Ras Tanura Research Articles

Parental Hesitancy and Attitude Concerning COVID-19 Vaccine and Its Side Effects in Saudi Arabia, Eastern Region.

Background Vaccine hesitancy poses a substantial challenge to the field of public health. There are various factors that influence the willingness of parents to vaccinate their children. Addressing the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy within the community has the potential to facilitate the development of more effective approaches for global vaccination initiatives. This study aims to assess parents' perspectives regarding the immunization of children aged five to 12 against COVID-19, including their experiences with adverse effects, as well as the factors that influence their hesitancy or acceptance of the vaccine in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods A web-based, cross-sectional study utilized an independently administered online questionnaire. The validated questionnaire was distributed to study participants through social networking platforms in order to recruit individuals from various locations in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, such as Dammam, Al-Hassa, Al-Jubail, Ras Tanura, Dhahran, Al-Khobar, and Al-Qatif. Results The study encompassed a total of 399 participants. The most commonly reported adverse effects among the first and second children were pain at the injection site (1st child: 267 (66.70%), second child: 263 (66.20%)) and fever (1st child: 171 (43.10%), second child: 187 (47.50%)). A significant proportion of the participants, specifically 139 individuals (35%), expressed apprehension regarding immunization. This concern stemmed from various factors, including the fear of experiencing adverse effects, skepticism regarding the vaccine's efficacy, and exposure to potentially harmful information about the vaccine. Ninety-nine participants, accounting for 25% of the sample, indicated their agreement with the safety of COVID-19. Additionally, 104 participants, constituting 26% of the sample, held the belief that receiving vaccination aids in the prevention of severe illnesses caused by COVID-19. Notably, the most prevalent reason for vaccine hesitancy among participants was the fear of experiencing adverse effects. A total of 132 individuals, accounting for 33% of the participants, identified healthcare providers, including physicians and scientists, as reliable and trustworthy sources of vaccine information. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the demographic variables of the participants and their acceptance of the vaccine. Conclusion The study observed an acceptable vaccination rate among children aged five to 12 for the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on the investigation results, the primary apprehension expressed by parents regarding the immunization of their offspring pertained to the potential negative consequences associated with the vaccine. Nonetheless, it was observed that adverse effects were reported in less than fifty percent of vaccinated children. Addressing the concerns pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccination can enhance global participation in the immunization program aimed at mitigating future pandemics.

Degradation of oil and hydrocarbons derivatives by isolated yeast strains from Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia heavily depends on oil production, as 33.42 % of GDP is generated from the oil sector (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2019). Due to previous fact, microorganism considers the main concern for oil biodegradation process. As a result of highly advantage of employed yeast for oil biodegradation than bacteria, this study was carried out to isolate crude oil biodegrading yeast from sediments from three points of Ras Tanura City (26°38′38″N and 50°9′33″E), eastern province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Among nine yeast isolates, only three isolates selected due to remarked biodegrading activities. Based on 18S rRNA Partial gene sequence, A, B and C yeast isolates were identified and submitted as Rhodotorula ingeniosa (OL659287), Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (OL659288) and Candida parapsilosis (OL659289) with 100 % identity respectively. A isolate was superior for oil consumption (8.2 %) comparing with B and C isolates which showed 6.4 % and 5.5 % respectively. Also, A isolate reflected highest hydrocarbons derivatives consumption comparing with C isolates which showed lowest hydrocarbons derivatives consumption %. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and SDS-PAGE techniques were employed to evaluate genetic similarity which led to explain molecular base for varied biodegradation activity for A, B and C isolates. Interestingly, A isolate which remarked with superior biodegrading activity reflected highest genetic polymorphism. On the other hand, highly genetic similarity was corresponded to decreasing degrading activity for isolate C. positive correlation was detected between genetic polymorphism and biodegrading capability for yeast isolate.

