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The study aims to examine changes over time in school victimization and climate in Israel, and whether these changes varied between Jewish and Arab schools and schools with different SES. A secondary analysis of the Ministry of Education database of structured student surveys regarding victimization and climate, was conducted during 2008–2019. All students in grades 5–6 were surveyed. The number of schools ranged between 751 and 1,189 (M = 983, SD = 166.3); 73.7% were Jewish schools, and 26.3% were Arab. Peer victimization dropped from 14.95 in 2008 to 7.97 in 2019 (β = -.39). All climate aspects positively increased. The highest improvements were in feeling unsafe (β = -.28). Reductions in victimization and progress in climate were the strongest among students from Arab schools and schools with lower SES. The implications for policy and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tramdol is one of most popular opioids used for postoperative analgesia worldwide. Among Arabic countries, there are reports that its dosage is not appropriate due to cultural background. To provide theoretical background of the proper usage of tramadol, this study analyzed the association between several genetic polymorphisms (CYP2D6/OPRM1) and the effect of tramadol. A total of 39 patients who took tramadol for postoperative analgesia were recruited, samples were obtained, and their DNA was extracted for polymerase chain reaction products analysis followed by allelic variations of CYP2D6 and OPRM A118G determination. Numerical pain scales were measured before and 1 h after taking tramadol. The effect of tramadol was defined by the difference between these scales. We concluded that CYP2D6 and OPRM1 A118G single nucleotide polymorphisms may serve as crucial determinants in predicting tramadol efficacy and susceptibility to post-surgical pain. Further validation of personalized prescription practices based on these genetic polymorphisms could provide valuable insights for the development of clinical guidelines tailored to post-surgical tramadol use in the Arabic population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary What Is Known on the Subject? What the Paper Adds to Existing Knowledge? What Are the Implications for Practice? Introduction Aim Method Results Discussion Implications for Practice The COVID‐19 pandemic has brought new sources of stress and challenges for people dealing with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The study uncovered the unique experiences of Jordanian patients with OCD during the COVID‐19 pandemic, revealing three main themes: Navigating Constraints: The Dual Pathways of Social Engagement and Avoidance, estranging family attachments and shifting OCD landscapes. Family dynamics played a significant role, with some families unintentionally exacerbating OCD symptoms through excessive accommodation, while others openly expressed irritation, both contributing to worsened symptoms. The research unveiled a notable deficiency in the availability of professional mental health support for individuals with OCD throughout the pandemic. Accessible and culturally appropriate e‐mental health interventions can bridge the gap in mental health support, especially during crises like the pandemic. It is crucial to involve family members in the treatment process to address family dynamics that may either support or hinder recovery among patients with OCD. Pandemics, like COVID‐19, can significantly harm the mental well‐being and overall quality of life for individuals and their families. Those with pre‐existing mental conditions, especially obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), are more vulnerable to negative psychosocial effects since the fear of being infected or transmitting infection to others are some of the main characteristics of the illness. There is a need for a nuanced understanding of the personal, social and cultural experiences of people with OCD within their specific psychosocial context.To explore how Jordanian patients with OCD experienced their illness during COVID‐19.A descriptive phenomenological design using semi‐structured interviews with a purposive sample of 12 patients diagnosed with OCD and experiencing different types of OCD symptoms. Data were analysed thematically, and reported based on the critical appraisal skills programme (CASP) checklist for qualitative studies.Three main themes emerged: (1) Navigating Constraints: The Dual Pathways of Social Engagement and Avoidance (seeking solace through social interaction and embracing quarantine as an opportunity for social avoidance); (2) Estranging family attachments (enforcing proximity and struggling with intimacy); and (3) Shifting OCD landscapes (transforming existing obsessions and escaping to new compulsions). The interviews documented a complete lack of references to receiving professional mental health support throughout the pandemic.This study aligns with previous research indicating a surge in OCD severity during the pandemic, fuelled by distressing news and heightened hygiene measures. Notably, it underscores the strain on familial relationships, with some cases showing protective effects but many demonstrating worsening symptoms due to excessive family accommodation. The absence of professional mental health support during the pandemic raises questions about the quality and accessibility of mental health services in Jordan.The findings underscore the need for continued mental health support and intervention, particularly during times of heightened stress and isolation. Integrating e‐mental health resources and cultural adaptation can play a vital role in providing accessible and effective support for individuals with OCD, including those in the Jordanian Arab culture. As we navigate future challenges, it is crucial to prioritize the well‐being of individuals with OCD and ensure they have access to appropriate and tailored mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents of children with disabilities (CWD) may experience varying degrees of stress due to the multiplicity of factors affecting both the lives of the children and the increased challenges to parental roles. There has been limited research on the stress experienced by parents of children with disabilities in Arab