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1.
An-Najah University Journal for Research, B: Humanities ; 37(5):911-942, 2023.
Article in Arabic | Academic Search Complete | ID: covidwho-20245472

ABSTRACT

The current study aimed to identify the impact of positive thinking on the anxiety of Coronavirus infection through the lockdown among UNRWA staff in Jordan. To achieve the objectives of the study, three measures were developed, the Positive Thinking Scale, the anxiety level of Coronavirus Infection Scale, and the lockdown Scale. A sample of (2036) employees responded to the measures. The results showed that the level of anxiety for COVID -19 infection among the sample was high, and statistically significant differences were found in the level of Covid-19 infection anxiety according to the sex variable for females, also statistically differences were found in the level of anxiety in COVID-19 infection according to age in favor of (31-40), and statistically differences for the social status in favor of married couples. Results also showed a direct negative impact of positive thinking variable on the level of anxiety associated with COVID-19 infection, and an effect of positive thinking on the level of anxiety during activating the lockdown. The study recommends designing training programs for employees to help them adapt to different circumstances and enable them to continue performing their assigned work. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of An-Najah University Journal for Research, B: Humanities is the property of An-Najah National University 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 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 . (Copyright applies to all s.)

2.
Science, Technology & Society ; 28(2):278-296, 2023.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-20243411

ABSTRACT

The usual crisis mode of economic operations in Palestine intersects with the adverse consequences of COVID-19 and necessitates an innovative response to survive. This research builds on potential synergies between industry and university to expand the Palestinian agriculture sector resilience. We report on an explorative study that sought to understand the reality of the university–industry linkages (UILs) by considering information and experience gathered from 29 interviews in January 2020 and April 2021. Interviewees represent five key actor groups: farmers and agribusinesses, private institutions, universities, the Ministry of Agriculture, and NGOs. Content analysis revealed a nascent collaboration scope and uncovered the lack of a confident attitude among farmers towards agriculture research efforts, the poor communication performance, and misalignment of purpose. University actors need to encompass the UILs in their mission and touch farmers' needs by providing novelty evidence research. Yet, farmers and agribusinesses may take the initiative to communicate their problems and search for renovation. We developed a framework of underpinnings to enhance collaboration and a healthier agriculture sector. We suggest activating the cooperatives and diversifying farmers' income as deemed more resilient to face the pandemic.

3.
Yearbook of Medical Informatics ; 31(1):354-364, 2022.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-20235976

ABSTRACT

The region of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is diverse and retains a superior growth potential. It benefits from a privileged geographical location with big markets, a young and growing educated population, and competitive advantages in several industries. Regardless of their differences, countries face shared concerns, most notably in health. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MENA countries enact reforms to create a more robust and inclusive digital health systems to increase growth, development, and integrity. Throughout the coordinated containment and mitigation efforts, most of the countries have integrated digital technologies into the health systems. These procedures include digital government initiatives, the introduction of digital health training courses, live video surgeries and virtual patient monitoring, rural and remote telemedicine programs, and the development of a national electronic health records (EHR) system. Each country took necessary actions to address equity, literacy, and development of resilient health systems. The nine featured countries in this report illustrate the diversity among the MENA region and account for major opportunities and achievements as well as promises and challenges that digital health presents for its populations. © 2022 IMIA and Georg Thieme Verlag KG.

