The Use of Social Media as a Tool for Learning: Perspectives of Masters in Educational Technologies students at Bisha University, Saudi Arabia

The current research examines the attitudes towards the use of social media sites to support the learning process among Master's in Educational Technologies students at the University of Bisha in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including perceptions of educational benefits as well as disadvantages and barriers. Forty two students participated in this study and completed a web-based survey. The findings revealed a largely positive attitude toward the usage of social media sites in the classroom, attributing to it many advantages, such as increasing the quality and efficiency of communication between students and teachers, greater access to information, as well as stronger social connections and ease of collaboration among classmates. However, the participants also mentioned cyberbullying, privacy issues and distractions as some difficulties associated with using these tools

PERCEPTIONS OF SAUDI STUDENTS TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS FOR LEARNING

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of Saudi students regarding the advantages of using social media tools at an emerging university in the south of Saudi Arabia to support their learning and the important role that these tools can play to facilitate the educational process. Another purpose of this study is to examine the barriers that students could face during the use of social media tools in the educational process were examined. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 male and 5 female students from the college of education at the emerging university to collect data for this study. The current study found that all the interviewees had very positive perceptions towards using social media as tools for e-learning and felt that these tools are extremely effective instructional tools and should be integrated into the university curricula. Another important finding was that students do not see any clear reasons that prevent lecturers to use and integrate social media tools in learning. Participants stated that lecturers should start using them as tools to aid the other learning environments. Also, it was apparent from the results of this study that the participants stated that there were some major barriers behind using these tools in learning including distraction, language and culture barriers, privacy issues and cyberbullying. More information is needed on the current use of social media tools for learning at other Saudi universities to investigate factors and barriers that might affect Saudi students’ attitudes toward using social media to support learning. This would help to establish a greater degree of accuracy on these issues.  Article visualizations

New Platform Designs for Enabling Atomic Interactions in Solid and Gaseous States

This dissertation is composed of two projects that explored two new platforms for measuring atomic interactions using simpler designs than in the literature. The first project of this dissertation designed a platform that enables the measurement of Lennard-Jones interaction between two solid surfaces in the form of Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) probe, using different techniques from Micro electrical Mechanical Systems (MEMS). MEMS by definition implies a mechanical and electrical parts of a system. There are many defects and imperfections that emerges on both sides of the system. On the mechanical side, one of the most common imperfections is residual stress, where most fabrication recipes are designed to eliminate it. Residual stress on films causes curvature (manifested as buckling, bending, etc.) for structures that are meant to be straight. On the electrical side, fringing field is considered very complicated to model, and too small to experimentally detect and separate from the main direct electrostatic field; hence, mostly it gets ignored in modelling. This project will try to make a benefit of these two unwanted phenomena combined (residual stress and fringing field) to make a new design for an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) probe (tip). The tip behavior is first analyzed and modeled statically using COMSOL software, then dynamically using Mathematica software. Both models were combined and compared with the experimental results obtained by an optical profilometer, scanning electron microscope, and a vibrometer. It was found that the model gave good predictions of the experimental behaviors, except with higher displacement amplitude of the model than that of experiment. The reason is due to the purposeful curvature of the probe (cantilever) induced by residual stress, which caused some parts of the probe not to be on the same level with the electrode; hence, weakened its actual response experimentally. Since use of correction factors to account for fringing field is nothing new, a correction reduction factor was introduced to lower the model response to match that of the experiment. The results show that the structure of the actuator (parallel plate or a single comb finger) is not of importance in modeling fringing field, as we have applied literature force modeled for non-curved parallel plate capacitors for our curved comb-finger structure and got identical response to our comb-finger derived new force with a matter of just a correction factor (i.e. free parameter). We have also shown that the curvature equation is unnecessary in the model, and the behavior of the curved probe can be modeled as a straight one. The second project of this dissertation is another simple design for enhancing light-matter interaction between a single laser beam and an atomic gas (cesium) in what is known as cavity Quantum Electrodynamics (QED). Increasing the interaction between light and matter is inspired by the desire to unravel more understanding about the nature of both interacting entities: light and matter. This can be enabled by engineering necessary platforms where such maximally interacting light and matter can be realized. Usually there are two ways to increase such interaction: 1) increase transverse confinement, and 2) increase the interaction time (in addition to increasing the number of atoms). Each of these two ways is done in a separate platform design. This second project proposes a new platform that can have both ways: increasing both transverse confinement and interaction time by using the hollow core of photonic crystal fiber as the interaction host (hence blocking light from propagating transversally by the photonic bandgap effect), while the light will be bounced back and forth against the atomic gas, not by the conventional Fabry-Perot cavity, but instead by inscribing a Bragg grating mirror on the walls of the hollow core (hence, increase interaction time). The unblocked hollow core will allow easier atomic gas insertion. Different mirror inscription methods were studied, and the best method was employed using a photoresist-assisted layer, instead of direction inscription on the core silicon wall. Initial numerical modeling was done using Lumerical software that gave the Bragg parameters corresponding to the best Bragg mirror reflection which was up to 99.99% reflectivity from only about 300 Bragg periods (shorter mirror) corresponding to only ~100 µm penetration depth. Moreover, since the hollow core photonic crystal fiber is of a high cost, an injection port was designed and built to enable low fiber material loss caused by conventional injection

