Search Results (26)

Background: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent childhood diseases worldwide, with Streptococcus mutans playing a major etiological role. Coffee contains bioactive compounds, including chlorogenic acid and trigonelline, which have demonstrated antimicrobial and anticariogenic properties. Limited evidence exists on the preventive potential of coffee in Saudi adolescents. This study was designed to assess the benefits of coffee consumption in reducing dental caries among adolescents aged 12 to 16 years. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 375 participants aged 12–16 years in Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited from dental records and allocated into two cohorts: (1) consuming coffee at least twice weekly, subcategorized as sweetened versus unsweetened coffee consumers, and (2) non-coffee consumers. Clinical assessment included the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, which was assessed at variable follow-up times up to 5 years. Caries increment (ΔDMFT) was compared using independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc tests. Multivariable linear regression adjusted for tooth brushing frequency, dietary habits, and oral hygiene status was performed. Results: Coffee consumers had significantly lower caries increment than non-consumers (0.78 ± 0.65 vs. 1.34 ± 0.88; mean difference −0.56; 95% CI −0.71 to −0.41; p < 0.001; Hedges’ g = −0.71). Among coffee consumers, unsweetened coffee was associated with a lower increment than sweetened coffee (0.52 ± 0.48 vs. 1.09 ± 0.71; mean difference −0.57; 95% CI −0.76 to −0.38; p < 0.001) and non-consumers (mean difference −0.82; 95% CI −0.98 to −0.66; p < 0.001). After adjusting for oral hygiene and dietary factors, the protective associations remained significant for both unsweetened (adjusted mean difference −0.51; 95% CI −0.70 to −0.33; p < 0.001) and sweetened coffee (adjusted mean difference −0.22; 95% CI −0.41 to −0.04; p = 0.019). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this retrospective exploratory design, habitual coffee consumption, particularly that of unsweetened coffee, was associated with lower caries increment. These findings are hypothesis-generating and require confirmation in prospective studies with standardized exposure assessment and biological outcome measures. Full article

In Saudi Arabia, coffee (Coffea arabica L.) has been grown for centuries on the mountain terraces of the southwestern regions. Jazan region accounts for about 80% of the total production. The acreage allocated to coffee is comparatively small but it is expanding rapidly thanks to a strong government-supported drive to increase local coffee production. Despite the initial success, the effort is hampered by the limited water supply available for irrigating the new plantings and the increased incidence of pests and diseases. The magnitude of these natural handicaps appears to have increased as of late, apparently due to climate change (CC). This review examines strategies to mitigate the consequences of CC on the coffee sector through the implementation of precision agriculture (PA) techniques, with the focus on addressing the challenges posed by biotic and abiotic stresses. The impact of CC is both direct by rendering present growing regions unsuitable and indirect by amplifying the severity of biotic and abiotic tree stressors. Precision agriculture (PA) techniques can play a key role in tackling these challenges through data-driven tools like sensors, GIS, remote sensing, machine learning and smart equipment. By monitoring soil, climate, and crop conditions, PA enables targeted irrigation, fertilization, and pest control thus improving efficiency and sustainability. This approach reduces costs, conserves resources, and minimizes environmental impact, making PA essential for building climate-resilient and sustainable coffee production systems. The review synthesizes insights from case studies, research papers, and other scientific literature concerned with precision farming practices and their effectiveness in alleviating biotic and abiotic pressures on coffee trees. Additionally, it evaluates technological advances, identifies existing knowledge gaps, and suggests areas for future research. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to enhancing the resilience of coffee farming in Saudi Arabia amidst ongoing CC challenges by educating farmers about the potential of PA technologies. Full article

