Al Batin Research Articles

Awareness, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Diabetic Nephropathy Among the General Population in Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Awareness, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Diabetic Nephropathy Among the General Population in Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Morphological Characterization of Culex Quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) Pupae in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Over the last 30 years, several mosquito-borne diseases have spread worldwide, threatening human and animal health, including lymphatic filariasis. Lymphatic filariasis is a major public health issue in tropical regions like Saudi Arabia, caused by parasitic worms. The parasitic worms Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi are transmitted by Culex quinquefasciatus. Cx. quinquefasciatus is a potential vector for various arboviruses like encephalitis virus and West Nile virus, along with protozoa like Plasmodium relictum that cause bird malaria. With the increasing number of mosquito species, there is an increased need for additional species identification. More attention is being directed to the immature stage, specifically the pupae, due to their valuable characteristics for species identification. Cx. quinquefaciatus, one of the nine Culicine species found in Saudi Arabia, lacks a complete description of its pupal stage and only has partial descriptions of other developmental stages, making identification challenging. This study aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics of Cx. quinquefaciatus pupae, focusing on the cephalothorax, trumpet, abdomen, paddle, and genital lobes, as well as the distribution and arrangement of setal branching and chaetotaxy. The pupae were collected from Qaryat Al Ulya Governorate, Eastern region, KSA, and maintained in a Biology Laboratory at the University of Hafr Al Batin from September to October 2022. The findings of this study have provided the essential characteristics regarding the distinguishing features of Cx. quinquefaciatus pupae to distinguish it from other closely related species. This identification could assist field entomologists in enhancing their efficiency by classifying mosquitoes during virus outbreaks.

Optimizing faculty resource allocation in higher education: A mathematical model for strategic planning

This paper introduces a new mathematical model aimed at improving how faculty resources are allocated in higher education institutions. The model takes into account the complexities of student enrollment, teaching quality, and program offerings. It provides a structured method to estimate faculty needs, including both Ph.D. holders teaching core courses and teaching assistants or lecturers managing practical courses, labs, and related tasks. By considering factors such as class sizes, faculty workloads, and student enrollment patterns, the model offers useful insights for academic planning. Two case studies from Hafr Al Batin University illustrate the model's practical value and flexibility. These examples show how the model can support informed decision-making, helping to maintain a balance between student numbers and teaching quality. The paper concludes by highlighting the importance of data-driven planning in the changing field of higher education, suggesting future research directions, and positioning the model as a key tool for improving the management and administration of higher education. The main goal is to ensure a high-quality education for students while making efficient use of resources.

Palynology of strata associated with the Hercynian Unconformity across the Arabian Plate, from the Levant to southern Arabia

Abstract A survey of the palynostratigraphy of the strata above and below the Hercynian Unconformity indicates that the range of its associated hiatus, due to either non-deposition or erosion (or both), varies considerably across the Arabian Plate depending on the position of the succession in relation to the three main highs or arches, the Levant, Al Batin and Oman-Hadhramaut arches, and any Hercynian faulting or other uplift in basinal regions, for example in the Ghawar region. As expected, the succession spanning the Hercynian Unconformity is most complete in basinal areas, for example in the Faydah-Jafurah and Nafud-Ma'aniya basins. The well with the shortest hiatus, corresponding approximately to a maximum duration of part of the Serpukhovian and Bashkirian, appears to be KH-5/1, close to the axis of the Nafud-Ma'aniya Basin. Palynological assemblages in rocks above the Hercynian Unconformity indicate the diachronous onset of the basal Khuff clastics NW through the Arabian Plate over a period of c. 15 Myr. The oldest strata above the Hercynian Unconformity across the Arabian Plate also indicate systematic variation, probably due to palaeoclimate, with assemblages of similar age in Iraq and northern Saudi Arabia showing some similarities to those of Oman, but differences probably due to a strong climatic gradient at the time.

Nursing students' experiences of the clinical learning environment at Hafr Al Batin University: A cross-sectional study

The clinical learning environment plays a crucial role in nursing education, significantly affecting student learning. This research aimed to examine the learning experiences of nursing students at the University of Hafr Al Batin, specifically within their clinical learning environments. The study used the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision, and Nurse Teacher (CLES+T) scale to assess these experiences in hospital placements. Participants included nursing students in their second year and beyond who had completed at least one clinical placement in hospitals. The research adopted a quantitative approach, utilizing descriptive and inferential statistical methods for data analysis. Results indicated that final-year students were less satisfied with certain aspects, including the physical environment of the ward, supervisory relationships, and the involvement of nurse teachers. In contrast, second and third-year students generally viewed the clinical learning environment more positively. These outcomes are consistent with findings from international studies. The study suggests the importance of enhancing the roles of nurse teachers and supervisors to improve nursing students' learning experiences. Further qualitative research is recommended to gain a deeper understanding of these issues.

Microbiological profile and antibiotic resistance of urinary tract infections in Maternity and Children Hospital, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia within 2022

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the antibiotic sensitivity, microbial resistance, and prevalence of the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs) at Maternity and Children Hospital (MCH), Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Analysis was done on 1273 culture samples that were processed in the microbiology lab between January and December of 2022. Results: In all, 1273 urine culture (UC) samples were gathered. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 46.9% of the 1273 positive UC, followed by Gram-positive bacteria with 28.8%, fungal pathogens with 13.1%, and Gram-negative non-fermenting bacteria with 11.2%. The most common uropathogenic organism (76.8%) was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which was followed by Escherichia coli (55.6%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (22.9%), and Klebsiella pneumonia (24.3%). Candida albicans (69.5%) was determined to be the most frequent agent in terms of fungus, followed by C. glabrata (19.2%). The study revealed that the bacterial isolates exhibited effective resistance to antimicrobial drugs such as Amikacin, Cefepime, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, imipenem, Levofloxacin, and Piperacillin/Tazobactam when administered against Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, the most effective antibiotics against Gram‑positive was Erythromycin but were sensitive to Vancomycin. Conclusions: One of the most typical infections that affect women is bacterial urinary tract infection. Using antibiotics for a very long time, and their misuse will result in the widespread growth of resistant bacteria.

Body mass index, aerobic fitness, and eating habits for affiliated colleges students to King Fahd University at Hafr AL Batin: cross sectional study.

Body mass index, aerobic fitness, and eating habits for affiliated colleges students to King Fahd University at Hafr AL Batin: cross sectional study.

Unveiling the Veil: Exploring Diabetic Retinopathy Awareness and Behaviors of the General Population of Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia

Unveiling the Veil: Exploring Diabetic Retinopathy Awareness and Behaviors of the General Population of Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia

Investigating the predictors of physical activity behavior among female college students in Saudi Arabia using the theory of planned behavior

Background and Study Aim. Physical inactivity is a major public health concern, particularly among female college students in Saudi Arabia. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) suggests that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) are important predictors of behavioral intentions and behaviors. The aim of this study was to examine the role of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in predicting physical activity intentions among female university students in Saudi Arabia, using the theory of planned behavior as a framework. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 758 female college students from the University of Hafr Al Batin in Saudi Arabia. The measurement tool consisted of Godin-Shephard questions on leisure-time physical activity and theory-planned behavior questionnaires. Results. The study found that perceived behavioral control and attitude were significant predictors of physical activity intentions among female college students. However, subjective norms did not have a significant impact on the predictor variable. Furthermore, there was a statistical effect to predict involvement in physical activity from physical activity intention among female college students.. Conclusions. The study's findings suggest that the theory of planned behavior is a useful framework for understanding and interpreting physical activity intentions among female college students in Saudi Arabia. Interventions that aim to increase perceived behavioral control and positive attitudes towards physical activity may be effective in promoting physical activity among this population.

Nurse Job Satisfaction in King Khalid General Hospital in Hafer Al Batin

This study aimed to detect aspects associated with ex-pat nurse job satisfaction in King Khalid General Hospital in Hafer AL Batin City in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia A descriptive cross-sectional method for utilized to evaluate the relationship between the Job satisfaction variables among ex-pat nurses in King Khalid General Hospital. 53 nurses participants in this survey. The majority of respondents were male and they paid fairly for their work the supervisor as competent has the highest number of respondents more than half feel they get an adequate level of recognition when they do a good job the positive team dynamic has the highest number of participants and that can significantly improve job satisfaction.

