Asir Region Research Articles

Radiographic Assessment of the Quality of Root Canal Filling of Mandibular First Molars Performed by Endodontists in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to assess and evaluate the quality of root canal fillings (RCFs) conducted on mandibular first molars performed by endodontists in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional radiographical study was conducted among patients over 18 years old from both genders treated by endodontists with different qualifications and experiences. The treatments were carried out under similar operating field, materials, and equipment. The quality of the X-rays was evaluated according to the international standards in the form of length, density, and taper. Those radiographs were assessed by two evaluators with similar certificates. Intraexaminer agreements were calculated. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to test the significant difference between groups and the quality parameters. p < 0.05 was considered a cutoff point for statistical significance. A total of 74 mandibular molars with 224 root canals treated were assessed in this radiographic study. The recorded adequate percentages were 77, 93, and 91% for the quality of RCF taper, density, and taper, respectively, with acceptable overall RCF quality of 87%. Significant differences were recorded between the right and left sides in terms of taper (p = 0.035), as well as between different years of experiences and different locations of the canals in terms of density (p = 0.040 for both variables). The quality of RCFs performed by endodontist with different type of certificates performed in mandibular first molars were high in terms of density and taper but moderate in length. The overall RCF quality was acceptable. Evaluation of the postoperative preapical X-rays for the endodontically treated teeth is a positive point in maintaining high standard services of patients. It should be followed as mentioned in the recommended textbooks in relation to length, taper, and density. How to cite this article: Almnea RA. Radiographic Assessment of the Quality of Root Canal Filling of Mandibular First Molars Performed by Endodontists in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(7):624-630.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards breast self-examination among women: a web based community study.

The most common form of cancer among women is breast cancer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate women in Saudi Arabia's Asir Region, on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding breast self-examination (BSE). The research was carried out cross-sectional and conducted from October 2023 to June 2024 in Saudi Arabia's Asir province. Out of 397 study participants, 89 (22.4%) had good knowledge, and 308 (77.6%) had poor knowledge; 185 (46.6%) had a positive attitude, and 212 (53.4%) had a negative attitude 24 (6%) had good practice 373 (94%) had poor practice about breast BSE. According to study participants, social media, 204 (51.4%), radio, television, and newspapers were the best places to learn about BSE. In this study, 316 (79.6%) had heard of BSE. 230 (57.9%) stated that breast cancer patient's likelihood of survival increases with early detection. Only 231 (58.2%) and 247 (62.2%) agreed that breast cancer is indicated by changes in the color and shape of the breast and retraction/discharge of the breasts, respectively. Out of 147, 24 (16.3%) self-examined just one week after each menstruation. Single (OR = 6.259; 95% CI = 1.790-21.887, p = 0.004) and married (OR = 4.923; 95% CI = 1.509-16.056, p = 0.008), Single (OR = 2.736; 95% CI = 1.248-6.000, p = 0.012) and married (OR = 3.176; 95% CI = 1.734-5.817, p = 0.00) were significantly associated with good knowledge and attitude of BSE, respectively. Illiterates (OR = 0.233; 95% CI = 0.060-0.895, p = 0.034), pre-university (OR = 0.222; 95% CI = 0.092-0.538, p = 0.001), Illiterates (OR = 0.293; 95% CI = 0.114-0.755, p = 0.011), pre-university (OR = 0.462; 95% CI = 0.271-0.788, p = 0.005) are less likely to have good knowledge and attitude compared to college and university educated. The study revealed that few women have good knowledge, attitudes, and practices among BSE. In this study, attitude level is high in comparison to knowledge and practice. However, 94% never practiced at all. It is strongly advised that a focus be placed on improving women's KAP regarding BSE, as well as BSE educational programs in universities and more community service activities such as health campaigns in public places.

The Influence of Tuition Fees, The Effectiveness of the Educational and Administrative Staff, and the Aspiration for High-Level Universities in the Future on the Choice of Private Schools in Saudi Arabia: The Moderating Effect of Accreditation Standards

This study aims to examine the effect of tuition fees, the effectiveness of the educational and administrative staff, and the aspiration for high-level universities in the future on the choice of private schools in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, examining the moderating effect of accreditation standards on the relationship between tuition fees, the effectiveness of the educational and administrative staff, the aspiration for high-level universities in the future, and the choice of private schools in Saudi Arabia. To achieve the study objectives, the researcher used the descriptive design and quantitative approach, depending on the questionnaire as the main instrument for collecting study data. The study was applied to a sample consisting of (289) parents of pupils in private schools in the Asir region, who were selected randomly. The results of this study showed that the tuition fees, the effectiveness of the educational and administrative staff, and the aspiration for high-level universities in the future on the choice of private schools. Also, the results showed that accreditation standards have a moderating effect on the relationship between tuition fees, the effectiveness of the educational and administrative staff, the aspiration for high-level universities in the future, and the choice of private schools.

