SACM - United Kingdom
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9667
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Item Restricted Effect of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels on G Protein- Coupled Receptors (GPCRS).(University of Nottingham, 2024) Kotbi, Maryah; Canals, MeritxellPain and nociception are two closely related terms that almost affect us all at one point in our lives. Nociceptors are nerve fibers that conduct pain, on these nociceptors we have different G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) such as opioid receptors and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels such as TRPV1 and TRPA1. These receptors and channels are co-expressed in some areas of the body and this project studies the effect of these two TRP channels on the function of opioid receptors. In this project, a BRET (bioluminescence resonance energy transfer) assay was used to detect the protein-protein interaction between the four opioid receptor subtypes and -arrestin2 (Arr3). The findings of this study is that when TRP channels are activated they inhibit the recruitment of Arr3 to the opioid receptor. This will lead to desensitization occurring at a lesser rate and thus may prevent tolerance and addiction to opioids. Understanding the detailed mechanism of how this happens might lead to many advancements in pain management and to understand how GPCRs are affected by TRP channels in more detail.10 0Item Restricted A drone concept for autonomous water sampling operations(Cranfield Univeristy, 2024-08) Alarifi, Nawaf; Zolotas, Argyrios; Ignatyev, DmitryThis thesis focuses on the design and study of a drone for autonomous water sampling operations motivated by the challenges of the traditional water sampling technique. This research is based on developing a mechanism for water sampling integrated into an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) responsible for producing samples from required depths, while contamination risks are minimized. The review of various sampling mechanisms in the available literature on water sampling technologies, and UAV applications, is holistic, touching on both the advantages and the shortcomings of each. Design work will comprise of the conceptualization of a novel water sampling system that will allow for self-opening and self-closing methodologies towards improved operation efficiency and the mitigation of operating complexity. Considering the detailed mathematical modelling and the material selection process ensures standards in durability and prevention of contamination. Material selection is one of the main factors in the problem encountered, and PTFE is observed to suit best among all calming agents because of its excellent chemical resistance and inertness. The flight controller, navigation, sensors, telemetry modules, and suchlike are carefully selected so that the drone sub-systems can be expressed to the highest capability even under harsh environmental capabilities and different weather conditions. The final design is validated by the theoretical calculations and simulations with the software eCalc, thus assuring the essence of reliable and effective water-sampling missions while having a flight time of around 35 minutes. A comparative analysis of both approaches to traditional boat-based sampling techniques shows that while the UAV-based approach is slightly pricier per sample, it gains the competitive edge in time efficiency and lesser environmental impact. The results show that UAVs are a potential, innovative solution to repetitive, on-demand, reconnaissance and autonomous water sampling, at remote or hazardous locations.4 0Item Restricted Integrating Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Sustainable Project Management(University of Exeter, 2024-07-04) Alqurashi, Abdullah; Roman, Jose MelenezSustainable project management encompassed the economic, environmental, and social aspects of a project to attain the project objectives in a sustainable manner. Nonetheless, the integration of AI technologies in sustainable project management was still low due to factors like inadequate knowledge of technical know-how, costs of implementing AI technologies, and resistance from the project team. This research aimed to identify the factors that hinder the application of AI in project management for sustainable practices and provided recommendations for enhanced application. The research sought to understand the status of AI adoption, challenges faced, and the impact of knowledge management practices on project performance based on the survey of 40 professionals in Saudi Arabia. The findings of this research enhanced the theoretical understanding of the topic by identifying that the level of awareness of AI is much higher than the level of its adoption. The research results show that although the level of awareness of AI technologies is relatively high, the implementation of the technologies is limited because of technical, financial, and organizational constraints. This research has also highlighted how knowledge management practice can be used to close this gap which can enhance increase in project performance, reduce costs and promote innovation. The research provided practical recommendations for organizations interested in using AI for sustainability and following best practices on a global level and in alignment with the vision of Saudi Arabia for the future. When applying these recommendations, professionals will be able to increase project efficiency, reduce costs, and promote innovation which contributes to sustainable development goals. This research presents a conceptual model that outlines how AI technologies can be applied in sustainable