countries; however, this is in part because of the paucity of reliable and valid instruments to measure stress in this population. We examined the psychometric properties of a widely used instrument, the Parenting Stress Index—Short Form (PSI-SF), on a sample of parents of children with disabilities in three Arab countries: Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Using data from 867 participants, a confirmatory factor analysis found that the data fit a three-factor model. The model showed high reliability for the PSI-SF as well as positive correlations of moderate to high magnitude between the latent factors in each country. The results support configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance across the three countries. Implications for the use of the PSI-SF by clinicians, psychologists, and educational professionals in Arab countries are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the significance of popular religious agents in Iran, focusing on the maddāḥān (eulogists) and their role in the Ashura processions, in the context of Iran's ethnic minorities, looking into the unique case-study of Khuzestan. To comprehend the contemporary relevance of Ashura, this study utilizes social media, employing a hermeneutical approach to videography. The maddāḥān played a pivotal role in promoting a unifying Shiʿi and revolutionary ethos through their meticulously crafted videos and their widespread dissemination, fostering a sense of solidarity with the Islamic republic and its message of resilience. Their contribution was significant among ethnic minorities, given their numerous grievances toward the regime. The maddāḥān also played a vital role in creating space for local expressions of mourning, enhancing a unique Khuzestani identity deeply tied to its Arab tradition, but also open to multiple influences. Their emotionally charged sessions and direct engagement with the people contributed to a strong sense of connections between the maddāḥān and their extensive online audience. This popular appeal complements the established clerical authority structure but also poses a significant challenge to the formal religious hierarchy, as the maddāḥān's approach resonates more closely with the lived experiences and cultural realities of their followers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weak-form efficiency means that stock prices should reflect all historical information and follow a random walk. This study examines the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the stock market weak-form efficiency of Arab countries, namely, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Syria, Tunisia, and Sudan. Daily data from July 1st, 2021 to November 12th, 2022 (370 trading days) are used to cover the period after starting the pandemic. The variance ratio and the runs test are used to test return predictability. The results show that the variance ratio values of Boursa Kuwait, the Egyptian Exchange, Tadawul, and the Amman Stock Exchange are statistically significant, indicating that their returns are unpredictable. In specific, the indices of these stock markets follow a random walk, and their price changes are independent. This is evidence that these stock markets are efficient at a weak level. In contrast, the insignificant values of the variance ratio indicate that returns are predictable in other Arab stock exchanges after the pandemic era. The findings of the Egyptian Exchange, Tadawul, and the Amman Stock Exchange are confirmed using the run test of weak-form efficiency. It reveals that the indices of these stock exchanges follow a random walk, while the indices of other Arab stock markets do not.

Abstract Background Molar pregnancies, encompassing complete and partial moles, represent a rare and enigmatic gestational disorder with potential ethnic variations in incidence. This study aimed to investigate relations of ethnicity with risks of complete and partial molar pregnancies within an Israeli population while accounting for age differences. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of data recorded during 2007–2021 in an academic medical center in Israel. The study population comprised 167 women diagnosed with complete or partial moles, for whom data were obtained through histological examination and P57 immunostaining. Maternal age and ethnicity were extracted from electronic medical records. Incidence rates were calculated per 10,000 live births, and a nested case-control study compared demographic characteristics and molar pregnancy incidences between Arab and Jewish women. Statistical analyses included age-adjusted comparisons, relative risk calculations and multivariate logistic regression. Results The overall risk of molar pregnancy was 22 per 10,000 live births (95% confidence interval [CI] 18–25). Among Arab women, the overall risk was 21 (95% CI 17–25), and for PM and CM: 14 (95% CI 11–17) and 7 (95% CI 5–10), respectively. Among Jewish women, the overall risk was 23 (95% CI 18–29), and for PM and CM: 12 (95% CI 8–17) and 11 (95% CI 7–16), respectively. Among Arab women compared to Jewish women, the proportion of all the partial moles was higher: (65.3% vs. 51.6%, p = 0.05). The incidence of partial mole was higher among Arab than Jewish women, aged 35–39 years (26 vs. 8 per 10,000, p = 0.041), and did not differ in other age groups. After adjusting for age, the relative risk of partial moles was lower among Jews than Arabs (0.7, 95% CI 0.4-1.0, p = 0.053). For Arab compared to Jewish women, the mean age at molar pregnancies was younger: 31.0 vs. 35.1 years. However, other factors did not differ significantly between Arab and Jewish women with molar pregnancies. In multivariate analysis, Jewish ethnicity was significantly associated with a higher risk of complete molar pregnancies (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.09–4.41, p = 0.028). Conclusion This study highlights ethnic differences in molar pregnancy risk within the Israeli population. Jewish ethnicity was associated with a higher risk of complete molar pregnancies, while Arab women had a significantly higher risk of partial moles. These findings underscore the need to consider ethnicity when studying gestational disorders. Further research should seek to elucidate the underlying factors contributing to these differences.