4.
Inquiry ; 60: 469580231179876, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20232525

ABSTRACT

The coronavirus infection COVID-19 has been a risk to world health, particularly for individuals who are vulnerable to it. Critical care nurses have described experiencing extremely high levels of stress under these struggling conditions. This study aimed to assess the relationship between stress and resilience of intensive care unit nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 227 nurses who are working in the intensive care units in the West Bank hospitals, Palestine. Data collection utilized the Nursing Stress Scale (NSS) and the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS). Two hundred twenty-seven intensive care nurses completed the questionnaire; (61.2%) were males, and (81.5%) had documented COVID-19 infection among their friends, family, or coworkers. Most intensive care nurses reported high levels of stress (105.9 ± 11.9), but low levels of resilience (11.0 ± 4.3). There was a moderate negative correlation between nurses' stress and their resilience (P < .05) and a small to moderate negative correlation between nurses' stress sub-scales and resilience (P < .05). Also, the results revealed a statistically significant difference between the stress score mean and the nurses who had documented COVID-19 infection among their friends, family, or coworkers (P < .05), and between the resilience mean score and the nurses' gender (P < .05). During the COVID-19 outbreak, intensive care nurses' stress levels were high, and their resilience was low. Thus, controlling nurses' stress levels and identifying possible stress sources related to the COVID-19 pandemic are important to maintain patients' safety and improve the quality of care.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Male , Humans , Female , COVID-19/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Pandemics , Intensive Care Units , Adaptation, Psychological
5.
Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity ; 5(1):21-31, 2023.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2324295

ABSTRACT

Background: The One Health concept (OHC) seeks to improve the health of plants, animals, and humans because improving animal and plant health will increase the capacity for improving human health. Many risks such as plant and animal biotechnology applications have the potential to generate new diseases that can be transmitted to humans. In this way, the health of humans, animals, and plants is interrelated and depends on one another. However, it has been difficult to apply the OHC in some countries, such as those in the Middle East. The absence of financial support in the region is a major hindrance to applying this concept in the region. The application of the OHC requires the support of specialists who can advocate the government for support in launching OHC-related projects. Here, we discuss the OHC in the context of antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, and biosafety/biosecurity, which are important public health issues. Furthermore, we describe the current status of the OHC in the Middle East and recent research conducted related to this concept. There has been recent international solidarity in the application of the OHC to reduce risks that threaten the health of organisms. Several countries jointly launched the Global Health Security Agenda in 2014 with the aim of realizing a world that is free of infectious disease-related health risks. However, no previous review articles have examined the applications of the OHC in the Middle East region. This article discusses the OHC in terms of its needs and current applications in the Middle East. Methodology: The following keywords were used in the search: "One Health," "Middle East," "medicinal plants," "viruses," "rabies," "MERS," and "antimicrobial resistance." Related papers were obtained by searching for these keywords using available search engines, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google search, as well as international organization websites. Conclusion(s): The concept of One Health is relatively new and has not been applied in most countries, possibly because the value of this concept for improving human health is not well understood. The key principle defining this concept and its importance is the interdependency of plants, animals, and human health. By applying the OHC, humans can benefit from healthy plants and animals by enhancing their growing conditions, medications, and environments. This would in turn improve general human health by allowing the safe extraction of therapeutics and food resources.Copyright © 2023

6.
Curr Psychol ; : 1-10, 2021 Oct 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2324662

ABSTRACT

The current investigation was conducted to test the correlation between fear due to coronavirus (COVID-19) and mental health outcomes (stress, depression, and anxiety) and the mediating role of social support during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Palestine. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to test the conceptual model, where fear of Covid-19 was considered as a predictor, social support as a mediating variable, and mental health (stress, depression, and anxiety) as outcomes. The participants involved were 370 Palestinians, 266 females, and the remaining were males. Participants were recruited through online methods; Facebook advertising, Network email, and Twitter during the COVID-19 in Palestine. Results of the study showed that fear related to COVID-19 was positively and significantly correlated with mental health outcomes (anxiety; r = .29, p < .01, depression; r = .25, p < .01, and stress; r = .36, p < .01), while negatively correlated to perceived emotional support (r = -.30, p < .01), support seeking (r = -.29, p < .01), and received support (r = -.31, p < .01). Results of SEM indicated a standardized total effect of social support on mental health outcomes (ßX, M = -.57; p < .001), and an indirect but statistically significant effect (via social support, ßX, M, Y = -. 286; p < .01). These results indicate that social support fully mediated the relationship between fear associated with COVID-19 and mental health distress (stress, depression, and anxiety). The current study supported previous findings demonstrating that fear related to COVID-19 positively correlated with mental health distress (depression, anxiety, and stress). In addition, social support mediated the relationship between fear of COVID19 and mental health outcomes. However, further investigations are needed to test the correlation between current study variables and other associated factors and develop intervention programs targeting affected populations during crises to enhance mental health outcomes.

7.
Human Arenas ; : No Pagination Specified, 2023.
Article in English | APA PsycInfo | ID: covidwho-2318392

ABSTRACT

The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of students concerning COVID-19 have an impact on their adherence to preventative procedures. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 among school students. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to assess the knowledge, practice, and attitudes of 600 students toward COVID-19. Study participants were recruited from schools between July and August 2020. The mean score of knowledge was 7.60 +/- 4.63, which reflects an unacceptable level of knowledge about COVID-19. Knowledge scores were significantly different across gender (p = 0.017), age groups (p = 0.008), the presence of a family member working in the health sector (p < 0.001), and economical level of family (p < 0.001). Being female, students aged 15-18, and those from high-income families obtained significantly higher knowledge scores. About 68.6% of the students possessed negative attitudes toward the successful control of COVID-19. This study found that more than half of students committed preventive procedures such as avoiding gatherings and practicing good hand hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, only 28.5% confirmed wearing a face mask when leaving their homes. This study affirms the necessity for immediate health initiatives aimed at increasing COVID-19 knowledge and, thereby, more positive attitudes toward preventative procedures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

8.
Economists and COVID-19: Ideas, Theories and Policies During the Pandemic ; : 1-177, 2022.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2316414

ABSTRACT

This book examines and classifies different reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic from economists across the world. With the impacts of the pandemic experienced differently in each country, specific case studies are provided to highlight how the economics profession has responded to the challenges that have emerged from COVID-19. Key debates, such as the trade-off between health protective measures and the economic impacts of closing important sectors, are discussed, with a focus on the responses in China, the USA, Italy, France, Russia, Argentina, Brazil, India, and Palestine. This book explores the ability of economists to respond to economic and social crises, and provides insight into the ties between economic theory and economic policy in the modern world. It will be relevant to students and researchers interested in how economists have responded to the COVID-19 and what changes it might trigger. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

9.
Critical Sociology (Sage Publications, Ltd) ; : 1, 2023.
Article in English | Academic Search Complete | ID: covidwho-2314332

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we outline the contours of the history of oppression toward Palestinians to discern how the settler colonial racial capitalist state of Israel generates alienation in Palestinians. To accomplish this, we explore how the Global North disregards and/or participates in propping up Israel's oppressive structural processes for stripping Palestinians of their land, resources, and identity. This includes the Palestinian healthcare system that has suffered decades of deliberate neglect, under-development, and strategic fragmentation, which hindered its coronavirus disease response. We conclude with implications and suggestions for rethinking not only how Palestinians are racialized and alienated as ‘others' in a settler colonial racial capitalist system of oppression, but how the slow process of identity erosion (and perversion) works to dehumanize and justify the dispossession of Palestinians. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Critical Sociology (Sage Publications, Ltd.) is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. 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 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 . (Copyright applies to all s.)

10.
Israa University Journal of Applied Science ; 6(2), 2023.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2314311

ABSTRACT

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide and poses a serious public health-threat. High IL-6 levels were associated with the severity of COVID-19 and del to the use of anti-IL-6 Tocilizumab during the pandemic. Therefore, this case-control study was conducted to evaluate the role of Tocilizumab on the mortality rate among severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients. Method: A case-control study relied on the use of an electronic data collection sheet;the data were collected from February to May 2022. The study was performed on adult patients with critical COVID-19 at three major hospitals in the Gaza Strip, Palestine where patients were treated in the intensive care units (ICUs). Patients from the hospitals were included and divided into two groups by simple random sampling technique. Results: Of the 202 patients with critical COVID-19 admitted to ICUs of three hospitals, 102 (50.5%) were treated with Tocilizumab. A total of 58 (56.9%) patients in the Tocilizumab group were cured, and 44 (43.1%) died. In the control group, only 26 (26.0%) were cured and 72.0% died. There was no statistically significant effect of Tocilizumab on total hospital stay and ventilation periods. Patients treated with Tocilizumab had a longer stay in the ICU (14.02 ±8.796 days compared to 10.52 ± 9.596 days in the control group, P = 0.027), but shorter incubation periods were observed in the same group (3.25 ±1.137 days in Tocilizumab group compared to 7.38 ±3.376 days in the control group P = 0.036). Conclusion: This study found that administration of Tocilizumab can improve clinical outcomes, reduce risk of mortality, and frequency of intubation in patients severely infected with COVID-19. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of hospitalization times and mechanical ventilation needs. Based on the current report, healthcare specialists should consider Tocilizumab with the updated treatment guidelines for critically ill COVID-19 patients. © 2023 Israa University Journal of Applied Science. All rights reserved.

11.
Economists and COVID-19: Ideas, Theories and Policies During the Pandemic ; : 47-65, 2022.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2313388

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a crisis within a crisis in Palestine. The economy of the Palestinian Territories has been weakened by and subordinated to the Israeli occupation. The post-Oslo neoliberal turn has worsened the situation. The Palestinian public institutions have a very restricted policy space and are heavily dependent on the donors' agendas. The role of the Palestinian economists and experts is significantly challenged by this unique situation, both in terms of theoretical contributions and policy-making. This chapter aims at scrutinising how to theoretically frame the specificities of the Palestinian economy and discussing both mainstream and 'heterodox' economic approaches can hardly offer effective policies and actions for a more sustainable and less unequal development, even in the aftermath of the pandemic. A number of interviews integrate the analysis about the economic debate in Palestine and the way economic thought is produced and translated into policies. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

12.
Environ Prog Sustain Energy ; : e14049, 2022 Dec 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2315139

ABSTRACT

This work is motivated by the need in overcoming the electricity crisis in Gaza, which is initiated due to political reasons and the spread of COVID-19. Building quarantine centers is one of the most important means used in combating the COVID-19, but connecting these centers to the electricity distribution network at the appropriate time is not always possible and increases the burden on the local utility company. This article proposed a hybrid off-grid energy system (HES) to effectively energize the quarantine COVID-19 center in Gaza economically and environmentally. To achieve this aim, the estimated load profile of the quarantine center is fed to the HOMER-Pro program. In addition, the various systems components are introduced to the program, then modeled, and optimized. The developed approach was tested using a real case study considering realistic input data. HOMER-Pro program is used to simulate and optimize the system design. The results revealed the potential of the HES to provide environment-friendly, cost-effective, and affordable electricity for the studied quarantine center, as compared to just the diesel generators system. For the considered case study, it is found that the PV-wind-diesel generators HES can cover the connected load with the lowest cost ($ 0.348/kWh) in comparison to other possible HES structures. Taking into consideration the price of harmful emissions, the wining system shows a reduction of 54.89% of the cost of energy (CoE) compared to other systems. For the considered case study, it is found that a combination of 150 kW PV, 200 kW wind, and two diesel generators with capacities of 500 and 250 kW can hold 100% of the electrical load required to keep the quarantine COVID-19 center in operation. The initial capital cost of this HES is $510,576 where the share of wind energy, solar PV, inverter, and diesel-electric generators are $320,000, $83,076, $25,000, and $82,500, respectively. The replacemen cost ($55,918) is due to diesel generators. The total operation and maintainance cost (O&M) is $268,737, that is, 25.6% for wind turbines, 1.2% for inverters, and 70.7% for diesel electric generators. The PV/wind/diesel generators HES generate 1,659,038 kWh of electricity. The total energy requirement of 1,442,553 kWh, which means a surplus of 212,553 kWh of energy/year. The total energy (kWh) is an integration of energy sources which are 427,276 (25.8%), 274,500 (16.5%), and 857,263 (57.7%), due to wind, solar and diesel generators respectively. The cost of yearly consumed fuel is $437,828.769. The payback period for the winning system is 1.8 years. Finally, it is proved that the developed approach gives a reasonable solution to the decision-makers to find a fast, economic and reliable solution to energize the quarantine centers.

