Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/10
Browse
44260 results
Search Results
Item Restricted ASSESSING PRELAMIN A PROCESSING AND PHENOTYPIC EFFECTS OF LMNA MUTATIONS IN A RESIDUE ADJACENT TO THE ZMPSTE24 CLEAVAGE SITE(Johns Hopkins University, 2025) Alkhamis, Danyah; Michaelis, SusanLamin A is a nuclear scaffold protein, synthesized as a precursor called prelamin A, which undergoes several steps of posttranslational processing. This study explores the impact of mutations that affect the final proteolytic processing step, which is mediated by the zinc metalloprotease ZMPSTE24. We assessed the effects of these LMNA mutations, specifically at the L647 residue, on nuclear morphology and protein processing. After establishing a HeLa T-REx cell culture system, we expressed wild-type GFP-tagged LMNA and 11 GFP-tagged LMNA mutants. These mutations were examined against the abnormalities seen in cells from patients with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) and other disorders characterized by the accumulation of unprocessed prelamin A. Results in mammalian cells were compared to previous work performed in a humanized yeast system. Our findings indicate that diminished processing of prelamin seen in the yeast system is recapitulated in mammalian cells. Our results also indicate significant nuclear morphological abnormalities. However, there were no specific correlations between mutations with low cleavage efficiency and higher abnormal nuclei count. This research marks a significant step in understanding the impact of mutations at L647 in prelamin A processing and associated cellular defects. Overall, this study lays the foundation for future investigations into understanding the molecular mechanisms of how LMNA mutations may result in diseases.31 0Item Restricted Strategic Expansion of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Network in Cardiff: A Study of Thornhill.(Cardiff University, 2025) Alsamadani, Abdullah; Santos, GeorginaTransitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) is a key step in realising sustainable transportation and low greenhouse gas emissions. However, the extent to which this transition is effective depends heavily on the existence, accessibility, and efficiency of EV charging infrastructure. Using Thornhill, Cardiff, as a case study, this study analyses the current state of EV charging infrastructure, including challenges, user perceptions, and future proofing strategies. Integrating GIS spatial analysis with survey data from 57 respondents, the research performed a comprehensive assessment of infrastructure gaps, user satisfaction levels, and projected demand growth. However, according to the findings, the availability of charging stations continues to be a major concern, with a greater percentage of respondents blaming inadequate infrastructure. In addition to that, charging speed and station congestion were found to be significant challenges, especially in the commercial and high traffic areas where users are expecting faster and more efficient charging solutions. The research also shows a distinct divide between EV owners and those without EVs, with the latter suggesting the need for more public and workplace charging stations since their home charging options are limited. Expanding charging station coverage, integrating fast charging technology, incorporating renewable energy solutions, and adopting smart grid systems are identified as future proofing strategies in the study. The research also highlights the need for policy interventions, including financial incentives, public private partnerships (PPPs), and mandatory EV ready infrastructure in new developments, in order to promote widespread EV adoption. With these insights policymakers, urban planners, and energy providers can inform future infrastructure planning for EVs, adding to the growing body of literature on the topic. The results underscore the importance of strategic site selection, technological developments, and regulatory support in achieving a scalable, efficient, and environmentally friendly EV charging network. By fixing current gaps and adapting forward looking strategies, Thornhill and other suburban regions can enable quicker transition into electric mobility and help the UK as a whole make progress towards the objective of net zero transportation emissions.9 0Item Restricted The Influence of Usable Security on Security Culture(University of Nottingham, 2025) Fallatah, Wesam; Furnell, Steven; Wagner, ChristianCybersecurity threats are becoming more complex, and organizations must implement security measures that are technically robust and practical. The lack of usability of these measures can lead to uncompliant behavior, risky workarounds, and a weak security culture, making the organization susceptible to security breaches. To improve cybersecurity posture and resilience, organizations need to understand and strengthen their security culture. This study adopts a mixed-method approach to explore the influence of usable security on security culture. It centers on three core objectives. First, it seeks to understand the concepts of usability, usable security, and security culture by examining their representation in studies and authoritative sources. It also formulates a comprehensive set of definitions to identify the factors that influence these key elements. Second, it aims to characterize the relationship between usable security and security culture by framing the study variables and investigating whether usable security can positively impact security culture, drawing on both quantitative and qualitative analyses. To achieve this, a survey was conducted with over 200 participants, followed by interviews with a smaller sub-population. The study then employed statistical descriptive analysis and thematic analysis to understand the relationship between usable security and security culture. Third, it sought to design a means that leverages the influence of usable security, identifying specific areas where usability improvements can promote a stronger and positive security culture. A thorough review of previous and related studies informs the study’s direction and methodology, laying the groundwork for developing the instruments required to investigate the impact of usable security on security culture. An important outcome of this research is the development of a framework for fostering a strong security culture by employing usable security alongside other necessary elements. This framework, which forms a key contribution to the study, was validated by two groups: participants who completed the survey and interviews and a group of experts. The validation process highlighted the framework's practical value and contributed to enhancing the framework's clarity, presentation, and potential for integration. The research intends that organizations may overcome pitfalls that hinder the development of a positive security culture by establishing a structured approach that addresses common usability barriers. Ultimately, the study has the potential to help organizations achieve greater compliance, reduce cybersecurity risks, and enhance their resilience to evolving threats.6 0Item Restricted Populism in Brazil(City, University of London, 2025) Kashgari, Rawan Akram; Kutlay, MustafaThe global rise of populism has raised growing concerns about its relationship with democracy (Weyland, 2022). This dissertation contributes to the debate about the relationship between populism and democracy by analysing how left-wing populism differs from right-wing populism in Brazil in comparison to their relationship with democracy. The empirical focus is on two case studies: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula) (2003–2010) as a left-wing populist leader and Jair Bolsonaro (2019–2022) as a right-wing populist leader. I adopt Cas Mudde’s definition of populism and the inclusion/exclusion framework developed by Mudde and Rovira Kaltwasser (2012), further enriched by Dani Filc’s (2010) distinction between material, symbolic, and political dimensions. The analysis centres on three key mechanisms: 1) approaches to democracy, 2) engagement with institutional checks and balances, and 3) interaction with broader ideological elements.14 0Item Restricted Miniaturised Implantable Antenna for Wireless Capsule Endoscopy(Durham University, 2025-03) Alshammari, Andullah; Claudio, Balocco; BEN MABROUK, ISMAILThis thesis investigates the development of miniaturised implantable antennas for wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) applications. The study addresses critical challenges, including the integration of an antenna within the limited space of a small capsule, frequency detuning caused by the heterogeneous human body, and the significant signal propagation losses. Several implantable antenna designs were explored, including in-band full-duplex (IBFD) and dual-band configurations, with prototypes fabricated and experimentally validated. Simulation and measurement results demonstrate strong alignment. The study emphasises the necessity of an omnidirectional radiation pattern to ensure reliable communication regardless of the capsule’s rotation within the GI tract. To ensure patient safety, specific absorption rate (SAR) levels were thoroughly evaluated. The study incorporates advanced miniaturisation techniques, and precise optimisation to achieve high performance in a compact form factor. The proposed dual port implantable antennas design demonstrates high isolation, good impedance matching, and independently controllable frequency bands. These features enhance spectral efficiency and support simultaneous transmission and reception for real-time bidirectional communication. This study contributes to the first ever reported IBFD antenna that offer reliable, efficient, and safe performance in the dynamic environment of the human body. The findings not only enhance the capability ofWCE systems but also pave the way for future developments in non-invasive diagnostic technologies.9 0Item Restricted Stress and Burnout in Critical Care Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Literature Review(Queen's University Belfast, 2025-03) Aljohani, Abdulelah; Rice, BilliejoanBackground: Burnout is a significant occupational health problem in critical care nurses, particularly working in intensive care units and emergency departments. The intensive work of critical care, involving long shifts, high patient acuity, and emotional stress, is a contributing factor to burnout, impacting job satisfaction, patient care quality, and nursing staff