Israel has worked to improve the accessibility of its higher education to under-served communities, but lower socioeconomic students, as well as those of certain ethnic backgrounds, remain disadvantaged. Unfortunately, some 'second chance' programs developed to help facilitate admission to higher education have only increased this inequality. The following research evaluates the Sami Shamoon College of Engineering pre-academic program as a gateway for these marginalized populations to access higher education. An index is developed to visualize the clusters of socioeconomic status among geographic area and region as well as participation in the pre-academic program. The descriptive and statistical analysis looks at the ethnic and socioeconomic makeup of current undergraduate students that participated in the pre-academic program as well as their yearly GPA versus their counterparts. Discussion surrounds income inequality and both higher education accessibility as well as labour market prospects for graduates from vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), more common in Northern European populations, has limited data in Arabcountries. Our study reports GCA's clinical manifestations in Jordan and reviews published research on GCA across Arab nations. In this retrospective analysis, GCA patients diagnosed from January 2007 to March 2019 at a Jordanian academic medical center were included through referrals for temporal artery biopsy (TAB). A comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, and the DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) databases was conducted to identify all relevant English-language manuscripts from Arab countries on GCA without time limitations. Among 59 diagnosed GCA patients, 41 (69.5%) were clinically diagnosed with a negative TAB, and 19 (30.5%) had a positive result. Females comprised 74.6% (n = 44) with 1:3 male-female ratio. The mean age at diagnosis was 67.3 (± 9.5) years, with most presenting within two weeks (n = 40, 67.8%). Headache was reported by 54 patients (91.5%). Elevated ESR occurred in 51 patients (78%), with a mean of 81 ± 32.2 mm/hr. All received glucocorticoids for 13.1 ± 10 months. Azathioprine, Methotrexate, and Tocilizumab usage was 15.3% (n = 9), 8.5% (n = 5), and 3.4% (n = 2), respectively. Remission was observed in 57.6% (n=34), and 40.7% (n = 24) had a chronic clinical course on treatment. Males had higher biopsy-based diagnoses (p =.008), and biopsy-diagnosed patients were older (p =.043). The literature search yielded only 20 manuscripts originating in the Arab world. The predominant study types included case reports and retrospective analyses, with only one case series and onecase-control study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues that the digital sphere has maintained the offline hierarchal forms of political, economic, and cultural powers, taking the Arab journalism sector as a topical case study. The article explores the potential of digital platforms as a new source of revenue for Arab news media and a new site for disseminating informative content that helps push the freedom of speech in the region. It demonstrates the difficulty of achieving either goal partly due to the monopoly of Big Tech over the digital advertising market and partly due to the competition among Arab media outlets to use clickbait content to lure audiences and hence increase superficial metrics such as clicks and shares. The article draws on different forms of evidence, including articles penned by Arab journalists, in which they reflect on their experiences in the digital sphere, papers by Arab scholars, in addition to informal conversations with selected Arab journalists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay reflects on works chosen from the Sonnenfeld Collection at the Katzen Gallery at American University in Washington, DC—it originally accompanied an exhibition at that gallery in early 2021—to comment on the observations of several generations of Israeli artists on the land and its meaning for the culture and politics of Israel's coming into existence and evolution during the first 70 years of its existence. Beginning with a pair of photographs of pioneers in the land in the fifteen years before statehood—and conceptually re-purposed by a contemporary Israeli artist in 2008—and moving through decade after decade of engagement with the landscape of Israel in both figurative and abstract modes, with and without humans present within these contexts, veering from brightly colored to virtually colorless images, including paintings and photographs, the essay traces a distance between earlier assertions of presence and the gradual emergence of questions regarding presence, absence, and identity. Israel, in its internal development, is both visually and thus verbally interwoven with the issue of its external relationship with its immediate neighbors and to the shifts between what comprises "internal" and "external"—"this" and "other"—as the context has metamorphosized from the 1930s to the 1950s to 1967 to 1993 to 2000 and to the present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Athar alrafedain is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

Background Aim Design Methods Results Conclusion Intermittent catheterization (IC) has been identified as one of the critical techniques used by spinal cord injury (SCI) patients to cope with emptying the bladder, despite several problems impeding this procedure.The study aimed accordingly to explore the lived experience of Arab male patients on IC after their SCI.This study was carried out by using a descriptive qualitative approach with a phenomenological analysis of data.A qualitative study was carried out on 10 Arab male patients from the Rehabilitation Hospital at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia who were utilizing intermittent catheters following SCI. The interviews were analysed using Husserl's phenomenology and the Colaizzi method of data analysis.Two major themes and six sub‐themes were identified from exploring the patients experience. These themes are as follows: Theme 1: The Way to IC; with two sub‐themes: (i) ‘service provided and acceptance’ and (ii) ‘educational experience’; Theme 2: Lifestyle and self‐adaptation; with four sub‐themes: (i) ‘Flexibility and freedom’, (ii) ‘Physical access to the community’, (iii) ‘Traveling’ and (iv) ‘Work and Social life balance’.It is evident that using an intermittent catheter among patients with SCI influenced almost all aspects of the participant's life, including their social lives and body image appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a primary cause of infertility with variable clinical manifestations. POI is a multifactorial disease with both environmental and known genetic etiologies, but data on the genetic variations associated with POI in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are scarce. The aim of this study was to systematically review all known genetic causes of POI in the MENA region. Methods: The PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Embase databases were searched from inception to December 2022 for all reports of genetic variants associated with POI in the MENA region. Clinical and genetic data were collected from eligible articles, and ClinVar and PubMed (dbSNP) were searched for variants. Results: Of 1,803 studies, 25 met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen studies were case-control studies and ten were case reports representing 1,080 nonsyndromic POI patients in total. Seventy-nine variants in 25 genes associated with POI were reported in ten MENA countries. Of the 79 variants, 46 were rare and 33 were common variants. Of the 46 rare variants, 19 were pathogenic or likely pathogenic according to ACMG classification guidelines and ClinVar. No clear phenotype-genotype association was observed. Male family members carrying pathogenic variants also had infertility problems. Discussion: To our best knowledge, this is the first systematic review of the genetic variants associated with POI in the MENA region. Further functional studies are needed to assess the disease-causing molecular