SACM - United Kingdom
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9667
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Item 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.31 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 0Item Restricted Saudi EFL Teachers’ Journeys of Hope: A Case Study(University of Leeds, 2024) Alsulaiman, Raghad; Conlon, ErinAs an emotion, hope seems to play a critical role in the field of education. However, much of the research up to now has been preoccupied with the emotions of students, rather than teachers; and the Saudi Arabian context is not an exception. This study thus sought to fill this literature gap by exploring the hope journeys of Saudi EFL teachers. Using a qualitative collective case study design, I recruited four female Saudi EFL university-level teachers for the study. Open-ended surveys and semi-structured interviews were used in generating data from these participants, while reflexive thematic analysis was used in the data analysis. The first set of findings suggested that the nature of hope is complex, with participants defining it in relation to emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and visual dimensions. The second set of findings showed that participants had internal, external, and interpersonal sources of hope they found in their teaching journeys. The third set of findings focused on the unique ways in which participants plan to cultivate and generate hope as they move forward in their journeys. The findings provided an important opportunity to advance our knowledge and understanding of the rarely investigated area of study, namely Saudi EFL teachers’ hope. The study thus holds important implications in the area, especially for interested teachers.4 0Item Restricted The Role of NF-κB Acetylation in Microglial Activation: Implications for Therapeutic Targeting in Neuroinflammation.(University Of Leeds, 2024-09) Algaradah, Salma; Wood, IanNeuroinflammation is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases, largely driven by microglial activation. This study investigates the role of Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) acetylation, specifically at the lysine residues K122 and K314 in regulating microglial activity and its potential as a therapeutic target in neuroinflammatory conditions. Using wild-type and mutant NF-κB constructs, the impact of acetylation on nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of NF-κB was analysed, with a focus on Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid (SAHA), a histone deactylase inhibitor (HDACi). The findings indicate that acetylation at K314 is crucial for NF-κB’s nuclear retention and pro-inflammatory transcriptional activity, while K122 plays a lesser role. The K314Q mutant exhibited enhanced nuclear retention under inflammatory stimuli, whereas the K314R mutant was resistant to the effects of SAHA. These results highlight the importance of K314 acetylation in modulating NF-κB’s role in inflammation and suggest that HDACis like SAHA could be explored for targeted therapeutic interventions in neuroinflammation, particularly by modulating specific acetylation sites.11 0Item Restricted Perovskite Polycrystalline Direct Radation Detectors(University of Surrey, 2024) Alghamdi, Suad Saeed; Sellin, PaulThis thesis discusses the interaction of radiation with matter and the characterisation of advanced radiation detectors, focusing on the use of perovskite materials, specifically FAPbBr3 polycrystal- line, in the field of X-ray detection. The research begins with a comprehensive review of the main principles of radiation interaction with matter, including X-ray interactions such as Compton scat- tering, the photoelectric effect, and Rayleigh scattering. Basic concepts in radiation dosimetry and charge carrier transport in semiconductor materials are also discussed, providing a foundation for understanding the behaviour of semiconductor radiation detectors. The properties and synthesis of perovskite materials are examined, discussing various methods of synthesising polycrystalline perovskite materials, such as inverse temperature crystallisation, low-temperature crystallisation, and heating-assisted solvent evaporation. Different techniques to enhance perovskite detector per- formance, such as hot pressing, surface passivation, and mixing 2D and 3D perovskite structures, are also discussed. The experimental methodology for fabricating and characterising FAPbBr3 detectors is detailed, including FAPbBr3 synthesis, grinding methods to create powder, device fab- rication, and gold contact deposition. Different characterisation techniques were employed, such as photoluminescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy, to analyse FAPbBr3 properties and device performance. Significant findings on optimising the performance of FAPbBr3 pellets in the radiation detection field are presented, focus- ing on the impact of different pressures, grinding methods, environmental impact, annealing, and hot-pressing impact. Key performance evaluations include electrical resistivity and behaviour, pho- toluminescence properties, and X-ray sensitivity. The impact of lead acetate addition to FAPbBr3 during fabrication and the application of guard rings to enhance device performance are also ex- plored. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the key findings, limitations, and potential future studies to develop and improve the performance of radiation detection. The project demonstrates the promising potential of FAPbBr3 devices for advanced X-ray detection applications, highlighting areas of further study and research to optimise the performance of high-performance radiation detectors. After conducting the research, it has been found that the ideal thickness for FAPbBr3 pellets for radiation detection is 1 mm. A pressing time of 5 minutes and applying higher pressures resulted in better outcomes. Annealing significantly improved the overall detector quality, enhancing sensitivity. Additionally, including lead acetate helped decrease dark current, further optimising the device’s performance for efficient radiation detection. These findings provide a clear pathway for creating high-performance FAPbBr3-based radiation detectors.8 0Item Restricted A Comparative Analysis of CVD and MSK Comorbidities in Usual COPD and AATD-COPD(University of Birmingham, 2024-08) Mousa, Hatim Hammad; Michael, NewnhamBackground: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-related COPD (AATD-COPD) are complex conditions associated with cardiovascular (CVD) and musculoskeletal (MSK) comorbidities, which exacerbate the severity of the disease and impact patient outcomes. Despite their clinical relevance, the prevalence and impact of these comorbidities in AATD-COPD compared to usual COPD have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to address this gap by comparing the prevalence of CVD and MSK comorbidities in these two COPD populations to improve treatment approaches and patient care. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis utilised data from the INTEGR-COPD trial and the Birmingham Alpha-1 cohort to compare the prevalence of CVD and MSK comorbidities in patients with usual COPD and AATD-COPD. Baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and pulmonary exacerbations were analysed. Non-parametric tests, including chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests, were employed to compare categorical and continuous variables across the cohorts, respectively. Results: The study analysed 1,663 usual COPD and 754 AATD-COPD patients. CVD comorbidities were more prevalent in usual COPD (52.50%) than AATD-COPD (30.11%) (p < 0.001). Similarly, MSK comorbidities were more prevalent in usual COPD (30.07%) compared to AATD-COPD (11.41%) (p < 0.001). AATD-COPD patients were younger, had better lung function, and reported higher dyspnoea scores. Smoking status varied significantly, with higher current smokers in the usual COPD cohort. Pulmonary exacerbations were significantly more frequent in usual COPD patients with CVD than in AATD-COPD patients (p = 0.0011). Conclusion: This study highlights that usual COPD patients exhibit a higher prevalence of CVD and MSK comorbidities. Additionally, they tend to be older and have worse pulmonary outcomes compared to patients with AATD-COPD, who experience more severe dyspnoea. These findings emphasise the need for tailored clinical management approaches for both populations. Further research should explore the mechanisms and interventions to mitigate these comorbidities and improve patient outcomes.4 0Item Restricted The impact of e-HRM practices on employee satisfaction in telecommunications companies in Saudi Arabia(Aston University, 2024-09) Alkhathami, Abdullah Halsan; Zedias, MutemaIn the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry in Saudi Arabia, where companies continue to push the technological envelope, it is essential that a progressive approach to human resource management be deployed. The implementation of electronic Human Resource Management (e-HRM) practices is a key strategy for telecom companies like STC, Zain, and Mobily to manage their workforce efficiently and contribute to their strategic objectives. This research study investigated the impact of e-HRM practices on employee satisfaction within the Saudi Arabian telecom sector. A quantitative approach, comprising a questionnaire survey, was employed to gather comprehensive insights from 113 participants. The findings revealed that telecom companies have adopted a range of e-HRM components, including e-recruitment, e-performance management, and e-learning, with varying degrees of implementation. The study also identified moderate levels of overall employee satisfaction, with key determinants such as organisational support, work-life balance, and compensation. Importantly, the research established a strong positive correlation between the effectiveness of e-HRM practices and employee satisfaction, supported by theoretical frameworks like the Technology Acceptance Model and Social Exchange Theory. The implications of this study offer valuable insights for telecom companies and HR practitioners in designing and deploying e-HRM systems that enhance employee satisfaction and drive organisational performance.7 0Item Restricted Delivering a carbon net zero NHS at UCLH through more sustainable inhaler prescribing in the trust(University College London, 2024) Aldosari, Bodour; Roy, KayBackground Climate change, driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, significantly impacts global health. The National Health Service (NHS) is committed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, targeting reductions in healthcare-related emissions, including those from respiratory inhalers. Short acting beta agonist (SABA) are major contributors to the NHS’s carbon footprint due to their propellant gases. The North Central London has set key performance indicators to increase the use of lower-carbon inhalers. This project aims to primarily optimize asthma care within University College London Hospital (UCLH) by implementing sustainable inhaler prescribing practices in the emergency department (ED) and acute medical unit (AMU), aligning with these environmental goals. Methods Inhaler-sustainability champions delivered a regular education programme with interval performance of prescribing reported, following BTS-asthma 4 and surveys evaluating staff confidence pre- and post-training. Carbon footprint in NCL was calculated at community practice level and department level within UCLH to identify where more attention required. Teaching supported good disease management through prescribing of inhaled steroids and reduction in Salbutamol over-reliance with effective inhaler technique and adherence checks. We collected data pre and post interventions such as teaching to assess the impact of the educational interventions on clinical practice. Results There was an 18% and 40% reduction in SABA prescriptions in the ED and AMU respectively, cutting down carbon emissions by over 1,640 kg. Maintenance and reliever therapy prescriptions increased by 8.6% and 48% in ED and AMU, respectively. The Asthma 4 bundle application improved in the AMU. A staff surveys revealed overall improvement in knowledge and understanding after the educational intervention. Conclusion The implementation of sustainable inhaler prescribing practices in the ED and AMU at UCLH has led to a reduction in carbon emissions and improvements in clinical practice. Additionally, the educational interventions resulted in enhanced staff knowledge and understanding around optimal asthma care. These outcomes highlight the potential for such quality improvement initiatives in achieving both clinical excellence and environmental sustainability within healthcare settings1 0Item Restricted Large-System Transformation in Healthcare and the Roles of Senior Leaders: A Case Study from Saudi Arabia(University of Manchester, 2024) Bawhab, Omar; Nelson, Adrian; Coleman, Anna; Mahon, AnnThe implementation of large-system transformation in healthcare is complex and multi-faceted, requiring effective leadership at all levels, particularly from senior leaders. However, there is limited conceptual clarity around large-system transformations in healthcare and the roles senior leaders play in driving such transformations, especially in a non-Western context. This thesis addresses these knowledge gaps by exploring senior leaders' perceptions of large-system transformation and their role in its implementation in Saudi Arabia. Using a qualitative single case study design, this research gathered insights from 22 senior leaders at national and regional levels of the Saudi healthcare system through semi-structured interviews. The study employed an inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach, guided by the Health System Dynamics Framework, sensemaking theory, and systems leadership perspectives. Two conceptual frameworks were developed: one delineating ten key components of large-system transformation in healthcare, and another outlining seven critical roles of senior leaders during such transformations, six categories of enablers, and eight types of challenges. The large-system transformation framework highlights the interconnected nature of contextual triggers, climate for change, vision, leadership, governance, actors, resources, processes, social forces (e.g., resistance to change), and information flow. The senior leaders’ roles, enablers, and challenges framework emphasizes leaders' responsibilities in creating a climate for change, communicating and learning, managing resources, engaging stakeholders, setting strategic direction, managing social dynamics, and developing key leadership attributes. The framework also indicates multiple enablers and challenges relevant to the roles of senior leaders, providing a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in healthcare system transformations. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of large-system transformation in healthcare and senior leaders' roles, enablers, and challenges, particularly in a non-Western context. It offers practical implications for healthcare leaders and policymakers engaged in system-wide transformations. Future research directions are suggested to further validate and expand upon these findings.12 0Item Restricted A techno-economic assessment of centralized vs. distributed aerospace manufacturing systems(Cranfield University, 2024-09) Alshurafa, Majid Makki; Haddad, YousefThis thesis provides a comprehensive techno-economic assessment comparing centralized and distributed aerospace manufacturing systems, with a focus on the use of additive manufacturing (AM) for producing turbine blades in aircraft engines. The study reveals that centralized manufacturing results in a higher cost per part at $463.97, largely due to logistics expenses, but offers greater financial stability with a positive NPV of $5 million. On the other hand, distributed manufacturing achieves a lower cost per part at $334.60 by eliminating logistics costs. Initially, this approach showed a negative NPV; however, after price adjustments, the distributed system could reach a significantly higher NPV of $38 million. Despite these cost benefits, distributed manufacturing carries higher financial risks due to its sensitivity to material cost fluctuations. These findings highlight the trade-offs between the operational stability of centralized systems and the potential cost efficiency of distributed systems when leveraging AM technology15 0