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This study explored the nature, prevalence, and developmental profiles of sensory processing disorders among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The participants comprised 119 children with ASD and 30 typically developing children and their parents. The Child Sensory Profile-2 was used to assess the children's sensory processing characteristics. The children with ASD exhibited elevated sensory processing difficulties. Deficits were observed in all the sensory modalities among the children with ASD, except the visual processing modality. Age-related improvements were observed in most sensory processing domains, although non-significant differences were noted in three domains. These findings should enhance understanding of the sensory challenges faced by children with ASD and contribute to the development of individually tailored, targeted, and age-specific therapeutic interventions.

Abstract In this article, we have proposed memory-type exponential and non-exponential estimators for population variance based on exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) statistic in stratified sampling. We drive mathematical expressions for mean square errors of the proposed estimators using Taylor and exponential expansions. Our analysis demonstrates that the proposed memory-type estimators outperform the conventional estimators under stratification, particularly, when the information of previous sample is utilized. The performances of the proposed estimators are evaluated mathematically by deriving the conditions in which the memory-type estimators would perform better than their corresponding conventional estimators under stratification. Through an extensive simulation, we evaluated the performance of the proposed estimators across various population parameters, revealing their enhanced efficiency in time-scaled survey. Additionally, a real data application is also used to support the mathematical findings, confirming the practical utility of the proposed estimators. The results of numerical study underscore the importance of the use of previous sampled information which significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of the proposed estimator for variance estimation for time-scaled surveys.

In statistical inference, introducing a probability distribution appropriate for modeling complex, skewed and symmetric datasets plays an important role. This article presents a new method, referred to as the exponential transformed approach, aimed at creating fresh probability models. This method entails transforming independent and identically distributed reduced Kies random variables. This article establishes various statistical and distributional properties of this model. Furthermore, the article employs several estimation methods to estimates the unknown parameter for the proposed model. Simulation experiments are conducted to showcase the effectiveness of the proposed estimators. Additionally, two real-world data analyses demonstrate practical applications in financial and production contexts, and it is shown that the recommended distribution has superior performance compared to other existing models.

This paper is devoted to the study of a fractional q-difference equation involving dual hybrid terms and equipped with nonlocal multipoint and Riemann-Liouville fractional q-integral boundary conditions. Applying a fixed point approach, we investigate the existence criteria for solutions to the given problem. Examples are constructed for illustrating the obtained results. We emphasize that our results are new in the given configuration, and some new results follow as special cases of the present ones.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread chronic disease that poses a significant management challenge due to the complexity of the associated medication regimens, which can have a considerable impact on patient outcomes. OBJECTIVES: Explore the complexity level of diabetes medications among patients with T2DM and to identify the predictors of medication regimen complexity (MRC) and its correlation with hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels. DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional study SETTING: An ambulatory care setting of a tertiary hospital in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with T2DM referred to the diabetic clinic were identified and assessed for eligibility. The data were collected from patient electronic medical records between October 2022 and September 2023. The MRC Index was used to evaluate the complexity of the patients’ medication regimens. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: MRC index scores and HbA1c levels SAMPLE SIZE: 353 records of patients with T2DM RESULTS: The analysis revealed that 61.8% (n=218) of patients had high MRC, with the dosing frequency contributing significantly to their MRC (mean=3.9, SD=1.9). Having polypharmacy and longstanding T2DM were predictors of high MRC (odds ratios=4.9 and 2.6, respectively; P≤.01). Additionally, there was an inverse association between the patients’ diabetes-specific MRC index scores and their glycemic control (odds ratios=0.2, P

In this article, we introduce and study a new class of higher-order fractional q-difference equations involving Riemann-Liouville q-derivatives with dual hybrid terms, supplemented with nonlocal multipoint q-integral boundary conditions. The existence of a unique solution to the given problem is shown by applying Banach’s fixed point theorem. We also present existing criteria for solutions to the problem at hand with the aid of Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem and Leray-Schauder’s nonlinear alternative. Illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the application of the obtained results.

