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This article discusses the social position of 'expatriation' in Abu Dhabi, in terms of the ranking struggles that distinguish it from the Emirati population, in cultural practices and in the workplace. It shows how strategies, discourses and practices of distinction involve racialised representations of social hierarchies within a transnational space and emphasises the alignment of whiteness, upper-class authenticity and deservingness. This distinction can be seen as a post-colonial struggle over social ranking between racialised segments of the upper classes, characterised by the feeling of losing some of the economic, political and symbolic advantages that colonisation used to guarantee to white migrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research enhances air quality predictions in Abu Dhabi by employing Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models on comprehensive air quality data collected from 2015 to 2023. We collected hourly data on nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from 19 well-placed ground monitoring stations. Our approach utilized ARIMA models to forecast future pollutant levels, with extensive data preparation and exploratory analysis conducted in R. Our results found a significant drop in NO2 levels after 2020 and the highest levels of particulate matter observed in 2022. The findings of our research confirm the effectiveness of the models, indicated by Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values ranging from 7.71 to 8.59. Additionally, our study provides valuable spatiotemporal insights into air pollution historical evolution, identifying key times and areas of heightened pollution, which can help in devising focused air quality management strategies. This research demonstrates the potential of ARIMA models in precise air quality forecasting, aiding in proactive public health initiatives and environmental policy development, consistent with Abu Dhabi's Vision 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove species are shrubs and trees that are ecologically efficient and salt tolerant, predominantly grow in the intertidal region where land and ocean meet. These protects the shoreline from erosion, natural calamities, and climate change. Mapping, monitoring, and assessment of mangrove species are important for the conservation, restoration, and protection purposes. Earth observation using remote sensing satellite data plays a vital role in mapping and monitoring land-surface features. Studying mangroves with remote sensing also helps to track seasonal changes and understand how these ecosystems work. In the present study Mangrove species in and around Eastern Lagoon National Park of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is mapped using the Multispectral Landsat 8 OLI data. It has been found that a large part of the area is covered by grey mangroves (i.e., Avicennia marina), including salt marshes. Vegetation indices like RVI, NDVI, SAVI, AVI, and CMRI are derived for mapping and health assessment to categorize mangrove species in high, medium, and low phenology activity, and found the maximum productivity was attained during March 2020 (0 to 366 days). Multispectral reflectance spectra of homogenous units were also collected and classified. For the first time, the satellite-based phenological information has been derived in the region using Landsat 8 OLI data, which will help in understanding biodiversity, climate change impacts, and human activities, and enabling decision-makers for the protection and sustainable use of these valuable coastal ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The safety of migrant construction workers is increasingly becoming a worldwide issue, and addressing this requires identifying the critical relationship between safety climate and safety performance. This research aimed to evaluate this relationship and to give proper attention to enhance the overall safety performance of construction workers. Methods: To assess the relationship between safety climate and safety performance of migrant construction workers, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 141 migrant construction workers, from the 2 industrial zones of Abu Dhabi. Sociodemographic characteristics, safety climate, and safety performance were assessed by using a specifically designed questionnaire for the construction industry. The collected data were analysed by SPSS 27.0 using descriptive statistics and ?2 test. Results: The investigation's findings revealed a positive correlation between the safety climate and safety performance. However, the weakest correlation was found in the workers' comprehension of safety rules and procedures. Conclusion: Construction workers with less experience and lower education, aged 30 years or below, with no dependents to support, with smoking and drinking habits needs to be focused on the augmentation of their safety performance through safety awareness, relevant safety education, training and with the implementation of safety rules and procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric thyroid cancer represents 2.3 % of thyroid cancers, and its long-term outcome data are sparse. There have not been studies in the UAE delineating its epidemiology, clinical and histological characteristics, and follow-up outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the clinical–pathological behavior, recurrence and survival rates in pediatrics with all types of thyroid cancer in the UAE. Multicentre retrospective chart review analysis of pediatric patients with thyroid carcinoma from January 2010 to December 2020 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Thirty-four patients were included, 85 % being females. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) was the commonest type of thyroid cancer (88 %) vs. follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) (11.8 %). Almost half of our patients had a multifocal disease, 26 % had lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and 21 % had extrathyroidal extension (ETE). There were no mortalities during follow-up. 85 % of patients exhibited complete remission, while 15 % of patients showed evidence of progressive residual or recurrent disease. One patient had metastasis to lymph nodes and lungs. There were similar trends of incidence, sex prevalence, and histopathological patterns as the ones observed internationally. Potential risk factors in our population include a family history of thyroid cancer and obesity. The lower rate of ETE, LVI, metastasis, and recurrence indicates a possibly less aggressive disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research enhances air quality predictions in Abu Dhabi by employing Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models on comprehensive air quality data collected from 2015 to 2023. We collected hourly data on nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from 19 well-placed ground monitoring stations. Our approach utilized ARIMA models to forecast future pollutant levels, with extensive data preparation and exploratory analysis conducted in R. Our results found a significant drop in NO2 levels after 2020 and the highest levels of particulate matter observed in 2022. The findings of our research confirm the effectiveness of the models, indicated by Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values ranging from 7.71 to 8.59. Additionally, our study provides valuable spatiotemporal insights into air pollution historical evolution, identifying key times and areas of heightened pollution, which can help in devising focused air quality management strategies. This research demonstrates the potential of ARIMA models in precise air quality forecasting, aiding in proactive public health initiatives and environmental policy development, consistent with Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030.

Groundwater contamination is a serious health problem affected by LULC changes. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impacts of land use/land cover (LULC) on groundwater level and quality in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi over 20 years. Two sets of Landsat images were used to classify LULC using the random forest (RF) classifier, while an image-different tool was used to monitor changes in LULC from 2000 to 2020. After that, a spatial analysis was performed by comparing LULC maps against the hydrological maps. The results show a rapid increase in all LULC classes by doable, whereas the groundwater level has depleted by 40 m. The results also show that the areas affected by NO3, TDS increased by 14% and 26%, respectively. The area of high-water quality across the study area reduced by 479 km2 (0.79%). The results reveal significant hydrological information and its response to rapid urbanization.

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Very Big Art uses a variety of both virtual and real media to create a nexus where architecture, the public realm, urban design, performance, ephemerality and art meet at an often colossal scale – a 21st‐century reworking of the notion of the architectural 'folly'. Architectural designer and educator Andrew Kovacs describes a brief history of some of the early exponents of arch‐art, and leads us through some recent examples, including the output of his own practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research consistently highlights the substantially negative effect of unemployment on subjective well-being. This study's objective is to provide deeper understanding of the complex nature of the associations between happiness and unemployment, which could enrich the duties of social policymakers when designing policy frameworks to improve the well-being of the unemployed. The methodology in this paper employs a path analysis using the Abu Dhabi Quality-of-Life survey (third cycle) data with 4815 unemployed respondents. The present study suggests a comprehensive path model to recognize the most significant associates of the happiness of the unemployed. Key findings indicate that income satisfaction and the ability to make ends meet have the highest effect on the happiness of the unemployed. The model also reveals the strength of different mediation roles played by family connection, quality time with family, and the ability to make ends meet, suggesting that financial difficulties resulting from unemployment can impact social relationships. In addition, the significant differences found between demographic groups based on age, marital status, gender, and educational attainment are also investigated. Policy implications are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sickness absence among employees is reported to reduce organization profits and performance and thus threaten the organization's existence in the market. The monitoring and reporting of data on sickness absence is considered a crucial element of reactive health and safety control systems in organizations. It is one of the major indicators of organizational continuous commitment to improving the quality of working conditions. However, sickness absence in Police in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is less investigated. The Occupational Health and Safety Survey developed for this study was distributed to 1317 employees of the Capital Police Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police. The survey was answered by 760 employees (58 %). While 230 (17 %) refused to participate, 259 (20 %) did not return the surveys, and 68 (5 %) were not surveyed as they were on authorized long-term leave for various reasons (and did not receive the survey). This study analyzes if the psychosocial work factors, physical work exposure factors, and employee's perception of the health and safety management system predict sickness absence in the Abu Dhabi Police after taking into account the other covariates. This study found no association between job control and the risk of sickness absence, in contrast to findings from other studies. There was also no association between psychological job demand and the perception of health and safety management with the risk of sickness absence in this study. Officers who fit the ‘job strain’ category did not have a significant increase in the risk of sickness absence in this study. However, high levels of combined physical exposures reported a significant relation with sickness absence. In conclusion, this, being one of the first studies in the region, provides insights on work factors and perception of HSE on sickness absence and provides recommendations within the context of the region for future studies and address sickness absence among police in the UAE.

Christopher Alexander famously declared that “a city is not a tree,” while Leslie Martin declared that “the grid is [a] generator.” This article investigates how Alexander’s call for overlap, adaptability, and order can indeed be manifested in grid networks, as Martin claimed. Order has been measured using the entropy of street orientation, while adaptability has been denoted by the streets’ betweenness values. Through the analysis of Abu Dhabi’s neighborhoods and global urban areas, the study reveals that overlap, order, and adaptability can coexist in gridded street network. A fine-grain scale of the grid plays a critical role in supporting the quality of urban space. To foster adaptation, planning policies should focus on adaptability providing room for informal and spontaneous growth. We conclude by noting that this approach represents a reconciliation between Christopher Alexander’s views and those of Leslie Martin.

Abstract Background Police departments are encouraged to integrate their health and safety management systems with the operational arrangements to demonstrate commitment to the improvement of working environment in the police is by the collection and analysis of occupational health data such as sickness absence and early retirement intention. Methods About 760 responses to the Occupational Health and Safety Survey by the Abu Dhabi Police employees was used to analyse the early retirement intentions considering the work-related factors and sickness absence data. Results Logistic regression results of the unadjusted model reported higher odds that lower levels of co-worker support, supervisor support, workplace support related to intentions of early retirement. Also, unfavourable perception of health management increases the odds to early retirement among the employees. Conclusion The outcome of this study provides insights into the determinants of early retirement intentions in the less explored region of middle-east, specifically in Abu Dhabi. Thorough analysis of such data will help police organisations to prioritise plans and improve the health and wellbeing of officers, in turn contributing to strengthening the fight against crime and minimizing the number of occupational injuries and premature exit from paid work.

Background: The study aimed to identify the associations of happiness and factors related to physical and mental health, leisure, and sports activities amongst older adults in Abu Dhabi. The sample comprised 1,004 participants in the third Abu Dhabi Quality of Life survey administered in 2019–2020. Methods: The analysis used path analysis to develop a model incorporating the specified variables. The path model highlighted all direct and indirect associations between the variables. We also used variance analysis to test the differences in gender, marital status, and education attainment with happiness. Results: Results show that sleep quality is most associated with happiness and subjective health. In addition, sleeping hours did not show any association with subjective health; but were associated with happiness. The result also confirms that mental health is negatively associated with happiness and subjective health. How often an elderly gets involved in sport and activities for at least 30 min significantly affects subjective health and happiness. Conclusions: Happiness of older adults is best understood when we look at both direct and indirect effects using a path model. Their happiness is significantly associated with their subjective health, mental health, participation in sport and activities and sleep quality, Implications of the study were highlighted, along with future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates energy efficiency in high-rise residential buildings in Abu Dhabi, where the increased use of glass building façades has led to increased air-conditioning costs due to heat gain. The research focuses on evaluating the type of glass and the appropriate cavity between glass façades to minimize energy consumption while incorporating sustainability and innovative design principles. To achieve these objectives, this study employs a Double Skin Façade (DSF), a high-performance façade that adapts to the external climate conditions to fulfill internal cooling load requirements and meet occupants' needs. Data were collected through an online survey distributed among residents of a selected residential tower, and a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches was utilized to analyze the gathered information. The selected case study was analyzed using Energy Plus simulation software using the existing data and available details. The analysis aimed to identify the optimal DSF design that significantly enhances energy efficiency. The findings of this study emphasize the substantial impact of the optimum DSF design on energy efficiency in high-rise residential buildings. Through modeling existing data and comparing them with new model results for each variable, this study demonstrates that a DSF with a 35 cm cavity, comprising a double-glazed single skin layer in the interior and a Low-E double-glazed single skin layer as an outer layer, can reduce overall air-conditioning energy consumption by over 25%. These outcomes provide valuable insights into implementing DSF as