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Food production (chips) uses raw materials such as tapioca, cassava, banana, and many more, which contribute to excessive pollutants in the water. Thus, there is a need to treat effluent sufficiently to prevent undesired pollutants from being released into the receiving water bodies, such as rivers and agricultural drainage systems. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of cocopeat in removing targeted parameters such as suspended solids (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), and total phosphorus (TP) from the chips processing effluent. Batch experiments were conducted to determine optimum operating parameters, including the adsorbent dosage, contact time, and shaking speed. This was done to identify the best removal rates of SS, COD, NH3-N and TP from effluent food processing samples taken from two different discharge points based on their usages. The experimental results show that at the optimum conditions of pH 7, cocopeat dosages of 800 mg/L, contact time of 30 minutes, and shaking speeds of 200 rpm, the unmodified cocopeat achieved 17.3% and 19.8% of SS removal, 35.5% and 28.9% of COD removal, 40.7% and 30.5% of NH3-N removal, and 53.5% and 59.2% of TP removal, from Point A and Point B effluent, respectively. Besides, the maximum adsorption capacity achieved by unmodified cocopeat towards SS (1.5-14.0 mg/g), COD (16.88-17.75 mg/g), NH3-N (0.31-0.32 mg/g) and TP (1.46-1.50 mg/g) are comparable to the adsorption capacities reported by previous researchers. This finding suggests that cocopeat could potentially replace the commercially developed adsorbents for the treatment. Furthermore, this study gave insights into the feasibility of sustainable treatment using cocopeat as an adsorbent for medium-strength effluent. However, it is suggested that further alteration of the cocopeat characteristics, either by chemical or physical modifications, and its sludge disposal method could be explored further to enhance the treatment perfo

Particulate matter (PM10) pollution has become a problem of significant impact in many countries and cities due to its dangerous effects on public health and environmental balance. The current study aims to monitor the indoor and outdoor PM10 concentrations of the buildings located next to an industrial area that releasing industrial fumes. Three buildings were selected to be investigated. Two factors were considered in the current study, including the outdoor PM10 and wind speed. Response surface methodology (RSM) design was used to identify the relationship between the outdoor and indoor PM10 concentration (I/O) through the ANOVA analysis (P<0.05). The obtained results of PM10 concentrations were showed an acceptable concentration (PM10.In.max= 34 µg.m-3, PM10.Out.max= 77 µg.m-3) compared to the Malaysian standard of Practice (DOSH) and RMAAQG (150 µg.m-3) for the selected areas. The investigation was showed a relationship between PM10.in, PM10.out, and the wind speed with a significant ANOVA factor (P < 0.05). The study findings are considered a knowledge contribution of the PM10 concentrations on the relationship of indoor and outdoor air quality for building surrounded by factories.

Particulate matter (PM10) pollution has become a problem of significant impact in many countries and cities due to its dangerous effects on public health and environmental balance. The current study aims to monitor the indoor and outdoor PM10 concentrations of the buildings located next to an industrial area that releasing industrial fumes. Three buildings were selected to be investigated. Two factors were considered in the current study, including the outdoor PM10 and wind speed. Response surface methodology (RSM) design was used to identify the relationship between the outdoor and indoor PM10 concentration (I/O) through the ANOVA analysis (P<0.05). The obtained results of PM10 concentrations were showed an acceptable concentration (PM10.In.max= 34 µg.m-3, PM10.Out.max= 77 µg.m-3) compared to the Malaysian standard of Practice (DOSH) and RMAAQG (150 µg.m-3) for the selected areas. The investigation was showed a relationship between PM10.in, PM10.out, and the wind speed with a significant ANOVA factor (P < 0.05). The study findings are considered a knowledge contribution of the PM10 concentrations on the relationship of indoor and outdoor air quality for building surrounded by factories.

Particulate matter (PM10) pollution has become a problem of significant impact in many countries and cities due to its dangerous effects on public health and environmental balance. The current study aims to monitor the indoor and outdoor PM10 concentrations of the buildings located next to an industrial area that releasing industrial fumes. Three buildings were selected to be investigated. Two factors were considered in the current study, including the outdoor PM10 and wind speed. Response surface methodology (RSM) design was used to identify the relationship between the outdoor and indoor PM10 concentration (I/O) through the ANOVA analysis (P<0.05). The obtained results of PM10 concentrations were showed an acceptable concentration (PM10.In.max= 34 µg.m-3, PM10.Out.max= 77 µg.m-3) compared to the Malaysian standard of Practice (DOSH) and RMAAQG (150 µg.m-3) for the selected areas. The investigation was showed a relationship between PM10.in, PM10.out, and the wind speed with a significant ANOVA factor (P < 0.05). The study findings are considered a knowledge contribution of the PM10 concentrations on the relationship of indoor and outdoor air quality for building surrounded by factories.

