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A framework for the implementation of the Internet of Things in Iraqi small and medium-sized enterprises
No full textThis research project aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) resources by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iraq. On a global scale, information technology, information systems, and digital services are vital resources and represent significant shifts for SMEs' success and ability to achieve competitive advantages. Furthermore, despite the critical role of Iraqi SMEs in mitigating economic crises and spearheading successful projects, there remains a dearth of research on how these SMEs can enhance their competitive advantages, particularly in utilising IoT resources and capabilities. Existing literature examines SMEs' readiness to adopt IoT, focusing on various sectors and contexts. However, there is a lack of scholarly research in this field; researchers have yet to explore the implications of IoT use in the context of Iraqi SMEs in the information technology sector. At the same time, theoretical and empirical studies on IoT adoption and the potential for digital transformation to IoT services focus primarily on large businesses and SMEs in developed countries. Nonetheless, a gap still exists in the absence of a comprehensive framework that explains the requirements for using IoT in SMEs, the challenges that may hinder its successful implementation, or the benefits it achieves. More importantly, the areas and levels of IoT implementation in Iraqi SMEs remain unclear.
In response to these limitations, this thesis contributes to the body of knowledge by integrating and elaborating on resource-based theory (RBT) and organisational information processing theory (OIPT) to explore how Iraqi SMEs implement IoT from a resource-based view to enhance their competitive advantages. Through the analysis and interpretation of the following sub-research questions: How do Iraqi SMEs evaluate their IoT implementation? What are the benefits and challenges of using IoT in Iraqi SMEs? What is an appropriate framework for IoT implementation in Iraqi SMEs? The study successfully achieves its objectives and addresses the research questions using a qualitative approach, specifically a multiple-case study strategy involving four Iraqi SMEs. Two sources, namely semi-structured interviews and documents, provide the relevant data. This research also employs thematic analysis and cross-case analysis techniques to examine the collected data.
The thesis findings indicate a possibility for IoT applications in Iraqi SMEs. Furthermore, using IoT from a resource-based view significantly enhances the flexibility of the firm's internal and external activities, improves information processing and management processes, and strengthens its competitive advantages. Therefore, the key findings are presented in three sections, organised according to the research questions. Firstly, the sample case studies demonstrate a good level of technical capabilities and feasibility studies that enable them to implement IoT services in specific areas and ensure compatibility between their infrastructure and IoT devices. IoT resources successfully contribute to SME services, i.e., networks, surveillance cameras, monitoring, preventive maintenance, and intelligent customer service systems.
Second, the findings from the implementation revealed that IoT capabilities are essential resources for SMEs, facilitating information analysis and enhancing both tangible and intangible resources, thus contributing to improved competitiveness. For instance, IoT increases flexibility in implementing and tracking SME activities, improves accuracy and efficiency, and provides innovative solutions. The findings identified seven prevalent sub-themes regarding the advantages of implementing IoT, including enhancing service excellence, reducing costs, improving customer satisfaction, driving company growth, strengthening the firm's reputation, supporting optimal and accurate decision-making, and fostering innovation. However, the implementation of IoT in Iraqi SMEs confronts multiple challenges that could hinder or limit its success, thereby affecting the firm's services and its customers' projects. For example, a lack of user experience and knowledge will significantly impact SMEs' plans to utilise IoT resources efficiently. Therefore, the study's results explored six sub-themes that need to be addressed, including the lack of security protection for IoT protocols, insufficient experience and knowledge in the field of IoT, the absence of government legislation, the lack of feasibility studies, the high costs of IoT devices, and the lack of compatibility.