a solution to address the unique energy challenges presented by high-rise residential buildings in hot climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the emerging body of knowledge on art tourism, this paper aims to examine whether and how the development and promotion of forms of art could act as a catalyst for tourism and urban development in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi's commercial and industrial district. More specifically, this work focuses on the perceptions of a specific group of stakeholders, namely Emiratis who own a business in the area, to understand the role of art in propelling urban change in a non-post-industrial city. Overall, the empirical material, co-constructed during a series of focus groups, seems to highlight business owners' support for art tourism initiatives as these are perceived as vehicles to attract visitors to the area and increase their businesses' profitability. However, the multiple (and often divergent) views expressed on the types of art to consider for art tourism development also unveil the problematic role of art objects and expressions in representing and promoting the perceived main characteristics of a cultural group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Sleep quality has significant impacts on many aspects of quality of life. Therefore, identifying the association of sleep quality with that quality of life domains could lead to deeper insights for social policymakers and professionals to enhance their understanding of the lives of Abu Dhabi working adults. This research focuses on sleep quality among working people in Abu Dhabi. The direct and indirect associations of sleep quality with various quality-of-life domains such as income and housing, physical and mental health, sport and activities, eating habits and obesity, work-life balance, online hours, and social connections are investigated and discussed. Methods Data were drawn from 36,515 full-time employees in both public, and private sectors, obtained from the third Abu Dhabi Quality of Life (QoL) survey aimed to cover all community members using online platforms. Informed by international research on sleep quality, preliminary investigation using correlation analysis and simple regression identified many well-being variables deemed necessary for inclusion in the path model. Path analysis was then performed. Results The final path model produced excellent fit measures. The significant variables directly associated with sleep quality included sleeping hours, social connection, satisfaction with income, satisfaction with residence, subjective physical and mental health, income satisfaction, satisfaction with the surrounding environment, frequency of eating healthy food, work-life balance, and online time. In addition, most variables recorded an indirect association to sleep quality through subjective health. Conclusions The importance of multidimensional linkages between many well-being factors influencing sleep quality and subjective health is underscored.

Abstract Background Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects 1 in 1000 children worldwide. Our population in the United Arab Emirates is diverse. The objective of this study is to describe the subtype frequency, demographic features and treatments received and outcome of our patients. Methods Patients with the diagnosis of Juvenile Arthritis identified through the hospital electronic medical records system (EMR), which was implemented for all medical documentation in January 2011. All patients included are patients who presented to our center for treatment and follow up from 2011 to end of 2021. Retrospective case notes review of patients electronic medical records with the diagnosis of JIA was performed. Results One hundred thirty-eight patients in total. Oligoarticular subtype was the most represented with 75 patients (55%) followed by Rheumatoid factor negative polyarticular JIA with 32 patients (23%) then Enthesitis related arthritis (ERA) with 10 patients (7%) then psoriatic (6%) then systemic JIA (5%). Undifferentiated subtype of 2%. The most diagnostic delay is in enthesitis related arthritis subtype with a mean of 11.4 months (6–25) followed by undifferentiated JIA with a mean of 7.5 months (4–8.5). 131 (96%) out of 138 received steroid treatment. Only 6 patients did not receive steroids. Out of 138 patients, 101 (73%) were on synthetic disease modifying medication methotrexate. Sixty-eight patients out of the total 138 required biologic treatment (49%). In total 93 patients achieved clinical remission (67%). In remission on treatment 78 patients which is (56%) of the total number of patients with follow up ranging from 1 to 5 years and 84% of patients in remission. In remission off treatment 15 patients (11% of all patients and 16% of patients in remission). Conclusion The most common subtype in our cohort of patients is oligoarticular JIA. Longest delay is for ERA subtype. All our patients with oligoarticular JIA received Intra articular steroid injection as first line treatment. 49% of our patients received biologic treatment similar to rate in Northern Europe. Our remission rate is 67% with 11% of patients are in remission off treatment. Access to care remains a priority to treat patients effectively.

Background: Complementary medicine (CM) is gaining popularity worldwide. According to the 2019 World Health Organization global report on traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM), 80% of member states acknowledged practicing T&CM. In the United Arab Emirates, T&CM practice prevalence in 2012 was 20–39%. These trends highlight physicians' need for knowledge on CM, such as cupping therapy. Objective: This study aims to assess knowledge, practice, and attitude toward cupping therapy (CT) among physicians in Sheikh Khalifa medical city (SKMC). Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to March 2021 among the physicians of SKMC. The survey was carried out using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included four sections: socio-demographics, knowledge of physicians toward cupping therapy, physicians' attitude toward cupping therapy, and physicians' practice toward cupping therapy. SPSS version 28 was used for data analysis. Data were reported in frequencies and percentages. A P value of

Background: Police departments are encouraged to integrate their health and safety management systems with the operational arrangements to demonstrate commitment to the improvement of working environment in the police is by the collection and analysis of occupational health data such as sickness absence and early retirement intention. Methods: About 760 responses to the Occupational Health and Safety Survey by the Abu Dhabi Police employees was used to analyse the early retirement intentions considering the work-related factors and sickness absence data. Results: Logistic regression results of the unadjusted model reported higher odds that lower levels of co-worker support, supervisor support, workplace support related to intentions of early retirement. Also, unfavourable perception of health management increases the odds to early retirement among the employees. Conclusion: The outcome of this study provides insights into the determinants of early retirement intentions in the less explored region of middle-east, specifically in Abu Dhabi. Thorough analysis of such data will help police organisations to prioritise plans and improve the health and wellbeing of officers, in turn contributing to strengthening the fight against crime and minimizing the number of occupational injuries and premature exit from paid work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Complementary medicine (CM) is gaining popularity worldwide. According to the 2019 World Health Organization global report on traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM), 80% of member states acknowledged practicing T&CM. In the United Arab Emirates, T&CM practice prevalence in 2012 was 20-39%. These trends highlight physicians' need for knowledge on CM, such as cupping therapy. Objective: This study aims to assess knowledge, practice, and attitude toward cupping therapy (CT) among physicians in Sheikh Khalifa medical city (SKMC). Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to March 2021 among the physicians of SKMC. The survey was carried out using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included four sections: socio-demographics, knowledge of physicians toward cupping therapy, physicians' attitude toward cupping therapy, and physicians' practice toward cupping therapy. SPSS version 28 was used for data analysis. Data were reported in frequencies and percentages. A P value of <0.05 is the level of statistical significance. Results: The response rate was 83%. Among the 154 participants, 67.5% had adequate knowledge of CT, 66.9% showed a positive attitude, and 31.2% reported good practice toward CT. Individuals below 40 years reported significantly lesser knowledge than individuals over 40 years (p = 0.035, OR 0.49 [0.246-0.998]). Over 80% of physicians concur that cupping therapy can be used to treat and manage low back pain, joint discomfort, headache, migraine, and anxiety. The majority of physicians believe that education regarding cupping therapy is required. Conclusions: Most physicians had adequate knowledge and a positive attitude toward cupping therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are critical operational standards for monitoring radiological imaging parameters and ensuring patient safety in hospitals. A regular review of DRLs is necessary to optimize scanners and protocol parameters. This retrospective study collected data on the CT dose index volume and dose–length product for 250 children who underwent head CT scans in the region of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Descriptive statistics were used to present median, range, and interquartile range values for each pediatric age group, based on region and protocol. The 75th percentile was used as the reference point for local DRLs. Proposed values of DRLs were suggested per age groups; 304 mGy∙cm (children < 1 year), 385 mGy∙cm (children ≥ 1 year to <5 years), 441 mGy∙cm (children ≥ 5 years to <10 years), and 568 mGy∙cm (patients ≥ 10 years to <16 years. A comparison of the local DRLs with previously established ones was carried out, and differences were discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on pediatric head CT scans in this region. We believe the results can be used as a baseline for establishing local DRLs in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and national DRLs in the United Arab Emirates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Disability retirement has been investigated in the last two decades using predictors such as measures of sickness absence, psychological, social, and organizational work factors. The impact of various health-related and sickness measures on disability retirement across various occupational group reveal a significant relation. However, current literature lacks understanding in police personnel. Methods This study examines the roles of demographic and measures of sickness absence on disability retirement among police personnel in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The case–control design was used to predict disability retirement wherein controls were matched with cases according to age and gender from those who worked in the same administration as the case at baseline, to reduce the possible confounding influence of these variables. Conditional logistic regression models were used determine the odds-ratio of various measures of sickness absence in predicting disability retirement. Results Results indicate that increased number of spells, and number of days of sickness absence can predict disability retirements among police personnel in the UAE. Results indicate that odds ratios for disability retirement for the total exposure period increased from 1.76 (95% CI = 1.42-2.20) for spells of 4-7d to 2.47 (95%CI = 1.79-3.40) for spells of > 4 weeks. When compared with their married counterparts, non-married police employees had a statistically significant increase in odds of disability retirement of almost three fold (OR = 2.93, 95% CI = 1.55-5.56). Non-field and field police officers, on the other hand, had significantly reduced odds of disability retirement compared with admin/supportive staff (OR = 0.43 and 0.28 with 95% CI = 0.19-0.96 and 0.13-0.61 respectively). Odds ratios of disability retirement at end of the exposure period for the matching variables with those obtained after additionally adjusting for all demographic variables (model b), namely, marital status, occupation, employment grade and type, and educational level. The odds ratios of disability retirement remained significantly raised for the total number of days of sickness absence and for the number of spells of sickness absence for all spell types. Conclusions Recommendation to reduce the number of future disability retirements among Abu Dhabi Police include structured problem-solving process addressed through stepwise meetings between the line-managers and the employee.

