Globalization has led to more competition not only globally but also locally. As a response to globalization and in an attempt to internationalize, international schools have been growing at an... Show moreGlobalization has led to more competition not only globally but also locally. As a response to globalization and in an attempt to internationalize, international schools have been growing at an unprecedented rate in Egypt. There are practical reasons why so many parents enroll their children in such schools, but what are the larger implications and possible benefits? This article exposes the general nature of international schools in Egypt, taking into account the teachers, students, as well as the curricula on offer, with a focus on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP). This article contends that there are many contradictions in the parent‟s motivations to enroll their children at international schools. Show less
This paper presents a new Nabataean inscription dedicated to the Nabataean chief god Dushara and dated to the thirteenth year of the reign of the Nabataean king Malichus II (ad 40–70). It mentions... Show moreThis paper presents a new Nabataean inscription dedicated to the Nabataean chief god Dushara and dated to the thirteenth year of the reign of the Nabataean king Malichus II (ad 40–70). It mentions the dedication of ʿlyʾ, a cultic feature rarely attested in Nabataean. Show less
This article investigates the pre-Islamic name ʿAbd al-Asad and the alleged lion-god in the Arabic tradition through the onomastic evidence of two ancient Semitic languages (Eblaite and Amorite) as... Show moreThis article investigates the pre-Islamic name ʿAbd al-Asad and the alleged lion-god in the Arabic tradition through the onomastic evidence of two ancient Semitic languages (Eblaite and Amorite) as well as the ancient epigraphic languages of Arabia. The study suggests that the name has no association with the god Yaġūṯ under the form of a lion. Alternatively, it reflects either an ‘archaic’ astral cult related to Leo or a traditional namegiving practice known especially in the northern parts of the Arabian Peninsula. According to this practice, the individual, whether being a child or an adult, could have been named ʿAbd-of-X after the person who took care of him (i.e. a patron) or the tribe he belonged to. Show less
This contribution is devoted to four Dadanitic graffiti from the Region of Taymā ʾ – North-West Arabia and will provide a new philological treatment of them. They were published by M. Kh. Eskoubi... Show moreThis contribution is devoted to four Dadanitic graffiti from the Region of Taymā ʾ – North-West Arabia and will provide a new philological treatment of them. They were published by M. Kh. Eskoubi in his work entitled Dirāsa Taḥlīlīya Muqārina li-Nuqūš min Minṭaqat (Ramm) Ğanūb Ġarb Taymāʾ , which appeared in al-Riyāḍ in 1999. It is worth mentioning here that the Taymāʾ region witnessed a diversity of written epigraphical types that can be called Ancient North Arabian. Show less
Koopman Jacob J.E.; Bodegom David van; Maan Arie C.; Li Zhao; Ziem Juventus B.; Westendorp Rudi G.J.; Jukema J.Wouter 2015
A high heart rate and a low heart rate variability at rest are established predictors of various forms of functional impairment, morbidity, and mortality [1–6]. Two explanations can be given for... Show moreA high heart rate and a low heart rate variability at rest are established predictors of various forms of functional impairment, morbidity, and mortality [1–6]. Two explanations can be given for these associations. On one hand, a high heart rate and a low heart rate variability are thought to reflect dysfunction of the flexible autonomic regulation of the heart rate in particular and of the body's functioning in general that arises during ageing [3–5]. On the other hand, a high heart rate and a low heart rate variability are brought about by cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, hypertension, and physical inactivity [2,3,7–9]. Since research on heart rate and heart rate variability has almost exclusively been conducted in western populations with an affluent sedentary lifestyle and high prevalences of these risk factors, it has been difficult to determine whether or not heart rate and heart rate variability are associated with functional impairment, morbidity, and mortality independently of cardiovascular risk factors. Show less
Koopman Jacob J.E.; Wensink Maarten J.; Rozing Maarten P.; Bodegom David van; Westendorp Rudi G.J. 2014
Intrinsic and extrinsic mortality are often separated in order to understand and measure aging. Intrinsicmortality is assumed to be a result of aging and to increase over age,whereas extrinsic... Show moreIntrinsic and extrinsic mortality are often separated in order to understand and measure aging. Intrinsicmortality is assumed to be a result of aging and to increase over age,whereas extrinsic mortality is assumed to be a result of environmental hazards and be constant over age. However, allegedly intrinsic and extrinsic mortality have an exponentially increasing age pattern in common. Theories of aging assert that a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic stressors underlies the increasing risk of death. Epidemiological and biological data support that the control of intrinsic as well as extrinsic stressors can alleviate the aging process. We argue that aging and death can be better explained by the interaction of intrinsic and extrinsic stressors than by classifying mortality itself as being either intrinsic or extrinsic. Recognition of the tight interaction between intrinsic and extrinsic stressors in the causation of aging leads to the recognition that aging is not inevitable, but malleable through the environment Show less
Rolden Herbert J.A.; Bodegom David van; Westendorp Rudi G.J. 2014
The health care costs of population ageing are for an important part attributable to higher mortality rates in combination with high costs of dying. This paper answers three questions that remain... Show moreThe health care costs of population ageing are for an important part attributable to higher mortality rates in combination with high costs of dying. This paper answers three questions that remain unanswered regarding the costs of dying: (1) contributions of different health services to the costs of dying; (2) variation in the costs of dying; and (3) the influence of preceding health care expenses on the costs of dying.We retrieved data on 61,495 Dutch subjects aged 65 and older from July 2007 through 2010 from a regional health care insurer. We included all deceased subjects of whom health care expenses were known for 26 months prior to death (n ¼ 2833). Costs of dying were defined as health care expenses made in the last six months before death. Lorenz curves, generalized linear models and a two-part model were used for our analyses. (1) The average costs of dying are V25,919. Medical care contributes to 57% of this total, and long-term care 43%. The costs of dying mainly relate to hospital care (40%). (2) In the costs of dying, 75% is attributable to the costliest half of the population. For medical care, this distribution figure is 86%, and for long-term care 92%. Age and preceding expenses are significant determinants of this variation in the costs of dying. (3) Overall, higher preceding health care expenses are associated with higher costs of dying, indicating that the costs of dying are higher for those with a longer patient history. To summarize, there is not a large variation in the costs of dying, but there are large differences in the nature of these costs. Before death, the oldest old utilize more long-term care while their younger counterparts visit hospitals more often. To curb the health care costs of population ageing, a further understanding of the costs of dying is crucial. Show less
Engelaer F.M.; Bodegom D. van; Westendorp, R.G.J. 2013
Life expectancy has steadily increased with around 2.5 years per decade over the past 150 years and continuous to do so at a similar rate [1]. Before 1950, the increase in life expectancy was... Show moreLife expectancy has steadily increased with around 2.5 years per decade over the past 150 years and continuous to do so at a similar rate [1]. Before 1950, the increase in life expectancy was primarily driven by reductions in child mortality. During the last decades, however, the increase in life expectancy is mainly the result of mortality reductions at old age [2]. Better living conditions and hygiëne have saved us from an early death, while incremental health care innovations have brought us an old age Show less
