Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted RESEARCH ON ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION PREDICTION BASED ON DEEP INTEGRATION MODELS(Harbin Institute of Technology, 2024) Alkhattabi, Moayad; Chen, YingWith the development of power system and the improvement of intelligence level, power consumption forecast plays a vital role in power system operation management, energy dispatching and market trading. Effective power demand forecasting is the key to power system planning and operation, and is of great significance to achieve safe, efficient and sustainable energy supply. However, the traditional deep learning model has the problem of falling into local optimal in the optimization process, which leads to the unstable performance of the model. To overcome this problem, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is improved in this study to improve the performance of deep learning models in power consumption prediction tasks. This study collates and summarizes the challenges encountered when dealing with nonlinear, non-stationary, and high-dimensional data. To overcome these challenges, an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to optimize the parameters of deep learning models, thereby enhancing the model's fitting ability and generalization performance. The improved PSO algorithm in this study adopts dynamic weight adjustment and multi-stage optimization strategy, which effectively realizes the balance between global search and local search, and greatly improves the performance of the model in complex power systems. In the process of model construction, the stack ensemble learning method is adopted, and five machine learning methods including long short-term memory network (LSTM) are used to build a deeply integrated power consumption model prediction model. To verify the validity and applicability of the model, extensive experimental tests are carried out on real world power system data sets. The experimental results show that the PSO-Stacking model in this study has a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.095, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.074, and an R square (R²) of 0.862, which are robust performance indicators. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of improved particle swarm optimization algorithm and stacked ensemble learning model in power consumption prediction tasks. Compared with the traditional deep learning model, the optimized deep learning model using the improved PSO algorithm shows considerable improvement in accuracy, stability and response speed.27 0Item Restricted International Law Institutions and the Control of Multinational Corporate Economic Violations: the Role of Fianancial and Arbitral Mechanism.(Indiana University Bloomington, 2025) Almrshed, Ziad; Ochoa, Christianan; Hughes, Sarah JaneAbstract Some investors, including multinational corporations (MNCs), engage in economic crimes and illegal activities without facing accountability, often due to inadequate oversight. These investors wield significant power and operate across multiple jurisdictions, requiring collective efforts from international institutions, states, and private actors to address these challenges. While oversight and control mechanisms exist, some remain underutilized. This study examines the role of international law in addressing investors’ economic misconduct through financial and dispute settlement mechanisms. It explores whether international financial institutions (IFIs), such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and dispute resolution centers, particularly the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), can effectively regulate and respond to such activities. The study considers the strengths of IFIs, including insurance and guarantee organizations, in curbing illegal financial practices through preventive measures, such as contractual power, and assesses the role of arbitration institutions and arbitrators in resolving disputes and deterring future violations. Oversight remains a key focus at the financing stage, whereas arbitration primarily involves greater control at a later stage, emphasizing the complementary roles of these mechanisms. By examining the potential of the IFC and ICSID, this research highlights their respective capacities as leading institutions within the World Bank framework. While the study focuses on these institutions due to their prominence, its analysis may be applicable to other international financial and arbitration mechanisms addressing similar challenges.11 0Item Restricted Risk Assessment and People Management in the One Billion Trees Project(University of Portsmouth, 2025-01-24) Asiri, Ibrahim Yousef; Brymer, KatharineThis report critically examines the integration of risk assessment and people management strategies within Mongolia’s One Billion Trees Project, a large-scale afforestation initiative launched to combat climate change. It explores how cultural dimensions, leadership approaches, and change management frameworks influence project success. Drawing on Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, the