Egyptian Environment Research Articles

The Effect of Risk Disclosure on Investment Efficiency: An Applied Study

The purpose of the research: This study aims to investigate the effect of corporate risk disclosure (RD) on investment efficiency in the Egyptian environment. Data and materials and methodology: The researcher conducts an applied study using a sample of 376 firm-year observation from Egyptian firms listed on EGX100 after excluding the banking sector and insurance companies due to their special accounting nature in the time period 2017-2022 in order to avoid the negative effects of inflation in the Egyptian market. The researcher uses content analysis to calculate a risk disclosure index (RDI) from annual reports and studies how it impacts the efficiency of investment in companies. Results: The results demonstrated a significant positive effect of RD on investment efficiency, where RD decreases the underinvestment and increases the overinvestment which leads in sum to more investment efficiency. These results are consistent with some of the theories and previous studies that confirmed the role of RD in enhancing investment efficiency. Keywords: Risk disclosure- Investment Efficiency- Overinvestment- Underinvestment.

Anti-nemic potential of Laurencia papillosa and Dilophys fasciola biosynthesized nano-extracts against tomato root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita

Due to the damaging effects of root-knot nematodes on crops and the dangerous effects of chemical nematicides on both people and the environment in Egypt, the purpose of this study was to assess the power of polysaccharides and polyphenol extracts as well as their nano-forms from marine algae (Laurencia papillosa and Dilophys fasciola) used as eco-friendly alternatives for the control of Meloidogyne incognita. The nano-forms of algal extracts efficiently suppressed M. incognita egg hatching and increased juvenile mortality compared to the control. The tested treatments effectively decreased galls and egg masses of tomato roots compared to the control in the field. Dilophys fasciola extract and its nano-form showed promising nematicidal activity compared to L. papillosa extract. Generally, algal treatments boosted tomato plant defense system against M. incognita by triggering the production of some biochemical constituents such as phenolic compounds, polyphenol oxidase and chitinase enzymes. Consequently, the productivity and quality parameters of tomato fruits significantly increased.

Comparative light and scanning electron microscopic studies of the lenses in the insectivorous bat (Pipistrellus kuhlii) and Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).

Bats have the ability to fly without eye application in the darkness. In this study, we aimed to characterize the functional and structural acclimations of the lenses of two common bats with a various lifestyle in the Egyptian environment: the insectivorous bat (IB) (Pipistrellus kuhlii) and Egyptian fruit bat (FB) (Rousettus aegyptiacus). From each species, seven lenses were extracted from adult eyes. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and light microscopic examination of the lens were carried out. FB lenses were made up primarily of fiber cells and sheets, which were encapsulated by a thin collagenous capsule and covered by single epithelial layer anteriorly. On the other hand, the IB lens had two poles and was visibly oval shaped. Both lenses had epithelial cells of the same cuboidal form that were subjected to continuous division and differentiation into new fiber cells at the center. SEM revealed that the normal FB lens had regularly organized shells of fiber cells of intact lens fibers which were connected by membrane interdigitations with different shapes mainly ball-and-socket junctions through the superficial cortical fiber cells. The IB lens was composedof parallel, evenly spaced fibers with various types of interdigitations between fibers that can be seen and increased close to the middle region revealing tiny bumps along the scrubby portions and sockets and balls in the center of the wide portions. Near the center of both lenses, there were large interlocking paddles with little and lengthy protrusions along their short sides. In conclusion, our study discovered several ultrastructural and structural variations among the investigated species. The detection of specialized membrane interdigitations with different shapes protruding from the lens fiber sheets is considered the most characteristic of the FB lens. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: FB lens has more organized sheets of fibers parallel to each other than IB lens. Different shapes of interdigitations protruded from the FB lens have been detected. Interlocking paddles, balls, and sockets with tongue-like fiber flabs are characteristic to FB lens.