Food production (chips) uses raw materials such as tapioca, cassava, banana, and many more, which contribute to excessive pollutants in the water. Thus, there is a need to treat effluent sufficiently to prevent undesired pollutants from being released into the receiving water bodies, such as rivers and agricultural drainage systems. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of cocopeat in removing targeted parameters such as suspended solids (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), and total phosphorus (TP) from the chips processing effluent. Batch experiments were conducted to determine optimum operating parameters, including the adsorbent dosage, contact time, and shaking speed. This was done to identify the best removal rates of SS, COD, NH3-N and TP from effluent food processing samples taken from two different discharge points based on their usages. The experimental results show that at the optimum conditions of pH 7, cocopeat dosages of 800 mg/L, contact time of 30 minutes, and shaking speeds of 200 rpm, the unmodified cocopeat achieved 17.3% and 19.8% of SS removal, 35.5% and 28.9% of COD removal, 40.7% and 30.5% of NH3-N removal, and 53.5% and 59.2% of TP removal, from Point A and Point B effluent, respectively. Besides, the maximum adsorption capacity achieved by unmodified cocopeat towards SS (1.5-14.0 mg/g), COD (16.88-17.75 mg/g), NH3-N (0.31-0.32 mg/g) and TP (1.46-1.50 mg/g) are comparable to the adsorption capacities reported by previous researchers. This finding suggests that cocopeat could potentially replace the commercially developed adsorbents for the treatment. Furthermore, this study gave insights into the feasibility of sustainable treatment using cocopeat as an adsorbent for medium-strength effluent. However, it is suggested that further alteration of the cocopeat characteristics, either by chemical or physical modifications, and its sludge disposal method could be explored further to enhance the treatment perfo

Food production (chips) uses raw materials such as tapioca, cassava, banana, and many more, which contribute to excessive pollutants in the water. Thus, there is a need to treat effluent sufficiently to prevent undesired pollutants from being released into the receiving water bodies, such as rivers and agricultural drainage systems. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of cocopeat in removing targeted parameters such as suspended solids (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), and total phosphorus (TP) from the chips processing effluent. Batch experiments were conducted to determine optimum operating parameters, including the adsorbent dosage, contact time, and shaking speed. This was done to identify the best removal rates of SS, COD, NH3-N and TP from effluent food processing samples taken from two different discharge points based on their usages. The experimental results show that at the optimum conditions of pH 7, cocopeat dosages of 800 mg/L, contact time of 30 minutes, and shaking speeds of 200 rpm, the unmodified cocopeat achieved 17.3% and 19.8% of SS removal, 35.5% and 28.9% of COD removal, 40.7% and 30.5% of NH3-N removal, and 53.5% and 59.2% of TP removal, from Point A and Point B effluent, respectively. Besides, the maximum adsorption capacity achieved by unmodified cocopeat towards SS (1.5-14.0 mg/g), COD (16.88-17.75 mg/g), NH3-N (0.31-0.32 mg/g) and TP (1.46-1.50 mg/g) are comparable to the adsorption capacities reported by previous researchers. This finding suggests that cocopeat could potentially replace the commercially developed adsorbents for the treatment. Furthermore, this study gave insights into the feasibility of sustainable treatment using cocopeat as an adsorbent for medium-strength effluent. However, it is suggested that further alteration of the cocopeat characteristics, either by chemical or physical modifications, and its sludge disposal method could be explored further to enhance the treatment perfo

Particulate matter (PM10) pollution has become a problem of significant impact in many countries and cities due to its dangerous effects on public health and environmental balance. The current study aims to monitor the indoor and outdoor PM10 concentrations of the buildings located next to an industrial area that releasing industrial fumes. Three buildings were selected to be investigated. Two factors were considered in the current study, including the outdoor PM10 and wind speed. Response surface methodology (RSM) design was used to identify the relationship between the outdoor and indoor PM10 concentration (I/O) through the ANOVA analysis (P<0.05). The obtained results of PM10 concentrations were showed an acceptable concentration (PM10.In.max= 34 µg.m-3, PM10.Out.max= 77 µg.m-3) compared to the Malaysian standard of Practice (DOSH) and RMAAQG (150 µg.m-3) for the selected areas. The investigation was showed a relationship between PM10.in, PM10.out, and the wind speed with a significant ANOVA factor (P < 0.05). The study findings are considered a knowledge contribution of the PM10 concentrations on the relationship of indoor and outdoor air quality for building surrounded by factories.

