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Article
Publication date: 7 June 2019

Abdelhalim Ebaid, Abdulrahman F. Aljohani and Emad H. Aly

This paper aims to investigate the impacts of the gold nanoparticles on the peristaltic flow and heat transfer of blood in the presence of heat source. This element has been…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impacts of the gold nanoparticles on the peristaltic flow and heat transfer of blood in the presence of heat source. This element has been chosen because on comparing with the other common nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles are preferred due to their unique properties in absorbing the temperature when a heat source exists.

Design/methodology/approach

On simplifying the governing equations under the assumption of long-wavelength and low-Reynolds number approximations, the resulted system has been solved by applying the homotopy perturbation method. Then, detailed physical discussion has been introduced through several plots while focusing on the consequences of the current results on the treatment of cancer.

Findings

The present results revealed that the heat source has a great effect on the blood velocity, blood temperature and concentration of the gold nanoparticles within the artery/vein cavity when represented as asymmetric channel. Moreover, the accuracy of the current solutions was validated through several plots of the remainder error for each studied phenomenon.

Originality/value

The current idea gives some light on the attempts of using the gold nanoparticles in the treatment of cancer and therefore may lead to possible applications for diagnosis/therapy of the human cancer. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is novel, very efficient and applicable.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 June 2021

Abdulrahman Ismaeel Janahi, Iman Fahmi Mahmoud, Ibrahim Mohammed Al Alhareth, Alaa Yousef Alnakhli, Sara Nasser Almisrea, Hadel Mohammed Aljohani, Omar A. Alhaj, Adla Bakri Hassan and Haitham Jahrami

The complex interaction between the gut flora and central nervous systems made probiotics one promising natural candidate for the management and treatment of depression. Hence…

Abstract

Purpose

The complex interaction between the gut flora and central nervous systems made probiotics one promising natural candidate for the management and treatment of depression. Hence, the purpose of this paper was to assess the knowledge, patterns of consumption and attitudes of patients with depression toward probiotics.

Design/methodology/approach

In this cross-sectional study, and through simple random sampling, 200 adults who were diagnosed with various depressive symptoms were selected. A link to a self-reported survey was sent to them with the aim of collecting sociodemographic data, assessing participants’ attitudes and knowledge toward probiotic consumption, and measuring their depression status via the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

Findings

A total of 164 participants (82%) provided usable responses. Approximately 55% of participants had moderate depression (PHQ-9). Participants (22.6%) tend to comply with their psychiatrists’ advice regarding probiotics more than other health specialists’ advice (p = 0.04). Only 59 (36%) had knowledge about probiotics and believed that probiotics should be consumed regularly and not only after an antibiotic course. However, many tended to follow marketing tricks and were willing to buy the most expensive and advertised probiotic products. Participants showed some differences in their attitude and knowledge toward probiotics according to symptoms severity; however, the differences were insignificant (p = 0.88).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is believed to be the first investigation assessing the probiotics’ knowledge, patterns of consumption and attitude of patients with various depression symptoms in Bahrain. The findings of this study may help improve the well-being of depressive patients by addressing the probiotic knowledge gap among them, expand the market of probiotics and enrich nutritional psychiatry literature.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 51 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2022

Rawa Hijazi

The objective of this paper is to explore the possible impact of mobile banking service quality (MBSQ) on customer value co-creation intention (CVCI).

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Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to explore the possible impact of mobile banking service quality (MBSQ) on customer value co-creation intention (CVCI).

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was administered to research participants from Jordan. A total of 562 valid questionnaires were analysed. Mediation and moderation evaluations were performed in order to examine the function performed by MBSQ, customer engagement (CE), and social presence as determinants of CVCI. Structural equation modeling of type covariance-SEM using AMOS software was employed for the analysis.

Findings

The research results verify the proposition that MBSQ, CE, and social presence can all influence. In addition, the mediating role of customer engagement in respect of the relationship between MBSQ and CVCI is also confirmed in this research.

Practical implications

This research is of use to bank managers who must allocate resources during the development of m-banking platforms, wherein value co-creation in banking can be promoted.

Originality/value

This study comprises an original contribution to current scholarship in the field of m-banking through its examination of the impact of customer engagement with m-banking. Moreover, this research augments current literature pertaining to the function of MBSQ in relation to CVCI as tempered by customer engagement and social presence.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 40 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 May 2023

Walaa Aldhamen, Maryam Aldoulah, Zainab Alghazwi, Batool Almoathen, Yassmin Almossa, Zahraa Alsalem, Razan Algarni, Tunny Purayidathil, Omar Abuzaid, Yassmin Algindan and Rabie Khattab

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the lockdown and the increased spread of food delivery applications (FD Apps) during COVID-19 pandemic have augmented the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the lockdown and the increased spread of food delivery applications (FD Apps) during COVID-19 pandemic have augmented the consumption of fast foods.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 673 adults from different regions of Saudi Arabia using an online questionnaire.

Findings

Data showed that 61% (N = 410) of participants used FD Apps during the pandemic. Among those users, 54.9% (225) were females and 70.5% were in the 18–44 years old group. Most FD Apps’ users were university graduates (74.4%). The increased use of FD Apps during the pandemic significantly affected the eating behavior and the nutritional pattern. It has further significantly augmented the consumption of fast foods (p-value < 0.05).

Originality/value

This study reports on the use of FD Apps during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia and its impact on consumer eating pattern. This study shows the need for prudent use of these applications to limit ordering fast foods and consider healthier choices. It further calls for education programs, awareness campaigns, legislative measures and formal policies to rationalize the use of such applications for better nutrition, health and well-being.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 February 2024

Abdullah Abdulmahsan Bin Saran

The global prominence of languages and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which supports the necessity of German proficiency for the nation’s socioeconomic evolution, necessitate a…

Abstract

Purpose

The global prominence of languages and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which supports the necessity of German proficiency for the nation’s socioeconomic evolution, necessitate a deeper understanding of German teaching in Saudi international schools. This study delves into the influence of various teaching strategies on students' German writing skills. The research particularly focuses on traditional and innovative methods and considers the factors that drive these teaching approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 304 students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, through a questionnaire. The relationships between teaching strategies and students' German writing abilities were analyzed using regression techniques.

Findings

The results indicate that both traditional and innovative teaching strategies positively influence students' writing skills. The regression analysis shows that the independent variables (traditional teaching strategies, innovative teaching strategies and factors influencing teaching strategies) collectively account for 68.9% of the variation in students' German writing skills. Even though a variety of techniques influence students' academic performance, the study’s findings indicate that several strategies – such as self-evaluation, pair work, oral feedback, grammar instruction and translation – have a major impact on students' German writing abilities.

Originality/value

This research brings unique insights into the German teaching realm of Saudi international schools, emphasizing the harmony between Vision 2030 goals and effective teaching methodologies. It elucidates the considerable influence of both traditional and innovative strategies on student writing outcomes. For educators in Saudi Arabia’s international educational environment, the study’s findings underline the importance of adopting student-centric approaches in the writing process, ensuring students evolve as proficient writers. Additionally, the research underscores the significant role of variables affecting teaching strategies, spotlighting their pivotal role in shaping student outcomes.

Details

Saudi Journal of Language Studies, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2634-243X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 November 2023

Moon Fai Chan, Tamadhir Al-Mahrouqi, Salim Al-Huseini, Maryam Al-Mukhaini, Manar Al Shehi, Firdous Jahan and Mohammed Al-Alawi

This cross-sectional online survey in Oman in April 2021 aimed to assess university students' resilience, stress levels and meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify…

Abstract

Purpose

This cross-sectional online survey in Oman in April 2021 aimed to assess university students' resilience, stress levels and meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify characteristic profiles.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from full-time students at one University in Oman. Outcomes included sociodemographic information, the brief resilience scale, the perceived stress scale-4 and the meaning in life questionnaire to explore the students' profiles.

Findings

A total of 964 students participated (response rate = 34.8%), of which 35% had low resilience scores. The average perceived stress, presence of meaning in life and search for meaning in life scores were 7.9 ± 2.3, 24.2 ± 6.9 and 24.9 ± 7.7, respectively. Cluster analysis identified three groups: low-risk and fewer impacts (cluster A, n = 503, 523%), moderate-risk and moderate impacts (cluster B, n = 160, 16.6%) and high-risk and more impacts (cluster C, n = 301, 31.2%). Cluster C students experienced more psychological problems and were at high risk during the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

The respondents' honesty is a possible error that could influence the results. Low response rates limit its generalizability, and cause-effect relationships among mental health outcomes cannot be discerned.

Practical implications

This study identified three distinct groups of students, each with different levels of severity in their health problems. There is an increased need for education and counseling to support students during this period, and university management should focus on implementing personal precautionary measures and providing high-tech, user-friendly platforms for students to enhance their learning.

Originality/value

These findings suggest that tailored strategies should be developed to address the unique psychological needs of each group. The study provides important information for university management to understand the pandemic's psychological impact on students and develop effective interventions to support their well-being.

Details

Health Education, vol. 123 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

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