{"title":"Investigating the Concomitant Removal of Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals by highly adapted Bacillus and Pseudomonas strains","authors":"Zulfa Aldisi, Mohammad Alghouti, N. Zouari","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0027","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigates the concomitant removal of hydrocarbons and heavy metals by highly adapted Bacillus and Pseudomonas strains. In regions characterized by harsh conditions such as Qatar, the weathering processes would affect the content, status, and distribution of these contaminants. It was shown in the weathered soil from Dukhan oil wastes dumpsite that 14 heavy metals exceeded the EPA limits. Moreover, it was demonstrated that soil organics did not affect the distribution of the metals in the soil. However, most of the heavy metals were strongly bonded to the residual and the iron-manganese oxide fractions. Eighteen bacterial strains isolated from highly weathered oily soils were able to grow with heavy metal concentrations up to 3 mM and above for some. Seven selected strains (4 Bacillus and 3 Pseudomonas) showed the ability to remove almost 60 to 70% of most of the heavy metals when used at 1 mM. Moreover, they removed up to 75% of the diesel range organics. These results are of interest for selecting bacterial strains, which can overcome the toxicity of hydrocarbons and heavy metals and remove them concomitantly.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"61 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83774769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ruba Sulaiman, S. Ismail, M. ElHajj, Mujahed Shraim, T. Kane, A. El-Awaisi
{"title":"Exploring QU Health Students' Experiences of Burnout, Anxiety, and Empathy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Method Study","authors":"Ruba Sulaiman, S. Ismail, M. ElHajj, Mujahed Shraim, T. Kane, A. El-Awaisi","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0131","url":null,"abstract":"Background Students' mental health is a growing concern. COVID-19 pandemic resulted in academic and non-academic challenges which caused students' burnout, anxiety, and reduced empathy. Objectives The study objectives were to assess burnout amongst QU Health students, determine the relationship between burnout and anxiety, and burnout and empathy, and to determine the students coping strategies. Methods A convergent mixed-methods design was used: (1) a cross-sectional survey using validated instruments. Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Students Survey (MBI-GS(S)) to measure burnout, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale (GAD-7) to measure anxiety, and Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) to measure empathy; (2) focus groups to get a deeper insight of the students' experiences and coping strategies. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were used for the survey while the focus groups were analysed using deductive thematic analysis following the coping reserve model. Results 21.45% of students responded to the survey. Burnout was reported according to the subscales. MBI-Exhaustion (MBI-EX) subscale (mean= 4.07, SD= 1.56), MBI-Cynicism (MBI-CY) subscale (mean= 2.63, SD= 1.53), and MBI-Professional Efficacy (MBI-PE) subscale (mean= 3.97, SD= 1.22). MBI-EX and MBI-CY were associated with GAD-7 scores. MBI-EX and MBI-CY were associated with IRI-Empathic Concern (IRI-EC) and IRI-Personal Distress (IRI-PD) while MBI-PE was associated with IRI-Perspective Talking (IRI-PT) and IRI-EC. The students used many coping strategies to build resilience. Conclusion QU Health students experienced burnout during the spring 2020 semester. Many burnout causes and coping strategies were identified. It is suggested for QU to start mentorship programs and mental health initiatives to promote students' resilience.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"476 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86733901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Khaled, I. Amro, L. Bader, T. Bellaj, Yousri Marzouki, Y. Hasan, Ibrahim Al-Kaabi, P. Woodruff, Majid Alabdulla, P. Haddad
{"title":"Depression-anxiety in Adult Population of Qatar during the First Year of COVID-19","authors":"S. Khaled, I. Amro, L. Bader, T. Bellaj, Yousri Marzouki, Y. Hasan, Ibrahim Al-Kaabi, P. Woodruff, Majid Alabdulla, P. Haddad","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0177","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0177","url":null,"abstract":"There is limited data from Arabic-speaking countries on risk factors for depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Country-specific data is necessary given differences in culture, demographics, and COVID-19 infection and mortality rates. This study intended to identify the factors associated with symptoms of depression-anxiety in the adult population of Qatar during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in Qatar between July and December 2020 after Qatar’s first COVID-19 wave and before the beginning of the second wave. Depression-anxiety was defined as a cut-off of 20 or higher on the PHQ-ADS scale. Of 1138 participants, 71.05% were female, 69.0% Arabs, and 70.0% Non-Qataris. 77 % were < 40 years (the median age in Qatar is 32 years). In a fully-adjusted model, six variables were significantly associated with PHQ-ADS; Arab ethnicity (OR=1.67, p=0.026), never married (OR=1.69, p < 0.015), prior psychiatric history (OR=1.80, p=0.009), Social Media induced worries (OR=1.72, p=0.003), history of COVID-19 (OR=1.76, p=0.039), loneliness (OR=1.91, p < 0.001), and lower levels of religiosity (OR=0.96, p=0.039). The potential risk factors identified may assist with anxiety and depression prevention in future COVID-19 waves, similar national events and assist with early intervention to treat sufferers.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75134908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Depression in patients with spinal injury in Qatar: a mixed-methods study","authors":"B. Al Shamari, L. OHara","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0107","url":null,"abstract":"Background: There is a high prevalence of depression in people with spinal injury. It has a major negative influence on health and performance of daily living activities following the injury. Social support plays an important role in the recovery process of patients. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of depression; identify the association between the level of depression and the cause and site of spinal injury, sociodemographic factors, and social support; and explore the experiences of depression in patients with spinal injury in Qatar. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted. All patients admitted to Hamad Medical Corporation in 2020 with spinal injury were surveyed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire in Arabic, English or Hindi. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The Social Support Survey was used to assess overall social support and four specific aspects of social support. Demographic data were collected. The cause and site of injury were obtained from patient records. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected participants. Results: A total of 106 participants participated in the survey. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 participants. For the survey component, the average age of participants was 35.82±10.00 years, the majority were males (94.3%), and 69% had some level of depression (mild: 28%, minimal: 25.5%, and moderate to severe: 15%). Depression was not associated with socio-demographic factors or the cause or site of spinal injury. Emotional/informational support and positive social interaction were inversely correlated with depression scores. The interviews revealed that spinal injury had a negative impact on participants’ daily lives and their physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Emotional/informational support and positive social interaction were both inversely correlated with depression. This was consistent with the findings of the interviews, which highlighted the important role of social support in improving participants’ ability to cope with their new situation. Conclusion: Depression is prevalent among patients with spinal injury. Early detection, referral, and treatment of depression are recommended. Strategies to enhance emotional/informational support and positive social interaction should be developed and tested in patients with spinal injury.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85660316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Modelling and Analysis of Power Electronic Converters for EV Charging/Discharging for G2V, V2G and V2X Operations","authors":"A. Iqbal, S. Islam, M. Meraj","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0014","url":null,"abstract":"The research work deals with the implementation of various chargers used for electric vehicles in the context of Qatar. These chargers are categorized as slow, fast, and super-fast chargers. The electric vehicles not only lead to a reduction in carbon footprint, but the V2X mode of operation of EVs implemented with the help of a bidirectional converter is used to provide ancillary services in the system such as shaving peak and valley in load demand, frequency, and voltage regulation, balance the supply and demand for active power and reactive power, compensate grid current harmonics, improve power quality, provide reactive power compensation and improve system stability. Due to the above-mentioned advantages, V2X mode of operation will be explored in this research work.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"33 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80911195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ecotoxicological assessment of two surfactant on the emryonic development","authors":"Aldana Al-dosari, N. Younes, G. Nasrallah","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0149","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0149","url":null,"abstract":"In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos was served as a model for marine fauna to determine if there is any potential of organ-specific toxicity (neuromuscular, hepatic, cytotoxic, and cardiac) caused by Silicone-Q-22 and Ploy-Q-47. as both surfactants are considered eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors. The calculated LC50 of Silicon-Q-22 and Poly-Q-47 was 22.36 and 8.28 mg/L, respectively. At NOEC both surfactants had resulted in teratogenic defects and cardiotoxicity, but only poly Q-47 resulted in neurotoxicity.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79887237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zeana Samir Alkudsi, Nadin Hany Kamel, A. El-Awaisi, Mujahed Shraim, M. ElHajj
{"title":"Burnout and Resilience in Community Pharmacists in Qatar during the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Cross Sectional Study","authors":"Zeana Samir Alkudsi, Nadin Hany Kamel, A. El-Awaisi, Mujahed Shraim, M. ElHajj","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0134","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: The main aim of this study is to illustrate the prevalence of burnout and resilience among community pharmacists in Qatar during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study design that included the collection and analysis of quantitative data from community pharmacists in Qatar using a cross-sectional survey. Results: Overall, participants had a moderate level of burnout as illustrated in the mean scores of the three dimensions; 22.11±13.053 for emotional exhaustion, 7.17±6.55 for depersonalization, and 35.94±11.47 for personal accomplishment. The findings demonstrated that 15.2%, 15.6%, and 5.4% of community pharmacists had moderate levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Further, they showed high resilience (35.7±8.57). Mental health outcomes were statistically positively correlated with fear while age was negatively correlated with depersonalization. Conclusion: This study is the first study to report the prevalence of mental health outcomes among community pharmacists during COVID-19 in Qatar. The pharmacists experienced moderate burnout but high resilience which indicates their high potential to overcome difficulties. Future interventions at the personal, national and organizational levels are needed to improve mental health during this pandemic by preventing and managing stress, improving self-efficacy and resilience, and providing adequate social support.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"85 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76953233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Enjoud Khalifa Al-Borshaid, Kavitha Varadharajan, Muralitharan Shanmugakonar, H. Al-Naemi
{"title":"Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C in Sprague Dawley (SD) Rats exposed to Sub-Chronic oral dose of Cadmium Chloride","authors":"Enjoud Khalifa Al-Borshaid, Kavitha Varadharajan, Muralitharan Shanmugakonar, H. Al-Naemi","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0075","url":null,"abstract":"Cadmium is one of the major environmental pollutants associated with an increment in industrial and urbanization activities. It has health consequences when it reaches the human diet through the soil, water, and plant. Chronic exposure to cadmium has a serious effect on human health. It accumulates mainly in the liver and the kidney. In addition, it can accumulate in the different organs and tissues and exert its toxic effect on the body. Data generated from animal studies reported that elevated levels of cadmium in the blood lead to cardiovascular complications. Cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) is associated with the myosin thick filament and is involved in cross-bridges cycling and regulation of muscle contraction. It is a reliable marker to indicate the status of cardiac contractility. Therefore, this study is carried out to investigate the effect of cadmium on levels of cMyBP-C during chronic cadmium toxicity. Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to a daily cadmium chloride dose (15ppm/Kg of body weight) for a period of 10 weeks. Then heart samples were collected and both gene and protein expression of cMyBP-C were analyzed. The data demonstrated that cadmium decreased cMyBP-C at the protein level and downregulated its expression at the gene level. Therefore, cMyBP-C can be used as a potential biomarker for cadmium cardiotoxicity","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"48 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82237771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mounyah Waiel Al-Nuaimi, Ranin Abidi, B. Mukhalalati, A. El-Awaisi, A. Awaisu, Mohhamed Diab, F. Mraiche
{"title":"An Examination of the Employment Preparedness, Job Satisfaction, and Impact in the Workplace of Qatar University Pharmacy Alumni: A Mixed Methods Study","authors":"Mounyah Waiel Al-Nuaimi, Ranin Abidi, B. Mukhalalati, A. El-Awaisi, A. Awaisu, Mohhamed Diab, F. Mraiche","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0132","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0132","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: The level of alumni’s job satisfaction and preparedness has been found to affect the impact in the workplace. Little is known about alumni’s employment experience in Qatar. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the employment preparedness, job satisfaction and impact in the workplace of College of pharmacy graduates in Qatar. Methods: A sequential exploratory mixed methods study was conducted. For the qualitative phase, data were collected by focus groups and were analyzed thematically. Quantitative data collection involved administration of a validated questionnaire. Results: Research findings suggested that college of Pharmacy (CPH) alumni were mostly well prepared in terms of knowledge and skills. They were mostly satisfied about the curriculum and the experiential learning experience. The participants were challenged by the lack of deep knowledge and skills needed for their area of expertise. COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased workload and stress. Being a Qatar University graduate facilitated the recruitment process. Lastly, a positive impact in the workplace was reported through implementation of NAPRA competencies and AFPC learning outcomes. Conclusion: This study will facilitate the understanding of factors that affect the preparedness, job satisfaction of CPH alumni and their impact in the workplace, which will ultimately enhance the learning experience in CPH.","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"32 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76453198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rashid Ebrahim Al-Mannai, Mohammed Hamad Almerekhi, Mohammed Abdulla Al-Mannai, Mishahira N, K. K. Sadasivuni, H. Yalcin, H. Ouakad, I. Bahadur, S. Al-Maadeed, Asiya Albusaidi
{"title":"Artificial Intelligence in Predicting Heart Failure","authors":"Rashid Ebrahim Al-Mannai, Mohammed Hamad Almerekhi, Mohammed Abdulla Al-Mannai, Mishahira N, K. K. Sadasivuni, H. Yalcin, H. Ouakad, I. Bahadur, S. Al-Maadeed, Asiya Albusaidi","doi":"10.29117/quarfe.2021.0130","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.29117/quarfe.2021.0130","url":null,"abstract":"Heart Failure is a major chronic disease that is increasing day by day and a great health burden in health care systems world wide. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques such as machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and cognitive computer can play a critical role in the early detection and diagnosis of Heart Failure Detection, as well as outcome prediction and prognosis evaluation. The availability of large datasets from difference sources can be leveraged to build machine learning models that can empower clinicians by providing early warnings and insightful information on the underlying conditions of the patients","PeriodicalId":9295,"journal":{"name":"Building Resilience at Universities: Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87514208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}