There is growing concern to determine an alternative adsorbent for remediating landfill leachate effluent with minimal environmental impact and operational cost. In this work, four low cost sustainable biocomposite materials such as limestone, peat, activated carbon and zeolite were employed as an adsorbent media in an adsorption batch study for the removal of ammoniacal nitrogen from landfill leachate. Isotherm adsorption models of Langmuir and Freundlich were utilized to analyze the adsorption data. The Langmuir isotherm model showed the best fit for experimental data with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 26.18 mg/g which is indicated that the ammoniacal nitrogen adsorption took placed on the surface of biocomposite with monolayer formation of the adsorbate at a specific homogeneous site. The adsorption isotherm follows Langmuir’s model (R2 = 0.99) and Freundlich’s model (R2 = 0.98

There is growing concern to determine an alternative adsorbent for remediating landfill leachate effluent with minimal environmental impact and operational cost. In this work, four low cost sustainable biocomposite materials such as limestone, peat, activated carbon and zeolite were employed as an adsorbent media in an adsorption batch study for the removal of ammoniacal nitrogen from landfill leachate. Isotherm adsorption models of Langmuir and Freundlich were utilized to analyze the adsorption data. The Langmuir isotherm model showed the best fit for experimental data with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 26.18 mg/g which is indicated that the ammoniacal nitrogen adsorption took placed on the surface of biocomposite with monolayer formation of the adsorbate at a specific homogeneous site. The adsorption isotherm follows Langmuir’s model (R2 = 0.99) and Freundlich’s model (R2 = 0.98)

Carbon emissions are the primary contributor to global warming, and it is widely known that the emissions must be decreased significantly to avoid the worst effects of climate change. The objective of this study is to investigate the carbon emissions from energy usage at the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia campus. The main data-gathering approach for this study is analyzing technical reports on energy usage from 2015 to 2021 collected at Development and Maintenance Centre (PPP) and Sustainable Campus Office (SCO). The acquired data were evaluated and compared over seven years in data presentation and analysis. According to the findings, the highest energy usage has a significant impact on the rising carbon emission levels on campus, with the maximum emissions occurring in 2015 with 1955.38 tCO2e and the lowest occurring in 2021 with 965.70 tCO2e. On the other hand, based on data collected, according to the building, from 2018 to 2020 the highest building in carbon emission was in 2018 demonstrated the highest carbon emission released by the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (FPTV) with 2,875 tCO2e. As a result, lower energy usage will lead to less carbon emissions that could provide a better environment, with less pollution and significantly lower cost.

Food production (chips) uses raw materials such as tapioca, cassava, banana, and many more, which contribute to excessive pollutants in the water. Thus, there is a need to treat effluent sufficiently to prevent undesired pollutants from being released into the receiving water bodies, such as rivers and agricultural drainage systems. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of cocopeat in removing targeted parameters such as suspended solids (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), and total phosphorus (TP) from the chips processing effluent. Batch experiments were conducted to determine optimum operating parameters, including the adsorbent dosage, contact time, and shaking speed. This was done to identify the best removal rates of SS, COD, NH3-N and TP from effluent food processing samples taken from two different discharge points based on their usages. The experimental results show that at the optimum conditions of pH 7, cocopeat dosages of 800 mg/L, contact time of 30 minutes, and shaking speeds of 200 rpm, the unmodified cocopeat achieved 17.3% and 19.8% of SS removal, 35.5% and 28.9% of COD removal, 40.7% and 30.5% of NH3-N removal, and 53.5% and 59.2% of TP removal, from Point A and Point B effluent, respectively. Besides, the maximum adsorption capacity achieved by unmodified cocopeat towards SS (1.5-14.0 mg/g), COD (16.88-17.75 mg/g), NH3-N (0.31-0.32 mg/g) and TP (1.46-1.50 mg/g) are comparable to the adsorption capacities reported by previous researchers. This findingsuggests that cocopeat could potentially replace the commercially developed adsorbents for the treatment. Furthermore, this study gave insights into the feasibility of sustainable treatment using cocopeat as an adsorbent for medium-strength effluent. However, it is suggested that further alteration of the cocopeat characteristics, either by chemical or physical modifications, and its sludge disposal method could be explored further to enhance the treatment perfor

