SACM - Australia
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9648
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Item Restricted Muslim Women between Text and Context: An Exploration of Qurʾānic Exegesis with a Focus on Q 4:34(The University of Melbourne, 2024-08) Alshehri, Sahar; Saeed, Abdullah; Kamal, MuhammadThis thesis investigates and analyses the interpretations of the Qurʾānic verse 4:34 by selected classical and modern scholars, with a particular focus on qawwām, nushūz and ḍarb, using some key ideas associated with critical discourse analysis and adopting Abdullah Saeed’s contextualist framework for interpreting the ethical–legal texts of the Qurʾān. The thesis takes the position that the interpretation of the Qurʾān both in the classical and modern periods is influenced by the social and cultural contexts in which the commentators functioned and demonstrates this by examining a range of commentaries on Q 4:34. The thesis also explores how selected Saudi scholars understand Q 4:34 and the kinds of approaches they use in the context of today. This research contributes to the existing literature on Muslim women, gender equality and interpretation of the Qurʾān. The findings suggest that the contextualist approach in this research leads to a different understanding of the key concepts of qawwām, nushūz and ḍarb in Q 4:34. Additionally, this research explores how the socio-cultural contexts impacted the selected 50 commenters’ discourses as well as how their interpretive discourses were relevant to the context in which they live.11 0Item Restricted Leveraging Digital Platform-based Intermediation to Facilitate Knowledge and Technology Transfer Activities through University-Industry Collaboration: A Design Science Research Approach(University of Technology Sydney, 2024-12) Hakami, Maram; Pradhan, Sojen; Machet, TaniaUniversities play a crucial role in developing human capital for the knowledge-based economy (KBE) by fostering the creation, application, and spread of knowledge. Collaboration between universities and industry is paramount for deriving and enhancing innovation. Through such collaborative arrangements, referred to as University- Industry Collaboration (UIC), both universities and the industry access resources and transfer knowledge to each other. University technology transfer offices (UTTOs) and knowledge transfer offices (UKTOs) are examples of UIC facilitation mechanisms (intermediation). A comprehensive literature review highlights shortcomings in some geographical areas, including developing regions/countries, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which have received limited attention in UIC research. Notably, there is a significant lack of studies focusing on the socio-technical applications of UIC in the MENA region that has recently demonstrated economic strengthening and an emphasis on knowledge-based activities. A closer look at the literature reveals several research gaps, including how different types of intermediaries manage knowledge-based activities. This study aims to develop and validate a socio-technical facilitation mechanism, specifically a digital platform- based intermediary, to enhance knowledge and technology transfer (KT/TT) activities within the UIC setting. A comprehensive framework that integrates UIC mechanisms with concepts from Social Capital (SC) theory is applied from a socio-technical perspective. It employs the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology to develop a platform-based intermediary. It is organised into five iterative phases, each aimed at progressively refining and validating the research outcomes, including problem identification, solution suggestions, development, evaluation, and conclusions based on reflection on the DSR process. Data collection includes primary and secondary methods. Secondary data comprises a comprehensive literature review and two targeted systematic reviews: one examining 60 journal articles on UIC in the MENA region and another focusing on theoretical and contextual insights from 23 studies on UIC. Primary data was collected in one of the leading countries in the MENA Region, Saudi Arabia, through 40 semi-structured expert interviews, additional iterative follow-up interviews, and a focus group for prototype feedback. A thematic analysis of the interview data is employed to discuss common themes and utilise SC theory to understand inter-organisational relationships and the role of embedded resources like trust and common understanding in facilitating UIC activities. This analysis helped identify key drivers and barriers to practical KT/TT-UIC activities, which informed developing a structured guidance model that defines essential design criteria for creating efficient intermediation tools, including design requirements, principles, and features. The significance of this research lies in its potential to enhance the efficiency and productivity of KT/TT activities within the UIC setting, thereby fostering innovation, industry advancement, and economic growth. By integrating social and technical aspects, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the phenomena, challenges, and potential solutions, offering valuable insights for stakeholders involved in UIC activities. The outcomes are also expected to benefit academics, industry professionals, and policymakers focused on enhancing UIC collaborations and could serve as a valuable reference for other regions facing similar challenges. In summary, this study contributes to the UIC literature by highlighting critical insights into drivers and barriers and demonstrating how digital intermediation mechanisms can help overcome existing barriers and improve collaborative inter-organisational relationships.14 0Item Restricted Control of Spoilage Bacteria in Lamb