Middle Eastern And North African Research Articles

Quod vadis? The effect of youth unemployment and demographic pressure on migration in the MENA region

AbstractRecent trends in international migration reveal increasing migration outflows from Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries. This development is accompanied by a massive rise in youth unemployment and a major increase in the young population in this region. This paper provides a quantitative assessment of migration patterns and analyses the interacting effect of the unfavourable combination of youth unemployment and demographic pressure on migration decisions. Based on an assessment of bilateral migration flows from 19 MENA to 34 OECD countries between 1995 and 2020, we find that youth unemployment plays a significant role in explaining emigration flows from MENA countries. We also find that the migration‐generating effect of youth unemployment is contingent upon demographic pressure in the youth cohorts and increases with an increasing number of youths.

Stock and exchange rate movements in the MENA countries: A Markov Switching –VAR Model

Purpose ― This article explores the causal link between stock and currency returns in The Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries from January 2011 through February 2020. Methods ― This study uses the Vector autoregressive (VAR) and the Markov switching vector autoregressive (MS-VAR) models to investigate the dynamic causality between equity and exchange rate markets. Findings ― Results indicate that this relation depends on the state of the markets. Furthermore, generally, equity returns have a significant impact on the currency markets, whatever the market state. Implication ― Regime shifts in the relationship between stock and exchange rate markets are significant for portfolio allocation because they help investors improve their investment decisions through knowledge of the dynamic link between these markets. Originality ― This study adds to the literature on the relationship between exchange rates and stock prices in the MENA countries, which have become attractive destinations for international investors due to their higher returns.

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Sample of Houston-Based Middle Eastern and North African Residents

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to anxiety and depression in many communities across the United States. Here, we have focused on a sample of Houston-based Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) residents and assessed the prevalence of anxiety and depression in this community. The 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaires were used to identify the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression, respectively. A sociodemographic, general health, and COVID-19 survey was used for a multivariable logistic regression model to determine predictors of anxiety and depression. The outcome of interest was “minimal/mild” versus “moderate/severe” anxiety and depression. A total of 368 participants completed the survey, with 24.73% reporting “moderate/severe” anxiety and 31.79% reporting “moderate/severe” depression. Male participants were less likely (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.12, 0.75) to have “moderate/severe” anxiety compared to females. Respondents with self-reported depression were more likely (OR = 3.41, 95% CI = 1.33, 8.83) to have “moderate/severe” depression. Participants who reported having “Excellent/Good knowledge” about the prevention of COVID-19 spread were less likely (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.15, 0.93) to have “moderate/severe” depression, and less likely (OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.07, 0.64) to have “moderate/severe” anxiety, compared to those who had “average/poor/terrible” knowledge. Identified predictors may be critical for designing culturally sensitive interventions to improve the healthcare of MENA Americans.

Effect of Temperature Gradient on Chloride Ion Diffusion in Nuclear Reactor Containment Building Concrete

Chloride diffusion through concrete is influenced by harsh environmental conditions such as high ambient temperature and relative humidity. This paper examined the influence of temperature gradient on chloride diffusion in concrete under high ambient temperature conditions. Chloride diffusion tests using cylindrical concrete samples were performed in constant temperature and temperature gradient conditions. In a temperature gradient condition, a much higher chloride concentration was measured than at constant temperatures, which could not be explained only by the mass diffusion driven by the concentration gradient. A new analytical model of chloride diffusion with the mass diffusion term including the temperature effect and the thermo-diffusion term including the temperature gradient effect was applied to the results, which showed that the thermo-diffusion contribution was significant. Using the analytical model with the mass diffusion (DCl) and thermo-diffusion (DT) coefficients, the service life of reactor containment buildings (RCBs) in nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region was estimated. The results showed that the service life of the RCBs could be reduced by the temperature gradient, indicating the possible application of the proposed analytical model.

