Al-Khobar City Research Articles

Excess energy recovery from a stand-alone PV system for freshwater production using RO unit: Techno-economic analysis

A techno-economic assessment of electricity and freshwater cogeneration system powered by a standalone solar PV system is investigated under weather conditions of Al-Khobar City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The excess electricity generated by the PV system is used to operate Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination unit using three alternative storage types: Battery, Water-Tank, and hybrid Battery/Water-Tank storage system. The RO desalination plant is mathematically modeled, and its hourly specific energy consumption is predicted by taking into consideration variations in pressure and temperature for one full year using Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software. Then, a MATLAB code is developed and used to optimize the PV array with the three alternative storage options. A novel indicator called the Shortage of Water Supply Probability (SWSP) is introduced and used to optimize the storage size and to ensure satisfying water demand. Results showed that the lowest levelized cost of water (LCW = 1.874 $/m3) is obtained when operating the RO desalination plant with a hybrid Battery/Water-Tank storage system. However, LCW is 2.892 and 2.647 $/m3 when battery or water-tank storage systems are used, respectively. From an environmental point of view, utilizing renewable energy to run the cogeneration system saved 131 tons/year of CO2 emissions.

The Impact of Data Management on the Achievable Dose and Efficiency of Mammography and Radiography During the COVID-19 Era: A Facility-Based Cohort Study.

To evaluate the impact of using computational data management resources and analytical software on radiation doses in mammography and radiography during the COVID-19 pandemic, develop departmental diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), and describe achievable doses (ADs) for mammography and radiography based on measured dose parameters. This ambispective cohort study enrolled 795 and 12,115 patients who underwent mammography and radiography, respectively, at the King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar City, Saudi Arabia between May 25 and November 4, 2021. Demographic data were acquired from patients' electronic medical charts. Data on mammographic and radiographic dose determinants were acquired from the data management software. Based on the time when the data management software was operational in the institute, the study was divided into the pre-implementation and post-implementation phases. Continuous and categorical variables were compared between the two phases using an unpaired t-test and the chi-square test. The median accumulated average glandular dose (AGD; a mammographic dose determinant) in the post-implementation phase was three-fold higher than that in the pre-implementation phase. The average mammographic exposure time in the post-implementation phase was 16.3 ms shorter than that in the pre-implementation phase. Furthermore, the median values of the dose area product ([DAP], a radiographic dose determinant) were 9.72 and 19.4 cGycm2 in the pre-implementation and post-implementation phases, respectively. Although the data management software used in this study helped reduce the radiation exposure time by 16.3 ms in mammography, its impact on the mean accumulated AGD was unfavorable. Similarly, radiographic exposure indices, including DAP, tube voltage, tube current, and exposure time, were not significantly different after the data management software was implemented. Close monitoring of patient radiation doses in mammography and radiography, and dose reduction will become possible if imaging facilities use DRLs and ADs via automated systems.

The Restoration of the Cities’ Water Waterfront after the COVID-19 Pandemic, Case of Al Khobar City, Saudi Arabia

The residents of coastal cities have a strong relationship with the waterfront, which people of different ages, types, levels of awareness, and cultural backgrounds use. People of different cultures tend to use these open spaces with various responses. They consider it a lung for them, and practice most of their entertainment and social events with different attitudes. Therefore, municipalities spend a large budget on designing, implementing, and developing these areas. However, sadly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the local authorities in many cities decided to shut down the city, including the waterfront area. Al Khobar city, Saudi Arabia, was one of the cities had that had a broad lockdown. Consequently, the use of open spaces became dangerous, and municipalities placed many restrictions on using such spaces to control the spread of COVID-19. Residents had no opportunity to use them for exercise, sports, social activities, or even for enjoying the fresh air, negatively influencing their lives at different levels. This research discusses this problem and examines the restoration of the waterfront after the authorities announced a decrease in the status of the hazards of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will consider returning safely to using the waterfront and allowing it to be accessible to the public, like before the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, it will suggest recommendations for the future use of the waterfront in a secure way to prevent the spread of such viruses.

