Category: Education

EGYPT: 79 Cairo University Scholars among Best Scientists in Stanford University report

A total of 79 scientists from Cairo University are among a list of 160,000 scientists whose practical opinions are cited in various specializations with a (2 percent). 

President of Cairo University Dr. Mohamed Othman Elkhosht received a report on Stanford University’s announcement of a list of scientists whose practical opinions are cited in various specializations with a (2 percent), featuring about 160,000 scientists from 149 countries, based on the Scopus database, in 22 scientific specializations, and 176 sub-specialization for distinguished researchers.

Dr. Elkhosht announced that the Stanford list included a large number of Cairo University scientists, with a total of 79 scientists on the two lists, whether the total from 2011 to 2022, or the latest version 2023, as this year’s list included scientists from 11 colleges (an increase of 8% over the previous year).

Number of scholars featured from Cairo University in the report’s 2022 edition was 73 scholars, representing 9 of the university’s faculties, and compared to the number of 74 and 55 scholars during the previous years (2021 and 2020, respectively), Cairo University thus leads all Egyptian universities and research centers in all years from 2020 until now.

Dr. ElKhosht explained that the annual Stanford University report is an objective, external indicator of the progress of scientific research at Cairo University.

It is also a quantitative indicator for the university to identify the number of distinguished faculty members in research and a reflection of the university’s methodology, plan, applied practices, and the support that the university provides to its employees from the various colleges and institutes affiliated with it.

Dr. Mahmoud Al-Saeed, Vice President of the University for Postgraduate Studies and Research, pointed out that the report reflects the strengthening of the confidence of the international scientific and research community in our scientists in all fields and specializations, and that the results of the classification this year included two lists, the first of which is specific to the list of the total practical years 2011 – 2022 (with a total of 417 scientists), While the second included the list of last year, 2022, with a total of 817 scientists, adding that this year’s list (2023 edition) contained 926 Egyptian scientists, while last year’s list (2022 edition) included 680 Egyptian scientists from various universities and research centers, compared to 605 and 396 during the years 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Stanford University used the Scopus database of the international publisher Elsevier to extract various indicators in this list, including global scientific publishing, the number of citations, the H index, and co-authorship, all the way to the composite citation index.

source/content: egypttoday.com (headline edited)

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Cairo University – file

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EGYPT

SAUDI ARABIA: 25,000 Artifact Fragments from early Islamic Period Unearthed from Historic Jeddah 

As many as 25,000 fragments of artifacts dating back the Islamic caliphates during the first two centuries of the Hijri Calendar, corresponding to the 7th to 8th centuries AD, have been discovered from the Jeddah Historic Area.

The announcement in this regard was made by the Jeddah Historic District Program (JHDP), in collaboration with the Saudi Heritage Commission. The archaeological discoveries were announced as part of the Historic Jeddah Revival Project, initiated by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman..

According to a press release from the JHDP, the project of excavation started in January 2020 with exploratory studies and a geophysical survey. The goal was to unveil the historical significance of four key locations: Othman bin Affan Mosque, Al-Shona, a segment of the Northern Wall, and Al-Kidwah. This archaeological endeavor falls within the purview of the Jeddah Historic District Program. The project aims to preserve national antiquities and archaeological sites, uncover the rich history of the Kingdom, and promote Historic Jeddah as a cultural and tourist destination, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

According to the release, in November 2020, the archaeological survey and excavations yielded significant findings, including 11,405 pottery shards weighing 293 kg, 11,360 animal bones weighing 107 kg, 1,730 shells weighing 32 kg, 685 building materials weighing 87 kg, 187 glass artifacts weighing 5 kg, and 71 metal artifacts weighing 7 kg. The combined weight of these archaeological findings is 531 kg; and they constitute a valuable contribution to Saudi Arabia’s archaeological discoveries.

Archaeological investigation at Othman bin Affan Mosque revealed artifacts dating back the first two centuries AH and spanning different historical periods, notably, ebony pillars found near the Mihrab, analyzed and traced back to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) Island in the Indian Ocean, which highlight the extensive trade connections of historic Jeddah.

According to the release, excavations at the same site also unveiled a collection of ceramic vessels and fragments, including high-quality porcelain. Some of the pieces are made in the Chinese province of Jiangxi and date back to the 16th-19th centuries AD, while older pottery fragments are from the Abbasid era.

The archaeological site at Al-Shona, dating back at least to the 19th century AD, has yielded numerous pottery shards, including porcelain and ceramic from Europe, Japan, and China, dating from the 19th to 20th centuries. Excavations at Al-Kidwah (Bab Makkah – Makkah gate) revealed parts of the Eastern Moat, which most likely date back to the late 18th century.

