SACM - China
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9652
Browse
20 results
Search Results
Item Restricted The Driving Factors, Incentive Strategies, and Value Utility of Green Product Innovation- Taking Saudi Arabian Petrochemical Enterprises as an Example(HUNAN UNIVERSITY, 2024-10-20) Alsharif, Hussain Zaid; TongShuSaudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, also has the world's second largest oil and fifth largest natural gas reserves; Its gross domestic product in 2022 was 1108.15 billion US dollars, and with a population of about 34.6 million, Saudi Arabia's per capita GDP in 2022 was 32030 US dollars. However, Saudi Arabia's economy is completely dependent on natural resource exports, and "if the country has no foresight, there must be immediate worries". Natural resources are non-renewable resources, and even if reserves are abundant, they may eventually be depleted; The petroleum related chemical industry causes serious environmental pollution; The living environment and natural weather and climate in Saudi Arabia also urgently need improvement; Therefore, reducing the dependence of the national economy on oil, improving the domestic economic structure system, and implementing sustainable development strategies are crucial for the sustained growth of the Saudi Arabian national economy. Green product innovation, as a proactive, integrated, and innovative solution to environmental problems, comprehensively considers the environmental impact and hazards of products throughout their entire lifecycle, including design, manufacturing, use, and recycling. It is an innovative model that not only meets the needs of economic development but also takes into account environmental sustainability. Vigorously developing green product innovation in Saudi Arabia's petrochemical industry is an inevitable choice to transform economic growth patterns, improve living environments, and achieve low-carbon economy and sustainable development. In recent years, there has been an increase in academic attention and discussion on green product innovation, but existing research still lacks systematic and comprehensive understanding of green product innovation. This article constructs a multidimensional structure of green product innovation from three gradients: driving factors, incentive strategies, and the impact of green product innovation on enterprise performance, making the concept of green product innovation more comprehensive, specific, three-dimensional, and coherent. Green product innovation is a strategic policy that is influenced by complex mechanisms in multiple aspects and levels. There are two limitations in the research on its driving factors. Firstly, scholars mainly focus on the impact of a single or a few factors on green product innovation from a single theoretical perspective, and mostly use regression analysis methods. The factors driving green product innovation are complex and diverse, and traditional regression research methods alone cannot explain the differences in green product innovation between different enterprises by studying the net effects of independent and dependent variables; The second is the lack of a comprehensive perspective to explore how the influencing factors of green product innovation interact with each other through configuration methods, as well as the complex relationship between multiple antecedents and green product innovation. Previous studies have also shown inconsistent results on the impact of green product innovation on corporate performance. Some studies suggest that green entrepreneurial orientation has a positive impact on corporate performance. Some studies also suggest that there is no correlation between green entrepreneurial orientation and corporate performance, while others suggest a negative correlation between green entrepreneurial orientation and corporate performance. It can be seen that the relationship between green entrepreneurship orientation and corporate performance still needs further research, and the intermediary mechanism and boundary conditions between the two need to be further explored. Based on the review of previous research, this article will clarify the concept of green product innovation, study the driving factors, incentive strategies and impact on enterprise performance of green product innovation. The aim is to answer the following questions: how to create a mechanism for green product innovation for enterprises from the internal structure and external environment, so that they can smoothly carry out green product innovation, and how to motivate enterprises to carry out green product innovation? What is the impact of green product innovation on the environmental and economic performance of enterprises? How to utilize green product innovation to achieve comprehensive growth of enterprises, society, and living environment? On the basis of previous research, this article conducts a more systematic, comprehensive, multi-dimensional, and multi gradient study of green product innovation, aiming to provide comprehensive guidance for Saudi Arabian petrochemical enterprises to carry out green product innovation. The green product innovation structure system constructed in the article is composed of three modules: the driving factors of green product innovation, the incentive strategies for green product innovation, and the utility value of green product innovation on enterprise performance. We conducted a study on the driving factors of green product innovation. This study is based on institutional theory and higher-order theory, dividing the driving factors of green product innovation into two configurations: internal and external factors of the enterprise. The matched two configurations are organically integrated to obtain qualitative and quantitative outputs of green product innovation. Among them, external factors consist of resource pressure, environmental regulatory pressure, normative pressure, and imitation pressure, and are configured using institutional theory; The internal factors consist of the enterprise's green innovation ability, willingness to innovate, behavior and environmental awareness of executives. The internal factors are configured using higher-order theories; Then, through the collected enterprise survey questionnaires, the model is demonstrated and applied according to classic research steps such as questionnaire collection, variable measurement, and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis. Finally, the results of QCA operation are analysed and discussed and summarized. The results indicate that there are six configuration paths for innovation of high green products, with configuration H1 being dominated by external factors and named as "institutional pressure+innovation willingness driven", consisting of (regulatory pressure * normative pressure * imitation pressure * green innovation willingness). Configuration H1 emphasizes the tendency of various systems of government management companies towards green environmental protection. Configuration H2 is driven by external factors and named "Resource Capability+Manager Environmental Cognition Driven", consisting of (Resource Capability * Regulatory Pressure * Regulatory Pressure * Manager Environmental Cognition). H2 emphasizes the impact of resources on the enterprise and is applicable to energy related enterprises. Configuration H3 is driven by external factors and is named "imitation pressure+innovation capability driven". It is consisted by (imitation pressure * regulatory pressure * normative pressure * green innovation capability). H3 configuration is suitable for resource-based, labor-intensive, and low product technology industries. Configuration H4 is driven by internal factors and named "Manager's Environmental Cognition+Regulatory Pressure Driven". It is consisted by (Manager's Environmental Cognition * Green Innovation Ability * Green Innovation Behavior * Regulatory Pressure), and H4 configuration emphasizes the quality of enterprise leadership. Configuration H5 is driven by internal factors and named "Green Innovation Ability+Resource Capability Driven". It is consisted by (Green Innovation Ability * Green Innovation Behavior * Green Innovation Willingness * Resource Capability), and emphasizes the overall quality of enterprise employees. Configuration H6 is driven by internal factors and is named "Green Innovation Behavior+Imitation Pressure". It is consisted by (Green Innovation Behavior * Green Innovation Ability * Green Innovation Willingness * Imitation Pressure). H6 is suitable for resource service industries, and these six configuration paths cover the situation of the vast majority of companies in Saudi Arabian petrochemical enterprises, providing comprehensive guidance for the driving factors of green product innovation in Saudi Arabian petrochemical enterprises. We propose incentive strategies and improvement strategies for green product innovation in enterprises. By analysing and summarizing the driving factors of green product innovation, the design goals and requirements of incentive strategies for green innovation willingness are summarized. Based on the previous research conclusions, countermeasures and suggestions are proposed to stimulate and enhance green product innovation in enterprises from aspects such as internal innovation behavior, innovation ability, innovation willingness, and environmental cognition of managers, as well as external resource capacity, regulatory ability, environmental regulatory pressure, and imitation pressure. A theoretical model is constructed using contingency theory, corporate profile, and natural resource perspective to explore the explanatory mechanism of green product innovation on corporate performance. The overview of a company is the foundation of its performance, and its research variables include the company's performance last year, return on assets, company size, proportion of highly educated talents, sales growth rate, age distribution of R&D management personnel, and industry growth rate; The natural resource perspective determines the depth of green product innovation in enterprises, with research variables including green dynamic capabilities, green knowledge sharing, and environmental dynamics. In terms of model validation, the first step is to construct a dataset for analysing the model through sample collection, sample design, and data collection. Then, financial and environmental performance is used as the dependent variable, and the width and depth of enterprise green product innovation, internal resource relaxation, and external business environment are used as independent variables. The control variables include: first-order lag of the dependent variable, enterprise size, and the ratio of highly educated talents in the enterprise, Age distribution of enterprise R&D management personnel, sales growth rate, state-owned components, green knowledge sharing, green dynamic capabilities, environmental dynamics, industry asset return rate, and industry growth rate; An two GMM model is applied that includes individual fixed effects and time fixed effects for quantitative calculations, and finally the results are analysed, discussed and summarized. The results indicate that: The breadth and depth strategies of green product innovation in enterprises have different effects on their financial performance, and empirical results indicate that the two strategies indeed play different roles. The implementation of green product innovation breadth strategy by enterprises may lead to a decrease in financial performance due to excessive expansion of green products; Implementing a deep strategy of green product innovation in a rhythmic and step-by-step manner that can significantly improve the financial performance of enterprises. Although the two strategies have different effects, overall, green product innovation has a positive effect on corporate financial performance. The breadth and depth of green product innovation in the industry have a weak promoting effect on the financial performance of enterprises in the industry; However, overall green product innovation in the industry has a significant contagion effect (positive spillover) on the financial performance of enterprises in that industry, that is, in industries with higher levels of green product innovation, enterprises can achieve higher financial performance by "riding the ride of green product innovation in the industry". The green product innovation of enterprises, whether it is the breadth strategy or the depth strategy, has an infectious effect on the performance of other enterprises. The breadth of green product innovation will exacerbate the negative relationship between the breadth of green product innovation and corporate performance, while weakening the positive relationship between the depth of green product innovation and corporate performance; The depth of green product innovation weakens the negative relationship between the breadth of green product innovation and corporate performance, while strengthening the positive relationship between the depth of green product innovation and corporate performance. Enterprises carrying out green product innovation should follow the law of innovation, draw on and utilize the existing experience, knowledge, capabilities, and resources of the enterprise. They should be down-to-earth and strive to deepen their efforts, rather than seeking too much and too fast, and only pursue quantity advantages. Secondly, capable enterprises need to become pioneers in green product innovation in the industry. This can not only improve financial performance through green product innovation itself, but also gain competitive advantages in green product innovation capabilities and market share through pioneer behavior. In summary, this article systematically, comprehensively, multi-dimensionally and gradient studies green product innovation. The research results supplement existing literature and provide theoretical guidance for Saudi Arabian petrochemical enterprises to carry out green product innovation. Keywords: Green product innovation; Natural resource view; Green innovation willingness; Green knowledge sharing; Enterprise performance12 0Item Restricted Shortage Analysis and Countermeasure Strategies for the Water Resource in Saudi Arabia under the Rapid Development of the Tourism Industry(Tongji University, 2024-07-14) Arrehedi, Dai Majed M; Changming, YangThis study rigorously evaluates the water situation in Saudi Arabia, specifically examining drinking water sustainability amid the country's expanding tourism sector. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, integrating quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive analysis of water supply and demand dynamics. Primary data were collected through online surveys targeting 150 stakeholders from the water management and tourism sectors, while secondary data were sourced from official statistics and reports from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. Quantitative analysis using OriginLab revealed significant challenges in meeting the current water demand. The average daily per capita water consumption was found to be 299 liters, with a Water Stress Index (WSI) assessment indicating severe stress in regions like Riyadh and Jeddah, which exhibited WSI values of 0.351, classifying them as regions with extremely high water stress. Groundwater quantity for 2022 was recorded at 1.48 km³, with Riyadh having the highest availability at 362,581,476 m³ and Al Baha the lowest at 1,328,409 m³. Desalinated water production totaled 1.95 km³, with major plants such as Al-Jubail and Ras Al-Khair producing 450 million and 350 million m³, respectively. The current water supply in Saudi Arabia, including groundwater and desalinated water, totals approximately 3.43 km³ annually, while the national water demand reached approximately 5.25 km³ in 2022, indicating a significant supply-demand gap of 1.82 km³. The study also analyzed the impact of tourism on water resources. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship (r=0.440) between tourism growth and increased water demand, indicating that as tourism activities increase, so does the consumption of water. Regression analysis supported this finding, with a regression coefficient (β1=0.653) showing that tourism growth significantly impacts water demand. This relationship is critical, given the anticipated tourism growth under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP from 3% to 10%, translating to an expected increase from 17 million tourists in 2019 to 45 million tourists by 2030. This anticipated growth suggests an additional water demand of approximately 1.23 km³ annually for tourism alone. Survey results indicated that 70% of respondents reported no difficulties in accessing clean drinking water during Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages, demonstrating that Saudi Arabia's measures during religious tourism are effective. This supports the potential for building a sustainable tourism experience in the country as the sector continues to expand. Conversely, 30% of respondents did report occasional difficulties, indicating areas that need attention. Additionally, 52% of respondents expressed concerns about the sustainability of current water management practices in light of increased tourist activities. Stakeholder feedback highlighted several key points: 65% of respondents emphasized the need for integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar power, with desalination plants, which could reduce operational costs by up to 30% and significantly lower carbon emissions and brine disposal issues. Furthermore, 58% of stakeholders highlighted the importance of government incentives to support the adoption of sustainable technologies. They also stressed the need for educational campaigns to raise public awareness about water conservation practices, with 60% advocating for mandatory water-saving measures in tourism facilities. While there are many solutions to address Saudi Arabia's freshwater shortage, this study focuses on enhancing Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology with renewable energy sources to improve sustainability and efficiency in desalination processes. The study examines the integration of solar energy with RO technology, which can significantly reduce Saudi Arabia's reliance on fossil fuels, decrease carbon emissions by up to 40%, and provide a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to water scarcity. It highlights the potential for solar-powered RO systems to operate efficiently during peak sunlight hours, especially beneficial for remote areas with limited grid access. The long-term operational savings from reduced energy costs, estimated at 25-30%, and the creation of approximately 15,000 job opportunities are also emphasized. By reducing fossil fuel dependence, improving energy efficiency, providing off-grid solutions for remote areas, and offering scalable and sustainable desalination capacity, solar-powered RO systems align with the country's sustainability goals and economic interests. This paper provides robust evidence that Saudi Arabia must adopt sustainable water management strategies to balance economic growth with water resource sustainability. The study recommends enhancing RO technology with solar energy, improving public awareness programs, and investing in water-saving infrastructure. These recommendations aim to guide policymakers and stimulate further research into effective water management practices that support both economic and environmental sustainability. The results of the projections of future tourism water demand indicate that the water supply will need to increase significantly to meet the anticipated rise in tourist numbers by 2030. Domestic tourism is expected to increase from 16 million to 31 million tourists annually, necessitating an additional 0.75 km³ of water per year. International tourism is projected to grow from 1 million to 14 million tourists annually, requiring an additional 0.48 km³ of water per year. Combining these Fig.s, the total additional water demand due to tourism growth is estimated at 1.23 km³ annually, bringing the total predicted water demand to approximately 6.48 km³ per year by 2030, up from the current 5.25 km³. To meet this future demand, desalinated water production will need to increase by approximately 40%, from the current 1.95 km³ to 2.73 km³ annually. Groundwater extraction will also need to increase by about 20%, from 1.48 km³ to 1.78 km³ annually. Significant investments in water conservation and efficiency measures are necessary, including improving irrigation efficiency in agriculture, reducing water losses in distribution systems, and implementing water-saving technologies in hotels and tourism facilities. The increased water demand will also have economic implications, potentially increasing operational costs for water treatment and distribution by up to 25%. However, integrating renewable energy sources like solar power can offset some of these costs by reducing energy expenses by approximately 30%.23 0Item Restricted The Influence of Comprehensive Feasibility Analysis on the Success of Small and Medium- Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(University of International Business and Economics, 2024) Albogami, Seeta; Chen, SongSmall and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are widely recognized as the backbone of economies around the world, playing a crucial role in job creation, economic diversification, and innovation. Despite their significance, SMEs often face numerous challenges that hinder their success and growth. This is particularly true in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), where the economic landscape is undergoing significant transformations. In this context, understanding the factors that influence SME success becomes even more critical. One potentially powerful tool for enhancing SME success is the implementation of a comprehensive feasibility analysis. This analysis involves a systematic evaluation of a business idea across various domains, including market, technical, financial, and legal/regulatory aspects. By thoroughly assessing the viability of a business venture and identifying potential challenges, a comprehensive feasibility analysis can equip entrepreneurs with valuable insights to make informed decisions and increase their chances of success. This study explores how a thorough feasibility analysis impacts the success of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study seeks to investigate the correlation between this technique and several success measures, such as financial performance, growth rate, job creation, and economic contribution, in order to fill the current information gap. The examination will utilize a sample size of 60 SMEs that operate in diverse sectors within KSA. The autonomous variable in this study is the comprehensive feasibility analysis, while the dependent variable is the prosperity of SMEs. Success will be gauged through indicators such as financial performance, growth rate, job generation, and contribution to the economy. The research will employ both primary and secondary methods of data collection. The collection of primary data will be facilitated through the distribution of structured questionnaires among owners and managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). On the other hand, relevant literature, reports, and publications about SMEs and feasibility analysis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will serve as the sources of secondary data. Data analysis will involve using statistical techniques, such as regression analysis, to determine the relationship between a thorough feasibility investigation and the success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This research will provide vital insights into the importance of doing a thorough feasibility analysis for small and medium enterprises in Saudi Arabia and how it affects their overall success.22 0Item Restricted Optimizing HTGR Spherical Fuel Element Manufacture Technology through Dispersion Fuel Press Processing(Tsinghua University, 2024-06-25) Alqarni, Reem; Liu, BingThis thesis presents an in-depth analysis of the dispersion fuel press process for High- Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs), focusing on optimizing key parameters that influence the quality and performance of HTGR fuel elements. Through comprehensive simulations performed utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics(FEM), this study systematically investigates the effects of pressing pressure and TRISO-coated particle count on the stress during the pressing process of spherical fuel elements. The research is structured into two main phases. The first phase examines the impact of applying varying pressures (20 to 35 MPa) on graphite powder within a rubber mold, emphasizing the necessity of achieving uniform compaction and material integrity. The second phase extends the investigation to incorporating TRISO-coated particles, analyzing how varying counts of these particles (ranging from 8000 to 20000) affect stress distri- bution, displacement, and volumetric strain within the fuel spheres. These simulations provide critical insights into optimizing the dispersion fuel press process, highlighting the balance between pressure application and particle count for enhancing fuel element fabrication. Key findings reveal that precise control and uniform application of pressure are cru- cial for ensuring the desired compaction and structural integrity of fuel spheres. Moreover, the study demonstrates that an optimized distribution of TRISO particles significantly in- fluences the mechanical behavior and resilience of the fuel elements, offering pathways to improve fuel performance and reactor efficiency. The research outcomes contribute valuable guidelines for the design, optimization, and manufacturing of HTGR fuel ele- ments, proposing advancements that could enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of nuclear reactors. This thesis underscores the importance of meticulous parameter optimization in HTGR fuel fabrication, providing a foundation for future research and development in nuclear fuel technology. By advancing our understanding of the dispersion fuel press process, this work aims to contribute to the nuclear energy sector’s efforts to develop safer, more efficient, and sustainable reactors.1 0Item Restricted AN ANALYSIS ON THE PROBLEMS AND CAUSES OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT IN SAUDI AUTHORITIES FROM THE VIEW OF ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT AND JUSTICE(University of International Business and Economics, 2024-05-01) Aldawsari, Ohud; Chunrui, WangOrganizational work is an important factor that affects the performance of employees. This thesis takes government authorities as an example to analyze the influence of organizational mode on employee work performance, and then provides a basis for improving the work performance of employees in government authorities. This thesis first constructs the hypothesis and model between organizational style and employee work performance by combing through relevant concepts and theories. The second part analyzes the organizational methods of authority and the current situation of employee performance based on case studies, and sorts out some existing problems. A large amount of first-hand data were obtained through questionnaire survey and the organization mode of authority compounds and the work performance of employees was quantitatively studied. Organizational culture has become one of the topics that receives great attention in the fields of organizational behavior Human resources management is considered as one of the main determinants of the success or failure of organizations. It expresses the pattern of general behavior and rules of behavior that workers within the organization are convinced of and adopt in their dealings. It includes rituals and practices that are established over time to form ways of thinking and ways of doing work and adopting them. The decisions and the principle by which they work. It expresses the values and behaviors of employees that are felt by those dealing with the organization. The most important recommendations were the need to pay attention to the administrative polices adopted to keep pace with the aspirations and goals of employees and to be based on scientific and technical foundations and the participation of employees in developing policies related to improving performance. Finally, on the basis of summarizing the above issues, in view of the current situation of the staff performance of authority in Saudi Arabia, the thesis explores the interaction between organizational relationship and staff performance, and finally point out the corresponding improvement plan31 0Item Restricted Impact of Strategic Knowledge Management Practices on ERP Systems in Saudi Arabia Business Organizations(Hunan University, 2024-06-15) Baslom, Mohammed Majdy M; Shu, TongMany organizations are currently implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) to address their operational challenges. Despite its appeal, ERP implementation is fraught with obstacles and complications, particularly in developing nations. Recent studies indicate that the implementation of EM-ERP has significantly enhanced production, services, revenues, and employee well-being. Both developed and developing nations have witnessed the emergence of novel management levels and innovative concepts. The "Saudi Vision 2030" initiative is a significant national undertaking with substantial economic implications for Saudi Arabia. Knowledge management (KM) is assuming new, crucial responsibilities in advancing the industrial business environment, especially in the face of globalization and intense corporate competition. Organizations are increasingly focusing on the development and application of knowledge as a strategic asset. In 2017, the industrial sector contributed approximately 45% of Saudi Arabia's gross domestic product (GDP), a figure expected to rise as KM-ERP programs are integrated into Saudi business organizations, particularly in the manufacturing sector. This Dissertation investigates the critical factors influencing the adoption of ERP systems for effective KM in the Saudi Arabian manufacturing sector. The study aims to determine how KM can be utilized as a strategic resource to optimize ERP systems, consequently enhancing organizational competitiveness. Additionally, it assesses the role of support teams, providing a novel perspective on how human resources and team interactions can substantially influence ERP and KM processes. The integration of ERP systems and KM is essential for improving the performance, efficiency, and competitiveness of industrial businesses in Saudi Arabia. ERP systems automate and integrate business operations, including human resources, accounting, inventory, production, and sales. KM connects the generation, dissemination, and implementation of knowledge within an organization to achieve its goals. Thus, it is crucial for manufacturing companies to develop and implement contemporary strategies. Given the global impact of AI on research and implementation, expanding Saudi Arabia's research program is vital. By monitoring and analyzing data from machinery and shop floor processes, manufacturers can detect patterns to predict or prevent malfunctions. ERP systems are critical digital infrastructures that link operations throughout manufacturing enterprises. With the rapid development of AI capabilities, ERP platforms are poised for transformation. The integration of intelligent features can provide unprecedented connectivity, visibility, efficiency, and insight, revolutionizing the manufacturing sector in Saudi Arabia and enhancing the nation's economic status. This investigation achieves several essential contributions. First, it identifies critical factors influencing the success or failure of an ERP-KM environment within Saudi Arabian manufacturing organizations. The study focuses on organizational learning readiness, change management, ERP adoption scenarios, and KM methods used by Saudi enterprises. Second, it integrates information management and decision-making by examining knowledge alignment, collaboration, and communication. The study uses quantitative methods, including logistic regression and partial least squares SEM, followed by CFA and structural model assessment using Python. Third, it evaluates the impact of ERP and KM systems on support teams within business organizations, quantifying this impact with statistical metrics such as goodness of fit, R-squared, Chi-square, RMSEA, CFI, and TLI. The study identifies adoption barriers and explores how social, political, economic, and cultural factors influence KM and ERP implementation. Lastly, the research implements the PLS-SEM model and demonstrates that strategic business information distribution significantly impacts AI awareness in KM. It highlights the necessity of instruction and training in novel technologies and examines the role of learning environments and AI awareness in organizational structures. By exploring interdepartmental collaboration and information exchange, it provides a comprehensive perspective on organizational dynamics impacting ERP and KM systems. Incorporating strategic KM practices into the ERP systems of Saudi Arabian manufacturing companies will optimize ERP capabilities and reveal both financial and non-financial benefits. This Dissertation contributes to organizational learning readiness, change management, and technological adoption, providing insights into the optimization of ERP and KM systems in Saudi Arabia.23 0Item Restricted Evaluating the trends and determinants of patient experience in primary health care in Saudi Arabia(Tsinghua University, 2024-06-25) Alqarni, Waleed; Richardson, SolThe Saudi Arabian healthcare system, with its emphasis on primary health care (PHC) as the cornerstone of health service delivery, is undergoing significant transformations to enhance healthcare quality and accessibility. This study investigates patient satisfaction within PHCs across Saudi Arabia, recognizing its critical role in evaluating healthcare quality and informing policy and practice improvements. This thesis aims to explore the determinants of patient satisfaction in Saudi Arabian PHCs from January 2022 to December 2022. It seeks to identify overall satisfaction levels, analyse trends across various patient demographics and regions, and assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient satisfaction. The study employed a descriptive analysis approach, utilizing patient satisfaction surveys and multivariable regression analysis. Data were collected on patient satisfaction scores, demographics (age, gender, nationality), and different regions within PHCs. The study also examined the relationship between patient satisfaction and healthcare delivery aspects, such as provider communication, waiting times, empathy, and cleanliness of facilities. The findings indicate that patient satisfaction within Saudi PHCs varies significantly across different demographics and regions. Key factors influencing patient satisfaction include provider communication, waiting times, and facility cleanliness. The COVID-19 pandemic has also notably impacted patient satisfaction, reflecting the challenges, and we hypothesize that adjustments in healthcare delivery are the cause of change in satisfaction during this period. Understanding the key determinants of patient satisfaction in PHCs is essential for improving healthcare delivery in Saudi Arabia. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the identified factors influencing patient satisfaction. Enhancing the patient experience in PHCs can contribute to the overall improvement of the healthcare system in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 for health sector transformation.7 0Item Restricted Sting Active Vibration Control in Wind Tunnel(Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronaut, 2024) Ali, Faisal; Xing, Shen; Xing, ShenThe proposal examines the impact of active vibration control with feedback control to reduce or eliminate unwanted vibrations in a system actively with development and experimental evaluation. controlled separately by both PID and BP neural network and make comparisons by MATLAB software's. thorough Laboratory with vibrations in the sting can affect the accuracy and repeatability of the test results, so active vibration control can be used to improve the performance of the wind tunnel.14 0Item Restricted The Role of Neurovascular Formation in Dental Pulp Regeneration(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-12-27) Basabrain, Mohammed; Zhang, ChengfeiThe dental pulp is a highly vascularized and innervated connective tissue located within the root canal space, encased by impermeable root canal walls. These walls restrict blood supply via a single apical opening. In cases where pulp infection or inflammation arises due to caries, dental trauma, or operative procedures, it could develop into irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis. Traditionally, damaged pulp is removed and replaced with synthetic materials. Recently, regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) have been implemented clinically with a high success rate. However, histological assessments reveal that the newly formed tissue primarily comprises cellular cementum, osseous-like, and periodontal-like tissues rather than actual dentin/pulp complex. Pursuing innovative regenerative strategies to reproduce natural functional pulp-like tissue is crucial in endodontic research. Recognizing that neurovascular niches can incite mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation and differentiation and encourage their involvement in pulp tissue repair and regeneration, integrating angiogenesis/vasculogenesis and neurogenesis is advantageous for dental pulp regeneration. Stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) are recognized for their multipotency and ability to differentiate into neuronal, endothelial, and smooth muscle cells. These attributes make them a potential singular source of cells for pulp angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Therefore, the objectives of this project are to: (1) optimize methods for neuronal cell differentiation from SCAPs; (2) evaluate the neuroregenerative potential of neuronally induced SCAP (iSCAP) spheroids under various microenvironments in a pulp-on-chip system; (3) explore iSCAP spheres, human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs), and