Mechanical Behaviour of Nanocrystalline Rhodium Nanopillars under Compression

Nanomechanics emerged as chemists and physicists began fabricating nanoscale objects. However, there are some materials that have neither been fabricated nor mechanical investigated at the nanoscale, such as rhodium. Rhodium is used in many applications, especially in coatings and catalysis. To contribute to the understanding the nano-properties of this important material, rhodium was fabricated and mechanically investigated at the nanoscale. The nanopillars approach was employed to study size effects on mechanical properties. Nanopillars with different diameters were fabricated using electroplating followed by uniaxial compression tests. SEM was used as a quality control technique by imaging the pillars before and after compression to assure the absence of buckling, barrelling, or any other problems. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and SEM were used as microstructural characterization techniques, and the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used as the chemical characterization technique. Due to substrate induced effects, only the plastic region of the stress-strain curves were investigated, and it was revealed that rhodium softens with decreased nanopillar diameter. This softening/weakening effect was due to the nanocrystallinity of the fabricated pillars. This effect is consistent with the literature that demonstrates the reversed size effect of nanocrystalline metals, i.e., smaller is weaker. Further studies should focus on eliminating the substrate effect that was due to the adhesion layers between Rh and the silicon substrate being softer than Rh, consequently, causing Rh to sink into the adhesion layer when compressed and thus perturbing the stress-strain curve. Moreover, further investigation of other properties of Rh is required to achieve a comprehensive understanding of Rh at the nanoscale, and to render it suitable for specific, multivariable applications

Examining the existing reality of using social media as e-learning tools at an Emerging University in Saudi Arabia from the viewpoint of tutors and students

Social media has become an integral part of today’s societies across the globe. As a consequence, the use of social media in higher education is rapidly expanding, both amongst students and faculties. Saudi Arabia’s higher education is no exception. This study examines dimensions of the reality of social media use in an EU in Saudi Arabia in order to provide a new understanding that supports the effective integration of these tools in higher education. The theoretical basis for this study was developed from Bandura’s Social Learning Theory and Davis’ Technology Acceptance Model and explored social media use from the viewpoints of tutors and students. The study employed a concurrent mixed-methods design. Firstly, 407 students and 290 tutors completed questionnaires, and then, to increase validity and reliability, 10 of the tutors were then interviewed. The data were analysed separately, then compared and integrated to identify key results. The findings reveal that the students and tutors who participated in this study had positive perceptions of the use of social media in education. Moreover, a great number of students were highly dependent on social media and viewed these tools as supportive and useful for facilitating learning, communicating, enhancing collaboration, exchanging experiences, generating and improving content, and constructing knowledge. Many tutors expressed the view that they could see the benefit of students interacting with and learning from others through social media. Nevertheless, a large portion of the faculty did not use social media for instructional purposes. The results also indicate that the major barriers to implementing social media tools in higher educational institutions are their potential for distraction, the need for training, privacy issues, and cyber-bullying. These findings highlight the fact that, as social media tools continue to attract student attention, more research needs to be done on the impact of social media on: • student collaboration and social interaction within the learning environment; • student collaboration with tutors; • the ways in which the different types of SM affect student learning and performance; • the negative impact of SMTs on learning environments and how this may also affect student learning and academic performance; and • the different barriers that students and tutors face when they utilise SM for learning, especially regarding their perceptions of privacy and security issues when using web-based applications

