No description available.

No abstract available / Biblical and Ancient Studies / M. A. (Biblical Archaeology)

This study argues that governments with sustained GDP growth, open markets, low country risk, high levels and low standard deviation of government performance, and few or no occurrences of war, will see larger levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) over time. Scholarship on the determinants of FDI variously argues the influence of GDP growth, the openness of a country's economy, a government's level of political capacity, the level of country risk, and the negative effects of inter-, intra- and extrastate conflict. These studies on the various effects on FDI, while providing insightful and substantial statistical results, fail to capture the simultaneous effects of macroeconomic, government performance, country risk, and war variables. The present study attempts to resolve this gap in the literature on FDI by proposing a multi-dimensional model of the combined effects of un-weighted macroeconomic, political, country risk, and war variables on FDI flows over time. The empirical results confirm the expected multi-dimensional nature of FDI flows over time and provide insight into the macroeconomic and political effects on regional and country-level yearly flows of FDI, as well as yielding some unexpected and counter-intuitive results of the role war plays on FDI flows over time.

The basic intention of the thesis is to provide a reassessment of Constantius as a military man, specifically in the prolonged war with the Sassanian king, Sapor II. However, it also encompasses many aspects of the social, economic and religious life of the communities which lay on the frontier between Rome and Persia. In the first chapter I discuss the historical background upto the death of Constantine, attributing the major reorganization of the eastern limes to the time of Diocletian and Galerius. In chapter II I describe events on the frontier during Constantius 1 reign. I adduce reasons for his adoption of a defensive strategy against the Persians and consider the nature of the Roman forces and fortifications in northern Mesopotamia. Chapter III contains a survey of the frontier legions and the major centres which they defended. In the fourth chapter an analysis of Persian aims and capabilities is offered, and particular notice is paid to the campaign of 359, while chapter V looks at the role of Armenia and especially of its southern provinces, the regiones Transtigritanae, in the conflict. The local communities of Mesopotamia are investigated in chapter VI, and in the final chapter I give an impression of the effect which nomadic Saracens had on the imperial frontiers. I conclude that Constantius should be judged as a responsible and careful emperor, who succeeded in preserving the integrity of the eastern frontier in the face of a formidable and determined enemy. In six appendices I present observations on the distribution of auxiliary units in the Mesopotamian provinces, the Romans' retreat from Ctesiphon in 363, the Persians' use of war-elephants and their lack of artillery, the chronology of fourth century Armenia and dromadarii in the Roman army. Five maps, one plan and twelve photographs accompany the text.

Afrikaans text / Hierdie studie spreek die beperkte en eensydige beriggewing oor vroue en vroulike skoonheid in die Hebreeuse Bybel en ander antieke geskrifte aan, asook die ondergeskikte posisie wat vroue in die patriargale Ou Testamentiese samelewing beklee het. ‘n Argeologiese benadering word gevolg en beskikbare literêre bronne word gebruik. Daar word gelet op die redes waarom ‘n mooi voorkoms vir vroue so belangrik was. Hul posisie ten opsigte van staatkundige, wetlike, godsdienstige, ekonomiese en huishoudelike aangeleenthede en hul lewensverloop word bespreek. Die studie fokus hoofsaaklik op vroue van ou Israel en Egipte – vir ‘n goeie vergelyking. Inligting oor vroue van die ou Nabye Ooste en Mediterreense wêreld word waar van toepassing ook in aanmerking geneem. Vroue se skoonheidsmiddels, parfuums, juweliersware en kleredrag word bespreek – asook die invloed van vroue se skoonheidspraktyke op die ekonomie en handel van antieke tye. Die slot- hoofstuk maak sekere afleidings en dui enkele onderwerpe vir verdere navorsing aan. / This study addresses the limited and one-sided reporting about women and female beauty in the Hebrew Bible and other ancient literary sources, as well as the subservient position the women experience in the patriarchal Old Testament society. An archaeological approach is followed, although literary sources are also used. Attention is given to women’s position with reference to governmental, legal, religious and domestic issues, their course of life and the reasons why a beautiful and attractive appearance was important. The research focuses mainly on the women of ancient Israel and Egypt – for the purpose of comparison. Information on women of the ancient Near East and Mediterranean world is also taken into account. Women’s cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry and clothing are discussed – as well as the influence of women’s beauty practices on the economy and trade of ancient times. The final chapter makes certain deductions and some aspects are recommended for further study. / Old Testament & Ancient Near Eastern Studies / M. A. (Biblical Archaeology)

This study examines Palestinian theatre practices in the West Bank and East Jerusalem within their spatial contexts, analysing how theatre responds to its geopolitical environment as an act of cultural resistance. It argues that space in Palestine is not monolithic, and is subjected to three main structural forces – the Israeli military occupation, international neoliberal humanitarian regime and the Palestinian Authority – which influence Palestinian space at different levels depending on the specific location. As there are multiple spaces in Palestine, I use a number of complementary theories to explain each site, utilizing Sari Hanafi’s composite theoretical framework of ‘spacio-cide’ as an ‘umbrella’ theory, the different components of which are applied to the relevant space whilst bearing in mind its overall conceptualisation. I suggest that the ‘urbicidal’ policies of the Israeli military executed during the second intifada is no longer a relevant theoretical framework, particularly for the main urban sites; however, contentious areas exist in a ‘post-urbicidal’ state. I argue that Palestinian theatre practices respond to the particular spatial condition in which it is being performed. I analyse three particular spaces in Palestine: the mainstream non-refugee urban space which is under the international humanitarian regime; the refugee camp located within the ‘state of exception’; and the site of extreme contention, which is located at the peripheries of Palestine, and which is being subjected to ‘post-urbicidal’ actions by the Israelis. I examine a number of plays and theatre practices in relation to these spaces, to argue that Palestinian cultural resistance through theatre is a tactic through which Palestinians can challenge the conditions under which they live, whilst promoting the continuation of non-violent resistance and Palestinian culture.