Carbon emissions are the primary contributor to global warming, and it is widely known that the emissions must be decreased significantly to avoid the worst effects of climate change. The objective of this study is to investigate the carbon emissions from energy usage at the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia campus. The main data-gathering approach for this study is analyzing technical reports on energy usage from 2015 to 2021 collected at Development and Maintenance Centre (PPP) and Sustainable Campus Office (SCO). The acquired data were evaluated and compared over seven years in data presentation and analysis. According to the findings, the highest energy usage has a significant impact on the rising carbon emission levels on campus, with the maximum emissions occurring in 2015 with 1955.38 tCO2e and the lowest occurring in 2021 with 965.70 tCO2e. On the other hand, based on data collected, according to the building, from 2018 to 2020 the highest building in carbon emission was in 2018 demonstrated the highest carbon emission released by the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (FPTV) with 2,875 tCO2e. As a result, lower energy usage will lead to less carbon emissions that could provide a better environment, with less pollution and significantly lower cost.

Particulate matter (PM10) pollution has become a problem of significant impact in many countries and cities due to its dangerous effects on public health and environmental balance. The current study aims to monitor the indoor and outdoor PM10 concentrations of the buildings located next to an industrial area that releasing industrial fumes. Three buildings were selected to be investigated. Two factors were considered in the current study, including the outdoor PM10 and wind speed. Response surface methodology (RSM) design was used to identify the relationship between the outdoor and indoor PM10 concentration (I/O) through the ANOVA analysis (P<0.05). The obtained results of PM10 concentrations were showed an acceptable concentration (PM10.In.max= 34 µg.m-3, PM10.Out.max= 77 µg.m-3) compared to the Malaysian standard of Practice (DOSH) and RMAAQG (150 µg.m-3) for the selected areas. The investigation was showed a relationship between PM10.in, PM10.out, and the wind speed with a significant ANOVA factor (P < 0.05). The study findings are considered a knowledge contribution of the PM10 concentrations on the relationship of indoor and outdoor air quality for building surrounded by factories.

Particulate matter (PM10) pollution has become a problem of significant impact in many countries and cities due to its dangerous effects on public health and environmental balance. The current study aims to monitor the indoor and outdoor PM10 concentrations of the buildings located next to an industrial area that releasing industrial fumes. Three buildings were selected to be investigated. Two factors were considered in the current study, including the outdoor PM10 and wind speed. Response surface methodology (RSM) design was used to identify the relationship between the outdoor and indoor PM10 concentration (I/O) through the ANOVA analysis (P<0.05). The obtained results of PM10 concentrations were showed an acceptable concentration (PM10.In.max= 34 µg.m-3, PM10.Out.max= 77 µg.m-3) compared to the Malaysian standard of Practice (DOSH) and RMAAQG (150 µg.m-3) for the selected areas. The investigation was showed a relationship between PM10.in, PM10.out, and the wind speed with a significant ANOVA factor (P < 0.05). The study findings are considered a knowledge contribution of the PM10 concentrations on the relationship of indoor and outdoor air quality for building surrounded by factories.

Particulate matter (PM10) pollution has become a problem of significant impact in many countries and cities due to its dangerous effects on public health and environmental balance. The current study aims to monitor the indoor and outdoor PM10 concentrations of the buildings located next to an industrial area that releasing industrial fumes. Three buildings were selected to be investigated. Two factors were considered in the current study, including the outdoor PM10 and wind speed. Response surface methodology (RSM) design was used to identify the relationship between the outdoor and indoor PM10 concentration (I/O) through the ANOVA analysis (P<0.05). The obtained results of PM10 concentrations were showed an acceptable concentration (PM10.In.max= 34 µg.m-3, PM10.Out.max= 77 µg.m-3) compared to the Malaysian standard of Practice (DOSH) and RMAAQG (150 µg.m-3) for the selected areas. The investigation was showed a relationship between PM10.in, PM10.out, and the wind speed with a significant ANOVA factor (P < 0.05). The study findings are considered a knowledge contribution of the PM10 concentrations on the relationship of indoor and outdoor air quality for building surrounded by factories.

