Egyptian Universities Research Articles

Scholarly communication practices and attitudes of Egyptian junior researchers: An exploratory study

Arab early career researchers (ECRs) are strongly encouraged to actively participate in scholarly communication activities, as it not only enhances their academic standing but also facilitates career advancement and garnering recognition from both the scientific community and the broader public. Nevertheless, the constantly evolving landscape of scholarly communication has imposed significant challenges on researchers. This paper is dedicated to an examination of the scholarly communication practices of early career researchers in Egypt, with the overarching objective of providing insights into the transformations occurring within the scholarly communication framework, particularly within the context of developing nations.In our paper, we employed a quantitative research design to scrutinize the scholarly communication system in Egypt. This endeavor encompassed the distribution of questionnaires to early career researchers hailing from prominent Egyptian universities, resulting in a total of 441 respondents representing various academic institutions across the country.Our analysis revealed that junior scholars predominantly adhere to conventional scholarly methodologies in their research pursuits. This conformity is, in part, attributed to the promotion system in Egypt, which places considerable emphasis on established practices, such as single-author publication, while discouraging the utilization of informal channels for garnering recognition and accolades.The findings of this study furnish us with a more profound comprehension of the prevailing scholarly system in Egypt, which in turn can serve as a foundation for potential system enhancement. It is imperative to acknowledge, however, that this study is not without limitations. The response rate could not be precisely quantified due to the online dissemination of the questionnaires, and the distribution of respondents across diverse scholarly disciplines exhibited significant disparities.

The impact of Talent management practices on employee performance in private universities in Egypt (the case of the Arab Academy for Science and information technology)

The impact of Talent management practices on employee performance in private universities in Egypt (the case of the Arab Academy for Science and information technology)

Digital maturity of the Egyptian universities: goal-oriented project planning model

ABSTRACT Several universities are accelerating their tempo to navigate the rapidly changing environment towards the digital age. Previous literature has been interested in exploring the continuous trend of digital transformation, along with digital maturity models. However, there is still inconsiderable guidance for practitioners regarding the concrete frameworks and concepts for planning with the aim of accomplishing digital maturity. This study examines the reality of digital transformation maturity in Egyptian universities through the development of a digital maturity model based on the Logical Framework Approach (LFA) or goal-oriented project planning. This study has a double contribution, as follows: it provides university practitioners with a conceptual tool to analyze their challenges in the new landscape of digital transformation and provides valuable insights for researchers regarding the new emerging phenomena of digital maturity at the national level, in general, and universities, in particular. The results of the research indicate that the proposed digital maturity model includes seven dimensions, they are as follows: leadership, planning and management, quality assurance, scientific research, digital teaching and learning, community service, equipment and technological infrastructure, and technological culture. Universities can use the Developed Measurement Model for digital maturity to measure their current situation and to guide their strategies along the transition from digital transformation to digital maturity.

Track Prospective Mathematics Teachers' Understanding of Special Quadrilaterals: An Exploration of Level 3 of Geometric Thinking

Acknowledging the value of understanding defining and classifying special quadrilaterals for prospective mathematics teachers (PMTs), the present study attempts to track this understanding so that the progress of thinking from Van Hiele's level 2 to level 3 could be theorised. Thus, a bounded case study sample of PMTs, who had graduated and joined the mathematics teacher preparation diploma at the Faculty of Education, Tanta University in Egypt, were selected and requested to (a) define trapezoid, parallelogram, rhombus, rectangle, and square, and (b) represent the relationship among these quadrilaterals. The data were collected and analysed in two cycles. During the first cycle, participants' responses were scrutinised upon Prototype 1; it was developed based on the literature review to describe levels of special quadrilaterals understanding as faulty, partitional-uneconomical, partitional-economical, hierarchical-uneconomical, and hierarchical economical. Similarly, the researchers replicated the same analytical process in the second cycle in order to validate the levels suggested in Prototype 1. Also, some clinical interviews were conducted to confirm the participants’ representations of relationships among the defined quadrilaterals. The results enabled advancing the hypothetical Prototype 1 to Prototype 2. Prototype 2 reconceptualised the levels of understanding into faulty, slightly economical, fairly economical, and economical, wherein each level was determined based on (a) the economics of the concept definition and (b) the awareness of relationships among other related definitions to the concept defined (recognising subsets and supersets). These results are prospective for further investigations to sufficiently unpack all sub-levels of geometric thinking embedded in Van Hiele’s fixed levels. It also provides basics on proper pedagogical approaches and corresponding interventions to train PMTs effectively teach geometric thinking.

