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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve (PMBSRR or the Reserve) is located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia and covers an area of 24,500 km2 of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Bat surveys have been undertaken between 2022 and 2024 across PMBSRR as part of the Reserve's groundbreaking conservation efforts and this is the first published checklist of the bat species present within the Reserve. Survey methods included bat capture, roost inspection, and acoustic recordings. Tissue and faecal samples were taken during the surveys and compared to a global database to confirm the species present. The survey results confirmed the presence of 18 species belonging to 14 genera of eight families. This research has greatly expanded our knowledge on the diversity of bats within the Kingdom, increasing the reported bat species in the Tabuk region by seven species, with the addition of Rhyneptesicus nasutus, Rhinolophus hipposideros, Nycteris thebaica, Tadarida aegyptiaca, Rhinopoma microphyllum, Taphozous nudiventris, and Taphozous perforatus and increasing the number of species within Saudi Arabia by one species, with the addition of Vansonia rueppellii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Magazine General Union of Arab Archaeologists is the property of General Union of Arab Archaeologists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article presents the first record of Rüppell's Bat (Vansonia rueppellii) within Saudi Arabia, captured within Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The morphological and acoustic description is provided. The species has been confirmed by biometrics and genetic sequencing, increasing the number of bat species currently found within Saudi Arabia to 32, from 23 genera and 10 families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze trends in the amount of rainfall and temperature during the period 1978-2015 at the Aqaba and Tabuk stations to infer them as an indicator of climate change. The study relied on the inductive approach based on analyzing the statistical characteristics of the distribution of rainfall and temperature, in addition to examining the homogeneity of variance. The study concluded that there is a great similarity in the annual rainfall regime and an increase in the average annual rainfall of the Tabuk by 13.7% and there is an increase in the maximum annual rainfall amount and range by 12.6% and 12.8%, respectively at Aqaba. The value of t-statistical test, the value of the absolute difference between the two halfmeans, and twice the value of the standard error indicated the presence of non-significant trends in the general change in annual rainfall at the Tabuk and Aqaba. The standard deviation also showed the extent of dispersion of seasonal rainfall amounts around the average and an increase in the average annual temperature observed at the Aqaba station by about 2.4°C over the Tabuk station.Calculating the general temperature change indicates that there is an increasing trend at the two stations. The t-test values also showed increasing and significant trends in temperature during the summer and winter seasons, and non-increasing and non-significant trends during the fall and spring seasons at Aqaba. While the results of this test revealed increasing and significant trends in temperature during all seasons at Tabuk station.The study recommends applying detailed studies for all stations and for the longest period to determine general trends in the characteristics of rainfall and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ABHATH is the property of ABHATH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Habitat loss and prey species shortages represent serious issues for many wild carnivores. Carnivores may expand their search for prey and suitable habitat to cover a wide area, seeking alternative sources of food at different localities, including human-modified land such as agricultural areas. Agricultural areas in Tabuk Province, north-western kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been expanded substantially over the last three decades. This research studied the potential role of large agricultural areas as supplementary habitats for wild carnivores in a desert ecosystem. Camera traps recorded three mammalian carnivores: golden jackal (Canis aureus), grey wolf (Canis lupus), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Although red foxes were highly abundant across the surveyed sites, an analysis showed that they avoided sites near highways. The golden jackal is rarely documented in Saudi Arabia and there is a significant lack of information about this species. All three detected wild carnivores are officially protected species in Saudi Arabia. It can be concluded that agricultural areas represent potential survival sites offering suitable conditions in a harsh desert ecosystem, especially under conditions of prey depletion and native habitat degradation. Further research is required to better understand how agricultural areas can be used to promote conservation actions for wild animals and improve their ecological status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community pharmacists are engaged in various professional activities starting from drug dispensing to promoting the well-being of patients. They dispense medications as stated in the prescription and are also licensed to prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Self-medication is widely practiced in various countries, which may lead to irrational drug use. The objectives of this study were to identify the factors associated with dispensing errors, to find ways to minimize dispensing errors, to identify patients’ reasons for self-medication, and to find the drugs commonly utilized by patients as OTC medications and the sources of their drug information. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 286 registered community pharmacists all over Tabuk was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Physician’s unclear handwriting in the prescription was the major factor for dispensing error (2.6 out of 3) and writing the prescription clearly by the physician or using a printed form of prescription was an important factor in minimizing dispensing errors (2.91 out of 3). Previous similar complaints in the past were the main reason for self-medication (2.45 out of 3) with analgesics and antipyretics being the commonly dispensed drug groups dispensed as OTC medications (2.95 out of 3). Conclusion: Self-medication practices and dispensing errors are widespread in Tabuk. Antibiotics were dispensed as OTC medication, which may lead to more chance of irrational drug use. Writing the prescription clearly and legibly would reduce dispensing errors. It is the community pharmacists’ responsibility to increase awareness regarding the appropriate use of drugs to the public.