Tombstones made of Mangabi stone, marble, and granite were found at different locations within historic Jeddah. These tombstones contain inscriptions of names, epitaphs, and Qur’anic verses, dating back possibly to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AH. Specialists are currently studying them carefully.

The archaeological studies at the four historical sites involved excavations, radiocarbon analysis, soil analyses, geophysical surveys and scientific examination of artifacts. Samples of wood from 52 buildings were sent to international laboratories for identification and dating. Moreover, extensive international archival research led to the collection of over 984 historical documents, including maps and drawings of historic Jeddah. They are currently undergoing detailed study.

The Jeddah Historic District Program and the Heritage Commission collaborated to oversee the documentation, registration and preservation of archaeological artifacts found in Historic Jeddah. These discoveries were listed in the National Archaeological Register, and scientific databases were created to preserve the information related to the discovered artifacts.

source/content: saudigazette.com.sa (headline edited)

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The archaeological discoveries were announced as a part of the Historic Jeddah Revival Project, initiated by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman

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SAUDI ARABIA

ARAB INFLUENCE IN ASTRONOMY: Why do many star names have Arabic Origin?

Acamar, Rasalased, Kochab.. these words are examples of star names. At a first glance, they look unidentifiable. So where do they come from? The short answer is Arabic, but the long answer is a bit more nuanced than that.

The story begins in 8th century Middle East , Abbasid Caliphs became more and more interested in science and exploration. So they requested that the scientific works of previous translators be translated in Arabic, the rising scientific lingua franca of the world at that era. Greek and Roman scientific texts, notably Claudius Ptolemy’s Almagest, were translated into Arabic. But this was not merely a linguistic transfer; it also involved a comprehensive assimilation and expansion of knowledge. Ptolemy’s Almagest, translated in the 8th and 9th centuries, became a cornerstone in Islamic astronomy, enriched with commentaries and refinements by scholars of the time. It inspired many Arabs to take on the study of astronomy and carry on the study of space.

The advent of Islamic astronomy

Islamic astronomers like Al-Ḥasan Ibn al-Haytham and Ibn al-Shatir made significant strides in refining observational techniques and developing advanced instruments. Astrolabes and sundials, products of this new civilization, enabled precise measurements of celestial positions and movements. The practical application of astronomy was paramount in the Islamic civilization, particularly in the context of trade and navigation. The vast Islamic trade routes necessitated accurate navigation, and astronomy provided the means to achieve this. Bright stars, visible without telescopes, became vital reference points for navigation, leading to the naming of stars in Arabic, a practice that persisted due to its utility.

The influence extended beyond astronomy into mathematics, where the adoption of Arabic numerals revolutionized calculations. The spread of these numerals to Europe further increase the influence of Arab-Islamic scientific practices on the continent. As Europe entered the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Arabic astronomical texts, including star names, were reintroduced through translations. However, linguistic challenges and imperfect translations led to alterations and Latinizations of some names. Despite these modifications, many Arabic star names have endured and continue to be used in contemporary astronomy, which is why, while most of these names come from Arabic, they are often Latinized, and sometimes slightly modified. Other star names from Arabic include Altair, from Arabic Al-ta’ir, meaning the flying, Menkar, from Arabic Minkhar meaning the nostril, or Sulafat, from Arabic Sulahfat, meaning the tortoise.

source/content: kawa-news.com (headline edited)

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ARAB ASTRONOMY

SOMALIA-BRITISH Child Genius Yasha Asley dubbed ‘the human calculator’ becomes University of Leicester’s Youngest Employee Teaching Adults Maths at just FOURTEEN

He may be younger than their children but one of Britain’s brainiest children, a Muslim, has been hired by a University to help adults with their sums as reported by Daily Mail .

Yasha Asley, 14, is employed by the University of Leicester – where he is also a degree student – to run tutorials.

He became the youngest ever student at the University and is now the youngest ever employee.

Yasha was interviewed and offered the paid job when he was just 13–years old – beating adult applicants. Admin staff had to apply to Leicester city council for special permission to employ him because he was so young. The weekly tutorials Yasha runs are for adult students who need help and support solving problems following lectures. Proud Yasha said:’I am having the best years of my life. I love going to university and I love my new job helping other students.

No more school uniform for me thank you very much.’

Yasha, who has been dubbed a ‘human calculator’, is now in his final year and plans to start a Phd when he finishes his course.