Taking Advantage of the Aesthetic Values of Asiri Art Decorations to Enrich and Sustain the Printing of Modern Women’s Clothing Supplements to Preserve Saudi Heritage Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques

Sustainability is the result of modern-day design philosophy as a result of major industrial developments and many conflicts and wars. This concept is what prompted this research to focus on the possibility of achieving the principles of sustainability practically - in field reality - through the use of artificial intelligence techniques to create contemporary designs derived from the Saudi Asiri heritage and employ them in printing sustainable clothing supplements. Heritage-inspired design has cultural meaning and importance, and its purpose is to transmit our heritage to our emerging generations, and therefore it is considered a type of sustainable thought. The Asir region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a rich heritage that is greatly influenced by the charming nature of the place. The Asir region is distinguished by the art of the “Asiri Cat,” which consists of engravings, lines, and aesthetic formations engraved by women specialized in this field. They inherited this art from the women who preceded them. Asiri art is distinguished from other arts. The use of bright natural colors such as blue, green, orange, black and white, as the Asir region is considered one of the important heritage and tourist areas within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has played a pivotal role in enriching the cultural and creative stock not only of the Saudi citizen, but also of the Arabian Gulf region. This is what prompted us in the current research to delve into the analysis of the creative and artistic aspects of Asiri art inscriptions and to benefit from the aesthetic values of Asiri art decorations in contemporary artistic designs that achieve sustainability for the purpose of exploiting them in the manufacture of plastic fittings for clothing supplements to serve small industries. Many diverse designs have been implemented using different printing techniques. From (direct drawing method - stencil printing - pictorial screen printing) the use of different types and colors to implement different products to produce clothing accessories that are closely related to the structure of form and content of Al-Qat Al-Asiri art, and depends on its aesthetic philosophy about the heritage and cultural references associated with the place and the artist’s own vision. To revive Saudi heritage. The research aims to take advantage of the geometric and floral decorative elements in Al-Qat Al-Asiri’s artistic engravings as a source for enriching and sustaining printed designs for women’s clothing supplements that are characterized by authenticity and contemporaryness, and preserving popular motifs by reformulating them. In keeping with the times, and preserving its most prominent features, in a way that enhances belonging and preserves the community’s heritage and values. From extinction, endless horizons of creativity and innovation have been achieved in the field of printing clothing supplements, and sustainable plastic repetition, which the designer or art practitioner resorts to in general, and the field of printing in particular, as a creative pluralistic plastic method.The research followed the descriptive and analytical approach in identifying the origins and characteristics of the Asir artistic inscriptions (the cat), analyzing their vocabulary, reformulating them, and drawing inspiration from them to enrich the printed designs of women’s clothing supplements, in addition to the experimental approach in the applied study through the use of different techniques and materials. The results of the study concluded that there are various aesthetic values in the Asiri cat engraving that can be used to create contemporary designs on clothing accessories using different printing techniques, in order to preserve the Asiri heritage in the southern region of the country. The study recommended the need to pay attention to studying heritage and the arts it contains because of its great importance, as it stimulates appreciation of traditional art and preserves it.

The Possibility of Adapting Patchwork Techniques to Achieve Sustainable Development of Artworks Using Traditional Artistic Decorations in the Asir Region and Benefiting from them in the Field of Small Projects

Small projects are among the most important projects that bring economic benefit to societies, especially developing societies, because of their effective role in training young people, investing in their energies, and urging them to establish their own small production units, which contributes to eliminating the phenomenon of the unemployment problem. The current research aims to design works of art using Asiri art motifs by recycling scraps of fabric, ready-made clothes, and furnishings using a patchwork method. This has led to an interest in teaching industrial designers how to draw inspiration from Asiri art motifs and the different types that this art includes, whether geometric or floral, as a source of innovative and sustainable design in the field of artistic works using leftover factory fabrics. This is done through designs characterized by aesthetic and artistic values. Therefore, we made several designs suitable for use in artwork, inspired by the decorations of Asiri art in an abstract style, using the experimental descriptive approach. The research was based on three main axes: the axis of patchwork art techniques and the axis of sustainable development of the artwork. Focusing on Saudi traditional artistic decorations and combining them to develop small projects. The results of the research showed the possibility of utilizing leftover fabrics using the patchwork method to achieve sustainable development of artistic works derived from the decorations of Saudi Asiri art, benefiting from them in the field of small projects and employing them in innovative plastic compositions. Which combines simplicity and modernity, both in terms of design and performance.

Analysis of Developments in Plant Production in the Governorates of the Asir Region, Saudi Arabia

Plant production is diverse in the Asir region, and there are many methods of analysis. Perhaps factor analysis is one of the most important statistical methods through which productive power can be measured in various geographical regions. In this study, factor analysis was used to measure the developments of plant production in the agricultural sector in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia. The factor analysis showed the presence of three main factors that together explained about %86.55 of the total variation in the development of plant production in the governorates of the Asir region. The study showed three mathematical algorithms that can measure the development of plant production in the Asir region according to the three main factors: First factor equation λ1=44.250%=-0.521*X_1 0.810*X_2+0.78*X_3+0.842*X_4+0.755*X_5 Second factor equation λ2=24.960%-0.228*X_1+0.352*X_2+0.936*X_3-0.226*X_4-0.380*X_5 The third factor equation λ3=17.344%0.796*X_1+0.291*X_2+0.104*X_3+0.339*X_4-0.153*X_5 -The study classified the governorates of the Asir region, based on the results of the analysis, into three groups, according to negative and positive 0.933-0.975 and includes Bisha - Abha - Ahad Rafaida - Khamis Mushait - in Al-Furn - Al-Barak, while the second group represents the category of 0.897-0.548 and includes the governorates of Mahayel, Asir - Tanmomah - Al-Namas - Tathleeth. The third group includes the category of 0.255--0234 and includes the governorates Sarat Ubaidah - Al-Majadra and Bariq - Tareeb - Dhahran Al-Janoub and Al-Harajah - Rijal Almaa

Evaluation of community pharmacists' knowledge, practice and barriers towards diabetes management in Asir region, Saudi Arabia.

Diabetes mellitus is a global serious health problem that has a clear negative impact on economy. The high prevalence of diabetes worldwide urges for prevention and educational programs. Engagement of community pharmacists in offering various diabetes care services enables delivery of quality of care for patients and could play key role in diabetes management. The current study was designed to assess the knowledge towards diabetes among community pharmacists and to investigate their role in diabetes management through identifying different diabetes care services they provide in Asir region, Saudi Arabia. In addition, possible barriers for providing these services were evaluated. A cross-sectional study was performed using an online self-administered anonymous survey that consisted of 4 domains: demographics, knowledge, practice and barriers related to diabetes management. A total of 258 pharmacists completed the survey, and one-third of respondents (34.5%) demonstrated good knowledge while 42.2% showed moderate knowledge towards diabetes. Respondents of the age group (30-39) years, males, those with bachelor's degree and those with 5 years or less of experience had higher mean knowledge. Nearly half of the participants had positive practice. The most prominent (75%) services offered by the community pharmacists were counselling on the appropriate administration, handling and storage of insulin and the appropriate time to administer oral antidiabetic drugs. Pharmacists who received training had higher mean practice scores. Lack of time, lack of diabetic patients visiting the pharmacy and low patient expectations regarding pharmacists' role in diabetes care were identified as the most important barriers they encountered. Community pharmacists of Asir region exhibited moderate knowledge and practices regarding diabetes management. Our results support the need for national advanced diabetes training programs targeting community pharmacists for providing quality of care services for diabetic patients Moreover, strategies to overcome the reported barriers are indispensable.

