Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Embargo Investigating the ability of statin-mediated ERK5 activation to protect cardiac microvascular endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes against the adverse effects of doxorubicin.(Saudi Digital Library, 0025-04-10) Almaghrabi, Shrouq; Cross, MichaelDoxorubicin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent known for its efficacy against various cancers; however, its clinical utility is limited by cardiotoxic side effects that involve both endothelial dysfunction and direct cardiomyocyte damage. This doctoral research investigates the protective role of statins—specifically simvastatin and atorvastatin—in mitigating doxorubicin-induced toxicity through activation of the ERK5 signaling pathway. Using human and mouse cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs and MCMECs), as well as human cardiomyocyte-like AC16 cells, the study demonstrates that statins restore ERK5 phosphorylation and upregulate vasoprotective transcription factors KLF2 and KLF4. These molecular changes were associated with decreased inflammatory marker expression, preserved tight junction integrity, and improved cellular viability. The findings highlight a novel therapeutic potential for statins in preserving cardiovascular health during chemotherapy and underscore the significance of ERK5 as a molecular target for cardioprotection.29 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.15 0Item Embargo AI-Enabled Bioresponsive Clinical Decision Support Systems for Chronic Pain: User-Centered Approach(Saudi Digital Library, 0025) Alrefaei, Doaa; Soussan, DjamasbiThe advancement of eye-tracking technologies has enabled the development of systems capable of detecting attention and cognitive states objectively and in real time. Biometric technologies that capture psychological measures, such as eye movements (EMs), have allowed user experience (UX) research to expand toward building smart bioresponsive tools. One area that may benefit from these advancements is chronic pain, where self-report methods are often limited in capturing the complex phenomenon of chronic pain experience in both research and practice. This has established a need for objective biomarkers that can support pain assessment. Pain literature suggests the use of EMs as potential biomarkers, as they reflect pain-related attentional patterns. This dissertation adopts a bioresponsive, UX research approach to explore the efficacy of using EMs to detect pain experience in individuals with and without chronic pain. A proof-of-concept AI tool was developed to detect chronic pain using only EMs from individuals with and without chronic pain, achieving an accuracy of 81%, thereby demonstrating the robustness of EMs as a potential biomarker for pain. To successfully evolve this proof of concept into a fully developed and effective Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) for chronic pain treatment and management, it is essential to understand the needs of the healthcare professionals who will use the system. As a first step, traditional UX research methods were employed to conduct interviews with healthcare professionals involved in the treatment and management of chronic pain. Based on this research, six user personas, four representing doctors and two representing nurses, were developed to serve as a foundational guideline for the design of an initial CDSS prototype. The findings of this dissertation contribute to both UX research and pain science by presenting a comprehensive methodology for using eye movements (EMs) as input signals to an AI tool capable of detecting differences in attentional patterns toward pain-related stimuli. It also contributes to clinical practice by outlining design guidelines for developing an initial prototype of such an AI-based CDSS, grounded in the needs and workflows of healthcare professionals.17 0Item Restricted The Impact of Leadership Styles on Project Team Performance in Educational Settings: A Comprehensive Analysis(Saudi Digital Library, 0006-11-24) Bajabir, Anas; Barber, MartinThis study investigates the impact of leadership styles on project team performance within Nigerian university settings. The study uses a number of different studies to look at how democratic, authoritarian, and laissez-faire leadership styles affect staff morale, teamwork, and how information is shared in schools. With a systematic literature review method, this study looks in depth at how different leadership styles affect how well teams do their work. The reviews divide studies into groups based on how well they respond to two basic research questions. This helps us see how different types of leadership affect project teams in Nigerian universities in a more organised way. The results clearly show that democratic leadership is preferred in Nigerian colleges. This is because it encourages active participation, job happiness, and teamwork, all of which improve the organization's performance. Autocratic and laissez-faire styles, on the other hand, had various results. Letting things happen on their own sometimes made employees lose faith in management, while letting things happen naturally worked well in some places, like university libraries. The study finds that leaders who are open and adaptable, with a background in strategic planning and a focus on meeting the needs of the company, are the best way to get teams to work better in schools. These findings are very important for university managers, policymakers, and educational leaders in Nigeria. They show how important it is to have leadership training and development programs that promote flexible, welcoming management styles. The study also discusses about some problems, like limited access to data and differences in how institutions do things, that make it hard to use the results in other situations. The paper suggests that more research be 6 done on how customised leadership development can improve the performance and behaviour of teams in a range of academic settings.20 0Item Restricted FACTORS PREDICTING TEACHER BURNOUT: THE MODERATION ROLE OF PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT(Journal of Special Needs Education (NASE Malaysia), 0019-12-20) ALSAGOOR KHALID; Prof. Dr.Loh Sau CheongThe terminal objectives of this study are to examine: the direct effects of stressors on teacher burnout and the moderation effects of social support on the relation between stressors and teacher burnout. A total sample of 202 special education teachers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia completed a 68-item digital countrywide survey questionnaire delivered through email to all special education teachers. For current study, hypotheses were tested based on structural equation modelling (SEM). Results revealed that: (1) role overload had shown significant direct effects on the three dimensions of teacher burnout; (2) role ambiguity had shown significant direct effects on the three dimensions of teacher burnout; (3) role conflict had shown significant direct effects on depersonalization and decreased personal accomplishment; (4) no moderation effect for social support on the relationship between stressors and the three dimensions of teacher burnout.13 0Item Restricted The Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Male and Female Public Education Teachers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.(Nottingham Trent University, 0024-07) Alobaidi, Batool; Dillon, GayleThis study investigated teachers' knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and examined what factors influenced the knowledge that teachers had. In Saudi Arabia, ASD is common but often diagnosed late (Hayat et al., 2019). This highlights the need to assess teachers' ASD knowledge, as they are well-positioned to notice signs of ASD. Understanding teachers' awareness can guide targeted training programs, improving early detection and support for students with ASD. Participants included 197 male and female teachers from public schools who completed the Autism Spectrum Knowledge Scale-General Population (ASKSG, 2019) and the Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers (KCAHW, 2008) scale. The findings revealed that participants demonstrated an average level of knowledge across both scales, scoring below average on the ASKSG but above average on the KCAHW, suggesting a potential gap in understanding ASD. Teachers with prior contact with individuals with ASD spectrum exhibited significantly higher ASD knowledge compared to those without such exposure, underscoring the impact of firsthand experience. Contrary to expectations, no significant differences in ASD knowledge were found based on gender, teaching experience, or school level taught between all educational levels, be it primary, secondary, or high school. The results aligned with previous regional studies (Alharbi et al.,2021; Otaif et al.,2019) documenting weak to moderate ASD knowledge among Saudi Arabian educators. Due to the findings from previous studies in Saudi Arabia until this study, which find that teachers' ASD knowledge has not improved, the study accentuates the pressing need for intensified and reinvigorated ASD training initiatives tailored to teachers, emphasising immersive, experiential learning modalities. By addressing the identified knowledge gaps and recognized limitations, further research efforts can help to provide a comprehensive understanding of teachers' knowledge of ASD. These studies will help to develop comprehensive and tailored programs to provide teachers with the knowledge needed to support children with ASD best.8 0Item Restricted Treatment Quality, Duration and Accuracy with LightForce™ 3D-Printed Custom Brackets and Clear Aligners(Unviversity at Buffalo, 0095-06) Hamiduddin, Aliyyah; Al-Jewair, Thikriat; Aszkler, Robert; Warunek, StephenIntroduction: New custom 3D-printed bracket workflows have emerged during the past few years. LightForceTM (LF, Burlington, MA) is a custom 3D-printed labial bracket that is indirectly bonded to teeth. The manufacturer claims that they are precise in delivering tooth movement, accurate in bracket placement, efficient in clinic visits. Clear Aligners (CA) have been utilized more commonly in clinical practice with similar claims to 3D-printed brackets in terms of its precision, accuracy, and efficiency. In Addition, CAs are more esthetic, better in oral hygiene maintenance, less susceptible to white spot lesions compared to fixed orthodontic brackets, however, they have some drawbacks such as patients’ compliance is required in wearing their aligners, the main movement produced is tipping and the predictability of controlled tipping ≤ 50% of the required tooth movement. To our knowledge, the treatment quality, duration, and accuracy of LF customized 3-D printed brackets in comparison to CAs has not been investigated in the literature Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the treatment quality, duration and accuracy of LF bracket system and CA therapy. Methods: This was a retrospective comparative study of patients presenting for comprehensive orthodontic treatment with either LF or CAs (Invisalign®, San Jose, CA) in one private practice. A total of 70 subjects were included (37 in the LF group and 33 in the CA group). The mean age at the start of the treatment was 13.42 ± 1.09 in LF group and 15.8 ± 3.36 in the CA group. Pre- and post-comprehensive treatment records were compared. Treatment quality was evaluated on post-treatment 3-D printed models and panoramic radiographs using the ABO Cast-Radiograph evaluation (C-R Eval) grading system. Treatment duration was compared between the groups in months. Treatment accuracy was evaluated by comparing the predicted (TP) and the achieved (T1) arch width changes at the canine, first premolar and first molar between the groups. Results: The total C-R Eval score was 35.08 ± 9.99 in the LF group and 32.55 ± 8.85 in the CA group. The scores showed no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.503). The treatment duration was 15.89 ± 3.49 in the LF and 14.39 ± 4.69 in the CA group and the difference was not statistically significant (P= 0.138). There was significant difference between LF and CA groups in TP-T1 of the maxillary inter- canine width (LF= 0.87, CA=0.23, P= 0.013) Conclusion: Treatment quality and duration were comparable between LF and CAs in mild to moderate crowding cases. CAs demonstrated accuracy in archwidth predictions, whereas LF showed accuracy in predicting maxillary inter-canine width, mandibular intermolar and inter-premolar widths. CAs showed higher accuracy in the prediction of maxillary inter-canine width than LF.56 0Item Restricted The Role of Angiopoietin-Like 4 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression and Dissemination(University of Maryland, 0022-07-19) Hefni, Eman; Montaner, SilviaDysregulation of cellular signaling and behavior are instrumental in promoting tumor cell metabolism, proliferation, tissue invasion and metastasis. Extensive investigations in human cancer development have identified various of these alterations within tumors and their microenvironments that have helped guide the direction of drug development in cancer. Different types of molecular-based therapies for this disease are designed to modulate or interact with cell surface receptors (monoclonal antibodies), intracellular cascades (small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors) as well as microenvironment components related to the functionality of the extracellular matrix, tumor vasculature and immune response. To design these cancer molecular-based therapies, an improved understanding of the molecular underpinnings leading to tumor formation and growth is essential. The overall aim of our investigation is the identification of the molecular mechanisms associated with the induction of tumor cell migration and proliferation induced by Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), a pro-tumorigenic and pro- angiogenic factor, in head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). HNSCC accounts for approximately 900,000 cases and over 400,000 deaths annually, with around 54,000 new cases and 11,000 deaths per year in the United States. Unfortunately, the clinical management of this tumor remains challenging and there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic alternatives. Our studies, divided into two research aims, use in vitro cell- based models together with signal transduction and cell and molecular biology methods. Our results demonstrate that: 1) ANGPTL4 is upregulated in human-derived dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOKs) and HNSCC cell lines, but not in normal oral keratinocytes (NOKs), suggesting an early and sustained role for ANGPTL4 in disease progression. ANGPTL4 is a molecular marker in biopsies from patients with mild-moderate or moderate oral epithelial dysplasia, primary HNSCC and metastatic HNSCC. ANGPTL4 is necessary and sufficient to promote cell migration in DOKs and HNSCCs lines. Binding of ANGPTL4 to neuropilin-1 (NRP1) leads to paxillin (PXN) phosphorylation and cell migration in an ABL1-dependent manner, exposing the ANGPTL4/NRP1/ABL1/PXN cascade as a vulnerable target for HNSCC treatment. 2) Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)- and Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1)-mediated pathways cooperate in the upregulation of ANGPTL4 in normal and dysplastic oral keratinocytes and HNSCC cells. Besides EGF, the EGF ligand, amphiregulin leads to an increase in ANGPTL4 and is upregulated in HNSCC lesions. ANGPTL4 activates the HNSCC molecular markers p38 MAPK, AKT and mTOR in NOKs; these kinases may act as potential intracellular regulators of the autocrine signals and paracrine secretions that ANGPTL4 activates to promote HNSCC tumorigenesis. Collectively, our findings are clinically relevant and suggest that ANGPTL4 and its associated signaling molecules are potential therapeutic targets in HNSCC clinical management.19 0Item Restricted THE IMPACT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ON THE TOURISM SECTOR IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA(Bournemouth University, 0024-05-24) Alrashdi, Mohammed Sulaiman; ShivaThe research is based on the importance of public transportation development and its impact on the tourism industry of Saudi Arabia (SA). It highlights the impact of developing the transport facility that can help in attracting the potential tourist from the UK. SA has potential tourist destination in the country that makes it one of the major tourist spot for the visitors around the globe. The research questions have identified in the research that highlights various aspects of the research topic. In the theoretical framework, the innovation and future development process of SA’s public transportation system highlights the adoption of new technologies and scientific techniques. The developed strategies of public transportation in tourism contribute to enhance its profitability. The strategies of Tourism marketing follow and understand the needs and expectations of customers for online bookings, focusing on mobile, as well as optimized market. Sustainable tourism widely focuses on schemes to create a low carbon as well as encourage travel. Scientific Management Theory and Diffusion of Innovation Theory develop new ideas and practices of tourism key concepts. The research methodology introduces the concept and benefits of positivism research philosophy, deductive research approach, and descriptive research design. The data collection method is done through primary quantitative method from survey. Reliability and validity are used in research study for maintain accuracy and consistency of research study. Random sampling is used for collecting responses from 155 people working in Saudi Arabian tourism sector. Ethical considerations are used in research paper to protect it from any type of harm. Findings and discussion of the research topic is by conducting an online survey among 155 participants regarding the 11 questionnaires. Public Transport helps in reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion in the country for tourist’s attraction that are environment conscious. The development of Saudi vision 2030 strategy focuses on developing the sector of tourists. The outcome of the research has been identified. It identifies that development and innovation of the PT system improves tourism comfort ability and safety. Some recommendations on the development of PT have also been given; the future scope and research limitation have also been identified here.46 0Item Restricted A Survey Assessing the Perceptions and Interpretations of Saudi Therapists on the Use of Virtual Reality Therapy for Patients with Spinal Cord Injury(Cardiff University, 0024-06-13) Alqarni, Rawabi; Williams, AlisonTitle: A Survey Assessing the Perceptions and Interpretations of Saudi Therapists on the Use of Virtual Reality Therapy for Patients with Spinal Cord Injury. Background: Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing rehabilitation, particularly for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and neurological conditions. This study offered a comprehensive examination of VR-based interventions, encompassing the user experience (UX), game mechanics (GM), in-game assistance (IGA), and VR-induced symptoms and effects (VRISE). Methods: A descriptive survey with a self-developed questionnaire investigating the 31 Saudi therapist's perspectives that were based on patient feedback who were recruited via WhatsApp then filled up the questionnaire that contained 22 questions (both closed& opened-ended), providing a well-rounded assessment of the VR rehabilitation experience. Statistical outcomes, therapist involvement, and specific context were considered to identify areas for improvement and opportunities for further research. Results: The study highlighted the significance of enjoyment in fostering patient engagement and the need for customized VR setups aligned with patient preferences. Graphics and sound quality, while important, are not the sole determinants of engagement, emphasizing the importance of a holistic VR experience. GM and IGA show promise but require customization. Addressing VRISE through technological advancements is essential. Conclusion: This research underscored the continuous evolution of VR technology and design to better serve individuals with SCI and neurological conditions, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches and ongoing advancements in VR-based rehabilitation.8 0