Saudi Arabia Research Articles

The impact of tourism sector variables on economic growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period 2010-2020

The impact of tourism sector variables on economic growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period 2010-2020

Saudi Arabia and Russia's Eastward Reorientation

Saudi Arabia and Russia's Eastward Reorientation

AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE TOWARDS COMMON EYE DISEASES OF CITIZENS IN MEDINA CITY, SAUDI ARABIA

Objective: The study aimed to assess the extent of knowledge regarding common eye diseases namely cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, refractive errors, and eye traumas among citizens of Medina City, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: A total of 288 citizens (≥18 years old) of Medina city were selected and asked to answer online questionnaires regarding their knowledge on common eye diseases. The questionnaire includes demographics, awareness, and source of information of eye diseases. Results: Overall, the 283 participants have obtained a good mean general knowledge on cataract, strabismus, and refractive error, while nearly intermediate mean general knowledge about diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Knowledge scores of the participants were found to be highest for cataract (64.25±27.6), while lowest for glaucoma (47.76±34.3). The common source of information regarding eye disease were their family members and friends (33.3%, n=96). In term of socio-demographic factors, male gender was found to be the common factor that significantly influence the awareness of participants towards cataract, retinopathy, glaucoma, and refractive errors, while presence of eye problem was observed to significantly influence the knowledge of respondents towards retinopathy, glaucoma, and strabismus. Conclusion: This study concludes that proper and extended awareness and knowledge, such as creating health programs and effective health education, towards eye diseases must be imposed to help mitigate the cases of eye health diseases.

دور استخدام التعلم النقال في تحسين مهارات تصميم الجرافيك لدى المصممين الممارسين واتجاهاتهم نحوه

Mobile learning has emerged as a prominent trend in recent years, offering a valuable source of education and training for graphic designers. This study aimed to explore the impact of mobile learning on enhancing graphic design skills and assess the attitudes of practicing designers towards it. A descriptive survey method was employed, involving 534 conveniently selected practicing designers with familiarity in social media platforms. An electronic questionnaire was distributed via email and social media platforms in Saudi Arabia. Statistical analysis using SPSS software revealed a strong consensus among designers regarding the effectiveness of mobile learning in improving their design skills. Technical and printing skills were rated highly, while creativity and innovation were exceptionally high. The results of the research found a statistically significant differences at the level (≥ α 0,05) in improving graphic design skills according to gender, were high among males. Educational qualifications and specialization did not show any significant differences. However, variations were observed among different age groups and levels of experience. The study recommended further research in the field of learning and enhancing graphic design skills, along with the establishment of a dedicated educational platform for knowledge exchange and staying updated with the latest developments.

Prevalence and Causes of Stigmatization Among Patients With Chronic Skin Diseases in Saudi Arabia

Prevalence and Causes of Stigmatization Among Patients With Chronic Skin Diseases in Saudi Arabia

Shareholder Protection in Saudi Companies Law: Assessing Merger and Acquisition Efficacy for Unlisted Joint Stock Companies

This paper explores the legal protections afforded to shareholders of unlisted joint stock companies in Saudi Arabia during merger and acquisition activities. There are significant risks associated with using tools like mergers and acquisitions, including market share loss and decreased profitability for shareholders. Thus, this study aims to analyse the Saudi Companies Law for potential gaps that may affect shareholder legal protections. The researchers primarily use a doctrinal legal methodology to assess the legal framework. This approach provides that the study is based on an examination of the legal framework of Saudi Arabia such as statutes, rules, principles, and cases . It will also apply the analytical approach to evaluate the legal framework's fundamentals, conceptual problems, and practical effects, to make sure that the study finds opportunities for improvement. The Article identifies the differences between unlisted and listed companies concerning document disclosure requirements, lack of the method used for asset valuation, lack of forward-looking information disclosure, the absence of obligatory independent financial reports and unclear definitions of shareholder rights to oppose or exit mergers and acquisitions at fair value. The study found that these areas represent potential gaps that could undermine shareholders of unlisted joint stock, improvements to the law, such as the adoption of independent valuation standards, mandatory financial disclosures, and clearer expression of shareholder rights.

