Comparative Analysis Between Saudi Arabia and Norway in Moving Beyond Fossil Fuels Towards a Sustainable Economy: A Special Emphasis on the Renewable Energy Sector

Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Middle East and the 18th largest in the world. The country has the world\u27s second-largest proven petroleum reserves and is the largest exporter of petroleum. In 2016, Saudi Arabia had the third highest estimated value of natural resources at $34.4 trillion (US). However, because of the 2014 oil crash, climate change, and the development of renewable energy technology, the government has decided to transition from its complete reliance on oil revenues and to start investing heavily in other non-oil sectors, such as the renewable energy sector. The Saudi government plans to generate 30% of its electricity from renewable energy sources and to establish a sustainable competitive market system. The country has planned to make this enormous shift with the help of the McKinsey Global Institute and the plan titled “Saudi Arabia Beyond Oil: The Investment and Productivity Transformation,” which is also known as “the vision of 2030.” Saudi Arabia and Norway are similar countries as they are both oil producers. Norway is a leading country in terms of creating a sustainable economy that generates electricity mostly from renewable energy, while Saudi Arabia has recently decided to shift away from fossil fuels and to focus on non-oil sectors, such as the renewable energy sector. Thus, this thesis will provide a comparative study between Saudi Arabia and Norway. This analysis will benefit Saudi Arabia with the Norwegian success in shifting from its reliance on fossil fuels to other non-oil sectors, mainly the renewable energy sector. The thesis will address the challenges that Saudi Arabia may encounter in achieving its goals related to the 2030 vision of shifting toward a sustainable economy and will offer some recommendations to facilitate achieving these goals

A Case Study of Crisis Management Training Needs: Saudi Airlines

This dissertation explores crisis management policies, programs, and training in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s premier airliners, Saudi Arabian Airlines. Saudi Arabian Airlines is a domestic and international carrier with a major role in the transportation of millions of Muslim pilgrims to the Kingdom during the annual Hajj season. This event places enormous strains on the capacity of the carrier, the airport, ground support systems, and the societal infrastructure of country. There have been tireless efforts by the Airline’s staffers to serve millions of visitors including pilgrims in a timely, safe and appropriate manner. Crisis management for Saudi Arabian Airlines includes assessment of natural and man-made risks in the firm’s operational environment, the development of a comprehensive response plan that includes training of staff at all levels of the firm, compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory mandates, and the use of effective response tools and systems. Saudi Arabian Airlines is viewed herein as best approached through the theoretical lens of Systems Theory, which speaks to the interdependency that exists within complex, multi-faceted systems. To identify the approach taken by Saudi Arabian Airlines to crisis management and to assess whether or not its response could be enhanced through additional planning, training or other strategies, a case study including review of relevant literature augmented by a survey of a sample of industry employees was undertaken. The survey instrument, coupled with an analysis of relevant crisis management protocols and practices including those recommended by organizations such as the International Air Transport Association was sued. The study identifies a need for additional training of the Airlines’ employees for a more effective crisis respons

Fair and Diverse Group Formation Based on Multidimensional Features

The goal of group formation is to build a team to accomplish a specific task. Algorithms are being developed to improve the team\u27s effectiveness so formed and the efficiency of the group selection process. However, there is concern that team formation algorithms could be biased against minorities due to the algorithms themselves or the data on which they are trained. Hence, it is essential to build fair team formation systems that incorporate demographic information into the process of building the group. Although there has been extensive work on modeling individuals’ expertise for expert recommendation and/or team formation, there has been relatively little prior work on modeling demographics and incorporating demographics into the group formation process. We propose a novel method to represent experts’ demographic profiles based on multidimensional demographic features. Moreover, we introduce three diversity ranking algorithms that form a group by considering demographic features along with the minimum required skills. Unlike many ranking algorithms that consider one Boolean demographic feature (e.g., gender or race), our diversity ranking algorithms consider multiple demographic features simultaneously. Finally, we introduce a fair team formation algorithm that balances each candidate\u27s demographic information and expertise. We evaluate our proposed algorithms using real datasets based on members of a computer science program committee. The result shows that our algorithms form a program committee that is more diverse with an acceptable loss in utility

Psychological Stress in Language Learning: A Contemporary View beyond Teaching Methods

The current paper attempts to identify the role of stress in language learning. To achieve this objective, a critique of relevant literature was done by analyzing the concept of stress and how it can be manipulated to help improve the language learning process. Stress was reviewed in terms of its concept, measurement, resources, and management. The recommendation is that language teachers can deal with language learning stress in learners through a stress toolbox: awareness, observing, and management. Keywords: language learning, stress.

