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Abstract Background The Arab world is one of the global regions the most directly concerned by, and suffering from climate change’s adverse consequences. As such, there appears to be a strong need for an understanding of how Arab people may emotionally respond to climate change. Providing valid and reliable measures of climate change anxiety (CCA) can help gain a clear overview of the situation in Arab countries, and allow to intervene timely and effectively to mitigate any adverse effects on Arab people’s mental health. To this end, the present study sought to validate the Arabic language version of the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS) in a sample of native Arabic-speaking adults from the general population of Lebanon. Methods This study adopted a cross-sectional approach and enrolled 763 adults between July and September 2023. Results A confirmatory analysis of the one-factor model showed poor fit indices as follows: CFI = 0.90, GFI = 0.83, SRMR = 0.048 and RMSEA 0.131 [90% CI 0.123, 0.138). The two-factor model showed a satisfactory fit with a high CFI of and a GFI of 0.91 and a SRMR of 0.04 and RMSEA of 0.05 [90% CI 0.04, 0.06]. Both McDonald’s omega and Cronbach alpha values were high for the overall CCAS score (α = 0.96 and ω = 0.96) in the whole sample. Configural, metric and scalar invariance across gender was demonstrated. No significant difference was found between males and females in terms of total CCAS scores (24.53 ± 10.59 vs. 26.03 ± 11.17, t(761) = -1.82, p = .069). Higher CCA, functional impairment and cognitive impairment scores were significantly associated with higher depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusion The reliability and validity of the CCAS in its Arabic version were proven. The availability of this self-report measure could offer a chance to assess CCA among Adults speaking Arabic, and to spread its future use for screening and research purposes.

Abstract Background Anxiety and depression are psychiatric disorders that often coexist and share some features. Developing a simple and cost-effective tool to assess anxiety and depression in the Arabic-speaking population, predominantly residing in low- and middle-income nations where research can be arduous, would be immensely beneficial. The study aimed to translate the four-item composite Patient Health Questionnaire – 4 (PHQ-4) into Arabic and evaluate its psychometric properties, including internal reliability, sex invariance, composite reliability, and correlation with measures of psychological distress. Methods 587 Arabic-speaking adults were recruited between February and March 2023. An anonymous self-administered Google Forms link was distributed via social media networks. We utilized the FACTOR software to explore the factor structure of the Arabic PHQ-4. Results Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that fit of the two-factor model of the PHQ-4 scores was modest (χ 2/df = .13/1 = .13, RMSEA = .001, SRMR = .002, CFI = 1.005, TLI = 1.000). Internal reliability was excellent (McDonald’s omega = .86; Cronbach’s alpha = .86). Indices suggested that configural, metric, and scalar invariance were supported across sex. No significant difference was found between males and females in terms of the PHQ-4 total scores, PHQ-4 anxiety scores, and PHQ-4 depression scores. The total score of the PHQ-4 and its depression and anxiety scores were significantly and moderately-to-strongly associated with lower wellbeing and higher Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) total and subscales scores. Conclusion The PHQ-4 proves to be a reliable, valid, and cost-effective tool for assessing symptoms related to depression and anxiety. To evaluate the practical effectiveness of the Arabic PHQ-4 and to further enhance the data on its construct validity, future studies should assess the measure in diverse contexts and among specific populations.

Abstract Background There is a lack of measures and data on interpersonal mindfulness from non-Western cultures, which can hinder advances in our understanding of the construct, its conceptual representation, and its effects on human connection and relationships within different cultural settings. To fill this gap and help spark future research in this area in the Arab world, the current study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the 27-item and the 13-item versions of the interpersonal Mindfulness Scale (IMS) in a sample of Arabic-speaking adolescents from the general population. Methods A web-based survey was conducted in a sample of 527 Lebanese community adolescents (Mean age = 15.73 ± 1.81 years; 56% females). The IMS was translated from English into Arabic using the forward-backward translation method. Participants completed the long and short forms of the IMS, as well as the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire-Short Form (BPAQ-SF), and the 5-item Brief Irritability Test. Results Confirmatory factor analyses provided support to the four-factor structure of both the 27-item and the 13-item IMS (i.e., Presence, Awareness of Self and Others, Nonjudgmental Acceptance, and Nonreactivity). The original and the short form versions of the IMS yielded excellent internal consistency in our sample, with a Cronbach’s α coefficients of 0.95 and 0.90, and McDonald’s omega coefficients of 0.95 and 0.90, respectively. Multigroup comparisons suggested the factorial invariance of the Arabic 27-item and 13-item IMS between male and female participants at the metric, configural, and scalar levels. Finally, the concurrent validity of both full-length and short form of the IMS appeared to be good and comparable, as attested by patterns of correlations in expected directions with outcome variables (i.e., aggression, anger, hostility, and irritability). Conclusion The present findings provide support for the good psychometric qualities of the Arabic translation of the IMS in both long and short forms, suggesting that these scales are suitable for use to measure interpersonal mindfulness in Arabic-speaking youth, at least in Lebanon. We expect that the IMS, in particular its shortest form, will prompt more systematic investigation of interpersonal mindfulness in the Arabic-speaking populations, especially with regard to enhancing healthy communications with others and building effective social relationships.

Abstract Background Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a new diagnosis added to the DSM-5 characterized by pathological eating habits without body image disturbances. Previous findings demonstrated a general association between high levels of perfectionism and low levels of self-esteem in association with general eating disorders. However, research is scant when it comes to ARFID specifically. Subsequently, although self-esteem is seen to moderate the association between perfectionism and general eating disorders, this research study aims to explore the same moderation but with ARFID specifically. Methods For this study, 515 Lebanese adults from the general Lebanese population were recruited from all over Lebanon, 60.1% of which were females. The Arabic version of the Big Three Perfectionism Scale– Short Form (BTPS-SF) was used to measure self-critical, rigid and narcissistic perfectionism; the Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder screen (NIAS) was used to score the ARFID variable; the Arabic-Single Item Self-Esteem (A-SISE) was the scale used to measure self-esteem. Results Across the different perfectionism types, self-esteem was seen to moderate the association between narcissistic perfectionism and ARFID (Beta = − 0.22; p =.006). At low (Beta = 0.77; p

Abstract Introduction It is common for people to experience anxiety when contemplating their unknown future. Studies have shown that those who tend to worry more about their future are more likely to be intolerant of uncertainty. In order to study the way people from the Middle East tackle uncertainty, a valid and reliable scale is needed. In this context, the present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the 12-item Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12) in a community sample of native Arabic–speaking participants from Lebanon, Egypt, and Kuwait. Methods A sample of 2038 university students answered the survey, with a mean age of 22.30 ± 4.15 years and 77.5% females. A Google Form link was dissipated among participants that included some demographic questions, the IUS-12 and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-8). Results Following the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), a bi-dimensional model of the Arabic version of the IUS-12 was found. The scale showed an excellent internal reliability for the prospective anxiety (ω = 0.85 / α = 0.85) and inhibitory anxiety (ω = 0.87 / α = 0.87). Additionally, the results illustrated configural, metric, and scalar invariance across genders and countries. Furthermore, Egypt and Lebanon were seen to have statistically significant higher levels of inhibitory anxiety compared to Kuwait, while only Egypt showed statistically significant higher prospective anxiety compared to Kuwait. Finally, higher psychological distress was significantly and positively associated with higher prospective and inhibitory anxiety. Conclusion The results of this study provide support for the psychometric reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the IUS-12, allowing for its generalizability and suitability for use among individuals from different Arabic-speaking nations.

Abstract Background Research on dysmorphic concerns (DC) in Arabic-speaking contexts is hampered by the lack of validated tools. Because DC are culturally dependent, psychometrically sound measures are needed at the national level to closely and accurately investigate the construct in specific societies and populations. The purpose of the current research was to investigate the psychometric properties of Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) in its Arabic translation in Lebanese adults. Methods The study involved 515 participants (69.9% females, mean age of 27.55 ± 10.92 years) who completed a self-report, web-based questionnaire. Results Confirmatory factor analysis indicated excellent construct validity, as the one-factor structure of the Arabic DCQ fits well with the data. McDonald’s omega was 0.89 in our sample, evidencing an excellent level of internal consistency. Furthermore, the results from the multigroup analysis showed that the DCQ holds similar structural model between genders at the metric, configural, and scalar levels. Finally, DC levels correlated inversely with body appreciation and self-esteem and positively with disordered eating symptoms, thus supporting the concurrent and convergent validity of the Arabic DCQ. Conclusion The DCQ translated into Arabic appears to have a valid self-assessment measure to capture the presence of DC manifestations. It is anticipated that the Arabic DCQ will be advantageous for healthcare professionals and researchers working with Arabic-speaking people around the world.