Background: In an increasingly digital marketplace, social media marketing activities (SMMAs) have become vital for building consumer–brand relationships, particularly among Generation Z (Gen Z) consumers. Coffee shops offer a unique context because they are lifestyle-oriented and highly dependent on repeat visits, making them especially responsive to digital engagement. This study examines the impact of SMMAs on brand loyalty in the Saudi Arabian coffee shop sector, with a particular focus on the mediating role of consumer brand preference and the moderating role of brand awareness. Drawing on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) framework and Generational Marketing Theory, the research explores how Gen Z consumers respond to social media efforts that are informative, interactive, trendy, and personalized. Methods: Data were collected using convenience sampling via an online survey of 412 Gen Z consumers in Saudi Arabia who follow at least one local or international coffee shop brand on social media. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized relationships, mediation, and moderation effects. Results: The findings revealed that SMMAs have a substantial direct effect on both brand loyalty and consumer brand preference. Moreover, consumer brand preference partially mediates the relationship between SMMAs and brand loyalty, underscoring its importance as a psychological mechanism in the formation of loyalty. Additionally, brand awareness was found to significantly moderate the SMMAs–brand loyalty relationship, with more potent effects observed among consumers with higher levels of brand familiarity. Implications: The study contributes theoretically by extending the S-O-R framework with Generational Marketing Theory, demonstrating the partial mediating role of brand preference and the moderating direct effect of brand awareness. Practically, the results suggest that coffee shop marketers should design social media strategies that are informative, interactive, trendy, and personalized while also investing in awareness-building campaigns to amplify loyalty among Gen Z consumers. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate how acidic and alkaline staining solutions affect the optical properties (mean color change, ΔE*), geometric characteristics (surface roughness, Ra), and bacterial adhesion of zirconia Ceramill Zolid PS computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) material after 21 days of immersion. Ninety-six zirconia CAD/CAM Ceramill Zolid multilayer PS specimens were prepared and allocated to eight groups based on the pH values of the immersion solutions; the acidic solutions included Mirinda Citrus, CodeRed, yerba mate tea, Saudi coffee, and Nescafe (A–E), and the alkaline solutions included artificial saliva, DZRT (tobacco-free nicotine pouches), and smokeless tobacco (F–H). The specimens were immersed for 21 days at 37 °C, with the solutions replaced every 12 h to ensure consistency. Color changes were measured using a VITA Easyshade V spectrophotometer, and Ra was evaluated via white-light interferometric microscopy. The bacterial adhesion of Streptococcus mutans was quantified by counting colony-forming units (CFUs, CFU/mm²). Statistical analyses included the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality, one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD post hoc test for group comparisons, and paired t-tests, with significance set at <0.05. The recorded pH values of the staining materials ranged from acidic (Mirinda Citrus: 3.23) to alkaline (smokeless tobacco: 8.54). Smokeless tobacco caused the most unacceptable mean color change (ΔE* = 6.84), followed by DZRT (ΔE* = 6.46), whereas artificial saliva produced the least discoloration (ΔE* = 2.15), with statistically significant differences among the solutions (p < 0.001). The Ra measurements varied significantly (p < 0.001), with Nescafe demonstrating the lowest value (0.486 µm) and DZRT the highest (0.748 µm). S. mutans adhesion was the highest for CodeRed (546.75 CFU) and the lowest for smokeless tobacco (283.92 CFU), demonstrating significant variation across groups (ANOVA, p < 0.001). The acidic and alkaline solutions significantly altered the optical properties, Ra, and bacterial adhesion of zirconia Ceramill Zolid PS CAD/CAM, with acidic solutions leading to higher bacterial adhesion. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to assess the consumption of caffeinated beverages and the associated caffeine intake among Saudi adults, alongside a quantitative risk assessment using the hazard quotient (HQ) approach. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, utilizing a validated Arabic Beverage Frequency Questionnaire to collect data on beverage consumption patterns. The participants reported the type, frequency, and quantity of caffeinated beverages consumed. We also calculated caffeine intake and assessed the associated health risks. Data were collected from 4367 participants across 13 regions in Saudi Arabia. Results: This study involved adult participants (18–65 years), with 45% females and 55% males. The mean age of the participants is 35 years. The participants reported the type, frequency, and quantity of caffeinated beverages consumed through a self-reported online survey. The most commonly consumed caffeinated beverages were Saudi coffee (79%), soft drinks (75%), and sweetened tea (69.3%). The highest consumption was observed in the 30–44 age group. The mean daily caffeine intake was 131 ± 1.4 mg/day (145 ± 2.3 mg/day for males, 120 ± 1.8 mg/day for females). Although female participants consumed more beverages, male participants had higher caffeine intake (p = 0.000). The mean HQ for caffeine exposure was 0.32, with a 95th percentile of 0.33, indicating no significant risk. Pregnant and lactating women’s caffeine intake also remained within safe limits. Conclusions: The average caffeine intake among Saudis is below 400 mg/day, suggesting no immediate health concerns. However, public health initiatives should focus on educating specific population groups about the safe limits of caffeine consumption. Full article

