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Fungi in the genus Trichoderma are widespread in the environment, mainly in soils. They are used in agriculture because of their mycoparasitic potential; Trichoderma have the ability to increase plant health and provide protection against phytopathogens, making them desirable plant symbionts. We isolated, identified, and characterized Trichoderma from different regions of Saudi Arabia and evaluated the ability of Trichoderma to promote plant growth. Morphological and molecular characterization, along with phylogenetic studies, were utilized to differentiate between Trichoderma species isolated from soil samples in the Abha and Riyadh regions, Saudi Arabia. Then, plant growth-promoting traits of the isolated Trichoderma species were assessed. Eight Trichoderma isolates were characterized via morphological and molecular analysis; six (Trichoderma koningiopsis, Trichoderma lixii, Trichoderma koningii, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma brevicompactum, and Trichoderma velutinum) were from Abha and two (T. lixii and T. harzianum) were from Riyadh. The isolated Trichoderma strains belonged to three different clades (Clade 1: Harzianum, Clade 2: Brevicompactum, and Clade 3: Viride). The Trichoderma isolates varied in plant growth-promoting traits. Seeds treated with most isolates exhibited a high percentage of germination, except seeds treated with the T3-T. koningii isolate. 100% germination was reported for seeds treated with the T4-T. harzianum and T6-T. brevicompactum isolates, while seeds treated with the T1-T. koniniopsis and T5-T. lixii isolates showed 91.1% and 90.9% germination, respectively. Seeds treated with the T8-T. velutinum, T2-T. lixii, and T7-T. harzianum isolates had germination rates of 84.1%, 82.2%, and 72.7%, respectively. The Trichoderma isolate T5-T. lixii stimulated tomato plant growth the most, followed by T7-T. harzianum, T8-T. velutinum, T4-T. harzianum, T1-T. koniniopsis, T2-T. lixii, and T6-T. brevicompactum; the least effective was T3-T. koningii. A maximum fresh weight of 669.33 mg was observed for the T5-T. lixii-treated plants. The Abha region had a higher diversity of Trichoderma species than the Riyadh region, and most isolated Trichoderma spp. promoted tomato growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on studying the concept of walkability in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after the implementation of the Humanizing Neighborhoods Initiative. Al-Falah neighborhood was selected as a case study because it was one of the first neighborhoods to implement walkability strategies. By adopting a qualitative critical approach, this research collected data through a literature review and on-site observation to assess walkability in the neighborhood. Analysis of the observations highlighted the challenges and opportunities of walkability in Riyadh and the wider Gulf cities. Recommendations for promoting walkable communities in Riyadh include enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, incorporating mixed-use developments, integrating green infrastructure, implementing smart urban planning principles, and integrating public transportation systems. This paper emphasizes the importance of community engagement, preserving local identity, and involving various stakeholders to transform Riyadh into a pedestrian-friendly city that prioritizes public health and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Fungi in the genus Trichoderma are widespread in the environment, mainly in soils. They are used in agriculture because of their mycoparasitic potential; Trichoderma have the ability to increase plant health and provide protection against phytopathogens, making them desirable plant symbionts. We isolated, identified, and characterized Trichoderma from different regions of Saudi Arabia and evaluated the ability of Trichoderma to promote plant growth. Morphological and molecular characterization, along with phylogenetic studies, were utilized to differentiate between Trichoderma species isolated from soil samples in the Abha and Riyadh regions, Saudi Arabia. Then, plant growth-promoting traits of the isolated Trichoderma species were assessed. Eight Trichoderma isolates were characterized via morphological and molecular analysis; six (Trichoderma koningiopsis, Trichoderma lixii, Trichoderma koningii, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma brevicompactum, and Trichoderma velutinum) were from Abha and two (T. lixii and T. harzianum) were from Riyadh. The isolated Trichoderma strains belonged to three different clades (Clade 1: Harzianum, Clade 2: Brevicompactum, and Clade 3: Viride). The Trichoderma isolates varied in plant growth-promoting traits. Seeds treated with most isolates exhibited a high percentage of germination, except seeds treated with the T3-T. koningii isolate. 100% germination was reported for seeds treated with the T4-T. harzianum and T6-T. brevicompactum isolates, while seeds treated with the T1-T. koniniopsis and T5-T. lixii isolates showed 91.1% and 90.9% germination, respectively. Seeds treated with the T8-T. velutinum, T2-T. lixii, and T7-T. harzianum isolates had germination rates of 84.1%, 82.2%, and 72.7%, respectively. The Trichoderma isolate T5-T. lixii stimulated tomato plant growth the most, followed by T7-T. harzianum, T8-T. velutinum, T4-T. harzianum, T1-T. koniniopsis, T2-T. lixii, and T6-T. brevicompactum; the least effective was T3-T. koningii. A maximum fresh weight of 669.33 mg was observed for the T5-T. lixii-treated plants. The Abha region had a higher diversity of Trichoderma species than the Riyadh region, and most isolated Trichoderma spp. promoted tomato growth.

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant concern for global health as they significantly contribute to mortality and morbidity. In Saudi Arabia, NCDs account for a substantial portion of deaths. Understanding barriers to adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for effective prevention and management. The study aims to identify barriers to physical activity and healthy eating to inform targeted interventions that promote healthier behaviors and reduce the burden of NCDs in this population. Aim: This study aims to determine the barriers to healthy lifestyle among patients attending primary health-care clinics in King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Settings and Design: This is a cross-sectional study; data were collected from January 2023 to July 2023. This study was conducted in three main primary health-care centers (Khashm-Ala’an, Umm-alhammam, and Iskan) of KAMC, Riyadh. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh city. The study utilized a questionnaire adapted from previous research. Results were considered significant when the P < 0.05. Results: The study included 383 participants aged 15 to over 45 years, with a significant proportion in the 15–29 years of age group. Approximately half were male, with the majority having attained a university education or higher. A considerable portion had never been married and reported incomes below 10,000 SR per month. Physical inactivity affected nearly half of the participants, primarily attributed to a lack of willpower, followed by factors such as lack of energy and time constraints. Barriers to a healthy diet mirrored those of physical activity, with lack of willpower and time being prominent factors. These barriers exhibited various associations with demographic variables such as age, gender, education, marital status, and income. Conclusion: With 383 participants, the study skewed toward young, educated, unmarried individuals with lower incomes. While nearly half reported physical inactivity and unhealthy diets, citing lack of willpower and time constraints as primary reasons, further analysis is needed to explore how these barriers connect with the diverse demographic makeup of the study population.