Land Use/Land Cover change detection in the wetlands. A case study: Al-Aba Oasis, west of Ras Tanura, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

In addition to unthinking anthropogenic meddling with the subtle ecological balance, the territories of Al-Aba Oasis are witnessing various Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes. Comprehending LULC is a central facet of upholding a sustainable, friendly, and fit environment. This paper presents a spatiotemporal study of land use and land cover trends in the wetlands of Al-Aba Oasis, an ecologically sensitive area in the west of Ras Tanura in the east of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study area faces several environmental problems, including the rise in groundwater levels, expansion of agricultural land, urban expansion, and anthropogenic interference with the ecological balance. In this paper, a verified representation of the changes in each LULC class has been made using satellite images. Remote sensing imagery is helpful for studying temporal changes in LULC and providing environmental monitoring data. We analysed Landsat-5 and Sentinel-2 imagery for 1985, 2000, and 2021. The overall precision besides the kappa coefficient for precision assessment indicates the relevance of the LULC classification. LULC map products were overlaid and interpreted based on post-classification change detection methods. The LULC aspects were classified into six classes: water body, waterlogged area, sabkha soil, sandy area, cultivated area, and built- up area. The results prove that from 2001 to 2021, the extension of the built-up area (2.6%) and agricultural land (6.85%) is directly proportional to the population growth (36.5% between 1992 and 2004) and the sabkhas are subject to constant metamorphosis under the joint influence of urban and agricultural land expansion. 100 samples were collected for the years 1986, 2001, and 2021 to assess the accuracy. We reviewed the outcomes of this study by evaluating the accuracy (77, 81, and 84% for 1986, 2001, and 2021 respectively) and comparing the field truth using a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor. The results of this study are useful in the development of environmental policies during the development of sustainable territorial development programmes of the oasis.

222Rn Activity Concentration Measurement and its Radiological Risks in the Environment of Barserin Village, Erbil-Iraq

222Rn Activity Concentration Measurement and its Radiological Risks in the Environment of Barserin Village, Erbil-Iraq

Numerical simulation of tidal hydrodynamics in the Arabian Gulf

A vertically 2-D numerical model based on the Delft3D modelling system is set up, calibrated, and validated to simulate the tidal hydrodynamics in the Arabian Gulf. The model is a barotropic solution, controlled by 13 tidal components at open boundaries. The performance of the numerical model was evaluated using the hourly water level observations and the TOPEX/Poseidon altimetry data. Statistical analysis showed a good agreement between the simulated and observed water levels. RMS error was found to be ranged from 0.07 to 0.23 m, with maximum discrepancies observed at Ras Tanura and Mina Sulman stations. However, the IOA between the simulated and observed water levels was significant (0.95–0.99). On average, the errors for the tidal constituents considered in the analysis are in the order of <0.02 m (4%). The M2, S2, K1 and O1 tidal waves represent the largest among other constituents, where the amplitude of S2 represents almost 30% of the M2, and the O1 tidal wave represents about 50% of the K1 tide. The co-tidal charts of the semidiurnal tides show the existence of two anticlockwise amphidromic systems in the north and south ends (centred around 28.25° and 24.5°N respectively) close to the western side, while the diurnal constituents form only a single amphidromic point in the central part, centred around 26.8°N (North Bahrain). On the other hand, the velocity amplitudes of the U and V components of the numerical model were compared with a previous observational study and found to be agreed well.

Distribution of heavy metal and pollution assessment in environmental samples along the coastal area of Ras Tanura

ABSTRACT The present work deals with establishing the contents and pollution of heavy metals in samples collected from Ras Tanura along the Arabian Gulf. Using Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer ICPE-9820, the concentrations of metals have been measured. For soil samples the range values of metals concentrations (mg/kg) were: Cd (0.87–107), Co (0.32–0.72), Cr (0.27–4.61), Ni (0.01–3.92), Pb (0.18–3.26), Zn (0.23–3.46) and Zr (0.07–0.99). While in marine sediment samples, the range values of concentrations (mg/kg) were: 0.48–0.64 for Co, 1.28–4.21 for Cr, 21.8–80.4 for Cd, 1.28–2.62 for Ni, 1.46–2.09 for Pb, 0.42–1.32 for Zn and 0.59–0.82 for Zr. The contamination factor of metals in marine sediments was also calculated. The heavy metal concentrations in samples were within the acceptable standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Characteristics of PM10 at industrial cities using integrated analytical techniques: Al-Jubail and Ras Tanura case study

Characteristics of PM10 at industrial cities using integrated analytical techniques: Al-Jubail and Ras Tanura case study

Effect of sampling time on the heavy metal concentrations of brown algae: A bioindicator study on the Arabian Gulf coast

Macroalgae have often been studied as bioindicators for heavy metal pollution on sea coasts including the Arabian Gulf. On the Arabian Gulf coasts, heavy metals are continuously being released by industrial activities and therefore, pollution monitoring is needed. Biomonitoring studies using macroalgae has given highly different assessments due to the variability in algal species and sampling time points. We carried out a systematic monthly sampling of brown algae (Phaeophyta) from three locations on the western coast of the Arabian Gulf between September and February 2018. One urban area (Uqair) and two oil refining areas (Ras Tanura and Jubail) were monitored due to they have a common brown macroalgae species composition. The incidence of Cystoseira myrica, C. trinodis C. osmundacea, Hormophysa cuneiformis, Sargassum aquifolium, S. latifolium, S. filipendula and Padina boryana varied among the sites and with the time of year within the sites. The concentrations of Co, Cd and Pb varied among the sampling sites, the algal species and the sampling time points remarkably. A tentative time-trend increasing towards February was observed for some species. However, it appeared that neither optimum sampling time point, nor superior brown algae species could be recommended. The highest heavy metal accumulation was observed in Padina boryana. However, this species grew only on the two oil polluted sites. We concluded that some brown algae species can be used for biomonitoring heavy metal pollution on the western coast of the Arabian Gulf. The species incidence should be monitored systematically and the species used should be chosen locally and sampled at the same time of the year.

Ras Tanura Refinery desalination plant case study towards operational excellence

Ras Tanura Refinery desalination plants production has been historically limited for a number of factors. Major obstacles for low performance were heat transfer, plugging of spray nozzles, operating under severe scaling process, brine and distilled water level control, seawater velocity, chemical dosing, and poor strainers performance.Major challenges for the low performance in desalination plants were discussed for both Multi-Stage Flash unit (MSF) and Multi-Effects Desalination unit (MED).Based on the resulted outputs, discussion and analysis, it was concluded that thermal desalination process is sensitive process where many factors can lead to performance reduction. However, thermal desalination process is easy to be maintained and restore its production capacity.The paper includes troubleshooting, analysis, actions taken, and the results. The conclusion includes nine recommended tips to enhance the performance and restore the desalination units’ production.

Aramco progresses on Ras Tanura refinery's new naphtha complex

Aramco progresses on Ras Tanura refinery's new naphtha complex

高水位地区有限作业空间条件下道路穿越直铺管技术的应用——以中石油管道局沙特拉斯坦努拉管道EPC项目道路穿越为例

高水位地区有限作业空间条件下道路穿越直铺管技术的应用——以中石油管道局沙特拉斯坦努拉管道EPC项目道路穿越为例

Tide and mean sea level trend in the west coast of the Arabian Gulf from tide gauges and multi-missions satellite altimeter

Summary Hourly data of the relative sea level from seven stations on the west coast of the Arabian Gulf, for the period 1979–2008 have been analyzed. The harmonic constituents of tide show pure diurnal tide at Murjan Island, semidiurnal type at Mina Salman and mixed type with semidiurnal dominance at the remaining five stations. Based on Multi-Missions Satellite Altimetry data, the mean sea level trend estimate was about 2.8 ± 0.4 mm/year for global ocean and about 3.6 ± 0.4 mm/year for the Arabian Gulf. Among the seven tide gauge stations, the highest sea level trend is found at Mina Salman (3.4 ± 0.98 mm/year) that agrees with the local estimate from the Multi-Missions Satellite Altimetry data. The minimum trend is found at Jubail (1.6 ± 0.71 mm/year) and Ras Tanura (0.7 ± 0.31 mm/year). At Arrabiyah Island station, the sea level trend is about 2.4 ± 0.66 mm/year, which is obtained after removing the interruptions from a relatively longer duration (15 years) data. This is in agreement with other stations and the estimates from the altimetry. The tidal analysis and trend estimation for Jubail station (29 years) have been conducted for the first time. At Murjan Island, the decadal cycle is evident from the long sea level data, giving the current estimate of trend more reliability as compared with previous studies.

Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking among Adolescents in Ras Tanura Community, Saudi Arabia: A School-based Cross-Sectional Study

Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking among Adolescents in Ras Tanura Community, Saudi Arabia: A School-based Cross-Sectional Study

非开挖穿越的扁平化施工管理——以沙特拉斯坦努拉管道EPC项目为例

非开挖穿越的扁平化施工管理——以沙特拉斯坦努拉管道EPC项目为例

الکفاءة المهنية وعلاقتها بأسلوب العزو السببي لدى معلمي المرحلة الثانوية بمحافظة رأس تنورة بالمملکة العربية السعودية

هدفت الدراسة إلى التعرف على العلاقة بين الکفاءة المهنية وأسلوب العزو السببي لدى معلمي المرحلة الثانوية بمحافظة رأس تنورة بالمملکة العربية السعودية، ولتحقيق أهداف الدراسة تم تطبيق بطاقة الکفاءة المهنية من إعداد الباحث ومقياس العزو السببي، من إعداد بيترسون (Peterson,1993) وترجمة المقدم (2003)، وذلک على عينة تکونت من (73) معلما من معلمي المرحلة الثانوية بمحافظة رأس تنورة بالمملکة العربية السعودية. ومن خلال استخدام المنهج الوصفي والأساليب الإحصائية، أسفرت الدراسة عن النتائج التالية: أظهرت نتائج الدراسة أن أکثر أبعاد الکفاءة المهنية توافرا لدى معلمي المرحلة الثانوية هي: العلاقات الإنسانية، يليها الکفايات الشخصية، ثم بعد الأنشطة والتقويم، فأساليب التعزيز والحفز، وأقلها التمکن العلمي والمهني، وکذلک وجود علاقة ارتباطية بين الکفاءة المهنية وأسلوب العزو السببي لدى معلمي المرحلة الثانوية بمحافظة رأس تنورة بالمملکة العربية السعودية ، کما أظهرت النتائج وجود فروق ذات دلالة بين المعلمين في الکفاءة المهنية وفقا لمتغير التخصص ، إضافة الى وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية بين المعلمين في الکفاءة المهنية وفقا لمتغير الخبرة. Through descriptive design this study aimed to identify the relationship between professionalism and causal of attribution among secondary school teachers in Ras Tanura province of Saudi Arabia. To achieve the objective, a sample of 73 teachers completed professionalism card prepared by the investigator and instrument of causal of attribution, prepared by Peterson (Peterson, 1993). Results of the study showed that the most professionalism dimensions presented to secondary schools are: human relations, followed by a skills profile, and then the activities calendar, reinforcement supportive methods, and the least is the scientific and professional mastery. The study revealed that there is a correlation between the score of overall degree of professionalism, and the score of central control from one side and with the score of the ability Center control from other side. This association was also found between all the dimensions of professionalism and dimension of central of the control, stability. The results also showed the presence of significant differences between teachers in professional competency, according to the variable of specialization in favor of teachers of sciences, and according to the variable experience for the benefit of teachers with years of experience Supreme. The study recommended spreading the culture of topics related to professional competence and methods of causal of attribution among workers in schools. In addition, to indicate its role in the success of individuals professionally, and to highlight it important to draw the attention of those responsible for the setup and configuration of teachers in colleges and universities and institutes of different teacher preparation to the role attribution methods to raise the professionalism of teachers.

Investigation of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Evaluation of Radiation Hazards in Residential-Area Soil Near a Ras Tanura Refinery, Saudi Arbia

Investigation of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Evaluation of Radiation Hazards in Residential-Area Soil Near a Ras Tanura Refinery, Saudi Arbia

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 epidemiology in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

ObjectivesThe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus caused a worldwide pandemic in 2009–2010 and has since remained in seasonal circulation. This study was conducted to determine any variations in the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 status according to sex, age group, sample type, or location within the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.MethodsSamples from 749 patients with suspected Middle East respiratory coronavirus who presented to Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare facilities in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia were tested reflexively for influenza A/H1N1 2009 by the Ministry of Health using the RealTime ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set for real-time PCR. The sample types included nasopharyngeal swabs (n = 677), expectorated deep cough sputum (n = 32), induced sputum (n = 17), and tracheal aspirates (n = 23).ResultsThe incidence of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was higher among younger patients; 27.94% of patients in the 0–19-year age group tested positive compared to only 3.51% of patients in the ≥80-year age group. The incidence of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was higher in Ras Tanura city compared to other locations in the Eastern Province.ConclusionsYounger individuals in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had a relatively higher risk of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection. Additionally, an outbreak of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 may have occurred in Ras Tanura city between April 2015 and February 2016.

Assessment of Heavy and Trace Metals in Surface Soil Nearby an Oil Refinery, Saudi Arabia, Using Geoaccumulation and Pollution Indices.

The present study deals with the measurement of heavy and trace metals in the soils of Ras Tanura city nearby one of the oldest and largest oil refineries located on Arabian Gulf, eastern Saudi Arabia. Metals were analyzed in 34 surface soil samples using plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICPE-9820). The result showed that the mean values of the metals concentrations were in the order: Cd > Mo > Tb > Ce > Hf > Eu > Yb > U > Sm > Rb > Cr > Ni > Pb > Sc > Cs > Zn > Lu > Co. The mean values of Cd (39.9mg/kg), Mo (13.2mg/kg), Eu (4.01mg/kg), Hf (6.09mg/kg), Tb (8.23mg/kg), and Yb (3.88) in soil samples were higher than the background values in soil and the world average. The obtained results indicated to elevated levels of Cd and Mo in most samples, with mean concentrations exceeded the background levels by 113 times for Cd and 5 times for Mo. Pollution index (PI) and Geoaccumulation (Igeo) for each metal were calculated to assess the metal contamination level of surface soil in the study area. The assessment results of PI and Igeo revealed a significant pollution by Cd, Mo, Eu, Hf, Tb, and Yb in most of sampling sites nearby Ras Tanura refinery.

Environmental impacts of heavy metals, rare earth elements and natural radionuclides in marine sediment from Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia along the Arabian Gulf

Ras Tanura city is one of the most important cities in Saudi Arabia because of the presence of the largest and oldest oil refinery in the Middle East which was began operations in September 1945. Also its contains gas plant and two ports. The concentration of natural radionuclides, heavy metals and rare earth elements were measured in marine sediment samples collected from Ras Tanura. The specific activities of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs (Bq/kg) were measured using A hyper-pure Germanium detector (HPGe), and ranged from (20.4 ± 4.0–55.1 ± 9.9), (6.71 ± 0.7–46.1 ± 4.5), (3.51 ± 0.5–18.2 ± 1.5), (105 ± 4.4–492 ± 13) and from (0.33 ± 0.04–2.10 ± 0.4) for 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs respectively. Heavy metals and rare earth elements were measured using ICPE-9820 Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer. Also the frequency distributions for all radioactive variables in sediment samples were analyzed. Finally the radiological hazards due to natural radionuclides in marine sediment were calculated to the public and it's diagramed by Surfer program in maps. Comparing with the international recommended values, its values found to be within the international level.

Characterization of Radon Concentration and Annual Effective Dose of Soil Surrounding a Refinery Area, Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia

Characterization of Radon Concentration and Annual Effective Dose of Soil Surrounding a Refinery Area, Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia