Showing papers by "King Saud University published in 2001"

Business process reengineering: a survey of international experience

Abstract: Despite the widespread adoption of business process re‐engineering (BPR), it has in many cases repeatedly failed to deliver its promised results. The lack of integrated implementation approach to exploiting BPR is seen as one of the important reasons amongst others, behind BPR failures. Yet, a relative void in the literature remains the scarcity of suitable models and frameworks that address the implementation issues surrounding BPR. This motivates the presented study to attempt to provide a “frame of reference” with which current practices can be re‐positioned. A survey was therefore designed to collect data from a sample of organizations in the USA and Europe. The survey assesses the level of importance placed on the essential elements of integrated BPR implementation. In doing so, the study was also able to identify the level of maturity of BPR concepts within organisations. Empirical findings are then discussed in the context of other studies.

Effects of volatile oil constituents of Nigella sativa on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice: evidence for antioxidant effects of thymoquinone.

Abstract: Effects of the volatile oil constituents of Nigella sativa, namely, thymoquinone (TQ), p-cymene and alpha-pinene, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4-indued acute liver injury were investigated in mice. A single dose of CCl4 (15 microl/Kg i.p.) induced hepatotoxicity 24 h after administration manifested biochemically as significant elevation of the enzymes activities of serum alanine transaminase (ALT, EC:2.6.1.2), asparate transaminase (AST, EC:2.6.1.1) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, EC: 1.1.1.27). The toxicity was further evidenced by a significant decrease of non-protein sulfhydryl(-SH) concentration, and a significant increase of lipid peroxidation measued as malondialdhyde (MDA) in the liver tissues. Administration of different doses of the TQ (4, 8, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/Kg i.p.) did not alter the chosen biochemical parameters measured, while higher doses of TQ were lethal. The LD50 was 90.3 mg/Kg (77.9-104.7, 95% CL). Pretreatment of mice with different doses of TQ 1 h before CCl4 injection showed that the only dose of TQ that ameliorated hepatotoxicity of CCl4 was 12.5 mg/Kg i.p. as evidenced by the significant reduction of the elevated levels of serum enzymes as well as hepatic MDA content and significant increase of the hepatic nonprotein sulfhydryl(-SH) concentration. Treatment of mice with the other volatile oil constituents, p-cymene or alpha-pinene did not induce any changes in the serum ALT measured. In addition, i.p. administration of these compounds 1 h before CCl4 injection, did not protect mice against CC4-induced hepatotoxicity. The results of the present study indicate that TQ (12.5 mg/Kg, i.p.) may play an important role as antioxidant and may efficiently act as a protective agent against chemically-induced hepatic damage. In contrast, higher doses of TQ were found to induce oxidative stress leading to hepatic injury.

The prevalence of epilepsy and other seizure disorders in an Arab population: a community-based study

Abstract: Purpose: To determine the prevalence of epilepsy and other convulsive disorders and the causes of symptomatic epilepsies in a Saudi Arabian population. Methods: Door to door survey of a restricted area inhabited by 23 700 Saudi nationals. The World Health Organization (WHO) protocol designed to detect neurological disorders was used as screening instrument. All patients with probable seizures were examined by a neurologist and 92% of positive cases were investigated by brain computed tomography (CT) and electroencephalogram (EEG). Results: Prevalence rate (PR) for active epilepsy was 6.54 /1000 population (95% confidence interval 5.48–7.60). Twenty-eight percent of the patients had partial seizures, 21% generalized seizures and in 51%, it was not possible to determine if the generalized seizures had focal onset or not. The epilepsy was symptomatic in 32% of the cases: pre or perinatal encephalopathy 23%, head injury 4%, childhood neurological infection 4% and stroke 1%. Febrile convulsions PR was 3.55 /1000 children under the age of 6 years and isolated seizures were documented in only 0.18 /1000 population. Conclusions: The PR of epilepsy in Saudi Arabs is within the range of the values reported in most communities. The causes of symptomatic epilepsies revealed a predominance of perinatal and inherited factors. Isolated and non-convulsive seizures were probably under-recognized due to various social and cultural factors as well as to lack of sensitivity of the questionnaire for non-convulsive seizures.

Back & neck problems among dentists and dental auxiliaries.

Abstract: In the practice of dentistry, stress, tension, and postural practices can contribute to back and neck problems. Two hundred and four dentists and dental auxiliary (87 males and 117 females) in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia were surveyed to determine the prevalence of postural problems. The candidates were interviewed and observed during practice. The data obtained showed that 111 (54.4%) of the subjects complained of neck pain and 150 (73.5%) complained of back pain. Only 37% of those complaining of back pain sought medical help. Within the limitations of this study, it might be concluded that neck and back pain among dental personnel are not of a severe nature.

