AN EXPLORATORY STUDY TO IDENTIFY TEACHING STYLES IN SAUDI ARABIA BASED ON THREE LEARNING THEORIES

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate Saudi teachers’ philosophy in teaching based on three major learning theories (behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism).  Also, it showed the different between gender (male, female), and teachers’ experiences in teaching (1-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16-20, more than 20 years), and level of teaching (Elementary, Middle, and High) school in the preferred teaching philosophy. The result showed that Saudis’ teacher proffered using cognitivism philosophy more than constructivism philosophy and behaviorism philosophy. Although the male teacher had preferred behaviorism school more than female teachers, the female teachers had preferred cognitivism and constructivism schools more than male teachers. Also, the teachers who had more experience preferred cognitivism and constructivism schools more than behaviorism school

Saudi Teachers’ Experiences and Attitudes Toward Integrating Video Games for Learning: Affordances and Constraints of Using Video Games in Saudi Arabian Classrooms

The effectiveness of integrating educational video games into classrooms depends on teachers’ attitudes toward video games. This descriptive study investigates Saudi teachers’ experiences playing video games and their attitudes about integrating video games into their classrooms in Saudi Arabia. A total of 930 Saudi teachers completed an electronic survey developed by the researcher. Overall, the results of this study showed Saudi teachers’ attitudes toward video games were fairly positive despite a low level of play. Analysis found a relationship between teachers’ philosophy of teaching and their perspectives toward using video games in their classroom for learning. A moderate negative correlation was found between behaviorist philosophy and teachers’ attitudes. On the other hand, there was a moderate positive correlation between cognitivism and constructivism philosophies Saudi teachers’ attitudes toward using video games in classrooms. Moreover, this study identified significant factors that prevented Saudi teachers from using video games in their classroom. The factors preventing Saudi teachers from employing video games in their teaching was explored through two methods: principal component analysis and principal factor analysis. Results identified five nearly identical components/factors. The findings of this study inform educators about Saudi teachers’ perspective of integrating video games in their classroom as well as contribute to the literature about gaming in teaching and learning. The results of this study could encourage parents, educators, and the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Education to provide educational games that satisfy students’ desires for challenge and knowledge

EXPECTATIONS AND REALITY: VIDEO GAMES IN EDUCATION FROM TEACHERS' PERSPECTIVE

Games integration could be a catalyst for changing pedagogical practices. however, the effectiveness of using video games in education depend on teacher’s acceptance to use video games in their classroom. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate Saudi teachers’ perspective toward video game integration in education at elementary, middle, and high schools’ levels in Saudi Arabia; and found differences in teachers’ attitudes between gender and teachers experiences and level of teaching. It also investigated relationships between teachers’ philosophy based on three main learning theories (behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism) and their perspectives toward video game use in the classroom. There were 930 male and female teachers who participated in the study. Overall, the results of this study showed Saudi teachers’ attitudes toward video games were fairly positive. Analysis found a relationship between teachers’ philosophy of teaching and their perspectives toward using video games in their classroom for learning. A moderate negative correlation was found between behaviorist philosophy and teachers’ attitudes. On the other hand, there was a moderate positive correlation between cognitivism and constructivism philosophies Saudi teachers’ attitudes toward using video games in classrooms

The Extent of Comprehension and Knowledge with Respect to Digital Citizenship Among Middle Eastern and US students at UNC

Digital technologies have revolutionized the way people acquire information and gain new knowledge. With a click or touch on the screen, anybody who is online can sail in the digital world and accomplish many things.  As such, the optimal use of information and communication technology involves user comprehension, knowledge, and awareness of positive digital citizenship.  The purpose of this study was to examine the scope of knowledge and understanding about digital citizenship among Middle Eastern and US students at the University of Northern Colorado. It also examines the difference among Middle Eastern and US students at the University of Northern Colorado in three categories: respect, education and protection. The study was based on a questionnaire that was distributed to 51 students at the University of Northern Colorado. The result reveals that there was not a significant difference between Middle Eastern and US students at the University of Northern Colorado in term of digital citizenship awareness. This study recommends examining other variables that may affect on digital citizenship. Keywords: Digital citizenship, awareness, respect, educate, protect, Middle East.

Virucidal Effect of Guggulsterone Isolated from Commiphora gileadensis

Commiphora gileadensis, locally known as becham, is a plant used in traditional Arabian medicine for treating headache, constipation, stomach, joint pain, and inflammatory disorders. Several studies have reported its antibacterial properties; however, no study has demonstrated its antiviral activity. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral activity of C. gileadensis as well as to isolate its active compound and investigate its mode of action. This activity was evaluated using 4 viruses, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), respiratory syncytial virus type B (RSV‑B), coxsackie virus B type 3, and adenovirus type 5 by performing the plaque reduction assay and the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays for enveloped and nonenveloped viruses, respectively. The methanol extract of C. gileadensis leaves only showed antiviral activity against enveloped viruses with a selectivity index of 11.19 and 10.25 for HSV-2 and RSV‑B, respectively. The study of the mechanism underlying antiviral activity demonstrated a virucidal effect by direct contact with these target viruses. The active compound, isolated using bio-guided assays involving TLC, was identified as guggulsterone by HPLC-diode array detection coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Guggulsterone is an antagonist of the bile acid receptor and a modulator of cholesterol metabolism; however, its antimicrobial properties have been reported for the first time in this study

Dermatological Lesions of Cholesterol Embolization Syndrome and Kaposi Sarcoma Mimic Primary Systemic Vasculitis: Case Report Study

