Islamic financial contracting forms in Saudi Arabia: Law and practice

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel UniversityThe main objective of this research is to examine whether the current practices of Islamic banking and financial activities in Saudi Arabia are compatible with the principles of Shariah. This examination includes the current uses of sukuk (Islamic bonds), the models of takaful (Islamic insurance) and accepted risk transfer mechanisms in Islamic structured finance (Islamic derivatives). The second purpose is to investigate the basic laws of banking and financial activities in Saudi Arabia and examine whether they are compatible with Shariah principles. The final aim is to suggest solutions to the absence of regulatory and supervisory systems of Islamic finance in Saudi Arabia by proposing a legislative and regulatory framework for Islamic banking and finance in Saudi Arabia. The research findings show that there are no specific laws and regulations governing Islamic banking and financial activities in Saudi Arabia. In addition, there is no independent central Shariah board to regulate and supervise Islamic banking and financial activities in Saudi Arabia, nor are there are any specialised commercial courts to look into banking issues. The research finds that there are some articles in the law of supervision of cooperative insurance companies in Saudi Arabia, and its implementing regulations, which do not comply with Shariah, and in addition, there is some incompatibility between the law and its implementing regulations. The final finding is that the issuance of sukuk and Islamic financial derivatives in Saudi Arabia are not consistent with Shariah requirements, due to the absence of regulatory policies and supervisory harmonisation, while Islamic insurance needs to amend some articles of the law of supervision of cooperative insurance companies in Saudi Arabia, and its implementing regulations, in order to comply with Shariah and also to avoid incompatibility between them

Characterization, optimization and modelling of PE blends for pipe applications

Bimodal polyethylene resins are frequently used for pipe applications. In this work, blending was used to produce polyethylenes with comparable properties, particularly with respect to processing, stress crack resistance and tensile properties. Suitable blend components were identified, and their performance screened used ECHIP experimental design software. Blends were characterized using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile testing, stress crack resistance measurements, impact toughness testing, capillary rheometry and melt index measurements. GPC, DSC and melt index results reveal that the method of meltcompounding produced morphologically uniform blends, with different degrees of compatibility depending on the type and level of branching of blend components. Most of the blends produced showed higher crystallinity values compared to a reference bimodal resin. Binary high density polyethylene (HDPE) blends showed better stiffness and strength properties, whereas metallocene catalyzed linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE) containing blends illustrated superior elongation and toughness properties compared to the reference polymer and other binary blends. The highest resistance to slow crack growth (SCG) was shown by low density polyethylene (LDPE) and mLLDPE containing blends due to their high branching content. The overall blend resistance to SCG or toughness can be enhanced with levels less than 20% by weight of LDPE or mLLDPE in the blend although the tensile properties are relatively unaffected at these low concentrations. The performance of blends was optimized by changing component polymers and their weight fractions, and a model to predict optimum blends was developed using the Maple code. Optimized blends showed higher branching content, comparable molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, tensile properties, viscosity and processing behaviour to the reference polymer. Optimized blend 3, in particular, encountered the same degree of shear thinning as the reference material. Better toughness and resistance to SCG were shown by the optimized blends when compared to the reference polymer

An empirical study of male and female leadership styles in a segregated work environment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Disparities between men‘s and women‘s leadership styles are particularly salient in contemporary organizations in which recent trends suggest leadership styles link to both sex and gender. Some research suggests leadership style is associated partly with sex, and other research suggests differences are attributed better to gender roles. Thus, it is unclear whether gender moderates relationships among psychological mechanisms that produce leadership and its various styles. Complicating the matter is the fact that most researchers conduct leadership studies in contexts in which genders interact regularly. In Saudi Arabia, interactions between the genders are limited to one‘s relatives, though some interactions do occur among colleagues. Most Saudi Arabian organisations segregate employees based on gender since cultures governed by Islamic law commonly separate the sexes regarding institutions, education, employment, and even time spent in leisure. In such cultures, segregation acts as a means of respect and protection from sexual discrimination, regardless of any underestimation of women‘s management skills or characteristics, including leadership. The purpose of this study is to assess gendered leadership in segregated, Saudi Arabian work environments, a context in which interactions between the genders is limited. This study examines leader-member interactions to assess whether gender status moderates either leader behaviours or organisational commitment. Since interactions among the genders are uncommon in this context, this study uniquely explores whether leadership is gendered in the environment.A framework was developed based on both the full-range leadership model and leader-member exchange to assess correlations between the two models and predict employee organisational commitment. This study investigates relationships among both models‘ components, including transformational leader behaviours, transactional leader behaviours, passive leadership behaviours and quality of relationships between leaders and subordinates, and organisational commitment, especially concerning how these components operate in a gender-segregated context. Finally, gender as a moderator was also assessed among these relationships. Data were collected through a quantitative survey from a sample of three-hundred and ninety-six bank employees whose organisation follows a strict sex-segregation policy. The survey consisted of the Multi-factor Leadership Questionnaire, the LMX-7, and the Organisational Commitment Scale instruments. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling, and Partial Least Squares was used as an alternative method of evaluating hypothesised relationships among constructs.Results suggest idealised attributes, idealised behaviours, and developmental behaviours components of transformational leadership correlate strongest with leader-member exchange. Contingent reward, a component of transactional leadership, correlated positively with both leader-member exchange and organisational commitment. Management by exception (active) showed no correlation with leader-member exchange, but correlated with organisational commitment. Passive leader behaviours demonstrated a negative relationship with leader-member exchange. Finally, leader-member exchange mediated relationships among transformational leader behaviours, contingent reward, passive leader behaviours, and organisational commitment.This study suggests the paramount role quality of relationship with a leader plays in the Saudi Arabian context regarding transformational leader behaviours. The mediating role of leader-member exchange between transformational leader behaviours and organisational commitment is attributed to recognition that followers establish relationships in a context in which power distance is high and collectivist values are held. Gender did not moderate relationships among constructs, though non-significant correlations suggest disparities between the male and female groups investigated in this study. Results from this study fill several gaps in the literature concerning gendered leadership in segregated work environments, especially concerning the finding that leadership is not gendered in Saudi Arabian, segregated contexts. Saudi Arabian female managers appear to be as effective as their male counterparts; in fact, they scored slightly higher. These findings argue against a stereotypical view of gendered leadership and suggest an important message regarding the abilities of female managers in Saudi Arabian and other gender-segregated contexts. Saudi Arabian female managers appear accessible to followers through several leadership styles, offering disparate communication channels that encourage multiple avenues to interact with them. Based on the female model, Saudi female maagers were effective in the prediction of LMX using TRFLs, CR and PSVs, while men were effective in TRFLs and PSVs to predict LMX. Also female managers were effective in the prediction of OC using LMX, CR and MBEA, while Saudi male managers were effective to predict OC via LMX and MBEA. Results also suggest that the literature should pay more attention to minimising stereotyping of female managers regarding gendered leadership. Implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed in light of these findings

ICSI Cycle with a Sperm from TESE versus From Ejaculate in Oligospermic Men

Objective: The aim of our study to compare the quality of embryos and fertilization rates in (ICSI) cycles using sperm from ejaculates of (oligospermic), and sperm of azospermic patients using (TESE). Methods and Subject: Retrospective study, conducted (the IVF Unit) at KAUH, all male patients under went ICSI cycle from June 2011 until January 2012. Total number of ICSI cycle was 184 but only 53 male (27 with azospermia sperm obtained by TESE and 26 with oligospermia) were eligible for analysis by using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The medical record of the wives of male patients reviewed and information was obtained from the file . Number of Oocyte, and number of embryos transfer and quality of embryo recorded. Main Outcome Measure Quality of Embryo, Fertilization rates. Result(s): 184 ICSI only 53 were eligible for analysis, divided into two group according to the orgain of the sperm Group 1 (27) had TESE and Group 2 (26) gave sperm by masturbation but their semen parameters count ?5×106/ml and ?10% progressive motility. When compare the number of the embryo with the quality of grade (from 1 to 4) in both groups we found , the frequency of good quality embryo grade 1,2, were more in the oligospermic group than TESE and that was  statistically significant with P value 0.001. Conclusion: The fertilization rates are not affected by the source of the sperm but the quality of embryos are Better with sperm retrieved from the ejaculate when compare with sperm from TESE. Key Words: ICSI, Azospermia, TES

Undispensed Prescriptions due to Drug Unavailability at a Teaching Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Purpose: To describe the extent of undispensed prescriptions as a result of drug unavailability in a tertiary health facility in Saudi Arabia Methods: This study was conducted prospectively in a large teaching hospital over a 6 months period from May to October of 2005 and tracked 14 commonly prescribed drugs. The bimonthly drug requisition forms and the amount supplied by medical supply department (MSD) were collected and reviewed. Results: Total number of prescriptions issued for the drugs under examination was 29113. 26551 prescriptions were dispensed while the remaining 2562 (9%) were undispensed due to drug unavailability. The difference between quantity of drugs requested by the pharmacy and quantity issued from MSD was 47-52%. Conclusion: Mismatch between drug demand and supply in the facility studied is the main cause of shortage.Keywords: Drug prescriptions, inventory management, hospital pharmac

Geotechnical and Geophysical Evaluation of the Near Surface Faults and Cracks in Residential Area Underlain by Semi-Arid Shale

This study was carried out following the development of abnormal faults and distresses that extend over more than two kilometers distance in an agricultural rural area to the North of Saudi Arabia. They appeared on the ground surface in the form of extended wide cracks and appeared across buildings, roads and green areas. Severe damages were inflicted to the existing structures and included cracks within the streets, the buildings and boundary walls. Geotechnical works carried out included advancing six boreholes to depths of 35 to 40 meters below grade. The subsurface soil profile was constructed and laboratory tests were carried out to characterize the shale and obtain relevant strength and swelling properties. The site was found to be overlain by a thin granular layer followed by elastic silt and/or silty shale extending 15 to 37m below top layers. The geophysical method used was the electrical resistivity using multi-electrode system of SYSCAL pro equipment. Several electrical resistivity lines were investigated across and along the crack zones. The outcome of the geophysical results was contrasted and compared to the geotechnical findings and all used to interpret the possible causes of these cracks. The electrical resistivity data were found to map the moisture profile in the area. The expansive soil is moisture sensitive and the data of electrical resistivity was found a good tool to spot areas of high and low moisture. The compiled data was found useful for evaluating the cause of damage and cracks in building construction within the distressed zone

Lunar High Quality Terrain Scanning Mission Using LIDAR Technology

As interest in exploring the moon grows, this study suggests a mission plan that involves using a CubeSat fitted with a LiDAR sensor (SALi) to survey large sections of the lunar landscape and gather precise information on its ruggedness and altitude. By making use of available components and an advanced Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) system featuring star trackers, IMUs and maintaining a circular polar orbit at 125 km above the moon’s surface the CubeSat will implement the Lambert Method for efficient orbital insertion around the moon and employ reaction wheels along with ion thrusters for accurate imaging. Communication will rely on the 400 MHz UHF band. Utilize the CubeSat Space Protocol (CSP) for secure data transmission while enhancing signal strength through a deployable mesh reflector antenna. The KubOS flight software will oversee onboard functions with data being transmitted via Amazon Web Services (AWS) ground stations. This mission concept presents a strategy, for gathering detailed topographical data of the lunar surface by capitalizing on a CubeSats cost effectiveness paired with LiDAR technology

Effect of Fiber Reinforcement on CBR Behavior of Lime Blended Expansive Soils: Reliability Approach

Use of synthetic fibers as reinforcement to stabilize expansive soils is gaining momentum. As a contribution towards this growing field of research two different types of synthetic fibers, Fiber Mesh® and Fiber Cast®, were evaluated as a stabilization alternative for expansive soils in the presence of lime. California Bearing Ratio (CBR) is chosen as a performance indicator as it is a good pointer towards pavement effectiveness. Variables such as length and amount of the fibers as well as curing period were studied. Both deterministic and probabilistic (or reliability) analysis is presented in this paper. While the deterministic analysis helps in understanding the measured experimental data, the probabilistic approach accounts for the stochastic nature of the experimental data and provides a better rationale for the design methods. The deterministic approach showed that the improvement in CBR increased with higher fiber contents and longer lengths and the effect was prominent when lime was used as a stabilizer. There were some exceptions to this behavior, which were noted in the paper. The probabilistic analysis showed that the amount and lengths of fibers were important factors in CBR strength. It was also determined that the variation in the target CBR value had considerable effect on optimizing the length and amount of the fibers

Flexible bronchoscopy in children: Utility and complications

AbstractBackground and objectivesThe flexible bronchoscope has become widely used by pediatric pulmonologists as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Nevertheless, there are several gaps in our knowledge to help refine its use and reduce its complications. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the utility and complications of pediatric bronchoscopy.Design and settingWe conducted a retrospective review of bronchoscopy cases between March 2006 and April 2015 at a tertiary care medical center (King Fahad Medical City). One-hundred forty nine patients were studied.Patients and methodsWe evaluated how bronchoscopy contributed to the patients' diagnosis, assessed the accuracy of bronchoalveolar lavage white blood cell count (BAL WBC) to differentiate between infectious and non-infectious conditions, assessed the ability of clinical factors to predict high risk of desaturation during bronchoscopy, and finally summarized the reported procedural complications.ResultsWe found pediatric bronchoscopy was a crucial diagnostic (confirming, ruling out, and discovering unexpected diagnosis) and therapeutic tool. The accuracy of BAL WBC counts is poor (AUC (95% CI) = 0.609 (0.497–0.712)); however, using two cutoff values (≤10 WBCs (sensitivity = 84.44% and specificity = 29.27%) to rule out, and ≥400 WBCs (sensitivity = 33.33% and specificity 81.49%) to rule in infection) helped in early differentiation between infectious and non-infectious conditions. From the factors that we test, none we found predictive of desaturation. The most common procedural complication was desaturation (pooled incidence (95% CI) = 13 (8–19)%) followed by cough, mild airway bleeding, and spasm.ConclusionsFlexible bronchoscopy is an important and relatively safe diagnostic and therapeutic tool in pediatric medicine, and utilization of this service should be encouraged after a careful consideration of which patient needs this procedure and a rigorous estimate of its pros and cons

Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy:Towards Structural Insights into Starch-Based Materials in the Food Industry

Solid-state NMR is a nondestructive and noninvasive technique used to study the chemical structure and dynamics of starch-based materials and to bridge the gap between structure–function relationships and industrial applications. The study of crystallinity, chemical modification, product blending, molecular packing, amylose–amylopectin ratio, end chain motion, and solvent–matrix interactions is essential for tailoring starch product properties to various applications. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and critical review of research characterizing starch-based materials using solid-state NMR, and to briefly introduce the most advanced and promising NMR strategies and hardware designs used to overcome the sensitivity and resolution issues involved in structure–function relationships