Accelerated life tests play a very critical role in reliability analysis because highly reliable products are being produced with recent advanced technologies to sustain the market demand and competition. A progressive-stress accelerated life test is one of the kinds of accelerated life tests that allows applied stress to change continuously. Considering the importance of progressive-stress accelerated life tests, this paper deals with progressive-stress accelerated life tests when the lifetimes of units follow the log-logistic distribution and are progressively type-II censored where the associated scale parameter conforms to the inverse power law. Different estimators of model parameters are derived using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Interval estimation is also considered. In the sequel, approximate confidence, bootstrap, and Bayes credible intervals are constructed. Bayes estimators are obtained under squared error, LINEX, and entropy loss functions using proper and improper prior distributions. A simulation study is conducted based on various censoring schemes. The coverage percentages and interval widths are computed via Monte Carlo simulations. Bayes predictive estimates and intervals are also obtained. Finally, two different accelerated life test data are analyzed for illustration purposes.

In the literature, modifying the baseline distributions and proposing novel approach of the existing probability models play an important role in the analysis of real-world phenomena as well as the development of new distributions essentially stems from the need to adequately characterize environmental and lifetime events. In this paper, we introduce a new model by applying maximum compound technique to the baseline distributions for modeling more types data used in different case of studies including symmetric, asymmetric, skewed and complex data sets. The proposed model called univariate maximum Harris extended Rayleigh distribution and three parameters characterize it, and it is regarded as strong competitor for widely applied symmetrical and non symmetrical models. The paper offers varied fundamental distributional and mathematical properties of the suggested distribution, such as conditional probability and its expectation, as well as quantile and moment-generating functions. The model’s parameters are estimated by applying numerous procedures including maximum likelihood estimation, Expectation–Maximization iterative method and Bayesian approach. Bayesian estimation is performed via various loss functions such as square error, Linex and general entropy functions. As well as, approximate and Bootstrap methods are used to construct the confidence interval for the unknown parameters of the proposed model. Additionally, we illustrated different extensive simulation experiments to see the potential of the suggested estimation methods which give satisfactory performance results. In the end, we applied two real data sets for illustrative purposes. In our illustration, we have compared the practicality of the recommended model with several well-known competing distributions.

Geetha Kandasamy,1 Dalia Almaghaslah,1 Mona Almanasef,1 Tahani Musleh Almeleebia,1 Khalid Orayj,1 Ayesha Siddiqua,1 Eman Shorog,1 Asma M Alshahrani,1 Kousalya Prabahar,2 Vinoth Prabhu Veeramani,2 Palanisamy Amirthalingam,2 Saleh Alqifari,2 Naif Alshahrani,3 Aram Hamad AlSaedi,4 Alhanouf A Alsaab,5 Fatimah Aljohani,6 M Yasmin Begum,7 Akhtar Atiya8 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Pharmacy, Ad Diriyah Hospital, Ministry of Health (MOH), Riyadh, 13717, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 4College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al Madinah, Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia; 5Pharmacist at Abha International Private Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia; 6Pharmacist at Prince Sultan Armed Forces Hospital, Almadenah, Almonwarah, Saudi Arabia; 7Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 8Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Geetha Kandasamy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Email glakshmi@kku.edu.saBackground: Migraine is a disabling disease that poses a significant societal burden. Migraine is a major cause of disability. Migraine is the eighth leading disease-causing disability in the population.Objective: To study the clinical profile and measure the pain and migraine-related disability of patients with all types of migraine using the McGill pain assessment scale and Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) before and after 3 months of effect on the medication.Methods: A Prospective-Cross sectional study was carried out in a multispecialty hospital with male and female patients between 18 and 65 years. The data were collected from the patients directly through the questionnaire of McGill pain assessment scale-short form (SF) and MIDAS, which was provided before and after the medication.&#x00A0Results: There were 165 subjects of which 52 were men and 113 were women. The mean age of all the subjects was 43 years. About 26.06% of the subjects had a family history of headaches. The scores of McGill pain and MIDAS assessment before and after medication were as follows: 0– 15 were 30.90% and 73.33%, Score 16– 30 were 54.54% and 18.18%, the score of 31– 45 were 14.54% and 7.87% of the subjects. MIDAS grade I was 17.57% and 50.90%, Grade II 33.93% and 21.81%, Grade III 30.30% and 15.75% Grade IV 18.18% and 11.51% of the subjects.Discussion: The calculated “t” value between the before and after medication values of McGill and MIDAS by paired ‘t-test was 13.85 and 17.49 respectively. As the calculated “t” value is more than the table value, the alternate hypothesis is accepted.Conclusion: This study confirms that there is a significant difference in disability levels before and after acute and preventative treatments when measured over 3 months. In addition, the preponderance of females was high, and the functional disability that affects work and social activity associated with migraine is moderate to severe.Keywords: migraine, pain, disability, loss of productivity, MIDAS

Background and objective: The stretched flow with heat transfer has pivotal role in geothermal energy system, oil extraction, continuous casting, metal spinning and electronic cooling. Owing to this fact, the current analysis focuses on non-linear thermal radiation effect in bio-convective stagnation point flow by a stretchable wedge. Darcy relation is used to discuss the porous space. Convective conditions are deliberated. Non-uniform heat source is addressed. Soret and Dufour outcomes are analyzed. Dissipation and magnetohydrodynamics are discussed. Presence of gyrotactic microorganisms along with chemical reaction is considered. Methodology: Related non-linear partial differential equations (PDEs) are reduced into dimensionless ordinary differential equations (ODEs) through adequate transformations. Optimal homotopy analysis method (OHAM) is adopted for the computations of related nonlinear differential systems. Results: Flow, microorganism field, concentration and temperature distribution are graphically explored. Numerical analysis for coefficient of skin friction, microorganism density number and Sherwood and Nusselt numbers against emerging parameters are discussed. It is noted that velocity and skin friction coefficient have similar scenario for modified Hartman number. Thermal transport rate and temperature have reverse trends for non-uniform heat source variable. An augmentation in thermal distribution is seen through thermal Biot number. Larger Dufour number has increasing trend for temperature. An increasing trend for solutal Biot number for concentration is noticed. Larger Soret number leads to concentration enhancement. Microorganism field and motile density number against Peclet number have opposite response. There is reduction for bio-convective Lewis number in motile density number.

Data analysis through probability-based methods plays an important role in decision-making in all spheres of life. Probability-based approaches lead to productive decision-making under uncertainty. To date, several probability distributions have been formulated that are characterized in different ways and successfully applied in various fields. Most of these probability distributions are studied by adding many additional parameters, typically from one to eight. There is the very least number of available distributional methodologies that are devised without inducing new parameters. In this integrated research piece of work, we provide a new cosine-adaptive method that is developed without considering any new parameters. We call the proposed method the weighted cosine-K family of distributions. Focusing on the proposed method, a new probability model is developed that is named the weighted cosine-Weibull (WC-Weibull) distribution. Some quartile-based characteristics along with estimators of the WC-Weibull distribution are derived. For the parameters of the WC-Weibull distribution, the point estimators are derived. The assessment of point estimators of the WC-Weibull distribution's parameters is provided through a simulation study. Finally, the utility of the WC-Weibull distribution is demonstrated by considering time-to-event phenomena in sports and the engineering sectors. Considering four statistical criteria, it has been shown that the WC-Weibull distribution is an efficient and optimal model for time-related facts (or events) in sports and engineering fields.

Plagiarism has long been a concern within the academic community. However, its prevalence and impact in the Middle Eastern context, particularly in Saudi Arabia, have not been sufficiently addressed. This study aims to investigate Saudi undergraduate students' perceptions of plagiarism in English as a foreign language (EFL) research writing during e-learning sessions and examine whether their academic levels, grade point average (GPA), and gender play a substantial role in affecting their perceptions of plagiarism. A survey was conducted with 110 Saudi undergraduate students (33 males and 77 females) majoring in English at a university in Saudi Arabia. The findings indicate that most of the participants were aware of the most prevalent forms of plagiarism in EFL research writing during e-learning sessions. The findings also reveal that students' GPA and gender did not have a statistically substantial impact on the participants' perceptions. However, it was observed that students’ academic levels had a discernible effect on their perceptions. This study provides some practical implications for enhancing student awareness and assisting them in avoiding plagiarism in EFL research writing.

Introduction Radiography is a crucial healthcare specialty that requires ongoing research to advance imaging technologies and techniques. Despite this, radiographers are faced with obstacles such as time constraints, lack of resources, and the need for training on new technologies, which can discourage their research involvement. This study aims to provide a more representative understanding of the radiography research culture in Saudi Arabia, building upon previous studies. Methods Following the approval of an ethics committee at Taibah University (2024/173/302 DRD), a cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2024 among registered radiographers in Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms using a snowball sampling strategy to reach a diverse group of radiographers across different regions and institutions. Participants provided informed consent before completing the questionnaire. The questionnaire, originally in English, was translated into Arabic and validated by two bilingual academics. It included sections on demographics, previous research experience, barriers to research involvement, factors encouraging research engagement, and self-assessment of research competencies. Descriptive statistics and Cronbach’s alpha were used to analyze the data. Results A total of 105 radiographers participated in the study, with 41% having prior research involvement. Among those engaged, the most common activity was data collection (65%), followed by preparation of scientific articles (49%). Challenges such as the lack of a research-focused culture (48%), insufficient awareness of opportunities (36%), and time constraints (34%) were prominent barriers to research participation. Encouraging factors included the need for research training (63%), support from research groups (51%), and allocated research time (50%). Respondents assessed their research skills, with confidence varied across skills, with 50% feeling capable of initiating research and 51% of participating, yet a significant proportion expressed uncertainties, especially in statistical knowledge and research methodology. Conclusion Most of the surveyed radiographers did not engage in research. However, there is a substantial interest in enhancing research involvement, with training, collaborative groups, and organizational support identified as key factors encouraging participation. The findings suggest that addressing these barriers can foster a more robust research culture, leading to improved diagnostic practices.

ObjectiveThis research aimed to study the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward physical activity (PA) of healthcare students at King Khalid University in Abha, Saudi Arabia.MethodsA prospective web-based cross-sectional study was carried out among healthcare students of King Khalid University from March to May 2024. The questionnaire contained questions on sociodemographic details, five questions about knowledge, eight questions about attitudes, and seven practice-related questions. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used.ResultsOut of the 383 participants, 175 (45.7%) were men and 208 (54.3%) were women. Most of the students, 292 (76.2%), had a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5–24.9. Among the 383, 264 (68.9%) showed good knowledge, 288 (75.2%) had positive attitudes, and 242 (63.2%) had satisfactory PA practice. Most of them, 310 (80.9%), were aware that “regular exercise helps promote strong bones and muscles.” Three hundred and fifty-two (91.9%) students believed that individuals who frequently engaged in PA had longer lifespans. More than half of the students (n = 239, 62.4%) engaged in the recommended level of PA. Of the students, 179 (46.8%) agreed that they planned to begin increasing their physical activity during the next 6 months. One hundred and fifty-six (40.7%) stated that they did sports with a high level of intensity for 20 min, three to five times a week, and 175 (45.7%) stated that they did moderate-intensity sports for 30 min, more than five times a week. None of the independent variables had a significant effect on good knowledge levels (p > 0.05). The regression results show being male OR = 0.473 (CI 0.285–0.783 p = 0.004), and being a first-or third-year student OR = 0.329 (CI 0.130–0.832 p = 0.013), OR = 0.276 (CI 0.100–0.762 p = 0.019) has a significant effect on positive attitude levels, while being male OR = 1.945 (CI 1.207–3.135 p = 0.006) and having a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 OR = 10.101 (CI 2.104–48.49 p = 0.004) has a significant effect on satisfactory practice levels.ConclusionThe majority of participants in our study showed good knowledge and positive attitudes toward PA. A lower number of participants, though still the majority, had satisfactory levels of PA. Health education and health promotion initiatives should maintain and enhance knowledge of the positive effects of PA on health.

Hydromagnetic chemically reactive flow over stretching wall is discussed. Formulation is based upon consideration of Reiner-Rivlin constitutive relation. Variable thermophysical characteristics are under consideration. Radiation, heat generation and dissipation impacts exist in thermal relation. Concentration expression subject to reaction with first order is considered. Modeling with entropy optimization is made. Appropriate transformations lead to relevant differential systems. Numerical study by ND-solve is carried out. Quantities under interest are graphically analyzed. An opposite behavior detected for magnetic parameter on entropy rate and velocity. Velocity field versus magnetic field parameter decreases whereas reverse impact witnessed for variable viscosity parameter. An enhancement in thermal distribution and entropy detected for radiation. Thermal distribution enhancement is observed for generation of heat and thermal conductivity variables. Chemical reaction for concentration has decaying impact. Results of Schmidt number for concentration are similar to that of chemical reaction. Brinkman number leads to entropy rate improvement. Entropy rate upsurges against variable viscosity and mass diffusivity parameters.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can cause cutaneous adverse reactions, with most manifestations resembling keratosis pilaris (KP). Eleven reports describe the onset of KP, with or without confirmation through skin biopsy, during treatment with second-generation TKIs. Herein, we review the current literature and report a clinical case of a 41-year-old male with chronic myeloid leukemia who developed KP-like eruptions during treatment with dasatinib and later nilotinib that cleared after discontinuation of the treatment. However, after switching to nilotinib, severe pruritus and follicular papules reappeared and necessitated dermatology consultation. A skin biopsy confirmed KP’s diagnosis and switching the treatment to ponatinib resulted in the resolution of skin rash without pruritus. Alternative TKIs can help address intolerable cutaneous adverse reactions.

Background: The study aimed to evaluate musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevalence and its correlation with stress in medical students at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A total of 416 participants participated in this study by answering an online questionnaire. We included medical students from UQU of both genders, ranging from the first year to the sixth year. A questionnaire was used to capture sociodemographic data. The data were collected using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10) and Standardized Nordic questionnaire. Results: Among 416 medical students surveyed, 219 (52.60%) were males. A significant proportion of participants, 294 (70.70%), reported experiencing pain during the last 12 months. Female students exhibited significantly higher scores of MSDs compared to their male counterparts. Students who reported working between 51–90 hours per week had a significantly higher MSD score than those who worked 0–50 hours or 91 or more hours. The findings of this study indicated that the most prevalent MSDs were low back pain (50.20%), followed by neck pain (31.70%), and female medical students exhibited significantly higher stress levels than male medical students. Conclusions: Musculoskeletal disorders represent a prevalent health issue among medical students, there is a significant association between factors such as being a female and body mass index. Additionally, psychological stress is a widespread concern among medical students, given the demanding nature of their lifestyle. Interestingly, our findings revealed that there exists a moderately positive relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and stress in this particular population.

Abstract Background Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major bacterial and opportunistic human pathogen, increasingly recognized as a healthcare burden globally. The convergence of resistance and virulence in K. pneumoniae strains has led to the formation of hypervirulent and multidrug-resistant strains with dual risk, limiting treatment options. K. pneumoniae clones are known to emerge locally and spread globally. Therefore, an understanding of the dynamics and evolution of the emerging strains in hospitals is warranted to prevent future outbreaks. Methods In this study, we conducted an in-depth genomic analysis on a large-scale collection of 328 multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae strains recovered from 239 patients from a single major hospital in the western coastal city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from 2014 through 2022. We employed a broad range of phylogenetic and phylodynamic methods to understand the evolution of the predominant clones on epidemiological time scales, virulence and resistance determinants, and their dynamics. We also integrated the genomic data with detailed electronic health record (EHR) data for the patients to understand the clinical implications of the resistance and virulence of different strains. Results We discovered a diverse population underlying the infections, with most strains belonging to Clonal Complex 14 (CC14) exhibiting dominance. Specifically, we observed the emergence and continuous expansion of strains belonging to the dominant ST2096 in the CC14 clade across hospital wards in recent years. These strains acquired resistance mutations against colistin and extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase genes, namely bla OXA-48 and bla OXA-232, located on three distinct plasmids, on epidemiological time scales. Strains of ST2096 exhibited a high virulence level with the presence of the siderophore aerobactin (iuc) locus situated on the same mosaic plasmid as the ESBL gene. Integration of ST2096 with EHR data confirmed the significant link between colonization by ST2096 and the diagnosis of sepsis and elevated in-hospital mortality (p-value

BackgroundBrucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection that is endemic in Saudi Arabia and associated with clinical and economic impacts. Several studies from countries endemic for brucellosis evaluated the knowledge and attitude of livestock farmers regarding brucellosis. However, no such study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of livestock farmers and meat handlers in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, where participants were interviewed in-person in Arabic in livestock markets between September–December 2023. Convenient sampling was utilized. The questionnaire included basic demographics and questions to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward personal protection and protection of the animals from brucellosis. The questionnaire was adapted from a previously validated survey and included 59 questions. Providing at least one correct answer to a certain question indicated a good knowledge about this item or a safe practice. The participants were divided into: farmers (shepherds working for the animal owners), commercial animal owners (those who rent a stockyard in the livestock market and employ farmers to sell their animals), and private animal owners (owners of private farms from which they sell their animals).Results545 participants were interviewed (n = 291 farmers, n = 118 commercial animal owners, n = 113 private animal owners, and n = 23 animal slaughterhouse workers). >90% have heard of brucellosis. Lack of education and short experience (