Search Results (6,685)

Background: Food noise describes persistent, intrusive thoughts about food, eating, and cravings that occur in the absence of physiological hunger. Its occurrence among healthcare students and professionals in Saudi Arabia is unknown. This study measured food noise in this group in Al-Ahsa, described the proportion meeting study-defined severity thresholds, and identified its main correlates. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, healthcare students and professionals in Al-Ahsa completed a bilingual (Arabic–English) electronic questionnaire capturing demographic and lifestyle characteristics, a 14-item food noise scale adapted from the Food Thought Suppression Inventory (each item rated 1–5; total range 14–70), the SCOFF eating disorder screen, and the four-item Perceived Stress Scale. The factor structure of the food noise scale was examined by exploratory factor analysis with parallel analysis and random split-half replication. Severity was graded from the mean item score as low, moderate, or high using exploratory thresholds, and associations were tested using t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, the Pearson correlation, and complete-case multivariable linear regression with robust standard errors and six sensitivity analyses. Results: Among 593 participants (mean age 25.7 years; 67.5% women; 60.0% students), the food noise scale was unidimensional (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin 0.95; one eigenvalue above both unity and the parallel analysis threshold; 41.8% of variance explained; loadings 0.50 to 0.74) and internally consistent (Cronbach alpha 0.91). The mean total score was 41.9 (standard deviation 12.7). At least moderate food noise was present in 75.9% of participants (95% CI 72.3 to 79.2) and high food noise in 29.0% (95% CI 25.5 to 32.8). A positive SCOFF screen was recorded in 70.2% (95% CI 66.3 to 73.7), and the mean perceived stress score was 8.1 (standard deviation 2.8). In the adjusted model (n = 573; unadjusted R-squared 0.279, adjusted R-squared 0.266), food noise was independently associated with the SCOFF score (B 3.85 per point) and perceived stress (B 0.69 per point), both of which held across every sensitivity analysis, although both relationships proved concave rather than linear. Weaker associations with age (B 0.19 per year) and any night shift work (B 2.45) did not survive alternative model specifications, and crude differences by sex, role, weekly hours, and fasting did not persist after adjustment. Conclusions: Food noise was common in this sample and tracked eating disorder risk and perceived stress more closely than demographic or occupational characteristics. Because recruitment was by convenience and the severity thresholds are exploratory rather than validated, the proportions reported here describe this sample and should not be read as population prevalence. The findings provide a first benchmark for the construct in this population and support attention to the cognitive dimension of eating within health professions settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low back pain (LBP) is a major cause of disability worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, research has predominantly focused on its prevalence and associated risk factors, with comparatively limited evidence directly comparing balance, muscular strength, foot characteristics, and physical performance between young adults with and without LBP. This study therefore compared unilateral balance and handgrip strength between young adults with and without LBP, with foot arch status, walking performance, and lower limb functional capacity examined as secondary outcomes. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional observational design and enrolled 55 young participants (25 with LBP and 30 healthy controls). The primary outcomes included unilateral balance, measured using the Single-Leg Stance Test (SLST) with eyes open and eyes closed, and handgrip strength. Secondary outcomes included foot arch status, assessed using the Sit-to-Stand Navicular Drop Test (SSNDT), walking performance using the 10-Metre Walk Test (10-MWT), and lower limb functional capacity using the 30-s Chair Stand Test (30s-CST). SLST duration was analysed using generalized estimating equations, whereas multivariable linear regression models were used for the remaining outcomes. All adjusted analyses accounted for age, body mass index, sex, smoking status, athletic status, and limb dominance where appropriate. Results: Participants with LBP demonstrated significantly poorer unilateral balance than healthy controls after adjustment, with significant main effects of group on both the right and left SLST. Significant group-by-visual condition interactions were observed for both limbs, indicating that between-group differences were greater under eyes-closed conditions. Handgrip strength was lower in participants with LBP in the unadjusted models; however, these between-group differences were no longer significant after adjustment. No significant adjusted between-group differences were observed for SSNDT scores, walking speed, or 30s-CST performance. Among the adjustment variables, male sex, right leg dominance, and athletic status were associated with better performance, whereas increasing age and smoking were associated with poorer performance. Conclusions: Young adults with LBP demonstrated poorer unilateral balance than healthy controls, with between-group differences being greater under eyes-closed conditions. In contrast, no significant adjusted between-group differences were observed for handgrip strength, foot arch status, walking performance, or lower limb functional capacity. These findings identify unilateral balance, particularly under reduced visual input, as a functional domain that differed between groups in this young adult sample. Full article

Residential electricity demand is a crucial component of electricity consumption in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), necessitating an understanding of its key drivers to support effective energy planning and demand-side management. The data set for this study comprises monthly data from the KSA’s electricity distribution regions (Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern) for the period 2009–2024. It models electricity consumption per subscriber, unlike previous studies that present aggregate electricity consumption, providing a more accurate representation of householders’ electricity consumption patterns. The associations of climatological temperature, electricity bills, and household income are estimated using a pooled regression model applying regional dummy variables and separate regressions by region. The results show a strong association between the climatological temperature profile and residential electricity demand, reflecting pronounced seasonal cooling patterns across the four regions. Residential electricity demand shows a relatively weak association with realized billing exposure, whereas income exhibits a negative association with electricity consumption per subscriber. Robustness analysis controlling for the secular time trend and using annual first differences indicate that this negative association persists, although its magnitude is sensitive to model specification. Significant regional differences were also identified, particularly in the Central and Eastern regions, demonstrating that a single national approach to assessment would not adequately represent residential electricity demand across KSA. These findings provide valuable evidence for region-specific electricity pricing, demand-side management, and long-term energy planning. Full article

Background: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing globally and in Saudi Arabia (SA), although many cases remain undiagnosed. Caregivers of children with ASD are confronted by challenges, especially mothers as primary caregivers, who have higher levels of stress and burden of care due to autism symptoms and difficulties of children, which negatively affects their quality of life (QoL). Objective: The primary outcome of this study was to assess primary caregivers’ quality of life and their perceptions of child-related difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using the Quality of Life in Autism (QoLA) questionnaire. The secondary outcome was to examine the correlation between these two QoLA domains and identify the factors independently associated with each outcome Material and Methods: A convenience sample (247) of Saudi primary caregivers, primarily mothers, was taken from autism primary schools in Tabuk, Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Jazan & Najran cities in SA by distributing an online questionnaire, which was composed of three parts, was used for data collection; Part I included demographic and clinical data of primary caregivers. Part II: The child’s personal characteristics. Part III: QoLA Questionnaire that measures the crucial aspects of living with autistic children and is composed of two parts (A and B). Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), version 23. Results: More than half of the caregivers (50.2%) had a moderate level of QoL. Regarding caregivers’ perceptions of child-related difficulties, 70.9% reported high levels of difficulties, and 7.2% reported low difficulties. Quality of life was significantly associated with maternal age, educational level, number of children. The study’s univariate regression and multivariate regression analysis revealed that, QoL score had a significant negative association with maternal ages, university school and secondary school, working, and those who had medical diseases. In contrast, QoL level had a significant positive association with mothers who received training, had another person helped in caring for the child and who had enough income. Conclusions: Mothers of autistic children had poorer QOL and perceived more difficulties in caring for their children. Thus, educating sessions for mothers about dealing with their autistic children, psychological and financial support services are needed, which in turn improve their QoL. Full article

Background: In Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, where COVID-19 vaccination is optional, parental decision-making regarding vaccinating children is critical. Understanding the psychological factors that drive these decisions can shape future vaccination strategies. Methods: Between November 2021 and January 2022, a cross-sectional, web-based validated survey was conducted using chain-referral (snowball) sampling across multiple social media platforms. A total of 2176 parents residing in Saudi Arabia with children aged 5–18 years participated. The 5C psychological antecedents (confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, and collective responsibility) were assessed. Multinomial logistic regression was employed to determine factors influencing parental decision-making across three child age groups: 5–11 years only, 12–18 years only, and both age ranges (5–18 years). Results: Overall, 77.9% of parents agreed to receive all scheduled doses of the COVID-19 vaccine themselves, while 58.6% agreed to vaccinate children aged 12 years or older, and only 41.9% agreed to vaccinate children younger than 12 years. Fathers were significantly more likely to accept vaccination [Odds ratio (OR) = 17.48, p = 0.01] compared to mothers, who showed higher reluctance (OR = 15.08, p = 0.01). Having a child aged 5–11 years increased reluctance threefold (OR = 3.16, p = 0.01). Parents who believed that returning to school was safe showed increased vaccine acceptance (OR = 4.32, p = 0.01). Confidence and collective responsibility were the strongest positive predictors of vaccine acceptance, particularly for younger children, with OR estimates of 1.23–1.53 for confidence and 1.33–2.13 for collective responsibility. Conversely, extensive information seeking (calculation) was associated with lower acceptance (OR = 0.09, p = 0.03). A history of COVID-19 hospitalization among family or friends was significantly associated with increased parental reluctance (p = 0.03). Conclusions: This study identifies key psychological and demographic factors influencing parental decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccination for children. Building parental confidence and fostering collective responsibility are essential for increasing vaccination rates, particularly among parents of younger children aged 5–11 years. Healthcare authorities should address vaccine safety concerns, provide clear and accurate information, and tailor strategies to parents who remain hesitant. Full article

This study investigates how integrated smart urban systems enhance resource efficiency in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly urbanising cities. Despite growing global interest in smart cities, there remains a critical gap in empirical research that simultaneously examines smart energy, water, and waste systems within a unified analytical framework, particularly in emerging urban contexts, while the mediating role of governance efficiency remains underexplored. Adopting a quantitative survey design, this study employs Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to analyse 384 valid data from 384 stakeholders across selected urban areas. A stratified sampling approach ensures representation of policymakers, urban planners, and infrastructure managers, and measurement constructs are adapted from validated scales to ensure reliability and validity. The study examines relationships between smart energy systems, smart water management, smart waste monitoring, governance efficiency, and resource efficiency outcomes, with governance efficiency conceptualised as a mediating variable enhancing the effectiveness of smart urban systems. The study hypothesises that integrated smart technologies significantly improve resource efficiency, with smart infrastructure as a key predictor; structural model robustness is assessed using standard SEM fit indices, with CFI (0.93), TLI (0.91), and RMSEA (0.052). This research contributes to theory by integrating smart urban systems and governance into a unified framework, extending smart city and circular economy literature, while offering practical insights aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 to support sustainable urban development. It is recommended that policymakers prioritise integrated smart infrastructure, strengthen institutional frameworks, and promote public awareness to maximise resource optimisation. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs, expand across multiple cities, and incorporate behavioural and policy variables to enhance generalizability and deepen insights into smart urban resource efficiency. Full article

The transition toward a knowledge-based economy has elevated the strategic importance of non-financial information disclosure (NFID). Although Saudi Arabia places knowledge, innovation, and transparency at the centre of its Vision 2030 agenda, evidence on how the pillars of the knowledge economy shape the perceived quality of disclosure in Saudi organizations remains limited. This study examines the association between four knowledge-economy dimensions—human capital, information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, innovation systems, and the institutional environment—and the perceived quality of NFID, operationalized through transparency, relevance, reliability, timeliness, and comparability. Primary data from 368 managers, financial managers, sustainability officers, and accountants in Saudi organizations were analysed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Each organization is represented by a single informed respondent, so the outcome variable is the perceived quality of disclosure reported by knowledgeable insiders rather than quality verified in published reports. The measurement model showed strong reliability and validity (Cronbach’s alpha 0.84–0.89; composite reliability above 0.90; AVE above 0.65). The four dimensions jointly explained 55.9% of the variance in perceived disclosure quality (R² = 0.559; F = 114.99; p < 0.001). All four hypotheses were supported, with human capital the strongest correlate (β = 0.341), followed by ICT infrastructure (β = 0.270), institutional environment (β = 0.237), and innovation systems (β = 0.194). Stronger knowledge-economy capabilities in people, digital infrastructure, supportive institutions, and innovation capacity are therefore jointly associated with higher perceived quality of non-financial reporting under Vision 2030. Because the design is cross-sectional and perception-based, the findings are interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rapid changes, jumping, and high-intensity movements are common among football players and are vulnerable to ankle sprains and functional ankle instability (FAI). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FAI and assess the correlation with related factors among male football players in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 364 male football players aged ≥18 years in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Participants completed the Arabic version of the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (Ar-IdFAI) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence. Differences in Ar-IdFAI scores across playing positions were examined using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), playing experience, and weekly training hours. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with IdFAI-defined probable FAI. Results: IdFAI-defined probable FAI was identified in 47.8% (174/364) of participants (95% CI: 42.7–52.9%). After adjustment for age, BMI, playing experience, and weekly training hours, playing position was not significantly associated with Ar-IdFAI score (ANCOVA, F(3,356) = 2.106, p = 0.099). In the exploratory participant-level logistic regression analysis, greater playing experience was associated with lower odds of Ar-IdFAI-defined probable FAI (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.98, p = 0.018), whereas playing position, age, BMI, weekly training hours, and dominant limb were not statistically associated with the outcome. Conclusions: FAI is prevalent among all male field-position footballers, regardless of their position. Playing position was not independently associated with instability, whereas greater playing experience demonstrated an inverse association with functional ankle instability. Findings highlight the necessity for preventive and rehabilitation approaches targeting all players regardless of position. Full article

Background/Objectives: Saudi evidence on self-reported knee injuries among amateur sport participants is limited. We estimated lifetime knee injury prevalence and associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study used non-probability convenience sampling to recruit amateur players aged 18–60 years without chronic disease. Data were collected in 2022 using an Arabic study questionnaire and the Saudi Arabic Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. The primary outcome was a broadly defined, self-reported lifetime knee injury history. Associations were estimated using logistic and Firth penalized logistic regression. Results: Of 462 submissions after the eligibility gateway, 273 were eligible and internally consistent. Most participants were male (89.4%), and football was the most frequently reported sport (74.7%). Overall, 155 participants reported a lifetime knee injury (56.8%; 95% CI 50.8–62.5%). In the adjusted model (n = 269), football participation (aOR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.35–5.13; p = 0.004) and older age (aOR per year = 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.08; p = 0.023) were associated with higher odds. Estimates for male sex and high exercise intensity were imprecise. Conclusions: More than half of this convenience sample reported a lifetime knee injury. Football was the most consistent correlate. These cross-sectional findings are neither causal nor nationally representative. Full article

Clade A Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) spilled over from camels into humans in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and caused pneumonia and severe respiratory disease, with a 37% case fatality rate. While clade A and B viruses are closely related phylogenetically, clade B MERS-CoV strains have since outcompeted clade A strains and continue to circulate in camels and humans in the Middle East and cause outbreaks in humans. Clade C strains circulate in camels across the African continent but have not been reported to cause disease in humans. We have shown that a number of East African clade C isolates are less able to utilize the TMPRSS2-mediated pathway for viral entry in both cell lines and primary nasal epithelial cultures, which may underlie the reduced replication of East African clade C strains in humans. However, the reduced replicative capacity of West African strains in human cells appears to be independent of viral entry, suggesting an alternative basis for their attenuation. Here, we report that West African clade C MERS-CoV isolates with deletions in ORF4b encoding a key accessory protein, NS4b, induced significantly more robust interferon and inflammatory responses than clade A MERS in human respiratory cell lines and primary bronchial air–liquid interface cultures. The replication deficit for the West African strain BF785, which has a complete deletion of ORF4b, was partially rescued when RNASEL was knocked out in A549 cells. These findings demonstrate that complete loss of NS4b results in stronger innate immune activation than partial truncation and suggests that differential selection on NS4b may contribute to the varying phenotypes of clade C MERS-CoV strains circulating in African camels. Full article