Integration of Digital Design Techniques in Architectural Education: A Case Study of the Hybrid Sciagraphy Course in Egyptian Universities

Integration of Digital Design Techniques in Architectural Education: A Case Study of the Hybrid Sciagraphy Course in Egyptian Universities

The association between depression and addictive social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic: The mediating role of sense of control.

COVID-19 precipitated a plethora of mental health difficulties, particularly for those with pre-existing mental health concerns such as depression or addictive tendencies. For some, the distress that emanated from the experience of the pandemic prompted excessive engagement in the safety of online interactions on social media. The present study examined whether variation in individuals' sense of control explained the association between depression and addictive social media use. A sample of 1322 participants from two Middle Eastern nations provided data collected during the peak of the pandemic from February to May 2021. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit and collect data from college-aged students enrolled at two universities in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, respectively. This study adopted a cross-sectional design in which participants completed a self-administered survey that consisted of measures that assessed depressive affect, sense of control, and addictive social media use. Depression was significantly and positively associated with addictive SMU. Sense of control was negatively related to both depression and SMU and significantly mediated the association between these two variables (β = .62, SE = .03, 95%CI .56, .68). This study identified a potential protective variable that could be targeted by psychological treatment to ameliorate the potential onset of addictive SMU in individuals with depressive symptoms under conditions of immense psychological distress such as a worldwide pandemic.

Effectiveness of a polycaprolactone scaffold combined with platelet-rich fibrin as guided tissue regeneration materials for preserving an implant-supported overdenture

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ridge preservation using a polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to promote bone regeneration before implantation. Materials and MethodsThis prospective study was conducted at Al-Azhar University in Egypt. It included 30 participants requiring the extraction of their last mandibular premolar before constructing an implant-supported overdenture. The participants were divided into three groups: Group A was treated with a PCL scaffold and PRF as ridge preservative materials, Group B was treated with PRF alone, and Group C (control) was treated with no preservative material. Bone samples were collected for histomorphometric analysis at implant placement. ResultsThe participants’ mean age was 65.3 ± 4.27 years, and 18 (60%) were male. Postoperative alveolar bone lengths differed significantly between Groups A and B (P = 0.001). However, alveolar bone width changes did not differ significantly among groups. In contrast, the postoperative bone density and loss differed significantly among groups (P = 0.001). ConclusionCombining two ridge preservation techniques (PCL and PRF) enhanced participants’ alveolar bone remodelling by decreasing its resorption and maintaining its width.

Classical and Bayesian estimation for the extended odd Weibull power Lomax model with applications

A new continuous distribution called the extended odd Weibull power Lomax (ExOW-POLO) distribution is introduced and studied. Numerous reliability and statistical features are derived. Additionally studied are point estimates using maximum likelihood, maximum product space, least square, weighted least square, and Bayesian estimation techniques. The mean square error and bias of the maximum likelihood and Bayesian parameter estimators are computed using simulation approaches, such as Markov chain Monte Carlo. Two intraocular pressure (IOP) real datasets were conducted between January 2015 and February 2018 on 49 patients (84 eyes) under the age of two who presented with primary congenital glaucoma to the Paediatric Ophthalmology Unit of the Mansoura Ophthalmic Center of Mansoura University in Egypt have been fitted the ExOW-POLO distribution. Comparing the properties of the proposed distribution’s fitting of the data to recognized extensions of the Lomax distribution. The analysis revealed that the most well-known extensions of Lomax distribution were made by the ExOW-POLO distribution outfit. In addition, the correlation measures and independent sample test for the two IOP real datasets are introduced with (A) Levene’s test for equality of variances for the two cases and (B) the t-test for equality of means. For Levene’s test for equality of variances: the null hypothesis is that equal variances are assumed and the alternative hypothesis is that equal variances are not assumed.

Knowledge and attitudes toward evidence-based cariology and restorative dentistry among Egyptian dental practitioners: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThis is the first study to assess Egyptian dental practitioners’ knowledge about conservative caries management approaches and investigate whether this knowledge transfers into clinical practice and the barriers to translating research into evidence-based practice.MethodsA sample of dental practitioners was surveyed using an online questionnaire. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to collect data from February to June 2022. We included graduated dentists from Egyptian universities who practiced in Egypt. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and the associations between variables were checked using Kruskal Wallis and Chi-Square tests.ResultsThis study included 396 participants from throughout Egypt. There were significant correlations between specialty and participants’ knowledge and behaviors toward evidence-based caries management (p = 0.002) and between specialization and tools used to detect carious lesions (p < 0.001). Most participants (59.1%) used G.V Black’s classification, and (80.8%) removed caries based on the feature of dentin hardness and color, whereas (67%) removed caries until hard dentine remained. The participants’ primary hurdle to staying up-to-date was their belief that the newly gained information would not be clinically applicable due to a lack of equipment or working in low-economic areas. Patient-related barriers were the major obstacles for participants in implementing evidence-based practice.ConclusionEgyptian dentists did not fully embrace minimal invasive approaches for caries management, and practitioners’ experiences continue to shape decision-making. It emphasizes the imperative to practically educate dentists using effective knowledge translation dissemination to promote evidence adoption in daily practice and advocate value-based dental care to address the economic crisis’s impact on Egypt’s healthcare.

How does the mediating role of the use of social media platforms foster the relationship between employer attractiveness and generation Z intentions to apply for a job?

The way Jobseekers apply for jobs has drastically changed due to the rise of digital technology. With the rise of social media Jobseekers nowadays typically utilize social networking sites or other online platforms to look for work and it has made it a vital part of the labor market, especially among the young generation. The aim of this research was to determine the mediating effect of Social Media Platforms on the relationship between Employer Attractiveness and Generation Z intentions to apply for a job. The researchers use a Judgmental sampling method among fresh graduates and final-year students of number of Private universities in Egypt. Structure Equation Modeling were then used to analyze the data. The finding of this research revealed that Social Media Platforms has a mediating effect on the relationship between Employer Attractiveness and Gen Z intentions to apply for a job. Moreover, when it comes to choosing an employer, the younger generations prioritize economic value, social value, Reputation and development-interest factors over the application-diversity, working environment aspects, and management and work life balance. Furthermore, this research revealed that, the significance of certain aspects of a job change depending on the participants' educational level and the study's program. The contribution of this research provides valuable insight into how employers are perceived by young job seekers. They can also be used to develop effective recruitment strategies and improve the communication between HR professionals and candidates.

Recognizing the impact of value-belief-norm theory on pro-environmental behaviors of higher education students: considering aspects for social-marketing applications

PurposeThis study aims to examine how higher education can mold pro-environmental actions among students with educational social-marketing leads; it probes into the direct influence of four value orientations toward pro-environmental beliefs, norms and behaviors.Design/methodology/approachThis quantitative research sought deductive reasoning. Data gathering took place in January 2023, following a cross-sectional framework. The researcher visited various private universities in Egypt, which used effort to change the practices among students toward sustainable developments, distributing digitally administrated questionnaires to students on campus. Through convenience nonprobability sampling, 581 questionnaires were collected and statistically analyzed, using SPSS.FindingsThis study shows that altruistic and biospheric value impact students’ personal beliefs toward pro-environmental behaviors; students’ personal beliefs significantly impact the norms that are present on campus; the norms found on campus impact significantly students to behave as green passengers, recyclers and utility-savers.Practical implicationsHigher education institutions play a significant role in promoting the manifestations of rationality and objectivity among students about environmental challenges and sustainable development. Eco-friendly behaviors are rooted in values; thus, understanding the initial values among students is critical in developing coping strategies and social marketing initiatives that inspire the needed conservational behaviors.Originality/valueBy aligning the value-belief-norm theory with two disciplines (higher education on sustainability and social marketing), this study builds upon the theory, identifying the underlying value-structures that inspire students’ necessary environmental and sustainable behaviors to improve societies for future generation rightness. This study provides more nuanced insights into a better educational intervention for shaping students’ manners toward environmentalism to improve communities worldwide.

The association between Covid-19 Infections, Severity, Complications and Vaccinations and Dyslipidemia in young age population - Clinical Pharmacy Approach

Introduction: No studies determined the association between Covid – 19 infections and vaccination adverse reactions in the presence of dyslipidemia in young age population. Objectives: detecting the prevalence of dyslipidemia in young age population, initiating a dyslipidemia clinic in the British University in Egypt by pharmacy students and assess the association between Covid – 19 infections and vaccination adverse reactions in the presence of dyslipidemia. Methods: Dyslipidemia detection was done by pharmacy students. Two awareness campaigns were carried out to assess the background information of participants and a clinic was initiated to train students on dyslipidemia management. The association between Covid – 19 infections and vaccination adverse reactions in the presence of dyslipidemia in young age population was determined during patient’s follow up. Results: A total of 100 Students aged from 17 to 25 years old were enrolled in the study. Dyslipidemia risk factors were assessed, there was a statistically significant difference between males and females in lipid parameters. About 61% of participants showed at least one abnormal value in the lipid profile parameters. there was no statistically significant association between the presence of dyslipidemia by any mean and Covid – 19 infections, severity or complications in young age population. There was a statistically significant association between dyslipidemia and Covid – 19 vaccine adverse reactions in young age population. Conclusion: Pharmacy students can participate in facing Covid-19 pandemics that is sweeping the world. More studied are needed to explore the association between dyslipidemia and Covid – 19 vaccine adverse reactions in young age population.

The Impact of the Blended Learning Approach on Sustainable EFL Learning in an Egyptian Context

The blended learning approach (BLA) is a popular trend in higher education because it combines the merits of traditional, face-to-face (FTF) learning, and online learning. This research aims to investigate the effect of implementing the BLA via eLearning on Egyptian undergraduates’ EFL reading and writing achievement compared to their peers’ achievement who only received FTF instruction. The study is qu-asi-experimental. A total of 55 freshmen at a private university in Egypt were divided into two experi-mental (study) groups and one control (FTF) group. Students had a reading and writing pre-test before the treatment, and after the treatment, they took a post-test and completed a survey about their satis-faction with the BLA. The results were analyzed using the T-test, post-hoc test, and one-way ANOVA. The study groups outperformed the control group in the post-tests, showing improvement in vocabulary acquisition and usage of language mechanics. Both groups perceived BLA as convenient; they were sati-sfied with options for eLearning and valued interaction with their peers and instructor. Results revealed that students’ attitudes toward technology, work load, and accessibility to stable connections could affect their satisfaction with BLA. Improving digital infrastructure and enhancing learners’ interaction in the BL environment are recommended to cater for students’ communicative needs that are required for sustainability educational goals.

The impact of diversity on job performance: evidence from private universities in Egypt

Employees from diverse backgrounds have been claimed to perform better; nevertheless, this link has been studied sparingly in the Egyptian setting. This paper addresses this gap by experimentally analyzing the link between employee performance and gender, educational background, and ethnic background. To investigate this link, a usable model was created, and data was collected from 269 academic staff members at private Egyptian institutions. PLS analysis was used, and the result revealed that educational and ethnic backgrounds have a positive effect on employees’ job performance whereas, the impact of gender background on employee’s job performance was found to be insignificant. Furthermore, the research findings disclose that the education and ethnic background of the employees mediates the relationship between employees’ job performance and gender diversity. Future research is yet to validate these results.