Abstract Introduction Premenstrual symptoms encompass a range of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that cyclically occur before menstruation. Childhood abuse has been associated with subsequent mental health challenges, yet its relationship with exacerbating premenstrual symptoms remains an understudied area. Furthermore, suicidal ideation often emerges from traumatic backgrounds such as child abuse, creating another layer of complexity. Given the rising suicide rates in Lebanon, and the concurrent increase in reported child abuse cases, this research focuses on the role of suicidal ideation as a mediator between child abuse and premenstrual syndrome. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 915 female university students in Lebanon. Participants completed an online questionnaire encompassing demographic details, health lifestyle, the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), and Child Abuse Self Report Scale (CASRS-12). The mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS MACRO v3.4 model 4; three pathways derived from this analysis: pathway A from the independent variable to the mediator, pathway B from the mediator to the dependent variable, Pathway C indicating the direct effect from the independent to the dependent variable. Results The results of the mediation analysis showed that suicidal ideation mediated the association between all types of child abuse and the presence of PMS. Higher psychological (Beta = 0.21; p

Abstract Objectives This study examined the mediating effect of psychological distress and mindful eating behaviors between orthorexia nervosa and academic self-efficacy among Lebanese university female students. Methods A total of 769 female participants enrolled in this cross-sectional study (mean age 21.58 ± 3.20 years). A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among university female students. The questionnaire consisted of Mindful Eating Behaviors Scale, ORTO-R, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and Arabic version of Academic Self-Efficacy Scale. Results The results showed that psychological distress fully mediated the association between orthorexia nervosa and academic self-efficacy; higher orthorexia nervosa was significantly associated with less psychological distress (β= -0.31, p =.05), with more psychological distress significantly associated with lower academic self-efficacy (β= -0.32, p =.09). Focused eating fully mediated the association between orthorexia nervosa and academic self-efficacy; higher orthorexia nervosa was significantly associated with less focused eating (β=-0.09, p =.04), with more focused eating significantly associated with better academic self-efficacy (β = 1.40, p =.10). Orthorexia nervosa was not directly associated with academic self-efficacy in both models. Conclusion This study shed light on important connections between orthorexia nervosa, psychological distress, mindful eating behaviors, and academic self-efficacy within the Lebanese context. The findings will have practical implications for both educational institutions and healthcare providers striving to support young female adults’ overall well-being and academic success.

هدف البحث إلى تعرف مستوى التنمر الوظيفي لدى عينة من معلمي مرحلة التعليم الأساسي في مدارس مدينة سلحب في ضوء بعض المتغيرات، و ذلك من خلال تعرف الفروق في التنمر الوظيفي لدى أفراد العينة وفقاً لمتغيرات كل من(الجنس، المؤهل العلمي، سنوات الخبرة)، ولتحقيق أهداف الدراسة تم استخدام مقياس التنمر الوظيفي (من إعداد الباحثة)، وتم تطبيقه على عينة بلغ عددها (195) معلماً ومعلمة من معلمي مدارس مدينة سلحب. أظهرت النتائج أن أفراد العينة يعانون من التنمر الوظيفي بمستوى بين المنخفضة والمتوسطة والمرتفعة، كما بينت النتائج وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية بين أفراد عينة الدراسة في مستوى التنمر الوظيفي تعزى لمتغيري( الجنس) و(المؤهل العلمي) وكانت لصالح الذكور وأيضاً للمعلمين الحاصلين على شهادة دبلوم ومعهد متوسط، بينما لم توجد فروق دالة إحصائياً في مستوى التنمر الوظيفي التي يعاني منها معلمو مرحلة التعليم الأساسي تعزى لمتغير (سنوات الخبرة)

IntroductionStudies from developed and developing countries showed that the knowledge levels of stroke need improvement. Educational campaigns varied and were of limited influence predominantly because of their short duration and the need for financial support. The study aims to test the impact of a 3-min online video on the knowledge of stroke and factors influencing the knowledge score in four Arab countries.MethodsA cross-sectional web-based pre-post study was conducted in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates. The data were collected using the snowball technique. Participants were adults aged 18 years and above. The questionnaire sequence was conducting a pretest, followed by the educational video explaining stroke occurrence, types, risks, warning signs, preventive measures, and treatment, and finally, a posttest to evaluate the differences in knowledge from baseline. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests comparing pre-post-education stroke knowledge scores, while repeated measures ANOVA, adjusting for covariates, assessed mean changes.ResultsThe total number of participants was 2,721, mainly younger than 55 years. The majority had a university degree and were not healthcare professionals. A significant improvement was noted in the total knowledge score in all countries from a mean average (Mpretest = 21.11; Mposttest = 23.70) with p

Abstract Background Accurately measuring violent ideations would be of particular high relevance in Arab countries, which are witnessing an unprecedented increase in violence rates among adolescents because of the widespread social, economic and political unrest in the region. Therefore, the present study aimed to test the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the 12-item and the 7-item forms of the Violent Ideations Scale (VIS and VIS-SF) in a sample on non-clinical Arabic-speaking adolescents. Methods Five hundred seventy-seven community adolescents (mean age of 15.90 ± 1.73 years, 56.5% females) answered an anonymous online survey comprising an Arabic translation of the Violent Ideations Scale (VIS) and a measure of physical aggression. Results Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) offered support for the single-factor structure of the Arabic VIS and the VIS-SF. Both the long and short forms of the scale yielded excellent internal consistency, with McDonald’s ω coefficients of 0.96 and 0.94 and Cronbach’s α coefficients of 0.96 and 0.94, respectively. Multi-group CFA established measurement invariance across gender groups. Finally, results revealed significant and positive correlations between the two forms of the VIS and physical aggression scores, thus supporting concurrent validity. Conclusion Both the VIS and VIS-SF have demonstrated good psychometric properties in their Arabic versions, and suitability for sound assessment of violent ideations. We therefore expect that these measures assist clinicians in risk assessment and management of violence, and help foster research in this area in Arab countries.

Abstract Background Exploring the levels of death anxiety and factors that can undermine its impact are crucial for the Lebanese nationals. Even though studies have shown various relationships between death anxiety and several factors, very few to no research has been done to show the relationship of death anxiety, gratitude and optimism. Therefore, the objectives of our study were to assess the mediating role of optimism in the association between gratitude and death anxiety, along with investigating the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the Death Anxiety Scale. Methods A one-time-point online survey was conducted among Arabic-speaking community adults from the general population of Lebanon (N = 601; mean age 29.91 ± 12.61; 62.7% females). The following scales were used: Scale of Death Anxiety, Optimism–Pessimism Short Scale–2, and Gratitude Questionnaire-Six-Item Form. Results The results of the mediation analysis showed that optimism fully mediated the association between gratitude and death anxiety. Higher gratitude was significantly associated with more optimism; higher optimism was significantly associated with less death anxiety. Finally, higher gratitude was not directly associated with death anxiety. Conclusion Our study reveals the relationship between gratitude and death anxiety and the mediating role of optimism. Our results need to be confirmed in a longitudinal study, but point to the importance of assessing optimism in prevention and management of persons with death anxiety.

Abstract Background Reflecting on the existing literature on suicidal ideation and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), this article investigates the complex relationship between them, hypothesizing about the possibility of dysmorphic concerns, being a mediator linking ARFID to suicidal ideation. Methods Using a snowball sampling approach, a survey was created on Google Forms and circulated across messaging applications and social media networks (WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger). The sample involved 515 participants recruited between February and March 2023. The questionnaire included the following scales: Nine-items Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder screen (NIAS), Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ), and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). When filling the questionnaire, respondents were warned that they can experience distress when answering certain questions and received information about mental health services. Five hundred fifteen adults participated in this study, with a mean age of 27.55 ± 10.92 years and 60.1% females. Results After adjusting over potential confounders (i.e., age, education, marital status, and household crowding index), analyses showed that dysmorphic concerns fully mediated the association between avoidant restrictive eating and suicidal ideation. Higher avoidant restrictive eating was significantly associated with more dysmorphic concerns, and higher dysmorphic concerns were significantly associated with the presence of suicidal ideation. Finally, avoidant restrictive eating was not significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusion This study highlights the potential indirect link between ARFID and suicidal ideation mediated by dysmorphic concerns. While no direct connection was observed between ARFID and suicidal ideation, the presence of dysmorphic concerns appeared to be a crucial factor in amplifying the risk of suicidal ideation in individuals with ARFID. This emphasizes the importance of addressing dysmorphic concerns alongside ARFID treatment to enhance mental health interventions and outcomes.

Biometric recognition using retinal and iris images is a refined and extremely safe technology in the biometrics field. The retina and iris are exclusive and constant functional features of the human eye that can be employed for individual identification. Retinal and iris detection systems are highly well-known for their high exactness and safety. The individuality and constancy of these features make them challenging in order to spoof or replicate. Biometric detection utilizing retinal and iris images improved by deep learning (DL) models has accompanied a novel period of highly exact and effective identity verification. DL models namely convolutional neural networks (CNN) and recurrent neural networks (RNN) employed for feature removal as well as matching, permitting complex and individual patterns of retina and iris to be taken with notable precision. This technique provides enlarged security and reliability. It is precious in numerous applications like access control, border control, healthcare, and mobile device verification while addressing the challenges of flexible lighting situations and accommodating users with eye conditions. This article presents an effective secure biometric retinal iris identification using an orca predator’s algorithm with deep learning (SBRIC-OPADL) technique. The main aim of the SBRIC-OPADL technique is to accomplish biometric security using retinal iris images. Primarily, the SBRIC-OPADL technique exploits the Wiener filtering (WF) approach for the removal of noise that exists in the input iris images. Besides, the SBRIC-OPADL technique exploits the EfficientNet model for the extraction of feature vectors. Moreover, the hyperparameter tuning process of the EfficientNet model takes place using OPA. Furthermore, the biometric identification process can be performed by the use of a convolutional autoencoder (CAE). To validate the enhanced biometric detection results of the SBRIC-OPADL technique is tested using the biometric iris dataset. The extensive results highlighted that the SBRIC-OPADL technique reaches better performance over other models.

Background and purpose: The previous work on koetjapic acid (KA) isolated from Sandoricum koetjape showed its efficacy towards colorectal cancer however KA has poor water solubility which poses the biggest hindrance to its efficacy. In the present paper, an attempt was made to study the anti-colon cancer efficacy of KA’s potassium salt i.e. potassium koetjapate (KKA) applying in vitro and in vivo methods. Experimental approach: KKA was produced by a semi-synthetic method. A human apoptosis proteome profiler array was applied to determine the protein targets responsible for the stimulation of apoptosis. Three doses of KKA were studied in athymic nude mice models to examine the in vivo anti-tumorigenic ability of KKA. Findings/Results: The results of this study demonstrated that KKA regulates the activities of various proteins. It downregulates the expression of several antiapoptotic proteins and negative regulators of apoptosis including HSP60, HSP90, Bcl-2, and IGF-1 in HCT 116 cells with consequent upregulation of TRAILR-1 and TRAILR-2, p27, CD40, caspase 3, and caspase 8 proteins. Additionally, KKA showed an in vitro antimetastatic effect against HCT 116 cells. These results are feasibly related to the down-regulation of Notch, Wnt, hypoxia, and MAPK/JNK and MAPK/ERK signalling pathways in HCT 116 cells besides the up-regulation of a transcription factor for cell cycle (pRb-E2F) pathways. In addition, KKA revealed potent inhibition of tumor growth. Conclusion and implications: In sum, the findings indicate that KKA can be a promising candidate as a chemotherapeutic agent against colorectal cancer.