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This paper explores the indigenous climate knowledge (ICK) of the Gwadar fishing community in Pakistan. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the accuracy of ICK and how climatic change brings changes to it and the social lives of local fishers.

Qualitative research methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviews and oral histories, were used to collect the data.

Finding from this long fieldwork shows that this fishing community has a harmonious relationship with nature and local ecology. Their knowledge of local ecology enables them to have equal access to natural resources, sustainable resource management, disaster risk reduction and strong social organization on the coast of Gwadar. Recently their deep relationship with local ecology and sociocultural organization has been disturbed due to huge climate changes caused by human manipulation of the environment. Their ability to foresee climatic events has been reduced. They are finding it impossible to estimate fish availability due to massive climate changes. Local communities are losing their traditional livelihoods and socioeconomic autonomy as a result of growing climate change. Climatic change adds to the existing poverty situation and increases political instability in the region.

The study suggests using the fishermen’s valuable indigenous knowledge of local ecology, climate and its ties to local traditions, culture and resource management for a scientific understanding of climate change and marine resource management in Gwadar, Pakistan.

This is an ethnographic study based on a long term field work. Fishing community is passing through catastrophic climatic changes in the region. This community has been ignored by both government and researchers to record their problems and bring them to academia and media. Therefore, this study will help them raise their voices.

The study aims to deal with three theoretical approaches to answer the research question: Does political reform in rentier States (Kuwait as a model) lead to political stability? The first approach: Following the steps of political reform in rentier States leads eventually to political stability. The second approach: Political stability in rentier States does not necessarily lead to political reform. The third approach: In rentier States, the decisive factor in interpreting the correlation between political reform and political stability requires explaining other intermediary factors.

David Easton’s input-output model: Easton defined the political system as the interactions related to the authoritarian allocation of values in society, that is, the distribution of resources by decisions adopted by individuals, and provided a framework for analysis of the political system in which it sees an integrated circuit of a dynamic nature that starts with inputs and outputs feedback, input and output. Inputs refer to the effects of the environment on the system. Outputs are the effects of the system on the environment, which are the decisions and policies taken by the system to meet the demands. Reverse feedback is the flow of information to the system about the results of its actions, the results of its decisions and policies. Generate new inputs in the form of a demand or support, and the system’s feedback feeds a kind of movement.

It can be said that the future of the rentier state is particularly dangerous in the Arab countries where the problem today is the sharp drop in oil prices, which requires the need to enter into the stage of major transformations and work to bring about fundamental changes and enter into radical constitutional, economic, political and social reforms before turning them from the state rent to countries that lack political stability.

The aim of this research is to present a theoretical study of political reform. The study began to consolidate the concept of political reform, which was and still is the goal of many political and social reform leaders and movements, in addition to being a major topic in political theories. Reform can be carried out by violence and by peaceful change. In any case, reform remains a humanitarian need that cannot be ignored or avoided, because the alternative is worsening and deteriorating political and social conditions.

The Arab Spring revolutions set many challenges for the Arab countries. These countries had to start political reforms. The State of Kuwait was one of the most important rentier countries that, after the Arab Spring revolutions, was concerned with ensuring that individuals and groups exercised their political rights through political participation in decision-making. It guarantees the human existence of society and protects it through the law and its legislation, and grants rights and freedoms and does not oppose it.

Political reforms lead to accommodating the demands of the opposition, increasing the political participation of citizens, activating the political role of women, activating the role of civil society and increasing political mobility.

The importance of the research paper is to emphasize the term rentier state and confirm the importance of reform in rentier countries and the paper asks whether the expansion of political rights, citizenship and participation will lead to stability or instability in these countries.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the structural relationships between total quality management (TQM) and employee satisfaction and hotel performance.

A judgmental sampling technique was employed in this study. A total of 25 (four- and five-star) hotels were selected in four cities in Malaysia. A total of 625 questionnaires were distributed randomly to both employees and managers.

The results of this study showed that seven TQM constructs have significant relationships with employee satisfaction and hotel performance. Leadership and customer focus play significant roles in enhancing employee satisfaction and hotel performance.

Employees who are highly satisfied with their jobs will be willing to support their coworkers. They will be loyal to their jobs and enhance hotel performance. Hoteliers must provide a friendly working atmosphere, as well as a blueprint and strategic map, to increase employee satisfaction and improve hotel performance.