Assessment of CLOs, PLOs, ILOs, SLOs: An academic programme for educational theatre as a model

Introduction. Educational theatre combines integrated opportunities and forms of education using theatrical arts. It develops in students the ability to use their proactive experiences into absorbing and challenge social reality. The educational value of theatre and performing arts is widely recognised, leading to the integration of theater programmes into the curriculum of universities globally. These programmes are overseen by specialised departments, and universities have established resources for instruction and training. Aim. The present research aims to evaluate the educational outcomes of the Academic Programme for Educational Theatre at the Faculty of Specific Education at Mansoura University in Egypt to ensure that the graduates are ready for the changing conditions of the economy and the needs of the labour market. Concerning the same, the adoption of educational theatre as a model had not been evaluated in the country. Methodology and research methods. The current study finds the role of SLOs, CLOs, PLOs, and ILOs as measures to examine the impact of the educational theatre model. Using a mixed method with the survey of 50 students and interviews of 20 faculty members of the Academic Programme for Educational Theatre, the identification of educational theatre’s impact on the learning outcomes of students is determined. Results. The results show that academic educational programmes depend on the performing arts and the participation of the learner in vocal performance, acting, and movement, activate the learning process and make the educational environment more effectively and greatly improve the learning and practice process. The results also emphasised the significance of educational institutions, particularly universities, in adopting academic programmes that incorporate practical experience, training, hands-on activities, and utilising appropriate evaluation methods. Scientific novelty. These academic educational models help engage students to create a positive emotional state, drive curiosity, strive to excel, build national character, focus on social issues, and believe in their capabilities. Practical significance. Accreditation of academic programmes based on practice and training develops students psychologically and mentally and raises the level of academic achievement and professional and personal development. Therefore, the study recommended the adoption of educational theatre courses in Egypt to ensure that the students are prepared to adapt to the changes in the labour market.

Saudi Novel and Short Story: History, Realities and Prospects

This paper focuses on Saudi fiction, novel and short story, which has enriched Saudi literature and contribut-ed in forming the course of modern Saudi literature. The study of this genre tells us the role of novel and short story in enlightening the people and forming their collective memory. Modern state of Saudi Arabia, earlier Najd and Hijaz, has a rich culture spanning three eras: pre-Islam, post-Islam and modern Saudi Arabia. How-ever, written novel and short story remained non-existent till 1940s when Saudi scholars interacted with Arab universities in Egypt and Lebanon and felt the need for giving a physical manifestation to the available oral fiction. In this study, the author traces the history of Saudi short story and novel through the different stages of their development. The primary focus of the paper is to identify the social and cultural barriers that men and women writers faced and overcame. Among many, the identified barriers are: (i) the social and cultural factors and (ii) the female inclusion. This study initiates a much-needed area of investigation on the develop-ment of modern Saudi novel and short story and motivates scholars and students of literature to familiarize themselves further with the history of Saudi fiction and the factors that contributed to its development be-cause an account of national writing without discussing these factors would be incomplete.

The impact of biophilic attributes on university students level of Satisfaction: Using virtual reality simulation

Biophilic design is a new approach that can enhance human psychological well-being. Most recent studies focus on applying biophilic design to hospitals or office buildings, not academic buildings. While usually ignored, students' level of satisfaction is one of the most important key indicators for a successful learning environment. This paper aims to identify the biophilic design attributes that can potentially contribute to enhancing the students' level of satisfaction. This will be done through an experimental research design using virtual reality in a design studio at The British University in Egypt. Each participant (N = 52) was exposed to the existing condition and then the virtual experience. Before and following each exposure, cognitive and performance assessments were administered, this assessment was analyzed with the use of SPSS. Results show a highly positive impact of Natural Lighting, Natural Ventilation Greenery, Large Windows, Indirect Connection to Nature, and Natural Finishing Material on the student’s level of satisfaction.

Cases of Termination of Faculty Staff Services in Egyptian Universities

Cases of Termination of Faculty Staff Services in Egyptian Universities

Virtual reality Adaptability in Architecture Heritage Education Egyptian Universities Survey

Virtual reality Adaptability in Architecture Heritage Education Egyptian Universities Survey

Exploring the Egyptian Universities’ Social Responsibility Practices towards the Tourism Sector (Applied On Luxor and Aswan Universities)

Exploring the Egyptian Universities’ Social Responsibility Practices towards the Tourism Sector (Applied On Luxor and Aswan Universities)