Community experience and awareness regarding foreign body aspiration in Asir region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a serious preventable pediatric health problem and one of the main causes of accidental death in children. Although unusual in adults, it is often overlooked as a cause of airway obstruction with serious consequences. This study assessed awareness and previous FBA experiences in the Asir community, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Using validated questionnaire, an annonymous online survey was conducted among 870 people aged 18 years and above. The questionnaire was used to collect data about the personal and sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents, as well as their experiences with FBA, and participants' knowledge and perceived seriousness of FBA. The level of knowledge was deemed good if the score ranged between 60% and 100%, and bad if the score fell below 60%The level of knowledge was deemed good if the score ranged between 60% and 100%, and bad if the score fell below 60%. The majority of the participants (79.7%) were females, 48.1% were aged 18 to 30 years, 72.9% had university degree, 30.6% were students, 26.9% worked in the educational sector, 43.6% reported monthly income of <5000 Saudi Riyals and 19.8% of them identified themselves as healthcarepractitioners. Although the community experience with FBA was considerably high (70.6%) among the study participants, their awareness levels about FBA were deficient. Only 24.7% of the respondents had good knowledge of FBA. Older age, being a health practitioner, and perceiving FBA as a serious incident were significantly associated with good knowledge (P < .001). The findings of this study indicate an urgent need to raise community awareness of FBA. To reduce FBA morbidity and mortality, health education efforts in community and healthcare settings are required to educate people about the seriousness and importance of early diagnosis and management of the condition.

Prevalence, Pattern, and Predictors of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia.

The prevalence and consequences of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) among Saudi women are not well understood. Consequently, the purpose of this research is to ascertain the frequency, course, and contributing factors of PMDD and PMS in the Asir area of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted inAsir, Saudi Arabia, using a pre-designed questionnaire distributed among adult female patients to five primary healthcare facilities (PHCs) that were chosen at random in the Asir Region. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 15). The study included 506 participants; 81% of them were Saudi and 19% were non-Saudi. A percentage (46.2%) of the participants were aged between 21 and 30 years old. A total of 369 (72.9%) participants have PMS. Regarding PMS symptoms, 79.1% reported mood changes, 59.3% tantrums, 56.7% change in appetite, 47% acne, 41.9% back and joint pain, and 43.1% reported sleep disorders. Almost half (42.1%) of the participants receive treatment to relieve the symptoms of PMS (72% of them receive paracetamol and 6.1% receive nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)). Some (6.4%) exercise during the menstrual cycle to relieve symptoms of PMS, while 31% eat healthy foods at the time of period to relieve the symptoms of PMS. The prevalence of PMS/PMDD was among the reported figures worldwide. There was a significant association between age and the use of contraceptives with symptoms of PMS/PMDD among the studied sample.

The Prevalence and Burden of Psychiatric Disorders in Primary Health Care Visits in Asir Region Saudi Arabia.

Psychiatric disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect an individual's mental health and well-being. These disorders can manifest in various ways. The recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and referral of psychological conditions heavily rely on general practitioners, who handle consultations that involve a psychological aspect in at least one third of cases. To assess the prevalence and burden of common psychiatric disorders at primary health care centers (PHCs) using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) in the general population, aged 18-65, and examine their symptom patterns and comorbidity. A descriptive online cross-sectional survey was conducted over a one-month period, spanning from September to October 2023. The survey targeted the population living in the Asir region. To fulfill the objectives, the K6 scale was used. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. P values were considered statistically significant when they were ≤0.05. The survey included a total of 1,595 participants. Of these, 21.3% of respondents were male, while 78.7% were female. The majority of respondents fall within the 18-25 age group, accounting for 50.5% of the total. A significant portion of the population experiences some form of psychological distress, with 4.6% reporting low psychological distress, 36.1% reporting mild psychological distress, and a substantial 59.2% reporting severe psychological distress. Age (p-value=0.024), gender (p-value=0.001), educational level (p-value=0.001), occupation (p-value=0.008), and monthly income (p-value=0.001) had significant associations with the psychological distress score of psychiatric disorders. The prevalence and burden of psychiatric disorders in primary health care visits in Saudi Arabia is a significant public health concern. Our findings showed that the majority of participants reported having severe to mild psychological distress.

The Role of Pro-Inflammatory Chemokines CCL-1, 2, 4, and 5 in the Etiopathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Subjects from the Asir Region of Saudi Arabia: Correlation with Different Degrees of Obesity.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is becoming a major global health concern, especially in developing nations. The high prevalence of obesity and related diabetes cases are attributed to rapid economic progress, physical inactivity, the consumption of high-calorie foods, and changing lifestyles. We investigated the roles of pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL1, 2, 4, and 5 in T2DM with varying levels of obesity in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. In total, 170 confirmed T2DM subjects and a normal control group were enrolled. Demographic data, serum levels of CCL-1, 2, 4, and 5, and biochemical indices were assessed in the subjects and control groups by standard procedures. T2DM subjects were divided into four groups: A (normal body weight), B (overweight), C (obese), and D (highly obese). We observed that male and female control subjects had similar mean serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL-1, 2, 4, and 5. T2DM subjects in all the four groups showed significantly higher levels of all the four chemokines compared to the controls, regardless of gender. In T2DM subjects with obesity and severe obesity, the rise was most significant. There was a progressive rise in the concentrations of CCL-1, 2, and 4 in T2DM subjects with increasing BMI. Serum CCL5 levels increased significantly in all T2DM subject groups. The increase in CCL5 was more predominant in normal-weight people, compared to overweight and obese T2DM subjects. Male and female control subjects had similar serum levels of pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL-1, 2, 4, and 5. The progressive rise in blood concentrations of three pro-inflammatory chemokines CCL-1, 2, and 4 in T2DM subjects with increasing BMI supports the idea that dyslipidemia and obesity contribute to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Serum CCL5 levels increased significantly in all T2DM subject groups. The selective and more pronounced increase in CCL5 in the T2DM group with normal BMI, compared to subjects with varying degrees of obesity, was rather surprising. Further research is needed to determine if CCL5 underexpression in overweight and obese T2DM subjects is due to some unexplained counterbalancing processes.

Prevalence and assessment of risk factors of chronic kidney disease in the ASIR region of Saudi Arabia.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health concern in Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of CKD and associated risk factors in Saudi Arabia's general population are not efficiently studied. The goal of this research is to determine the prevalence rate of CKD in the ASIR region and its associated epidemiological risk factors. This is a cross-sectional study that used a comprehensive direct questionnaire to collect data on CKD prevalence and risk factors in the ASIR region of Saudi Arabia. The study was carried out in different age groups. Demographic characteristics, presence of CKD, and associated factors such as a history of acute kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, family history, history of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), smoking status, comorbidities, and history of periodontal diseases were asked. The survey tool was validated through a pilot study, and a statistical p value of 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 967 participants were included in the study, with a CKD prevalence rate of 1.9%. Sex, history of acute kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, family history of kidney disease, smoking, diabetes, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension and hyperlipidemia were commonly found to be associated with CKD. A binary logistic regression model was carried out to assess the risk factors for CKD. Sex, history of acute kidney disease, family history of kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, smoking status, peptic ulcer, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetes, two or more comorbidities and NSAID use had an increased risk of CKD. Sex, history of acute kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, family history, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, peptic ulcer, hyperlipidemia, multi-comorbidity, and use of NSAIDs are all associated with an increased risk of CKD. The prevalence of CKD in this study is comparatively lower when compared to other regions in Saudi Arabia.

The Role of the Family in the Distance Learning Process During the Corona Pandemic: Challenges and Ways to Confront

This study aimed to identify the role of the family and the challenges it faced during the distance learning process during the Corona pandemic, and to identifying the most important proposals to reduce the challenges faced by the distance learning system during the Corona pandemic from the point of view of parents. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researchers developed a questionnaire consisting of three axes, in the form of a scale consisting of (52) items. The study sample included (324) parents from Asir region, who were chosen by the stratified sampling method. The results of the study showed an active role for parents in helping their children in the distance learning process during the pandemic, and the results showed that there were several challenges faced by parents during the distance learning process to a moderate degree. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the role of the family and the challenges it faced during the distance learning process during the Corona pandemic attributed to the study variables (school qualification, educational stage, monthly income, place of residence, and number of children).

Evaluating the impact of urbanization on the urban heat islands through integrated radius and non-linear regression approach.

Urban heat islands (UHIs) are a significant environmental problem, exacerbating the urban climate and affecting human health in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. The need to understand the spatio-temporal dynamics of UHI in the context of urban expansion is crucial for sustainable urban planning. The aim of this study was to quantify the changes in land use and land cover (LULC) and urbanization, assess the expansion process of UHI, and analyze its connectivity in order to develop strategies to mitigate UHI in an urban context over a 30-year period from 1990 to 2020. Using remote sensing data, LULC changes were analyzed with a random forest model. LULC change rate (LCCR), land cover intensity (LCI), and landscape expansion index (LEI) were calculated to quantify urbanization. The land surface temperature for the study period was calculated using the mono-window algorithm. The UHI effect was analyzed using an integrated radius and non-linear regression approach, fitting SUHI data to polynomial curves and identifying turning points based on the regression derivative for UHI intensity belts to quantify the expansion and intensification of UHI. Landscape metrics such as the aggregation index (AI), landscape shape index (LSI), and four other matrices were calculated to assess UHI morphology and connectivity of the UHI. In addition, the LEI was adopted to measure the extent of UHI growth patterns. From 1990 to 2020, the study area experienced significant urbanization, with the built-up area increasing from 69.40 to 338.74 km2, an increase of 1.923 to 9.385% of the total area. This expansion included growth in peripheral areas of 129.33 km2, peripheral expansion of 85.40 km2, and infilling of 3.80 km2. At the same time, the UHI effect intensified with an increase in mean LST from 40.55 to 46.73°C. The spatial extent of the UHI increased, as shown by the increase in areas with an LST above 50°C from 36.58 km2 in 1990 to 133.52 km2 in 2020. The connectivity of the UHI also increased, as shown by the increase in the AI from 38.91 to 41.30 and the LSI from 56.72 to 93.64, reflecting a more irregular and fragmented urban landscape. In parallel to these urban changes, the area classified as UHI increased significantly, with the peripheral areas expanding from 23.99 km2 in the period 1990-2000 to 80.86 km2 in the period 2000-2020. Peripheral areas also grew significantly from 36.42 to 96.27 km2, contributing to an overall more pronounced and interconnected UHI effect by 2020. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of urban expansion and its thermal impacts. It highlights the need for integrated urban planning that includes strategies to mitigate the UHI effect, such as improving green infrastructure, optimizing land use, and improving urban design to counteract the negative effects of urbanization.

Flash Flood Risk Assessment in the Asir Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia, Using a Physically-Based Distributed Hydrological Model and GPM IMERG Satellite Rainfall Data

Floods in southwestern Saudi Arabia, especially in the Asir region, are among the major natural disasters caused by natural and human factors. In this region, flash floods that occur in the Wadi Hail Basin greatly affect human life and activities, damaging property, the built environment, infrastructure, landscapes, and facilities. A previous study carried out for the same basin has effectively revealed zones of flood risk using such an approach. However, the utilization of the HEC–HMS (Hydrologic Engineering Center–Hydrologic Modeling System) model and IMERG data for delineating areas prone to flash floods remain unexplored. In response to this advantage, this work primarily focused on flood generation assessment in the Wadi Hail Basin, one of the major basins in the region that is frequently prone to severe flash flood damage, from a single extreme rainfall event. We employed a fully physical-based, distributed hydrological model run with HEC–HMS software version 4.11 and Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals of Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG V.06) data, as well as other geo-environmental variables, to simulate the water flow within the Wadi Basin, and predict flash flood hazard. Discharge from the wadi and its sub-basins was predicted using 1 mm rainfall over an 8-h occurrence time. Significant peak discharge (3.6 m3/s) was found in eastern and southern upstream sub-basins and crossing points, rather than those downstream, due to their high-density drainage network (0.12) and CNs (88.4). Generally, four flood hazard levels were identified in the study basin: ‘low risk’, ‘moderate risk’, ‘high risk’, and ‘very high risk’. It was found that 43.8% of the total area of the Wadi Hail Basin is highly prone to flooding. Furthermore, medium- and low-hazard areas make up 4.5–11.2% of the total area, respectively. We found that the peak discharge value of sub-basin 11 (1.8 m3/s) covers 13.2% of the total Wadi Hail area; so, it poses more flood risk than other Wadi Hail sub-basins. The obtained results demonstrated the usefulness of the methods used to develop useful hydrological information in a region lacking ungagged data. This study will play a useful role in identifying the impact of extreme rainfall events on locations that may be susceptible to flash flooding, which will help authorities to develop flood management strategies, particularly in response to extreme events. The study results have potential and valuable policy implications for planners and decision-makers regarding infrastructural development and ensuring environmental stability. The study recommends further research to understand how flash flood hazards correlate with changes at different land use/cover (LULC) classes. This could refine flash flood hazards results and maximize its effectiveness.

Prospects of Employing Graduates of Computer Science and Technology Diploma Programs in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia: An Analysis for the Period 2019-2023

This paper aims to explore and analyze the employment processes of graduates from computer science diploma programs in Saudi Arabia during the period from 2020 to 2023. This paper employed a quantitative research approach and utilize the survey method to collect data. The survey instrument designed to address the research objectives and questions outlined earlier. The collected survey data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The target population for this study comprises all graduates of computer science and technology diploma programs in the Asir Region of Saudi Arabia for the period from 2019 to 2023. Since it is not feasible to survey the entire population, a representative sample of 60 participants had been selected using a random sampling technique. The results indicate that there are 42 (70%) who are Employed, there are 10 (16.7%) who are Self-Employed, and there are only 8 (13.3%) who are Unemployed. Which indicates that Graduates of Computer Science and Technology Diploma Programs in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia have higher probabilities to be employed. There are 19 (31.7%) who were graduated in 2019 and 2020, and there are 10 (16.7%) who were graduated in 2022. While there are 9 (15%) who were graduated in 2023. And there are only 3 (5%) who were graduated in 2021. there are 26 (43.3%) who are Employed in Public Sector, there are 20 (33.3%) who are Employed in private Sector, there are 6 (10%) who are Employed in mixed Sector (public and private), and there are only 8 (13.3%) who are Unemployed. Which indicates that private sector faces greater challenges in employing computer science program graduates compared to the public sector.

Impact of floral and geographical origins on honey quality parameters in Saudi Arabian regions

This article examined the effect of geographical (different climate conditions) and floral origins on some quality parameters of honey including the activity of diastase enzyme. Moreover, some non-quality parameters were investigated such as the pH, fructose, glucose, ratio of fructose/glucose and invertase. The honey samples were collected from Asir (cold climate) and Jazan (hot climate) regions at the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia. The geographical origin significantly affected the mean value moisture of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.02), conductivity of the polyfloral honey (p-value = 0.03), sucrose of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.02), diastase activity of the Acacia (p-value = 0.001), Ziziphus (p-value = 0.046) and polyfloral honey (p-value ≤ 0.001), fructose of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.01), glucose of the Ziziphus honey (p-value = 0.03), fructose/ glucose ratio of the Ziziphus honey (p-value = 0.035), and invertase activity of the polyfloral honey (p-value ≤ 0.001). Regarding the effect of the floral origin of the honey from Asir region, the sucrose percentage of the Acacia honey was significantly more than that of the polyfloral honey (p- value = 0.003), the diastase activity of the Acacia honey was significantly more than its activity in the Ziziphus honey (p- value = 0.044), glucose percentage of the Ziziphus honey was significantly more the glucose percentage of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.009) and the fructose/ glucose ratio of the Ziziphus honey was significantly more than that of the Acacia and polyforal honeys (p-value = 0.011 and p-value = 0.045, respectively). Concerning the significant effects of the floral origin on the quality parameters of the honey samples from Jazan region, the moisture of the Ziziphus honey was significantly increased when compared to the moisture of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.038), the acidity of the polfloral honey was significantly more than the acidity of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.049), the sum of fructose and glucose of the polyfloral honey was significantly increased compared to that of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.015), the pH of the Ziziphus hiney was significantly more than the pH of the polyfloral honey (0.011) and the fructose of the polfloral honey was significantly more than that of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.031). The effect of the geographical origin of the honey samples on their quality parameters depends on their floral origin and the effect of their floral origin differs according to their geographical origin. This article suggests considering collectively the geographical and floral origins effect when developing honey standards. However, the Codex standards for honey started considering this issue when it changed the standard concentration of HMF in honey from not more than 80–40 mg/Kg for honeys from cold climate and 80 mg/Kg for honeys from hot climates.

Association of ABO, Rh-D and Kell blood groups with transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors from the Asir Region, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective observational study.

To evaluate the association between transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) and ABO, Rh-D, and Kell blood systems among blood donors. This was a retrospective study of 10,095 donors who visited the Blood Bank at Asir Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Data including demographic information, ABO, Rh-D, and Kell blood groups, and serological and molecular test results of TTIs (the TTIs were obtained from each donor's records). Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were employed to establish possible associations between blood groups and TTIs. The prevalence rate of TTIs among donors was 6.3%, with HBcAb (70%) being the most prevalent biomarker among positive donors. Donors with the O blood group were at a higher risk of contracting TTIs. Significant associations were observed between HIV and blood group A (χ2=6.30, p=0.01), HBsAg and group AB (χ2=17.3193, p=0.00003), malaria and group A (χ2=5.0567, p=0.02), and HBV-DNA and group AB (χ2=12.3163, p=0.0004). Also, Kell blood group was significantly associated with HIV (χ2=14.5, p=0.0001), HBcAb (χ2=78.51, p<0.0001), and syphilis (χ2=25.225, p<0.00001). ABO and Kell blood groups are associated with TTI markers. These findings highlight the need for improved strategies and approaches in screening and managing blood donations to minimize the risk of TTIs.

The Behavior of Primary Healthcare Doctors Toward Antibiotic Prescriptions for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections.

Unnecessary prescription of antibiotics for patients with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) carries the potential risk to the development of bacterial resistance. This study aimed to investigate the behavior of primary healthcare (PHC) physicians toward an antibiotic prescription for URTI, Al-Madinah City, Saudi Arabia in 2021. A cross-sectional study was conducted at PHC centers in Al-Madinah City, Saudi Arabia. The study invited all physicians in the randomly selected 28 PHC centers to participate in the study. A master sheet adopted from a researcher done in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia about the pattern of prescription for URTIwas used and included data about socio-demographic characteristics and data about presenting symptoms and signs of URTIs, the clinical diagnosis, type of medication prescribed, and duration of treatment also, included data about the factors that press physicians to prescribe antibiotics and their response. The questionnairewas filled out and returned back by 140 physicians. The collected data were analyzed and tabulated using appropriate statistical tests. The mean age of the studied physicians was 34.4 ± 7.6 years (25-59 years). General practitioners and specialists were 66.4% and 33.6%, respectively. The prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions was 44.3%. The most prescribed antibiotics were amoxicillin (58.6%)and Augmentin(28.6%). Congested tonsils (87.1%), ear discharge (84.2%), and cervical lymphadenopathy (89.3%) were the most clinical factors that affected physicians' decisions to prescribe antibiotics for URTI. The non-clinical factors affecting physicians' decisions include patient request (52.8%) and press (28.5%), with no statistically significant difference detected between general practitioners and specialists. The study findings indicate the need to develop intervention programs targeting physicians as well as the general population to decrease inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions in primary care centers.

The effectiveness of the human resources management strategy in improving employee performance by applying it to Meera Company in Asir Region

هدفت الدراسة إلى قياس فعالية استراتيجية إدارة الموارد البشرية في تحسين أداء الموظفين بالتطبيق على شركة ميرة بمنطقة عسير، وقد استخدمت الباحثات دراسة المنهج الوصفي التحليلي والاستبانة كأداة لجمع بيانات الدراسة، ولمحدودية مجتمع الدراسة والذي يبلغ (75) فردًا، فقد تم استخدام أسلوب المسح الشامل، حيث بلغ عدد الردود المستلمة (74) ردًا، ولتحليل بيانات الدراسة تم توظيف الحزمة الإحصائية SPSS-25 والحزمة الإحصائية للنمذجة البنائية AMOS-23. توصلت الدراسة إلى جملة من النتائج، كان من أهما: تفسر استراتيجية إدارة الموارد البشرية (0.67) تقريبًا من التباين الكلي في العمل المنجز نتيجة للتغير في استراتيجية إدارة الموارد البشرية للشركة، كما تفسر استراتيجية إدارة الموارد البشرية (0.76) تقريبًا من التباين الكلي في الالتزام بالعمل نتيجة للتغير في استراتيجية إدارة الموارد البشرية للشركة، كذلك تفسر استراتيجية إدارة الموارد البشرية (0.69) تقريبًا من التباين الكلي في جودة العمل نتيجة للتغير في استراتيجية إدارة الموارد البشرية للشركة. كما أظهرت النتائج أن استراتيجية إدارة الموارد البشرية تفسر (0.65) من التباين الكلي في تحسين موعد التسليم نتيجة للتغير في استراتيجية إدارة الموارد البشرية بالشركة، كما أن استراتيجية إدارة الموارد البشرية تفسر (0.70) تقريبًا من التباين الكلي في المرونة والناتج نتيجة للتغير في استراتيجية إدارة الموارد البشرية للشركة.