Prevalence of Smoking among Male Medical Students at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia

Smoking is defined as burning dry tobacco leaves and inhaling smoke from the burn. This process may be done using different forms of tobbaco products, including cigarettes (Cigars, Little Cigars, Cigarillos), electronic cigarettes, and hookah (shisha). Smoking can give rise to lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been proven to be the underlying cause in  84% of deaths in lung cancer and 83% mortalities in COPD. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of tobacco smoking among male students of the Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was performed from January to February 2020 on among medical students of Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data while the SPSS was used for data analysis. From 256 male medical students, only 113 responded to the questionnaire. The prevalence of smoking was found to be 19.5% (n=22) with most smoked cigarettes (50%). Most smokers (50 %) were in the lowest age group, 19-21 years. There was an increase in smoking with an increase in income. Of the 22 respondents who smoked, 10 started smoking when they were 14 to 17 years old. In conclusion, the study shows a low prevalence of smoking among male medical students in the College of Medicine of Majmaah University. Most smokers consume cigarettes, and the majority are not considering quitting

The Role Of EI In Effective Leadership, In The Context Of Saudi Arab: A Systematic Review

Background: The field of Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a growing field reflecting its effectiveness in different professions and institutes. There is little evidence available to seek a comprehensive role of EI in effective leadership. This study explores the role of EI in effective leadership. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate how the component of EI plays an effective role in leadership, in the context of Saudi Arab. Method: For the purpose, a systematic approach was employed to identify and select relevant studies from key databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria ensured the consideration of studies published within 05 years that examined the role of EI for effective leadership. Data extraction and analysis were conducted to synthesize findings from 11 selected studies. Results: In total 130 articles were explored and only 03 were found very relevant and 28 somewhat relevant based on inclusion criteria. Findings revealed that EI play a key role in any field specifically in effective leadership and leadership skills including empathy, self-management, and self-awareness. However, limitations including selection bias were acknowledged. Conclusion: The study concludes that EI can enhance the leadership role and can bring very significant advancement in the field of leadership. Since, there was no studies found that studied exclusively EI in relation with effective leadership

Attributes of intestinal microbiota composition and their correlation with clinical primary non-response to anti-TNF-α agents in inflammatory bowel disease patients

The largest microbial aggregation in the human body exists in the gastrointestinal tract. The microbiota in the host gastrointestinal tract comprises a diverse ecosystem, and the intestinal microbiota plays a vital role in maintaining gut homeostasis. This study aims to examine whether the gut microbiota influences unresponsiveness to anti-TNF-α treatments in primary nonresponder patients, and consequently identify the responsible microbes as biomarkers of unresponsiveness. Stool samples were collected from a cohort of patients with an established diagnosis of IBD, either ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD), following completion of the induction phase of anti TNF therapy. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis was used to examine the pattern of microbiota communities in fecal samples. The quality and quantity of fecal microbiota were compared in responder and primary nonresponder IBD patients following anti-TNF-α therapy. As per our hypothesis, a difference in gut microbiome composition between the two patient subgroups was observed. A decreased abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, including Anaerostipes, Coprococcus, Lachnospira, Roseburia, and Ruminococcus, was detected in non-responsive patients, which was the hallmark of dysbiosis. Biomarkers of dysbiosis that were identified as predictors of clinical nonresponse, included Klebsiella, Eubacteriaceae, RF32, Bifidobacterium_animalis, and Muribaculaceae—previously known as S24-7. Signature biomarkers showed dramatic alteration in the composition of gut microbiota in patients who demonstrated primary nonresponse to anti-TNF-α agents. Dysbiosis, with features including a dropped biodiversity, augmentation in opportunistic pathogenic microbiota, and a lack of SCFA-producing bacteria, is a prominent feature of the microbiome of primary nonresponders to anti-TNF-α therapy