CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TRICHODERMA REESEI DEGRADED DATE PITS AND ITS EFFECT ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND INTESTINAL BACTERIAL POPULATION AND ANTIOXIDANT STATUS - A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH MANNOSE AND MANNAN -OLIGOSACCHARIDE ON BROILER

With the increasing apprehension over food safety nowadays, there have been relentless efforts aiming for subrogating antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry feeds. Thus, this research study aims at investigating the potential effects of using degraded date pits (DDP) as feedstuff and as a natural alternative for antibiotics in poultry feeding. Two feeding experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, the minimum time of feeding a diet containing 10% DDP is required to induce growth-promoting effects on broiler performance. In experiment 2, the influence of feeding 10% DDP was examined as feedstuff at 10% in broilers diets and a growth-promoting agent compared with corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with antibiotic 50 g of 20% oxytetracycline, 0.2% of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS), and either 0.2 or 0.1% of mannose on growth performance, microbial growth, antioxidant and biochemical effects, intestine development and antibacterial gene expression in broiler chickens. Date pits (DP) were degraded with the fungus Trichoderma reesei using solid-state degradation (SSD) and included in broiler’s diets at 10%. Results showed that biological degradation with T. reesei significantly improved the nutritional effect of DP by increasing the proximate composition, monosaccharide composition, mineral content and in vitro antioxidant activities. The results of experiment 1, showed that a prolonged feeding period of 10% DDP to 5 weeks for broiler resulted in better growth than three or four weeks of feeding periods. The results of experiment 2 indicated that there were no significant differences in body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the different dietary treatments. Total bacterial count, E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae, Shigella, and salmonella count, were significantly decreased in 10% DDP diet fed-broilers, 0.2% MOS and antibiotic diet fed-broilers, showing that DDP and MOS have a similar mode of action. The results of the antioxidant and biochemical effects of DDP showed that the activity of antioxidant enzymes in serum, liver, and intestine of broilers fed diets with 10% DDP and 0.2% MOS were increased significantly compared with other treatments, but malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly decreased. Among the different dietary treatments, 10% DDP and 0.2% MOS diet enhanced the pancreatic digestive enzymes, histomorphology of intestine, and weight and length of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Immunoglobulin levels in serum and intestinal contents, the expression pattern of mucin-2, cathelicidins, beta-defensins, and LEAP-2 in jejunum were up-regulated in 10% DDP and 0.2% MOS diet fed-broilers. In conclusion, a 10% DDP diet can be fed to broiler chickens during 1-42 days of age and also as a growth-promoting agent to replace antibiotics while showing a similar mode of action to MOS. The results suggested that DDP can be used as a feedstuff and growth promoter for chicken feeding in the Arabian Peninsula, whereas the DDP is produced abundantly and available at a large amount, this will result in decreasing environmental pollution of unutilized agriculture by-products

Impact of organization culture on TQM implementation barriers

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.This study examines the relationship between organisational culture and TQM implementation barriers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting TQM implementation. For TQM implementation to take root effectively, the critical role of organisational culture is widely recognised. The existence of pitfalls and obstacles (barriers) to implementing TQM is also widely recognized, as is the importance of understanding these TQM implementation barriers. Nevertheless, whilst many TQM implementation models and frameworks have been designed and proposed, no study has been located in the literature that has systematically examined the relationship between organisational culture and TQM implementation barriers. This theoretical lapse in the TQM literature necessitates an investigation of the direction and significance of the relationship which can help in devising more informed TQM implementation models. In this context, a quantitative research methodology was adopted to examine the profiles of organisational culture and of TQM implementation barriers in organisations in Bahrain and to examine the relationship between these variables. Bahrain is presently going through a rapid expansion in quality management system adoption. Accordingly, the research uses four constructs of organisational culture as independent variables and six constructs of TQM implementation barriers identified through the literature as dependent variables. A set of hypotheses was developed describing the expected relationships between these two sets of variables. The study adopted a positivist, deductive approach using an online survey questionnaire to obtain quantitative data for hypothesis testing. The research instrument was assessed for validity and reliability through structured interviews. Responses to the survey were obtained from 325 organisations located in Bahrain. Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) version 16.0 was used to test the measurement model using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and to test the structural model using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Both models showed a very good fit to the data, with good construct validity and reliability. The findings of the study showed that group culture, which is believed to be an ‘ideal’ culture for TQM implementation helps decrease employee barriers, information barriers and customer related barriers as predicted. However group culture wasn’t found to help decrease top management barriers. Rational culture was found to decrease top management barriers as predicted but it wasn’t found to help decrease employee and customer barriers. The findings confirm the significant impact of hierarchical culture in the Bahrain context in decreasing planning and process management barriers. Developmental culture’s potential to lower employee and customer barriers was observed but was not found to be statistically significant. This research makes several contributions in both academic and practical terms. Theoretically, positioning organisational culture as an antecedent of TQM implementation barriers, this study is the first holistic approach that attempts to empirically investigate which type of organisational culture is related to which TQM implementation barriers. Understanding the nature, strength and direction of these relationships can help to inform and support future TQM implementation attempts. Practically, this research will benefit organisations who have not been able to fully realise TQM, or who are in the process of planning the introduction of TQM. The findings of the study can help Bahraini organisations to realise the long term quality objectives of the Bahrain Centre of Excellence’s Vision 2030 programme. Furthermore, the study has contributed a new empirically tested scale for measuring TQM implementation barriers - a valuable tool on its own, or in conjunction with the organisational culture profile assessment tool - for both practitioners wishing to examine their readiness for TQM or progress in creating a TQM ethos, and for future researchers wishing to extend our understanding of the influence of TQM barriers and/or culture on major organisational improvement interventions. It is expected that replication of this study in other countries and regions with different culture and context may help in developing an improved model of TQM implementation. Implications for managers and future research are advanced.Ministry of Defence, Kingdom of Bahrai