report analyzes the cultural factors that shape stakeholder engagement and organizational behavior. Leadership models, particularly transformational and situational leadership, are evaluated for their effectiveness in mobilizing teams and communities. Change management is assessed using Kurt Lewin’s and Kotter’s frameworks to support sustainable behavioral shifts. A comprehensive Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) and Risk Register are developed to identify and evaluate environmental, operational, financial, political, and reputational risks. Mitigation strategies are proposed based on Probability-Impact (P*I) scoring. The findings emphasize the importance of adaptive leadership, culturally aware stakeholder engagement, and structured risk management in ensuring the long-term success and resilience of afforestation projects.8 0Item Restricted ADVANCING TEMPORAL SAFETY PERFORMANCE FUNCTIONS: A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF EXPRESS LANES, RAMPS, AND RAMP METERING EFFECTS ON FREEWAY SAFETY(The University of Central Florida, 2025) Faden, Abdulrahman; Abdel-Aty, MohamedFreeway safety remains a critical concern, especially in high-risk areas such as ramps, merges, and managed lane segments, where complex traffic interactions significantly elevate crash risks. This dissertation advances crash frequency prediction by developing short-term Safety Performance Functions (SPFs) that address the limitations of traditional long-term SPFs models and real-time safety analysis. By leveraging high-resolution microscopic traffic detector data from multiple states, the dissertation introduces innovative methodologies and delivers actionable insights into freeway safety dynamics. The dissertation pioneers the application of Multivariate Poisson-Lognormal (MVPLN) models to identify interdependencies between crashes at ramp and merge segments. To address challenges like data skewness and excessive zeros, advanced Bayesian frameworks, including the Negative Binomial Lindley (NB-L) and Poisson-Lognormal Lindley (PLN-L) models, are proposed. Additionally, a novel copula-based framework uncovers intricate safety relationships between Express Lanes (ELs) and General-Purpose Lanes (GPLs), offering new perspectives on inter-lane safety, particularly at critical access points. The key findings of the dissertation emphasize the significant role of traffic exposure, geometric configuration, and operational strategies in shaping crash risks. For instance, managed lanes, such as the I-4 Ultimate Express Lanes, exhibit unique safety patterns, with elevated crash risk associated with higher rightmost lane occupancy near merge areas. Ramp metering (RM) is demonstrated to effectively reduce crashes, particularly in weaving areas, with safety impacts varying based on control strategies and segment types. This dissertation delivers a robust framework for crash prediction and safety assessment, blending methodological advances with practical insights. Its contributions lay the groundwork for safer freeway designs, optimized Active Traffic Management (ATM) strategies, and enhanced safety practices. By bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications, this dissertation equips policymakers, engineers, and researchers with the tools needed to improve freeway safety.5 0Item Restricted Faculty Perspectives and Implementation of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in English Language Courses: A Case Study in Saudi Higher Education(University of Kansas, 2025) Alshareef, Naif; White, Steven HThis qualitative case study investigates how faculty members teaching EFL at a Saudi higher education institution perceive and apply culturally responsive pedagogy within the wider context of a national educational reform. Grounded in the theoretical foundations of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (Ladson-Billings, 1995), Culturally Responsive Teaching (Gay, 2000), and the Motivational Framework for Culturally Responsive Teaching (Ginsberg & Wlodkowski, 2009), this research examines the intersection of language instruction, cultural identity, and policy transformation in light of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Using semi-structured interviews and document analysis, the study explores faculty members’ perceptions of culturally responsive pedagogy, their instructional practices, and the institutional challenges they face in modifying pedagogy to diverse student populations. The findings indicate an increasing recognition of the pedagogical significance of culturally responsive pedagogy, but also highlight significant deficiencies in faculty training, curriculum integration, and systemic support. This research provides practical recommendations for incorporating culturally responsive pedagogy into EFL programs, improving learner involvement, and aligning language education with culturally relevant and globally focused policy objectives. Additionally, it contributes to the limited yet growing body of research concerning culturally responsive pedagogy in non-Western, higher education EFL environments.13 0Item Restricted THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET, FOOD SECURITY, BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS, AND MENTAL HEALTH SYMPTOMS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS(University of Florida, 2025) Alshahwan, May; Mathews, AnneCollege students are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues due to various biological and psychosocial factors, with a high prevalence of food insecurity (FI) being a significant concern. Previous research suggests that adhering to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) pattern may positively impact college students' health and mental well-being. This comprehensive research, encompassing cross-sectional, interventional, and longitudinal approaches, aims to investigate the effects of MedDiet adherence and FI on mental health symptoms (MHS) among college students. A cross-sectional study of first-year students (N=1,101) found low adherence to a MedDiet in 60.6%, and 25% experienced food insecurity. Approximately one-third reported moderate to severe depression and anxiety, with a moderate mean stress score of 25.8±9.3. There was an inverse association between MedDiet adherence and MHS (depression, anxiety, and stress) (beta = -0.08, p = 0.0007). FI was positively associated with MHS (beta = 0.12, p <.0001). No significant interaction was found between MedDiet adherence and FI on MHS. The intervention study was an 8-week Mediterranean-style diet educational intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention and education group (I & E; N=107) or an education-only group (E; N=110). At baseline, 43% had low MedDiet adherence, with mean Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and skin carotenoid status (SCS) scores of 61.9±11.6 and 345±107.8, respectively, with no significant differences between the groups. Post-intervention, the I & E group significantly improved MedDiet adherence, HEI, and SCS scores. Both groups experienced decreased depression and anxiety symptoms, with stress improving only in the I & E group. FI did not moderate the MedDiet-MHS relationship. Lastly, the longitudinal study covers four time points (2021-2024), (T1; N = 1,101), (T2; N = 493), (T3; N = 164), and (T4; N = 101). We found a cumulative high MedDiet adherence inversely correlated with MHS, while FI positively correlated with MHS over the years. The protective effects of MedDiet adherence on MHS were consistent across all food security levels. These findings highlight the critical need for early screening of MHS and FI among college students and may prompt university administrators to consider nutritional and food security interventions to promote student mental health and well-being.21 0Item Restricted Islamic finance and venture capital in Saudi Arabia : fund formation, deal structuring, and comparative analysis of governance in Bahrain and Malaysia(Emory University, 2025) Aljarallah, Mohammed; Bambach, Lee AnnThis SJD dissertation explores Islamic finance and venture capital in Saudi Arabia. It aims to provide practical and alternative financial structures for venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. The dissertation also addresses governance issues from a macro perspective and proposes regulatory solutions based on a comparative analysis of similarly situated jurisdictions.7 0Item Restricted The Implementation of the Sport Education Curriculum Model in Saudi Arabian Male Middle School Physical Education(Auburn University, 2025) Alshuraymi, Ali Nasser A; Hastie, Peter AAlthough the successful adoption and positive outcomes of the Sport Education model have been documented in various cultural contexts beyond English-speaking countries, no research to date has explored its impact on Saudi Arabian physical education (PE) teachers and students. This gap in the literature led to the development of this research. The dissertation comprises three studies: one focusing on teachers and the other two on students. The first study qualitatively examined six Saudi in-service male PE teachers’ experiences and practices when learning to incorporate the Sport Education model. Data were collected from critical incident reports and analyzed using both inductive and deductive approaches. Results indicated a range of successes, constraints, and possibilities associated with implementing Sport Education in Saudi Arabian schools. Most notably, the teachers indicated that the model had an advantageous effect on students despite it being their first time participating in a Sport Education season. The second study quantitatively examined the influence of Sport Education on students’ intrinsic motivation and achievement of the Saudi national objectives for PE. Sixty-three Saudi male middle school students from four classes (ages 11-15 years) participated in a quasi-experimental design. Data were collected through three pre- and post-surveys. The results revealed significant differences between the Sport Education and Traditional Teaching conditions in changes to perceived autonomy, effort, and achievement of the Saudi national objectives for PE. No significant differences were found for perceived competence, relatedness, or enjoyment between the conditions. Overall, the significant improvement in motivation observed among the Sport Education students in the present study is consistent with findings from prior research. The study highlights the alignment between the Sport Education features and Saudi Vision 2030 goals, supporting its potential to promote Islamic sports-based values in PE. These findings suggest that Sport Education is more effective than Traditional Teaching in enhancing intrinsic motivation and achieving the Saudi national objectives for PE. The third study was conducted quantitively and aimed to compare middle school students’ attitudes toward meaningful-motivational experiences in two different PE contexts: traditional PE and Sport Education. Sixty-six Saudi male middle school students from four classes (ages 11-15 years) participated in a quasi-experimental design. Data were collected through a 16-item questionnaire. The study findings revealed that the Sport Education group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in learning relevant skills and having voice and choice compared to the Traditional Teaching group. No significant difference was found in interactions with peers between the two conditions. This study makes a significant contribution to the Meaningful Physical Education (Meaningful PE) literature by introducing the first valid and reliable Meaningful PE-based questionnaire. Its findings further support the positive impact of Sport Education on intrinsic motivation, reinforcing the value of Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985)-based frameworks in enhancing student engagement and meaningful learning in PE.4 0Item Restricted Electrochemical Charge Storage of Biochar-Based Electrode Materials for Electrochemical Double-Layer Capacitors (EDLCs)(Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 2025-05) Alrashidi, Aliaa; Talapatra, SaikatThis dissertation explores the electrochemical performance of highly porous Biochar- Polymer Composites. Biochar, derived from biomass, is an attractive alternative to conventional carbon materials due to its renewable nature, affordability, and environmental benefits. Biochar materials with two different physical morphologies, namely flakes as well as granular form were used for synthesizing these composites. Composites with several different Biochar weight ratios in the polymer matrix were tested for their viability as electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC or supercapacitor) electrode materials. Two different electrolyte types, such as aqueous 6 Molar Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) as well as 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium tris (pentafluoroethyl) (BMP-FAP) a Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid (RTIL) was used. Several state of the art electrochemical tools along with other physical characterization tools, which includes, Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X- Ray Spectroscopy (EDAX), were utilized in order to understand the physical nature as well as the electrochemical response of these composites. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge (GCD), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were performed in order to analyze the charge storage capabilities of these composites. Few core observations could be made from our experimental results. The specific capacitances of the i electrodes increased with increasing biochar content and seems to reach a saturation value after a certain point. Our results show that Flake Biochar-Polymer Composite (FBC) in KOH exhibits stable capacitive behavior, with a specific capacitance of 123 F/g at a 2:1 biochar-to-polymer ratio at scan rates of ~ 0.1 mv/s, dominated by double-layer capacitance mechanism. From the EIS measurements, a systematic decrease of the equivalent series resistances (ESR) with increasing Biochar content were seen for all the electrodes. In RTIL (BMP-FAP),a specific capacitance value of ~206 F/g at 0.1 mV/s was obtained using the same FBC ratio. Further, we saw that an energy density of 19.4 Wh/kg, and a power density of 280 W/kg was obtained from electrode with a 2:1 biochar-to-polymer ratio. This increase in the specific capacitances, energy and power density stems from the fact that RTILs have a higher operating voltage window. Some minor ion diffusion limitations was observed in case of RTIL. The Granular Biochar- Polymer Composite (GBC), with its higher specific surface area, showed even better performance in some cases. In KOH, GBC, with 15% biochar achieved 53 F/g, significantly outperforming FBC with a similar biochar content (16% in FBC reached only ~27 F/g). In RTIL, GBC with just 3% biochar reached 57 F/g at 0.1 mV/s, demonstrating efficient charge storage. These findings highlight the potential of biochar-polymer composites as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional supercapacitor materials. Future work should focus on optimizing biochar content, polymer selection, and electrolyte composition to enhance conductivity, stability, and overall performance.8 0Item Restricted ISOFORM-SPECIFIC ROLE OF PP1𝛾 2 IN SPERMFUNCTION AND MALE FERTILITY KINASE IN MAMMALS, A POTEINTAIL NON-HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVE TARGETING EPIDIDYMAL SPERM(Kent State University, 2025-05) Kabi, Mustfa Zabidi; Srinivasan, VijayaraghavanAbstract Part I: The protein phosphatase isoforms PP1γ1 and PP1γ2, alternate spliced products of the Ppp1cc, are identical except for their 8 or 22 amino acid C-termini. The PP1γ2 isoform is enriched in testis and is present in sperm from all placental mammals. Targeted disruption of Ppp1cc results in male infertility. Testis specific expression of PP1γ2 restores fertility in mice lacking Ppp1cc. However, replacing PP1γ2 with PP1γ1 in testis and sperm through CRISPR /Cas9 gene editing impairs sperm motility, ATP generation, and fertility. The interactions of protein phosphatase 1 (RIPPO) - PPP1R2/I2, PPP1R7/SDS22, and PPP1R3/I3 - are present in sperm as regulators of PP1γ2 during sperm motility initiation and maturation in the epididymis. Reversible phosphorylation of these RIPPOs results in PP1γ2 activation or inhibition. The spatiotemporal expression of I2, I3, and sds22 matches the expression of PP1γ2 in developing testicular spermatogenic cells. The enzyme PP1γ2 and the inhibitors colocalize within sperm. In PP1γ1 knock-in mice, I2, I3, and SDS22 localization within sperm are dramatically altered. While PP1γ2 and the RIPPOs are present in the functional regions of the sperm head, PP1γ1 along with I2, I3, and SDS22 are absent. Protein levels, of the inhibitors determined by mass spectroscopy and western blot are similar to that found in testis and sperm of WT mice. The mRNA levels of SDS22, I2, I3 are also roughly similar in testis KI mice. We have determined levels of phosphorylation of I2, I3, and SDS22 in sperm from PP1γ1 KI PP1γ2 mice compared to WT mice in caudal sperm. Serine phosphorylation of PPP1R7 and PPP1R2 were significantly altered in sperm from PP1γ1 knock-in mice while phosphorylation of PPP1R11 was unchanged, Phosphoproteome analysis also showed altered phosphorylation of hexokinase and mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase. The phosphorylation of mono carboxylate transporter along with its associated protein embigin and spetin present in sperm midpiece and annulus are altered. Phosphorylation of Izumo which is present in sperm head and responsible sperm binding to the egg is altered. Metabolome determination showed lowering of the intermediates of the glycolytic pathway. The levels of ATP were also significantly lower. While the reasons for the altered localization of PP1γ1 and the RIPOs are still unknown, the altered intra-sperm phosphatase landscape is the likely basis for altered phosphorylation of these interactors and the other proteins involved in sperm metabolism and egg binding. This PP1γ1 knock-in mouse model is anticipated to enhance our understanding the reasons for specific requirement of PP1γ2 in sperm from mammals. Results from this and ongoing studies should provide basic and clinical insights into the basis for fertility and infertility in men. Part II: Epididymal transit renders key competence to mammalian spermatozoa for fertilizing eggs. Generally, the two paralogs of glycogen synthase kinase 3, GSK3α and GSK3β, functionally overlap except in testis and sperm. We showed that GSK3α is essential for epididymal sperm maturation and fertilization. Male infertility is the only phenotype of mice with a global or testis-specific knockout (KO) of Gsk3α. Their sperm maturation is impaired, and sperm cannot fertilize eggs in vitro and in vivo. This suggests that GSK3α is a “male fertility kinase” in mammals and that GSK3α-selective inhibitor is a potential male contraceptive. A set of eight heterozygous Gsk3α (±) male mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of BRD0705, an isoform-selective GSK3α inhibitor, at 20 mg/kg body weight for 1 week. Five vehicle-treated and BRD0705-treated mice were tested for in vivo fertility and the remaining mice were sacrificed; their caudal spermatozoa were examined for motility and biochemical properties. The treated mice did not sire any pups while the control group sired 46 pups with a normal gestation period of 19–23 days. Continued fertility testing up to 6 weeks post-treatment, showed that the treated mice regained fertility siring 56 pups, with 76 in the control group. Sperm motility was impaired, its abnormal morphology increased during epididymal transit, Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were low, and tyrosine- phosphorylation of hexokinase was absent: these phenotypes imitated those observed in Gsk3a KO mice. Tyrosine279-phosphorylation of GSK3α was reduced in sperm from the treated mice showing that the GSK3α activity was inhibited. The altered sperm phenotypes returned to normal following recovery of fertility. Complete infertility resulted after 1 week of BRD0705-treatment and fertility recovered after cessation of the treatment. Work is ongoing to determine the minimum dose and treatment time and the testing of new compounds with increased selectivity and inhibitory activity against GSK3α.21 0