Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Quantitative Detection of Hepatitis C Virus RNA in Dried Blood Spots(The University of Manchester, 2024-05-16) Ismaeel, Loui; Klapper, PaulAn estimated fifty-eight million people have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with about 1.5 million new infections occurring each year. A sizeable proportion of these new infections occur among injecting drug users. Dried blood spots (DBS) have revolutionised HCV diagnosis in this difficult to reach population and have further advantages when used in healthcare resource-poor regions of the world. Diagnosis of infection may be made serologically but confirmation of chronic infection necessitates the detection of HCV RNA and response to therapy must be monitored by quantitation of HCV RNA in blood (‘viral load’). A current limitation of the use of DBS is that quantitation of HCV RNA is not possible from standard DBS samples as test blood volume cannot be accurately measured. In the present work a volumetric microfluidic device (HemaXis™ DB 10) was evaluated for preparation of DBS samples to allow quantitation of HCV RNA from the DBS. The HemaXis device was used in conjunction with a custom-made Perkin Elmer 226 paper collection card. Cross contamination between samples was avoided using 10mm diameter perforations to allow individual processing of samples. Extraction of RNA used a modified Qiagen extraction kit and the internally controlled (MS2) HCV RNA quantitative PCR had a limit of detection in DBS specimens of 8.46 IU/mL comparing well with the limit of detection of the reference assay (Cobas® AmpliPrep TaqMan® HCV Test, v2.0; Roche Diagnostics) in EDTA plasma which is 8.5 IU/mL when using a sample size of 500µL. Previously tested HCV RNA positive (n = 125) and HCV RNA and HCV antibody negative (n = 138) serum and plasma samples were used to prepare mock DBS samples by mixing with packed cells from an HCV RNA and HCV antibody negative donor blood. The HemaXis device was used to deliver 10µL samples for each spot. QPCR of mock DBS samples prepared from the 125 HCV RNA positive whole blood samples gave 104 positive HCV RNA results from the DBS. This gave a qualitative test sensitivity of 85.6% and specificity of 100%. A Bland-Altman plot of the differences between the two tests showed that on average the DBS system determines a log 3.37 (2,344 IU/mL) lower value than testing of plasma. The reduction was independent of viral load. Review of the results of internal control testing suggested many samples had evidence of inhibition suggestive of sample deterioration between the time of initial testing of whole blood specimens and the preparation of the mock DBS specimens. Contemporaneous testing of DBS and plasma would be needed to confirm this suggestion. The DBS prepared using the HemaXis were also evaluated for use in genotyping and sequencing of the NS5B and core regions of HCV. Determination of genotype with discrimination of subtypes and of mixed infections was shown to be possible from the DBS samples. The consistent (albeit lower) viral load determination made when using HemaXis prepared DBS shows that this technology has promise as a method for quantitation of HCV RNA load from DBS. Together with the proven ability to genotype HCV using the same sample, the utility of DBS in the diagnosis and management of HCV infection will be further extended.17 0Item Restricted What are the driving forces behind entrepreneurship and innovation in small and medium-sized Entrepreneurship in the Jazan region?(Saudi Digital Library., 2023-11-29) Alhazmi, Amjad Abdulrahman; Huxtable-Thomas, LouisaThis study aims to investigate the driving forces that motivate entrepreneurship and innovation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. By exploring the motivations for entrepreneurs, factors that stimulate innovation, government policies and support programs, and barriers to establishing SMEs, this research seeks to shed valuable light on the entrepreneurial and innovative landscape in its region. As it utilizes quantitative methods of investigation, its findings offer insights into the motivations and experiences of entrepreneurs in the area. Data was gathered using the primary research method by distributing around 4200 questionnaires. Perspective purposive sampling was employed, choosing samples relevant to the objectives of this research study (Owners and managers of SMEs). Finally, descriptive statistics was utilized to identify patterns and themes within this data set. The analysis of 104 responses revealed the key drivers behind entrepreneurialism and innovation among SMEs in Jazan. The study determined that financial incentives and support, market opportunities and demand, personal motivation and passion, and networking/collaboration were crucial components in encouraging entrepreneurialism. innovation, technological development, and accessibility. Competitive advantage and survival, customer needs and satisfaction, employee training and empowerment, financial support and incentives, regulatory environment and ease of doing business, and networking and business support organizations were identified as key drivers. This study addressed some of the challenges entrepreneurs encounter when starting SMEs in Jazan, such as accessing capital and funding, market entry barriers and competition, and lack of infrastructure. Limited access to capital and infrastructure poses obstacles to entrepreneurs. Therefore, this study recommends increasing financial support through networking events, investing in infrastructure improvements, and creating entrepreneurship education programs aimed at supporting SMEs further in Jazan. It also addresses any limitations to current research as well as provides suggestions for future research endeavors.26 0Item Restricted ''Perspectives of Saudi employees working in Small and Medium Sized enterprises in Saudi Arabia about the impact of transformational leadership on their reactions and attitudes towards organizational change''(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-08-25) Shalhoob, Huda Shafiq; Doloriert, ClairThe focus on the study highlighted purposed was informed by the lack of Saudi studies that examine employee's perspectives about the key mechanisms and variables contributing to this positive effect. To understand the employees' perspectives about the impact of transformational leadership on reactions of employees to organisational change, a qualitative methodological approach was adopted. Using open-ended semi-structured questions allowed in-depth exploration of how employees described their perspectives about the change process. Data was collected from interviews with 8 participants. The findings revealed a complex emotional landscape among employees that accompanies organizational changes, which require transformational leaders to understand and manage. The study also showed that transformational leadership positively impacts employee attitudes towards change by fostering hope, personal growth, and collective success. Leadership styles that incorporate collaborative and participatory leadership, grounded in authenticity and align with transformational values fosters positive perceptions. Transparency and effective communication were also noted to promote ownership, empowerment, trust and engagement during change. The other conclusion is that involving employees in decision-making and providing ongoing support enhances commitment and help address uncertainty. Finally, the study indicated that effective change management involves presenting an inspiring vision. The key message for leaders and practitioners is that successful change goes beyond technical aspects; it requires a holistic approach that considers the emotional, psychological, and collaborative dimensions of both leaders and employees. This approach can lead to more successful and sustainable organizational transformations.19 0