Bias adjustment of satellite-based precipitation estimation using artificial neural networks-cloud classification system over Saudi Arabia

Precipitation is a key input variable for hydrological and climate studies. Rain gauges can provide reliable precipitation measurements at a point of observations. However, the uncertainty of rain measurements increases when a rain gauge network is sparse. Satellite-based precipitation estimations SPEs appear to be an alternative source of measurements for regions with limited rain gauges. However, the systematic bias from satellite precipitation estimation should be estimated and adjusted. In this study, a method of removing the bias from the precipitation estimation from remotely sensed information using artificial neural networks-cloud classification system (PERSIANN-CCS) over a region where the rain gauge is sparse is investigated. The method consists of monthly empirical quantile mapping of gauge and satellite measurements over several climate zones as well as inverse-weighted distance for the interpolation of gauge measurements. Seven years (2010–2016) of daily precipitation estimation from PERSIANN-CCS was used to test and adjust the bias of estimation over Saudi Arabia. The first 6 years (2010–2015) are used for calibration, while 1 year (2016) is used for validation. The results show that the mean yearly bias is reduced by 90%, and the yearly root mean square error is reduced by 68% during the validation year. The experimental results confirm that the proposed method can effectively adjust the bias of satellite-based precipitation estimations

E-participation service in Saudi Arabian e-Government websites: The influencing factors from citizens' perspective

© 2014 The Authors. In keeping pace with the rapid developments in information and communication technology, the Saudi government has invested heavily, in recent years, in the development of e-participation services in e-Government websites with the aim of enhancing citizens' interaction with the government and thereby making the latter more responsive and accountable to citizens' needs. However, despite its significant efforts, a low level of use of the online opportunities by the citizens for interacting with the government is an endemic problem faced by the Saudi government. In contrast, many countries stand in very good positions compared to Saudi Arabia in terms of citizens' rate of adoption of e-participation services. This suggests that there are influencing factors that have a significant impact on citizens' intention to use eparticipation services in e-Government websites in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this research aims to explore the factors, from a citizen perspective, that affects individuals' intention to use e-participation services in Saudi Arabian e-Government websites. In addressing its objective, this research commenced with a literature investigation which revealed that there are very few previous studies that have specifically examined the antecedents of citizens' intention to use e-participation services. Much of the existing literature on citizens' intention to use e-Government services have focused predominantly on the transactional services. Additionally, most of these studies have concentrated more on validating popular behavioural models in the context of citizens' use of e-services rather than looking at contextual factors that could impact individual's decision to use such services. Therefore, by reviewing different theories and empirical findings, a conceptual framework has been proposed in this study for understanding Saudi citizens' intention to use e-participation. The framework consists of five constructs, including, intention to use e-participation, attitude, trust, website design, and culture. The relationship between these constructs form the basis for the research hypotheses which will be tested using a quantitative research approach. Specifically, a survey will be used for gathering data from a sample of Saudi citizens and statistical methods will be used for analysing the quantitative data generated from the primary research. The findings of this research can assist the Saudi government and governments of other culturally similar countries in developing more effective citizen-centric e-participation services, thus implying that this study has significant practical implications as well

Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Performance: Does Financial Reporting Quality Matter?

This study aims to analyze the role of social responsibility in times of crisis, where the study examines whether the role of social responsibility in the corporate performance will depend on its interaction with other basic aspects of the corporate business environment. In the contemporary economic context, information environment considers important aspects of the business environment, therefore, it can be suggested that the impact of social responsibility on the company’s performance will be clearer when considering its interaction with financial reporting quality. To test this argument, data from the Saudi business environment for the year 2020 was collected to explore the relationship between social responsibility and the company’s financial performance during the Corona pandemic, and the role of the financial reporting quality in that relationship. The results were largely consistent with the general argument of the study, the results showed that social responsibility does not affect the financial performance, but the interaction between it and the financial reporting quality positively affects the financial performance of the company during the pandemic period. Therefore, financial reporting quality play a major role in the extent to which social responsibility affects performance. The results represent a motivation for the various parties in the business environment to pay attention to the general framework of the companys business aspects when analyzing performance

Frequency of <i>KLK3 </i>gene deletions in the general population

Background One of the kallikrein genes ( KLK3) encodes prostate-specific antigen, a key biomarker for prostate cancer. A number of factors, both genetic and non-genetic, determine variation of serum prostate-specific antigen concentrations in the population. We have recently found three KLK3 deletions in individuals with very low prostate-specific antigen concentrations, suggesting a link between abnormally reduced KLK3 expression and deletions of KLK3. Here, we aim to determine the frequency of kallikrein gene 3 deletions in the general population. Methods The frequency of KLK3 deletions in the general population was estimated from the 1958 Birth Cohort sample ( n = 3815) using amplification ratiometry control system. In silico analyses using PennCNV were carried out in the same cohort and in NBS-WTCCC2 in order to provide an independent estimation of the frequency of KLK3 deletions in the general population. Results Amplification ratiometry control system results from the 1958 cohort indicated a frequency of KLK3 deletions of 0.81% (3.98% following a less stringent calling criterion). From in silico analyses, we found that potential deletions harbouring the KLK3 gene occurred at rates of 2.13% (1958 Cohort, n = 2867) and 0.99% (NBS-WTCCC2, n = 2737), respectively. These results are in good agreement with our in vitro experiments. All deletions found were in heterozygosis. Conclusions We conclude that a number of individuals from the general population present KLK3 deletions in heterozygosis. Further studies are required in order to know if interpretation of low serum prostate-specific antigen concentrations in individuals with KLK3 deletions may offer false-negative assurances with consequences for prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and monitoring. </jats:sec

Epigenetic-Mediated Antimicrobial Resistance:Host versus Pathogen Epigenetic Alterations

Since the discovery of antibiotics, humans have been benefiting from them by decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial infections. However, in the past few decades, misuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of bacterial infections resistant to multiple drugs, a significant health concern. Bacteria exposed to inappropriate levels of antibiotics lead to several genetic changes, enabling them to survive in the host and become more resistant. Despite the understanding and targeting of genetic-based biochemical changes in the bacteria, the increasing levels of antibiotic resistance are not under control. Many reports hint at the role of epigenetic modifications in the bacterial genome and host epigenetic reprogramming due to interaction with resistant pathogens. Epigenetic changes, such as the DNA-methylation-based regulation of bacterial mutation rates or bacteria-induced histone modification in human epithelial cells, facilitate its long-term survival. In this review article, epigenetic changes leading to the development of antibiotic resistance in clinically relevant bacteria are discussed. Additionally, recent lines of evidence focusing on human host epigenetic changes due to the human–pathogen interactions are presented. As genetic mechanisms cannot explain the transient nature of antimicrobial resistance, we believe that epigenetics may provide new frontiers in antimicrobial discovery.</p

Epigenetic Mediated Antimicrobial Resistance:Host versus Pathogen Epigenetic Alterations

Since the discovery of antibiotics, humans have been benefiting from them by decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial infections. However, in the past few decades, misuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of bacterial infections resistant to multiple drugs, a significant health concern. Bacteria exposed to inappropriate levels of antibiotics lead to several genetic changes, enabling them to survive in the host and become more resistant. Despite the understanding and targeting of genetic-based biochemical changes in the bacteria, the increasing levels of antibiotic resistance are not under control. Many reports hint at the role of epigenetic modifications in the bacterial genome and host epigenetic reprogramming due to interaction with resistant pathogens. Epigenetic changes, such as the DNA-methylation-based regulation of bacterial mutation rates or bacteria-induced histone modification in human epithelial cells, facilitate its long-term survival. In this review article, epigenetic changes leading to the development of antibiotic resistance in clinically relevant bacteria are discussed. Additionally, recent lines of evidence focusing on human host epigenetic changes due to the human–pathogen interactions are presented. As genetic mechanisms cannot explain the transient nature of antimicrobial resistance, we believe that epigenetics may provide new frontiers in antimicrobial discovery

The Association between Colorectal Cancer and Colonoscopic Conditions in Saudi Patients: A 10-Year Cross-Sectional-Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: In Saudi Arabia, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer in males and the third most common cancer in females. The current gold standard for colorectal cancer diagnosis is colonoscopy. Several concerns regarding the balance of ordering colonoscopy procedures for patients presenting with signs and symptoms. There are also several concerns regarding over-ordering the procedure when unnecessary. The current study aimed to evaluate the association between colorectal cancer and colonoscopic conditions in Saudi patients. METHODS: A 10-year cross-sectional study was conducted at Alnoor Specialty Hospital, Makkah, over the last ten years. Colonoscopy reports of patients were evaluated to identify the colonoscopy manifestations associated with mass, polyps, and bleeding. RESULTS: The current study evaluated 2158 cases admitted to the hospital for colonoscopic diagnosis. Results indicated that most of the patients were males (55.4%). Additionally, results showed a significant statistical association between tumor and bleeding, polyp, and hemorrhage. Moreover, it highlighted the association between polyps and bleeding, inflammation, and diverticulosis. CONCLUSION: CRC screening in Saudi Arabia is comprehensive; however, there are a few areas for improvement, including standardization of colorectal cancer pathology reporting to improve the health system's quality. Also, the current study identified conditions that are significantly associated with reported colon polyps and tumors, which could aid in stratifying patients selected for screening via colonoscopy

The impact of law enforcement on the dispensing antibiotics without prescription in Saudi Arabia : findings and implications

Background: Dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription (DAwP) has been widely practised in Saudi Arabia despite being illegal. This is a concern increasing AMR. In May 2018, the law and regulations were enforced including fines up to 100,000 SR (equivalent to US$26,666) and cancellation of licences. Consequently, we wanted to evaluate the impact. Methods: Mixed method study among 116 community pharmacies in two phases. Pre-law enforcement phase between December 2017 and March 2018 and post-law enforcement phase one year later. Each phase consisted of a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey and a simulated client method (SCM). In the SCM, clients presented with either pharyngitis or urinary tract infections (UTI) with 3 levels: level 1 – SC asked for something to relieve the symptoms, level 2 – SC asked for something stronger if an antibiotic was not dispensed, level 3 – SC requested an antibiotic. In SCM for each phase, all 116 pharmacies were visited with at least one of the scenarios. Results: Before the law enforcement, 70.7% of community pharmacists reported DAwP was common. 96.6% and 87.7% of participating pharmacies dispensed antibiotics without a prescription for pharyngitis and UTI respectively. After law enforcement, only 12.9% of community pharmacists indicated that DAwP was common, with only 12.1% and 5.2% dispensing antibiotics without prescriptions for pharyngitis and UTI respectively and mostly after level 3. Conclusion: Law enforcement was effective. However, there is still further scope for improvement as community pharmacists are worried patients may go elsewhere if no antibiotic dispensed on request. This could include educational activities