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Limited research has been directed toward coastal protection infrastructure compared to other types of infrastructure, despite the increasing global population in low-elevated coastal regions and the threats posed by climate change. This paper presents a risk-based asset management framework for coastal protection structures that improves accuracy with each inspection. The framework consists of five components: the Coastal Asset Inventory (CAI), Inspection and Condition Assessment (ICA) module, Backward Markovian Deterioration Model (BMDM), Forward Markovian Deterioration Model (FMDM), and Intervention Policy Engine (IPE). The framework addresses challenges in accurately predicting coastal structure deterioration due to uncertainties in wave loading conditions and the need for frequent inspections. It is applied to rubble-mound breakwaters in Alexandria, Egypt. The BMDM and FMDM models are developed based on inspection data, and the IPE optimizes interventions considering structural condition, risk thresholds, and budget constraints. Results showed that long-term deterioration estimates occur at an accelerated rate with an increase in inspection points, triggering earlier interventions. However, the framework proves reliable even with only two inspection points, allowing asset managing agencies to implement the model based on the structural condition at the year of construction and a minimum of two inspections. The proposed risk-based asset management framework provided a comprehensive approach to managing coastal protection infrastructure, reducing risks to life and property. By accurately predicting deterioration and optimizing intervention decisions, the framework can greatly assist in the effective management and maintenance of coastal assets. This is vital in ensuring the safety of coastal populations facing global climate change and demographic growth. Coastal protection structures are crucial for safeguarding coastal populations in the face of climate change and demographic growth. This research paper introduces a risk-based asset management framework for coastal protection structures, with practical applications for coastal management agencies and practitioners. The framework addresses the challenges of predicting coastal structure deterioration and optimizing intervention decisions. The framework consists of five components: the Coastal Asset Inventory (CAI), Inspection and Condition Assessment (ICA), Backward Markovian Deterioration Model (BMDM), Forward Markovian Deterioration Model (FMDM), and Intervention Policy Engine (IPE). It has been successfully applied to rubble-mound breakwaters in Alexandria, Egypt. The practical implications are significant: The framework enables asset managers to make informed decisions on coastal infrastructure maintenance and interventions, reducing risks to life and property. It provides a comprehensive approach to managing coastal protection infrastructure and ensuring the safety of coastal populations. By accurately predicting deterioration and optimizing interventions, the framework supports effective management and maintenance of coastal assets. Its reliability and flexibility make it a valuable tool for coastal management practitioners, promoting sustainable development and safeguarding coastal areas. With its potential for broader application, this risk-based asset management framework offers practical solutions for coastal protection worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alexandria is the second biggest city in Egypt as regards population, is a key economic area in northern Africa and has a very important tourist activity. Historical catalogues indicate that it was severely affected by a number of tsunami events. In this work we assess the tsunami hazard by running numerical simulations of tsunami impact in Alexandria through the Worst-case Credible Tsunami Scenario Analysis (WCTSA). We identify three main seismic sources: the Western Hellenic Arc (WHA - reference event AD 365, Mw = 8.5), the Eastern Hellenic Arc (EHA - reference event 1303, Mw = 8.0) and the Cyprus Arc (CA - hypothetical scenario earthquake with Mw = 8.0), inferred from the tectonic setting and from historical tsunami catalogues. All numerical simulations are carried out by means of the code UBO-TSUFD, developed and maintained by the Tsunami Research Team of the University of Bologna. Relevant tsunami metrics are computed for each scenario and then used to build aggregated fields such as the maximum flood depth and the maximum inundation area. We find that the case that produces the most relevant flooding in Alexandria is the EHA scenario, with wave heights up to 4 m. The aggregate fields are used for a building vulnerability assessment according to a methodology developed in the frame of the EU-FP6 project SCHEMA and further refined in this study, based on the adoption of a suitable building damage matrix and on water inundation depth. It is found that in the districts of El Dekhila and Al Amriyah, to the south-west of the port of Dekhila over 12 000 buildings could be affected and hundreds of them could incur in consequences ranging from important damage to total collapse. It is also found that in the same districts tsunami inundation covers an area of about 15 km2 resulting in more than 150 000 residents being exposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walkability has recently been a major topic and an essential attribute in the sustainability approach to urban design and planning. Studying urban dimensions and qualities in a specific context is essential to developing walkability criteria, as each environment has its conditions and spatial scale that affects walkability scenarios differently. This paper studies the main criteria contributing to successful walkable environments in high-density communities. The methodology consists of developing detailed walkability criteria by studying urban qualities related to three dimensions: morphological/visual, functional, and social. Each urban quality is analyzed by stating its definition, assessment method and studying its condition in high-density communities. The assessment methods are based on quantitative and qualitative indicators depending on the nature of the criteria, which include imageability, transparency, scale of enclosure, complexity, connectivity, land use mix, legibility, as well as pedestrian comfort and safety. Providing tools to upgrade walkability in a city like Alexandria in Egypt is another objective of this study. Walkability criteria are tested on a typical city center street where buildings of every age and condition are mingled, and which is similar to many other Alexandria streets, thus, the results and recommendations can contribute to enhancing the walkability of everyday streets in the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of climate change on heritage collections in Mediterranean museums are serious and lead to accelerated material degradation, loss of value, increasing conservation costs and climatisation. Climate change scenarios and simulation models have been developed to predict the extreme and average future environmental conditions and to assess the future long-term risks caused by global warming for museum buildings and their collections in Mediterranean countries, with Egypt being particularly at risk. This paper presents the results of the risk analysis of the indoor and outdoor environments in Alexandria Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) in Egypt to provide an overview of the current situation of conservation and museum management and to provide evidence-based data to support decision-making regarding preventive conservation given the museum's limited funding, capacity and resources. Unfortunately, the air quality in the museum cannot be considered satisfactory and specific measures need to be taken to improve the level of air quality and museum and building management. The results enabled an assessment of indoor air quality and provided information on potential risks to the museum building and collections, including variations in temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH), concentrations of NO2, SO2, O3, CO2, acetic and formic acid and lighting conditions, as well as the location and management of the museum. The results necessitate the development of a preventive conservation plan to address the challenges associated with high T/RH fluctuations and pollution pressure. This requires more regular use of the HVAC system within certain T/RH set points as well as minimising light exposure and the use of UV-filtering glazing. Care should be taken to ensure that housekeeping and emergency preparedness reduce the damping and salt florescence in the museum building. However, dealing with the impact of climate change on indoor and outdoor environments and museum collections in Mediterranean museums requires a holistic and adaptive approach that includes joint collaboration, research, training and strategic planning to ensure the long-term preservation of valuable cultural heritage collections in different climates with customised adaptations based on local environmental conditions, resources and needs. Resilience planning should be region-specific and take into account the potential impacts of extreme weather events, sea level rise and other climate-related challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research essay attempts to apply modern ethical principles and standards to the vivisection and dissection practices performed in Alexandria in the third century. Although the paper begins by discussing Nazi doctors and their experiments in concentration camps, its central focus is the third-century physician, Herophilus of Chalcedon, known as the "Father of Anatomy". In the end of the paper, I ultimately argue that any discussion revolving around the achievements of Herophilus, must also include a conversation about the atrocities he committed. At the end of the day, he was able to further the progress of medicine, but did so by opening the bodies of prisoners and extracting their internal organs for examination while these prisoners were still alive. In short, the paper is an ethical revision of the so-called "Father of Anatomy", in which I explore whether we can ignore the ethical ramifications when experiments are extremely successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Magazine General Union of Arab Archaeologists is the property of General Union of Arab Archaeologists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The continuous cumulative worsening impact of climate change on heritage sites represents a new challenge for most of the nonrenewable resources of heritage sites and buildings in general; this is especially true with respect to coastal heritage sites, which are facing a more dangerous situation as the climate becomes more extreme in coastal areas and sea levels rise, putting heritage sites at risk. A strict adaptation plan, usually made for reducing the impact of climate change, may not be the solution, as different heritage site locations, materials, and hazard types need tailored plans. Therefore, in this research paper, a resilience approach was introduced to help adapt the most problematic sites to the impacts of climate change, i.e., coastal heritage sites. To fulfill the objective of achieving adaptation in a resilient way that can easily be developed in relation to different types of sites, mixed research methods were used. First, the literature was reviewed using the Connected Papers tool. Then, machine learning methods were used to process and analyze the input data of the resilience adaptation plan for an Egyptian coastal heritage site case study, i.e., Alexandria. Next, the data were arranged and analyzed, highlighting the main classifying algorithms responsible for identifying the resilience range, using the machine learning software packages Infra Nodus and WEKA, according to the differences in the climate change impact at the heritage sites. The final outcome of this research is a resilience approach that can be adapted to rescue plans for coastal heritage sites via machine learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photogrammetry and GIS technologies are developing rapidly and becoming more affordable. They have also emerged as significant archaeological tools as a result of an increasing level of automated workflow in data acquisition and processing. Moreover, these techniques offer considerable reduction in the cost of underwater archaeological research. That is in addition to significant enhancement in research plans, management, and results, especially in extended seabed archaeological projects. Therefore, these technologies are utilized as essential aspects of the underwater archaeological research project in the site of Marsa Bagoush, Egypt. The site is located 250 km west of Alexandria, and it takes the form of a bay, almost 650,000 m2. Marsa Bagoush (ancient Zygris) was mentioned by Claudius Ptolemaeus in the 2nd century AD as one of the main anchorages along the northwest coast of Egypt between Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh (ancient Paraetonium).This paper presents the results of the on-going digital documentation of the site which is a major part of an underwater archaeological investigation project. The paper will discuss the promising application of photogrammetry in underwater archaeology. It will also look at the integration of GIS Database techniques, which represent accurate methods of documenting topographical and archaeological elements and obtaining three-dimensional digital models of the site and its contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alexandria is one of the Mediterranean UNESCO World Heritage sites at risk from coastal flooding and Earthquakes. Nowadays, the safety of archaeological underground structures draws more and more attention. After many catastrophic events, the study of anti-seismic for underground structures has also become an important problem to be solved. Based on the typical underground structure seismic damage phenomenon, this paper summarizes the seismic characteristics, research methods and design methods of underground structures to offer a guide for engineers and conservators, where the polymer anti-seismic piling to protect the underground monumental structures against strong earthquakes is presented and validated in numerical analysis. In this paper, typical damages of archaeological underground structures are firstly presented, followed by the FEM analysis using the PLAXIS 2D code for the seismic response of Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa in Alexandria, Egypt with and without the anti-seismic polymer pilling techniques. Results of this work underline the high potential of these low-cost anti seismic technique, confirming the possibility of achieving a significant improvement of the seismic performance of archaeological underground structures by using the low-cost and easy to manufacture it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the marine effects that affect Qait Bey Fortress in Alexandria—Egypt. It presents the results of scientific studies and examinations to evaluate the deterioration conditions that affected archaeological buildings in the marine environment. In Alexandria, many monumental sites and stone buildings have suffered from many aggressive factors of deterioration (mechanical, chemical, and biological), which have caused great harmful appearances and threatened to eradicate them. These effects include the chemical actions resulting from seawater and marine aerosol and the mechanical actions of water waves. (Qait Bey Fortress), as a case study, was periodically investigated by many scientific techniques over five years to check its decay conditions and to define the most suitable conservation approaches and non-destructive methods for preservation. Different techniques and examinations were carried out to evaluate the current deterioration state of the fortress. For example, XRD analysis and PM investigation were used to study the mineralogical compositions, lithotype, and petrographic characteristics of the stone samples. SEM was used to investigate the morphological features of the same samples. AAS was also used for studying the chemical constituents of seawater samples. In addition, microbiological investigations were conducted to evaluate the colored hard crusts that affected the stone surfaces in the fortress. Our results proved that severe deterioration factors influenced the fortress by collaborating with chemical, mechanical, and biological mechanisms. These mechanisms caused several manifestations, such as abrasion and attrition, crystallizing of salt species, mortar desegregation, pitting and minerals' honeycomb (Alveolar), color changes, in addition to the accumulation of black and colored biogenic hard crusts composed of numerous tightly adjoining pits of several centimeters. Crusts, such as yellow to bluish green, resulted from P. aeruginosa and granular appearance having brownish ting in the center resulted from P. clacis. In addition, other pigmented features resulted from Bacillus firmus and Bacillus atrophaeus. The presence of some black and dark color crusts was attributed to the growth of some fungal species, such as A. niger, A. phoenicis, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Alternaria alternata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study is to understand influences of bulk structure of geomaterials on water storage and transfer, in order to assess durability and climate change impact on the UNESCO world heritage sites in Alexandria, Egypt. This study deals with the responses of water towards the physiochemical and physicomechanical behaviours of Calcarenitic rocks, that are utilized in Greek and Roman monuments at Alexandria. Many vulnerable archaeological sites [2.3–2.5 m above mean sea level (M.S.L)] are identified at Alexandria, specifically at the Eastern Harbor, El-Shatby the Greek necropolis and Moustafa Kamil Roman tombs and addition to the Roman Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa which excavated with deepth − 18 m from the land surface. These UNESCO heritage sites suffer climate change impact (heavy rains and sea water rising) as well as multiple geoenvironmental and geophysical hazards. In this study a general outline of the various tests, surveys and analyses is presented, highlighting the most important issues related to the durability and climate change impact. This paper represents the comprehensive in-situ, field and laboratory surveys and tests undertaken in these outstanding world heritage sites. The field testing program comprises various geotechnical and geophysical field and laboratory tests aiming to define the physical, mechanical and dynamic properties of the hard soils/soft rock materials of the archaeological sites where these outstanding monuments are excavated and constracted. By analysis of linear correlations, some essential mechanisms should be underlined, which may connect the macrostructure to the microstructure of the geomaterial. A systematic method of analysis clearly appeared and emphasized the role of the bulk structure (i.e. grain size, grain contact, specific area, pore shape and microporosity) on petrophysical and petromechanical behavior of rock materials. The study revealed that the petrophysical and geomechanical properties of Calcarenitic rocks are influenced by size, shape, packing of grains, porosity, cement and matrix content, all controlled strongly by depositional fabric and postdepositional processes. The accurate analysis of the physiochemical and physicomechanical behaviours of Calcarenitic rocks that are utilized in Greek and Roman monuments at Alexandria allowed us to define the pathology of these monuments and to estimate the durability, climate change impact and ultimate geostatic loads that they can survive under their present geoenvironmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research paper presents a series of glass weights dated back to the Fatimid Era (4 th H.-10th G. century) from the excavations of Abu Mina in Alexandria. These weights have been kept in the Rashid store of antiquities since 1995 and suffered from many aspects of deterioration. The paper primarily aims to assess the deterioration state of glass weights according to the storage environment and diagnose the various phenomenon of decay. The glass weights understudy were examined by the USB digital microscope and the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and characterized chemically using EDX. Furthermore, temperature, relative humidity, and light were monitored at the Rashid store of antiquities during summer and winter to determine their impacts on the degree of damage to the glass weights understudy. The microscopic investigation revealed the formation of weathering crusts, cracking, pitting, and iridescence layers on the surface of glass weights. SEM- EDX showed that those glass weights are entirely corroded. It also showed that those glass weights are of the sodalime-silica type. Monitoring relative humidity, temperature, and light at the Rashid store of antiquities showed that the proportions are higher than the permissible ratios for preserving the glass antiquities, playing a clear role in exposing glass weights to intensive deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to examine the value of different biochemical markers in predicting the outcome of COVID-19 infection. A total of 140 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), different biochemical markers were tested, their relation to the outcome of the disease was monitored, and the most reliable tests were determined. The study found a significant correlation between all evaluated biochemical markers and severity of the disease, including C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). In addition, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), procalcitonin (PCT) and Pro-Brain natriuretic peptide (proBNP) demonstrated highly sensitivity and specificity as well as significant prognostic performance. These markers were also independently significant in predicting mortality. Early assessment of biochemical markers in patients with COVID-19 can help clinicians in tailoring treatment and providing more intensive care to those with greater mortality risk. In particular, the assessment of ferritin, LDH, procalcitonin and proBNP can independently predict mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a novel free space optics (FSO) communication system for future-generation high-speed networks. The proposed system integrates orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes with an optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) technique. Two OAM beams are used ( L G 0 , 0 and L G 0 , 10 ), each of which is used for transmitting three independent channels. Each channel is assigned by fixed right shift (FRS) codes and carries 10 Gbps of information data. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated under different foggy and dust storm conditions. Furthermore, the performance of two cities with different geographical locations, Alexandria city in Egypt and Srinagar city in India, is investigated to demonstrate its ability to be implemented in future generations. Bit error rate (BER), eye diagrams, received optical power (ROP), and channel capacity are used for studying the performance of the proposed system. The observed simulation results show successful transmission of 60 Gbps overall capacity with the longest propagation FSO range for Alexandria city, which is 1400 m. Because dust storms have a large attenuation when compared to different foggy conditions, the proposed model had the shortest propagation range of 315 m under low dust (LD), 105 m under moderate dust (MD), and 40 m under heavy dust (HD). Furthermore, the cloudy weather conditions that affect Srinagar city, which is considered a hilly area, make our suggested model achieve 1000 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The only example and reference of Ptolemaic Alexandrian tombs, with clear integrations of Egyptian-style scenes and decorations, is considered an endangered archaeological site due to different coastal environmental risks in Alexandria and the absence of maintenance. Anfushi's Necropolis is located near the western harbour (Island of Pharos) and dates back to the 2nd century BC. Sea level rises, earthquakes, flooding, storminess, variations in temperature, rainfall, and wind are the factors that have the largest effect on the destruction and decay of Anfushi's Necropolis building materials. This paper's main objectives were to characterize this necropolis's building materials and assess its durability problems and risks regarding the coastal environment. Additionally, the vector mapping of its architectural and structural elements was applied for documentation and recording purposes for the necropolis. To achieve these aims, field (recording and photographs), desk (engineering drawing and mapping), and laboratory works (X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, binocular microscopy, polarizing microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy) were carried out. The results confirmed the probabilistic risk of sea level rises and its impact on the submergence of Anfushi's Necropolis. The structural deficiencies of the tombs were caused by the effect of earthquake tremors along with anthropogenic factors. In addition, chemical and microscopic investigations showed that salt weathering (halite and gypsum) induced the decay of the building materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on one of the five tragedies that were dedicated in the 17th century to the character of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, martyred around 307. Some modern scholars dispute the existence of the saint and suggest that her legend was based on the life and murder of Hypatia, a Neoplatonist philosopher from Alexandria, who was massacred by Christians in 415. The author of the article proposes to demonstrate that in the tragedy L'Illustre philosophe the resemblance between these two martyrs - one pagan, the other Christian - becomes particularly flagrant. As a result, Soeur de La Chapelle's work, while remaining an apology for the saint, also becomes a great plea for women's access to education and participation in intellectual life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea Level Rise (SLR) is a vital outcome of the environmental global warming phenomenon. This paper aims to investigate the basic properties of tides in Alexandria, Egypt and to analyze SLR in Egypt over a long period to examine the differences in Egypt's vertical geodetic datum. The annual relative SLR at Alexandria between 1906 and 2020 was found to be 2.6 mm/year. Moreover, the relative SLR has been 3.1 mm/y for the last two decades, 2001-2020. It could be considered the most appropriate value to be taken into consideration in Egypt's coastal management activities. Carrying out additional investigations is suggested to investigate possible major variations of MSL in Egypt at other TG sites over both the Mediterranean and Red seas. Based on available data and accomplished results, it is recommended to regard Egypt's MSL datum as a semi-kinematic rather than a fixed one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the role of the use of smart energy in logistics companies to increase technological progress, improve operation performance and lead to a green environment. Design/methodology/approach: Primary data were collected through a questionnaire. This questionnaire targeted 80 employees of supply chain department working at logistics companies located in Alexandria, Egypt. The collected data were analyzed through using data testing using validity and reliability, descriptive analysis, testing regression assumptions, normality test for the research variables, correlation and regression. Findings: The results succeeded to prove that the use of smart energy has a significant effect on technological progress, operation performance and green environment. Research implications/limitations: This research provides a clear understanding to the decision makers and policy makers of the suitable ways of applying smart energy projects in the logistics companies in Alexandria, Egypt. It also shows the positive effect of smart energy projects on other variables, which encourages applying the smart energy projects, whether in the logistics companies or in other fields. Moreover, this study has a limitation regarding the sample as it depends on a sample of 80 employees at a certain context: the logistics industry. Originality: This paper adds new dimensions to the framework of smart energy, whereas previous studies only focus on the application and the usage of smart energy without focusing on its impact on other dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During five centuries (6th to 11th C.E.), the advancement of science in the Muslim world displayed Muslim civilization as the scientific Mecca. This era saw many other civilizations learning science from Muslims seen as exemplary in modernizing life and sharing guidance for moral conduct. This was accomplished by embedding norms and inventions and as a result of factors such as royal patronage and personal sacrifice. This paper seeks to reclaim historical data through reflection and contextualization. Analysis of relevant past contexts paves a path leading from romanticism and antiquanism into the contemporary world. Secondary resources, such as historical books and journals, reveal how science in Islam was developed and nurtured through patronage, institutional establishment, networking, and other factors, leading to valuable inventions. The Islamic Golden Era of science flourished because Muslims scientists had an ethos motivating them toward discoveries. Key innovating scientists made cities such as Nishapur, Alexandria, Jundishapur, and Damascus become preeminent in scientific invention. This brought rapid development to Muslim life, as well as to the surrounding nations, extending to Greece and India and China. This paper argues that Muslim scientists of today's world can benefit from the perspective that the Qur'an and hadiths are essential sources of general principles for conducting scientific and technological research. Both are key spirits for encouraging Muslim scientists to conduct rigorous studies. [ Selama 5 abad pertama, 6-11 Masehi, kemajuan ilmu pengetahuan di dunia muslim terwujud pada peradaban muslim di Mekkah. Era ini menunjukkan pelbagai peradaban lain belajar kepada muslim sebagai model kehidupan modern dan petunjuk kehidupan moral. Hal ini teruji oleh norma-norma dan penemuan-penemuan serta hasil akibat dari loyalitas dan keikhlasan. Artikel ini mencoba mengklaim ulang bukti historis melalui refleksi dan kontekstualisasi. Analisa konteks masa lalu yang tepat menghindari dari kecenderungan romantisme dan kekunoan dari pada dunia kontemporer. Sumber sekunder seperti buku dan jurnal, membuktikan bagaimana pengetahuan dalam Islam berkembang dan tumbuh melalui patronase, institusionalisasi, jejaring dan faktor lainnya yang mendukung penemuan baru. Keemasan ilmu masa Islam menjamur karena ilmuwan muslim mempunyai etos yang tinggi pada penjelajahan pengetahuan. Kunci inovasi para ilmuwan telah membuat kota-kota seperti Nishapur, Alexandria, Jundishapur dan Damaskus berkembang menjadi pusat pengetahuan. Perkembangan pesat kehidupan muslim ini akhirnya menyebar ke Yunani, India dan China. Artikel ini menunjukkan bahwa ilmuwan muslim saat ini dapat mengambil manfaat dari perspektif Qur'an dan hadits sebagai sumber utama dalam prinsip-prinsip penelitian ilmiah dan teknologi. Keduanya juga, Qur'an dan hadits, menjadi kunci semangat bagi ilmuwan muslim dalam kajian yang lebih maju.]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free space optics (FSO) communication systems are preferred due to their high transmission capacity so it can support the ever-increasing volume of online traffic. Optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) is ideal for enhancing capacity by utilizing the same wavelengths for different information transmission. This paper presents a new FSO system based on the combination of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and OCDMA systems. Three OCDMA channels, employing diagonal permutation shift (DPS) codes, carry 20 Gbps each, modulated by 4-level quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and OFDM. To assess performance, the proposed system considers severe climate conditions like rain, fog, and snow. The effectiveness is measured by bit error rate (BER) and received optical power (ROP). In addition, actual meteorological data for the cities of Alexandria, Egypt and Pune, India are evaluated to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model in a real-world setting. The results reveal successful transmission with an overall capacity of 60 Gbps over a 3600 m FSO range in Alexandria, achieving a 0.27 dBm ROP. In Pune, with higher average rainfall, the maximum FSO link is 2750 m with a −0.06 ROP. Furthermore, the proposed model can propagate up to 850 m under weak turbulence (WT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Alexandria Science Exchange Journal is the property of Alexandria Science Exchange Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recent developments in power system and internet technology introduced blockchain technology to energy trading. In addition, the growing penetration of distributed energy resources made the division of distribution systems into microgrids a tempting solution for technical and economical problems. In this paper, the feasibility of applying blockchain technology as an accounting system for energy trading within each island and between interconnected islands is considered. The distribution system is considered after being optimally divided into islands. Energy hubs, aggregated thermostatically controlled loads and aggregated electric vehicles (EVs) are considered. Optimal demand-side management is applied taking into consideration the uncertainties arising from renewable energy sources due to their nature, load forecasting, energy price due to bidding actions accompanying energy transactions, and energy exchange in EV parking stations due to EV availability patterns. The blockchain-based energy trading (BET) system is considered in three steps. The first step is carried out considering EV parking stations for energy trading between EVs and then between parking stations and island consumers with billing transfer between different blockchains. The second step considers the trading between prosumers and consumers within each island. In the third step, the BET system is applied for energy trading between interconnected islands. The feasibility of the proposed energy trading system is validated using a realistic case of the distribution system of Alexandria, Egypt. The simulation results show the positive impact of applying blockchain-based energy trading on energy cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterfront accessibility is one of the major planning aspects of cities. However, tackling this issue from the Human Well-Being (HWB) perspective is relatively new. Alexandria is one of the leading Mediterranean cities that was planned, shaped, and configured as based on its direct linkage to the waterfront. Nowadays, city extensions make many of its newly developed zones detached from the waterfront. This paper investigates the correlations between waterfront accessibility and HWB in Alexandria. It uses an analytical approach -based on statistical investigations- to compare HWB in two zones based on their proximity to the waterfront. The results show that detailed configuration of street pattern and travel duration are the most influencing attributes on waterfront accessibility. Consequently, these attributes have a higher impact on residents' satisfaction or negative affect, and therefore their HWB than other attributes. The paper concludes with guidelines to policymakers, urban planners, and researchers' contributions to waterfront accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the world faces an unprecedented environmental crisis. Since the Industrial Revolution, the accelerated climate change is believed to be a result of human activities; that increase the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere - to which carbon dioxide is the largest contributor. It made a must beginning to reverse the damage inflicted on the planet. Egypt is exerting great efforts to reduce the emissions of Green House Gases and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and deal with the main challenges that affect sustainable development. Based on an empirical analytical study, the paper examines all of the environmental factors and its effect on carbon dioxide concentration taking into consideration the characteristic of the urban fabric and conditions of Alexandria one of the biggest cities in Egypt as an applied case study of a big willing costal city. The paper simultaneously aims the management of the carbon dioxide emissions through several recommendations based on the stated study, while creating a vibrant urban environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several cities are facing the problem of running-out of fossil fuels and are contributed to an estimated 70% of the world's energy-related greenhouse gases (GHGs). Consequently, there is a tremendous need for low-carbon communities which will lead to more livable, efficient and ultimately sustainable cities. Furthermore, well-planned and designed communities can effectively provide the basic human needs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Some communities have developed strategies to reach net zero-carbon future by reducing demands for energy and supplying the remaining demands with renewable resources. In the meantime, Egyptian cities face the problem of greenhouse gases and the lack of energy and water. Therefore, passive, energy efficient and energy offset design are needed. This can be achieved through sustainable transportation systems and the shift to efficient management of water and waste. The paper discusses the problem of climate change and its relation with communities. It investigates examples of communities that have focused on reducing their carbon emissions in different parts of the world. Also, it examines some of the most important aspects of design strategies that help to implement low-carbon communities and how could they be achieved in the Egyptian context (Borg Al Arab-Alexandria). The aim of the paper is to highlight certain cities that demonstrate a deeper understanding of what a lowcarbon community is and how to achieve it through reducing energy demand and providing the best options for passive design and renewable energy supply in the Egyptian communities to become selfcontained in terms of energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a case study of Alexandria city, Egypt, this paper investigates the configuration, interrelation, and integration of urban expansion within the framework of sustainability transitions to enhance the performance of sociotechnical transitions. It explores two main arguments; first, to evaluate the recent urban planning innovations, and second, to raise awareness of the participatory planning model to enhance the involvement of the three pillars to better integrate urban sustainable development. It presumes there is a linkage between urban sustainability transitions and the geographical transitions. It further evaluates whether this linkage would benefit accommodating the rapid population growth of Alexandria. This research applies an empirical methodology to test concepts and patterns known from theory generating three scenarios from empirical data. Moving beyond the 'niche–regime dichotomy', this study concludes that innovative practices and vested interests are typically constituted in a dualistic manner and tend to incite processes of change in both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alexandria's archaeological sites face a threat of segregation between their vitality as cultural-touristic sites and the community, and so is the case with Kōm al-Nāḍūra archaeological site and its historic urban setting. It is inaccessible and unrecognisable to the public, despite its multi-layered history of the Fatimid and Mamluk eras, Ottomans, the French Expedition and Muḥammad 'Alī's reign. Kōm al-Nāḍūra area is overshadowed by the Greco-Roman archaeological remains, including the Catacombs of Kōm al-Shokāfa, Pompey's Pillar and Kōm ad-Dikka. Also, the site does not connect with other tangible historical assets of cisterns, Arab city wall remains and Sufi mosques. Following the notion of contemporary archaeology for Kōm al-Nāḍūra to endorse it as a catalyst to connect the surrounding traditional activities and integrate its multi-layered heritage to achieve sustainable urban conservation. It promotes intercultural dialogue and connects the spatial-conceptual urban dots. Also, the absence of scientific publications documenting the historic urban setting of Kōm al-Nāḍūra area; raised this paper to investigate its chronological evolution from the Fatimid era until nowadays. It highlights forms of practice and addresses gaps within the political ecologies of urban heritage. If managed by practitioners, collaborations between individuals and the constitution of the heritage of local policies may take place, thus linking culture with sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of fishery biology and population dynamics was conducted for Boops boops collected from the commercial catches of gillnets operated in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters off Alexandria. A total of 880 specimens were sampled from the area between Sidi Kirayr to El-Montazah during the period 2018-2020. The length range varied between 11.0 and 20.0 cm TL with a mean of 13.98±1.19 cm and the total weight varied from 14 to 88 g with a mean total weight of 28.51±6.67 g. The length-weight relationship was computed as W= 0.0119 L2.9453 by using total weights and W= 0.0112 L2.9335 by using gutted weights. The mean condition factor (k) was 0.953±0.029 and the overall sex ratio (M: F) was 1.00:0.49. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated to be K= 0.38 yr-1, L∞= 27.85 cm and tο= -0.443 yr. The growth performance index (Фˋ) was 2.47. The values of natural (M), fishing (F) and total mortality (Z) were calculated as 0.865, 3.845 and 4.710 yr-1, respectively. The current exploitation ratio (Ecur= 0.816) is high reflecting the high exploitation of this species. The yield per recruit and the relative yield per recruit were also studied and the results confirmed that the stock of B. boops is highly exploited and the management of the pelagic gillnets is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Validated simulation model for a new compination air conditioning systems were presented. • Two different integration cases were presented according to the air condtioning system used. • Energy and Exergy analysis of new compination systems were studied under two different climates. • A reduction in CO 2 emissions was observed when using the proposed ssystems. This paper introduces novel modification for conventional air conditioning systems through utilizing a thermal ice storage system integrated with solar panels. Alexandria and Aswan, cities in Egypt, are chosen to represent two climates for hot-humid and hot-dry climates respectively. Exergy analysis is performed for the proposed solar-ice thermal storage system based on transient analysis. Results showed that, the proposed system is more effective approach in hot-humid than hot-dry climate and more efficient with all-water system than with all-air system. The maximum energy saving is 205.16 GJ having a percent of 27.5% in August for all water system in case of Alexandria city and 224.67 GJ with a percent of 25.38% in August for all-water system in case of Aswan city. All air system simulation showed maximum energy saving of 175.05 GJ with a percent of 18.13 % in case of August for Alexandria and 175.45 GJ having a percentage of 17.43% in case of Aswan in August. Moreover, the all-water system achieved a reduction in CO 2 emissions by 467 tons/year in Aswan city and 390 tons/year in case of Alexandria city. These reductions decrease to be 435 and 353 tons/year when the all-air system used for the same two cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of Marketing knowledge on service marketing innovation, to determine the effect of Marketing knowledge on corporate brand image, to identify the effect of service marketing innovation on corporate brand image, and to develop a framework for the impact of marketing knowledge on service marketing innovation, as well as the role of corporate brand image in mediating the link between the variables. To obtain the necessary data, we will conduct quantitative analyses and structural equation models (SEMs) using a questionnaire tool and AMOS software version 25. The study's primary conclusions are that marketing knowledge has a direct effect on corporate brand image, that marketing knowledge has a direct effect on service marketing innovation, and that service marketing innovation has a direct effect on corporate brand image. Our findings indicate that service marketing innovation acts as a mediator in the interaction between marketing knowledge and corporate brand image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is one of the 21st century's most serious global health challenges. It has reached an alarming rate of increase in Egypt. This paper aims at understanding the possible impact of the built environment (BE) on adult obesity, on the neighborhood level. A cross-sectional study has been applied on two neighborhoods with different BE characteristics. Body mass index (BMI) were gathered from the Family Healthcare Unit and an on-site questionnaire (n = 309). BE features were documented using the Irvine-Minnesota Inventory. Then, data were analyzed using the State of Place™ Index. A survey was conducted to understand residents' walking patterns and perception towards the BE. A logistic regression model was applied to analyze the survey results. Findings showed that a higher State of Place™ Index was associated with lower rates of adult overweight/obesity. Connectivity, form, traffic safety, and aesthetics were variables of considerable importance in the two study areas. The model showed that active means of transport and safety at night were two extra urban determinants that have a positive impact on BMI. All these factors may be what ultimately influences BMI. This paper paves the way for other researchers concerned with the possible impact of the BE on overweight/obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of selecting new uses for heritage buildings needs to consider a number of crucial criteria in order to determine and select the optimum option. The inappropriate selected use of a heritage building can lead to lose its value. This paper aims to introduce an appropriate evaluation tool to support the efficiency in selecting the optimum solution. The integrated multi criteria decision-making tools are used to support decision making in such cases (problems involving multiple criteria). Several MCDM tools have been developed for choosing the optimal probable options. Each tool has its own characteristics in finding the best alternatives. The Analytic Hierarchy Process, (AHP) that was developed by Professor Thomas Saaty in the late 1970s, was the most suitable tool for this study. The software selected and used in this work was Microsoft Excel. Aziza Fahmy Palace was selected as the case study in this paper. There are four suggested alternatives; which are: hotel, museum, office building and mixed uses. Using the application of AHP, the result showed that the best use is mixed uses with the highest value, which is 0.30 (30%), followed in sequential order by museum, office building and hotel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underwater photogrammetry in archaeology in Egypt is a completely new experience applied for the first time on the submerged archaeological site of the lighthouse of Alexandria situated on the eastern extremity of the ancient island of Pharos at the foot of Qaitbay Fort at a depth of 2 to 9 metres. In 2009/2010, the CEAlex launched a 3D photogrammetry data-gathering programme for the virtual reassembly of broken artefacts. In 2013 and the beginning of 2014, with the support of the Honor Frost Foundation, methods were developed and refined to acquire manual photographic data of the entire underwater site of Qaitbay using a DSLR camera, simple and low cost materials to obtain a digital surface model (DSM) of the submerged site of the lighthouse, and also to create 3D models of the objects themselves, such as statues, bases of statues and architectural elements. In this paper we present the methodology used for underwater data acquisition, data processing and modelling in order to generate a DSM of the submerged site of Alexandria's ancient lighthouse. Until 2016, only about 7200 m2 of the submerged site, which exceeds more than 13000 m2, was covered. One of our main objectives in this project is to georeference the site since this would allow for a very precise 3D model and for correcting the orientation of the site as regards the real-world space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Using sustainable architecture design strategies specifically daylighting could reduce lighting energy that have an indirect impact on the HVAC energy requirements especially in cooling-dominated buildings in hot climate. As a result of the interactions between lighting and HVAC, the aims of this paper were to reduce the energy consumption by having the balance between beneficial natural light and excessive solar heat and therefore reducing the energy consumption and to have an easy guideline for the architecture to help in increasing the sustainable building designs in Egypt. This paper utilized simulation techniques for identifying the most efficient glazing with a good WWR and a correct daylight autonomy by dominating the thermal heat gain and reducing cooling load yet as energy consumption. Performance predictions and simulations will facilitate in distinguishing ways for reducing energy consumption and up building performance by rigorous analysis method and that is what's this analysis methodology is about. The implementation of the simulation process is carries out using Rhinoceros 3D modeling which supports DIVA for rhino as a simulation engine to space with southern orientation in Alexandria, Egypt. The outcome of this analysis is needless to say selecting the right glazing kind could be a Brobdingnagian issue of reducing energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper introduces an improved method to specify the potential areas at buildings' top surface for installation of photovoltaic (PV) power units in a defined urban area (UA). Additionally, optimum selection between various (PV) modules is addressed. The proposed approach is based on spatial data analysis and implementation of probabilistic approach (PA) in order compute the power capacity factor (CF) of the PV modules. According this estimation the module with highest average capacity factor is selected for installation at the defined UA. A dedicated case study is proposed and implemented through three main stages. In the first stage, the spatial data of studied buildings are analyzed based on the digitized SIR-DS using Google Earth imagery and ArcGIS software as a Geo-Model. Thus, the planner defines the potential areas for installing PV modules which linked with the buildings' database. In the second stage, various PV modules which produced by different manufacturers, are compared together based on the concept of the highest average CF estimated. In proceedings, firstly, a mathematical modeling of solar irradiance data-set (SIR-DS) is presented using statistical probability distribution function (PDF). These data are approved by Egyptian Meteorological Authority, and collected over a long-term period (7 years). Then, the most fitted PDF in matching with the measured data is then utilized to determine the average output power of each PV module. After that, the CF is estimated for all modules analyzed, such that the module with the highest average CF over the year is identified. Finally, the last stage integrates the results obtained from the prior stages. Accordingly, this paper introduces effective solution for the optimum selection between different PV modules at a given UA, in addition to specifying the potential areas for PV system installation which subjected to the studied buildings' database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Urban promenades play a vital role in a city's life. They are platforms to create social relations, as well as to promote civil life for community. This is the case in Alexandria, Egypt with its extended waterfront along the Mediterranean Sea coast. Pharos promenade, affords for both active and passive water related activities. The former is achieved through cognitive experience posed by the space, or through communicating with the participants in it, while the latter is related to the observation of what others are doing in public space. The aim of this paper is to clarify the role of landscaping elements in enhancing both passive and active engagement along Pharos Promenade. To achieve this aim, this paper intends to attain the following objectives through investigating; theoretical background of landscape elements, passive and active engagement, the promenade's history and development, its morphological analysis, types of users and activities, and its landscaping features. Finally, the paper concludes a two-dimensional matrix model, correlating design aspects of landscaping elements to Passive and active engagement aspects. It uses this matrix to evaluate the impacts of these elements on how do people experience this promenade. In addition, highlighting the most threatening elements, in the process of analysing the example of Pharos promenade, in Alexandria, Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nowadays, the prevailing housing development trend is gated communities. This trend has been one of the most widespread pattern of development in the last quarter of the twentieth century across the globe as well as in Egypt. Gated communities are built with a variety of sizes and types that differ from country to another, city to another, and from the gated community itself to another. To date, there are hundreds of gated residential communities that are developed across the Egyptian cities with a quite number of residents who prefer to live in those gated residential communities over the ordinary neighborhood. This study attempts to investigate the reason of residents' preference to gated over the non-gated residential areas of Alexandria city, what they are searching in this new trend? This paper argues that each resident prefers living in gated communities searching for certain values, which could be sense of community, or prestige, or lifestyle, or security. Focusing on the perspective of residents of Alexandria toward gated communities, this paper uses a methodology based on observation and qualitative exploration through a questionnaire. The findings show that the 'life style' is main value associated with the preferences of residents to live in such communities in Alexandria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the origin of Codex Vaticanus and its relation to Codex Sinaiticus. It presents observations that point towards an origin in Caesarea/Palaestina. Although most authors who have written about the relation and origin of Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus seem to be convinced about their view, it is, as even some quite determined authors admit, a matter of interpretation of some details. In this situation, additional observations may be welcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered to be one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions found in children. The global prevalence in the age group 6–17 years falls between 2 and 18%. Studies have found that mothers of ADHD children are more prone to experience depression, anxiety, social isolation, stress, and self-blame. Aims and objectives: To assess the prevalence of depression and its severity among mothers with children found to have ADHD compared to mothers of the control group, we also investigate the coping mechanisms employed by mothers with ADHD children and identify any potential correlation between coping strategies utilized by mothers in the case group and the severity of depression. Patients and methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 100 participants from the outpatient child psychiatry clinic at Ma'amoura Psychiatric Hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. Two participant groups were assembled: Group I (case) consisted of 50 mothers whose children had ADHD, and Group II (control) consisted of 50 mothers whose children did not have ADHD. Both groups underwent the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) inventory. Results: A significant relationship was observed between the Beck Score and hyperactive and combined ADHD types; however, no significant correlation was found between the Beck Score and the inattentive ADHD type. Regarding the coping styles with stress, the current study's results found that in (case group) turning to religion had the highest sub-scale mean, followed by seeking social support and emotional support, while the lowest sub-scale score mean was humor, followed by denial. By employing univariate logistic regression analysis to identify depression predictors in group I, the results showed that the increase in the score of less useful coping by 1 was a probable factor to increase the possibility of depression by OR = 1.438 (1.186–1.743). Combined and hyperactive ADHD types were found to increase the risk of depression by OR 6.706 (1.309–34.353). Conclusion: Depressive complaints were more prevalent among mothers of children with ADHD compared to the control group. We found a statistically important relationship between Beck Depression Scores (depressive symptom severity) in mothers with ADHD children and having hyperactive or combined ADHD types in their children. We also found a statistically significant positive correlation between the severity of depression and some coping styles as turning to religion and seeking social support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent political conflicts in the Middle East have led to a significant increase in refugees’ numbers in Egypt, causing a substantial population increase in neighborhoods like Al-Rehab City and the 6th of October. The resulting semi-hybrid communities have had a notable impact on travel behavior in these areas. Due to the economic impact that is affected by this travel behavior, this study aims to investigate the commuting behaviors and preferences of individuals in Cairo and Alexandria, focusing on demographic groups such as Egyptians and migrants. The research addresses two main questions: (1) What significant variations exist in commuting characteristics between Egyptians and migrants based on their social and cultural backgrounds, and what variables influence the travel behavior of these two groups? (2) What factors relate to public transport use, that map all aspects of work/home trip choices that affect the daily commuting distances? Initially, to find the significant differences between both test groups, a questionnaire was designed and distributed through a sample of 1,810 face-to-face interviews (1,193 in Cairo and 617 in Alexandria). The questionnaire comprised 39 questions, these questions are covered in six sections that cover the following aspects: sociodemographic and household profiles, mobility habits, commuting habits and preferences, perceptions of public transportation, ridesharing, and housing. In the data analysis stage, a non-parametric statistical test “The Mann–Whitney U test” is used to determine if there is a difference between both groups according to certain variables. To examine the relationship between subjective public transport utilization and commuting trip generation, a multivariate Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model was applied. The model application provides valuable insights for the formulation of impactful urban and mobility systems. Drawing a road map to help policymakers in enhancing public transport infrastructure to better match the preferences of commuters, ultimately fostering safer and more gratifying travel experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Public transportation is essential to reduce pollution and traffic congestion in urban areas. However, in densely populated regions like Alexandria, characterized by high population density and limited road infrastructure, accessibility to diverse transportation options is crucial. Methods: This study investigates the accessibility of public transportation modes, including railways and buses, and their interaction with informal transit. Questioning if public transportation alone will be sufficient for pedestrians or if the presence of informal transit is crucial, and whether all residents of Alexandria have their rightful accessibility for different transport modes, the goal was to establish an efficient and interconnected transportation network. A survey was conducted in cooperation with Transport for Cairo to investigate all transport routes throughout Alexandria, further using ArcGIS Pro to identify gaps in public transportation coverage. Results: Findings revealed that public transportation alone is insufficient due to limited bus and railway coverage because of their fixed linear routes. Informal transit, like microbuses, plays a vital role in filling these gaps. Discussion: The study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and sustainable transportation network that considers both formal and informal transit. These insights can guide policymakers and urban planners in improving public transportation in Alexandria and similar cities worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the dynamic interplay between people and their physical environments, the Global South stands as a mosaic undergoing a multitude of transformative influences in architecture and urbanism, within which examining social sustainability becomes imperative. While the prevailing attention remains on environmental and economic sustainability, this study addresses a persistent gap in the urban literature by focusing on the dynamic and manifold nature of social sustainability. Positioning itself within the context of sustainable development, the study links the pursuit of social aspects of sustainability with selected unique urban contexts from the Global South. Five cases, including Alexandria (Egypt), Tripoli (Libya), Basra (Iraq), Lilongwe (Malawi), and Accra (Ghana), are discussed through multi-layered investigations which involve attitude surveys, interviews, focus groups, participatory systematic observations, and behavioral mapping, engaging directly with inhabitants and stakeholders. Uncovering people–place narratives in the identified contexts, the cases are developed into five knowledge typologies that serve as practical tools for planning and design decision-making, policy formulation, and academic discourse. Discussions are conceived to demonstrate the transformative role people–place narratives play in fostering a more sustainable and equitable urban future. Conclusions are drawn to offer practical insights for stakeholders involved in various capacities in shaping the urban landscape of the Global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Environmental noise is a major environmental concern in metropolitan cities. The rapid social and economic growth in the 20th century is not always accompanied by adequate land planning and environmental management measures. As a consequence of rapid urbanization processes, cities are facing an increase in noise pollution. Noise is being recognized as a serious environmental problem and one which must be accounted for in a sustained development policy designed to improve the quality of life for citizens. Therefore, the monitoring of noise is a crucial aspect of urban planning to allow urban planners to create harmonious and livable environments for communities worldwide. This research aims at assessing the noise levels and associated sources of noise in downtown areas through the involvement of crowdsourcing techniques. The incorporation of noise mapping and increased public awareness are achieved by a framework that enables a comparative scheme between two cities: Alexandria, Egypt and Zagreb, Croatia. The methodology depends on combining crowdsourcing techniques using mobile applications and geographic information system (GIS) tools to detect and analyze noise. Finally, this research provides a comparison between the two cities using the adopted methodology and introduces recommendations to enhance urban planning decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most important nosocomial pathogens worldwide. During the last decades it has become a major threat for healthcare settings due to the high antibiotic resistance rates among these isolates. Many resistance determinants are coded by conjugative or mobilizable plasmids, facilitating their dissemination. The majority of plasmids harbored by Acinetobacter species are less than 20 Kb, however, high molecular weight elements are the most clinically relevant since they usually contain antibiotic resistance genes. The aim of this work was to describe, classify and determine the genetic content of plasmids harbored by carbapem resistant A. baumannii isolates belonging to predominant clonal lineages circulating in hospitals from Alexandria, Egypt. The isolates were subjected to S1-Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis experiments to identify high molecular weight plasmids. To further analyze the plasmid content and the genetic localization of the antibiotic resistance genes, isolates were sequenced by Illumina Miseq and MinION Mk1C and a hybrid assembly was performed using Unicycler v0.5.0. Plasmids were detected with MOBsuite 3.0.3 and Copla.py v.1.0 and mapped using the online software Proksee.ca. Replicase genes were further analyzed through a BLAST against the Acinetobacter Plasmid Typing database. Eleven plasmids ranging in size from 4.9 to 205.6 Kb were characterized and mapped. All isolates contained plasmids, and, in many cases, more than two elements were identified. Antimicrobial resistance genes such as blaOXA-23, blaGES-like, aph(3')-VI and qacEΔ1 were found in likely conjugative large plasmids; while virulence determinants such as septicolysin or TonB-dependent receptors were identified in plasmids of small size. Some of these resistance determinants were, in turn, located within transposons and class 1 integrons. Among the identified plasmids, the majority encoded proteins belonging to the Rep_3 family, but replicases of the RepPriCT_1 (Aci6) family were also identified. Plasmids are of high interest as antibiotic resistance control tools, since they may be used as genetic markers for antibiotic resistance and virulence, and also as targets for the development of compounds that can inhibit transfer processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the geotechnical, geophysical investigations and the numerical static and seismic analysis of selected underground monuments in Alexandria, Egypt i.e. the underground tombs in Mustafa Kamil Necropolis. The analysis of the static stability and the behavior of complex monuments of this kind under seismic loading, are the key factors for the efficient restoration and retrofitting of these underground monumental structures. In the present paper, we present in a first phase a comprehensible geotechnical survey undertaken in this site, comprising geophysical ambient noise measurements (microtremors), as well as field and short -- long-term laboratory experiments and tests, in order to define the physical, mechanical and dynamic properties of the soils and soft rock materials. In the second stage, we present the main results of the detailed static and seismic numerical analysis of these underground monumental structures (Catacombs) using the code, PLAXIS b.v with different seismic scenarios corresponding to the seismotectonic features of Alexandria. Advanced soil-rock elastoplastic modeling has been used through out the different phases of the numerical finite element analysis. The aim of the analysis is twofold: (a) to investigate the safety margins of the existing monuments, under their present conditions, against environmental (i.e. weathering) and extreme seismic loads and (b) to investigate the potential improvement of their global behavior applying specific retrofitting techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic congestion is observed around shopping malls, mostly, due to the long queue at the parking entry gates. The queuing theory is an operation research technique that mathematically models the queuing systems consisting of randomly arriving costumers to receive service and then depart such as the parking entry gates. For a single-server mathematical queuing model, the inter-arrival time is usually assumed to be negative exponentially distributed (Poisson process). Mostly, the service times are assumed to be either similar to inter-arrival, M/M/1, or constant, M/D/1; neither assumptions is correct in terms of producing performance measures that conform with the reality. However, the M/D/1 model seems to perform more closely. This paper proposes an approach to apply the mathematical queuing model for such system more efficiently. Essentially, service time is calibrated to the best fitting distribution based on the data collected from major shopping malls in Alexandria and Giza in 2016 and 2017; respectively. The calibration proves that the service time is normally distributed. The application of the M/D/1 using the mean time of the calibrated normal distribution as the constant service time is then tested. The resulted performance measures show a significant conformity with the performance measures of the field data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings and the environment are indistinguishably linked. The buildings become part of the physical environment, stirring the city image, living conditions, social wellbeing and economic profile. Iconic buildings are good examples for this mutual relationship. Their distinctiveness plays a key role in configuring their surroundings. And their impact ripples could extend to cover the whole city as related to the typology of buildings themselves. This paper proposes a conceptual framework to highlight the impacts of iconic buildings on their surrounding environment. The developed framework is used to investigate the impacts of Bibliotheca Alexandrina on both its surroundings and on all the city of Alexandria as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In urban literature, outdoor thermal comfort in hot climates is affected by different aspects, such as the size of the built environment and the variety of ground surface materials. Developing the outdoor thermal environment is crucial for achieving a balanced microclimate and creating a sustainable open space. This paper aims to provide thermal comfort and to promote sustainable urban development in Alexandria city (Egypt). The city faces problem of an increasing urban heat island, which influences the behavioral patterns of pedestrians. The case study of El Mosheir Street measured different simulated scenarios using ENVI-met 4.0 to achieve maximum thermal comfort. The results provided solutions through paving materials that present a high percentage of the city's urban areas. The paper explained the concept of the urban heat Islands phenomenon and its mitigation strategies using paving materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]