Meat by Using Bacteriophage(The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University), 2025-08) Altakhis, Mohammed; Osborn, MarkLamb meat, known for its distinctive taste and high nutritional value, is a significant part of the human diet worldwide. However, it is susceptible to bacterial contamination, which can compromise its quality and safety. This thesis explores the bacterial community dynamics of fresh and chilled backstrap lamb meat and investigates the feasibility of using bacteriophages (viruses that infect and kill bacteria), as a novel method to control bacterial growth, including spoilage and pathogenic bacteria, in lamb meat. The research aimed to assess changes in bacterial communities, particularly specific spoilage organisms (SSO), in Modified Atmosphere Packaged (MAP) lamb meat stored at 4°C over 35 days. Methods used included 16S rRNA-gene-based sequencing, MALDI-TOF MS, and sequencing for bacterial identification. Culture-based analysis using Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) media was used to monitor changes in the bacterial population of Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) lamb meat stored at 4°C. This comprehensive approach allowed for detailed bacterial community profiling and an understanding of bacterial stability and spoilage trajectories in stored meat products. The investigation revealed a diverse culturable bacterial community in lamb backstrap meat packaged under modified atmosphere conditions over time in chilled storage. MALDI- TOF profiling identified spoilage-associated taxa such as Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, which thrive in refrigerated, MAP meats. Quantitative assessments of viable counts depicted an increase over time in aerobic bacterial loads and a variable yet overall increasing anaerobic population. These trends were most pronounced post-day 14, indicating significant increases in bacterial numbers present on meat. 1 Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) based on Bray-Curtis, Jaccard, unweighted emperor, and weighted emperor dissimilarities was used to chart successional changes in bacterial community structure and composition based on molecular analysis of total bacterial communities. Changes in bacterial diversity was assessed using Chao1 and Shannon indices, revealing a decrease in both richness and evenness, suggesting a simplification of the communities over time. This trend was mirrored in phylogenetic diversity measures, indicating a potential loss of less dominant taxa. The findings underscore significant shifts in bacterial community structure as typified by the loss and or appearance of new species during meat storage and highlight the importance of bacterial diversity in maintaining meat quality and shelf life. High-throughput DNA sequencing data elucidated predominant and minor bacterial taxa, highlighting the dominance of bacterial groups belonging to the class Gammaproteobacteria and Firmicutes at the end of 35-day incubation period. The data also showed that the community composition changed over time as exemplified by the appearance or disappearance of new species. Additionally, the study also explored isolating bacteriophages from lamb meat as biocontrol agents. Fresh lamb backstrap meat samples were collected, packed under MAP and non-MAP conditions, and used to attempt to isolate bacteriophages active against Pseudomonas fragi, Brochothrix thermosphacta, and Carnobacterium divergens. These taxa were selected for bacteriophage assay because they were the prevalent bacterial groups at the later stages of MAP and non-MAP incubated meat samples. Optimal growth conditions for these isolates were determined with growth curve studies of bacterial cultures incubated at 25°C. The results showed optimal OD600 values of 1.0 for Pseudomonas fragi after 6 hours, 2 0.65 for Brochothrix thermosphacta after 4 hours, and 0.44 for Carnobacterium divergens after 14 hours. Isolation of bacteriophages was performed on Double layer agar plates (DAL) using two methods: Direct isolation method and Isolation of phage using a phage amplification method. The direct isolation method detected plaques only from Pseudomonas fragi DAL plates incubated at 25°C and Carnobacterium divergens DAL plates incubated at 4°C. No plaques were seen on Brochothrix thermosphacta DAL plates. The isolation of phage using the amplification method, applied to samples from days 0 to 35, detected plaques only from Brochothrix thermosphacta DAL plates incubated at 25°C. Unfortunately, none of the plaques could be re-propagated despite many attempts, indicating a need to optimize propagation methodologies. To investigate the potential use and efficacy of phage to reduce the numbers of spoilage bacteria present on meat, a commercially available phage (Pseudomonas phage vB_pfrM-S117) from a culture collection was used to investigate phage treatment of Pseudomonas fragi populations in irradiated meat samples at two time points (Day 2 and Day 7) using Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) and Cetrimide Fucidin Nalidixic Acid (CFN) agar. On Day 2, bacteriophage treatment reduced bacterial counts by approximately 25% on TSA and 50% on CFN agar compared to samples in which phage were absent. (p < 0.05). By Day 7, the reduction increased to 70% on TSA and 57% on CFN agar. Control samples remained sterile, confirming the effectiveness of the irradiation process. These findings underscore the potential of bacteriophage therapy as a promising biocontrol strategy to managing and reduce Pseudomonas fragi in meat products. Bacteriophage-treated samples showed significant reductions in bacterial counts, highlighting the efficacy of phages in lysing bacterial cells and reducing bacterial loads. This is particularly 3 important for food