SCAPs interactions on neurogenesis and vasculogenesis. Three studies, accompanied by a scoping review, have been concluded. The initial study assessed whether forming 3D spheres could enhance SCAP neurogenic potential. The subsequent research used a pulp-on-chip system to explore the neuroregenerative potential of SCAP-derived neuronal cell spheroids under various microenvironments. The final study investigated the interactions between neuronally induced SCAP (iSCAP) spheres, SCAPs, and HUVECs, focusing on vasculogenesis and neurogenesis. From the scoping review, several conclusions were drawn: dental spheres possess great potential in neural regeneration; using multiple assays and associated characterizations provides a better understanding of the mechanism of sphere enhancement on dental stem cell neural differentiation; in vivo, studies are essential for validating the treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Our in vitro studies concluded that the formation of 3D spheres enhances the neurogenic potential of SCAPs, illustrating the benefits of using 3D SCAP spheres for treating neural diseases. Furthermore, local microenvironments play a critical role in regulating the neuroregenerative potential of SCAP-derived neuronal spheroids. Lastly, spheres formed by iSCAP interact with SCAPs and HUVECs, facilitating vasculogenesis and neurogenesis. In conclusion, SCAPs are a valuable source for neural regeneration. SCAP neural potentials could be enhanced by sphere formation and are meticulously regulated by the surrounding local microenvironments. Co-culturing iSCAP spheres with SCAPs and HUVECs could promote vasculogenesis and neurogenesis, which holds a promising potential for advancements in regenerative endodontics.27 0Item Restricted Study on Reducing Dioxide Carbon Emissions of Rubber from Modified Asphalt Materials(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-08-15) Alsharari, Fawaz; Fangyuan, GongThe construction of new asphalt pavements has resulted in the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. However, recent advancements have introduced products like Sasobit®, which can lower asphalt viscosity at lower temperatures compared to conventional mixtures. This temperature reduction has the potential to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the emissions reduction potential of warm mix asphalt (WMA) compared to hot mix asphalt (HMA) produced at higher temperatures, as well as to assess any improvements in material properties. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the economic benefits associated with producing mixtures at lower temperatures. To conduct the study, emissions testing was performed on pure asphalt and asphalt mixes. Samples of HMA and WMA were mixed and compacted to evaluate material properties. Three different mixes were tested: HMA with 7.3% asphalt, WMA with 7.3% asphalt and 1% Sasobit® (by mass of asphalt), and WMA with 6.8% asphalt and 1% Sasobit® (by mass of asphalt). Emission tests were carried out using Drager test equipment, including flasks, ovens, a Drager pump, and Drager tubes. The Drager pump required 10 full strokes to measure carbon dioxide (CO2), and the concentration of CO2 in parts per million (ppm) was indicated by the color change in the tube. Preliminary testing was conducted on emissions from pure asphalt to establish a testing procedure since no existing standards were available. The emissions testing involved approximately sixty grams of WMA and HMA asphalt mixtures, as well as approximately twenty-five grams of pure asphalt. The three asphalt mixtures were subjected to tests under controlled conditions and aged to evaluate their material properties according to standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. The tests included analysis of bulk specific gravity, theoretical maximum density, and indirect tensile strength to determine volumetric and mechanical properties. The volumetric properties assessed were the percentage of air voids, adsorption, and effective asphalt content. After comprehensive testing and analysis of the three asphalt mixes, it was concluded that the addition of Sasobit® as an additive in WMA yielded positive results. The changes in material properties led to stronger and more durable asphalt mixes, as well as an extended paving season. By incorporating Sasobit®, the production temperature of HMA could be lowered by 20°C, potentially resulting in a reduction of up to 43.9% in annual carbon dioxide emissions from the asphalt industry. This reduction VI encompasses emissions from both fuel usage and the asphalt materials used in hot mix asphalt production. Furthermore, the lower temperature requirement for Sasobit® asphalt mixes could generate energy cost savings exceeding $69 million. The environmental impact of utilizing Sasobit® asphalt mixes in the industry is significant. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions from asphalt mixing materials and production energy, it has the potential to contribute to the improvement of the Earth's atmosphere. The study estimated that annually, the use of Sasobit® could prevent 3.774 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions from asphalt mixing materials and production energy. Over a span of ten years, this would amount to preventing 37.74 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. It is crucial for the asphalt industry to prioritize its environmental impact, and the incorporation of Sasobit® into asphalt mixes represents a promising step in that direction3 0