Antimicrobial activity of two natural plants grown in Egyptian environment: Ipomoea carnea and Tamarix nilotica

Antimicrobial activity of two natural plants grown in Egyptian environment: Ipomoea carnea and Tamarix nilotica

In Vitro Assessment of Antineoplastic Potential of The Venom Extracted from Dysdera Sp. Inhabiting The Egyptian Environment

In Vitro Assessment of Antineoplastic Potential of The Venom Extracted from Dysdera Sp. Inhabiting The Egyptian Environment

Processing and characterization of antimicrobial bioplastic films based on green microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus extract-loaded polyurethane

The green microalga Scenedesmus obliquus, isolated from the Egyptian environment, was used for the synthesis of bio-based plastic materials. Polyurethane (PU) was blended with different proportions (0%, 10%, 20%, and 40%) of chloroform extract to form bioplastic films. The bioplastic films were characterized using water vapor transmission rate measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The WVTR of pure PU was 193.37 g/m2. day, while the values of algae/PU films were 129.74, 122.56, and 99.75 g/m2.day. S. obliquus reported having Palmitic, which possesses antimicrobial activity and acts as an effective antimicrobial agent in the synthesized bioplastic films. Antimicrobial activity of the algal extract and the synthesized bioplastic films were tested against two Gram-positive bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, two Gram-negative bacteria; Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans as a model for fungi. The results indicated that S. obliquus extract exhibited a clear antimicrobial activity against all tested microbes. The antimicrobial rate of bioplastic films containing 40% of the extract reached 100% after 2 h of contact with E. coli and E. faecalis. In conclusion, this study offers a promising future for the use of biodegradable antimicrobial bioplastic films as an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to plastics in many applications.

The Financial Dimensions of the Entrepreneurship Environment Supporting Small Enterprises: An Applied Study

Small and micro enterprises play a very important role in supporting the Egyptian economy, as they contribute to achieving sustainable development in its economic, social and political dimensions, especially when the state suffers from scarcity of natural resources and the main investment available to it is in the human element, and this is evidenced by the fact that the Social Fund for Development pumped Financing loans for small and micro projects, where the total actual disbursement to the final beneficiary amounted to about 2.4 billion pounds, which financed about 113.7 thousand small and micro projects that provided about 162.5 thousand job opportunities, and the total grants spent on infrastructure, community development and training amounted to (376.2) million pounds It provided 6.1 million work days, in addition to 4,753 job opportunities during the training. With the belief of the political leaders in Egypt in the importance of small and medium enterprises in supporting the national economy and providing job opportunities for young people, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi launched an initiative in early 2016, instructing the Central Bank of Egypt to provide 200 billion pounds to support small and medium enterprises with an interest rate not exceeding 5%. The CBE increased loans to small and medium enterprises, calling for 20% of credit portfolios within 4 years, with a total of 200 billion pounds. It also asked banks to present their strategies to achieve this goal within 4 years, The study concluded with several findings, the most important of which is the key role of national initiatives in supporting small businesses in the Egyptian environment. And the role of entrepreneurship in developing the national economy. Keywords: Entrepreneurship – Small enterprises – Egyptian environment

The Financial Dimensions of the Entrepreneurship Environment Supporting Small Enterprises: An Applied Study

Small and micro enterprises play a very important role in supporting the Egyptian economy, as they contribute to achieving sustainable development in its economic, social and political dimensions, especially when the state suffers from scarcity of natural resources and the main investment available to it is in the human element, and this is evidenced by the fact that the Social Fund for Development pumped Financing loans for small and micro projects, where the total actual disbursement to the final beneficiary amounted to about 2.4 billion pounds, which financed about 113.7 thousand small and micro projects that provided about 162.5 thousand job opportunities, and the total grants spent on infrastructure, community development and training amounted to (376.2) million pounds It provided 6.1 million work days, in addition to 4,753 job opportunities during the training. With the belief of the political leaders in Egypt in the importance of small and medium enterprises in supporting the national economy and providing job opportunities for young people, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi launched an initiative in early 2016, instructing the Central Bank of Egypt to provide 200 billion pounds to support small and medium enterprises with an interest rate not exceeding 5%. The CBE increased loans to small and medium enterprises, calling for 20% of credit portfolios within 4 years, with a total of 200 billion pounds. It also asked banks to present their strategies to achieve this goal within 4 years, The study concluded with several findings, the most important of which is the key role of national initiatives in supporting small businesses in the Egyptian environment. And the role of entrepreneurship in developing the national economy. Keywords: Entrepreneurship – Small enterprises – Egyptian environment

