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Energy consumption is considered an important driver of economic growth in recent times due to its positive impacts on all economic activities. However, the Saudi Arabian economy has received very less attention from researchers as far as the energy-growth nexus is concerned. Amid this backdrop, the current paper is interested in assessing the responsiveness of economic growth to increased energy consumption in the presence of control variables. Our analysis of Saudi Arabia is based on date for the period 1971-2021. The recently proposed “Auto Regressive Distributed Lagged (ARDL)” cointegration approach is adopted for the estimation purpose. The estimation results revealed a significant positive short-run and long-run impacts of energy consumption on economic growth. The causality exercise also revealed a one-way causality running from energy consumption towards economic growth. Besides, energy consumption, we found that education and employment level have also a dominant positive role in promoting the economic growth of Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, openness to trade is found to be important for economic growth only in the long run confirming that trade liberalization policies could only be effective in the long run. Our results have important policy implications for the policymakers of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Financial inclusion and its relationship with remittances has been widely an area of investigation among researchers. Aim: The study investigates the asymmetric effects of remittance inflows on financial inclusion (FI) in Jordan. Setting: Annual time series data (1990–2022) constitute 33 observations. Method: This study uses the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model. Results: The empirical evidence showed a long-run equilibrium relationship among the model’s variables. Furthermore, the standard Wald test provides evidence of the asymmetric long-run and short-run effects of remittance inflows on FI and, hence, the nonlinear relationship. Conclusion: The Jordanian government should promote efforts to simulate the inflow of remittances to the country. This study uncovered the vital relationship between FI and remittance inflows and its important role in enhancing financial sector development. Contirbution: This study contributes to the existing literature on the remittances-FI nexus. First, it uncovered the vital and important relationship between FI and remittance inflows, and its crucial role in enhancing financial sector development. Second, unlike previous studies that used linear ARDL or traditional estimation methods, it applied the NARDL approach to test for the existence of a nonlinear relationship between the model’s variables. Third, it suggests that policymakers in Jordan government should put effort into stimulating the inflow of remittances to promote FI and, hence, economic growth and development.

This study examines the potential relationship between inflation and remittance outflows in Saudi Arabia over the period 1971–2019 by applying the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. As a pioneering study in Saudi Arabia, the paper addresses an important literature gap. The statistical tests reveal the model’s reliability and the existence of a long-run equilibrium among the variables. Moreover, the empirical results show a significant negative impact of inflation has on remittance outflows, and the short-run and long elasticities of remittance with respect to inflation are 0.26% and 0.32% respectively. These results suggest that despite the weak elasticity of remittance outflows to the inflation rate, an increase in general prices would reduce remittance outflows in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, we find that the capital investment indicator has a more significant effect on the volume of remittance outflows. Therefore, policymakers in Saudi Arabia should apply appropriate actions to reduce the outflows of foreign workers by urging private companies to hire more Saudi workers, increasing capital investment and encouraging foreign workers, especially those with high incomes, to invest in Saudi Arabia by facilitating their ownership of financial market shares and real estate units.

This study attempts to estimate the optimum government size in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) using annual data covering the 1971–2019 period by applying the linear and nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag $$\left({{\rm{ARDL}}} \right)$$ Model. The main focus is whether the Armey curve is valid for KSA. The statistical diagnostic tests provide an evidence for the model adequacy and that the estimation results are reliable. Moreover, the ARDL short-run estimation results revealed that the speed of adjustment is (−0.82) indicating that it takes about 14 months to correct toward the long-run equilibrium due to a short-run shock. The NARDL estimation results revealed asymmetric relationship between government expenditures and economic growth. Further, a positive shock has a positive impact while a negative shock reduces economic growth. Based on the long-run estimation results, the optimum government size is 26.9 as a share of GDP, which is greater than the average share (24.2) during the study period. Based on such result, it is obvious that Saudi Arabia has a room to increase the expenditures share up to the optimal size estimated in the study.

Hanadi Alnageeb,1 Elamin Abdelgadir,2 Azza Khalifa,2 Mohamed Suliman,3 Subash Chander Gautam,4 Laurent Layani,4 Sriganesh Subramaniam,4 Alaaeldin Bashier2 1Medical Department, Fujairah Hospital, Fujairah, UAE; 2Endocrine Department, Dubai Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE; 3Endocrinology, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Al Ain, UAE; 4Surgical Department, Fujairah Hospital, Fujairah, UAE Background: Owing to its impact on weight loss, remission of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, bariatric surgery has offered hope for grossly obese individuals. In recent years, obesity has increased in the UAE and the use of bariatric surgery has increased in-line with this trend. However, data regarding bariatric surgery outcomes in diabetic Emirati people is scarce. Objective: To evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of diabetic patients treated with bariatric surgery with a minimal follow-up of 1 year and extended for some patients (21) to 2 years follow up. A total of 80 patients underwent bariatric surgery. Two surgical procedures were used; laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (n=53) or mini-gastric bypass between January 1, 2015, and July 20, 2017. Results: Mean baseline weight was 119.2±31.2 kg, this has significantly dropped to 100.1±23.1, 91.2±22.3, 82.3±17.5, and 81.3±15.3 kg at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months respectively, and this change was statistically significant P