This research study provides a substantial contribution to the hospitality management literature by explaining how TQM practices can be used as a predictor of employee satisfaction and consequently improve hotel performance. A better understanding of these relationships will help hoteliers in developing their marketing strategies to maintain the relationship with hotel customers.

The objective of this study is to know how income taxpayers perceive the Jordanian income tax fairness and to determine the degree of income taxpayers’ compliance in Jordan. Moreover, the study aims to investigate the effect of income tax fairness on taxpayers’ compliance degree in Jordan. An empirical survey using self‐administered questionnaire has been carried out to achieve the objectives of this study. The survey included 275 respondents among income taxpayers in Jordan, but just 246 copies were received. Based on the revision of the literature framework, and in order to achieve the above‐mentioned objectives, eight hypotheses were developed and tested using t‐test through the methods of “one sample t‐test”, and “simple linear regression”. The study reveals that income taxpayers in Jordan perceive the Jordanian income tax as fair. The study also reveals that there is a high degree of income taxpayers’ compliance in Jordan. Moreover, the study concludes that income tax fairness affects income taxpayers’ compliance, but tax fairness alone doesn’t interpret all the change that occurs in taxpayers’ compliance issue.

This study investigates the effect of Earnings per Share (EPS), Dividends per Share (DPS), and Book Value per Share (BVPS) on stock market prices in Abu Dhabi Securities Market. All listed companies in the Abu Dhabi Securities Market are included in this study except those companies which were listed after the starting of year 2002. In addition, those companies which had been prevented from trading in the market for one year or more during the years from 2002 to 2006 were also excluded because the available data of these companies are not adequate. As a result, among the 60 listed firms in Abu Dhabi Securities Market, 22 were excluded. Four hypotheses are under consideration in this study. The simple linear regression method was used to test the first three hypotheses based on t‐test, while the multiple linear regression method was used to test the last hypothesis based on F‐test. Moreover, the correlation method is used to support the findings. The current study found a significant effect of EPS and BVPS on stock market price in the Abu Dhabi Securities Market, whereas no significant effect of DPS was found.

The results of the corrosion of metals and alloys with the use of solvent mixtures covering a wide range of compositions are limited in the literature. These mixed solvent systems possess a wide range of viscosity, dielectric constant and acid‐base properties. With this view, a kinetic study on the corrosion of metals in different aquo‐organic solvent systems has been undertaken. The corrosion of metals and alloys is strongly affected by the presence of water, the latter being found to have a passivating effect and sometimes a passivity breakdown effect. It is therefore of much interest to study the influence of varying water concentration on the corrosion and electrochemical behaviour of metal and alloys. The present work is a continuation of our studies on the kinetic of corrosion of metals in mixed aqueous‐organic solvents. Also, the corrosion rates are correlated to the dielectric constant and the total number of moles (n1 + n2) of water and ethylene glycol. This latter new correlation is described by El‐Shazly et al. for calculating the chemical potential (Δμ*) from kinetic data and molar thermodynamic excess functions for binary mixtures.

This paper aims to provide a reflective discussion on the different avenues of blockchain application in Islamic finance in promoting trust and transparency for increased accountability between parties involved in the delivery of Sharīʿah-compliant products and services.

This paper discusses on blockchain benefits in Islamic finance while providing an illustration with smart Sukuk. Having identified the advantages of the development of Islamic financial technology (i-FinTech), this study ends by debating a couple of challenges (computational codification of Sharīʿah principles and environmental impact) that have to be addressed to promote the development of a real sustainable Islamic FinTech.

This paper also identifies two challenges in using blockchain in i-Fintech. The first challenge refers to the extent to which Sharīʿah principles can be computationally encoded. Blockchain makes public all transactions that ease Sharīʿah compliance checks and determine if these transactions are Islamic in nature but this check can be done only after their operation. The second challenge is related to the algorithmic protocol used to validate smart contracts (including smart Sukuk). This situation calls into question the principles of Maqasid al-Sharīʿah according to which transactions should not harm society.

In the current debates related to the development of Islamic FinTech, this paper also identifies two challenges in using blockchain in i-Fintech.

This conceptual paper aims to delineate a comprehensive blueprint for the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles within the framework of Takaful operations, guided by the principles of Maqasid al-Shariah. The primary purpose is to establish a robust foundation for the sustainable transformation of Takaful, aligning it with ethical finance and Islamic values.

