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Technological advancements have led to the emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Students' readiness to use 4IR technologies is thus essential for the development of knowledgeable, competent, and skilled graduates. However, ensuring students' readiness to use 4IR technologies is quite challenging, leading to a need to understand the factors that influence readiness in this regard. In this study, a research model was developed for examining effects of students' technical skills, attitudes, and knowledge on their readiness to use 4IR technologies. Data were collected from 182 students through an online survey. A two-step data analysis was then performed using AMOS. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the research model, and SEM was then applied to examine the hypotheses and relationships between the constructs. The results demonstrated that students' technical skills, attitudes, and knowledge levels significantly influenced their readiness to use 4IR technologies. Recommendations for policy and decision makers in higher education were drawn from this research to increase students' readiness for adopting and using 4IR technologies.

This study addresses the role of female school leaders in enhancing intellectual security within government-run middle schools in the Hafr Al-Batin region of Saudi Arabia from the perspective of female teachers. Utilizing a descriptive survey method, the research targeted 858 female teachers in the region, with a randomly selected sample of 248 participants. The results indicate a high level of awareness among teachers regarding the importance of intellectual security, emphasizing the crucial role of female school leaders in creating a supportive educational environment. The study identifies four basic dimensions of intellectual security: religious, respecting dialogue and accepting the other opinion, national identity and critical thinking. While national identity and religious values were given high priority, less emphasis was placed on dialogue and critical thinking, indicating areas for improvement. No significant differences were found in perceptions of intellectual security based on educational qualifications or years of experience, except in the proposals dimension, where more experienced teachers perceived its importance more acutely. The research highlights the necessity of continuous training and development programs for female school leaders and recommends integrating social media into the educational process, providing specialized training to manage intellectual aspects, and conducting workshops to enhance critical thinking skills. These findings underscore the pivotal role of educational leadership in promoting intellectual security and indicate the need for further research that includes diverse educational stages and environments. This study provides valuable insights for developing educational programs that address contemporary intellectual and security challenges in Arab and global educational contexts. It advocates for the principles of whole schooling by reinforcing social structures that reject extremism, promote citizenship, and foster a safe and supportive learning environment.

Microlearning is a modern learning modality that has been adopted in recent years for student education. This study aimed to reveal the effect of video-based microlearning on the development of programming skills and technology acceptance among intermediate school students. The study used a quasi-experimental design for two groups. A technology acceptance scale and a performance observation card for programming skills were prepared in order to collect data for the study. A cluster random sample of intermediate school students participated in video-based micro learning. The students were divided into two groups: the experimental group (consisting of 31 students) and the control group (consisting of 32 students). The results of the study showed that there were statistically significant differences between the mean scores of both study groups in favor of the experimental group in the post-application of the performance observation card for programming skills. However, there were statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the students in the experimental group in the pre- and post-application of the technology acceptance scale in favor of the post application. The study suggested that computer teachers might benefit from employing video-based microlearning to teach students programming skills at different stages based on these results. Suggestions related to the research findings are also provided.

Students' satisfaction with online courses is considered as one of the most critical components in the continued use, as well as, adoption of e-learning applications. The study aimed at determining and analyzing the constructs that affect students' satisfaction. It examined the effect of students' self-efficacy and the quality of course design on students' satisfaction, mediated by their attitudes toward online courses. The study was conducted at University of Ha'il. Responses of 202 students were used for the data analysis. The collected data was analyzed using two steps in AMOS: The proposed measurement model was developed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and the relationships were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results revealed that both students' self-efficacy and the quality of course design had a significant positive effect on students' satisfaction, mediated by their attitudes towards online courses. The outcomes of this study can help decision-makers and policymakers in higher education take essential steps to enhance students' satisfaction with online courses and ensure that they continue to be used.

The current study aims at assessing the factors which could affect students' use of ChatGPT. The study proposed a theoretical model that included five factors. Data were collected from 136 students using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using two steps: CFA for measuring the model and SEM for analyzing the relationships and testing hypothesis. The findings revealed that both performance expectancy and facilitating conditions significantly influenced students' intentions to use ChatGPT. Contrary to expectations, both social influence and effort expectancy had insignificant effects. By elucidating the core factors influencing the utilization of ChatGPT, this study can provide valuable insights for policymakers. Furthermore, this study contributes to the existing literature and lays the foundation for future research seeking a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the use of other AI technologies in teaching and learning.

Technology-enhanced learning (TEL) is the use of a computer or other technology which provides education courses or training for students, such as online courses, off-line content, or mixed-mode delivery. The current study aims at developing a model to examine the effect of resource availability and students' subject interest on students' intention to adopt TEL. The data were collected from 157 students at the University of Ha'il and analyzed using a two-step AMOS; confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied to develop the measurement model, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to analyze and test the relationships among constructs in the model. The results showed that both resource availability and students' subject interest have a significant positive effect on students' intention to use TEL. This study may assist decision makers and developers in universities and other higher education institutions and deepen their understanding of factors which may affect students' adoption and usage of TEL.

The developments of countries are always based on the efforts of their creative people, as the spread of an organizational culture that stimulates creativity and innovation and sponsors its owners. Therefore this study aimed to explore the creativity and innovation involvement in educational curriculum and to assess the challenges and opportunities in educational system among youth in Hail Region. To achieve these objectives, explanatory and descriptive research designs were employed with quantitative research approach. The questionnaire was the instrumental tool for collecting data with simple random sampling technique. 341 valid responses have been analyzed by using SPSS software. The study's findings revealed that students perceive themselves as engaging in creative thinking activities and receiving creativity and innovation training at the university. The respondents strongly agree that incorporating technology tools and techniques into education enhances creativity and innovation, and there are other factors that also contribute to these opportunities. Resistance to change and limited access to information were identified as significant challenges to developing creativity and innovation skills among the respondents. The study found a moderate, positive correlation between involvement in creativity and innovation and the educational curriculum. Based on these results, it is recommended that the university continue prioritizing creative thinking activities and innovation training for students while addressing challenges related to resistance to change and access to information. Further integration of creativity and innovation concepts into the curriculum may also be beneficial, along with continued use of technology tools and techniques to enhance these skills in education.

The metaverse is a mixed blend of digital and tangible worlds, indicating the future directions of Internet sector development. This study aimed to assess the factors affecting students' intentions to use a metaverse platform. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology was applied as the research model. Data were collected using a survey of 240 students. Two steps in SEM AMOS were conducted to analyze data. The results demonstrated that performance expectancy and social influence positively affect students' intentions to utilize metaverse technology. However, effort expectancy had an insignificant effect on students' intentions to utilize metaverse technology. These findings shed light on the acceptance and adoption of metaverse and identify influencing factors that could increase metaverse utilization. Moreover, this study offers a distinctive and fresh perspective on metaverse technology that can be used as a basis for future research in this field.

