Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Appraisal of Sustainable Urban Development in Shaqra City, Saudi Arabia(Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 2024) Alhomaidhi, Ahmed Abdullah; Olaf, KühneThis study thoroughly explores sustainable urban development in Shaqra City, Saudi Arabia. It examines the challenges, opportunities, and solutions needed to promote sustainability in environmental, economic, and social areas. Using thematic and interpretive analyses, the study identifies key factors shaping the city. In terms of the environment, Shaqra City can enhance sustainability by improving agricultural spaces. However, issues like the lack of systematic garbage sorting in waste management reveal the need for focused solutions. In the economic dimension, the city shows potential in family-based businesses and seasonal activities like the Red Pepper Festival. However, challenges such as high fees and operational costs hinder commercial investments. Compared to neighboring regions, Shaqra City's economic growth is relatively slow, emphasizing the need for targeted economic measures. On the social front, efforts to reduce corruption and build trust in municipal institutions show progress. Opinions about gender equality vary, but community well-being is supported by initiatives like educational campaigns and local events. Despite these efforts, challenges such as limited social community initiative and proximity to larger urban centers persist. Opportunities for environmental awareness, cultural understanding, and partnerships can address these issues. The study offers recommendations to address these challenges and harness opportunities. These include environmental conservation, economic diversification, and governance reforms. With collaboration among stakeholders, Shaqra City can progress toward a more sustainable and resilient urban future.9 0Item Restricted .INTEGRATING SOLAR PONDS INTO URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT : A CASE STUDY OF NEOM(University of Sheffield, 2024) Alshehri, Maram; Campbel, AlasdairThis comprehensive analysis of an integrated system for upper convective zone (UCZ) thermal energy extraction, turbo-vapor axial compressor, low-pressure steam turbine, and Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) desalination unit reveals significant implications for system operation and efficiency throughout the year. The study highlights the importance of temperature distribution in the UCZ, with temperatures consistently below 70°C from January to March, posing a challenge for system operation during these months. Conversely, temperatures rise above 70°C from April to December, providing a favorable environment for efficient system operation in NEOM. The design parameters of the pond are well-defined, with minimum dimensions of 202 x 202 meters and a depth of 0.7 meters being sufficient to extract 1 kg/s of thermal energy over an 8-hour daily operational period. The specifications of the turbo-vapor axial compressor, including a hub diameter of 0.27 meters, a tip diameter of 0.549 meters, and an operational speed of 3000 RPM, enable efficient compression and transfer of thermal energy. The low-pressure steam turbine is designed with three stages, achieving a net power output of 181.5 kW, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy to support system operations. The MSF desalination unit is capable of producing 28,800 liters of freshwater per day during an 8-hour working period, meeting water demands and demonstrating the system's effectiveness in desalinating seawater. Overall, the integration of these components within the described temperature and operational parameters provides a robust framework for efficient energy conversion and freshwater production throughout most of the year. Addressing the operational challenges during colder months and leveraging the system's design strengths during warmer periods will be crucial to maximizing overall performance and sustainability.29 0Item Restricted Essays on Sustainable Growth and Development in GCC Countries(Howard University, 2024-06-28) Alamri, Aisha; Kato, MikaThis article analyzes the effects of natural resources and location determinants on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) using panel data from 2000–2022. Using oil production, oil reserves, and oil production in relation to oil reserves as a means to measure natural resources, I determine fixed effect (FE) and random effect (RE) analyses based on the Hausman test. This study concluded that oil production, and oil production relative to oil reserves discouraged FDI in GCC countries. Furthermore, the study concludes that there is a positive relationship between oil prices, infrastructure, and FDI, while human capital has no influence on FDI.42 0Item Restricted LEARNING CURVE: Designing an Inclusive Early Childhood School(Virginia Commonwealth University, 2024-05-02) Alrumayh, Sarah; Carleton, KristinHow can a child's full potential be unlocked in early childhood ? This project aims to design a rich learning environment where children can learn, play and explore with their senses to promote a holistic growth regardless of their limitations. This research centers on the improvement of early childhood education environments in hopes to reduce the disparities in outcomes among children aged 2-6,widely known as "the achievement gap." It sheds light on designing an inclusive, child-centered school for students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and speech or language impairments (SLI). Drawing on the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), it underscores the benefits of integrating students with special education needs into mainstream education, thereby fostering inclusive learning environments. (IDEA, 1975). Anticipated outcomes of this study include a comprehensive understanding of effective classroom designs that support diverse learning needs. It envisions a learning center designed with a holistic approach, integrating social and collaborative spaces, both indoors and outdoors, to facilitate exploration and semi-structured activities (Migliani, 2020). In summary, this research aims to bridge the achievement gap in early childhood education through an integrated, child-centered school design, rooted in both personal experience and a broader societal context. It aspires to enhance local educational quality and promote global values of sustainability and inclusivity. The study conducts an extensive literature review, focusing on the impact of classroom design on learning outcomes. This includes examining key articles on the influence of colors, classroom layout, and the role of interior architecture in rehabilitation spaces. The study uniquely incorporates a comparative analysis of childcentered educational philosophies such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Bank Street, alongside direct observations in early childhood education settings and interviews with educators. These methods aim to understand young learners' behaviors and the practical challenges in these environments. Notable articles include 'The impact of colors on learning' (Chang et al., 2018), 'The impact of classroom design on learning outcomes' (Barrett et al., 2015), and 'The Future of School Design' (Lange, 2018). Additionally, 'The role of interior architecture in rehabilitation spaces, especially for children with a focus on evidence-based design' (Taheri et al., 2015), provides insights into interior architecture's role in rehabilitation spaces. In addition to seeking inspiration from precedent structures, this study examines notable examples like the Beijing Peninsula Montessori Kindergarten designed by ArkA, and the DS Nursery in Ibaraki Prefecture, a collaborative creation by Hibino Sekkei and Youji no Shiro. (Mairs, 2015) (Shuang, 2017). The study's methodology is further detailed to address the comments. It specifies the tools used for observations, such as structured observation checklists and student-teacher interactions. The research question probes how to create a nurturing and adaptable school environment tailored to the diverse needs of 2-6-year-old students, aiming to facilitate their learning, reduce the achievement gap, and boost self-esteem. This inquiry contributes to the ongoing discourse on designing optimal educational environments for early childhood education. The relevance of this research is driven by my background as a speech pathologist and mother, inspiring a passion for innovative educational practices. Locally, in the state of Virginia 14% of students receive special education; of total learning disabilities, 32% of the students have SLD which encompasses (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia...etc.) and 19% of them have SLI (NCES, 2023). Globally, the envisioned learning center incorporates sustainability principles and sensory experiences as a universal language, accommodating diverse learning needs and fostering environmental appreciation.41 0