13.
Journal of Muslim Mental Health ; 17(1):32-50, 2023.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-2309717

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have demonstrated that religiosity may be a predictive factor for anxiety related to death among adults amid the COVID-19 pandemic;however, current study variables have not been examined among Palestinians. This correlational study was the first to test the association between religiosity and death anxiety among Palestinians in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sample data consisted of 548 Palestinian adults. Data was collected through online advertisements, e-mail, and social media campaigns. Findings confirmed that death anxiety negatively correlated with religiosity (r = -.31, p<0.01). Regression analysis for predicting anxiety related to death determined that religiosity accounted for statistical and significant variance in death anxiety (B=-.191, SE=.040, fl=-.20). It is recommended that further studies be conducted to explore the correlation between our current study variables and other related variables. This study also recommends the development of intervention programs to decrease death anxiety during pandemics or crises and enhance the protective factors of individuals.

14.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders ; Conference: Abstracts of The Seventh MENACTRIMS Congress. Intercontinental City Stars Hotel, 2023.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2302932

ABSTRACT

Objective(s): The objectives were to provide an overview of the current practices of Near East (NE) healthcare practitioners (HCPs) by probing their prescribing decisions, to report the COVID-19 impacts on neurologists' prescribing habits, and to explore the future relevance of current medication used in MS management among other newcomers Material(s) and Method(s): A cross-sectional study was carried out using an online survey from April 27, 2022, to July 5, 2022. The questionnaire was designed with the input of five neurologists representing five NE countries (Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan & Palestine). They identified several factors that play a crucial role in the optimal care of MS patients. The link was shared among neurologists using snowball sampling Result(s): The survey included 98 neurologists from the included NE countries, the majority of whom had more than 15 years of experience in the field, and 39% were seeing more than 40 MS patients a month. Effectiveness and safety balance was the most important factor considered when selecting the MS treatment. In the treatment of mild to moderate RRMS in men, Interferon beta 1a SC, Fingolimod, and Glatiramer acetate were the most commonly recommended treatments. Dimethyl fumarate substituted fingolimod in female patients. According to 80.7% of participants, interferon beta 1a SC was the safest treatment for mild to moderate RRMS. Interferon beta 1a SC was preferred over other treatments for patients with mild to moderate MS and planning for pregnancy (56.6%) or breastfeeding (60.2%). Fingolimod was not a choice for these patients. Neurologists seemed to discuss the top three treatments of Natalizumab, Ocrelizumab, and Cladribine with patients with highly active MS. Conclusion(s): Most neurologists in the NE region followed MENACTRIMS recommendations for prescribing treatment. The treatment choice also depended on the availability of DMTs in the region. Regarding the use of upcoming DMTs such as Ofatumumab, Siponimod, Ozanimod, and BTK inhibitors, there is a clear need for real-world data, long-term extension studies, and comparative studies to support their efficacy and safety profiles in treating patients with MSCopyright © 2022

