Impact of digital marketing on consumer behavior: A quantitative analysis on fast fashion industry in the KSA

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of digital marketing on consumer behavior in the fast fashion industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The fast fashion industry has been growing rapidly in the KSA, and digital marketing has played a significant role in changing consumer behavior in this industry. The study adopted a quantitative research design and used online surveys as the primary data collection method. The sample consisted of a convenient sample of participants who had purchased fast fashion products in the KSA. The data was analyzed using various statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. This study's findings shed new light on how digital marketing has affected customer behavior in the fast fashion sector in the KSA. Consumers in the KSA have a good reaction to digital marketing methods in the fast fashion industry, and this effect is significant

Thermally-controlled spherical peptide gel architectures prepared using the pH switch method

Self-assembling nanostructured peptide gels are promising materials for sensing, drug delivery, and energy harvesting. Of particular interest are short diphenylalanine (FF) peptides modified with 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc), which promotes the association of the peptide building blocks. Fmoc-FF gels generally form fibrous networks and while other structures have been demonstrated, further control of the gelation and resulting ordered three-dimensional structures potentially offers new possibilities in tissue engineering, sensing, and drug release applications. Herein, we report that the structure tunability of Fmoc-FF gels can be achieved by controlling the water content and the temperature. We further explore the incorporation of metal nanoparticles in the formation of the gel to enable optical sensing applications based on hybrid Fmoc-FF-nanoparticle microspheres. Finally, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy reveals a correlation between lifetime and reduced bandgap, in support of a semiconductor-induced charge transfer mechanism that might also increase the stability of an excited state of a probe molecule. The observations potentially further widen the use of these peptide materials in bioimaging and sensing applications.Science Foundation IrelandEuropean Commission Horizon 2020Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi ArabiaMinistry of Higher Education of Saudi Arabia under the King Abdullah Scholarship Progra

Examining the Impact of Marketing Motives and Concerns on User Satisfaction and Re-Purchase Intentions in a Sharing Economy

In a fast-growing global economy, there is much debate in the socio-economic models about the sharing economy, which is a digital platform that benefits society and improves people’s quality of life. A significant benchmark of the sharing economy is that it enables individuals to monetize their assets that need to be used fully. This highlights an individual’s ability and perhaps their preference to either rent or borrow goods rather than own them. This study investigated Saudi Arabian students’ User Satisfaction (US) and their Re-Purchase Intentions (RPI) in the context of the sharing economy. We employed a deductive approach that utilized cross-sectional data collected through online sampling. The results were derived from 324 acceptable completed questionnaires. We used a Structural Equation Model (SEM) to confirm the positive and significant predictive power of Trust, Economic Benefits (EBs), Sharing Economy Philosophy (SEP), Service Quality and Net Benefits (NBs) on US and RPI. The results also demonstrated a positive and significant effect of concerns such as Lack of Trust (LoT) and Expected Effort (EE) on US. Finally, among Saudi Arabian students, US is a positive and significant predictor of RPI. In the context of a developing country such as Saudi Arabia, this study’s insights to the practical and theoretical spheres contribute to operational management and the literature about online digital learning

Green Information Technology Contributes to Environmental Conservation

<p>Information technology (IT) is a major consumer of energy and resources. The environmental impact of IT is growing rapidly as the IT industry expands and the use of IT becomes more pervasive in all aspects of our lives. Green Information Technology (IT) has emerged as a critical enabler in the pursuit of environmental sustainability. It is the practice of designing, building, using, and disposing of IT in a way that minimizes its environmental impact. Green IT can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy, and conserve resources. Overall, Green IT is a promising practice that can help to reduce the environmental impact of information technology. By adopting Green IT practices, organizations can help to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.</p><p> </p&gt

Ultrafast Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein (S) and Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) in Saliva Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Controlling contagious diseases necessitates using diagnostic techniques that can detect infection in the early stages. Although different diagnostic tools exist, there are still challenges related to accuracy, rapidity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a rapid, simple, less expensive, and accurate method. We continue our previous work published on SERS detection of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) in water. In this work, we replace water with saliva to detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins at very low concentrations and during a very short time. We prepared a very low concentration of 10−9 M SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) and SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) in saliva to mimic a real case scenario. Then, we drop them on a SERS substrate. Using modified SERS measurements on the control and the sample containing the biomolecules, confirmed the sensitivity of the target identification. This technique provides different diagnostic solutions that are fast, simple, non-destructive and ultrasensitive. Simulation of the real-world of silicon wire covered with silver and gold, were performed using an effective and accurate tool, COMSOL Multiphysics software, for the enhancement properties study

Assessment of Saudi Arabia’s Classification and Selection Criteria for Heritage Sites: A Case Study of Barzan Heritage Area in Hail City

Cultural heritage has numerous developmental prospects that might contribute to the sustainable development and quality of life of communities. However, cultural heritage products have a complex relationship with many sectors. This paper examines Saudi criteria for the classification and selection of cultural heritage and presents a case study on the implementation of these criteria. It aims to develop local assessment criteria for cultural heritage values and conservation in Saudi Arabia. A theoretical analysis has been conducted to evaluate the criteria for the classification and selection of architectural heritage value and the relationship between whole heritage values. The paper discusses the criteria’s limitations and impacts and identifies misunderstandings of cultural heritage values in Saudi Arabia. The findings of this study indicate that the mechanism of implementing a list can affect both tangible and intangible cultural heritage in different ways and at different levels. The criteria should include all cultural heritage values within a context rather than a single building or object. Thus, one of the main objectives of the criteria is to recognize and highlight the importance of a site through its values. The case study of the Barzan District illustrates the factual impact of current legislation and organizational structures on heritage sites

