Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University

This study investigates the perceptions and readiness of school principals and educators in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to adopt blended learning within public schools, focusing on the Emirates of Sharjah and Ajman. It addresses a research gap concerning the infrastructural, technical, and pedagogical preparedness required to implement blended learning effectively. Despite the UAE’s extensive investments in digital education, limited empirical studies have explored how these initiatives translate into practical adoption within public school systems. This study seeks to bridge this gap by examining the readiness of school leaders and teachers, alongside the Ministry of Education’s (MoE) role in facilitating this transition. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 170 participants, including 35 school leaders and 135 teachers, through surveys comprising both closed- and open-ended questions. Quantitative data provided measurable insights into infrastructural readiness and leadership attitudes, while qualitative data offered deeper contextual perspectives on challenges and perceptions. Key variables such as leadership readiness, infrastructural adequacy, and integration of MoE guidelines were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and discourse analysis to identify themes and relationships. The findings highlight that while principals and teachers support blended learning as a means to enhance educational practices and align with global standards, significant challenges persist. These include high implementation costs, resistance to change, and insufficient professional development opportunities. Principals emphasized the need for robust infrastructure, including high-speed internet, smart devices, and IT support, as critical enablers of blended learning. Teachers expressed a readiness to transition to blended learning but identified gaps in training and accessing resources. This research advances e-learning practice by offering evidence-based recommendations, including phased implementation, enhanced MoE support, and leveraging higher education institutions as consultative partners. It contributes to the broader e-learning knowledge base by identifying the contextual challenges of adopting blended learning in the UAE and proposing actionable strategies to overcome these barriers. The study underscores the potential of blended learning to transform UAE public education by fostering a technologically advanced, globally aligned learning environment while highlighting the need for sustained investment in teacher development and infrastructure.

Purpose: The reversible deviant in epigenomic modulations is the highlight of developing new anti-cancer drugs, necessitating the use of fisetin as an epigenetic modifier in the study. Methods: In silico and molecular studies were performed to analyze the modulatory effect of fisetin on various writers and erasers. Further, whole genome DNA methylation sequencing and expression studies were performed. Global DNA methylation-LINE 1 kit was used to check global DNA methylation. Additionally, the effect of fisetin on migration was evaluated by colony, scratch, and invasion assays and qPCR and protein expression studies of migration-related genes were carried out on HeLa cells. Results: In silico studies have supported that fisetin interacts with writers and erasers in their catalytic site and the simulation studies showed minimum fluctuations in energy and temperature over a 10 ns timescale indicating that these complexes are likely to remain stable. Fisetin (20–50 µM) dose-dependently inhibited DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), histone deacetyl transferases (HDAC), histone acetyl transferases (HAT), and histone methyltransferases (HMT) activities at 48 h, with inhibition ranging from 24 to 72% compared to the control. The expression and enzymatic activity of these proteins, along with various H4 and H3 modification marks, were observed to be altered following fisetin treatment at 48 h. Fisetin treatment reduced promoter methylation in various tumor suppressor genes ranging from 15.29% to 76.23% and leading to the corresponding reactivation of important tumor suppressor genes; however, it did not lead to any alteration in the global DNA methylation compared to untreated controls linked with the anti-migratory properties of fisetin as the percentage of migrated cells dropped from ~40% to ~8%. Conclusions: This study gives a mechanistic insight of fisetin as a potential epigenetic modifier in HeLa cells.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the two-way relationship between information and communication digital technologies (ICDT) and supply chain management (SCM). It addresses current gaps in understanding how digital technologies not only support but are also shaped by SCM practices. A conceptual framework [SCM information technology (SCMIT)] is introduced to align technological innovation with supply chain processes. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review of 705 peer-reviewed articles (1993–2024) was conducted using Scopus and PRISMA protocols. Bibliometric analysis and thematic clustering (via the Louvain algorithm) were used to identify key trends, technologies and research gaps in the field. Findings The study highlights the role of technologies such as blockchain, IoT and artificial intelligence (AI) in improving supply chain visibility, agility and resilience. However, it also identifies persistent barriers, including workforce skills, regulatory misalignment and limited integration of emerging tools. The SCMIT framework offers a structured view of how ICDT technologies can be integrated across supply chain layers to support strategic and operational goals. Research limitations/implications This review contributes a comprehensive framework (SCMIT) for analyzing the mutual relationship between ICDT and SCM. It draws attention to underexplored areas, such as human–AI collaboration and the need for empirical research linking technological adoption with supply chain performance in real-world settings. Practical implications The study recommends actionable strategies for practitioners, including prioritizing workforce development, investing in interoperable systems and aligning digital transformation efforts with sustainability objectives. SCMIT serves as a guide for organizations to improve decision-making and risk mitigation through targeted technology use. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research provides one of the first structured efforts to model the dual influence of digital technologies and SCM practices. It supports both researchers and managers by offering insight into how emerging technologies can be strategically leveraged to improve supply chain performance and adaptability.