Physical activity (PA) improves quality of life (QOL), yet the relationship between PA, QOL, and sociodemographic factors in Saudi Arabia remains underexplored. This study examined this relationship among 369 adults from Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire measured PA levels and QOL using the Arabic versions of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), respectively. Data analyses included chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis H tests alongside a multivariate regression analysis. Among the SF-36 scores, marital status (p = 0.005), history of chronic diseases (p = 0.004), and medication use (p = 0.001) showed significant differences; pain (80.6 ± 21.5) and energy/fatigue (63.0 ± 18.5) scored highest and lowest, respectively; and sex was significantly associated with PA levels (p = 0.001). The average total SF-36 score was 69.5 ± 15.7, and 42.5% of participants reported low PA. Participants with moderate PA had significantly higher SF-36 scores (p = 0.003), energy/fatigue (p < 0.0001), emotional wellbeing (p = 0.009), and general health (p = 0.004) scores compared with those with low PA. The significant association between PA and QOL underscores the need for sustainable health programs to enhance and maintain PA in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030 QOL program. It can also inform the development of targeted interventions to enhance PA levels and improve QOL aspects within communities, considering specific sociodemographic attributes to ensure effectiveness and inclusivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the impact of the hidden curriculum on the educational process in schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (a field study on primary schools in the city of Tabuk). To achieve the research objectives,the descriptive survey method was used, and a questionnaire was designed consisting of (23) items distributed over two axes: the impact of the curriculum. The hidden curriculum on the educational process in primary schools in the city of Tabuk, development proposals to reduce the impact of the hidden curriculum on the educational process in primary schools in the city of Tabuk. The research was applied to a random sample of (338) male and female teachers. The research reached many results, the most notable of which are: that the hidden curriculum greatly affects the The educational process in the primary stage. The results also indicated that there is a gap between what is taught and what is expected of students in reality .The results also indicated the impact of the hidden curriculum on the educational or developmental needs of some students and the lack of consideration of individual differences between them. The results also indicated that the hidden curriculum focuses on Specific aspects of knowledge and skills and not others. The results also showed that development proposals significantly reduce the impact of the hidden curriculum in the educational process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduced species can have harmful impacts on native species and ecosystems. Certain species can benefit from anthropogenic activities and habitat modification, even outside of their native ranges. Introduced species in Saudi Arabia have received little attention, which has resulted in limited knowledge on this topic, especially regarding the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. One bird species introduced to Saudi Arabia is the common myna (Acridotheres tristis), which appears to be invading vast areas of the country. For the first time, the distribution and habitat preferences of the common myna have been investigated across different habitats in Tabuk Province, northwestern Saudi Arabia. Notably, common mynas were detected in habitats with different conditions, including urban, suburban, and agricultural habitats. Overall, the common myna appears to be a flexible species that has adapted to this arid environment and effectively uses available resources in foraging and nest site selection. Common mynas were observed in both urban and suburban environments of Tabuk City with their presence being noticeably higher in urban and suburban than in agricultural habitats. This suggests that the centers of human activity and urban/suburban development seem to be preferable sites for this species, as shown by analyzing the human influence index. Based on observations from fieldwork, the common myna population is expected to increase since breeding appears to be escalating with no major threats. The current ecological status of the common myna and its range expansion to different habitats in northwestern Saudi Arabia is worrying and thus warrants further monitoring and investigation.

Background: Community pharmacists are engaged in various professional activities starting from drug dispensing to promoting the well‑being of patients. They dispense medications as stated in the prescription and are also licensed to prescribe over‑the‑counter (OTC) medications. Self‑medication is widely practiced in various countries, which may lead to irrational drug use. The objectives of this study were to identify the factors associated with dispensing errors, to find ways to minimize dispensing errors, to identify patients’ reasons for self‑medication, and to find the drugs commonly utilized by patients as OTC medications and the sources of their drug information. Methods: A cross‑sectional survey of a convenience sample of 286 registered community pharmacists all over Tabuk was conducted using a self‑administered questionnaire. Results: Physician’s unclear handwriting in the prescription was the major factor for dispensing error (2.6 out of 3) and writing the prescription clearly by the physician or using a printed form of prescription was an important factor in minimizing dispensing errors (2.91 out of 3). Previous similar complaints in the past were the main reason for self‑medication (2.45 out of 3) with analgesics and antipyretics being the commonly dispensed drug groups dispensed as OTC medications (2.95 out of 3). Conclusion: Self‑medication practices and dispensing errors are widespread in Tabuk. Antibiotics were dispensed as OTC medication, which may lead to more chance of irrational drug use. Writing the prescription clearly and legibly would reduce dispensing errors. It is the community pharmacists’ responsibility to increase awareness regarding the appropriate use of drugs to the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionRemote-access scarless thyroidectomies are relatively new surgical procedures, and their uptake for cosmetic concerns is rapidly evolving. However, demographic factors, previous thyroid surgery, and culture substantially influence the patient's choice. This is the first study to assess the extensive counseling effect on the patient's preference for remote-access thyroidectomies compared to conventional transcervical approaches. We aimed to assess the same among medical students at the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis interventional study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information about demographic factors, knowledge, and perception of the medical students regarding remote-access thyroidectomies before and after a slide presentation.ResultsOf 394 medical students (age 22.65 ± 1.62 years), 53.8% were women. Initially, the majority of the students preferred remote-access thyroidectomy over the conventional approach (85.3% vs. 14.7%, respectively); however, a substantial change toward the cervical approach was evident after extensive counseling [odds ratio, 2.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.58–4.27; and P-value

Copyright of International Journal of Educational Psychological Studies (EPS) is the property of Refaad for Studies, Research & Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A narration is mentioned by ʾIbn Isḥāq, cited in al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya by ʾIbn Hishām, that says the Prophet gifted portions of the spoils from the Hawāzin tribes to the "Muʾallafatu Qulūbuhum" (a group of chiefs and aristocrats) after the battle of Ḥunayn, in order to win their affection and console them. The phrase "Muʾallafatu Qulūbuhum" comes from Qurʾan 9:60, which, according to Ibn Hishām, was revealed during the Battle of Tabūk in the 9th year of the Hijra (630 A.D.) and among other Āyahs concerning Munāfiqīn. Explaining the Āyah, Ibn Hishām writes: "These Āyahs clarify who the rightful recipients and deserving groups for the alms (Șadaqāt) are." The present study uses Sīra sources, historians' works, and Tafsīr (interpretation), and employs the historical-comparative method in a qualitative manner to analyze the extent of alignment between the narration of "Muʾallafatu Qulūbuhum" with historiographical principles, such as the authenticity of documents, and alignment with other historical accounts. The study also explores the purpose behind the prominence of this narration in the accounts of the Prophet's Sīra. It is concluded that the narration of "Muʾallafatu Qulūbuhum" does not align temporally or contextually with the cited Āyah ,"Innamā al-ṣadaqāt...". The narration has been included in Sīra accounts based on a requested historiographical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data availability regarding gynecological malignancies is essential for policymaking and future planning. No researchers have assessed the prevalence of gynecological cancer in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. We aimed to assess the same in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. retrospective study was conducted in King Fahd Specialists Hospital in Tabuk City, KSA, from November 2023 to February 2024. The hospital was randomly chosen from the four central hospitals in Tabuk City. All the records of adult women who were diagnosed with cancer in the years 2019-2021 were approached. A data sheet was used to gather the age, type of cancer, method of diagnosis, and laterality. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used for data analysis. Out of 544 patients with malignancies, the most common cancers in Tabuk City were breast, colon, and thyroid (18.2%, 12.7%, and 12.1 respectively), while gynecological malignancies were the seventh of all cancers. Uterine and ovarian tumors were found in 1.7% and 1.5%; all were malignant, and 45% were adenocarcinoma--the diagnosis histology 52.6%, 36.8%, and surgery in 10.6%. The majority of the tumors were bilateral (84.2%), 10.6 involved the right side, and 5.2% involved the left. Gynecological malignancies ranked sixth among cancers in Tabuk City; uterine cancer was the most prevalent gynecological cancer, followed by ovarian cancer, and most cases were adenocarcinoma. The methods of diagnosis were histology and cytology, followed by surgery. Further extensive multicenter studies investigating gynecological malignancy patterns and risk factors are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer in the developed world and the fourth in developing countries. To the best of our knowledge, no researchers have assessed colorectal cancer in Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we went ahead to investigate the clinical and pathological pattern of colorectal cancer in Tabuk. A retrospective cohort was conducted at King Fahad Specialist Hospital (KFSH) Tabuk City from January 2023 to May 2023. All the adult patient records (Saudi and non-Saudi) from January 2019 to December 2020 were approached. An Excel checklist with coding was used to gather the information. including sociodemographic data, histopathology, and the biopsy site, grade, and if malignant or benign. Out of 46 patients with colorectal cancer (60.9% men, and 78.3% Saudis), the patient's ages ranged from 36-92 years, and the majority of females (77.8%) were younger than 60 years. In this survey, the most common malignancy was the right side of the colon (39.1%) followed by recto-sigmoid (23.9%), and rectal cancer (19.6%). Adenocarcinoma was the commonest histopathological pattern (84.8%). Stage II was observed in 56.5%, stage I in 6.5%, and stage III was evident in 4.4%. Colorectal cancer was the second most common cancer in Tabuk City. The patients were younger and a tendency towards proximal shift was observed. Males were more affected and were older than women. Adenocarcinoma was the commonest histopathological finding, the majority were carcinoma in situ, and stage II was the commonest presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural compounds derived from higher plants can serve as new sources of antibacterial drugs with potentially novel mechanisms of action. Traditional medicine uses plant extracts to treat a variety of infectious disorders, including those caused by bacteria and fungi. Currently, there is a great demand for plant extracts with significant antibacterial activity. In this study, extracts from four plants—Lantana camara, Withania somnifera, Cetrariais landica, and Tribulus terrestris—were subjected to phytochemical screening, and in vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, glycosides, tannins, and terpenoids. The antimicrobial activities of the plant extracts were assessed using the disc diffusion method. They exhibited varied antimicrobial activities against gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa), gram-positive bacteria (B. subtilis and S. aureus), and fungi (C. albicans, A. niger, F. oxisporium, and F. solani). Lantana camara extract showed the highest phytochemical content and antimicrobial activity. These findings can be used in the pharmaceutical and alternative medicine industries to create natural bioactive compounds that are beneficial to human health.

The incidence of cancer increased substantially in the previous decades. In addition, increasing mortality was observed. No researchers have assessed cancer prevalence in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The current study investigated the pattern of cancer in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted in the Pathology Department at King Fahd Specialist Hospital from June 2023 to September 2023. All the records of patients diagnosed with malignancies between 2019 and 2020 were approached confidentially according to the Helsinki Declaration. A checklist has been used to record the age, sex, residence, and marital status. The type of cancer, behavior, extent, stage, and histopathology were recorded. Out of 354 patients (52.05±17.71, and 48% females), the majority were Saudis (79.4%), 48.3% were married, and 90.97% were from Tabuk City. The specimens were obtained from lymph nodes (18.1%), breasts, and colon (14.4% each). In this study, nearly two-thirds (61.3%) were carcinoma in situ, 18.4% showed lymph node metastasis, and 9% distant metastasis. The majority of cancer (99.4%) was malignant. The commonest histopathological finding was carcinoma (malignant and undifferentiated), followed by adenocarcinoma in 19.8% and papillary thyroid carcinoma in 10.5%. The commonest malignancies in Tabuk City were breast, colon, and thyroid, respectively. Carcinoma in situ was the most common, followed by lymph node and distant metastasis. The histopathology varied between carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. Further prospective studies investigating cancer risk factors are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tabuk