Design, Modelling and Optimization of a Novel Concentrated Solar Powered (CSP) Flash Desalination System Involving Direct Heating and Pressure Modulation Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

The main problem with existing desalination technologies is that they consume high input energy to generate fresh water. Secondly, this energy demand is usually met by conventional sources of energy such as fossil fuels. With limited conventional energy reserves predicted for the future, the focus is on the utilization of renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy for powering desalination systems. Such a transformation would make the desalination systems more energy efficient, sustainable, and economical. In this paper, a novel concentrated solar powered (CSP) flash desalination system with direct heating and pressure modulation is presented. A lab-scale prototype was designed, manufactured, and tested for feed water collected from the Arabian Sea and in climatic conditions of Al-Khobar city in Saudi Arabia. The effect of three process parameters, namely, feed water temperature (30–40 °C), feed water flow rate (0.003–0.006 kg/s), and vacuum pressure (0.1–0.3 bar) on distillate production, was investigated. System modelling and optimization were done using Design Expert software and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The central composite design technique was employed for the optimization of process parameters. The adequacy of the developed distillate production model was verified by ANOVA. The optimum values of feed water temperature, flow rate, and vacuum pressure are reported to be 40 °C, 0.005 kg/s, and 0.1 bar, respectively, resulting in distillate production of 0.001 kg/s.

Application of the USEC Framework for Assessing Potential Linkages of Al-Khobar City to its Waterfront

Application of the USEC Framework for Assessing Potential Linkages of Al-Khobar City to its Waterfront

Liraglutide Effect on Weight, Glycated Hemoglobin, and Blood Pressure: A Single-Center Experience in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundLiraglutide has pleiotropic effects beneficial to patients with cardiovascular and renal risks. These effects have been linked to weight and blood pressure reduction in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. However, whether this reduction is similar in all patients regardless of their ethnicity, baseline demographic, or clinical characteristics is unknown. This study aimed to identify the efficacy of liraglutide on weight, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and blood pressure in Saudi patients with T2D who attended King Fahad Hospital of the University and received liraglutide as add-on therapy to other antihyperglycemic agents. The study also aimed to describe the pattern of change in these clinical parameters before and after the treatment and assess whether sex differences affect liraglutide's efficacy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective longitudinal study reviewing medical records of 220 Saudi patients with T2D treated at King Fahad Hospital of the University (KFHU), in Al-Khobar city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, from December 2016 to November 2021. Patient cases were included if the patient was Saudi, aged 18 or older, and received liraglutide in a dose of at least 0.6 mg/day for at least three months in combination with other antihyperglycemic agents/diabetes medications. We recorded the effect on patient HbA1c, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI), and body weight at baseline, during, and after treatment. We used the paired t-test and repeated measure analysis of variance to compare the mean study parameters before and after treatment. Furthermore, an independent t-test was used to compare the mean study parameters among men and women.ResultsTreatment with liraglutide from 0.6 mg/day to 3 mg/day for three to 18 months had optimal results across the outcomes measured in our cohort study. There was a significant reduction in weight from baseline to 18 months from a mean weight of 97.9±20 kg to 96.51±18.45 kg with (p<0.001). Mean HbA1c at baseline was 9.34%±1.95%, dropped to 7.67%±1.11% (p<0.001) at 18 months. Moreover, mean SBP also significantly decreased from 126.61±10.4 mmHg to 122.48±7.29 mmHg by the last follow-up (p<0.001). Mean DBP was 76.54±8.37 mmHg at baseline and decreased to 74.29±6.22 mmHg at last follow-up (p<0.001). Men treated with liraglutide had greater reductions in weight than women throughout the study (p<0.05), and while men had greater reductions in SBP and DBP than women early in treatment (p<0.05), by the end of treatment, there were no significant differences in blood pressure between men and women. Likewise, we saw no significant difference between HbA1c reductions in men and women treated with liraglutide.ConclusionLiraglutide effectively reduces HbA1c, weight, BMI, SBP, and DBP in T2D patients. These study results reflect real-world liraglutide clinical practices from KFHU and can be beneficial for physicians when considering using liraglutide as add-on therapy in this population.

Non-suicidal self-injurious behavior among the Saudi population: a systematic review

Background: Self-harm is a serious public health problem across the world, impacting not only people who self-harm but also their families and society as a whole through higher resource costs and productivity losses. This review was conducted among the general Saudi population to investigate the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and factors affecting it. Methods: An electronic literature search of four major databases, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus Science Direct, and Google Scholar, was conducted to include eligible studies. All studies reporting NSSI or relevant to the subject were included. Results: A total of five articles with 1758 participants were included. The lowest recorded NSSI prevalence was 0.47% while the highest was 10.2%, both in Al-Khobar city. Conclusion: We recorded a relatively low but increasing prevalence of NSSI. The review also demonstrated that NSSI was more common among the female population and young people. Self-poisoning, including drug overdose, was the most prevalent method of self-harm. Interpersonal difficulties, marital problems, academic failure, and family and self-conflicts were common motivating factors of NSSI.

Staged energy and water quality optimization for large water distribution systems.

Simultaneous optimization of energy and water quality in real-time large-sized water distribution systems is a daunting task for water suppliers. The complexity of energy optimization increases with a large number of pipes, scheduling of several pumps, and adjustments of tanks' water levels. Most of the simultaneous energy and water quality optimization approaches evaluate small (or hypothetical) networks or compromise water quality. In the proposed staged approach, Stage 1 uses a risk-based approach to optimally locate the chlorine boosters in a large distribution system based on residual chlorine failures and the associated consequences in different land uses of the service area. Integrating EPANET and CPLEX software, Stage 2 uses mixed integer goal programming for optimizing the day-ahead pump scheduling. The objective function minimizes the pumping energy cost as well as the undesirable deviations from goal constraints, such as expected water demand. Stage 3 evaluates the combined hydraulics and water quality performances at the network level. The implementation of the proposed approach on a real-time large-sized network of Al-Khobar City in Saudi Arabia, with 44 groundwater wells, 12 reservoirs, 2 storage tanks, 191 mains, 141 junctions, and 17 pumps, illustrated the practicality of the framework. Simulating the network with an optimal pumping schedule and chlorine boosters' locations shows a 40% improvement in water quality performance, desired hydraulics performance with optimal pump scheduling, and an average 20% energy cost reduction compared to the normal (unoptimized) base case scenario.

