Border University Research Articles

Obstacles to the Use of AI Applications in Blackboard for Faculty Members at Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia

This study investigates the impediments and facilitators of artificial intelligence (AI) use in the Blackboard Learning Management System. A survey of 286 faculty members at Northern Border University examined demographics, AI tool usage frequency, adoption barriers, and factors influencing AI integration in teaching. Results revealed significant perceived barriers to AI tool use in Blackboard, with insufficient support and training identified as the primary obstacle. The survey found that gender and educational level influenced the adoption of the AI tool. The study suggests that addressing faculty training needs, ensuring privacy and security, and improving AI tool reliability could help overcome perceived impediments to AI use in Blackboard. These findings contribute to understanding the challenges and potential solutions for integrating AI in higher education learning management systems.

Eating habits of students of health colleges and non-health colleges at the Northern Border University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Eating habits are important determinants of health. Young adults who have recently transitioned to university life experience stress and lack of time, which are major risk factors for poor eating habits. This study's objectives were to identify and compare eating habits between students at health and non-health colleges at Northern Border University (NBU), Saudi Arabia and to determine the relationship between students' eating habits and their sociodemographic, lifestyle, and psychological factors. This comparative cross-section study was conducted on 480 students equally from health and non-health colleges at NBU from March to April 2023. A pre-designed electronic questionnaire was used to collect data on students' sociodemographic characteristics, eating habits, and diet-related psychological factors. Statistical analyses were carried out using STATA/SE version 11.2 for Windows. Unhealthy eating habits were reported by 44.6% and 41.3% of students at health and non-health colleges, respectively. Most students had irregular meals, skipped breakfast, ate fast food frequently, and consumed insufficient amounts of vegetables, fruits, and water. Parental separation, living away from family predisposed to unhealthy eating habits. Being 21-23 years old, playing sports, and high body mass index were linked to healthy eating habits. Psychological factors such as overeating until the stomach hurts and eating to feel happy were associated with unhealthy eating habits. Unhealthy eating habits were prevalent among students at NBU irrespective of the type of study. Thus, implementing initiatives to promote nutrition and healthy eating habits within the university environment is crucial for health promotion and well-being among students.

Impact of Digital Empowerment on University Performance: Evidence from Northern Border University in Saudi Arabia

The COVID-19 pandemic, known as Covid-19, has caused unprecedented disruption in global education systems, impacting approximately 1.6 billion students across over 190 countries and affecting universities and other educational institutions profoundly. In response to this crisis, educational institutions have increasingly turned to technological advancements and the implementation of distance learning and e-learning platforms as viable alternatives to traditional educational methods. This shift has necessitated faculty members to assume new roles, managing educational processes through virtual classrooms, taking part in remote collaboration in interdisciplinary teams and making decisions pertaining to distance education. The implementation of digital empowerment in educational settings is contingent upon these endeavors. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of digital empowerment on institutional performance at universities. In order to do this, 320 people, or 23% of the study population, responded to a questionnaire that was issued to 1,358 faculty members in order to test a number of hypotheses. Multiple regression analysis results show that 40.2% of the variance in institutional performance may be explained by digital empowerment and the five sub-variables it was explored in this study. This emphasizes how important digital empowerment is for improving university operations, especially at Northern Border University. Keywords: Remote learning, digital learning platforms, and academic institutions

Impact of emotional intelligence on SME employees’ performance: Mediating role of organizational citizenship behavior

This study delves into the intricate correlation between emotional intelligence and employee performance within the dynamic setting of Saudi small and medium enterprises. Acknowledging the increasing importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, this study examines how emotional intelligence influences employee performance, with particular attention to the mediating role of organizational citizenship behavior. Employing a comprehensive research framework, the study integrates quantitative methods to analyze data collected from 248 employees across various Saudi-based small and medium enterprises. The findings indicate that high emotional intelligence enhances employee performance, with organizational citizenship behavior serving as a crucial mediator, strengthening the positive impact of emotional intelligence on performance. The results demonstrated a robust positive correlation with organizational citizenship behavior (β = 0.719***) and a moderate positive correlation with employee performance (β = 0.314***). In addition, organizational citizenship behavior played a significant positive mediating role between employee intelligence and employee performance (β = 0.397***). This suggests a nuanced interplay among emotional intelligence, organizational citizenship behavior, and overall employee performance within the specific context of Saudi small and medium enterprises. Acknowledgment The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at Northern Border University, Arar, KSA, for funding this research work through project number NBU-FFR- 1502-03.

The impact of human capital investment on the wages among Northern Border University graduates

The impact of human capital investment on the wages among Northern Border University graduates

Impact of green transition on sustainable development in Saudi Universities- Applied Study College of Business Administration - Northern Borders University

<b>Introduction</b> <b>Purpose</b> - This article aims to study the impact of green transformation practices in Saudi universities on sustainable development. Some practices derived from previous studies as well as the Millennium Sustainable Development Goals were highlighted. The importance of studying these practices that related to sustainable development in universities is due to three reasons, the first of which is preserving the environment surrounding the university and its impact on sustainability, and the second is that the university offers in its curricula many courses on sustainable development and research programs. Use resources in a way that respects the rights of present and future generations. <b>Design/methodology/approach</b> – The study used descriptive methodology to get more information about the green transition practices, and sustainable development that are closely linked to the problem and variables of the study. This study used quantitative technique, to collect data about the impact of green transition practices on sustainable development in Saudi universities, where Measures were adapted from an extensive review of relevant literature. A questionnaire survey with valid responses from 92 faculty members, at the College of Business Administration, Northern Border University. In 2023, the PLS-SEM method was used to analyze the data. <b>Findings</b> –The results of this study revealed a positive relationship between five green transition practices and Sustainable development. <b>Originality/valu</b>e – The study of impact of green transition practices on sustainable was considered as the first study to be conducted at Northern border university (NBU). Moreover, the findings of the study will support sustainability and green practices in NBU

Research on the Reform of Training Applied Talents in Vietnamese Major in Border Universities -- Guangxi Minzu Normal University

Vietnamese language talents are the bridge and foundation for the sustained and healthy development of good-neighborly friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Vietnam. With the continuous deepening of China-ASEAN cooperation and the implementation of relevant strategies, today s society has put forward new and higher requirements for Vietnamese language talents. Currently, colleges and universities on the China-Vietnam border are facing problems such as lagging teaching material construction, lack of targeted talent output in cultivating Vietnamese language applied talents. Taking Guangxi Minzu Normal University as an example, combined with the current background and the characteristics of school, the article explores the methods and concepts for cultivating applied talents in the Vietnamese language major in border universities from the aspects of improve teaching mode, strengthening textbook constructio. To cultivate high-standard, high-level, all-round and compound talents who serve local economic and social development and ASEAN cooperation.

The Association Between BMI and Cardiorespiratory Functions Among Medical Students at Northern Border University.

Cardiorespiratory function is one of the key health indicators that promotegood health. Knowing the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and cardiorespiratory functioning might assist in the creation of evidence-based therapies that focus on addressing difficulties associated with obesity. To assess the correlation between BMI and cardiorespiratory functions among medical students at Northern Border University. A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia. The blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse pressure (PP), and BMI of the students were measured. The mean age of the students was 17.1 ± 1.9 years. Nearly 40% of students were overweight or obese. Our study revealed a significant positive correlation between BMI and BP, RR, tidal volume (TV), and MAP. The correlation analysis of our study revealed a significant positive correlation of BMI with BP, RR, TV, and MAP.

Efficacy of Faculty Development Training Workshops (FDTWs) on Writing High-Quality Multiple-Choice Questions at Northern Border University (NBU) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

A multiple-choice question (MCQ) is a frequently used assessment tool in medical education for both certification and competitive examinations. Well-constructed MCQs impact the utility of the assessment and, thus, the fate of the examinee. To analyze the basic science faculty perceptions of writing high-quality MCQs, to create awareness of item-writing flaws in constructing high-quality MCQs, and to determine the impact of faculty development training workshops (FDTWs) on MCQ writing skills. An online workshop was held over two weeks for basic science faculty to learn high-quality MCQ construction. Faculty-made MCQs were analyzed for flaws, and a questionnaire assessed the impact of the workshop on MCQ construction. Pre- and post-workshop responses were compared to evaluate the necessity of such workshops for improving faculty skills in MCQ assessments. A total of 47 (83.2%) of participating faculty believed the workshop could reduce MCQ construction errors. The participants agreed that a series of workshops were needed for lasting improvements in MCQ construction. One-day short-duration workshops, such as the current one alone, cannot achieve the objectives of training participants to write high-quality MCQs. To improve student assessment through high-quality MCQs, the faculty needs to be exposed to continuous and frequent sessions that will help them.

Evaluating the effectiveness of learning management systems for remote assessments during COVID-19

This study investigated the effectiveness of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in accurately assessing students' levels remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the abrupt shift to online learning due to the pandemic, universities heavily depended on LMS for instruction, necessitating remote assessments from students' homes. The study focused on evaluating the efficacy of LMS in this context. Researchers employed a descriptive method, gathering data through questionnaires and interviews with faculty and students at Northern Borders University. The research explored the role of LMS in online examinations, the perceptions of students and faculty towards LMS, and their effectiveness in both summative and formative evaluations. Results indicated that while students generally accepted LMS usage, they required further training for test-taking. LMS enabled faculty to diversify and assess their teaching methods. However, improvements are needed in evaluating practical skills remotely. Challenges remain in preparing students to complete practical assignments effectively, suggesting a need for advanced technical solutions within LMS to support their execution. The study recommends ongoing training for students to enhance their remote learning and testing capabilities, particularly in practical and applied tests.

Knowledge About Cervical Cancer and Awareness About Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Medical Students at the Northern Border University, Arar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Objectives To evaluate the knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among medical undergraduates at Northern Border University. Methods It was a cross-sectional studydoneon students selected conveniently from the College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar. The data were collected regarding knowledge about HPV infection and vaccine awareness using a validated questionnaire. Results A total of 200 students responded to the questionnaires, with 104 (52%) being male students and 120 (60%) being clinical years of MBBS. The mean knowledge score was 17.12 ± 2.73 out of 24, which was labeled as moderate knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV. Almost two-thirds of the students responded correctly to the etiology and risk factors of cervical cancer, whileonly half of the students knew the correct screening intervals for cervical cancer.The awareness of studentsabout the HPV vaccine was deficient, andthe mean score was estimatedto be 4.20 ± 0.79 out of nine. Female students and students in clinical years showed significantly better understanding and awareness about cervical cancer and its vaccine and showed greater vaccine acceptability as compared to male students and students in preclinical years. Conclusion The present study shows moderate knowledge about cervical cancer but deficient awareness of medical students about the HPV vaccine. However, the students were willing to get educated about cervical cancer and its vaccine and showed a favorable opinion towards vaccinating the schoolgirls and educating their patients as future physicians. The information can be considered a benchmark on knowledge and awareness levels and can be utilized to modify medical curricula and develop efficient awareness programs.

Prevalence of metabolic sy ndrome and its risk factors among medical undergraduates at Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated factors among medical undergraduates of Northern Border University. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 medical undergraduates of Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia from August 2023 to October 2023. Data on demographic details and anthropometric measurements were collected. Complete lipid profile and blood glucose levels were measured after at least 8-h fast. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) recommendations were utilized for diagnosing MetS. The data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20.0. Group differences were analyzed using Chi-square test and Post hoc analysis. Results: The estimated overall prevalence of MetS was 21.5 %. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was more prevalent among older students (37.36 %) and obese students (45.28 %) than among younger and non-obese students. Female students had a higher prevalence of MetS (29 %) than their male counterparts (14 %). The most frequent risk factors for MetS were elevated waist circumference (36 %) and low HDL levels (33 %). The majority of students (76.7 %) with high waist circumference had 2 or more risk factors for MetS. Students with a positive family history of hypertension and obesity showed greater prevalence of MetS. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated a high prevalence of MetS among young adults in Arar, Saudi Arabia. High prevalence of obesity and elevated waist circumference suggests that early and targeted interventions are required to prevent the development of MetS and cardiovascular risk in later life.

Study on the Co-Development Path between the Ideological and Political Thinking of Physical Education Curriculum and the Consciousness of the Chinese Nation Community in the Frontier Minority Areas

Cast firmly the Chinese nation community consciousness, is to safeguard the fundamental interests of the ethnic groups is the inevitable requirement of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the inevitable requirement of consolidating and developing equality unity mutual assistance harmonious socialist ethnic relations is the inevitable requirement of the party's ethnic work to open up new prospects. Yunnan is located in the southwest border of the motherland, is one of the most ethnic minority species and multi-ethnic cultural resources in the region. Yunnan border universities must integrate ideological and political education teaching resources, guide students to cast firmly the Chinese nation community consciousness, cultivate national feelings, enhance national confidence and pride, promote social common development. Based on this, this article will start from the perspective of ideological and political education in physical education courses, explore the mechanism of ideological and political education in physical education courses to cast firmly the Chinese nation community consciousness, discuss the strengthening of education on the national college students in Yunnan to cast firmly the national community consciousness, guide the youth of all ethnic groups to forge ahead, maintain national unity, build a beautiful home, which has practical significance for the high-quality, leapfrog development of Yunnan, and explore its practical path.

A Framework for Efficient and Accurate Automated CLO and PLO Assessment

Accurate and efficient learning outcome assessment is crucial for ensuring high-quality education, but traditional methods can be time-consuming, error-prone, and inconsistent. We developed a novel Excel Macro-enabled framework for automating the evaluation of Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) and Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) in higher education. The framework consists of two Excel Macro-enabled workbooks. The course section workbook guides instructors through the assessment process, automatically calculates CLO achievement levels, and generates reports for the coordinators and the Head of Department (HoD). The course-level workbook aggregates data from all course sections and calculates CLO and PLO achievement levels relative to the course. Proven successful in three FCIT (Faculty of Computer and Information Technology) programs at NBU (Northern Border University), the framework demonstrably reduces assessment time and errors, improves consistency, and facilitates data-driven program improvement, making it a valuable tool for enhancing program quality.

Level of Awareness Regarding Interventional Radiology Among Medical Students at Northern Border University in Arar, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Interventional radiology (IR) is a highly specialized field of radiology that employs advanced imaging techniques like MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds to detect and treat a variety of medical disorders. By using minimally invasive procedures, interventional radiologists can access the body's internal organs and tissues with minimal discomfort and reduced risks compared to traditional surgical techniques. Some common IR procedures include angioplasty, embolization, biopsy, and stent placement, among others. Overall, IR is an innovative and effective approach to medical care that offers numerous benefits to patients. As this specialty expands, there is a huge demand for increasing staff. However, due to a lack of awareness, this increased demand could not be fulfilled. Objective The objective is to assess medical students' knowledge regarding IR and compare this knowledge between male and female students. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was carried out at Northern Border University's College of Medicine in Arar, Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to assess the medical students' knowledge of IR. All students enrolled in the clinical years at Northern Border University were included in the study, and a self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect data. The minimum sample size required was 169. Appropriate statistical analysis was applied to the collected data, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results One hundred and seventy-two participants in all who met the inclusion criteria answered the study's questionnaire. The fourth-year students represented the highest percentage of the sample, with 65 participants (37.8%), followed by 54 (31.4%) fifth-year students and 53 (30.8%) sixth-year students. The study found that 66 participants (38.4%)rated their knowledge of IR as adequate, while only 8 (4.7%) considered it excellent. The participants' self-rated knowledge of IR did not significantly differ across male and female groups. Conclusion The study's findings suggest that medical students have limited knowledge of IR and that there is no discernible difference in the knowledge and interest of males and females in this subject. Further research and targeted educational interventions may be necessary to improve the medical students' overall knowledge and interest in IR.

Research capacity building requirements for researchers: An experience from a public institute

This study investigates the research capacity building (RCB) needs among faculty members at a university, focusing on the challenges and opportunities they encounter. It aims to develop strategies that are specifically tailored to the local context. An online survey revealed faculty members' neutral or positive views on various RCB aspects. A training program was designed based on these findings for future implementation. The uniqueness of this research lies in three main areas: Firstly, it is the pioneer study of RCB in the Northern area of Saudi Arabia, particularly at the Northern Border University, highlighting unique regional challenges and opportunities. Secondly, it introduces a new framework designed specifically for public institutions in developing areas, where infrastructure and resources might not be as advanced as in more established research centers. Lastly, it establishes a baseline for future studies to track the progress and effectiveness of RCB interventions over time, offering insights into research development in similar environments. The results are expected to encourage higher education leaders, especially in the studied region, to invest in capacity building to improve organizational performance and productivity.

Effect of Mobile Phone Use on Musculoskeletal Complaints: Insights From Nursing Students at Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Smartphones are widely utilized by individuals on a daily basis for a variety of activities, including communication, web browsing, and gaming. However, the excessive and prolonged use of these devices often leads to adverse effects on musculoskeletal health. This study aimed to assess the effect of mobile phone use on musculoskeletal complaints among nursing students at Northern Border University. Methods An analytical descriptive study was conducted using a convenience sample of 202 nursing students recruited via a Google survey questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised four sections concerning the students' demographics, smartphone data collection tools, the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV), and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Results Among the study participants, 62.6% were females, with 52.4% spending more than 5 hours daily on media and technology usage, often extending into bedtime. In the last 12 months, neck pain was the most prevalent complaint, reported by 38.8% of the participants, followed by shoulder pain experienced by 20.3% of the sample. Notably, female students displayed a significantly higher incidence of musculoskeletal pain, with rates as high as 81.7% showing statistical significance (p<0.001). A significant association was also observed between mobile phone addiction and academic grade, as well as the time spent on media and technology usage daily (p<0.001). Conclusions There is a significant association between mobile phone use and discomfort in the musculoskeletal system, particularly in the neck region. Moreover, female students tend to experience more pronounced musculoskeletal discomfort compared to their male counterparts. The study also suggests that extended usage of mobile phones, especially at bedtime, increases the likelihood of experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort.

Awareness of Radiation Hazards and Knowledge About Radiation Protection Among Medical Students at the Northern Border University, Arar

Awareness of Radiation Hazards and Knowledge About Radiation Protection Among Medical Students at the Northern Border University, Arar

The Mediating Role of Self-Regulated Learning in the Relationship between Technical Self-Efficacy and Satisfaction with E-Learning Courses among Learners in the Optimal Investment Program for Educational Cadres at Northern Border University

هدفت الدراسة الحالية إلى الكشف عن العلاقة الارتباطية بين الكفاءة التقنية والتعلم المنظم ذاتياً والرضا عن المقررات الالكترونية، وكذلك الكشف عن الدور الوسيط للتعلم المنظم ذاتياً في العلاقة بين الكفاءة التقنية والرضا عن المقررات الالكترونية. حيث تكونت عينة الدراسة من (134) دارساً في برنامج الاستثمار الأمثل للكوادر التعليمية بجامعة الحدود الشمالية. وقد اشتملت أدوات الدراسة على ثلاثة استبيانات؛ استبيان الكفاءة التقنية، استبيان التعلم المنظم ذاتياً ، واستبيان الرضا عن المقررات الالكترونية. وقد أشارت نتائج الدراسة إلى القدرة التنبؤية للكفاءة التقنية والتعلم المنظم ذاتياً بالرضا عن المقررات الالكترونية، وأن التعلم المنظم ذاتياً وسيطاً دالاً في العلاقة بين الكفاءة التقنية والرضا عن المقررات الإلكترونية

Конструктивні та деструктивні наслідки цифровізації закладів вищої освіти

The article substantiates that the formation of a single information and educational space of higher education institutions will have a positive impact on the content, organizational forms and tools for managing the process of providing educational services, as well as will help stimulate scientific and pedagogical workers to introduce innovative digital technologies in various components of the educational process. The risks associated with the digitalization of universities are analyzed; the advantages of digital transformation in higher education are outlined. The article considers digital tools that provide student-teacher communication, learning and efficiency in the educational process, including: video conferencing, electronic platforms, virtual laboratories, video classes, systems for tracking educational achievements. The authors emphasize that under martial law, the most risky situation is that of higher education institutions located in the border and/or frontline regions of Ukraine, most of which still continue blended or online learning, which is possible only through digitalization. The article systematizes both the constructive and the destructive consequences of digitalization with the allocation of endogenous and exogenous consequences among them, which allows to balance approaches to the introduction of digital technologies in higher education and ensure the maximum efficiency of this process. The constructive endogenous consequences of digitalization of higher education institutions include: improving the quality of education, the efficiency of administrative processes and competitiveness, the sustainable development of universities; constructive exogenous consequences include expanding access to education, innovative development and cooperation, involvement of students of border universities in the educational process. In turn, the destructive endogenous consequences are defined as follows: threats to academic integrity, violation of privacy and data security, remoteness of students and teachers, significant workload on teachers, and destructive exogenous consequences – problems of student socialization, digital divide and reduction of motivational aspects in learning. The tasks are outlined, the need to solve which is due to the digital transformation of universities and the development and implementation of digital technologies in their activities. The article substantiates the importance of combining innovative approaches with the preservation of the values and missions of universities, while ensuring equal access to quality higher education and the protection of data of higher education students and teachers, as well as promoting the development of universities on the basis of sustainability.