province of Saudi Arabia (SA) has an arid zone, few aquifers, high groundwater salinity (seawater intrusion), and accelerated population, industrial, and agricultural development. The development of Tabuk Basin is essential for the addition of new freshwater resources and the enhancement of aquifer recharge potential. The hydrological characteristics of the drainage basin aid in the identification of watersheds, enabling the protection and management of land erosion and ground/surface water resources. This study analyzed hydro-morphometric data from the eighteen sub-basins of the Tabuk Basin using multivariate statistical approaches and coupled remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) for water priority determination. The results show that the four principal components (PC1-4) have a variance of 90.4% concerning bifurcation ratio (Rb), ruggedness number (Rn), elongation ratio (Re), drainage density (Dd), basin relief (Bh), circularity ratio (Rc), and relief ratio (Rh). The Al Ula, Thaibah, Hamd, Dama, Al Wajh, Al Ghamra, and Azlam sub-basins showed the highest priority, indicating soil erosion and the necessity for mitigating measures to reduce infrastructure damage. Most exposed geology (67%) exhibited strong permeability and good infiltration (sedimentary cover and Quaternary sediments). The rest (23%) showed low to medium permeability (igneous, metamorphic, and carbonate rocks). The best promising sites for building new wells can reduce surface runoff and soil erosion through aquifer infiltration and abstraction. The aquifer potentiality map was accomplished for Al Ula, Thaibah, Hamd, and Dama drainage basins. The most prospective groundwater investigation regions were identified, coinciding with the drilled wells that confirmed and validated the results. The estimated zones of high to very high aquifer potentiality were used to add additional wells for investment reduce soil erosion, mitigate alternatives, agriculture, urbanization, etc. The other sub-basins have a medium to low priority, with less soil erosion and aquifer recharge.

Natural compounds derived from higher plants can serve as new sources of antibacterial drugs with potentially novel mechanisms of action. Traditional medicine uses plant extracts to treat a variety of infectious disorders, including those caused by bacteria and fungi. Currently, there is a great demand for plant extracts with significant antibacterial activity. In this study, extracts from four plants— Lantana camara, Withania somnifera, Cetrariais landica, and Tribulus terrestris—were subjected to phytochemical screening, and in vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, glycosides, tannins, and terpenoids. The antimicrobial activities of the plant extracts were assessed using the disc diffusion method. They exhibited varied antimicrobial activities against gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa), gram-positive bacteria (B. subtilis and S. aureus), and fungi (C. albicans, A. niger, F. oxisporium, and F. solani). Lantana camara extract showed the highest phytochemical content and antimicrobial activity. These findings can be used in the pharmaceutical and alternative medicine industries to create natural bioactive compounds that are beneficial to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne protozoan skin disease that affects all human ages and can pose extreme social and psychological impacts. This study aimed to reveal the epidemiological trends of CL in the Tabuk region, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), during the period from 2006 to 2021. Methods: patients with CL, who were detected and registered at the regional Vector-borne Diseases Control Unit of the Tabuk province, between January 2006 and December 2021, were analyzed in this retrospective study. The patients' data included their nationality, gender, and age, and their annual and month-by-month recorded patterns. Results: a total of 1575 CL patients were reported during the said period. They were 53.1% Saudis and 46.9% non-Saudi expatriates with a ratio around 1.1: 1.0; and they were re-categorized as 83.17% males and 16.83% females with a ratio of 4.9: 1.0 (p <0.5). Additionally, the majority (1002/1575; 63.6%) of these CL patients were in age group of 15-45 years (p <0.5), and the lowest number was in age group of <5 years. Most importantly, there was a continuous annual and month-by-month record of these patients; reflecting CL endemicity in the Tabuk region of KSA. Conclusion: the present findings imply that CL is endemic in the Tabuk region of KSA. As there is a recent increase in human immigration to this region, sustainable monitoring of CL and improving its control measures is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are controversies about vaccination effectiveness of seasonal influenza and its wide variation across seasons and countries. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccination among adult population in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This prospective cohort study included residents aged 18 years or older. 532 participants were divided regarding vaccination status into two equal groups: the first (vaccine group) received the current influenza vaccine, and the other (control group) received nothing. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The vaccine effectiveness was estimated based on self-reported data regarding the incidence of chest infection or flu-like illness (FLI) after the vaccination, duration of the FLI, ability to do the normal daily activity, seeking medical care, need for visiting a clinic, taking medications, and hospital admissions. Results: The rate of chest infection after vaccination showed no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.879). The incidence of FLI in winter following vaccine intake was significantly higher in the vaccine group compared to the control (p=0.038). The FLI affected the daily life activities of 36 subjects (13.5%) belonging to the vaccine group compared to 28 subjects (10.5%) in the control group (p=0.286). Seeking medical service for the FLI was recorded in 7.5% and 4.5% of the vaccine and the control groups, respectively, with no significant difference (p=0.145). Conclusions: The seasonal flu vaccine lacked significant effectiveness among adult population in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. Regularly improving the immunogenicity and efficacy of influenza vaccines seems a necessity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jabal Al-Ward is one of the Hijazi mountains situated between Al-Ulā and Al-Wajh, southwest Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia's northwesterly border region. It is considered the highest mountain in this area and is enriched in wildlife. For the first time, the present research aimed to investigate the floristic composition, phytogeographical distribution, and plant diversity in Jabal Al-Ward. One hundred ninety-eight species representing 47 plant families have been identified. The Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Fabaceae represented more than a third of the region's floristic composition. The perennial species (53.5%) were dominant over the annuals (46.46%). This is a prominent feature in Jabal Al-Ward, where the perennial species may be more tolerant of climatic changeability than the annuals. Seven life form categories were found; therophytes (46.46%) showed to be the most common life form. In addition, there were four main phytogeographical groups: Mono-regional, Bi-regional, Pluri-regional, and Worldwide. The Mono-regional and Bi-regional categories had the highest participation, with 38.5% and 37.4%, respectively. Thirty-six species (18.2%) were found to be native to the Saharo-Arabian region. The Saharo-Arabian region was combined with eight more regions, including Saharo-Arabian/Sudano-Zambesian (12.6%), Irano-Turanian/Saharo-Arabian (9.1%), Mediterranean/Saharo-Arabian (5.6%), Irano-Turanian/Mediterranean/Saharo-Arabian (4.5%), Irano-Turanian/Saharo-Arabian/Sudano-Zambesian (2%), Euro-Siberian/Irano-Turanian/Mediterranean/Saharo-Arabian and Saharo-Arabian/Sudanian (1% each), Mediterranean/Saharo-Arabian/Sudano-Zambesian, and Irano-Turanian/Mediterranean/Saharo-Arabian/Saharo-Zambesian (0.5% each). The current study demonstrated the highest species richness compared to earlier research on various locations in Tabuk Province. In future work, the species and endemic richness along elevation gradients should be studied in Jabal Al-Ward. As well as the IUCN status of each taxon, the DNA barcoding of endangered species will be of great significance if applied in the surveyed area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellites (DM) is one of the most common systemic disorders in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a potentially blinding ophthalmic consequence of uncontrolled DM. The early detection of DR leads to an earlier intervention, which might be sight-saving. Our aim in this cross-sectional study is to assess patients' knowledge and practices regarding DR, and to detect the barriers for eye screening and receiving a check-up from an ophthalmologist. The study included 386 diabetic patients. One hundred and thirty-one patients (33.9%) had T1DM and 188 (48.7%) had T2DM. Most of the diabetic patients (73.3%) know that they must have an eye check-up regardless of their blood sugar level. DM was agreed to affect the retina in 80.3% of the patients, 56% of patients agree that DM complications are always symptomatic, and 84.5% know that DM could affect their eyes. The fact that blindness is a complication of diabetic retinopathy was known by 65% of the diabetic patients. A better knowledge was detected among patients older than 50 years of age (54.9%) compared to those aged less than 35 years (40.9%), which was statistically significant (p = 0.030). Additionally, 61.2% of diabetic patients who were university graduates had a significantly better knowledge in comparison to 33.3% of illiterate patients (p = 0.006). Considering the barriers to not getting one's eyes screened earlier, a lack of knowledge was reported by 38.3% of the patients, followed by lack of access to eye care (24.4%). In conclusion, there is a remarkable increase in the awareness of DR among the Saudi population. This awareness might lead to an earlier detection and management of DR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic retinopathy is a significant cause of blindness in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. One in five people in Saudi Arabia is suffering from diabetes mellitus. Obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes when co-exist aggravate each other with deleterious consequences. We aimed to assess the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and diabetic retinopathy in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia Methods: This is a sectional study conducted at the Diabetes Center in King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia during the period from August 2021 to February 2022. Two hundred and eight patients with type 2 diabetes were included. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and cardiovascular risk factors. Obstructive sleep apnea risk was assessed by the STOP-BANG questionnaire. The Statistical Package for Social Science was used for data analysis Results: There were 208 patients with type 2 diabetes, their age was 51.98 ± 12.90 years; the body mass index was 32.28 ± 9.38, the duration of diabetes was 10.97 ± 10.70, the Stop-Bang score ranged from 1-7 (mean ± SD, 4.37 ± 1.61) and the HBa1C was 9.44 ± 1.67. Obstructive sleep apnea was highly prevalent (84.6%) and diabetic retinopathy was evident in nearly half of the patients (48.1%). No significant statistical difference was evident between patients with and without retinopathy regarding obstructive sleep apnea risk (4.7 ± 1.7 versus 3.9 ± 1.4, 95% CI, -0.14-1.6, P-value, 0.093. Conclusion: Obstructive sleep apnea and diabetic retinopathy were highly prevalent. No significant statistical association was evident between obstructive sleep apnea risk and diabetic retinopathy. Further larger multi-center studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduced species can have harmful impacts on native species and ecosystems. Certain species can benefit from anthropogenic activities and habitat modification, even outside of their native ranges. Introduced species in Saudi Arabia have received little attention, which has resulted in limited knowledge on this topic, especially regarding the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. One bird species introduced to Saudi Arabia is the common myna (Acridotheres tristis), which appears to be invading vast areas of the country. For the first time, the distribution and habitat preferences of the common myna have been investigated across different habitats in Tabuk Province, northwestern Saudi Arabia. Notably, common mynas were detected in habitats with different conditions, including urban, suburban, and agricultural habitats. Overall, the common myna appears to be a flexible species that has adapted to this arid environment and effectively uses available resources in foraging and nest site selection. Common mynas were observed in both urban and suburban environments of Tabuk City with their presence being noticeably higher in urban and suburban than in agricultural habitats. This suggests that the centers of human activity and urban/suburban development seem to be preferable sites for this species, as shown by analyzing the human influence index. Based on observations from fieldwork, the common myna population is expected to increase since breeding appears to be escalating with no major threats. The current ecological status of the common myna and its range expansion to different habitats in northwestern Saudi Arabia is worrying and thus warrants further monitoring and investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity refers to all the type of species in one geographical region or ecosystem. It consists of plants, animals, bacteria, and other life forms. As an estimate, around 1.7 million species are on record globally and approximately 15,000–18,000 new species are added each year. Global climate change is accelerating species extinction due to habitat destruction. Further, various abiotic and biotic environmental factors are limiting the pattern of biodiversity in a geographical region. A change in species category from endangered to extinction occurs due to their physiological, morphological, and life history pattern, which limits them to a specific niche. Biodiversity is very important for energy production and flow, bioremediation, and biogeochemical cycling of nutrients in terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems and vice versa. It is further required for human existence in the form of food, fibers, medicines, and biological control. Therefore, consistent monitoring, assessment, and conservation of ecological habitats and diversity of flora and fauna of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems is the need of the hour. In this article, we are presenting an assessment based upon the literature survey on the biodiversity of Tabuk region of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive study on the biodiversity of plants, animals and microorganisms of the Tabuk region (Tabuk city, Tayma, Haql, Sharma, Duba, Al Wajh and Umluj, Al Zetah, Al Beda'a, etc.) are included in this review. This study will be a landmark as it is conducted at the inception of NEOM project in Tabuk region. It will help the authorities to enhance the native green cover, decrease desertification, regenerate biodiversity in natural environments, and advance the quality of life, to achieve the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and VISION 2030. However, studies and investigations on Tabuk biodiversity are still limited and need further exploration. Recently, a joint work between King Salman Royal Natural Reserve (KSRNR) and Department of Biology of University of Tabuk is underway to monitor the baseline data of flora and fauna of this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent and future climate diagrams (surface air temperature, surface relative humidity, surface wind, and mean sea level pressure) over Tabuk are analyzed based on hourly observations (2016–2020) and hourly ERA5 datasets (1979–2020) with daily GFDL mini-ensemble mean (2006–2100). Moreover, the GFDL mini-ensemble mean is calculated based on the results of three different GFDL simulations (GFDL-CM3, GFDL-ESM2M, and GFDL-ESM2G). The data observed is used to describe the short-term current weather variabilities. However, ERA5 datasets are used to study the long-term current weather variabilities after bias removal by comparing them with the observations. Finally, a bias correction statistical model was developed by matching cumulative distribution functions (CDF) of corrected ERA5 and the mini-ensemble mean over 15 years (2006–2020). The obtained local statistic will be used to statically downscale the GFDL mini-ensemble means to study the future projection of the atmospheric parameters studied. The results show the efficiency of using ERA5 to describe Tabuk’s weather. This data for Tabuk, 1979–2020, displays a significant positive trend for surface air temperature (0.51 °C decade ̶ 1), surface wind speed (0.02 m s ̶ 1 decade ̶ 1), together with a significant negative trend for relative humidity (−0.38% decade ̶1) and sea level pressure (−0.05 hPa decade ̶ 1). The GFDL mini-ensemble mean projection, up to 2100, has a significant bias with the studied weather parameters. This is partly due to GFDL coarse resolution (2° × 2°). After removing the bias, the statistically downscaled simulations from the GFDL mini-ensemble mean to show that Tabuk’s climate will experience significant changes with a great range of uncertainties ranging from 0.34 to 2.28 °C century−1, from −0.11 to −1.45% century−1, from 0.016 to 0.073 m s−1 century−1, and from 0.08 to 0.57 hPa century−1 according to the scenario used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sand dunes are one of the manifestations of the Earth's surface in desert environments, as a result of environmental factors causing their origin. These areas are of weak natural characteristics to the causative factors of desertification in dry environments. The phenomenon of sand dunes is a manifestation of desertification with an aerobic composition, so it is important to study these phenomena in The study area, because of its impact on the lands in which it spreads, and being one of the manifestations of desertification that affected the region in terms of lack of agricultural production and high salinity and other prominent manifestations, which we will address in the research and which take to expand significantly, especially the sand dunes, which are characterized by being fast-moving dunes, and this was observed during the field study in the study area, During this time, the types, shapes and sizes of the dunes scattered in the search area were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every aspect of the Holy Prophet's life is a beacon for us. One of the most important events in Holy prophet's life and career is connected with the Battle of Tabuk (Gazwa-e-Tabuk). Therefore, the analytical study of the narrations related to that is of special importance. So, this article discusses the event in the light of Main Muhammad Jameel's Tafseer, Fahm al-Qur'an, in two stages. In the first stage, the narrations related to this event have been analyzed critically. In the second stage, the contemporary significance of these narrations has been highlighted. Actually, the battle of Tabuk took place n such a situation when the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) were facing the most difficult situation in terms of weather conditions, lives and finances. But they accepted the order of Allah and the Messenger of Allah at that time and fought this battle. By analyzing the battle of Tabuk, we get the best lesson about the love of the Companions for Islam and their obedience to the Holy Prophet, which is the best example for us regarding following the Prophet. During the study of this Ghazwa, we can learn about the teachings of the some basic themes of Islam, Combine of 2 prayers (الجمع يين الصلاتين) in the life of the Prophet, the purity of items made from the skin of a dead animal, the justification of disconnection for more than three days due to a Shariah excuse and to stay in the regions that were destroyed as a Gods' punishment. Moreover, by revising this Gazwa, we learn how to speak according to the occasion, the duty of Jihad by the command of the Amir, honoring the Companions, the virtues of Hazrat Uthman (R.A.) and Hazrat Ali, the justification for appointing a deputy Amir, the teaching of short prayer, the ranks of Jihad, avoiding lying, the justification of showing good deeds, the virtue of the pledge of allegiance, consulting everyone in a common matter, deciding on a person's appearance, prostration, gratitude, charity when receiving good news, charging jizya to Ahl-Kitab, and the strength of faith after trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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