mechanisms of these variants. Knowledge of the genetic basis of POI in the Middle East could facilitate early detection of the condition and thus early implementation of therapeutic interventions, paving the way for precision medicine options in specific populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Galilee region of Israel boasts a rich ethnic diversity within its Arab population, encompassing distinct Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Bedouin communities. This preliminary exploratory study uniquely examined potential ethnic and gender differences in ischemic stroke characteristics across these Arab subgroups, which are seldom investigated separately in Israel and are typically studied as a homogeneous "Arab" sector, despite significant variations in their ethnicity, culture, customs, and genetics. The current study aimed to comparatively evaluate stroke characteristics, including recurrence rates, severity, and subtypes, within and across these distinct ethnic groups and between genders. When examining the differences in stroke characteristics between ethnic groups, notable findings emerged. The Bedouin population exhibited significantly higher rates of recurrent strokes than Muslims (M = 0.55, SD = 0.85 vs. M = 0.25, SD = 0.56; p < 0.05). Large vessel strokes were significantly more prevalent among Christians (30%) than Druze (9.9%; p < 0.05). Regarding gender differences within each ethnic group, several disparities were observed. Druze women were six times more likely to experience moderate to severe strokes than their male counterparts (p < 0.05). Interestingly, Druze women also exhibited a higher representation of cardio-embolic stroke (19.8%) compared with Druze men (4.6%; p < 0.001). These findings on the heterogeneity in stroke characteristics across Arab ethnic subgroups and by gender underscore the need to reconsider the approach that views all ethnic groups comprising the Arab sector in Israel as a homogeneous population; instead, they should be investigated as distinct communities with unique stroke profiles, requiring tailored culturally aware community-based prevention programs and personalized therapeutic models. The identified patterns may guide future research to develop refined, individualized, and preventive treatment approaches targeting the distinct risk factors, healthcare contexts, and prevention needs of these diverse Arab populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering possible criticisms of contact theory's validity for reducing negative attitudes in cases of intractable, complex intergroup conflict, this study examines the attitudes and intergroup relations of Israel's Jewish majority and Arab minority by comparing two university campuses that differed in Arab student enrollment rates and levels of religiosity. Participants were 100 Jewish and 100 Arab students. Blue University, with 20% Arab students, offered more opportunities for intergroup contacts than did the predominantly Jewish Orange University (1.9% Arab enrollment). As expected, findings showed more positive attitudes and relations between Jewish and Arab students at Blue University than at Orange University, thus corroborating the validity of contact theory in a major conflict situation. In operative terms, our findings suggest that in places wherein there exist intractable conflicts, it is worth establishing higher education campuses where students from the different groups can study together. Public Significance Statement: Our article shows that contact between conflict groups can decrease negative attitudes, not only towards individuals but also towards the group to which they belong. Meaning, contact theory remains valid, despite the criticism it has sustained over the years. In addition, it is important to note that the research population was university students. As the first meeting place for Arab and Jewish citizens in Israel, universities can make a major contribution to wider society in promoting mutual activities between the groups, which can provide an opening towards establishing social relations grounded on mutual respect, avoidance of stereotypes and prejudice, and significant narrowing of social distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of establishing Muslim states has been a subject of exploration and research, considering various accusations and efforts to transform Muslim ideas and institutions. In the context of the study topic, a number of domestic and foreign orientalists, regional scientists, historians have studied historical and political factors, in this article it is planned to analyze the religious aspects of the topic by considering information and religious aspects. The study provides a comprehensive study of theoretical materials, as well as professional opinions and thoughts of public figures, religious scientists in this region. As a result of the article, the study examined the participation and role of religious movements and parties in Arab society (Hamas, Hezbollah, the Muslim Brotherhood, etc.) in the system of public administration, taking into account social and religious factors in the process of gaining sovereignty of the Middle East countries. It is clear that the relations between the main directions in Islam, sunnis and shiites, contributed to the non-preservation of religious identity in the Middle East, and it was found that Muslim thinkers and public figures were looking for ideas for a common dialogue between the two directions. To date, in order to conduct a productive study of the main factors of conflicts in the region, it is obvious that a number of final data in the article indicate understanding the importance of the subject matter in order to comprehend its significance. The article, which provides practical assistance in the work of specialists studying the religious situation in this region, has practical significance, contains information about Understanding the significance of religious elements and their place in society is crucial for gaining insight into this topic of declaration of independence of such states as Lebanon, Iran, Syria, Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Middle East region has been an area of war and political conflict for several decades. There is currently limited research on the experiences of war and conflict among the individuals from Arab countries in the Middle East. The aim of this review was to systematically review and meta-synthesize qualitative literature on the experiences of individuals from Arab countries in the Middle East of going through and coping with war and political conflict. We systematically searched for relevant literature through MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google Scholar, EThOS, OpenGrey, and The Arab Journal of Psychiatry. Studies selected needed to have a qualitative design reporting on the war and conflict experiences of participants aged 18 years or older from Arab countries in the Middle East. The review protocol was preregistered with PROSPERO (Ref: CRD42022314108). We identified 27 studies to be included in the final review. Four overarching themes were included in the meta-synthesis: War and conflict as life-defining experiences, experiences of hardship, coping with war and conflict, and positives out of a painful experience. Participants in the included studies reported significant distress and losing their sense of self, as well as resilience and positive growth. This review and meta-synthesis revealed the particular culturally informed experiences of individuals from Arab countries in the Middle East in processing their conflict experiences. These experiences highlight the need for culturally sensitive interventions for a population that has been under significant war-related stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Babylon Center for Humanities Studies is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

Copyright of Journal of Babylon Center for Humanities Studies is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

Copyright of Tabayyun is the property of Arab Center for Research & Policy Studies 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.)

Suicide in the Arab World is grossly understudied. This study sought to understand suicidality among Arabic-speaking individuals visiting an online depression screener. A large sample (N = 23,201) from the Arab World was recruited online. 78.9% (n = 17,042) reported suicidality (thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt) and 12.4% reported a suicide attempt in the past 2 weeks. Binary logistic regressions indicated that women tended to report more suicidality, and that suicidality tended to decline with age (all ps

Despite the acknowledged importance of perceived organizational support (POS), organizational trust (OT), and affective commitment (AC) for favorable organizational outcomes, relatively little is known about the processes that underlie these various associations, especially in Islamic, Arabian Middle Eastern contexts. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the relationships between POS and AC, and testing the mediating effect of OT in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study conducted a survey of 347 Saudi employees from a wide range of organizations, occupations, and industries and performed a hierarchical regression analysis. The results provided evidence of the validity of the three relevant constructs (POS, OT, AC) and the generalizability these constructs have outside of North American samples. It also indicated that POS is a significant predictor of OT, and both POS and OT were significant determinants of AC. The study also revealed that OT partially mediates the relationship between POS and AC. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the POS-OT-AC link in the Islamic Arabian context of the KSA. This study is among the first to test the mediating effect of OT on the POS-AC relationship, aiding the understanding of the indirect relationship between POS and AC.

Background: This study presents an updated report on the epidemiology of cystic fibrosis (CF) in the Arab region. Objectives: It provides a comprehensive review of existing publications on CF, focusing on the prevalence and/or incidence in the period span from year 2019–2023. Methods: A search was conducted primarily through PubMed, followed by the snowballing technique to identify additional studies. Results: A total of 10 articles were identified. Conclusion: This study highlights the pressing need for extensive research, multi-country collaborations, and the establishment of CF registries to enhance our understanding and management of CF in the Arab world.

The phenomena, through which, a person knows himself and others is an identity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the situation and analyze identity networks of youths from different ethnicities as well as to understand their complexities and priorities. Highlighting these networks can help us understand the identity patterns of Iranian teenagers. As such, the identity elements of youths have been investigated based on the compositional theoretical framework. In this research, a quantitative approach was taken using a survey technique and the data collection tool was a questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of youths in the cities of Zahedan, Ahvaz, Urmia, Sanandaj and Gorgan. In this study, the statistical sample includes 2000 people. After collecting the data, SPSS, AMOS and UCINET software were used and the dimensions of identity were drawn in the form of tables and graphs. With reference to the analysis of the network of identity resources of youths, it can be said that civic identity is not related to the rest of identity resources, and this lack of connection includes the structures within the range of national identity as well as the remaining structures of identity dimensions. Referring to this issue, it seems that cultural structures play an infrastructural and fundamental role in identifying adolescence, and the behavioral, historical and political dimensions of identity are influenced by culture and since the culture element is motivational, cognitive and behavioral; it is the main factor of communication between all identity domains of a person.

Patient safety education is often implicit in undergraduate nursing curricula, making it harder to meet competency standards. The Attitudes to Patient Safety Questionnaire (APSQ-III), which was developed in 2009 by Carruthers and collaborators in the United Kingdom, examines patient safety on a more sophisticated system level and has the potential to lead productive, nonhierarchical collaboration in educational settings. This study's goal was to use rigorous psychometric testing to validate the Arabic version of the Attitudes to Patient Safety Questionnaire (APSQ-III) for nursing students in an Arabic context. The majority of the 217 students recruited for this study through a convenience sampling technique were in their fourth year of college. There were two phases of APSQ-III validation investigations. Initially, three nurses were hired. The team documented their ideas and selected the best one. The Arabic version of the APSQ-III was translated using World Health Organization (WHO) principles. A number of models were developed and evaluated. On the APSQ-III, which had a total of 25 questions, a principal components analysis with equamax rotation was carried out. The analysis revealed that the six higher-order factors with respective eigenvalues of (5.9, 3.1, 2.0, 1.3, 1.2, and 1.1) account for 58.4% of the total variance. All resulting factors contained at least three variables with clean loadings. The APSQ-III, which has been modified for use with nursing students in Jordan and other Arab countries has achieved construct validity and a Cronbach’s alpha reliability of 0.80 for measuring attitudes regarding patient safety. Keywords: Arab, attitudes, patients, safety, validation Abstrak Kuesioner Sikap terhadap Keselamatan Pasien dalam Konteks Arab: Psychometric Properties. Pendidikan keselamatan pasien sering kali tidak tersirat dalam kurikulum sarjana keperawatan, sehingga lebih sulit untuk memenuhi standar kompetensi. Attitudes to Patient Safety Questionnaire (APSQ-III), yang dikembangkan oleh Carruthers dan kolaboratornya pada tahun 2009 di Inggris, meneliti keselamatan pasien pada tingkat sistem yang lebih canggih dan memiliki potensi untuk menghasilkan kolaborasi yang produktif dan tidak hirarkis dalam lingkungan pendidikan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk memvalidasi versi bahasa Arab dari APSQ-III untuk mahasiswa keperawatan dalam konteks bahasa Arab, dengan menggunakan pengujian psikometrik yang ketat. Mayoritas dari 217 mahasiswa yang direkrut melalui convenience sampling technique, berada di tahun keempat kuliah. Ada dua tahap investigasi validasi APSQ-III. Awalnya, tiga orang perawat direkrut. Tim mendokumentasikan ide-ide mereka dan memilih yang terbaik. Versi bahasa Arab dari APSQ-III diterjemahkan dengan menggunakan prinsip-prinsip WHO. Sejumlah model dikembangkan dan dievaluasi. Pada APSQ-III, yang memiliki total 25 pertanyaan, dilakukan analisis komponen utama dengan rotasi equamax. Analisis tersebut menunjukkan bahwa enam faktor tingkat tinggi dengan nilai eigen masing-masing (5.9, 3.1, 2.0, 1.3, 1.2, dan 1.1), menyumbang 58.4% dari total varian. Semua faktor yang dihasilkan mengandung setidaknya tiga variabel dengan clean loadings. APSQ-III, yang telah dimodifikasi untuk digunakan mahasiswa keperawatan di Yordania dan negara-negara Arab lainnya, telah mencapai validitas konstruk dan reliabilitas Cronbach's alpha sebesar 0,80 untuk mengukur sikap terkait keselamatan pasien. Kata Kunci: Arab, keselamatan, pasien, sikap, validasi

