Prevalence and behavioral risk factors for STIs/HIV among attendees of the Ministry of Health hospitals in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a major public health, social, and economic problem leading to morbidity, mortality, and stigma. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of STIs, investigate behavioral risk factors and the relationship between the STIs/HIV and demographic factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2013 and 2014 among attendees of the Ministry of Health hospitals. Results: The total number of participants was 3,994 (2,441 males and 1,553 females), with a mean age of 31.95 ± 9.45 years (range 12 to 77 years). The prevalence of STIs and HIV was 6.2% and 0.05% respectively. The mean age for infected people with STIs was 29.42 ± 7.51, vs. 32.12 ± 9.55 for non infected (p < 0.05). There was no diffference between infected and non infected people regarding gender, occupation and marital status. The prevalence of STIs was more commonly reported among non-Saudi (10.9%). Drug use (OR = 4.74; 95%; CI: 3.47–6.48), intravenous drug use (OR = 4.51; 95% CI: 1.45–13.12), illegal sex (OR = 10.7; 95% CI: 7.62–13.32), sex for money (OR = 6.36; 95% CI: 4.52–8.93), sex for pleasure (OR=9.76; 95% CI: 7.29–13.07) were significantly associated with STIs. Conclusion: The prevalence of STIs including HIV in Saudi Arabia is low compared to other countries in the region and globally

Sexually transmitted infections case notification rates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2005–2012

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major public health concerns around the world. This study describes the epidemiology of reported STI cases from 2005 to 2012 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: The annual registry was the main source of data as reported by healthcare providers. Case definitions were based on positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies detectable by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by western blot test for HIV cases. The definitions of other STIs were based on published Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definitions. Results: During the study period, 68,886 new cases were reported, with nongonococcal urethritis being the highest STI (25.4) per 100,000 population (25.4), followed by trichomoniasis (9.1), HIV (7), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (2.9), and syphilis (1.3). The cases included nongonococcal urethritis (n = 35,613; 51.7%), trichomoniasis (n = 12,679; 18.4%), gonococcal urethritis (n = 3,006; 4.4%), syphilis (n = 1,769; 2.6%), HIV (n = 9,843; 14.3%), genital warts (n = 4,018; 5.8%), genital herpes (n = 1,508; 2.2%), and chancroid (n = 450; 0.7%). Saudi contribution to HIV cases increased from 28.9% in the preceding decade to 43.5% in the current study. Conclusions: Nongonococcal urethritis, trichomoniasis, and HIV were the most commonly reported STIs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Transparent conductive oxide films for high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells

In this paper, atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) thin films of various thicknesses and dopant levels is reported. The deposited coatings are used to fabricate dye-sensitized solar cells, which exhibited reproducible power conversion efficiencies in excess of 10%. No surface texturing of FTOs or any additional treatment of dye-covered films is applied. In comparison, the use of commercial FTOs showed a lower cell efficiency of 7.11%. Detailed analysis showed that the cell efficiencies do not simply depend on the resistivity of FTOs but instead rely on a combination of carrier concentration, thickness, and surface roughness properties

Student's Perception on Walkability Performance of Campus Facilities: a Case study of UiTM Perak, Seri Iskandar Campus

This study is trying to investigate the perceptions of student in term of walkability performances of campus facilities in UiTM Perak, Seri Iskandar Campus. For the past few years, UiTM Perak has been promoting "Experiential Learning in A Green Environment". One of the main component to achieve green environment is walkability. Walking has been a part of an everyday routine for students in Malaysian universities. Almost every university in Malaysia is built in a complex compound. Therefore, walking is a must for moving from one point to another. Walking as mode of transportation will promote good health and a sustainable environment. The pedestrian and walkway seem to be lacking and not well maintained. This has been an issue for the students who live in the campus, when they need to walk from their residential block to their academic block as they tend to walk on the street rather than on the pedestrian. This study incorporates two methodologies, based on quantitative and qualitative method to justify this situation. Data collected via questionnaires from 200 students of UiTM Perak, Seri Iskandar Campus who reside on campus. For qualitative method, a visual study was conducted to study in terms of visual perception. This study is expected to give a clear perspective to the university regarding the problems and what needs to be done for the future development of the built environment

The Interactive Role of Social Capital in the Relationship Between Dynamic Capabilities and Strategic Renewal / an Analytical Research of the Views of a Sample of Managers in the Southern Cement Company in the Province of Najaf

Purpose:The current research sought to measure the interactive impact Social capital in the relationship between of dynamic capabilities and strategic renewal.   Theoretical framework:as it builds within its theoretical framework of dynamic capabilities an independent variable and strategic renewal is a dependent variable, and social capital is an interactive variable   Design/methodology/approach :In order to process this data and information, the researcher used the statistical methods, which are: (interaction analysis method).through the use of the intentional sample distributed (120) forms A questionnaire on the administrative leaders in the Iraqi General Company for Cement - Kufa Cement Factory.   Findings : The effect of the interaction variable (social capital) on the relationship between dynamic capabilities and strategic renewal was negative (inversely), which means that the elements of social capital currently in force in the company do not work to strengthen the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.    Research,Practical &amp; Social  implications:The results of the current research showed an interactive effect of social capital in the relationship between dynamic capabilities and strategic renewal.   Originality/value: Increasing interest in the social capital mechanisms currently adopted and working on developing them in order to strengthen the relationship between dynamic capabilities and strategic renewal

The random coefficient autoregressive model with seasonal volatility innovations (RCA-SGARCH)

This paper dealt with the autoregressive model when the coefficient is random. The residuals series of the model exhibit two behaviors, kurtosis and volatility. These volatilities are usually seasonal in the real financial data, which always uses GARCH models. So the use of RCA and GARCH models together will provide an appropriate framework to study and analysis of time-varying volatility as well as the presence of seasonal effects in financial series. Applying copper's daily economic close prices when the errors series are distributed, as usual, t_((3)) and t_((7)) distributions are achieved. Therefore, the RCA(1) model, when residuals follow the GARCH(1, 0)x(0, 1)_5 model together, is the appropriate model

Metabolic Control in Children and Adolescents with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus at

Objective: Preventing long-term diabetic complications requires good metabolic control, especially in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We describe the metabolic control of T1DM and the factors affecting it among children and adolescents attending the Pediatric Clinic at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital

Role of Color Flow Ultrasound in Detection of Deep Venous Thrombosis

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of lower limbs is one of the most causes for the majority of death caused by pulmonary embolism. Many medical and surgical disorders are complicated by DVT. Most venous thrombi are clinically silent. B-mode and color Doppler imaging is needed for early diagnosis of DVT to prevent complications and squeal of DVT.Aim and objectives: the objectives of our study were to evaluate the role of color flow Doppler in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and subsequently to investigate its diagnostic value in patients who have normal deep veins despite symptoms.Patients and methods: prospective cross sectional study of 50 patients, 32 patients male, 18female, diagnosed on Doppler with DVTResults: Color Doppler flow imaging in 50 cases had sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 96.7%, positive predictive value of 94.7%, negative predictive value of 93.5%, and accuracy rate of 94%, with majority belonging to fifth decade (26%). In our study, predominantly distribution of thrombus was found to be in above knee region with (65.63%), while only 34.38% of them had DVT below knee.Conclusion: Color Doppler is useful in diagnosing DVT in symptomatic and at risk patients and provides non- invasive method of investigation. It is also helpful in evaluating the site, extent and stage of thrombus. Keywords: Color flow duplex venous examination, deep venous thrombosis, duplex scanning, pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolis