The orthodontic research trends in Arab League Nations from 2002 to 2021: A bibliometric appraisal.

The evaluation of publication growth is a vital indicator to assess any branch of knowledge. The present study aimed to investigate the Scopus-indexed publications on orthodontics produced by the Arab League Nations in the last two decades (2002-2021). Quantitative research method based on bibliometric analysis has been used and the meta-data for the study was retrieved from Elsevier's Scopus database on November 14, 2022. The bibliographic description of all types of literature published on orthodontics from 2002 to 2021 by the authors affiliated with the Arab countries has been downloaded. The selected bibliometric indicators of the data were analyzed by using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer and SPSS software. The Arab League Nations contributed 5.02 % to global orthodontic research. This segment has demonstrated an amazing escalation of documents from a global perspective between 2002 and 2021 from 1.24 % to 10.94 %. Slightly more than 60 % of documents were published during the last five years of study (2017-2021). The highest number of documents (41 %) was produced by Saudi Arabia, whereas documents contributed by Jordan gained the maximum citation impact. The majority of collaboration was done with the United States, but documents produced in collaboration with Turkey gained the highest citation impact. The paper highlighted that the share of Arab League Nations in orthodontic research has been growing, and Saudi Arabia emerged as the most productive country. The constructive evolution of orthodontic literature with international collaboration display an ambitious approach by Arab countries.

Acute psychosis and behavioural changes with seizure-like hyperactive psychomotor activity secondary to isotretinoin initiation in a healthy young male: case report.

Introduction and importance: Acute psychosis is a common brief psychiatric emergency period of delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thoughts and/or speech with or without psychomotor elements, which is not commonly induced by isotretinoin therapy. Dermatologists should counsel the patient before starting the treatment with all new, uncommon side effects, especially neuropsychiatric manifestations before starting this medication. Case presentation: A 23-year-old male smoker with a known case of acne vulgaris recently started on isotretinoin for 2 weeks after which he developed abnormal hyperactive psychomotor activity. He was diagnosed with isoteritoin-induced acute psychosis based on clinical findings and exclusion, and valproic acid and olanzapine were initiated. The patient showed significant improvement. Clinical discussion: Acute psychosis is a new, unfamiliar side effect presenting after initiation of isotretinoin therapy in young adults who were previously healthy. The mechanism is not well known but is thought to result from a decrease in the adult's neurogenesis or alterations in exposure of the serotonergic neurotransmitter system. Conclusion: Isotretinoin is commonly used nowadays for treating young adults. Patients and their families should be counselled about all the psychiatric side effects. Antipsychotics and antiepileptics with mood stabilizers may improve the acute status for patients with isotertoin-induced psychosis.

A Comprehensive Review of the Mechanism, Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Ubrogepant in the Treatment of Migraine.

Ubrogepant is an innovative medication designed for the acute treatment of migraine, a debilitating neurological condition that profoundly impairs quality of life, productivity, and social interactions. This comprehensive review assesses the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and mechanism of action of ubrogepant through a rigorous methodology, including an in-depth literature review from reputable databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane. Classified as a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, ubrogepant has emerged as a potential revolutionary medication for migraine treatment. CGRP is a peptide integral to migraine pathophysiology, and its blockade has demonstrated great therapeutic potential. Unlike triptans, known for their cardiovascular risks, ubrogepant lacks vasoconstrictive properties, making it a safer alternative for a broader patient population. Ubrogepant offers significant potential for pain relief, symptom reduction, and restoration of normal function during a migraine attack, and it outperforms placebo in terms of efficacy. It also presents favorable safety, with generally mild adverse drug events (ADEs), such as nausea, dizziness, and somnolence, similar to placebo effects. Consistent results from clinical trials confirm its tolerability, with minor ADEs and no safety alerts for the tested doses, indicating that ubrogepant is a safe and well-tolerated option for migraine treatment. As an effective oral medication, ubrogepant could be an alternative to traditional acute migraine treatments. Its benefits include a unique mechanism of action, rapid onset, and favorable safety profile. However, specific contraindications, such as hypersensitivity, severe hepatic impairment, concurrent use of CYP3A4 inhibitors, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and uncontrolled hypertension, require caution or avoidance of ubrogepant. Despite these limitations, ubrogepant signals a promising new direction in migraine therapeutics.

A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating the Knowledge and Attitude of Health Professions Students in Saudi Arabia: Are They Ready for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation?

INTRODUCTION: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training is important for students of health professions to learn and be prepared to perform. Colleges have a responsibility to provide adequate training for their students to ensure that they are ready and confident to deal with life-threatening situations. However, studies have shown that some graduates and practitioners lack sufficient knowledge in performing CPR. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of health professions students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) who have started clinical practice.  Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2022 and included health professions students in all academic years, including interns and residents, across colleges of King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, KSA. The study questionnaire consisted of three sections: attitudes, knowledge, and demographics. The attitudes section included 11 questions, while the knowledge section included 10. The demographic section included university level, Grade Point Average (GPA), CPR training status, willingness to learn CPR, witnessing CPR, and family history of cardiac disease. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-squared tests, t-tests, two-sample proportion tests, ANOVA, and bivariate correlation analyses. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 21.2 (±1.9) years. Participants had a mean knowledge score of 5.1 (±1.8) out of 10 potential points. Also, the participants had a total attitude score of 42.7 (±6.2) out of 55 potential points. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of CPR training for healthcare providers and the need for ongoing training to maintain knowledge and skills. The results suggest that attitudes towards providing CPR may be influenced by cultural beliefs and fear of liability or disease transmission. Higher participant GPA and positive attitudes towards chest compressions and CPR training were found to be associated with increased knowledge.

The Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Its Vaccination Status among Healthcare Providers.

There is growing concern among healthcare providers worldwide regarding the prevalence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii). Some of the worst hospital-acquired infections, often in intensive care units (ICUs), are caused by this bacterial pathogen. In recent years, the rise in multidrug-resistant A. baumannii has been linked to the overuse of antimicrobial drugs and the lack of adequate infection control measures. Infections caused by this bacterial pathogen are the result of prolonged hospitalization and ICU stays, and they are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This review outlines the epidemiology, risk factors, and antimicrobial resistance associated with A. baumannii in various countries, with a special focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In response to the growing concern regarding this drug-resistant bacteria, fundamental information about its pathology has been incorporated into the development of vaccines. Although these vaccines have been successful in animal models, their effectiveness in humans remains unproven. The review will discuss the development of A. baumannii vaccines, potential related obstacles, and efforts to find an effective strategy against this pathogen.

Cerebral Hyperperfusion Syndrome Presenting as Epilepsia partialis Continua Following Carotid Stenting: A Case Report.

Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) is a rare prodrome of symptoms, including headaches, focal neurological deficits, seizures, or encephalopathy. Herein, we report a unique case of focal motor status epilepticus (Epilepsia partialis continua [EPC]). A 76-year-old male underwent right carotid stenting (CAS) for symptomatic high-grade stenosis. Immediately post-operation, he was recovering well without neurologic deficits; however, four days later, his blood pressure increased, and he experienced focal motor seizures involving the left arm and face without impaired awareness. He was managed with antihypertensive and antiseizure medications. Subsequently, his respiratory function worsened, necessitating intubation for status epilepticus. Repeated imaging demonstrated only the previously known infarcts without cerebral edema, bilaterally patent carotid arteries or any signs of acute infarct or intracerebral hemorrhage.  While CHS is a rare syndrome with well-documented symptomatology, focal motor status epilepticus can occur abruptly without the more typical CHS symptoms, despite the best preventive measures.

Marginal Misfit of 3D-Printed (Selective Laser Sintered), CAD-CAM and Lost Wax Technique Cobalt Chromium Copings with Shoulder and Chamfer Finish Lines: An In-Vitro Study.

