scholarly journals Anxiety about COVID-19 Infection, and Its Relation to Smartphone Addiction and Demographic Variables in Middle Eastern Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11016
Author(s):  
Mohammad Al. Qudah ◽  
Ismael Albursan ◽  
Heba Hammad ◽  
Ahmad Alzoubi ◽  
Salaheldin Bakhiet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Social Status ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Smartphone Addiction ◽  
Smartphone Use ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The One

This study explores the level and frequency of anxiety about COVID-19 infection in some Middle Eastern countries, and differences in this anxiety by country, gender, workplace, and social status. Another aim was to identify the predictive power of anxiety about COVID-19 infection, daily smartphone use hours, and age in smartphone addiction. The participants were 651 males and females from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. The participants’ ages ranged between 18 and 73 years (M 33.36, SD = 10.69). A questionnaire developed by the authors was used to examine anxiety about COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, the Italian Smartphone Addiction Inventory was used after being translated, adapted, and validated for the purposes of the present study. The results revealed that the percentages of participants with high, average, and low anxiety about COVID-19 infection were 10.3%, 37.3%, and 52.4%, respectively. The mean scores of anxiety about COVID-19 infection in the four countries were average: Egypt (M = 2.655), Saudi Arabia (M = 2.458), the United Arab Emirates (M = 2.413), and Jordan (M = 2.336). Significant differences in anxiety about COVID-19 infection were found between Egypt and Jordan, in favor of Egypt. Significant gender differences were found in favor of females in the Jordanian and Egyptian samples, and in favor of males in the Emirati sample. No significant differences were found regarding workplace and social status. The results also revealed a significant positive relationship between anxiety about COVID-19 infection, daily smartphone use hours, and age on the one hand, and smartphone addiction on the other. The strongest predictor of smartphone addiction was anxiety about COVID-19 infection, followed by daily use hours. Age did not significantly contribute to the prediction of smartphone addiction. The study findings shed light on the psychological health and cognitive aspects of anxiety about COVID-19 infection and its relation to smartphone addiction.

scholarly journals A Bibliometric Analysis of Coronavirus Research in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (13) ◽  
pp. 99-119
Author(s):  
Ali Mustafa Qamar ◽  
Rehan Ullah Khan ◽  
Suliman Alsuhibany
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
New England ◽  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Gulf Cooperation Council ◽  
World Health ◽  
King Saud University ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by World Health Organization in March 2020. Since then, it has attracted the enormous attention of researchers from around the world. The world has gone through previous instances of corona-viruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome. Nevertheless, none was of these were of this serious nature as COVID-19. In this research, we carry out a bibliometric analysis of coronavirus research using the Scopus database. However, we restricted ourselves to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The analysis was performed using Biblioshiny software. We analyzed 4288 articles written by 24226 researchers from 1994 till 2021, published in 1429 sources. The number of authors per publication is 5.65. A bulk of the research (more than 68%) appeared in the form of articles. More than 43% of the publications appeared in 2020 and more than 44% in 2021. Saudi Arabia appears the most-cited country, followed by Qatar. Journal of Infection and Public Health published the most number of papers, whereas New England Journal of Medicine is the most-cited one. Memish, Z.A. wrote the maximum number of papers. The top source, according to the H-index, is the Journal of Virology. Furthermore, the two most prolific universities are King Saud University and King Abdulaziz University, both from Saudi Arabia. The research uncovered deep learning as a niche theme used in recent publications. The research landscape continues to alter as the pandemic keeps on evolving.

Problematic smartphone use and anxiety in adolescents: survey study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung Eun Lee ◽  
Kitai Kim ◽  
Jeong Yee ◽  
Jee Eun Chung ◽  
Joo Hee Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Potential Risk ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Anxiety Scale ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Smartphone Addiction ◽  
Problematic Smartphone Use ◽  
Observational Study Design ◽  
Smartphone Use ◽  
Manifest Anxiety

BACKGROUND Smartphone overuse is a troubling issue to many, influencing psychological, social, and physical aspects. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to investigate the association between risk of problematic smartphone use and anxiety in adolescents. METHODS A questionnaire-based observational study design was used. Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale was used to assess symptoms of anxiety, and Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale index was used to evaluate the degree of high-risk or potential-risk for problematic smartphone use. RESULTS Analyses were conducted on 1,733 adolescents, including 771 boys and 962 girls. 20.1% of the studied population was classified as high-risk or potential-risk group for problematic smartphone use. Risk of problematic smartphone use exhibited statistically significant effects on the total anxiety scale, as well as physiological anxiety, oversensitivity, and social concern (all P-values < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis suggested that higher anxiety scales were associated with the higher risk of problematic smartphone use, as well as following factors: poor self-reported health, fewer number of close friends, caffeine beverage consumption, female sex, and alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that higher risk of problematic smartphone use was associated with anxiety. Thus, management of problematic smartphone use seems necessary for the enhancement of psychological health.

Influences on the career intentions of millennials; a view from the United Arab Emirates

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linzi J. Kemp ◽  
Linda McLoughlin
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Career Intentions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sample Group ◽  
Career Plans ◽  
Academic Knowledge ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The One ◽  
Career Advising

PurposeThe study aims to discover influences on the career intentions of millennials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Design/methodology/approachQualitative data about career intentions were collected from a sample group (#50) of students at an international university in the UAE. Participant's responses were recorded in five groups, composed of undergraduates, males and females, expatriates and citizens. Transcripts were formed of these data, which were thematically analysed to identify influences on career intentions.FindingsFour emergent themes were identified of influences on career intentions: (1) influenced by societal obligations, (2) influenced by a traditional approach to career plans; (3) influenced by own aspirations; (4) influenced by country considerations. Findings recognised career intentions for this sample group resulted from cultural orientation and millennial's characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited by the one country/one university context and a direction is to replicate for an expanded sample group and/or to extend this research scope to other countries.Practical implicationsThese findings have implications for university career advising, and the recruitment and retention of millennials in the UAE by international companies.Originality/valueThis is an original study in its exploration of influences on millennial's career intentions in the UAE. Research value lies in the addition of academic knowledge about those millennials' future career intentions.

Oman-Iran relations will survive pressures

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
The United States ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gulf States ◽  
Gulf Crisis ◽  
Formal Relations ◽  
The One

Subject Oman-Iran relations Significance Oman is the only Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member that maintains formal relations with all states in the region, including Iran, which has fallen out with the two most powerful GCC states, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Oman’s diplomatic channel to Tehran enables it to play the role of mediator between the United States and its Arab allies on the one side and Iran on the other. Indeed, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called Sultan Qaboos on May 16 to discuss alleged Iranian threats. Impacts An outbreak of hostilities between the United States and Iran would leave Oman isolated from other GCC states. Oman would reap economic benefits as a transshipment centre for Gulf states if Saudi Arabia and the UAE fight with Iran. A worsening Gulf crisis would increase smuggling between Iran and Oman, with Tehran eager to keep supplying Huthi rebels in Yemen.

Palestinians Sidelined in Saudi-Emirati Rapprochement with Israel

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 79-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristian Coates Ulrichsen
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Arab Spring ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Threat Perceptions ◽  
Gulf States ◽  
Middle Eastern Politics ◽  
Primary Fissure ◽  
The Arab Spring

This essay examines how and why Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have pursued policies that have aligned closer to Israel since 2011. The disruptive impact of the Arab Spring and its turbulent aftermath altered threat perceptions in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, which increasingly saw Islamism and Iran as the major sources of regional instability. For Saudi and Emirati leaders committed to adopting a more forceful approach to shaping the post-Arab Spring landscape, Israel no longer represented the primary fissure in Middle Eastern politics. Although the process of creating informal ties between the Gulf states and Israel has been decades in the making, the nature of the post-2011 connections between Saudi Arabia and the UAE with Israel have greater strategic depth and are taking place in a far more open setting than ever before.

scholarly journals Orta Doğu Ülkelerinin Su Ürünleri Üretimi

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
pp. 1422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hülya Saygı ◽  
Aysun Kop ◽  
Hatice Tekoğul ◽  
Özgür Altan
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Time Series Analysis ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Series Analysis ◽  
Middle East Countries ◽  
Aquaculture Production