The child genius attended a state primary school before winning his place to study degree level maths at just 12 years old in 2014.He was the first child in the world to achieve an A grade in maths A Level scoring 100 per cent and 99 per cent in two of the six papers when he was just 8 years old.

He passed more A levels in maths and statistics aged 9 and 10.

After finishing year 6 at primary he went straight to University. Of his achievements, Yasha said:’I love maths because it is an exact science. It is the only science where you can prove what you say is correct. It is so easy and an enjoyable subject to study.’

Proud father Moussa Asley, 53, who raised him single-handedly at their home in Leicester, said his son had been made welcome by staff and students alike.

Mr Asley, who drives his son to lectures every day, said:

‘I am just so proud watching him flourish and grow doing something he loves.

He is so good at understanding problems and explaining them in a clear way he is perfect for the job.’

by Sophie Inge for MailOnline

source/content: menafn.com (headline edited)

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BRITISH / SOMALI

MAURITANIA – SHARJAH, U.A.E: New eco-friendly Headquarters of ‘Arabic Language Council, Mauritania’, funded by Sharjah Ruler, opens in Mauritania

The Academy will nurture the development of the language in Mauritania and beyond, bringing together an elite group of scholars dedicated to the cause.

The new headquarters of the Arabic Language Council in Nouakchott, Mauritania, was inaugurated on Monday under the patronage of Mauritania President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, and through the contribution of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Supreme President of the Arabic Language Academy (ALA) in Sharjah.

Development of the Arabic language

Ahmed Sid Ahmed Dié, Mauritanian Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports and Relations with Parliament, presided over the ceremony, expressing gratitude for the generous contribution from Sheikh Dr. Sultan. The Academy in Mauritania will nurture the development of the Arabic language in Mauritania and beyond, bringing together an elite group of scholars dedicated to this noble cause.

The ceremony was also attended by several senior diplomatic and media figures, as well as heads of Arab language academies.

During the event, Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, an ALA Board of Trustees member and Director-General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, conveyed a message to the community of linguists and researchers in Mauritania from the Ruler of Sharjah. He also spoke about the importance of supporting major scientific projects and continuous efforts to empower the Arabic language in various countries worldwide, highlighting the strong relationship between the UAE and the Mauritania.

Championing Islamic and Arabic culture

Ahmed Sid Ahmed Dié presented a commemorative shield to the Ruler of Sharjah, and was received by Mohamed Hassan Khalaf in appreciation of Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s efforts in championing Islamic and Arabic culture and language, in various countries around the world.

Dr. Khalil Al Nahwi, Chairman of the Arabic Language Council in Mauritania, delivered a speech congratulating the attendees, the entire Mauritanian population and all guardians of the Arabic language. He also reviewed the council’’s achievements over the past five years, praising the support it receives directly from the Ruler of Sharjah and the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah.

Ahmed Sid Ahmed Dié, along with Mohamed Hassan Khalaf and Dr. Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of ALA, unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the opening of the building before the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, and was followed by a tour of the impressive building, designed in the Mauritanian architectural style.

Built with eco-friendly materials, the new headquarters consists of two floors and includes several administrative offices, study halls, meeting rooms, and an expansive library. The main building is accompanied by a hall named Al Qasimiya Hall to be used for seminars and events. The headquarters also houses a mosque that can accommodate more than 300 worshippers.

Situated in the University district on land provided by the Mauritanian government, the entire construction and furnishing of this significant establishment were funded by the Ruler of Sharjah.

source/content: khaleejtimes.com (headline edited)

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MAURITANIA / SHARJAH, U.A.E

SHARJAH, U.A.E: Al Qasimia University Honours ‘Islamic Economics Research Award’ Winners

Under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sharjah Centre for Islamic Economics (SCIE) at the university organised a ceremony to honour the winners of the Al Qasimia University Award for Islamic Economics Research, held in the university theatre, in the presence of the President of the University, members of the Board of Trustees, the University Rector, deans of colleges, and members of the Academic, and administrative bodies and students.

Professor Jamal Salem Al Tarifi, President of Al Qasimia University, honoured the award winners and congratulated them on the quality of research presented in Islamic economics studies.

Professor Dr. Awad Al Khalaf, Acting Chancellor of the University, expressed his highest thanks and gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah, and founder of the University, for His Highness’s generous patronage of the award, as this sponsorship adds value to one of the most important scientific activities that contribute to the renaissance of the economic sector, and the dissemination of the principles and values of Islamic economics, according to scientific foundations, and qualitative scientific research taking into consideration the real need of building a solid economy that achieves UAE development.