safety, where controlling spoilage bacteria like Pseudomonas fragi is crucial for extending shelf life and ensuring meat quality. Additionally, bacteriophages preserve the organoleptic properties of food, unlike traditional preservation methods, by naturally controlling bacterial groups responsible for off-flavors and odors. These findings align with previous studies demonstrating the prolonged efficacy of bacteriophages in reducing bacterial populations in various food matrices, highlighting the potential of bacteriophages as effective biocontrol agents. Specifically, the key spoilage bacterial genera on lamb meat after chilled storage were identified. Subsequent assays designed to reduce bacterial population numbers using bacteriophages was carried out and for one of them, P. fragi, the application of bacteriophage (P.phage vB pfrM-S117) successfully resulted in reductions in P. fragi numbers on packaged meat. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential application of bacteriophages for controlling Pseudomonas fragi in meat products. Given the significant reduction in bacterial count, the findings support the potential integration of bacteriophages into existing food safety protocols, offering a natural, targeted, and effective method for enhancing food microbiological safety. Future studies should refine bacteriophage application strategies, address potential resistance issues, and explore long-term stability and effectiveness of phage treatments in various food matrices.12 0Item Restricted Navigating Margins and Mirrors: The Legacy of Shakespeare’s Caliban Across Comics, Film, and Digital Realms(The University of Sydney, 2024) Alsobaie, Sarah Saad O; Semler, LiamThis dissertation examines the multifaceted legacy of Shakespeare's Caliban, tracing his evolution from a theatrical character to a complex icon in comics, film, and video games. Through a comprehensive analysis of Mikhail Bakhtin’s concept of the chronotope, the idea of Shakespeare User, and Foucault’s concept of Heterotopia. This study explores how Caliban’s portrayals across various media reflect and influence societal attitudes towards themes of marginalisation, discrimination, and identity. Each chapter dissects a different medium—Marvel Comics, the film Logan, and interactive digital games and gaming communities—revealing the nuanced ways in which Caliban's character challenges or reinforces cultural narratives about otherness and belonging. In Marvel Comics, Caliban’s visual and narrative depictions illustrate the ongoing struggles with inclusion and exclusion within American culture. The film Logan provides a more intimate look at Caliban's role, highlighting his journey towards self-autonomy and the impact of existential challenges marginalised individuals face. However, video games offer a new dimension where players directly influence Caliban’s representation, thereby actively contributing to the discourse on identity and alienation. This research contributes to academic discussions on the adaptation and persistence of literary figures in modern media. It suggests that the evolution of Caliban's character in popular culture mirrors contemporary societal issues and serves as a canvas for exploring deep-seated cultural dynamics. Through this exploration, the dissertation not only addresses the adaptability and resilience of Shakespearean characters in contemporary settings but also underscores the importance of narrative spaces in shaping and reshaping cultural identity and societal norms.10 0Item Restricted The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Project Management(University of Technology Sydney, 2024-11-11) Muryif Alshehri, Mohammed; Abdo, PeterThe increasing complexity of global projects has elevated the challenges in project management, necessitating the adoption of innovative solutions. This study investigates the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in project management, emphasizing its role in enhancing decision-making, risk management, and operational efficiency. Employing a systematic literature review methodology, the research synthesizes findings from 13 high-index journal articles to evaluate AI techniques, including machine learning, decision trees, and advanced predictive analytics. The study identifies AI’s ability to improve resource allocation, forecasting accuracy, and stakeholder engagement while mitigating risks and optimizing sustainability. Findings highlight the integration challenges such as data quality, system compatibility, and resistance to change, which hinder the widespread adoption of AI tools. Despite these obstacles, AI demonstrates considerable benefits, including automation of routine tasks, enhanced cost estimation, and improved project timelines. Notably, AI-driven tools have achieved a 20% reduction in project completion times and a 15% decrease in costs due to proactive risk mitigation. This research provides actionable insights into the effective implementation of AI within the framework of traditional project management methodologies. It concludes that while AI presents significant opportunities to redefine project management practices, its successful adoption requires addressing technical and organizational challenges, along with fostering an adaptive cultural mindset. This study lays the groundwork for future research aimed at leveraging AI to create sustainable, efficient, and resilient project management ecosystems.19 0Item Restricted Breast Cancer Treatment Disparities in Patients with Severe Mental Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(Queensland University of Technology, 2024) Alotiby, Meshary; Protani, Melinda; Kisely, Steve; Siskind, DanBackground Disparities in breast cancer treatment for people with pre-existing severe mental illness (SMI) have not been well studied