Third, the developed framework made a significant contribution to research by exploring the implementation of IoT in SMEs and drawing from empirical experiences gained through case studies. It explains the tangible "technical capabilities" of hardware, software, networks, and systems, along with personnel-based resources. Additionally, the framework explored the intangible benefits of IoT, including analytical capabilities, information processing, real-time data provision, forecasting, and decision-quality support to meet the needs of decision-makers. Moreover, the firm's reputation and growth function as intangible resources that aid in evaluating the level of implementation of the vision criteria. Based on field experiences, this thesis enriched knowledge by offering recommendations and practical guidance through the proposed framework to assist Iraqi SMEs in successfully adopting and implementing IoT. Furthermore, it contributes to the understanding of researchers and academics in this field, particularly in Iraq
Polythiophene-enhanced 2D carbon material based photoelectrochemical sensors
No full textPhotoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors are electrochemical sensors that detect various targets using visible light. Due to its robust detection and simple design, PEC sensors are suitable for detecting the targets of the following research: carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) and iron (III) ions (Fe3+). The following thesis first reports the development of a PEC biosensor for the detection of CA 19-9, a biomarker commonly associated with pancreatic and colorectal cancer using graphitic carbon nitride/1-pyrenebutyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimide/polythiophene (GCN/PBASE/PTh). GCN, a photosensitive alternative to graphene has been widely explored as a photosensitive material for PEC sensors. In this work, GCN was modified with PTh, a conductive polymer and PBASE, a biolinker to form a composite. Material characterisations confirmed the formation of the composite, GCN/PBASE/PTh. The use of PTh improved the electrical response of GCN, while the introduction of PBASE has allowed further conjugation of the CA 19-9 antibody with the biosensor platform. The detection of CA 19-9 is through antigen-antibody interaction. Based on the electrical response of cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry (CA), it is found that the sensor can detect CA 19-9 in the range of 50 – 1000 U/ml with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.052 U/ml. Although this detection range is not suitable for clinical use, the biosensor can still monitor the levels of CA 19-9 in patients’ post-treatment. Besides pre-clinical applications, PEC sensors can also be used in heavy metal detection in water sources. The second part of this thesis reports the use of MXene/titanium oxide/polythiophene (MXene/TiO2/PTh) in the detection of Fe3+, commonly found in household pipelines. MXene, provides electrical conductivity, while TiO2 photosensitivity and PTh further enhance the electrical response of the composite. Material characterisations confirm the successful synthesis of the composite. The detection of Fe3+ is conducted through its reduction to Fe2+ by ascorbic acid (AA) in an electrolyte. The sensor performed at the range of 0.5 – 100 μM with an LOD of 0.073 μM. In addition, the sensor is capable of Fe3+ detection in lake and tap water samples with a 92.3 – 104.8% recovery. The sensor which can detect Fe3+ at a concentration lower than the allowable limit of 5.4 μM, provides a method for monitoring the quality of various water sources while safeguarding the public's health
Structural Investigation of the Interaction Between High Molecular Weight Kininogen and gC1qR.
No full textThe intrinsic (contact) pathway is essential for initiating blood coagulation, mediating inflammatory responses, and contributing to thrombosis. Activation begins when factor XII (FXII) and High Molecular Weight Kininogen (HMWK) bind prekallikrein (PK) at gC1qR on the cell surface. HMWK serves as a cofactor, presenting factor XI and PK to FXII which is already bound to gC1qR. Both FXII and HMWK can interact with gC1qR in a zinc-dependent way, initiating a proteolytic cascade that release bradykinin which leads to inflammation and fibrin clot formation. Domain 5 of HMWK mediates its binding to gC1qR.
Structural analyses reveal three distinct binding modes between gC1qR and HMWK, with cryo-EM demonstrating HMWK's ability to bridge two gC1qR molecules through flexible interactions. X-ray crystallography further identifies a Zn²⁺-dependent conformational change in gC1qR's loop 3 that enables specific engagement with HMWK domain 5. Factor XII binding induces structural rearrangements in this complex, suggesting a dynamic regulatory mechanism for contact activation at cell surfaces. The statement highlights key findings about the interaction between gC1qR and HMWK, as well as the roles of Zn²⁺ and FXII in modulating this interaction during contact activation at the cell surface
Digital marketing communication practices and effectiveness - Lessons from the Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs) restaurant industry in Malaysia
No full textThe restaurant sector in Malaysia has experienced rapid growth, driven by changing lifestyles, social demographics, and the influence of social media. This project investigates digital marketing communication practices and their effectiveness within the SME restaurant industry in Malaysia. The study addresses the knowledge gap regarding the challenges and successes of digital marketing among SMEs, emphasising the urgent need for comprehensive insights. The research evaluates various digital marketing communication strategies such as social media marketing, email campaigns, and content marketing and evaluates their impact on customer engagement and business growth. The findings reveal that while some SMEs have embraced digital marketing communication, there is a noticeable lack of comprehensive insights into its effectiveness and the challenges entrepreneurs encounter. The study identifies that digital marketing communication practices significantly enhance customer engagement and business growth. However, SMEs face high operating costs, competition from larger chains, and regulatory hurdles. The research also highlights the importance of knowledge in digital marketing communication and support programs in sustaining and growing the SME restaurant sector. The findings provide valuable insights for restaurant owners, marketers, and policymakers to enhance their digital marketing efforts and support the sustainability of SMEs in the competitive restaurant industry
Dynamics of ligand and nanobody binding at CXCR4/EGFR complexes
Get PDFUnderstanding the cell signalling of cancer has the potential to impact the development of anti-cancer therapeutics. The dimerisation of cell membrane receptors is one of the key modulators of cancer cell signalling. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are two prominent receptor families regulating various cellular processes in normal physiology and cancer progression. The abnormalities in membrane receptors, such as mutations, overexpression or enhanced receptor-receptor interaction are relevant for many cancer types. CXCR4 is significantly upregulated in numerous cancers, which correlates to cancer progression. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the major growth hormone receptors critical to various cancers, promoting cancer progression, proliferation, survival, and metastasis. This thesis aimed to elucidate the dynamics of CXCR4 and EGFR complexes. NanoLuciferase Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (NanoBRET) was used to quantify interacting characteristics of CXCR4/EGFR dimerisation with NanoLuciferase and fluorophore tags on receptors. Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA) was also used to detect endogenously expressed CXCR4/EGFR dimers on HeLa cells with receptor specific nanobodies conjugated to oligonucleotides.
We have shown that, in the presence of the NLuc substrate furimazine, energy transfer occurs from NLuc-tagged donor (NLuc_EGFR or NLuc_CXCR4) to the closely located acceptor fluorophore- tagged receptor (SNAP_CXCR4 or HaloEGFR). Similar results were observed for oligonucleotide conjugated nanobody-based proximity ligation assay (PLA) with endogenously expressed or CRISPR-edited CXCR4/EGFR. Additionally, the dynamics of various receptor selective agonists/antagonists (CXCL12, EGF, TGF-α, AMD3100, IT1t, Erlotinib, etc.) and nanobodies (VUN400, Q44, etc.) binding at CXCR4/EGFR complex, demonstrated monomerising or dimerising effects. These data revealed that there is close proximity (<10nm) between EGFR and CXCR4 on the cellular membrane, and this proximity can be impacted by several EGFR/CXCR4 receptor ligands and nanobodies. These data improve our understanding of CXCR4/EGFR complex and its potential therapeutic utilization especially for cancer biology
Evaluation of prefabricated construction systems and materials' thermal performance with reference to housing construction in Saudi Arabia
Get PDFIn light of recent revisions to international standards, such as those advocated by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the prioritisation of improved air circulation to support more energy-efficient ventilation systems has become evident. These systems simultaneously enhance occupant satisfaction and thermal comfort. Within this framework, the current research systematically examines the thermal performance and comfort of prefabricated houses in Saudi Arabia, a subject of increasing importance given the rise in summertime temperatures, consistent with the global increase in temperatures.
The investigation distinctly outlines the implications of individual components of prefabricated buildings, particularly building envelope components, on the comprehensive thermal performance in the extreme climate conditions prevalent in Saudi Arabia. It ventures to shape innovative prospects in the Saudi prefabricated construction industry, emphasising the reduction of energy expenses while elevating the quality of the indoor environment through the introduction of high-performance prefabricated building components and systems.
In Saudi Arabia, characterised by a harsh and hot climate, the residential sector accounts for nearly 50% of national energy consumption. With energy demand expected to rise further, this research investigates the thermal performance and thermal comfort potential of prefabricated housing as a sustainable alternative. The study prioritises optimising building envelope components, developing high-performance precast systems, and providing design guidelines to reduce energy consumption and enhance indoor thermal comfort.
It is evident that the study centred its investigation on natural ventilation from the initial stage. Consequently, it revealed a significant reduction in total discomfort hours across various cities in Saudi Arabia. Optimal performance, characterised by minimal total discomfort hours, was observed in cities characterised by lower humidity levels. This suggests that cities with higher relative humidity, exemplified by Jeddah, exhibit extended discomfort hours and encounter challenges in achieving markedly low discomfort hours compared to drier cities like Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia.
The research employs field observations of existing prefabricated houses in Saudi Arabia and simulation tools to evaluate and optimise thermal performance. Findings reveal substantial reductions in total discomfort hours across various zones, with optimisations achieving up to 32% reductions in specific zones. Key innovations include the use of phase change materials (PCMs) with a melting point of 23°C, improved insulation strategies, and optimised window-to-wall ratios, achieving reductions of up to 48% in cooling loads, 99.95% in heating loads, and 51.6% in annual energy consumption for air conditioning. The study culminates in a tangible design product: a high-performance precast system tailored for extreme climates, offering transformative solutions for sustainable construction practices in Saudi Arabia
Understanding adherence to international and national surgical site infection prevention guidelines in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative study
No full textBackground: The most common healthcare-associated infections are surgical site infections (SSIs). Worldwide, their incidence rate is approximately 20% to 38%, with rates in Saudi Arabia ranging from 10% to 86%. SSIs result in increased mortality and morbidity rates, increased healthcare costs and extended hospital stays. International and national SSI guidelines were developed to improve the quality of care and outcomes for surgical patients by providing standardized practices to prevent SSIs based on evidence. However, studies show that there is poor adherence to the SSI guidelines during the pre-and intraoperative periods among surgical team members worldwide. Moreover, there is a paucity of evidence concerning this topic in Saudi Arabia where there is a high incidence of SSIs.
Aim: The aim of this study is to explore adherence to international and national SSI prevention guidelines by surgical team members during the pre-and intraoperative periods in Saudi Arabia.
Method: The researcher conducted a detailed review of relevant literature on the adherence to SSI guidelines to identify existing knowledge and gaps in the literature. This was followed by a focused ethnographic study using the following methods: observations of routine practice recorded with field notes describing behaviours, interactions between members of the surgical team and surgical patients during the pre and intraoperative periods, supported by a review of patients’ notes and semi-structured interviews. The research was conducted in two operating rooms (ORs) units of two hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Nineteen members of the surgical teams were observed for a total of 160 hours. Observations were followed by interviews with 18 surgical team members who had been observed. Observations and interviews data were analysed using thematic analysis inductively to investigate the reasons influencing adherence. The analysis was followed by a deductive ‘abductive’ approach in which themes were presented and organised where possible within the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).
Findings: Adherence to SSI guidelines at both hospitals and among surgeons and nurses was poor. Different reasons influenced adherence to the SSI guidelines, and the results illustrated that 19 CFIR constructs/themes impacted adherence across all five domains. Some reasons for adherence and non-adherence were specific to Saudi Arabia, including language barriers, culture and gender. Other reasons were more universal and included personal beliefs and behaviours, the nursing role, leadership, and organisational planning.
Conclusion: Language, the culture of power and the influence of hierarchy, gender, beliefs, patients, behaviours, the OR nurses’ role, the influence of surgeons and leadership, and organisational influences are key reasons that influence the adherence to SSI guidelines. Some facilitators were suggested to assure best practice and encourage adherence, such as education and training on SSI guidelines for all members in the ORs, communication and cooperation between surgical team members and staff in other units, that SSI practices should be introduced by staff who speak Arabic to ensure patients understand, strong friendships among female nurses, the availability of up-to-date checklists for SSI practices, and the influence of heads and surgeons could all improve adherence. This study offers a unique contribution to expand CFIR. In addition, it has relevance for OR units in the southern region of Saudi Arabia, although, they might contribute further to bolstering understanding of the reasons influencing adherence to SSI guidelines among similar cultural groups of surgical team members in OR units in other Saudi Arabia regions or Arab countries
Chemical Characterisation and Biological Evaluation of Anticancer Properties of Nigerian Plant Extracts and Constituents
No full textCancer is presently the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for approximately 10 million deaths annually. Conventional treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, and irradiation remain dominant, but the exploration of medicinal plants offers promising avenues for innovative cancer therapies. Nigeria's rich biodiversity includes numerous plants used in traditional medicine, many of which remain underexplored for their therapeutic potential. This study investigated the anticancer properties of Nigerian medicinal plants traditionally used for cancer treatment. Preliminary cytotoxicity was evaluated using the brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA), while growth-inhibitory effects were assessed via the MTT cell viability assay on four cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HUH-7, HeLa) and one non-cancer cell line (MRC-5). To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the growth-inhibitory effects of the active extract on cancer cells, flow cytometry, chemiluminescence, confocal microscopy, and Western blotting were used to assess cell cycle progression, apoptosis induction, DNA damage, cellular morphology, and caspase activation in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The bioactive components of the MCL extract were characterised using spectroscopic techniques, including infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Additionally, an LC-MS-based metabolomics approach was applied to perform metabolic profiling and identify potential cancer therapy biomarkers.
From all the preliminary cytotoxicity screening, the extract of Musanga cecropioides leaves (MCL) was identified to be the most active as it showed potent growth-inhibitory activity against all the cancer cell lines. Of note is the growth-inhibitory effect against MCF-7 cells (GI50 = 3.42±1.80 µg/mL), while also demonstrating 14-fold selectivity towards this cell line relative to non-cancer cell line, MRC-5 cells. In MCF-7 cells, the extract caused G1 phase arrest and possibly G2/M phase arrest in MDA-MB-231 cells. In the two cell lines the extract demonstrated significant apoptotic and necrotic forms of cell death which were corroborated by increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), induction of DNA double-strand breaks in addition to caspase 3/7 activation and disruption of cytoskeletal architecture, particularly in MDA-MB-231 cells. The pro-apoptotic potential of the extract was further confirmed by the cleavage of the apoptotic protein, poly ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP-1) protein which resulted in cleavage of PARP-1 fragments in both cell lysates.
Bioassay-guided fractionation resulted in the isolation of 28 spots, with two characterised as docosanoic acid and α-tocopherol. Exploring the combination of these two compounds on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells suggested that they exhibited synergism in growth inhibition when the cells were treated with α-tocopherol in the presence of fixed concentrations of docosanoic acid, producing combination indices (CI) < 1, particularly at lower concentrations. Furthermore, some of the yet-to-be-identified compounds also displayed significant growth-inhibitory activities while also demonstrating apoptosis-inducing potentials.
Metabolomic profiling by LC-MS revealed significant alterations in 97 metabolites and key pathways, including glycerophospholipid, amino acid, and citrate cycle metabolism, critical for cancer cell proliferation. In conclusion, MCL extract exhibited selective anticancer potential against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines leading to the elucidation of the mechanism of action and the isolation of two known bioactive compounds. These results highlight the potential of this extract as a source of chemotherapeutic agents and support its further investigation in preclinical studies for the development of herbal-based cancer therapies
Enactment of the Tatweer education policy in Saudi Arabia: a comprehensive analysis
No full textThis study explores the enactment of the Tatweer Education Policy (TEP) in four schools in Saudi Arabia. It focuses on the perspectives of teachers and leaders on how the policy has impacted their practice. The study scrutinises how the TEP is implemented, specifically in four schools in Medinah selected to participate in the Tatweer program. The data was collected using a qualitative case study design, with the specific methods being online interviews and document reviews. The study's findings reveal that even though the TEP facilitates collaborative approaches, self-evaluation systems, and learner-centred teaching strategies, teachers and school leaders face significant challenges during implementation. One of the leading challenges relates to the dual nature of supervision, where the local education offices are responsible for providing resources, support, monitoring and supervision to all government schools and emphasise a more traditional and outdated system of education. On the other hand, there is the Tatweer Units (TUs) responsible for supporting Tatweer schools and providing them with the capability to follow the TEP system by assisting them in building and evaluating plans, raising awareness in relation to the TEP activities, and training teachers based on the guidelines of the policy, and advocates for more contemporary child-centred methods. The findings show that this conflict results in confusion, which hinders the implementation of the TEP. The findings also highlighted other factors impeding the implementation of the TEP, including heavy workloads, insufficient time, lack of resources, and slow bureaucratic decisions. Based on the conclusions drawn, the study recommends that there needs to be better coherence in supervision, schools should receive the support required by the TEP, the local needs of schools should be considered by involving all stakeholders in the policy development process and schools should be allowed to play a greater role in decision-making. This will ensure that the TEP and reforms it calls for can be realised in alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the realisation of its benefits
Impact of KLIBOR futures on the performance of banks in Malaysia
No full textThis study investigates the impact of Kuala Lumpur Interbank Offered Rate (KLIBOR) futures on the financial performance of banks in Malaysia, focusing specially on return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and net interest margin (NIM). Utilizing a panel data analysis with information of eight local conventional banks in Malaysia, covering a period of five years from 2019 to 2023, this research employs both fixed and random effects models to control for time invariant and time variant bank specific characteristics allowing a comprehensive assessment of the relationship between KLIBOR futures and bank profitability. The study reveals that while KLIBOR futures serve as a critical risk management tool to hedge against interest rate fluctuations, their influence on return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and net interest margin (NIM) is complex and differs among banks. Findings show a marginally negative correlation between the Q index - a pricing model for interest rates futures, and profitability measures (ROA and ROE), though non-performing loan (NPL) ratios, do not significantly impact these measures. The results suggest that KLIBOR futures may offer limited direct benefits to financial performance, highlighting the need for diversified risk management strategies. This study contributes to the empirical literature on interest rate derivatives in emerging markets, particularly in the context of Malaysian banking industry, providing understandings into the role of KLIBOR futures within the broader framework of the financial performance and risk mitigation
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