Coronaviruses have caused high pathogenic epidemics within the human population on two occasions; in 2003 a coronavirus (HCoV-SARS) caused severe acute respiratory syndrome and in 2012 a novel coronavirus emerged named Middle East respiratory syndrome (HCoV-MERS). Four other species of coronavirus circulate endemically in the human population (HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-HKU1), which cause more benign respiratory disease than either HCoV-SARS or HCoV-MERS. The emergence of HCoV-MERS provides an additional opportunity to study the characteristics of coronaviruses. Reverse genetics can be used to study an organism’s phenotype by logical mutation of its genotype. Construction of an infectious clone construct provides a means to investigate the nature of HCoV-MERS by reverse genetics. An HCoV-MERS infectious cDNA clone system was constructed to use for reverse genetics by homologous recombination of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs). This system should aid in answering remaining questions of coronavirus genetics and evolution as well as expedite the development of vaccines and prophylactic treatments for HCoV-MERS. / October 2015

No description available.

Telemedicine delivers healthcare between geographically separated locations using medical expertise supported by communication technology. Physicians and specialists from one site can provide diagnosis, treatment and consultation to patients at a remote site. This makes the use of telemedicine particularly affective in rural and remote areas that have limited access to healthcare services. This study identifies the factors that affect the use and adoption of telemedicine in developing countries and rural areas in general, taking the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Syrian Arab Republic as cases studies. We have developed two guideline frameworks to be applied to telemedicine projects at the pre- implementation phase. The main purpose of the guideline frameworks is to assess the readiness of the Jordanian and Syrian health care system to use telemedicine and to assist any healthcare provider who is considering implementing a telemedicine project in either of these two countries. The guideline framework can be transferred and applied to any other country for which similar circumstances apply. Our guideline frameworks are based on interviews with key stakeholders including doctors, technicians, engineers, and decision makers, and administering questionnaires to further key stakeholders including patients, ensuring that we gain opinion from people from different backgrounds and with different roles in the healthcare system. Our research has identified specific key issues which inhibit the use of telemedicine: poor technology infrastructure; lack of funding; lack of IT education; insufficient training for clinicians; doctors’ resistance; patients’ resistance; and lack of knowledge about healthcare and technology. This work provides a clear idea of the current readiness in both countries and proposes two guideline frameworks that will aid the use of telemedicine. Their dissemination will create awareness and spread knowledge, which will help the decision makers to appreciate the potential role of telemedicine and help them to facilitate the process of introduction and so spread telemedicine in both Jordan and Syria.

Vitamin D is derived through the action of solar ultraviolet B radiation on skin and from a limited number of natural food sources, fortified foods and supplements. It is well known that vitamin D plays an active role for calcium and phosphorus absorption but there is also growing evidence of an association between vitamin D insufficiency and various chronic diseases. Middle Eastern populations are known to be at risk of vitamin D deficiency due to a diet low in vitamin D and low sunshine exposure. Obesity is also a risk factor since vitamin D is sequestered in body fat. This thesis examined dietary intake of vitamin D, obesity and other risk factors for deficiency in Middle Eastern people in the UK. A questionnaire based survey was undertaken with 242 Middle Eastern respondents. A total of 85% of the sample was estimated to have a vitamin D intake <5 µg/d. Other risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency included covering skin from sunlight (84% females); low use of supplements (18.5%) and being overweight or obese (49% males and 44% females). Vitamin D intake was lowest in those with primary (1.8 µg/d) and secondary school (2.1 µg/d) education compared to higher education (3.6 µg/d). The survey was followed by dietary assessment of 28 Iraqi adults using repeat 24 hour recalls. The results concurred with the survey: mean intake of vitamin D was (3.2±4.4 µg/d) and 78.5% were overweight or obese. Finally, overweight participants were recruited to observe the effect of fat loss on vitamin D status. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations was measured in Middle Eastern (n=12) and Caucasian adults (n=24). Firstly seasonal changes were observed between October and January (with no weight loss). Then participants were advised on weight reduction to observe the effect of fat loss on serum 25(OH)D. Vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/l) was observed in 67% of the Middle Eastern group in October increasing to 92% in January. Of the 36 participants, only 17 lost ≥1kg of fat mass between January and April. No difference was found in serum 25(OH)D between those that lost fat mass and those that did not, and no correlation was found between the amount of fat lost and change in 25(OH)D. In the total sample, there was a negative association between serum 25(OH)D and waist circumference and waist-hip ratio, but no correlation was found between 25(OH)D and fat mass, thus indicating a relationship with visceral fat stores rather than total fat mass.