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The Impact of Brand Personality and Consumption Values on Customer Satisfaction and Brand Loyalty in Mobile Food Ordering Apps: An S-O-R Framework Approach with AI-Enabled Moderators
No full textAs mobile food-ordering apps (MFOAs) achieve near-functional parity, competition is shifting from features to experience. This thesis addresses how loyalty is now forged by examining how brand cues and AI-mediated interactions shape perceived value and satisfaction. A Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) model is proposed and tested, where Brand Personality (stimulus) influences multi-dimensional Consumption Values (organism), which then drive Customer Satisfaction and, in turn, Brand Loyalty (responses). The model further tests the moderating role of AI-enabled Personalization and Chatbot Responsiveness.
A positivist, deductive design was employed. Primary data were gathered via a self-administered online field survey of MFOA users in Qatar who had placed at least one in-app order within the prior three months. The survey yielded 386 valid responses. Constructs were operationalized using validated multi-item Likert scales. Covariance-based SEM (CB-SEM) using AMOS assessed the measurement and structural models, with mediation tested via bootstrapped confidence intervals and moderation via latent–latent interactions.
Results support the theorized process. Brand personality strongly predicts consumption values; consumption values strongly predict satisfaction; and satisfaction strongly predicts loyalty. Once satisfaction is included, consumption values do not exhibit a distinct direct effect on loyalty, indicating an indirect-only pathway. The model demonstrates substantive explanatory power (R² ≈ .36 for consumption values; .52 for satisfaction; .68 for loyalty) and acceptable global fit. Moderation analyses show that perceived AI personalization reliably amplifies the translation of brand personality into value and strengthens downstream value-to-outcome links, whereas chatbot responsiveness primarily enhances the appraisal stage (brand personality → value) with limited direct impact on later links.
The study advances understanding of loyalty formation in app-mediated services by integrating brand personality and consumption values with AI-enabled features in a single process model. Managerially, the findings suggest prioritizing a coherent brand persona, responsible personalization, and responsive support to elevate value perceptions, consolidate satisfaction, and, ultimately, foster loyalty. Boundary conditions include the Qatar context and cross-sectional design; future research should incorporate longitudinal and behavioral evidence
IMPACT OF 3D PRINTING ON HUMMUS SHELF-LIFE AND THE ROLE OF NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS COMPONENTS IN TRADITIONAL AND 3D PRINTED HUMMUS PRESERVATION
No full textHummus, a traditional Middle Eastern dish, is valued for its nutritional benefits. This
study investigated the impact of 3D food printing on hummus shelf life and assessed
the antimicrobial efficacy of components of essential oils (CEO)— citral and limonene
applied individually (4 % and 8 % w/w), their 1:1 mixture (4 % and 8 % w/w), and a
1:1 limonene–thymol combination (2% w/w)— tested in both free and
nanoencapsulated forms. All treatments exhibited increases in microbial counts over
time; however, samples containing CEOs showed a measurable delay in microbial
proliferation compared with untreated controls. Citral, particularly at the higher
concentration (8 %), demonstrated the greatest antibacterial activity among the single
compounds, achieving 2.4–2.8 log reductions in total aerobic counts (TAC) and
approximately 3 log reductions in yeast and mold counts by Day 6. Limonene alone
showed weaker effects (≤ 1 log) against total aerobic bacteria, whereas when combined
with citral, the combination produced moderate inhibition (≈ 1.3 log decrease in TAC).
The limonene–thymol treatments (1 % each) exhibited the most consistent and
prolonged antimicrobial effects, especially in encapsulated form, achieving 1.6–1.8 log
TAC and up to 5.9 log reductions in yeast and mold counts by Day 18. Encapsulation
enhanced the stability and sustained release of the active components, contributing to
extended preservation. 3D-printed and non-printed samples displayed comparable microbial trends throughout storage, indicating that 3D printing neither increased
contamination risk nor reduced antimicrobial efficacy. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB)
counts reached the spoilage limit (6 log CFU/g) by day 12 in the control samples, while
all treated samples did so by day 18, except those treated with citral, which remained
below this threshold, confirming their microbial stability. Overall, the encapsulated
limonene–thymol formulation provided the most potent and sustained antimicrobial
protection, suggesting its potential to enhance the shelf-life stability of both 3D-printed
and conventional hummus
PHYSICS-BASED DETECTION OF TELEMETRY ATTACKS IN PV-RICH DISTRIBUTION FEEDERS
No full textDistribution networks that integrate photovoltaic (PV) plants are increasingly exposed to cyber-attacks that can falsify measurements and mislead voltage regulation. This thesis examines how false-data injections targeting PMU/inverter signals can distort voltage stability awareness and trigger unsafe control actions. We propose a simple, physics-guided detection layer that compares local voltage-current measurements with the electrical relationships allowed by the feeder. When data are manipulated, this physical consistency is broken, and the detector issues an alarm without requiring statistical training or prior knowledge of the attack. We also introduce a practical test to determine whether observed changes in PV power result from real weather and environmental variations or malicious manipulation, thereby reducing false alarms during normal fluctuations in irradiance. A system-level model is used to represent how intrusions enter through the communication layer and affect measurement streams. The method is assessed under various operating conditions and measurement noise levels. Results show fast and reliable attack detection while remaining quiet under genuine weather-driven changes. Overall, the work introduces a lightweight, real-time layer that enhances the trustworthiness of voltage regulation and stability monitoring in PV-rich distribution grids
7-O-methylpunctatin is a potential inhibitor of human arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase: molecular and structural insights into anti-atherosclerosis therapeutics
No full textWe have recently demonstrated that 7-O-methylpunctatin (MP), a novel homoisoflavonoid, suppresses inflammation-induced arterial pathogenesis. However, the precise biochemical mechanisms underlying its atheroprotective effects remain elusive. In this study, we employed various in silico studies to elucidate MP’s plausible potential and the specific molecular pathways through which it exerts its influence on atherosclerosis. Our analysis of MP’s pharmacokinetic, physicochemical, and toxicological properties revealed a profile characterized by favorable absorption, efficient metabolism and excretion, and minimal toxicity. Through target identification and protein-protein interaction analyses, we identified ALOX5 as a pivotal hub gene—an enzyme critically involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, we identified ten transcription factors and four kinases as potential targets. Molecular mechanics/generalized-born surface area calculations, complemented by time-scale molecular dynamics simulations, revealed that MP binds to ALOX5 with high affinity, modulating its structural stability, rigidity, compactness, overall folding pattern, and residual correlations and motions. These findings corroborate previous in vitro and in vivo investigations that underscore the anti-atherosclerotic effects of ALOX5 inhibition, thereby positioning MP as a promising therapeutic candidate for combating atherosclerosis.Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library
Root and root canal morphology of permanent mandibular first premolars in a Jordanian subpopulation: A cone-beam computed tomography study
No full textIntroduction: Understanding variations in roots and canal morphology using both conventional and modern classification systems is essential for the success of endodontic treatment. This study aimed to assess the root and canal configurations of mandibular first premolars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Jordanian subpopulation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of three hundred CBCT scans (comprising six hundred teeth) was conducted. The configurations of roots and canals, the presence of C-shaped canals, radicular grooves, and taurodontism, were examined, applying Ahmed’s, and Fan’s classifications. Associations among variables (gender, age) were analyzed using the Pearson’s Chi-square test and statistical significance at P 1MP1–1–1 configuration was the most frequently observed canal type accounting for 75%, and more prevalent in females (81.75%) than males (69.15%). The prevalence of two canals Ahmed’s 1MP1–2–2 was 10.7% with higher prevalence in males (15.95%) than females (6.3%). C-shaped canals appeared in 11.6% of cases, often associated with mesial radicular grooves (10.1%). Taurodontism was rare (0.83%). Root number, C-shaped canals, radicular grooves, and taurodontism were not related to gender or age. Conclusion: A significant proportion of the subpopulation exhibited complex root canal anatomy, including split and C-shaped canals, highlighting the importance of CBCT imaging for optimizing clinical procedures and improving endodontic outcomes
In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation of Locally Isolated Microalgae Strains for their Anti-Cancer Activity and Protective Effects against Heavy Metal Carcinogenicity
No full textHeavy-metal exposure, notably nickel (Ni), contributes to lung carcinogenesis through oxidative stress, hypoxia signaling, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This thesis investigated the anticancer potential of locally isolated microalgae for bioactivities relevant to Ni-carcinogenesis risk mitigation. Porphyridium purpureum (QUCCCM160) was prioritized for its high antioxidant capacity, proven Ni-biosorption, and favorable PE-extract properties (BET/cellular uptake), and was investigated for its anticancer and metallo-protective effects.
The anticancer activity was assessed using real-time cell analysis (RTCA) and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, revealing significant dose-dependent and selective inhibition of cancer cell proliferation across NSCLC cell lines. The IC50 values of the PE-rich extract on NCI-H1975, A549, and NCI-H322 were 14.87±2.64, 12.75 ± 3.42, and 11.73±1.58 μg/mL, respectively, compared to 41.19 ± 2.51 μg/mL for LL24 normal cells. Morphological observations and wound healing assays showed apoptotic-like changes and reduced migratory ability. Human apoptosis array confirmed the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. RT-qPCR data showed significant modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration-related gene expressions in a cell line– and stage–dependent manner, consistent with apoptosis induction and migration restraint.
The in vivo efficacy was evaluated in the zebrafish xenograft model, where Dillabeled A549 and NCI-H1975 (primary) and NCI-H322 (metastatic) NSCLC cells were injected into the zebrafish yolk and treated with 10 μg/mL PE-extract. Fluorescence imaging at 24 and 72 hours post-injection revealed that PE treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth in the primary (NCI-H1975, A549) cell xenografts, while NCI-H322 cells showed lower sensitivity, likely due to their metastatic aggressiveness.
Finally, metallo-protection was tested by cell exposure to Ni and pre-treatment with PE-extract. RTCA and wound-healing assays demonstrated attenuation of Ni²⁺-induced toxicity in both A549 and LL24, with preferential protection of non-malignant LL24 fibroblasts. In LL24, PE-extract reduced pro-inflammatory transcripts (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6) and partially restored CDH1, in A549, PE-extract reduced IL-1β and further inhibited hypoxia/EMT drivers (HIF-1α, ZEB1).
Collectively, PE-extract combines anticancer activity in NSCLC (in vitro and in vivo) with metallo-protective effects against Ni²⁺-toxicity, showing selective protection of normal cells while constraining tumor-promoting programs. This dual profile supports the development of standardized PE-based interventions for adjunctive cancer prevention and mitigation of environmental Ni exposure impacts
Health Pulse : Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
No full textCervical Cancer is a disease that affects the lower part of the womb (called the cervix)
Cybercrime in international criminal law
No full textشهدت الساحة الدولية في ظل التسارع الكبير في وتيرة التطور التقني، تحولا نوعيا في توظيف التكنولوجيا الإلكترونية في مختلف القطاعات، حتى أصبحت ركيزة أساسية تقاس بها درجة تطور الدول، وقد حازت المجالات الأمنية والعسكرية النصيب الأوفر من هذا التوظيف، حيث انتقلت الهجمات السيبرانية من كونها أنشطة إجرامية ذات طابع فردي وخارج الأطر الدولية الى ادوات واساليب تستخدم لارتكاب جرائم دولية ذات طابع سيبراني .With the rapid acceleration of technological development, the international arena has witnessed a qualitative shift in the use of electronic technology across various sectors. It has become a fundamental pillar for measuring a country’s level of development. The security and military sectors have received the lion’s share of this technological integration, as cyberattacks have evolved from isolated criminal acts occurring outside international legal frameworks into strategic tools employed to commit international .cybercrime
Ready or Not? Understanding Student Perspectives on Health Emergencies An Exploratory Cross-sectional Study of Awareness and Perceived Roles Among Qatar University Students
No full textDisaster preparedness is increasingly recognised as a public health priority, yet university students remain an under-examined resource globally. Their potential contribution to resilience is often overlooked, particularly in the Gulf region where young people represent a vital but underutilised demographic. This study addresses this gap by exploring disaster preparedness among students at Qatar University (QU), offering preliminary insights that align with national priorities and the WHO Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM) Framework. A bilingual online cross-sectional survey generated 109 responses. The questionnaire assessed knowledge of hazards, perceptions of roles and self-reliance, awareness of preparedness measures and institutional plans, and willingness to participate in training. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise patterns in awareness, confidence and preparedness behaviours, while short open-text responses were examined using content analysis to capture students' perspectives in their own words. Students demonstrated broad awareness of hazards relevant to Qatar, including infectious disease outbreaks, flooding, fires and extreme weather, though many felt only moderately informed and reported uneven confidence in responding to emergencies. Awareness of university emergency procedures and household preparedness was limited. Despite this, respondents expressed strong willingness to participate in future training, particularly practical, skills-based and curriculum-integrated approaches, alongside student-centred communication through social media. The qualitative comments added nuance by highlighting perceived psychological impacts, contextual concerns such as heat and flooding, limited familiarity with digital tools and a desire for clearer institutional guidance. Although the level of participation was modest, this exploratory study offers an initial indication of how university students in Qatar understand and engage with disaster preparedness. The findings identify gaps in knowledge, confidence and institutional communication, while also revealing genuine interest in developing preparedness skills. As one of the first studies to examine this topic within a Gulf university context, it provides a useful baseline for future research and highlights opportunities to strengthen youth-focused preparedness initiatives within higher education settings
Empirical Investigation of Key Determinants Affecting Emerging Marketing Technologies’ Adoption: Evidence from Kuwait
No full textWhile enterprises in developed countries are motivated to sustain adoption and application of advanced marketing technologies, others, despite a well-designed technological infrastructure and substantial support, continue struggling to adopt and use these technologies. This is predominantly owing to the insufficient understanding of the key determinants that influence their employees’ adoption and use of them. Among these advanced marketing technologies, neuromarketing and AI-related concepts have emerged, yet their effective utilization and adoption approaches remain largely unfamiliar in some regional areas. The state of Kuwait, characterized by a robust technological infrastructure and sustained governmental investment in innovation, comprised specialized enterprises and marketing agencies that are severely constrained by the outlined challenges, impeding their capacities to capitalize on the country’s accelerating digital transformation.
Understanding the organizational, structural, and contextual underpinnings regarding the determinants underlying these advanced marketing technologies, alongside proving the efficiency in boosting performance, offers guidance for struggling agencies to mitigate significant expenses and unnecessary interventions. However, research on the key determinants underlying the sustained and effective adoption and usage of these advanced marketing technologies is limited and warrants deeper investigation into its underlying foundations.
As a response to such critical gap, the current dissertation has developed a research model anchored in the premise of extending the Decomposed Theory of planned Behavior (Taylor and Todd, 1995), and tested it empirically through a self-administered online questionnaire, using data collected from a sample of marketing employees (n=162) working in marketing and advertising agencies in Kuwait. This model investigates deeply the key determinants affecting the adoption and usage intentions to AI and neuromarketing, functioning as instances of the emerging marketing technologies that need further exploration. The model extended the DTPB by adding decomposed variables alongside introducing the influence of the Perceived Digital Marketing Capabilities ‘PDMCs’ as one of the core belief variables.
Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is used as the analytic tool to determine the validity of the investigated key determinants. The findings reveal that all the decomposed variables significantly influence the core belief variables except for the perceived risk towards the perceived behavioral control. Perceived ease of use was the most influential attitude’s decomposition, superior influence was the most influential subjective norm’s decomposed variables, while the facilitating conditions proved to have the most influential impacts on the perceived behavioral control on the usage and adoption of the indicated emerging marketing technologies. Among the core variables, Perceived Digital Marketing Capabilities ‘PDMCs’ is found to be the most influential variable to influence both the AI adoption intention and neuromarketing usage intentions. Subjective norms found to be non-significant on the intention to use neuromarketing techniques, while perceived Behavioral control found to be non-significant on the AI adoption intentions. All the other path coefficients of the core variables were positively significant in influencing both types of the observed behavioral intentions.
The findings grant substantial theoretical and practical implications, as they extend DTPB and offer empirical evidence that behavioral intentions can be fundamentally anchored in employees’ cognitive appraisals. Notwithstanding the practical implications of providing empirical validation that explains which precise factors are more influential than the others, that ultimately guide the needed intervention strategies toward the journey of using and adopting such advanced marketing technologies