Big N auditors and the quality of earnings: Evidence from Middle Eastern and North African countries

In recent years, the importance of audit quality has garnered significant attention by managements, academics and the general public. In this study, we examine the relationship between Big N auditors and earnings quality in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries, where cultural and institutional contexts are quite different from those in Western countries. In addressing this issue, we employ three audit quality metrics – value relevance, abnormal accruals and earnings persistence – and use the propensity score matching technique to deal with the potential endogeneity arising from the nature of external auditor choices. Contrary to the view that Big N auditors supply quality-differentiated audits, the results obtained employing a cross-country sample of publicly listed non-financial firms of 10 MENA countries during 2009–2019 provide evidence that Big N auditors are insignificantly associated with the three measures of audit quality. Furthermore, we find that the differences in audit quality between the two auditor groups are mainly due to the clients’ innate characteristics, rather than the competency of Big N auditors. Our results hold after performing different sensitivity analyses. Overall, our findings challenge the conventional notion that Big N auditors deliver quality-differentiated audits.

Building community: Connecting refugee and Canadian families.

This article reports on an investigation of factors that promote or impede the development of social cohesion in communities receiving refugee newcomers largely of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) backgrounds. This community-based research was completed in collaboration with a community partner-a settlement agency dedicated to supporting people with immigrant and refugee backgrounds. Interviews were conducted with refugee newcomers, professionals working with refugee populations, individuals involved in private sponsorship of refugees, and long-term community residents. Results focus on the essential relational and contextual issues to consider when designing a program to build social connections. Together, the findings suggest the value of trying to replicate how relationships form organically, the need to collaborate across systems, and the importance of addressing societal narratives about how newcomers are perceived. Recommendations regarding the process of creating a community program are offered. These findings will be shared with a range of stakeholders to cocreate and implement a new program for enhancing social cohesion in our community. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

PCR113 Depression Fallout from the Pandemic in a Sample of the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Community in Houston Texas, USA

PCR113 Depression Fallout from the Pandemic in a Sample of the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Community in Houston Texas, USA

Bonds and barriers: Mental health, service provision, and Middle Eastern/North African cultural identity in the U.S.

This exploratory study examined the intersections of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) American cultural identity and attitudes towards mental health and mental health services. Fifteen in-depth narrative interviews with participants of MENA descent in the United States were analyzed using qualitative thematic content analysis, revealing five primary themes within these data: denial, lack of awareness, stigma/shame, collective identity, and resistance. These results indicate cultural identity plays a unique and significant role in how this population understands and responds to mental health and substance use challenges, in a way that often creates barriers to social service provision and success. Implications and suggestions for how these findings might be used to develop more culturally competent and effective social work interventions for MENA communities are discussed.

National Governance Index, Corruption Index and Growth Rate—International Evidence from Sub-Saharan and MENA Countries

In an international setting of developing countries, applying advanced statistical estimation approaches such as the system generalized method of moments (GMM), two-stage least square (2SLS) regressions, and cluster analysis, this paper revisits the impact of macro-level governance quality and the corruption index on the economic growth rate. We use cross-country panel data for 40 sub-Saharan and the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries over the period of 2009–2020. The empirical results document the positive and negative effects of the national governance index and the corruption index on the economic growth rate. Additionally, foreign direct investment and population have a positive impact on the economic growth rate and trade openness has a negative impact. The study evaluates the robustness of these associations through a series of tests. These findings have important policy implications for policymakers and regulators in developing countries. In particular, the study recommends the implementation of an anti-corruption campaign and improving country-level governance quality that could encourage increased foreign direct investment for an accelerated economic growth rate. These will further enhance accountability, transparency, the rule of law, social responsibility, the public voice, and government effectiveness.

Infection prevention and control staffing and programs in Middle Eastern Countries.