Using a theoretical research approach, this study delves into the multifaceted dimensions of ESG principles and the principles of Maqasid al-Shariah within the context of Takaful operations. The 17 SDGs/ESG principles and Maqasid al-Shariah are integrated to give a thorough framework for comprehending the disclosure index from western and Islamic ethical viewpoints. The research critically analyses current literature, scholarly works and authoritative sources, drawing inspiration from established approaches. Qualitative content analysis examines and compiles pertinent ideas, and the expert validates the disclosure index. It identifies key convergence, compatibility and divergence points between ESG principles and Maqasid al-Shariah to construct a comprehensive framework for Maqasid-driven ESG integration in Takaful.

The paper presents a well-defined blueprint for Maqasid-driven ESG integration in Takaful, revealing substantial areas of alignment between the two frameworks. This alignment is particularly pronounced in protecting life, religion, intellect, lineage and wealth. The blueprint underscores the potential of harmonising ESG principles with the principles of Maqasid al-Shariah, providing Takaful operators with a roadmap for enhancing their ethical credibility, societal impact and environmental stewardship.

The blueprint outlined in this study opens new avenues for research at the intersection of Islamic ethics, responsible finance and sustainable development and signals the necessity of developing a standardised disclosure index. This index will serve as a vital tool for Takaful operators to transparently communicate their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, facilitating a deeper understanding of Maqasid-driven ESG integration and bolstering transparency for all stakeholders. Further research into this disclosure index’s practical implementation, empirical validation and strategic implications is encouraged to advance responsible finance within the Takaful industry.

The proposed blueprint provides Takaful operators with a practical guide to align their operations with both ethical finance and Islamic principles. Embracing the principles of responsible governance, societal welfare and environmental sustainability, Takaful operators can enhance their product offerings, attract socially conscious stakeholders and contribute positively to both financial and ethical objectives.

Integrating Maqasid-driven ESG principles in Takaful signifies a commitment to broader social well-being. Through initiatives aimed at safeguarding life, religion, intellect, lineage and wealth, Takaful operators can play a pivotal role in fostering social cohesion, empowering communities and actively contributing to sustainable development goals.

This conceptual paper contributes to the field by presenting a unique blueprint for integrating ESG principles within Takaful operations, guided by Maqasid al-Shariah. The novelty of this approach lies in its holistic perspective on ethical finance, aligning Islamic values with contemporary global ethical imperatives. The blueprint offered here represents an original framework for responsible Takaful practices that resonate with evolving ethical standards and the enduring principles of Islamic finance.

The purpose of this paper is to establish a peridynamic method in predicting viscoelastic creep behaviour with recovery stage and to find the suitable numerical parameters of peridynamic method.

A rheological viscoelastic creep constitutive equation including recovery and an elastic peridynamic equation (with integral basis) are examined and used. The elasticity equation within the peridynamic equation is replaced by the viscoelastic equation. A new peridynamic method with two time parameters, i.e. numerical time and viscoelastic real time is designed. The two parameters of peridynamic method, horizon radius and number of nodes per unit volume are studied to get their optimal values. In validating this peridynamic method, comparisons are made between numerical and analytical result and between numerical and experimental data.

The new peridynamic method for viscoelastic creep behaviour is approved by the good matching in numerical-analytical data comparison with difference of < 0.1 per cent and in numerical-experimental data comparison with difference of 4-6 per cent. It can be used for further creep test which may include non-linear viscoelastic behaviour and creep rupture. From this paper, the variation of constants in Burger’s viscoelastic model is also studied and groups of constants values that can simulate solid, fluid and solid-fluid viscoelastic behaviours were obtained. In addition, the numerical peridynamic parameters were also manipulated and examined to achieve the optimal values of the parameters.

The peridynamic model of viscoelastic creep behaviour preferably should have only one time parameter. This can only be done by solving the unstable fluctuation of dynamic results, which is not discussed in this paper. Another limitation is the tertiary region and creep rupture are not included in this paper.

The viscoelastic peridynamic model in this paper can serve as an alternative for conventional numerical simulations in viscoelastic area. This model also is the initial step of developing peridynamic model of viscoelastic creep rupture properties (crack initiation, crack propagation, crack branching, etc.), where this future model has high potential in predicting failure behaviours of any components, tools or structures, and hence increase safety and reduce loss.

The application of viscoelastic creep constitutive model on peridynamic formulation, effect of peridynamic parameters manipulation on numerical result, and optimization of constants of viscoelastic model in simulating three types of viscoelastic creep behaviours.