Kuwait’s readiness for the knowledge-based economy: an exploratory study

The small city-state of Kuwait has undergone marked change over the last century. However, despite the significant transformations within its political economy, Kuwait’s socioeconomic needs require attention. This is essential, considering Kuwait’s current attempt to transform into a knowledge-based economy (KBE), a central component of Kuwait’s Vision 2035 and at the top of the country’s policy agenda. Kuwait’s attempt to diversify its resources requires significant reform in KBE’s four main pillars: effective investment in education, constructing robust and innovative tertiary sector capabilities, modernising the information technology infrastructure, and having an economic environment that is conducive to maximum development. And while Kuwait increasingly invests in ICT infrastructure and a welcoming economic environment, education and innovation seem to lag. This research aims to address the increased demand for academically based explorations of Kuwait’s attempts to transfer to a knowledge-based economy and present a comprehensive analysis of Kuwait’s Vision 2035, with emphasis on how the country aims to develop its education and innovation pillars to aid diversification efforts. By involving the relevant participants (e.g., government ministries and higher education institutions), this research seeks to inform policy debates by proposing actionable policies targeting education and innovation and, thus, defines concrete steps to strengthen the KBE in Kuwait

Feasibility of seismic monitoring methods for Australian CO2 storage projects

I study the detectability of CO2 plumes by seismic methods for three Australian Carbon Capture and Storage projects. I quantify the ability of CO2 plume detection for different acquisition designs applicable to the projects. I evaluate both pre- and post-stack seismic imaging methods. Any detectability study depends on a realistic model of noise. For both of the imaging methods I design a different approach to model the time-lapse noise needed to evaluate the detectability

The development of Saudi Arabian Entrepreneurship and Knowledge society

The current knowledge society has become a major factor in the distinction between countries, as many of them have sought to focus on knowledge and information; considering it the main resource. This study aims to identify the subject of the entrepreneurship's development in Saudi Arabia and contributes to the attainment of the knowledge society. We used the analytical descriptive approach and the questionnaire tool. The study population was represented by the Ministry of Economy and Planning officials in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the study’s sample consisted of 80 subjects, among which 60 were valid for analysis. We found that the impact on Saudi Arabia entrepreneurship, project participation and execution are reliant on support and encouragement of the concept itself while the level of education significantly influences the likelihood of project success.

Machine Learning Empowered Resource Allocation for NOMA Enabled IoT Networks

The Internet of things (IoT) is one of the main use cases of ultra massive machine type communications (umMTC), which aims to connect large-scale short packet sensors or devices in sixth-generation (6G) systems. This rapid increase in connected devices requires efficient utilization of limited spectrum resources. To this end, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is considered a promising solution due to its potential for massive connectivity over the same time/frequency resource block (RB). The IoT users’ have the characteristics of different features such as sporadic transmission, high battery life cycle, minimum data rate requirements, and different QoS requirements. Therefore, keeping in view these characteristics, it is necessary for IoT networks with NOMA to allocate resources more appropriately and efficiently. Moreover, due to the absence of 1) learning capabilities, 2) scalability, 3) low complexity, and 4) long-term resource optimization, conventional optimization approaches are not suitable for IoT networks with time-varying communication channels and dynamic network access. This thesis provides machine learning (ML) based resource allocation methods to optimize the long-term resources for IoT users according to their characteristics and dynamic environment. First, we design a tractable framework based on model-free reinforcement learning (RL) for downlink NOMA IoT networks to allocate resources dynamically. More specifically, we use actor critic deep reinforcement learning (ACDRL) to improve the sum rate of IoT users. This model can optimize the resource allocation for different users in a dynamic and multi-cell scenario. The state space in the proposed framework is based on the three-dimensional association among multiple IoT users, multiple base stations (BSs), and multiple sub-channels. In order to find the optimal resources solution for the maximization of sum rate problem in network and explore the dynamic environment better, this work utilizes the instantaneous data rate as a reward. The proposed ACDRL algorithm is scalable and handles different network loads. The proposed ACDRL-D and ACDRL-C algorithms outperform DRL and RL in terms of convergence speed and data rate by 23.5\% and 30.3\%, respectively. Additionally, the proposed scheme provides better sum rate as compare to orthogonal multiple access (OMA). Second, similar to sum rate maximization problem, energy efficiency (EE) is a key problem, especially for applications where battery replacement is costly or difficult to replace. For example, the sensors with different QoS requirements are deployed in radioactive areas, hidden in walls, and in pressurized pipes. Therefore, for such scenarios, energy cooperation schemes are required. To maximize the EE of different IoT users, i.e., grant-free (GF) and grant-based (GB) in the network with uplink NOMA, we propose an RL based semi-centralized optimization framework. In particular, this work applied proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm for GB users and to optimize the EE for GF users, a multi-agent deep Q-network where used with the aid of a relay node. Numerical results demonstrate that the suggested algorithm increases the EE of GB users compared to random and fixed power allocations methods. Moreover, results shows superiority in the EE of GF users over the benchmark scheme (convex optimization). Furthermore, we show that the increase in the number of GB users has a strong correlation with the EE of both types of users. Third, we develop an efficient model-free backscatter communication (BAC) approach with simultaneously downlink and uplink NOMA system to jointly optimize the transmit power of downlink IoT users and the reflection coefficient of uplink backscatter devices using a reinforcement learning algorithm, namely, soft actor critic (SAC). With the advantage of entropy regularization, the SAC agent learns to explore and exploit the dynamic BAC-NOMA network efficiently. Numerical results unveil the superiority of the proposed algorithm over the conventional optimization approach in terms of the average sum rate of uplink backscatter devices. We show that the network with multiple downlink users obtained a higher reward for a large number of iterations. Moreover, the proposed algorithm outperforms the benchmark scheme and BAC with OMA in terms of sum rate, self-interference coefficients, noise levels, QoS requirements, and cell radii