IntroductionThe scoping review examined the evidence related to infection control and transmission measures of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a dental setting during this pandemic. Dental practitioners are normally guided in practice by set ethical principles, thus the researchers wanted to determine how these rules are managed during this pandemic.MethodsA protocol specific for the objectives of this study was developed according to the criteria for a scoping review. Relevant databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Elsevier, Science Direct, Wiley), including online access to health/ dental organizations (World Health Organization/ American Dental Association), were searched to identify evidence which was restricted to the English language for the period 2015-2020. Predetermined eligibility criteria were applied, evidence was assessed and data extracted for each included article. Relevant outcomes assessed were: infection control measures, transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, such as modes and sources of transmission and the ethical principles related to the dental setting with a focus on the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsSearches yielded a total of 402 articles: 387 from electronic databases and 15 from other sources. Of these, 231 were unrelated to the objectives of the current scoping review. The full text of 69 studies was assessed for eligibility, of which 26 were finalized for inclusion following the objectives and inclusion criteria set for the scoping review. Most of the included articles were reviews, recommendations and guidelines for dentists. A narrative explanation of the pre-specified outcomes is reported for the 3 areas covered for this review. There is no clinical evidence available that can support the recommendations by individuals, dental organizations or health authorities related to the objectives of this review, but these may be considered as the much needed guidelines during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. A different ethical framework is required during a pandemic and these must be informed by evidence.

The Export-led growth hypotheses postulates that there is a positive causal relationship running from exports to economic growth. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to empirically investigate the applicability of the Export-Led Growth hypothesis for Jordan over the period 1980-2012. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL) to cointegration approach was used to ensure the existence of the long-run linear combination among variables over the study period as well as the short run movement. The tests of the variables properties show that the included variables are integrated of order one, I(1), and cointegrated indicating the existence of a long-run equilibrium. The empirical results show that they are in line with previous research specifically on Jordan case. Namely, that the exports are a significant stimulus of the economic growth in Jordan, where exports affect output growth positively in both the short-run and in the long-run. These results suggest that authorities implement an export expansion strategy to stimulating exports and hence economic growth.

To investigate the relationship between increased lipid peroxidation, and the lowering of both plasma total proteins and albumin in lead-exposed workers, and the effectiveness of antioxidants (vit. C and E) in modulating oxidative stress in those workers. Thirty male and females workers employed in the Iraqi storage battery (age range 20-40 years) were participating in this study. Additionally, 11 healthy subjects were served as healthy controls, with the same age range compared to workers group, to avoid the effects of age variations on the studied parameters. Blood lead levels, erythrocytes and plasma MDA, erythrocytes and plasma GSH, total protein and albumin levels in healthy controls and lead-exposed workers pre- and post-treatments with antioxidant were measured. Comparison with healthy control groups reveal 360% increase in blood lead levels, 150% increase in erythrocyte MDA, 117% increase in plasma MDA, 28% decrease in erythrocyte GSH, 56% decrease in plasma GSH, 13% decrease in total plasma protein and 23% decrease in albumin levels in lead-exposed workers. Treatment with a combination of antioxidant vitamins (1000 mg/day vit. C and 200 mg/day vit. E) for one month produced significant reduction 12% in lead levels, 54% in erythrocyte MDA, 53% in plasma MDA; significant increase 41% in erythrocyte GSH, 120% in plasma GSH and 11% in plasma albumin levels in comparison with pre-treatment levels. In conclusion, there is a beneficial effect of antioxidants on the oxidative stress parameters that not only related to their ability to remove lead from target cells, but also associated with antioxidant potential for bolstering thiol antioxidant capacity, and this makes these vitamins a good candidate for therapeutic intervention in lead poisoning.

Objective The shift to online learning during COVID-19 led to increased musculoskeletal discomforts and impacted students’ quality of life. Neck pain (NP), once a minor issue, has become more prevalent due to prolonged electronic device use in new learning methods. This study aims to measure the prevalence of NP among University of Sharjah (UOS) students during the COVID-19 online learning period and to investigate the factors that provoked it. Methods This study focused on young adult students aged 17-26 and did not consider gender or athletic status due to the university’s demographics and pandemic restrictions. Demographic data, Neck Disability Index (NDI) assessments, and pain management information were gathered and analyzed using SPSS 24 through univariate and bivariate methods. Results The prevalence of NP during COVID-19, among 325 UOS students was found to be 62.7%, 64.41% of which had NP at the time of doing the survey. NDI scores were found to be skewed. The median was 16% which indicates mild NP while the interquartile range was 19.11. Most participants reported experiencing posterior neck pain (38.77%), primarily attributed to prolonged sitting (81.23%). Factors such as lifting, personal care, and emotional well-being were found to have a significant impact on NDI. Participants who did not seek medical attention exhibited significantly higher levels of neck pain disability, as measured by the NDI. The median NDI score for this group was 20, with an interquartile range of 16.89 while, those who sought medical attention had a higher median NDI score of 34 with interquartile range of 22. Conclusion This study highlights the prevalence of neck pain among UOS students, emphasizing the need for postural improvements and further research on prevention strategies in the UAE.

The Export-led growth hypotheses postulates that there is a positive causal relationship running from exports to economic growth. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to empirically investigate the applicability of the Export-Led Growth hypothesis for Jordan over the period 1980-2012. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL) to cointegration approach was used to ensure the existence of the long-run linear combination among variables over the study period as well as the short run movement. The tests of the variables properties show that the included variables are integrated of order one, I(1), and cointegrated indicating the existence of a long-run equilibrium. The empirical results show that they are in line with previous research specifically on Jordan case. Namely, that the exports are a significant stimulus of the economic growth in Jordan, where exports affect output growth positively in both the short-run and in the long-run. These results suggest that authorities implement an export expansion strategy to stimulating exports and hence economic growth. Keywords: Exports; Economic Growth; ARDL; Jordan. JEL Classifications: C22; F14; F43.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the research output and status of women academics in science fields in Jordan. The rationale is to identify trends as well as challenges to advise policy makers and university administrators on how to promote more involvement of women academics within the university. A survey of two sections was developed. The first section included 36 items that measure demographics and challenges in academic, research, administrative, and family contexts. The second section included questions regarding motivators and barriers to academic research. Participants were prompted to respond per the Likert's Scale, where the responses were later categorized to a dichotomous variable (e.g., yes/no responses). The tools' reliability and validity were tested in a pilot study conducted among 36 participants as well as from feedback from experts in the field. A description of the profile of women scientists in Jordan is presented. There was no significant difference between married and unmarried academics and their responses regarding opportunities and challenges faced in research. Additionally, there was no significant difference in responses between those who are married to academics and those married to non-academics. Furthermore, the t-test showed that those who expressed dissatisfaction with promotion rules in their universities significantly expressed facing more challenges than those satisfied with promotion regulations. This is the first comprehensive study investigating women academics in Jordan in specific and in the Middle East region in general. Whereas previous research in the literature focused on comparing women academics' progress and achievements with that of men academics, the novelty of this study lies in investigating sub-populations of women academics and identifying factors that affect academic achievement among women themselves. The article also offers suggestions for tailored intervention to improve the professional growth of women scientists in Jordan. Keywords: Academia, Jordanian women, Scientific research, Promotion, Introduction Many women choose academia as a career because they simply find themselves in it. Others choose it for its flexibility and high job security which helps in relieving the [...]

Objective The shift to online learning during COVID-19 led to increased musculoskeletal discomforts and impacted students’ quality of life. Neck pain, once a minor issue, has become more prevalent due to prolonged electronic device use in new learning methods. This study aims to measure the prevalence of neck pain among University of Sharjah (UOS) students during the COVID-19 online learning period and to investigate the factors that provoked it. Methods This cross-sectional study used an online survey distributed to UOS students via social media from February 16 to March 12, 2021. Demographic data, Neck Disability Index (NDI) assessments, and pain management information were gathered and analyzed using SPSS 24 through univariate and bivariate methods. Results The prevalence of neck pain during COVID-19, among 325 UOS students was found to be 62.7%, 64.41% of which had neck pain at the time of doing the survey. The mean NDI percentage point was 19.19%. The most common location of pain was the back of the neck 38.77%). Participants reported prolonged sitting (81.23%) while leaning forward as the most prevalent cause of their neck pain. Bivariate analysis showed that the most significant factors affecting the NDI were lifting, personal care, headaches, concentration, sleeping, recreational activities, reading, anxiousness, depression, and work. Moreover, subjects who did not seek medical attention treatment had significantly higher NDI scores as compared to those who did (83.89 vs 125.80, p=0.002). Conclusion By determining the prevalence of neck pain among UOS students, this research can attract attention to the importance of postural changes and time spent in e-learning on neck pain, and the gaps of previously published articles can be filled. Future studies about neck pain and additional preventative measures should be catalyzed in the UAE.