turnover. In Saudi Arabia, regional health disparities, nursing shortages, and reliance on expatriate nurses add to the issue, requiring closer examination. Aim: The aim of this systematic review seeks to synthesise current evidence on risk factors and the prevalence for stress and burnout among critical care nurses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Systematic literature search was conducted by utilising PUBMED, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases. Inclusion was rigorous, and studies regarding the prevalence, risk factors, and Saudi Arabian critical care nurses’ exposure to burnout: a total of ten articles were included in the review. Meta-analyses were not feasible; thus, the results were synthesised narratively and categorised into two major categories: Levels of burnout and factors contributing to burnout. Results: There are high to moderate levels of burnout present in Critical care nurses, and there is regional variation between Riyadh, Makkah, and Jazan. Intensive care units’ nurses exhibited more emotional exhaustion, and emergency department nurses exhibited physical exhaustion as a result of workload intensity. There was added stress due to expatriate nurses, including uncertainty in jobs, cultural challenges, and language. Organisational factors, including shortages in staff, shift working, and rigid hospital hierarchies, also contributed to burnout. Conclusion: Burnout among Saudi Arabian critical care nurses’ is a serious workforce issue with direct effects on patient safety, healthcare efficiency, and retention. Addressing burnout requires policy changes, mental health support, and workforce reforms to improve nurse well-being and patient care. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and intervention-based strategies for sustainable solutions.2 0Item Restricted Assessing the Impact of Certificate of Need Laws on Organ Transplantation Outcomes(Middle Tennessee State University, 2025) Alaohaid, Mohammed; Baum, CharlesThis dissertation examines how institutional regulations and regional dynamics influence the availability and quality of organ transplantation services in the United States. The first chapter assesses the average effect of certificate-of-need (CON) regulations on transplant outcomes across five organs—heart, kidney, liver, lung, and pancreas—using center-level data from 2010 to 2023. Although CON regulations generally enhance availability, they are associated with lower average quality, particularly for heart and liver transplants, possibly due to expanded access for higher-risk patients. The second chapter employs a synthetic difference-in-differences approach to evaluate the effects of repealing and reinstating CON laws on kidney transplants in two states: New Hampshire and Indiana. The findings indicate significant changes in market share, while the changes in availability and quality are either modest or not statistically significant after policy changes. This suggests that the impact of CON regulations may be influenced by regional factors and the initial market conditions of each state. The third chapter investigates knowledge spillovers in heart transplantation using an instrumental variable approach. It finds that centers in regions with higher transplant activity benefit from shared expertise, improving patient selection and procedural efficiency. However, increased transplant rates may also coincide with lower average survival outcomes, likely due to the inclusion of more clinically complex patients. Collectively, these chapters contribute to the literature on healthcare regulation by providing empirical evidence on how policy design and regional specialization influence outcomes in high-stakes medical services. The findings highlight the importance of interpreting average outcome metrics in light of patient heterogeneity and institutional context and suggest that regulatory and regional collaboration strategies can play a critical role in improving transplant care.13 0Item 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.5 0Item Restricted INVESTIGATING THE NATURE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENTAL POLICIES ON THE INCLUSION OF STUDENTS WITH MILD/MODERATE DISABILITIES IN GENERAL EDUCATION SETTINGS IN SAUDI ARABIA(Kent State University, 2025) Alanazi, Hani Hulayyil; Stevenson, NathanThe government of Saudi Arabia has made significant efforts to provide inclusive education for students with disabilities. Inclusive education enables students with disabilities to receive the same educational services and opportunities as their non-disabled peers. However, the current educational system still faces challenges in achieving effective inclusion. The broad goal of effective inclusion is to provide appropriate services and accommodations for individual educational programs and supports that ensure quality education for all children. Many governments, including Saudi Arabia, have advanced specific policies for the inclusion of students with disabilities, particularly those with mild to moderate disabilities, in general education programs. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia is still in the preliminary stages of integrating students with disabilities into general educational environments. This study focuses specifically on the perspectives and lived experiences of special education teachers working in elementary schools in Riyadh. The study examines the extent to which existing educational policies in Saudi Arabia encourage the inclusion of students with moderate to severe disabilities in general education classrooms, according to teachers charged with enacting such policies. By analyzing how these teachers interpret and apply inclusive education policies in their everyday practice, the study seeks to illuminate the real-world challenges and contextual dynamics influencing policy implementation. The study identifies systemic gaps and areas where major changes or further improvements are needed to increase the number of students with disabilities in inclusive educational settings. By investigating the current state of inclusive education policies and practices in Saudi Arabia, this research aims to contribute to the development of a more equitable and inclusive educational system for all students.14 0Item Restricted Understanding the Dissolution Behaviour of Flax Yarn in Ionic Liquids(University of Leeds, 2025-03) Albarakati, Fatimah Ahmed; Hine, Peter J; Ries, Michael EThe purpose of this thesis is to study the dissolution of flax fibres in imidazolium based ionic liquids and anti-solvent mixtures. This is an important area of study, helping to understand the mechanism of cellulose solvation and the ways in which the properties of ILs (in particular different anion and cation combinations) can influence their ability to dissolve cellulose at the micro- and macro level, and how different IL features affect the dissolution process. This study investigates the dissolution behaviour of flax yarns in three distinct imidazolium based ILs:1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C2mim]+[OAc]- ),1- butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C4mim]+[OAc]-), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium octanoate ([C2mim]+[Oct]-). The first two of these had the same anion ([OAc]-) but a different cation, while the third had the same cation ([C2mim]+), as the first but a different anion. This work was able to reveal the role of the cation and the anion on the dynamics of cellulosic yarn dissolution. The dissolution process involved submerging the yarns in the pure ILs for a range of temperatures and times, followed by coagulation in water. The coagulated material called coagulated fraction (CF) produced an outer ring that surrounded the centre yarn fibre. Optical microscopy was used to follow the growth of this ‘dissolved’ region and it showed an Arrhenius behaviour, enabling the determination of the dissolution activation energy from this simple measurement. The dissolution activation energies of the ILs [C2mim][OAc], [C4mim][OAc] and [C2mim] [Oct] were found to be 64 ± 5 kJ/mol, 67 ± 1 kJ/mol and 79 ± 1 kJ/mol, respectively. In addition, the growth of the outer coagulated ring's thickness of the coagulated material was investigated, enabling the IL's diffusion coefficients to be determined. NMR study (pulsed- field gradient self- diffusion measurements), viscosity, density, and Stokes-Einstein analysis provided further understanding of the properties of the pure ILs. The calculated diffusion activation energies of the ILs [C2mim][OAc], [C4mim][OAc] and [C2mim][Oct], were found to be 64 ± 5 kJ/mol, 69 ± 5 kJ/mol and, 77 ± 3 kJ/mol, respectively. The resultant data shows that the dissolution rate goes from fastest to slowest in the order [C2mim][OAc] >[C4mim][OAc] >[C2mim][Oct]. Our key result is that the dissolution of the flax yarns (in all three ILs) is controlled by the diffusion of the IL, through a region of swollen cellulose/IL solution around each fibre as the thickness of the dissolved and coagulated layer increases with the square root of time and so is diffusion controlled. The effect of adding small amount of water on the activation energy and dissolution speed of ionic liquids ILs [C2mim][OAc] and [C4mim][OAc] was investigated separately. For the IL [C2mim][OAc], three different water contents have been used 1%, 2% and 4% by weight and for the IL [C4mim][OAc], four different water concentration have been used 1%, 2%, 4%, and 8% by weight. The resultant data has also been compared to the results from chapter 3 (the pure IL [C2mim][OAc] was found to consist of 0.2% water), and chapter 4 (the pure IL [C4mim][OAc] was found to consist of 0% water). As expected, the coagulated outer layer was seen to form around the undissolved core fibre for the water systems of 1%, 2%, and 4%. However, there was no sign of dissolution showed by the IL [C4mim][OAc]-water system of 8%. For the IL[C2mim][OAc], the activation energies were found to be 77 ± 5 kJ/mol, 97 ± 3 kJ/mol and 116 ± 6 kJ/mol for the system containing 1%, 2% and 4% water respectively. For the IL [C4mim][OAc], the activation energies were found to be 78 ± 7 kJ/mol, 83 ± 7 kJ/mol and 110 ± 6 kJ/mol for the system containing 1%, 2% and 4% water respectively. The dissolution rate was found to exponentially decrease as a function of water content for [C2mim][OAc]; however, the dissolution rate at 1% water was found to be higher than that of 0% water for [C4mim][OAc]. This shows a level of effectiveness at 1% water could make it a viable option for both research and industrial use.18 0