Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University / The concept of "delinquencty area" denotes a social phenomenon. It is generally defined as an area of a city marked by an abnormal delinquency rate as compared with other areas of the city of similar size and population. Such areas are located in zones of transition, and are marked by industrial buildings, waterfronts and railroads, deteriorated buildings, and population of mixed nationalities. In spite of the criticisms of the concept of "delinquency area," it appears to serve a useful purpose. There is a danger that the concept may be used as an oversimplification of the problem of delinquency and crime, because of the extreme complexity of delinquency and crime causation and the inconclusive nature of most statistical data on this subject. Probably the concept of "delinquency area," if refined, would be of increasing use in research. However, it should be noted that delinquency may be of various types. Some of these types may exist in certain areas, and others may breed in other areas. If we wish to find out the dynamic factors that may cause a type or types of delinquent behavior, the concept will provide us with a starting point from which to look for these factors. For example: We may be able to find out the reasons why certain types of delinquency occur in others; or why they occur more often in certain areas than in other areas of the same city. [TRUNCATED]

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In the past, researchers in the field of art and architecture have searched for a definition of Islamic architecture, its history and its social meaning. This study focuses on the Islamic culture of the Arab world and its influences on the architecture of the region, giving an overview of contemporary architecture in the Arab world, its situation, cultural crisis and hope for the future.This research aims to identify the principal characteristics of Islamic architecture, which embody the needs and demands of Muslims according to their Islamic teachings. Muslims form one of the biggest communities in the world, which is suggested to be more than one fifth of the world's population, about one and half billion.This community has special architectural needs related to their religious teachings, traditions and culture, because Islam is not only a religion, it is a complete way of life, which covers all social, political, economic, educational, cultural, hygienic, and behavioural aspects.For a great number of people, the concept of Islamic architecture denotes tangible characteristics of some architectural features like Mashrabiah, arch, dome, or any other architectural pattern that distinguishes this typical style of architecture. But, Islamic architecture is more than just a spectacle of domes and minarets; it is a deep expression of a rich culture that has unified countries across the globe.In the last fifty years, contemporary architecture of the Muslim world in general, and the Arab world in particular, has been exposed to several outside influences that have eventually caused it to be alienated from its particular sense of identity and, thus, to lose its character. It is believed that such matter requires immediate attention towards attempting a "revival process" by uncovering the bases and principles of Islamic architecture, as manifested throughout Islamic history. ++ / These principles could be integrated and molded into the contemporary architecture of the Arab world, which reflects a rather complicated and, sometimes, contradicting set of values.The aim of this study is to develop an appropriate definition for Islamic architecture of the Arab world in terms of Islamic teachings and doctrine.Associated with this aim, this research will include within its scope:Understanding Arabian Islamic culture, traditions and environment and how they have affected architectural design.Translating some principles from Islamic doctrine, which can be applied to architectural practice, and to recognize Muslims' architectural needs and demands, according to Islamic teachings.Developing architectural standards that satisfy Muslims architectural needs and a definition of what, in an Islamic context, could be considered as successful Arabian Islamic architecture.Analyzing to what extent contemporary architecture meets Muslims' needs, according to their Islamic teachings by undertaking a Case Study of pre-Modern and contemporary architecture in Egypt.

An understanding of the physical and chemical nature of archaeological textiles is an important prerequisite for their successful conservation treatment, display and storage. Ancient Egyptian linen textiles were examined through a combination of optical microscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), ion chromatography (IC), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA). These analytical techniques were used to distinguish between flax fibres, foreign matter present on and within flax fibres, and natron or other salts absorbed into the linen fibres in a form of partial mineralization. The use of ESEM enabled the observation and recording of the movement of salts, in real time, during cycles of hydration and dehydration. Few studies have been undertaken to date on the dynamics of salt crystallisation within organic archaeological materials, and none previous to this has been published showing the dynamics of salt crystallisation within archaeological textiles. Once the dynamics of salt crystallisation were viewed and recorded it became possible to investigate methods for the treatment of salt affected textiles through washing trials followed by alternative methods of drying. The release of salts from linen samples during washing in deionized water was monitored using IC and ESEM with EDXA, showing the pattern of salt removal and retention. The use of IC, ESEM and EDXA to monitor salt removal in textiles has not previously been reported. A conservation treatment for ancient Egyptian linen was developed, incorporating a long water washing to remove salts, soils and organic deposits, followed immediately by carefully controlled freeze drying. This was effective in preserving the integrity of the ancient linen. By combining archaeological, historical and chemical data, this pilot study of the effects of salts upon and within linen textiles has widened our understanding of the role played by salts in both the deterioration and the preservation of the textiles. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