تعليم المعلمات للکتابة التأملية في المرحلة الابتدائية

هدف هذا البحث إلى التعرف على واقع تعليم المعلمات للکتابة التأملية في المرحلة الابتدائية من خلال معرفة مستوى تطبيق المعلمات للکتابة التأملية على تلميذاتهن، ومعرفة الصعوبات التي تعيق تطبيقها من وجهة نظرهن. واستخدمت الباحثة المنهج الوصفي المسحي، کما استخدمت الاستبانة کأداة لجمع البيانات اللازمة للبحث بعد التأکد من صدقها وثباتها. تکون مجتمع البحث من معلمات المرحلة الابتدائية الحکومية بالخبر وعددهن (910) معلمات، يتوزعن على(49) مدرسة أما عينة البحث تمثلت في عينة عشوائية بلغ حجمها (301) معلمة. من أبرز نتائج البحث: اتفاق معظم المعلمات في تطبيقهن للکتابة التأملية على التلميذات، وأکثرهن استخدمن الوسائل کالصور أو العبارات کمفتاح ذهني لتحفيز التلميذات على ممارسة الکتابة التأملية. کما کشفت نتائج البحث أن المعلمات ما بين موافقات ومحايدات على الصعوبات التي تعيق تطبيق الکتابة التأملية حيث جاءت الصعوبات المتعلقة بالتلميذ أولا ثم البيئة المدرسية، ثم المعلم، ومن أبرزها: ضعف بعض التلميذات في مهارات القراءة والکتابة، وافتقار المدرسة إلى مکتبة تخدم التلميذات لغويا وفکريا، ورؤيتهن التأمل يتطلب وقتا، ومن أهم التوصيات التي توصل إليها البحث: توفير مکتبة في کل مدرسة تخدم التلميذات لغويا وفکريا، وعقد دورات تدريبية للمعلمات عن الکتابة التأملية، وتخصيص وقت مناسب للمعلمات لتعليم تلميذاتهن الکتابة التأملية، ومن أهم المقترحات التي أوصت بها الباحثة: إجراء دراسة عن سبل التغلب على الصعوبات التي تعيق تطبيق الکتابة التأملية على تلميذات المرحلة الابتدائية، وإجراء دراسات عن فاعلية برامج مقترحة لتنمية مهارات الکتابة التأملية لدى التلاميذ. This study aims to identify the education reality of reflective writing at the primary level by female teachers through identifying the application level of reflective writing by these teachers on their female students and recognizing this application’s limitations from the teachers’ point of view. The researcher utilized the descriptive approach for this study. Also, the researcher used the questionnaire as a tool to gather data needed for the research validity. The study community consisted of (910) female teachers at the public primary school level, in Al-Khobar city. These teachers were distributed among (49) schools. The research sample was represented in a random sample of (301) female teachers. Key research results are: the majority of teachers were approaching reflective thinking application with students in the same way. Most of the teachers provided media (i.e. photos), or words as a brainstorming method to motivate their female students to practice reflective writing. Results also revealed that teachers’ responses varied between “agree” and “neutral” regarding the limitations of reflective writing application on female students. Students’ limitations came first, followed by school environment limitations, and teacher’s limitations. The most significant limitations are: poor reading and writing skills of some female students, unavailability of school’s library to help developing female students intellectually and linguistically, and the idea that reflective writing is time consuming. The study’s most significant recommendations are: To provide a library in each school that helps developing female students intellectually and linguistically, to provide training courses on reflective writing for teachers, and to allocate the proper time which enables teachers to practice reflective writing on their students. The most significant suggestions recommended by the researcher are: to conduct a study about ways to overcome limitations of reflective writing application on female students at the primary level and to conduct studies on the effectiveness of proposed programs to develop students’ reflective writing skills.

Assessment of BTEX Concentration around Fuel Station in Eastern Province Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) concentration levels in and around the fuel station and its harmful health effects in the city of Dammam and Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Forty fuel-dispensing facilities were randomly selected on the basis of three different areas: residential, traffic intersection, and petrol pump locations (refueling stations). Samples were collected using coconut shell charcoal cartridges, and the portable ambient analyzer was used for measuring BTEX concentration. Results: Results shows that the average concentration of BTEX levels around fuel stations was 10.30, 4.09, and 2.47 ppm, respectively. All mean concentration values of BTEX around residential, traffic intersection, and fuel stations are exceeding the limits of air quality standards values (P &lt; 0.01). The mean concentration of BTEX around the residential area, side street, and direct street was as follows: benzene 8, 12.2, and 11.5 ppm; toluene 2.5, 5.95, and 3.37 ppm; and xylene 2, 2.13, and 2.7 ppm. Hazard quotient was &gt;1, which showed that carcinogenic probability has increased those exposed to this toxic chemical. Conclusion: Values for BTEX were greater than those found in the neighboring residential area of the city and even 100 m away from the fuel station which can have a negative impact on the health of several residences. The environmental contamination associated with BTEX in petrol fuel stations impulses the necessity of preventive programs to reduce further air quality deterioration and reduce the harmful health effects.

Knowledge of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Prenatal Women Attending a Public Health Center in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a current health problem that affects pregnant women and fetuses. Addressing GDM offers a window of opportunity for the prevention of DM in Saudi Arabia. Here, we aimed to assess the current level of knowledge regarding GDM among prenatal women attending primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in the city of Al-Khobar. We also aimed to increase the awareness of GDM and to determine the significance of this study within the Saudi Arabian context. Methods: After obtaining informed consent from the study subjects, a pre-validated, structured questionnaire was used to assess GDM knowledge among prenatal women attending PHCs in the city of Al-Khobar. Results: We included 471 prenatal women in the study (mean age: 29 years). Overall, 36.5% of the women had good knowledge of GDM, while 50.5% had fair knowledge, and 13% had poor knowledge. Most women (> 99%) were literate and identified themselves as housewives (75.4%). The knowledge score concerning how GDM is diagnosed was 45.3%. Approximately 41.4% women had undergone tests for GDM. Furthermore, 65.8% of the participants were aware of GDM treatment. However, only 39.5% were aware of the consequences of GDM. A major source of GDM knowledge was reported to be from friends and relatives. Conclusion: Although knowledge of GDM as a disease in Al-Khobar community was average, the depth of this knowledge was poor. Thus, doctors and healthcare providers must play a greater role in improving health education among prenatal women. Furthermore, suitable intervention programs should urgently be undertaken by the Ministry of Health to improve GDM knowledge among this population.

