Eastern Mediterranean Countries Research Articles

Media reporting of violence against children in the Eastern Mediterranean Region during the early days of COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Violence against children constitutes a significant public health problem globally. Aim: To document and compare media reports of violence against children before and during COVID-19, and measures taken by countries to address such violence. Methods: This comparative review covered news reports of violence against children from 1 January to 30 June of 2019 and 2020 in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region countries. A total of 823 articles published in Arabic and English, covering incidents, initiatives, opinions and views on all types of violence among children under 18 years of age were sourced using search engines and platforms and reviewed. News on incidents was analysed quantitatively while news on initiatives and opinions was analysed qualitatively. Results: Some 40.3% of the news reports was on incidents, followed by interviews or opinions (31.5%) and initiatives (28.2%). There were 1129 reports of violence against children from 1 January to 30 June of 2019 and 1880 for the same period in 2020. Reports of physical violence increased from 34% in 2019 to 40% in 2020, while reports of sexual violence decreased from 45% in 2019 to 37% in 2020. Views and opinion reports showed 0.4–1.1% alignment with the 7 INSPIRE strategies. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the incidence and reporting of violence against children across the region. It is essential to provide accurate and sensitive media coverage for incidences of violence against children so that survivors and at-risk children can receive adequate support and ensure that communities can tackle it appropriately

Profile of paediatric occupational therapy practice in Eastern Mediterranean countries

Background Paediatric occupational therapy (OT) is considered the largest practice area in OT in several regions, including the Eastern Mediterranean (EM) countries. Aims/objectives This study aimed to establish a profile of paediatric occupational therapists in EM countries to identify theoretical models, assessments and interventions employed. It also investigated the therapists’ usage of evidence-based practice in their practice. Material and methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire which was distributed electronically to occupational therapists working with children. Results The participants included 118 therapists. Majority of the participants were working at rehabilitation centres. The primary client groups were pre- and school-age children with autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy. The most frequently used assessments were sensory-related tools. Activities of daily living and play were the most often targeted interventional area. Participants highlighted some of the challenges faced in implementing evidence in their practice. Conclusion Paediatric occupational therapists are usually exposed to specific age groups and conditions. However, a lack of knowledge practice in some areas and challenges in others exist. Significance Within the EM region, knowledge regarding therapists’ practices is lacking. Actions should be taken to improve current practice and meet the current needs of clients, and utilise evidence-based practices.

Association between textual and pictorial warnings on tumbac (waterpipe tobacco) boxes and motivation to quit waterpipe smoking among Lebanese and Iraqi adolescents

BackgroundWaterpipe tobacco smoking has increased tremendously at a global level among all age groups, particularly young people. Previous studies have examined the impact of waterpipe tobacco pictorial health warnings on adults but scarce studies were done on adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the association of textual versus pictorial warnings on tumbac boxes and the motivation to quit waterpipe smoking among adolescents located in two Eastern Mediterranean countries Lebanon and Iraq.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2022, involving 294 adolescents waterpipe smokers from Lebanon and Iraq. The questionnaire included the Lebanese Waterpipe Dependence Smoking-11, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the Waterpipe Harm Perception Scale, Waterpipe Knowledge Scale, Waterpipe Attitude Scale, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and the Motivation to Stop Scale.ResultsWhen adjusting the results over confounding variables, the results showed that compared to finding the warnings to stop smoking not efficacious at all, adolescents who find the warnings moderately (aOR = 2.83) and very (aOR = 6.64) efficacious had higher motivation to quit. Compared to finding the warnings not increasing their curiosity for information about how to stop waterpipe smoking at all, participants who confessed that warnings increased their curiosity a little (aOR = 2.59), moderately (aOR = 3.34) and very (aOR = 3.58) had higher motivation to quit. Compared to not considering changing the tumbac brand if the company uses pictorial warnings, adolescents who would consider changing the tumbac brand (aOR = 2.15) had higher motivation to quit.ConclusionPictorial and textual warnings on waterpipe packs were associated with higher motivation to stop waterpipe smoking. Public health education programs for this purpose seem warranted.