Characterisation of M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor signalling in dental pulp stem cells

Cholinergic signalling is hypothesised to occur in stem cells, and there is evidence that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) express a functional cholinergic system. Expression of functional acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) have been reported in several types of MSC, which suggests that MSCs have non-neuronal cholinoceptive properties that may play a role in their regenerative potential. However, this remains relatively unexplored, particularly, in Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). This project commenced by reviewing AChRs in MSCs, highlighting DPSCs characteristics, and then investigated the presence of functional AChRs and their role in modulating DPSCs regenerative potential. This study commenced by identifying gene expression of both classes of AChRs, the muscarinic (mAChRs) and the nicotinic (nAChRs), in DPSCs. Protein expression of detected AChRs was assessed via western blotting and immunofluorescence. Functionality of expressed AChRs was assessed using an array of AChRs agonists and antagonists and DPSCs viable count was measured via MTT assay. Subtype selective agonist was used to study the role of the targeted AChR and its influence on DPSCs regenerative potential. Proliferation of DPSCs in response to that stimulation was assessed via measuring viable cell count using MTT assay, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and cell cycle analysis. Survival of DPSCs was assessed via detecting proliferation recovery, measuring Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and detecting Annexin V/Propidium iodide staining. Stemness potential of DPSCs was assessed via detecting gene expression of MSCs stemness markers and pluripotency markers. Migration of DPSCs was investigated using a wound healing assays. Osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs was assessed via phenotypic mineralisation stains. Gene expression of cell cycle markers, stemness markers, osteogenic markers were assessed via Real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR). Whole RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was undertaking to measure transcriptome changes and enriched signalling pathways. Follow-up analysis was undertaking via measuring the phosphorylation and transcripts levels of ERK1 and ERK2 of the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The results showed transcripts expression for the M2, M3 and M5 mAChRs, and expression of subunits that support the formation of α7 and α4β2-nAChRs. Subtype selective agonists/antagonists results suggest DPSCs to express functional M2 mAChR, α7 nAChRs, and α4β2-nAChRs. This was based on the ability of the agonists to influence DPSCs viable count and the subtype selective antagonist to cancel that effect. The project then focussed on mAChRs and protein expression of M2, M3 and M5 mAChRs were detected. The subsequent work focused on investigating the role of the M2 mAChRs in modulating the function of DPSCs via activating this receptor through its selective agonist Arecaidine propargyl ester (APE). Activation of the M2 mAChR inhibited DPSCs proliferation, in a reversable manner, without affecting DPSCs viability or survival. Further evidence showed that the M2 mAChR inhibits DPSCs proliferation by arresting cell cycle progression. This was further corroborated via expression analysis of key genes involved in the regulating cell cycle. The results also showed that M2 mAChR activation inhibited DPSCs migration and differentiation potential but did not interfere with DPSCs stemness. This was further corroborated via expression analysis of key genes involved in stemness and osteogenesis. The data obtained suggests that M2 mAChR activation induce DPSCs to go into a quiescent state. The RNA-seq results showed that DPSCs responded differently to M2 mAChR activation 4 and 24 hours post activation, with different sets of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The analysis of the enriched pathways suggested that M2 mAChR activation regulates cellular processes involved in metabolism, growth, adhesion, and response to stimuli. These processes function in proliferation, migration, and cell cycle through several metabolic pathways associated with response to cellular and oxidative stress. Follow up analysis showed upregulation of ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation and transcripts, which are downstream effectors of the MAPK pathway. The data obtained suggests that the transcriptomic data support the observed inhibitory effect of the M2 mAChR on DPSCs functions and highlights the many downstream effectors involved in the M2 mAChR downstream signalling. In conclusion, this thesis presents evidence for the expression of a functional M2 mAChR in DPSCs, indicating the involvement of ACh signalling in modulating DPSCs behaviour. It also provides a promising route ultimately to pharmacologically control the regenerative output of DPSCs

Periodontal status among adult cigarette smokers using Miswak (Salvadora persica) for oral hygiene: A crosssectional study from Asir Region of Saudi Arabia

Purpose: To compare the periodontal status of exclusive users of Miswak (Salvadora persica) with that of exclusive toothbrush users among adult smokers of cigarettes in Saudi Arabia.Methods: This educational-institutional study included one hundred and fifty adult patients (age and socioeconomic status matched, SES) between the ages of 18 and 75, and were listed as the group I, II, and III, with 50 participants each (participants with no oral hygiene, toothbrush users and miswak users respectively). Oral hygiene habits, the number of cigarettes smoked, and time since the habit began. Periodontal and radiographic parameters were reported.Results: All parameters related to periodontium (plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (Rec), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bone loss (BL)) showed that the analysed groups exhibited differences (p < 0.001). Least amount of BL (anterior and posterior) was found in toothbrush users and Miswak users, while least amount of attachment loss (both anterior and posterior) was recorded among Miswak users (p > 0.05). Positive association was found for GI (r = 0.753) and recession (r = 0.436, p < 0.001) in terms of the number of cigarettes smoked in group I, and anterior PPD (r = 0.388, p < 0.001) in group III for the duration of smoking. A negative correlation was found for BOP in group III (r = - 0.339, p < 0.05) in terms of frequency of tooth cleaning and GI (r = - 0.381) (p < 0.001) in group II, in terms of time taken attain oral hygiene.Conclusion: This study indicates less severe periodontal damage among adult current cigarette smokers in miswak users than in toothbrush users. Thus, there some potentials for miswak use for promotion of oral hygiene. Keywords: Periodontal status, Adult cigarette smokers, Miswak, Oral hygien

Exploring the Potential for Using Drug Indications to Prevent Look-Alike and Sound-Alike Drug Errors

Background: Look-alike, sound-alike (LASA) drug names are a cause of medication errors with resulting patient harm and healthcare costs. This study assessed to which extent the use of the generic drug name, therapeutic class, health problem, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved indications might be used to differentiate LASA drug pairs. Research design and methods: We collected information about LASA drug pairs reported by the FDA to have look-alike sound-alike similarities. To assess potential for differentiating LASA drug pairs, we compared the following drug characteristics: generic name, therapeutic class, health problem, and FDA-approved indication. Results: For the 33 FDA reported LASA drug pairs we identified a total of 432 FDA-approved indications. Using the generic name, therapeutic class, health problem and drug indication we were able to differentiate 8 (24.2%), 24 (72.7%), 25 (75.8%) and 26 (78.8%), respectively of the 33 LASA drug pairs. Using the generic name, therapeutic class, and health problem we were able to distinguish 31 (7.2%), 212 (49.1%), and 269 (62.3%), respectively of the 432 FDA-approved indications for the LASA drug pairs. Conclusions: Including the FDA-approved indication in the drug prescription may be used to differentiate LASA drug pairs and thus, prevent wrong drug medication errors

Simultaneous UPLC–MS/MS Analysis of Two Stable Isotope Labeled Versions of Sucrose in Mouse Plasma and Brain Samples as Markers of Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability and Brain Vascular Space

Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) permeability is frequently compromised in the course of diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Sucrose is a low molecular weight, hydrophilic marker with low permeability at the naive BBB and therefore one of the widely used indicators of barrier integrity. Our laboratory recently developed a highly sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method for stable isotope labelled [13C12]sucrose in biological matrices. Correction of total brain concentration for contribution of intravascular space is required in such experiments in order to accurately measure BBB permeability, and it is often accomplished by vascular perfusion with buffer solutions prior to brain sampling. The purpose of the present study was to develop a UPLC-MS/MS method, which allows simultaneous analysis of two different stable isotope labeled sucrose variants, one of which can be utilized as a vascular marker. The first analyte, [13C12]sucrose, serves to quantify brain uptake clearance as a measure of BBB permeability, while the second analyte, [13C6]sucrose, is administered just before termination of the animal experiment and is considered as the vascular marker. [2H2]sucrose is used as the internal standard for both 13C labeled compounds. Because the majority of recent studies on CNS diseases employ mice, another objective was to validate the new technique in this species. The UPLC-MS/MS method was linear (r2≥0.99) in the tested concentration ranges, from 10 to 1,000 ng/mL for both analytes in plasma, from 2 to 400 ng/g [13C12]sucrose in brain and from 10 to 400 ng/g [13C6]sucrose in brain. It was also validated in terms of acceptable intra and inter run accuracy and precision values (n=5). The dual analyte technique was applied in a study in mice. One group received intravenous bolus injections of 10 mg/kg [13C12]sucrose at time 0, and 10 mg/kg [13C6]sucrose at 14.5 min, and subsequent terminal blood and brain sampling was performed at 15 min. For comparison, another group received an intravenous bolus dose of 10 mg/kg [13C12]sucrose and was submitted to transcardiac perfusion with buffer after 15 min. We demonstrate that the two alternative techniques to correct for intravascular content deliver equivalent values for brain concentration and brain uptake clearance

