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Attitude is a multidimensional and complex notion that considerably empowers or limits the major life activities of humans. Health professionals' attitudes toward people with disabilities are significant factors in the rehabilitation process. Soon after completing their coursework, the final-year students from health science meet the patients and rehabilitate them. This study accordingly aims to assess the attitude toward disability among final-year health science students before and after administering a disability-specific structured teaching program. A total of 243 final-year undergraduate health science students from medical, dental, physical therapy, pharmacy, laboratory sciences, radiology sciences, and nursing aged between 21 and 27 years participated in this study. This work employed the Scale of Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons (SADP) to measure attitudes among participants. The mean pre- and posttest SADP scores were 83.59 ± 15.45 and 107.83 ± 62, respectively (p < 0.001). Students from medical, dental, physical therapy, and nursing showed significant positive attitudes toward disability compared with other students, whereas college students in the final year of health science generally had poor attitudes toward disability. The results indicate that the disability-specific structured teaching program is effective in improving the attitude toward disability among final-year health science students. Accordingly, the authors recommend modifying the disability-related content in the health sciences curriculum.

BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment tools for work rehabilitation are essential in healthcare settings. Adapting the Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ) to Arabic-speaking populations ensures effective evaluation and intervention for individuals with work-related disabilities. OBJECTIVE: To execute a cross-cultural adaptation of interview-administered version Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire –Arabic (WORQ-A) and assess the psychometric properties of WORQ-A in patients with musculoskeletal problems. METHODS: WORQ is mainly intended to assess the work functioning of persons who are involved in vocational rehabilitation. Psychometric properties were scrutinized in the outpatient rehabilitation center. Test–retest reliability was examined with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha. The usability of WORQ-A was established in 46 patients with musculoskeletal problems. RESULTS: WORQ-A exhibited exceptional internal consistency (0.93) and a great test–retest reliability (0.87). Regarding usability, the ability to understand the questions and answer choices was established as good. Five percent of the participants encountered minor difficulties with certain words, while the majority found it quite straightforward to choose the correct answers. CONCLUSIONS: The WORQ-A is an effective, consistent, and very easy to administer questionnaire to assess the work-related functions assumed in our study context and the individualities of the sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the mediating role of ethical issues and healthcare on the relationship between the Metaverse and mental health. It also investigates the impact of the Metaverse on ethical issues and healthcare. It is based on quantitative methodology. Using a purposive sampling technique, a close-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from 392 nurses and doctors across Pakistan, China, and Saudi Arabia. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling technique was used for the analysis. The findings show a significant mediating role of ethical issues between the Metaverse and mental health. The results do not support the mediating role of healthcare between the Metaverse and mental health. In addition, the findings also show a positive relationship between the Metaverse and ethical issues and between ethical issues and mental health. Similarly, the findings also support the relationship between the Metaverse and healthcare. The results do not support the relationship between healthcare and mental health. The study has many implications for technology developers, scientists, policymakers, and healthcare providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to uncertain photovoltaic (PV) power generation, analyzing the voltage stability of transmission networks with a large PV plant is challenging. The stability of PV output power is a critical factor in establishing PV penetration levels in active transmission networks when assessing loading capabilities. Therefore, this article contributes to enhancing the understanding of how a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) could be used as part of the power system network. STATCOMs are often used to improve the static and transient voltage, maintain transmission limits, and reduce low-frequency disturbances. With the help of a STATCOM unit, a proper investigation and analysis of dynamic voltage stability in a transmission system are presented. The validity of the study is evaluated by the Saudi Arabia grid code (SAGC). The system being tested is comprised of a 300 MW PV plant in Sakaka, Saudi Arabia, integrated into a 17-bus transmission power network and a STATCOM, which is employed at one of the buses. PSAT software is used to evaluate a number of case studies to determine the transient voltage stability with and without the STATCOM and the PV plant. The simulation findings demonstrate how STATCOM functions to improve the quality of the power system in accordance with the SAGC. In addition, the analysis of voltage stability demonstrates that the power network's resilience to short circuits at the PV system's grid connection point significantly impacts the voltage's dynamic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of low back pain (LBP) is increasing exponentially, with this public health issue affecting over 70% of the population. However, sedentary careers exacerbate the problem further, with professions such as teaching disproportionately affected. In addition, the general population does not seek interventions from medical professionals for LBP; instead, they opt to manage their pain with over-the-counter medications, such as sedatives. The purpose of this study was to explore practices and beliefs related to back pain treatment among schoolteachers in the Asir region. This cross-sectional study included a sample of 312 teachers from the Asir region, with data collected regarding the prevalence of back pain, management approaches, and beliefs surrounding medical interventions. Chi-square or exact tests defined the association between variables, with significance determined at p < 0.05. Our results revealed that 67.3% of Saudi Arabian teachers experienced LBP within the last two months, with a continuous condition representing 36.7% of cases. This study identified several different treatment modalities the participants use to manage their pain, including sedatives, best rest, kaiy (traditional cautery), and local adhesives, with sedatives being the most employed method. It also highlighted that increased daily working hours and total days worked significantly increased the prevalence of LBP (p < 0.05). Although a considerable number of the included teachers were highly educated, with some teaching experience, they had a poor level of awareness and an incorrect attitude towards pain management. Enhanced efforts should be made to improve teachers' awareness regarding back pain causes and management methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large component of the Health Information Systems now comprises numerous independent apps created in the past that need to be merged to provide a more uniform service. In addition to affecting the Intelligent Health Board Functionality and dependability, the quality of these additional apps may also have an impact. A critical characteristic of the SHS's management and upkeep is the SHS's reliance on the real benefits provided to it. In speaking, an HMIS (Healthcare Management Information System) is a computer-based device that benefits medical practitioners to perform their duties more efficiently by coordinating all of their data. Even though these systems are widely used by most of the world, there is a significant need to comprehend these technologies and indeed the potential they provide. Healthcare data warehouses in Saudi Arabia have evolved through time, and this research examines how key service improvements in Saudi present varied viewpoints on how premium initiative help may be attained in health as well as how this could be done. When it comes to understanding how different types of medical professionals interact with healthcare systems throughout history, researchers developed stages of the maturity model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ever since its outbreak in the Wuhan city of China, COVID-19 pandemic has engulfed more than 211 countries in the world, leaving a trail of unprecedented fatalities. Even more debilitating than the infection itself, were the restrictions like lockdowns and quarantine measures taken to contain the spread of Coronavirus. Such enforced alienation affected both the mental and social condition of people significantly. Social interactions and congregations are not only integral part of work life but also formthe basis of human evolvement. However, COVID-19 brought all such communication to a grinding halt. Digital interactions have failed to enthuse the fervor that one enjoys in face-to-face meets. The pandemic has shoved the entire planet into an unstable state. The main focus and aim of the proposed study is to assess the impact of the pandemic on different aspects of the society in Saudi Arabia. To achieve this objective, the study analyzes two perspectives: the early approach, and the late approach of COVID-19 and the consequent effects on different aspects of the society. We used a Machine Learning based framework for the prediction of the impact of COVID-19 on the key aspects of society. Findings of this research study indicate that financial resources were the worst affected. Several countries are facing economic upheavals due to the pandemic and COVID-19 has had a considerable impact on the lives as well as the livelihoods of people. Yet the damage is not irretrievable and the world's societies can emerge out of this setback through concerted efforts in all facets of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) and the Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) COVID-19 vaccines have shown promising safety and acceptability. However, COVID-19 vaccine side effects play an essential role in public vaccine confidence. We aimed to study the side effects of these COVID-19 vaccines. Methods: A randomized, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between March and May of 2021. In total, 330 participants among the King Khalid University community in the Aseer region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported their side effects following the COVID-19 vaccine. A questionnaire was designed and validated to collect the participants' demographic data and COVID-19-related symptoms after COVID-19 vaccine injection. Results: Symptoms associated with COVID-19 were reported by 226 participants (68.5%). The most common side effects reported by the participants were fever (n = 136, 41.2%), fatigue (n = 119, 36.1%), headache (n = 86, 24.2%), malaise (n = 121, 36.7%), myalgia (n = 121, 36.7%), and muscle and joint pain (n = 76, 23%). Of the participants, 5.1% became infected with COVID-19 after vaccination. Symptoms were significantly more common in males than in females (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The incidence of COVID-19 vaccination side effects in the Aseer region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was consistent with the manufacturers' data. The most common post-vaccination symptoms reported by the participants were fever, myalgia, malaise, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and headache. The results of this study showed significant variation in adverse events between Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. Healthcare providers and recipients of vaccines can be more confident about the safety of Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Obesity causes different diseases, eventually. In our study, the results of resistance exercises were examined on selected biochemical markers in Abha City, Saudi Arabia, which is at the height of 2,270 meters above sea level. Methods. A randomized controlled research was conducted with 60 participants equally divided into three groups, 20 subjects in each group: group 1 was composed of obese people who received resistance training exercise, group 2 was composed of the obese control group who did not receive resistance training exercise, and group 3 was composed of normal individuals who received resistance exercise training. The resistance exercises were done in the 6th and 12th weeks. Biochemical blood tests were done. Results. Comparing to the control group, glucose decreased very little with insulin also showing little difference. It has been seen that TC, TG, and LDL reduced to a reasonable extent after resistance exercise, while HDL was increased (p ≤ 0.01). Plasma urea and creatinine showed no differences. Interleukin-6 and leptin decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.01), while there was a significant elevation in adiponectin and testosterone (p ≤ 0.01) once comparing group 1 with group 2 and group 3. Conclusion. We have seen that resistance exercise helps in reducing lipid profile which will result in a decrease of the cardiac and related risk factors when conducted in obese patients in high-altitude regions. Also, alterations of the levels of interleukin-6, leptin, adiponectin, and testosterone showed that resistance exercise is of benefit and favourable in obese persons in high-altitude regions, which can also pave the way for added development of drugs related to the above parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The foot posture index (FPI) is a valid, reliable, and multidimensional method for determining foot posture in a wide range of clinical settings. To date, no normative data of healthy young adults in Saudi Arabia have been available for comparison and reference. Hence, this study is aimed at establishing the FPI reference values, gender, and side differences of FPI and their association with anthropometric determinants, balance, functional mobility, and hypermobility. Methods. FPI was assessed in 581 (291 men and 290 women) healthy young adults aged 18–25 years. The FPI range was obtained for both feet as the sum of the scores (–2, –1, 0, 1, and 2) given to each criterion: (–1 to –12) supinated foot, (0 to +5) neutral foot, and (+6 to +12) pronated foot. The study furthermore assessed the balance using a near tandem balance test, functional mobility by stair ascent and descent test, and joint hypermobility via the Beighton scale. Results. The average FPI score was 2.76 ± 5.23 for all subjects, 2.98 ± 5.02 for men and 2.55 ± 5.43 for women. Neutral foot posture was most frequent in this study (52.9%). A higher proportion of women had pronated (21.0%) and supinated (11.7%) feet than men which were 16.8% and 10.3%, respectively. This study also confirmed that side differences were found to be significant (p value < 0.001), whereas gender differences were significant only in the normal, pronated, and supinated foot groups. Conclusion. The most common foot posture in both genders was ranged from neutral to slight pronation. We also found a correlation between balance with FPI in the supinated and hypersupinated foot groups, functional mobility with FPI of pronated and supinated foot groups, and joint hypermobility with FPI of the hyperpronated foot group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solar collector's efficiency is directly depended upon the solar radiation intensity falling on its surface. In order to increase the solar concentration over the collector, side reflectors are introduced which will concentrate both diffuse and direct radiations from the sun toward the collector surface. Therefore, in this study the influence of side (left and right) reflectors on efficiency improvement of the flat plate solar collector (FPSC) was analyzed. For determining the optimum tilt angles of side reflector and collector, a simulation model was developed by using TRNSYS software. The results obtained from simulation were validated with the experimental results for whole year during the daytime of semiarid Asir region of Saudi Arabia. Both simulation and experimental results indicate that optimal left side reflector angle is lowest in winter with the value of 38° and highest in summer with the value of 68°, while the optimal angle of right side reflector is lowest in summer with the value of 43° and highest in winter with the value of 74.5°. The thermal efficiency of FPSC has been improved significantly by adding side reflectors. The average thermal efficiency of FPSC without reflector was 46% which was increased to 58% by adding side reflectors. The addition of side reflectors increases the concentration of solar radiation falling on the collector surface and thus increases the output temperature of water by 12 °C as compared to input water temperature. Thus, the effective size of the system was reduced by adding side reflectors as thermal efficiency was enhanced which implies less space requirement for heating an appropriate quantity of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is an important parameter for climatological, hydrological and agricultural management. The FAO56 Penman-Monteith (FAO56-PM) model is one of the most accurate models. But it needs a detailed climate dataset from weather stations. Therefore, empirical reference evapotranspiration models (ETo) that need a reduced set of climate data can become an alternative approach. In this study, nine different evapotranspiration models were calibrated for the 19782000 period and validated based on the period between 2001-2017 with respect to standard FAO56-PM method based on the real climatic data obtained from Aseer metrological department, Saudi Arabia. The ranking of all the evaluated models based on the multi-criteria decision making was done in order to get the best alternative to the FAO56-PM Model. The result showed that Mahringer and Trabert models are the most appropriate with RMSE values of 2.13 mm/day and 2.47 mm/day, respectively and the value of percent error were 77.27% and 89.43%, respectively. Moreover, the values of mean bias error were found to be -2.03 mm/day and -2.35 mm/day, respectively. The calibration and validation of different ETo equations tend to increase their performance. Thus, the validated evapotranspiration model that used less climatic parameters could predict the ETo condition accurately for any region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FAO-56 Penman-Monteith model is recognized as the standard method for estimating reference evapotranspiration (ETo) which requires daily meteorological data as inputs. Among all input data, vapour pressure deficit (VPD) is one of the critical parameter that drives evapotranspiration (ETo), and is of fundamental importance in crop models. In this study effort has been made to compare six vapour pressure models during four seasons. Three vapour pressure models (Models 1–3) selected as mentioned in Irrigation and Drainage Paper-56 of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO-56) and Models 4-6 has been selected from literature survey. Model 1, which uses daily maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity (RH), is the preferred method to estimate actual air pressure (AE) hence it is used as standard for comparing other models. The effectiveness of vapour pressure models were measured by statistical tools and ranked according to Global Performance Indicator (GPI) where higher value of GPI represent best model. The ranking order using GPI shows that Model 5 resulted in best estimation capability with a GPI of 2.77. Moreover, the effect of variation in wind speed on the performance of the vapour pressure models in ETo estimation is also assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus with comorbid complications constitute a major public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of comorbid complications with glycosylated hemoglobin levels and diabetes duration. Also assessed were patients’ diabetic foot-care knowledge and practices. Patients and methods: This was a quasiexperimental study. A total of 360 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were interviewed at a government health care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Diabetic complications and HbA1c-level data were collected from hospital records. A standard questionnaire was used to assess their diabetic foot-care knowledge and practice. Results: Of the type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, 32.5% had highly uncontrolled glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (≥8.6%) and 62.8% had had diabetes >10 years. The patients had comorbid complications, such as hypertension (61.4%), dyslipidemia (58.6%), retinopathy (23.3%), heart disease (14.4%), and severe foot complications (3.9%). The majority of highly uncontrolled HbA1c-level patients had retinopathy (OR 8.90, P=0.0001), foot complications (OR 8.09, P=0.0001), dyslipidemia (OR 2.81, P=0.010), and hypertension (OR 2.0, P=0.028) compared to the controlled HbA1c-level (10 years also had higher prevalence of foot complications (OR 2.92, P=0.0001), retinopathy (OR 2.17, P=0.011), and hypertension (OR 1.67, P=0.033). From patient responses, physicians examined only 34.2% of patient feet and 36.7% of patients received physicians advice for foot care. About 70% of patients had knowledge of diabetic foot care; however, only 41.7% of patients always examined their feet, 41.4% washed feet with warm water, 31.4% carefully dried between the toes, and 33.1% were using foot-moisturizing substances. Conclusion: The prevalence of comorbid complications was higher in the Saudi population compared to other international studies. Also, foot-care practice was not satisfactory. Therefore, there is need of improvement and increased awareness among physicians and patients to check regularly for proper care of the diabetic foot to avoid diabetic foot-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent advancements in clinical dentistry have increased the possibilities of surgical procedures in the mental region. A detailed knowledge of mental foramen (MF) morphometry is significant to preserve integrity of the mental nerve trunk in surgical interventions such as orthognathic surgery, implant placement and anaesthetic block.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the most accurate position of the mental foramen by using new assessment approach in a sample of dental patients presenting to the specialist dental clinic, College of Dentistry, Al Jouf University, Saudi Arabia.Study Design: A retrospective study was performed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of 600 patients (40.1 ± 11.78 years old). Following inclusion and exclusion criteria, 395 CBCT were finally obtained and analyzed for the most accurate position of the mental foramen (MF) by OnDemand 3D software (Seoul, Korea). Prevalence of shape of MF and accessory MF were also assessed. Pearson chi-square test was employed to test significant differences between genders and races.Results: The most common horizontal and vertical position of the mental foramen was in line with the long axis of 2nd premolar (41.3%) and below the root apex level (93.2%), respectively. The most common shape of MF was round type (72.66%). The prevalence of accessory 2MF and 3MF was 2.28% and 0.25%, respectively.Conclusion: New information about MF presented in this article can help anatomists, prosthodontists, orthodontists, surgeons, forensic odontologists and paleoanthropologists to predict the position of the MF and perform safer surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of academic programs can enhance the development, effectiveness, and dissemination of comparative quality reports as well as quality improvement efforts. Objectives: To evaluate the five research methodology workshops through assessing participants' satisfaction, knowledge and skills gain and impact on practices by the Kirkpatrick's evaluation model. Methods: The four level Kirkpatrick's model was applied for the evaluation. Training feedback questionnaires, pre and post tests, learner development plan reports and behavioral surveys were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the workshop programs. Results: Of the 116 participants, 28 (24.1%) liked with appreciation, 62 (53.4%) liked with suggestions and 26 (22.4%) disliked the programs. Pre and post MCQs tests mean scores showed significant improvement of relevant basic knowledge and cognitive skills by 17.67% ( p ≤ 0.005). Pre-and-post tests scores on workshops sub-topics also significantly improved for the manuscripts ( p ≤ 0.031) and proposal writing ( p ≤ 0.834). As for the impact, 56.9% of participants started research, and 6.9% published their studies. The results from participants' performance revealed an overall positive feedback and 79% of participant reported transfer of training skills at their workplace. Conclusion: The course outcomes achievement and suggestions given for improvements offer insight into the program which were encouraging and very useful. Encouraging 'research culture' and work-based learning are probably the most powerful determinants for research promotion. These findings therefore encourage faculty development unit to continue its training and development in the research methodology aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learning and teaching of foreign language is a challenging task and the task is learnt through skills of language i.e. writing, listening/speaking, and reading with the help of the rules of grammar. The problems to spell the words in English for FLL (foreign language learner) lie behind lack of learning these skills and practicing it. The purpose of this study is to review the literature on spelling problems and try to find out strategically specific point of solution that can help our student of CPY. Moreover, that one point problem solving factor should cover a wide range of solutions of Preparatory year college English language learners, Najran University, Najran, KSA or in a wider sense; Arab EFL learners. The study aims to know the reasons that lie behind these problems among the students of CPY. In other words, we can say that the aim of this study is to search and adapt the practice that can help our students to improve the spellings while they write in classes or in exams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To curb the COVID-19 pandemic, the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of preventive measures play an essential role, and healthcare workers have had to endure a burden to care for COVID-19 patients. Thus, this study aimed to assess the weight of the KAP of physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional study, where we circulated an online KAP questionnaire to 1179 physical therapists, and among those, 287 participated and completed the questionnaire. The collected responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses, and p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Both males and females participated in almost equal numbers; most of the participants were <40 years, had a bachelor's level of education, and were from the central region of Saudi Arabia. Social media and the internet were the primary sources of COVID-19-related information (74.6%). Knowledge components A (92%) and B (73.9%) were excellent among most participants. Approximately half of the participants (50.5%) had a moderate attitude toward COVID-19, and regarding the practice component, most participants (74.6%) scored moderately. Correlation analysis showed a low positive relationship between knowledge A, attitude, and practice components. Still, there was a very low positive relationship between knowledge B, attitude, and practice components, but both were statistically significant. Our study showed that physical therapists in Saudi Arabia exhibit good knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity generation from renewable energy (RE) sources has not been well utilized in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). KSA has publicized its Vision 2030 renewable energy target to deploy 58.7 gigawatts of RE, paving the way for a low-carbon economy in the country. Renewable portfolio standard (RPS) may play an influential role as a policy instrument to stimulate the RE development and consumption on a large scale and pursue the Vision 2030 objectives. In this study, the renewable portfolio standards policy assessment was carried out to investigate the issues impelling the employment of or plan to adopt RPS. To elucidate the collaborating interaction amongst the multiple stakeholders at different levels in the formulation of renewable portfolio standard, in this assessment study, we used a multi-theoretical approach for examining the policy networks theory (PNT) to inspect the communication links and strategies of different actors who are responsible and involved in KSA policy formulation and enactment. It will help overcome the interaction limitations amongst the actors, contribute to understanding various actors' behaviors and facilitate RPS development and implementation. In this paper, PNT's four strategy phases (interaction, agenda-setting, action plan and legislative) are used for RPS development assessment. In this paper, we presented KSA's overall systematic picture for RPS formulation to adopt and implement it practically for a collaborative relationship between five actors—policy and regulatory bodies, professional bodies, inter-governmental bodies, power producers and social networks—at different levels by using PNT to analyze the interactive relationship amongst actors. This detailed analysis will help KSA overcome the institutional relationship and interaction limitations of the actors in RPS formulation and thereby offer significant success for RE deployment in KSA, while providing viable ideas, procedures and bases for government departments to formulate applicable policies for the renewable energy system efficiently. The evaluation of the communications among major partakers in the policy network field helps to efficiently explicate the hindrances in policy formulation and enactment to make the RPS more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of a photovoltaic system with the Trombe wall system (PVTW) is effective in thermal load regulation of buildings and electrical energy production. The modification of the PVTW system by adding a Venetian blind can regulate the airflow and provide shading. In this study, the experimental and numerical simulation results for the novel Photovoltaic Trombe wall system with a Venetian blind (PVTW_Ven) and the conventional Trombe wall system with a Venetian blind (TW_Ven) are compared. The experiments were conducted in a test room equipped with the PVTW_Ven and TW_Ven systems located in Abha, Asir Province of Saudi Arabia, with semiarid climatic conditions. The results obtained by numerical simulation were validated by comparing with experimental results. The results indicate that the average heat gain of the TW_Ven configuration is 1.33 times more than that of the PVTW_Ven configuration, with a 5.2 °C higher outer wall surface temperature. The temperature can be systematically regulated inside the test room by installing a Venetian blind with the slats at optimal 60° in the air gap of both configurations. The maximum temperature of the Venetian blind in the PVTW_Ven configuration is 4.7 °C lower than that in TW_Ven. • Comparative study on monthly performance of two types of Trombe wall systems with Venetian blinds. • Numerical validation was performed based on real experimental case study. • Heat gain of the TW_Ven is 1.33 times more than that of the PVTW_Ven system. • Venetian blinds temperature of PVTW system is lower than TW system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims:To explore physical activity (PA) habits among the medical students and examine the correlation with their grade point average (GPA) achievement at College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among the medical students (n = 409), during the academic year 2012–2013. Students’ physical activity habits were self-reported. GPA, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percent (BF%) were collected and analyzed with SPSS software. Results:Out of 409 students, 193 (47.2%) students reported being physically active. Our result showed a significant positive association between students’ PA habits and high-GPA achievement (χ2 = 10.65,p = 0.001). The greatest odds ratio of high GPA was found among the fourth year students (OR = 3.08, CI: 1.15–8.28,p = 0.025) and fifth year students (OR = 5.07, CI: 1.48–17.31,p = 0.010). In addition, significant association was found between the normal BMI and high-GPA achievers (χ2 = 8.30;p = 0.016). However, no statistically, significant association was found between BF% and GPA. Conclusions:The present study showed a positive associations was found between PA habits and high academic achievement. In addition, positive association was found between PA, obese students and GPA achievement. Therefore, there is a need for the establishment of physical activity education and public health programs to promote importance of PA in Saudi population. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]