Incidence of spinal injury is high in the Middle East and North African region (MENA) due to the high incidence of road traffic crashes. A spinal injury may trigger mental health issues. Compared to the general population, people with spinal injury are at higher risk for developing major depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine depression prevalence; identify relationships between depression and cause and site of spinal injury, sociodemographic factors, and social support; and explore the lived experiences of depression in people with spinal injury in Qatar. Methods: A sequential cross-sectional mixed methods study was conducted. In the quantitative component, the universal sample consisted of 106 consenting individuals presenting with spinal injury at Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar between January and December 2020. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess levels of depression and the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey was used to assess perceived social support. The cause and site of injury were obtained from patient records. In the qualitative component, semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 purposively selected participants from the quantitative component. Results: Spinal injury had a negative impact on participants physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing. In total, 69% of participants had some level of depression: 28% mild, 25.5% minimal, and 15% moderate to severe. Depression was not associated with socio-demographic factors, or the cause or site of spinal injury. Higher levels of emotional/informational support and positive social interaction were associated with milder depression. Social support and religious faith were critical in assisting participants to cope with their new situation. Conclusions: Depression is prevalent among people with spinal injury attending health services. Early detection, referral, and treatment of depression are recommended. Strategies to enhance emotional/informational support and positive social interaction should be developed and tested with people with spinal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Indonesia, the trope of the Arab Muslim has long served as a counterpoint to the Indonesian Muslim, who is imagined as more tolerant and peaceful. The enduring force of this trope is evident in the important role it continues to play in 21st-century Indonesian cinema. This article discusses two films in which the contrast between Arab and Indonesian Muslims plays a prominent role: Ayat-ayat Cinta (Verses of Love) and the Ketika Cinta Bertasbih (When Love Glorifies God) duology. It considers the films' place in an Indonesian Muslim middle-class cultural politics that has evolved post 9/11. By depicting Indonesian Islam as more tolerant of, yet also distinct from, Western gender norms, the films work to distance Indonesian Muslims from the stereotypes of violence and misogyny amplified by 9/11 and reassure middle-class Muslims in Indonesia that their interpretations of the faith are somehow superior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence-based single session interventions (SSI) that promote growth mindset have been shown to be associated with improved mental health, particularly in adolescents. Youth in Lebanon suffer from alarmingly high rates of mental illness combined with lack of availability of mental health services and a stigma for seeking help. The present study investigated the effects of a growth mindset of personality SSI on mental health of children and adolescents in Lebanon with most identifying as Syrian refugees. We hypothesized that participation in the growth mindset SSI would lead to a decrease in hopelessness and self-hate and an increase in hope, agency, and perceived control, from pre- to postintervention using a within-subject research design. The intervention was translated into formal Arabic, adapted to the culture, and administered online at a school and a youth center. Within group effect sizes calculations show that the intervention was associated with a decrease in hopelessness (dav = 0.36, 95% CI [0.11, 0.61]; dz = 0.48, 95% CI [0.22, 0.73]) and self-hate (dav = 0.37, 95% CI [0.09, 0.64]; dz = 0.57, 95% CI [0.28, 0.85]) and an increase in perceived control (dav = 0.36, 95% CI [0.10, 0.61]; dz = 0.50, 95% CI [0.24, 0.76]). These changes from pre- to postintervention were significant with small to moderate effect sizes. This study provided the first evidence in the Arab world of the cultural acceptability and feasibility as well as the mental health benefits of a cost-free, Arabic growth mindset SSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Procreation has always been one of the main goals of marriage in Muslim society, where it is a religious obligation. Therefore, the inability to conceive is an extremely stressful experience that is liable to have long-term implications for a woman's mental health. These effects may persist even after the problem is resolved and the woman has given birth. The current study therefore examined the personal growth and life satisfaction of Israeli Arab mothers (n = 154) up to two years after childbirth, comparing those who conceived as a result of fertility treatment with those who conceived spontaneously. By completion of electronic questionnaires posted through social media, we explored the contribution of stress and optimism, as well as the moderating effects of religiosity and study group. No differences were found between the groups on level of stress, personal growth, or life satisfaction. For the whole sample, a negative association was found between stress and life satisfaction, and a positive association between optimism and the two outcome variables. In addition, level of religiosity was not significantly associated with either personal growth or life satisfaction, and neither religiosity nor study group was found to moderate the associations between the variables. Finally, a negative linear, rather than curvilinear, link emerged between stress and personal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Strategies pertaining to HIV and sexual health for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) have shifted focus towards underrepresented subgroups within some developed Western countries. Although emerging research exists on some subgroups, limited attention has been given to the needs of Arab GBMSM in these contexts. Considering they are part of a large diaspora, understanding their access to services is crucial. This paper focuses on Arab GBMSM as a case study within a scoping review, highlighting their hidden status within the broader landscape of HIV and sexual health research for GBMSM in the West. Methods: A multi-method search strategy was employed, including searching four electronic databases using several terms within each of the following search topics: Arab, GBMSM, HIV and other sexual health services, and developed Western countries. Results: Of the 384 articles found, only one addressed the research question and met the inclusion criteria, revealing a stark scarcity of research on access to HIV and sexual health services for this population. Conclusions: This review highlights a paucity of research on access to HIV and sexual health services for underrepresented GBMSM populations in developed Western countries. The literature indicates that, for Arab men, this may be due to a difficulty in participant recruitment and poor data collection efforts. By focusing on one hidden population, we aim to advocate for inclusive policies and interventions that promote equitable sexual health access for all. Addressing this research gap aligns with broader local and global HIV strategies to reduce disparities among underrepresented GBMSM populations. This study uncovers an often-overlooked issue: the limited research on access to sexual health services among gay Arab men in Western countries. Findings in this publication reveal significant gaps in knowledge for this population, particularly in areas where strides have been made in reducing HIV transmission. The implications are far-reaching, as addressing these disparities is essential for ensuring equitable healthcare for underrepresented communities. By shedding light on this hidden population, this study paves the way for targeted interventions and policy changes to promote inclusive and accessible sexual health services for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tamirappattanam, also known as Madinatun Nuhas, is a unique piece of literature. It is the first Islamic novel written in India, penned in 1858 by Imam Al Aroos. This novel is unique in its content and script, utilizing the Islamic-Arwi or Arabic-Tamil script and the Dravidian-Tamil script. This research article conducts a comprehensive study of Tamirappattanam, examining its style, contents, and the author himself. It analyzes this novel, highlighting its uniqueness and role as a pioneering Islamic novel. This article aims to establish a position for Islamic novels and literature, tracing the initial endeavors in India. With its deep roots in the history of Islam, Islamic literature has always been a source of education and inspiration. This novel, Tamirappattanam, is a prime example. It weaves historical, legendary, and literary characters together in a narrative infused with Islamic themes and values. The novel explores the unique power and dominion of Prophet Sulaiman and the grandeur of the Abbasid Caliphate. It portrays Allah's bounty and supremacy while emphasizing the importance of Islamic morals and principles. The author skillfully combines art and literature to create a work that entertains and imparts Islamic teachings to the Ummah. Through the use of real historical figures and legends, the novel presents a vivid representation of Islamic culture and values. It balances sentiment and thought, offering a harmonious relationship between faith and moral values. Tamirappattanam is a significant contribution to Islamic literature, showcasing the artistic prowess of the author in crafting a narrative that educates and inspires readers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of Islamic principles in shaping individual lives and society as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukins (ILs) are a group of cytokines known to have immunomodulatory effects; they include ILs–33 and –37 whose emerging roles in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain under investigated. In this study, we compared circulating IL–33 and IL–37 in Arab adults with and without MetS to determine its associations with MetS components. A total of 417 Saudi participants (151 males, 266 females; mean age ± SD 41.3 ± 9.0 years; mean body mass index ± SD 30.7 ± 6.3 kg/m2) were enrolled and screened for MetS using the ATP III criteria. Anthropometrics and fasting blood samples were taken for the assessment of fasting glucose and lipids. Circulating levels of IL–33 and IL–37 were measured using commercially available assays. The results showed higher levels of serum IL–33 and IL–37 in participants with MetS than those without (IL-33, 3.34 3.42 (2.3–3.9) vs. (1–3.9), p = 0.057; IL-37, 5.1 (2.2–8.3) vs. 2.9 (2.1–6.1), p = 0.01). Additionally, having elevated levels of IL–33 was a risk factor for hypertension, low HDL-c, and hypertriglyceridemia. A stratification of the participants according to sex showed that males had higher IL-33 levels than females [3.7 (3.0–4.1) vs. 3.15 (1.4–3.8), p < 0.001], while females had higher levels of IL–37 than males [3.01 (2.2–7.0) vs. 2.9 (2.1–5.6), p = 0.06]. In conclusion, the presence of MetS substantially alters the expression of ILs–33 and -37. IL-33 in particular can be potentially used as a therapeutic target to prevent MetS progression. Longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted to confirm present findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic affected agri-food systems worldwide. However, while the impacts differed from one country/region to another, the scholarly literature seems to focus on developed countries in the Global North. Consequently, this review scrutinizes the literature on the pandemic's impacts in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. A search on the Web of Science in March 2023 generated 334 documents, of which 151 were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. According to the bibliometric analysis, the most active nations are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon. In general, the coverage of studies is better in the Gulf region than in the less developed countries of North Africa and those suffering from wars (cf. Libya, Syria, and Yemen). Studies generally focus on crop production and the downstream food chain (cf. distribution and consumption). While the pandemic influenced every pillar of food security, this research concentrates on access and utilization. Meanwhile, the lion's share of the literature deals with the pandemic's socio-economic effects, especially those linked to food (in)security and health. The pandemic, which laid bare the agri-food system vulnerabilities, should be seized to foster the transition towards more resilient agri-food systems in the NENA region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper traces the origin of the Middle East conflict and discusses the gradual evolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict from a historical perspective. The paper discusses the peace negotiations undertaken for the region during different periods and the contribution of the international community in reaching a compromise formula. The paper discusses the emergence and the role of Hamas and how it gained political legitimacy. The paper concludes with the views of Israel and India perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the narrative sources dealing with a unique phenomenon in early Islam: the passage of part of the Arabic-speaking Iyād group into Roman service. Abbasid-era authors (132/750-333/945) locate and date the defectors in the context of the conquests (futūḥ) of the Roman and Sassanian Middle East by earlier Arab-Muslims (c. 10/632-20/642). We highlight the contradictions, inconsistencies and anachronisms of the versions, and focus especially on their tendency to actually deal more with migration from Iraq to northern Syria than from northern Syria to Byzantine Anatolia. Thus, we propose an alternative scenario: the Iyād gradually settled in the northern military district (ǧund) of Homs, in ex-Roman Syria-Mesopotamia during the first/seventh century. Considering the similar events involving emigrant, defector and rallied units during the Umayyad period (40/661-132/750), as well as the frequent shifts of the frontier in the border zone (ṯuġūr), we suggest that the Iyād, like many groups driven out and conscripted into the region by both the Byzantines and the Umayyads empires, may have passed repeatedly into the service of both. Eventually, the rigidification of geographical, political and confessional borders transformed such opportunistic and/or forced movements, although still attested, into unnatural apostasies. However, this context prevailed in the writing of the narrative sources on their primordial flight to the "land of the Romans". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report sheds light on the political dimensions associated with the AlAqsa Flood Battle and the subsequent brutal bombing and Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip. The report believes this battle had political repercussions that affected the Middle East region and the major international powers, especially the United States of America. These dimensions constituted a dynamic political situation in the region, in which the Western world's countries differed from those of the other world, and the Arab and Western positions also differed clearly. In contrast, the rapprochement of the Arab positions with China and Russia in this battle appeared, and the spirit of distrust increased among other Europeans and Americans regarding the Israeli war on Gaza. The distrust from the US appeared in the Israeli state to protect Western interests in the region, as it is assumed. Yet, the West needs to protect Israel itself from just a resistance movement. Likewise, Western countries have stood with their backs exposed in the humanitarian, civilizational, and moral dimensions, covering up Israeli war crimes and genocide on the one hand, rejecting a ceasefire on the other hand, and continuing to provide qualitative military support to Israeli arm who uses it to commits these crimes on the third hand. This war and its repercussions revealed the gap between the people and official positions in both the Arab and Islamic worlds on the one hand and the Western European and American worlds on the other hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aspired to investigate the human trauma of a society in wartime and thereafter. It focuses on literature that seeks to reflect life as it should be. However, literary works here deal with catastrophic dramas that depict Iraqis who generally suffer from the negative repercussions of the American Crisis and the extreme underdevelopment and poverty at that time. In this paper, the audience faces the disaster in two dramatic works: Baghdadi Bath (2005) by Jawad al-Asadi and Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (2012) by Rajiv Joseph. They are a good example that depicts the nightmare experienced by all Iraqis during the war. Speaking about the disaster of war, we guess that the disaster may have human roots. The disaster of war on Iraq, in particular, is taken for analysis. The researchers try to denote the nature of man at the time of the disaster. The paper explores the relations between the ideas of war and the world we face and refers to Baghdad's brutal past and its confused present. It also inspects the real reasons behind the war and records the human condition in the consequences of the American invasion of Iraq. To narrow the field of investigation, the researchers have chosen disaster at war, especially the American war on Iraq in 2003, and its results for the study. The paper steps down war and violence and assures peace for people depending on different perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Arab Region accounts for most of the world's refugees. Despite being dispersed across the globe, most of these refugees are internally displaced within the region. A growing body of research argues that Western biomedical frameworks for conceptualizing, diagnosing, and treating trauma may not be suitable for non-Western and trauma caused by political violence inflicted on entire populations over time. The cultural and socio/political contexts of trauma are increasingly recognized as key to understanding trauma-related distress. Arab trauma research has emerged in the past 30 years. Nevertheless, the results are not systematically consolidated. Aim: This review aims to identify and map knowledge production in the Arab Region that is challenging Western notions of trauma experienced by Arab refugees in the region and attempts to explore the contours of a more culturally congruent conceptualization of trauma. Method: Following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR), we conducted a scoping review. Peer-reviewed, empirical literature from 1990 to 2023 was searched in eight English and three Arabic databases. Results and implications: Out of 2654 articles only ten were included. Included publications explored two main areas: conceptualization of trauma in Arab samples and addressing the subject of traumatization. The articles highlighted the limitations of using the PTSD model to diagnose and treat Arab refugees' traumatic stress and the importance of contextual, structural, and cultural factors in distress conceptualization. The articles provide research, clinical, and policy implications addressing adoption of social justice frameworks, development of contextually relevant trauma models, clinical investigations and assessment of symptoms and idioms.

IntroductionPremature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a primary cause of infertility with variable clinical manifestations. POI is a multifactorial disease with both environmental and known genetic etiologies, but data on the genetic variations associated with POI in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are scarce. The aim of this study was to systematically review all known genetic causes of POI in the MENA region.MethodsThe PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Embase databases were searched from inception to December 2022 for all reports of genetic variants associated with POI in the MENA region. Clinical and genetic data were collected from eligible articles, and ClinVar and PubMed (dbSNP) were searched for variants.ResultsOf 1,803 studies, 25 met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen studies were case-control studies and ten were case reports representing 1,080 non-syndromic POI patients in total. Seventy-nine variants in 25 genes associated with POI were reported in ten MENA countries. Of the 79 variants, 46 were rare and 33 were common variants. Of the 46 rare variants, 19 were pathogenic or likely pathogenic according to ACMG classification guidelines and ClinVar. No clear phenotype-genotype association was observed. Male family members carrying pathogenic variants also had infertility problems.DiscussionTo our best knowledge, this is the first systematic review of the genetic variants associated with POI in the MENA region. Further functional studies are needed to assess the disease-causing molecular mechanisms of these variants. Knowledge of the genetic basis of POI in the Middle East could facilitate early detection of the condition and thus early implementation of therapeutic interventions, paving the way for precision medicine options in specific populations.