Zayed University

About: Zayed University is a education organization based out in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Web service & Computer science. The organization has 1030 authors who have published 3346 publications receiving 42546 citations.

The relationship between yield curve components and equity sectorial indices: Evidence from China

Abstract: This paper examines the static and dynamic connectedness (returns and volatility) between the components of the sovereign yield curve (level, slope, curvature) and sectorial equity indices in China. We document a strong connection between these factors, particularly during three periods: the August 2011 stock market crash, the 2015 Chinese stock market crash and the 2018 US-China trade war. Our results show that the level component of the yield curve is a net transmitter of return spillovers, whereas the curvature component of the yield curve is a net transmitter of volatility spillovers. These findings may be useful for portfolio managers and policymakers making decisions regarding portfolio allocations, risk management, and monetary policy.

Expression and Roles of Antimicrobial Peptides in Innate Defense of Airway Mucosa: Potential Implication in Cystic Fibrosis.

Abstract: The treatment of respiratory infections is associated with the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the community and clinical settings. Development of new antibiotics is notoriously costly and slow; therefore, alternative strategies are needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), the central effector molecules of the immune system, are being considered as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Most AMPs are epithelium-derived and play a key role in host defense at mucosal surfaces. They are classified on the basis of their structure and amino acid motifs. These peptides display a range of activities, including not only direct antimicrobial activity, but also immunomodulation and wound repair. In the lung, airway epithelial cells and neutrophils, in particular, contribute to AMP synthesis. The relevance of AMPs for host defense against infection has been demonstrated in animal models and is supported by observations in patient studies, showing altered expression and/or unfavorable circumstances for their action in a variety of lung diseases. Of note, AMPs are active against bacterial strains that are resistant to conventional antibiotics, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. Several strategies have been proposed to use these peptides in the treatment of infections, including direct administration of AMPs. In this review, we focus on studies related to direct bactericidal effects of AMPs and their potential clinical applications with a particular focus on cystic fibrosis.

Factors Associated with Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates

Abstract: Both preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW) represent major public health problems worldwide due to their association with the catastrophic effects of morbidity and mortality. Few data exist about such adverse pregnancy outcomes. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with preterm birth and LBW among mothers of children under two years in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Data were collected in clinical and non-clinical settings across various geographical areas in Abu Dhabi. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 1610 mother–child pairs were included in the current study. Preterm birth rate was 102 (6.3%) with a 95% confidence interval [CI] (6.1%, 6.5%) and the LBW rate was 151 (9.4%) with a 95% CI (9.3%, 9.5%). The mean (SD) of gestational age (GA) and birth weight at delivery was 39.1 (1.9) weeks and 3080.3 (518.6) grams, respectively. Factors that were positively associated with preterm birth were Arab mothers, maternal education level below secondary, caesarean section, and LBW. LBW was associated with female children, caesarean section (CS), first child order, and preterm birth. The current study highlighted the need for further interventional research to tackle these public health issues such as reducing the high CS rate and improving maternal education.

The Arab States of the Gulf

Abstract: The Arab Gulf region has a long history of traditional public relations (PR) practice expressed through hospitality, poetry, oratory, the majlis or diwaniyya, the mosque, emissaries and various local customs that prescribed internal and external relationships among tribes and between rulers and their subjects. It has developed strongly since the mid-20th century when mass media was rudimentary and sophisticated practice was almost non-existent, vague, misunderstood or defined by many in the region to mean protocol, hospitality and/or general services of various kinds. Today, modern PR practice thrives, supported by professional associations and extensive education. Although best practices still come from private practitioners, the public sector in most of the GCC is showing better understanding of the role that PR plays in nation-building, human development and global relations.

Investigating Bias in Facial Analysis Systems: A Systematic Review

Abstract: Recent studies have demonstrated that most commercial facial analysis systems are biased against certain categories of race, ethnicity, culture, age and gender. The bias can be traced in some cases to the algorithms used and in other cases to insufficient training of algorithms, while in still other cases bias can be traced to insufficient databases. To date, no comprehensive literature review exists which systematically investigates bias and discrimination in the currently available facial analysis software. To address the gap, this study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) in which the context of facial analysis system bias is investigated in detail. The review, involving 24 studies, additionally aims to identify (a) facial analysis databases that were created to alleviate bias, (b) the full range of bias in facial analysis software and (c) algorithms and techniques implemented to mitigate bias in facial analysis.