Development of affordable hot box calorimeter to determine the U-value of inhomogeneous building material

open access articleIn recent years, the use of three-dimensional printing to create construction components has advanced quickly; it is possible now to simplify construction, increase speed, and lower cost while using natural resources responsibly. It also allows us to use recycled material to produce building envelopes while increasing design flexibility. However, the thermal performance of building materials must be characterized to achieve the necessary energy efficiency of the building envelopes. This study aims to develop, produce, and calibrate a hot box calorimeter at a reasonable price for thermal testing components building envelope. The heat loss through these components using a hot box can be measured in a lab to get an idea of the thermal performance of the building envelopes. In order to evaluate and analyze the thermal performance of various 3D-printed building brick samples made in the labs, this study explains the design and creation of an inexpensive hot box. The hot box can conduct a conventional thermal experiment, which involves monitoring heat flux, surface temperatures, and air temperatures. The testing process, instrumentation, test conditions, and validation of the new metering box are all covered in the article. The U-value of the brand-new lattice-based 3D printed building blocks was afterward determined using the validated new hot box. It was observed that the U-values values of 1.04 W/m2.K and 0.99 W/m2.K, respectively, for small components utilizing developed hot box and larger lattice panels using commercial equipment, with a maximum variance of 5%. It highlights the dependability of the hot box apparatus, which is also made affordable to operate by using less material for specimen preparation and less energy to maintain the temperature in the hot and cold chambers. Its small size also makes setup and thermal testing of construction materials simple

Two Weeks of Ischemic Conditioning Improves Walking Speed and Reduces Neuromuscular Fatigability in Chronic Stroke Survivors

This pilot study examined whether ischemic conditioning (IC), a noninvasive, cost-effective, and easy-to-administer intervention, could improve gait speed and paretic leg muscle function in stroke survivors. We hypothesized that 2 wk of IC training would increase self-selected walking speed, increase paretic muscle strength, and reduce neuromuscular fatigability in chronic stroke survivors. Twenty-two chronic stroke survivors received either IC or IC Sham on their paretic leg every other day for 2 wk (7 total sessions). IC involved 5-min bouts of ischemia, repeated five times, using a cuff inflated to 225 mmHg on the paretic thigh. For IC Sham, the cuff inflation pressure was 10 mmHg. Self-selected walking speed was assessed using the 10-m walk test, and paretic leg knee extensor strength and fatigability were assessed using a Biodex dynamometer. Self-selected walking speed increased in the IC group (0.86 ± 0.21 m/s pretest vs. 1.04 ± 0.22 m/s posttest, means ± SD; P\u3c 0.001) but not in the IC Sham group (0.92 ± 0.47 m/s pretest vs. 0.96 ± 0.46 m/s posttest; P= 0.25). Paretic leg maximum voluntary contractions were unchanged in both groups (103 ± 57 N·m pre-IC vs. 109 ± 65 N·m post-IC; 103 ± 59 N·m pre-IC Sham vs. 108 ± 67 N·m post-IC Sham; P = 0.81); however, participants in the IC group maintained a submaximal isometric contraction longer than participants in the IC Sham group (278 ± 163 s pre-IC vs. 496 ± 313 s post-IC, P = 0.004; 397 ± 203 s pre-IC Sham vs. 355 ± 195 s post-IC Sham; P = 0.46). The results from this pilot study thus indicate that IC training has the potential to improve walking speed and paretic muscle fatigue resistance poststroke