In response to significant demand for evaluating the presence of heavy elements in diverse industrial areas of Saudi Arabia, the study sought to analyze the concentration ratios of 16 elements across 11 different artificial soil types in the industrial zones situated in Riyadh, Sudair, and Al-Ahsa. To achieve this objective, the research utilized the wet digestion technique and employed an ICPE-9000 spectrophotometer for quantifying element concentrations. The study had a dual focus: initially, it sought to gauge the pollution attributed to heavy metals arising from enrichment processes, and second, it evaluated the geographical accumulation of pollutants in the soil. The results revealed varying concentration levels of heavy metals across the industrial areas under study. Specifically, the soil in the Yanbu region exhibited the highest concentration values for iron, manganese, zinc, chromium, nickel, copper, cobalt, cadmium, and beryllium. In contrast, the soil in the industrial area of Riyadh had the highest concentration values for lead, mercury (Hg), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and arsenic (As). Furthermore, the highest concentration of Cd was recorded in the soil of the Jubail region. Conversely, the soil in the Al-Ahsa region displayed the lowest concentration levels for these heavy metals. The conductivity of the synthetic soil ranged from 0.47 to 6.07 μS·cm−1, accompanied by a pH range of 6.6–8.6. The results emphasized the fluctuations in element concentrations, indicating significant implications for both environmental and human health. Notably, around 20% of the gathered samples showed concentrations of heavy elements like Mo, As, Hg, and Se that surpassed the allowable limits.

The site characterization process is vital for the engineering structures and earthworks. In the current study, a Multi-Channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) was carried out in western Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. This aimed to determine subsurface geology, material stiffness, and potential weak zones approximately down to a depth of 30 m, and to propose the suitable seismic site characterization for precise foundation design. A total of 30 MASW lines were executed utilizing the Geode digital seismograph equipped with a 24geophone array of 4.5 Hz. The data acquisition, processing, and inversion were meticulously calibrated to derive shear velocities representing subsurface geological conditions. The Vs30 map, based on estimated values ranging from 443.71 m/s to 639.78 m/s for soil, was prepared for the area. The results of the 1D and 2D Vs profiles tinted small Vs values at shallow depths. The resulting geological model is composed of sand, gravel, moderately weathered limestone, and hard limestone sequence. Analysis of shear wave velocities shows variations, indicating low shear velocity (representing sediments or rocks of low stiffness) juxtaposed with higher velocity layers (indicating rocks of higher stiffness) at depths greater than 10 m. This could imply the presence of a cavity or weak zone. The topmost shear wave velocity zone indicated materials with low Vs values (ranging from 180 m/s to 360 m/s), predominantly associated with stiff materials such as silty sand, gravel, and sandy deposits. The subsequent zone, with 3 to about 10 m depth, was characterized by medium to very dense soil with shear wave velocity values ranging from 360 m/s to 760 m/s, attributed to layers of silty clay and silty sand. At approximately 12 m, a high shear velocity layer (ranging from 760 m/s to 1,500 m/s) was identified, extending to a maximum depth of 22 m, potentially indicative of less weathered or fractured bedrock associated with limestone. While the deepest layer, with very high shear velocity (exceeding 1,500 m/s) beyond 22 m, indicated bedrock associated with hard limestone. The average Shear-wave velocity of soil for the whole study area (Vs30 = 551.2 m/s) suggests that the site can be classified as Class C (Very Dense Soil and Soft Rock) according to the National Earthquake Hazard Reeducation Program NEHRP (National earthquake hazards reduction program, 2001). These results will support, to a great extent, the design of engineering structures in the area of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valley surface water is considered a focal public health concern owing to the presence of multi-drug-resistant bacteria. The distribution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) bacteria in the surface water is affected by the presence of multiple factors, including antibiotics coming from wastewater discharge or other contaminant sources such as pharmaceuticals, biocides, and heavy metals. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that high levels of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) can be transferred within bacterial communities under the influence of heavy metal stress. Hence, the primary aim of this study is to investigate the presence of heavy metals and bacterial ARGs in upstream as well as downstream locations of Wadi Hanifah Valley in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sample collection was conducted at eighteen surface water sites within the valley in total. The selection of ARGs was associated with the most common antibiotics, including β-lactam, tetracycline, erythromycin, gentamicin, sulphonamide, chloramphenicol, vancomycin, trimethoprim, and colistin antibiotics, which were detected qualitatively using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. The tested antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) included (blaNDM-1 (for the antibiotic class Beta-lactamases), mecA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), tet(M) and tet(B) (for the antibiotic class Tetracycline), ampC (for the antibiotic class Beta-lactamases), vanA (for the antibiotic class vancomycin), mcr-1 (for the antibiotic class colistin), erm(B) (for the antibiotic class erythromycin), aac6′-Ie-aph2-Ia (for the antibiotic class Gentamicin), sulII (for the antibiotic class sulphonamide), catII (for the antibiotic class Chlorophincol), and dfrA1 (for the antibiotic class trimethoprim). Moreover, an assessment of the levels of heavy metals such as lithium (Li), beryllium (Be), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), tin (Sn), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) was conducted by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). According to our findings, the concentrations of sulphonamide, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol ARGs (erm(B), sulII, and catII) were observed to be the most elevated. Conversely, two ARGs, namely mecA and mcr-1, were not detected in the samples. Moreover, our data illustrated a significant rise in ARGs in the bacteria of water samples from the upstream sites as compared with the water samples from the downstream sites of Wadi Hanifah Valley. The mean concentration of Li, Be, Cr, Co, As, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb in the water samples was estimated to be 37.25 µg/L, 0.02 µg/L, 0.56 µg/L,0.32 µg/L, 0.93 µg/L, 0.01 µg/L, 200.4 µg/L, 0.027 µg/L, and 0.26 µg/L, respectively, for the selected 18 sites. Furthermore, it was revealed that the concentrations of the screened heavy metals in the water samples collected from various sites did not surpass the maximum limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). In conclusion, this study offers a concise overview of the presence of heavy metals and ARGs in water samples obtained from the Wadi Hanifah Valley in Riyadh, KSA. Such findings will contribute to the ongoing monitoring and future risk assessment of ARGs spread in surface water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Saudi Arabia, approximately 70,000 deaths yearly occur from diseases caused by smoking. Assessing patients’ smoking behavior in primary care has apparent benefits. Assisting patients with smoking cessation is one of the essential roles of primary care. This study evaluated the quality of smoking cessation clinic counseling in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, based on customer opinions of such services. Methods: This research employed a cross-sectional approach involving individuals attending smoking cessation clinics located within primary health care centers in Riyadh city. The participants were chosen through random selection. They were informed about the study’s objectives, and those who consented to take part were contacted and provided with an online questionnaire to complete. Results: A total of 340 subjects participated (95.6%) of them were males, and 41.2% were in the age group of 25 to 35 years old. The common modality of tobacco use was cigarettes (82.6%), and 87.9% reported consuming tobacco daily. The mean (±SD) total score of the Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence was 5.03 (±2.36), and the highest percentage (44.4%) of the participants had a moderate level of nicotine dependence. The vast majority (93.8%) of the participants had former quitting experiences. Half (50.9%) of the participants showed complete satisfaction with the cessation clinics, while 13.2% and 9.1% of them were not satisfied or slightly satisfied, respectively. Conclusion: The majority of smoking cessation clinic visitors were satisfied with the services provided, exceeding three-quarters of them, with half totally satisfied.

تهتم هذه الدراسة بكشف اللثام عن أحد المخطوطات الأدبية المهمة؛ وهو مخطوط منطق الطير رقم "14988" المحفوظ بمركز الملك فيصل للدراسات والبحوث الإسلامية، بالرياض، بالمملكة العربية السعودية، ونشره ودراسته لأول مرة، -بعد موافقة القائمين عليه كتابةً-، والتعريف به وبمؤلفه، ومدى أهميته للأدب والشعر الفارسي بل للأدب والشعر عمومًا، والوقوف على الموضوعات التصويرية التي ضمتها النسخة - موضوع الدراسة- والعناصر الفنية لتحديد المدرسة التصويرية التي تنتمي إليها تصاوير المخطوط، وذلك من خلال وصف هذه التصاوير بدقة وتحليلها تحليلًا فنيًّا دقيقًا، وقد أسفرت الدراسة في الوقوف على مجموعة من النتائج من بينها: أكدت أن تصاوير المخطوط غير موقَّعة من قبل المصور، كما أن الفنان قام بتصوير القصص والحكايات التي توضح أفكار القصة الرئيسية للمخطوط؛ مثل قصة الشيخ صنعان، وشراء سيدنا يوسف عليه السلام ...إلخ، ولم يقم بتصوير تجمع الطيور أو رحلتها في البحث عن طائر السيمرغ. AbstractThis study is concerned with uncovering one of the important literary manuscripts. It is the manuscript of Mantiq Al-Tair No. 14988, which is preserved in the King Faisal Center for Islamic Studies and Research, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was published and studied for the first time, - after the written approval of those in charge of it -, and introducing it and its author, and the extent of its importance to Persian literature and poetry, and indeed to literature and poetry in general, and examining the pictorial topics that it included. The copy - the subject of the research - and the artistic elements to determine the Painting school to which the Paintings belong The manuscript was created by carefully describing these Paintings and analyzing them in a precise technical manner. The study resulted in a number of results, including: It confirmed that the manuscript’s Paintings were not signed by the Painter, and that the artist Painted the stories and anecdotes that illustrate the main story ideas of the manuscript ; Such as the story of Sheikh Sanaan, and the purchase of our master Yousef , peace be upon him, etc., and he did not Paint the gathering of birds or their journey in search of the Simorgh bird.

Public parks play an important role in determining the quality of life in any modern city. A close and accessible public park is considered to be an important feature of a city as it has many positive impacts on people's health, as well as offering a sustainable environment. As one of the Middle East's largest capital cities, Riyadh is growing and expanding rapidly in terms of area and population. To date, little research has been conducted to determine the accessibility and adequacy of public parks, particularly in those areas that do not have ready access to them. This study develops a new measurement approach that examines this issue in terms of the various administrative areas and suburbs of Riyadh. The results of spatial data analysis may benefit the development of areas that have inadequate public parks, among other issues, taking into consideration their geographic location, administrative areas, suburb sizes, and population density. The features of the various administrative areas and suburbs will be compared and conclusions drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify the extent to which the parents of the kindergarten are aware of the classifications of electronic games as well as to identify electronic game classifications and also aim to identify what the contents of the images mean behind the electronic games and to identify the differences with a statistical significance in the extent the consciousness of the kindergarten's parents according to the result of his/her (Qualifications-age). To achieve these goals, the researcher used the analytical descriptive approach as adopted the identification tool as a tool for data collection and after verification of its truthfulness and validity for field application the researcher applied it and has divided The researcher studied it into five chapters, the first of which dealt with the problem of study, its importance, questions, limits and terminology, while the researcher addressed the chapter II the theoretical framework for the study as well as the previous studies of the study in chapter III, the methodology and procedures of the study were addressed the study community, its tools and procedures, and the statistical methods used to analyze the study data, while in chapter IV the findings, interpretation and discussion of the study, while chapter V dealt with the summary of the study and its main findings, recommendations and suggestions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Saudi Arabia, approximately 70,000 deaths yearly occur from diseases caused by smoking. Assessing patients' smoking behavior in primary care has apparent benefits. Assisting patients with smoking cessation is one of the essential roles of primary care. This study evaluated the quality of smoking cessation clinic counseling in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, based on customer opinions of such services. Methods: This research employed a cross-sectional approach involving individuals attending smoking cessation clinics located within primary health care centers in Riyadh city. The participants were chosen through random selection. They were informed about the study's objectives, and those who consented to take part were contacted and provided with an online questionnaire to complete. Results: A total of 340 subjects participated (95.6%) of them were males, and 41.2% were in the age group of 25 to 35 years old. The common modality of tobacco use was cigarettes (82.6%), and 87.9% reported consuming tobacco daily. The mean (±SD) total score of the Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence was 5.03 (±2.36), and the highest percentage (44.4%) of the participants had a moderate level of nicotine dependence. The vast majority (93.8%) of the participants had former quitting experiences. Half (50.9%) of the participants showed complete satisfaction with the cessation clinics, while 13.2% and 9.1% of them were not satisfied or slightly satisfied, respectively. Conclusion: The majority of smoking cessation clinic visitors were satisfied with the services provided, exceeding three-quarters of them, with half totally satisfied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to study the Chinese growing interests in the Middle east and its implications for Saudi-Iran rapprochement. For the exceptional rise of China and its energy requirements the Middle East stands one of the most attractive destinations for its foreign policy. The recently held Sino-Arab Summit reflects Beijing's growing interests and influence in the region. Major focus of the Arab-Chinese ties lies in economic development and peaceful resolution of the regional disputes. Beijing mediated the restoration of Riyadh-Tehran diplomatic ties between the two ideological rivals, representing opposing Islamic sects - Sunni and Shia Muslims. The data has been mainly collected through secondary sources with exploratory research design. The Saudi-Iran conflictual ties can hinder Chinese trade and investment in the Middle East therefore, it has keenly assisted the Saudi-Iran rapprochement. Iran and Saudia need to capitalize Chinese growing economic and political interests in the Middle East that will be helpful for the regional and global peace and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies King Abdul-Aziz Public Transport Project (KAPTP) in Riyadh, which is currently being implemented. It is anticipated to reduce air pollution and improve air quality by 2030. Transportation is undoubtedly one of the fundamental pillars of sustainable development; however, it is also one of the most signifcant sources of air pollution. The studyʼs main objectives include identifying the current state of air pollution in Riyadh, reviewing the authorityʼs eforts to improve air quality, estimating the population size and expected daily trips in 2020 and 2030, and determining the projectʼs expected efects on air quality in Riyadh. According to the studyʼs fndings, Riyadhʼs population will be approximately 7.8 million in 2020 and 10.4 million in 2030. More than (9) million daily travels are anticipated in 2020, and more than (12) million daily journeys are anticipated in 2030. Additionally, it is anticipated that the KAPTPʼs deployment will begin in 2022. Additionally, it is anticipated that after the project is operational, 20% of daily trips would change, and that this percentage will rise to 25% in 2030. As a result, once the project is operational, it is anticipated that air pollution will decrease by roughly 30%, increasing to about 40% in 2030. The study recommends developing a comprehensive media plan to prepare the community, promote its use of public transportation, study public transport tarifs, and encourage the use of public transportation by imposing fees for the use of roads and parking lots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, knowledge, and attitude on diabetic retinopathy of final-year medical students and the association of knowledge, attitude, and practice with the gender of medical students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The initial part of the questionnaire included demographic details, while the remaining parts of the questionnaire included six questions on knowledge, four on attitude, and three on practice. IBM SPSS Statistics 24 was used to retrieve and analyze data from an Excel file. A P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Of 84 medical students, 51 (60.71%) and 33 (39.19%) were male and female medical students, respectively. The total knowledge score for male and female medical students was 4.28 (SD = 0.92). The majority of students correctly answered practice questions, indicating good significant practice toward diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients with A score of 1.93 (SD = 0.83). Conclusion: The majority of final-year medical students were good in knowledge and practice toward prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, which helps them become better future care providers for patients with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban flooding poses a significant problem in arid regions, where unusual rainfall events can lead to disastrous consequences. This study used geographic information systems (GIS) to identify and predict potential flood risk zones in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive flood risk map was created by integrating various datasets, including digital elevation models (DEM), lithology, precipitation patterns, slope, and drainage density. Through a weighted overlay analysis, Riyadh was segmented into zones with different levels of flood susceptibility, ranging from low to very high risk. The study area spans 905 km2. Of this total area, 32% is at a low risk of flooding, while 31%, 24%, and 12% of the area are at a moderate, high, and very high risk of flooding, respectively. The findings of the study were validated through field surveys conducted before and after recent rainfall events. These validation efforts corroborated the high-risk areas predicted by the model, thereby ensuring the reliability of the map for future urban planning and risk mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expeditious incidence of diabetes mellitus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, there is a significant increase in the total number of people with diabetic foot ulcers. For diabetic lower limb wound infections (DLWs) to be effectively treated, information on the prevalence of bacteria that cause in this region as well as their patterns of antibiotic resistance is significant. Growing evidence indicates that biofilm formers are present in chronic DFU and that these biofilm formers promote the emergence of multi-drug antibiotic resistant (MDR) strains and therapeutic rejection. The current study targeted to isolate bacteria from wounds caused by diabetes specifically at hospitals in Riyadh and assess the bacterium's resistance to antibiotics and propensity to develop biofilms. Totally 63 pathogenic microbes were identified from 70 patients suffering from DFU. Sixteen (25.4%) of the 63 bacterial strains were gram-positive, and 47 (74.6%) were gram-negative. Most of the gram-negative bacteria were resistant to tigecycline, nitrofurantoin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefalotin, and cefoxitin. Several gram-negative bacteria are susceptible to piperacillin, meropenem, amikacin, gentamicin, imipenem, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim. The most significant antibiotic that demonstrated 100% susceptibility to all pathogens was meropenem. Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus were shown to have significant biofilm formers. MDR bacterial strains comprised about 87.5% of the biofilm former strains. To the best of our knowledge, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is the first region where Serratia marcescens was the most common bacteria from DFU infections. Our research findings would deliver information on evidence-based alternative strategies to develop effective treatment approaches for DFU treatment.

The site characterization process is vital for the engineering structures and earthworks. In the current study, a Multi-Channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) was carried out in western Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. This aimed to determine subsurface geology, material stiffness, and potential weak zones approximately down to a depth of 30 m, and to propose the suitable seismic site characterization for precise foundation design. A total of 30 MASW lines were executed utilizing the Geode digital seismograph equipped with a 24-geophone array of 4.5 Hz. The data acquisition, processing, and inversion were meticulously calibrated to derive shear velocities representing subsurface geological conditions. The Vs30 map, based on estimated values ranging from 443.71 m/s to 639.78 m/s for soil, was prepared for the area. The results of the 1D and 2D Vs profiles tinted small Vs values at shallow depths. The resulting geological model is composed of sand, gravel, moderately weathered limestone, and hard limestone sequence. Analysis of shear wave velocities shows variations, indicating low shear velocity (representing sediments or rocks of low stiffness) juxtaposed with higher velocity layers (indicating rocks of higher stiffness) at depths greater than 10 m. This could imply the presence of a cavity or weak zone. The topmost shear wave velocity zone indicated materials with low Vs values (ranging from 180 m/s to 360 m/s), predominantly associated with stiff materials such as silty sand, gravel, and sandy deposits. The subsequent zone, with 3 to about 10 m depth, was characterized by medium to very dense soil with shear wave velocity values ranging from 360 m/s to 760 m/s, attributed to layers of silty clay and silty sand. At approximately 12 m, a high shear velocity layer (ranging from 760 m/s to 1,500 m/s) was identified, extending to a maximum depth of 22 m, potentially indicative of less weathered or fractured bedrock associated with limestone. While the deepest layer, with very high shear velocity (exceeding 1,500 m/s) beyond 22 m, indicated bedrock associated with hard limestone. The average Shear-wave velocity of soil for the whole study area (Vs30 = 551.2 m/s) suggests that the site can be classified as Class C (Very Dense Soil and Soft Rock) according to the National Earthquake Hazard Reeducation Program NEHRP (National earthquake hazards reduction program, 2001). These results will support, to a great extent, the design of engineering structures in the area of study.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, knowledge, and attitude on diabetic retinopathy of final-year medical students and the association of knowledge, attitude, and practice with the gender of medical students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The initial part of the questionnaire included demographic details, while the remaining parts of the questionnaire included six questions on knowledge, four on attitude, and three on practice. IBM SPSS Statistics 24 was used to retrieve and analyze data from an Excel file. A P value

OBJECTIVE: Environmental pollution is an emerging global public health problem across the world and causes serious threats to ecosystems, human health, and the planet. This study is designed to explore the impact of environmental pollution particulate matter PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) on cognitive functions in students from schools located in or away from air-polluted areas. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this study, two schools were selected: one was located near a traffic-polluted area (school #1), and the second was in an area away from the traffic-polluted area (school #2). In this study, a total of 300 students were recruited: 150 (75 male and 75 female) students from school #1 located in a traffic-polluted area, and 150 students (75 male and 75 female) from school #2 located away from a traffic-polluted area. The overall average age of students was 13.53±1.20 years. The students were selected based on age, gender, health status, height, weight, BMI, ethnicity, and homogenous socio-economic and educational status. The pollutants PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, and SO2 were recorded in the surrounding environment. The overall mean concentration of environmental pollutants in school #1 was 35.00±0.65 and in school #2 was 29.95±0.32. The levels of airborne particles were measured, and the cognitive functions were recorded using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). The students performed the cognitive functions tasks, including the attention switching task (AST), choice reaction time (CRT), and motor screening task (MOT). RESULTS: The results revealed that the AST-Mean 928.34±182.23 vs. 483.79±146.73 (p=0.001), AST-mean congruent 889.12±197.12 vs. 473.30±120.11 (p=0.001), AST-mean in-congruent 988.98±201.27 vs. 483.87±144.57 (p=0.001), CRTMean 721.36±251.72 vs. 418.17±89.71 ( p=0.001), and MOT-Mean 995.07±394.37 vs. 526.03±57.83 (p=0.001) were significantly delayed among the students who studied in school located in the traffic polluted area compared to students who studied in school which was located away from the traffic-polluted area. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental pollution was significantly higher in motor vehicle-congested areas. Cognitive functions were impaired among the students who were studying in a school located in a polluted area. The results further revealed that the students studying in schools located in environmentally polluted areas have attention, thinking and decision-making abilities related to cognitive function impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transit-oriented development has gained global attention as a sustainable urban planning approach. However, its implementation in developing countries, particularly in the Middle East, remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the challenges and opportunities facing private developers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the context of delivering TOD projects. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines survey data and interviews, the research explores four key dimensions: regulatory, structural, collective vision, and economic factors. The findings reveal a complex local environment characterized by both encouraging prospects and formidable challenges. Institutional coordination, procedural clarity, and timely approval emerge as critical challenges in the regulatory dimension. Land-related issues, including land amalgamation and fragmented ownership, are identified as significant structural obstacles. While there is general enthusiasm for TOD among private developers, the lack of effective public–private collaboration and a unified vision hampers progress. Economically, high initial investments and regulatory uncertainties are the main challenges, although there is cautious optimism for future profitability. Despite these challenges, the study unveiled policy implications for implementation and offered information for context-specific adaptive planning. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on TOD in developing countries and lays the groundwork for future multistakeholder studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational and responsible self-medication (SM) is an essential core element for better health outcomes. It is influenced mainly by the level and adequacy of knowledge, attitude, and appropriateness of practice (KAP) towards SM. The present study explored the level and adequacy of KAP among residents of Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. A convenient snowball sampling method was utilized to recruit the study participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Six hundred and eleven participants completed the questionnaire. Residents with good knowledge, positive attitude, and proper practice were 43.7%, 33.1%, and 90.0%, respectively. The level of KAP was significantly influenced by the participant's occupation, age, gender, nationality, marital status, presence of chronic disease, and COVID-19 infection status. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores observed were 5.11 (SD = 1.27), 22.28 (SD = 2.6) and 5.20 (SD = 1.29), respectively. Pearson correlation and scattered plot matrix analysis revealed a significant positive weak correlation among KAP, indicating that residents with good knowledge possess better attitude (r = 0.142, p < 0.001) and follow the proper practice (r = 0.256, p < 0.001) towards SM. Multivariate linear regression revealed a significant (p < 0.001) negative (β = −0.059) influence of occupation, family members working in the health sector (p = 0.046, β= −0.426), Body Mass Index (p = 0.019, β = −0.049), and physical activity (p = 0.018, β = −0.292) on the overall KAP score. Understanding the residents' level of KAP towards SM would enable the health care system to identify the gap and develop a mechanism to educate the people and make them knowledgeable about SM and self-care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of depression among science students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A survey-based study was conducted on 521 science students at Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), during the course of the semester. Results: Showed that the Most students were female (62.19%). Sadness symptoms were observed among 59.69% of the students. We found a 77.74% overall prevalence of depression among students. Most individuals reported moderate BDI (25.34%), but extremely severe BDI was also reported in 7.29% of individuals. The BDI scores were highly significantly correlated with gender, education, and field of specialty (< 0.001) based on different statistical tests. BDI scores were significantly associated with number of the demographic and academic variables (p < 0.05). Discussion: The study found significant symptoms of depression among students who displayed characteristics of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, students should undergo psychological counseling during difficult pandemic periods to prevent depression and mental stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper's primary goal is to propose a methodological strategy to document and protect modern heritage buildings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is essential because these structures are part of the cultural heritage and identity of Saudi Arabia, considering the rapid urbanization and development taking place. Protecting modern heritage buildings is also essential to increase public appreciation and understanding of modernist architecture and valuable resources of the city's culture and identity. This study's objectives fall into two categories: it aims to provide a review of the relevant literature to develop a theoretical framework to examine and document Riyadh City's significant modern heritage buildings, and it aims to provide an examination and documentation of these structures. To ensure systematic and structured project documentation, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, inductive and deductive approaches, a chronological approach, data management techniques, workshops, and fieldwork methods are utilized. Over 1300 potential modern heritage buildings were identified and categorized into typological groups and building types that historians, architects, planners, designers, and policymakers can use to document and present Saudi Arabia's rich modern heritage effectively. Of the 1300 buildings, this study was able to identify more than 170 buildings, which were later recognized as the primary modern heritage buildings for Riyadh City in the study timeline (1950–2000). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research is studying and publishing two rare wooden boxes designed for preserving the Kaaba keys, both are made in Makkah Al-Mukarramah. One of them is dated (1146 A.H), while the other is dated (1197 A.H). Both boxes are dated back to the Ottoman Era. This paper shows an accurate and scientific description for each box, such as its shape, inscriptions, and decorations, as well as analyzing these inscriptions and decorations in the light of their official role. The research concluded that the first box, dated (1146 A.H ), dates back to the reign of Sultan Mahmud I (1143 - 1168 A.H / 1730) 1754 A.D), during the Emirate of Sharif Masoud bin Saeed bin Zaid, Emir of Makkah Al-Mukarramah in his second period (1146 - 1165 / 1734 - 1752 AD), while the second, dated (1197 A.H) , dates back to the reign of the Sultan Abdul Hamid I who ruled from (1187 A.H / 1773 A.D to - 1203 A.H / 1789 A.D), during the Emirate of Sharif Surur bin Musaed, Sharif of Mecca, who assumed the emirate (1186 - 1203 AH / 1772 - 1789 AD). The study shows their manufacturing style and how they can be used, as they are designed to keep the Kaaba keys. As far as we know, there is no wooden boxes of this type that has been previously published or studied. Thus, we believe that these rare and important two boxes are worth studying, thus, that shows the importance and rarity of these boxes, and that there is no doubt that studying them in an accurately scientific way makes them a new and important addition to wooden artifacts in general, and the Kaaba key boxes specially. But it should be noted that although some of the keys of the Kaaba have been previously published and studied, .

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and trends of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) in two hospitals in Riyadh, as well as to judge the best type of tests to ensure blood transfusion safety. By using serological and nucleic acid test (NAT) tests, these donors were screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), human T-lymphotropic virus type 2 (HTLV-2), syphilis, and malaria infection as a first time of donation. Out of 58,898 blood units, 336 units were reacted for HBsAg, 5,318 units for HBcAbs, 506 units for HCV antibodies, 214 units for HIV Ab/Ag combinations, 206 units for HTLV antibodies, 355 units for syphilis antibodies, and 81 units for malaria. Moreover, the genotypic prevalence of these products showed that 349 units reacted for HBV DNA, HCV RNA, and HIV RNA in blood donation. This study reflects the seriousness of the residual risk of TTI, which is still a threat factor for the transmission of blood-borne infectious diseases. It was discovered that utilising (NAT) could increase test sensitivities while also lowering residual TTI risks, improving blood safety, and being cost-effective.

This paper discusses how security considerations and sectarianism have served Iran and Saudi Arabia as mutually reinforcing tools in their strife to secure their positions in the struggle for regional influence and standing. It premises that no single factor can explain this conflict and that its proper understanding requires a more comprehensive approach that links factors and analyses their joint impact. The main hypothesis is that an analysis of the impacts of security and sectarianism, both individually and as mutually reinforcing dynamics, allows for a more credible understanding of the Iran-Saudi Arabia conflict. The discussion studies the approaches that both sides have adopted as they dealt with regional developments and made efforts to preserve their legitimacy and internal stability. It contextualizes these approaches with the rivalry during the era of the Shah, the Iranian revolution, the Iran-Iraq War, the end of the Cold War, the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, and the Arab uprisings of 2011, particularly the conflict in Syria. This study proposes that understanding how sectarianism and security considerations have impacted both countries’ decision-making since 1979 can help explain how security has become an essential element in the Tehran-Riyadh conflict.

Riyadh's entrepreneurial ecosystem is one of the most important drivers of entrepreneurship and innovation in the MENA region, as Saudi Arabia aims to achieve economic diversification within its industry, and thus reduce its dependence on oil. This paper analyzes how Riyadh's entrepreneurial ecosystem is achieving these goals and explores the differences between entrepreneurs and owner-managers operating in the Riyadh ecosystem to identify their strengths and weaknesses in guiding Saudi policymakers' decision-making. Using GEM data for Saudi Arabia and analyzing the ten pillars (connectivity, leadership, knowledge, talent, finance, culture, formal institutions, services and intermediaries, physical infrastructure, and demand) of the Stem model, the authors applied ANOVA tests for the quantitative variables and Chi-squared tests for the qualitative variables and rescaled the results to 0–10-point scales for ease of interpretation. We found that among the ten pillars studied, there were four that have improved the most in the Riyadh entrepreneurial ecosystem: two systemic (networks, talent) and two environmental (physical infrastructure and formal institutions), while it was in the systemic pillars (leadership, financing, and knowledge) where the least progress has been made in the period 2019–2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, beliefs, practices, and associated factors (educational level, gender, age, and socioeconomic status) that influence the decision to receive the influenza vaccine and determine whether health-care recommendations affect its acceptance among adults with chronic conditions in Riyadh from 2020 to 2021. Settings and Design: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling technique in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: An electronic questionnaire was distributed through social media, shopping centers, home care unit patients, and outpatient clinics at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used to describe quantitative and categorical variables. Bivariate statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The total number of participants was 518, and 66.4% of those who had received the vaccine (n = 211) had high knowledge. Of the 210 male participants, 68.1% had received the vaccine, and of the 308 female participants, 56.8% had received the vaccine. The main motives for vaccine uptake were worry about contracting influenza (48.1%) and health-care professionals' recommendations (44.6%). Conclusions: Influenza vaccination in adults with chronic diseases in Riyadh is suboptimal. Physician recommendations are the main motivator, whereas the fear of side effects is the main barrier. Educational campaigns should be conducted to promote knowledge and address misconceptions, fears, and false beliefs about the influenza vaccine, along with increasing physicians' recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenoviruses are considered one of the most persistent enteric pathogens that can penetrate entire aquifer matrices. An ongoing monitoring of irrigation water is essential to mitigate potential public health risks. We investigated the prevalence of human adenoviruses (HAdV) in the groundwater discharge basins of Aluraiji (AW-DB) and Diriyah (DW-DB) and in the irrigation water of Al Harriq (H-IW) and Al Hayer (AH-IW) from January to December 2021. The meteorological impact (temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed) on HAdV prevalence and molecular diversity was investigated by targeting a selected region of the Hexon gene. The samples were concentrated using the polyethylene glycol precipitation (PEG) method. HAdVs were detected using PCR and sequenced by Sanger sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. The highest HAdV prevalence was recorded in H-IW, AH-IW, and DW-DB (100%). HAdV sequences were found to be closely related to species F (type 41) with a predominance of the 00-2B64 sequence (86.4%). Phylogenetic analysis depicted a close relationship of this study's isolate 00-2B64 to a Brazilian and Saudi isolate, whereas 08-2B64 was found to be related to a sequence from an AnNazim landfill (LF1; d = 0.00) from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A high HAdV prevalence was recorded at a temperature range of 19–28 °C, wind speed was recorded at a range of (16–20 km/h), and relative humidity was recorded at a range of (15–25%). Meteorological variations exhibited no significant effect on the prevalence of HAdVs. The findings provided data on HAdV prevalence and predominant species in the irrigation water of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and presented information regarding the environmental effects of HAdV persistence. In public health contexts, this will help in the planning of disease control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in land use and cover (LULC) are now considered as a significant concern because they have a great impact on biodiversity loss and climate changes. Therefore, the present study was applied to assess the effect of land use dynamic on land surface temperature (LST). LULC maps of years; 1991, 2001, 2014, and 2022 were applied using Maximum likelihood classification MLC) while the LST was developed using thermal bands of Landsat images. LULC maps showed a considerable development and improvement in vegetation cover and urbanization. Results showed a negative and positive correlation between LST with NDVI and NDBI respectively. It was revealed that the estimated and predicted LST confirm the reliability of the present model with R2 = 0.95. The study calculated that the maximum LST in 2022 to simulate current state of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the results were 32.1, 45.5, 38.7 and 41.3 in winter, summer, autumn and spring respectively. We are now sounding the alarm because the state must act quickly and decisively to stop intensive forestation if it is to avoid very high temperatures by 2030. Our findings point to the need for environmental protection in response to the study area's quick conversion of LULC and increasing trend of LST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common DNA virus found in wastewaters globally is the cross-assembly phage (crAssphage). King Saud University wastewater treatment plant (KSU-WWTP); Manfoha wastewater treatment plant (MN-WWTP); and the Embassy wastewater treatment plant (EMB-WWTP) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were selected, and 36 untreated sewage water samples during the year 2022 were used in the current study. The meteorological impact on crAssphage prevalence was investigated. CrAssphage prevalence was recorded using PCR and Sanger sequencing. The molecular diversity of crAssphage sequences was studied for viral gene segments from the major capsid protein (MCP) and membrane protein containing the peptidoglycan-binding domain (MP-PBD). KSU-WWTP and EMB-WWTP showed a higher prevalence of crAssphage (83.3%) than MN-WWTP (75%). Phylogenetic analysis of MCP and MP-PBD segments depicted a close relationship to the Japanese isolates. The MCP gene from the current study's isolate WW/2M/SA/2022 depicted zero evolutionary divergence from 3057_98020, 2683_104905, and 4238_99953 isolates (d = 0.000) from Japan. A significant influence of temporal variations on the prevalence of crAssphage was detected in the three WWTPs. CrAssphage displayed the highest prevalence at high temperatures (33–44 °C), low relative humidity (6–14%), and moderate wind speed (16–21 Km/h). The findings provided pioneering insights into crAssphage prevalence and its genetic diversity in WWTPs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saudi Arabia's tourism sector has recently started to play a significant role as an economic driver. The restaurant industry in Riyadh has experienced rapid growth in recent years, making it increasingly challenging for customers to choose from the large number of restaurants available. This paper proposes a matrix factorization collaborative-based recommender system for Riyadh city restaurants. The system leverages user reviews and ratings to predict users' preferences and recommend restaurants likely to be of interest to them. The system incorporates three different approaches, namely, non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), singular value decomposition (SVD), and optimized singular value decomposition (SVD++). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first recommender system specifically designed for Riyadh restaurants. A comprehensive dataset of restaurants in Riyadh was collected, scraped from Foursquare.com, which includes a wide range of restaurant features and attributes. The dataset is publicly available, enabling other researchers to replicate the experiments and build upon the work. The performance of the system was evaluated using a real-world dataset, and its effectiveness was demonstrated by comparing it to a state-of-the-art recommender system. The evaluation results showed that SVD and NMF are effective methods for generating recommendations, with SVD performing slightly better in terms of RMSE and NMF performing slightly better in terms of MAE. Overall, the findings suggest that the collaborative-based approach using matrix factorization algorithms is an effective way to capture the complex relationships between users and restaurants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brian Clarke is one of the UK's foremost international artists. For the last four decades he has specialised in creating highly beautiful stained‐glass work, instantly recognisable for its bright and arresting colours. His work is often thoughtfully integrated into buildings, providing them with a special sense of place. Paul Greenhalgh, Director of the Zaha Hadid Foundation, investigates Clarke's creative trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research initiates a comprehensive evaluation of safety awareness among emergency medical service (EMS) practitioners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, an area experiencing substantial academic and regulatory transformation. By employing the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire, the study explores safety awareness across various EMS domains, unveiling a significant consistency that is unaffected by the work environment, professional tenure, or gender. Importantly, there are no significant disparities in safety awareness between hospital-based EMS practitioners and their pre-hospital counterparts, regardless of their tenure or gender. The findings highlight a homogenous safety awareness landscape among Riyadh's EMS practitioners, suggesting strategies to sustain and strengthen patient safety culture irrespective of workspace, experience, or gender. This research not only presents these key findings but also advocates for sustainable resilience in healthcare delivery. It emphasizes the need for continued efforts to instill a culture of safety, underpinned by regular training and the adoption of swift response strategies, ensuring a sustainable approach to patient safety in times of crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Termites are well known for being the most destructive pests of household commodities as well as agricultural crops around the globe. The termite fauna (Isoptera) has about 2650 described species worldwide. Several species are the pests of crops and cause damage to wood structures. Methods: In the present study, 29 specimens of termites collected from different localities of the Riyadh region were identified using mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence. COI gene was PCR amplified using universal primers (LCO 1490 and HCO 2198). MEGA7 software was used for phylogenetic tree construction which showed that all 29 specimens grouped together in a single clade indicated close relatedness of all specimens. Results: All the obtained sequences were submitted into Genbank database and accession numbers were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all specimens of present research grouped together into a single monophyletic clade, were confirmed to be highly closely related to one another, and proved to be members of the same species. Pairwise nucleotide sequence divergence analysis showed that there was less divergence among all specimens ranging from 0% to 7.8%. Sequence analysis revealed the confirmed precise identification of 29 samples of Anacanthotermes ochraceus with COI barcode analysis. Conclusions: Molecular data analysis has confirmed morphological identification of all 29 studied samples of A. ochraceus. However, this technology offers strong support for identification of cryptic species which are difficult to identify on the basis of morphological features. Further studies of complete mitogenome can be helpful for accurate identification of termites at species level.

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, toxin-producing, anaerobic bacterium that is a prominent cause of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Toxin-mediated C. difficile infections can cause a variety of diseases, from minor cases of diarrhea to life-threatening pseudomembranous colitis in mammals. This study aimed to detect C. difficile in patients admitted to King Saud Medical City (KSMC), to determine the phenotypic and genotypic types of the toxigenic C. difficile isolates, and to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of these isolates. The study was conducted from January 2021 to December 2021 and involved 313 stool samples obtained from patients at KSMC and tested for the presence of C. difficile. Anaerobic incubation of each stool sample was carried out using C. difficile selective agar at 37 ± 2⁰C for 48–72 h to enable phenotypic characterization. For phenotypic detection and toxigenic isolate differentiation, a commercial kit, ImmunoCard Toxins A & B, was used. The E test and Brucella modified blood agar were used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility. Real-time polymerase chain reactions using GeneXpert were performed to detect the genotypes of toxigenic strains. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that all isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and metronidazole, while 89.3% and 82.1% were sensitive to moxifloxacin and tetracycline, respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence of toxigenic CDI was 9.3%.

Students pursuing a university education are vulnerable to psychological burdens such as depression, anxiety, and stress. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency, on the other hand, is extensively recognized worldwide, and vitamin D regulates various neurological pathways in the brain that control psychological function. Therefore, the goal of this cross-sectional study was to determine the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and psychological burden among university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. During March–May 2021 in Riyadh, a cross-sectional comparative study survey was delivered to university students. The DASS-21 scale was used to determine the severity of the psychological burden. Both univariate and binomial regression analyses were conducted to analyze the level of significance and influence of several factors on the development of psychological burden. The data were analyzed with SPSS-IBM, and a p value of <0.05 was considered significant. Of the 480 students recruited for the study, 287 (59.79%) had a vitamin D deficiency. Significantly (p = 0.048), a high proportion of the vitamin D-deficient students attained a low or moderate GPA compared to the control cohort. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among the vitamin D-deficient students was 60.35%, 6.31%, and 75.08%, respectively, which was significantly (p < 0.05) different from the control group. The odds of developing depression (OR = 4.96; CI 2.22–6.78; p < 0.001), anxiety (OR = 3.87; CI 2.55–6.59; p < 0.001), and stress (OR = 4.77; CI 3.21–9.33; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the vitamin D-deficient group. The research shows a strong association between psychological stress and vitamin D deficiency. To promote the mental health and psychological wellbeing of university students, it is critical to create awareness about the adequate consumption of vitamin D. Additionally, university students should be made aware of the likelihood of a loss in academic achievement owing to vitamin D deficiency, as well as the cascade effect of psychological burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Quality of life (QoL) has been advocated for as an outcome measure for assessing the effect of treatment and quality of care given to prosthetic users. As such, it is necessary to assess the factors that play a role in influencing QoL to achieve better outcomes. Unfortunately, QoL has not been adequately studied in Saudi Arabia, which warranted further research. The objectives of this study were to estimate the QoL of prosthetic users in Riyadh and determine its association with Ambulation (AM), Social Burden (SB), and Appearance (AP). Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to achieve our objectives. Our participants were asked to fill out our self-administered questionnaire, which was composed of the Arabic versions of the Well-being (WB), AP, AM, and SB scales of the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ). Results: A sample of 62 prosthetic users due to unilateral amputations were randomly selected from our sampling frame, 10 of which acted as outliers from the 95% confidence interval of QoL (CI) (56.13–67.94) and were omitted. The WB scale was shown to have a median of 57.5, whereas QoL had a mean of 62.58. In addition, a positive relationship was found between QoL and SB (P < 0.001; R s = 0.657), AP (P < 0.001; R = 0.547), and AM (P < 0.001; R = 0.634). Conclusion: Prosthetic users in Riyadh suffer from low QoL and satisfaction. Moreover, QoL was shown to be a multifactorial concept with many different elements and constituents. This suggests that a more comprehensive and inclusive method of prosthetic rehabilitation is required. Clinical Relevance: There is a scarcity of QoL and well-being studies in Saudi Arabia regarding individuals with amputation and prosthetic users, given the number of prosthetic users, estimated to be around 2092 individuals. By estimating their QoL, we could identify what improvements are to be made to improve their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper assesses the effectiveness of technical policy instruments used to manage urban growth and examines their relationship with institutional practices in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A quantitative method by means of a questionnaire was adopted to examine research questions, while a qualitative method was used to better understand technical policy instruments and their relationship with institutional practices. Findings reveal that technical policy instruments are unable to manage urban growth effectively. A number of factors, such as lack of community participation, low coordination levels, and a failure to disseminate clear information have contributed to this lack of effectiveness. Therefore, the creation of a national framework to link institutional practice to technical policy instruments is required in order to improve the overall capacity of urban authorities to manage urban growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Car ownership and use in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are very high due to the high income, the low fuel prices and the near absence of public transportation in the Kingdom. Currently, the Kingdom is going through a massive transformation and entering a new era of national reforms. One of the main aims of the national reforms is to reduce car dependency and enhance more sustainable options of travel such as public transportation in the KSA. In order to achieve such an aim, there are two hurdles: Firstly, there must be a provision of decent public transportation options, and secondly, there is a need to influence travel behaviour and encourage the shift from private cars to public transportation. For example, in Riyadh city, an impressive metro system is being constructed and will start operation in 2023. To influence travel behaviour, travel demand management measures (TDM), in particular pricing measures, can be adopted and implemented, in order to help and support achieving the target. The main aim of this paper, therefore, is to assess the attitudes of Saudi nationals towards—and willingness to accept—pricing measures and their possible impacts on their travel behaviour in the city of Riyadh. The methodology includes collecting data using an online survey on travel behaviour and attitudes in Riyadh and calibrating multinomial logit modal choice models. The participants in the survey were asked to report their support of the pricing measures for the objective of reducing congestion in the city, improving road safety or reducing travel time. The results show the highest support towards pricing measures for improving road safety, reducing travel times and, lastly, reducing congestion in the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mohammed Alfozan Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, 11942, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Mohammed Alfozan, Email dr.masf@gmail.comPurpose: The present study was conducted to analyze the effect of varicocelectomy on serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone. The interrelationship between seminal and hormonal variables is also investigated.Patients and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on patients of the urology clinic from 2012 to 2017. The study was conducted in the Security Forces Hospital, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Infertile patients who had already undergone the FSH examination and testosterone twice were included in the study. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 was used to analyze the data.Results: A total of 186 patients were studied which reveals that the age group of 21– 30 years was higher than other age groups 80 (43%), micro varicocelectomy was performed in 138 (74%) of patients and 79 (47%) patients had one-year infertility. The study assessed the effect of varicocelectomy on sperm count and motility serum FSH, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin, and it was found that none of the variables showed significant association after varicocelectomy, except for luteinizing hormone (P-value = 0.014). Testosterone levels in patients who had FSH ≤ 10 were also evaluated and it was found that the level of testosterone was increased with a decreased level of FSH (P-value = 0.005).Conclusion: It was concluded from our results that after varicocelectomy, those patients who had FSH levels ≤ 10 were found to have increased testosterone levels. LH was also found to be significant; however, other hormones were not found to be significant. This may occur due to the reason that we have the majority of the participants in the age group 21– 30. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the association with ample sample size.Keywords: varicocelectomy, hormones, testosterone levels, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia