Middle East Perspective Research Articles

The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Middle East Perspective.

The gut microbiome is of paramount importance in preserving internal balance in the gastrointestinal tract; therefore, disruptions in its regulation have been linked to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This article explores the intricate details of the gastrointestinal microbiome as it pertains to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with an emphasis on the Middle East. The study reviews the typical gut microbiome, modifications in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), determinants impacting the gut microbiome of the Middle East, and prospective therapeutic interventions.

Carbon based sensors for air quality monitoring networks; middle east perspective.

IoT-based Sensors networks play a pivotal role in improving air quality monitoring in the Middle East. They provide real-time data, enabling precise tracking of pollution trends, informed decision-making, and increased public awareness. Air quality and dust pollution in the Middle East region may leads to various health issues, particularly among vulnerable populations. IoT-based Sensors networks help mitigate health risks by offering timely and accurate air quality data. Air pollution affects not only human health but also the region's ecosystems and contributes to climate change. The economic implications of deteriorated air quality include healthcare costs and decreased productivity, underscore the need for effective monitoring and mitigation. IoT-based data can guide policymakers to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, clean water, and climate action. The conventional monitor based standard air quality instruments provide limited spatial coverage so there is strong need to continue research integrated with low-cost sensor technologies to make air quality monitoring more accessible, even in resource-constrained regions. IoT-based Sensors networks monitoring helps in understanding these environmental impacts. Among these IoT-based Sensors networks, sensors are of vital importance. With the evolution of sensors technologies, different types of sensors materials are available. Among this carbon based sensors are widely used for air quality monitoring. Carbon nanomaterial-based sensors (CNS) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as adsorbents exhibit unique capabilities in the measurement of air pollutants. These sensors are used to detect gaseous pollutants that includes oxides of nitrogen and Sulphur, and ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study provides comprehensive review of integration of carbon nanomaterials based sensors in IoT based network for better air quality monitoring and exploring the potential of machine learning and artificial intelligence for advanced data analysis, pollution source identification, integration of satellite and ground-based networks and future forecasting to design effective mitigation strategies. By prioritizing these recommendations, the Middle East and other regions, can further leverage IoT-based systems to improve air quality monitoring, safeguard public health, protect the environment, and contribute to sustainable development in the region.

E-Business as Catalyst for Global Transformation of SMEs: A Middle East Perspective

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are carriers of the economic development on local, regional, and national level. With high levels of flexibility, agility and adaptability, small and medium enterprises have the ability to transform and embrace new emerging technologies and opportunities. In the Industry 4.0 world, characterized by the intensive development and integration of digital solutions into all levels of operations, SMEs are among early adopters of such solutions. The purpose of the paper is to examine how small and medium enterprises in the Middle East are increasing their competitiveness, using innovative digital and e-business solutions as key transformative tools. Within the research, a systematic review of support ecosystem for development of the sector in the Middle East has been performed. Based on the systematic review and literature findings, the 5I framework, consisting of internationalization, innovation, integration, implementation, and intensifying, has been suggested as the model for transformative development of small and medium enterprises. In the future research, it is possible to examine how fast-growing economies that create supportive environment for the development of small and medium enterprises, simultaneously recognizing digital and e-business solutions as important pillar of increasing competitiveness and innovativeness, might benefit from successful implementation of 5I framework for successful global transformation.

Views of healthcare professionals and service users regarding anti-, peri- and post-natal depression in Oman.

INTRODUCTION: Anti-, peri- and post-natal depression is known to affect the relationship between infants and their mothers adversely. Previous studies have identified barriers and facilitators, reported by women and HCPs, related to the identification and management of anti-, peri- and post-natal depression. However, these studies considered the experiences of women separately from those of the healthcare professionals, even though their experiences of anti-, peri- and post-natal depression are interconnected. Additionally, there is a lack of research among people living in the Middle East, including Oman, which has one of the highest rates of anti-, peri- and post-natal depression globally. This study aimed to explore the views and experiences of HCPs and service users relating to anti-, peri- and post-natal depression from the Middle East perspective. A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews was conducted. This study took place at the Family Medicine and Community Clinic at the University Hospital and three selected primary healthcare centres in Muscat, between May 2020 and February 2021. Purposive sampling was used: 15 HCPs with 2-20 years of clinical experience in anti-, peri- and post-natal primary care and 13 pregnant patients plus 2 post-birth patients were interviewed. Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim, and the anonymized transcripts were then entered into the qualitative data management software, NVIVO 12. A thematic approach was used to analyse the data. Four themes were identified in the data, namely: (1) making sense of anti-, peri- and post-natal depression; (2) how to deal with anti-, peri- and post-natal depression; (3) barriers to addressing anti-, peri- and post-natal depression in primary anti-, peri- and post-natal care settings and (4) bridging the gap: facilitators in detecting and managing anti-, peri- and post-natal depression. Improving the identification and management of anti-, peri- and post-natal depression in primary healthcare systems will require a whole-system approach with interventions at the patient, practice and comprehensive primary care team levels. The findings suggest implications for improving the identification and management of anti-, peri- and post-natal depression including an increased emphasis on mental health by enhancing the routine screening of mothers during the anti-, peri- and post-natal period, clearer referral systems, improving resources, providing training with regard to mental health and improving communication skills.

Hypothyroidism and its effect on serum vitamin D and iron among adult female: A review from Middle East perspective

Hypothyroidism is a pathophysiological phase in which insufficient hormones are produced, leading to an imbalance in basal metabolic rate and inefficiency in the physiological role of body systems. Vitamin D affects thyrocytes by decreasing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulated iodide uptake and cellular development. In hypothyroidism, hypovitaminosis D is due to malabsorption from the intestine and inactivation of vitamin D. Thyroid hormones induce erythropoietin gene expression causing an increase in the secretion of erythropoietin. Iron deficiency decreases the activity of the thyroid peroxidase enzyme. Hypothyroidism can cause microcytic anaemia due to malabsorption of iron and menorrhagia. Hypothyroidism is a common but under-recognized and under-diagnosed condition in the Persian Gulf countries. Moreover, the evaluation of the effect of hypothyroidism on vitamin D and iron levels is inadequate. Identifying this bi-deficiency is essential so that doctors can identify and treat them earlier and reduce the deficiency-related complications, and supplements can be given to prevent further health complications like osteoporosis and iron deficiency anaemia.

Gender Association with Incidence, Clinical Profile, and Outcome of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Middle East Perspective.

Background:Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of death worldwide. However, there is limited information on the outcome of the OHCA in the Middle East population, and limited studies have been carried out in the Arab Gulf countries. Hence, we aim to study the incidence and rate of survival in the OHCA setting and to assess the impact of gender on the clinical outcome following OHCA.Methods:Retrospective analysis of a prospective registry of all eligible, consecutive, and nontraumatic adult patients who successfully resuscitated (return of spontaneous circulation) from “Cardiac Arrest” occurring outside the hospital, Hospitalized in Doha, Qatar from January 1991 to June 2010.Results:A total of 41,453 consecutive patients were admitted during the study, of whom 987 (2.4%) had a diagnosis of OHCA. Among them, 269 (27.3%) were women and 718 (72.7%) were men. Although the mortality rate was higher in females than in males (65.4% vs. 57.7%, P = 0.03), the logistic regression analysis did not show gender as an independent predictor of death in this clinical setting.Conclusion:In this sample of the state population, women who have OHCAs had a lower rate of survival, but gender was not an independent predictor of mortality following OHCA.

Social Sustainability Adoption Barriers in Supply Chains: A Middle East Perspective using Interpretive Structural Modeling

Social Sustainability Adoption Barriers in Supply Chains: A Middle East Perspective using Interpretive Structural Modeling

Integrated project delivery as an enabler for collaboration: a Middle East perspective

Purpose This study investigates the extent to which the popular forms of contract adopted in the Middle East (ME) address collaboration. The purpose of this paper is to assess how collaboration features weaved into the construct of integrated project delivery (IPD) may impact projects in the ME. In this context, the study identifies features in IPD and existing delivery methods that may enable or inhibit collaboration and evaluates their impact on project success from the perspective of various contract managers in the ME. Design/methodology/approach The study employs structured face-to-face interviews with 41 construction industry practitioners in top contract management positions in the ME to evaluate the significance of collaboration features in IPD. Data collected from the structured interviews/surveys were analyzed using statistical tools in R and Excel. Findings Results reveal that while experts recognize the collaboration benefits which IPD features may contribute to a project, the current contractual environment of the industry does not optimally encompass these features. The current status of project delivery does not favor IPD implementation nor does it enable its collaborative features. Originality/value This study contributes to the growing international body of knowledge addressing the application of collaborative contracts in construction projects, and it is innovative in evaluating collaboration features within IPD and exiting project deliveries in the ME.

The Middle East perspective of Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the Middle East is gaining more importance than in the past. Although it still remains more about philanthropy and charity, it moves towards a more strategic approach which includes formalizing ways of giving, as a set of non-random actions, and focuses more on addressing social ills and environment, economic challenges, that are hindering development. However, the business in the region has not yet taken the step to fully integrate the CSR into their core business operations. The most common challenges that facing the CSR implementation are the lack of government requirements and incentives, spreading awareness, building CSR partnership model, going beyond the marketing and PR campaigns, and full integration of CSR into the business strategy. In this paper, we aim to introduce the current state of the CSR in the Middle East and its perspectives, besides reviewing its evaluation stages, motivations, and current challenges. Moreover, we aim to examine CSR common practices through examples from the financial sector. The research method applied in this research is based on secondary data sources and we have used desk research to illustrate most important points and findings on the topic.

The Middle East perspective of Corporate Social Responsibility

The Middle East perspective of Corporate Social Responsibility

An empirical analysis of student’s perception towards group work – a Middle East perspective

Group works have become an integral component of modern education system. The focus of this study is to explore the students’ perception of group works. Based on a pilot study with 64 students and subsequent study with 274 participants, this research provides a holistic reading on group works from students’ perspectives. The study analyses relative preference of students between individual and group assignments, advantages and disadvantages of group works and the strategies followed by the students in the process. The study also explores students’ perception of free riding, peer evaluation and practical issues that teachers need to consider in designing group works. Analyses are conducted to capture the differences in perception based on the gender, academic performance and year of study of the participants.

Challenges Posed by Novel Psychoactive Substances – Middle East Perspective

Challenges Posed by Novel Psychoactive Substances – Middle East Perspective

“Islamic State” and the North Caucasus in the Middle East Perspective: Challenges to and Lessons for Russia

The author considers, in the broad Middle East perspective, the impact of the ISIS and its activities on the situation in the North Caucasus. An analysis is suggested of the recent trends in Russian Islamic community and in the whole Ummah as well as challenges to Russia from the ISIS. The article also proposes some recommendations aimed to reduce security threats to our country.

Water desalination and challenges: The Middle East perspective: a review

abstract The Gulf countries are located in the arid and semi-arid regions where rainfall is scanty and evaporation rates are high. Surface water is limited and there are no perennial streams. The increase in population and socio-economic development has led to an imbalance between supply and demand. These countries depend mainly on desalination to meet the growing water needs. This paper reviews the history of desalination and the desalination processes used—multistage flash distillation (MSF), reverse osmosis (RO), multieffect distillation and electrodialysis. An overview of these processes and the challenges faced—like scaling of tubes in MSF and membrane fouling in RO—is discussed. This review also highlights the present trends in water pre-treatment and integrated membrane systems. The depletion of fossil fuels makes it imperative to consider alternate energy sources like solar and nuclear energy. Future prospects for integrated desalination techniques which could result in reduction of cost of desali...

Abstract P6-08-07: Quality of life of women with breast cancer: A Middle East perspective

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Scarce information is currently available on the quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer survivors in the Middle East region. The objective of this study is to describe QoL of Bahraini women with breast cancer and investigate the association between their QoL and their sociodemographic and clinical data. Methods: This is a cross sectional study in which the Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer general quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the disease specific questionnaire (QLQ-BR23) were administered to a random sample of 337 Bahraini women with breast cancer. Statistical analysis: The collected data were coded, entered and analyzed using the statistical package SPSS. Relevant descriptive statistics were computed for all items. A higher score represents a “better” level of functioning, or a “worse” level of symptoms. The “Score” served as the dependent (Outcome) variable in the study for the purpose of data analysis. Sociodemographics and clinical information represented the independent variables. The equality of means across categories of each categorical independent variable was tested using ANOVA and independent t-test. Non-parametric tests (Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney tests) were used instead if the statistical assumptions of using the parametric tests were violated. Results: Of the total sample only 239 consented to participation. The mean age of participants was 54.4 (SD±10.7). Participants had a mean score for global health of 63.9 (SD±21.3). Among functional scales, social functioning scored the highest mean (77.5) whereas emotional functioning scored the lowest (63.4). The most distressing symptom on the symptom scales of QLQ-C30 was fatigability (Mean 35.2). Using the disease specific tool (QLQ-BR23) it was found that sexual functioning scored the lowest mean (25.9) whereas “upset due to hair loss” symptom scored the highest mean (46.3). Significant mean differences for various functional and symptom scales were observed among categories of age, marital status, type of surgery, stage of disease, monthly income, educational status and time since diagnosis. Discussion: Comparable global QoL mean was reported by participants in this study despite the limited structured psychological support available for breast cancer Bahraini women compared to advanced services in the western community. Women showed poor performance on sexual functioning and enjoyment. One of the reasons might be that single women were under less pressure to worry about their partner's opinion because traditionally and religiously the local society is restricting dating and premarital sex. On the other hand, married women were constantly intimidated by the second wife's option. Conclusion: Bahraini women showed good functioning on most functional and symptom scales. Poorest functioning was reported for emotional and sexual domains. On the symptom scales, fatigue and arm morbidities were the most bothersome symptoms. Differences in several QoL domains are discussed in view of sociocultural and religious aspects. Health professionals need to develop a culturally sensitive clinical approach to enhance QoL of women with breast cancer in the Middle East region. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-08-07.

Prevalence and risk factors for albuminuria among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A Middle-East perspective

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for albuminuria among 447 type 2 diabetic patients in three Gulf countries. Overall prevalence of albuminuria was 36%, which is similar to that reported in other DEMAND studies and was strongly related to poor glycemic control.

A theoretical investigation into the cultural nature and the macroeconomic constraints of entreupreuneurial activity in the Middle East

This paper offers a definitional review of entrepreneurship from a Middle East perspective time lapse comparative ranking of constraints to entrepreneurship in the Arab Middle East indicates that change in those constraints has been insignificant over the second half of the 20th century. The leading constraints have been the rigidity of public institutions and the overpowering patriarchal family oriented governance. The macroeconomic function of entrepreneurship in the Arab World is dependent mainly on two factors: economic incentives and socio-psychological change. These factors distinguish among 3 main geopolitical areas of the region: 1) the Gulf area with 9 countries mostly affected by economic incentives, 2) the confrontation states of the Near East with 6 countries mostly affected by socio-psychological change, and 3) North Africa with 7 countries affected by both economic and socio-psychological factors. Finally, this paper focuses particularly on one of the confrontation Near East countries: Lebanon. It lists by ranking the entrepreneurial competencies in Lebanon requiring improvement. Then it evaluates the chances of success of a business incubator in Beirut, Lebanon. At the end, it presents the results of a survey on wealth perception discrepancies between Lebanese society and the rest of the world.

Mission and Proselytism: A Middle East Perspective

Mission and Proselytism: A Middle East Perspective

Cross-cultural Higher Education – A Middle East Perspective

Cross-cultural Higher Education – A Middle East Perspective

Ethical Issues - a Middle East perspective

Ethical Issues - a Middle East perspective