The Relationship between Federal Citizenship and Immigration Policies and the Internationalization of Higher Education in Canada

Using Actor-Network Theory (ANT) as a way to do Critical Policy Analysis (CPA), this instrumental case study explores the relationships between citizenship and immigration (CI) policies and the internationalization of Canadian higher education. By utilizing a critical-sociomaterial approach, the research exposes actors and actor-networks that are otherwise overlooked in these policy areas. Moreover, this lens underscores the impacts and consequences of policy and how the enrollment and/or exclusion of actors in actor-networks enables certain actors to exert control, power, and primacy over others. While most research on internationalization identifies the academy as the site for internationalization policy enactment, this research notes that the policy topology is spread across various levels of governance and transcends the university into both provincial and federal spaces. The findings suggest that Canada’s CI policies, along with its regulations make it difficult for university administrators to internationalize their institutions, with respect to recruiting, supporting, and retaining international students. International students, who want to immigrate to Canada post-graduation, highlighted that they found federal CI legislation confusing. They experienced both emotional and financial stress because of systemic barriers within the government-sponsored pathways to Canadian permanent residency. They see Canada as a less attractive place to study, expressed that they feel unwelcome, warned that restrictive CI legislation will hinder Canada’s ability to attract prospective international students, and also retain Canadian-trained talent. The analysis reveals three complex, interconnected, and at times, competing assemblages of human and non-human actors enrolled in Canada’s CI and internationalization policies. Through their connections, these actor-networks help the government emerge as a powerful actor in Canadian public policy. By redefining its relationship with provinces and universities, the federal government enrolls the academy in technocratic ways to regulate the flow of international students. This research also highlights the powerful role that special interest groups (SIGs) play in these policy assemblages and their role in connecting CI and internationalization policies. Moreover, the study underscores interdepartmental policy misalignments within the federal government with respect to CI, internationalization, and labour policies. These controversies highlight competing narratives of what is important for the Canadian economy and the value of international students. While most research on internationalization identifies the academy as the site for internationalization policy enactment, this research notes that the policy topology is spread across various levels of governance and transcends the university into both provincial and federal spaces. The findings suggest that Canada’s CI policies, along with its regulations make it difficult for university administrators to internationalize their institutions, with respect to recruiting, supporting, and retaining international students. International students, who want to immigrate to Canada post-graduation, highlighted that they found federal CI legislation confusing. They experienced both emotional and financial stress because of systemic barriers within the government-sponsored pathways to Canadian permanent residency. They see Canada as a less attractive place to study, expressed that they feel unwelcome, warned that restrictive CI legislation will hinder Canada’s ability to attract prospective international students, and also retain Canadian-trained talent. The analysis reveals three complex, interconnected, and at times, competing assemblages of human and non-human actors enrolled in Canada’s CI and internationalization policies. Through their connections, these actor-networks help the government emerge as a powerful actor in Canadian public policy. By redefining its relationship with provinces and universities, the federal government enrolls the academy in technocratic ways to regulate the flow of international students. This research also highlights the powerful role that special interest groups (SIGs) play in these policy assemblages and their role in connecting CI and internationalization policies. Moreover, the study underscores interdepartmental policy misalignments within the federal government with respect to CI, internationalization, and labour policies. These controversies highlight competing narratives of what is important for the Canadian economy and the value of international students

ADHERENCE TO THE 1999 BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE GUIDELINES AND DIVIDEND PAYOUT POLICY: EVIDENCE FROM KUWAIT

The objective of this research is to eamine the adherence to the Blue Ribbon Committee BC recommendations and its impact on corporate dividends policy in Kuwait. These recommendations are deemed guidelines for improving the effectiveness of audit committees of shareholding firms. Both descriptive as ell as analytical methods have been used to test for such effectiveness. Ashort questionnaire as distributed to listed firms in Kuwait as well as examining published financial data of Kuwait firms with respect to dividend policies during . Results of the multiple regressions and sensitivity analysis indicated that there is no significant evidence on compliance with BRC guidelines hen setting dividend policies by Kuwaiti firms, thus hardly any effect audit committees have on such policies

The Influence of CSR Practices on Hotel Images and Hotel Benefits in Bangladesh

This study investigates how hotel Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices influence hotel image and hotel benefits based on the tourist perception of Bangladesh using Elkington's (1998) Triple Bottom Line (TBL) as a study framework. Data were collected by conducting survey using a structured questionnaire. A total of 295 tourist responses were accumulated using a convenient sampling technique in the 4 and 5-stars hotels from two major tourism-based cities in Bangladesh, namely Chattogram and Cox's Bazar. The results revealed that hotel CSR practices (economic, social, and environmental) positively influence both the hotel image and hotel benefits in the Bangladesh hotel industry context. Finally, the findings of this study will aid in the planning and development of Bangladesh's hotel industry and its long-term development

Retention and Separation Behaviour of Chloropyrifos and Other Water Pollutants Using Polyurethane Foams

Heavy metals and pesticides represent a class of man-made environmental pollutants which also occur naturally in the environment. The presence of these pollutants in the industrial and agricultural wastewaters often represents a risk to the environment. Investigation of these species in the water is an important aspect of environmental pollution as human activities contributed to the progressive increase in the concentration of these compounds in the environmental as well as aquatic systems. Therefore, identification and removal (or reduction) of these species to an acceptable concentration are of prime importance. The analytical utility of unloaded open-cell polyurethane foams and foams immobilizing some chromogenic organic reagents (chromoforms) as cellular solid extractor, is considered as a useful addition to the field of separation science and preconcentration techniques. Polyurethane foam allows the isolation of the analyte from the matrix and yields an appropriate enrichment factor. The quasi-spherical membrane structure, the good hydrodynamic and the resilience properties of the foam offers real advantages over the well-known granular supports e.g. Voltaleff which is considered one of the excellent support in the literature in separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of organic and inorganic pollutants from different media. In the present study polyether type polyurethane foam has been used as a trapping medium for the preconcentration and quantitative recovery of some pyrethroid and phosphorous insecticides (commonly in use by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of UAE) from high volume sample of agricultural waters. The detection and semiquantitative determination of bismuth (III) in aqueous acidic media by polyether foam employing 1, 5-di-(phenyl)-3-mercaptoformazan (H2Dz) and 1, 5-di (2-fluorophenyl)-3-mercaptoformazan (F2H2Dz) have been critically investigated. Unloaded foams were employed in static and dynamic modes for the retention and separation behaviour of a series of pesticides e.g. Cypermethrin, Parathion, Malathion and Chloropyrifos in aqueous media. The effect of different parameters, e. g. contact time, extraction media, solution pH, insecticide concentration, temperature, salt effect and cation size of adding salts affecting the retention behaviour of each insecticide on unloaded foam was investigated. The sorption behavior of Parathion and Malathion in the presence of different univalent cation sizes increased in the order: Li+ \u3e Na+ \u3e K+ \u3e NH4+ In good agreement with the solvent extraction mechanism, while Cypermethrin and Chloropyrifos follow the sequence: K+ \u3e NH4+ \u3e Na+ \u3e Li+ Indicating sorption of these species by the cation chelation mechanism . The thermodynamic parameter, e. g. ΔHo and ΔSo for the sorption process of the tested insecticides by the unloaded foams were obtained. The column performance, the critical capacity, the highest equivalent to the theoretical plates (HETP) and the number of the theoretical plates (N) were also calculated and discussed. Separation of some of the tested insecticides was also achieved. Plant analysis of Tomato and Parsley plants untreated and sprayed with Chloropyrifos for different time intervals 24, 72 and 120 hrs. was carried out. The analysis of nitrogen, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, humidity, wet weight and dry weight of controlled and sprayed plants were achieved and discussed. The qualitative and semiquantitative determination of bismuth (III) in aqueous acidic (pH \u3c 5) employing the chromogenic reagents H2Dz and F2H2Dz- immobilized or plasticized tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP) loaded foams were achieved via batch, dynamic and pulsating column modes of extraction. i. In the batch extraction mode, the detection of 0. 02 ppm of bismuth (III) in aqueous acidic solution from a mixture containing the tested metal ion and F2H2Dz was achieved on unloaded foams. The detection of 0.01 and 0.005 ppm of bismuth (III) were also obtained with polyurethane foam treated with F2H2Dz and plasticized F2H2Dz-TBP foams, respectively. As low as 0.02 ppm of bismuth (III) were also detected on polyurethane foams loaded with H2Dz or plasticized H2Dz-TBP foams. The semiquantitiative determination of bismuth (III) in aqueous acidic solution employing polyurethane foam loaded and plasticized with H2Dz and F2H2Dz was successfully carried out. ii. In the flow (column) technique, the detection and semiquantitative determination of bismuth (III) ions were successfully achieved at the ng cm-3 (ppb) concentration level using immobilized and plasticized polyurethane foam with the reagents H2Dz and F2H2Dz. The length of the coloured zone was taken as a semiquantitative measure of metal ion concentrations. iii. Based on the resilient properties of the open-cell polyurethane foam it was possible to detect as low as 5 ppb of bismuth (III) in aqueous acidic solution by plasticized F2H2Dz-TBP foams in pulsating column technique after 25 successive pulses. Semiquantitative determination of bismuth (III) was also possible by this mode of extraction at constant number of pulses. iv. The selectivity of the proposed F2H2Dz-loaded foam on the detection of 1 µg of bismuth (III) in the presence of various interfering ions by batch mode of extraction was critically investigated