Nutritional Data on Selected Food Products Consumed in Oman: An Update of the Food Composition Table and Use for Future Food Consumption Surveys.

Food composition data in the Eastern Mediterranean Region countries are often lacking, obsolete, or unreliable. The study aims to provide reliable nutrient data on food products consumed in Oman in order to evaluate their nutritional quality, the consistency of the nutrition labeling and claims, and, ultimately, the use for food consumption surveys and update the current food composition database. Contents of fat, fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, sugars, and sodium were chemically analyzed in 221 foods and beverages. Products were classified according to their nutritional composition and the extent of processing and coded according to the FoodEx2 system. Labels and laboratory values were compared using the tolerance levels of the European Union. Results indicate that the nutrition labeling aligns with the values obtained in the laboratory, with the exception of 6.3% discrepancies in TFA content, where the reported values are higher than the appropriate reference values. The most frequent category (71.5%) was ultra-processed foods. In terms of inconsistencies in the nutritional claims, 5.1% of food products with claims did not comply with the statement "sugar-free" or "low salt". Our study provides evidence to support the necessity of comprehensive recommendations for consumers and food industries, which are aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of products and augmenting consumer awareness.

Sporadic regional re-emergent cholera: a 19th century problem in the 21st century.

Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, is a severe diarrheal disease that necessitates prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. This review comprehensively examines various diagnostic methods, from traditional microscopy and culture to advanced nucleic acid testing like polymerase spiral reaction and rapid diagnostic tests, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Additionally, we explore evolving treatment strategies, with a focus on the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance due to the activation of the SOS response pathway in V. cholerae. We discuss promising alternative treatments, including low-pressure plasma sterilization, bacteriophages, and selenium nanoparticles. The paper emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches combining novel diagnostics and treatments in managing and preventing cholera, a persistent global health challenge. The current re-emergent 7th pandemic of cholera commenced in 1961 and shows no signs of abeyance. This is probably due to the changing genetic profile of V. cholerae concerning bacterial pathogenic toxins. Given this factor, we argue that the disease is effectively re-emergent, particularly in Eastern Mediterranean countries such as Lebanon, Syria, etc. This review considers the history of the current pandemic, the genetics of the causal agent, and current treatment regimes. In conclusion, cholera remains a significant global health challenge that requires prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. Understanding the history, genetics, and current treatments is crucial in effectively addressing this persistent and re-emergent disease.

A decade of tobacco control efforts: Implications for tobacco smoking prevalence in Eastern Mediterranean countries.

This study aimed to assess the association between the 10-year implementation of tobacco control policies, cigarette affordability index and changes in tobacco smoking prevalence across Eastern Mediterranean (EMR) countries. An ecologic study was conducted using EMR countries as the analytical unit. Data from three sources were utilized: the MPOWER scale to measure tobacco control policy implementation (2010-2020), the tobacco affordability index (expressed as a percentage of GDP per capita required to purchase 2000 cigarettes, from 2010 to 2020), and national tobacco smoking prevalence data for EMR countries (2010-2023). Linear Fixed-effect regression was employed to investigate associations between changes in MPOWER scores, the cigarette affordability index, and alterations in tobacco prevalence over a decade. Statistically significant inverse associations were observed between changes in MPOWER scores and tobacco smoking prevalence among both men and women in EMR countries (P-value<0.05). Each unit increase in MPOWER score corresponded to a 0.26% reduction in tobacco prevalence among men and a 0.12% reduction among women. The regression model revealed that each unit increase in the cigarette affordability index was linked to a 0.9% decrease in tobacco smoking prevalence across EMR countries (P-value<0.05). Furthermore, even after adjusting for multiple confounders, significant inverse associations were noted between tobacco monitoring (β = -0.41), health warning (β = -0.45), and changes in tobacco smoking prevalence (P-value<0.05). This study underscored the effectiveness of enhancing the implementation of tobacco control policies and increasing the cigarette affordability index as preventive measures to reduce tobacco smoking prevalence in EMR countries over the past decade.

