Stress in physical education teachers in Qatar

Stress is an area of interest among researchers and practitioners in many fields – including teaching. Much of the research on causes of stress for teachers has focused on teachers in general; only a few studies have focused on physical education teachers. Although there have been a few studies of causes of stress for physical education teachers in the Middle East, no studies have been conducted on physical education teachers in Qatar. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify causes of stress for physical education teachers in Qatar at the beginning and end of the school year as well as any changes over the course of the year. A second purpose was to try to explain any differences in causes of stress according to: gender; nationality; type of school; and amount of experience. Results showed that there were different causes of stress for different groups of teachers which could be related to different backgrounds and experiences and different roles and responsibilities in society as a result of different cultural and social expectations and environmental factors

Systematic Methods for the Design of Industrial Clusters with Capped Carbon Emissions

Hydrocarbon resource centric economies, such as Qatar, are highly vulnerable to the impact of climate policy. Climate policies could decrease demand of hydrocarbon, lowering prices and would force countries to adopt mitigation technologies. Thus, having a climate strategy is important to meet future constraints. This work develops approaches to enable policy makers to systematically explore alternative emissions reduction paths in an integrated framework. The methods introduced explore the element of time, resources management, Carbon Capture Utilization and Sequestration (CCUS) and energy integration including Renewable Energy (RE) use. The industrial city or cluster is taken as a system and modelled through balances and constraints, which were optimized applying deterministic solvers. Two approaches were developed. The first is a multi-period carbon planning approach that enables the assessment of different carbon dioxide reduction options, which may be applied to guiding transitions to a future target emission. Second is a systematic approach that enables the identification of economically optimal natural gas allocation in different conversion technologies under carbon emission targets with energy synergy. The multi-period planning approach identified allocation of carbon dioxide between sources and potential sinks in each period, compared cost elements simultaneously and resulted in a low cost network across all periods. Furthermore, the role of RE was investigated through a robust MILP. The results highlighted significant differences in economic impact of alternative footprint reduction policies. The systematic natural gas monetization approach simultaneously determined natural gas monetization and carbon dioxide management through CCUS as well as RE strategies. The method considered heat and power integration, enabling the assessment of the Natural gas (CH₄), CO₂ and Energy nexus. Several case studies were solved that indicated benefits of having optimized policies that screen all mitigation options given economic and environmental objectives out preformed adopted prescribed policies found around the globe

The associations between mental well-being and adherence to physical activity guidelines in patients with cardiovascular disease: Results from the scottish health survey

The association between physical activity (PA) and mental well-being in individuals with a cardiovascular disease (CVD) is poorly studied. The objective of this study was to assess the association between mental well-being and adherence to the recommended guidelines for PA in a Scottish adult population with CVD. The study used data from 3128 adults who had CVD conditions (1547 men and 1581 women; mean age 63.29 years) who participated in the Scottish Health Survey between 2014 and 2017. The Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) was used as a surrogate measure of mental health. PA was classified as “met” or “unmet” on the basis of the recommended PA guidelines (150 min of moderate activity or 75 min of vigorous activity per week). The relationship between PA guidelines being met and the WEMWBS score was explored using hierarchical linear regression accounting for a set of health and sociodemographic characteristics. Of the participants, ~41.8% met the recommended PA levels. Among those with CVD, the mean (SD) WEMWBS scores of individuals who did not have a long-standing illness (51.14 ± 7.65 vs 47.07 ± 9.54; p < 0.05), diabetes (48.44 ± 9.05 vs 46.04 ± 10.25; p < 0.05), or high blood pressure (48.63 ± 9.08 vs 47.52 ± 9.47; p < 0.05) were significantly higher than those of individuals with such conditions. Meeting PA recommendations was significantly associated with a higher mean WEMWBS score (50.64 ± 7.97 vs 46.06 ± 9.75; p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis of health-related behaviors improved the prediction of mental well-being over and above meeting the recommended PA levels. Mental well-being was strongly correlated with PA adherence in CVD patients. It seems that for patients with CVD, PA should be tailored to meet patients’ health conditions in order to promote mental well-being and improve overall healthFunding: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The Scottish Health Survey is funded by the Scottish Executive. The funders had no role in the present study

Effect of a pedometer-based walking challenge on increasing physical activity levels amongst hospital workers

Background: More than 50% of Qatari adults are physically inactive. The workplace is an excellent environment to implement cost-effective, efficient behavioural physical activity (PA) interventions to increase PA. This study evaluated whether a pedometer-based walking challenge would increase PA levels amongst hospital workers. Methods: A pedometer-based workplace walking intervention was implemented in April-August 2017. Amongst 800 recruited full-Time hospital workers, a cross-sectional sample of 212 workers completed the online questionnaires Quality of Life Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Workforce Sitting Questionnaire. A sub-sample of participants (n = 54) wore a pedometer for 3 months. They recorded their daily step count through an online web platform linked to the pedometer. Another cross-sectional sample (n = 194) in the same target population completed online questionnaires at post intervention. Results: The IPAQ assessed physical activity at post-intervention was higher compared to pre-intervention. In a sub-sample (n = 54) that provided pedometer data, workers' step count during intervention was significantly higher (9270) from pre-intervention (7890) (p = 0.048). Conclusions: Although self-reported PA was higher post-intervention, the subsample showed objectively assessed physical activity did not exceed the threshold recommended for optimal health. Therefore, encouraging participation and maintaining motivation amongst workers in a work-based PA programme is challenging. - 2019 The Author(s).The publication of this article was funded by the Qatar National Library. We would like to acknowledge, Mr. Manaf Kamil, Application Architect in assisting us to extract pedometer data for analysis. Also we would like to thank Mr. Christopher Mengelt, Director of planning and performance for his assistance in dissemination of e-surveys. Finally, we are grateful to Dr. Nathan Riding for English language editing

Biometric of Intent: A New Approach Identifying Potential Threat in Highly Secured Facilities

yesBiometric of Intent (BoI) is a Computer Vision (CV) automation, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, which presents a new approach that extends the reach of the classic biometric identification process. It provides an efficient mechanism which deters the threats raised by unknown individuals who have deceitful intentions and who aim to deploy unlawful operations such as terrorist attacks. In this context, our proposed BoI model is based on a framework constructed upon an automated machine learning facial expression analysis system which can assist law enforcement agencies who intend to deploy a systematic preventive security approach that aims to reduce the risk of potential unlawful attacks by rogue individuals through the evaluation of their emotional state in relation to their malicious intent

Contribution of citizen science to improve knowledge on marine biodiversity in the Gulf Region

Monitoring marine biodiversity is costly and practical solutions have to be implemented to identify species and their preferred habitats, particularly in this era of rapid global change. Citizen science has proven to be effective and with high potential for monitoring efforts, and has been extensively applied to biodiversity. We have used the citizen science approach to engage the general public and stakeholders to contribute improving the current knowledge of sea snake biodiversity in Qatar and the Gulf Region. Logistic regression analysis using demographic data from interview surveys conducted in Qatar has indicated that the people having seen more sea snakes are older than 30 years and are Qatari citizens and/or fishermen from India. Of the ten species of sea snakes listed in the literature to be present in the Gulf Region, most of them have been reported for Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. However, the number of species present is often assumed based on their occurrence within the Arabian Gulf rather than on actual captures and appropriate identification. The creation of marine reference biological scientific collections to properly identify the species and make accurate biodiversity inventories is an urgent priority for the countries in the Gulf region. To this end, contributions by stakeholders and the general public for this study have proven to be very useful. However a larger networking with local and international scientists and stakeholders is still needed to adequately survey the country''s current biodiversity, identify research priorities and eventually provide the scientific input needed to assist biodiversity management related to renewable resource management and marine conservation in the Arabian Gulf Region

Comparative Efficacy of Subcutaneous Versus Intravenous Interleukin 12/23 Inhibitors for the Remission of Moderate to Severe Crohn’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Interleukin 12/23 inhibitors are a newer class of monoclonal antibodies used to induce and maintain remission for Crohn’s disease (CD), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, when patients do not respond to conventional immunomodulatory drugs or first-line monoclonal antibody therapies. Although biologics are best administered intravenously, subcutaneous administration has been trialed, with mixed results. This research synthesized evidence on the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous compared to intravenous administration of interleukin 12/23 inhibitors for moderate to severe CD. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Cochrane, PubMed, SCOPUS, CINHAL, and preprint archives for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous to intravenous interleukin 12/23 inhibitors for the remission of CD. After study quality assessment, a meta-analysis was carried out using a bias-adjusted inverse variance heterogeneity model, heterogeneity was assessed using I2, and publication bias was performed using Doi plots. Evidence certainty was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). Results: Seven RCTs, with 2179 participants, all with moderate to severe CD, were included. After meta-analysis, subcutaneous compared to intravenous administration showed similar efficacy for the induction of remission (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.53–1.12), with no-to-low heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 0.97). For the maintenance of remission, only two studies had analyzable data, and they showed that subcutaneous interleukin 12/23 inhibitors were equal or better compared to intravenous administration. Further syntheses showed that subcutaneous compared to intravenous administration of interleukin 12/23 inhibitors had almost similar odds of adverse events (OR 0.91, 95%CI 0.63–1.32, I2 = 39%), serious adverse events (OR 0.97, 95%CI 0.61–1.53, I2 = 0%), and treatment discontinuation (OR 1.06, 95%CI 0.67–1.68, I2 = 0%). Conclusions: In individuals with moderate to severe CD, subcutaneous administration has similar efficacy for inducing remission with comparable safety. More RCTs are needed to confirm these findings

Comparison of complications in isolated aesthetic liposuction procedures across different techniques: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Liposuction has emerged as one of the most common cosmetic procedures globally, increasing by more than two-fold since 1997. While different liposuction techniques exist, each with distinct advantages and potential sequelae, a comprehensive comparative analysis of complication rates across various techniques in purely aesthetic cases remains unexplored. We aimed to (1) systematically review the literature on complications of distinctliposuction techniques, and (2) compare complication rates between different techniques. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies reporting on complications of isolated cosmetic liposuction techniques in specific anatomical regions. Complication rates were pooled, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using the Luis Furuya-Kanamori index and Doi plot. Results: Twenty-three studies were included. Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) demonstrated the lowest overall complication rates for hemorrhage, infection, seroma formation, thermal injury, and cutaneous necrosis (all 0.13%). Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) exhibited the highest rates for hemorrhage (0.72%), infection (1.34%), and cutaneous necrosis (0.72%). Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) showed the highest rates for seroma formation (3.93%) and thermal injuries/blistering (1.64%). Suction-assisted liposuction (SAL) presented the highest rate of cutaneous irregularities (3.36%). Heterogeneity varied widely across complication types and techniques, with I2 values ranging from 0 to 91.4%. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive comparison of complication rates across different liposuction techniques in aesthetic cases. LAL demonstrated superior safety profiles, while PAL and RAL showed higher rates for specific complications. These findings can inform surgical decision-making and patient counseling. Level of Evidence: Not gradable.Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library.Scopu

Tailoring cells for clinical needs: Meeting report from the Advanced Therapy in Healthcare symposium (October 28–29 2017, Doha, Qatar)

New technologies and therapies designed to facilitate development of personalized treatments are rapidly emerging in the field of biomedicine. Strikingly, the goal of personalized medicine refined the concept of therapy by developing cell-based therapies, the so-called “living drugs”. Breakthrough advancements were achieved in this regard in the fields of gene therapy, cell therapy, tissue-engineered products and advanced therapeutic techniques. The Advanced Therapies in Healthcare symposium, organized by the Clinical Research Center Department of Sidra Medicine, in Doha, Qatar (October 2017), brought together world-renowned experts from the fields of oncology, hematology, immunology, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and stem cells to offer a comprehensive picture of the status of worldwide advanced therapies in both pre-clinical and clinical development, providing insights to the research phase, clinical data and regulatory aspects of these therapies. Highlights of the meeting are provided in this meeting report