A Consonant Shift in Kuwaitis’ Speech: Challenging the Bedouin Vs Sedentary hypothesis The case of [ʧ]

In light of sociolinguist phonological change, the following study investigates the shift of [ʧ] to [k] sound in the speech of Kuwaitis and argues against the Bedouin/ Sedentary distinction. The main hypothesis is twofold: first the shift seems to be driven not by the differences between the sedentary and Bedouin varieties, but by the widespread of the English language as a prestige form and by the recent change of Kuwaitis’ lifestyle; second, the shift is not totally in the direction of [k], but rather in the direction of a lexical replacement by either English loanwords, classical Arabic, or other Arab dialects. To test this hypothesis, 130 informants were informally interviewed. 503 tokens were collected and were examined across gender, age, level of education. Their speech was phonetically transcribed and accordingly was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. Results indicate that the [ʧ] variant is undergoing change and that the social parameters and the significant social changes, that Kuwait has undergone recently, have triggered this linguistic shift

A novel cassette method for probe evaluation in the designed biochips

A critical step in biochip design is the selection of probes with identical hybridisation characteristics. In this article we describe a novel method for evaluating DNA hybridisation probes, allowing the fine-tuning of biochips, that uses cassettes with multiple probes. Each cassette contains probes in equimolar proportions so that their hybridisation performance can be assessed in a single reaction. The model used to demonstrate this method was a series of probes developed to detect TORCH pathogens. DNA probes were designed for Toxoplasma gondii, Chlamidia trachomatis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes virus and these were used to construct the DNA cassettes. Five cassettes were constructed to detect TORCH pathogens using a variety of genes coding for membrane proteins, viral matrix protein, an early expressed viral protein, viral DNA polymerase and the repetitive gene B1 of Toxoplasma gondii. All of these probes, except that for the B1 gene, exhibited similar profiles under the same hybridisation conditions. The failure of the B1 gene probe to hybridise was not due to a position effect, and this indicated that the probe was unsuitable for inclusion in the biochip. The redesigned probe for the B1 gene exhibited identical hybridisation properties to the other probes, suitable for inclusion in a biochip

Investigating the Entrepreneurial Intentions and Action Gap in the Saudi Context

Background: The importance of entrepreneurship for economic development is well-known, and incorporated in reform programs like the Saudi 2030 Vision. However, despite efforts to encourage entrepreneurial intentions (EIs), many individuals struggle to take actual entrepreneurial actions (EAs) and start businesses. This gap between EI and entrepreneurial behaviours, has led researchers to seek explanations for why potential entrepreneurs do not act. Purpose: This research aims to uncover why there is a gap between EI and EA among young people, by identifying the obstacles preventing them from turning their intentions into actions. It seeks to validate the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model in the Saudi context and to follow up with recent graduates to see if they have taken any entrepreneurial actions after completing their studies. Design/Methodology/Approach: Quantitative data was collected from 301 Saudi students in 2020, followed by a survey six months after graduation to assess their EA. Interviews were then conducted to explore barriers. Another survey was sent to 231 students in 2021, with a follow-up after graduation. This allowed testing of EI during and after COVID-19 restrictions. Findings: The results provided evidence that the TPB model is valid in the Saudi context suggesting a strong association between EI and the TPB antecedents. A mediation analysis indicated that the three TPB antecedents were mediators between the social and societal factors (SAS) and EI. Analysis of the qualitative data pointed towards certain barriers preventing the participants from taking EA, these included the lack of financing, communication, training, and experience alongside bureaucracy and anxiety about expensive penalties. Originality: The findings represent an original and novel empirical test of the TPB model in the context of Saudi Arabia. This thesis represents a groundbreaking exploration of the dynamics of entrepreneurial intention and action in the specific socioeconomic context of Saudi Arabia. By focusing on this unique context, this study fills a significant gap in the entrepreneurship literature, particularly in the Gulf region. This study provides new insights into the complexity of entrepreneurial behaviour in a rapidly evolving economy by providing a comprehensive analysis of the factors that influence the gap between entrepreneurial intention and subsequent action. This study employed a mixed method approach combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to gain a nuanced understanding of the complexity of the entrepreneurial decision-making process among Saudi Arabian individuals and aspiring entrepreneurs. By incorporating a culturally sensitive framework and contextual factors, this study highlights the unique challenges and opportunities inherent to the Saudi business environment. The findings of this paper will not only enhance the academic understanding of Saudi entrepreneurship but also aid policymakers and educators who aim to create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship development, which also has practical implications for business leaders. By identifying barriers to entrepreneurial activity and proposing targeted interventions, this study aims to facilitate further research and promote the emergence of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. This dissertation makes a significant contribution to the field of entrepreneurship by providing new perspectives, methods, and perspectives tailored to the specific sociocultural and economic context of Saudi Arabia. This highlights the importance of contextual research for understanding and promoting entrepreneurship both locally and globally. Research Limitations: This research has several limitations including generalisability of the findings to other populations a little bit, short follow-up intervals, participant distribution, and the absence of implicit measures. The generalisability of a study refers to the degree to which the findings can be applied or generalised beyond the study sample to other settings. When investigating entrepreneurial intentions and behaviours in the Saudi context, applicable to large populations with little bit variations due to COVID-19 but is generalisability may be limited by factors such as specific culture and economic differences in the Saudi context and other areas of the world. Theoretical Implications: The findings of the research confirm the applicability of the TPB model in the Saudi context. Additionally, the study introduces the Social and Societal (SAS) factors as a new antecedent to the TPB model. Practical Implications: The findings suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing EI and facilitating the transition to EA should consider the influences of attitudes, social norms, perceived control, and broader societal factors. By addressing these factors, policymakers and educators can create an environment to support entrepreneurship and contribute to economic growth and development

