SACM - United States of America
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9668
Browse
1573 results
Search Results
Item Restricted تعزيز القيادة التربوية من خلال التدريب الفعال وتطوير التعلم مدى الحياة في المدارس الابتدائية في المملكة العربية السعودية(Saint Louis university, 2025) الحربي, عائشة; wood, joLifelong learning is the process of acquiring continuous knowledge and skills that enable educators to keep abreast with certain changes in the field of education throughout their profession. In the current educational landscape, creating a lifelong culture has become vital for schools' effectiveness and the professional development of staff. This study uses a descriptive qualitative research method to uncover how school leaders perceive their training in supporting teachers with instructional practices, technology integration, and collaboration to promote lifelong learning. This approach was chosen since it allows an in- depth examination of participants' experiences. The researcher conducted semi- structured interviews with thirteen principals at elementary schools in Saudi Arabia. Data was interpreted thematically, where the interview recordings were transcribed, and open coding was used to capture key themes related to research questions. Data was then triangulated to identify diverging and converging themes. The first major theme showed that there was inadequacy and variability in training. Many of the principals were highly dissatisfied with the formal training offered by the government and described it as repetitive or lacking practical relevance. The second theme demonstrated leadership support as a driver for positive school culture, where strong leadership support, particularly emotional and motivational, was a crucial factor in driving positive school culture. The third theme emphasized the role of collaboration and shared vision as foundational strategies for improving school climate. The study findings also showed that Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) were widely adopted as tools for change to foster collaboration, reflective practice, and continuous improvement. The fifth theme highlighted the positive role of motivation and recognition as behavior-shifting tools for influencing the teacher's behaviors and encouraging innovation. Another major theme was teacher behavioral and instructional change post-professional development, where many leaders observed significant changes in teacher behavior following targeted professional development. The first minor theme highlighted the importance of emotional and motivational support as a leadership tool. The second minor theme focused on barriers to implementation where there is a lack of resources and financial Support. The final theme was resistance to change, with initial resistance to professional development or new strategies, especially among veteran teachers9 0Item Restricted LIFESTYLE RISK ASSESSMENT SCORE FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE (LRASPD)(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Almijlad, Asma; Andre Paes Batista da Silva, DDS, MSc, Ph.D.; Suchitra Nelson, Ph.D.; Jeffrey Albert, Ph.D.; Johnie Rose, MD, Ph.D.Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys tooth-supporting tissues (gums, ligaments, and bone). It is a multifactorial disease that is impacted by behavioral, genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. However, the main etiology is poor oral hygiene, which causes the accumulation of dental plaque. There are limited studies on the association between a combination of lifestyle factors and periodontal disease, nor is there a comprehensive risk assessment score that can be used clinically. The aim of the study is to investigate the association of socio-demographic variables and lifestyle factors with periodontitis, and to create a Lifestyle Risk Assessment Score for Periodontal Disease (LRASPD) to be used as a screener in the dental clinic. In addition, the association of LRASPD with periodontitis was examined. A secondary analysis was performed to assess if diabetes status alters the association of LRASPD with periodontitis. Methods: A cross-sectional study using secondary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from the 2009-2010, 2011-2012, and 2013-2014 cycles was conducted. Adults aged 30 years and above with complete data on 2 periodontitis, lifestyle, and demographic factors were selected. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Also, LRASPD was created by converting coefficients from the logistic regression to a score based on the following demographic (age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, and poverty income ratio) and lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption) variables. Results: The final logistic regression with only significant variables showed that current and past smokers had 2.41 and 1.31 higher odds of moderate/severe periodontitis than non-smokers; while heavy and moderate drinkers had 1.60 and 1.04 higher odds, respectively, than no/light drinkers. Individuals aged 45-64 had 3.48 times higher odds, and those aged 65 and older have 4.08 times higher odds compared to those aged 30-44. Males had 2.21 times more moderate/severe periodontitis than females. Other races had 1.74 higher odds, non-Hispanic Blacks 1.40, and Hispanics 1.34 higher odds than non-Hispanic White individuals. Those with less than a high school education had 1.45 times higher odds compared to those with higher education. Individuals below the poverty level had 1.26 times higher odds compared to those at or above the poverty level. Individuals with a high-risk score of the LRASPD had 15.13 increased odds of having moderate/severe periodontitis compared to those with no/low-risk scores. After adjusting for diabetes, individuals with a high-risk score of the LRASPD had 14.78 increased odds of having moderate/severe periodontitis compared to individuals with a no/low-risk score. Individuals with diabetes had 1.23 increased odds of having moderate/severe periodontitis. 3 Conclusion: Individuals with a high-risk score of LRASPD, followed by individuals with moderate-risk, had higher odds of having moderate/severe periodontitis compared to individuals with a low-risk score, which indicates a potential dose-dependent relationship. Also, diabetes has lower odds of having moderate or severe periodontitis compared to the LRASPD groups, which suggests that LRASPD plays a more significant role than diabetes. The LRASPD may serve to evaluate lifestyle risks of periodontal disease in dental clinic settings. Also, it can help to understand the combined impact of lifestyle factors on the development and progression of periodontal disease.18 0Item Restricted Cross Dataset Fairness Evaluation of Transformer Based Sentiment Models(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-05-10) Zuiran, Sara; Bhattacharyya, SiddharthaWith the growing exploration of Natural Language Processing (NLP) systems in decision-making environments, it is essential to evaluate technical and ethical aspects of the dataset and the NLP model to improve fairness. To assess fairness, the thesis examines demographic imbalances in sentiment classification models by evaluating transformer-based models fine-tuned on the Stanford Sentiment Treebank version 2 dataset (SST-2) against the demographically annotated Comprehensive Assessment of Language Model dataset (CALM). This work identifies performance disparities in sentiment prediction across demographic groups by examining sensitive attributes such as gender and race. The study evaluates both the RoBERTa and MentalBERT transformer models using a complete set of fairness metrics consisting of Statistical Parity Difference (SPD), Equal Opportunity Difference (EOD), False Positive Rates (FPR), False Negative Rates (FNR), Jensen-Shannon Divergence (JSD), and Wasserstein Distance (WD). The analysis examines both group-vs-rest and pairwise subgroup comparisons, including gender and ethnicity. Results show that applying adversarial mitigation reduced fairness disparities across demographic subgroups, with the most notable improvements observed for non-binary and Asian users. The observed disparities emphasize the challenge of reducing performance gaps across demographic subgroups in sentiment classification tasks. The thesis introduces a practical framework for evaluating demographic dis- disparities, extends fairness analysis, and assesses the impact of mitigation techniques in cross-dataset sentiment classification. This research proposes a framework that demonstrates a path toward creating inclusive NLP systems and establishes the groundwork for upcoming ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) studies.13 0Item Restricted The Impact of Augmented Reality-Based-Affordances Instruction on Learners’ Motivation in K-16 Classrooms: An Integrative Review(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-05-13) Aljohani, Amal Hamdan; Peter DoolittleAugmented Reality (AR) is a rapidly growing technology used in education to improve traditional learning by adding digital content to the real world. This literature review explains what AR is and how it differs from similar technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Diminished Reality (DR). Using instructional design frameworks, it highlights AR's special features, such as interactivity, visual learning, and immediate feedback that encourage active learning and match motivational theories, especially self-determination theory. The review gathers findings from various educational fields, including primary schools, medical training, and engineering, showing that AR positively affects student learning and motivation. It also looks at how AR is used in online and distance learning, emphasizing its ability to provide realistic, hands-on experiences remotely. The review stresses the importance of rigorous research methods and reliable sources, offering a clear foundation for understanding AR’s potential in education and suggesting areas for future research and practice.19 0Item Restricted PERSON-CENTERED KIDNEY CARE AND TRANSITION TO DIALYSIS: AN INVESTIGATION FROM SAUDI ARABIA(Saudi Digital Library, 2027-01-01) Alfahad, Abdulrahman Abdulmuslih S; Toles, Mark P; Almutary, Hayfa; Crandell, Jami; Ya-Ke “Grace” Wu; LeBlanc, MathewThis dissertation examines Person-Centered Care (PCC) in patients with Advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis in Saudi Arabia. It aims to advance PCC research and inform practical applications through five main objectives: (a) characterize Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) in CKD; (b) describe patient engagement among adult non-dialysis CKD patients; (c) identify population characteristics, including emotional and informational support, associated with patient engagement; (d) examine the relationship between patient engagement and health-related outcomes; and (e) characterize patient experiences during the transition to dialysis and identify factors that facilitate unplanned dialysis initiation. Chapter 2 findings of a scoping review of studies conducted in Saudi Arabia, which identified literature gaps, particularly in the standardized measurement of PROs, non-individual or environmental factors relate to patient-reported outcomes, and the underrepresentation of non-dialysis CKD patients in research. Chapter 3 reports the findings of a cross-sectional study of 128 patients which found that most participants scored the lowest engagement level. Key predictors of low engagement were low education level, low emotional and informational support. Chapter 4 reports findings from a qualitative study exploring the reasons that patients often initiate dialysis under emergency or unplanned circumstances. Through in-depth interviews with 18 patients who experienced unplanned dialysis initiation, findings characterize a range of individual, social, and healthcare system factors that contributed to unplanned dialysis initiation. The findings from this dissertation identifies actionable strategies to enhance person-centered and value-based care. The studies collectively highlight the urgent need for improved pre-dialysis care, including earlier nephrology care, integration of multidisciplinary teams, and proactive engagement of patients. Future research should prioritize designing and evaluating structured pre-dialysis programs that promote timely planning and smooth transitions to dialysis, incorporating elements such as patient education, self-management support, and activation strategies. At the policy and practice level, embedding routine PRO measurement, strengthening patient-provider communication, and tailoring care to patients’ social and emotional needs are essential to optimizing CKD care and aligning it with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 healthcare transformation.7 0Item Restricted Temporal Splitting Schemes for Multiscale Problems(Saudi Digital Library, 2027-08-09) Alshahrani, Mohsen Ghanem Abdullah; Efendiev, YalchinMany real-life problems have a multiscale nature and high contrast coefficients. High contrast is known to pose significant challenges in numerical simulation, especially for time-dependent problems. Implicit methods are commonly used for time discretization; although they are unconditionally stable, they require expensive computations at each time step. In contrast, explicit methods are computationally efficient per time step but require very small time steps to maintain stability, due to the mesh size and contrast. We propose temporal splitting algorithms for multiscale problems in mixed form that balance the efficiency of explicit methods with the stability of implicit methods. This approach is applied to flow, wave, and quasi-gas-dynamic (QGD) problems. We decompose the pressure space into two components: a coarse-grid part and a correction part. Each is paired with a corresponding velocity space, namely a coarse-grid velocity space and a correction velocity space. The coarse-grid subspaces are designed to capture fast-scale features influenced by high-contrast variations, while the correction subspaces account for slow-scale features that are independent of contrast and not resolved by the coarse-grid approximation. Using this decomposition, we develop temporal splitting schemes that treat fast components implicitly and slow components explicitly. The stability of the proposed algorithms is ensured through a careful design of multiscale spaces. We also show that time stepping in the correction spaces is independent of contrast. Additionally, we find that the allowable time step scales with the coarse mesh size, which can lead to significant computational savings. We further propose multicontinuum splitting schemes for the wave equation and the quasi-gas-dynamic problem with high-contrast coefficients. To separate fast and slow dynamics in the system, we decompose the solution space into two components. This is achieved by introducing physically meaningful macroscopic variables and employing the expansion in multicontinuum homogenization. Based on this decomposition, we formulate partially explicit time discretization schemes in which the fast (contrast-dependent) component is treated implicitly to ensure stability, while the slow (contrast-independent) component is treated explicitly to enhance computational efficiency. We introduce the concept of discrete energy and derive corresponding stability conditions, which remain independent of contrast when the continua are properly chosen. In addition, we discuss strategies for optimizing the space decomposition. Numerical examples are presented to validate the accuracy and stability of the proposed schemes.51 0Item Open Access UNDERSTANDING REPEAT USE AND WORD-OF-MOUTH IN RESTAURANT RESERVATION APPS: AN INTEGRATED UTAUT2 AND USES & GRATIFICATIONS APPROACH(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-07-16) Alhaidar, Maher; Joung, DavidThis study explores the technological and psychological factors influencing users’ repeat use and word-of-mouth (WOM) behavior regarding restaurant reservation apps in Saudi Arabia. By integrating the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) with the Uses and Gratifications (U&G) Theory, the research develops a comprehensive framework to assess how constructs such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, price-saving orientation, societal pressure, and various gratification types shape e-satisfaction and usage intention. A cross-sectional survey of 485 Saudi app users was conducted, and the data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that both technological and gratification-driven constructs significantly impact e-satisfaction and usage intention, which, in turn, positively influence repeat use intention and WOM behavior. This study advances hospitality and technology adoption literature by offering a context-specific model that bridges functional, emotional, and social motivations. Practically, it offers valuable insights for app developers, marketers, and hospitality professionals aiming to enhance user experience, drive retention, and foster digital engagement.23 0Item Restricted Effect of Bonding Agent on Final Shade of Resin Composite: An In Vitro Study(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Almuhanna, Lama; Rodrigo, Rocha Maia; Gisele, F. NeivaAbstract Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different bonding agents on the final shade of the dental composite. Materials and methods: Two adhesive systems were used: a two-step self-etch adhesive (Clearfil Liner Bond 2V, Kuraray, Noritake, Japan) and a universal adhesive (3M Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive, St. Paul, MN, USA). A nanofilled composite of EA1 shade (Filtek XT, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) was used to make 117 discs divided into three groups. Group 1 was the control with no bonding agent, Group 2 received Scotchbond Universal (SB), and Group 3 was treated with the self-etch adhesive (CF). Discs were made using an aluminum mold with three circular openings (diameters 10 mm, thicknesses 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mm). Resin composite was placed in the mold, covered with a glass slide, and light-cured for 20 seconds. After curing, specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours, then dried before applying the adhesive following the manufacturer's instructions. Color measurements were made using a spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed with Stata MP 17, using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: Samples' colorimetric properties were analyzed using CIELab parameters (L, a, and b) at three thicknesses (0.5, 0.75, and 1 mm) across Control, SB, and CF groups. In Control, brightness rose from 75.32 ± 0.36 at 0.5 mm to 76.24 ± 0.52 at 0.75 mm, then dropped to 74.31 ± 0.42 at 1 mm; SB showed a similar pattern, while CF remained similar at thinner layers but dropped at 1 mm, indicating thicker samples are less bright. All groups showed increased red (a-values) and yellow hue (b-values) with thickness, causing a yellow shift at higher thicknesses. Color differences (ΔE₀₀) and components (ΔL, Δa, Δb) varied significantly between SB and CF versus Control, with trends confirmed by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). The Scotchbond group had a non-linear ΔL, while Clearfil’s ΔL consistently decreased. Conclusion: The type of bonding agent and composite thickness critically influence the final restoration shade by affecting light transmission and scattering. Small variations in adhesive application can cause shade mismatches, compromising esthetics, highlighting the need for further research.26 0Item Restricted EVALUATION OF HYDRATION PROTOCOLS FOR HUMAN CORTICAL MINERALIZED PARTICULATE ALLOGRAFTS(Saudi Digital Library, 0025-05-07) Aljowhara, Faraidy; Santana, RonaldoObjective: Bone graft hydration is a critical yet under-explored factor influencing the handling and performance of allograft materials in regenerative procedures. Most manufacturers suggest that biomaterial should be hydrated for at least 30 minutes before use. However, despite widespread clinical use, no standardized hydration protocol exists, and the impact of hydration on the chemical composition, mineralization, and structural integrity of graft materials remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical alterations of mineralized particulate bone grafts following hydration at varying concentrations and time points. Methods: Three commercially available human allograft materials {Straumann Mineralized (SM), Geistlich Mineralized (GM), and Zimmer Mineralized (ZM)} from three different manufacturers, with particle sizes ranging from 250–1000 µm, were examined. The granules were hydrated in 0.9% saline at concentrations of 50 µL and 500 µL and incubated for 1, 10, and 30 minutes. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to assess hydration-induced structural changes. Chemical composition and molecular alterations were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and spectral data were processed using second-derivative analysis to improve peak resolution, allowing for the quantification of vibrational bands. Results: SEM analysis revealed no significant differences in surface morphology of the mineralized grafts after hydration. FTIR analysis showed chemical homogeneity across graft materials, with variations in peak intensities reflecting differences in molecular concentrations, mineralization, and collagen integrity. Biomaterial hydration promoted significant selective spectral band increases for all the time points evaluated. Prolonged hydration times did not produce significant or proportional spectral shifts, suggesting a saturation threshold after 1 minute of hydration. Conclusions: Increasing hydration time did not result in significant changes in vibrational bands, suggesting that hydration times longer than 1 minute have minimal impact on the molecular structure of the particulate allografts evaluated.12 0Item Restricted Developing analytical methods for identification of Elongate Mineral Particle (EMP): investigating the possibility of using FTIR spectra and machine learning modeling classification tasks in asbestos containing samples(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-04-28) Alquwayi, Salman; Aaron, BarchowskyBackground: EMPs pose substantial public health risks due to their well-documented associations with respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Current asbestos identification methods, such as polarized light microscopy (PLM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), have limitations related to subjectivity, cost, and complexity. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) offers a promising alternative, but its application in EMP classification remains underexplored. This dissertation investigates the potential of using FTIR in combination with Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) for improving EMPs detection. Objectives This research aims to (1) develop an analytical method utilizing FTIR-DRIFTS and PLSDA to classify EMPs accurately, (2) investigate and validate the PLS-DA model performance of this method in laboratory-controlled conditions, and (3) improve asbestos monitoring, reduce occupational exposures, and support regulatory compliance in public health and industrial hygiene settings. Methods: Six regulated asbestos reference materials were analyzed using FTIR-DRIFTS. Spectral data were preprocessed and used to train PLS-DA models for classification. The models were validated against reference standards, potential interference, and bulk samples with different mineralogical compositions. The study also assessed the effects of background variability, particle size, and spectral interference on classification accuracy. Results: The developed FTIR-PLS-DA method demonstrated high classification accuracy, correctly identifying asbestos types with minimal misclassification. The technique effectively distinguished EMPs based on their vibrational spectra, with model detection ability reaching as low as 0.0016% by weight for some asbestos classes. Background variability was found to impact model performance, emphasizing the importance of same-day spectral calibration. The model was robust across different particle sizes and sources, though slight misclassification occurred between closely related amphibole types. Conclusion: FTIR-PLS-DA can provide a reliable, reproducible, and cost-effective approach for asbestos and EMP identification. The method minimizes analyst subjectivity and enhances classification accuracy, making it a valuable tool for occupational and environmental monitoring. With a potential integration of handheld IR spectrometers that could further advance on-site asbestos screening, reducing health risks for workers. Public Health Impact: By improving the selectivity and accuracy of EMPs detection, such a method can enhance workplace safety, facilitate regulatory compliance, and support early intervention in asbestos related exposure risks.13 0