Corporate performance under corporate governance in the GCC countries / Wael E. AL-Rashed

This study is an attempt to explore the relation between the new corporate governance enforcement in the Gulf -GCC- countries and management performance at large. Independent variables within corporate governance cluster have been identified to determine their possible effect on other dependent variables within the cluster of management performance. The study provides empirical support of the added value of corporate governance at both the national as well as the regional level. A deductive research method is adopted to better identify the problem and reach some conclusions. It includes a recognized statistical testing as well as a basic arithmetic model to build up some relationships which may lead to some sort of correlations that assist in interpreting and determining perceptions toward the issue. Results have shown noticeable impact of the same across the tested data and calls for more rigid enforcement of legislative governance among GCC firms

The Development of Accounting Standards and Practices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The objective of this thesis is to make a contribution towards achieving a greater understanding of the process of accounting development in a developing country, and to achieve greater awareness and understanding of the influences brought to bear on this process within the specific environment of Saudi Arabia. This understanding covers a wide range of issues which include, among others, understanding accounting and reporting practices; accounting regulation and policy making; influences and factors; professional motivation; problem areas; and more recent developments. Towards this objective, a combination of research methodological procedures has been employed in this thesis. These methodological procedures comprise a survey of accounting and reporting practices, and a Delphi exercise. These methodological procedures are consistent with, and complementary to, each other. 30 corporate annual reports of Saudi joint stock corporations have been examined, incorporating information on the type of financial statements presented; the format used; the items reflected; accounting policy disclosure; the format and content of auditors' reports; and many other accounting and reporting issues. 52 experts ranging from academics and public accountants to practicing accountants in government, industry, and banking participated in the final phase of the Delphi study, incorporating their opinions and perceptions regarding professional development, professional motivation, problem areas, and problem resolution. The results of this study are summarised in 18 opinions and 10 conclusions. The conclusions of this study contribute towards a better understanding of accounting development in Saudi Arabia and developing countries in general. In this respect, the more recent privatisation and development programmes in the Kingdom have not yet attained a requisite level to exercise sufficient pressure for the development of an accounting and reporting system of regulation. Consequently, disclosure is still generally perceived to be low, and the auditor's ability to maintain his independent professional status is impaired without adequate legal or professional protection and/or sanctions. The low level of disclosure and the relative lack of independence are both reinforced by local traditions: of informal business dealings and informal methods of obtaining important information on the one hand, and of personalisation, mutual protection and the desire for job security on the other. As a result, the accounting profession's development suffers from a lack of enthusiasm and direction on the part of its members, a situation which is evident from members' apparent contentment with accounting as it is presently practiced or rather, their reliance on government initiatives and directions. These factors, together with many others, such as problems of enforcement, institutional support, and professional educational deficiencies, render the development of accounting along the lines of developments in Anglo-Saxon countries extremely difficult at the present time

Client and employee perceptions of Islamic banking in Saudi Arabia

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