Examining the Impact of Job Satisfaction and Employee Engagement as Mediators between Job Crafting and Turnover Intention in Saudi Companies

This study aims to investigate the impact of Job Satisfaction and Employee Engagement as Mediators between Job Crafting and Turnover Intention. By Examining 190 private sector employees in Saudi Arabia and using linear regressions Analysis and validated questionnaire, the results of the study show that (1) There is a positive relationship between job crafting and job satisfaction, (2) Job crafting is a positively related to employee engagement.  Also (3) There is a positive relationship between job satisfaction and employee engagement. Whereas (4) Job satisfaction and turnover intention is negatively related to each other. Finally, it has been found that (5) There is a negative relationship between employee engagement and turnover intention. These findings suggest that the turnover intention of employees could be reduced through empowering employees by generating job-crafting behaviors. Thus, will lead eventually to job satisfaction and employee engagement. Keywords: job satisfaction, employee engagement, job crafting, turnover intention DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/13-7-09 Publication date: April 30th 202

The prevalence of physical activity and its socioeconomic correlates in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional population-based national survey

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the levels of physical activity in the Saudi population and to assess its socio-demographic correlates.MethodsThe data were part of a cross-sectional representative national survey of 4758 participants conducted in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A multistage stratified cluster random sampling design was used. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) version 2.0. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the determinants and were adjusted in relation to various factors.ResultsOverall, physical inactivity was found to be 66.6% (95% C.I.: 65.3%–68%), 60.1% (95% C.I.: 58.1%–62.1%) for males and 72.9% (95% C.I.: 71.1%–74.7%) for females. Leisure time physical inactivity was found to be 87.9%, 85.6% for males and 90.2% for females. The northern and central regions reported the highest prevalence of no physical activity at work, leisure and transportation. Gender, geographical location and employment status exhibited a statistically significant correlation.ConclusionsThere is a high level of physical inactivity in various regions and population groups in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Population interventions are greatly needed, especially those focusing on physical activity in their leisure time

Measurement properties, interpretability and feasibility of instruments measuring oral health and orofacial pain in dependent adults:a systematic review

Background: Dependent adults have been shown to have a greater experience of oral health deterioration and orofacial pain. This is partly because their non-dental caregivers may not easily identify oral health problems and orofacial pain experienced by them. Thus, this systematic review aimed to investigate measurement properties, interpretability and feasibility of instruments assessing oral health and orofacial pain in dependent adults, which can be used by the non-dental caregivers to establish oral care plans for those who are dependent upon them. Methods: Seven bibliographic databases were searched: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, HTA, OATD and OpenGrey. Citations and reference lists of the included studies were also manually searched. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts, and then full texts. A quality assessment of included studies was conducted independently by two authors using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. The best evidence synthesis method was used to synthesise results from different studies for each measurement property per measurement instrument by integrating the overall rating for each measurement property per measurement instrument with its quality level of evidence. Results: Nineteen eligible studies were included, which reported the development, measurement properties’ evaluation, interpretability and feasibility of nine oral health and three orofacial pain measurement instruments. Methodological quality of the included studies ranged from very good to inadequate. None of the identified measurement instruments has been adequately and comprehensively tested. Conclusions: While several measurement instruments were identified in this systematic review, more evidence is needed to be able to more comprehensively evaluate these instruments. Among those identified, the OPS-NVI demonstrated sufficient construct validity, while the OHAT and the THROAT demonstrated sufficient reliability. These instruments therefore have potential for future use with more confidence once other measurement properties, interpretability and feasibility have been sufficiently tested and evaluated.</p

Enhancing predictive capability of models for solubility and permeability in polymers and composites

The interpretation of phase equilibrium and mass transport phenomena in gas/solvent - polymer system at molten or glassy state is relevant in many industrial applications. Among tools available for the prediction of thermodynamics properties in these systems, at molten/rubbery state, is the group contribution lattice-fluid equation of state (GCLF-EoS), developed by Lee and Danner and ultimately based on Panayiotou and Vera LF theory. On the other side, a thermodynamic approach namely non-equilibrium lattice-fluid (NELF) was proposed by Doghieri and Sarti to consistently extend the description of thermodynamic properties of solute polymer systems obtained through a suitable equilibrium model to the case of non-equilibrium conditions below the glass transition temperature. The first objective of this work is to investigate the phase behaviour in solvent/polymer at glassy state by using NELF model and to develop a predictive tool for gas or vapor solubility that could be applied in several different applications: membrane gas separation, barrier materials for food packaging, polymer-based gas sensors and drug delivery devices. Within the efforts to develop a predictive tool of this kind, a revision of the group contribution method developed by High and Danner for the application of LF model by Panayiotou and Vera is considered, with reference to possible alternatives for the mixing rule for characteristic interaction energy between segments. The work also devotes efforts to the analysis of gas permeability in polymer composite materials as formed by a polymer matrix in which domains are dispersed of a second phase and attention is focused on relation for deviation from Maxwell law as function of arrangement, shape of dispersed domains and loading

Disseminated Herpes Simplex Virus-1 in Previously Healthy Child Without Skin Rash: A case report and review

Disseminated Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a known fatal condition in neonate and immunocompromised patients. However, very few cases have been reported in immunocompetent host. We report a one year old child who was previously healthy, presented with febrile illness associated with decrease conscious level. Child has been found to have marked elevated liver enzymes. Ultimately diagnosed with disseminated. HSV (encephalitis/ hepatitis) based on Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) finding of HSV as well as positive HSV Immunoglobulin M (IgM) serology. She received acyclovir course and follow up for 1 year showed excellent developmental outcome. Keywords: HSV, Encephalitis, Hepatitis