The Impact of National Financing Initiatives on SMEs: An Applied Study

The relationship between financing programs and national initiatives and small projects has been studied, and it has been shown that there is a strong relationship between them, These programs and initiatives aim to enable the people, especially young people and women, to implement small projects that contribute to providing job opportunities, income, and vocational education, and to provide economic solutions and new ideas that contribute to the growth of the overall economy, as well as handicrafts and crafts. They contribute to enhancing financial freedom and the ability to control family economic decisions and change the income map in the neediest areas. The study emphasizes the importance of providing scientific, technical, and material support to project owners and workers, providing training and simulation opportunities, and transferring expertise. The study also indicates that investment incentives contribute to the stability of small projects and improve their ability to compete, and directly affect the ability of small projects to exist and survive in difficult economic conditions. In addition, the study found that the support provided by comprehensive and integrated support, consulting and training services is essential for the success of small projects, as most of these projects depend on skills that require training, simulation and transfer of expertise. The study also showed the importance of investment incentives in creating a strong impact on the stability of small projects and the surrounding community. Therefore, it can be said that integrated and comprehensive support is a key factor for the success of small projects and the achievement of the desired economic and social goals. Keywords: Funding initiatives – Small and medium enterprises – The Egyptian environment

The Impact of National Financing Initiatives on SMEs: An Applied Study

The relationship between financing programs and national initiatives and small projects has been studied, and it has been shown that there is a strong relationship between them, These programs and initiatives aim to enable the people, especially young people and women, to implement small projects that contribute to providing job opportunities, income, and vocational education, and to provide economic solutions and new ideas that contribute to the growth of the overall economy, as well as handicrafts and crafts. They contribute to enhancing financial freedom and the ability to control family economic decisions and change the income map in the neediest areas. The study emphasizes the importance of providing scientific, technical, and material support to project owners and workers, providing training and simulation opportunities, and transferring expertise. The study also indicates that investment incentives contribute to the stability of small projects and improve their ability to compete, and directly affect the ability of small projects to exist and survive in difficult economic conditions. In addition, the study found that the support provided by comprehensive and integrated support, consulting and training services is essential for the success of small projects, as most of these projects depend on skills that require training, simulation and transfer of expertise. The study also showed the importance of investment incentives in creating a strong impact on the stability of small projects and the surrounding community. Therefore, it can be said that integrated and comprehensive support is a key factor for the success of small projects and the achievement of the desired economic and social goals. Keywords: Funding initiatives – Small and medium enterprises – The Egyptian environment

Estimation of national sources and sinks of greenhouse gases based on satellite observations

Human-driven Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the most significant contributor to climate change. World countries and Egypt are moving towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) 2030, and 2050, to reach Net-Zero emissions. Based on satellite observations, this research assesses and monitors the GHG emissions induced by human activities in Egypt. Different satellite sensors were utilized in this study to obtain Methane (CH4), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) amounts during 2015–2022. To get a deeper insight into the effects of anthropogenic activities on CO2 and CH4 amounts, they were correlated with land use and land cover, fire incidents, and industrial activities in Egypt. Results revealed a noticeable increase in CH4 and CO2 emissions over the country with a maximum level in 2022. CO2 has a seasonal variation mode, with the highest amounts in spring reaching 0.000409 CO2/mol dry-air. As well, the high CH4 concentration fluctuates all the year-round, with a peak around 1890 ppbv in August. The high levels of GHGs mostly concentrated in the Nile Delta and Nile Valley, where most of the anthropogenic activities are existing. Fire incidents, industries, and land cover change maps showed a spatial matching with the high emission zones. However, the emissions are increasing in Egypt it does not exceed the global average. In conclusion, unmanaged human activities in Egypt increased GHGs release and affected environmental sustainability. This study attempts to better understand the ambient environment in Egypt and support the decision-makers with full insight into the GHG emission hotspots in the country to mitigate their release into the atmosphere and achieve Net-Zero emissions.

Escherichia coli isolates from meat and abattoirs environment in Egypt: molecular characterization and control by nanosilver particles

ABSTRACT Three hundred samples, including meat from the slaughtered carcass and water, air samples, and swabs from the floor, wall, and employees' hands, were collected from five municipal abattoirs spread across several Egyptian provinces. The Escherichia coli was isolated from floor swabs, meat, air, wall, hand, and water samples. Serotyping of the recovered isolates clarified the presence of various serotypes, including enterohemorrhagic serotypes (O111: H4, O128: H2, and O127: H6) and enterotoxigenic serotypes (O44: H18 and O125: H21). The isolates were resistant to cefotaxime (100%), amoxiclav (80%), then rifampin (66.7%). The stx1 gene, stx2 gene, eaeA gene, blaCMY2 gene and iss gene were detected in 10-80 % of the isolates. Nanosilver (AgNPs) showed that 12.5 ppm was the lowest concentration that prevented bacterial growth. It was observed that 12% of workers wore a clean white coat, only 24% washed their hands between activities during work, only 14% used soap for hand washing, and 42% utilized the same knife for meat and its offal.

Evaluation of air pollutants emitted from wastewater treatment processes in Egypt

AbstractDespite the importance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to decontaminate wastewater, and consequently relieving the global freshwater reserves of industrial and domestic pollution, their effect on the air quality of the surrounding areas is often overlooked. The main aim of this work was thus to evaluate the nature and levels of common air pollutants released from different operating processes of a major WWTP in Egypt (Abu‐Rawash WWTP). Concentrations of gaseous pollutants (CO, NO2, SO2, NH3, H2S, total volatile organic compounds) and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10, and total suspended particulates) at each of the wastewater treatment operation processes within the premises were measured from September to December 2019. The intercorrelations between all pollutants were examined by principal component analysis using Minitab 17 statistical software. The results showed that the highest emission rates of gaseous pollutants were derived from the sludge thickening and dewatering process, and from the sedimentation tanks, whereas the highest levels of particulate matter were detected at the sludge handling facilities and cyclone devices. However, the recorded levels were generally lower than the maximum threshold limits set by the Egyptian Environment Laws (Law 4 of 1994 for the Protection of the Environment amended by Law 9/2009, and Law 105/2015) and the European Commission air quality guideline. This study emphasizes that the environmental impacts resulting from the direct air emissions of gases and particulates should be closely monitored if wastewater facilities are located in the vicinity of residential areas.

Factorial validity of the self-compassion scale among female University students: A comparative study between Saudi and Egyptian cultures.

The study aims to verify the factorial structure of the self-compassion scale across different cultural contexts. The sample included 1039 students, divided into 521 students from Zagazig University (ZU) and 518 from Princess Nourah University (PNU) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), which were chosen randomly. Exploratory factor analysis was used to test the stability of items on the dimensions. The results showed stability along with kindness with self, isolation, common humanity, and self-judgment factors. On the other hand, confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the results of this study yielded the best fit for the total sample. Then factor analysis across the two groups was used to verify the existence of differences between Saudi and Egyptian cultures. The analysis results revealed that the Egyptian environment model is superior to its Saudi counterpart and that there are no differences between the two cultures using the factorial differences indicators RMSEA, NNFI, GFI, and SRMR. This study's outcomes can have global implications for promoting self-compassion as a tool for improving mental health and well-being across cultures.

Anatomical and histological study on the tongue of two different species Ptychadena mascareniensis and Hemidactylus turcicus from the Egyptian environment

BackgroundThe tongue plays definite and important role in simplifying food intake and also, exhibits significant morphological distinctions to acclimatize the environment. This study aimed to investigate the variations in gross and microscopic anatomy of the tongue in two tetrapod classes Ptychadena mascareniensis from class: Amphibia and Hemidactylus turcicus from class: Reptilia to correlate the structure and functions of the tongue in relations to the habitat and feeding mechanisms.ResultsAll the modifications perceived in the tongues of the premeditated animals explained the relationship between adaptation of each animal to its feeding habit and habitat. Amphibians which live in and nearby freshwater showed no keratinization in their lingual epithelium. However, reptiles, which live in terrestrial habitats, have shown keratinization and ideal forms of lingual papillae which considered the most remarkable feature of the histological structures of the reptilian tongues and reflect their adaptations to the dry habitat in which they live.ConclusionThere were some variations reported in histological structure, gross anatomy and ultrastructure morphology of the tongue from the two tetrapod classes, the Amphibia (Ptychadena mascareniensis) and Reptilia (Hemidactylus turcicus). The present study is the first one in Egypt that deals with the tongue structures and functions in one of the amphibians Ptychadena mascareniensis. Concerning the lizard Hemidactylus turcicus.

Egypt’s Business Enabling Environment: An Analysis of the State’s Relevant Policies from 2018 to 2021

This article aims to provide an analysis of the government of Egypt policies with respect to business enabling environment, before the commencement of illustrating the state relevant policies; the two adopted methodological approaches which are the regulatory business environment, and the investment climate will be underscored. Several elements of regulatory business environment in Egypt are analyzed such as deregulation of business commencement, operation, and closing. And in case of business climate political stability, education policy, adequate infrastructure, and adequate health system are analyzed.