15.
Interactive Learning Environments ; 2023.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2296093

ABSTRACT

The employment of digital media and e-materials in the classroom in the time of Covid-19 in Palestine has generated much attention among scholars, researchers and teachers. One of these electronic resources is digital maps which have recently become enriching and transformative ways of learning in different educational and pedagogical settings in Palestinian academic institutions. The lack of physical mobility due to continued governmental enforcements of lockdown laws in the Palestinian Occupied Territories hindered many teachers, students and researchers in the field of national cartography and human geography, many of whom were faced with dire challenges in exploring local landscapes outlined in Palestinian travel writing. This article examines the vital role of using digital maps in teaching Palestinian cartographic fiction. While it notes the value of students' geographic practices in the field, it explores the benefits of using digital maps in the higher teaching of Palestinian literary cartography. The article, in particular, reflects on the development and re-construction of the meanings of students' subjectivity and nationalism in the light of their virtual performance, responses and imaginary relationship to "place” during the outbreak of Covid-19. © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

16.
International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare ; 15(4):373-387, 2022.
Article in English | APA PsycInfo | ID: covidwho-2270346

ABSTRACT

Purpose: One of the most affected groups during the COVID-19 pandemic was health-care providers due to the direct and continuous exposure to the virus and a lack of sufficient medical equipment. Palestinian health-care providers were exposed to several challenges related to their work environment as they worked in war-like conditions;therefore, this study aims to explore health-care providers' perceptions, perspectives, challenges and human rights-related concerns during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Palestine. Design/methodology/approach: The sample comprised 30 health-care providers 26-35 years, who were purposively selected from among health-care providers in two Palestinian cities, Nablus and Tulkarm, located in the north of the West Bank. Thematic content analysis was applied to transcripts of interviews with the practitioners to identify key themes. Findings: The thematic content analysis showed that the pandemic and quarantine negatively affect the mental health outcomes, daily routine and social relations of health-care providers. The main challenges related to human rights violations and faced by the health-care providers include a lack of sufficient infrastructure, lack of medical equipment's and protective gear, military occupation and a shortage of health-care providers in general, especially those who practice in speciality fields such as neurology, oncology, pediatric surgery and clinical psychology. Practical implications: Further investigations are recommended to test different variables related to health-care providers' work during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper also recommends conducting studies targeting Palestinian health-care providers' training and supervision services to improve their skills and resiliency in dealing with future crises. Originality/value: The present work is the first to examine health-care providers' perceptions, perspectives, challenges and human rights concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Palestine. This novel sample resides in a political and social environment characterized by high environmental stressors due to decades of military and political violence (e.g. militarization, poverty, lack of employment opportunities, cultural pressures, human rights violations, etc.) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

17.
Electronic Journal of General Medicine ; 19(6), 2022.
Article in English | GIM | ID: covidwho-2247964

ABSTRACT

Aims: This project assessed intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccine and its potential influencing factors among adults living in the Gaza Strip. Method: Data were collected from February through July 2021 when the vaccine distribution just started. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using social media outlets. The respondents include a convenience sample of 325 individuals who are 18 years and older in the Gaza Strip. Bivariate statistics and logistic regressions were used to investigate the factors related to intention to receive vaccine. Results: Bivariate statistics found that the intention to get the vaccine is significantly higher for males (as compared to females), less educated, and married. Those with chronic disease are more likely to receive COVID-19-vaccine. However, when the other variables were controlled, only gender, profession, and perceived barriers significantly predicted the intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: This project highlighted variables that are associated with intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccine. These finding may be used to develop interventions to foster the acceptance of the vaccine among the people of Gaza Strip.

18.
EuroMed Journal of Business ; 18(1):34-45, 2023.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2247958

ABSTRACT

PurposeThis study aims to see the influence of a balanced scorecard (BSC) to determine the performance of banks in Palestine. Among the institutions that influence the economy of any country is the banking sector. Despite the influence of this sector on the economic policies and implementation in Palestine, there appears to be the difficulty of the appropriate approach to measuring its performance. Various techniques have failed to be efficient and effective. It creates an impulse to investigate the impact of a BSC in estimating the performance of banks in Palestine.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a descriptive design of the ex-post facto type with a sample of 126 senior bank staff randomly selected from fourteen Palestinian banks. In total, 3 hypotheses were raised and tested using Pearson's product-moment correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis at 0.05 level of significance.FindingsThe result showed that bank performance positively correlated with internal business process perspective (r = 0.633, p < 0.01), followed by customers' perspective (r = 0.338, p < 0.01), financial perspective (r = 0.321, p < 0.01) and learning and growth perspective (r = 0.230, p < 0.01). While regression analysis showed that the most potent factor was internal business process perspective (Beta = 0.670, t = 10.320, p < 0.01), followed by learning and growth perspective (Beta = 0.185, t = 2.812, p < 0.01) and customers' perspective (Beta = 0.150, t = 2.469, p < 0.05) and financial perspective (Beta = 0.100, t = 2.200, p < 0.05). This implies that a unit increase in internal business process perspective, learning and growth perspective and customer's perspective will increase bank performance by 67%, 18.5%, 15% and 10%, respectively.Practical implicationsAmong others, it was recommended that employees be exposed to the BSC model and its principles through continuous train as to ensure adequate application and implementation for enhanced bank performance. Administrators and stakeholders should ensure that the properties of each dimension of the BSC model are adequately worked on for easy fulfillment of the potentials in the model. It creates an avenue for a full-fledge organization with a workable customer, financial, internal business process, learning and growth perspective.Originality/valueThis is an initial study that used a BSC to determine the performance of banks in Palestine. Prior researchers overlook BSC dimensions composite and relative effect on the prediction of bank performance in Palestine.

19.
Health and Human Rights: An International Journal ; 24(2):265-279, 2022.
Article in English | CAB Abstracts | ID: covidwho-2263294

ABSTRACT

Despite Israel's responsibility under international law to combat the spread of contagious diseases and epidemics in its occupied territories, Israeli officials have refused to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Through a critical discourse analysis of Israeli officials' statements regarding Israel's COVID-19 vaccination campaign, this paper explores how Israel evades this responsibility while presenting itself as committed to public health and human rights. We find that Israeli officials strategically present Palestinians as an autonomous nation when discussing COVID-19 vaccinations, despite Israel's ongoing attempts to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state. Relatedly, Israel justifies its refusal to vaccinate Palestinians on the grounds of the Palestinian Authority's economic independence, thereby obscuring Israel's control over the Palestinian economy. In this way, Israel relies on citizenship and economic inequality, as internationally sanctioned forms of exclusion, to deny Palestinians their right to health. Drawing on theorists such as Michel Foucault, Achille Mbembe, and Jasbir Puar, we argue that withholding vaccines from Palestinians reveals the ways that Israel furthers its settler-colonial aims under the guise of liberal humanitarianism and economic growth. Instead of directing these conclusions toward Israel as an exceptional case, we contend that these processes reveal how settler-colonial societies use liberal frameworks of citizenship and capitalism to carry out their racialized projects of elimination.

20.
Educ Inf Technol (Dordr) ; : 1-26, 2023 Feb 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2266263

ABSTRACT

Despite the extensive coverage in the literature, limited attention has been paid to the investigation of technostress among academicians who work under special circumstances, such as occupation, and might have different psychological states due to those conditions. To fill this gap, this study examined the level and factorial structure of technostress among 573 Palestinian academicians who worked in a more-than-seventy-years occupied country, and with the addition of the COVID-19 pandemic. A sequential mixed method approach with confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis was used to explore the technostress factors and to measure their level among the academicians. The obtained findings indicated that the four factors of (1) schedule overload, (2) complexity, (3) uncertainty and uselessness, and (4) invasion and compulsion formed the model of techno-stressors among Palestinian academicians. This can help various stakeholders (researchers, policy makers, practitioners, etc.) to design the needed interventions accordingly and reduce the technostress among academicians; hence, enhancing the latter's teaching practices and experiences.

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