An Investigation of Quality of Urban Life: A Case Study of Quba Municipality, Medina City, Saudi Arabia

The term quality of urban life (QoUL) usually refers to the well-being of people and the quality of the environment in which they live. Over the past three decades, there has been an increasing interest in the study and an investigation of QoUL, which has attracted the attention of researchers in several fields, such as geography, psychology, economics, politics and sociology. In general, outputs of QoUL investigation can be used to diagnose previous policy strategies and to design future planning policies. The investigation of QoUL provides a basis of data that helps identify issues concerning the urban environment, causes of dissatisfaction, people’s priorities in their daily lives, as well as monitoring and assessment of the efficiency of policies and strategies related to QoUL. Despite the large body of QoUL literature, there is still no agreed definition, or agreement over the way in which QoUL is investigated. However, there is wide consensus that QoUL has both subjective and objective dimensions. Although QoUL has been of interest in many disciplines around the world during the past three decades, it is relatively unexplored in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the QoUL in the city of Medina, the case of Quba Municipality. To this end, this research uses different conceptual approaches, namely functionalist and postmodernity approaches, in order to provide an overarching understanding of the QoUL characteristics in the study area. Such understanding involves identifying the most influential aspects of the physical, economic, social and cultural domains, and exploring the impact of these aspects on QoUL in the study area. In so doing, this thesis tries to address some key challenges related to the current approaches to QoUL and provides a research framework of investigation that may lead to rethinking about QoUL

Fresh groundwater lenses in the Arabian Peninsula: formative, stability and management assessments, The

2019 Fall.Includes bibliographical references.The formation of fresh groundwater lenses (FGLs) overlying denser, saline or brackish groundwater is a fascinating hydrologic phenomenon that creates groundwater supplies of great potential value for humans and ecosystems in several formation settings, such as coastal areas, atoll islands, riverine floodplains, and subterranean oases in arid regions. In particular, FGLs in subterranean oases are a critical source of freshwater supply in arid regions, due to a general lack of perennial rivers and lakes. These FGLs are in danger of salinization due to natural events and anthropogenic stresses. Although extensive research has been conducted on FGLs in general, the FGLs in subterranean oases in arid regions have received less attention. Key knowledge gaps include the quantity and frequency of natural recharge to these FGLs; reliable estimates of environmental aquifer dispersivity at the scale of subterranean FGLs; the timing of lens development; and the impact of anthropogenic activities on lens dynamics. This dissertation focuses on the FGLs of subterranean oases in the Arabian Peninsula (AP), using the Rawdatain FGL in Kuwait as a case study. Among the FGLs in the AP, the Rawdatain FGL in Kuwait is perhaps a unique candidate because of its size and the availability of extensive subsurface data for the pre-development period. The main objectives of this study are as follows: (1) estimate long-term average annual recharge for the Rawdatain FGL and investigate the timing of lens depletion due to climate change; (2) provide a realistic range of longitudinal (αL), horizontal transverse (αh), and vertical transverse (αv) dispersivity values for the aquifer; and (3) assess the impacts of historical and future anthropogenic activities and evaluate artificial recharge alternatives for lens recovery storage (LSR). In this study, a 3D density-dependent groundwater flow and solute transport model using the SEAWAT modeling code is developed using the following pre-development period calibration targets: (1) groundwater head, (2) spatially-variable total dissolved solids (TDS) groundwater concentration, (3-5) three groundwater volume targets, (6-8) three vertical thickness targets of stored groundwater of three different water quality TDS ranges (0−700, 700−1000, and 1000−2000 mg/L), and (9) geometrical shape features of the lens along cross-sections. In addition, groundwater age data of the Rawdatain FGL was used as an independent factor to constrain the dispersivity and recharge rate during the simulated period of lens development. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis was performed to explore the effects of the hydraulic conductivity, boundary conditions, and vertical transverse dispersivity on lens geometry. Based on a comparison of twelve annual recharge amount scenarios using a constant recharge mechanism (CRM) (R1 to R12: 0.2 to 5.0 million m³/year) with data targets, the R5 (0.5 million m³/year) recharge scenario is selected to represent the long-term average annual recharge. These results demonstrated that the annual natural replenishment of the Rawdatain FGL is minimal compared with its size. A macro-scale stability assessment shows that a 50% reduction in annual recharge within a 100-year time frame would reduce the lens volumes by 21%, 17% and 9% for the three water quality categories. A multi-criteria score-based method was performed to rank the best performance of 28 dispersivity sets (D1 to D28: 1 to 500 m) among all of the targets with an equal weight, on a scale of 0 to 300 x 106 m3. The results illustrated that the D16 dispersivity set (αL = 50 m: αh = 5 m: αv = 0.1 m) represents the best large-scale environmental dispersivity values for the Rawdatain FGL and can be used for analyzing the natural mixing between the ambient brackish water and fresh water. A new baseline model for the predevelopment period using a pulse recharge mechanism (PRM) was established to assess the recharge frequency along with the longitudinal dispersivity. The results revealed that the 50 m longitudinal dispersivity set and one pulse recharge every two years had the best performance, and they were selected to simulate the effects of the infrequent rainfall events and anthropogenic impacts simultaneously. During the groundwater abstraction from 1963 to 2018, the reduction in the stored volumes was 28%, 17% and 12% for the three quality categories. The future pumping scenarios (2019-2100) suggested that the 0.16×106 m3/year is a suitable alternative for long-term use, 0.5×106 m³/year)is an appropriate option for short-term use, and extraction scenarios greater than 1.0×106 m³/year will cause a remarkable degeneration of the Rawdatain FGL. Artificial recharge scenarios (2019-2028) imply that a successful LSR for the Rawdatain FGL depends on selecting appropriate well locations and amounts of injected water. For instance, the I2 alternative could achieve a 100% storage recovery within 7.5, 8 and 9 years for the three water quality categories. This study provides a first attempt to model the formation of a FGL, assess the historical anthropogenic stresses, and evaluate future management scenarios in subterranean oases in arid regions. Implementing multiple data targets and water age is a unique process of calibration that was helpful in eliminating several non-unique calibration parameters and in decreasing the uncertainty of the calibrated parameters. The methodology presented herein provides a general approach that can be extrapolated to other FGLs with similar climatic and environmental circumstances. The outputs of this dissertation enhance the understanding of the formation, stability, and management of these lenses and will be very valuable to water managers for establishing appropriate water supply plans for these valuable water reserves, leading to preferable future water security in the AP

Saudi Administrative Contracts and Arbitrability

This thesis aims to provide a critical appraisal of the validity and enforcement of arbitration agreements and clauses in the context of administrative contracts. The proposed thesis will consider the potential impacts of Shariah on arbitration proceedings initiated in Saudi Arabia, with particular attention focused on the requirements of the applicable procedural and substantive laws. Drawing on the administrative systems of France and Egypt, this thesis will consider how other civil law systems have balanced the rights of private parties with the unilateral authority of public administration, and the extent to which these systems have recognised the rights of private parties to resolve disputes through the mechanisms of arbitration

Performance Evaluation of Semi-transparent CdTe Thin Film Photovoltaic for Building Façade Applications

In recent years, building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications have gained a considerable interest. Different semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) glazing can be used in such applications. This thesis aims to investigate the thermal performance, energy performance and daylight performance of a CdTe thin-film based semi-transparent PV glazing of different transparencies. Outdoor and indoor experimental setups were installed, in Penryn, UK, to investigate the performance of 35%, 25%, 19% and 0.5% CdTe thin-film based semi-transparent photovoltaic glazing in comparison to conventional clear glazing under realistic conditions. Data from the experimental setups were collected in different day conditions and different orientations that are South and South West. Overall heat transfer coefficient (U-value) and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) were calculated for thermal performance evaluation. Net energy performance was evaluated for energy performance assessment. Daylight glare index (DGI) and daylight factor (DF) were calculated for daylight performance evaluation. Results showed that, CdTe STPV glazing are better thermal insulators than conventional single glazing, and CdTe STPV glazing with lower transparencies have better thermal insulation property than higher transparency ones. In addition, compared to conventional single glazing, the application CdTe STPV glazing can achieved a net energy saving up to 20%. Moreover, Using CdTe STPV as a glazing façade can control the daylight glare inside the enclosures to acceptable levels, it also permits for usable daylight to be transmitted into enclosures

THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY: FOR REFUGEES

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the different aspects of therapeutic architecture through the design of a therapeutic community for refugees who suffer from PTSD. To understand a therapeutic space a depth of understanding of what space, atmosphere and stimulation of senses is explored through the effects of light, shadow, and color psychology. The methodology exploration studies different lighting strategies and massing models to understand the relationship and aura of the space being designed

EXTENSIVE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF TRAUMATIC PNEUMOTHORAX IN SAUDI ARABIA’S POPULATION

Objectives: Traumatic pneumothorax is one of the causes of trauma mortality and morbidity. It is a problem for developing countries as many accidents can be avoided and there are few epidemiological data to support programs injury prevention. The main objective of the current study was to determine demographic characteristics, patterns, and severity of the injury, thoracic, and extra-thoracic related injuries in a Level 1 trauma center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SA). Methods: This retrospective observational study used the King Abdulaziz Medical City Trauma Center’s trauma registry to review the data of traumatic pneumothorax patients admitted to the hospital from January 2001 to December 2018. Demographic characteristics, admission date and time, type and mechanism of injury, involved body area, and severity rates were analyzed. Results: A total of 708 patients of whom 92.3% were males. Blunt trauma (75.8%) is the most common cause of injury. Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) were the most common cause (57%) of traumatic pneumothorax. Rib fractures (36.5%), lung contusions (31.5%), and hemothorax (23.5%) were the most common clinical forms of chest injury associated with traumatic pneumothorax. On the other hand, the head injury (34.8%) was the most common extra thoracic part associated. The mean Injury Severity Score in the current study was found to be 20.1. Conclusion: This study showed the trends of traumatic pneumothorax injuries in a Level 1 trauma center, Riyadh, SA, showing MVA are the leading cause of traumatic pneumothorax in our region. These demographic data will be crucial for local health-care systems to be optimally resourced

Identification and Cloning of Transcripts from Triterpenoid-Induced Neuronal Outgrowth in Neuro-2a Cells from Mus musculus

Neurodegenerative diseases severely reduce quality of life and are often responsible for the death of those suffering from them. In addition to the societal toll these diseases inflict on populations, the health care costs are estimated to be hundreds of billions of dollars annually for the U.S. alone. Unfortunately, direct pharmacological treatment for some of the most common of these diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, remains elusive. Traditional medicine in China and India have recommended a variety of plants for preventing and treating these diseases. For example, Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, also knows as Gotu Kola, is believed to treat and prevent many common ailments and diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related diseases. C. asiatica has been shown to contain phytochemicals, such as asiatic acid (AA) and madecassic acid (MA), which are believed to be responsible for the physiological response by humans to C. asiatica extracts. The present research examined the transcriptomes of mouse Neuro-2a cells treated with AA, MA, and ethanol (vehicle) to discover gene transcripts that were highly expressed (10X or greater) by both AA and MA treatments compared to ethanol alone. This resulted in a core set of 23 transcripts, which was used to determine a subset of transcripts for cloning into a mammalian overexpression plasmid (pcDNA-DEST40). High level expression of the five transcripts (Mpp3-204, Pak1-206, Tardbp-204, Usf1-210, and Zc3h15-204) following AA and MA treatments was verified using qPCR. The suite of plasmids containing these transcripts will be used in subsequent experiments with neurons in culture to explore whether one of these proteins or a combination of them is sufficient for significantly increased neurite outgrowth and length, as was demonstrated with direct AA and MA treatments

In vivo mechanical assessment of human elbow kinematics using a six axis parallel mechanism developed in house

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel UniversityElbow joint laxity is a problem that normally comes with age; it increases up to critical levels due to rupture or damage to the ligaments of the elbow and affects the stability and capacities of the joint, interfering even with daily activities. This work investigates the kinematics of the elbow through in-vivo experimental measurement. To this end, a platform based on Stewart Platform mechanism was built and used at the bioengineering labs of Brunel University in West London, the UK, to measure the six degrees of freedom of the joint. This thesis aims to develop a method to simulate such motion which could be used for elbow implant design and manufacture. This work contributes to both the basic science of joint movement measurement and to the clinical applications of diagnosing elbow illness. In addition this research presents the preliminary results for a design for elbow implants. Tracking system developed in house was used to measure the degrees of freedom in healthy elbow motion. A pilot study was performed to assess the joint motion and its repeatability. A group of volunteers with normal elbow movement was used to carry out this study. A Stewart Platform mechanism based on the tracking system was used in this study as a non-invasive tool to capture elbow joint motion and track the trajectory and pattern of the motion in three-dimensional space. This thesis aimed to develop a method to simulate the elbow joint motion that could potentially be used for the elbow implants design and there manufacture. The goal of this study was achieved by in vivo measurement of the elbow movement. It was found that the results vary from person to person, but a healthy pattern of motion can be distinguished from an abnormal pattern. To ensure the result, the motion of the right and left hand of each person was compared,allowing the behaviour of the elbow motion to be judged and the results can help surgeons to analyze the motion of the elbow joint and follow up suspicions of abnormal behaviour in the joint or trace any possible joint laxity. Furthermore, the errors involved with the mechanism were calculated and appropriate factors were applied to correct them. As part of this study the manufacturing of medical implants was reviewed and discussed.Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) in the State of Kuwait