Scanning electron microscopic characterizations of the tongue of the Nubian goat (Capra aegagrus hircus): A specialized focus on its papillary system adaptation to Egyptian environmental conditions.

The current investigation was focused on describing the gross and scanning electron features of the Nubian goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) tongue, with new insights into its papillary adaptation to the Egyptian environment. The elongated tongue had a rostral free and the caudal fixed. The ventral apical surface is classified into the smaller rostral papillary region on the tip and the larger non-papillary region by the U-line of filiform papillae. Functionally, there are two papillary types: mechanical (filiform, conical and lentiform in addition to the longitudinal row of large conical papilla on the lateral of the body) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate). Filiform papillae were densely distributed on the dorsal surface of the apex and body, and on the lateral apical border and lateral surface of the body and root, in addition to the ventral surface of the tip. This filiform papillary system gives a raspy appearance to the dorsal surface. The conical and lentiform papillae were limited to the torus linguae. Circumvallate papillae are surrounded by an annular groove and slightly vallum. The lingual root was devoid of any papillae. Lingual papillary subtypes are filiform papillae (elongated and triangular), conical papillae (elongated and oval) and fungiform papillae (round and ovoid). The investigated Nubian goat may have developed a specialized papillary system due to regional differences in the distribution, structure and subtypes of the system, allowing it to adapt to the dried grasses and leaves of trees and bushes that are available in Upper Egypt's dry, hot climate.

“Recycling rice straw as a type of agricultural solid waste” Alternatives of using rice straw in Building construction as a tool to protect the environment in Egypt.

The research aims to develop alternatives of using rice straw inconstruction as a tool to preserve the environment in Egypt. where the rice straw isone of the types of solid agricultural waste, which is produced in Egypt in largequantities, as a result of the lack of strategy by the State for how to collect ricestraw from farmers to recycling to benefit from them. Farmers burn it, which causesthe formation of a black cloud annually in Egypt and resulting environmentalproblems and health damage. Therefore, it was necessary to research how to get ridof rice straw by making use of it in recycling and using it in different ways inconstruction work in order to maximize the economic return from it as well as topreserve the environment in Egypt. The research paper deals with alternatives tobenefiting from rice straw, and these alternatives can be considered as amethodology or framework that the government may benefit from in addressing theenvironmental problem facing the country annually.

The impact of planning the audit process in the light of big data environment in the Egyptian environment (field study)

The impact of planning the audit process in the light of big data environment in the Egyptian environment (field study)

Investigating the Ligninolytic Potential of Bacteria Isolated from a Decayed Wood Sample in Egypt

Lignin is a natural polyphenol material found in complex with cellulose and hemicellulose in every terrestrial and some aquatic plant species. They are recalcitrant and prevent easy access to cellulose; an energy-rich, versatile, promising biomaterial for several eco-friendly and cheap products. The lignin-degrading potential of microbes isolated from degraded wood in an environment in Egypt was investigated. In this study, four bacteria were screened using a methylene blue decolorization test, growth on media with lignin as carbon source, and cellulolytic screening using CMC-Congo red test. The screened isolates were used to treat sorghum stem stalks to ascertain the level of degradation of the lignin content. The four bacterial isolates were positive to the decolorization of methylene blue with percentage decolorization: (23%, 8%, 34%, and 24%) after 24 hrs. respectively. Similarly, the four isolates were able to grow on minimal salt media with lignin as carbon source. The optical densities values measured ranged from (0.030–0.165, −0.040–0.080, 0.040–0.121, −0.039–0.054) after 12 h for the four bacterial isolates, respectively. Also, the four bacterial isolates showed negative results for the cellulase test. FT-IR spectrum for the bacterial-treated sorghum stalks revealed a reduction in peaks at wavelengths indicative of lignin functional groups. Similarly, proximate analysis of the lignocellulose content after treatment recorded were extractives (E) (9, 9, 13.5, 9.5, and 10) %, hemicellulose content (H) (29.5, 26.0, 31, 26, and 30) %, Klason lignin (L) (39, 31, 33, 24, and 26) %, and cellulose (C) (22.2, 33.5, 21.3, 40.5, and 33.5) % for control and the four bacterial isolates, respectively. The p-values estimated from the average values for the extractive and hemicellulose content were not significantly different, whiles that of Lignin and Cellulose was significantly different. The four bacterial isolates showed potential for having ligninolytic enzymes for lignin depolymerization.