A Systematic Review of the Economic Burden of Diabetes in Eastern Mediterranean Region Countries.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent non-communicable disease with high mortality and morbidity, which imposes a significant financial impact on individuals and the healthcare system. The identification of various cost components through cost of illness analysis could be helpful in health-care policymaking. The current systematic review aims to summarize the economic burden of DM in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries. The original studies published in the English language between January 2010 and June 2023 reported the cost of DM was identified by searching four different databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane Central). Two reviewers independently screened the search results and extracted the data according to a predefined format, whereas the third reviewer's opinion was sought to resolve any discrepancies. The costs of DM reported in the included studies were converted to USD dates reported in the studies. After the systematic search and screening process, only 10 articles from EMR countries met the eligibility criteria to be included in the study. There are substantial variations in the reported costs of DM and the methodologies used in the included studies. The mean annual cost per patient of DM (both direct and indirect cost) ranged from 555.20 USD to 1707.40 USD. The average annual direct cost ranged from 155.8 USD to 5200 USD and indirect cost ranged from 93.65 USD to 864.8 USD per patient. The studies included in the review obtained a median score of 8.65 (6.5 ─ 11.5) on the quality assessment tool based on Alison's checklist for evaluation of cost of illness studies. There is a significant economic burden associated with DM, which directly affects the patients and healthcare system. Future research should focus on refining cost estimation methodologies, improving the understanding of study findings, and making it easier to compare studies.

Prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in intensive care units of the Eastern Mediterranean region: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundHospital-acquired pressure injuries are a major patient safety concern in intensive care units that are considered largely preventable adverse events by adherence to nursing standards of care. The hypothesis of this research was to investigate the prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in intensive care units (ICUs) of the Eastern Mediterranean Region.MethodsThis study was designed as a systematic review and meta-analysis. All articles published on Pressure ulcer prevalence in the ICUs of hospitals in Eastern Mediterranean Region countries, identified by searching PubMed through MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar from January 1, 2011, until September 22, 2023. The reference lists of these articles were checked for additional relevant studies. Data were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (v.2.2.064).ResultsA total of 15 articles met the inclusion criteria. Based on the random-effects model, the overall Pressure ulcer prevalence rate was 16.6% (95% CI (8.6-29.6)). Both the highest and lowest prevalence was observed in Jordan in 2011 at 83.1% (95% CI (71.2- 90.7)) and in 2012 at 0.9% (95% CI (0.5- 1.5)), respectively. The results showed that publication year, average age, and sample size were the main causes of heterogeneity between the reviewed studies (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis of the pertinent peer-reviewed literature revealed a high prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries of 16% in intensive care units of Eastern Mediterranean region. Therefore, it is necessary for health policymakers and managers in Eastern Mediterranean Region to take necessary measures to prevent the incidence of Pressure ulcers in hospitals, especially in ICUs.

Prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in intensive care units of the Eastern Mediterranean region: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundHospital-acquired pressure injuries are a major patient safety concern in intensive care units that are considered largely preventable adverse events by adherence to nursing standards of care. The hypothesis of this research was to investigate the prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in intensive care units (ICUs) of the Eastern Mediterranean Region.MethodsThis study was designed as a systematic review and meta-analysis. All articles published on Pressure ulcer prevalence in the ICUs of hospitals in Eastern Mediterranean Region countries, identified by searching PubMed through MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar from January 1, 2011, until September 22, 2023. The reference lists of these articles were checked for additional relevant studies. Data were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (v.2.2.064).ResultsA total of 15 articles met the inclusion criteria. Based on the random-effects model, the overall Pressure ulcer prevalence rate was 16.6% (95% CI (8.6–29.6)). Both the highest and lowest prevalence was observed in Jordan in 2011 at 83.1% (95% CI (71.2- 90.7)) and in 2012 at 0.9% (95% CI (0.5- 1.5)), respectively. The results showed that publication year, average age, and sample size were the main causes of heterogeneity between the reviewed studies (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis of the pertinent peer-reviewed literature revealed a high prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries of 16% in intensive care units of Eastern Mediterranean region. Therefore, it is necessary for health policymakers and managers in Eastern Mediterranean Region to take necessary measures to prevent the incidence of Pressure ulcers in hospitals, especially in ICUs.

Regional cooperation in higher education and research in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries

Regional cooperation in higher education and research in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries

The Global Burden of Early-Onset Biliary Tract Cancer: Insight From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

The escalating incidence of early-onset gastrointestinal cancers is becoming a primary global health concern. Biliary tract cancer (BTC) has been relatively understudied in this regard. We conducted an epidemiological study regarding the burden of this condition. We utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 to investigate the temporal trends in early-onset BTC (EOBTC), encompassing the estimation of frequencies and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of EOBTC incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), from 2010 to 2019. EOBTC constituted nearly 7%of all BTC cases worldwide. The incidence rates of EOBTC decreased significantly in most regions, except in the Eastern Mediterranean (annual percentage change+1.04%), where the incidence is rising. Stratified by the sociodemographic index (SDI), countries with low middle SDI (annual percentage change+0.5%) show increasing incidence of EOBTC. The ASR of death and DALYs decreased in most regions. The ASR of EOBTC-related death and disability attributable to high body mass index increased in most regions, with the highest increase in Southeast Asia and low, middle SDI strata. There was a reduction in the burden of EOBTC globally, except for Eastern Mediterranean countries and low-middle SDI countries.

Incidence of thrombophilic gene polymorphism (MTHFR C677T) in Egyptian COVID-19 patients and its clinical implications

BackgroundCOVID-19 has an important component of organ damage which is COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. It is necessary to assess the risk in patients to develop a thrombophylaxis plan. The higher prevalence of key thrombophilic genetic variants, such as mutation of the C677T-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in Eastern Mediterranean countries, makes it challenging to use the same criteria in other world countries with differing thrombophilic panels.ObjectiveTo find the incidence of MTHFR gene polymorphism in a cohort of Egyptian patients with COVID-19, and its association with thromboembolic events.Subjects and methodsThis was a prospective observational cohort study, done at Ain-Shams University isolation Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. It included 33 patients with COVID-19 and 13 healthy controls. The patients underwent lab investigations: HRCT chest in which the extent of radiological affection was described in terms of severe form (> 50% of lungs are affected) and non-severe form (< 50% of lungs are affected) and assessment of MTHFR-C677T genotypes. Then follow-up for 28 days for vascular thrombotic manifestations.ResultsOut of 33 patients, MTHFR-gene mutation was found in 10 (incidence rate 30.3%). Severe form of affection in the HRCT chest was significantly related to mutation of the MTHFR gene (P value = 0.009). Patient cure and discharge were significantly related to the absence of mutation of MTHFR-gene (P value = 0.025), whereas death and radiological evidence of thrombosis were significantly related to the presence of MTHFR-gene mutation (P value = 0.027 and 0.022 respectively). Age > 55 years (60% sensitivity, 100% specificity, PPV 100%), albumin ≤ 3.2 gm/dl (50% sensitivity, 95.65% specificity, PPV83.3%), and ferritin > 453 ng/L (70% sensitivity, 82.61% specificity, PPV 63.6%) were predictors of mutation of MTHFR-gene.ConclusionIncidence of mutation of MTHFR-gene was 30.3% in COVID-19 patients. Results suggest a potential association between inherited MTHFR gene mutation and severe form of COVID-19, thromboembolic events, and mortality.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05679414. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S000CU2V&selectaction=Edit&uid=U00056R5&ts=2&cx=lrrb7q. Retrospectively registered. 9th Jan 2023.

Indoor residential and outdoor sources of PM2.5 and PM10 in Nicosia, Cyprus

Cyprus is a typical eastern Mediterranean country that suffers from local emissions, transported anthropogenic pollution, and dust storms all year round. Therefore, exposures to PM in ambient and residential micro-environments are of great public health concern. Our study collected indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PM10 samples simultaneously in 22 houses in Nicosia, Cyprus, during warm seasons and cold seasons from February 2019 to May 2021. Samples were analyzed for mass and constituents’ concentrations. To determine indoor and outdoor sources of PM in residential environments, we used the EPA positive matrix factorization (PMF) model to conduct source apportionment analyses for both indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PM10 particles. Generally, six types of residential-level PM sources were resolved: biomass burning, traffic, local or regional secondary sulfate pollution, Ca-rich particles, sea salt, and soil dust. In the source apportionment of PM2.5, the main contribution to outdoor levels (33.1%) was associated with sulfate-rich transported pollution. The predominant contribution to indoor levels (48.0%) was attributed to secondary sulfate pollution as a mixture of local- and regional-scale pollutants. Biomass burning and traffic sources constituted the main outdoor sources of indoor PM2.5, while the Ca-rich particles were identified to almost originate from indoors. By contrast, the largest fraction (29.3%) of the ambient PM10 and a smaller proportion (10.2%) of indoor PM10 were attributed to Ca-rich particles. Indoor PM10 was associated mainly with outdoor sources, except for the soil dust which originated from indoor activities.

Qualitative inquiry into the experience of suicide loss, aftereffects and coping strategies of suicide-bereaved Greek-speaking parents in Cyprus

ABSTRACT Purpose Studies on suicide-bereaved parents are scarce in South European and Eastern Mediterranean countries. We explored the experiences of Greek-speaking suicide-bereaved parents in Cyprus, with emphasis on the interpretations of their child’s suicide, its aftereffects and their coping strategies. Methods A qualitative methodology based on inductive content analysis of the interviews of ten mothers and two fathers was applied. Results The participants described their efforts to make sense of the senseless, reporting numerous interpretations of their child’s suicide. Some participants had achieved to move on by trying to keep the remaining family together. Others felt detached from their social network. The different coping strategies and support systems described, reflected participants’ efforts to escape from obsessive, enduring and deeply traumatizing thoughts about their child’s suicide. The analysis mirrored participants’ ultimate desire to find existential relief and serenity through the management of distressing reminders of their child’s suicide, and alleviate the burden of their own negative self-judgement and the criticism of others. They sought physical and emotional comfort in the inner realm of their psyche, through spiritual and psychological coping processes. Conclusion Further exploration is suggested about intervention planning aiming to strengthen effective coping strategies and external supportive resources in mourning parents.

First report and molecular identification of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe, 1885) in South-eastern Türkiye: invasion continues (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Chilo partellus (Swinhoe, 1885) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is an invasive maize pest that can cause high yield losses. The pest has recently been introduced and established in eastern Mediterranean countries such as Türkiye. However, research regarding its expansion towards other regions in Türkiye and other countries is required. This study is the first to report the presence and abundance of the pest in South-eastern Türkiye provinces, Diyarbakır, Mardin, Ranlıurfa, and Rırnak as well as the infestation rate and its contribution to the stemborer-dependent infestation rates. There were significant differences between the abundances of the pest in different counties, while the infestation rate, the contribution to the stemborer-dependent infestation rate, and the contribution to the total stemborer population were not statistically different between counties. The pest was only recorded in three southern counties of Ranlıurfa, during routine September surveys in 2022 and was absent in Diyarbakır, Mardin, and Rırnak. Specimens were morphologically diagnosed, and for molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis, nucleotide sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI-I) gene was performed. All specimens were confirmed as C. partellus. Further, phylogenetic analysis revealed intraspecific genetic variation and the similarity of the specimens to reference sequences from Africa.

Seroprevalence, Risk Factors and Maternal-Fetal Outcomes of Toxoplasma gondii in Pregnant Women from WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii may cause serious illness in the immunocompromised. The Toxoplasma gondii seropositive prevalence in pregnant women in WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region countries is inconsistent in the literature and it is associated with outcomes that have not be fully elucidated, hence the need for a better understanding of the pooled seroprevalence and associated maternal and fetal outcomes. The objective was to conduct a systematic literature review and determine the pooled prevalence of WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional countries' pregnant women's seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and the maternal-fetal outcomes. This quantitative study examined WHO Eastern Mediterranean countries' maternal-fetal outcomes and Toxoplasma gondii prevalence in pregnant women. The targeted population was pregnant women, while the primary outcome was seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii, while other outcomes such as maternal and fetal associations and risk factors were determined PubMed, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and Index Medicus for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (IMEMR) databases were searched up until 30 January 2023. The search terms used were "Toxoplasma gondii" OR "Toxoplasma infection" AND "Pregnant woman" or pregnan* OR Antenatal OR Prenatal OR Gravidity OR Parturition OR Maternal AND WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region). OpenMeta-Analyst and Jamovi were used to analyze the generated data. In total, 95 of 2947 articles meeting the inclusion criteria examined Toxoplasma gondii prevalence in pregnant women from WHO Eastern Mediterranean countries. The pooled prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women was 36.5% (95%CI: 32.6-40.4) with a median value of 35.64%, range values of 1.38-75.30%, with 99.61% heterogeneity. The pooled seroprevalence of IgG of Toxoplasma gondii was 33.5% (95%CI: 29.8-37.2) with a median value of 33.51%, and a range values of 1.38-69.92%; the pooled seroprevalence of IgM was 3.6% (95%CI: 3.1-4.1)) with a median value of 3.62 and range values of 0.20-17.47%, while cases of pooled seroprevalence of both IgG and IgM positivity was 3.0% (95%CI: 1.9-4.4) with a median value of 2.05 and a range values of 0.05-16.62%. Of the Toxoplasma gondii seropositive women, 1281/3389 (34.8%) 174/1765 (32.9%), 1311/3101 (43.7%), and 715/1683 (40.8%) of them had contact with cats, drank unprocessed milk, ate raw or undercooked meat and ate unwashed raw vegetables, respectively. The maternal-fetal outcomes associated with Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity were a history of abortions, miscarriage, stillbirth, intrauterine fetal death, and premature birth, which were found in 868/2990 (32.5%), 112/300 (36.1%), 111/375 (25.7%), 3/157 (1.9%) and 96/362 (20.1%) of women who tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. The study found a high proportion of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in pregnant women in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, which may be linked to poor outcomes for mothers and their babies. Thus, pregnant women require monitoring and comprehensive prevention strategies for Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Exploring radiative sky cooling resource map and the impact of meteorological conditions on radiative emitters. A perspective of GCC countries

The thermoregulation of indoor spaces has become a pertinent concern due to rising global temperatures and heat agglomeration. Besides extensive energy consumption in conventional air conditioners, the released heat and greenhouse gases exacerbate cooling requirements. Several regions of the world, such as the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean countries, are facing temperature rises almost twice as fast as the rest of the world due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, which have far-reaching consequences for the well-being of nearly 400 million people in this region. This study explored the radiative sky cooling (RSC) potential resource map across the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) region, providing it as a sustainable solution to address the aforementioned challenges. A brief comparison of the daytime, nighttime, seasonal, and annual RSC potential is provided for all six countries within the GCC region. The average annual RSC power is between 116.58 W/m2 and 61.80 W/m2 with an average of 82.60 W/m2. Based on meteorological conditions such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, solar irradiance, cloud cover, and atmospheric transmissivity, the highest RSC power is estimated for Kuwait, with an annual average RSC power of 91.12 W/m2. In comparison, the lowest annual average RSC power of 72.50 W/m2 is found for Oman. Since the climatic conditions within this region remain similar throughout the year, there is not much discrepancy in the average RSC capacity throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Furthermore, the average nighttime RSC power is found to be 92.74 W/m2, which is about 18.47% higher than the daytime average RSC of approximately 67.77 W/m2.

The Impact of International Remittances on Poverty: Evidence From The Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Countries

Workers Remittances represent an important source of financing for recipient countries to the extent that it exceeds sometimes foreign direct investment (FDI) flows (Sirkeci, Ratha, Cohen, 2012). International remittances flowing into developing economies has gained an increasing importance regarding the volume of these flows, their importance for the financial sector as well as their overall impact at the economic and social levels. Based upon a review of theoretical and empirical literature, this paper uses an econometric model based on the basic growth poverty model suggested by (Ravallion, 1997) and (Ravallion &amp; Chen, 1997) accompanied by the frameworks postulated by (Adams &amp; Page, 2005) to assess the impact of remittances in terms of reducing the level of poverty. It is based on panel data of eight Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries (SEMEC) (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and West bank and Gaza) over the period 2000-2018. In most of these countries, remittances represent the largest foreign exchange earnings and represent an average of 8% of GDP. The results suggest that remittances have a positive impact on growth and therefore contribute through income to poverty reduction. This impact becomes significant as the level of remittances relative to GDP increases.

Assessing capabilities of conducted ambient air pollution health effects studies in 22 Eastern Mediterranean countries to adopt air quality standards: a review.

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries suffer from exposure to high levels of ambient air pollutants due to dust storms and have unique climatic as well as topographic and socio-economic conditions which lead to adverse health effects on humans. The purpose of the review was to evaluate the quantity and quality of published articles on air pollution and health-based studies in 22 EMR countries to determine if they can be applied to adopting air quality standards. We designed a review based on a broad search of the literature in the Scopus, PubMed, and web of science (WOS) databases published from January 1, 2000, to January 2, 2022, using combinations of the following relevant terms: air pollution, health, and EMR countries. The generic eligibility criteria for this review were based on the population, exposure, comparator, outcome, and study design (PECOS) statement. The search results showed that following the PRISMA approach, of 2947 identified articles, 353 studies were included in this review. The analysis of the types of studies showed that about 70% of the studies conducted in EMR countries were Health Burden Estimation studies (31%), Ecological and time trend ecological studies (23%), and cross-sectional studies (16%). Also, researchers from Iran participated in the most published relevant studies in the region 255 (~ 63%) and just 10 published documents met all the PECOS criteria. The lack of sufficient studies which can meet the PECOS appraising criteria and the lack of professionals in this field are some of the issues that make it impossible to use as potential documents in the WHO future studies and adopt air quality standards. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-023-00862-1.

Long-term spatiotemporal variation in atmospheric aerosol properties over Türkiye based on MERRA-2 reanalysis data: aerosol classification based on city type.

Due to their complex aerosol characteristics, it is crucial to analyze the trends and properties of atmospheric aerosols over the eastern Mediterranean countries. This study comprehensively evaluates Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and Angström Exponent (AE) trends and aerosol classification over Türkiye, using the MERRA-2 reanalysis data from 1980 to 2019. The spatial distributions of AOD and AE were determined across various temporal scales, including multiannual, 5-year intervals, seasonal, and monthly periods. The analysis of the spatial distribution of AOD values revealed that the mean values in the northwestern areas, ranging from 0.20 to 0.25, were comparatively higher than those observed in the eastern regions, which ranged from 0.10 to 0.15. Between 1980 and 1994, the AOD values gradually increased, followed by a subsequent decline from 1995 to 2019. Based on 5-year intervals between 1980 and 2019, the coastal regions exhibited higher AOD values than the inland areas. Specifically, higher AOD values were noted between May and August, whereas lower values were observed during autumn and winter. Additionally, higher AE values were detected over the northwestern region, while the southeastern region had the lowest AE values, particularly during spring, attributed to the frequent occurrence of dust transport events in this area. The AOD and AE values were also examined in different city types, using the population thresholds of the European Commission. The global city category consisting only of Istanbul showed the highest AOD values across all seasons, while the category of very small cities, which includes 12 cities, had the lowest AOD values. Furthermore, this study investigated the contributions of dominant aerosol categories across various city types based on multiannual and seasonal variations of AOD and AE. The results showed that mixed and continental aerosols had higher portions across all city types. However, biomass burning/industrial and mixed aerosol categories were more prominent in global and large cities. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the atmospheric aerosol properties in Türkiye and can serve as a useful guide for researchers intending to conduct future studies utilizing AOD and AE data obtained through MERRA-2 aerosol diagnosis.