Purpose: This study aimed to estimate the health hazards associated with exposure to the PAHs pollutants and to simulate the probability and sensitivity for both dermal contact and ingestion exposures by using the Monte Carlo Simulation tool. Theoretical reference: The most dangerous contaminants in the hydrocarbon family are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic characteristics, it is hazardous to both communities and aquatic life when present in the maritime coastal environment. Method: The study's methodology involved the use of observational analytics and an approach for assessing health risks. Monte Carlo simulation was used to simulate the probabilistic risks and the sensitivity of all parameters. For twenty sites around Makassar City's coastal area, all water samples were taken. All samples were cleaned up and sent into a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GCMS Shimadzu QP2010, with a detection limit of 0.001 ppb) after being extracted using a soxhlet apparatus for identification. Results and Conclusion: Stations 8 and 4 had the highest and lowest total PAH values, respectively, of 2.50 g/l and 0.12 g/l, respectively. These facts showed that PHAs from Makassar City's coastline water had been contaminated with PAHs. The highest risk (HQ) for a kid ingesting water was at station 14, and the highest risk (HQ) for an adult ingesting water was at station 15. Additionally, the highest hazards (HQ) attributable to dermal contact for both adults and children were 1.58 at station 8 and 1.03 at station 15, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the water parameter, the majority of Makassar City's coastal areas have been contaminated by PAHs. Implications of research: This research become a model design of how to manage the PHAs pollutants in order to minimize the communities health risks and the environment. Originality/value: this research have a methods of calculating and simulation of how to reduce the potential ex

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been impacted psychologically due to their professional responsibilities over the prolonged era of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study aimed to identify the predictors of psychological distress, fear, and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic among HCWs. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among self-identified HCWs across 14 countries (12 from Asia and two from Africa). The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and the Brief Resilient Coping Scale were used to assess the psychological distress, fear, and coping of HCWs, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 2447 HCWs participated; 36% were doctors, and 42% were nurses, with a mean age of 36 (±12) years, and 70% were females. Moderate to very-high psychological distress was prevalent in 67% of the HCWs; the lowest rate was reported in the United Arab Emirates (1%) and the highest in Indonesia (16%). The prevalence of high levels of fear was 20%; the lowest rate was reported in Libya (9%) and the highest in Egypt (32%). The prevalence of medium-to-high resilient coping was 63%; the lowest rate was reported in Libya (28%) and the highest in Syria (76%). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has augmented the psychological distress among HCWs. Factors identified in this study should be considered in managing the wellbeing of HCWs, who had been serving as the frontline drivers in managing the crisis successfully across all participating countries. Furthermore, interventions to address their psychological distress should be considered.

Nadeem Akhter,1 Shihab Kochumon,1 Amal Hasan,1 Ajit Wilson,1 Rasheeba Nizam,2 Ashraf Al Madhoun,2,3 Fatema Al-Rashed,1 Hossein Arefanian,1 Fawaz Alzaid,2,4 Sardar Sindhu,1,3 Fahd Al-Mulla,1 Rasheed Ahmad1 1Immunology & Microbiology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait; 2Genetics & Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait; 3Animal and Imaging Core Facility, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait; 4Institut Necker Enfants Malades (INEM), French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Immunity & Metabolism of Diabetes (IMMEDIAB), Université de Paris Cité, Paris, FranceCorrespondence: Rasheed Ahmad, Immunology & Microbiology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait, Tel +965 2224 2999 Ext. 4311, Email rasheed.ahmad@dasmaninstitute.orgBackground: Overexpression of CCL2 (MCP-1) has been implicated in pathogenesis of metabolic conditions, such as obesity and T2D. However, the mechanisms leading to increased CCL2 expression in obesity are not fully understood. Since both IFN-γ and LPS levels are found to be elevated in obesity and shown to be involved in the regulation of metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance, we investigated whether these two agents could synergistically trigger the expression of CCL2 in obesity.Methods: Monocytes (Human monocytic THP-1 cells) were stimulated with IFN-γ and LPS. CCL2 gene expression was determined by real-time RT-PCR. CCL2 protein was determined by ELISA. Signaling pathways were identified by using epigenetic inhibitors and STAT1 siRNA. Acetylation of H3K27 was analyzed by Western blotting. The acetylation level of histone H3K27 in the transcriptional initiation region of CCL2 gene was determined by ChIP-qPCR.Results: Our results show that the co-incubation of THP-1 monocytes with IFN-γ and LPS significantly enhanced the expression of CCL2, compared to treatment with IFN-γ or LPS alone. Similar results were obtained using primary