In Saudi Arabia, high school education has always been blamed for students' weaknesses in the English language. Teachers have been accused of overestimating students' scores in English language courses, resulting in evaluations that do not reflect the students' real levels. Consequently, students believe that they are good enough at English and can survive in an English program at the college level when they are not. The paper is an attempt to bridge the gap between learning English in public schools and at college level. It will try to answer a significant question about whether students' scores in high school and preparatory years are able to predict their performances at the college level -- particularly students majoring in English language. It also explores the factors that affect university students' GPAs who are majoring English. A total of 107 students participated in the study by providing their grades in the three levels and responding to a survey to explore their attitudes toward activities that encourage them to learn English in the Saudi Arabian education system. The results showed that high school and preparatory year grades aligned with only a small number of the participants' college grades. This indicates that earlier grades cannot predict students' performances at the university level. Moreover, the results confirm the dominance of the grammar-translation method in teaching English at all three levels. Finally, the results confirm a strong correlation between practicing more activities and improving second language learning. More research is required to explore the factors that influence students' English learning.

Saudi students studying English as a foreign language often do poorly in their English courses, and despite a growing number of studies on this issue the root causes have remained a mystery. To gain a more comprehensive perspective, this study investigated the underlying reasons for Saudi EFL learners performing poorly in English by including all major stakeholders. This study attempts to find out the potential underlying reasons for the low performance of Saudi EFL learners. The researcher conducted qualitative interviews with two educational consultants, six university teachers, six graduate students, and six high school teachers. In addition, quantitative data came from high school students via a questionnaire addressed to 100 participants. The data revealed a shared chain of factors related to objectives, learners, teachers, curricula, assessment, and practicality. The findings suggested a gap between the theories consultants used to set class objectives and actual practice. This gap stemmed from consultants not consulting with or directly evaluating people in the field, such as educators, students, or university staff. The study recommends researchers get an overview of Saudi English learners at the macro level rather than focusing solely on their performance in one language skill. That should produce more valid, reliable, and practical suggestions to improve Saudi EFL learners' performance.

The main aim of the present study is to develop first year university students' meta-cognitive reading comprehension using inquiry-based learning strategy. Subjects of the study were 106 (53 males, 53 females) first year university students enrolled in two classrooms at colleges representing urban and sub-urban areas in Shaqra University. The present study adopted a quasi-experimental design with one-group. The results of present study showed that first year university students should have the following reading comprehension skills: guessing, description, analyzing and identifying the main idea. Accordingly, the suggested strategy was designed and used to develop these identified meta-cognitive reading comprehension skills. A reading comprehension test, based on the identified skills, was designed and used as a pretest and posttest. Findings of the present study showed that there were statistical differences between the students' mean score on the pretest and posttest in favor of the posttest, and there were statistical differences between the students' mean score on the posttest at the level of 0.05. This can be attributed to the effectiveness of using the inquiry-based learning strategy in developing students' meta-cognitive reading comprehension skills at the university stage.

This study investigates students' readiness to adopt Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) at the University of Ha'il. It applied Student Online Learning Readiness (SOLR) model to examine the constructs that might influence students' readiness toward using MOOCs. A questionnaire was sent to students that measured the model's latent constructs: technical competency (TC), social competency (SC), communication competency (CC), and student readiness. A total of 111 responses were received, and the model was analyzed relied on structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings showed that TC and CC had a significant positive effect on the readiness of students to use MOOCs. Surprisingly, SC had an insignificant effect on students' readiness. The findings of this study provide educational decision-makers and designers with essential input for delivering effective MOOCs.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the current practices of assessing L2 reading skills of Saudi EFL elementary stage learners. The research also attempted to offer more effective assessment tools of L2 reading skills than the current ones. For this purpose, a sample of (30) elementary stage EFL classes were observed, and (15) teachers of these classes were interviewed. The collected data were recorded, organized, coded, analyzed, and interpreted qualitatively. The findings revealed that most EFL learners and their instructors practice learning/ teaching L2 reading skills driven by exams, focus more on bottom-up approach, and committed to the assigned reading materials ignoring extracurricular ones. Almost all the observations and interviewees' responses indicated that the assessment measures are affected by the poor learning/ teaching practices of the L2 reading skills. It was implied that in order to improve the assessment tools of the L2 reading skills, the teaching practices must be improved first.

This research study was designed to clarify the effectiveness of innovative technology use in order to develop cognitive skills in Saudi Arabia with particular focus on the use of iPads in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes. New technology approaches are continually being implemented in educational environments but there is often lagging analysis as to the effectiveness of these approaches. In the context under review the implementation of iPads represented a significant shift from using paper and pen to using a portable touchpad and digital pen. This qualitative study comprising observations, interviews and focus groups with teachers and students in four primary EFL primary classrooms in Saudi Arabia. It aimed to investigate any links between EFL teaching approaches, revised Bloom's Taxonomy of thinking skills and the use of iPads. The findings indicated an unevenness in the application of revised Bloom's Taxonomy in English instruction generally and most iPad teaching practices were represented at lower order thinking levels (Remember, Understand and Apply). Also, flexible use of iPads when teaching-learning EFL represented levels of revised Bloom's Taxonomy which aligns with specific roles of; teacher (T), teacher-student shared role (TS) and student (S) and plays a part in representing cognitive skills. These findings contribute to tablet devices use in language learning literature by highlighting the 'how' of EFL instruction based on revised Bloom's Taxonomy.

Learning Management System is a software-based technology that is widely adopted by universities. While the implementation of LMS has been successful in developed countries, the utilisation of LMS in developing countries is still considered low. It is believed that there are some barriers that may influence the use of LMS which include Technical Support, Instructional Design and Self-Efficacy. The present research aims at examining the influence of these factors on students' use of LMS. Thus, a research model will be developed based on extending Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Using the Stratified Random Sampling (SRS), 400 students were selected from three Saudi universities. The participants completed the survey questionnaire that measures their responses to the seven constructs. The data was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling by AMOS. The results showed that the three proposed external factors including technical support, instructional design and perceived self-efficacy had a significant influence on students' use of LMS. These factors had significant direct effects on both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of LMS. The results confirmed the validity of the extended TAM model in determining users' usage of LMS. The study also addressed several significant implications for the practitioners and researchers in the field.

Mobile technology has significant potential to support learning and teaching in English. However, few studies attempt to explore current use by students and faculty members of mobile technologies to facilitate English language learning and teaching in Saudi Arabia. Even fewer studies capture descriptions of current use in the words of these users. The present study focused on the current use and associated pedagogy related to mobile technologies. It drew on findings from qualitative data gathered through focus group interviews of 49 university students and 30 faculty members. Thematic analysis results showed that students predominantly use their mobile devices informally outside the classroom to facilitate their English language learning. For students, social media are particularly popular and provide opportunities to practise their English language skills outside the classroom. Conversely, faculty members emphasised the use of mobile devices formally in the classroom context, expressing views on how they might improve control of student use of mobile devices. Critically, comparison of such use by students and faculty members reveals that students' informal use of mobile devices to support learning is much better aligned than faculty members' formal use of these devices in terms of what one might consider mobile device best practice.

Studying English literature is interrelated to studying English as a foreign language (EFL), and thus incorporating literary texts into EFL learning curricula is important for providing EFL learners with the necessary language skills and emotional growth. However, EFL learners prefer to avoid studying English literature due to several challenges that may extend from difficulties inherited in literature itself to the learning and instructional processes. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the reasons that may discourage EFL learners to study English literature as perceived by their instructors. The sample of this study consisted of 20 English instructors at one of the northern Saudi universities. Two instruments: a survey and a semi-structured interview developed by the researcher were employed to collect the data. Descriptive statistics and qualitative methods were employed to interpret the gathered data. The findings revealed that there were six main different types of challenges that played an important role in the phenomena under investigation, namely: a) literature inherited difficulty, b) learners' cultural misperceptions, c) learners' negative attitudes, d) learners' intrinsic demotivating factors, e) unfamiliarity/ learners' poor prior knowledge, and f) instructional difficulty. Implications for addressing these problems were included.

This study explores the pronunciation difficulties experienced by Saudi EFL learners at Jouf University (JU) in the north of Saudi Arabia. To achieve this purpose, two main instruments were implemented: an experiment of pronunciation sensitivity response and two interview formats. The sample of this study was selected randomly and consisted of (n=20) students studying English major in their sixth level at JU, and (n=10) English language instructors from the same institution. A mixed-method approach was employed to find out the phonetic and phonological difficulties that participants encountered during the implementation of the experiment of pronunciation sensitivity response, and to interpret participant's responses to the interview formats. The findings revealed that EFL learners experienced six phonetic and phonological problematic patterns related to mispronunciation of: initial consonant cluster, final consonant cluster, multi-syllabic words, unfamiliar sounds, vowels, and voiced or voiceless phonemes. It was also found that EFL learners and instructors had different views regarding these phonetic and phonological issues. The limited time for practice, the lack of authentic materials and tasks, and the need for immersion classes, and effective instruction and learning were all found to be responsible about the phonetic and phonological problems EFL learners encountered and at the same time they were found to be the motives for overcoming these issues. It is believed that the implications and recommendations included in this study would improve the performance of Saudi EFL speaking abilities once they are incorporated effectively in their English learning settings.

This study identifies potential challenges for learners, teachers, and curriculum designers regarding the recent inclusion of Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) in the Saudi education system, according to an in-depth review of previous research. This review focused on issues related to CFL learning, pedagogy, and curriculum. Factors were grouped into five categories: 1) CFL learning difficulty, 2) learner motivation and aptitude, 3) learner culture, 4) pedagogical effectiveness, and 5) curriculum design. To gain a deeper understanding, a sample of 25 foreign language learners and 15 curriculum designers was selected randomly from a university in the north of Saudi Arabia to complete a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed to highlight the most important issues. The data analysis revealed serious concerns among CFL learners, such as language difficulty, learner motivation and aptitude, and learner culture. CFL pedagogy could also pose a challenge. However, no concerns were found related to CFL curriculum. Implications and recommendations are offered to help incorporate CFL into the Saudi education system and encourage further research.

Language skills depend on the meaning of words and the knowledge of the subject/context. The meanings of words that shape the true understanding of contexts are needed to experience language as a real-life activity. College students in Saudi Arabia struggle to develop desired proficiency in the English language that is required to further advance in their academic endeavours. It has been observed that even the minimum vocabulary level is far to be realised as reality, which consequently has posed a challenge for the various stakeholders to find the most effective strategies for Saudi learners. The present study tries to unfold the basic components which are needed to be in order first before considering the other related factors. In this study, a total of 85 male and female students were asked first appear for the vocabulary test, required to assess if they have achieved their desired levels. Their academic achievement in the specialised vocabulary course and their achievement in the standardised test have been compared with their strategies for language learning. The differences in the responses of the high achievers and the low achievers observed found that high achievers give importance to all the strategies equally well, whereas the low achievers just focus on "meta-cognitive" and "memory strategies." The results open up new dimensions for the teachers as well as the learners to choose and implement the best practices suited as per their academic and non-academic needs. Besides this, the other stakeholders like material developers, curriculum designers, educators and trainers will also have a macro picture of inside and outside of classrooms so that they could narrow down on the associated elements (motivation, learners' autonomy, socio-cultural contexts etc.).

School counselors play a critical role in the identification and management of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In order for the counselors to effectively help students with this condition, it is important that they have knowledge about this disorder. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge that elementary school counselors on the Northern Border of Saudi Arabia have (ADHD). The Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (KADDS) was used to evaluate the counselors. The KADDS scale has three sub-scales that test general knowledge, diagnosis and symptoms, and treatment of ADHD. The study sampled 89 of approximately 200 school counselors working at elementary schools across the Region. The study data was analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences. The counselors got 31% of the questions in the general knowledge sub-scale correct while 43% were answered incorrectly, and 26% answered, "don't know." In the diagnosis/symptoms sub-scale 63% of the questions were answered correctly, 21% were answered incorrectly, while 16% answered: "don't know." In the treatment sub-scale, 38% of questions were answered correctly, 26% were answered incorrectly while 36% answered: "don't know." Overall, 41% of the questions were answered correctly, 32% were answered incorrectly, while 27% answered: "don't know." Based on these findings, the researcher concluded that the school counselors in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia do not have sufficient knowledge of ADHD. This lack of knowledge invariably inhibits their ability to help children with ADHD.

This article looks at how job advertisements for recruiting English teachers in the Saudi Preparatory Year Programs promote bias and inequity. Based on analysis of 25 job advertisements targeting overseas applicants, the article reports three kinds of selection criteria: professional, demographic, and personal qualities. Although these criteria include a wide range of requirements, "speakerhood status" was identified as the primary qualification in most of the advertisements. Therefore, this article argues that discrimination based on speakerhood status and country of origin is practised in the recruitment of teachers of English as a foreign language, and the TESOL community needs to problematize the discourses of native speakerism that create unequal status among English language teachers. This article concludes by presenting a number of recommendations to avoid professional inequity and to enhance advocacy and empowerment in TESOL.

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) place significant financial burdens on individuals, communities, and countries. However, very little information is available regarding the extent of diabetes expenses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). As far as we are aware, no comprehensive systematic literature review on diabetes cost in KSA has been published yet. Objective: The purpose of the analysis is to gather information about the direct and indirect costs of diabetes mellitus in KSA from the literature, examine the techniques employed to estimate costs, and discover potential avenues for further investigation. Methods: A systematic literature search will be performed to identify studies that reported the cost of diabetes mellitus in KSA. A rigorous literature search will be conducted using the following academic electronic databases: Scopus, Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane, Springer, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The eligibility criteria employed for the study will encompass the following aspects: examination of peer-reviewed articles in English which were published within the timeframe of 2010 to 2023, articles presenting novel research outcomes regarding the cost of diabetes mellitus, and studies conducted in KSA. To gather the necessary information, data will be extracted in sheets, and the results will be systematically arranged within tables. Results: We have reviewed the cost of diabetes mellitus. Extracted articles will be analyzed in the results based on the direct and indirect costs per patient of diabetes mellitus. The papers will be analyzed on the bases of study design, data source, perspective, and the healthcare cost categories. Conclusion: Different approaches will be employed to calculate healthcare costs associated with diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim/Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the factors that may influence the use of virtual classrooms. Background: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected and interrupted several aspects of our lives, including education. Most educational institutes and universities have changed their teaching mode from being face-to-face or fixable learning to 'emergency remote education'. As a result, virtual classrooms were utilised in most of these universities to keep the continuity of teaching and delivering education to their students Methodology: Through an online survey, data was collected from 235 of the teaching staff at the University of Ha'il, Saudi Arabia. Structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS was applied to analyse the data and testing the hypothesis of the proposed model. Contribution: The study findings have a theoretical, methodological, and practical contribution in the area of virtual classrooms. In terms of its theoretical contribution, this research has enriched the literature on virtual classrooms. Most of previous studies used the basic UTAUT model or other models for different technology, such as LMS, Mobile Cloud Learning and social websites. Few studies have focused on virtual classrooms, and, based on the best knowledge of the researcher, this study is the first study that has extended and modified the UTAUT model by adding an external factor (mobility) with virtual classrooms technology. Thus, it contributes theoretically to IS acceptance literature in general, and to UTAUT models specifically. In terms of methodological contribution, this study assessed all latent constructs in the model in a different context (Saudi Arabia), and tested them through an advanced analysis technique, which some call a second-generation multivariate, by applying a two-step rule in AMOS (CFA and SEM). The CFA has shown solid results that can measure all constructs in the model after deleting a few items that show a low factor loading to the construct. According to Awang (2015), examining the construct, convergent and discriminant validities is essential during the CFA before moving on a step and analysing data using SEM. Thus, this study has validated all constructs and its items using CFA which can be further used in a different culture, specifically in an Arab culture, such as Saudi Arabia. Findings: The results showed that effort expectancy and performance expectancy are significant predictors of behaviour intention toward the use of virtual classrooms. However, in contrast of our expectation, social influence, facilitating condition and mobility were insignificant factors and had no influence on teaching staff's behaviour intention toward the use of virtual classrooms. Recommendations for Practitioners: This research has made a practical contribution. The findings of this study showed which factors can determine the use of virtual classrooms. Decision makers and university organizations and administration can improve their virtual classrooms services based on the factors that determine their use. Taking care of that will lead to an increased use of virtual classrooms and lead to a successful use of virtual classrooms, which will result in huge benefits in applying virtual classrooms in the teaching process. Recommendations for Researchers: Researchers may develop different models and examine other factors to assess their influence on the usage of different technologies. Understanding the factors that may influence the usage of a technology leads to an increase in its usage and adoption. Impact on Society: This study may increase the usage of virtual classrooms among teaching staff by understanding and examining the factors that might determine the use of virtual classrooms. Future Research: Future studies could examine the moderation variables to establish their impact. This study relied on only a purely quantitative design study. Future research might employ a mixed method using both quantitative and qualitative designs to apply an interview after the quantitative study for a better insight and deeper knowledge as well as confirming the quantitative results.

Background: Effective medication management, disposal, and donation are vital for public health and environmental sustainability. Improper handling of medications can lead to drug misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental damage. This study examines current practices and challenges in Saudi Arabia, identifying opportunities for improvement. Method: A cross-sectional survey conducted in October and November 2023 targeted the general population in Saudi Arabia. This study employed convenience sampling to explore medication usage, storage, disposal practices, and awareness of donation procedures. Data were analyzed through both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: This study involved 430 respondents. Of these, 73.0% held a university degree, yet 66.3% were unaware of drug donation programs, and 84.2% lacked knowledge about proper medication disposal. Despite this, 71.4% believed that drug donation programs positively impact healthcare, and 87.9% saw them as reducing drug waste and environmental pollution. However, 48.1% expressed concerns about the potential misuse of donated medicines. Awareness and knowledge were significantly higher among participants aged 30 and above. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for enhanced public awareness, clear medication disposal guidelines, and ethically governed donation practices in Saudi Arabia. These measures can improve healthcare outcomes, protect the environment, and support global health and sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Professional certification programs play a crucial role in helping pharmacists develop specialized skills and establish their expertise in the field. This study explores how pharmacists in Saudi Arabia engage with these programs by examining their levels of awareness, attitudes, and participation. It also identifies the key barriers and motivators that influence their decision to pursue certification. Methods: An online survey was conducted among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia to assess participants' knowledge of certification programs, their perceived benefits, the actual participation rates, and their preferences regarding certification areas and assessment methods. Results: Out of 394 participating pharmacists, around 47% had never participated in a professional certification program, and about 27% of our sample were unaware of such programs in Saudi Arabia. Financial constraints and a lack of awareness were noted as the primary barriers to participation. Almost 55% showed an interest in Clinical Pharmacy Specialties certification, while 54% were inclined toward Pharmacy Management and Leadership certifications. A preference for practical assessments in certification programs was suggested by 55% of participants. Conclusions: This study highlights a significant need for increased awareness and accessibility to professional certification programs among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. Addressing participation barriers is vital to foster professional development and meet the healthcare sector's evolving demands in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has given hope to many countries that they can finally control a pandemic that has already killed millions of people around the world. Nevertheless, vaccine coverage must be wide to ensure the success of the global vaccination initiative. Using theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the current research aimed to assess the intent of the general Saudi Arabian public to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted during the first week of January 2021. A total of 487 participants completed an online questionnaire that assessed their intentions, attitudes, perceived norms and perceived behavioural control. The results showed that almost half of the study participants (47.43%) intended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. All components of TPB predicted this intention, although perceived behavioural control was a negative predictor. The findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccine campaigns should continue to focus on improving public attitudes and perceived norms, which can help increase the number of people willing to undergo vaccination. Moreover, further studies are needed to explore the effects of perceived behavioural control on such intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Both nurses' well‐being and quality of care are top priorities of the healthcare system. Yet, there is still a gap in understanding the extent and how authentic leadership influences them. This information is needed to inform the development of effective interventions, organizational practices, and policies. Thus, this study aimed to test the mechanism by which nurses' perception of their managers' authentic leadership impacts nurses' well‐being and perception of quality of care, given the role of the nursing practice environment and nurses' psychological capital. Design: A cross‐sectional design was used. Methods: This study recruited a random sample of 680 nurses from six hospitals in Saudi Arabia. A final sample of 415 completed the surveys, with a response rate of 61%. Structural equation modeling was performed to test the hypothesized model. Results: The study showed that nurses' perceptions of authentic leadership in their managers positively and directly affect their perceptions of quality of care but do not directly affect nurses' well‐being. Both the nursing practice environment and psychological capital fully mediated the relationship between authentic leadership and nurses' well‐being. However, the nursing practice environment partially mediated the relationship between authentic leadership and perceptions of quality of care. Conclusion: The findings contribute to understanding the crucial role of authentic leaders' style in nurses' well‐being and quality of care through its positive impact on the nursing practice environment and psychological capital. Clinical Relevance: Designing interventions and policies that specifically target nursing managers' authentic leadership style has implications for enhancing nurses' well‐being and the quality of patient care. Institutional measures are needed to help leaders practice an authentic leadership style to create a positive nursing practice environment and cultivate nurses' psychological capital, both of which contribute to nurses' well‐being and attaining a better quality of care. Further work is required to highlight the outcomes of implementing an authentic leadership style relevant to other leadership styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation, globalization and the rapid expansion of technologies are the current trend now, which lead to the use of latest technologies in several different sectors, including education sector without exception. Learning management system (LMS) that is used for delivering education has become one of the most important innovative tools that is widely used and implemented by educational institutes and universities all over the world. Therefore, it is clear that LMS provides its users with huge benefits. Although LMS has been successful in developed countries and its huge benefits have been gained, the implementation of LMS in developing countries has failed either partly or fully, and its utilization is not complete and considered below the satisfactory level. For an example, in Saudi Arabia, which is considered as one of the developing countries, LMS has been implemented by universities for many years, however its utilization is still under the satisfactory level among both the academic staffs and the students. Organizational, technological and self factors, such as the technical support, self efficacy and instructional design of LMS are believed to be the barriers in Saudi Arabia that may have prevented or decreased the utilization of LMS. Therefore, this paper intends to review the literatures that are related to all the studies that used Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) recently to investigate empirically the influence of factors, majorly the technical support, self efficacy and instructional design, along with other factors that may influence the usage and acceptance of LMS. By reviewing the literatures, it is found herein that enjoyment and self efficacy factors within the context of LMS are mostly examined empirically by using TAM, while technical support, self efficacy and instructional design of LMS have not been empirically and simultaneously examined by using TAM at the global level.

Purpose: This research intends to contribute to the literature of entrepreneurial intentions through determining the factors impacting the entrepreneurial intentions among students in different academic programs. This is in order to enhance and improve entrepreneurship-related procedures within relevant universities. Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted by a structured survey questionnaire on 261 students in the University of Hail. The questionnaire was developed based on previous studies. The proposed hypotheses were tested by the use of the structured equation modeling (SEM) via using Amos software. Findings: The results of the current study support the theoretical integration of the model as most of the hypotheses have been accepted. The results of the survey also show that attitudes toward behavior, self-efficacy, autonomy, risk-taking, pro-activeness and competitive aggressiveness are expressively related with entrepreneurial intention. Yet, social norms and innovativeness are not considerably connected with entrepreneurial intention. Research limitations/implications: This study seeks to contribute to the relevant literature by integrating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the entrepreneurial orientation model (EO). This is in order to identify the factors impacting the intention of entrepreneurship among Saudi university students. As the case in many studies, this present study has some limitations. The main limitation lies in that it would not be possible to generalize the study's findings. This is due to the fact the research is the outcome of examining and studying one Saudi university. Therefore, it would be better to conduct similar studies in other Saudi universities in order to generalize the findings of the study. Practical implications: The study's results could be of value to policymakers and university administrators in Saudi Arabia universities by which they could be enabled to allocate resources, develop strategies and provide all requirements for the sake of improving entrepreneurial skills among university students. This comprehensive model can be used as a tool for planning and prioritizing resources in bid for providing the required support as this support would reinforce the entrepreneurial opportunity of university students. As such, students would have better thinking about entrepreneurial work and thus would be assisted in achieving their professional goals and the broader goal of nation building. Originality/value: Since today's youth are viewed as the potential future entrepreneurs, they should be encouraged to achieve the Saudi Kingdom's goals through creating suitable employment opportunities for them by supporting entrepreneurship. Therefore, pointing out the factors impacting the entrepreneurial intention of students will contribute to developing the field of entrepreneurship among young people in Saudi Arabic in general. In addition, realized outcomes would create an exciting new knowledge with regard to the entrepreneurial intention among the youth at the university level.

The aim of this study is to investigate EFL Secondary School Teachers' Views on Blended Learning. It also aims to investigate (a) the teachers' views on blended learning content and process, and (b) how blended learning is effective in developing teachers' performance. The study sample included 35 EFL Saudi teachers in Tabuk City, KSA. In order to collect the data required, the researchers developed a questionnaire that consisted of two sections, namely, process and content. The results indicate that the teachers' views toward blended learning were generally positive and very promising in both sections. Moreover, it was interesting to see that EFL teachers were highly optimistic about how blended learning would help them in improving their performance and how it would motivate their students to learn English. Finally, there are no significant differences between teachers' responses to the content and process of blended learning, with regards to qualification, experience, and the amount of training done.

Background: Emergency department (ED) nurses are exposed to the risk of secondary traumatic stress (STS), which poses a threat not only to nurses' health and psychological well-being but also adversely affects the execution of their professional duties. The quality and outcome of their nursing services are negatively affected by STS. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to comprehensively investigate the prevalence and intensity of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) among Emergency Department (ED) nurses. It aims to identify and analyze the socio-demographic, occupational, and psychological factors that influence the severity and variation of STS experienced by these nurses. Methods: The study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach, including two phases. Phase 1 employed a cross-sectional study design, utilizing a convenience sample of 181 nurses to explore the levels of STS and the factors associated with it. Following this, Phase 2 was structured as a qualitative descriptive study, which involved conducting semi-structured interviews with a purposefully selected group of ten ED nurses. Data collection took place at three major hospitals in Saudi Arabia during the period from January to June 2022. Results: A total of 181 participants were included in the study. The mean STSS score reported by the nurses was 51 (SD = 13.23) out of the maximum possible score of 85, indicating severe STS among ED nurses. Factors associated with an increase in the levels of STS among ED nurses included being female, older in age, married, possessing higher education and experience, having a positive relationship with colleagues, receiving organisational support, and dealing with a higher number of trauma cases. Several themes emerged from the qualitative interviews including: ED Characteristics: Dual Impact on STS, Emotional Resonance and Vulnerability, Personal Life Stressors, The Ability to Cope, and Social Support. Conclusion and implications for practice: Future strategies and interventions targeting STS should be prioritized to effectively manage its impact on ED nurses. It is crucial to develop targeted interventions that address the specific factors contributing to STS, as identified in this study. Additionally, these findings aim to enhance awareness among nursing administrators, managers, and supervisors about the critical factors associated with STS. This awareness is essential for accurately assessing and developing interventions that mitigate STS among nursing staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a serious and expanding health problem, together with the issues of health- related quality of life (HRQoL). This further puts pressure on the government to allocate more funds for public healthcare. Objectives: This study was devised to evaluate the health-related quality of life of people living with diabetes in Hail region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional research was carried out at eight locations in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia between 21st March-20th May 2022 using the adapted version of the Euro QoL-5 dimension (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire. A multistage random sample approach was used to choose the diabetes clinics, and data collectors approached the participants in the waiting areas to collect the information. The data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis, Mann-Whitney test, and Kruskal-Wallis tests in IBM SPSS statistics 21.0. Results: The mean HRQoL score was 0.71±0.21 with a visual analog score of 68.4±16.2. Despite having much higher levels of quality of life in terms of self-care (85.8%), regular activity (73.8%) and anxiety (71.8%), nearly one half of the people reported moderate pain or discomfort, and more than one third reported having moderate mobility issues. In general, the quality of life for women was poorer than for men. Individuals with diabetes who were unmarried, young, educated, financially secure, and taking only oral medication had much improved HRQoL. The Euro QoL of people with diabetes patients were significantly influenced by gender, marital status, age, education, employment and treatment modality (p-values < 0.05), whereas only treatment modality had a significant impact on the patients' visual analogue measures (p-values < 0.05). Conclusions: The HRQoL of people with diabetes in Hail region was moderate in general, with pain and mobility issues being particularly prevalent. Gender, marital status, age, education, employment and type of medication therapy are significant predictors of HRQoL of patients with diabetes. Hence, planning and programs to enhance the HRQoL of people with diabetes, especially women is recommended. Author summary: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the association between type 2 diabetic patients' adherence to self-care routines, medication use, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: This analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted in Hail Region of Saudi Arabia. The sample population comprised 400 men and women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, all above the age of 18 years. A modified Euro QoL-five-dimensional (EQ-5D) health questionnaire was utilized to evaluate self-care habits and their association with health-related quality of life. Results: Participants' mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 53 ± 9.4 years, with 50.5 % being female. Non-adherence rates measured were 32.7 % for foot care, smoking (28.2 %), diet (28 %), insulin usage (26.2 %), exercise (23.2 %), and blood sugar monitoring (15.2 %). Mobility challenges were reported in 14.2 % of cases, 26.2 % self-care, 28.2 % everyday activities, 48.2 % pain or discomfort, and 28.2 % anxiety or depression. Significant associations occurred between poor foot care and mobility difficulties (58.2 %), impairment in everyday activities (53.7 %), and experiencing pain and discomfort (63.9 %) with p-values of 0.002, 0.003, and 0.03, respectively. Likewise, significant correlations (p < 0.05) exist between self-care (47.5 %), pain/discomfort (58.7 %), anxiety/depression (31.1 %), and non-adherence to exercise. Regression analysis indicated a positive correlation between respondents' EQ-5D index and oral hypoglycemic agent non-adherence (R2 = 0.25; p = 0.001). A significant relationship exists between EQ-5D index and smoking non-adherence after normalization (p = 0.003; 95 % CI: 0.0001 to 0.0001). Conclusion: In Hail region of Saudi Arabia, the health-related quality of life for diabetics diminishes as self-care practices are neglected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndrome has a near-100% lifetime risk of colorectal cancer. Early surveillance and prophylactic surgery have been advocated to reduce this risk. However, the surveillance practices among FAP individuals in Saudi Arabia are unknown. We aimed to explore surveillance compliance in our population, as well as the disease impact on their quality of life (QoL). Methods: All patients with FAP who underwent surgical resection at King Saud University Medical City between 2016 and 2022 were included. Demographic data, clinical features, family history, and compliance with surveillance were collected and analyzed. QoL questionnaires: Short-form health survey (SF-36) and European Organization for Research and Treatment (EORTC) were conducted by phone interview. Results: A total of 14 patients were included with an average age of 25 years. Three patients (21.4%) were the first of their family members to develop FAP. Nine patients (64%) were untested for genetic mutation due to lack of referral to geneticists. The compliance rate toward both pre-operative colonoscopy and upper endoscopy were 78%. However, 38% and 27% compliance rates were observed toward initial and post-operative colonoscopy, respectively. The compliance rate was 14% toward thyroid ultrasound. QoL scores varied among patients, with a mean score above 60 across all SF-36 domains. Conclusion: An overall poor compliance was observed among our participants, particularly toward thyroid ultrasound. Increased health awareness and patient education are essential. In addition, the importance of surveillance and genetic counseling should be emphasized among physicians treating these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Validated screening and diagnostic tools for autism spectrum disorder for use in Arabic-speaking individuals are scarce. This study validated the Arabic version of the Social Communication Questionnaire. The total study sample included 206 children with autism spectrum disorder and 206 typically developing children (73.8% male; mean age: 8.5 (standard deviation = 2.6) years). The mean Social Communication Questionnaire total score was significantly higher in autism spectrum disorder children than in typically developing children (p < 0.0001). Scores on the three Social Communication Questionnaire subscales also differed significantly between the groups (p < 0.001). Of the 39 items, 37 were endorsed significantly more often in the autism spectrum disorder group. The total Social Communication Questionnaire score did not vary by age or gender. Internal consistency was excellent (alpha = 0.92). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve for the total score showed excellent discrimination between autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children (area under the curve = 0.95; 95% confidence interval: 0.93-0.97). The areas under the curve for the scale subscores were 0.923 (95% confidence interval: 0.898-0.949) for the social interaction score, 0.872 (95% confidence interval: 0.838-0.905) for the communication score, and 0.856 (95% confidence interval: 0.819-0.893) for the repetitive behaviors score. The findings support the use of the Arabic Social Communication Questionnaire to successfully differentiate children with clinically diagnosed autism spectrum disorder using the established cutoff value for the English version.

Aim/Purpose: Effective e-learning systems need to incorporate student characteristics such as learning style and knowledge level in order to provide a more personalized and adaptive learning experience. However, there is a need to investigate how and when to provide adaptivity based on student characteristics, and more importantly, to evaluate its value in learning enhancement. This study aims to bridge that gap by examining the effect of different modes of learning material adaptation and their sequences to the learning style and knowledge level of students in e-learning systems. Background: E-learning systems aim to provide acceptability and interactivity between students, instructors, and learning content anytime and anywhere. However, traditional systems are typically designed for generic students irrespective of individual requirements. Successful e-learning systems usually consider student characteristics such as learning style and knowledge level to provide more personalized and adaptive student-system interaction. Methodology: A controlled experiment was conducted in a learning context with 174 subjects to evaluate the learning effectiveness of adaptivity in e-learning systems. Contribution: The main contributions of the paper are threefold. First, a novel adaptive approach is proposed based on a specific learning style model and knowledge level. Second, the approach is implemented in an e-learning system to teach computer security, the application domain. Third, a rigorous experimental evaluation of the learning effect of the adaptive approach is offered. Findings: The results indicate that adaptation according to the combination of learning style and knowledge level produces significantly better learning gains, both in the short-term and medium-term, than adaptation according to either trait individually. Recommendations for Practitioners: Practitioners should consider the combination of learning style and knowledge level when delivering and presenting learning material to their students. Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers should consider sound educational models when designing adaptive e-learning systems. Also, rigorous and careful experimental design evaluations should be taken into consideration. Impact on Society: Universities and e-learning industries can benefit from the proposed adaptive approach and the findings in designing and developing more personalized and adaptive e-learning systems. The incorporation of student characteristics, especially learning style and knowledge level, may be used to enhance learning. Future Research: The experiment might be duplicated with a focus on longer-term learning gains by including more subjects and more learning resources. Also, the study might be expanded to application domains other than computer security. Moreover, other variables such as student satisfaction, motivation, and affective state might be explored to further the understanding of the effect of adaptivity on learning gains.

As studies of second language (L2) learning and motivation typically focus on English as a foreign language (EFL), L2 motivation for Arabic has been less studied. Instruments measuring two sources of L2 Arabic motivation, identity-related motivation, and motivation arising from the L2 learning environment (L2LE), were developed and piloted among L2 Arabic learners. Pilot study results showed strong motivation due to Islamic identity and desire for cultural exposure, but also revealed speaking anxiety in the L2LE. In this study, the objectives were to determine: a) What evidence exists for or against the validity of the subscale measurements from these instruments? and b) how this evidence can be used to explain what appear to be contradictions in the pilot study results. In this mixed-methods study, instruments were administered twice to learners at an L2 Arabic learning institute in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and a sample was interviewed. Quantitative analysis showed evidence of instrument reliability, and analysis of interview data revealed several findings. First, consistent with pilot data, we found that learners, who were all Muslim, were motivated to learn L2 Arabic as part of desiring cultural and social exposure in KSA and to become closer to Islam. Interview data revealed that these learners aimed to adopt the customs and lifestyle of those in KSA as part of becoming closer to Islam, some of which they did through social interaction. Second, L2 Arabic learning of Classical Arabic (CA) at the institute was impeded by the learners' lack of knowledge of the conversational Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) dialect, which made practical communication with those in KSA difficult. Recommendations are made for instrument improvement, as well as a strategy to incorporate some MSA instruction into the CA curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess adherence to asthma controller therapy and factors that influence asthma control and to determine the association between asthma knowledge of the caregiver and asthma control among admitted children with asthma. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2022 and May 2023 in a tertiary care hospital. Children with a diagnosis of asthma aged 2--14 years, who were admitted to the hospital with an exacerbation of asthma were identified. METHODS: Caregivers of the admitted children were interviewed using the Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire and Pediatric Inhaler Adherence Questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Demographic and clinical data were described using descriptive analyses, where mean and standard deviation were used for normally distributed continuous variables, median and interquartile range (IQR), if otherwise. A P < 0.05 was set as a cutoff for statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 144 caregivers completed the survey. Median score for parents' knowledge of asthma was 64%, with an IQR of 59-67. Both mother's and father's educational levels were associated with a good level of knowledge: odds ratio (OR) = 2.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-5.6, and OR = 5.33, 95% CI = 2.23-12.7, respectively. Median adherence to metered dose inhaler (MDI) was 4 (IQR = 2-6). Children who had been admitted to the general ward in the last 6 months were three times more likely to be nonadherent to MDI (OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 1.18-7.82). Forty-three percent of children who were nonadherent to MDI were less likely to have their asthma controlled (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.17-1.06). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that a low level of knowledge among caregivers of asthma patients is linked to inadequate adherence to asthma controller therapy. As medication adherence is crucial for achieving desirable asthma control and improving the quality of life for this population, efforts need to be made to enhance the knowledge level of parents of children with asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pharmaceutical regulation on a global scale is a complex process, with regulatory bodies overseeing various aspects, including licensing, registration, manufacturing, marketing, and labeling. Among these, the USFDA plays a crucial role in upholding public health. The pharmaceutical industry contributes significantly to well-being by developing and distributing therapeutic agents. The journey of evaluating new pharmaceuticals involves meticulous examination through several phases, from safety and efficacy assessments to toxicity evaluation. Drug approval involves submitting New Drug Applications (NDAs) to regulatory agencies like the USFDA and EMA. However, disparities in durations contribute to the phenomenon known as "drug lag." This lag refers to delays in a pharmaceutical product's availability in one market compared to another. Addressing this issue is crucial, given its impact on patient access to treatments. Method: This study aims to analyze the extent of drug lag, focusing on newly approved oncology targeted therapies in Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the European Union. Data for cancer treatments authorized by the USFDA, EMA, and SFDA from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2022, were collected from regulatory agency websites. The data sources included authorization letters, prescription information, and evaluation documents. We conducted a comparative assessment of drug lag for approved oncology targeted therapies between Saudi Arabia, the US, and the EU. Result: Our analysis identified 135 newly approved oncology-targeted drugs within the specified timeframe. Of these, 71 received approval in all three regions, while disparities were evident in others. The USFDA consistently had the highest number of approved drugs, with 98.5% of drugs initially approved there. In contrast, Saudi Arabia had the lowest number of approved drugs and a significantly longer median drug lag, indicating substantial delays in drug availability. Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of mitigating drug lag to enhance global healthcare outcomes and patient access to innovative therapies. Further research and collaborative efforts are essential to bridging these disparities and promoting equitable healthcare worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In the rapidly evolving healthcare management landscape, technology integration and artificial intelligence utilization play pivotal roles in shaping employee productivity. This research investigates these dynamics within Riyadh Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, focusing on the relationships between technology integration, the use of artificial intelligence in nursing profession, nursing workforce competencies, technological leadership, and employee productivity. Methods. A quantitative approach was employed, involving 329 nurses from five hospitals in Riyadh Province. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling facilitated comprehensive analysis of direct and indirect relationships among variables. Results. Findings reveal that technology integration significantly enhances nursing productivity, while the use of artificial intelligence initially presents disruptions before yielding productivity gains. Nursing workforce competencies mediate these relationships, emphasizing the critical role of workforce readiness in harnessing technology's benefits. Surprisingly, technological leadership did not significantly moderate these effects. Conclusions. This research offers vital insights for healthcare organizations, advocating strategic technology integration and workforce development. It underscores the significance of nursing competencies in navigating technological transformations and affirms the enduring importance of leadership in guiding these changes. As healthcare evolves, these findings provide guidance for optimizing technology and artificial intelligence to enhance employee productivity and patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the influence of social media on learning and education inside higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia. This study attempts to utilize the e-learning acceptance model (e-LAM) in order to identify some of the variables that impact Saudi students' inclination to utilize social media for educational purposes at higher learning institutions in Saudi Arabia. The e-LAM draws on a number of different theoretical viewpoints in order to present a more comprehensive picture of the variables that encourage the use of social media in learning and education in Saudi Arabian higher education institutions while students are enrolled in universities. The study's survey was completed by 369 undergraduates' participants enrolled in various academic programs and different educational levels. With the use of structural equation modeling, the analysis was carried out in order to investigate the correlations that existed between the variables that were stated in the conceptual model. Social media adoption intentions in Saudi Arabian higher education institutions were found to be significantly related to performance and self, supporting hypotheses 3 and 4, while communication functionality (COM) and effort (E) were found to be not significant towards Saudi Arabian students' intentions to adopt social media, thus rejecting hypotheses 1 and 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gender equity in healthcare ensures equal access to services and resources for all individuals, regardless of gender. Studies show that patients' gender influences their healthcare experiences and decisions, and societal gender preferences impact surgeon selection. Therefore, the objective of this study was to address the surgeons' gender preferences among Saudi Arabia's population. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional research design and survey methodology to gather data from a representative sample of adults aged 18 and older from the general population in Saudi Arabia. This study used SPSS version 26 for statistical data entry and analysis, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, frequency distributions, descriptive statistics, and multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regression for variables significantly associated with population gender in univariate analysis. Results: This study involved 2085 participants, with 51.2% aged 18–25, 18.4% aged 26–35, 16.7% aged 36–45, and 13.8% aged 45 and above. The majority were Saudi Arabian, with a majority holding a university degree. The majority worked in the healthcare sector, while the remaining 29.7% were unemployed. This study found that there were significant gender preferences among survey respondents for different types of surgical procedures. Male participants preferred male surgeons for routine non-emergency visits and sensitive obstetric, genital, sexual, and minor procedures (p < 0.001). Female participants, on the other hand, had no preference for emergency surgeries and major surgical procedures (p < 0.001). This study found that participants were more likely to prefer female surgeons for regular non-emergency visits to the surgery clinic (p < 0.001; aOR = 2.344). Additionally, participants had a high preference for female surgeons for sensitive cases (p < 0.001; aOR = 7.064) and minor surgical procedures (p < 0.001; aOR = 2.489). Conclusion: This study underscores the significance of cognizance and the incorporation of a patient's gender preferences when selecting surgical procedures, thus fostering an environment that is more accommodating and focused on the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hail City has experienced several transformations and urban advancements in the last two decades. These developments have attracted visitors and tourists to the city and led to a significant and urgent demand for accommodations. Local Investors have responded to this demand by establishing numerous hotels, albeit in a random manner. This paper aims to examine the patterns of hotel locational distribution in Hai City, Saudi Arabia, by utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Both Primary and secondary data were used. The primary data was collected using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (x, y) coordinates of each hotel within the city. Secondary data were obtained from the tourism authorities, the city chamber, and the municipality of Hail City. The data underwent meticulous and rigorous processing and analysis, including several analytical techniques such as multi-ring buffer, Kernel density, mean center, central feature, standard distance, directional distribution, and the average nearest neighbor analysis. This comprehensive approach produced a reliable and accurate geospatial database of the hotels. The study results indicate that hotels in Hail are predominantly clustered and concentrated on the city's western and Northern sides, demonstrating a significant agglomeration. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the hotels are far from the Central Business District (CBD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the motivations of paramedic staff serving in rural and remote communities, given the consistent shortage of healthcare workers in these areas. Using a modified Global Motivation Scale (GMS) questionnaire, we surveyed 450 paramedics in Saudi Arabia, analyzing data from 379 respondents (response rate: 84.2%) with SPSS 29. Chi-square tests explored demographic links to motivation, and ANOVA compared mean scores across groups (p < 0.05). The results showed a moderate overall motivation (M = 3.37, SD = 0.82), with high intrinsic motivation (M = 3.67, SD = 0.96) and relatively high extrinsic motivation, notably in integration (M = 3.48) and identification (M = 3.41). Age and gender significantly influenced motivation (p < 0.05), with individuals aged 24–30 years exhibiting markedly lower motivation. ANOVA confirmed the age, gender, marital status (unmarried), and EMS experience (5–10 years) as significant factors, while the education, job title, and employment site had no significant impact. Scheffe's post hoc test revealed age-related differences and emphasized the importance of EMS experience. This study suggests that both intrinsic factors and external pressures contribute to the lower motivation in adults in their mid-twenties in rural areas. Experience, particularly in EMS, significantly impacts motivation levels. We recommend tailored interventions that focus on intrinsic motivation and address external pressures to improve retention and care quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer represents a significant health concern, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where it ranks as the most prevalent cancer type among women. This study focuses on leveraging eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques to predict benign and malignant breast cancer cases using various clinical and pathological features specific to Saudi Arabian patients. Six distinct models were trained and evaluated based on common performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and AUC-ROC score. To enhance interpretability, Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were applied. The analysis identified the Random Forest model as the top performer, achieving an accuracy of 0.72, along with robust precision, recall, F1 score, and AUC-ROC score values. Conversely, the Support Vector Machine model exhibited the poorest performance metrics, indicating its limited predictive capability. Notably, the XAI approaches unveiled variations in the feature importance rankings across models, underscoring the need for further investigation. These findings offer valuable insights into breast cancer diagnosis and machine learning interpretation, aiding healthcare providers in understanding and potentially integrating such technologies into clinical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human parechovirus, a member of the Picornaviridae family (PeVs), can lead to severe infections, including severe meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and sepsis-like syndrome. We report a case of human parechovirus-related encephalitis in a 52-year-old woman diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme. She underwent surgical resection in June 2022. Unfortunately, her disease recurred, and she underwent a second resection in August 2022, followed by radiation therapy and Temozolomide therapy. She presented to the hospital with acute confusion followed by seizures, necessitating intubation for airway support. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample was obtained and processed using the Biofire FilmArray, which reported the detection of HSV-1. Despite being on Acyclovir, the patient did not show signs of improvement. Consequently, a second CSF sample was obtained and sent for next-generation sequencing (NGS), which returned a positive result for Parechovirus. In this presented case, the patient exhibited symptoms of an unknown infectious cause. The utilization of NGS and metagenomic analysis helped identify Parechovirus as the primary pathogen present, in addition to previously identified HSV. This comprehensive approach facilitated a thorough assessment of the underlying infection and guided targeted treatment. In conclusion, the application of NGS techniques and metagenomic analysis proved instrumental in identifying the root cause of the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]