Infection prevention and control (IPC) programs in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries are evolving. The objective was to characterize IPC personnel and programs in MENA countries, with special emphasis on the differences between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and non-GCC countries. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2019 among IPC members of the Arab Countries Infection Control Network (AcicN). The survey focused on three domains; demographic and professional characteristics, organizational structure, and IPC program characteristics. A total of 269 participants aged 39.9 ± 8.4 years were included in the study. Majority of the participants were females (67.7%), nurses (63.7%), and of Middle-Eastern origin (57.3%). 32.2% of the participants were certified by the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC). Only 22.7% of participants were satisfied with their current compensation. Surveillance was the most time-consuming task (26.6%), followed by isolation (12.4%), and investigation of outbreaks (12.1%). Majority of the facilities had at least one IPC personnel per 100 beds (60.9%), supported IPC program (63.9%), a formal IPC committee (93.7%), and an IPC plan (91.4%). Compared with non-GCC countries, GCC countries had significantly more frequent CBIC certification (p = 0.003), training in cleaning/sterilization (p = 0.010), supported IPC program (p = 0.010), formal IPC committee (p = 0.001), IPC plan (p = 0.001), and higher number of IPC personnel per 100 beds (p = 0.047). MENA countries had generally satisfactory IPC programs and to a lesser extent staffing, with considerable variability between countries with different resources.

Cognitive Limitations Among Middle Eastern and North African Immigrants.

To estimate and compare the prevalence of cognitive limitations among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) immigrants compared to US- and foreign-born non-Hispanic Whites from Europe (including Russia/former USSR) and examine differences after controlling for risk factors. Cross-sectional data using linked 2000-2017 National Health Interview Survey and 2001-2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (ages >=65years, n = 24,827) were analyzed. The prevalence of cognitive limitations was 17.3% among MENA immigrants compared to 9.6% and 13.6% among US- and foreign-born non-Hispanic Whites from Europe. MENA immigrants had higher odds (OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.06-3.34) of reporting a cognitive limitation than US-born non-Hispanic Whites after controlling for age, sex, education, hearing loss, hypertension, depression, social isolation, and diabetes. To further examine cognitive health among the MENA aging population, policy changes are needed to identify this group that is often absent from research because of their federal classification as non-Hispanic Whites.

Bank-Specific and Macroeconomic Determinants of Bank Liquidity Creation: Evidence from MENA Countries

Abstract This study measures liquidity creation within a sample of 153 banks operating in 12 Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries from 2008 to 2017. We found that these banks created a total of $461.32 billion in liquidity in 2017, approximately 1.51 times the total liquidity created in 2008, mainly driven by commercial banks in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. We also conducted an econometric analysis to investigate the internal and external factors affecting bank liquidity creation, applying a Fixed Effects model and the new Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR). The results show that, among bank-specific factors, bank liquidity creation in MENA countries is related to capital, size, bank risk, deposits and profitability whilst market concentration does not appear to play a significant role. Regarding macroeconomic factors, inflation, unemployment, savings and monetary policy explain the variations in bank liquidity creation.

How Wide is the Arc of Racial Solidarity? People of Color and Middle Easterners and North Africans

Emerging work suggests that Blacks, Asians, and Latinos sometimes share a strong sense of solidarity as people of color (PoC), which unifies their political opinions on issues that strongly implicate some of these racial groups (e.g., Black Lives Matter). Yet much uncertainty remains about whether other non-White groups, beyond these traditional three, are compelled to engage in politics as PoC via this same mechanism. We investigate this with two studies focused on Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) individuals: a minoritized group with deep U.S. roots, but sparse theoretical and empirical attention in political science. Study 1 draws on in-depth interviews with MENA adults ( N=20), who suggest that, insofar as they sense solidarity with other people of color, it is because they feel racially marginalized as foreigners. Study 2 builds on this insight with a pre-registered experiment on MENA adults ( N=514), which randomly assigned them to read an article about Latinos, who are also marginalized as foreign (vs. control article). We find that exposure to treatment reliably heightens MENAs’ expression of solidarity with other PoC, which then significantly boosts support for flexible policies toward undocumented immigrants (which implicate Latinos, but not MENAs) and reduces belief in negative stereotypes of Latinos.

The perspective of antibiotic therapeutic challenges of brucellosis in the Middle East and North African countries: Current situation and therapeutic management.

Brucellosis is among the most prevalent zoonotic infections in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries, critically impacting human and animal health. A comprehensive review of studies on antibiotic susceptibility and therapeutic regimes for brucellosis in ruminants and humans in the MENA region was conducted to evaluate the current therapeutic management in this region. Different scientific databases were searched for peer-reviewed original English articles published from January 1989 to February 2021. Reports from research organizations and health authorities have been taken into consideration. Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus have been reported from the majority of MENA countries, suggesting a massive prevalence particularly of B. melitensis across these countries. Several sporadic cases of brucellosis relapse, therapeutic failure, and antibiotic resistance of animal and human isolates have been reported from the MENA region. However, several studies proved that brucellae are still in-vitro susceptible to the majority of antibiotic compounds and combinations in current recommended World Health Organization (WHO) treatment regimens, for example, levofloxacin, tetracyclines, doxycycline, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, tigecycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The current review presents an overview on resistance development of brucellae and highlights the current knowledge on effective antibiotics regimens for treating human brucellosis.

The Impact of Corporate Governance on the Financial Performance of the Banking Sector in the MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) Region: An Immunity Test of Banks for COVID-19

The purpose of this paper is to measure the impact of internal and external corporate governance mechanisms on the financial performance of banks in the under-researched Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Bank annual reports, the Orbis Bank Focus database, and World Bank reports were used to collect both financial and non-financial information on the banking sector, followed by fixed effects regressions and two-stage least squares. Results showed that the corporate governance measures of presence of independent members on the board of directors, high ownership concentration, lack of political pressure on board members, and strong legal protection, had positive effects on bank financial performance. Corporate governance mechanisms, such as performance-based compensation, the presence of women on boards, moderate size of the board, and anti-takeover mechanisms had no significant impact on bank performance during the crisis period. An effective internal and external corporate governance mechanism could improve the financial performance of banks in MENA countries in times of pandemics and crises.

Middle Eastern and North African Americans may not be perceived, nor perceive themselves, to be White.

People of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) descent are categorized as non-White in many Western countries but counted as White on the US Census. Yet, it is not clear that MENA people see themselves or are seen by others as White. We examine both sides of this ethnoracial boundary in two experiments. First, we examined how non-MENA White and MENA individuals perceive the racial status of MENA traits (external categorization), and then, how MENA individuals identify themselves (self-identification). We found non-MENA Whites and MENAs consider MENA-related traits-including ancestry, names, and religion-to be MENA rather than White. Furthermore, when given the option, most MENA individuals self-identify as MENA or as MENA and White, particularly second-generation individuals and those who identify as Muslim. In addition, MENAs who perceive more anti-MENA discrimination are more likely to embrace a MENA identity, which suggests that perceived racial hostility may be activating a stronger group identity. Our findings provide evidence about the suitability of adding a separate MENA label to the race/ethnicity identification question in the US Census, and suggest MENAs' official designation as White may not correspond to their lived experiences nor to others' perceptions. As long as MENA Americans remain aggregated with Whites, potential inequalities they face will remain hidden.

Perception Regarding Knowledge of COVID-19 Prevention in a Sample of a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Community in Houston, Texas, USA.

(1) Background: Knowledge of COVID-19 prevention among communities is the first step towards protective behaviors. The objective of this study was to assess COVID-19 prevention knowledge among a Middle Eastern and North African community in Houston, Texas. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated quantitative survey; survey questions consisted of three parts: COVID-19 specific questions, general health questions, and sociodemographic questions. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine predictors of perception of knowledge on preventing COVID-19 spread. The outcome of interest comprised of “good/excellent” versus “average and below” knowledge. (3) Results: A total of 366 participants (66.39% males) completed the survey. A univariate analysis demonstrated significant differences in self-reported COVID-19 prevention knowledge among those with and without health insurance, different ages, level of knowledge, and perceived severity of COVID-19 infection. In the multivariate logistic regression, two predictors were identified: those in the 18–25-year-old group were more likely to have “excellent/good” knowledge on COVID-19 spread compared to the ≥40-year-old group (OR: 6.36; 95% CI: 1.38, 29.34). Those who somewhat agree with knowing how to protect themselves from COVID-19 were more likely to have “excellent/good” knowledge of preventing COVID-19 spread compared to those that neither agree nor disagree or disagree (OR: 7.74; 95% CI: 2.58, 23.26). (4) Conclusions: Younger adults reported higher knowledge of COVID-19 prevention.

Hymen ‘repair’: Views from feminists, medical professionals and the women involved in the middle east, North Africa and Europe

In Europe, hymen ‘repair’ is controversial because it is often seen as a concession to immigrant groups that do not respect women’s sexual autonomy. But how is hymen ‘repair’ viewed in societies in which the norm is that women should not have premarital sex? And why do women want hymen ‘repair’? Hymen ‘repair’ is also controversial in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries because it is seen as undermining social mores about women and premarital sex. However, some Islamic leaders have defended the procedure. Women request hymen ‘repairs’ for a variety of reasons. Some have been sexually abused and may desire the surgery to overcome trauma. Some have had consensual sex and may fear sanctions, while others may see the surgery as a covert act of rebellion against the virginity rule. Still others may choose it to please their future husband. Hymen ‘repair’ is extensively discussed in MENA countries and in Europe. Feminists in MENA countries are divided over whether the surgery promotes sexual autonomy while, in the European debate, an important issue is whether the choice itself is an autonomous one that doctors should respect. Inspired by a relational approach to autonomy, I see the women involved as individuals with culturally informed identities and interests who may feel pressure to get the surgery yet are still capable of autonomy. I argue for a policy to stimulate debate in communities about the virginity norm and to make hymen ‘repair’ available to women. However, it should be combined with an attitude of sympathetic distrust, recognising that hymen ‘repair’ harms women’s dignity and authenticity.

Efficiency in the MENA banking industry, the stochastic frontier approach (SFA)

The main focus of this paper is the study of efficiency in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) banking industries throughout the period 1999-2017. The study of efficiency in many other regions reveals the existence of failures in the allocation of resources for banking sectors which results in the appearance of banking inefficiency in terms of cost. The empirical results, using a parametric cost frontier applied, show a fluctuating yet improving efficiency in the MENA and are used to rank efficiency of banking industries by country over the years (1999- 2017). Promoting a strong and stable banking system reduces uncertainties and systemic risk which leads to greater efficiency. A stable and efficient banking system is then, necessary, for economic development. Since 1990s, and due to reforms required by supervisory authorities, banks in the MENA region have faced many structural changes and have tried to develop their activities by seeking to enter new markets and new sectors of activity in order to adapt to the economic and institutional environment changes by adopting internal and / or external growth strategies. These strategies can increase banks market power and diversify banking industries’ activities in order to achieve efficiency gains.

Diagnosis and Management of Cushing's Disease: A Survey of Endocrinologists from the Middle East and North Africa

Abstract Background Cushing's disease is the most prevalent cause of endogenous Cushing's syndrome. This study aimed to scope the current clinical practice pattern in managing Cushing's disease by endocrinologists in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region. Methods A questionnaire dealing with diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with Cushing's disease was adopted and sent electronically to a convenience sample of endocrinologists from the MENA region. Results Out of 125 responses received, 88 were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Most respondents selected the overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ONDST) and 24-hour urinary-free cortisol (UFC) as the best screening tests, 58 (66.7%) and 50 (57.5%) respectively, followed by midnight serum cortisol and midnight salivary cortisol. Measurement of serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; 86.2%) and classic high-dose dexamethasone suppression test (40.2%) were selected for localization of the primary lesion. The primary choice of treatment was transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (98.8%). For the recurrence of Cushing's disease, medical therapy was the preferred modality followed by repeated pituitary surgery or bilateral adrenalectomy. In case of treatment failure following the first pituitary surgery and ketoconazole treatment, 36.9% selected pasireotide, while 32.1% chose bilateral adrenalectomy. Conclusion ONDST and UFC are the two most common tests used to screen an index case with features of hypercortisolism. Pituitary surgery is the primary choice of treatment in Cushing's disease. However, medical treatment by ketoconazole is preferred for recurrent cases. Bilateral adrenalectomy is followed by pasireotide may be chosen in case of treatment failure after pituitary surgery and ketoconazole.