Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Unknown Empowerment Behind the Wheel: A Qualitative Study of Saudi Women as Ride-Hailing Service Drivers in Gig Work(University of Reading, 2024) Alsaedi, Faris; Ghobadian, Abby; Heim, IrinaBackground: This qualitative study explores the unprecedented emergence of Saudi women as drivers in ride-hailing services, marking a significant societal shift in a nation long characterised by conservative gender roles. While the gig economy has been widely examined in Western contexts, its intersection with gender in regions like Saudi Arabia (SA) remains underexplored. The rise of gig work, particularly in ride-hailing services, offers a unique lens through which to examine women's empowerment in non-traditional roles within a rapidly transforming society. This study addresses the gap in understanding how Saudi women navigate the gig economy through their experiences in providing ride-hailing services and the broader implications for gender roles and mobility in the Kingdom. Aims and Objectives: The research investigates Saudi women's perspectives, attitudes, and motivations towards gig work within the male-dominated ride-hailing services, aiming to uncover how these women challenge traditional gender norms and navigate the pathways to empowerment in the public sphere. Methods: Employing a single case study approach, which involves an in-depth examination of the experiences and perspectives of female gig drivers, this research is grounded in Biosocial Construction Theory, Indigenous Institutional Theory, and sociocultural perspectives to explore the intersection of gender, culture, and economic participation. Primary data was collected through comprehensive interviews with 26 individuals, including 22 female drivers from Saudi Arabia, two government officials, and two representatives from ride-hailing companies. Document analysis was also utilised to examine policies, regulations, and media coverage of women's participation in the ride-hailing services. Findings: The study uncovers intricate narratives of agency, resistance, and negotiation, illustrating how Saudi women are actively challenging stereotypes, asserting autonomy, and redefining gender norms. While Western women often work as drivers for financial independence, Saudi women leverage these roles for self-discovery, networking, and a culturally appropriate workspace (e.g., women driving women). However, their participation remains contingent upon familial approval and is constrained by stricter societal and regulatory restrictions, such as requirements for male guardians' consent, limitations on travel distances, and rigid working hours, reflecting limited autonomy and flexibility compared to Western peers. These efforts are tempered by persistent barriers such as social stigma, regulatory challenges, and safety concerns, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the public sphere. Contributions: This study addresses a critical gap in the literature on Saudi female drivers who participate in gig work providing ride-hailing services by: A) Theoretical Application: It significantly enriches the understanding of gender, culture, and economic participation in SA, emphasising the pivotal role of policy reforms and societal support in empowering women in gig work. It contributes to a more nuanced understanding of women's agency and empowerment within the evolving socio-political landscape of SA and underscores the importance of targeted interventions to foster inclusivity and address the systemic barriers faced by Saudi women in public and professional spheres. The application of Biosocial Construction Theory in this study adds a unique and innovative dimension by capturing the interplay between inherent gendered behaviours and societal expectations, offering a framework that can be adapted for future studies in similar contexts. B) Policy Implications: It demonstrates how governmental support for gig work in SA, in contrast to many other nations, serves as a cornerstone for facilitating women's inclusion in the workforce. This finding provides a distinctive contribution to the academic discourse on gig economies globally, highlighting the potential of tailored government initiatives to drive gender inclusivity and economic empowerment. It also offers policymakers insights into developing frameworks that balance cultural norms with progressive labour strategies. C) Practical Implications: It provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, businesses, and gig platform operators. For policymakers, it advocates designing targeted programmes to address the specific needs and challenges faced by Saudi women in gig work, such as ensuring safety measures, equitable access to resources, and flexible working conditions. For businesses, it suggests fostering a supportive organisational culture that prioritises women’s professional growth and autonomy. Ride-hailing platforms are encouraged to enhance operational policies to include training, mentorship opportunities, and incentives to retain female drivers while addressing systemic barriers. These practical implications aim to empower Saudi women economically and socially, contributing to Vision 2030's objectives of gender equality and workforce diversification.11 0Item Unknown Exploring the perceived value of different flexible work arrangements among Saudi working women in enabling their continued participation in the workforce while meeting personal and professional needs.(University of Leeds, 2024) Alqarni, Hana; Tomlinson, JenniferAbstract This qualitative study explores the perceived value of flexible work arrangements among Saudi working women in enabling their continued participation in the workforce while balancing personal and professional needs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Saudi women from different sectors and occupations. A theoretical framework was used that combines Tomlinson et al.’s (2018) flexible career theory and Clark’s (2000) Work/Family Border Theory. The findings reveal that flexible work arrangements (remote work, flextime, and part-time work) are highly valued for managing work-life balance, and childcare responsibilities and in facilitating women’s career continuity. Benefits included reduced commuting time, reduced absenteeism and tardiness, and better management of family time. However, challenges such as blurred work-life boundaries, career advancement concerns, low income, isolation, and reinforcement of traditional gender roles were identified particularly with remote work and part-time work. The study highlights the importance of organisational policies in enabling access to flexible work options. A life course perspective emerged as critical in understanding women’s changing flexibility needs across different life stages. Recommendations include formalising flexible working arrangements, training managers, and considering sector-specific needs and life changes when implementing flexible working policies.8 0Item Unknown Athletes Nutrition Knowledge And Dietary Habits: A Survey Based Questionnaire.(University of exeter, 2024) Alghanim, Faisal; Wall, BenjaminThis study aimed to evaluate the nutritional knowledge and dietary habits of athletes and identify potential gaps between knowledge and practice. The initial target was to recruit 100-150 participants; however, due to time constraints and participant availability, 63 individuals initiated the survey, and 44 completed it. A 47-item questionnaire, adapted from validated instruments, assessed general nutritional knowledge and dietary habits, categorizing scores into "excellent," "good," "fair," and "poor." The findings revealed that while the majority of participants scored within the "good" category for nutritional knowledge, their dietary habits were primarily categorized as "fair." Statistical analyses showed no significant correlation between nutritional knowledge and dietary habits, suggesting that greater knowledge does not necessarily lead to healthier eating practices. This study underscores the need for practical, tailored interventions to bridge the gap between knowledge and application, thereby improving athletes' dietary habits, performance, and overall health.7 0Item Unknown EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF NURSE-PATIENT COMMUNICATION ON ANXIETY AMONG PATIENTS WITH IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATORS(UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, 2024) ALTURKI, RAWAN; MOSER, DEBRA; RAYENS, MARY KAYThe implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a battery-operated device implanted under the skin to monitor heart rate and rhythm, detecting and correcting dangerous dysrhythmias. It is the preferred choice for preventing both primary and secondary sudden cardiac death (SCD), reducing mortality by 50% compared to patients treated without an ICD. Due to the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and associated dysrhythmias, the demand for ICDs is growing each year. In the United States, about 75,000 adults receive an ICD annually. The presence of these devices, along with the uncertainties of living with a heart condition, can significantly affect mental health. About 20% of ICD recipients experience psychological distress and specific concerns related to their ICD. Miscommunication or misunderstandings can lead to fear, panic, and anxiety among ICD patients, with serious negative effects. Over 50% of ICD patients lack a clear understanding of their condition and often express dissatisfaction with the information provided by healthcare professionals regarding their device and treatment. Therefore, it is essential to clearly explain what patients can expect in their lives with an ICD during discussions before and after implantation, including the potential for anxiety symptoms. Effective nurse-patient communication has been shown to improve health outcomes by increasing patient satisfaction, enhancing understanding of health issues, and promoting better adherence to treatment plans through more personalized care. Evaluating nurse-patient communication among ICD recipients will provide an opportunity to identify factors that influence patients' psychological symptoms. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to understand the effect of nurse-patient communication on anxiety symptoms among ICD recipients. The specific aims were: 1) test the psychometric properties of an instrument for assessing ICD device concerns among ICD recipients in the U.S.; 2) evaluate the effect of nurse and patient communication on anxiety among ICD recipients; and 3) synthesize and summarize the current literature about anxiety as a risk factor for mortality in ICD recipients. Aim 1 was achieved by conducting a psychometric analysis of the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Concerns questionnaire in order to assess the extent and severity of ICD recipients’ concerns. We used data from a cross-sectional observational study conducted to test the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of adult ICD recipients (N= 240). The tested instrument consisted of 20 items measured on a 5-point Likert-type scale. The items are scored from 0 (I am not worried at all) to 4 (I am very much worried), and there are 20 potential concerns on the scale, corresponding to a maximum potential severity score of 80. The instrument is valid and reliable in multiple populations including, the United Kingdom and Poland, with a Cronbach’s α= 0.94. The factor analysis revealed that a one-component solution was present within the scale, explaining 48% of the variance. In addition, the hypothesis test showed a positive and statistically significant correlation between the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI-6) measure of anxiety and the ICDC total score (r = 0.35, p < 0.001). Aim 2 was achieved by conducting a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional study of (N=200) patients with an ICD in order to evaluate the effect of nurse-patient communication on anxiety among ICD recipients. We have performed a simple logistic regression to distinguish whether nurse-patient communication is a predictor of anxiety among ICD recipients along with the covariates: age, gender, marital status, and health status. Simple logistic regression showed that patients aged 65 years and older are more likely to be anxious than younger patients p= .05 (OR, 2.478; CI, 0.998 – 6.15). In addition, patients who report good or very good health status are more likely to be anxious p= .008 (OR, 0.311; CI, 0.131 – 0.737). No other significant variables were shown, all relationships between discussion, gender, marital status, and anxiety remained not significant. Aim 3 was achieved by conducting a systematic literature review to identify the role of anxiety as a risk factor for mortality among patients with ICDs. Three electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles: (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, and PsycINFO). Nine studies were found and included. The Socio-Ecological Model guided this review. Studies included in this systematic review concluded that anxiety may be relevant as a risk factor for increasing mortality among patients with an ICD. In conclusion, this study has filled an important gap in the evidence of healthcare communication and psychological outcomes among ICD recipients. This comprehensive approach could lead to better support systems and communication strategies, ultimately improving both mental health and overall outcomes for ICD recipients. The findings emphasize the urgent need for routinely applied and interdisciplinary psychosocial aftercare for ICD patients. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that ICD recipients receive the required interventions as early as possible in order to prevent any further permanent health issues associated with their devices or overall health. The next step in this area of research would be to conduct a randomized controlled trial with longitudinal follow-up to evaluate the impact of proper one-to-one communication that can help with anxiety symptoms. Additionally, to assess the feasibility of the communication strategies in decreasing anxiety among ICD patients.15 0Item Unknown Enhancing Thermal Comfort for Children in Cardiff's Urban Playgrounds: Environmental and Design Investigation(Cardiff University, 2024) Sandougah,Manal; Lou,ZhiwenThis dissertation investigates the thermal comfort of children in three urban playgrounds in Cardiff Roath Park, Victoria Park and Llandaff Fields on the summer days of 2024 with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C this investigation highlights the significance of sustainable design to reduce heat stress and create safe and enjoyable playgrounds for kids. This research highlights the significance of blending environmental data with subjective user feedback. The study identifies the crucial factors influencing thermal comfort and proposes design strategies for improvement. Data was gathered from different spots, shaded partially shaded and sunny at three times of the day (10:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 5:30 pm) on July 18th, 19th and 22nd 2024. instruments like the Kestrel 5400 Weather Meter FLIR One Edge Pro Infrared Camera and a body thermometer were used for this purpose. A total of 90 kids, between the ages of 2 and 12 were involved in the survey to understand their thermal perception and adaptive behaviors. The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) was used for evaluating thermal comfort assessment, and calibration through The Mean Thermal Sensation Vote (MTSV) which helped establish the Neutral UTCIT and Neutral UTCIR range by calibrating the data. Results revealed significant microclimatic variations across the parks where shaded spots lowered air temperatures by up to 10°C, and water features enhanced the cooling effect. Certain surface materials such as dark rubber and metal equipment registered elevated temperatures surpassing 65°C which posed a danger of burns by exceeding safety thresholds. Adaptive behaviors, including shade-seeking (55%) and staying near water features (35%) as ways to mitigating heat stress. The study concludes with recommendations for hybrid shading solution, and cooling materials along with incorporating water features to enhance comfort and safety in areas for children. These results offer practical insights for city planners, decision makers and designers when establishing child-friendly areas that prioritize climate-resilient outdoor spaces that promote well-being.9 0Item Unknown Development of an Interactive User Interface for Teaching and Analysing the Pebble Game(University of Nottingham, 2024) ALatawi, Amjad; Marsden, DanThe Pebble Game, widely utilised within mathematical and computational research, acts as a vital tool for operationalising complex principles derived from finite model theory. This game provides a robust framework for exploring the interplay between formal languages and finite structures, addressing core issues in computational complexity. Increasing interest in finite model theory reflects its profound impact on the advancement of theoretical knowledge and its application in resolving practical challenges. This study explores the design and implementation of a user interface for the Pebble Game, which aims to demystify and enhance the understanding of complex concepts in graph theory and computational logic. The project integrates a Q-learning algorithm to simulate strategic gameplay, providing an automated and adaptable opponent. We designed the user interface (UI) to improve the game's accessibility and engagement, particularly for learners from diverse educational backgrounds. Our research focused on analysing the total rewards generated by the AI across multiple gaming sessions, a critical metric for assessing the adopted techniques' efficacy. The results demonstrated the AI's capacity for knowledge acquisition and gradual improvement in gameplay, underscoring the utility of reinforcement learning in educational tools. The results indicate that the improved Pebble Game interface not only helps achieve the educational goals of simplifying complicated theoretical concepts but also offers a strong foundation for future enhancements, such as integrating user feedback and refining the AI's learning algorithms. This study contributes significantly to the broader field of educational technology by illustrating how the synergy between interactive design and artificial intelligence can boost learning outcomes. Based on the study's results, we suggest implementing a user feedback mechanism to continuously refine the user interface, along with customising the game's difficulty level based on each user's progress. Lastly, we recommend conducting long-term studies to evaluate the game's impact on academic achievement over time.6 0Item Unknown Dual-Drug Delivery from Metal Organic Frameworks Using Defect Drug Loading(University of Glasgow, 2024-08-19) Almuslim, Afnan; Ross, Forgan; Yang, Wang; Arvin, EskandariThis study investigates the development of Metal-Organic Framework (MOF- 808) for dual drug delivery, used the co-delivery of dichloroacetate (DCA) and carboplatin. DCA is utilized not only as a therapeutic agent but also to induce defect sites within the MOF structure to enhance the loading capacity for carboplatin. Two surface modification strategies for MOF-808 were examined: PEG-PO₃ and PEG-COOH. While PEG-PO₃ modification did not achieve the desired results, PEG-COOH modification significantly improved the MOFs performance. The PEG-COOH functionalized MOF-808 demonstrated satisfied result for drug release behaviour. These findings emphasize the effectiveness of surface modification in optimizing MOF-based dual drug delivery systems and highlight the potential of this approach for enhanced cancer treatment.10 0Item Restricted Empowerment Behind the Wheel: A Qualitative Study of Saudi Women as Ride-Hailing Service Drivers in Gig Work(University of Reading, 2024) Alsaedi, Faris; Ghobadian, Abby; Heim, IrinaBackground: This qualitative study explores the unprecedented emergence of Saudi women as drivers in ride-hailing services, marking a significant societal shift in a nation long characterised by conservative gender roles. While the gig economy has been widely examined in Western contexts, its intersection with gender in regions like Saudi Arabia (SA) remains underexplored. The rise of gig work, particularly in ride-hailing services, offers a unique lens through which to examine women's empowerment in non-traditional roles within a rapidly transforming society. This study addresses the gap in understanding how Saudi women navigate the gig economy through their experiences in providing ride-hailing services and the broader implications for gender roles and mobility in the Kingdom. Aims and Objectives: The research investigates Saudi women's perspectives, attitudes, and motivations towards gig work within the male-dominated ride-hailing services, aiming to uncover how these women challenge traditional gender norms and navigate the pathways to empowerment in the public sphere. Methods: Employing a single case study approach, which involves an in-depth examination of the experiences and perspectives of female gig drivers, this research is grounded in Biosocial Construction Theory, Indigenous Institutional Theory, and sociocultural perspectives to explore the intersection of gender, culture, and economic participation. Primary data was collected through comprehensive interviews with 26 individuals, including 22 female drivers from Saudi Arabia, two government officials, and two representatives from ride-hailing companies. Document analysis was also utilised to examine policies, regulations, and media coverage of women's participation in the ride-hailing services. Findings: The study uncovers intricate narratives of agency, resistance, and negotiation, illustrating how Saudi women are actively challenging stereotypes, asserting autonomy, and redefining gender norms. While Western women often work as drivers for financial independence, Saudi women leverage these roles for self-discovery, networking, and a culturally appropriate workspace (e.g., women driving women). However, their participation remains contingent upon familial approval and is constrained by stricter societal and regulatory restrictions, such as requirements for male guardians' consent, limitations on travel distances, and rigid working hours, reflecting limited autonomy and flexibility compared to Western peers. These efforts are tempered by persistent barriers such as social stigma, regulatory challenges, and safety concerns, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the public sphere. Contributions: This study addresses a critical gap in the literature on Saudi female drivers who participate in gig work providing ride-hailing services by: A) Theoretical Application: It significantly enriches the understanding of gender, culture, and economic participation in SA, emphasising the pivotal role of policy reforms and societal support in empowering women in gig work. It contributes to a more nuanced understanding of women's agency and empowerment within the evolving socio-political landscape of SA and underscores the importance of targeted interventions to foster inclusivity and address the systemic barriers faced by Saudi women in public and professional spheres. The application of Biosocial Construction Theory in this study adds a unique and innovative dimension by capturing the interplay between inherent gendered behaviours and societal expectations, offering a framework that can be adapted for future studies in similar contexts. B) Policy Implications: It demonstrates how governmental support for gig work in SA, in contrast to many other nations, serves as a cornerstone for facilitating women's inclusion in the workforce. This finding provides a distinctive contribution to the academic discourse on gig economies globally, highlighting the potential of tailored government initiatives to drive gender inclusivity and economic empowerment. It also offers policymakers insights into developing frameworks that balance cultural norms with progressive labour strategies. C) Practical Implications: It provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, businesses, and gig platform operators. For policymakers, it advocates designing targeted programmes to address the specific needs and challenges faced by Saudi women in gig work, such as ensuring safety measures, equitable access to resources, and flexible working conditions. For businesses, it suggests fostering a supportive organisational culture that prioritises women’s professional growth and autonomy. Ride-hailing platforms are encouraged to enhance operational policies to include training, mentorship opportunities, and incentives to retain female drivers while addressing systemic barriers. These practical implications aim to empower Saudi women economically and socially, contributing to Vision 2030's objectives of gender equality and workforce diversification.5 0Item Restricted Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Au/TiO2 Catalyst for Photocatalysis and Oxidation Processes(Cardiff University, 2024) Alazmi, Abdullah Mubarak S; Edwards, JenniferHeterogeneous catalysis using supported metal nanoparticles has attracted tremendous interest for applications including photocatalysis and selective oxidations. This work focuses on synthesis and characterization of Au nanoparticles supported on TiO2 (Au/TiO2), which exhibits unique photocatalytic and catalytic properties arising from quantum and plasmonic effects of Au as well as strong metal-support interactions. A facile microwave-assisted polyol approach was used to prepare Au/TiO2 with 0.1-3 wt% Au loading. Structural characterization by XRD revealed anatase TiO2 support was retained after Au deposition. Au particle size increased from sub nm clusters at 0.1 wt% to 13.5 nm nanoparticles at 3 wt% loading, demonstrating tunable nanoparticle dimensions. CO oxidation testing showed highest mass activity for 0.5 wt% Au/TiO2, with declining performance at higher loadings attributed to loss of low-coordination sites through agglomeration. Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye was most efficient with 0.5 wt% Au/TiO2 under simulated solar irradiation. The higher photoactivity is ascribed to improved visible light harvesting and minimized charge recombination from uniform deposition of small plasmonic Au nanoparticles. The results demonstrate optimized Au loading and dispersion governs both catalytic and photocatalytic efficiency of Au/TiO2 synthesized via microwave polyol method.7 0Item Restricted THE VALUE AND COST OF POLITICAL CONNECTIONS FOR FIRMS IN SAUDI ARABIA(University of Rhode Island, 2024) Alqarni, Abdulmajeed; Goto, ShingoIn the first chapter, we examine the impact of political connections on firm value during the 2017 Saudi anti-corruption purge using a difference-in-differences event study type. Politically connected firms experienced significant pre-event negative Cumulative Abnormal Returns (CARs), driven by rumors of the purge. The average CARs were insignificant on the event day, as the effects had already been anticipated and priced in. However, firms directly involved in the purge suffered sharp post-event declines in CARs, while other firms showed positive returns. The second chapter investigates the relationship between state ownership and corporate performance in Saudi Arabia. We have found a negative association between government ownership and firm performance. State-owned enterprises pay higher dividends and have a lower leverage ratio. There are no significant differences between state-owned enterprises and non-state-owned enterprises in investment spending and efficiency. Finally, government ownership in Saudi Arabia is the highest in strategically important industries such as utilities and energy.24 0