Estimation of Tritium Concentration in the Rain- and Groundwater in the Dry River of Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia

Natural tritium is widely dispersed in the environment, leading to human exposure to tritium through water ingestion, inhalation of tritium gas, and absorption through the skin. High levels of tritium in the environment can pose significant health risks due to the potential carcinogenic effects of tritium. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the tritium concentration in spiked water, rainwater, and groundwater by a liquid scintillation counter (LSC). Due to the lower detection levels of the LSC, an enrichment process of tritium ten- to thirtyfold was carried out using the electrolysis process. The enriched water was then analyzed to estimate the tritium concentration. Five reference samples were prepared by diluting a standard with known concentrations (spiked sample) to verify the precision of the measurement technique. The estimated tritium levels of the rainwater and the groundwater were within the 0.3 to 3.5 tritium units (TU) range. A comparatively higher tritium concentration was estimated for the shallow wells in the lower valley of the monitored areas. However, relatively lower concentrations were detected for wells located in the hillside areas. These findings will assist regulatory authorities in formulating strategies to ensure public safety by mitigating human exposure to tritium.

Rainfall Trends Analysis in context of Climate Change in Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve (ITBA) – Saudi Arabia

Rainfall trend analysis, on different spatial and temporal scales, has been used during the past century as the indicate of global climate change by the scientific community. According to some recent studies, the Nature Reserve (ITBA) has been suffering a rainfall decrease, especially in the second half of the studied period (1993-2018). The aim of the present study is to analyze the rainfall trends using the time series of 52 years in five rain stations (Linah, Rafha, Ha’il, Dawmat Al Jandal and Hafr Al Batin) surrounding the Nature Reserve of (ITBA) that extended on area of about 91500 km2 in the Northeast of Saudi Arabia. The trends analysis of annual rainfall, rainy days, shows that the fluctuations or variations in climatic parameters is a recurring phenomena in the studied stations. Inter-annual variability of the rainfall and the actual mean of daily rainfall are characterized by the high coefficients of variation, varying from 0.73 (Linah) to 0.83 (Ha’il) and from 0.53 (Linah) to 1.09 (Rafha), respectively. The variance test of Fmax-ratio method indicates the homogeneous annual rainfall distribution at Linah, Rafha and Ha’il, the homogenous rainy days distribution at only Ha’il and the homogeneous distribution of the actual mean of the daily rainfall at only Linah. The trends of annual rainfall, rainy days and actual mean of the daily rainfall obtained by using T-student test are significant in Ha’il and Dawmat Al Jandal, in all stations and in only Hafr Al Batin, respectively.

Investigation of wind energy speed and power, and its impact of sustainability: Saudi Arabia a model

The study of wind energy is presented in six sites; Sharurah, Jeddah South, Al Wajh, Riyadh, Hafar Al Batin and Al Jouf of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is updated. The wind energy and its status are interpreted. The annual mean values of long-term for wind speeds are varied between the years 2000 and 2020. Also, the wind power density annual values are varied between the years 2006 and 2020. In addition, the speed of winds over whole the geography of KSA is researched. The distribution of percent frequency at different speeds of wind of these six sites at 12 m along two decades ago is presented that could affect on sustainability.

Towards enhancing teaching and learning computer programming in Saudi Arabia

Globally, numerous students struggle with understanding computer programming, which is one of the most difficult courses in the computer science curriculum as stated in the literature. This is especially true in a diverse learning environment where students come from different disciplinary backgrounds, language skills, and cultures. Hence, to improve on the aforementioned challenges, another research introduces a framework that combines constructivist and collaborative learning theories with a student-centered teaching pedagogy for teaching postgraduate introductory programming classes at Central Queensland University, Australia. However, the framework will not work effectively when teaching computer programming courses to undergraduate students in Saudi Arabia. This is due to geographical differences, study levels, negative emotional issues, and stress affecting students' learning. Such as students' first view that programming is difficult, or the difference between students' and teachers' perspectives on learning (disciplinary backgrounds, language skills, and cultures). Therefore, this paper proposed a student-centered learning and teaching method that combines constructive alignment (consistency), collaborative learning theory (collaboration, conception, and cognition), and bits of Maslow's theory (love/belonging and self-actualization) in a student-centered teaching pedagogy. The research findings reveal that when using the existing method to teach Introduction to Computing-II (Object Oriented Programming in Java) at the University of Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia, only 87.5% of students passed the course, while 12.5% failed. However, when using the proposed method 95.2% of the students passed the course, while only 4.8% failed. Thus, the proposed method clearly shows significant improvement, with the failure rate reducing from 12.5% to only 4.8%.

Effect of Major Dust Events on Ambient Temperature and Solar Irradiance Components over Saudi Arabia

The Saudi government targets building eight solar plants across the country by 2030, which are expected to produce more than 3600 MW, enough to power more than 500,000 homes. However, the vast desert environment in Saudi Arabia increases dust and aerosol loading in the atmosphere, which affect the performance of photovoltaic systems due to scattering and absorption of the solar radiation by dust particles. In this work, ground-based data from weather stations located in six Saudi cities, Dammam, Hafar Al Batin, Riyadh, Jeddah, Najran, and Arar, along with data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are used to examine the effects of dust loading on aerosol optical parameters, air temperature, and solar irradiance. The effects of three major dust storms that blew over different regions in Saudi Arabia on 20 March 2017, 23 April 2018, and 15 April 2021 have been investigated. It is found that there is a strong correlation between dust loading and aerosol optical parameters. The maximum Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) was recorded over Jeddah on 19 March 2017 (about 2), over Riyadh on 20 March 2017 (about 2.3), over Riyadh on 24 April 2018 (about 1.5), and over Najran on 15 April 2021 (about 0.9). Strong dust events are found to reduce air temperature by a few degrees in high dust loading regions. The study found that such large dust loading decreases the direct and global solar irradiance components, while it increases the diffuse component over the cities of Jeddah, Riyadh, and Najran. This could be an indication that scattering from dust particles can play a significant role in the solar irradiance intensity.

Risk Assessment of Radon Exposure by Ingestion and Inhalation of Groundwater Within Different Age Groups

AbstractRadon and its short‐lived progeny are exposed to most human exposures as a natural source of radiation. Many studies have presumed that one of the most common incidences of lung cancer, colon cancer, and stomach cancer is caused by radon‐contaminated water. In this study, water was collected from different groundwater sources in the Hafr Al Batin area, Saudi Arabia, and the radon concentration was investigated using an electronic portable radon detector. The annual effective dose of radon exposure by ingestion and inhalation of water is calculated from that radon concentration for the different age groups to assess the risk of radon exposure. The calculated annual effective doses are then compared with the international standard of risk limit as directed by the international organizations. The estimated radon concentration for groundwater samples is found to be between 0.03 and 3.20 Bq/L with an average value of 1.16 Bq/L. These estimated values are below the safety limits set by the USEPA and EAEC and far below those recommended by the UNSCEAR, EC, and WHO standards. The calculated annual effective dose of radon exposure for the different age groups ranging from infant to adult is found to be in the range of 0.05 to 16.24 μSv/year, with a mean value of 5.89 μSv/year, which is in the safe limit recommended by the EC and WHO. The obtained results of this present study will support the authority and regulators who are responsible for controlling and strategizing to ensure public safety against radon exposure.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare management in Hafar Al Batin Central Hospital: The experience and the potential future threats

The reality that the KSA healthcare system was unable to control the virus's spread and the associated mortality rate created several managerial and clinical challenges for the industry. This emphasizes the necessity of setting up efficient and useful guidelines, policies, and processes in healthcare systems to prepare for crisis management during a pandemic like covid-19. the study aims to identify effective, resilient, health policies to fight against health crises and some changes accrued in health management and services in the healthcare sector and to determine the effects of the covid 19 pandemic in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia the study utilizes a cross-sectional method on on 500 health care employee on Hafar Al Batin Central Hospital the result Shown Challenges that affected the healthcare management team on personal and hospital levels the most important healthcare management input that was unavailable during the pandemic was the level of preparedness for covid-19 and future health emergencies Strategic measures are being taken to minimize the spread of covid-19 Changes that have occurred in Saudi Arabia's healthcare institutions in preparation for future health emergencies introducing different health and safety measures, processes, and procedures. However, managing the number of infections and deaths reported within the country was still a significant challenge identifying key challenges and difficulties faced by healthcare managers in preventing the further spread of the virus and protecting the uninfected patients and the healthcare workers in KSA, identifying. The study will also contribute to the existing literature as it has identified key strategies and policies that have been put in place by healthcare institutions in preparation for future pandemics and health emergencies.

Dental Infection Control in Hafar AL-Batin Dental Center

A small percentage of germs can lead to an infection. In a dental setting, the patient's saliva mixed with blood, pus, plaque, and reticular fluid is frequently aerosolized and spattered, potentially infecting the dental practitioner. descriptive analytical method utilized 127 employees working in Hafar Al Batin dental center participant most of them 87% were female, 13% were male, and 20% The results showed the attitude toward infection control was high; the most negative attitude item was (Is the doctor obligated to wash hands and wear gloves in the dental clinic?" the most attitude item was (Is the doctor obligated to wash hands and wear gloves in the dental clinic) with high attitude and mean 2.88, followed by (Do you think that sterilizing the dental chair reduces infection) with high attitude and mean 2.74, followed by (Can wearing gloves be a substitute for hand washing) with low attitude and mean 1.47 the results showed there is no significant difference in attitude toward infection control due to gender, age, educational level, or infection as a result of the dental visit. Research and study in the case of transmission and how to reduce it through disinfection and some other methods will reach to reduce the potential risks of infection. The cross-infection control strategy every patient must undergo screening. Dental team members must maintain good health.Think about immunization Prophylaxis before and after exposure. Hepatitis B, influenza, mumps, measles, tetanus, rubella, tuberculosis, and whooping cough vaccinations are required for all members. Hand care and washing: provide personal protection barriers use cautionary aseptic techniques.

The Impact of Internal Organizational Environment Factors on the Efficiency of Health

When it comes to the provision of medical services, quality is crucial. It entails changing healthcare so that actions, not just words, reflect values. Additionally, there is a change from quantity to quality. The outcome of treatment is more crucial than how many patients a doctor sees in a day. The standard of care can be raised by being aware of numerous internal and external factors. Organizational leadership and management must comprehend these elements and incorporate them into the provision of services. This cross-sectional research seeks to determine the critical internal variables needed to raise the caliber and effectiveness of healthcare services provided by Hafr Al Batin hospital. It sought to learn the healthcare team's perspectives on internal factors and how to steer patients toward the best results. In favors of the patients, Hafr Al Batin hospital's healthcare team surveyed 66 respondents. Twenty-one respondents believe that the healthcare team needs more education to raise the standard of care provided in hospitals. The best way to improve medical performance, in the opinion of 38, is through communication skills, which 34 people believe can be learned by attending expert lectures. According to 25 respondents, raising salaries is the most crucial step that can be taken to improve the standard of healthcare services. While 63 respondents agree that healthcare services and equipment are equally important, 3 respondents disagree. Improvements must be made to internal organizational factors and healthcare service quality to achieve improved performance. by increasing the healthcare team's knowledge through lectures from knowledgeable members, improving communication and leadership skills, using more cutting-edge equipment, and paying higher salaries to inspire employees.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PSYCHOLOGICAL UPSET AND IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME AMONG NURSING STUDENTS AT KSA

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a fairly common disorder that occurs in the general population. IBS is a functional bowel disorder associated with decreased work productivity. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between psychological upset and irritable bowel syndrome among nursing students at the Hafr Albatin University king Saudi Arabia. A descriptive cross-sectional research design on 223 student nurses from Hafr Al Batin university. One tool is divided into three main parts; demographic data, student's psychological upset, and irritable bowel syndrome manifestations sheet. According to the results of the study there is a statistically significant correlation between students' psychological stiffness and manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome (p