NANOCOMPOSITES OF POLYPYRROLE AND COBALT OXIDE AS EFFICIENT AND STABLE MULTIFUNCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR SUPERCAPACITORS AND OVERALL WATER SPLITTING

NANOCOMPOSITES OF POLYPYRROLE AND COBALT OXIDE AS EFFICIENT AND STABLE MULTIFUNCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR SUPERCAPACITORS AND OVERALL WATER SPLITTING An Abstract of the Thesis by Ahlam Alghamdi The main objective of this study is to synthesize nanostructured cobalt oxide decorated on polypyrrole using a facile method for energy applications. For this, polypyrrole was first synthesized using a chemical polymerization method. In the second step, a varying amount of cobalt oxide was decorated on polypyrrole using a hydrothermal process. The synthesized materials were structurally and electrochemically characterized. It was observed that the electrochemical properties of the composites depend on their composition. The optimized composition showed a maximum specific capacitance of 1533 F/g at 1 mV/s with a significant electrochemical stability. The composite retained ~87% of its initial charge storage capacity even after 5,000 cycles of charging-discharging studies. Moreover, these composites showed outstanding performance as an electrocatalyst for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions. It required an overpotential of 316 mV and 132 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA/cm2 for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions, respectively. Furthermore, cobalt sulfide was synthesized using the pervious composite (not carbonized) to compare the water splitting activities for both cobalt oxide and cobalt sulfide. Clear improvement was obtained for cobalt sulfide based on oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction. Our results suggest that composites of cobalt oxide and polypyrrole can be used as bi-functional materials for energy applications such as for supercapacitors and electrocatalysts for water splitting

Incidence rate of ovarian cancer cases in Saudi Arabia: an observational descriptive epidemiological analysis of data from Saudi Cancer Registry 2001–2008

Purpose This study provides descriptive epidemiological data, such as the percentage of cases diagnosed, crude incidence rate (CIR), and age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of ovarian cancer in Saudi Arabia from 2001–2008. Patients and methods A retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis of all ovarian cancer cases recorded in the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) from January 2001–December 2008 was performed. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance tests, Poisson regression, and simple linear modeling. Results A total of 991 ovarian cancer cases were recorded in the SCR from January 2001–December 2008. The region of Riyadh had the highest overall ASIR at 3.3 cases per 100,000 women, followed by the Jouf and Asir regions at 3.13 and 2.96 cases per 100,000 women. However, Hail and Jazan had the lowest rates at 1.4 and 0.6 cases per 100,000 women, respectively. Compared to Jazan, the incidence rate ratio for the number of ovarian cancer cases was significantly higher (P<0.001) in the Makkah region at 6.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.13–9.83), followed by Riyadh at 6.3 (95% CI: 4.10–9.82), and the eastern region of Saudi Arabia at 4.52 (95% CI: 2.93–6.98). The predicted annual CIR and ASIR for ovarian cancer in Saudi Arabia could be defined by the equations 0.9 + (0.07× years) and 1.71 + (0.09× years), respectively. Conclusion We observed a slight increase in the CIRs and ASIRs for ovarian cancer in Saudi Arabia from 2001–2008. Riyadh, Jouf, and Asir had the highest overall ASIR, while Jazan and Hail had the lowest rates. Makkah, Riyadh, and the eastern region of Saudi Arabia had the highest incidence rate ratio for the number of ovarian cancer cases. Further analytical studies are required to determine the potential risk factors of ovarian cancer among Saudi women

Exploring Immersive Learning Experiences: A Survey

Immersive technologies have been shown to significantly improve learning as they can simplify and simulate complicated concepts in various fields. However, there is a lack of studies that analyze the recent evidence-based immersive learning experiences applied in a classroom setting or offered to the public. This study presents a systematic review of 42 papers to understand, compare, and reflect on recent attempts to integrate immersive technologies in education using seven dimensions: application field, the technology used, educational role, interaction techniques, evaluation methods, and challenges. The results show that most studies covered STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) topics and mostly used head-mounted display (HMD) virtual reality in addition to marker-based augmented reality, while mixed reality was only represented in two studies. Further, the studies mostly used a form of active learning, and highlighted touch and hardware-based interactions enabling viewpoint and select tasks. Moreover, the studies utilized experiments, questionnaires, and evaluation studies for evaluating the immersive experiences. The evaluations show improved performance and engagement, but also point to various usability issues. Finally, we discuss implications and future research directions, and compare our findings with related review studies

Use of social media for the improvement of safety knowledge and awareness among Saudi Arabian phlebotomists

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the use of social media for the improvement of safety knowledge and awareness among phlebotomists.MethodsAs this study was intended to arrive at specific conclusions using empirical evidence, a deductive quantitative cross-sectional online survey design was adopted. A total of 521 phlebotomists participated in the survey, and 86 incomplete responders were removed, resulting in a final sample of 435 considered in this study. T-tests and ANOVA were used to analyze the data.ResultsA total of 41.6% stated that social media was very effective, and 31.5% stated that it was somewhat effective in improving safety knowledge and awareness. in addition, this study revealed no major differences between male and female participants (p &gt; 0.05) with respect to the effectiveness of social media. However, statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) among the age groups were identified in relation to the effectiveness of social media and the intention to use it in the future.ConclusionSocial media applications are effective for knowledge dissemination among healthcare professionals

Culture in early childhood education: Insights into Saudi preschool teaching

&lt;p&gt;Culture is constructed by society and in turn constructs the identity of a people. The patterns of behaviors, practices, and values shared by a group of people represent and reflect their ethnic, religious, and gender orientations. Knowledge about people's cultural backgrounds contributes to our understanding of the role of education in shaping past, present, and future generations. Therefore, this study explores preschool teachers' cultural views regarding the teaching of young children in a Saudi early childhood education setting. A phenomenological qualitative research approach is used in this study. Data are collected through semistructured focus group interviews with 10 preschool teachers who teach young children in public preschools located in the western region of Saudi Arabia. The thematic analysis of the qualitative data reveals two main themes in the teachers' narratives: i) Religion-based instruction; and ii) Gender-related issues. The participants in this study reported engaging in a set of practices that showed how their cultural identities, including their nationality, gender, religious beliefs, and history, influenced their roles as educators. Within the rich cultural context of Saudi culture, the teachers reported being strongly committed to their social and spiritual values when teaching young children.&nbsp;&lt;/p&gt

Examining preschool teachers' subjective beliefs toward developmentally appropriate practices: A Saudi Arabian perspective

The purpose of the current study was to explore preschool teachers’ subjective beliefs toward developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) and developmentally inappropriate practices (DIP), as identified by the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, an investigation was conducted on what might account for cultural influences regarding teachers’ beliefs toward DAPs and DIPs. Q-methodology, as a mixed-method approach, was utilized to collect, analyze, and interpret the data in a two-phase, sequential explanatory design. In the first phase, 37 preschool teachers subjectively sorted 50 cards representing DAP and DIP items in terms of what they considered the most appropriate and the most inappropriate practices in the preschool classroom. Q-technique principal component analysis with Varimax rotation was used to analyze the numerical data. The second phase involved conducting follow-up focus-group interviews for further explanation and exploration of the cultural influences on Saudi preschool teachers’ beliefs regarding DAPs. The results of the Q-methodology suggested that there were four main perspectives regarding DAP beliefs among Saudi participants: Perspective A: a developmentally oriented approach to children’s learning; Perspective B: a socially oriented approach to children’s learning; Perspective C: a holistic approach to children’s learning; and Perspective D: a child-centered approach to children’s learning. Six participants were associated with Perspective A, eight with Perspective B, three with Perspective C, and seven with Perspective D. All four perspectives identified in the study coincided with different aspects of DAPs. For further explanations, 11 participants were purposefully selected to participate in follow-up focus-group interviews. The interviews provided explanations regarding participants’ subjective beliefs in light of any cultural influences. Thematic analysis following the interviews revealed themes on two levels: cross-perspective themes and within-perspective themes. Although within-perspective themes varied by each perspective, cross-perspective themes included a) denying teaching preschoolers academics, b) modifying the curriculum to suit children’s needs, c) promoting social activities, and d) respecting families but not involving them in classroom activities. Findings from this study contributed to the knowledge base on the applicability of different aspects of DAP in religious and conservative society. Furthermore, methodological notes, recommendations for future research, and implications for practice were addressed

The incidence rate of thyroid cancer among women in Saudi Arabia: an observational descriptive epidemiological analysis of data from Saudi Cancer Registry 2001–2008

This study provides a descriptive epidemiological data of thyroid cancer cases diagnosed from 2001 to 2008 among Saudi women, including the frequency and percentage of cases, the crude incidence rate (CIR) and the age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) stratified by the region and year of diagnosis. This is a retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis of all Saudi thyroid cancer cases recorded in the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) between January 2001 and December 2008. The statistical analyses were applied using descriptive statistics with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. A total of 2,930 cases were recorded in the SCR between January 2001 and December 2008. The region of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia had the highest overall ASIR at 9.43 per 100,000 women, followed by Tabuk at 7.11 and eastern region at 6.5, while Jazan and Jouf had the lowest average ASIRs at 1.97 and at 2.72, respectively. The region of Qassim recorded the greatest changes of ASIR at 5.5 per 100,000 women from 2001 to 2008. There was a slight increase in the CIRs and ASIRs for thyroid cancer in Saudi Arabia between 2001 and 2008. Riyadh, Tabuk and eastern region were the highest overall ASIR in Saudi Arabia. While, Jazan and Hail had the lowest rates. Finally, the region of Qassim had the highest changes in CIR and ASIR from 2001 to 2008. Further analytical studies are needed to determine the potential risk factors of thyroid cancer disease among Saudi wome

Exploring Immersive Learning Experiences: A Survey

Immersive technologies have been shown to significantly improve learning as they can simplify and simulate complicated concepts in various fields. However, there is a lack of studies that analyze the recent evidence-based immersive learning experiences applied in a classroom setting or offered to the public. This study presents a systematic review of 42 papers to understand, compare, and reflect on recent attempts to integrate immersive technologies in education using seven dimensions: application field, the technology used, educational role, interaction techniques, evaluation methods, and challenges. The results show that most studies covered STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) topics and mostly used head-mounted display (HMD) virtual reality in addition to marker-based augmented reality, while mixed reality was only represented in two studies. Further, the studies mostly used a form of active learning, and highlighted touch and hardware-based interactions enabling viewpoint and select tasks. Moreover, the studies utilized experiments, questionnaires, and evaluation studies for evaluating the immersive experiences. The evaluations show improved performance and engagement, but also point to various usability issues. Finally, we discuss implications and future research directions, and compare our findings with related review studies

Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of Morganella morganii infections: A multicenter retrospective study

Background: Morganella morganii is a Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen that can cause a variety of infections, including bloodstream infections, especially in those with compromised immune systems. It is often resistant to antibiotics, making it a difficult organism to treat. Limited studies have addressed M. morganii, but the organism is becoming increasingly recognized as a public health threat. More research is needed to understand the epidemiology and virulence factors of M. morganii in Saudi Arabia, as well as to develop effective treatment strategies. Methods: This retrospective study included all M. morganii bloodstream infections patients admitted to five tertiary care hospitals in Saudi Arabia between 2015 and 2022. Results: The study population included 75 patients (45 males and 30 females) between the age of 53–72 with a 54% ICU admission rate. The most comorbidities were hypertension followed by diabetes. The most common symptoms were fever, cough, shortness of breath, vomiting, and fatigue. The study also found that M. morganii was often resistant to multiple antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin, amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin, and colistin. The most common treatment for M. morganii bacteremia was carbapenems, followed by aminoglycosides, ciprofloxacin, and colistin. Source control measures, such as surgery, line removal, drainage, and tissue removal, were also used in some cases. The study found that the in-hospital mortality rate for M. morganii bacteremia was 41%. The risk of mortality was increased in patients who were admitted to the ICU, who were older than 65 years, and who had Klebsiella pneumoniae co-infection. Conclusion: M. morganii bacteremia is a serious infection that is often resistant to antibiotics. Elderly patients and patients with comorbidities are at increased risk of mortality. Source control measures and appropriate antibiotic therapy are important for improving outcomes

Glucosamine Modified the Surface of pH-Responsive Poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl Methacrylate) Brushes Grafted on Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as Smart Nanocarrier

This work presents the synthesis of pH-responsive poly(2-(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDEAEMA) brushes anchored on hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSN-PDEAEMA) via a surface-initiated ARGET ATRP technique. The average size of HMSNs was ca. 340 nm, with a 90 nm mesoporous silica shell. The dry thickness of grafted PDEAEMA brushes was estimated to be ca 30 nm, as estimated by SEM and TEM. The halogen group on the surface of PDEAMA brushes was successfully derivatized with glucosamine, as confirmed by XPS. The effect of pH on the size of the hybrid nanoparticles was investigated by DLS. The size of fabricated nanoparticle decreased from ca. 950 nm in acidic media to ca. 500 nm in basic media due to the deprotonation of tertiary amine in the PDEAEMA. The PDEAEMA modified HMSNs nanocarrier was efficiently loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) with a loading capacity of ca. 64%. DOX was released in a relatively controlled pH-triggered manner from hybrid nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that DOX@HMSN-PDEAEMA-Glucosamine showed a strong ability to kill breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR) at low drug concentrations, in comparison to free DOX