = 1.0); the estimated prevalence in the specific population was 2.1%. Presence of positive family history (9% of keratoconus vs 5% normal), concomitant allergy or atopy (27% vs 9%) and eye rubbing habit (18% vs 4%) were associated with a higher risk of disease. This study reported a high estimated prevalence of keratoconus in a metropolitan area of Italy, as found in recent studies in the Mediterranean and Middle East countries. Screening for keratoconus is highly recommendable and easily feasible with corneal topography under expert supervision and may be indicated primarily in young population to improve early detection and prompt therapeutic management for halting disease progression.

PROMISING DEVELOPMENTS AND SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGICAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST REGION

Technological and economic trends in the development of the oil and gas industry form promising directions for the development of geological research, oil and gas fields development and hydrocarbons production. Currently, in the world oil and gas production practice, there is a tendency to increase the share of involvement in the hard-to-reach and hard-to-recover reserves development, which results in the cost of geological exploration increasing. It is important to minimize these costs by improving existing and developing new technological solutions. Increasing the efficiency and knowledge intensity of new technologies being introduced is the most promising strategy for exploration activities, oil and gas fields development and exploitation.The current conditions for the exit of most foreign companies from the Russian sector of the oil and gas industry, including the search for potential oil locations, require the development or maintenance at the proper level of own innovative and knowledge-intensive solutions that ensure the further systematic development of the geological exploration sector. A potential vector in this direction could be technology transfer from foreign countries, including most of the Middle East and North Africa countries. The innovative activities of up stream in these countries (including in terms of geological exploration) determine the trends in the development of international geological exploration technologies, as well as potential foreign companies for the systematic institutionalization of mutually beneficial relations between Russian and foreign oil businesses.Saudi Arabia, Israel and Iraq companies develop promising innovative solutions for the oil and gas industry exploration sector, including attracting foreign technologies to their market. Saudi Arabian companies are the most active companies with a significant increase in the number of innovative technologies. The main focus of the innovative solutions developed by these companies for the geological exploration sector is: improving methods of laboratory and geophysical research, improving the quality of seismic exploration, as well as introducing mathematical modeling modern trends in geological exploration.

Sleep disorders and associated factors among medical students in the Middle East and North Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sleep disturbances like poor and insufficient sleep are common among medical students in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries; however, the extent of medically defined sleep disorders (SDs) remains unclear. This meta-analysis determines SD prevalence and identifies associated factors among medical students in the MENA. PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and reference lists of included studies were searched (latest search: June 2022). Meta-analyses included 22 studies and were performed using random-effect models. Included studies used self-reported screening tools for assessing SDs and then estimated the proportion of participants at high risk of developing a SD. Central disorders of hypersomnolence were the most prevalent SD [prevalencepooled range: 30.9% (Jordan) to 62.5% (Saudi Arabia)], followed by insomnia disorders [prevalencepooled range: 30.4% (Jordan) to 59.1% (Morocco)], circadian rhythm sleep–wake disorders [prevalencepooled range: 13.5% (Jordan) to 22.4% (Saudi Arabia)], sleep-related breathing disorders [prevalencepooled range: 12.2% (Jordan) to 22.5% (Pakistan)], sleep-related movement disorders [prevalencepooled range: 5.9% (Egypt) to 30.6% (Saudi Arabia)], and parasomnias [prevalencepooled range: 5.6% (Jordan) to 17.4% (Saudi Arabia)]. Female sex, studying in the latter academic years, having anxiety, excessive internet use, and poor academic performance were significantly associated with SDs. SDs are prevalent among MENA medical students. Implementing student-centered interventions targeting high risk groups in medical schools should be considered to improve students’ health and wellbeing.

Assessment of Monkeypox (MPOX) Knowledge and Vaccination Intention among Health and Life Sciences Students in Algeria: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Monkeypox (MPOX) is a viral zoonotic disease affecting endemically the Central and Western regions of Africa. The ongoing outbreak in non-endemic countries has made this disease a global concern. While no cases have been reported in Algeria, it is important to raise awareness about the disease to prepare for a potential outbreak, especially in light of the cases reported in neighboring Middle East and North African (MENA) countries. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of Algerian Health and Life Sciences students toward MPOX and its vaccine through an anonymous online survey. A total of 196 students participated in this study. Students of medicine (64.3%), females (85.7%), and those under 20 years of age (55.1%) were the most represented. The results revealed a low level of knowledge represented by a score of only 42.8% for correct answers with multiple gaps in epidemiology, etiology, and clinical manifestations of MPOX. Students of veterinary sciences showed the highest levels of knowledge (OR: 6.71; CI95%: 1.23-36.77), while those aged between 20 and 30 years old (OR: 0.11; CI95%: 0.02-0.79) and those vaccinated against seasonal flu (OR: 0.42; CI95%: 0.21-0.85) were associated with low levels of knowledge. Regarding MPOX vaccination, the study found a moderate level of acceptance (48.5%) among the surveyed students with Natural and Life Sciences students and those having a high vaccine conspiracy belief score (VCBS) showing the lowest level of acceptance. These findings highlight the need for educational programs and intensified public awareness campaigns to improve knowledge about MPOX and emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks and overcoming vaccine reluctance.

Джибути в геополитической стратегии Турецкой Республики (2012–2020 гг.)

The presented article provides comprehensive analysis of bilateral relations between Turkey and Djibouti for the period of 2012–2020. The author has identified Ankara’s economic and geopolitical interests in Djibouti, taking into account Turkey’s foreign policy strategy in Somalia. Particular attention is paid to the humanitarian component of bilateral relations with Djibouti. For the purpose of comparison, the article also examines the policies of other regional players, such as China, Japan, the USA, as well as the EU and Middle East countries. Conclusion dwells upon the fact that Ankara’s economic and humanitarian projects in Djibouti have been car-ried out over the 2012–2020 period, with the main geostrategic objective being to strengthen its position near the Gulf of Aden-Bab el-Mandeb Strait strategic logistics hub. Due to the presence of foreign bases of other countries in Djibouti, Ankara is inferior to its competitors in military-political terms. Despite the weak economic position due to the presence of Chinese projects, the economic and humanitarian direction of bilateral relations between Turkey and Djibouti showed positive dynamics.

Muslim Students Environment Awareness and Green Entrepreneurial Intention: Extended Theory Of Planned Behavior Approach

This research aims to examine the effect of environmental awareness, attitude toward green entrepreneurial, subjective norms on green entrepreneurial and perceived behavioral control of green entrepreneurial on green entrepreneurial intention. Data is collected by distributing close questionnaires to one hundred seventy-three Indonesian Muslim students who studied in Indonesia, Pakistan, and several Middle east countries in the world It is analyzed by using PLS-SEM. Overall the findings of this research indicated that environmental awareness, attitude toward green entrepreneurial, subjective norm on green entrepreneurial, and perceived behavioral control on green entrepreneurial have positive and significant effects on green entrepreneurial intention. specifically, attitude toward behavior and subjective norms have no significant effect on green entrepreneurial intention.

Assessing the economic impact of mobile telecommunications in Egypt: a structural model approach

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to use the structural model to determine the influence of mobile telecommunication on Egypt’s economic growth from 2000 to 2009. By focusing on mobile unique subscribers and mobile broadband-capable device penetration as indicators of telecommunications adoption, the authors seek to understand their overarching effects on the nation’s economic landscape.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses quarterly time-series data set over the period 2000–2019 and uses a structural econometric model based on an aggregate production function, a demand function, a supply function and an infrastructure function to detect causality and examine long-run relationships between variables.FindingsThe findings of the structural model reveal that both mobile unique subscribers and mobile broadband-capable device penetration significantly contributed to Egypt’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth from 2000 to 2019. Specifically, a 1% increase in mobile unique subscriber penetration and mobile broadband-capable device adoption is estimated to result in an average annual contribution to GDP growth of 0.172% and 0.016%, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThe scarcity of panel data is the main research limitation for comparative study with other Middle East and North African Region (MENA) countries. Research extensions would include testing the significance of complementarities such as improving governance measures and building human capacity for both households and firms, which are necessary to boost the impact of telecommunication on economic growth in the MENA region.Practical implicationsBased on these findings, the study puts forth policy recommendations aimed at maximizing investment in network utilization, including mobile and internet services, as well as fixed broadband subscriptions. It highlights the crucial role of these investments in promoting social and economic development, not only in Egypt but also across the MENA region as a whole.Social implicationsThe findings of this research emphasize the importance of strategic investments in network utilization, encompassing mobile, internet services and fixed broadband subscriptions. Such investments are pivotal for fostering social and financial inclusion. The study underscores the potential of these investments to drive social and economic progress, not just within Egypt but throughout the entire MENA region.Originality/valueOverall, existing literature generally supports the notion that the telecommunications sector has a positive economic impact. However, there is a gap in the literature when it comes to understanding the specific effects of the Egyptian telecommunications sector on the country’s economy, particularly in relation to the Egypt Vision 2030. The study aims to fill this gap by focusing specifically on Egypt and providing additional insights into the direct and indirect effects of the Egyptian telecommunications sector on the economy. By conducting a thorough analysis of the sector’s role, the authors aim to contribute to the existing literature by providing context-specific findings and recommendations.