Opportunities of Conserving Energy on an Existing Institutional Building: Case Study

The building considered in this case study is a two-story facility with total floor area of 3588 square meter; it is mainly educational facility (classrooms, laboratories, and workshops) as well as staff offices. The building is cooled by an air-cooled reciprocating chillers which is operating round the clock. A preliminary energy audit technique was conducted to evaluate the building energy performance and identify opportunities of saving energy. In addition to the walk-through technique also mini-data loggers were installed in each zone to monitor dry-bulb temperatures, relative humidity, and light intensity over the year 2008. Specific ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 100-2006 Energy Conservation in Existing Building measures were implemented in the building. The recorded data showed large deviation of dry-bulb temperatures from comfort range in many zones. The building simulated using DesignBuilder simulation program controlling the indoor temperature and using the set-back temperature schedules. These two parameters showed an opportunity of saving energy of the existing building by 35%, and 15% respectively. Finally, a cost analysis of implementing Building Management System (BMS) was analyzed; the result showed a pay-back period of less than six months was obtained

COMPARISON OF NON-MAXIMAL TESTS FOR ESTIMATING EXERCISE CAPACITY

Although maximal incremental exercise tests (GXT) are the gold standard for outcome assessment and exercise prescription, they are not widely available in either fitness or clinical exercise programs. This study compared the prediction of VO2max in healthy, sedentary volunteers using a non-exercise prediction (Matthews et al., 1999), RPE extrapolation to 19 and 20 and the Rockport Walking Test (RWT), and of ventilatory threshold (VT) using the Talk Test and RPE @ 13,14,15. Subjects performed a treadmill GXT with gas exchange, a submaximal treadmill with RPE and Talk Test, the RWT and Matthews. All methods provided reasonable estimates of both VO2max and VT, with correlations of >0.80 and SEE~1.3 METs. VO2max was best estimated with the extrapolation to RPE=19. VT was intermediate between the TT Last Positive and Equivocal stages and between RPE 13 and 14. Non-maximal evaluation can be used in place of maximal GXT with gas exchange to make reasonable estimates of both VO2max and V

The effect of national culture on service provision

Purpose This research is to investigate the effect of national culture on service provision. Hence, the researcher aims Firstly to investigate the differences in national culture between any two different countries share some attributes like language, religion or geographic location. Secondly, it aims to find whether the differences in national culture of two countries associated with differences in service provision. Finally, the researcher aims to propose a framework that shows how differences in national culture may associate with differences in service provision. Design /Methodology/ Approach This research will quantitatively develop and examine a conceptual framework that is designed to test the effect of national culture on service provision within the context of Takful industry. A total of 463 respondents completed the survey based questionnaire from two different countries (Kuwait and Egypt) which are identified as being related to the same cluster that is, the Arab clusters. The context of the research happened to be within the context of Takaful (Islamic insurance industry) due to the uniqueness of the sector to the cluster. The data was statistically tested using SPSS and AMOS programming system as the primary statistical technique to build structure equation modelling that allows testing the proposed conceptual framework Findings Results have shown that the differences in national culture of power distance and uncertainty avoidance have an effect on service provision through service delivery gaps. Results indicated that the service delivery gaps of information gap, specification gap and performance gap partially mediate the effect of national culture on service provision in terms of information flow, style of management, control, communication policy, specification driver and boundary system. The findings also indicate that there are differences in national culture between Kuwait and Egypt despite the commonality of language and religion. The findings are in contrary to Hofstede’s findings in which he argues that Arab cluster have an identical national culture dominated by Islam. Finally, results provide strong evidence that the researcher cannot disconfirm the theory after being statistically tested in which result support the validity of the theory. Limitations The research studied only two dimensions of national culture against three service gap attributed to the theory followed by the research, however they were found strongly linked in previous research. Also the research has addressed only one sector of service industry in two countries, but since the industry (Takaful) stemmed from the religion of the context to which previous research assumes homogeneity of Arab national culture based on the power of the religion. Hence, generalizability of the findings can be extended to any national culture of two countries from the similar cluster share similar attributes of religion and language. Contributions: Contribution to theory This research confirmed the findings of previous researches as to what extent national culture effect service provision associated with service delivery gaps. It confirmed previous research findings on the underlying relationships between national culture and service provision and how this might be associated with service delivery gaps. An important contribution to theory is the ability of power distance and uncertainty avoidance in predicting national culture differences in service provision between any two countries. Further, the study found that the national culture dimensions do not equally influence service provision as it varies cross culturally. In addition, the research contributes to the theory by providing a conceptual framework that can cultivates the seed in the body of knowledge to enrich the soil for researchers to study the effect of national culture on service provision. Another contribution stems from the findings that opposes Hofested’s claim regarding the homogeneity of Arab countries. Finally, the research proposes a data driven model stems from the collected data. Contribution to Practice The findings of this research assist service providers of Takaful in particular, and services sector providers in general, to improve their service quality as it identifies and explains some key insights that might help in dealing with various service delivery gaps. Therefore, it is very important for marketers to understand the effect of national culture differences on service delivery gaps which in turn effect the mechanisms of service provision. Contribution to Policy The research has contributed to the policy with which delivery processes can be systematically enhancing the excellence of service delivery for organizations. Policies of organizations can be set taking in consideration the role of national culture. Organizations may bridge the service delivery gap if they comprehend the effect of national culture on the delivery of their services. Information gap, specification gap and performance gap can be reduced or eliminated if provider understands the effect of national culture on those gaps and how they policies for Information flow, Style of management, Control, Communication policy, Specification driver and Boundary System. These polices may apply differently in different cultural settings as policies applicable in one culture may not be valid for other culture. On the other hand, differences in power distance and risk acceptance may shape provider’s policy to adapt to the pertinent environment. Hence, this research provides policy makers understand the role of culture on service provision. Contribution to method This research is significant in drawing support from cultures which is different from Anglo cultures (Hofstede, 1980) which in most researches provide evidence to the management literature. On the foundation of the literature review, the research has contributed to method by using a unique context that related directly to the studied national cultures. The method was the adoption of national culture of countries that belong to the same cluster and study the differences/similarities of this national culture with a unique context that related to the dimension to which they were clustered upon like religion and language. Moderation effect of national culture was not appropriate as the conventional methodology when using structural equation modelling in cross cultural studies. However, mediation effect has been found valid and appropriate in exploring the effect of national culture on service provision. results revealed that the method of testing mediation effect was successful in highlighting the effect of national culture drawn from similar cluster countries on service provision mediated by service quality gaps with which a new addition has been added to the body of the literature.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Recent trends in biodiesel production from commonly used animal fats

Changes in climate due to the enormous amount of carbon dioxide emissions have really encouraged the development of energy sources that are renewable, sustainable, and eco-friendly. The development of alternative energy sources can also be attributed to the rapid decrease in resources of fossil energy. Biodiesel has gained significant interest in recent years due to its fossil fuel–like properties and sustainable and eco-friendly characteristics. However, most biodiesels are expensive because of the high cost of feedstock largely based on edible vegetable oil sources. The use of animal fats waste as cost effective feedstock in biodiesel production has gained considerable attention in recent years. Although, most studies regarding the use of animal wastes as feedstock in biodiesel production are still in the early stages, the advantages of this type of feedstock have been highlighted in the literature. However, most studies have not focus on the recent advances in the use of animal fats waste. The studies on the use of novel approach have been reported in isolation. Therefore, this current study attempts to highlight recent developments of the most commonly used animal fats waste in the production of biodiesel. In addition, emphasis was given to the most appropriate production technique, catalyst, energy requirement, and optimum reaction conditions

Melittin Exerts Beneficial Effects on Paraquat-Induced Lung Injuries in Mice by Modifying Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

Melittin (MEL) is a 26-amino acid peptide with numerous biological activities. Paraquat (PQ) is one of the most widely used herbicides, although it is extremely toxic to humans. To date, PQ poisoning has no effective treatment, and therefore the current study aimed to assess for the first time the possible effects of MEL on PQ-induced lung injuries in mice. Mice received a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of PQ (30 mg/kg), followed by IP treatment with MEL (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg) twice per week for four consecutive weeks. Histological alterations, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the lungs were studied. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining indicated that MEL markedly reduced lung injuries induced by PQ. Furthermore, treatment with MEL increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and decreased malonaldehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in lung tissue homogenates. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining showed that B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and survivin expressions were upregulated after MEL treatment, while Ki-67 expression was downregulated. The high dose of MEL was more effective than the low dose in all experiments. In summary, MEL efficiently reduced PQ-induced lung injuries in mice. Specific pharmacological examinations are required to determine the effectiveness of MEL in cases of human PQ poisoning