Effect of squash training program on health related physical fitness variables of male college students

Squash is classified as a high dynamic exercise. Physical fitness is a measure of all functions and structures which make physical exercise possible. Health related fitness is a subset of physical fitness related to health. This study was to find out the effect of eight weeks of squash training program on heath related Physical fitness variables of male college students. A group of 141 male college students aged between 20-24 years (m=21.76± 2.12) of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia participated in this study. The duration of squash training program was 45 minutes, twice a week, for 8 weeks. The following variables were measured before and after training program: Age, height, weight, body mass index, sit-ups, standing long jump, sit and reach, and 550m run. Paired t-test was used to compare before training measures with after training measures. Pre and post-test comparisons exhibited significant improvement in sit-up (20 ± 4 vs. 23 ± 5; p 0.05) in all physical characteristics variables. Squash program had a significant improvement performance on health related physical Fitness variables (sit-ups, stand long jump, sit & reach) of male college students of KFUPM

‘Transportation is physical, communication is psychical’:female sexuality and modes of communication in nineteenth-century transatlantic literature

This thesis connects the discourses of transatlanticism, erotic communication, women and agency in the nineteenth century. It examines four modes of communication: mesmerism, spiritualism, telegraphism and epistolary correspondence, in relation to discourses of female sexuality and power in Anglo-American literature. The exploration of these modes from a feminist point of view will help re-evaluate the presence of women within nineteenth-century transatlantic communication systems and specifically the representation of female voices within public spaces. The Industrial Revolution and the increase of transportation between Britain and America enabled the emergence of various forms of psychic and written communication that constituted a solid background for gender subversion. Women’s active participation in mesmerism and spiritualism, which prevailed on both sides of the Atlantic during the 1830s and late 1840s, was a significant cultural subject that opened the door for unconventional reinterpretations of gender roles within clairvoyant systems of mediation. The description of women’s performative acts during mesmeric and spiritualist practices in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables (1851), Wilkie Collins’s The Moonstone (1868), Florence Marryat’s There Is No Death (1891) and Elizabeth Stuart Phelps’s Three Spiritualist Novels (1868; 1883; 1887) subverts the gendering of communication and discourse as masculine. Bodily acts of mesmerised women such as gazing and female mediums’ acoustic contact with spirits through the sound effects of table-rapping violate the boundaries between domestic and social spheres and warrant their sexual autonomy. Moving from supernatural to embodied forms of communication, the thesis explores the place of Anglo-American women within nineteenth-century written correspondence such as telegrams and letters, the circulation of which helps acknowledge female desire outside the domestic space and subverts patriarchal spatial structures. With reference to Henry James’s In the Cage (1898), Charles Dickens’s Martin Chuzzlewit (1844) and Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Purloined Letter’ (1844), the thesis shows how women act as conduits of their sexual desire and become agents of knowledge exchange via working at telegraph offices or simply writing and posting private letters. In relation to this, the thesis also considers the association between epistolary adestination, desire, flames and textual purity in Dickens and Poe’s fictions of fire. The thesis concludes that women’s interactive presence in nineteenth-century communication systems continues to influence and develop twentieth- and twenty-first-century media for the empowerment of feminine sexual expression against opposing patriarchal voices

Dickens in Palestine: our mutual tiny Tim in Bethlehem

This article offers a cultural rereading of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol (1843) within a contemporary socio-economic Palestinian context where the rift between classes and the plight of child poverty and vagrancy, in particular, have become rampant. In Dickens’s novella, Christmas Eve in London becomes a significant time of redemption, benevolence, and sharing. It is a time which provokes the dilemma of child destitution and displacement in the mid-Victorian society, inviting successful yet penny-pinching businessmen like Scrooge to reconsider their religious values, wisdom and, overall, human benignity. This article re-imagines and re-contextualizes the setting of A Christmas Carol in Palestine, especially in the city of Bethlehem, a place which also brings to the fore questions about present-day child loss, beggary and pauperism. Here, Dickens’s Tiny Tim also epitomizes the Palestinian child whose existence hinges on the paradox of being an innocent citizen of Bethlehem, the city which ostensibly carries meanings of justice and communal living, as well as becoming an impoverished street outcast. Overall, this article seeks to employ Dickens’s text in order to criticize the current socio-economic conditions of children in the Palestinian society which fundamentally continues to fail to contain the crisis of displaced, needy children due to political strife

A comparative empirical investigation of business excellence models in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Business excellence theorising has produced more than 100 business excellence models (BEMs). They can be divided (according to their context of development and application) into two broad groups: a) universal (e.g., the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award – MBNQA, and the European Foundation for Quality Management – EFQM models) and b) country-specific (e.g., the King Abdul Aziz Quality Award – KAQA model, i.e., the Saudi Arabia BEM).The literature is scarce and inconclusive as to the suitability/applicability of different BEMs. This is partly due to the lack of comparative and comprehensive studies (i.e., pursuing both conceptual and empirical comparisons) and robust methodological frameworks.Therefore, the key research question of this thesis: is the MBNQA and EFQM or the KAQA BEM better suited in the Saudi Arabia context? and which of these models’ criteria is critical in influencing other criteria? Moreover, given the elevated emphasis in the literature of contextual factors (like strategic orientation and industry type), the key research question is complemented with a supplementary one concerning the effects these potential moderating factors may have in the (better suited-) BEM relations.To answer the above, the three BEMs are conceptually and comparatively investigated using a purposively developed methodological framework comprising a range of methods (e.g., structural equation modelling) and primary data from a survey of 233 firms in Saudi Arabia. The results are interpreted in light of the factors that underpin the differences between BEMs, indicating: 1) the KAQA BEM superiority and 2) the key role of leadership, strategic planning, and operations management in BEM relations. Significant differences in the KAQA relations are identified due to strategic orientation except for the relationships between leadership and strategic planning, and between strategic planning and suppliers and partners, but not due to industry type except for the links between strategic planning and suppliers and partners, operations management, and focusing on beneficiary constructs.Theoretical, methodological, policy, and practice contributions are developed on the basis of the above findings. Extant theorising concerning the suitability of the MBNQA, EFQM, KAQA BEMs is tested and extended, while the role of key criteria and moderating factors (namely, strategic orientation) are clarified. Enhancements to the studied BEMs are also suggested. The comparative and comprehensive methodological framework to test BEMs and to explain BEM-construct interrelations contributes to advancing from description to inference. Last, but not least, at the policy and practice levels, mechanisms for developing and/or reviewing BEMs are provided along with recommendations concerning considering local conditions in practising business excellence and the differentiating effects of contextual factors

The association between diet quality as measured by healthy eating index and early childhood caries

OBJECTIVES: This dissertation was divided into two studies. The aim of the first study was to investigate whether there is an association between diet quality of preschool children and their caregivers. The aim of the second study was to examine the relationship of children diet quality and dental caries risk. METHODS: The study utilized a longitudinal population-based data of a representative sample of low-income African American families in Detroit, Michigan. Analyses were limited to 522 children aged 3-5 years old and their primary caregivers. For caregivers, dietary histories were obtained at wave I using the Block 98.2 food frequency questionnaire. For children, dietary histories were obtained at wave I and wave II using the Block Kids Food Questionnaire. Healthy Eating Index-2005 was used to evaluate overall diet quality. Dental caries in primary teeth were measured by the ICDAS criteria. The mean number of decayed surfaces (noncavitated and cavitated), missing, and filled surfaces for each child was estimated. Statistical analyses were conducted using SAS 9.4 and STATA 14 to account for the complex sampling design. RESULTS: The first study found that the mean total HEI-2005 scores were 57.47 for caregivers at wave I, 56.04 for children at wave I, and 57.39 for children at wave II indicating that the diet quality of this population needs improvement. Significant, positive relationship was found between caregivers-child overall diet quality at wave I (β=0.35; p <0.0001) and wave II (β=0.31; p <0.0001). The second study found that children who had high diet quality or improved their diet quality throughout the study period had significantly lower dental caries incidence compared to those with low diet quality scores (IRR = 0.59 and 0.55, respectively) (CI = 0.36-0.96 and 0.35-0.86 , respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that caregiver’s and children’s diet quality are associated. Therefore, caregiver’s diet quality should be considered in efforts to improve diets of their children. Additionally, preschooler children in our study with improved diet quality showed lower caries incidence. These results suggest that strategies and intervention to prevent dental caries among children should focus on improving overall diet quality.2018-09-28T00:00:00

An examination of perceptions of ethnoviolence among urban middle and high school students

This study compared perceptions of ethnoviolence experiences among urban middle and high school students in six Michigan public school districts in the County of Wayne. Student participants represented a cross section of a diverse ethnic and racial school population, and were enrolled in grades ranging from the 8th to the 12th grade. The study investigated students\u27 perceptions of ethnoviolence experiences, and analyzed such perceptions based on students\u27 ethnic/racial background, gender and grade level, and length of period the students lived in the United States. The study also examined students\u27 mode of conflict management and their self-reported stress symptoms. The research was descriptive in nature, and incorporated the use of a questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. The results demonstrated lack of significant differences in students\u27 perceptions of ethnoviolence experiences regardless of ethnicity, gender, and length of period students lived in the United States. However, differences existed within grade level comparisons. Additional findings suggested that majority of students would utilize confrontational means in responding to ethnoviolent incidents

RITThe Contributions of Traffic Management Centers in life Enhancement

This study focuses on investigating the contributions of traffic management centers to enhancing people’s driving experiences and impacting their level of satisfaction and happiness. Data was collected in the United Arab Emirates through two distinct surveys; the first aimed at drivers (number of respondents: 155), and the second aimed at traffic management center operators (number of respondents: 15). The drivers survey aimed to collect data about drivers’ pain points experienced while driving in the United Arab Emirates and showed that slow drivers on fast lanes and sudden lane changing are the biggest challenges reported. On the operators’ side, the data collected showed that operators reported observing these challenges from their side as well. Operators also notably reported the need for advanced technology to help better manage and respond to real time traffic situations remotely from traffic management centers. Both surveys conducted showed a need and potential for the contributions of traffic management centers in enhancing and upgrading the quality of life for citizens through the application of technological solutions and the development of supporting legislation. Supplementary data from similar surveys was also used to validate, expand the knowledge and provide a holistic view of the topic. The study indicated that traffic management centers can impact the happiness and satisfaction of citizens by enhancing their driving experience, given that they are designed and equipped in a way that suits the city and society trends and cultures. Recommendations for implementation of such design choices were given along five pillars considering administration (based on best practice and Benchmarking), technology (results of local and international TMC surveys), media and communication (international survey and the expansion of technology and social media), operations and legislation (Based on results of the driver’s survey, that shows some gaps in the legislations which can be enhanced)

Artificial neural network analysis of teachers��� performance against thermal comfort

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Emerald in International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation on 17/04/2020, available online at: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-11-2019-0098 The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.Purpose: The impact of thermal comfort in educational buildings continues to be of major importance in both the design and construction phases. Given this, it is also equally important to understand and appreciate the impact of design decisions on post-occupancy performance, particularly on staff and students. This study aims to present the effect of IEQ on teachers��� performance. This study would provide thermal environment requirements to BIM-led school refurbishment projects. Design: This paper presents a detailed investigation into the direct impact of thermal parameters (temperature, relative humidity and ventilation rates) on teacher performance. In doing so, the research methodological approach combines explicit mixed-methods using questionnaire surveys and physical measurements of thermal parameters to identify correlation and inference. It was conducted through a single case study using a technical college based in Saudi Arabia. Findings: Findings from this work were used to develop a model using an Artificial Neural Network to establish causal relationships. Research findings indicate an optimal temperature range between 23��C and 25��C, with a 65% relative humidity and 0.4m/s ventilation rate. This ratio delivered optimum results for both comfort and performance

The Characterisation of the Freezing Damage Response during Flowering in European and Middle Eastern Wheat Cultivars (Triticum aestivum L)

Merged with duplicate record (10026.1/1553) on 03.01.2017 by CS (TIS)Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is occasionally exposed to low temperature during flowering and huge economic losses can occur especially in some key production countries such as Australia. Although it is generally predicted that there will be a rise in global temperature there are still predicted to be risks associated with low temperature for temperate crops. Post head emergence frost damage remains a major constraint to increasing wheat production. Five Iraqi varieties (Abu-Ghariab, Fatah, Sham6, IPA95 and IPA99) were screened for their frost hardiness (LT50). Abu-Ghariab was chosen for further investigations along with the European cv. Claire because the acclimated frost hardiness level in these two varieties (LT50 -8.07 and -8.01°C for Claire and Abu-Ghariab respectively) was found to be significantly lower than the other varieties in this study. Several techniques were employed including REC%, IR thermography and molecular analysis of cold acclimation in order to characterise the frost resistance of those two varieties. REC% revealed that both Claire and Abu-Ghariab could tolerate some freezing when the spikes were just visible (ZCK 51-60) with an acclimation shift of the LT50 of -1.6 and -2.11°C respectively but this was not apparent at later growth stages. Based on molecular analysis, cold acclimation was shown to be activated at ZCK 51-60 in both varieties. Cbf14 was expressed after 8 hours exposure to acclimatising temperatures (4°C) and then declined to a low, but still up-regulated level in both varieties and this led to expression of the COR15a protein. These molecular changes correlated with the frost tolerance recorded at ZCK 51-60. It was concluded that the possibility existed to up-regulate cold acclimation after spike emergence if there was enough environmental stimulus. Molybdenum (Mo) was demonstrated to work synergistically with low temperature in increasing the expression of Cbf14 and COR15a. The European wheat cv. Claire showed a higher capacity (-8.14°C) to be acclimated than Iraqi wheat (-7.40°C) under the effect of both Mo and acclimation temperatures. Mo alone increased the expression of Cbf14 in both varieties but did not increase the frost tolerance. Observations of ice nucleation using an infrared thermography (IR) revealed that supercooling is highly likely in spikes and some spikes avoided frost damage even when the temperature fell to -12°C. It was observed that the proportion of frozen spikes was 22.8% while the remainder supercooled. Spraying plants with distilled water was not effective in facilitating ice nucleation in wheat spikes. Observations also revealed that spikes that did freeze started freezing at temperatures of -4 to -5 °C close to temperature of the putative constitutive frost hardiness of un-acclimated wheat and it is suggested that this may reflect that many laboratory freezing experiments may not actually freeze until -5°C. The anthesis stage of wheat was found to be the most vulnerable stage and it needs to be given more attention in terms of research to up-regulate cold acclimation. Frost damage to wheat during flowering continues to be a serious problem in certain production areas and therefore continued effort in characterising and finding suitable solutions to this are imperative.Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research-Iraqi Embassy/Cultural attache-Londo