Article
Environmental Sciences
Salah Basem Ajjur, Sami G. Al-Ghamdi
Summary: This study evaluated evapotranspiration and water availability in the Middle East and North Africa using Penman and Budyko approaches with data from the CMIP6 project. The findings indicate that the region is vulnerable to temperature increases leading to higher evapotranspiration rates and reduced water availability.
Article
Business, Finance
Gehan A. Mousa, Elsayed A. H. Elamir, Khaled Hussainey
Summary: This study reexamines the impact of the quantity and readability of annual report narratives on cost of capital. The analysis shows that the readability of annual report narratives has an insignificant impact on cost of capital, but the greater the amount of narrative disclosure, the lower the cost of capital, varying between countries and according to corporate profitability.
RESEARCH IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND FINANCE
(2022)
Article
Communication
Mathias-Felipe de-Lima-Santos, Allen Munoriyarwa, Adeola Abdulateef Elega, Charis Papaevangelou
Summary: The Google News Initiative (GNI) collaborates with the news industry to support quality journalism and bring technological advancements to newsrooms. This study focuses on GNI beneficiaries in Africa and the Middle East, examining the characteristics of technological innovations proposed by GNI grantees and their increasing dependence on these platforms. The findings reveal a heavy reliance on Google's infrastructure for innovation and potential risks to responsible innovation in journalism.
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Israa Elbashir, Noor F. Aldoos, Shilu Mathew, Asmaa A. Al Thani, Mohamed M. Emara, Hadi M. Yassine
Summary: This paper investigates the prevalence of different viral etiologies of acute gastroenteritis in the Middle East and North Africa region. The study reveals that rotavirus is the predominant pathogen in the region, with vaccine effectiveness needing further evaluation.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Abdul Rahman Bizri, Nadine Al Akoury, Thulani Mhlanga, Graciela del Carmen Morales, Hammam Haridy, Gregory D. Hussey, Amit Srivastava
Summary: The experience of Africa and the Middle East with the COVID-19 pandemic has been unique due to disparities within these regions. A global approach to vaccination is required for effective control of COVID-19. However, vaccine inequities exist in Africa and the Middle East, with better healthcare infrastructure countries having advantages in vaccine acquisition and delivery. The greatest challenges to COVID-19 vaccination in these regions are funding, healthcare resources, infrastructure, and vaccine access and hesitancy.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Shohreh Seyyed Hosseini, Reza BasirianJahromi
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the search process related to COVID-19 in the Middle East in 2020. It was found that people in the Middle East use various keywords to search for information on COVID-19 on Google. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between the number of deaths and scientific research output, as well as a significant association between online search behavior and confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region.
Article
Oncology
Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi, Sahar Saeedi Moghaddam, Sina Azadnajafabad, Negar Rezaei, Nazila Rezaei, Seyed Mohammad Tavangar, Hamidreza Jamshidi, Ali H. Mokdad, Mohsen Naghavi, Farshad Farzadfar, Bagher Larijani
Summary: This study aimed to describe the burden trends of thyroid cancer in North Africa and the Middle East from 1990 to 2019. The findings showed that thyroid cancer has a high incidence rate in this region, particularly among women, the elderly above 60, and countries with higher socioeconomic index. A high body mass index (BMI) was found to be a significant risk factor for thyroid cancer. The study recommends preventive measures such as lifestyle modifications, including weight reduction programs.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Mohammed Magdy Hamed, Zafar Iqbal, Mohamed Salem Nashwan, Ahmed Farouk Kineber, Shamsuddin Shahid
Summary: Global warming has had a significant impact on various climate variables and potential evapotranspiration (PET), affecting irrigation needs and water balance. However, the influence of climate change on PET trends is inconsistent in different regions due to the PET paradox. This study uses sensitivity analysis to examine the dynamics of PET in the MENA region and identifies the factors driving its changes.
ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michal Boissonneault, Rafael Costa
Summary: In this article, we present data collected from migration experts on the impact of social change scenarios on migration between the Middle East & North Africa and Europe from 2021 to 2030. The assessments focus on various factors such as cultural, demographic, economic, and political determinants of migration, as well as the number of migrants, refugees, and the likelihood of achieving safe and regular migration. The experts who participated in the survey were active in European research centers or governmental/civil society organizations. The dataset can be used to estimate future migration flows, identify critical migration issues, and inform decision-making on migration policies in Europe and beyond.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lori Post, Emily Marogi, Charles B. Moss, Robert Leo Murphy, Michael G. Ison, Chad J. Achenbach, Danielle Resnick, Lauren Singh, Janine White, Michael J. Boctor, Sarah B. Welch, James Francis Oehmke
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the Middle East and North Africa region, with factors such as falling oil prices, wealth disparities, and large refugee populations exacerbating the disease burden. This study aims to provide advanced surveillance metrics for COVID-19 transmission and found that countries with the highest cumulative caseload include Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. Dynamic public health surveillance metrics can offer valuable insights for informing policies and control efforts until an effective vaccine is developed.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sorour Alotaibi, Mohammad Alhuyi Nazari
Summary: Air conditioners contribute significantly to global electricity consumption, and the demand for cooling is expected to increase due to global warming, population growth, and rising standards of living. Developing more efficient cooling systems, particularly in hot and arid regions, is crucial. District Cooling (DC) systems, which have higher efficiency and lower energy consumption compared to traditional cooling technologies, present an attractive option for the majority of the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region. This article discusses the current status and planned future projects of DC systems in the MENA region, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with their development. The findings of this study are beneficial for policymakers and scholars in the field.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Theodorakys Marin Fermin, Ashraf T. Hantouly, Ayyoub A. Al-Dolaymi, Bruno C. R. Olory, Elisabet Hagert, Emmanouil T. Papakostas, Bashir A. Zikria
Summary: This study assessed the impact of the local language on the view count of patient-oriented educational Sports Medicine videos in an Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in the Middle East and North Africa. The results showed that the Arabic version of the videos had significantly higher view counts compared to the English version. The viewers were predominantly male, between the ages of 18 and 44. The study concluded that creating content in the local language can effectively reach the target audience by breaking language barriers.
INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPAEDICS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Asghar Aghamohammadi, Nima Rezaei, Reza Yazdani, Samaneh Delavari, Necil Kutukculer, Ezgi Topyildiz, Ahmet Ozen, Safa Baris, Elif Karakoc-Aydiner, Sara Sebnem Kilic, Hulya Kose, Nesrin Gulez, Ferah Genel, Ismail Reisli, Kamel Djenouhat, Azzeddine Tahiat, Rachida Boukari, Samir Ladj, Reda Belbouab, Yacine Ferhani, Brahim Belaid, Reda Djidjik, Nadia Kechout, Nabila Attal, Khalissa Saidani, Ridha Barbouche, Aziz Bousfiha, Ali Sobh, Ragheed Rizk, Marwa H. Elnagdy, Mona Al-Ahmed, Salem Al-Tamemi, Gulnara Nasrullayeva, Mehdi Adeli, Maryam Al-Nesf, Amel Hassen, Cybel Mehawej, Carla Irani, Andre Megarbane, Jessica Quinn, Laszlo Marodi, Vicki Modell, Fred Modell, Waleed Al-Herz, Raif S. Geha, Hassan Abolhassani
Summary: In the Middle East and North Africa region, there is a significant burden of IEI patients with a high success rate of genetic diagnosis. This high yield of genetic diagnosis has important implications for prevention, prognosis, treatment, and resource allocation.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Mohammed Magdy Hamed, Aung Kyaw Kyaw, Mohamed Salem Nashwan, Shamsuddin Shahid
Summary: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has become a global hotspot of extreme heat due to rapid temperature rise. This study used the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) to assess human thermal stress in MENA and found that most regions experience extreme heat stress for a significant number of days. The annual mean UTCI in the region is increasing and is accompanied by an increase in hot stress days. This information is crucial for future heat action plans to prevent heat-related illnesses in the region.
ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
James Avoka Asamani, Christmal Dela Christmals, Champion N. Nyoni, Juliet Nabyonga-Orem, Jennifer Nyoni, Sunny C. Okoroafor, Adam Ahmat
Summary: This study explores and describes the opportunities and pathways to becoming a specialist health professional in East and Southern Africa (ESA). It found an uneven distribution of specialist health professions education programs in the region, despite similar sociogeographical context and disease patterns. Establishing regional policies and platforms for collaborations could be a solution to increase the regional capacity for specialist education.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alaa Abd-alrazaq, Mohannad Alajlani, Dari Alhuwail, Jens Schneider, Laila Akhu-Zaheya, Arfan Ahmed, Mowafa Househ
Summary: This study assessed the effectiveness of serious games in alleviating anxiety by summarizing previous studies. The results showed that exergames can be as effective as conventional exercises, computerized cognitive behavioral therapy games and exergames can be more effective than no intervention, and biofeedback games can be more effective than conventional video games.
JMIR SERIOUS GAMES
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alaa Abd-Alrazaq, Eiman Al-Jafar, Mohannad Alajlani, Carla Toro, Dari Alhuwail, Arfan Ahmed, Shuja Mohd Reagu, Najeeb Al-Shorbaji, Mowafa Househ
Summary: Serious games show potential in alleviating depression, but more robust evidence is needed to draw definitive conclusions regarding their effectiveness.
JMIR SERIOUS GAMES
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alaa Abd-alrazaq, Mohannad Alajlani, Dari Alhuwail, Carla Toro, Anna Giannicchi, Arfan Ahmed, Ahmed Makhlouf, Mowafa Househ
Summary: Serious games and specifically cognitive training games may have the potential to improve global cognition among elderly people with cognitive impairment. However, the quality of evidence remains inconclusive and further studies are needed.
JMIR SERIOUS GAMES
(2022)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Abdullah Alibrahim, Yousef Abdulsalam, Salma Al Mutawa, Hashem Behbehani, Dari Alhuwail, Saud Al Jenaei
Summary: The study demonstrates a significant increase in the global prevalence of diabetes, with high prescription drug costs for treating diabetes complications, of which pharmaceutical costs contribute significantly. A flexible costing model is essential in analyzing pharmacy service costs to facilitate value-based decision-making and comparisons for interventions and care redesign.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Oommen John, Suptendra Nath Sarbadhikari, Thanga Prabhu, Ashvini Goel, Alexander Thomas, Sunil Shroff, Fazilah Allaudin, Chaminda Weerabaddana, Dari Alhuwail, Udaya Koirala, Jayalal Johnrose, Patricia Codyre, Andy Bleaden, Shubnum Singh, Shuchin Bajaj
Summary: The panel discussed the development and implementation of telehealth standards, emphasizing the roles of people, encouragement by government policymakers, addressing privacy and security concerns, and capacity building of human resources. The future direction highlighted the need to actively encourage the adoption and diffusion of digital health and telehealth, with all stakeholders needing to come together to build trusting partnerships.
INTERACTIVE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Cybernetics
Zainab AlMeraj, Iyad Abu Doush, Dari Alhuwail, Shok Shama, Ahmed AlBahar, Mohammad Al-Ramahi
Summary: This article presents the results of two studies: a content analysis of official social media posts about COVID-19 and an exploration of the experiences of Arabic-speaking blind and deaf individuals on social media during the pandemic. The findings highlight the accessibility gaps on government social media and provide insights into the lifestyles of blind and deaf individuals during and beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alaa Abd-alrazaq, Israa Abuelezz, Asma Hassan, AlHasan AlSammarraie, Dari Alhuwail, Sara Irshaidat, Hashem Abu Serhan, Arfan Ahmed, Sadam Alabed Alrazak, Mowafa Househ
Summary: This study conducted a scoping review to explore the features of AI-driven serious games in healthcare. The results showed that these serious games were mainly used for rehabilitation and employed algorithms such as support vector machine for disease detection and user performance evaluation. The study suggests that there is a rising trend in the development of AI-driven serious games for healthcare, but further research is needed to examine their effectiveness in different populations with various health conditions.
JMIR SERIOUS GAMES
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Cybernetics
Zainab AlMeraj, Dari Alhuwail, Rumana Qadri, Shok Shama, Michael Crabb
Summary: The responsibility of creating accessible software in digital service development is crucial for promoting equity and inclusion. However, in countries new to universal design and accessibility concepts, it can be challenging to adopt and sustain accessible digital solutions, especially without legal enforcement. This study examines the technology landscape in Kuwait and explores the awareness and practices of computing professionals in regards to disabilities and digital accessibility. The findings reveal a lack of awareness and guidance, attributed to limited training, time constraints, and gaps in education, highlighting the need for further education and resources.
UNIVERSAL ACCESS IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Alaa Abd-alrazaq, Rawan AlSaad, Dari Alhuwail, Arfan Ahmed, Padraig Mark Healy, Syed Latifi, Sarah Aziz, Rafat Damseh, Sadam Alabed Alrazak, Javaid Sheikh
Summary: The integration of large language models (LLMs), such as those in the GPT series, into medical education has the potential to transform learning experiences and elevate students' knowledge, skills, and competence. However, there are challenges to overcome, such as algorithmic bias, overreliance, plagiarism, misinformation, inequity, privacy, and copyright concerns. Understanding the potential and pitfalls of LLMs in medical education is crucial as we shift to an AI-driven educational paradigm. This paper provides insights into the opportunities and challenges of using LLMs in this context, aiming to foster responsible and effective use of AI technologies in medical education.
JMIR MEDICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Rabab Altabtabaei, Dari Alhuwail
Summary: This study examined the obstacles and benefits of telemedicine in the context of diabetes treatment and management, as perceived by healthcare providers and patients with diabetes. Suggestions were provided to enhance the integration of telemedicine in Kuwait's healthcare system for diabetes care. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed both groups to consider digital solutions for ongoing diabetes management and treatment, highlighting the importance of telemedicine in prioritizing patient safety.
JMIR HUMAN FACTORS
(2023)
Article
Medical Informatics
Anwar F. AlHussainan, Zahraa A. Jasem, Dari Alhuwail
Summary: This study aims to analyze the presence of hospitals on Instagram in Kuwait. It found that public and private hospitals differ in their activities on Instagram and suggests that hospitals should improve their presence on the platform to promote healthy lifestyles and be a reliable source of health information.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yousef Abdulsalam, Abdullah Alibrahim, Dari Alhuwail, Hashem Behbehani
Summary: This study examines the pharmaceutical expenses associated with diabetes management and identifies the factors that drive the cost. The results show that a small percentage of patients contribute to the majority of the expenditures, with anti-diabetes drugs and insulin being the main categories. Age, body mass index, and diabetes type are essential factors in predicting the cost. The study also suggests different procurement strategies for similar items to optimize cost efficiency.
HEALTH SCIENCE REPORTS
(2022)