SACM - Australia
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9648
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Item Restricted Development and Validation of a Rating Scale for Academic Writing Assessment: Collaborative Agency(University of Melbourne, 2025) Alkhathlan, Bayan; Ute, Knoch; Jason, FanThe aim of formative assessment is multi-faceted as it informs both language teaching and learning in the L2 academic writing classroom. Research on formative classroom-based assessment, which emphasizes the active involvement of learners in their language acquisition and learning processes and nurtures student agency, has not received as much attention as summative assessment and large-scale testing. More specifically, the study of second language learners’ agency in language education is relatively new, and only a few studies explored student agency in the development of rating scales for classroom-based writing assessment in the L2 context. To contribute to the existing knowledge of student agency in rating scale development, this dissertation documents the development and validation of a rating scale for the assessment of L2 academic writing in a formative assessment context. The research employed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods research design to collect procedural, quantitative and qualitative evidence which was analyzed and evaluated to support the inferences in the validity argument for the rating scale. The study was conducted in two phases: the scale development phase and the scale validation phase. The scale development phase aimed to develop a rating scale for academic writing assessment in the L2 classroom, adopting a collaborative agency model through which writing teachers and college-level undergraduate students collaborated to produce the rating scale. Four scale development focus groups, comprising both teachers and students, were held to elicit qualitative data relating to the construct, properties and level descriptors of the rating scale, following a multiple source approach to scale development. The qualitative data was analyzed using the qualitative content analysis (QCA) method to inform scale development. The scale validation phase sought to validate the interpretations and uses of the scale-based scores, drawing on the argument-based validity framework. In this phase, the scale was first operationally implemented by the participant teachers to rate essays of different types following an incomplete yet connected rating design. Many-facets Rasch measurement (MFRM) and classical test theory (CTT) analyses were employed to analyze the rating data. In addition to the measurement-based evidence, scale post-implementation teacher and student focus groups were conducted to explore the perceptions of teachers and students about the functionality of the scale as well as its potential washback effect on teaching and learning. The appraisal of the scale’s validity argument involved the triangulation of the evidence gathered at different stages of the study to establish that the operationalized scale served its intended purposes from both psychometric and scale user perspectives. The study findings indicate that the validity evidence observed and collected throughout the study provided adequate support for the overarching validity argument, and that the scale has the potential to positively support teaching and learning in the current educational context. Additionally, the findings show that collaborative agency has a positive washback effect on the teaching and learning of academic writing, and that both teachers and students reflected overall positively on the experience. The collaboration between writing teachers and students revealed some differences in the assessment preferences among the two groups, which can illuminate teaching and learning in L2 writing classrooms. The study offers implications for collaborative agency in scale development, scale development in L2 writing classroom contexts, and validation research in classroom contexts. Future research can adapt the current model of collaborative agency in scale development for formative assessment to explore further differences between teachers and students in their assessment preferences and to determine whether the findings of this study hold in other classroom contexts.12 0Item Restricted Analysing Existing Saudi Arabian University Admission Criteria for Accounting Programs(Victoria University, 2025) Alboty, Yazeed; Farley, Alan; Yang, HelenThis research was motivated by the significant role played by effective admission criteria in predicting academic performance, particularly in Saudi Arabian accounting programs. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the appropriateness of Saudi Arabian university admission criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate accounting programs. First, for the bachelor accounting program, this research aims to explore how well existing admission criteria—which test different dimensions of prior knowledge—predict academic performance of accounting students based in Saudi Arabia. It evaluates the validity of the High School Grade Point Average (HSGPA) and College Entrance Exam (CEE)—that is, the General Aptitude Test (GAT) and Achievement Test (AT)—to predict student performance in the Preparatory Year Program (PYP), along with first-year core courses in the accounting program and First Year Grade Point Average (FYGPA) and overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of students at the end of the degree. It also examines how the business college PYP predicts performance in the first year, and overall student GPAs at the end of the degree. The role of gender as a moderator in these relationships is considered. This investigation is based on prior knowledge theory (PKT), which is characterised as a multidimensional, hierarchical entity comprised of various types of knowledge and skills. Tied to the above, for the Master of Accounting program, this research aims to evaluate how effectively one admission criterion predicts the relative academic performance of accounting students in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, it examines the impact of English language proficiency—as measured by International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores—on the relative performance of Saudi Master of Accounting students in more versus less conceptually oriented accounting courses. This investigation is informed by cognitive load theory (CLT), which addresses the challenge of processing complex cognitive tasks with multiple interactive information elements. The findings demonstrated that when used as sole predictors, the explanatory variables (HSGPA, GA, and AT) all had statistically significant positive correlations with the dependent variables related to predicting academic performance. Multiple regression analyses indicated that HSGPA was the strongest incremental predictor of academic performance, whereas GAT was the weakest, showing no significant incremental predictive power in most cases. This study demonstrates that HSGPA is the strongest predictor of both short- and long-term college outcomes in particular accounting disciplines. Further, the results consistently imply that the individual courses and GPA of the PYP in the business college have predictive value for academic performance. Additionally, the results indicate that gender does moderate the relationship between admission criteria and PYP and academic performance, which is significant in many cases. Last, the results show that English language proficiency measured by the IELTS alone has no significant direct effect on the relative academic performance of Saudi accounting students. Several implications can be drawn from this research for stakeholders and policy makers. It raises questions about the continued use of GAT score as an entry criterion and strongly supports gender-based differential entry criteria. In addition, it provides insight into the efficacy of the PYP.6 0Item Restricted Assessing Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Web-Based Technologies for Diabetes Self- Management Among Arabic-Speaking Immigrants in Australia and Saudi Arabia(la Trobe Univeristy, 2024) Althubyani, Anwar Noor; Principal supervisor; Jency Thomas, Co-supervisor; Sabrina Gupta and external supervisor; Clarice TangeThis PhD thesis explores the challenges and opportunities in managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among Arabic-speaking background (ASB) immigrant populations in high-income Western countries, with a specific focus on the barriers and enablers of diabetes self-management (DSM) strategies and the role of web-based technologies (WBT). Despite access to advanced healthcare services, ASB individuals face significant obstacles in effectively managing T2DM due to a range of cultural, social, and linguistic factors. This thesis integrates multiple studies conducted across Australia and Saudi Arabia to offer a comprehensive understanding of these challenges and to propose tailored interventions aimed at improving self-management practices within this underserved population. The systematic review component, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, synthesizes findings from ten quantitative and qualitative studies assessing the adoption of DSM strategies among ASB individuals. The review highlights low adherence to key DSM practices, particularly in areas of physical activity and glycaemic control. Cultural and religious beliefs, language barriers, and a lack of diabetes knowledge were identified as major impediments. The review also suggests that culturally sensitive diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs, designed to be linguistically accessible and community-involved, could enhance engagement and improve diabetes outcomes. Further, this thesis presents original research conducted in both Taif (Saudi Arabia) and Melbourne (Australia) to investigate the willingness and behaviors of ASB immigrants toward adopting WBT for diabetes management. Data collected from 181 participants revealed a strong interest in using mobile applications and web-based tools for dietary planning, physical activity monitoring, and communication with healthcare providers. Demographic factors such as age, education, and marital status significantly influenced the willingness to adopt these technologies. The research underscores the potential of WBT in supporting self-management, offering personalized and timely interventions tailored to the needs of this culturally diverse population. In addition, the thesis examines the information-seeking behaviors of ASB immigrants in relation to online resources for diabetes management. Through interviews and observations conducted in both Australia and Saudi Arabia, two key themes emerged: "Engagement with Web-based Technology" and "Assessment of Information." Participants expressed a preference for accessible, reliable, and culturally appropriate online content, emphasizing the importance of digital platforms in enhancing self-management practices. This thesis contributes to the understanding of how culturally sensitive digital tools and education programs can improve chronic disease management among ASB immigrant communities. By addressing the unique barriers faced by these populations, the findings offer actionable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and technology developers to design effective interventions that leverage both traditional and digital solutions to enhance diabetes care and improve health outcomes.10 0Item Restricted Discovery and Analysis of Lightweight S-Boxes Using Memetic Algorithms(University Of New England, 2025-04) Tori, Meaad Asad; Paul, David; Billingsley, WilliamUNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND Abstract Computational Science School of Science & Technology Doctor of Philosophy Discovery and Analysis of Lightweight S-Boxes Using Memetic Algorithms by Meaad TORI This thesis addresses the challenge of discovering and designing critical components within lightweight cryptographic primitives to enhance security against advanced cryptographic attacks. Emphasising the significant role of S-Boxes in symmetric cryptography, the research investigates optimised design and integration strategies to elevate both security and efficiency within constrained environments. Through a detailed examination of cryptographic systems, cryptanalysis strategies, and studying many lightweight cryptographic algorithms, this work lays a foundation for understanding the needs to enhance the security and efficiency in lightweight cryptographic environments. The core investigation focuses on utilising evolutionary algorithms, specifically memetic and genetic search algorithms, to discover and optimise Substitution Boxes (S-Boxes). To validate our approach, we replicated a study that introduced the concept of "Golden S-Boxes", which exhibit superior properties essential for robust cryptographic functions. This thesis demonstrates how these evolutionary algorithms navigate extensive search spaces to discover S-Boxes that meet stringent security requirements with efficient performance which can then be integrated into lightweight cryptographic systems. Our approach successfully replicated the discovery of 4x4 Golden S-Boxes, and we enhance the algorithm to support all S-Box sizes. Our code provides specific properties selected to find candidate S-Boxes that balance between security considerations and suitability for use in lightweight environments. While our code currently considers only linear equivalent S-Boxes, it can be updated to include other variations. Additionally, our code is open-source, allowing for further customisation and improvement by the community. Although we do not offer customisable properties based on size, the code can be adjusted to generate S-Boxes of any size, and users can add or omit properties and fine-tune parameters as needed. For instance, we present a 5x5 candidate S-Box, similar in size and properties to the one used in the ASCON cryptographic standard. The approach in this research apply both the theory and practice of lightweight cryptographic methods. The methods developed offer a scalable way to enhance cryptographic strength, showing clear improvements in security and efficiency for modern applications, particularly in lightweight environments.7 0Item Restricted Combinatorial and Exponential Algebras(La Trobe University, 2024) Alsulami, Tumadhir Fahim; Alsulami, TumadhirThis thesis explores abstract algebraic problems relating to the equational properties of familiar operations on N such as exponentiation, factorial and binomial coefficients. Tarski asked whether the usual High School index laws are logically complete for all equational properties for exponentiation, while McNulty and Shallon asked for a similar theme of exploration around combinatorial operations. The combined family of these operations are the main theme of the thesis. We characterise all quotients of N with respect to these operations, finding a lattice-ordered monoid structure to the possible cycle sizes in the case of fixed base exponentiation. We then turn to questions of decidability and finite axiomatisability. The decidability of logical entailment for the equational theory of combinatorial operations is established by way of the finite model property, then a result of Wilkie is adapted to provide a new proof of the decidability of the equational theory of exponentiation. This is used to complete the classification of which subsignatures of {+, ·, ↑, 1} lead N to have a finitely axiomatisable equational theory. Some basic exploration of combinatorial axioms and their consequences is given, before we consider the question of whether a finite algebra in the variety of N can exist without a finite basis of identities. Examples are given of finite algebras satisfying all true laws of N that are without a finite identity basis. As a final result it is shown that all idempotent HSI-algebras lie within the variety generated by N. This is used to show that the variety generated by N contains a continuum of subvarieties, and contains all 3-element HSI-algebras.6 0Item Restricted Assessing isothermal technology for detection of antimicrobial pathogens(Saudi Digital Library, 2024) Abdulrahman Khalid, Ayfan; David, WhileyThis thesis aims to provide solutions for antibiotic resistance by developing rapid point-of-care tests for key bacteria and associated resistances that have been flagged by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centre for Disease prevention and Control (CDC). The studies initially focused on detection of New Delhi Metallo (NDM), and Verona Integrated Metallo (VIM) Beta Lactamase genes among carbapenemase-producing organisms Gram negative bacteria. The project then expanded to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae (by targeting the gonococcal porA pseudogene) and associated resistances to ciprofloxacin (by the detection of a single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] within the gonococcal gyrA gene) and ceftriaxone (by targeting the gonococcal penA 60.001 gene). The technology used for detection was iso-thermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and the detection was coupled with a lateral flow detection (LFD) system. Recognising the complexity for SNP detection by RPA (e.g., its ability to accommodate several mismatches in assay targets), this thesis explored several approaches to tackle this, including adding additional artificial mismatches in oligonucleotides, as well as using blocker primer and probe approaches. Assays performances compared well to traditional methods of detection (e.g., polymerase chain reaction; PCR), and time needed to perform/read results was less than thirty minutes compared to ninety minutes using PCR. Unlike PCR, RPA can be performed at a relatively low temperature, and assays can be successfully conducted by holding the reaction tubes in the palm of a hand. In addition to the wet-lab experiments, extensive in-silico sequence-based analyses were conducted to help further accelerate the development of point of care (POC) assays; these included improving our understanding of gonococcal gyrA diversity to inform target selection (using publicly available databases; National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Neisseria gonorrhoeae Sequence Typing for Antimicrobial Resistance (NG-STAR), Pathogen Watch) as well as to identify new potential N. gonorrhoeae diagnostic gene targets (noting that, for example, the gonococcal porA pseudogene can lead to false-negative results for certain N. gonorrhoeae strains). Overall, this thesis provides further potential POC solutions for antibiotic resistance; specifically, the ability to detect gram negative bacteria-harbouring blaNDM and blaVIM genes, and N. gonorrhoeae gyrA and penA 60.001 resistance targets. These advances will provide valuable information to help clinicians and healthcare teams to tailor antibiotic therapy in a timely manner, with limited skills and training needed to perform and read results.9 0Item Restricted Next Generation Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (NGAST)(The University of Queensland, 2018) Abdulrahman Khalid, Ayfan; Zowawi, HosamAntimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a worldwide issue that needs to be tackled. The lack of a rapid tool for the detection of antimicrobial resistance is needed. Recently Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) have revolutionized the routine clinical labs for the bacterial identification with providing rapid, accurate and reliable results within hours in comparison to the conventional methods of detections. Also, MALDI-TOF MS seems to have the potentiality to be used as an antibiotic susceptibility testing tool. In recent times, one of the developed testings to detect AMR by this MS-platform. MALDI is the MALDI Biotyper antibiotic susceptibility test rapid assay (MBT-ASTRA). In this project, The MBT-ASTRA was used for testing bug-drug combination from preliminary studies to validate the robustness of this technique on a MALDI-TOF MS (AB SCIEX). 4 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa (including 2 sensitive strains and 2 resistant strains for each bug) were tested against 64μg/ml of meropenem with an incubation time of one and two hours respectively. Also, Escherichia coli was tested against Ciprofloxacin at a concentration of 32μg/ml with two hours of an incubation. Secondly, the project also involved in optimizing four new bug-drug combinations which included E. coli against colistin and gentamicin and P. aeruginosa against gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. The results from the testing showed a clear discrimination between the different strains. As well as a significant discrimination for E. coli against gentamicin within one hour of an incubation time at a concentration of 64μg/ml. This study demonstrates the ability of the MBT-ASTRA in the rapid detection of AMR.6 0Item Restricted The Effect of Virtual Teams’ Communication in Building Construction(Queensland University of Technology, 2024-10-25) Aldawsari, Falah; Tim, RoseThe research involves a qualitative comprehensive review based on the subject of online virtual team communication in building construction. The importance of strong contact in promoting collaboration was highlighted. Its significance helps build credibility and, in many cases, improves project outcomes. Because of this, a wide range of skills is readily available and easy to work with. The study clearly highlights that the teams also face unique obstacles. A lack of familiarity with other cultures is one issue. There is also the issue of not knowing how to use some technologies. Tackling these challenges is of the utmost importance. Improved methods of interaction may be achieved with this. There is an immediate need to offer extensive training programs for members (among other critical concerns highlighted by the research). They need to hone their interpersonal and technical skills simultaneously in this program. It is crucial to set explicit communication procedures. This will help to improve team relations and reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings. Additionally, the study adds to the field of project management. It sheds light on how crucial trust and psychological safety are in online settings. The results provide useful information for practitioners who want to enhance their management of VPTs. It does so by highlighting the significance of openness and frequent interaction. This study lays the groundwork for future research on virtual communication hurdles and how to overcome them9 0Item Restricted Energetic Sources and the Interstellar Medium: A Case Study of the Scutum Supershell(The university of Adelaide, 2025-05) Alsulami, Rami Nafea; Rowell, GavinThis thesis investigates large-scale Hα spine and bow shock features associated with the Scutum Supershell using multi-wavelength observations. Through photoionisation modelling, optical spectroscopy with WiFeS, and diagnostic line ratios, we distinguish photoionised and shock-excited regions. The spine is consistent with photoionisation from OB associations, while the bow shock exhibits characteristics of low-velocity shocks. Evidence from radio, infrared, and X-ray maps supports these findings. Additionally, a circular Hough transform algorithm is developed for automated detection of shell-like structures, with applications demonstrated on radio and CO data. This work contributes to understanding high-energy feedback in the interstellar medium.15 0Item Restricted A framework to adopt construction 4.0 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Impact of Institutional Pressures, Ambidexterity and Organizational Resources on Intention to Adopt(University of Newcastle, 2025) Alyami, Abdullah; Thayaparan, Gajendran; Marcus, Jefferies; Tanvi, NewazConstruction 4.0 is the construction industry’s response to Industry 4.0, a technological revolution to adopt innovative methodologies and modern technologies to boost productivity and efficiency in modern workplaces. Construction 4.0 is driven partly by an accelerated pace of urbanization, the resulting heightened demand within the construction industry, and the construction industry’s reputation for lack of modernization. It marks a paradigm shift characterised by the integration of digital technologies, automation, real-time data, and artificial intelligence across all stages of the construction lifecycle. The extant literature suggests that Construction 4.0 adoption is influenced by organizational resources (technology, people, process, and education), ambidexterity (exploration and exploitation), and institutional pressures (normative pressure, memetic pressure, and coercive pressure). The predominant discourse of existing studies on the implementation of Construction 4.0 have focused on its impact on work procedures, project completion times, quality, and safety measures, despite the significant influence of organizational resources, ambidexterity, and institutional pressures on the successful adoption of Construction 4.0. Less attention has been paid to how internal organisational factors and external institutional forces interact to shape the strategic intent to adopt Construction 4.0 technologies. This study addresses this gap by investigating the influence of three critical constructs: organisational resources (technology, people, processes, education and training), organisational ambidexterity (exploration and exploitation capabilities), and institutional pressures (coercive, normative, and mimetic) on the intention to adopt Construction 4.0 within the Saudi construction industry. Hence, this study investigates the influence of organizational resources, ambidexterity, and institutional pressures on the adoption of Construction 4.0 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, the study has developed a framework for implementing Construction 4.0 in the Saudi construction industry. This research developed a theoretical model proposing eighteen (18) hypotheses, based on theories related to strategic resources (Resource-Based View), strategic flexibility (ambidexterity), and institutional pressures (institutional theory) to understand their impact on Construction 4.0 adoption. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, and a conceptual model was developed to measure the influencing factors. A quantitative research methodology was adopted, underpinned by a positivist paradigm. Data was collected through a questionnaire completed by 261 professionals in construction organizations in Saudi Arabia. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was adopted to test the hypotheses, examine the relationships between variables, and validate the conceptual model. The results of the SEM confirmed 13 of the 18 hypotheses, revealing that institutional pressures significantly influence exploration orientation. This orientation, in turn, positively impacts key organizational resources—particularly human capital, education and training, and processes—needed for the adoption of Construction 4.0. The intention to adopt C4.0 was found to be most strongly influenced by the development of these organizational resources. Moreover, the study identified five dominant adoption pathways that integrate external institutional forces and internal strategic capabilities. These pathways offer a nuanced understanding of how adoption dynamics unfold in practice, especially in contexts undergoing rapid socio-economic transformation. These findings offer theoretical and practical contributions. Theoretically, it advances the discourse on digital transformation in construction by integrating three organizational theories into a single explanatory model. The integration of organizational theories provides a deeper understanding of Construction 4.0 adoption dynamics. Empirically, it provides evidence-based insights specific to the Saudi Arabian context, an emerging market undergoing rapid reform aligned with Vision 2030. Practically, the study offers an empirically validated framework tailored to the Saudi construction context, which can inform decision-makers, policy developers, and construction professionals seeking to enhance productivity through digital transformation in alignment with national strategic ambitions.13 0