Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Genericity acquisition by Arabic-speaking learners of English: an intervention study(University of Southampton, 2025) Jallalah, Manal; Slabakova, Roumyana; Hicks, GlynGenericity, a universal semantic property, encodes complex form-meaning mappings. Learning genericity in a second language (L2) is challenging due to the nature of mapping the semantic meanings and their morphophonological expression, as well as the learner's native language (L1) and the L1-L2 crosslinguistic differences. The literature suggests that Generative Second Language Acquisition findings can be beneficial for the L2 classroom and, therefore, call for bridging the gap between GenSLA and L2 instruction by applying SLA findings in the L2 classroom (Slabakova, 2019; Whong et al., 2014; Marsden, 2018; Ionin & Montrul, 2023). This thesis seeks to contribute to bridging this gap by investigating the effect of addressing the learnability concerns predicted by acquisition research through instruction on the acquisition of genericity by Arabic–speaking learners of English in a classroom context, within the framework of the Feature Reassembly Hypothesis (FRH) (Lardiere, 2009) and Slabakova's (2009) cline of difficulty and Bottleneck Hypothesis. To this end, it conducts a cross-linguistic analysis of how genericity works in English and Modern Standard Arabic in preparation for predicting the difficulty that Arabic-speaking learners of English may face. Then, it tests how teaching intervention informed by SLA findings can affect learning generic form-meaning mappings in characterising and kind generic meanings. This thesis predicts that mapping indefinite singulars and bare plurals onto characterising generics is challenging and that L2 learners will use the L1 form-meaning mappings with this meaning. Also, it predicts that the participants may face similar challenges in mapping bare plurals onto kind generic meanings. Mapping definite singulars onto kind generics is predicted to be less challenging in light of the similarity between the L2 learners’ L1 and L2 in this condition. Finally, instruction is predicted to support the L2 learners’ acquisition of generic form-meaning mappings. This thesis follows an intervention study design to test these predictions with a pretest, intervention, post-test and delayed post-test. The study included two groups of low-intermediate L2 learners divided into experimental and comparison groups (total n = 64), and a native control group who provided a baseline (n = 20). The experimental group received instruction on genericity for eight weeks. The study tasks included a written elicited production task, an acceptability judgement task with contexts, and a forced-choice task. The pre-test results revealed that Arabic–speaking learners find the generic form-meaning mappings challenging even when mapping definite singulars to kind generic meaning where the L1 and L2 are similar. The immediate post-test results revealed a significant improvement in the experimental group’s mappings of bare plurals to both generic meanings and mapping definite singulars onto kind generic meaning. However, even after instruction, mapping indefinite singulars to characterising generics remained challenging for the experimental group. The comparison group did not show improvement in all conditions in the post-test. The experimental group maintained the improvement in mapping bare plural to kind generic meaning in the three tasks after being tested twelve weeks later. This study suggests that explicit instruction that considers the reassembly requirement in a learning context in depth and maximises the L2 learners’ engagement with input through practice might positively impact feature reassembly in L2 learning. The results support FRH and BH and highlight the benefit of using SLA findings in operationalising instruction to support L2 acquisition in the L2 classroom-based acquisition context.5 0Item Restricted The Ianguage Attitudes of Saudi Arabic Speakers Towards the Speech of Other Major Vernacular Varieties of Arabic(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-03-03) Albogami, Haitham; Griffiths, MarkLanguage attitudes research in Saudi Arabia is in its early stages, and rarely goes beyond the boundaries of Saudi Arabia. There remains a gap in our knowledge of Saudis' attitudes towards non-Saudi dialects. This study examines Saudi Arabic speakers’ attitudes toward the speech of five major vernacular varieties of Arabic: Gulf, Iraqi, Levantine, Egyptian, and Maghrebi. The findings revealed a clear hierarchy of attitudes. Gulf Arabic was rated the highest across most labels, while Maghrebi Arabic was the lowest. Iraqi, Levantine and Egyptian competed in the middle spots, with an association of humour and closeness to MSA with Egyptian and Levantine Arabic respectively. Using a verbal guise technique (VGT) combined with a semantic differential scale and ranking tasks, this study collected and analysed quantitative and qualitative data from Saudi participants. The results suggested that attitudes toward these dialects are influenced by a combination of linguistic, sociopolitical, and cultural factors. Exploratory Factor Analyses were conducted on the five speakers, revealing five different dimensional models. These factor structures uncovered patterns of attitudes, offering a deeper look into stereotypes associated with the five varieties. By integrating culture-specific constructs (e.g., Sadr al-Majlis as a social status indicator), this study highlights the need for culture-appropriate instruments in language attitudes research. The findings highlight how media, cultural proximity, and stereotypes shape these attitudes.2 0Item Restricted Exploring Physiotherapists' Perceptions and Practices in the Use of Psychological Interventions in Sports Rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia: A Survey Study(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-02-24) Alharbi, Abdulelah; Knott, SianBackground: Sports injuries impact athletes both physically and psychologically, causing issues like anxiety, depression, and fear of re-injury. Incorporating psychological interventions and emotional support in rehabilitation enhances recovery outcomes. Physiotherapists, due to their close interaction with athletes, play a key role in addressing these psychological aspects and providing comprehensive care. Aim of the study: Explore the psychological interventions in sports injury rehabilitation among physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia, focusing on their practices, perceptions, and referral behaviours. Design: A quantitative descriptive survey study. Methods: This study included 160 physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia, with 53.8% (n = 86) males and 46.3% (n = 74) females. The Physiotherapist and Sport Psychology Questionnaire (PSPQ) was distributed through social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn, between 29 October 2024 and 29 November 2024. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: A total of 18.1% of physiotherapists reported "always" observing psychological impacts on athletes following injuries, with 36.3% observing this "often." Over half (53.8%) of physiotherapists rated addressing the psychological aspects of injuries as "extremely important." Athletes who coped successfully with injuries were commonly characterized by "realistic expectations" (M = 5.04, SD = 2.260) and "patience with themselves" (M = 5.00, SD = 2.226). In contrast, poor coping was associated with traits such as "anger/aggression" (M = 5.54, SD = 2.166) and "poor concentration" (M = 5.07, SD = 2.108). Among the most frequently employed techniques were “encouraging effective communication” (M = 4.40, SD = 0.841), “enhancing self-confidence” (M = 4.29, SD = 0.908), and “setting short-term goals” (M = 4.26, SD = 0.894), all of which were described as "always used." Additionally, the techniques physiotherapists most valued for further development included “setting realistic goals” (M = 4.40, SD = 0.841) and “enhancing self-confidence” (M = 4.29, SD = 0.908). Despite this, 85.6% lacked access to sports psychologists, 80% had never referred athletes, and 89.4% reported an absence of referral guidelines. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant psychological impact of injuries on athletes, as observed by physiotherapists. Physiotherapists demonstrated a high awareness of the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of rehabilitation. Skills such as “setting realistic goals” and “enhancing self-confidence” were identified as the most valued techniques for both current use and further learning. However, the lack of access to sports psychologists and the absence of formal referral guidelines remain major barriers, with most physiotherapists reporting no referrals or collaboration with psychologists. These findings emphasize the urgent need to integrate psychological support into sports injury rehabilitation to improve outcomes for athletes.2 0Item Restricted Understanding and Predicting the Behavioural Evolution of Promotional Spambots on Social Media(University of Birmingham, 2025-05-15) Alzahrani, Ohoud; Hendleym BobSocial media bots are rapidly evolving, rendering traditional detection tools increasingly ineffective as these bots adapt their strategies. This research introduces a dynamic and predictive framework for modelling the behavioural evolution of online promotional spambots. Inspired by biological DNA, bot activities are encoded into behavioural sequences, with each block capturing seven distinct post-level features. Techniques such as sequence alignment, cosine similarity, and hierarchical clustering are used to group bots into behaviourally similar “families.” These families serve as the foundation for identifying behavioural mutations—insertions, deletions, substitutions, and alterations—that signal adaptive strategy changes. The model evaluates how these mutations propagate within and across bot families and investigates their predictive power through mutation transfer analysis and an event-driven case study. Results show that bots within the same family are significantly more likely to share and adopt behavioural mutations than those from different families. Closely related bots achieved high precision and F1 scores (up to 0.97) in mutation transfer prediction. These findings support the feasibility of a behavioural evolution model as a scalable, interpretable, and adaptive tool for anticipating future bot activity and offering a proactive approach to combating evolving threats on social media platforms.1 0Item Restricted Safeguarding Intangible Heritage in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Strategies for Al-Qatt Art in the Asir region.