Turbine inlet air cooling (TIAC) is a well-established approach for enhancing the performance of gas turbine power plants operating in hot climates. However, single air-cooling methods have shown limitations mainly in harsh and severe climates. In this work, nine hybrid TIAC configurations integrating two different cooling technologies are proposed and systematically analyzed. The hybrid systems are grouped into three main configurations based on the arrangement of evaporative and refrigerated cooling: Configuration I, where media evaporative cooling is followed in series by refrigerated cooling; Configuration II, where refrigerated cooling precedes evaporative cooling; and Configuration III, where both systems operate in parallel and are then mixed. Each configuration is evaluated through thermodynamic and thermo-economic analyses, considering the performance of a typical 85 MW General Electric (GE) PG7121EA gas turbine unit under the harsh climate conditions of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Simulations were carried out using the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software. This study provides a comprehensive framework for selecting hybrid TIAC configurations based on an overall thermo-economic assessment that considers additional power generation, water consumption, and economic performance. The results reveal that all hybrid TIAC systems substantially reduce the inlet air temperature below ISO reference conditions, with Configuration I providing the best overall balance between technical and economic performance. In terms of cost-effectiveness, Configuration II–Hybrid VI (single-effect H₂O–LiBr absorption refrigeration followed by evaporative cooling) demonstrates improved economic performance over the standalone single-effect H₂O–LiBr absorption system. The findings underscore that hybrid TIAC systems can significantly enhance gas turbine output while achieving favorable payback periods, making them a promising solution for desert climates. Full article

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence comparing parental acceptance and preferences of advanced behavior management techniques with basic behavior management techniques among pediatric dental populations in the Middle East. Methodology: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD420261294758) in February 2026. The systematic review included studies published between January 2015 and February 2026, identified through PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria encompassed observational studies assessing parental acceptance of behavior guidance techniques for healthy children aged 2–14 years, conducted in the Middle East. Two authors independently selected the studies and extracted the data. The risk of bias was assessed independently by two reviewers (F.A. and K.B) using an adapted Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS), with any uncertainties resolved through discusscoion with a third reviewer (H.J.S.). Comparing the different behavior-guided techniques allowed for the creation of pooled effect estimates for the included studies. Result: A total of 88 studies were identified from the database search. Of the 88 studies identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Eleven cross-sectional observational studies were conducted in Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait. The TSD approach consistently garnered the highest parental acceptance, ranging from 88% to 98%. In contrast, advanced methods like GA and physical restraint were the least preferred. Six meta-analyses were conducted across four clinical comparisons. Parental acceptance of GA was significantly lower than TSD (OR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.02–0.07, p < 0.00001), as was parental preference (OR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.05–0.15, p < 0.00001), with an overall pooled OR of 0.04 (95% CI: 0.02–0.08) and a complementary continuous analysis (SMD = −1.03, 95% CI: −1.54 to −0.51). Similarly, parental acceptance of protective stabilization was significantly lower than TSD (OR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.06–0.15, p < 0.00001), as was parental preference (OR = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.03–0.08, p < 0.00001), with an overall pooled OR of 0.07 (95% CI: 0.05–0.11) and SMD of −1.87 (95% CI: −2.32 to −1.43). Comparisons involving N₂O demonstrated extreme heterogeneity (I² = 95%), precluding reliable pooled estimates. Acceptance of N₂O varied more, influenced by regional differences and contextual factors. Conclusions: Middle Eastern populations of parents were consistently less accepting of advanced behavior management techniques, especially GA and protective stabilization, compared with TSD. These results are considered preliminary and are mainly based on cross-sectional studies and should be interpreted in the context of moderate risk of bias and substantial heterogeneity across the included studies. There is a need for more high-quality, longitudinal, multicenter studies to improve the evidence base for culturally sensitive behavior guidance in pediatric dental practice. Full article