Abstract Background The current pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the psychological wellbeing of populations globally. Objectives We aimed to examine the extent and identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study across 17 countries during Jun-2020 to Jan-2021. Levels of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale), and coping (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) were assessed. Results A total of 8,559 people participated; mean age (±SD) was 33(±13) years, 64% were females and 40% self-identified as frontline workers. More than two-thirds (69%) experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, which was 46% in Thailand and 91% in Egypt. A quarter (24%) had high levels of fear of COVID-19, which was as low as 9% in Libya and as high as 38% in Bangladesh. More than half (57%) exhibited medium to high resilient coping; the lowest prevalence (3%) was reported in Australia and the highest (72%) in Syria. Being female (AOR 1.31 [95% CIs 1.09-1.57]), perceived distress due to change of employment status (1.56 [1.29-1.90]), comorbidity with mental health conditions (3.02 [1.20-7.60]) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and fear. Doctors had higher psychological distress (1.43 [1.04-1.97]), but low levels of fear of COVID-19 (0.55 [0.41-0.76]); nurses had medium to high resilient coping (1.30 [1.03-1.65]). Conclusions The extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping varied by country; however, we identified few higher risk groups who were more vulnerable

BACKGROUND: The current pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the psychological wellbeing of populations globally. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the extent and identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study across 17 countries during Jun-2020 to Jan-2021. Levels of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale), and coping (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 8,559 people participated; mean age (±SD) was 33(±13) years, 64% were females and 40% self-identified as frontline workers. More than two-thirds (69%) experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, which was 46% in Thailand and 91% in Egypt. A quarter (24%) had high levels of fear of COVID-19, which was as low as 9% in Libya and as high as 38% in Bangladesh. More than half (57%) exhibited medium to high resilient coping; the lowest prevalence (3%) was reported in Australia and the highest (72%) in Syria. Being female (AOR 1.31 [95% CIs 1.09-1.57]), perceived distress due to change of employment status (1.56 [1.29-1.90]), comorbidity with mental health conditions (3.02 [1.20-7.60]) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and fear. Doctors had higher psychological distress (1.43 [1.04-1.97]), but low levels of fear of COVID-19 (0.55 [0.41-0.76]); nurses had medium to high resilient coping (1.30 [1.03-1.65]). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping varied by country; however, we identified few higher risk groups who were more vulnerable than others. There is an urgent need to prioritise health and well-being of those people through well-designed intervention that may need to be tailored to meet country specific requirements.

The study aims to identify the concept of hidden costs in commercial banks operating in Palestine, explain the causes and their indicators, and show the methods of controlling their indicators, as well as explain the mechanisms for their measurement. The descriptive-analytical method was used to deal with all data and classify them since the study tool was developed, represented in the questionnaire for all data from the study sample, then analyzed through the statistical package for the social sciences program (SPSS). It was distributed to (45) employees, and it was suitable for statistical analysis. The results of the study revealed that there are reasons and indicators for hidden costs in commercial banks operating in Palestine, but there are no mechanisms for measuring hidden costs, and there are no ways to control them. The study recommended commercial banks identify the causes and indicators of hidden costs and realize the importance of hidden costs and their concept and what they are in banks. The study recommended the need to pay attention to the human resource and provide the appropriate environment to work with coordination of work between the different administrative levels and the optimal use of time and work to adopt mechanisms to measure hidden costs and adopt methods to control the indicators of hidden costs.

This study evaluated the relationship of the application of fair value accounting (FVA) on the quality of accounting information reported in Companies financial statements from the viewpoint of auditors in Palestine as one of the important financial statement stakeholder-groups. Data collected through the administration of a structured questionnaire on 32 auditors who are members of the Auditors Association in Palestine were analyzed using analytical descriptive statistics and a single sample t-test. The results revealed that the application of FVA significantly enhances the qualitative characteristics of accounting information. It further revealed that the relationship on the relevance characteristic is the most-pronounced. Moreover, the application of FVA is perceived to bolster the fundamental qualities of accounting information. The study concluded that the application of FVA has a significant relationship and role in the quality of accounting information. The study recommended to adopt academic and professional accounting programs related to fair value accounting, and to urge the preparation of financial reports and audits to enhance their publication, Holding programs for continuous development, training courses, seminars, and workshops for professional accounting societies to Greater coverage of fair value accounting.

Fatema Al-Rashed,1 Sardar Sindhu,2 Ashraf Al Madhoun,2,3 Abdulwahab Alghaith,4 Rafaat Azim,1 Fahd Al-Mulla,3 Rasheed Ahmad1 1Immunology & Microbiology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait; 2Animal and Imaging Core Facility, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait; 3Genetics and Bioinformatics Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait; 4Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, IrelandCorrespondence: Fatema Al-Rashed; Rasheed AhmadMicrobiology & Immunology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Al-Soor Street, Kuwait, P.O. Box 1180, Dasman, 15462, KuwaitTel +965 2224 2999 Ext. 4335; 4311Fax +965 2249 2406Email fatema.alrashed@dasmaninstitute.org; rasheed.ahmad@dasmaninstitute.orgBackground: Efficient sleep duration and its quality are increasingly recognized as important contributors for maintaining normal body weight. However, lifestyle and social structure within the Arab-gulf region differ compared to those in the western world. This study was specifically conducted in Kuwait’s population to investigate the link between sleep quality (SQ) and obesity in the absence of sleep apnea (SA) onset.Methods: SQ was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PQSI) in 984 participants, then verified in 60 individuals including 20 lean (Body mass index/BMI: 18.5– 24.9 kg/m2), 20 overweight (BMI: 25– 29.9 kg/m2) and 20 obese (BMI: ≥ 30 kg/m2) through actigraph worn over the right-hip for 7 consecutive days to characterize their sleep–wake cycle, rest-activity, and physical activity. Blood samples were collected for metabolic markers.Results: 59.6% of participants reported a PSQI score higher than 5, with 57.6% of the participants reporting less than 6 hours of sleep per day. The data show that both SQ and sleep duration are considered inadequate in comparison to the international SQ standards. We found a significant association between SQ and obesity independent of age and sex. Actigraph data further supported the indep

The study aims to identify the conceptual framework for competitive advantage, to determine the nature of human capital and how to achieve competitive advantage through it. Also, it aims to measure the effect of human capital in achieving competitive advantage in commercial banks in Palestine. The descriptive analytical method was used to deal with all data and classify them, since the study tool was developed, which was represented in the questionnaire for all data from the study sample, then analyzed through the statistical package for the social sciences program (SPSS). It was distributed to (47) employees, and it was suitable for statistical analysis. The study reached several results. The most important that there is an impact of human capital and its components (scientific knowledge, skills and abilities, qualifications and experience, innovation and creativity, and team collaboration) to achieve the competitive advantage of commercial banks in Palestine. The study recommended, that the necessity for commercial banks in Palestine to pay more attention to human capital and its components through, encouraging employees to increase and interest in scientific knowledge, the continuous development of employees' skills and abilities, attention to training, and the dedication of a team spirit at work.

This research was conducted to investigate the adoption of Commercial Banks in Palestine with strategic management accounting techniques (SMAT) and to evaluate the influences of SMAT on business performance. The SMAT sub-dimensions were identified as customer-oriented, competitor-oriented, and cost-oriented techniques. Hypotheses were used to investigate the effects of SMAT and sub-dimension usages on the perceived performance of businesses. The data collected from 46 of the participants at Commercial Banks in Palestine were used in the testing of the hypotheses. The findings of the study indicated that the participating businesses had adoption intensity of above average for sixteen out of 17 SMAT and they had over 50% adoption with 12 of these techniques. Though SMAT and cost, customer and competitor-oriented sub-dimensions had meaningfully influenced on performance, the positive relationships and effects were found to be adequate to agree to take the hypotheses.&nbsp

Ashraf Al Madhoun,1,2 Fahad Alnaser,3 Motasem Melhem,1 Rasheeba Nizam,1 Tala Al-Dabbous,4 Fahd Al-Mulla11Genetics and Bioinformatics Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait; 2Animal and Imaging Core Facility Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait City, 15462, Kuwait; 3Radiology Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait; 4Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice, NBK Children’s Cancer Hospital, Al- Adan ICU, Kuwait City, KuwaitAbstract: The ATPase AAA-domain protein 3 (ATAD3) is a ubiquitously expressed mitochondrial protein involved in mitochondrial dynamics, DNA-nucleoid structural organization, cholesterol transport and steroidogenesis. Mutations within the ancestral ATAD3A gene are strongly associated with neurological abnormalities due to alterations in the mitochondrial function and homeostasis. Here, we report the case of a subject diagnosed with developmental delay associated with ataxia and progressive atrophy of both cerebellar hemispheres and cerebellar vermis, despite exhibiting a normal biochemical profile. By whole exome sequencing, we identified two biallelic single nucleotide variants within the coding region of ATAD3A in the affected subject. Both variants were previously reported as monoallelic variants with uncertain clinical significance. Importantly, the variant ATAD3A c.251T>C leads to an amino acid change of a highly conserved residue across species and in silico analysis revealed structural alteration in the ATAD3A protein. Ketogenic diet was administered to the subject as a novel therapeutic approach. Notably, the treatment correlated with a reduction in cerebellum atrophy progression and the gradual enhancement of the subject’s physical skills, vitality and personal interactions. Thus, we report the first subject with a homozygous status for the ATAD3A c.251T>C (p.Thr84Met) variant. We propose that this mutation led to an alteration of the mito

Ashraf Al Madhoun,1,2 Fahad Alnaser,3 Motasem Melhem,1 Rasheeba Nizam,1 Tala Al-Dabbous,4 Fahd Al-Mulla11Genetics and Bioinformatics Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, 15462 Kuwait City, Kuwait; 2Animal and Imaging Core Facility Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, 15462 Kuwait City, Kuwait; 3Radiology Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait; 4Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice, NBK Children’s Cancer Hospital, Al-Adan ICU, Kuwait City, KuwaitIt is with great interest to read the comments of Dr. Josef Finsterer on our recent article, “Ketogenic diet attenuates cerebellar atrophy progression in a subject with a biallelic variant at the ATAD3A locus by Al Madhoun et al, 2019,” which has received a substantial article-level metrics and respond to the queries raised single nucleotide polymorphisms and deletion mutations within ATAD3 are lethal at embryonic stage or postnatally and the few survivors are living with low quality of life.1–3 Accordingly, ATAD3 genotyping enable prediction of genotype/phenotype relationship.This is in response to the Letter to the Editor

Muthukrishnan Eaaswarkhanth,1,* Motasem Melhem,1,* Prem Sharma,1 Rasheeba Nizam,1 Ashraf Al Madhoun,1 Gyaneshwer Chaubey,2 Osama Alsmadi,3 Ebaa AlOzairi,1 Fahd Al-Mulla11Genetics and Bioinformatics Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, 15462, Kuwait; 2Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India; 3Department of Cell Therapy & Applied Genomics, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan*These authors contributed equally to this workBackground: The association of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations with obesity has been investigated in diverse populations across the world. However, such obesity-associated mtDNA examinations are rarely conducted in Arab populations.Materials and methods: We re-sequenced mtDNA displacement loop (D-loop) region of 395 Arab individuals of Kuwait. We categorized the individuals based on their BMI scores as obese (n=232; BMI ≥30 kg/m2), overweight (n=110; BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and <30 kg/m2), and lean (n=53; BMI <25 kg/m2). We performed all the statistical tests by combining obese and overweight individuals in one group. Association analyses were conducted applying Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression model. Results: We identified that the mtDNA variations m.73A>G, and m.523delAC were positively correlated with obesity, while m.310T>C, and m.16318A>T were negatively associated. All these variants, except m.16318A>T, remain statistically significant after adjusting for age and gender. We found that the variant m.73A>G increases the likelihood of being obese by 6-fold, whereas haplogroup H decreases the probability of being obese in Arab individuals of Kuwait. Haplotype analysis revealed that a haplotype, A263G-C309CT-T310C, defining the H2a clade of H haplogroup, reduces the probability of being obese.Conclusion: Our study reports, for the first time, the obesity-related mtDNA varian