Aerobic and anaerobic power characteristics of Saudi elite soccer players.

Abstract: BACKGROUND To assess the aerobic and anaerobic characteristics of Saudi elite soccer players, and to examine the interrelationship between measures of aerobic and anaerobic power in the elite soccer players. METHODS. PARTICIPANT Twenty-three outfield elite soccer players representing the Saudi national team participated. Their means (+/- SD) for age, body mass, height and estimated fat % were: 25.2 +/- 2.3 years; 73.1 +/- 6.8 kg; 177.2 +/- 5.9 cm; and 12.3 +/- 2.7%, respectively. MEASURES Cardiorespiratory parameters, including maximal oxygen uptake (V O2 max), were assessed by open-circuit spirometry during graded treadmill running. Anaerobic power measures were obtained using Wingate anaerobic test, and included peak power (PP), and average power for 5 sec (AP 5), 10 sec (AP 10), 20 sec (AP 20) and 30 sec (AP 30). RESULTS Mean (+/-SD) values for V O2max in absolute and relative to body mass were 4.16 +/- 0.34 l x min-1 and 56.8 +/- 4.8 ml x kg-1 x min-1, respectively. Such V O2max value was 118% and 80% of those reported for Saudi college males and distance runners, respectively. The ventilatory anaerobic thereshold (Tvent) averaged 43.6 ml x kg-1 x min-1. There were no significant differences in V O2max and Tvent between players based on positions, although the midfielders and the centre-backs had the highest and the lowest individual values for both measures, respectively. Values (+/- SD) of PP and AP 30 were 873.6 +/- 141.8 W (11.88 +/- 1.3 W x kg-1), and 587.7 +/-55.4 W (8.02 +/- 0.53 W x kg-1), respectively. Only in absolute PP & AP 30 were the centre-backs significantly superior to the other players. In addition, V O2max was inversely related to PP (r = - 0.54; p < 0.05) and positively related to AP 30 (r = 0.45; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The aerobic power, expressed relative to body mass, of Saudi elite soccer players was in the lower range of values normally reported in the literatures for elite soccer players. Both PP and AP 30 were somewhat lower than values previously reported for elite soccer players from other countries.

Carriage of Antibiotic-Resistant Pneumococci among Asian Children: A Multinational Surveillance by the Asian Network for Surveillance of Resistant Pathogens (ANSORP)

Abstract: To investigate the nasal carriage of antibiotic-resistant pneumococci by children, anterior nasal swabs were done for 4963 children <5 years old in 11 countries in Asia and the Middle East. In total, 1105 pneumococci isolates (carriage rate, 22.3%) were collected, 35.8% of which were found to be nonsusceptible to penicillin. Prevalence of penicillin nonsusceptibility was highest in Taiwan (91.3%), followed by Korea (85.8%), Sri Lanka (76.5%), and Vietnam (70.4%). Penicillin resistance was related to residence in urban areas, enrollment in day care, and a history of otitis media. The most common serogroups were 6 (21.5%), 23 (16.5%), and 19 (15.7%). The most common clone, as assessed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, was identical to the Spanish 23F clone and to strains of invasive isolates from adult patients. Data in this study documented the high rate of penicillin or multidrug resistance among isolates of pneumococci carried nasally in children in Asia and the Middle East and showed that this is due to the spread of a few predominant clones in the region.

Effect of enamel matrix derivative (EMDOGAIN) upon periodontal healing after replantation of permanent incisors in beagle dogs.

Abstract: – This study histologically assessed the effect of enamel matrix derivative (EMDOGAIN®) on periodontal healing in re-implanted teeth in nine Beagle dogs. Incisors in dogs were re-implanted after 15, 30 and 60 min of dry storage with and without the application of EMDOGAIN. The pulps were removed in all teeth. In groups 1 and 2, dog teeth were splinted and the dogs sacrificed after 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. In group 3, dog teeth were not splinted and sacrifice took place after 12 weeks. The histological parameters studied were healed PDL, surface, inflammatory and replacement resorption. Univariable and multivariable analysis of data was performed. Increased incidence of healed PDL was inversely proportional to extraalveolar time. No significant differences were noticed between splinted and non-splinted teeth. The EMDOGAIN group showed a higher incidence of healed PDL, while controls showed a higher incidence of ankylosis. The effect of EMDOGAIN was more pronounced at the 12-week interval.

Bone graft substitutes: a comparative qualitative histologic review of current osteoconductive grafting materials.

Abstract: This paper investigated the osteogenic potential of 6 osteoconductive grafting materials derived from human, bovine, and synthetic sources: HTR, BOP, Biogran, Laddec, Dembone, and Osteograf. Twenty-eight New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. The active group consisted of 24 animals and the control group consisted of 4 animals. The median condyle of each tibia was drilled with a 5-mm-diameter bur to form 8 mm-deep cavities. A control group included 8 osseous cavities, with 1 hole in each tibia. These cavities were washed and left unfilled. In the active group, each grafting material filled 8 osseous cavities in 8 tibiae of different animals. Half of the active and control osseous cavities were investigated with decalcified hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections. The other half were studied with scanning electron microscopy. It was concluded that Laddec bovine bone granules possessed the best potential for an osteoconductive grafting material, followed by the bioglass crystals of Biogran and the hydroxyapatite particles of Osteograf, respectively. The least potential for rapid bone formation was demonstrated by the copolymers of HTR and BOP, and Dembone allograft bone particles did not reveal active bone healing.

Self- and Other-initiated Modified Output during Task-based Interaction.

Abstract: This study examines the role self- and other-initiations play in providing opportunities for modified output (MO), which Swain (1995, 1998) and Swain and Lapkin (1995) suggest is important for successful second language acquisition. Thirty-five adult participants—8 native speakers (NSs) and 27 nonnative speakers (NNSs) of English representing 13 different L1 backgrounds—performed three tasks (picture description, opinion exchange, and decision making). The first two tasks were performed in NS-NNS and NNS-NNS pairs and were audiotaped, and the third was completed in NNS groups and was audio- and videotaped. The results showed that both self- and other-initiations provided NNSs with abundant opportunities to produce MO. However, in four of the five interactional contexts examined in the study, significantly more instances of MO resulted from self-initiation than from other-initiation. These results suggest that self-initiations play an important role in prompting MO and that learners need both time and opportunity to initiate and complete repair of their own messages.

IL-1 Plays a Critical Role in Oral, But Not Dermal, Wound Healing

Abstract: Wound healing is a well-orchestrated complex process leading to the repair of injured tissues. After injury, proinflammatory cytokines act as important modulators of the inflammatory process. IL-1 expression has been regarded as necessary for healing; however, its effects have also been implicated in delayed wound repair. Currently, there is no consensus or direct evidence that IL-1 activity plays a central role in the healing process. The present investigation was undertaken to define the role of IL-1R signaling in the healing outcome of an excisional wound in the palate or scalp of mice that had targeted deletions of the IL-1R type 1 (IL-1R1−/−) compared with matched wild-type mice. Histomorphometric analysis was undertaken to assess the degree of healing and the recruitment of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear phagocytes. After 14 days, wild-type mice exhibited complete closure of intraoral wounds, while IL-1R1−/− animals had only partial closure (50%). In the IL-1R1−/− mice, healing tissues exhibited a persistent inflammatory cell infiltrate, which did not occur in wild-type animals. Treatment with antibiotics significantly diminished the persistent inflammatory infiltrate and improved healing in the experimental animals. In contrast to oral wounds, the rate of healing and recruitment of polymorphonuclear cells in scalp wounds was similar in IL-1R1−/− and wild-type mice. The present data underscore the importance of IL-1 in wound healing in a challenging environment and identify its principal role in facilitating the healing process by protecting an open wound from bacterial insult. In a less challenging environment, the production of new connective tissue and its coverage by migrating epithelium are minimally affected by the absence of IL-1 activity.

Intra-nasal midazolam in conscious sedation of young paediatric dental patients

Abstract: Summary.Objectives. To compare the effects of 3 different doses of intra-nasal midazolam in the conscious sedation of young paediatric dental patients and to compare the effectiveness of the sedation in the fasting and non-fasting child. Design. Double blind random controlled trial. Sample and Methods. Thirty-eight uncooperative young children aged 2–5 years (mean age 4·02 years) were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups. The groups and the doses of midazolam administered intra-nasally were A: 0·3 mg/kg, B: 0·4 mg/kg, and C: 0·5 mg/kg body weight. Each child in each group had two visits for restorative treatment: one without food (fasting) and the other with soft drink and light food (non-fasting) before treatment. Child behaviour and sedative effects were evaluated using the scoring system of Houpt. The vital signs were monitored continuously using a pulse oximeter and Dinamap machine. Results. There was rapid onset of sedation with the maximal effect between 8 and 15 minutes. This sedation lasted for 25–40 minutes in Groups A and B and for 60 minutes in Group C. Conscious sedation and dental treatment were achieved in 79%, 96% and 100% of the children in Groups A, B and C, respectively. Consistently higher Houpt scores were seen in Groups B and C, with statistically significant differences between Groups A and C, and B and C (Tukey’s range test, P 0·05). All the vital signs were within normal physiological limits and there were no significant adverse effects either with or without fasting. Conclusions. All 3 doses of intranasal midazolam were effective in modifying the behaviour of the uncooperative child patient to accept dental treatment. This was irrespective of fasting.

Attitude of Saudi families affected with hemoglobinopathies towards prenatal screening and abortion and the influence of religious ruling (Fatwa).

Abstract: Hemoglobinopathies are common inherited disorders in Saudi Arabia. Prenatal diagnosis for such diseases is specific and sensitive but not yet implemented in Saudi Arabia. Saudis are Muslims with a very high rate of consanguinity and inherited genetic disorders. To examine the attitude of Saudi families affected with hemoglobinopathies towards prenatal diagnosis and abortion, and to evaluate the effect of education on religious ruling on such attitudes, 32 families were interviewed using a pre-structured questionnaire. The majority accepted prenatal diagnosis (81.3%). The attitude towards abortion was greatly affected by religious values. Education about religious ruling significantly affected parents' attitude towards accepting abortion and prenatal diagnosis. No other factors were found to influence the outcome. Although the majority of families received some kind of formal genetic counseling [23/32 (71.9%)], none of them was informed about the possibility of prenatal or preimplantation diagnosis prior to the interview. Therefore for prevention of genetic disorders, the emphasis in countries with a vast majority of Muslims such as Saudi Arabia has probably to be placed on public awareness about genetic risks, the risk of consanguinity, availability of services, and so on, while at the same time taking into consideration the religious beliefs and education of the target population

The antimicrobial effects of seven different types of Asian chewing sticks.

Abstract: There are various plants, which are used as chewing sticks in different parts of the world. Several studies have been reported on the antimicrobial effects of chewing sticks on oral bacteria. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial effect of aqueous extract of seven different types of chewing sticks found in Pakistan and other Asian countries. The ditch plate method was used to test the antimicrobial activity of seven Asian chewing sticks. It was found that at there was antimicrobial effect on Streptococcus fecalis at 50% concentration of Kikar (Acacia arabica) from Pakistan and Arak (Salvadora persica) from Saudi Arabia. The inhibition zones up to 2 mm were found in those two chewing stick extracts. It is recommended that the chewing sticks will be a great help in developing countries with financial constraints and limited oral health care facilities for their populations.

A modified technique for harvesting the reverse sural artery flap from the upper part of the leg: inclusion of a gastrocnemius muscle "cuff" around the sural pedicle.

Abstract: In the upper part of the leg, the sural nerve and its accompanying median superficial sural artery are buried between the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle. Several authors found that the reverse sural artery flap was safe only if it was taken from the lower leg along the suprafascial course of the sural pedicle. This author presents a modified technique of harvesting the reverse sural artery flap from the proximal part of the leg: A midline "cuff" of gastrocnemius muscle containing the buried sural pedicle is harvested with the flap. This modification allowed maintaining a "mesenteric" connection between the sural pedicle and the overlying fascia in the upper part of the leg. A comparison between the incidence of ischemic events that occur with reverse sural artery flaps harvested using the standard and the modified techniques confirmed a more stable blood supply with the latter technique. The arterial and venous drainage of the reverse sural artery flap is discussed.

Heat and mass transfer characteristics of the self-similar boundary-layer flows induced by continuous surfaces stretched with rapidly decreasing velocities

Abstract: The mechanical and thermal characteristics of the self-similar boundary-layer flows induced by continuous surfaces stretched with rapidly decreasing power-law velocities Uw∝xm, m 0) several new features of basic significance have been found. Thus: (i) for m<−1 the boundary layer equations admit self-similar solutions only if a lateral suction is applied; (ii) the dimensionless suction velocity fw<0 must be strong enough, i.e. fw

Analysis of Time Headways on Urban Roads: Case Study from Riyadh

Abstract: The headway between vehicles in a traffic stream is of fundamental importance in traffic engineering applications. Previous research in this subject has focused on modeling theoretical distributions for low and medium traffic flow conditions. Yet little research has studied congested traffic conditions—that is, the high traffic flow state. In the same context, there appears to be a lack of clear-cut boundaries for the three flow states (low, medium, and high). This study attempts to determine such boundaries on the basis of traffic conditions observed at the study sites. Although observed headways at arterial sites follow a gamma distribution, distributions that fit freeway headways differ according to the traffic flow state. The Erlang distribution provided a good fit to the observed headways at sites with high traffic flows.

Intestinal parasitic diseases in Riyadh Saudi Arabia: prevalence sociodemographic and environmental associates.

Abstract: Our objectives were to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in Riyadh and to determine associated sociodemographic and environmental factors. The study was conducted through a household survey. Three health centres were chosen from each of the five Riyadh urban regions and 15 from rural areas. Based on the average family size, a random sample of households were chosen. All household members were asked to participate in the study. Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire eliciting data on sociodemographic and environmental factors. A stool specimen of each individual was examined microscopically for the presence of trophozoites and cysts. Six thousand and twelve participants with a mean age of 23.3 +/- 17.4 (median 19 years, 48.6% males) were studied and 32.2% were infected. The infection rate was high in urban areas (33.3%), among children or =12 years low education, water storage and open sewage disposal were statistically associated with parasitic infections (P < 0.05). Among expatriates, infections were high among males (47.6%), urban residents (48.3%), single persons (46.9%), tanker users (39.5%) and septic tank users (78.6%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age < 12 years, non-Saudi nationalities, educational level below secondary school, tanker as source of water and open sewage disposal were independently associated with high intestinal parasitic infection.

Retinopathy as a predictor of other diabetic complications.

Abstract: Purpose: Early predictors of diabetic complications may aid in the prevention and/or management of these complications. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the predictive value of retinopathy for the presence of other diabetic complications.Methods: The population studied comprised 648 patients with diabetes mellitus assessed by our service. There were 210 patients (32.4%) with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and 438 patients (67.6%) with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).Results: Univariate analyses revealed that retinopathy significantly predicted the presence of neuropathy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.56–3.18; p < 0.00l), nephropathy (OR = 5.68; 95% CI = 3.06–10.62; p < 0.00l), and cerebrovascular disease (OR = 6.6; 95% CI = 1.16–67.21; p = 0.0239) in the total group. Similar associations were observed both in subjects with IDDM and NIDDM. The associations between retinopathyseverity level and the prevalence rate of nephropathy were significant in the total group (p = 0.0001), in patients with IDDM (p = 0.0113), and in patients with NIDDM (p = 0.01). In patients with mild to moderate non-proliferative retinopathy (NPDR), nephropathy was present in 17.2% of patients with IDDM, and in 11.4% of patients with NIDDM. In patients with severe NPDR, nephropathy was present in 23.3% in patients with IDDM, and in 11.8% of patients with NIDDM. In patients with proliferative retinopathy (PDR), nephropathy was present in 50% in patients with IDDM, and in 45.5% in patients with NIDDM. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, nephropathy was the only significant complication to be independently associated with retinopathy in patients with IDDM (OR = 8.02; 95% CI = 1.95–33), and in patients with NIDDM (OR = 2.48;95% CI = 1.02–6.03).Conclusions: Retinopathy, especially the presence of PDR, is an independent predictor for nephropathy. The predictive value of retinopathy for nephropathy is stronger in patients with IDDM than in those with NIDDM. Ophthalmologists should refer patients with retinopathy for regular medical evaluations.

Process orientation through enterprise resource planning (ERP): a review of critical issues

Abstract: The significant development in global information technologies and the ever-intensifying competitive market climate have both pushed many companies to transform their businesses. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is seen as one of the most recently emerging process-orientation tools that can enable such a transformation. Its development has presented both researchers and practitioners with new challenges and opportunities. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the state of research in the ERP field relating to process management, organizational change and knowledge management. It surveys current practices, research and development, and suggests several directions for future investigation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Models and a genetic algorithm for static aircraft-gate assignment problem

Abstract: Assigning aircraft to available gates at an airport can have a major impact on the efficiency of flight schedules and on the level of passenger satisfaction with the service. Unexpected changes, due to air traffic delays, severe weather conditions, or equipment failures, may disrupt the initial assignments and compound the difficulty of maintaining smooth station operations. Recently, mathematical models and procedures (optimal and heuristic) have been proposed to provide solutions with minimum dispersion of idle time periods for static aircraft-gate assignment problems. This paper introduces a unified framework to specifically treat the objective functions of the previous models. It also provides linear representations of these models and identifies the conditions under which the optimal solutions can be obtained in polynomial time. Furthermore, a genetic algorithm utilizing problem specific knowledge is proposed to provide effective alternative solutions.