Background: Saudi coffee, made from Khawlani beans, is known for its sweeter, less acidic flavor and rich content of bioactive compounds. However, traditional preparation methods are time consuming and inefficient in extracting these compounds, limiting their global appeal. This study introduces an ultrasonic-assisted nanoparticle preparation technique to enhance the extraction efficiency, chemical profile, and sensory quality of Saudi coffee. The method aims to overcome limitations of traditional grinding by reducing the particle size while preserving key bioactive compounds. Methods: Finely ground coffee was subjected to ultrasonic processing at optimized parameters 450 W (60% of 750 W output), with 10 min of pulsed sonication to produce nanoparticles. These were characterized using SEM, FT-IR, XRPD, and particle size analysis. Comparative chemical analysis (caffeine, total phenols) and sensory evaluation were conducted against regular Saudi coffee. Results: Ultrasonication reduced the particle size to ~101 nm, significantly enhancing caffeine (from 0.54 to 3.21 mg/g) and phenolic content (from 426.7 to 1825.3 µg GAE/g). Solubility also increased from 40.7% to 75.9%. Sensory tests showed an improved aroma, mouthfeel, and flavor. These improvements are attributed to an enhanced extraction and surface area at the nanoscale. Conclusion: Ultrasonic-assisted nanoparticle technology significantly improves the physicochemical and sensory properties of Saudi coffee. This approach offers a fast, scalable, and eco-friendly method for quality enhancement, positioning Saudi coffee for greater global competitiveness. Full article

Background/Objectives: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are strongly linked to beverage consumption. This study aimed to assess the average daily beverage intake of Saudi residents, energy intake from beverages, and the influence of socio-demographic factors, health behaviors, and health status on beverage intake. Methods: A nationally representative, cross-sectional study utilized stratified quota sampling to survey adults (≥18 years) across all 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from April 2022 to December 2023 using the validated Arabic Beverage Frequency Questionnaire (ABFQ), assessing consumption patterns of 28 beverage types. Results: The study included 4385 participants (mean age: 36.1 ± 11.14 years, 65% male). Sweetened tea (28 mL/day), regular soft drinks (22.1 mL/day), and Saudi coffee (18 mL/day) were the most frequent beverages after water. Sweetened tea contributed to the highest average energy intake (33.2 ± 46.4 kcal/day). Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) was higher among younger individuals (18–29 years: OR: 4.0, 95% CI [2.6–6.3]; 30–44 years: OR: 2.8, 95% CI [1.8–4.3]), males (OR:1.6, 95% CI [1.4–1.8]), and residents of specific regions [Al-Jawf (OR: 1.9, 95% CI [1.2–3.2]) and Jazan (OR: 3.2, 95% CI [2.2–4.7])]. Higher water intakes were associated with males (OR: 1.5, 95% CI [1.3–1.7]), higher education levels (OR: 1.4, 95% CI [1.2–1.8]), physically active (OR: 1.5, 95% CI [1.3–1.8]), and those overweight (OR: 1.6, 95% CI [1.2–2.3]) or obese (OR: 2, 95% CI [1.4–2.8]). Conclusions: This study provides a valuable insight into beverage consumption patterns among Saudi residents. The findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to promote healthier beverage choices, particularly among younger populations and those with lower socioeconomic status. Full article

Background: Previous research has linked high coffee consumption to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to assess the relationship between coffee consumption and MetS components among Saudi adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on adults who met at least three criteria for a MetS diagnosis. Data concerning demographics, lifestyle, sleeping patterns, medical health, anthropometric measurements, habitual coffee drinking, and lab levels for HDL-C, LDL-C, TC, TGs, HbA1c, and FBG were collected. Results: Of the 95 participants, 51% were women, 75.8% were >50 years old, 75.8% were obese, 62% were used to practicing physical activity, 74.5% never smoked, 56.4% slept < 7 h/day, and 89.5% were coffee consumers. Of these, 94.7% had high waist circumference, 63.2% had high BP, 47.4% had high FBG, 41.1% had low HDL, and 23.2% had high TGs. For coffee consumers, 37.6% drank a small cup, 34.5% drank coffee once daily, 89.4% drank Arabic coffee, and 75.3% added no additives. Conclusions: No significant association was found between coffee consumption patterns and any MetS component, with the exception of elevated TGs, which was strongly associated with coffee cup size and number of daily cups. Waist circumference and BMI had a strong positive correlation with coffee cup size, and there was a significant relationship between the number of daily cups, BMI, and TC. Further prospective studies are needed to establish a causal relationship. Full article

The biodiversity of 12 coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cultivars collected from the Al-Baha region in the southwest of Saudi Arabia was evaluated using 25 morphological variations and genetic diversity as demonstrated by molecular polymorphism generated by eight Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSRs) and nine Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) primers. Substantial variations were scored in the morphological traits reflected in the clustering of the examined cultivars in PCA of the coffee cultivars. The examined cultivars were grouped in two groups, one included the cultivars coded Y5, Y6, R113, and Y7 and the other group comprised two clusters; one comprised cultivars coded R8 and R4 and the other comprised cultivars R112, R114, and Y2. In the meantime, the cultivars coded R9 and R111 were differentiated together from other cultivars, while the Y3 cultivar was confirmed by the analysis of ISSR data and SCoT data, which also support the grouping of R9 and R111 cultivars. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) of morphological, ISSR, and SCoT data as a combined set differentiated the examined species into four groups in a scatter plot in agreement with their separation in the cluster trees. The diversity profile among the examined C. arabica cultivars proved that R111 and R4 cultivars are highly diverse, while R8 and Y5 cultivars exhibit low diversity. Alpha diversity indices indicated that R9 and R111 cultivars are the most dominant and stable C. arabica cultivars among the examined samples in the study region. Full article

While entrepreneurship continues to gain significance worldwide as a means for economic development and a tool for youth employment, coffee cultivation entrepreneurial intention becomes an essential goal to investigate and a necessary instrument. Accordingly, this research investigates the role of external factors, namely Access to Finance (ATF), Structural and Institutional Support (SIS), Physical Infrastructure Support (PIS), Social Influence (SIF) and Education and Training (ET), in stimulating Coffee Farming Entrepreneurial Intention (CFEI) among potential entrepreneurs (students). A sample of 318 participants from various universities in Saudi Arabia responded to an online questionnaire, forming the basis for analysis using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The study reported different findings, such as a positive relationship between CFEI and other factors, namely PIS, SIF and ET. However, the study found no positive connection between ATF, SIS and CFEI. The study concluded by providing actionable recommendations for policymakers about stimulating coffee farming among students and contributing to the economic development process and youth employment. It also assists in the establishment of sustainable business environments for future generations. Full article

Conducting business nowadays has become much more challenging. Sustainability is a crucial goal for all industries, including the coffee sector, which has emerged as a robust trend in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), establishing Saudi Arabia as one of the pioneers in developing specialty coffee in the Gulf region. Hence, in an attempt to reveal the determinants of sustainability, this study examined the effect of collective individual capabilities (i.e., commitments, communication, connections, and coordination) on entrepreneurial resilience and the subsequent effect on economic, social, and environmental firm performance. This study used a cross-sectional design to collect quantitative data from 213 respondents using non-probability-based convenient sampling. Data were analyzed using SEM-PLS. Findings revealed that commitment has a significant positive effect on entrepreneurial resilience. On the other hand, resilience showed significant positive effects on the economic, social, and environmental performance of coffee shops in Saudi Arabia. Results further confirm a significant mediating effect of entrepreneurial resilience between commitments and economic, social, and environmental performance. Several key insights and policy implications have been drawn from the findings. Full article

Coffee leaf rust (CLR) is a major disease of Arabica coffee caused by the biotrophic fungus Hemileia vastatrix. Jazan region in Saudi Arabia has long been one of the last coffee-producing regions in the world free of this disease. In August 2023, CLR was initially observed in coffee plantations located in Fyfa district one of the main coffee-producing mountains of Jazan region. The source of the infection is unknown, however CLR could have entered Jazan from the nearest coffee-producing locations that haven the pathogen. During a scheduled survey in August 2023, symptoms were observed including yellowish-orange lesions that frequently combined to form chlorotic lesions and exhibited the powdery appearance of yellow uredospores on the abaxial surface of leaves. The uredospores and teliospores were microscopically examined and their morphology matched the previously published description for H. vastatrix. The identity of H. vastatrix specimens was further confirmed based on PCR amplification and sequencing of ITS, sharing a 99–100% identity with previously published sequences, as belonging to H. vastatrix. The pathogenicity of H. vastatrix specimens was investigated on Coffee arabica plants under growth chamber conditions, and all were pathogenic relative to control, with 100% of disease incidence, therefore fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Based on our findings, this is the first documentation of H. vastatrix causing CLR in Saudi Arabia. Full article

Background: Sedentary behavior has received increased attention as a threat to public health all around the world. A global effort has been made to avoid the spread of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) that are associated with poor lifestyle practices, which rely on public awareness. As a result, the purpose of this study was to analyze the attitudes toward exercise, leisure activities, and sedentary behaviour among adults in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals living in the Riyadh Region in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire (26 items) used in this study was divided into four sections, and the first section comprised demographic and basic information of the respondents (6 items). The second section asked the respondents about the time spent exercising and sedentary time spent (6 items), the third section of the study comprised eight questionnaires about the frequency of sedentary activity performed during their leisure time, and the last section was about the attitude towards sedentary behavior (6 items). Descriptive and analytical statistics were done to describe the study findings. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Results: The current findings revealed that 44% (n = 305) of the respondents performed exercise 1–2 days a week, and 16.7% (n = 116) never performed any exercise. Furthermore, a considerable percentage of the respondents spent >4 h in a day as sedentary. Most of the sedentary time was spent on work relating activities 62% (n = 430), followed by time spent on coffee 36.4% (n = 252), business relating activity 22.5% (n = 156), and social media 8.9% (n = 62). In this study, most of the respondents agreed that sitting for a prolonged time might negatively impact their health. Most of the respondents showed positive attitudes towards sedentary behavior. Males were statistically more likely than females to exercise 1–2 days per week (p < 0.001). Being male and being married were both significantly associated with sedentary behavior (p < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant association between participants’ sleeping status and physical activity per week, where those who slept 5–6 h often performed physical activity, indicating a significant difference (p < 0.001) than respondents who slept 7–8 or >8 h. The participant’s age was also found to have a significant association with engaging in physical exercise (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that Saudi adults are highly sedentary and inactive, though knowing the harmful consequences of inactivity. Therefore, a national active living policy must be adopted to discourage inactivity and being sedentary and encourage active living in Saudi Arabia. Full article

In this study, thirty-seven alkaline protease-producing bacteria were recovered from different regions of Saudi Arabia. The proteolytic strain with the highest productivity was identified as Bacillus sp. Mar64. Maximum productivity of Mar64P alkaline protease was reached at 60 h, pH 9.0, and 45 °C using 1% tyrosine and 0.5% maltose as nitrogen and carbon supplies, respectively. Specific activity was intensified to 8.5-fold with a recovery of 12.4% and SDS—PAGE revealed one band at 28 kDa after enzyme purification. Mar64P was maximally active at 55 °C and pH 11.0 with thermal stability up to 70 °C and pH stability at 7.0–12.0 for 1 h. It was inhibited by EDTA and unaffected by PMSF, therefore tentatively classified as metalloprotease-type. Storage efficacy was effective for up to eight weeks and it was durable in presence of organic solvents (20%, v/v) such as acetonitrile, acetone, and isopropanol upto to 15 days. The enzyme was compatible with dry detergents at both low and high temperature, in addition, was successful in removing various stains such as blood, egg yolk, chocolate, tea, coffee, and sweat. Furthermore, it was successful in removing skin hairs and hydrolyzing gelatin of waste X-ray films. Collectively, due to these unique properties, Mar64P could be considered an environmentally friendly candidate in both detergent and leather industries. Full article

Several Colletotrichum species are able to cause anthracnose disease in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) and occur in all coffee production areas worldwide. A planned investigation of coffee plantations was carried out in Southwest Saudi Arabia in October, November, and December 2022. Various patterns of symptoms were observed in all 23 surveyed coffee plantations due to unknown causal agents. Isolation from symptomatic fresh samples was performed on a PDA medium supplemented with streptomycin sulfate (300 mg L⁻¹) and copper hydroxide (42.5 mg L⁻¹). Twenty-seven pure isolates of Colletotrichum-like fungi were obtained using a spore suspension method. The taxonomic placements of Colletotrichum-like fungi were performed based on the sequence dataset of multi-loci of internal transcribed spacer region rDNA (ITS), chitin synthase I (CHS-1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), actin (ACT), β-tubulin (TUB2), and partial mating type (Mat1–2) (ApMat) genes. The novel species are described in detail, including comprehensive morphological characteristics and colored illustrations. The pathogenicity of the isolated Colletotrichum species was assessed on detached coffee leaves as well as green and red fruit under laboratory conditions. The multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of the six-loci, ITS, ACT, CHS-1, TUB2, GAPDH and ApMat, revealed that 25 isolates were allocated within the C. gloeosporioides complex, while the remaining two isolates were assigned to the C. boninense complex. Six species were recognized, four of them, C. aeschynomenes, C. siamense, C. phyllanthi, and C. karstii, had been previously described. Based on molecular analyses and morphological examination comparisons, C. saudianum and C. coffeae-arabicae represent novel members within the C. gloeosporioides complex. Pathogenicity investigation confirmed that the Colletotrichum species could induce disease in coffee leaves as well as green and red fruits with variations. Based on the available literature and research, this is the first documentation for C. aeschynomenes, C. siamense, C. karstii, C. phyllanthi, C. saudianum, and C. coffeae-arabicae to cause anthracnose on coffee in Saudi Arabia. Full article