University of Science and Technology, Yemen (USTY): Journals / جامعة العلوم والتكنولوجي
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Khat Chewing and Its Association with Dental Caries in Yemeni Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Aden
Get PDFBackground: Although chewing khat is a deeply ingrained cultural practice in Yemen, little is known about how it may contribute to tooth caries, despite potential biological explanations.
Objective: This study investigated the association between khat consumption and the prevalence of dental caries in Yemeni adults.
Method: A cross-sectional study included 267 participants from seven Yemeni governorates. Caries prevalence was assessed using the WHO DMFT index. Data on khat use frequency, oral hygiene practices, and sociodemographics were collected via structured interviews. Multivariable logistic regression controlled for confounders (age, smoking, brushing frequency).
Results: A dose-dependent association was observed between regular khat use and caries prevalence (69% vs. 25%, p<0.001), with OR=2.8 (95% CI: 1.9–4.1) for >3 sessions/week. Poor oral hygiene (only 26.2% brushed twice daily) compounded caries risk (OR=2.1, 95% CI:1.2–3.7). Geographic disparities were notable, with caries prevalence highest in Mansoura (69%) and lowest in Brega (54%).
Conclusion: Khat chewing is a dose-dependent risk factor for dental caries in Yemeni adults, exacerbated by poor oral hygiene. Public health initiatives should target high-frequency khat users in high-prevalence areas with preventive and behavioral interventions.
Barriers to Mental Health Services for Women Experiencing Mood Disorders in Ghana
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في العديد من البلدان ذات الدخل المنخفض، تواجه النساء المصابات باضطرابات المزاج تحديات كبيرة في الوصول إلى خدمات الصحة النفسية، وغالباً ما يتم تجاهل معاناتهن بسبب الوصمة الاجتماعية، والتفاوتات الهيكلية، والعقبات الاقتصادية. تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى استكشاف العوامل متعددة الأبعاد التي تمنع النساء في غانا من الحصول على الدعم المهني اللازم لاضطرابات مثل الاكتئاب والقلق. استخدمت الدراسة منهجًا مختلطًا، شمل مسحًا كميًا شمل 800 امرأة من خلفيات حضرية وريفية، إلى جانب مقابلات متعمقة لفهم التجارب الشخصية والمواقف المجتمعية. أظهرت النتائج أن الوصمة المرتبطة بالصحة النفسية، ونقص الوعي، والعوامل الثقافية مثل تفضيل العلاج الروحي، بالإضافة إلى محدودية الوصول إلى خدمات الرعاية النفسية المتخصصة، تُعد من أبرز الحواجز. توصي الدراسة بدمج خدمات الصحة النفسية ضمن الرعاية الصحية الأولية، وزيادة التوعية، وتدريب العاملين في المجال الصحي على حساسية النوع الاجتماعي كخطوات حاسمة لتحسين الوصول إلى هذه الخدمات.Background: Accessing mental health services for conditions like depression and anxiety is critical to individual and public health.
Objective: This study examines the gaps in access to mental health services for the female population in Ghana and identifies methods to increase the use of these services.
Methods: This study utilized both quantitative and qualitative approaches through surveys and interviews. A total of 800 women were recruited from urban (Accra) and rural (Northern Region) regions. Questionnaires that measured access to care, affordability, stigma, and knowledge about mental health services were used to collect quantitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
Results: Of the 800 women surveyed (400 urban, 400 rural), 68% had not sought formal mental healthcare. This included 62% of urban respondents and 74% of rural respondents. The top three reported barriers were stigma (reported by 45% overall; 38% urban, 52% rural), financial constraints (40% overall; 32% urban, 48% rural), and lack of awareness of services (35% overall; 28% urban, 42% rural). Logistic regression analysis revealed that stigma (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6–2.7), financial constraints (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.4–2.4), and lack of awareness (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.1) were significant predictors of non-utilization of mental health services. Rural women were significantly more likely to cite cultural beliefs and travel distance as additional barriers (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: The lack of mental health services and access to them for women in Ghana is influenced socially and culturally as well as economically and systemically. These barriers need specially designed targeted public education campaigns, subsidized healthcare funding, and the incorporation of mental healthcare into primary healthcare services
Comparative Assessment of Heavy Metals and pH in Shisha Water and Blood of Smokers
Get PDFBackground: Shisha smoking is an emerging public health concern that poses significant health risks, particularly among young adults. Smokers can be predisposed to various toxicants, including heavy metals.
Objective: This study assessed the level of heavy metal content and pH in shisha water and blood of smokers.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design comprised of 150 subjects categorized into five groups of thirty each: shisha smokers, cigarette smokers, both shisha and cigarette smokers, secondhand smokers, and non-smokers, to enable a comprehensive comparison of different levels and types of tobacco smoke exposure in relation to heavy metal bioaccumulation in the body. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of the heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Shisha water samples were collected before smoking (pre-smoking water) and after smoking (post-smoking water) five consecutive smoking sessions without replacing the water, and pH was determined using a pH meter. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS.
Results: The results showed significantly (p<0.001) elevated levels of lead, cadmium, and zinc in post-smoking water compared to pre-smoking water. Serum Pb and Cd levels were significantly elevated in all smokers compared to non-smokers, while serum zinc levels were significantly reduced. Shisha smokers exhibited lower levels of Pb, Cd, and Zn than cigarette smokers. Secondhand shisha smokers exhibited higher serum Pb, Cd, and Zn levels compared to the primary shisha smokers. The pH of the smoked shisha water shifted from 6.5 to 3.4 after smoking five consecutive shisha sessions.
Conclusion: The study established that the water used in shisha traps or filters significant amounts of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and zinc in shisha smoke. The acidic pH of the shisha water correlates with higher levels of the dissolved metals, supporting the conclusion that water serves as a partial filter
A Study on Heat Distribution in Biomass Fired Kiln and Prediction of the Drying Kinetics of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Get PDFAn investigation was done on the biomass fire kiln. Three energy sources were used to power the kiln, and data were recorded. The kiln also has three compartments, namely, deck 1, deck 2, and deck 3. Experimental data of the kiln-dried catfish were fitted into Lewis, Henderson, and Page models. The R2 values for the Lewis, Henderson, and Page models are 0.831, 0.8310, and 0.247. Meanwhile, the X2–chi-square values for the three models are 0.0037, 0.0037, and 0.0210, respectively. Thus, Lewis and Henderson are the best models for predicting the drying kinetics of catfish. Catfish, like most other biomaterials, fall under the falling rate period. The hypothesis that the three energy sources affect the drying kiln was validated with X2-chi-square. The hypothesis was accepted because the calculated value (0.093071) was far less than the table value (9.49), which is a basis for the justification. We also discovered that the drying time for gas is shorter than that for other energy sources, followed by charcoal and electricity. The experimental data was plotted against the predicted R2 of 0.854, and the points clustered around the slope showed a good prediction
Development of a Classification Model for Intrusion Attacks in Internet-Of-Things (IoT) Networks
Get PDFDevices connected to the Internet can easily exchange information thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), a networked system that functions via established protocols. IoT\u27s decentralized architecture presents serious security, privacy, data integrity, and system stability issues despite its revolutionary potential. Although technological innovations like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data have significantly raised people\u27s quality of life, they have also increased the likelihood of increasingly complex and serious cyberattacks. By creating a machine learning model for the identification and categorization of intrusion threats in Internet of Things networks, this study seeks to address these issues. In particular, a hybrid strategy that combined Support Vector Machine (SVM) and fuzzy logic techniques was used to improve intrusion detection systems\u27 efficacy in Internet of Things settings. We trained and tested the model using the NSL-KDD dataset from Kaggle. Key performance indicators, such as true positive rate, false positive rate, accuracy, F1 score, precision, and recall, were used to assess the suggested model\u27s performance. With an accuracy of 99% on an imbalanced dataset and 98% on a balanced dataset, the results showed that the hybrid Fuzzy Logic-SVM model performed well across all data splits. These results demonstrate how the model may be used
Laboratory Preparations of Lethal and Sub-lethal Bio-assays Concentrations of Deltamethrin Against Malaria Mosquito in Suleja, Nigeria
Get PDFThere is paucity of information concerning the resistance status of malaria mosquitoes (Anopheles mosquitoes) in Suleja. The present study therefore aims to prepare various CDC bio-assay concentrations of deltamethrin against Anopheles mosquito in Suleja metropolis, Nigeria. 25 samples of wild Anopheles mosquitoes were collected from Suleja and was exposed in replicate of four, to various concentrations of deltamethrin and then metabolic enzyme activities in exposed samples were examine following standard protocols. Data obtained was analysed using IBM-SPSS version 25.0 and results were expressed in ‘Tables and Figures’. These were compared statistically among deltamethrin concentrations using Analysis of Variance at P=0.05 with the aid of Graph-Pad prism 8. 0.8µg/b, 0.6µg/b, 0.4µg/b, and 0.2µg/b of deltamethrin are sub-lethal concentrations of the insecticide that bring about 0% mortality insignificantly (P ˃ 0.05) different from the mortality in the control experiment. As the mosquito population has developed resistance to recommended concentration of deltamethrin, the study recommends resistance monitoring exercise for effective vector control in Suleja.
An Investigation of the Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of Commiphora Africana Stem Bark Extract
Get PDFCommiphora africana, a traditional African medicinal plant, has been used to cure numerous illnesses. This study studied the phytochemical content and antibacterial properties of its stem bark extract. Phytochemical analysis identified the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and terpenoids. The extract demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against a variety of pathogenic microorganisms. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi were tested, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. The values for these pathogens ranged between 0.5 and 2.5 mg/mL, highlighting its potent antimicrobial potential. The antioxidant activity of the extract was also examined, demonstrating a strong scavenging capacity. The findings imply that the stem bark extract of Commiphora africana is a possible source of natural antibacterial and antioxidant compounds, supporting its traditional usage in medicine. Further investigations are needed to extract and define the bioactive molecules responsible for these activities
Preservation of Historical Zones The Economic and Cultural Impact on the Surroundings A Case Study of Diriyah Area
Get PDFلطالما كان الحفاظ على التراث التاريخي موضوعًا للبحث الأكاديمي والاهتمام العام، لا سيما بسبب تأثيره متعدد الأوجه على المناطق المحيطة. مع استمرار التحضر والتحديث في إعادة تشكيل المدن في جميع أنحاء العالم، اكتسبت أهمية الحفاظ على المواقع التراثية اهتمامًا متجددًا. تدرس مراجعة الأدبيات هذه الديناميكيات المعقدة للحفاظ على التاريخ من خلال إعادة تأهيل وادي حنيفة مع التركيز على منطقة الدرعية، وهي موقع ذو أهمية تاريخية وثقافية هائلة في المملكة العربية السعودية. من خلال دراسة التداعيات الاقتصادية والثقافية للحفاظ على الدرعية، تهدف الدراسة إلى رصد الآثار الاقتصادية (كزيادة عائدات السياحة، ومعدل خلق الوظائف) والثقافية (كتعزيز الذاكرة الجمعية) لمشروع الدرعية، عبر تحليل مقارن مع معايير اليونسكو للحفظ التاريخي.
في هذا السّياق، يقدم حي الفاما في لشبونة ومدينة بروج البلجيكية والمُدرَجة باليونسكو نموذجين متميزين في الحفاظ الفعال على التراث. حيث نجح حي الفاما في تحويل نسيجه العمراني العائد للعصور الوسطى إلى قوة اقتصادية عبر السياحة ودعم الحرف التقليدية، مع تعزيز الهوية المحلية. كذلك مدينة بروج، حافظت على تراثها القوطي وقنواتها، مُحقِّقة توازنًا بين السياحة المستدامة والفخر المجتمعي عبر متاحف تفاعلية. تُبرِز التجربتان كيف يُمكن للحفظ - دوليًا أو محليًا - أن يُنعِش الاقتصاد ويعزِّز الهوية، وهو نهجٌ ذو صلة بمشروع الدرعية السعودي.through the lens of the Wadi Hanifa rehabilitation project, with a focus on Diriyah—a site of immense historical and cultural importance in Saudi Arabia. By analyzing the economic and cultural ramifications of preserving Diriyah, the study aims to assess the project’s economic impacts (e.g., increased tourism revenue, job creation rates) and cultural impacts (e.g., reinforcing collective memory) via a comparative analysis with UNESCO standards for historical conservation.
In this context, the Alfama district in Lisbon and the UNESCO-listed city of Bruges in Belgium serve as exemplary models of effective heritage preservation. Alfama has successfully transformed its medieval urban fabric into an economic driver through tourism and support for traditional crafts, while simultaneously reinforcing local identity. Similarly, Bruges has maintained its Gothic heritage and canal networks, achieving a balance between sustainable tourism and community pride through interactive museums. These cases illustrate how preservation, whether through international recognition or local initiatives—can revitalize economies and strengthen cultural identity. This approach offers relevant insights for Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah project, emphasizing the potential to align heritage conservation with socio-economic and cultural objectives.
The Effectiveness of Designing an Adaptive E-Testing System in Assessing Cognitive Ability and Enhancing Academic Achievement: A Case Study at Al-Adel University, Yemen
No full textاستهدف البحث الحالي دراسة فاعلية تصميم نظام مقترح للاختبارات الإلكترونية التكيفية على تقييم القدرة المعرفية للطلبة ،ودورها في رفع التحصيل الدراسي لدى طلبة الجامعة ، من خلال المقارنة بين الاختبار الإلكتروني التكيفي، و الاختبار الإلكتروني (التقليدي) في تقدير القدرة باستخدام طريقة الأرجحية القصوى وقاعدة إنهاء الاختبار وفقًا لدرجة معيارية تم تحديدها سابقًا، بلغ عدد المشاركين في البحث (200) طالبًا من طلبة كليات جامعة العادل المستوى الأولى للعام الجامعي 2023/2024م. وقد توصلت نتائج الدراسة إلى وجد فروق ذات دلاله إحصائية عند مستوى بين متوسطي الخطأ المعياري لتقدير القدرة بين الاختبار التكيفي والاختبار الخطي باستخدام طريقة الأرجحية القصوى لتقدير القدرة وقاعدة إنهاء الاختبار وفقًا لدرجة معيارية ولصالح الاختبار التكيفي، ووجد فروق ذات دلاله إحصائية عند مستوى α =0.05بين متوسطي درجات طلبة المجموعة التجريبية التي تم تقييمها باستخدام الاختبار التكيفي والمجموعة الضابطة التي تم تقييمها باستخدام الاختبار الخطي ولصالح الاختبار التكيفي، وتُعد النتيجة السابقة مؤشراً جيدَا على فاعلية الاختبار التكيفي في رفع التحصيل العلمي لدى الطلبة. واخيرًا خرجت الورقة بأهم التوصيات المتعلقة بالموضوع؛ حيث يسعى البحث إلى أن يقدم فكرة عامة لتطبيق التقنية الحديثة في التقييم، ودوروها في تطور أساليب التقويم باستخدام الاختبارات الإلكترونية التكيفية. The aim of the present study is to examine the effectiveness of designing a proposed adaptive electronic testing system in assessing students\u27 cognitive ability and its role in increasing university students’ academic achievement through a comparison between the adaptive electronic tests and the traditional electronic tests in estimating cognitive ability using the maximum likelihood method and the rule of completing the test according to a standard score previously determined. The participants of the study consisted of 200 first-year students from five colleges at Adel University for the academic year 2023/2024. The findings of the study revealed that statistically significant differences at the level of α=0.05 between the average standard error for estimating the ability between the adaptive test and the linear test using the maximum likelihood method. It is also observed that statistically significant differences at the level of α = 0.05 between the mean scores of the experimental group, assessed using the adaptive test, and the control group, assessed using the linear test and in favor of the adaptive test, the previous findings is strong evidence of the effectiveness of adaptive test in improving students\u27 academic achievement. Based on the findings, the study proposed some recommendations related to the topic, emphasizing the importance of integrating modern technology in assessment and highlighting the role of adaptive electronic test in advancing evaluation methods in higher educatio
Microbial Contamination in Vegetables and Fruits from Aden Governorate, Yemen: Pathogen Isolation and Analysis of Phytochemical and Physicochemical Properties in Mixed-Herb (Turmeric, Ginger, Indian Costus) Extracts: -
Get PDFThis study aimed to isolate and characterize Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) from vegetable and fruit samples collected in Aden Governorate, Yemen. Additionally, it sought to analyze the phytochemical and physicochemical properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from mixed-herb {turmeric, Curcuma longa (C. longa), ginger, Zingiber officinale (Z. officinale), and Indian costus, Saussurea costus (S costus)}. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August and November 2023, with samples obtained from central markets. Bacterial isolation was performed using selective media: Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) for S. aureus and Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar for E. coli. Results revealed a significantly higher prevalence of S. aureus (32.07% in vegetables; 14.29% in fruits) compared to E. coli (15.09%) in vegetables; undetected in fruits). Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and tannins, which likely contributed to antimicrobial effects and emphasizing their therapeutic potential. The total ash content was measured at 5.78%, indicating suitable mineral content for therapeutic applications. The moisture content was 10.76%, which helps reduce microbial growth. Extractive values showed that water is more efficient in extracting polar compounds, while ethanol isolates non-polar compounds. The pH values of both aqueous and ethanolic extracts were slightly acidic, which helps preserve the stability of bioactive compounds. These findings highlight the need for improved agricultural hygiene and storage practices to minimize bacterial contamination in fresh produce. Additionally, the study advocates for further research into the bioactive compounds of plant extracts, optimization of extraction protocols, and exploration of synergistic combinations to enhance their application in food safety and natural antimicrobial therapies. This study underscores the potential of plant-derived compounds in combating foodborne pathogens and supports their integration into targeted strategies for public health, pharmaceutical development, and sustainable agriculture