Anxiety and depression and their relation to the use of electronic devices among secondary school students in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, 2018-2019.

BACKGROUND:Adolescence is a critical transitional period for the development of mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety, and these days, adolescents spend less time playing outside than they do using electronic devices. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the use of electronic devices and anxiety and depression in female secondary school students in Al-Khobar City, KSA.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This cross-sectional study included 903 female students selected from the four educational districs (Al-Khobar, Al-Thuqbah, Al-Dhahran and Al-Rakah). Data was collected using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire that included questions related sociodemographics and the use of electronic devices, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale. Data analysis included descriptive statistics frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. Chi-square test was performed to test for significance for association between categorical variable. Odds ratios were calculated for association of anxiety and depression with various independent variables including the use of electronic devices. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with anxiety and depression. All test were performed at 5% significance level.RESULTS:The mean age of the participants was 16.29 years (SD=0.84). About 98% reported using electronic devices; 67.3% used electronic devices 2 or more hours daily, and 81.5% used them at bedtime. About 66% students had moderate-to-severe anxiey and 70/5% had mild-to-severe depression. The logistic regression model showed that users of electronic devices at bedtime were 1.524 more likely to have anxiety (P=0.026), while spending more than 2 hours on the devices at bedtime were significantly associated with depression.CONCLUSION:The high prevalence of anxiety and depression among female students is worrisome. Finding suggests that adolescents might benefit from a restricted use of electronic devices. It is necessary to develop age-specific guidelines regarding duration of the use of electronic devices and to integrate the development of psychosocial skills into the school curriculum.

Saudi mothers' perception of their children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in Dammam, Al-Qatif, and Al-Khobar cities, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND:Mothers' perceptions about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are central to the management of the disorder. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, experiences, and attitudes of mothers with ADHD children toward ADHD and identify their common sources of information and service barriers from the perspectives of these mothers in the Dammam, AI-Khobar, and Al-Qatif areas.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This cross-sectional study comprised mothers of 132 children with ADHD who attended private and government sector special education schools and day-care centers in the Al-Khobar, Dammam, and Al-Qatif cities of Saudi Arabia. All the mothers completed self-administered structured questionnaires.RESULTS:About 47% mothers of children with ADHD had poor knowledge of ADHD, 74.2% had a positive attitude toward the condition, and 51.5% had a neutral perception of their children. Most of the children received combined therapy, with 69.5% exhibiting improved behavior. The most common concern of mothers was fear of the side effects of medication (39.4%). The mothers were the first family members to seek advice; the most common reason for first visit to clinic were poor social skills (45.5%), and attention hyperactive aggressive behavior (45.5%). The most common reason for the delay in diagnosis was failure to recognize the child's aberrant behavior (67.4%), whereas the most common source of information was internet (63.6%).CONCLUSION:It is important for clinicians to address the mothers' perceptions of ADHD as part of the treatment for ADHD to improve the children's quality of life. It is also important to develop educational materials and awareness campaigns that target mothers and facilitate good communication between the services through the social media.

Assessment of BTX Concentration around Fuel Station in Eastern Province Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Aim:The aim of this study is to determine the benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX) concentration levels in and around fuel station and its expected health risks in the City of Dammam and Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.Method:Forty fuel dispensing facilities were randomly selected on the basis of three different areas, residential, traffic intersection, and petrol pump locations (refueling stations). coconut shell charcoal cartridges were used for samples collection and portable Ambient Analyzer was used for measuring BTX (benzene, toluene, and xylenes) concentration.Results:Results show that the average concentration of benzene, toluene, and xylenes level around fuel stations was 10.30, 4.09, and 2.47 ppm, respectively. All means of concentration values of BTX around residential, traffic intersection, and fuel stations are exceeding the limits of air quality standards values (P < 0.01). The mean concentration of BTX around residential area, side street, and direct street was benzene 8, 12.2, and 11.5 ppm, toluene 2.5, 5.95, and 3.37 ppm, and xylenes 2, 2.13, and 2.7 ppm. Hazard Quotient (HQ) was more than >1 which showed that carcinogenic probability has increased those exposed to this toxic chemical.Conclusion:Ambient concentration of BTX was high compare to neighboring residential area and 100 m from the fuel station which can negatively affect on health of several residences. The Environmental contamination associated with BTX in petrol fuel stations impulses the necessity of preventive programs to reduce further air quality deterioration and reduce the expected health risks.

Assessment of Existing Photovoltaic System with Cooling and Cleaning System: Case Study at Al-Khobar City

There is no denial that renewable energy is considered to be the most cost-competitive source of clean power in many parts of the world. Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 aims at achieving the best by using different sources of renewable energy such as solar energy, wind energy, and others. The use of solar energy in particular for power generation will decrease the dependency on oil, and thus, decrease the greenhouse gasses. Solar panels efficiency tends to decrease with the accumulation of dust on their surface. Thus, a cleaning process requires assigning and employing labor, which increases the cost of running as well as high cost of machinery. The current study focuses on assessing and designing a simple auto self-cleaning system in order to improve the efficiency of the solar panel. The results showed that for the Al-Khobar region, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the efficiency of the solar panels after cleaning was increased from 6% to an average of 12% at nominal temperature of 27 °C. In addition, the average power output was increased by 35% during the day time. In addition, the normal efficiency of the solar panels before cooling was between 10% to 15% at 42 °C. After cooling, the temperature of solar cells decreased to 20 °C and the efficiency increased by 7%. Moreover, the output power was increased by 31% with maximum efficiency of 32% at noon time.

Extraction of methyl xanthines and their UHPLC-DAD determination in consumable beverages used in Eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

Coffee and tea are the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. However, the consumer may be unaware of the exact amount of methyl xanthine (MX, i.e. caffeine [C], theobromine [TB] and theophylline [TH]) consumed, as most of the products do not list the proper amounts. This may lead to serious risks including cardiovascular, kidney and stimulant effects. The aim of the study was to determine the MX amount in ready-to-use beverages (coffee and tea) collected from various outlets in the city of Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Forty different samples of espresso, black coffee and red tea were collected. A fast, reliable and efficient UHPLC-DAD method was developed and validated for MX determination. Total lipids were extracted and fractionated in order to determine glycolipids, phospholipids and neutral lipids. The r2 value for the method was 0.980-0.988 in a linearity range of 0.5-200 ppm. The range for MX (C [0.02-2.39 mg/ml], TB [0.00-0.10 mg/ml] and TH [0.00-0.004 mg/ml]) and total lipids was 1-5 g. The amount of glycolipids (3.1 g) was higher among the lipid fractions followed by phospholipids (1.8 g) and neutral lipids (0.25 g). In general, espresso beverages (20-30 ml) contained high amounts of MX whereas black coffee beverages contained high amount of lipids. Most of the beverages expressed C, TB, TH, lipids or their fractions; however, the product with high amounts of MX and lipids at the same time was espresso (brands Chemistry and Wogard). Although the MX and lipid levels in these beverages well below the allowed limits, care must still be taken, especially when using the beverages with high serving volumes (200-250 ml) or coffee prepared via the filter method i.e. black coffee, using a high temperature for a longer time.

Glycemic Control X Invisible Risk Factors Among Diabetic Patients In Eastern Province

PURPOSE: The present study tried to compare the glycemic profile of diabetic patients who live in the main two cities of in the Eastern province of (Khobar and Dammam) KSA and to find out the possible links with the environmental factors and socioeconomic status of patients.&#x0D; &#x0D; METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study carried out in King Fahd Teaching Hospital, involving a chart review of diabetic patients during the period 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018. All of the patients in this study were required to be living in the main studied cities of the eastern province, Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Khobar). The electronic medical records of all participants included: medication, admission, diagnosis, investigations, nursing and surgical. The invisible data (environmental and socioeconomic factors) were collected from the Urban Observatory Eastern Region.&#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS: Evolution of the medical records in this study revealed that the level of fasting blood glucose and HbA1c was significantly higher among the resident of the Al-Khobar city. The dramatic changes in socioeconomic behaviours in the KSA along with the lack of public Education about diabetes mellitus and the imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure has brought as a real health risk for Diabetes mellitus in the Al-Khobar city, KSA. By linking the findings, the environment in Dammam tends to be healthier for its residents compared to Khobar in regard to open spaces, and pollution indicators. Moreover, The results showed that, residents of the Al-Khobar city have a higher income.&#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that there are many unseen risk factors may influence the progress and aggravation of diabetes mellitus. Very restrict strategies that create opportunities for diabetic patients to promote their health education are highly needed to control or reduce the expected diabetic complications.

The public perception of and attitude toward primary healthcare centers in comparison to other specialties among the Saudi community.

Objectives:The purpose of this study is to explore the community's perceptions and knowledge of and attitudes toward Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) and Primary Healthcare Providers (PHPs) and the PHCs’ services in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, and to discover some of the reasons behind not attending the PHCs as the first choice to address a medical issue.Methods:A cross-sectional study was done in Dammam and Al-Khobar cities, Saudi Arabia. 382 Saudi subjects were surveyed. Data was collected via a digital mobile-based survey and entered by the data collectors. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data.Results:Only 54% of the study population agreed to attend the PHCs as their first choice to address a medical issue. 72.3% of the respondents deemed the Emergency Department (ED) as a more important healthcare provider than a PHC.Conclusion:Acceptable perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes about PHCs and its services were noticed among the Saudi community in general. Public awareness campaigns are recommended to optimize full utilization of the PHCs’ services.

Assessment of net energy contribution to buildings by rooftop photovoltaic systems in hot-humid climates

Abstract The study aims to investigate the overall impact of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems on the energy performance of residential buildings in hot-humid climates. The study area spans over 100 km2 encompassing 33,000 residential units in the city of Al-Khobar in Saudi Arabia. It examines the restrictions towards the utilizability of building rooftops for PV application. The total building rooftop area and its corresponding PV output at the urban scale level has been estimated with the help of geographic information systems and PV simulation tools. The secondary contribution by PV in terms of heat gain reduction has also been investigated through EnergyPlus simulation engine. It is found that villas and apartment buildings respectively offer 21% and 28% of their rooftops for PV application. Results suggest that solar PV can offset 19% of the electricity demand when 25% of the building roof is utilized, in addition to a cooling load reduction of 2% due to the shading effect of panels. For the total study area, the annual electricity generation potential for tilted and flat application of PV with the existing roofs conditions turns out to be 797 GWh and 757 GWh respectively.

Impact Assessment of Long-Term Work Zones in Arterial Roads on Commercial Activities in Dammam Metropolitan Area, Saudi Arabia

This paper assesses the impact of long-term work zones in arterial roads on commercial activities in Dammam Metropolitan area. The study focuses on two cases of long-term work zones in arterials in two major cities in Dammam Metropolitan Area. The first case is a work zone with full lanes closure on Prince Mohamed Bin Fahad Road at the south east entrance of Dammam city. The second case is a work zone with full lanes closure on King Abdul-Aziz Road at the northern entrance of Al-Khobar City. Data collection relies on field survey including questionnaires to affected business owners and managers. The questionnaire has been developed to assess the impact before and during road works period, in the work zone, on mobility and accessibility to commercial activities. Field survey includes 201 commercial activities at two work zone locations. Answers have been registered in Excel spreadsheet. Data analysis includes percentages of change, means, and standard deviation of dependent variables before and during the presence of the work zone. It was found that long-term work zones on arterials have multiple negative impacts on workers, sales, and customers. These impacts are related to lack of mobility, accessibility and reduction of parking availability during work period. Also, restaurants and travel agencies were the most effected activities by work zone presence, while banks were the least effected.