Primary systemic vasculitis can present with a wide spectrum of manifestations ranging from systemic non-specific features such as fever, malaise, arthralgia, and myalgia to specific organ damage. We describe two cases of cholesterol embolization syndrome and Kaposi sarcoma mimicking primary systemic vasculitis, both of which were characterized by features such as livedo reticularis, blue toe syndrome, a brown, purpuric skin rash, and positive p-ANCA associated with Kaposi sarcoma. Establishing the right diagnosis was challenging, and thus we aim in this study to highlight the possible ways to distinguish them from primary systemic vasculitis. Keywords: Dermatological lesions, Cholesterol embolization syndrome, Kaposi sarcoma, vasculitis mimic

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase subunits A and B are essential to maintain photosynthetic efficiency

In plants, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH; EC 1.2.1.12) reversibly converts 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate coupled with the reduction of NADPH to NADP+. The GAPDH enzyme that functions in the Calvin Benson Cycle is assembled either from four glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase A subunits (GAPA) proteins forming a homotetramer (A4) or from two GAPA and two glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase B subunit (GAPB) proteins forming a heterotetramer (A2B2). The relative importance of these two forms of GAPDH in determining the rate of photosynthesis is unknown. To address this question, we measured the photosynthetic rates of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants containing reduced amounts of the GAPDH A and B subunits individually and jointly, using T-DNA insertion lines of GAPA and GAPB and transgenic GAPA and GAPB plants with reduced levels of these proteins. Here we show that decreasing the levels of either the A or B subunits decreased the maximum efficiency of CO2 fixation, plant growth, and final biomass. Finally, these data showed that the reduction in GAPA protein to 9% wild-type levels resulted in a 73% decrease in carbon assimilation rates. In contrast, eliminating GAPB protein resulted in a 40% reduction in assimilation rates. This work demonstrates that the GAPA homotetramer can compensate for the loss of GAPB, whereas GAPB alone cannot compensate fully for the loss of the GAPA subunit

Prevalence and practice of oestrogen use among the male gym participants

BackgroundOestrogen is the primary female sex hormone and has important functions in both female and male physiology. Recently oestrogen abuse among male gym participants had raised as it is considered to enhance gym performance and breast size. AimsThis study assesses the prevalence of oestrogen use among male gym patrons in Saudi Arabia, their practice related to oestrogen abuse, and the profiles of users. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2017 to May 2017 and included 4,860 male gym patrons. The participants were given a questionnaire with a total of 19 questions regarding socioeconomic information, knowledge and practices related to oestrogen, and lifestyle habits.Results The participants had a mean age of 28.6+6.2 years, 6.1 per cent of them abused oestrogen, and the most common forms used were ethinylestradiol (0.03mg) and drospirenone (3mg). Furthermore, 80.7 per cent of the users used it before exercise only. Breast enlargement was the main reason for oestrogen use, and local drug stores were the main source. Compared to non-users, oestrogen users were older (P=0.322), reported lower incomes (P=0.395), were more likely to be active smokers (P=0.597), and had a longer duration of gym participation (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe results indicate that 6.1 per cent of the surveyed male participants abused a combination of oestrogen and progesterone for breast enlargement, which was significantly more likely among males who had longer durations of gym participation

Parental awareness regarding pediatric antibiotic use in Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Purpose: To determine the level of awareness of antibiotic use in children in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and to identify factors associated with parental decisions regarding it. Methods: Using a multiple-choice-question-based questionnaire survey, 1256 forms were distributed to visitors of major shopping malls in Madinah City to obtain socio-demographic and antibiotics knowledgebased data from October 2017 to January 2018. Differences in scores between and within groups on knowledge of parents about antibiotics were determined. Results: Most participants (67 %) had good basic knowledge of antibiotics: 69 and 40 % of respondents were aware of their side effects and antibacterial resistance, respectively. Participants in high age groups (&gt; 46 years old) have a significantly higher mean knowledge score (55.4 ± 20.1, p &lt; 0.05) than those in younger groups. Educational status increased the mean knowledge score by approximately 60 %, with the most educated group having a mean score of 61.2 ± 16.4 (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: These results reveal the importance of awareness campaigns on antibiotic use and the role of healthcare professionals in the education of patients and parents on correct use of antibiotics, as well as the significance of antibacterial resistance. Keywords: Antibiotics misuse, Pediatrics, Patient education, Antibacterial resistanc

Overview on Epidemiology and Management of Myxedema Coma or Crisis

The most severe type of hypothyroidism is known as myxedema coma, which can quickly lead to death if not identified and treated aggressively. The condition known as hypothyroidism is easily detected and treated. But if ignored, it might eventually progress to myxedema coma, the most serious form of hypothyroidism. Since the majority of patients do not initially appear in a coma, the term "myxedema coma" is usually regarded as misleading. Lethargy usually progresses to stupor, which then becomes a coma with hypothermia and respiratory failure. only clinical criteria are used for diagnosis because thyroid hormone assays are unable to distinguish between simple hyperthyroidism and thyroid storm. Apart from essential medical interventions, the treatment focuses on preventing thyroid hormone production and secretion as antithyroid medications, and preventing the peripheral effects of thyroid hormone as β-blocker, glucocorticoids. The diagnosis of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood is the same as that of simple hypothyroidism. As soon as a diagnosis is obtained, treatment should start right away. The majority of hospital and commercial laboratories can turnaround a TSH test in a matter of hours