The objective of the study was to identify the factors associated with the subjective well-being of older adults in Abu Dhabi when happiness is taken as the dependent variable. In the present research, a framework based on theoretical models was developed in which older adult's happiness was seen in a synergistic relationship and was associated with many other variables related to various domains in the social system. The sample consisted of 1,004 older adults aged 60 and above, who participated in the First Abu Dhabi General Social Survey administered in 2018. Many subjective well-being variables were considered. Path analysis was used to develop a model that incorporated the five following variables directly affecting the happiness of older adults: housing satisfaction, satisfaction with family life, satisfaction with friendships, life satisfaction, satisfaction with surrounding environment, and some psychological feelings. The study highlighted all direct and indirect associations. Further analysis of variance revealed the associations of gender, marital status, and education attainment. Implications of the study were highlighted along with future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The topic of retirement is rarely explored in the context of the Middle Eastern and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This study drew on data from a large-scale survey of retirees in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a universal welfare state characterized by the persistence of the traditional male-breadwinner model and gender roles, to analyze the determinants of retirement timing and post-retirement work. Multi-level regressions were performed to explore the effects of individual, family, institutional, and social-economic factors. The study revealed that Emirati females tended to retire earlier than men to fulfill their domestic duties and informal caregiving roles, rather than to retire together with their spouse. Additionally, early retirement incentives offered by Abu Dhabi pension systems appeared to attract employees into early retirement. On the other hand, securing more financial resources and reduced sense of belonging in society were among the most significant predictors of post-retirement job searching motivations among Emirati retirees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects 1 in 1000 children worldwide. Our population in the United Arab Emirates is diverse. The objective of this study is to describe the subtype frequency, demographic features and treatments received and outcome of our patients. Methods: Patients with the diagnosis of Juvenile Arthritis identified through the hospital electronic medical records system (EMR), which was implemented for all medical documentation in January 2011. All patients included are patients who presented to our center for treatment and follow up from 2011 to end of 2021. Retrospective case notes review of patients electronic medical records with the diagnosis of JIA was performed. Results: One hundred thirty-eight patients in total. Oligoarticular subtype was the most represented with 75 patients (55%) followed by Rheumatoid factor negative polyarticular JIA with 32 patients (23%) then Enthesitis related arthritis (ERA) with 10 patients (7%) then psoriatic (6%) then systemic JIA (5%). Undifferentiated subtype of 2%. The most diagnostic delay is in enthesitis related arthritis subtype with a mean of 11.4 months (6–25) followed by undifferentiated JIA with a mean of 7.5 months (4–8.5). 131 (96%) out of 138 received steroid treatment. Only 6 patients did not receive steroids. Out of 138 patients, 101 (73%) were on synthetic disease modifying medication methotrexate. Sixty-eight patients out of the total 138 required biologic treatment (49%). In total 93 patients achieved clinical remission (67%). In remission on treatment 78 patients which is (56%) of the total number of patients with follow up ranging from 1 to 5 years and 84% of patients in remission. In remission off treatment 15 patients (11% of all patients and 16% of patients in remission). Conclusion: The most common subtype in our cohort of patients is oligoarticular JIA. Longest delay is for ERA subtype. All our patients with oligoarticular JIA received Intra articular steroid injection as first line treatment. 49% of our patients received biologic treatment similar to rate in Northern Europe. Our remission rate is 67% with 11% of patients are in remission off treatment. Access to care remains a priority to treat patients effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine radiaxial fibrous calcites are common pore‐filling carbonate fabrics in Palaeozoic and Mesozoic carbonates, yet recent analogues are scarce. Although ancient marine radiaxial fibrous calcites are often considered a cement phase and used for palaeoenvironmental interpretations, their origin (primary precipitation versus diagenetic alteration of a pre‐existing fabric) and their specific formation processes remain ambiguous. This may be related to insufficient information from a few recent analogues and limitations of traditional methods in investigating ancient radiaxial fibrous calcites. This study documents a Holocene occurrence of marine pore‐filling radiaxial fibrous Mg calcites and focuses on their origin, formation processes and implications for ancient analogues. The radiaxial fibrous Mg calcites examined in this study share morphological and mineralogical similarities with numerous ancient marine radiaxial fibrous calcites with a Mg calcite precursor. Based on petrological and geochemical data, the radiaxial fibrous Mg calcites are interpreted as secondary porewater products formed during early burial alteration of micritic Mg calcite precursor cement. These findings provide implications for, at least in part, ancient marine radiaxial fibrous calcites in the context of the formation process and mechanism and are relevant for palaeoceanographic and palaeoenvironmental interpretations based on the presence of this carbonate phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For transnational families, visits represent an opportunity to temporarily punctuate the geographical distance that separates them from significant others in everyday life. Drawing on data from mapping‐interviews conducted with older skilled migrants in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, this paper is concerned with how transnational visiting is harnessed to sustain a sense of family togetherness at a later stage of the life course. The discussion contributes to migration scholarship on return visits and visits by relatives to the migration destination but also draws attention to a third dimension of visiting; family meet‐ups in a third space—a location that is neither the country of origin nor the migration destination. Hence, I propose an explicitly spatial, relational conceptualization of transnational family visits, arranged around a multi‐local framework: the return visit ('there'); the receiving of visits in the migration destination ('here'); and visits in an in‐between geographical space ('somewhere'). In so doing, this paper places the spotlight on the geographies of visiting, drawing attention to the dynamic way in which the practice of transnational family visiting in enacted in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater contamination is a serious health problem affected by land use/land cover (LULC) changes. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impacts of LULC on groundwater levels and quality in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi over the past two decades. Two sets of Landsat images were used to classify LULC using the random forest (RF) classifier, while an image-different tool was used to monitor changes in LULC from 2000 to 2020. After that, a spatial analysis was performed by comparing LULC maps against the hydrological maps. The results show a rapid increase in all LULC classes, whereas the groundwater level has depleted by 40 m. The results also show that the area of high-water quality across the study area was reduced by 479 km2 (0.79%). The results reveal significant hydrological changes in response to rapid urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital revolution influenced all levels and spheres of human social activities covering personal communications and relationships, health and mental health, and hours spent online. However, the widespread implementation and effects of digital technologies amongst all segments of society have not been understandable. The effects touch all aspects of life, be it personal, social, or economic, touching people's happiness positively or negatively. This research is the first attempt in Abu Dhabi to look at the impact of digital transformation and the associations of other aspects of people's life. The objective of this study is to propose a path model for better understanding the degree of association of related behaviors related to digital transformation and people's happiness. An extensive literature search identified several related wellbeing dimensions for this study. We used the Abu Dhabi Quality of Life data for this purpose. Results show that we should not ignore the significant positive association between the digital resources/means in society and our happiness or health. However, results also point to the perception of the negative impact of digital transformation on how we feel and behave daily. The hours we spend online also add to our negative daily feelings. The nature of our satisfaction with our family life seems to influence our negative mixed feelings about digital practices and habits. The strong association between our overall happiness and subjective health produced the most significant association. Limitations and policy implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The notion of 'smart cities', with their ubiquitous linked sharing of data and observation, can be both problematic and simultaneously utopian. Tridib Banerjee, Professor Emeritus of Public Policy at the University of Southern California (USC) where he previously held the James Irvine Chair in Urban and Regional Planning, explores the recent adoption of the concept, particularly in the Global South. Notably, Le Corbusier's modernist city of Chandigarh in India has just been named a smart city. What will this mean for law and order, culture, and urban vitality for its inhabitants in coming years? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study on stopovers, defined as consisting of a one to three-night transition to a destination featuring value-based experiences, uses a multi-site data collection approach of focus groups in six cities to examine stopovers during long-haul air travel in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Hong Kong. It contributes to the literature on stopovers by defining and conceptualizing the term and identifying the key influences of stopover choice and value experiences of travelers from distant geographic areas, namely, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and New Zealand. The proposal of the conceptual model on stopovers offers a basis for destination marketers a greater understanding of stopover travelers and facilitates the destination's promotion from a practical perspective.