Changing society: pioneering women entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia.

The research examines the role of institutions influencing Saudi female entrepreneurs, and how they became enabled to be social agents and institutional entrepreneurs in a very traditional, family-orientated society - albeit facing pressures to change. In acknowledging the uniqueness of the social-cultural context in Saudi Arabia, this study adopts a qualitative design. Specifically, purposive and snowball sampling techniques were implemented to gather primary qualitative data. The data draw on 31 interviews with female entrepreneurs residing in Jeddah, capturing the practical experiences of these entrepreneurs, and their engagement with the informal and formal institutions of their immediate societal surroundings. The analysis relies on the constant-comparative method (Anderson and Jack 2015) to illicit the meanings and implications taken from context, and also how this informs the day-to-day activities of the entrepreneur (Anderson et al. 2012). This study has found that existing institutions both constrain and enable Saudi women's entrepreneurship. In particular, the obligations and responsibility of Arab families are turned into an advantage, in the form of a patient resource base or networks of knowledge development. We saw too how pioneering efforts, in conjunction with other change, have begun to modestly alter the opportunity structure in Saudi Arabia, with the entrepreneur acting as an agent of change. Saudi women's entrepreneurship is thus best characterised as a recursive process between these entrepreneurs and the social system, which is an essential resource for - and product of - situated actions. This research makes a modest contribution to the long-running discussions on women's entrepreneurship in the context of the Arab world. The findings cannot suggest that it is going to be easy or smooth for future women entrepreneurs; traditions continue and there are also vested patriarchal interests. Nonetheless, increasing numbers of Saudi women are involved in growing their businesses. These pioneers have changed society; a modest, but progressive change for the better. This study has several implications. First, the produced empirical findings have highlighted certain areas for further improvement of female entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia, which goes in keeping with Saudi Vision 2030 and the expected role of women in the social and economic development of Saudi Arabia. Second, this study has contributed to the existing body of knowledge and understanding of what institutional barriers and challenges Saudi female entrepreneurs face and how they could be overcome at a national level

Evaluation Of Surface Characteristics For Three Milled CAD/CAM Monolithic Ceramic Restorations

Background: Dental ceramics have been chosen as the material of choice by patients and clinicians because of their aesthetics, color stability, and low thermal conductivity. Clinically, almost all restorations need some adjustments to allow adequate occlusion and contacts. However, these adjustments will create rough surfaces. Therefore, different surface treatments have been developed to improve surface smoothness and gloss of dental ceramics. Objective: To evaluate the average surface roughness (Ra) and gloss (GU) of three different monolithic ceramics: Lithium Disilicate (IPS e.max CAD), Leucite reinforced (IPS Empress CAD) and Feldspathic (Vitablocs Mark II) subjected to two different surface treatments (mechanical polishing vs reglazing firing procedure). Material and methods: Ten disc-shaped samples (10-mm diameter and 2-mm thick) of each ceramic were prepared, for a total of 60 samples. Ceramics were CAD designed by E4D Technologies and milled to size specification. Then, specimens were glazed following manufacturer’s recommendation and fired in a furnace. A fully adjustable device was used to hold the hand piece to have a standardized pressure. After adjustment, specimens were randomly assigned to one of the surface treatment options: mechanical finishing and polishing by Dialite LD System; or reglazing firing procedure using Enamelite Low-Fusing Ceramic Spray Glaze. A surface profiler was used to assess the surface roughness and gloss values were measured using a gloss meter. Results: Post-hoc tests were conducted using a Bonferroni adjustment. R Studio and R 3.2.2 was used for all statistical analysis, and significance was accepted at p \u3c 0.05. Post-hoc Tukey results indicate mechanical polishing had a significantly lower Ra average than reglazing firing procedure (difference = 1.51, 95% CI:1.27,1.75]. Post-hoc Tukey results indicate reglazing firing procedure had a significantly higher GU average than mechanical polishing (difference = 15.01, 95% CI:14.04,15.96]. Conclusion: All tested CAD/CAM monolithic ceramics presented smoother surfaces and higher gloss at baseline than after subjected to adjustment and surface treatments

Access to and utilization of dental care services among children with special health care needs in the United States

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate access and utilization of both preventive and other dental care services among Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) in the US in 2005 and 2009. METHODS: We analyzed data for 81,082 CSHCN from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN) 2005 and 2009. The three main dependent variables were: access to and utilization of dental care, and health insurance status. The independent variables were: gender, age, race/ethnicity, type of insurance, number of criteria met on the screener tool, federal poverty level (FPL), family structure, language, family work life, financial burden and out-of-pocket expenses. Bivariate and multivariate weighted analyses were conducted to evaluate the study outcomes. RESULTS: We found that CSHCN had a high degree of access and utilization of the dental care system in the US. In 2005, 98.2% and 99.03% of CSHCN had “very good to good” access to preventive dental care and other dental care, respectively, and in 2009, the access was 98.1% and 98.7% for both services, respectively. Further, in 2005, 92.9% and 90.4% “fully utilized” preventive dental care services and other dental care, respectively, while 91.9% and 84.7% of CSHCN “fully utilized” both services respectively in 2009. Barriers to access dental care were commonly seen among CSHCN of an older age (5-17 years old), other Non-Hispanics, those from low-income families, with complicated health conditions, living with single mothers, who were uninsured or publically insured, and having family out-of-pocket expenses of more than $250 for their health services. Low levels of utilization were found among non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics and other Non-Hispanics CSHCN, from low-income families, with complicated health conditions, who were uninsured or publically insured, having family out-of-pocket expenses of more than$250 for their health services and had other unmet specialist care needs. Hispanic CSHCN from low-income families were more likely to be uninsured. Family work life and family financial status were both significantly associated with access and utilization of dental care services in 2005 and 2009. CONCLUSION: Although the results of this study show that, in 2005 and 2009, CSHCN accessed and utilized both preventive and other dental care services at a high level, disparities still exist among some CSHCN

Consumer motivations for social media usage and its impact on customers' trust and long-term relationships

New challenges and opportunities have recently arisen for companies’ relationships with customers as a result of the increasing prevalence of social media. By enabling companies to build online communities, social media allow marketers to access information about consumers, identify consumers’ needs, and gain direct consumer feedback. Thus, social media can be a very important and helpful tool for interacting and communicating with customers. In order to sustain such relationships for the long term, however, efforts must be centred around building consumer trust and commitment.This study investigates the role of social media based communities in building relationships with consumers, and the influence of such communities on consumers’ attitudes and behaviours. Specifically, the study investigates whether such influences can lead to trust, commitment, and loyalty towards the organisation. Drawing on Uses and Gratification Theory, Consumption Values Theory, and the Commitment-Trust Theory, the study examines the relationship between consumers using social media channels, trusting these channels, and trusting the organisation that owns these channels.Adopting a positivist deductive approach, quantitative data was collected via a survey strategy. A questionnaire targeting telecommunications company fan pages users in Saudi Arabia was distributed through Twitter and Facebook with help from people who have many followers/likes such as celebrities. More than 700 responses were collected, of which 522 were usable for factor analysis.Based on the results, a cognitive behavioural model was established in relation to social media uses and gratifications, perceived values of social media fan pages, organisational trust, commitment, and loyalty. Users who perceived utilitarian benefits from following a company’s fan pages were likely to trust these pages, whereas perceived hedonic and social benefits did not have an influence on trust towards organization’s fan pages. The findings additionally indicated that consumers who trusted the organization’s fan pages were likely to trust the company. Therefore, telecommunication companies’ fan page users who perceived trust were expected to be committed and loyal to the company, which would consequently, lead to more frequent and larger purchases. The findings contribute to marketing theory and suggest ways in which marketers can tailor companies’ web presence for more effective communication and relationship-building with customers

Effectiveness and Needs Assessment of Faculty Development Programme for Medical Education: Experience from Saudi Arabia

Objectives: Faculty members are the most important resource in any institution of higher education as medical education has been, and continues to be, a priority for medical colleges in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess faculty members’ perceptions of faculty development programmes (FDPs) in supporting important goals in medical education. In addition, this study aimed to assess faculty members’ perceived needs. Methods: This crosssectional study was conducted between August 2016 and August 2017 and involved participants from six universities in Saudi Arabia’s Western Province. The survey consisted of 31 items designed to assess FDP effectiveness and 49 items designed to assess needs in FDPs. Results: A total of 210 faculty members participated in the study (response rate = 52.5%) and identified 49 needs. Faculty members perceived personal improvement in delivering medical education and the provision of greater educational involvement as the most effective considerations in an FDP. The respondents considered 13 needs to be of utmost importance; the remaining were considered important. Conclusion: This study assessed and identified faculty needs and important skills to consider when establishing an FDP. Furthermore, it provided information addressing the needs of, or gaps between, current and desired conditions in medical education in Saudi Arabia. The study also identified the most important elements (i.e. personal improvement) of faculty-perceived effectiveness for a successful FDP in medical education.Keywords: Faculty; Program Development; Needs Assessment; Perception; Medical Education; Saudi Arabia

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the E-learning Experience in Some Universities in Saudi Arabia from Male Students’ Perceptions

ABSTRACT This study applies social science methodology to the innovation of e-learning so that decision makers and other stakeholders can assess aspects of its effectiveness, to provide a more secure base for action. In this study, e-learning’s effectiveness was evaluated at two universities in Saudi Arabia, through male learners’ perceptions. Some account was taken of variables to assess statistically significant differences in their views. The data was collected by mixed methods: using a questionnaire from a sample of 300 learners and a focus group interview attended, later, by 21 learners. The findings showed that e-learners believe that they are able to learn autonomously using all features made available by the technology. They reported that they were motivated by the interactivity of e-learning and pursued their courses with intensity and success. There was positive agreement in all four dimensions considered by the research. Significant variables within this positive rating were previous e-learning experience and ICT skills. The study also collected learners' views about the positives and negatives of e-learning, its requirements and barriers, as well as learners' suggestions for the development of e-learning. Learners appreciated the opportunities offered by e-learning and the way it supported their studies, facilitating communication and accommodating their learning needs and circumstances. They recognised that it helped to meet an increased demand for learning. On the other hand, they noted some hazards to physical and social health and some confusion arising from the diversity of information accessible through ICT. They felt improvements could be made by planning, training and by specialized personnel. Most of the barriers they noted arose from infrastructural weaknesses and lack of acceptance of e-learning. Respondents said they were aware of financial constraints and of language barriers. Universities, working closely with communities and the private sector, could address many of these identified issues in products and infrastructure. This study concludes with some recommendations as well as suggestions for future research

An Analysis of the Linguistic Aspects in the Qur’anic Verses’ Translation: A Case of Al Fatihah Surah

This study analyzed the linguistic features in Qur’anic translation in the Al Fatihah Surah. It compares five different translations, namely, Asad Quran Translation, Malik Quran Translation, Yusuf Ali Quran Translation, and Piktal Quran Translation. The analysis uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The theoretical framework of the study is based on Newmark's (1988) multidisciplinary method of translation.  Results of the study showed that varied translation versions of Qur’an verses should be analyzed to transfer and reduce original meaning to non-native speakers of the Arabic language since Qur’an includes stylish features in both form and content. In addition, findings revealed that translation of linguistic features postures challenges translators while interpreting meaning. This study concludes that most of the linguistic features under scrutiny have been rendered into English that is often erroneous. However, the conceptualization of linguistic features in Qur’anic translation is often lost. Keywords: Linguistic features. phonic,  Qur’an translation, Al Fatihah DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/87-05 Publication date: April 30th 202

Unsteady Magnetohydrodynamic Flow of Jeffrey Fluid through a Porous Oscillating Rectangular Duct

This chapter presents some new exact solutions corresponding to unsteady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of Jeffrey fluid in a long porous rectangular duct oscillating parallel to its length. The exact solutions are established by means of the double finite Fourier sine transform (DFFST) and discrete Laplace transform (LT). The series solution of velocity field, associated shear stress and volume flow rate in terms of Fox H-functions, satisfying all imposed initial and boundary conditions, have been obtained. Also, the obtained results are analyzed graphically through various pertinent parameter