The list of researchers included honouring Dr. Badr Al Zaman Khamqani, from the Republic of Algeria, winner in the field of economics, in his research entitled: “A proposed strategy to accelerate the pace of digital transformation in Islamic banks.” Dr. Ahmed Abdel Rahman Ahmed Al Majali, from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, won in the field of law, in his research entitled: “blockchain technology compatibility with Islamic financial transactions.” Professor Dr. Aisha Muniza, from the Maldives, won in the field of economics, in her research entitled: “Development of a digital Islamic social stock exchange”.

Dr. Yasser Al Hosani, SCIE Director, announced the launch of the fourth edition of the award under the title “Smart Islamic Financial Engineering”.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

SAUDI ARABIA students Mujtaba Hussein Salem and Majed Abdullah Al-Majed Win 1st place in ‘World Robot Olympiad’ Challenge

  • Mujtaba Hussein Salem and Majed Abdullah Al-Majed claimed first place in a World Robot Olympiad final
  • General director of Al-Ahsa Education Hamad bin Muhammed Al-Issa: This is certainly a win for the Kingdom and its people

Two Saudi secondary school students have claimed first place in a World Robot Olympiad final in Panama. 

Mujtaba Hussein Salem and Majed Abdullah Al-Majed, both from Al-Ahsa, triumphed against student competitors from around the world in the Virtual Robot Challenges category.

Elementary students Fatima Ali Al-Rashid and Fatima Akil Salem finished fifth in the Future Innovators category. 

Scores of students in different age groups competed in a variety of categories at the international olympiad, held from Nov. 7-9.

Hamad bin Muhammed Al-Issa, general director of Al-Ahsa Education, described the Saudi students’ performance as a “significant accomplishment.”

Many teams of Al-Ahsa students have performed well while representing the Kingdom in global competitions, he added.

“Not only are our students drawn to the world of artificial intelligence, but they also lead in this field worldwide. This is certainly a win for the Kingdom and its people,” he said.

“To every loyal teacher who has provided support, and to every school principal who has worked hard to unleash the students’ potential in all fields, I hope your efforts will be blessed and I wish you all the best, as such achievements do not happen out of nowhere or by chance, but are the results of dedicated work and innovative students who don’t know the meaning of impossible and can face any challenge.”

Student instructor Khaled Al-Massoud told Arab News that the students’ performance is an “accomplishment for the country.” 

The two winners told Arab News that support provided by the Kingdom played a key role in their victory.

Intensive training under the supervision of Al-Massoud “helped us reach the highest levels in the Olympiad,” they added.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Mujtaba Hussein Salem and Majed Abdullah Al-Majed, both from Al-Ahsa, triumphed in the Virtual Robot Challenges category. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

MOROCCAN Iyass Hajri Wins ‘International Quran Memorization Competition’ in Astana, Kazakhstan

Over the past few years, Moroccan Quran reciters have achieved outstanding results in international Quran competitions.

Moroccan Quran reciter Iyass Hajri won on Thursday first place in the International Quran memorization competition in Astana, Kazakhstan. 

Hajiri, 39, stood out among 29 contestants from around the world for his remarkable skills during the first edition of the competition, which was held in the pious atmosphere of Astana’s Grand Mosque. 

The competition was organized by Kazakhstan’s Religious Administration of Muslims in celebration of the country’s National Day on November 1-2.  

It was a major event in Central Asia, drawing the presence of diplomatic representatives of Muslim nations based in Astana. Religious authorities and Muslim dignitaries from Kazakhstan also participated. 

The competition was broadcast live through various media platforms, including Munara TV, a television channel affiliated with the religious administration. 

It also received significant attention and acclaim on the official social media networks of Kazakhstan’s Religious Council, resonating positively with the Kazakh audience.

Moroccan reciters have shown outstanding performances in international Quran competitions in recent years. 

In June of last year, Ilias El Mehyaoui of Morocco won first place in the International Quran Recitation Competition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

In April of the same year, three Moroccans also took the top three places in the UAE’s “Inking for the Noble Qur’an and its Sciences 2022” competition.

Notably, the triumph of the Moroccan contestants in the UAE came after they had achieved leading positions in the Bahrain International Competition for Reciting the Holy Qur’an via the Internet (Global Reciter).

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Moroccan Quran reciter Iyass Hajri. Source: SNRTNews

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MOROCCO

EGYPT: ‘(357148) El Maarry Asteroid’ Named in Honour of Inspirational Khalifa University Professor Dr Mohamed Ramy El Maarry

Dr Mohamed Ramy El Maarry hopes his example will lead next generation of Arab scientists into planetary studies.

A professor at Khalifa University of Science and Technology has had an asteroid named after him in recognition of his achievements in astronomy.