project management, fostering innovation and sustainable development. The research also highlights the necessity for future research to delve deeper into developing actionable frameworks and practical strategies for integrating AI into sustainable project management.9 0Item Restricted Evaluating the Long-Term Influence of Culture-Led Regeneration on Civic Pride, Community Cohesion, and Social and Economic Inequalities: The Case of Hull(Cardiff university, 2024) Albalawi, Najat; Thomas, SmithABSTRACT Hull, a historically industrial city, has faced significant socio-economic decline and territorial stigmatization in recent decades. In response to these challenges, the city was designated as the UK City of Culture in 2017, an initiative aimed at revitalizing the local economy, enhancing civic pride, and fostering community cohesion through cultural investment. While the event year saw an increase in tourism, local engagement, and economic activity, questions remain about the initiative’s long-term impact. This dissertation explores the sustainability of the positive changes resulting from the Hull UK City of Culture 2017 initiative, with a focus on how it influenced civic pride, community cohesion, and socio-economic inequalities. Using a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative interviews and document analysis, the research critically examines whether the benefits of the cultural initiative have been sustained in the years following 2017. This dissertation concludes that while the Hull UK City of Culture 2017 brought short-term benefits to the city, it has fallen short in addressing deeper structural issues. The study highlights the importance of ongoing investment and long-term strategies to ensure the sustainability of culture-led regeneration in post-industrial cities like Hull.12 0Item Restricted Walking the Talk: Bridging Policy and Reality in Urban Walkability(University College London, 2024-09) Fatany, Sarah Waddah; Cavoli, ClemenceThis study explores the policy-reality gaps in improving walkability in the cities of Freetown and Maputo, with a focus on informal settlement communities. The study employs a qualitative approach in analysing policy documents and interview transcripts with residents and other stakeholders to try shape the understanding of the lived experience with walking. The findings reveal a huge contrast between policy intentions and the lived realities in informal settlements. The extent of acknowledging walking as a legitimate mode of transport is frustratingly low, despite walking being the most used form of mobility. The little attention given to walkability in both cities also fail to translate into tangible improvements in overall safety, accessibility, and pleasurability experiences of pedestrians. While policies acknowledge the lack of safety and access for pedestrians, they fail to acknowledge the comfort and ease of walking for pedestrians. The study highlights the marginalization of the urban poor communities that rely on walking as a mode to access services, jobs, and other opportunities. Calling for a shift in policymaking to prioritize pedestrian needs first. Which acts as an equalizing mode, contributing to reducing inequalities.3 0Item Restricted Terrorism and Border Security in Saudi Arabia: Evaluating Criminological Strategies to Counter Cross-Border Terrorism(University of Sussex, 2024-09) Alsaqoor, Nasser; McGuinness, PaulThe following research describes the grand strategy that Saudi Arabia has adopted to protect its borders from emerging threats in the Middle East and to deter terrorism. The efficiency of such strategies will be judged based on their financial investment, advanced technologies engaged, and international cooperation. This study will employ a mixed-method approach, relying both on quantitative data from official reports and institutional databases and qualitative insights from expert interviews, case studies, and document analysis. Results indicate that the state of Saudi Arabia has been successful in its security at the borders, where terrorist activities greatly reduce due to huge technological investments, such as drones and biometric systems, artificial intelligence, which increase the levels of surveillance and rate of response, thus drastically reducing the level of illegal border crossing attempts and terrorist incidents. Furthermore, an active member of the international coalitions in which Saudi Arabia participates is the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS and the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, which are two coalitions in which Saudi Arabia heavily participates. The research acknowledges ongoing challenges, including the need for greater flexibility in adapting to a rapidly changing geopolitical environment and continuous threats from the Yemen conflict. Despite these challenges, Saudi Arabia has achieved considerable success, though maintaining and enhancing its security infrastructure will require ongoing investment in technological innovation, deeper international collaboration, and attention to socio-economic development in border areas. This study provides valuable insights into Saudi Arabia's border security and counter-terrorism strategies, offering lessons applicable to other countries facing similar security challenges.18 0Item Restricted The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Critical Care Unit Nurses: A Systematic Review of the Literature on Reported Levels of Psychological Stress(Queen’s University Belfast, 2024-09-10) Albishi, Areej; Hughes, ColinThe COVID-19 pandemic has put immense pressure on critical care units, with nurses facing severe psychological strain. ICU nurses have endured extreme conditions, including high patient mortality, resource shortages, and fear of infection, all intensifying their stress. This review analyses the pandemic's psychological impact on critical care nurses, highlighting the stressors, mental health effects, and broader implications for healthcare. It offers insights into the challenges faced and suggests strategies to support nurses' mental well-being in future health crises. Topic: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Critical Care Nurses: A Systematic Review of Reported Psychological Stress Levels. Methodology: A literature review search was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and PsycINFO. Quality was analysed using the tool of Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Results: Nine studies were included, revealing the intense emotional and psychological strain endured by ICU nurses during the pandemic. They experienced heightened anxiety, fear, and moral distress, driven by fear of infection, heavy workloads, and frequent patient deaths. Ethical dilemmas exacerbated their stress, leading to burnout and impaired decision-making. Nurses also faced emotional exhaustion. Addressing these psychological burdens is crucial for supporting nurses' mental health in future public health crises. Conclusion: The review highlights the severe emotional and psychological strain experienced by ICU nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to burnout and diminished care quality. Enhanced mental health support, clearer ethical guidelines, and improved working conditions are vital to safeguarding nurses' well-being in future crises.6 0Item Restricted Exploring How Social Media Advertising Shape Cultural Saudi Identity in Saudi Arabia(University of Sheffield, 2024-08-29) Alaydaa, Sarah; Ogunmuyiwa, HakeemInvestigating how social media advertising shapes Saudi cultural identity is the goal of this study. The research reviewed the previous studies that conducted in the last decade to derive its results and conclusions. Social media platforms have fundamentally changed how people interact and communicate. Thus it's important to understand how these virtual social phenomena are affecting our feelings and ideas about ourselves and each other. Finding out how social media advertising affects cultural identity in a good and bad way is the goal of the research. The benefits can be seen in the freedom to engage with others, pick up new information, and deal with the outside world, as well as in the education of other people about their cultures. The negative consequences could manifest as a person adopting Western values, breaking free from the dominant social norms, or acquiring values and customs that are incompatible with Arab culture. Thus, the researcher thinks that the social media has positive effects on cultural identity and on society.3 0Item Restricted The Impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Factors on Firm Financial Performance: An Empirical Study of Non-Financial Constituents of the S&P 500(University of Liverpool, 2024-09) Fallatah, Ahmed Zaki; Giorgioni, GianluigiAbstract This study empirically examines the influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors on financial performance of non-financial firms listed on the S&P 500. It analyzes data for 425 firms over the period from 2010 to 2023. This research study apply panel data analysis using Generalized Least Squares (GLS) Regression and reveals a significant and positive relationship between overall ESG scores and Corporate financial performance metrics, Return on Equity, Return on Assets and Tobin's Q for current S&P 500 firms. For the firms that were removed from the index, while ESG scores significantly enhance Tobin's Q in terms of market evaluation and their impact on financial measurement is less pronounced. The analysis highlights that environmental scores influence financial outcomes across both current and dropped firms. Social scores positively affect financial performance in current firms but show limited impact for firms removed from the index. Governance scores appear to have a more nuanced impact, suggesting that good governance alone may not be enough to differentiate performance among firms. The study shows the importance of robust ESG practices, particularly in environmental and social pillars, for enhancing corporate financial success and market valuation. The firm’s market position and financial health may influence the relationship between ESG factors and immediate financial returns. The research shows that ESG investments can boost a market position of company and resilience and their direct impact on immediate financial returns can vary depending on the company’s financial health and market status. Therefore, this study reveals the complex relationship between ESG practices and financial performance. The findings provide useful valuable insights for business leaders, investors, and policymakers looking to align ESG practices with financial goals and foster sustainable, long-term growth.36 0Item Restricted ANALYSIS AND VALUATION OF CONVEX SETS(UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER, 2024) Alrashidi, Amal; Montaldi, JamesThis dissertation explores the valuation of convex sets in Euclidean space. Starting with the Steiner formula, which provides a basis for studying mixed volumes, it pro ceeds to prove Groemer‘s integral theorem, showing how valuations extend within convex sets. The final chapter focuses on Hadwiger‘s theorem and its applications to projections and Grassmannians, offering insights into intrinsic volumes and their geo metric significance. These findings contribute to a clearer understanding of valuation theory in convex geometry.6 0