Construction waste management and inventory are lacking in the Jordanian construction sector. With the dramatic population growth, the construction sector plays a significant role in developing the Jordanian economy. This article aims to develop a model to quantify construction and demolition (C&D) waste based on either project hyper-categorization or waste type, and to measure the degree of awareness and readiness of local contractors to benefit from C&D waste. Therefore, it classified projects further into construction and infrastructure projects. The construction project is also classified as new construction, renovation, or rehabilitation. These classifications help improve the management of construction waste. Moreover, a survey was conducted among construction stakeholders to increase awareness and assess their perceptions and readiness to adopt C&D waste management activities in their current or future projects. Finally, a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted to heighten major stakeholders' awareness about the challenges of C&D and to develop an effective C&D waste management plan. The results of this research can help both decision-makers and stakeholders in the construction sector properly classify their waste, reduce and manage generated C&D waste, and lower overall costs. Finally, the SWOT analysis identifies hidden opportunities to promote and develop a future C&D waste management at all levels. Meanwhile, revenue from recycling C&D waste is expected to be about US$4.2/m2 of construction.

Purpose This study aims to examine the dynamic connectedness between green finance, socially responsible investments, Islamic investments and gold. It aims to understand how these connections contribute to environmental sustainability through effective management of green investments, particularly during periods of market turbulence. Design/methodology/approach The study uses time-varying parameters vector auto regressions (TVP-VAR) approach based on generalized forecast error variance decomposition (GEVD). This methodology captures the evolving nature of return spillovers and interconnectedness between the assets studied, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings The findings suggest that the connectedness among the assets vary over time with a notable heave during the pandemic and a decline during the 2015–2016 oil crisis. Shariah-compliant assets, green bonds and clean energy investments, and are identified as net recipients of shocks, whereas gold, Islamic stocks and sustainable investments act as net transmitters of shocks. This distinction in asset behavior highlights their relatively low level of connectedness throughout the time-varying patterns. Practical implications The findings highlight the importance of understanding dynamic return spillovers and connectedness for investors and policymakers. By recognizing patterns such as net pairwise connectedness between various asset pairs, they can develop strategies to improve portfolio diversification and hedging. This approach helps create resilient investment portfolios aligned with sustainability goals. Social implications Investors can apply these insights and enhance their portfolios to achieve diversification by integrating Islamic investments and Sharia-compliant assets. They can construct portfolios that are both well diversified and aligned with Islamic principles. Additionally, the findings provide crucial guidance for improving diversification within Islamic investments. The research is limited by its focus on specific asset classes and the limited period. Originality/value This study contributes to the growing field of sustainable finance by demonstrating how different investment options, including green bonds and Islamic investments, respond to market shocks. It emphasizes their role in optimal portfolio construction, supporting socially responsible investment strategies and advancing environmental sustainability.

We examine how chairman education influences income-smoothing decision-making in Chinese firms, a context where chairmen hold the most power in their firms. We use a dataset of firms listed in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges during the 2001–2017 period and employ the fixed-effect model to account for firm heterogeneity, which may confound our estimation results. We find that chairmen with postgraduate degrees in business-related fields (e.g., business management, finance, accounting, or economics) tend to encourage income smoothing to improve earning informativeness, while those with undergraduate degrees and lower do not. Further analyses suggest that the chair's gender, the chair's compensation, and the presence of state ownership do not influence the newfound relationship. However, analyst coverage plays a role as the mitigating factor that reduces the positive impact of academic chairmen on income smoothing. The findings of this study imply that Chinese firms should require chairmen to have postgraduate qualifications or equivalents in business-related fields. Business schools should pay attention to accounting education to hone students' understanding of earning information. Our findings add new knowledge and emphasize the importance of higher education in forming corporate strategy and decision-making in the unique economy of China.

This study advances the understanding of Lean Six Sigma 4.0 (LSS4.0) as a strategic framework for enhancing energy performance in industrial operations. A scoping review identified 29 barriers and 30 drivers, which were refined through focus group interviews into twelve critical barriers and seven key drivers. Empirical techniques, Fuzzy Delphi and Fuzzy DEMATEL, were applied to prioritize these factors and reveal their causal interrelations. Key results indicate that training and technical qualification influence at least five major barriers, including resistance to change and lack of standardization. At the same time, production cost reduction emerged as the most significant driver, overcoming capital investment constraints. These interdependencies informed the development of a research agenda, followed by a structured implementation roadmap aligned with the DMAIC cycle and tailored to varying levels of digital maturity. The roadmap incorporates operational and sustainability KPIs, such as cycle time reduction, energy consumption per unit, and carbon footprint, to guide continuous improvement under energy-efficiency goals. The study contributes both theoretically and practically by offering a replicable framework that supports the integration of LSS4.0 into diverse industrial contexts, bridging gaps in empirical evidence and providing actionable insights for organizations undergoing digital and sustainable transformation.

There has been a rapid development of information and communications technologies and, with the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and machine learning, massive disruption has been observed in various sectors, including education and libraries. These new technologies are interconnected and have revolutionized how electronic devices interact, exchange data, enable seamless automation, and provide exceptional user experiences by learning through user data. There is a huge market for IoT technologies, which has never been seen before with artificial intelligence integration. Despite this potential, the adoption of IoT in academic libraries faces several challenges, including high initial investment costs, a lack of standardized protocols, and security and privacy concerns. This study investigates the extent of adoption of IoT technologies and IoT-based services, and the challenges associated with their implementation and integration in university libraries across the United Arab Emirates. The study uses a descriptive quantitative research design with an online survey covering 66 university libraries. The findings reveal that there is a presence of all IoT technologies in university libraries across the United Arab Emirates, with radio-frequency identification and user-centric IoT applications such as self-checkout systems and mobile applications for various library services being widely used. On the otherhand, advanced technologies like artificial-intelligenceequipped IoT applications which includes augmented reality, virtual reality, drones, robots, and energy management systems are underutilized and are in a nascent stage. The key challenges identified include financial constraints, cybersecurity risks, organizational barriers, and a shortage of skilled personnel. The study provides various recommendations for policymakers and library administrators, including the need for a clear IoT adoption framework and policies, phased implementation, robust security measures, and staff training. By addressing these challenges, university libraries in the United Arab Emirates and other libraries in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and beyond can enhance their operational efficiency, users’ experiences, and sustainability with the adoption of IoT technologies.

BackgroundEarly management of congenitally missing mandibular second premolars may influence craniofacial growth, yet the long-term effects of extracting the primary second molars remain unclear.ObjectivesTo evaluate the skeletal and dental effects of extracting mandibular primary second molars in patients with congenitally missing mandibular second premolars and to compare with historical control data.Trial designProspective, randomized longitudinal split-mouth trial.Materials and MethodsThis longitudinal study is based on 40 patients (aged 9–12 years) with bilateral agenesis of mandibular second premolars, who were randomly assigned to either extraction or hemisection of the primary second molar. Randomization to determine the side and order of extraction or hemisection was performed using an online tool, with allocation concealment ensured by sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes prepared in advance by the author responsible for treatment assignment, who was not involved in patient care. The present study examines the overall treatment effect, regardless of the method applied in the split-mouth design. Cephalometric analyses were performed at baseline (T1) and after 4 years (T2). Dental casts were evaluated at T2 to measure residual space. A control group of 29 untreated individuals with normal occlusion was included for comparison. All measurements were conducted by an independent examiner blinded to the treatment assignment.ResultsIn the extraction group both the maxilla and the mandible exhibited forward growth (P < .05), while only minor changes were detected in the control group. Extraction caused significant retroclination of the lower incisors by 4.5° (P < .01) and retrusion by 1.8 mm (P < .01), leading to an increased overjet of 1.2 mm (P < .05) and overbite of 1.5 mm (P < .05). Compared with controls, dental changes were significantly greater in the extraction group (P < .05). Residual space after extraction showed no significant correlation with cephalometric changes.ConclusionExtraction of mandibular primary second molars in cases of agenesis induces favourable dental changes without detrimental skeletal effects. This approach may be a viable option in selected patients, although caution is recommended for those with deep bite tendencies.Trial registrationThe trial was registered with https://www.researchweb.org/, registration number: 967125.

The study examines the current state of compliance with existing local and international disability laws and the level of inclusivity practices in university libraries across the United Arab Emirates, focusing on digital and physical accessibility, policy compliance, staff competence, and the challenges associated with it. The study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing a structured survey that involves 68 library professionals from university libraries across the UAE. The study's findings suggest that university libraries in the UAE demonstrate strong compliance with both national and international disability laws. The libraries scored high in physical accessibility features such as elevators and ramps ( M = 4.16, SD = 0.84), accessible parking ( M = 4.19, SD = 0.82), and restrooms ( M = 4.00, SD = 0.96), indicating that more than 80% libraries showed compliance. However, several gaps were also identified in the area related to the provision of alternative formats for users with sensory disabilities and designated spaces for special needs users. Digital accessibility showed moderate advancement with an average mean score of 3.63 and 72.6% compliance observed with the presence of accessible digital content and platforms, but inconsistent availability of assistive tools and technologies for users. The study also found that there is a moderate level, with an average mean score of 3.44 and 68.8% of competency level among library and information science professionals observed while serving users with disabilities. The most significant challenge was the shortage of specialized staff, and there was a need for specialized training to cater to the needs of users with disabilities, while funding was at a moderate level. Other challenges identified included problems related to outreach and collaboration, and a lack of awareness among users about disability related library services. The findings of this study have implications for policymakers, librarians, and education administrators as they can identify the key gaps and address them. Regular policy reviews, increased investment in assistive technologies, enhanced collaboration with special needs organizations, and systematic staff development can ensure inclusive services and provide better services to users with disabilities.