Background and Objectives: The aim was to compare the Misfit of 3D-Printed, Selective laser melting (SLM), milled (Computer aided design-Computer aided manufacture CAD-CAM) and Lost wax technique (LWT) fabricated Cobalt chromium (CoCr) alloy copings on shoulder (SH), radial shoulder (R-SH) and chamfer (CH) finish line configuration. Materials and Methods: Ninety resin, second maxillary premolar teeth were prepared for metal-ceramic crowns, equally divided into (n = 30) SH, R-SH and CH margin preparations. For each preparation design (SH, R-SH and CH), CoCr copings were prepared using SLM, CAD-CAM and LWT. This resulted in nine study groups with 10 CoCr copings each. The marginal misfit of specimens was assessed with a high-resolution digital microscope. Misfit was evaluated in vertical and horizontal dimensions in µm. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and a post hoc multiple comparisons test. Results: For vertical misfit, the highest was observed in SLM samples with chamfer margin (167.96 ± 24.1), and the least was shown by CAD-CAM samples with radial shoulder (58.8 ± 12.53). CAD-CAM and shoulder margins showed the least vertical misfit. For horizontal misfit, the maximum was observed in SLM samples with shoulder margin (137.94 ± 37.85) and the least by LWT samples with chamfer (89.38 ± 14.81). Chamfer margins and LWT samples showed the least horizontal misfit among the group samples. Fabrication technique and finish line design play a critical role in reducing the marginal misfit of CoCr copings. Conclusions: For vertical misfit, SLM copings showed poor outcomes compared to CAD-CAM specimens, however comparable outcomes to Cast specimens. SLM copings showed comparable horizontal misfit outcomes to CAD-CAM specimens and low misfit compared to Cast copings, respectively. Vertical misfit was low with shoulder margins, and horizontal misfit was better with chamfer marginal configuration.

Barriers and enablers to the implementation of school-based obesity prevention strategies in Jeddah, KSA.

INTRODUCTION: Despite schools' recognised role in mitigating childhood overweight, many schools fail to implement physical activity or nutrition strategies. The current study explored the enablers and barriers to implementing obesity prevention strategies in Jeddah, KSA. METHODS: This research is based on 14 semi-structured interviews with intermediate school principals and sports teachers to gain insight into their perception of barriers and enablers to implementing obesity prevention strategies. Themes were deductively generated from the data. RESULTS: Participants estimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity among their students to be between 3 and 15% with an increasing trend, particularly among female students. Participants identified five categories of barriers to implementation of obesity prevention intervention: curriculum; schools strategies promoting healthy weight; lack of resources; student's lifstyle; and a lack of teachers in nutrition and sports. School regulations, staff and sufficient resources were the most frequently reported enablers. Participants also identified food services, awareness, and partnerships as barriers and enablers. CONCLUSION: There is a need for better infrastructure and financial support for schools and professional development opportunities for teachers from the Saudi Ministry of Education. The Ministry also needs to support the development of multilevel health promotion strategies at school and home and reach out to the broader community.

Physical Activity Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviours Among Adolescents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prior to and during COVID-19 Restrictions.

Background: The prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity has increased dramatically and poses a major public health threat globally. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the main cause of adolescent obesity is an increase in physical inactivity and unhealthy eating habits due to lifestyle changes. This study reports on factors associated with physical activity (PA) prior to and during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) among middle school students in Jeddah, KSA. Method: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Jeddah, KSA among 1500 middle school students aged 11 to 15 years. Sociodemographic characteristics; PA knowledge, attitude, and behaviours; and information about the impact of COVID-19 on PA were collected. Knowledge, attitude, and behaviours of PA before and during COVID-19 restrictions and between gender were compared. Regression analyses were conducted to assess the determinants of PA. Results: Female students were significantly more likely to report better knowledge of PA compared to males (p < 0.001). However, males were significantly more likely to participate in PA compared to females (p < 0.001). Approximately 60% of students reported their PA decreased during COVID-19 isolations. Most students did not participate in the recommended levels of daily PA during COVID-19 lockdowns and school closures. After adjusting for demographics, knowledge, and attitude, students who did not usually participate in school sports (p=0.017) and as members of clubs (p=0.002) were less likely to be active during COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusions: Efforts to enhance PA should be implemented through coordinated school and community-based programs to achieve the recommended PA among adolescents at home and in schools. Policy to ensure students receive PA opportunities at school is recommended.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Self-Reported Frequency of Hospital Visits and Pediatric Care Outcomes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has influenced various aspects of health care and its outcomes. Several studies conducted on different age groups from different countries have reported a decrease in the frequency of hospital visits during the pandemic. Aim This study aimed to assess the self-reported effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital visits and healthcare outcomes in the pediatric age group. We further aimed to assess the participants' beliefs on the reasons for decreased frequency of hospital visits during the pandemic. Methods This was a quantitative analytical cross-sectional study. Data from the parents of children less than 14 years living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, self-reported frequency of hospital visits, and potential consequences on pediatric care outcomes during the pandemic. A total of 1,548 initial respondents filled the questionnaire, out of which only 1,311 had children aged less than 14 years. SPSS version 25 (IBM, New York, USA) was used for statistical analysis. Results We found that of the 1,311 eligible respondents, majority (75.1%) were mothers of the children while only 24.9% were fathers, and 34.4% of the respondents had two children less than 14 years. Majority (76.7%) of the respondents were from the central region and felt that the pandemic has reduced their frequency of hospital visits. Furthermore, majority (78.6%) of the respondents believed that the decreased hospital (emergency or clinic) visits did not have any negative effect on the health and care of their children. Moreover, 56.4% of the participants responded that lack of the need to visit the hospital during the pandemic was the reason for their decreased hospital visits frequency, and 51.6% were afraid of being infected by the virus. There was a significant association between decreased hospital visits and missing an appointment for vaccination, delayed diagnosis, deterioration of participants' children's condition, and running out of treatment and inability to refill. Conclusion This study was conducted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital visits and pediatric care outcomes in the KSA. We hypothesized that the pandemic has led to a reduction in pediatric hospital visits which might influence pediatric care outcomes. We found that there was a decrease in the frequency of hospital visits. This decrease was attributed to the lack of the need to go to the hospital or to the fear of being infected by the virus. A significant association was found between the participants' beliefs of the pandemic effect on hospital visits and its effect on the pediatric care outcomes.

The impact of Ramadan on visits related to diabetes emergencies at a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar were Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. This prolonged fasting period might have an impact on patients with diabetes and their disease control. This study aimed to determine the variation in visits at the Emergency Room department (ER) during Ramadan in comparison with other lunar months at a tertiary care hospital in Jeddah city in relation to the diabetes emergencies. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using electronic medical record review of patients with diabetes emergencies who visited ER of a Military hospital, from 9th to 11th lunar months during 2017-2018. Diabetes patients who visited ER and aged more than 18 years old were included. Frequency of ER visits, sociodemographic characteristics and clinical features were determined. Chi-square test, Student 's t-test and one-way ANOVA at p < 0.05 were used in assessing associations between variables. RESULTS: Within the selected study period, a total of 24,498 admissions were recorded in ER. The prevalence of diabetes emergencies visits was only 0.84%. Based on inclusion criteria, a total of 133 subjects were included in the study (54.1% men, 45.9% women). Majority of whom (73.7%) were on insulin therapy, and more than half of whom (51.9%) were type 2 diabetes. There was a significant difference (p = 0.001) in the prevalence of diabetes emergencies visits between the three lunar months Shaban, Ramadan and Shawal, 7, 5 and 4%, respectively. However, the highest prevalence was not in Ramadan. Despite some correlations were identified, the study found no significant differences between frequency of ER visits and various demographic, clinical factors and diabetes profile between Ramadan and other both preceding and succeeding lunar month. CONCLUSION: In contrary with previous studies, a downward trend of prevalence, from Shaban to Ramadan, to Shawal was found. This indicated that fasting during month of Ramadan does not impact negatively on the diabetes emergencies in comparison with other months. Hyperglycemia among type 2 diabetes and insulin treated patients were recorded the highest feature of diabetes emergences visits during the three months studied with no significant differences between the months. These findings highlight the need of type 2 and insulin treated patients to be thoroughly assess by the Primary Care physicians and in-depth health education and guidance should be given to them.

Pattern of Mandibular Third Molar Impaction in Nonsyndromic 17760 Patients: A Retrospective Study among Saudi Population in Central Region, Saudi Arabia.

The objective of this study was to study the incidence of type of impaction of mandibular third molars based on the classifications of Pell and Gregory and Winter, which included angulation of the tooth and level of the occlusal surface of the third molar with respect to the second molar, respectively, in a sample of Saudi population in central region. In this retrospective study, orthopantomograms (OPGs) of 17760 patients were examined, who were reported by the Dental University Hospital (DUH) at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between the years 2016 and 2020. Out of 17760 radiographs, 2187 (12.31%) patients presented with at least one impacted third molar. Out of which, 1337 (7.52%) patients had bilateral impaction and 850 (4.78%) patients had unilateral impaction (p < 0.001). No gender predominance was noted in the impaction status (p > 0.05). In bilateral impaction, 671 were male (50.2%) and 666 were female (49.8%). Among unilateral impaction, 394 (46.4%) were male and 456 (53.6%) were female. Mesioangular angulation was the most common pattern of impaction (65%) followed by vertical angulation in both bilateral and unilateral impactions. Level A impaction was found to be highest in both bilateral and unilateral impactions which are 48.02% and 54.0%, respectively (p < 0.05). Our study highlights mesioangular impaction and level "A" as the most frequently encountered angulation and level of impaction in impacted teeth. This study result provides us useful data regarding the radiographic status of mandibular third molars in the population of Saudi Arabia.

Identifying factors associated with overweight and obesity among intermediate school students aged 12-15 years in school settings: mixed-methodology protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood obesity is a public health concern globally. In Arab countries, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased significantly over the last three decades. The level of childhood overweight and obesity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is high and continues to increase. This study will explore factors associated with overweight and obesity among adolescents and identify barriers and enablers to the implementation of comprehensive school-based obesity prevention interventions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Socioecological model will inform this mixed-methods study. The study will include three phases: (1) a scoping review of the literature; (2) the development of a student survey instrument and (3) a mixed-method study comprising a cross-sectional survey targeting students aged 12-15 years with the collection of the students' height and weight measurements; one-on-one interviews with physical education teachers and school principals; and the administration of school climate audits using the Health Promoting School framework. Reliability and validity of the survey instrument will be examined during survey development. Descriptive, inferential and thematic analysis will be employed using appropriate statistical software. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been granted from the Curtin University of Human Research Ethics Committee (HR2020-0337) and from the KSA Ministry of Education (4181827686). School principals will provide permission to conduct the study in individual schools. Individual consent/assent will be obtained from students and their parents, and teachers. Study findings will be disseminated via peer-review publications, reports and conferences.

Comparative phenotypic characterization identifies few differences in the metabolic capacity between Escherichia coli ST131 subclones.

BACKGROUND: Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is responsible for causing many infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). The current dissemination of the multidrug resistant (MDR) ExPEC clone, Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (E. coli ST131), poses a real threat to public health worldwide. This study aimed to determine and compare the metabolic capacity of a collection of ExPEC isolates including ST131, non-ST131 and various ST131 subclones, and sought to assess the association between antimicrobial resistance and metabolic capacity of ST131 isolates. METHODS: The metabolic activity of forty urine E. coli isolates, collected from in-patients hospitalized at tertiary hospital in Riyadh, was tested using KB009 Hi carbohydrate kit, and then statistically analysed to assess the difference in the metabolic profiles between ST131 and non-ST131 isolates, and between ST131 subclones. RESULTS: The data of this study found almost similar metabolic profiles between ST131 and non-ST131, suggesting that ST131 is not a metabolically unique clone of ExPEC. There was also no link between antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and high metabolic capacity of ST131 isolates. Testing the biochemical activity of isolates belonging to ST131 subclones found higher activity of H30 subclone than non-H30 isolates, however it revealed few significant differences between these subclones. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated no difference in the metabolism of ST131 and non-ST131, although it uncovered the presence of few significant differences in the metabolic capacity between ST131 subclones. Carrying out whole-genome based studies on ST131 and its main subclones is essential to elucidate the genetic factors responsible for the success of particular ST131 subclones.

Unusual bilateral panuveitis uveitis with brucellosis.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that can be found worldwide. Although it has been eradicated and is under control in most developed countries, it still represents an important health problem in many parts of the world. In this case report, we present a rare unusual findings of a case with panuveitis uveitis secondary to brucellosis.

Nd:YAG laser therapy for non-resolving premacular subhyaloid hemorrhage in Saudi patients.

PURPOSE: To report anatomical and visual outcomes of Nd:YAG laser posterior hyaloidotomy (NYPH) in Saudi patients affected by Premacular subhyaloid haemorrhage (PMSHH). METHODS: 8 eyes from 8 patients (7 males and one female) were treated with NYPH when no spontaneous resolution of PMSHH was noticed. The cause of PMSHH was proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in 3 cases, Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in 2 cases, Valsalva retinopathy in 2 cases, and laser pointer injury in one case. The YAG laser was delivered using a Q switched mode and 3 mirrors contact lens. One attempt of laser delivery was enough in 6 cases and 2 cases needed 2 attempts. The laser power needed ranged between 2 and 4 mJ. RESULTS: Anatomical success was achieved in all cases. The mean LogMAR VA improved from 1.5 before treatment to 0.3 post-treatment. The difference is statistically significant (p = 0.012). No complications related to Nd:YAG laser therapy was reported in any of the study cases until the last follow up. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the outcomes of NYPH for non-resolving PMSHH in Saudi cases. In this small cases series, the procedure seems to be safe, effective, simple, cheap, and non-invasive treatment modality for this disorder that is conducted in the outpatient setting. We think it should be considered as a first option for cases of SHH covering the fovea due to various aetiologies.

Risky health behaviors among students in Majmaah University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Risky behaviors are those that potentially expose people to harm, or significant risk of harm, which prevent them from reaching their potential in life and which can cause significant morbidity or mortality. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to determine the overall prevalence of risky behaviors among university students; to determine the prevalence of smoking, drifting, fast driving and physical inactivity among university students; and to determine the associations between such behavior and demographic characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study conducted in three colleges. The data were randomly collected from 340 students aged 18-30 years from February to March 2015 using a self-administered questionnaire in Arabic. The data were entered using SPSS v 22.0. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for quantitative variables, and frequency and percentages were computed for categorical variables. Chi-square or Fisher's Exact test, as appropriate, were used to test for statistical significance. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of risky behaviors (smoking, drifting, fast driving, and physical inactivity) among students was 47.35%. Overall, 28% of the students were smokers, 25.2% were involved in drifting, 60.9% reported driving fast, and 66.4% were physically inactive. The age between 18-20 years was significantly associated with higher rates of drifting, fast driving, and physical inactivity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of risky behaviors among university students was high. Physical inactivity and fast driving were the most common identified risky behaviors. Increasing awareness of these risks in the youth may significantly decrease related morbidities, complications, and even mortalities.

Sliding mode controllers for a tempered glass furnace.

This paper investigates the design of two sliding mode controllers (SMCs) applied to a tempered glass furnace system. The main objective of the proposed controllers is to regulate the glass plate temperature, the upper-wall temperature and the lower-wall temperature in the furnace to a common desired temperature. The first controller is a conventional sliding mode controller. The key step in the design of this controller is the introduction of a nonlinear transformation that maps the dynamic model of the tempered glass furnace into the generalized controller canonical form; this step facilitates the design of the sliding mode controller. The second controller is based on a state-dependent coefficient (SDC) factorization of the tempered glass furnace dynamic model. Using an SDC factorization, a simplified sliding mode controller is designed. The simulation results indicate that the two proposed control schemes work very well. Moreover, the robustness of the control schemes to changes in the system's parameters as well as to disturbances is investigated. In addition, a comparison of the proposed control schemes with a fuzzy PID controller is performed; the results show that the proposed SDC-based sliding mode controller gave better results.