TRANSFORMATIONAL PROCESSES IN RESOURCE-RICH COUNTRIES: FROM NATURAL RESOURCES TO INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY-BASED ECONOMY

This paper aims to assess the development pattern of resource-rich countries like Norway, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the Republic of South Africa by analyzing their stock markets. As resource-rich countries have profound implications for the world's sustainable development, it is essential to investigate whether they transform natural resource wealth into sustained growth by reorientation from related to raw material industries to modern ones based on information and technologies. The analysis of resource-rich countries' stock markets allowed us to conclude that partially these countries are on the way to an economy dominated by intangible assets. Nevertheless, despite the declared intentions, some traditional attachments to raw materials are still present. At the same time, most companies in the optimal portfolios of these markets have a long-term nonlinear strategy. The impact of the pandemic COVID-19 turned out to be significant, but short-lived. The research was carried out based on R and Python packages.

Case Report: A rare treatable metabolic syndrome (Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome) masquerading as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy from Saudi Arabia

BackgroundBrown-Vialetto-Van Laere (BVVL) syndrome is an extremely rare autosomal recessive progressive motoneuron disease that is caused by a defect in the riboflavin transporter genes SLC52A2 and SLC52A3. BVVL syndrome has a variable age of presentation, and it is characterized by progressive auditory neuropathy, bulbar palsy, stridor, muscle weakness, and respiratory compromise secondary to diaphragmatic and vocal cord paralysis. BVVL syndrome has a poor prognosis in the absence of treatment, including morbidity with quadriparesis and sensorineural hearing loss, with mortality in the younger age group. Early administration of riboflavin is associated with prolonged survival, low morbidity, and reversal of some clinical manifestations.Case presentationWe describe an 18-month-old male infant with progressive pontobulbar palsy, loss of developmental milestones, and a clinical picture suggestive of chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy. A nerve conduction study revealed axonal neuropathy, while molecular analysis revealed a homozygous mutation in one of the riboflavin transporter genes, SLC52A3, confirming BVVL syndrome. The patient needed long-term respiratory support and a gastrostomy tube to support feeding. With high-dose riboflavin supplementation, he experienced moderate recovery of motor function.ConclusionThis report highlights the importance of considering BVVL syndrome in any patient who presents with the clinical phenotype of pontobulbar palsy and peripheral axonal neuropathy, as early riboflavin treatment may improve or halt disease progression, thus reducing the associated mortality and morbidity.

Temporal Shifts in E-Scooter Rider Perspectives: A Longitudinal Investigation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Shared electric scooters (e-scooters) have rapidly gained prominence as a first/last-mile mobility solution globally, with over 66,000 systems operating in 88 cities across 21 countries in 2019. While recognized for their flexibility, accessibility, and environmental benefits, concerns such as safety, parking issues, and infrastructural challenges accompany the operation of shared e-scooter systems. This research investigates the evolving perceptions of e-scooter users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, comparing pre-survey results with a recent study following the official deployment of e-scooters as a transportation mode in 2022. The analysis reveals significant shifts in user behavior, preferences, and perceptions. The findings indicate increased familiarity with e-scooters, heightened usage rates, and notable changes in domestic e-scooter use. Furthermore, the study identifies variations in willingness to use e-scooters across genders. A notable shift is observed in riders’ perceptions, transforming from viewing e-scooters primarily as entertainment tools to embracing them as a reliable mode of transportation. The results show that the percentage of female respondents using e-scooters increased from 3% to 13%, representing over four times the post-survey numbers. Additionally, the percentage of individuals perceiving e-scooters as safe decreased from 28.2% in the pre-survey to 14.9% in the current survey (post-survey) among those who had used e-scooters. The regression analysis demonstrates a historical uptrend in the utilization of e-scooters, juxtaposed with a discernible decline projected for forthcoming usage (odds ratio [OR] = 0.74). Intriguingly, there is evidence indicating an enhancement of riders’ confidence towards e-scooters, as reflected by an augmented perception of safety (OR = 1.48).

Comprehensive investigation into contractors' challenges leading to project delays in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia

The construction industry has experienced significant fluctuations due to delays that change with each generation. Contractors, owners, consultants, and workers are involved in these delays, which have many causes. However, this research focuses on contractor barriers, which delay projects and sometimes disrupt them. To fully address this issue, a rigorous scientific research paper was carefully created. This paper sought to identify project delays' root causes. The process involved a thorough review of prior research, the collection of a lot of data on the main causes of delays, and the creation of a comprehensive table that lists 17 common factors. Then, consultants and engineers from various contractors who oversaw multiple Rabigh governorate projects were interviewed. The eleven interviews in this study were unique and comprehensive in investigating contractor delays. Thus, 17 key factors that cause contractors to miss project deadlines were identified. These factors were used to analyze and compare data from other research studies. These challenges and obstacles were carefully considered after analyzing engineer and consultant interviews. A comparative analysis was carried out in order to contrast the various points of view that were expressed by interviewees, the research that was already done, and the perspectives that were observed. The ultimate objective of this analysis was to determine the fundamental factors that contribute to delays in project delivery that are caused by contractors. The dissemination of these deliberations and results concluded this research endeavor as this matter deteriorated. The main goal was to reveal the fundamental principles that underlie this major construction and building industry challenge, enabling more effective solutions.

Awareness of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes Among Women Attending Primary Healthcare Centers in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Awareness of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes Among Women Attending Primary Healthcare Centers in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Dental fear among the school going-children of Taif, Saudi Arabia

Background: Dental fear is a phenomenon that is founded in most of the populations weather the individual is a child or an adult. Objectives were to understand the aspects and the percentages of dental fear among school going children and determine the nature of dental fear in children and to assess the prevalence of dental fear in school going children of Taif city, Suadi Arabia. Methods: Participants were the school children of Taif city, Saudi Arabia. The Children's fear survey schedule – dental subscale (CFSS-DS) was used that was obtained from an online article with a similar topic and it was in Arabic language. The questionnaire forms were distributed to the school going children and responses collected from them at the end of each school visit. Results: The study included 303 school-aged children. It was discovered that the statement with the highest mean indicating that the child is very afraid was: "Are you afraid of the dentist's drill?" (1.84±1.17). The statement with the lowest mean indicated that the child was not afraid: "Are you afraid of people in white clothes?" (1.18±0.69). The mean CFSS-DS score was 22.05±9.44. According to the CFSS-DS score classification cutoff, 19 (6.3%) of the studied children had dental anxiety. Conclusions: The most feared aspect was the dentist drilling followed and the least feared aspect was people in white coat, with a prevalence of 6.3% of dental anxiety among studied children.

Physicians’ Knowledge from Different Religious Background on Management of Diabetic Patients during Ramadan Fasting in Saudi Arabia

The objective of this study is to assesses the knowledge of physicians about basic facts of Ramadan and their ability to give health guidance for diabetic patients to people who are funding and changing their wishing to fast during Ramadan.  We studied the knowledge of physicians on Ramadan fasting as a religious duty and impact of some social practices on the fasting diabetic patients.  The sample included all the non-Muslim physicians working in different hospitals and health care centers in Najran. Data was collected over a period of one month. This was a quasi-experimental study where non-Muslim physicians were questioned on their knowledge and advice they give to diabetic patients and professional practice of physicians, pre and post a focus group intervention.  There were 52 non-Muslim physicians most of the respondents (55.8%) see more than five diabetic patients per week in Ramadan, who had some enquires relevant to Ramadan fasting. Major source of information on Ramadan fasting was through personal communication with Muslim colleagues.  Factors that impair diabetic control include cessation of medications, self-modification of dose, increase in consumption of sugar and increased physical activity. We conclude that physicians in Saudi Arabia lack basic religious knowledge on Ramadan that influences health and disease. By simple measures such as distributing written teaching materials or focused group discussions, we can empower their abilities to provide efficient advice to diabetic patients wishing to observe Ramadan fasting. 

EVALUATION OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT DURING TUNNELS CONSTRUCTION IN SAUDI ARABIA

Tunnel construction projects are complex engineering projects that pose numerous safety challenges. Accordingly, prioritizing the protection of workers, the public, and the environment is imperative. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the most significant risks associated with tunnel construction projects. Twenty-nine hazards were identified through site inspections and interviews with engineers and managers engaged in various tunnel projects in Saudi Arabia. These risks were categorized into six groups, namely, technical, geological, environmental, social, human, political, contractual, and cost-related risks. Data were acquired from 98 of 108 respondents completing a questionnaire. The data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS V20 package. The Total Importance Index Impact (TIII) application determined the most crucial risks affecting tunnel construction safety management. The findings demonstrate that risk analysis facilitates project managers in identifying and focusing on principal risks, which supports the implementation and evaluation of safety management plans. By providing practical guidelines, risk analysis enhances the success rate of tunnel construction projects. Implementing measures to mitigate exposure to elevated noise levels, air supply hazards, fires, and oxygen deficiency is anticipated to result in numerous benefits, including improved worker health and performance, reduced time and expenses, enhanced productivity, and an improved reputation among staff and clients.

أثر استخدام تقنيات إدارة المشاريع على تطوير المشاريع بالتطبيق على شركات القطاع الخاص بالمنطقة الشرقية بالمملكة العربية السعودية

The aim of the research is to highlight the impact of the use of enterprise management techniques on enterprise development by applying to private sector companies in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia by clarifying the dimensions of enterprise development, as well as to reveal the impact of project management techniques on enterprise development in its dimensions (project scheduling, project resources, project cost, project risks, project quality). The researcher has relied on the analytical descriptive approach to achieve the objectives of the study. The identification was used as an information-gathering tool. This research was applied to a study community consisting of workers from private sector companies in the eastern region within Saudi Arabia. (SPSS). This research has yielded a series of important findings, the most significant of which is that there is a statistically significant effect between the techniques used in project management (as a separate variable) and enterprise development (as a follow-up variable) within private sector companies in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. There is a statistically significant effect between the techniques used in project management (as a separate variable) and the scheduling of projects (as a first dimension of enterprise development) (as a follow-up variable) within private sector companies in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The researcher recommended the need for senior management to develop skills through continuous training in project management. There is a need for agreement between senior leadership in projects and departments on the determinants of strategic plan development. Resource management depends on the efficiency and effectiveness of project planning.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Organ Donation Among the Population of Al-Majma'ah Region, Saudi Arabia

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Organ Donation Among the Population of Al-Majma'ah Region, Saudi Arabia

Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients with Prosthetic Heart Valves in Saudi Arabia

Background: Pregnancies in women with heart prostheses are high-risk pregnancies with increased maternal and fetal adverse outcomes. Advances in prosthetic heart valve design and anticoagulation have improved these outcomes over the past decades. Objectives: To study the pregnancy outcomes in pregnancies with heart prostheses and to compare these outcomes between mechanical and biosynthetic heart prostheses in Saudi patients. Methods: In this single centered retrospective study conducted at King Saud Medical City (KSUMC) between January 2011 and February 2020, we have reviewed all pregnant women’s heart prostheses. Fetal and maternal data were obtained, and outcomes were compared between pregnancies with mechanical heart prostheses and bioprostheses. Results: A total of 111 pregnancies were reviewed. A total of 51.4% of pregnancies had bioprostheses, 48.6% had mechanical prostheses, and 64.0% of participants were obese. The majority of the participants had a parity in the range of 2-9 (N=107, 96.4%). The most frequent type of rheumatic heart disease was mitral regurgitation (N=49, 44.1%), followed by mitral stenosis (N=32, 28.8%). There was no maternal mortality and no structural valve failure. There was a high rate of hospital admission in both groups, up to 55% of pregnancies. The rates of abortion, postpartum hemorrhage and transfusions were higher than those in general pregnancies; however, there was no difference in maternal and fetal complications between the two types of prostheses, i.e., bioprostheses and mechanical. Conclusion: Although women with prosthetic heart valves have higher rates of adverse outcomes, they generally tolerate pregnancy well. There was no difference in adverse outcomes between bioprosthetic and mechanical prostheses

First records of the families Metapelmatidae and Neanastatidae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) in Saudi Arabia

The families Metapelmatidae and Neanastatidae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) are recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia based on the presence of Metapelma mirabile Brues, 1906 and Neanastatus africanus Ferrière, 1938, respectively.

Sociocultural and perceived public image of nurses among nursing students: the mediating role of self-concept

BackgroundStudying the public perception of nurses among nursing students is vital in establishing strategic solutions to recruit and retain more students in nursing programs and to contain nurses in the health care system.AimThis study aimed to determine the mediating role of self-concept in the relationship between sociocultural and perceived public image of nurses.MethodsThis study employed a correlational approach using convenience sampling of 1390 participants. This study was conducted at six large universities in three regions of Saudi Arabia (central, northern, and eastern). Student nurses in their second to fourth years of study were included as participants, with an 89.7% response rate. Data were collected from January to April 2023.ResultsA significant positive relationship was observed between sociocultural factors and self-concept (r = .685, p = .0001). In addition, there was a significant positive relationship between self-concept and public image (PI) (r = .352, p value = 0.0001). Furthermore, there was a significant positive relationship between sociocultural and public image (r = .456, p = .0001); sociocultural had a direct effect on self-concept (β = 0.324, SE = 0.098, t = 9.429, p < .0001) and public image (β = 0.605, SE = 0.038, t = 22.617, p < .0001). Furthermore, sociocultural had an indirect effect on public image through self-concept (H6) (β = 0.389, SE = 0.123, t = 12.766, p < .0001).DiscussionThe study findings suggest that nursing school programs should take measures to foster a supportive environment that promotes self-concept and public image, while also being mindful of the sociocultural background. This would also open the scope for further research on the matter involving multiple centers.ConclusionsThis study suggests the need for programs to boost self-concept and public image that consider sociocultural influences. These ’findings have crucial implications for student nurses’ social and psychological wellbeing as they improve the understanding of how sociocultural affects self-concept and public image.

The First Network of Ocean Bottom Seismometers in the Red Sea to Investigate the Zabargad Fracture Zone

In the last decades, the slow-spreading Red Sea rift has been the objective of several geophysical investigations to study the extension of the oceanic crust, the thickness of the sedimentary cover, and the formation of transform faults. However, local seismology datasets are still lacking despite their potential to contribute to the understanding of the tectonic evolution of the Red Sea. The Zabargad Fracture Zone is located in the Northern Red Sea and significantly offsets the rift axis to the East. Thus, it is considered a key tectonic element to understand better the formation of the Red Sea rift. To fill the gap in the dataset availability, we deployed the first passive seismic network in the Red Sea, within the Zabargad Fracture Zone. This network included 12 Lobster OBSs from the DEPAS pool, 2 OBS developed and deployed by Fugro, and 4 portable seismic land stations deployed on islands and onshore on the Saudi Arabian coast. Our data-quality analysis confirms that the head-buoy cable free to strum, as well as other additional elements of the DEPAS OBSs, generate seismic noise at frequencies $&gt;$ 10 Hz. However, the Fugro OBSs show high-frequency disturbances even if they lack vibrating elements. Comparison between land and OBS stations reveals that noise between 1 and 10 Hz is due to ocean-generated seismic noise, and not due to resonance of the OBS elements. We also found that waveforms of teleseismic earthquakes recorded by the Fugro OBSs, islands, and onshore stations have comparable signal-to-noise ratios. Instead, differences in signal-to-noise ratio for local earthquakes are affected more by site and path effects than instrument settings.