Effects of entrepreneurial characteristics on the success of SMEs in the Saudi Arabian market

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in almost all national economies ranking them as the key drivers of economic growth. There has been concerted efforts directed towards enhancing their survival and eventual growth of which researchers, policy makers and governments alike tend to put more emphasis on. The threat to survival is real and unless there is intensive effort from concerned parties, the situation might become out of control. The study was guided by the following research objectives which include: finding out what role is played by entrepreneur’s innovation, leadership, networking and risk-taking competencies on the survival of SMEs in KSA. The study reviewed past activities and this was explained by the literature review. The literature review evaluated the relationship between each of the various entrepreneurial competencies and their effect on survival of SMEs worldwide. The study therefore opted to adopt a descriptive research design. The findings revealed that entrepreneurial competencies (innovation competency, leadership competency, networking competency and risk-taking competency) of the SME owner-managers (entrepreneurs) have a positive and significant effect on the survival of SMEs in KSA thereby increasing their chances of survival. The study therefore recommends that SMEs through the management should embrace innovation competency as a means of enhancing their survival, enhance leadership competency which is a key aspect in firm survival and performance, ensure that they embrace networking competency as a way of gaining competitive advantage and widening their customer base and adopt calculated risk-taking strategies in their operations

Development of a clinically relevant subclassification of luminal breast cancer related to response to endocrine therapy

Endocrine therapy is widely used in clinical practice as adjuvant treatment for luminal breast cancer. Although clinical outcome of patients with this subtype have markedly improved with endocrine therapy, around 30-50% of patients relapse despite treatment. Therefore, as part of the growing concept of personalised medicine, research priorities are required to more accurately identify predictive markers of endocrine therapy response to aid clinician decision-making. This thesis aimed to identify markers that are able to classify luminal breast tumours into distinct groups with different outcomes in the context of response to endocrine therapy. Large, well-characterised cohorts of primary luminal breast cancer patients with long-term follow-up were assessed for the clinical impact of selected markers at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels. Prognostic significance of these markers with clinical outcome and benefit of endocrine therapy as well as their association with clinicopathological variables and other related-genes were analysed. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in terms of response to adjuvant endocrine therapy. In vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of knockdown of key markers in the proliferation of cancer cells and to the sensitivity to endocrine treatment. This thesis has identified key markers with different function including amino acid transporters (SLC1A5, SLC3A2/SLC7A5), cell cycle regulators (KIF18A) and markers of cell motility (PPFIA1 and DBN1) that are associated with worse outcome in luminal tumours. Additionally, results indicate that assessment of their expression prior to adjuvant treatment could subclassify luminal subtype tumours into distinct groups with different outcome in the context of response to endocrine therapy. This could have a great clinical impact in helping guide clinician decision-making. Additional or alternative targeted therapies could then be given to those who have been predicted to have resistance to endocrine therapy, this would be a significant shift toward a more truly individualised medicine. This thesis provides a set of useful targets for future investigation, which could pave the way for novel targeted therapy to overcome endocrine therapy resistance

Scientific Exploration into the Promising Realm of Magnetic Energy: A Literature Review

ABSTRACT: The use of permanent magnets, renowned for their self-sustaining magnetic properties, has been predominantly confined to small-scale generators. Conversely, electromagnets, composed of iron or steel cores cocooned within a web of wires, exhibit magnetization when subjected to an electrical current, consequently engendering a magnetic field. This intriguing aspect of magnets has kindled the scientific community's interest, particularly in the realm of electricity generation, where they have proven remarkably effective. As the world stands on the precipice of depleting finite oil reserves, the fundamental question looms large: What will serve as humanity's anchor when the last drop of oil is extracted from the Earth's depths? Could the advent of magnetic energy usher in a new era, redefining our reliance on conventional energy sources? These critical queries serve as the guiding compass for our scientific exploration into the promising realm of magnetic energy

The Role Of Glutaminase In Cancer

Increased glutamine metabolism (glutaminolysis) is a hallmark of cancer and is recognised as a key metabolic change in cancer cells. As a heterogeneous disease with different morpholog- ical and molecular subtypes and response to therapy, breast cancer cells are known to rewire glutamine metabolism to support survival and proliferation. Glutaminase isoenzymes (GLS and GLS2) are key enzymes for glutamine metabolism. Interestingly, GLS and GLS2 display contrasting functions in tumourigenesis. In this review, we explore the role of glutaminase in cancer, primarily focussing on breast cancer, address the role played by oncogenes and tu- mour suppressor genes in regulating glutaminase, and discuss current therapeutic approaches in targeting glutaminase

Restraining forces and drivers of supply chain collaboration: evidence from an emerging market

Purpose - This paper aims to investigate how restraining forces and driving forces impact supply chain collaboration in the context of Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach - A qualitative approach was adopted. Using semi-structured interviews, data was obtained from manufacturers and third-party logistics providers in Nigeria's food and beverage sector. The data was analysed using the thematic analysis method. Findings - Interesting findings were revealed regarding how some underlying forces impact supply chain collaboration. These findings were categorised into internal, supply chain, and external environment level factors. However, certain forces were also identified at these distinct levels which can sustain the collaboration between supply chain partners in emerging markets like Nigeria. Originality/value - Many studies on SCM have wholly focused their attention on developed countries, often neglecting emerging markets like Nigeria in the discourse. Although supply chain collaboration has been well researched, our study attempts to shift the attention to the most populous country in Africa. With the help of the force field theory, this research reveals new insights on the restraining forces and drivers of supply chain collaboration, offering the foundation for a new line of research on this subject in emerging markets. Practical implications - This research aids managerial understanding of the restraining forces and drivers of supply chain collaboration in an emerging market. Our research also provides new insights on how to manage supply chain collaboration in emerging markets. Research limitations/implications - The issues highlighted in this paper create opportunities for future studies to dig deeper into the concept of supply chain collaboration in emerging markets. Future studies may find other unique contextual factors which may influence supply chain collaboration asides those identified in this paper

An assessment of environmental related key performance indicators of the chemical industries

One of the most critical issues faced by chemical industries is reducing the environmental impact caused due to pollution, which has resulted in global warming and health issues. Most chemical industries monitor and use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to control pollution, which is currently done by using various KPI’s that are dependent on the product they are producing. Therefore, a study is conducted using a systematic literature review (SLR) focused on articles published between 2000 and 2022 to identify and categorize various KPIs that manufacturers have used to reduce their respective pollution. The results were divided into four main categories – air, water, land, and other pollution. The results demonstrated that ethylene manufacturing industries are the major contributor to air pollution. The mining, gas, and oil industries significantly resulted in water pollution. The land and groundwater pollution were mainly due to mining industries. The other pollution was mainly due to activities such as maintenance and performance of equipment and quality of raw materials

Hydrophilic titanium surface‐induced macrophage modulation promotes pro‐osteogenic signalling

Objectives: As biomaterial‐induced modulation of mediators of the immune response may be a potential therapeutic approach to enhance wound healing events, the aim of this study was to delineate the effects of titanium surface modification on macrophage phenotype and function. Material and methods: Rodent bone marrow‐derived macrophages were polarized into M1 and M2 phenotypes and cultured on micro‐rough (SLA) and hydrophilic modified SLA (modSLA) titanium discs. Macrophage phenotype and cytokine secretion were subsequently assessed by immunostaining and ELISA, respectively. Osteoblast gene expression in response to culture in the M1 and M2 macrophage conditioned media was also evaluated over 7 days by RT‐PCR. Results: M1 macrophage culture on the modSLA surface promoted an M2‐like phenotype as demonstrated by marked CD163 protein expression, Arg1 gene expression and the secretion of cytokines that significantly upregulated in osteoblasts the expression of genes associated with the TGF‐ß/BMP signalling pathway and osteogenesis. In comparison, M2 macrophage culture on SLA surface promoted an inflammatory phenotype and cytokine profile that was not conducive for osteogenic gene expression. Conclusions: Macrophages are able to alter or switch their phenotype according to the signals received from the biomaterial surface. A hydrophilic micro‐rough titanium surface topography elicits a macrophage phenotype associated with reduced inflammation and enhanced pro‐osteogenic signalling