Approximately 5–33% of the dates growing in Saudi Arabia are downgraded to low-quality fruit that either goes to waste or is used to make animal feed, which is considered a potential feedstock abundant in sugar. By a thorough comparative study, this study evaluated the up-cycling of low-quality Saudi dates (Wannana, Shagra, Sabbaka, Barhi, Saqai, Khalas and Sukkari) as fermentation substrates for xanthan gum production by Xanthomonas campestris. Pure glucose, pure sucrose, and a commercial standard were used as a baseline. The sole carbon source was date juice (≈12.5–17 °Brix) in a batch aerobic fermentation conducted at the standard conditions of temperature (30 °C), speed 180 rpm, and time (120 h). The xanthan gum was quantified and tested for its properties like functional groups (FTIR), color, thermal behavior (TGA and DSC), and rheology in the form of both steady- and dynamic-shear rheology. Xanthan gum was produced in the range 5.60–7.77 g L⁻¹ by the date-based substrates with Barhi (7.77 g L⁻¹) and Saqai (7.58 g L⁻¹) surpassing those of the glucose (6.68 g L⁻¹) and sucrose (6.23 g L⁻¹) controls. FTIR spectra of date-derived gums were almost identical to that of the commercial standard, indicating that their functional groups and the primary structure were very similar. In addition, the date-derived powders were darker and yellower (L* 61.09, 71.00; whiteness index 54.92, 63.34) than the commercial gum (L* 84.71; whiteness index 78.19). This is likely attributed to the presence of residue date pigmentation and products of Maillard and caramelization. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed that the breakdown of materials occurred in two stages, of which the char residue of the date-derived gums was much higher for those degraded at 500 °C (48.93, 54.05%) versus that of the commercial reference (33.49%), which is to be interpreted as a better ability of the former to resist thermal degradation. All solutions acted as pseudoplastic, shear-thinning liquids (flow behavior index n < 1); the consistency coefficient (K) rose with concentration and fell with temperature. The activation energy varied between 9.98 kJ mol⁻¹ (commercial) and 29.39 kJ mol⁻¹ (Saqai). Overall, low-quality Saudi dates can be considered a technically and economically viable, sustainable, and low-cost carbon substrate suitable for upcycling to produce xanthan gum, which is safe for use as a food additive. Full article

This study reports a combined morphological, surface chemical, and mineralogical characterization of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) collected at three coastal sites—Northern (Abhour), Middle (Alhamraa), and Southern (Alkhomra)—in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the summer (15 June–15 September 2017). The work complements a companion trace-element study of the same campaign by adding scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS/EDX mapping), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), thereby linking bulk concentrations to particle morphology, surface oxidation state, and crystalline phase. Mean PM_2.5 concentrations were 22.2, 18.9, and 14.2 µg m⁻³ at the North, Middle, and South sites, respectively. Because samples were collected on borosilicate glass-fibre filters, the SEM images are dominated by the intrinsic fibrous matrix of the substrate; the collected aerosol is resolved as discrete sub-micrometre particles and agglomerates decorating the fibres, and the morphological interpretation is framed accordingly. XPS confirmed that surface metals (Fe, Al, Ca, and traces of Pb, Cu, Zn) occur predominantly in oxidized states, with the Middle urban site showing the strongest Fe and Pb signals. XRD identified quartz, calcite, gypsum, hematite/magnetite, and aluminum oxides, with additional Pb and Cu phases at the Middle and South sites. Principal component analysis (PCA) resolved four sources—mixed marine–crustal, terrigenous/industrial (Fe–Ti–Mn), oil combustion and shipping (V–Ni–Cu), and combustion/legacy-traffic (Pb–Zn)—consistent with prior Jeddah and Red Sea studies. The integrated approach provides surface-speciation and mineralogical details not available from bulk elemental analysis alone and establishes baseline information relevant to source management and health-risk assessment in arid coastal cities. Full article

Coffee is deeply embedded in Saudi culture and is among the most consumed beverages worldwide. However, contamination by toxic heavy metals may represent an underrecognized public health concern, particularly in regions already burdened by diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. This study evaluated concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) in 21 commercial coffee samples representing seven product categories marketed in Saudi Arabia. Samples were prepared using EPA Method 3050B acid digestion and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Health risks were assessed through estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) using USEPA exposure parameters and Saudi-specific coffee consumption data. All metals were detected in every sample. Mean concentrations (mg/kg dry weight) were 1.638 for Pb, 0.560 for Cd, 0.622 for Cr, 0.536 for Ni, and 0.034 for As. Cadmium exceeded the European Union maximum limit for roasted coffee in all samples, while elevated Pb levels were observed in dark roast and Yemeni coffees. Although the overall non-carcinogenic risk remained below the accepted threshold (HI = 0.438), the combined ILCR for As, Cd, and Pb was 5.84 × 10⁻⁵. Inclusion of a conservative screening-level chromium contribution, calculated by assuming that all measured total Cr was present as Cr(VI), increased the upper-bound total ILCR to 9.38 × 10⁻⁵. This value remained within, but approached the upper boundary of, the risk-management range applied in this study. These findings highlight the need for strengthened monitoring and regulatory control of coffee products in Saudi Arabia. Full article