Dr Mohamed Ramy El Maarry, an Egyptian associate professor of planetary science and director of the Space and Planetary Science Centre at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, received the accolade from the International Astronomical Union.

Asteroid 2002 CZ will now be known as (357148) El Maarry, in recognition of his contribution to the study of comets and planetary science.

“I feel humbled and privileged to get such an honour. In a sense, I look at it as a lifetime achievement award, something that’s going to remain as a legacy,” he said.

“I look at it as a form of extra motivation to do more work to impart the love of science and exploration to the next generation.

“I hope this award can be an inspiration to the next generation of Arab scientists.”

Dr El Maarry’s work in the field of cometary geology is what led to his nomination.

“These sorts of nominations and awards highlight the fact that there are Arabs and people outside of the US and Europe who do significant work in planetary science and they are acknowledged by the international community overall,” said Dr El Maarry.

“I hope it will give them [his students] that extra motivation to remove the stigma that this is the sort of science that is only done by Nasa and people in the West.

“We already know that the UAE is making leaps and bounds in their long-term plans, particularly with regards to space and exploration.”

Belting up for next mission

Dr El Maarry will also be representing Khalifa University as part of the UAE’s recently announced mission to explore the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

He said the mission was aiming to uncover more details about icy asteroids, which could lead to important clues about the formation of the solar system.

The mission would look to explore seven bodies in the asteroid belt, some of them unexplored, to try to better understand more about icy asteroids which could give important clues on how the solar system formed, he added.

“Our Earth Sciences department offers the only bachelor’s degree in Earth and planetary science in the region,” said Dr El Maarry.

“Our ambition is to prepare the next generation of Emiratis to take part in the upcoming UAE space missions, especially the UAE mission to the asteroid belt, which is due to launch in 2028.”

The mission will involve a five-billion-kilometre journey to perform fly-bys of six asteroids and then send a lander that will touch down on the seventh.

“The naming of the asteroid by the International Astronomical Union after our faculty marks a significant milestone for Khalifa University and the UAE,” said Dr Arif Al Hammadi, executive vice president of the university.

“The recognition also emphasises the globally relevant research that our world-class faculty takes up at Space and Planetary Science Centre in scientific exploration.”

Dr El Maarry’s research covers planetary surfaces and the physical processes that affect them, by using data analysis of remote sensing data, modelling, lab work and comparative planetology mainly through fieldwork.

He has played key roles in numerous international space missions over the past 16 years. His body of work includes Nasa’s New Horizons mission exploring Kuiper Belt Objects at the edge of our solar system, the emirates’ lunar missions , the upcoming ESA ExoMars Rover, Comet Interceptor, the planetary defence mission Hera, and the UAE’s mission to the asteroid belt.

His asteroid can be viewed in the Nasa Small Bodies Database. It is located in the inner asteroid belt, more than 300 million kilometres from the Sun. It orbits the Sun approximately once every three-and-a-half years, and should get closest to the Sun on August 11, 2024.

What is now the (357148) El Maarry asteroid was discovered in February 2002, through the efforts of a joint venture between the Department of Astronomy and Astronomical Observatory of Padova University and the German Aerospace Centre, Berlin.

source/content: thenationalnews.com (headline edited)

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Dr Mohamed Ramy El Maarry was celebrated for work in the field of cometary geology. Photo: Khalifa University of Science and Technology

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EGYPT

SAUDI ARABIA: ‘Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet’ Exhibition inaugurated as it arrives at Saudi National Museum

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh is now hosting the “Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet” exhibition.

Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister of culture inaugurated on Sunday a global Hijrah exhibition on the second stop of its tour at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.

“Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet” is an exhibition that sheds light on Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Makkah to Madinah in order to escape persecution. It is being held in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).

Deputy culture minister Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez said the exhibition, with its rich knowledge content, draws attention to the unique value of the Kingdom’s geography and history, and confirms the great importance of museums in the lives of people.

He also highlighted the role of the Ministry of Culture in supporting the cultural system and forging qualitative partnerships that will advance culture and arts in the region, and concerted efforts from all sides to provide a platform for local initiatives and projects.

Ithra’s director Abdullah Al-Rashid said the exhibition deals with the migration of Prophet Muhammad in proportion to its importance in the history of the world.

He said it is a result of years of preparation and deep study and is considered one of the largest studies on the history of the migration. The exhibition also includes a book and a documentary film.

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is now hosting the exhibition after it was displayed at Ithra in Dhahran, where more than 100,000 people visited the display.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh is now hosting the “Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet” exhibition. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA