Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Simulation-Enhanced Interprofessional Education: A Best Practice for Collaborative Healthcare Training(University of Rochester, 2025) Almutairi, Rima; Miller, DavidSimulation-Enhanced Interprofessional Education (SIM-IPE) has emerged as a transformative strategy to bridge gaps left by traditional interprofessional education (IPE) methods in preparing healthcare students for real-world collaborative practice. This paper critically examines SIM-IPE as a best practice for fostering teamwork, communication, and role clarity among students from diverse health professions. Grounded in experiential learning theory and supported by empirical evidence, SIM-IPE offers immersive, high-fidelity clinical scenarios that enhance students' readiness for team-based care. The paper synthesizes seven core themes, including SIM-IPE’s ability to address limitations in traditional IPE, promote psychological safety, develop core interprofessional competencies, and provide strategies for sustainable curriculum integration. It further explores the influence of faculty development, institutional support, and logistical innovation on successful implementation. While challenges such as financial constraints, faculty resistance, and professional silos persist, the findings underscore SIM-IPE’s pivotal role in advancing collaborative, patient-centered care and call for systemic reforms to embed it as a core component of health professions education.20 0Item Restricted The Accuracy of The Static Computer-aided Implant Surgery in The Different Extraction Sockets: An In Vitro Study(Indiana University, 2025) Alqahtani, Dhafer; Chaochieh, YangPurpose: To evaluate the accuracy of guided surgery in a healed ridge and different types of maxillary anterior teeth extraction sockets. Material & Methods The extraction site of the maxillary right central incisor (ADA#8) was designed and printed with bone simulation resin. A total of 40 maxillary radiopaque bone models were divided into four groups. Group H (n=10) included the healed edentulous ridge at site #8. Group L (n=10) included #8 extraction socket positioned against the labial cortex. Group C (n=10) included a centralized #8 extraction socket not engaging either the palatal or labial cortices. Group P (n=10) consisted of #8 extraction socket positioned against palatal cortical. Bone models were scanned and saved as STL files. At site #8, a virtual 4.1 mm diameter x 10 mm Straumann bone level tapered implant was planned sub-crestal in a prosthetically-driven position using CoDiagnostiX implant planning software. Surgical guides were fabricated for each bone model according to the implant planning. Straumann BLT implant shape alloy implants were placed following the fully guided s-CAIS protocol. After implant placement, the position was scanned with an intraoral scan, the angular deviation and 3D deviation at the crest and apex levels between the planned and actual implant placement were measured using a treatment assessment function in the implant planning program. One-way ANOVA was used to assess whether the extraction socket form affected the degree and amount of deviation. Result The center group showed the highest global offsets at both the crest (0.83±0.34mm) and apex (0.98±0.29mm), whereas the labial group had the lowest offsets at the crest (0.38±0.17mm) and apex (0.49±0.26mm). Depth deviation of the implant at crest and apex were not significantly different among the groups. The healed ridge group exhibited the highest mean angular deviation (2.91±1.37°), while the center group had the lowest (1.87±1.11°). At the crest, the center group had greater global discrepancies (p < 0.001). ANOVA results indicated that the type of extraction socket significantly affects global, labial-palatal, and mesial-distal deviations at both the crest and apex (p < 0.05). At the apex, the labial group had significantly lower global deviations than the others (p < 0.001). Conclusions The extraction socket types impact the accuracy of s-CAIS. Implants placed immediately in extraction sockets centered within the alveolar ridge showed less accurate crestal positions. In contrast, the labial-positioned socket exhibited greater accuracy in global deviations at the apex. Furthermore, the accuracy of s-CAIS for immediate implant placement was comparable to healed ridge placement with a potential tendency toward a more labial position.30 0Item Restricted Zinc Pretreatment as a Strategy to Improve Silver Diamine Fluoride Therapy: A Translational Approach to Reducing Discoloration and Enhancing Aesthetic Outcomes in Dentistry(University of Rochester, 2025) Almulhim, Abdullah; Xiao, Jin; Li, YihongSilver diamine fluoride (SDF) has gained widespread recognition as a minimally invasive treatment for early childhood caries (ECC), but its aesthetic drawback, permanent black discoloration of carious lesions, remains a significant barrier to broader clinical acceptance. This dissertation explores zinc pretreatment as a translational strategy to mitigate SDF-induced discoloration while maintaining its antimicrobial and functional efficacy. Through a series of in vitro investigations modeled on clinically relevant conditions, this work advances the development of more acceptable, patient-centered alternatives to conventional SDF therapy. In this dissertation, I conducted three interconnected studies to evaluate the role of zinc pretreatment in modifying SDF outcomes. The first study assessed the effect of zinc pretreatment on sound dentin prior to SDF application. Results demonstrated reduced surface discoloration, with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirming modified silver deposition patterns and the presence of zinc on treated dentin. The second study extended these findings to an artificial caries model, simulating cariogenic conditions using dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Zinc pretreatment preserved SDF’s antimicrobial activity while disrupting biofilm structure and reducing biomass, suggesting a potential synergistic effect. The third study focused on primary dentition, where aesthetics are of heightened concern, demonstrating that zinc reduced discoloration on carious and sound dentin of extracted primary teeth, with SEM/EDS corroborating altered silver distribution. Although statistical significance in discoloration reduction was borderline, consistent trends across experiments support the mechanistic role of zinc in modifying silver behavior on dentin surfaces. The results of this dissertation provide foundational evidence for incorporating zinc into caries-arresting treatments to overcome aesthetic limitations without compromising therapeutic efficacy. In addition to establishing zinc’s potential to reduce staining, this work proposes future directions including nanoparticle-based delivery systems, expanded surface and functional analyses, and clinical trials in pediatric populations. Collectively, this research bridges the gap between laboratory-based discovery and real-world application. It contributes to the broader mission of translational biomedical science by advancing minimally invasive, aesthetically acceptable, and biologically effective therapies for managing caries, particularly in young children and underserved populations.15 0Item Restricted The Relationship Between Caregivers' Contribution to Heart Failure Self-Care and Patient Self-Care: Exploring the Moderating Effect of Patient Cognitive Status(Case Western Reserve University, 2025-05) Aldossary, Heba Mohammed; Dolansky, Mary; Irani, Elliane; Schiltz, Nicholas; Sundaram, VarunHeart failure (HF) impacts millions worldwide and necessitates ongoing self-care, including maintenance, monitoring, and management, to prevent symptom worsening and hospitalization. Cognitive impairment, impacting memory, attention, and decision-making, is prevalent among patients with HF and may impede their self-care capabilities. In these instances, family caregivers frequently offer essential assistance. The effectiveness of this support in cases of cognitive impairment is not well established. Furthermore, other factors, including patient and caregiver self-efficacy, mental quality of life, and satisfaction with dyadic care may impact self-care, yet they remain insufficiently examined. This research employed a secondary analysis of data from 277 HF patient-caregiver dyads (N = 554) participating in a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Italy. Regression analyses, both multiple and moderated, were performed to investigate the relationships between caregiver contributions and patient HF self-care behaviors while evaluating the moderating effect of patient cognitive status and the impact of the covariates. The findings indicated that caregiver contributions were significant predictors of patient self-care in the domains of maintenance, monitoring, and management. Patient self-efficacy was identified as a significant and reliable predictor in all domains of self-care. The relationship between caregiver contribution and patient self-care maintenance and monitoring was significantly moderated by cognitive status, with caregiver support proving more effective for patients without cognitive impairment. Furthermore, caregiver satisfaction with dyadic care exhibited a negative correlation with self-care maintenance, while showing a positive correlation with self-care monitoring. The findings underscore the critical importance of caregiver support and patient self-efficacy in HF self-care, while also indicating that caregivers provide more support when there is no cognitive impairment. The results highlight the necessity of regular cognitive assessments and caregiver training when cognitive impairment exists to assist with HF self-management. The role of caregiver satisfaction indicates that relational dynamics may affect different aspects of self-care, necessitating further investigation. This research informs the creation of tailored interventions that include caregivers, with the goal of enhancing HF management.8 0Item Restricted Weather, Sustainability and Islamic Finance(University of New Orleans, 2025) AlKatheery, Nouf; Hassan, MohammadThe first essay examines how weather conditions affect stock market performance in the Saudi Stock Exchange (TASI). To investigate this relationship, the study employs multiple regression analysis in conjunction with the GJR-GARCH model. we analyze the effects of Air Temperature, Relative Humidity, Wind Speed, and Rainfall on TASI returns. Results indicate Air Temperature has the most significant influence. The impact of weather weakened after foreign investors entered the market, suggesting a shift in investor behavior. Sectoral analysis reveals that the Energy, Information Technology, and Utilities sectors are the most resilient to weather variations. This second essay examines the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance factors on the profitability of conventional and Islamic banks. Using structural equation modeling, the findings reveal that the Environmental pillar positively impacts profitability in Islamic banks. The Social pillar negatively affects profitability in Islamic banks, while the Governance pillar increases profitability in conventional banks but reduces it in Islamic banks. These results highlight the need for Islamic banks to optimize social initiatives and governance frameworks while conventional banks should enhance environmental strategies.13 0Item Restricted The impact intentional weight loss can have on patients living with sleep apnea(University College Dublin, 2025) ALRUWAILY, AYYAD; Roux, Carel LeBackground: As the global prevalence of obesity continues to rise, the health and economic burden of a variety of obesity-related complications is becoming more substantial. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 kg/m2 is considered overweight, and over 30 kg/m2 is used to define obesity. Obesity is a recognized risk factor for many illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hypertension, myocardial infarction, and vascular disease, osteoarthritis, multiple cancers, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). the development of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a widely underdiagnosed condition which impacts significantly patient health and quality of life. In recent years, devices that enable diagnosis and monitoring of OSA in the community have become more popular, given the extensive resource requirements of formal full polysomnography (PSG) testing for OSA. Objective: The first study aimed to determine changes in detailed polysomnography parameters after weight loss surgery in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The second study aimed to investigated whether liraglutide 3.0 mg would reduce the severity of OSA and other obesity-related complications compared with usual care. The third study aimed to assess the result of bariatric surgery on OSA and other obesity-related complications. Methods: The first study, recruited 5 patients in the Sleep Disorders Unit in St Vincent‟s Healthcare Group, Dublin Ireland, between 2019 and 2021. The second study recruited 40 patients from the STRIVE study at St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH), Dublin, between 2019 and 2020 and the third study recruited 24 patients from the bariatric surgery unit at St. Vincent's University Hospital (SVUH), Dublin, from 2018 to 2020 with a BMI of 38.4 to 58.2 kg/m2, before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or Roux- en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). In the first study, the 5 patients completed a questionnaire concerning possible daily or nocturnal symptoms, medication, intoxications, and medical history. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was included in the questionnaire. Patients used a scale of 0–3 for each of the questions on the ESS. The scale measured the level of falling asleep in eight different situations, giving an overall score between 0 and 24: the higher the 5 score, the sleepier the individual. We performed overnight polysomnography (PSG) on all 5 patients. PSGs were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively within one year. Embla Sandman, Version 10.1.1, was used to conduct PSGs. For the second and third study the King's Obesity Staging Criteria (KOSC) was used. The KOSC comprise nine health domains: Airways, Body mass index, Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, Economic complications, Functional limitations, Gonadal axis, Health status (perceived), and Body Image. These domains were used to assess the effectiveness of Liraglutide 3.0mg for weight-loss (in the second study) and bariatric surgery for weight loss (in the third study). Results: In the first study on 5 patients, the following parameters were tested 1) apnea, 2) oxygenation, 3) symptoms of sleepiness, 4) sleep and 5) surrogate markers of cardiovascular risk after one-year bariatric surgery. We observed a significant improvement in the majority of polysomnography parameters. The severity classifications Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) used were mild (AHI = 5-14), moderate (AHI = 15- 30), and severe (AHI > 30). We found that participants' total AHI had improved significantly in Hypopnea (p < 0.03) and Apnea Hypopnea Index (p < 0.03). In the second study on 40 patients and the third study on 24 patients, the King's Obesity Staging Criteria (KOSC) comprise nine health domains: each domain, a person's health is assigned a score of 0 ('normal health'), 1 ('at risk'), 2('established disease'), or 3 ('advanced disease'). The two groups were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression to evaluate the null hypothesis that there is no change in participants' 9 domains between the two groups when measured at baseline and 52 weeks after commencement as part of the STRIVE RCT. Multivariate logistic regression showed a trend towards those without OSA benefiting more in cardiovascular health (p = 0.06). Those with OSA benefited more regarding improved in body image after 52 weeks (p =0.03). Conclusion: The three most important findings and the meaning of our study were improvements in the patient's OSA as measured by AHI. The study also demonstrates statistically significant correlations between AHI and anthropometric variables of weight, BMI, waist circumference, and neck circumference while suggesting baseline AHI may have been used as a predictor for AHI improvement with weight-loss 6 interventions. All oxygen parameters improved significantly after bariatric surgery and decreased the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes.5 0Item Restricted INVESTIGATING THE NATURE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENTAL POLICIES ON THE INCLUSION OF STUDENTS WITH MILD/MODERATE DISABILITIES IN GENERAL EDUCATION SETTINGS IN SAUDI ARABIA(Kent State University, 2025) Alanazi, Hani Hulayyil; Stevenson, NathanThe government of Saudi Arabia has made significant efforts to provide inclusive education for students with disabilities. Inclusive education enables students with disabilities to receive the same educational services and opportunities as their non-disabled peers. However, the current educational system still faces challenges in achieving effective inclusion. The broad goal of effective inclusion is to provide appropriate services and accommodations for individual educational programs and supports that ensure quality education for all children. Many governments, including Saudi Arabia, have advanced specific policies for the inclusion of students with disabilities, particularly those with mild to moderate disabilities, in general education programs. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia is still in the preliminary stages of integrating students with disabilities into general educational environments. This study focuses specifically on the perspectives and lived experiences of special education teachers working in elementary schools in Riyadh. The study examines the extent to which existing educational policies in Saudi Arabia encourage the inclusion of students with moderate to severe disabilities in general education classrooms, according to teachers charged with enacting such policies. By analyzing how these teachers interpret and apply inclusive education policies in their everyday practice, the study seeks to illuminate the real-world challenges and contextual dynamics influencing policy implementation. The study identifies systemic gaps and areas where major changes or further improvements are needed to increase the number of students with disabilities in inclusive educational settings. By investigating the current state of inclusive education policies and practices in Saudi Arabia, this research aims to contribute to the development of a more equitable and inclusive educational system for all students.5 0Item Restricted The Impact of Privacy Awareness on Sharenting and Privacy Management Practices Among Saudi Parents(Kent State University, 2025) alnemre, Afnan; Hollenbaugh, Erin; Egbert, NicholeIn the digital age, parents frequently engage in the practice of sharenting—sharing their children's photos and information on social media—raising concerns about privacy and its implications for identity theft and other risks. This phenomenon has significant impacts on the violation of children’s privacy and their psychological and social well-being. Guided by communication privacy management (CPM) theory, this study aimed to identify the role of privacy awareness and religiosity in sharenting and privacy management practices among Saudi parents, using a quantitative approach and relying on a survey as a data collection method, N =139 were collected from Saudi parents. The findings revealed that extrinsic religiosity demonstrated positive relationship with all sharenting dimensions self-control, social behaviors and implications also with boundary linkages and boundary permeability in CPM. Also, intrinsic religiosity has a negative correlation with boundary permeability, while the study does not find a relationship between intrinsic religiosity and all sharenting dimensions. Additionally, there was a significant negative correlation between privacy awareness and boundary ownership in CPM. Moreover, the study has shown gender differences in sharenting behavior, showing that mothers post more pictures of children. This research aspires to inform initiatives promoting privacy-conscious digital practices among parents and aims to support the development of child protection policies in Saudi Arabia to safeguard children's online privacy.23 0Item Restricted Emotional Walls: Designing Architecture That Speaks the Unspoken(Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), 2025-05) Alkhomairi, Hatim Abdulrahman; Jones, JamesThis thesis investigates how architecture and human emotions connect, linking the physical characteristics of spaces to psychological experiences. It explores how design can evoke emotional responses and how different architectural elements, including light, trigger specific emotional reactions. Using a "Gallery of Emotions" as a foundational project for experimentation, the aim is to develop concepts that are applicable to diverse architectural settings. The design process begins with words that are used to craft atmospheres that evoke targeted emotions. Two complementary approaches guide decision-making: digital software for testing ideas and physical techniques, including sketching and model-making, to achieve a cohesive final design.4 0Item Restricted Dissecting the structural requirements for Notch/ligand interactions with mutations derived from cancer genome sequencing(The University of Manchester, 2025) Alanazi, Areej; Baron, MartinNotch is a cell surface receptor with critical roles in development and cellular differentiation, and its altered activity is frequently associated with cancer. Despite extensive sequencing efforts identifying numerous cancer-associated mutations in Notch, the functional consequences of many of these mutations remain poorly understood. Notch activation is mediated by its interaction with cell surface ligands, Delta and Serrate/Jagged, triggering proteolytic cleavage events that release the Notch intracellular domain (NICD). The NICD translocates to the nucleus to regulate transcription, and Notch can also be activated through ligand-independent mechanisms following endocytosis. This thesis exploits the high sequence conservation between human and Drosophila Notch to dissect how cancer-associated mutations alter receptor functionality, using an approach comprising in vitro and in vivo analyses. This work focuses on mutations within the ligand-binding region that are associated with cancers where Notch acts as a tumour suppressor. Through cell culture assays, I categorised Notch mutants based on their ligand-binding properties, signalling efficiencies, and ligand-independent activities. Using CRISPR/Cas9, these mutations were introduced into the Drosophila genome, enabling a comprehensive study of their phenotypic consequences. My analyses revealed diverse mutant classes, including those that completely eliminate signalling or retain partial functionality. For example, I identified mutants that discriminated between different Notch ligands, removed ligand-dependent signalling while retaining ligand-independent activity, and one mutant that retained ligand-dependent activation but removed ligand-independent activity. I also found that different cell-based assays could distinguish between levels of ligand associations required for cell adhesion and cell signalling. In vivo genetic interaction studies further refined our understanding of mutant classifications, revealing Notch mutant-specific interactions with a panel of genetic modifiers and uncovering phenotypes that deviated significantly from null-like behaviour. Additionally, I demonstrated that several mutations compromised cis-inhibitory interactions, with heterogeneous impacts on this regulatory mechanism across different developmental contexts. These findings provide valuable insights into the regulatory dynamics of Notch signalling, paving the way for advancing our understanding of the pathway’s role in development and disease.16 0