Environmental Challenges and Green Innovation Strategy: A Vigorous Development of Greener Dynamics

This study investigated the strengths of internal and external environmental challenges to the Green Innovation Strategy (GIS). This study tried, also, to observe GBIS’ predictive power of on Green Organizational Identity (GOI), Green Innovation (GI) and Green Creativity (GC). The researchers gathered the cross-sectional data from the top managers of Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing industries. We employed a Structural Equation Model (SEM) to obtain the outcomes to form the data. This study’s findings demonstrate that external pressures, such as Policy Pressure (PP) and Market Pressure (MP) and internal driving forces such as Innovation Resources (IR) and Innovation Capability (IC), have a positive and significant effect on GIS. This study’s findings demonstrate, also, that GIS has a positive and significant effect on GOI, GI and GC. Finally, this study’s findings show that GOI is a considerable predictor of GI and GC. This study’s findings provide the path for policymakers to formulate Environmental Regulations (ER) and laws regarding pressure and incentive regulations. Finally, and more particularly in the context of Gulf countries, this study’s findings contribute to the literature on green management, innovation and Environmental Management (EM)

The Heritage Jewel of Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Analysis of the Heritage Management and Development Activities in the At-Turaif District in Ad-Dir’iyah, a World Heritage Site (WHS)

This study explores the change over time in the World Heritage Site (WHS) of Diriyah over three critical periods, focusing on three aspects: physical, social, and economic. Using a mixed-method approach, the site’s heritage management practices and development impact are investigated, and the impact of WHS inscription on the field of heritage in Saudi Arabia is demonstrated. A methodological approach is used in this study, which includes temporal analysis, analysis of historical images and photographs, non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews with key informants, site fieldwork, analysis of archival research, the content of official documents, related media, and promotional materials. The study concludes with a three-aspect matrix demonstrating Historic Diriyah’s various development and change over time. Historic Diriyah is a WHS, and it can still project a successful massive makeover development if a sustainable development approach is used, and visual integrity and site authenticity are preserved. The site of Historic Diriyah and its surroundings were critical in promoting the site as a national identity, an international destination, and presenting a new development agenda for the entire kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has a significant impact on policymakers who are interested in how heritage sites can be integrated into a larger vision

Current Knowledge, Satisfaction, and Use of E-Health Mobile Application (Seha) Among the General Population of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: General population knowledge, satisfaction, and barriers to using Seha app have not been evaluated from a large-scale perspective. Therefore, this study aimed to explore current knowledge, satisfaction, and barriers of using Seha app and identify the most common mobile health application used among the general population in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey, consisting of 25 questions, was distributed among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the respondents’ characteristics. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. A chi-square (χ 2) test was conducted to assess the statistical difference between respondents’ demographic characteristics and their knowledge and use of the app. RESULTS: Overall, 5008 respondents, both Saudi (3723: 74%) and non-Saudi (1285: 26%) as well as male 2142 (43%) and female 2866 (57%), across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia completed the online survey. A total of 2921 (58%) had heard of the Seha app, although only 1286 (25%) had used the app. Higher percentages of users were from the western region, females and those within the age group of ≥ 51 years old, 388 users (29%: P< 0.001), 804 (28%; P< 0.001) and 67 (35%; P=0.013), respectively. Consulting a doctor was the most frequently utilized service, 576 users (58%). Respondents strongly agreed 402 (41%) that Seha was easy to use, and 538 (54%) strongly agreed that they would recommend Seha to others. The most common barrier of using Seha was a lack of knowledge about the app and its benefits, at 1556 (35%). Overall, the Tawakkalna app was the most utilized mobile health application provided by MOH used 2170 (48%). CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of the Seha app is quite low due to a lack of knowledge about the app and its benefits. Thus, the MOH should promote public awareness about the app and its benefits

“Basal cell carcinoma of the hand: A systematic review and meta-analysis of incidence of recurrence”

Background: Hand basal cell carcinoma is a rare and complex disorder. Due to the hand's anatomical features, managing hand BCC is challenging. Therefore, we have conducted this systematic review to investigate various clinical characteristics, investigations, and treatment options related to hand BCC. Furthermore, a meta-analysis was used to provide pooled recurrence rates. Methods: We conducted this review per the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) guidelines. This study performed a systematic literature review in February 2022 using the following electronic databases: Cochrane, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. Key terms include hand basal cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, management, outcome, and recurrence. We evaluated articles according to predefined quality criteria. Results: The study included 9725 patients and 51 published articles. A total of 35 case reports, 2 case series, 1 prospective study, and the remaining retrospective studies were evaluated. An asymptomatic skin lesion was the main complaint. In 10 studies, Moh surgery was the most frequently used treatment method. In the seven studies included in the meta-analysis, the overall incidence rate of recurrence among the included patients was 1.49 cases per year. Conclusion: The optimal extent of surgical treatment is still controversial, though an early biopsy can help identify lesions at an early stage. It is the first study to provide occurrence rates based on a meta-analysis. Developing treatment guidelines for BCC of the hand will be the focus of future research