<p>The following study aims to investigating the effects of an implemented Folkbildning project in Egypt. The overall goal of the project is to reduce poverty and create development. The aim of the intervention has been to develop and strengthen the civil society in Egypt through the methodology of Scandinavian Folkbildning. The target group has been persons in leading positions within civil society organizations (CSO’s) and the aspiration of the study is to evaluate the fulfillment of the project goals in three areas; Folkbildning’s significance on a personal level, on an organizational level, on a societal level.</p><p>The procedure of the study has a qualitative approach with both written and oral (recorded) interviews as sources. These sources have later on been systematized in accordance with the evaluative method called <em>Most Significant Change</em>.</p><p>The theoretical starting point of the study is based on the development theory of Inglehart and Welzel where so called action resources constitutes the prerequisites of human development and where development is seen as a movement towards an increasing individual ability of choice. The Folkbildning project comprehends two out of three action resources.   </p>

In December 2003, the Orient-Occident Forum for Intercultural Exchange at the University of Potsdam and the academic partnership program Potsdam-Teheran held a week-long conference, titled „Comparing Processes of Modernization“, which was attended by many social scientists from Egypt, Iran and Germany. In this issue, some of the contributions of the conference are published and commented. During the course of the conference, an intercultural discourse – „beyond the line“ – concerning the responsibilities and development prospects of modernization theory took place. In their article, the organizers of the meeting try to systematically summarize these discussions and present some further reflections.

Discussing the case of Egypt, the author claims that since the preconditions in the Middle East are very different from those in Europe, there also has to be a different approach towards its modernization process. She suggests a „restructuring“ of the state not only in the economic sector but also in the political, cultural, or social areas. The advantage of such an approach lies in the fact that elements and values of the traditional culture can be maintained and even expanded. Furthermore, as this approach does not presuppose any specific model, it can be applied to all kinds of societies. However, restrucuring cannot replace modernization.

The following study aims to investigating the effects of an implemented Folkbildning project in Egypt. The overall goal of the project is to reduce poverty and create development. The aim of the intervention has been to develop and strengthen the civil society in Egypt through the methodology of Scandinavian Folkbildning. The target group has been persons in leading positions within civil society organizations (CSO’s) and the aspiration of the study is to evaluate the fulfillment of the project goals in three areas; Folkbildning’s significance on a personal level, on an organizational level, on a societal level. The procedure of the study has a qualitative approach with both written and oral (recorded) interviews as sources. These sources have later on been systematized in accordance with the evaluative method called Most Significant Change. The theoretical starting point of the study is based on the development theory of Inglehart and Welzel where so called action resources constitutes the prerequisites of human development and where development is seen as a movement towards an increasing individual ability of choice. The Folkbildning project comprehends two out of three action resources.

In ancient Egypt, the Nile was both a lifeline and a highway. In addition to its crucial role for agriculture and water resources, the river united an area nearly five hundred miles in length. It was an avenue for asserting imperial authority over the vast expanse of the Nile valley River transport along the inland waterways was also an integral aspect of daily life and was employed by virtually every class of society; the king and his officials had ships for commuting, as did the landowner for shipping grain, and the 'marsh men' who lived in the northernmost regions of the Nile Delta. Considering the role of water transport in ancient Egypt we know surprisingly little about the maritime environment along the inland waterways of the Nile Delta. The physical interface between man and river is frequently obscured by the dearth of evidence for Delta waterways and fluvial harbors, and a lack of awareness for ancient hydrological conditions. This thesis provides a preliminary reconstruction of the maritime cultural landscape of one Egyptian city, Thmuis, located in Egypt's eastern Nile Delta during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It will demonstrate how the inhabitants of Greco-Roman Thmuis perceived, utilized, and interacted with their maritime environment, by incorporating available archaeological, material, geological, and textual evidence from Tell el- Timai (Thmuis). These sources indicate that the Egyptians developed numerous ways to harness the dynamic riverine landscape of the eastern Nile Delta. Methods of irrigation were employed to divert and control the fruitful waters of the flood. Canalization enhanced the connectivity of the Nile Delta when the primary branches of the river were not suitable for sailing. Harbors were specially adapted to the shifting riverine conditions. When physical effort would not suffice, gods and goddesses were invoked to assist in the perils associated with life along the Nile, but also to ensure favorable conditions for navigating the inland waterways and the seas. After three thousand years of interaction with the Nilotic landscape, the Delta people developed a rich and complex relationship with their riverine environment that is evident in the Mendesian ideology, infrastructure, and history.