The main aim of this study is to estimate the future of the aquaculture of Middle Eastern Countries for the year 2030 by time series analysis method. In addition, it is a classification and clustering based on fisheries production, import, export and consumption data with basic component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) methods for Middle Eastern countries. FAO (United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization) used the statistics of fisheries products of the Middle East countries between 1950 and 2016. Time series, clustering and factor analysis were applied to these data. As a result of the time series analysis, the aquaculture production will end up in Kuwait, Libya and Syria if the current situation continues. Also, in other countries, production for 2030 is projected to be lowest for Jordan and the highest for Egypt. Accordingly, the total amount of aquaculture production in the Middle East countries is estimated to be 4.8 million tons in 2030. In the PCA, according to PC1; Cyprus, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates and according to PC2; Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Oman, Tunisia and Yemen have been associated with high rates, respectively. According to the HCA; first cluster, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Cyprus, Iraq; 2nd cluster Israel, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Tunisia, Oman and Yemen; 3rd cluster Saudi Arabia; 4. Cluster consists of Iran, Turkey and Egypt. According to the results of this study, the aquaculture of these countries should be examined in more detail. It is also recommended that countries implement the necessary regulations in fisheries policies.

scholarly journals Financial Stability of Islamic Banks: Evidence from selected Asian Countries

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-21
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ali ◽  
◽  
Muhammad Hanif Akhtar ◽  
Zahid Abbas ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Panel Regression ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Financial Strength

This paper is concerned with exploring financial strength of Islamic banks in Pakistan, Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia on the bases of bank size. Using panel regression technique the paper also made a comparison between financial strength of Middle Eastern, as well as South Asian Islamic Banks and figured that on the bases of cost to income, loan to assets and some control variables, Middle Eastern Banks are financially stronger as compared to their South Asian counterparts. The study is pioneer in analyzing the issue on inter country level.

scholarly journals Examining associations between smartphone use, smartphone addiction, and mental health outcomes: A cross-sectional study of college students

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-44
Author(s):  
Namyun Kil ◽  
Junhyoung Kim ◽  
Justin T. McDaniel ◽  
Jun Kim ◽  
Kari Kensinger
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Smartphone Addiction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Smartphone Use

Background: Prior studies have indicated the complex relationships of smartphone use and smartphone addiction with mental health and life satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the structural relationships among smartphone use, smartphone addiction, mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress [DAS] and satisfaction with life [SWL]). Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected by convenience sampling via an online survey of undergraduate students at a Midwestern university in the United States. The sample size of601 collected from undergraduate students that owned a smartphone and completed responses to the variables was utilized in this study. We assessed the hypothesized variables, including smartphone use, smartphone addiction, and mental health outcomes variables on a Likert-type scale. Structural analysis was used to examine the relationships. Results: Results suggested that smartphone use had a significant negative association with DAS symptoms (β = -.31, t = -3.81, P < .001) and was positively associated with SWL (β =.25, t = 3.41, P < .001). However, smartphone use had a significant positive relationship with smartphone addiction (β = .48, t = 5.51, P < .001). Smartphone addiction was positively related to DAS (β = .44, t = 6.33, P < .001), but it was not related to SWL (β = -.08, t = -1.26, P > .05). Conclusion: This study enhances our understanding of the associations between smartphone use and the health and well-being of undergraduate students. Implications for supporting their psychological health are discussed.

Essential Factors Influencing Malaysia’s Relations with the United Arab Emirates

2021 ◽  
pp. 234779892110317
Author(s):  
Mohd Fauzi Abu-Hussin ◽  
Asmady Idris ◽  
Mohd Rizal Mohd Yaakop ◽  
Mohd Afandi Salleh
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
The Political ◽  
Policy Orientation ◽  
Factors Influencing

This study analyses Malaysia’s relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as one of its important partners and the most rapidly developing country in the Middle East. It seeks to understand the bilateral relationship by identifying the essential factors that influence them. Apart from the systemic structure that presents no obstacle for the relations, the study has found two essential factors that play pivotal roles in solidifying Malaysia’s relations with the UAE. They are political–diplomatic engagements and socioeconomic opportunities. Hence, this study touches first on Malaysia’s early interactions with the UAE from an overview of foreign policy orientation and is followed by examining the political–diplomatic engagements and socioeconomic interactions, which shape the character of the relations. The findings show that besides significance of political–diplomatic engagements and socioeconomic interactions, the religious element is still germane. Though not in the manner of Malaysia’s traditional–religious interactions with some Middle Eastern countries, especially Saudi Arabia and Egypt, it visibly appears in the form of ‘Islamic commercial brands’ vis-à-vis the UAE that economically bind both countries to embrace more in Islamic finance and investment, halal industry, tourism, and education.

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