Persian Gulf Research Articles

Molecular identification of methane-consuming bacteria in the Persian Gulf: a study for microbial gas exploration

The seepage of gaseous compounds from underground reservoirs towards the surface causes abnormalities in the population of microbial communities that consume light hydrocarbons on the surface of the reservoir. This microbial population can serve as indicators for determining the location of gas reservoirs prior to drilling operations. In this study, the simulation of methane gas leakage in the sediments of the Persian Gulf was conducted using a laboratory model. The objective of this simulation was to identify the microbial population consuming methane within the sediments of the Persian Gulf, aiding in the exploration of gas reserves. Continuous injection of methane gas into the system was performed for a period of 3 months to enrich the microbial consortia consuming methane. Subsequently, the microbial population was identified using next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. The results indicated that, based on the 16S rRNA sequencing dataset, aerobic methanotrophs, including genera Methylobacter, Methylomarinum, Methylomicrobium, Methylomonas, and Methylophage, were the dominant microbial group on the surface of the sediments. Additionally, anaerobic methane oxidation archaea in sediments were performed by ANME-2 and ANME-3 clades. The findings demonstrate that these microbial communities are capable of coexistence and thrive in long-term exposure to methane in the sediments of the Persian Gulf. Identifying this microbial pattern, alongside other geophysical and geological data, can increase the success rate of gas reservoir exploration.

Prevalence of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among Medical Students, King Faisal University

Background: The neurobehavioral disorder known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is typified by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty in maintaining focus. According to recent research, it can last into adulthood. Regarding identifying adult ADHD, the fifth edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" has undergone major alteration. As far as we are aware, few research has been done in the Gulf region on adult ADHD among medical students.Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out on students of medicine from all academic years in King Faisal University, Hofuf, from December 2023 until June 2024. 279 medical students participated in the study. Self-reported English questionnaires with two sections—a sociodemographic section and a screening scale for adult ADHD based on the DSM5 version—were utilized for the investigation. Outcomes: (14. %) of pupils mentioned having signs of ADHD. Results: Of the sample, 14% of students exhibited ADHD symptoms, a rate higher than the global prevalence. Female students (13.1%) and first-year students (18.9%) showed significant ADHD symptoms. Psychological comorbidities were present in 28.6% of ADHD-affected students compared to 11.4% of non-affected students. The ADHD group demonstrated mild but notable challenges in concentration, relaxation, and impulsive behavior, with implications for academic performance and stress management.Conclusion: Our study shows a higher prevalence compared with a worldwide prevalence of i.e., 14%. This difference could be due to community interaction and way of living life style factors. Those individuals may have difficulty in communication and learning which can disturb students’ academic efficiency, lengthen their study, and even disturb their development.

Reassessing Peace: The Implications of the Abraham Accords for Conflict Resolution in the Gulf Region

Established in 2020, the Abraham accords marked a remarkable step towards the normalisation of relations between Gulf Arab states and Israel. They have been hailed as a potential turning point for peace and regional cooperation. However, the recent Israeli military operations since the end of 2023 raise critical questions about the durability and impact of these accords. This paper proposes an in-depth examination of the implications of the Israel/Gaza war on the Abraham Accords and their dynamics in peace-building. It will explore how the war has potentially reshaped (or not) alliances, influenced public opinion, and altered the strategic calculations of Gulf states, particularly in their approaches to conflict resolution and engagement with external actors. This research aims to contribute to the understanding of the complex interplay between regional conflicts and their broader implications for peace and stability in the Gulf, offering insights into the future trajectory of Gulf states in the realm of conflict resolution and peace-building combined with self-interested dynamics. The comparative analysis will delve into two case studies: the United Arab Emirates, which signed the Abraham Accords, and Qatar, which did not, highlighting how similar conflicts have historically altered political alignments, economic dependencies, and social narratives within the Gulf.

