Efficient Decentralized Sharing Economy Model Based on Blockchain Technology: A Case Study of Najm for Insurance Services Company

Atheer Alkhammash,Kawther Saeedi,Fatmah Baothman,Amal Babour International Journal of Computer ScienceNetwork S 2023 International journal of computer science and netw Vol.23 No.9

Blockchain is an emerging technology that is used to address ownership, centrality, and security issues in different fields. The blockchain technology has converted centralized applications into decentralized and distributed ones. In existing sharing economy applications, there are issues related to low efficiency and high complexity of services. However, blockchain technology can be adopted to overcome these issues by effectively opening up secure information channels of the sharing economy industry and other related parties, encouraging industry integration and improving the ability of sharing economy organizations to readily gain required information. This paper discusses blockchain technology to enhance the development of insurance services by proposing a five-layer decentralized model. The Najm for Insurance Services Company in Saudi Arabia was employed in a case study for applying the proposed model to effectively solve the issue of online underwriting, and to securely and efficiently enhance the verification and validation of transactions. The paper concludes with a review of the lessons learned and provides suggestions for blockchain application development process.

Eye Blink Detection and Alarm System to Reduce Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome

Atheer K. Alsaif,Abdul Rauf Baig International Journal of Computer ScienceNetwork S 2023 International journal of computer science and netw Vol.23 No.5

In recent years, and with the increased adoption of digital transformation and spending long hours in front of these devices, clinicians have observed that the prolonged use of visual display units (VDUs) can result in a certain symptom complex, which has been defined as computer vision syndrome (CVS). This syndrome has been affected by many causes, such as light refractive errors, poor computer design, workplace ergonomics, and a highly demanding visual task. This research focuses on eliminating one of CVSs, which is the eye dry syndrome caused by infrequent eye blink rate while using a smart device for a long time. This research attempt to find a limitation on the current tools. In addition, exploring the other use cases to utilize the solution based on each vertical and needs.

Correlation of Inhibin and Several Antioxidants in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Mehde, Atheer Awad,Mehdi, Wesen Adel,Zainulabdeen, Jwan Abdulmohsin,Abdulbari, Alaa Shawqi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.12

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is most common in childhood. Inhibin (a non-steroidal glycoprotein hormone of gonadal origin) can be used as marker of fertility. The current study was conducted to evaluate inhibin levels in ALL patients and to estimate its correlation with some antioxidants in these in comparison with control subjects. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on sixty patients with ALL and thirty children as controls. Fasting blood samples were taken from each subject and analyzed for haemoglobin, serum protein, vitamin E and C, in addition to glutathione and inhibin. Results: The results of the study showed highly significant decreases (p<0.001) in haemoglobin, glutathione and inhibin levels with significant decreases (p<0.05) in serum protein and vitamin E levels for patients group in comparison with controls while there was no significant differences in vitamin C. Moreover, there were significant correlations between inhibin levels and serum protein, glutathione and both vitamins (E and C) in the ALL patient group (r= 0.81, 0.80, 0.77 and 0.69, respectively). Conclusions: The present results indicated infertility in patients with ALL demonstrated by low inhibin level as a consequence of abnormality in anti-oxidative metabolism due to the cancer process. So, it can be suggested the need for routine measurement of inhibin for leukemic patients to estimate the action of hormones of gonadal origin.

CD26: A Prognostic Marker of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children in the Post Remission Induction Phase

Mehde, Atheer Awad,Yusof, Faridah,Mehdi, Wesen Adel,Zainulabdeen, Jwan Abdulmohsin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.12

Background: ALL is an irredeemable disease due to the resistance to treatment. There are several influences which are involved in such resistance to chemotherapy, including oxidative stress as a result of the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and presence of hypodiploid cells. Cluster of differentiation 26 (CD26), also known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4, is a 110 kDa, multifunctional, membrane-bound glycoprotein. Aim and objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of serum CD26 in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patients in the post remission induction phase, as well as the relationship between CD26 activity and the oxidative stress status. Materials and Methods: CD26, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI), in addition to activity of related enzymes myeloperoxidase, glutathione-s-transferase and xanthine oxidase, were analysed in sixty children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in the post remission induction phase. Results: The study showed significant elevation in CD26, TOS and OSI levels in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in the post remission induction phase in comparison to healthy control samples. In contrast, myeloperoxidase, glutathione-s-transferase and xanthine oxidase activities were decreased significantly. A significant correlation between CD26 concentration and some oxidative stress parameters was evident in ALL patients. Conclusions: Serum levels of CD26 appear to be useful as a new biomarker of oxidative stress in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in the post remission induction phase, and levels of antioxidants must be regularly estimated during the treatment of children with ALL.

Rice Bran Phytic Acid Induced Apoptosis Through Regulation of Bcl-2/Bax and p53 Genes in HepG2 Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Al-Fatlawi, Atheer Abbas,Al-Fatlawi, Anees Abbas,Irshad, Md.,Zafaryab, Md.,Alam Rizvi, M. Moshahid,Ahmad, Ayaz Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.8

Phytic acid (PA) has been reported to have positive nutritional benefits and prevent cancer formation. This study investigated the anticancer activity of rice bran PA against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Cytotoxicty of PA (0.5 to 4mM) was examined by MTT and LDH assays after 24 and 48h treatment. Apoptotic activity was evaluated by expression analysis of apoptosis-regulatory genes [i.e. p53, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3 and -9] by reverse transcriptase-PCR and DNA fragmentation assay. The results showed antioxidant activity of PA in Fe3+ reducing power assay ($p{\leq}0.03$). PA inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells in a concentration dependent manner ($p{\leq}0.04$). After 48h treatment, cell viability was recorded 84.7, 74.4, 65.6, 49.6, 36.0 and 23.8% in MTT assay and 92.6, 77.0%, 66.8%, 51.2, 40.3 and 32.3% in LDH assay at concentrations of 1, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5mM, respectively. Hence, treatment of PA for 24h, recorded viability of cells 93.5, 88.6, 55.5, 34.6 and 24.4% in MTT assay and 94.2, 86.1%, 59.7%, 42.3 and 31.6%, in LDH assay at concentrations of 1, 2.2, 3.0, 3.6 and 4.0mM, respectively. PA treated HepG2 cells showed up-regulation of p53, Bax, Caspase-3 and -9, and down-regulation of Bcl-2 gene ($p{\leq}0.01$). At the $IC_{50}$ (2.49mM) of PA, the p53, Bax, Caspase-3 and-9 genes were up-regulated by 6.03, 7.37, 19.7 and 14.5 fold respectively. Also, the fragmented genomic DNA in PA treated cells provided evidence of apoptosis. Our study confirmed the biological activity of PA and demonstrated growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cells with modulation of the expression of apoptosis-regulatory genes.

A Comprehensive Optimization Approach Based on Cloud Computing for Logistic Sharing System Planning

I Gusti Ayu Purnamawati,Atheer Y. Oudah,Hasbullah Bin Othman,Irwan Bin Ibrahim,A. Heri Iswanto,Aan Komariah,Afanasiy Afanasievich Sergin,Imanuddin Hasbi,Yasser Fakri Mustafa 대한산업공학회 2022 Industrial Engineeering & Management Systems Vol.21 No.3

Due to the global size of the production space and a large number of suppliers and service recipients, sequencing op-erations and logistics are very important in achieving optimal production system performance, reducing costs and reducing time. Since, in the cloud manufacturing space, each of the production activities of a product can be assigned to different resources in different places, logistics services are needed to communicate between these resources. Thus, the study aims to propose a model for a comprehensive optimization approach based on cloud computing for logistic sharing system planning. Given the results, regarding both operational services and logistics services in the cloud manufacturing system, in addition to the optimal allocation of activities and logistics services, it is possible to plan and schedule the sequence of operations and logistics to minimize the total cost of the cloud production system. Stud-ies are also being conducted on sharing logistics systems in the cloud.

Awareness of Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Testing Among Omani Women

Nasar, Alwahaibi,Waad, Alsalami,Atheer, Alzaabi,Nasra, Alramadhani Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.11

Background: In developed countries, awareness of cervical cancer screening is well documented. In contrast, in Oman as a developing country, public responses regarding cervical screening are unclear. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness about cervical cancer and Papanicolau (Pap) smear testing and to establish any correlations between knowledge and demographic factors among Omani women. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, participants were divided into three groups: patients who attended the Outpatient Gynecology Department in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Oman, female staff from SQUH, College of Medicine and College of Nursing at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and graduating female students at SQU. Data collection was through interview-based and online self-administered questionnaires. Cumulative scoring was used for data analysis. Results: There were 204 outpatients, 133 staff and 157 students. Outpatients (79.4%), staff (97.7%) and students (75.2%) had heard of cervical cancer. Nevertheless, their specific knowledge, regarding signs and symptoms, risk factors and Pap smear, was low at 38.7%, 35.3% and 7.6% among outpatients, staff and students, respectively. Some 39.9% of the married outpatients had adequate overall knowledge as compared to none of the single women. Educational level was found to be significantly associated with outpatient knowledge with the highest awareness levels among postgraduates and medical university graduates (61.5%). Conclusion: Specific knowledge of cervical cancer, its risk factors and cervical Pap smear is generally poor among Omani women. This lack of knowledge may be one of the contributing factors for the high incidence of cervical cancer in Oman relative to that in developed countries.

Investigation of the Antioxidant Status in Multiple Myeloma Patients: Effects of Therapy

Mehdi, Wesen A.,Zainulabdeen, Jwan A.,Mehde, Atheer A. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.6

Background: Multiple myeloma is a malignant silent incurable plasma cell disorder. The present study aimed to assessed the activation of the oxidative stress pathway in afected patients Materials and Methods: Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), adenosine deaminase (ADA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, glutathione, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), ${\alpha}$-tocopherol (vitamin E) in addition to related enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-R) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed in sixty patients with multiple myeloma before and after one month treatment with induction therapy. Results: The results of the study showed a significant elevation in AOPPs, MDA, ADA levels in patients with multiple myeloma before and after treatment in comparison to healthy control samples In contrast TAC glutathione, vitamin C and E, and the antioxidant enzymes levels were decreased significantly. On comparing samples of MM patients after treatment, there was significant increase of TAC glutathione, vitamin C and E, and the antioxidant enzymes in parallel with decreasing AOPPs, MDA and ADA levels in comparison with samples of patients before treatment. Conclusions: The results indicate oxidative stress and DNA damage activity increase in MM and are alleviated in response to therapy.

Effects of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on Ceruloplasmin Oxidase, Copper and Several Markers of Oxidative Damage, in Children

Mehdi, Wesen Adel,Yusof, Faridah,Mehde, Atheer Awad,Zainulabdeen, Jwan Abdulmohsin,Raus, Raha Ahmed,Abdulbari, Alaa Shawqi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.13

Background: Acute leukaemia is characterized by fast growth of abnormal clones of haemopoietic precursor cells inside bone marrow leading to undue accumulation in the bone marrow. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of childhood cancer. Materials and Methods: The study concerned 50 children diagnosed with ALL (mean age, $8.55{\pm}2.54$) compared to 40 healthy controls (mean age, $8.00{\pm}1.85$). The Hb, serum copper, ceruloplasmin oxidase, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), total antioxidant activity (TAA) and protein were measured in all groups.One proteinous component was isolated by gel filtration chromatography from the precipitate produced by polyethylene glycol. Results: Significantly higher levels of AOPP, copper and decrease in total antioxidant activity were noted in the cases. Statistical analysis also showed a significant increase (p<0.01) in the activity of serum ceruloplasmin oxidase in patients with ALL compared to normal subjects .The maximum velocity (Vmax) and Michaelis constant had values of 104.2 U/L and 11.7 mM, respectively. The ${\Delta}H^*$ values for ceruloplasmin oxidase in ALL patients were positive, confirming the reaction to be endothermic. Conclusions: The results from this study showed a significant increase in AOPP, ceruloplasmine oxidase and decrease in total antioxidant activity .These parameters may play a role in development of DNA damage in childhood patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).The ${\Delta}S^*$ and ${\Delta}G^*$ values were negative, these refer that the reaction of ES formation is spontaneous, but needs energy in a so-called endergonic reaction. Also the negative ${\Delta}S^*$ value of ceruloplasmin oxidase indicates that the complex [$ES^*$] is further modulated through increasing structure arrangement.

Teleworking Survey in Saudi Arabia: Reliability and Validity of Arabic Version of the Questionnaire

Heba Yaagoub AlNujaidi,Mehwish Hussain,Sama’a H. AlMubarak,Asma Saud AlFayez,Demah Mansour AlSalman,Atheer Khalid AlSaif,Mona M. Al-Juwair 대한예방의학회 2022 예방의학회지 Vol.55 No.6

Objectives: This study aimed to adapt the survey questionnaire designed by Moens et al. (2021) and determine the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the survey in a sample of the Saudi population experiencing teleworking. Methods: The questionnaire includes 2 sections. The first consists of 13 items measuring the impact of extended telework during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. The second section includes 6 items measuring the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on self-view of telework and digital meetings. The survey instrument was translated based on the guidelines for the cultural adaptation of self-administrated measures. Results: The reliability of the questionnaire responses was measured by Cronbach’s alpha. The construct validity was checked through exploratory factor analysis followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to further assess the factor structure. CFA revealed that the model had excellent fit (root mean square error of approximation, 0.00; comparative fit index, 1.0; Tucker-Lewis index, 1; standardized root mean squared residual, 0.0). Conclusions: The Arabic version of the teleworking questionnaire had high reliability and good validity in assessing experiences and perceptions toward teleworking. While the validated survey examined perceptions and experiences during COVID-19, its use can be extended to capture experiences and perceptions during different crises.