compared to disparities in cancer screening and stage at diagnosis. Aims To conduct a systematic review of the available evidence and investigate whether female breast cancer patients with pre-existing SMI had equitable access to guideline recommended breast cancer treatment compare to those without SMI. Methods We conducted systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases from 22 February 2021 to 26 March 2021. Female breast cancer patients with SMI were included in the analyses. SMI was defined as Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, and major depression. Guideline recommended treatment was defined as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and adjuvant endocrine therapy. Pooled odds ratios, and other estimates, such as hazard ratios and risk ratios were presented. Risk of bias was assessed using Newcasle-Ottawa scale. DerSimonian-Laird random effects models were used. Results 3,325 citations were identified; 10 studies were included, and 4 studies were meta-analysed. Pooled analyses suggested that people with SMI were less likely to receive guideline recommended breast cancer treatment than those without SMI (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.90). Breast cancer patients with schizophrenia had a reduced likelihood for receiving adjuvant radiotherapy (Crude RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.85), while those with major depression and bipolar I disorder had lower likelihood of receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (Crude RR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.84). Conclusions This review identified disparities in breast cancer care for individuals with pre-existing SMI, which contributed to poorer prognosis and excess mortality. Improving collaboration between psycho-oncology teams is advised to address patients’ needs for treatment. Future research is necessary for identifying disparities in primary and systemic treatments and investigating the reasons for treatment inequity.6 0Item Restricted Life journey with a chronic illness: Exploring the lived experience of older chronic illness patients while interacting with the primary health care services in Ha'il City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(University of Tasmania, 2025) Albarrak, Talal; Crisp, Elaine; Andrews, Sharon; Foran, PaulaAccording to the World Health Organization, improvement in life expectancy, which is attributed to advancements made in the health sector in the 20th century, directly impacts public health and economic systems. Technological advancement in the health sector has enabled older people to perform many activities in their daily lives. However, this demographic shift has also posed some problems, such as the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the increased costs of healthcare for families and governments. The older population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is mainly affected by chronic diseases. It burdens the healthcare system, especially in the Primary Health Care Centres (PHCCs). PHCCs are the first point of care for these patients and attend to more than 15 million citizens every year in KSA. Although primary, secondary, tertiary, and referral healthcare services are available for the public in KSA, PHCCs still need help with patient satisfaction due to the lack of proper infrastructure and integrated services. This qualitative research employs Max van Manen's hermeneutical phenomenological framework to understand the lived experiences of older people with chronic illness as they interact with PHCCs for their regular health care relating to their illness. The research design is iterative, allowing for dynamic interaction between the researcher and data through six sequential yet iterative steps: engaging with the phenomenon, collecting data through investigating life experiences, reflecting on essential themes, describing the phenomenon through writing and rewriting, maintaining a strong relation to the phenomenon, and balancing the study context. Data was collected via semi-structured telephone interviews, adapted for COVID-19 safety protocols, with older people selected from accessible and representative PHCCs. Ten participants were chosen using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure relevance and depth. The research blends the strengths of descriptive and interpretative phenomenology, rooted in Edmund Husserl's and Martin Heidegger's philosophical traditions, which emphasise the detailed description and interpretation of human experiences and meanings, and recognise these experiences as situated within specific historical and cultural contexts. The analysis involved identifying and interpreting key themes from the participants' stories and comparing and contrasting these across different participant narratives to reveal patterns and variations. The researcher engaged in a reflective process, linking the findings to existing literature and theoretical frameworks to deepen the understanding of the participant's lived experiences. Critical reflexivity was emphasised to ensure researcher biases did not influence the study's findings. Four major themes emerged: the impact of knowing about the illness; the supportive context provided by family, friends, institutions, and faith; the adaptation to a new life with a chronic disease and multiple care roles; and perceptions of care received through primary health care centres. The research findings highlighted the interplay between emotional, cognitive, and social elements of the patients’ lived experience, emphasising the significant role of the participants' emotional responses in influencing coping mechanisms and overall quality of life. The research also explored the crucial role of family/friends in disease management, and