(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Mohdher, Hadeel Talal; Katapidi, IoannaAl-Qatt art is an ancient art form considered as a key element of the identity of the region of Asir and it is a vibrant expression of the cultural heritage of the Asir region in Saudi Arabia, has historically faced challenges in its safeguarding and promotion. This thesis explores the complexities surrounding Al-Qatt art, utilising social practice theory and a qualitative research approach to understand and address these challenges. The primary aim is to develop the contextual framework for protecting the authenticity of intangible cultural heritage, specifically focusing on Al-Qatt art. The research aims to explore the issues, barriers, and enablers surrounding this art form, and to propose comprehensive guidelines for its protection and promotion. The research adopts a case study approach with purposive sampling, focusing on Al-Qatt art practitioners and stakeholders, using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis for data collection and analysis. The study is grounded in the principles of social practice theory, exploring the interplay of meanings, materials, and competencies in the context of Al-Qatt art. This thesis contributes to the theoretical discourse on cultural heritage by providing a nuanced understanding of Al-Qatt art through social practice theory, highlighting gendered cultural heritage dynamics, and extending the theory's application to cultural heritage safeguarding. The research suggests practical strategies for the enhancement of cultural tourism, digital promotion of Al-Qatt art, and community engagement. It calls for institutional support to nurture and market Al-Qatt art, enhancing its economic viability. The thesis underscores the dynamic nature of cultural heritage and the need for adaptation and innovation to ensure its sustainability. As a female researcher from the Asir region, my personal connection to the subject has enriched the research, making it a scholarly pursuit and a testament to the enduring legacy of Al-Qatt art.2 0Item Restricted The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Project Management: A Case Study of (Saudi Aramco)(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-03-10) ALAMRI, FAIZ SGEIR; Coulter, ClaireWith the field of project management (PM) becoming increasingly focused on AIdriven software, companies can gain ample advantages – but only if the risks are suitably addressed (Kerzner, 2022). Embracing AI within PM means mechanising simple managerial tasks to perform complicated tasks like modelling and resource allotment. Considering AI’s varied benefits, businesses are discovering how to execute AI within their PM activities (Zhang, Wu & Shen, 2020). Adopting AI in PM has radically transformed the manner organizations strategize, implement and manage their project initiatives. Through mechanizing repeated tasks, interpreting large datasets, and improving decision-making skills, AI is shaping the future of PM (Rodrigues & Penedo, 2022). Integrating AI into PM is suitable for large companies such as Saudi Aramco, a global leader in energy that is well-recognized for its complicated and capital-intensive projects. Headquartered in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, it is the world’s leading integrated energy and chemical organization and is known for its extensive infrastructure projects, including oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and sustainable energy projects (Saudi Aramco, n.d.). As the level and complication involved in such projects demand creative PM tools, the use of AI technologies is a sensible decision. The company is committed to adopting high-tech techniques, making it a perfect choice for this case study research proposal. The motivation for this topic comes from the progressive nature of AI in optimizing project deliverables and the opportunity to discover its relevance in a high-stakes, realworld landscape. Since worldwide energy organizations are increasingly scrutinized regarding cost-effectiveness and sustainability, PM innovations such as AI are both beneficial and important (PMI, 2021). This proposal seeks to assess how Saudi Aramco uses AI to deal with PM challenges like resource allotment, risk evaluation and performance supervision. This case study can generate insightful knowledge on the broad impacts of AI in PM for the energy industry and elsewhere.3 0Item Restricted The Effectiveness of Long-Term Support with Digital Health Interventions in Adults with Prediabetes: A Systematic Review(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-06-13) Almutairi,Tahani; Deborah, EdwardsBackground Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health concern, with prediabetes serving as a critical warning stage. Without timely intervention, individuals with prediabetes face a high risk of progressing to T2DM, leading to severe complications and economic burdens. While lifestyle interventions are effective in reducing this risk, their long-term sustainability remains a challenge. Digital health interventions (DHIs), including mobile applications, telehealth platforms, and wearable monitoring devices, have emerged as innovative tools to provide continuous support for behaviour modification and glycaemic control. Objectives This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of long term digital health interventions (≥12 months) in improving glycaemic control (HbA1c reduction) among adults with prediabetes. Additionally, it examines the impact of DHIs on weight management as a secondary outcome, comparing their effectiveness to standard or non-digital healthcare interventions. Study Design A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with a focus on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of DHIs over a minimum of 12 months. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results In total, six RCTs met the inclusion criteria, demonstrating that DHIs significantly contribute to improved glycaemic control and weight management. Studies reported reductions in HbA1c levels among DHI users compared to standard care, with sustained metabolic benefits observed over the 12-month period. Weight loss outcomes varied, but digital interventions incorporating self-monitoring, real time feedback, and remote coaching showed higher adherence rates and long-term weight maintenance. Despite these benefits, limitations such as digital literacy disparities, participant adherence variability, and the absence of participant blinding in behavioural interventions were identified as challenges impacting the effectiveness of DHIs. Conclusion The findings highlight the potential of long term DHIs as scalable and cost-effective solutions for diabetes prevention. By providing continuous support and personalised health tracking, DHIs enhance adherence to lifestyle modifications and improve long term glycaemic outcomes. However, further research is needed to explore their sustained impact beyond 12 months and to develop inclusive strategies addressing accessibility and adherence challenges. Integrating DHIs into public health policies may offer a viable approach to mitigating the growing burden of T2DM.7 0Item Restricted New Catalysts for Advanced Biofuels Synthesis and Cooperative Catalysis(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-04-14) Alghamdi, Taha; Wass, DuncanThis thesis investigates the catalytic upgrading of lower alcohols, such as ethanol and methanol, into higher-value alcohols through the Guerbet reaction, focusing on the production of isobutanol. The Guerbet reaction offers significant potential for sustainable biofuel synthesis, and this work addresses key aspects of catalyst design, ligand effects, and reaction condition optimisation. Key advances are presented in using monodentate phosphine ligands with ruthenium catalysts, achieving high yields and selectivity for isobutanol production. The electronic and steric properties of ligands were systematically analysed, demonstrating the importance of balancing these effects to stabilise reactive intermediates and minimise undesirable side reactions. A detailed study of cone angles and electronic parameters provides valuable guidance for optimising ligand design and catalytic performance. The work also highlights the promising role of 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) ligands in enhancing catalytic activity. Combining ruthenium catalysts with dppf significantly improved the upgrading of ethanol and methanol, resulting in higher yields and improved selectivity. These findings underline the potential of bidentate ligands to advance biofuel catalysis and bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications. Additionally, the thesis explores the synthesis and characterisation of Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) systems as a novel contribution to catalytic research. Palladium-based FLPs were successfully synthesised, offering new insights into their structural and electronic properties. While this study did not evaluate their catalytic performance, these systems lay the groundwork for future research into hydrogen activation and alcohol upgrading applications. This thesis contributes to the broader understanding of homogeneous catalysis and its role in sustainable energy solutions by addressing challenges in catalytic efficiency, selectivity, and stability. The findings provide a foundation for advancing isobutanol production and support the development of greener biofuel technologies.5 0Item Restricted Promoting Physical Activity for Disabled Students Inside and Outside of Secondary Schools in Saudi Arabia: A mixed-methods Approach using Accelerometry and Stakeholder Insights(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-06-22) Alsofyani, Khaled Aali; Smith, Brett M; Phoenix, CassandraThis study investigates strategies to enhance physical activity (PA) participation among children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD) in Saudi secondary schools, aiming to support their physical and mental development. Using an inclusive, adaptive, and evidence-based approach, the research adopts a socio-ecological framework to examine the complex interplay of factors influencing PA behaviour in this population. The study addresses significant knowledge gaps through six interrelated objectives: (1)exploring perceived barriers and facilitators of PA among CAWD, (2) objectively assessing whether CAWD meets the UK PA guidelines of 120–180 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week, (3) analysing associations between socio-ecological variables (SEV) and PA participation, (4) developing practical and contextually relevant PA-promoting strategies, (5) leveraging intelligent systems to identify behavioural patterns and stakeholder preferences, and (6) contributing to disability-inclusive health promotion and policy development. Using wrist-worn accelerometers, PA levels were measured over seven days (five weekdays and two weekend days), including two sessions of semi-structured physical activities. Socio-ecological data were collected through tailored questionnaires, and the results were analysed using intelligent data processing models to identify patterns and predictors of PA behaviour. The findings reveal that while CAWD face various personal, social, and environmental barriers to PA, school environments offer a more equitable platform for engagement, particularly for girls. However, most participants fell short of the recommended moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels. Notably, PA participation was influenced by a range of SEVs, including family involvement, school support, peer relationships, and community accessibility. This research offers a novel contribution to knowledge by integrating objective PA measurement, socio-ecological analysis, and technology-assisted evaluation in the context of disability. It proposes a set of practical school-based recommendations for enhancing PA participation among CAWD in Taif, Saudi Arabia. It highlights the need for inclusive curriculum policies and family engagement to ensure sustainability. Ultimately, it supports sustainable improvements in CAWD’s participation in PA and physical education (PE), helping to close gaps in health equity and educational access.8 0Item Restricted The Relationship Between Indoor Environment Quality and Autistic Pupil’s Behaviours in Autism Schools on Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Al Qutub, Rahaf; Zhiwen, LuoThe quality of indoor environments significantly influences the well-being and performance of the occupants, particularly in schools where specific environmental factors are crucial for effective learning experiences. This is particularly relevant for autistic pupils, whose sensory sensitivities and behavioural responses to environmental stimuli differ significantly from those of non-autistic individuals. Autism, a complex developmental condition characterised by social and communication differences, repetitive behaviours, sensory reactivity differences, and a need for consistency and routines, necessitates careful consideration of the indoor environment. The prevalence of autism has risen both globally and in Saudi Arabia; this rise is attributed to better awareness and earlier diagnosis, though challenges remain regarding diagnosis, intervention, and support systems such as schools. This research investigates the relationship between Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) and autistic pupils in autism schools in Saudi Arabia, which currently is non-existent. This study firstly proposes a comprehensive framework for understanding the interaction between IEQ parameters—such as lighting, acoustics, and thermal comfort—and autistic sensory reactivity and behaviours. A systematic review of eleven relevant studies highlights a growing body of studies between specific IEQ factors, particularly lighting and acoustics, and various autistic behaviours. However, the impact of parameters like thermal comfort and air quality remains under-researched, and there is a notable lack of quantitative studies that could inform architectural practices for designing classrooms tailored to the needs of autistic pupils. The IEQ conditions in two autism schools in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia were evaluated, measuring factors such as air temperature, relative humidity, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations, CO2 levels, sound, and lighting in classrooms during both winter and summer. The findings reveal significant IEQ challenges, including PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations exceeding WHO guidelines, with PM2.5 averaging 51 µg/m³ in School A and 30 µg/m³ in School B. PM10 levels were even higher, peaking at 116 µg/m³ in School A and 101 µg/m³ in School B. The main sources contributing to high concentration are classroom activity and cleaning practices. These findings underscore the need for the development of autism-friendly IEQ standards to guide future educational spaces, ultimately aiming to improve learning outcomes and well-being for autistic pupils in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the study linked the measured IEQ conditions with behavioural outcomes in 37 autistic pupils (aged 5–12 years) attending autism schools. A multidisciplinary approach was used to assess the effects of IEQ parameters on externalising behaviours, alongside sensory reactivity. Significant correlations emerged between PM10 concentration and both adaptive behaviours (p = 0.04) and maladaptive behaviours (p = 0.05), sound levels and maladaptive behaviours (p = 0.05), and relative humidity and adaptive behaviours (p = 0.03). A regression model was developed to quantify the relationship between PM10 concentrations and externalising behaviours, serving as a predictive tool for understanding how indoor air quality (IAQ) influences behavioural outcomes. These findings emphasise the importance of tailoring environmental conditions in autism schools to accommodate the sensory sensitivities of autistic pupils, contributing to better learning experiences. The findings of the study highlight the negative impact of poor IAQ on autistic behaviour outcomes, suggesting that improving IAQ could significantly enhance behavioural outcomes in autism classroom in Saudi Arabia. Using a simulation modelling approach, the study evaluated the effectiveness of air purifiers in reducing PM10 levels and their impact on both adaptive and maladaptive behaviours. The intervention demonstrated that air purifiers reduced the indoor PM10 level by 45.6%, 53.5%, and 65%, which, in turn, led to significant improvements in adaptive behaviours (10%, 14%, and 19%) and reductions in maladaptive behaviours (13%, 16%, and 19%). These results indicate that air purifiers can be a valuable intervention for improving classroom environments, thereby enhancing behavioural outcomes for autistic pupils. In conclusion, this research highlights the need for a holistic approach to IEQ in autism schools, offering evidence-based recommendations to improve environmental conditions for autistic pupils. Further investigation is needed to explore the long-term effects of the impact of IEQ parameters and interventions on different outcomes for autistic pupils, such as health.5 0