The combined expression of solute carriers is associated with a poor prognosis in highly proliferative ER+ breast cancer

Purpose: Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease characterised by variant biology, metabolic activity, and patient outcome. Glutamine availability for growth and progression of BC is important in several BC subtypes. This study aimed to evaluate the biological and prognostic role of the combined expression of key glutamine transporters, SLC1A5, SLC7A5 and SLC3A2 in BC with emphasis on the intrinsic molecular subtypes. Methods: SLC1A5, SLC7A5 and SLC3A2 were assessed at the protein level, using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays constructed from a large well characterised BC cohort (n=2,248). Patients were stratified into accredited clusters based on protein expression and correlated with clinicopathological parameters, molecular subtypes, and patient outcome. Results: Clustering analysis of SLC1A5, SLC7A5 and SLC3A2 identified three clusters Low SLCs (SLC1A5-/SLC7A5-/SLC3A2-), High SLC1A5 (SLC1A5+/SLC7A5-/SLC3A2-) and High SLCs (SLC1A5+/SLC7A5+/SLC3A2+) which had distinct correlations to known prognostic factors and patient outcome (p<0.001). The key regulator of tumour cell metabolism, c-MYC, was significantly expressed in tumours in the High SLCs cluster (p<0.001). When different BC subtypes were considered, the association with the poor outcome was observed in the ER+ high proliferation/luminal B class only (p= 0.003). In multivariate analysis, SLC clusters were independent risk factor for shorter breast cancer specific survival (p= 0.001). Conclusion: The co-operative expression of SLC1A5, SLC7A5 and SLC3A2 appears to play a role in the aggressive subclass of ER+ high proliferation/ luminal BC, driven by c-MYC, and therefore have the potential to act as therapeutic targets, particularly in synergism

The solute carrier SLC7A8 is a marker of favourable prognosis in ER-positive low proliferative invasive breast cancer

Purpose: Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease consisting of various subtypes, withdifferent prognostic and therapeutic outcomes. The amino acid transporter, SLC7A8, is over expressed in estrogen receptor positive BC. However the consequences of this overexpression, it terms of disease prognosis, is still obscure. This study aimed to evaluate the biological and prognostic value of SLC7A8 in BC with emphasis on the intrinsic molecular subtypes.Methods: SLC7A8 was assessed at the genomic, using METABRIC data (n=1,980), and proteomic, using immunohistochemistry and TMA (n=1,562), levels in well-characterised primary BC cohorts. SLC7A8 expression was examined with clinicopathological parameters, molecular subtypes, and patient outcome.Results: SLC7A8 mRNA and SLC7A8 protein expression were strongly associated with good prognostic features, including small tumour size, low tumour grade and good Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) (all

Healthcare Workers Experiences with Electronic Health Records in the Middle East: A Systematic Review

Background: The constant upgrades and improvements in Electronic Health Record systems may influence the perceptions and views of healthcare workers. The dynamicity may affect the users\u27 view of the culturally dynamic environment of the Middle East.&nbsp; Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the experiences of healthcare workers about the application of electronic health records in the Middle East. Methods: A systematic review was conducted by searching articles from three online journal databases – PubMed Central, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. The articles were scrutinized for quality before recording the data in the abstraction table. Results: A total of 3456 were retrieved. However, only 13 articles met the inclusion criteria and were considered relevant. These studies were conducted in five countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. All the included articles applied quantitative research methodology. Two thematic outcomes were noted: the negative and positive experiences with Electronic Health Records and factors affecting health workers\u27 experience with Electronic Health Records. The positive experience came from usability, ease of use, improvements in quality of care, time-saving, clinical workflow, data protection, and reduction in work. On the other hand, negative experiences were mainly attributed to time constraints and system breakdown. The experiences were affected by sociodemographic factors, knowledge, awareness, and training requirements. Conclusion: Electronic Health Records elicit diverse perceptions that may affect their overall usefulness in patient care. Training should be done to improve its positive view