Dynamic impact of different human activities on the distribution of organic ultraviolet absorbers in coastal aquatic environments: A case study in Beibu Gulf, South China Sea

The increasing environmental concern surrounding organic ultraviolet absorbers (OUVAs) has prompted heightened attention, particularly their presence in personal care products (organic ultraviolet filters, OUVFs) and industrial products (organic ultraviolet stabilizers, OUVSs). This study investigates the impact of human activities and environmental factors on the occurrence, spatiotemporal distribution, and ecological risk of eight commonly utilized OUVFs and OUVSs in the coastal region of Beibu Gulf, South China Sea. The study area is characterized by multiple functional zones with distinct human activities. Results reveal elevated concentrations of OUVAs during summer compared to winter, attributed to increased residential usage, tourist activities, industrial releases, and intensified ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Interestingly, the proportion of OUVFs increases during summer, while OUVSs decrease. Correlation analysis between OUVAs and sampling sites reveals that tourism and domestic wastewater are the main contributors to OUVF contamination in summer, whereas mariculture and port trade significantly impact OUVS contamination in winter. The ecological risk assessment indicates predominantly low or medium risk levels for most OUVAs in both local seawater and freshwater ecosystems. Nevertheless, OUVFs, with a particular focus on 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), and OUVSs, specifically 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl) benzotriazole (UV-P), exhibit a heightened risk compared to alternative substances. These findings provide crucial insights into the development of targeted mitigation strategies for OUVAs, taking into account the varying contamination levels of OUVFs and OUVSs resulting from diverse human activities, aiming to protect the health of aquatic ecosystems in diverse functional zones.

Investigation and evaluation of risk of pathogen transfer by ballast water in Shahid Rajaee Port, Hormozgan Province, Iran.

Ballast water is essential for ship operations, but can also transport harmful organisms between ports, threatening local environments. The Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), requires ships to implement ballast water management measures to address this issue. In this study, ballast water samples were collected from ships entering Shahid Rajaee Port in Iran before and after the Ballast Water Management Convention came into force in 2017. The sampling was conducted in coordination with Iranian authorities, following IMO guidelines. Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, and Enterococci were identified in 97 ships, and physical parameters such as temperature, salinity, and pH were measured in 15 ships. To prevent sample contamination, rigorous protocols were followed, including using sterile equipment, appropriate storage, and immediate transfer to the lab. The results showed that before the BWM Convention, V. cholerae was found in 6 out of 14 ships (42%), with ballast water retention times of 2-58days. After the convention, V. cholerae was found in only 2 out of 83 ships (2.4%), with ballast water retention of 2-3days. This indicates a significant reduction in the risk of pathogen transfer through ballast water. Further analysis after the Convention showed that V. cholerae was initially detected in 4 out of 15 ships, but only 1 ship (6.6%) had levels above the standard. E. coli and Enterococci were also detected in multiple ships, but their levels were below the standard. The study investigated the relationship between the bacterial levels and the physical parameters. While some correlations were found between E. coli/Enterococci and parameters like pH, temperature, salinity, and water retention time, no significant impact of physical parameters on V. cholerae levels was observed. T-tests revealed significant relationships between the bacterial levels and the physical parameters, as well as the ballast water retention time. Ships were found to have followed the ballast water exchange guidelines of exchanging at least 200 or 50 nautical miles from shore and at depths over 200m, as mapped out for the Persian Gulf region. The results indicate that the implementation of the BWM Convention has been effective in reducing the risk of pathogen transfer through ballast water. However, the study emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and enforcement to ensure continued compliance with the convention's requirements.

Spatiotemporal diversity of bacterial endophyte microbiome of mandarin (Citrus reticulata) in the northern Persian Gulf and its HCN production and N2 fixation.

Endophytes are symbionts that live in healthy plants and potentially improve the health of plant holobionts. Here, we investigated the bacterial endophyte community of Citrus reticulata grown in the northern Persian Gulf. Bacteria were isolated seasonally from healthy trees (root, stem, bark, trunk, leaf, and crown tissues) in four regions of Hormozgan province (i.e., Ahmadi, Siyahoo, Sikhoran, Roudan), a subtropical hot region in Iran. A total of 742 strains from 17 taxa, 3 phyla, and 5 orders were found, most of which belonged to Actinobacteria (Actinobacteriales) as the dominant group, followed by Firmicutes (Bacillales), Proteobacteria (Sphingomonadales, Rhizobiales), and Cyanobacteria (Synechoccales). The genera included Altererythrobacter, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Cellulosimicrobium, Curtobacterium, Kocuria, Kytococcus, Methylopila, Mycobacterium, Nocardioides, Okiabacterium, Paracraurococcus, and Psychrobacillus. The most frequently occurring species included Psychrobacillus psychrodurans, Kytococcus schroetri, and Bacillus cereus. In addition, the overall colonization frequency and variability of endophytes were higher on the trunks. The leaves showed the lowest species variability in all sampling periods. The frequency of endophyte colonization was also higher in summer. The Shannon-Wiener (H') and Simpson indices varied with all factors, i.e., region, season, and tissue type, with the maximum in Roudan. Furthermore, 52.9% of the strains were capable of nitrogen fixation, and 70% produced antagonistic hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Thus, C. reticulata harbors a variety of bioactive bacterial endophytes that could be beneficial for host fitness in such harsh environments.

