bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demonstration of DRS: Dynamic Resource Scheduler for Distributed Stream Processing
Authors: Yang Yin
Published: June 2019

We propose to demonstrate DRS, a novel dynamic resource scheduler module for distributed stream processing engines (SPEs). The main idea is to model the system response time as a function of input characteristics, including the volume, velocity, and distribution statistics of the streaming data. Based on this model, DRS decides on the amount of resource to allocate to each streaming operator to the system, so that (i) the system satisfies real-time response constraints at all times and (ii) total resource consumption is minimized. DRS is a key component to enable elasticity in a distributed SPE. DRS is a major outcome of QNRF/NPRP project titled «Real-Time Analytics over Sports Video Streams». As the title suggests, the goal of this project is to analyze sports (especially soccer) videos in real time, using distributed computing techniques. DRS fits the big picture of the project, as it enables dynamic provisioning of computational resources in response to changing data distribution in the input sports video streams. For instance, consider player detection based on region proposals, e.g., using Faster R-CNN. Even though the frame rate of the soccer video stays constant, the number of region proposals can vary drastically and unpredictably (e.g., in one frame there is only one player, and in the next frame there can be all 22 players). Consequently, the workload of the convolutional neural network that performs the detection for each region proposal varies over time. DRS ensures that there are also sufficient resources (e.g., GPUs) for processing the video in real time at any given time point; meanwhile, it avoids over-provisioning by accurately predicting the amount of resource needed. The demo will include both a poster, a video, and a live, on-site demo using a laptop computer connected to a cluster of remote machines. We will demonstrate to the audience how DRS works, when does it change resource allocation plan, how it executes the new allocation, and the underlying model of DRS. Acknowledgement: This publication was made possible by NPRP grant NPRP9-466-1-103 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation). The findings achieved herein are solely the responsibility of the author[s].
Challenges and Success in setting up 3D Printing Lab integrated with EMR and VNA in a Tertiary care hospital in Middle East
Authors: Iqbal Zafar , Ferreira Sofia , Rizvi Avez , Morsi Smail , Ahmed Fareed , Kaura Deepak
Published: June 2019

In recent years’ 3D printing, has shown exponential growth in clinical medicine, research, and education (Carlos et al.). Imaging departments are at the center of 3D printing service delivery, efforts of establishing a 3D printing lab, and making it a unique contribution towards patient care (Kent Thielen et al.). Building a fully electronic medical record (EMR) integrated workflow to deliver 3D services offers unique advantages for clinicians. In Sidra Medicine, we have successfully tested the electronic process by generating 3D orders and delivering the printed models such as hearts, skulls, and mandibles. To facilitate clinicians and 3D printing lab staff, we developed an automatic workflow in our EMR and radiology information system (RIS). Clinicians use our Cerner EMR to order 3D printing services by selecting the available 3D printing orders for each modality i.e. MR, CT, and US. The order also allows them to add their requirements by filling out relevant Order entry fields (OEFs). 3D printing orders populate the RIS worklist for 3D lab staff to start, complete, and document the service process. Consultation with ordering clinicians and radiologists is also vital in 3D printing process, so we developed a message template for the communication between lab staff and clinicians, which also has the capability to attach 3D model PDFs. 3D Lab staff upload the models to our Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA) before completing, storing the models in the patient»s record. Building a 3D workflow in an existing EMR has potential benefits to facilitate the 3D service delivery process. It allows 3D printing to rank amongst other modalities important for patient care by living where all other clinical care orders reside. It also allows 3D Lab staff to document the process through quick communication.
ELearning for person with disabilities
Authors: Aidarus Fathi
Published: June 2019

E-learning is the use of Internet technologies or computer-assisted instruction, to enhance and improve knowledge and performance, because knowledge is the basic right for a human right that should be accessible by everyone regardless of the status of they disabilities. E-learning technologies offer learners control over content, learning sequence, pace of learning, time, and often media, allowing them to tailor their experiences to meet their personal learning objectives. this paper explores how adaptive e-learning for person with disabilities focusing intellectual disabilities in the Higher Education (HE) can show the important of making the technology with digital content have accessible to student with disabilities instead of face-to-face education with respect to ‘electronic’ vs. ‘traditional’ learning methods, this way of adapting E-Learning can be considered as its competent substitute complement, and examine the current situation progress in Qatar HE, because ubiquitous technologies have become a positive force of transformation and a crucial element of any personal development/empowerment and institutional framework for inclusive development. Keywords: e-learning, person with disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and learning methods.
Proactive Automated Threat Intelligence Platform
Authors: Bhargava Milind
Published: June 2019

Imagine you are sitting at a public coffee shop and using their free wifi on your work device. As long as you are connected to corporate VPN, you are well protected. The moment you go off, you are no longer protected. Your laptop is now open to being hacked and attacked at public wifi locations like airports, hotels, coffee shops, parks etc. My proposed solution involves an automated proactive cloud based threat intelligence platform that will not just monitor and detect threats in real time attacking you while at a public location but also when you are at home. The system works on Zero trust framework where there are no trusted networks or zones. Each system with an IP address has its own Intrusion Detection and Prevention System, combined with special localized malware analysis that is specifically targeting you.Most Anti Virus and anti malware companies, do not write their own signatures. Infact they buy them from smaller companies, my proposed solution will analyze malware targeted at you specifically and create a defensive signature within minutes to neutralize and eradicate threats against you within an hour across your entire infrastructure. There will be no need to wait 2–3 days for Anti virus and anti malware companies to come up with signatures and offer you protection.
Resilient Output Feedback Control of Cyberphysical Systems
Authors: Meskin Nader
Published: June 2019

Cyber-physical system architectures are being used in many different applications such as power systems, transportation systems, process control systems, large-scale manufacturing systems, ecological systems, and health-care systems. Many of these applications involve safetycritical systems, and hence, any failures or cyber attacks can cause catastrophic damage to the physical system being controlled resulting in drastic societal ramifications. Due to the open communication and computation platform architectures of CPS, one of th most important challenges in these systems is their vulnerability to malicious cyber attacks. Cyber attacks can severely compromise system stability, performance, and integrity. In particular, malicious attacks in feedback control systems can compromise sensor measurements as well as actuator commands to severely degrade closed-loop system performance and integrity. Cyber attacks are continuously becoming more sophisticated and intelligent, and hence, it is vital to develop algorithms that can suppress their effects on cyber-physical systems.In this paper, an output feedback adaptive control architecture is presented to suppress or counteract the effect of false data injection actuator attacks in linear systems, where it is assumed that the attacker is capable of maliciously manipulating the controller commands to the actuators. In particular, the proposed controller is composed of two components, namely anominal controller and an additive corrective signal. It is assumed that the nominal controller has been already designed and implemented to achieve a desired closed-loop nominal performance. Using the nominal controller, an additive adaptive corrective signal is designed and added to the output of the nominal controller in order to suppress the effect of the actuator attacks. Thus, in the proposed control architecture, there is no need to redesign the nominal controller; only the adaptive corrective signal is designed using the available information from the nominal controller and the system.
Does Cultural Affinity Influence Visual Attention An Eye Tracking Study of Human Images in ECommerce Websites
Authors: Al-Qaedi Noor
Published: June 2019

The objective of this research is to better understand the influence of cultural affinity on the design of Arab e-commerce websites, specifically the use of human images. Three versions of an e-commerce website selling cameras were built for this study – one with the image of an Arab woman holding a camera, another with the image of a Western woman holding a camera, and a third with no human image. All three websites displayed the same products (cameras) and contained the same navigational and textual elements. An eye tracking experiment involving 45 Arab participants showed that the image of the Arab woman gained participants' visual attention faster and for a longer duration than the image of the Western woman. When participants were presented with all three websites, 64.5% expressed their preference to purchase from the website with an Arab image. Although not reported in detail here, a structured questionnaire was also administered to study the influence of cultural affinity on perceived social presence and image appeal. A post-interview yielded further insights into participant preferences and the selection of culture-specific content for designing Arab ecommerce websites.
A Cheremebased Sign Language Description System
Authors: Soudi Abdelhadi , Vinopol Corinne
Published: June 2019

Because sign languages are not written, it is challenging to describe signs without knowing a spoken language equivalent. Sign language does not represent in any direct way the form of the spoken language either by visually representing sounds or syntactic sequences of words of the spoken language. One sign may mean an entire Arabic phrase and vice versa. Sign language can only be described, animated or videotaped. For example, a Deaf person may have it difficult to convey a sign for a concept such as “moon” on paper if he/she does not know the Arabic word. In this paper, we describe a notation system enables users (among other functions) to choose. Sign Language users identify the four cheremes for each hand for the STEM sign for which they want to find Standard Arabic equivalents by using pictorial lists. Using the four descriptors (hand shape, movement, location, and palm orientations of both hands, Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users can describe Moroccan Sign Language (MSL) signs and find corresponding Arabic STEM terms, MSL and Arabic definitions, and concept pictures. The program will then search the database for the sign that most closely matches the selected cheremes in the STEM Sign Database. Then Standard Arabic information (definitions, parts of speech, etc.) and MSL information (graphic signs and videos) are displayed to the user. There are two possible scenarios that occur: if the system finds an exact match of the selected cheremes, then it will return the exact sign with Standard Arabic and MSL information; otherwise, it will display signs that most closely match the selected cheremes. In our database, signs and words have an N-N relationship, which means that there are signs that refer to multiple Standard Arabic words and vice-versa. Therefore, we had to group the database by signs and try to select signs with more than one Standard Arabic equivalent. Our database is in alphabetical order by Arabic base form word/stem. This means that when there is an Arabic word that has more than one meaning and consequently different signs, there are separate entries for that word. In order to reverse the strategy, that is, identify signs that can be expressed as different Arabic words and invariably have different meanings, we have reordered the database according to sign graphic file name. By programming retrieval using this reverse strategy, we have created the first-ever digital MSL thesaurus.The creation of this resource required, among other things, the identification and development of codes for the MSL cheremes, code assignment to the STEM signs and addition of Arabic definitions and videotapes of MSL translations of definitions. A usability and feasibility evaluation of the tool was conducted by having educators of deaf children, their parents, and deaf children themselves test the software.
CONNECT: CONtextual NamE disCovery for blockchainbased services in the IoT
Authors: Di Pietro Roberto
Published: June 2019

The Internet of Things is gaining momentum thanks to the provided vision of seamlessly interconnected devices. However, a uniﬁed way to discover and to interact with the surrounding smart environment is missing. As an outcome, we have been assisting to the development of heterogeneous ecosystems, where each service provider adopts its own protocol—thus preventing IoT devices from interacting when belonging to different providers. And, the same is happening again for the blockchain technology which provides a robust and trusted way to accomplish tasks—unfortunately not providing interoperability thus creating the same heterogeneous ecosystems above highlighted.In this context, the fundamental research question we address is how do we ﬁnd things or services in the Internet of Things. In this paper, we propose the ﬁrstIoT discovery approach which provides an answer to the above question by exploiting hierarchical and universal multi-layered blockchains. Our approach does neither deﬁne new standards nor force service providers to change their own protocol. On the contrary, it leverages the existing and publicly available information obtained from each single blockchain to have a better knowledge of the surrounding environment. The proposed approach is detailed and discussed with the support of relevant use cases.
Multiple Input Multiple Output InVivo Communication for Nano Sensor at Terahertz Frequencies
Authors: Abdelaziz Aya Fekry , Yang Ke , Qaraqe Khalid , Boutros Joseph , Abbasi Qammer , Alomainy Akram
Published: June 2019

This study presents a preliminary feasibility investigation of signal propagation and antenna diversity techniques inside the human skin tissues in the frequency range (0.8-1.2)Terahertz (THz) by applying multiple input-single output (MISO) technique. THz application in in-vivo communication has received a great attention for its unique properties as non ionizing characteristics, strong interaction with water content inside the human tissues, and molecular sensitivity [1]. This study helps to evaluate the usage and the performance of MISO system for nanoscale network. The human skin tissue is represented by three main layers: stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis. The path loss model and the channel characterization inside the human skin was investigated in [2]. The diversity gain (DG) for two different in-vivo channels resulting from the signal propagation between two transmitting antennas, located at the dermis layer, and one receiving antenna, located at epidermis layer, is calculated to evaluate the system performance. Different diversity combining techniques are applied in this study: selection combining (SC), equal-gain combing (EGC), and maximum-ratio combining (MRC). In the simulation setting in CST microwave studio, the distance between the transmitting antennas is fixed; while the effect of the distance between the receiver and the transmitters is analyzed at different frequencies. Although MIMO antenna systems are used in wireless communication to enhance data throughput, from the initial study it is predicted that might be it is not useful in in-vivo nano communication. Results demonstrates that there is a high cross correlation between the two channels. Figure 1 shows the CDF plot for the two channel with different diversity combining techniques used in the study.[1] J. M. Jornet and I. F. Akyildiz, “Channel modeling and capacity analysis for electromagnetic wireless nanonetworks in theterahertz band,” IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, vol. 10, no. 10, pp. 3211–3221, 2011.[2] Q. H. Abbasi, H. El Sallabi, N. Chopra, K. Yang, K. A. Qaraqe, and A. Alomainy, “Terahertz channel characterizationinside the human skin for nano-scale body-centric networks,” IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology, vol.6, no. 3, pp. 427–434, 2016.
A Deep Learning Approach for Detection of Electricity Theft Cyber Attacks in Smart Grids
Authors: Ismail Muhammad , Shahin Mostafa , Serpedin Erchin , Qaraqe Khalid
Published: June 2019

Future smart grids rely on advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks for monitoring and billing purposes. However, several research works have revealed that such AMI networks are vulnerable to different kinds of cyber attacks. In this research work, we consider one type of such cyber attacks that targets electricity theft and we propose a novel detection mechanism based on a deep machine learning approach. While existing research papers focus on shallow machine learning architectures to detect these cyber attacks, we propose a deep feedforward neural network (D-FF-NN) detector that can thwart such cyber attacks efficiently. To optimize the D-FF-NN hyper-parameters, we apply a sequential grid search technique that significantly improves the detector»s performance while reducing the associated complexity in the learning process. We carry out extensive studies to test the proposed detector based on a publicly available real load profile data of 5000 customers. The detector»s performance is investigated against a mixture of different attacks including partial reduction attacks, selective by-pass attacks, and price-based load control attacks. Our study reveals that the proposed D-FF-NN detector presents a superior performance compared with state-of-the-art detector»s that are based on shallow machine learning architectures
Light Rail Transit and Land Use in Qatar: An Integrated Planning Strategy for the Impelmentation of West Bay Al Sadd Al Wakra Tod'S
Authors: Alsaeed Mahmoud Husni , AlSuwaidi Maryam Faraj , AlFaraidy Maryam Abdullatif
Published: June 2019

The research study aligns with the social sciences, art and humanities, themes of the main research priority areas of the four ARC'18 pillars (The Context) Recent Transit oriented development in Qatar embodies transportation and land use planning strategies targeting a cardinal improvement based on shifting from a car dependent era-associated with intense traffic congestion and environmental impacts- to public transport dependent era. The correlation between practicality of form, use, and density in transit driven urban development goes far beyond environmental influence; it also acts as a stimulus for livability, cultural stability, mobility, and socioeconomic performance. (The problem) Transit Oriented Developments (TODs) does not automatically generate better livability. The absence of a well-planned mediating element between complexity of transit stations and surrounding developments can result in TOD exclusion and decay. The comprehensive planning of multifaceted relations between built environment, mobility network and social interactions is the key to TODs revitalizing the sources of the city. (The Objective) This research study aims to form alternate integration strategies related to how public transit systems and land use fit into the larger challenge of urban transformation and regeneration, particularly focusing on the TODs of Alwakrah, Alsadd, West bay). Three governance arrangements are distinguished at the station, corridor and neighborhood levels as a catalyst for progressive sustainable urbanism and smart growth around transit stations in Qatar. (The research Design) Subsequent to a comprehensive discussion of existing literature on TODs' spatial urban form towards the improvement of livability by enhancing social interactions and capital, a thorough analysis of Alwakrah, Westbay and Alsadd transit urban zones is performed based data collected from surveys, in-depth interviews of key personal in planning authorities and site analysis documentation. (The findings and contribution to knowledge) The three primary cases are investigated and discussed individually to evaluate possible conceptual integration strategies of TODs in Qatar. The identification of ultimate relations between the morphology of single urban development features into the overall TOD environment, whilst considering social and cultural stability as a doctrine in means to resemble the incremental prototypical model of development strategies and policy making in TOD future vision of Qatar, will contribute to define measuring tools for the contemporary development of transit urban villages, where a sense of heritage, community and livability are enhanced by well-connected physical urban arrangements.
Slips of the tongue: Examples from Qatari Dialect
Authors: Al-Buainain Haifa
Published: June 2019

There are various abstract units of linguistic performance that linguists hypothesized in order to be able to describe the grammars of languages. These are segments, features, morphemes, words or syntactic categories. Yet, actual speech is not only characterized by these grammatical utterances but there are also ungrammatical utterances, incomplete sentences, restarts, stutterings, hesitations and errors (Boomer and Laver 1968). Therefore, human daily speech is far from being perfect; rather it is intermixed with irregularities and errors of various types. On the top of all the idiosyncrasies, utterances are distorted by spontaneous slips of the tongue. According to Fromkin (1973, 1980) and Stemberger (1983) a slip of the tongue occurs when the speaker's actual utterance differs in some way from the intended utterance. It involves unintentional movement, addition, deletion, blending or substitution of material within an utterance and can be phonological, morphological, lexical or syntactic. It is not the product of intentional ungrammaticality, ignorance or language play. In slips, two linguistic elements interact. “Two segments may change place in a sound exchange and two synonymous words may fuse into one in a blend” (Pfau, 2014:1). Over the past century, slips of the tongue have been examined as scientific evidence within the context of two different traditions: psychological and linguistic. The purpose of this study is to explore slips of the tongue. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to collect and analyze the slips of the tongue of some Qataris.
Capital and Earnings Management in Banks: Evidence from Qatar Bahrain and Jordan
Authors: Elnahas Marwa
Published: June 2019

This paper examines whether institutional characteristics distinguishing Islamic from conventional banks lead to distinctive capital and earnings management behaviour through the use of loan loss provisions. In our sample countries including Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan, the two banking sectors operate under different regulatory frameworks: conventional banks currently apply the ‘incurred’ loan loss model until 2018 whereas Islamic banks mandatorily adopt an ‘expected’ loan loss model under the AAOIFI standards. Our results provide significant evidence of capital and earnings management practices via loan loss provisions in conventional banks. This finding is more prominent for large and loss-generating banks. By contrast, Islamic banks tend not to use loan loss provisions in either capital or earnings management, irrespective of the bank's size, earnings profile or the structure of their loan loss model. This difference may be attributed to the constrained business model of Islamic banking, strict governance and ethical orientation
Quality of reporting intellectual capital: The case of QSE
Authors: Wadi Laiali Salman , Ali Ahmad
Published: June 2019

Quality of reporting intellectual capital: The case of QSE QNV2030 has been launched to transform Qatar towards achieving sustainable development. Developing QSE to guide the economic growth is an essential pillar of QNV2030. The subject of this thesis can be classified under accounting for economic growth of QNV2030. Since the diagnostic of the status of reporting intellectual capital is at the crux of sustainable development. The importance of developing strong financial market requires better understanding of financial disclosure inside QSE “national financial reporting system”. Most importantly, new issues and questions are being raised regarding the implications of QSE financial reporting and the role of government in the development and maintenance of the financial reporting base. Identifying “best practices” for the IC reporting is a focal point of strength of QSE. The burgeoning field of intellectual capital is an exciting area for both researchers and practitioners. According to the purpose of this study, IC combines various concepts (i.e. human capital, structural capital, and relational capital). A variety of models have surfaced in an attempt to measure IC and this thesis aims to build unique measurement model based on strengths, weaknesses and operationalization of those models. It is expected that the current study will provide quality indications about the current level of IC disclosure in QSE. This study is based on empirical results of the original data drawn from sample of 43 companies of QSE. The proposed research sample has been designed to cover time series of five years period extend from 2012 to 2016. The paper presents the findings of extensive research that show the type and quality of IC reporting which can help to strengthen the awareness of financial reporting in QSE. It can be concluded that IC reporting in QSE divides into traditional and non-traditional based on the components of IC. Being an emergent financial market, classification of Qatar as one of code law countries, and diffusion of personal sources of funding, are the key limitations of this study.
Emerging factors shaping the identity of local urban districts the case of Doha
Authors: Wadi Rana
Published: June 2019

Forms, Designs and symbols are components of the built environment that communicate information about the place and its identity to users. Users discern information from their environmental settings, combined with their personal interests and perceptions. The premise of the study states that the identity of traditional architecture undergoes two paradoxical process dynamic transformation and resistance to changes caused by global culture and societal modern needs. The examination of traditional architecture and its aspects (physical and nonphysical) that have already merged into contemporary architecture demonstrates that the traditional aspects contain static and dynamic elements. To test the proposed premise, the study prolonging into human geography using two theories: the identity crisis and innovation diffusion theories. The sections of the paper are structured according to Torsten Hagerstrand's diffusion models which include: mean information field, information flows and interaction matrix, barriers and resistances, innovative waves, and adoption surface. Under these sections, the research study contains: field data of three chosen sites, field survey, drawings, and design principle analysis (proportion in particular). Consequently, various data will be presented such as Qatari's different built environment styles. Results show a summary of the field survey and photo analysis of the dynamic and static architectural elements, where dynamic means energetic, capable of action and/or change, or forceful, while static means stationary or fixed. Findings, and discussion illustrate tables and diagrams, that are anticipated to show that resistance of the local identity and the acceptance of new architectural styles lead to a new semiotic presentation of Doha region. The study ends up with a set of recommendations for the application of static and dynamic transformation of Qatari architecture in order to strengthen the local identity while taking part of the global culture.
Muslim refugees at crossroads: Adopting Islamic cognitive behaviour therapy
Authors: Salami Mutiu Olagoke
Published: June 2019

Due to current devastating and destruction in some Muslim dominated countries in the middle-East and North Africa, millions of refugees have been crossing the southern pole towards the north particularly to Western-European countries. This forced migration has resulted to a possible difficult trend in the realm of therapist/client relationship where asides language and communication challenges, Muslim refugees and therapists may be experiencing some cross-cultural issues which may lead to difficulties helping the former with their serious anxiety, mood and existential-related problems. This paper introduces the Islamic Cognitive Behaviour therapy (I-CBT), and its applications in treating depression and trauma-related problems. It further widens the framework of multiculturalism in psychotherapy through reflecting the core cognitive and existential structures from the Islamic faith related to belief, motivation and existential meaning. Moreover, the paper also discussed the varying challenges faced by Muslims within the Islamaphobia environment and how the Islamic tradition addresses them, including issues of acculturation and means of attaining positive adaptation and adjustment. Issues related to possible future research interests were also discussed
Quality of Kindergartens in Qatar A Comparison of Stakeholder Views and Observed Classroom Quality Ratings
Authors: Aswat Aysha
Published: June 2019

Much importance is given to Early Childhood Education in Qatar. Primarily because of the countries implementation of its education reform and also because of the significant research findings that ‘high quality early learning’ is critical for young children's learning outcomes. However, quality is a term which has no concise definition and different values have been attributed in conceptualising and assessing quality depending on who is defining it. Consequently, recent developments in the Early Years have also highlighted the importance of listening to children's voices. However, only few studies have taken into consideration children's perspectives of what quality means to them.The aims of this study were therefore to identify different stakeholders (policymakers, parents, teachers and children) views of quality in Kindergartens in Qatar. Classroom observations using the ECERS-3 quality rating tool were also undertaken by the researcher to compare observed quality rating scores to stakeholder views. Additionally, the researcher also compared the ECERS-3 classroom quality rating scores from this current study to previous studies undertaken in Qatar and the Middle East.The results from this study contribute to research findings that quality is a relative concept and is defined according to individual values, beliefs and experiences. In this study, policymakers were identified as having a ‘top-down’ perspective of defining, assessing and monitoring quality as well as having higher expectations of perceived quality than what is evident in the kindergarten classrooms. Parents valued some of the same quality characteristics as teachers, however, they also overestimated quality. Children's ‘bottom-up’ perspectives highlighted that they are able to confidently provide feedback on dimensions of quality and give a real insight into their own viewpoints of dimensions of quality. Finally, this study has identified aspects of ‘good’ quality in the Qatar kindergartens. However, observed classroom quality ratings have also identified areas of quality that need improvements.
Trends and Patterns of WorkRelated Road Traffic Injuries involving Heavy Vehicles in Qatar
Authors: Hirani Nazia , Consunji rafael , Fathi Abeid Aisha , Mehmood Amber , Mollazehi Monira , Elmenyar Ayman , Al Thani Hasan , Hyder Adnan , Peralta Ruben
Published: June 2019

Introduction Qatar is a rapidly developing high-income country in the Middle East. It has very diverse expatriate worker population that is increasing as the road infrastructure and FIFA World Cup projects ramp up for 2022. As a result, Heavy Vehicles (HVs) are a very common sight in Qatar. However, the effect of the increased volume of HVs, on road safety and work-related road traffic injuries (WRTIs) in Qatar has not been reported previously. This study aims to analyze the work related injuries caused by heavy vehicles and is one of the first few studies in this area. It was conducted as part of a larger ‘A Unified Registry for Workplace Injury Prevention in Qatar’ grant [NPRP 7-1120-3-288] funded by the Qatar Foundation and designed to initiate and implement a targeted unified workplace injury registry to inform policies and programs to reduce the health burden, in terms of deaths and disabilities, and the healthcare costs from WRI's in Qatar Methods A free text search using heavy vehicle terms like ‘crane’, ‘truck’, ‘bulldozer’ etc. was carried out on data from the Trauma Registry. All patients, treated for WRTI at Hamad Trauma Center (HTC) from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016 were included. The data was analyzed according to road user type and other epidemiologic characteristics. The data did not include bus-related injuries. Results Forty percent (40%) of all WRTIs in Qatar were due to heavy vehicles. 57% of the injured were from the transportation industry. Approximately 20% of the injured were pedestrians. 83.8% of the victims were truck drivers and only 8% of them were restrained. The driver victims were involved in head-on collisions (32%) and fixed object crashes (22%). It was also found that pedestrians and falling object victims had more severe injuries compared to others. Conclusions HV-WRTIs are underappreciated as a major cause of severe WRTI and mortality in Qatar. Occupational safety programs should focus on decreasing operating hours by HV drivers & increasing restraint use, pedestrian worksite environmental modifications & HV maintenance and repair standards. The limited available evidence necessitates more focused data capture and analysis in future.
Selfreported contributory factors for workrelated injuries in Qatar: Findings from the WURQ inpatient survey
Authors: Hirani Nazia , Consunji rafael , Thomas Sam , Luzano Kristine , Mehmood Amber , Abeid Aisha , Elmenyar Ayman , Al Thani Hasan , Mollazehi Monira , Hyder Adnan , Peralta Ruben
Published: June 2019

Introduction Work related injuries (WRIs) are a leading cause of trauma admission in Qatar and their epidemiologic trends and high-risk populations have been reported previously. This study aims to explore the work circumstances and environments leading to severe WRIs, to inform the creation of targeted interventions to improve worker safety in Qatar. It was conducted as part of a larger ‘A Unified Registry for Workplace Injury Prevention in Qatar’ grant [NPRP 7-1120-3-288] funded by the Qatar Foundation and designed to initiate and implement a targeted unified workplace injury registry to inform policies and programs to reduce the health burden, in terms of deaths and disabilities, and the healthcare costs from WRI's in Qatar Methods Patients with WRIs who were admitted to the Hamad Trauma Center for at least 24 hours were interviewed by trained interviewers using a standard questionnaire. Interview responses were encoded and audio recorded. A proportionate sampling method was implemented based on the leading mechanisms of injuries, from previous reports on WRIs in Qatar. Results Fifty (50) patients were consented and interviewed. 58% (29) of them had some kind of safety training and 82% (41) were aware about the risks at work. Seventy eight percent (39) had taken one form of safety precaution: 58% wore a safety helmet, 62% had foot protection, 54% had a high visibility jacket/vest on and 50% used antistatic gloves. Approximately 50% of the patients had one form of health insurance. Almost everyone was given proper treatment on the site prior to being transported to the nearest treatment facility. Self-reported contributory factors, for WRI, included: ‘inadequate training for a new task’, ‘sub-optimal working environment’ and ‘psychological factors’.‘‘ Almost all classified their injuries as ‘accidental’ or unexpected. Conclusion In this study population, WRIs are still thought of as ‘accidental’ by the workers themselves. Areas for improvement include: 1.) safety training and awareness 2.) consistent use and availability of personal protective equipment 3.) health insurance and 4.) training for new tasks. Further studies on knowledge and attitudes of workers towards safety are needed to better inform occupational injury prevention programs in Qatar.
The Epidemiology of Workrelated Road Traffic Injuries in Qatar: road user characteristics inform injury prevention programs
Authors: Hirani Nazia , Peralta Ruben , Mehmood Amber , Abeid Aisha , Elmenyar Ayman , Al Thani Hasan , Mollazehi Monira , Hyder Adnan , Consunji rafael
Published: June 2019

Introduction Injuries are the leading cause of death in Qatar, primarily those that occur at work or on the road. However, there is a paucity of data on work-related road traffic injuries [WRTIs] in Qatar. This study will describe the epidemiology of WRTIs in Qatar and make recommendations for targeted prevention programs. It was conducted as part of a larger ‘A Unified Registry for Workplace Injury Prevention in Qatar’ grant [NPRP 7-1120-3-288] funded by the Qatar Foundation and designed to initiate and implement a targeted unified workplace injury registry to inform policies and programs to reduce the health burden, in terms of deaths and disabilities, and the healthcare costs from WRI's in QatarMaterials and MethodsData, on patients with WRTIs treated at the Hamad Trauma Center [HTC] Trauma Registry from January 2015 to September 2016 was collected and analyzed according to road user type and characteristics.ResultsThere were 260 WRTIs admitted during the study period, 25.5% of all work-related injuries. The in-hospital mortality rate was 5.4 %. Motor vehicle crashes [MVCs] comprised 74% of WRTIs: 51% involved heavy vehicles [trucks or buses], 40 % were unrestrained drivers, 15% were rollovers and 10% were against fixed objects. Twenty-one percent of victims were pedestrians, 81.8% from left-hand driving countries. There were no significant differences for age, mean ISS, ICU & hospital LOS but the mortality rate for pedestrians was twice that for MVC victims [10.9% vs. 4.2%, p< 0.05].ConclusionOne-fourth of all work-related injuries in Qatar are WRTIs. Occupational safety programs should focus on increasing restraint use by drivers of heavy vehicles, driver education to prevent rollovers and pedestrian education for workers from left-hand driving countries. The significantly higher mortality rate for pedestrians merits more focused analysis in the future.
Investigation the Relationship between Entrepreneurship Income Inequalities
Authors: Abdelbaki Ahmed
Published: June 2019

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurship and income inequalities across some countries which have large variances in total early-stage entrepreneurial activity. The study uses strongly balanced data from 2004-2013, covering 19 countries, composing 179 observations. The study uses OLS regression, Simultaneous equation model (SEM) and Zellner»s seemingly unrelated regression (SUR). The results find that there is a strong positive direction between TEA and Gini coefficient. And Gini coefficient is an explanatory variable for change in TEA. Controversy, TEA is not explanatory the change of Gini coefficient. The results find that the coefficient of these model is 32, 65 and 80 respectively. In other words, according to SEM and SUR model, as long as Gini coefficient increases by 0.1, TEA increases by 6.5 and 8 unit respectively.
Blending Project Centric Approach with Gamification to Increase the Students’ Involvement in Applied Courses
Authors: Abid Adnan
Published: June 2019

There exist many different ways of teaching applied courses in undergraduate level program. Project centric teaching methodology involves teaching a course to the students by implementing the theoretical concepts in a project. This very idea of project centric approach seems very interesting and promising. However, our more than ten years of teaching experience reveals that most of the students tend to complete their projects towards the end of the semester. Generally, the students are registered in four to six courses in a semester in a regular undergraduate semester. Therefore, they tend to work on projects of all these courses simultaneously, but unfortunately at the end of the semester. This general trend of students invites us to customize and enrich the project centric approach in such a way that should attract students to work on the project regularly throughout the semester. To this end, we have proposed a customized version of project centric teaching while blending it with gamification concepts. The initial results of our study reveal positive changes in the response of the students.
Bullying among high school students and their relationship with diligence at school Field study on a sample of secondary school students in Algeria
Authors: Fekih Laid
Published: June 2019

The present research aims to estimate and compare the prevalence of bullying among high school students, and their relationship with diligence at school. To achieve the purpose of this research was chosen intended sample selected from high school containing 900 students in Tlemcen –Algeria-, including 406 boys and 496 girls aged between 15 and 17 years old, were sampled on the random basis. Data collection tools were an (School Health Promotion: School efficiency and Bullying). The results indicated that the prevalence of bullying inside schools within the limits of 10% and 16%. The boy's students in high schools are more violent than girls. The forms of bullying widespread among students are psychological forms as name-calling, humiliation or offensive teasing and being ignored or excluded from a circle of friends. In addition, bullying is related negatively to diligent at school (r = −  0.43, p <  0.001). Students who were bullied become less efficient, they get low marks, have difficulties in concentration and attention, do not participate in school activities, and absent from school. Based on the findings, the study will proposed some recommendation and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of bullying among high school students the importance of a program based on education to develop diligent at school and the wellbeing of students.
Interdisciplinarity Multidisciplinarity in the Field of Islamicjerusalem Studies
Authors: Elawaisi Khalid
Published: June 2019

Islamicjerusalem Studies is a field of study that uses interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches. Not only history but also archaeology, architecture, geography, politics and Islamic Studies are embedded within this field. The framework thus established includes “theoretical and conceptual, empirical and cultural approaches”, leading to “more constructive dialogue between scholars in several disciplines”. This has been reflected in the various interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies which have been conducted and published in this field. An example where the disciplines of architecture, archaeology and history were applied in a historical study is Haitham al-Ratrout»s monograph of the architectural development of Al-Aqsa Mosque in the early Islamic Period. This monograph explores historical and archaeological evidence, architectural characteristics and proportional relationships and deals with the topic from three different perspectives: theoretical and exegetical, practical and analytical. It is in itself innovative, shedding new light on this complex topic and laying down the foundation for further research, which advanced to further discoveries regarding the ancient places of worship, and the establishment of similarities in their architectural form and plans. Another example where the application of an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach can enrich and offer a different perspective is Maher Abu-Munshar's Islamic Jerusalem and its Christians: A History of Tolerance and Tensions. Here the application of methodologies developed in Islamic Studies leads to a better understanding of how Muslims dealt with non-Muslims in Jerusalem and the Holy Land. This topic had often been studied but without taking into account the theological dimension. Once one adds this dimension and engages with the Quranic, hadith and juridical sources one can understand the ways in which Muslims dealt with the People of the Book in general and in the specific case of Jerusalem. This study will present this relatively new field of study and the latest research on this filed, showing how interdisciplinarity can have a substantial impact on the way we understand history, geography, archaeology, architecture amongst other disciplines. This paper focuses on the case of Islamicjerusalem where much misconceptions, misreading and contradictions have emerged out of either ignorance or part of a political and religious agenda. Therefore three pioneering studies from different disciplines (architecture, history and geography) will be presented to show how studies within this field are enriched through the use of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies.
Assessing the contribution of principal instructional leadership and collective teacher efficacy to teacher commitment in Oman
Authors: Emam Mahmoud M.
Published: June 2019

The past decade has witnessed dramatic change in the direction of education in the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). During this period, national leaders in this region accepted that the long-term economic growth of their societies required diversification beyond oil and movement towards the development of knowledge-based economies This recognition resulted in renewed investment in education in concert with the adoption of reforms that have sought to reshape the aims, structure, and content of their education systems One consequence of these policy-driven reforms undertaken by the GCC States has been an unprecedented focus on the ‘leadership’ role of school administrators This trend has been notable, for example, in Oman where educational reforms have resulted in new expectations for school principals Whereas Omani school principals previously functioned primarily as ‘administrators’, recent reforms have recast them as ‘leaders of learning and change’ This reorientation from ‘administration’ towards ‘leadership’ is reflected in the redefinition of the principal»s role the content of training programs and on-the-job practices. Scholars in Oman have sought to document and analyze the nature and effects of this redefinition of the principalship in studies of instructional leadership, transformational leadership, servant leadership, and distributed leadership The study reported in this article focused on the ‘instructional leadership’ of primary school principals in Oman. The article was published in the Teaching and Teacher Education Journal (IF, 2.1). The study results showed that: Relationship of principal leadership and teacher commitment partially mediated by teacher efficacy. Strongest effects of principal instructional leadership through collective teacher efficacy. Confirmed importance of principal instructional leadership in Oman during era of education reform.