This study examines a group of women entrepreneurs of small and micro businesses in Hail, Riyadh and Eastern regions of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study aims to identify the particular style of ...leadership displayed by these women entrepreneurs; and whether all their competencies have the same or different influence on their task-oriented or people-oriented leadership styles. The respondents were initially identified through various organizations such as Wa'ed (Aramco's entrepreneurship centre), MISK Foundation and Monsha'at. Subsequently, we finalized female-owned small businesses that are operating for minimum two years in their respective business area as our target respondents. The survey questionnaire was sent to 310 women entrepreneurs after obtaining their approval. A total of 211 filled surveys were received. The responses having repetition or missing data were deleted which resulted in 174 surveys which were analyzed using SPSS. Surprisingly, the results indicate that our respondents exhibit a higher score of task-oriented leadership style. The female entrepreneurs who possess high degrees of business and management, relationship, entrepreneurial and human relation skills are found to incline towards task-oriented leadership style. The relationship and entrepreneurial competencies show a positive influence on the people-oriented leadership style. On the other hand, business and management, as well as entrepreneurial and human interactions, show a positive influence on task-oriented style of leadership.
Background
Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a nonmalignant neoplasm composed of multinucleated giant and mononuclear stromal cells.
This study aimed to compare imaging findings of GCT pre- and ...post-denosumab treatment, including lesion size, percentage of signal intensity/density change, and time of initial objective tumor response. This will have a great impact on selection of most appropriate imaging technique to accurately measure therapy response and its related complications, which would influence the physicians to tailor the treatment regimen to suit each patient.
Results
As per inverse Choi density/size (ICDS), 16 patients (84.2%) had an objective tumor response and 15 (78.9%) had an increase in density or decrease in signal intensity, and the mean of signal intensity decrease in the treated lesions was 32.4% (95% CI, 18–46.7). Only seven patients (36.8%) had tumors demonstrating ≥ 10% decrease in size, all of which showed a positive change in signal/density except for one. Moreover, 17 patients (89.4%) showed a clear demarcation/low signal intensity margin surrounding ≥ two third of the lesion periphery. The median time to first objective tumor response was approximately 23 weeks.
Conclusion
Based on the ICDS criteria, most patients with giant cell tumor of bone show objective tumor response to denosumab. Modification of ICDS to include marginal sclerosis or clear demarcation of the lesions might be considered as a separate response criterion to accurately assess the treatment response in patients with GCT.
This study explores the barriers and challenges faced by Saudi women entrepreneurs along with the motivational forces that drives them towards entrepreneurship. This study employs a qualitative ...research design, and is based on the interview of 11 Saudi women entrepreneurs and includes a review of data on the motivational factors and challenges faced by them using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Research participants’ perspectives have been quoted for each distinct theme that emerged from the interview finding. The factors motivating Saudi women towards entrepreneurship have been identified as passion, identification of opportunity, dissatisfaction and family support. Barriers that are exclusive to Saudi women entrepreneurs are difficulty in maintaining work-life balance, lack of business networking, limited access to financial resources, lack of understanding of business-related tasks and functions, fear of deception, lack of trust, reservation about work-related travel, recruitment and training issues like lack of experienced and trained Saudi workers and negative attitude and non-willingness to work under female leadership. Decision-makers in government and other relevant organisations can develop a solid framework of focussed agendas, policies and measures to address the barriers identified in this study. Arab countries especially Saudi Arabia can use these results to fully utilise the entrepreneurial skills of Saudi women to boost economic growth and development. This pioneering study reveals the intricacy of Saudi women entrepreneurs’ experiences in the presence of gender-bias and internalising socio-cultural values and attributed gender roles during the formation of their entrepreneurial identities through a unique non-western viewpoint.
The research on public service motivation (PSM) has seen a growing internationalization, necessitating efforts to organize and systematize its findings to assess research progress and enhance the ...value of PSM theory in various contexts, including public administration. This paper aims to review the progress of PSM research in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region over the past decade. The primary methodology employed is a systematic literature review, where a total of 20 papers published between 2013 and 2020 were located and analyzed. The assessment of these papers includes an examination of their country of origin, publication source, underlying theory, research design, and lines of study. A critical evaluation of the findings is conducted, focusing on their theoretical and practical contributions to PSM scholarship. The key conclusion drawn from this review is that while PSM research in the MENA region is advancing, it reveals certain methodological limitations and underexplored themes that need to be addressed. Consequently, this paper significantly contributes to public administration research and PSM-specific studies by providing the long-awaited organization, systematization, and integration of regional research. The outcomes of this review enable the identification of relevant contextual factors that can enrich the conceptualization and operationalization of PSM on a regional basis. Additionally, this paper offers a comprehensive overview of existing PSM knowledge in the MENA region, thereby guiding future research in this domain. By acknowledging both the methodological strengths and weaknesses, as well as the thematic aspects of the reviewed studies, specific suggestions are put forth to enhance the quality and depth of future PSM research in the MENA region. This paper thus serves as a valuable resource for researchers seeking to further develop the understanding of PSM within the context of the MENA region.
Purpose of Review
Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has become a unique highly useful imaging modality in musculoskeletal (MSK) radiology practice. In this article, we provide a concise overview ...of the four main applications for DECT in (MSK) imaging: monosodium urate (Gout) detection, metal artifact reduction, bone marrow edema detection, and collagen imaging. We also highlight the recent studies published in radiology and rheumatology literature.
Recent Findings
Virtual monoenergetic images performed by utilizing DECT, particularly with the use of metal artifact reduction algorithm software, deliver superior image quality and have an impact on the assessment of the bone–metal interface. Regarding gout detection, DECT is a reliable, non-invasive diagnostic method to establish the diagnosis of gout that has been validated in the recent years. DECT has been incorporated into ACR/EULAR 2015 Gout Classification Criteria.
Summary
DECT continues to play an important role in musculoskeletal radiology practice. Further research is required to validate some of the more recent and novel applications, for example, the collagen imaging application to compare its sensitivity and specificity in detecting tears and other tendon- and ligament-related pathologies as compared to MRI.
Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is indicated by calcium deposits in the coronary artery wall. Calcification is a component of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Currently, there are no ...data on calcification in Saudi women at high risk of coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and percentiles of CAC score in high-risk asymptotic women in Saudi Arabia with comparison of age-specific CAC percentiles derived from large population-based published study in the United States.
Retrospective analysis of CAC scores (CACS) at a single tertiary care center.
Between January 2011 and April 2015, women referred for CAC screening because of the presence of one or more CAD risk factors were enrolled in the study. CT scans were interpreted by an experienced radiographic technologist, and confirmed by a radiologist.
The study sample consisted of 918 women, mean (SD) age of 55 (11) years. All patients were asymp.tomatic and referred by their primary care physician or cardiologist for CAC screening because presence of one or more CAD risks factors. CAD risk factors included diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, family history of CAD, and obesity. Baseline CAD risk factors were remarkably higher than in the US comparator group. CACS for 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles were calculated. The 75th and 90th CACS percentiles in Saudi women were significantly higher than the US percentiles. Age and diabetes are the most independent predictor of severity of CAC.
A potential bias due to sample collection because data was from a single tertiary care center, the study was retrospective and the sample size was small.
There are significantly higher CACS percentiles in Saudi women compared with international data. Application of available published percentiles to a local population is not applicable and underestimates the severity of subclinical atherosclerosis. A large local population-based study is warranted to establish local CACS percentiles for a better understanding CAD screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Public Service Motivation (PSM) has become one of the most prominent and widely used theoretical models to explain employee psychology and behaviours in the public sector. It theorises that higher ...levels of PSM lead to positive outcomes for public service employees, such as greater job satisfaction, stronger organisational commitment and lower intention to quit. However, these relationships have not been confirmed consistently in different national contexts, and the exact role of PSM in shaping employee attitudes and behaviours is still being explored. Because of this, PSM researchers increasingly advocate for a more institution-focused approach in investigating PSM. This study contributes to the existing research by investigating possible negative institutional influences at macro level, something that has been largely omitted by the PSM researchers so far. Specifically, it looked into the influence of wasta, a form of Arabic indigenous nepotism, on PSM and PSM-employee outcomes relationships. The study also aimed to shed light on international PSM dynamics by investigating its role in a new context (The Saudi Ministry of Education) and applies an internationally validated questionnaire for a more precise investigation of PSM in a non-western environment. A mixed method research design was applied by using 206 survey responses and 20 semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data were used to supplement the quantitative results described by a robust moderated regression model. The results of the study confirmed the presence of a negative effect of wasta on both PSM and employee outcomes. Wasta also showed negative moderating effect on the relationship between PSM and organisational commitment as well as PSM and job satisfaction. A partial mediating effect of PSM was observed for the relationship between wasta and organisational commitment as well as wasta and job satisfaction. In the course of analysis, PSM variable was parcelled into two factors representing norm-based rational and affective (emotional) dimensions of motivation. The observed effects were stronger for norm-based rational PSM. The results of the study confirmed the presence of negative institutional influences of wasta on PSM, employee outcomes and the relationships between them. Such influences were both direct and indirect. This suggests that public service organisations aiming to enhance their employees’ motivation and improve employee outcomes should seek ways to decrease the influence of negative institutions in their working environments. Some practical suggestions in this regard are offered.
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