Assessing climatic change impacts on mangrove structural dynamics on the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf

Abstract. Monitoring long-term trends in structural changes within mangrove ecosystems is essential for understanding their response to climate change and devising effective adaptation strategies in coastal regions. This study examines changes in mangrove patchiness within the Hara Biosphere Reserve (HBR) along the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf (PG) over a 31-year period (1986-2017), focusing on variations in rainfall patterns and drought occurrences. Employing a 35-year time series of monthly Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) values alongside satellite imagery analysis, trends in both the number of patches (NP) and the Largest Patch Index (LPI) were assessed at the mangrove stand level. The analysis reveals a significant correlation between structural changes in mangroves and drought events. Pre-1998, characterized by wetter conditions, witnessed a decrease in both NP and LPI, indicating patch expansion and habitat extension. Conversely, post-1998, during drought periods, both indices increased, indicating habitat degradation due to heightened drought intensity. Pre-1998 structural changes in the HBR signify habitat expansion, with increased patch extent and core areas reflecting enhanced structural integrity. However, post-1998, a concerning trend of habitat degradation emerged, with increased NP and LPI attributed to intensified droughts. These findings highlight a transitional period marked by favourable conditions for mangrove growth followed by habitat degradation linked to increased drought intensity. This underscores the vulnerability of mangrove ecosystems to climate change impacts, particularly exacerbated droughts, necessitating urgent efforts for conservation and management to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services in coastal regions.

Distribution, environmental risks, and conservation challenges of chemical pollutants in Persian Gulf marine protected areas

This study investigates the occurrence and distribution of chemical pollutants, including total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), anionic surfactants, and total organic carbon (TOC), in the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) waters in the northern Persian Gulf. Water samples were collected from five MPAs during the winter and summer of 2022. The study identified significant seasonal variations, with higher pollutant levels recorded in winter compared to summer. Concentrations of ∑19PCBs (ng/L), anionic surfactants (µg/L), TPHs (mg/L), and TOC (mg/L) ranged from 0.72 to 4.66, 10 to 79, ND to 134.63, and 0.5 to 114.58 in winter, and from 2.49 to 5.05, 11 to 30, ND to 20.26, and 0.15 to 5.27 in summer, respectively. The pollution patterns revealed the Mond protected area as a major pollution hotspot, compromising its ecological health. The results highlight the critical need for targeted pollution control and enhanced conservation measures in the region’s MPAs to protect biodiversity and marine ecosystems.

Balancing power and prosperity: China’s geo-economic engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council

Since the 1990s, China’s engagement beyond its geographical periphery, especially with Asian regions, has grown exceptionally, which is best evident in the Gulf sub-region and Western Asian nations. Indeed, energy-based interactions were the first to be established with Gulf Arab countries, and today, more than two decades after the Cold War, such relationships have evolved into tighter partnerships and engagement networks. Thus, in the last decade, China has increased its economic and political footprint in the Gulf region, as it has become one of the region’s largest external investors and trade partners. In its relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, China faces varying challenges as each country pursues its interests, making the Chinese strategy in the region more complex. The Gulf countries have had to balance their relationship between the US as a security guarantor and China as an important economic partner. They strive to maximize their political and economic interests in the process. The main contention of this paper is that the GCC should not be viewed as a homogenous entity and that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a flexible approach designed to bolster China’s economic objectives in each Gulf country. Our research scrutinizes China’s geo-economic strategy and geopolitical aims about the Gulf States’ aspirations to maximize their economic ties with China. Against this background, this paper discusses the political and economic relationships between the People’s Republic of China and the Gulf Arab states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Molecular characterization of rabies virus from wild and domestic animals in the Sultanate of Oman.

Rabies virus (RV) is endemic in some Arabian countries. However, it is difficult to control RV without understanding the epidemiological evolution of endemic RV isolates. The current study aimed to characterize RV from domestic and wild animal clinical cases in Oman. Twelve brain samples from domestic (Five camels, three goats and one cattle) and wild animals (Two foxes and one honey badger) were investigated from different locations in Oman between 2017 and 2020. All samples were confirmed by RV nucleoprotein (N) gene-specific primers. Seven out of the 12 amplified samples were successfully sequenced and subjected to sequence and phylogenetic analysis. The detected RVs shared an in-between 96.8%-98.7% and 96.9%-99% nucleotide and amino acid identities, respectively. However, the wild animal RVs shared only 92.6%-93.9% and 95.9% nucleotide and amino acid identities with the domestic animal RVs, respectively. Negri bodies were detected histologically in six brain samples from camels (n = 3), goats (n = 1) and foxes (n = 2). The RVs from domestic animals shared 97%-98.7% and 98%-100% nucleotide and amino acid identities with the previously published fox RVs from Oman and Gulf countries. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that all RV sequences belong to a distinct clade confined to the previously reported clade V within the Middle Eastern Cluster. As indicated by the analysis of RVs from different locations between 2017 and 2020, a genetic variant isolated to the Gulf region may exist within the Middle East clade. Moreover, it appears that new RV lineages are emerging rapidly within this region. Therefore, a comprehensive genomic and phylogenetic analysis of the circulating RV is important for the development of future prevention and control strategies.

Environmental monitoring of phthalic acid esters in northwest Persian Gulf estuary: Concentrations, distribution, and risk assessment

The present study investigates the concentration level, distribution, and risk assessment of six high-priority phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in seawaters and sediments of the Musa estuary, northwest of the Persian Gulf, Iran. Additionally, the industrial and urban effluents terminating in this estuary were also analyzed. The overall variations of Σ6PAEs were 10.65–164.80 µg/L in seawaters, 0.53–26.18 µg/g in sediments, and 181.09–764.57 µg/L in effluent samples. Di–n–butyl phthalate (DnBP) and di(2–ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), together accounted for 57.2 %–99.5 % and 59 %–100 % of the Σ6PAEs concentrations in seawaters and sediments, respectively. A relatively similar trend was also detected in the effluent waters. While industrial runoffs exhibited greater shares and concentrations compared to urban areas, the levels of PAEs were higher in waters and sediments near urban regions due to restricted water circulation. A significant correlation was found (r = 0.8385) between Σ6PAEs in seawater and sediment. Given its consistent detection frequency of 100 % across all stations, DEHP can be served as a reliable indicator for PAE contamination. In nearly all stations, the pollution levels of DnBP and DEHP exceeded the environmental risk level (ERL). The ecological risk quotient (RQ) for at least two PAEs appeared at medium to high levels in both seawaters and sediments. Establishing baseline data on PAEs in the Musa estuary will guide future strategies for pollutant control across the Persian Gulf network.

Characterization of bla NDM in two Escherichia coli ST1193 clinical isolates in the Gulf region.

Escherichia coli ST1193 is an emerging high-risk clone associated with the production of plasmid-mediated CTX-type extended-spectrum β-lactamases. However, this clone has seldom been found to contain plasmids carrying carbapenemase genes. We report two epidemiologically unlinked multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates of E. coli ST1193 with plasmids harbouring NDM-type carbapenemase genes from the Gulf region. The isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the VITEK 2/Phoenix system. A conjugation experiment was performed to assess the transferability of the resistance plasmids. Genomic DNA of both isolates was subject to Illumina sequencing; one isolate was also sequenced using Oxford Nanopore technology. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to detect antimicrobial resistance genes, and to annotate the genetic context of the NDM genes. Both isolates were resistant to carbapenems using phenotypic tests. Conjugation experiment confirmed that NDM-5-encoding plasmids of both strains could be transferred to the recipient cells. The completed NDM-5-encoding plasmid of E. coli isolate FQ71 was highly similar to several plasmids from ST410 isolates in the NCBI database. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of transposase genes and transposons in the flanking regions of the NDM genes in the plasmids. Since carbapenems constitute first-line agents for the treatment of serious infections caused by ESBL producers, E. coli ST1193 isolates co-producing ESBL and NDM-type carbapenemases represent a serious challenge for antimicrobial stewardship and infection control programmes.

IMEEC: Boon for Logistics Sector

IMEEC is a planned economic corridor that aims to bolster economic development by fostering connectivity and economic integration between Asia, the Persian Gulf and Europe through UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Greece. On 10 Sep 23, the MoU was signed during the 2023 G20 New Delhi Summit by the Govt. of India, United States, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and European Union. The US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi along with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammad Bin Abdulazir Al Saud and President of European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen on Sep 9, 2023, announce the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor to create a “better future” at the sideline of 18th G-20 Summit in New Delhi. This is the first of its kind initiative on co-operation on connectivity and Infrastructure involving India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, EU, France, Italy, Germany and the USA.

Bioaccumulation Patterns of Trace Elements in Jellyfish (Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda) from Northwestern Coastal Waters of the Persian Gulf

Trace element pollution in the Persian Gulf originates from industrial activities, urbanization, shipping, and oil extraction, leading to accumulation in sediments, water, and marine life such as jellyfish. This study investigated trace element bioaccumulation in two jellyfish species, Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda, across different locations. Jellyfish samples were collected from the Mahshahr and Dilam ports, and their trace element concentrations were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The study revealed no significant differences in trace element concentrations between C. orsini and C. andromeda. However, levels of copper, iron, manganese, and nickel were significantly higher in specimens from Mahshahr compared to those from Dilam. No significant differences were observed for cadmium, mercury, vanadium, tin, magnesium, and selenium across sites. Lower concentrations of lead, arsenic, zinc, and cobalt were found in C. orsini from Dilam compared to Mahshahr. Additionally, the study found no significant correlation between trace element concentrations in the water and their accumulation in jellyfish bodies. These findings offer valuable insights into the distribution and bioaccumulation of trace elements in jellyfish populations across different marine environments in the Persian Gulf.

Enhancing Urban Connectivity and Regeneration of Historic Areas: Case Study of Heart of Sharjah

This study employs the integrative design process of sustainable urban regeneration of the historical district in Sharjah city in UAE by It also improves physical and visual connectivity and integration within the neighbourhood and among the surrounding areas to encourage walkability in the district provides a liveable community, and increase accessibility and social interaction. Applying comprehensive design strategies to promote connectivity and revitalize the public places in historical district. The study employs a combination of field studies and parametric simulation tools to investigate the district and identify opportunities for improvement. By optimizing the master plan, the research aims to enhance integration and connectivity within the neighbourhood. The study yielded several significant findings; most notable was the increment of the integration value of the optimized master plan by approximately 41% in comparison with Shurooq proposed master plan 2025, as a result of improving the urban configuration, the street network enhances the connection between the old district and the waterfront, and introducing a central plaza to be connected with Al Rola park to achieve the holistic desired approach. The study's outcomes offer practical implications for urban planners and policymakers in the Gulf Region, highlighting the importance of integrative design strategies in fostering sustainable urban regeneration and improving social interactions within historical districts. The study contributes to the promotion of sustainable urban development methods in the Gulf Region by providing insights into how to improve social interactions, promote a holistic approach to urban regeneration in historical districts, and enhance urban sustainability.

Culture goes East: Mapping the shifting geographies of urban cultural capital through major cultural buildings

Culture has become a major component of policies to put cities on the global map. This article traces the shifting geographies of urban cultural capital using the lens of major cultural buildings, such as the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which cities often mobilise to compete for attention, reputation, tourists and investment. Based on a custom-built database containing 438 major cultural buildings opened worldwide between 1990 and 2019, this article finds a strong growth in the number and total cost of these buildings throughout the three decades, far exceeding global GDP growth. What is more, there is a geographical shift from the established cities of high culture in North America and Western Europe towards Asia, with a particular concentration in China and the Gulf region. The growth of investment in culture and its fast-changing urban geographies urge a more profound integration of culture in urban studies and a deeper consideration of the role of cultural capital in making global cities.

Methods to Handle Missing depression (PHQ-8 Score) Values among Adults in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract Background The UAE Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS) is one of the first large prospective cohort studies in the Gulf region which examines causes and risk factors for chronic diseases among adult UAE nationals. Missing values are often unavoidable in empirical research and can in many cases, lead to bias. The aim of this study is to estimate the percentage of depression in the UAEHFS pilot data using the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) variables, using different statistical methods. Methods Five common statistical machine learning methods of handling missing values were included in this analysis. These are mode imputation, k-nearest neighbor (KNN) imputation, classification, and regression trees (CART), random forest (RF) imputations, and random sample from observed values (Sample). 100 multiple imputations were used. Results 487 (94.2 %) eligible participants were included in the analysis. 231 (44.7%) were included in the complete case analysis. The median age was 30 years (Interquartile-Range: 23 - 38). More males (67.8%) than females included in the analysis. The estimated percentage of depression was 8.4%, 8.9%, 9.9%, 12.5%, 15.4% and 17.9% by the mode, complete case, sample, RF, CART, and KNN respectively. In additional analyses, the estimated proportions of depression were 11.5% by the Complete Case, 11.9% by KNN, 13.2% by K-means clustering, and 13.2% by Random Forest. Conclusions The estimated percentage of depression in the UAEHFS pilot data varies between the applied methods of handling missing values. This shows that the problem of missing values in the variables is not negligible. Further research is needed using multiple imputations in the main UAEHFS dataset after completing recruitment. Key messages • For the depression missing values, we recommend using multiple imputations not to generate data but to prevent the exclusion of observed data. • To have a better estimate of the percentage of depression, is recommended to use different machine learning methods.

Sociodemographic predictors of the association between self-reported sleep duration and depression

Abstract Background This cross-sectional study is apart from one of the first and largest population-based prospective cohort studies in the UAE called the United Arab Emirates Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS). The aim of this study is to investigate the association between self-perceived sleep duration and self-perceived depression after adjustment for sociodemographic factors. Baseline line data from UAEHFS cohort participants were included in this cross-sectional study. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted, with the binarized self-reported sleep hours as an outcome. The predictors were the self-reported PHQ-8, sociodemographic factors, and body mass index (BMI). Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results Of 11,455 participants, 4,295 (37.5%) were included in the complete case analysis after omitting missing values. We applied a complete case analysis following omitting missing values. Participants’ median age was 32.0 years (Interquartile-Range: 24.0, 39.0). In total, 63.6% of the participants reported sleep duration of more than 7 hours. Statistically significant negative association was observed between the total PHQ-8 score and binarized self-reported sleep, OR = 0.961 (95% CI: 0.948, 0.974). For one unit increase in age and BMI, the odds ratio of reporting shorter sleep with OR of 0.979 (95% CI: 0.969, 0.990) and 0.987 (95% CI: 0.977, 0.998) respectively. Conclusions The study findings indicate a correlation between higher total PHQ-8 scores and an increased probability of individuals reporting shorter self-perceived sleep durations when considering some sociodemographic factors such as age, marital status and employment status. However, there was no difference between females and males in reporting self-perceived sleep duration among depressed individuals. Key messages • There is a correlation between higher total PHQ-8 scores and an increased probability of individuals reporting shorter self-perceived sleep durations. • Our results can help contribute to the knowledge based on current and potential population mental health in the UAE and Gulf Region.

Assessing the impacts of climate change on the vulnerability of coastal aquifers to the seawater intrusion

In most coastal areas, groundwater is affected by saltwater intrusion. Climate change effects, such as the sea-level rise and rainfall change are the climatic factors affecting the saltwater intrusion into groundwater. This study examines the vulnerability of the Abdan-Lamidan coastal aquifer to the intrusion of Persian Gulf saline waters under different hydrological conditions. First, the SIMCLIM model was used to calculate the regional sea-level rise of the Gulf under 24 future AOGCMs projections. The results showed that the increase in water level under the ensemble of AOGCM models and two RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 scenarios is 6.7 and 7.8 cm in 2050 compared to 2013. Then, the GALDIT vulnerability index was used to assess the vulnerability of the aquifer under the current condition and future scenarios. The results showed that parts of the aquifer that are currently at lower levels would be more vulnerable to sea-level rise in the future periods.

Microfacies Analysis and Depositional Model for the Black River -Trenton Carbonates (Ordovician) of Southern Ontario, Canada

This study documents the detailed microfacies depositional environment of the Ordovician Black River and Trenton limestone Groups in Lake Simcoe area of southern Ontario, resting unconformably on Precambrian basement. Local Precambrian 'highs' complicate the overall facies pattern and lithofacies patterns define local shoal, intershoal and basinal environments. Detailed microfacies and facies analysis in large quarries in the Lake Simcoe area are used to infer various carbonate environments by comparison with analogous modern and ancient ramps. Fifteen microfacies are grouped into six microfacies associations based on composition, grain size and texture. Relative energy levels, and depositional environments for these are then inferred. These environments resemble the Recent Arabian Shelf of the Persian Gulf for the Black River Group, and the Recent West Florida Shelf for the Trenton, though other Recent ramps like South Australia are also comparable. The vertical arrangement of facie\s in the Lake Simcoe area forms repetitive cycles, which can then be traced laterally into adjacent areas, complicated by the effects of sea-floor topography and possibly by synsedimentary faulting.