the difficulties of financial issues. The findings also highlighted the need for a more comprehensive and patient-centred approach to healthcare in KSA, which includes considering the experiences and barriers faced by older adults with chronic diseases. These findings included identifying the treatment goals, the use of religion in the process of coping, especially among Muslim adults, and the significance of education in helping patients manage their treatment and psychological care. The following are the recommendations that can be made from the research for enhancing services in the PHCCs across SaudiArabia, focusing on early identification and management of chronic diseases. The research supports screening programs for high-risk groups, frequent follow-up, and adherence to the best practices, including the involvement of specialist physicians. A particular emphasis is placed on the patient's awareness and counselling to overcome the myths associated with chronic diseases and increase patient participation in decision-making. The study recommends forming peer support groups to support chronic disease management or strengthening community networks. The research also advocates for public health campaigns that should address all population groups, focus on chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, to overcome cultural and societal misconceptions. To meet mental health needs, it is essential to incorporate mental health care into chronic disease management and educate healthcare workers on mental health. Other recommendations that are likely to improve the quality of healthcare and patient satisfaction significantly, include improving the interpersonal skills of PHCC staff, embracing modern technology, and ensuring that vulnerable populations are financially supported6 0Item Restricted Process Safety Analysis in Mining(The University of Queensland, 2024-11-04) Fallatah, Mohammed; Hassall, MaureenMany people associate process safety events such as loss of containment, fire, or explosions with the chemical and refining industries. However, these catastrophic incidents have also occurred in the mining and mineral processing industries in recent decades. Learning from incident investigations, public inquests, and operational feedback is a vital safety element that provides background for regulators and policymakers and offers opportunities to ensure similar shortcomings do not arise in major hazardous sectors. However, no focus on process safety incidents relevant to the minerals processing industries could be found when searching such databases. Through a comprehensive literature review, this research addresses this gap by exploring whether such databases can be built and populated with publicly available information. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method was used to systematically identify, evaluate, and analyze existing literature data. Thirty-three global incidents relevant to mineral processing were obtained, and their root causes were analyzed against established frameworks for process safety management systems and risk prevention approaches. Regions and locations of the incidents were also captured. Human, economic, and environmental impacts were recorded where available. 34% of the accidents' primary causes were equipment failures, leading to a loss of mechanical integrity; 12% were attributed to design failures related to structural integrity; 33% were unknown or unreported causes; and the rest were a combination of human error and failures of administrative systems. Incidents found through web searches lack essential details, while those found in organizations' press releases and governmental agencies are more detailed. The conclusion suggests adapting PSM in the mineral processing industries.14 0Item Restricted Impact of Continuous Auditing and Centralising the Purchasing Functions for Higher Internal Audit Effectiveness: A Study of Saudi Arabia Companies(Victoria University, 2024-08) Altowaijri, Hamad; Everett, Sophia; DeSilva, ChitraAbstract This research examines internal audit effectiveness and the factors influencing internal auditors’ intentions to use continuous auditing in non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, employing the resource-based theory, this study explores the effects of continuous auditing and the centralisation of purchasing functions on the effectiveness of internal audit. Additionally, utilising the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, this research investigates how performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, effort expectancy and social influence affect internal auditors’ intentions to adopt continuous auditing. The data for this research were gathered utilising a questionnaire method. Questionnaires were distributed to internal auditors in non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia, resulting in 152 completed and useable questionnaires. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. This study employed two multiple regression analyses, estimated using ordinary least squares methods. The findings from the first multiple regression model indicated that both continuous auditing and the centralisation of purchasing functions were significant factors influencing internal audit effectiveness in non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, in the first regression model, continuous auditing and the centralisation of purchasing functions accounted for 20.2% of the variance in internal audit effectiveness. Moreover, continuous auditing was the most important factor affecting the effectiveness of internal audit. The findings from the second multiple regression model revealed that performance expectancy was the sole significant factor influencing internal auditors’ intentions to use continuous auditing. In the second regression model, performance expectancy accounted for 33% of the variance in the internal auditors’ intentions to use continuous auditing. According to the resource-based theory, non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia enhance their internal audit effectiveness and gain a competitive advantage by implementing continuous auditing and centralising purchasing functions. These functions are important for ensuring more efficient and effective audit processes, which can lead to better decision-making and overall organisational performance. Moreover, with respect to the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, there is a need for non-financial companies in Saudi Arabia to develop training programs to enhance their internal auditors’ understanding of the benefits of continuous auditing and its potential for improving internal auditors’ performance. These training courses should focus on demonstrating to internal auditors how implementing continuous auditing can increase their performance efficiency and effectiveness.10 0Item Restricted SHATTERED PERCEPTIONS: HOW NEGATIVE NEWS TRUMPS DESTINATION IMAGE IN CONFLICT-RIDDEN REGIONS(Queensland University of Technology, 2024) Moathen, Wael; Wang, Di; Beatson, AmandaThis research investigates the causal effect of negative news media on destination image formation in conflict-ridden regions, addressing a critical gap in tourism literature. Destination image is pivotal in tourists’ decision-making processes and overall destination competitiveness. In conflict-ridden regions like the Middle East, negative news coverage can significantly impact these perceptions, potentially deterring visitors and affecting tourism economies. Despite the recognised importance of news media as an autonomous agent in image formation, limited empirical research has examined its causal effects, particularly in conflict- ridden areas. This study aims to comprehensively understand how negative news shapes destination image, the underlying mechanisms of this effect, and potential moderating factors. Study One establishes the main effect of negative news on destination image through a 2 (within-subjects: Time [before news story, after news story]) × 2 (between-subjects: News Frame [thematic, episodic]) × 4 (Countries [Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar]) experimental design. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) reveals that negative news significantly decreases destination image for the featured location and, to a lesser extent, other destinations in the region. The study demonstrates the robustness of this effect across different news frames, providing initial evidence for the pervasive impact of negative media coverage on regional perceptions. Study Two replicates and extends these findings using a 2 (Story type: negative v. ordinary) × 2 (Connotation: negative v. neutral) × Continuous prevention focus, between- participants experimental design. Through mediation analyses, it identifies perceived risk and negative emotions as significant mediators in the relationship between negative news and destination image. Additionally, moderation analysis reveals that prevention focus moderates the effect of negative news on perceived risk, with high prevention-focused individuals being more susceptible to negative news effects. Study Three further confirms these results and examines the impact across different travel arrangements using a 2 (Story type: negative v. ordinary) × 2 (Travelling arrangements: independent traveller v. all-inclusive packaged travellers) between-participants experimental design. The findings demonstrate that the negative effect of news persists for both independent iv Chapter 1: Introduction and package travellers, challenging assumptions about the risk-mitigating potential of all- inclusive packages in conflict-ridden destinations. Theoretically, this research makes several important contributions. It provides the first causal evidence of the negative effect of news media on destination image formation in conflict-ridden regions, addressing calls for more rigorous methodologies in this area. Identifying perceived risk and negative emotions as mediators advances understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying this effect. Further, the research extends the application of regulatory focus theory in tourism contexts by demonstrating its relevance to news processing and destination perceptions. This research fills a significant geographical gap in tourism studies by examining an under-researched geographical region, thereby enhancing the global relevance of tourism scholarship and providing valuable insights for both academic discourse and practical tourism management. Practically, the findings offer valuable insights for destination marketing organisations in conflict-ridden regions. The research underscores the need for proactive media monitoring and rapid response strategies to counteract negative coverage. It highlights the importance of addressing both cognitive (perceived risk) and affective (negative emotions) components in image management efforts. The findings related to prevention focus suggest the need for tailored marketing approaches that consider individual differences in risk sensitivity. In conclusion, this research comprehensively examines how negative news media influences destination image formation in conflict-ridden regions. Establishing causal relationships, identifying underlying mechanisms and exploring moderating factors advances both theoretical understanding and practical strategies in destination marketing. As global tourism continues to navigate geopolitical challenges and media dynamics, these insights offer crucial guidance for managing destination perceptions in complex environments.9 0