Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research

Chemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Saudi-Pyrophyllite ore and its Potential Applications

Maaz A. Ali and Hussin A. M. Ahmed

https://doi.org/10.51758/AGJSR-01-2021-0001

Purpose: Due to the importance of pyrophyllite as an economical alternative to several minerals such as kaolin, talc, and feldspar in different industrial applications, there is an intention in Saudi Arabia to exploit pyrophyllite in the industry. Since there were no sufficient studies conducted to characterize pyrophyllite in Saudi Arabia, this paper aims to study the chemical and mineralogical characterization of Saudi pyrophyllite ore grades and propose its potential applications besides proposing beneficiation strategies for the low-grade one. Method: In this study, two different grades pyrophyllite ore samples, from a pyrophyllite deposit in western Saudi Arabia, were characterized for their potential applications. Microscopic studies, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for chemical and mineralogical characterization of the studied samples. Results: Microscope and XRD results have shown that the ore samples (labeled grade A and grade B) consist mainly of pyrophyllite associated with quartz and feldspar in addition to minor amounts of muscovite, chlorite, and siderite as impurity minerals. Moreover, the results indicated that the impurities are oxide and sulfide minerals (i.e., pyrite, hematite). According to XRF analysis results, grade A contains high alumina (27.03% Al2O3) and low iron (0.4% Fe2O3) whereas; grade B contains a high iron content (2.06% Fe2O3) and lower alumina (24.05 % Al2O2). It is predicted that the grade A with high alumina content can be used directly in fillers, refractories, fiberglass, whiteware ceramics, white cement, porcelain, and cosmetic applications. As for grade B, high iron content limits its industrial applications. Therefore, it needs to be treated to remove ferrous impurities before supply to pyrophyllite market. Conclusion: Based on analytical results, grade A with high alumina content can be used directly in fillers, refractories, fiberglass, whiteware ceramics, white cement, porcelain, and cosmetic applications. Furthermore, grade B needs to upgrade due to high iron content before being used in the industry.

Comparison of Knowledge, Attitude, Anxiety, and Behaviours in Medical and Non-medical Students Towards COVID-19 Vaccination: A Need for Concern Amidst the Pandemic

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Saima Zehra, Parvez Anwar Khan, Hiba Sami and Haris M. Khan

https://doi.org/10.51758/AGJSR-01-2021-0002

Purpose: COVID-19, a pandemic declared on March 11th, 2020, makes it crucial for the whole world to control and ensure safety measures to control such infections in the future. Fear, worry, and panic remain widespread, especially among healthcare workers. We aimed to compare the knowledge, attitude, anxiety, and behaviours of medical and non-medical students towards vaccination against COVID-19. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study for one month on the MBBS/BDS and undergraduate nonmedical students through an online questionnaire which consisted of a multiple choice KAP questionnaire consisting of four sections (i.e., socio-demographic details, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior). Multiple linear regression was performed to determine the variables predicting knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. Results: Vaccine hesitancy was detected in 17% of Undergraduate Medical Students, while the same was noted in 45% of non-medical students. 48.7% of medical students knew about different vaccines available in India for COVID-19 viz a viz the same in non-medical students was 49.5%. The majority of the students (35.8% medical and 48.6% non-medical) considered Covishield the best currently available vaccine in India. The majority of the students (Medical 86.5% and non-medical 75.2%) thought that the COVID-19 vaccine could reduce the spread of the disease in the community. In the multiple regression model, better socioeconomic status, holding nuclear families, and having a history of essential vaccinations uptake were linked with knowledge, while attitudes were substantially associated with being female and having a previous history of vital vaccines uptake. Conclusion: The results showed that medical students had sufficient knowledge, an optimistic attitude, and moderate levels of concern towards COVID-19. Vaccine hesitancy was much less among medical when compared to non-medical students. Expanding knowledge and regulatory oversight of vaccine research and the public release of safety data may lessen vaccine reluctance among students.

Human Resource Best Practices Towards Organisational Competitiveness Case Study of a Bahraini Oil Sector State-Owned Enterprise

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Muwafaq M. Fendi AlKubaisi and Saleh Naser Al-Noaimi

https://doi.org/10.51758/AGJSR-01-2021-0003

Purpose: This paper aims to overview Bahrain’s various H.R. and organisational behavior elements. It will help participants develop effective strategies to improve their organization’s competitive position. Due to the continuous changes in the economy and society, the importance of Human Resource Management has become more significant. It is widely believed that effective H.R. practices can improve an organization’s competitive advantage. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the various factors that affect the human resource management practices of an oil sector company in Bahrain. Method: Due to the Covid 19 situation, the study collected data from around 300 (271 valid cases) employees through a random sampling method. The data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS software. Results: The study revealed that the recruitment process and other factors greatly affected its competitive advantage. Analysis showed recruitment and selection are positively and significantly related to organizational competitiveness. Also, Job design is positively and significantly related to organizational competitiveness. The overall model was highly significant with a coefficient of determination over 0.76. Conclusion: The objective of this study was to identify the various strategies and programs that H.R. leaders can implement to help their firms gain long-term competitive advantages. The study focused on the H.R. strategies of Bahrain’s oil and gas industry. It revealed that employees should be encouraged to behave more intelligent. The researchers noted that the H.R. professionals of large companies could gain this benefit by performing their duties effectively.

The Use of Physical Punishment Among Parents of Children With ADHD and Normal Development

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Abdulrahman J Altourah, Ahmed Malalla Al Ansari, Nabeel Ali Suleiman, Haitham Ali Jahrami and Faisal K Al Mahmoud

https://doi.org/10.51758/AGJSR-01-2021-0004

Purpose: The use of physical punishment by parents varies across cultures. Parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might use physical punishment at a higher rate than other parents due to the prevalence of behavioral problems among their children. This study compared the use of physical punishment by parents of children with ADHD and parents of typically developed (TD) children. Method: This descriptive and comparative study used a sample of 100 parents, including 50 parents (25 mothers and 25 fathers) with children aged 7–17 years who were diagnosed with ADHD (ADHD group) and an equal number of parents with children who were not diagnosed with ADHD (TD group). Both groups were recruited using convenience sampling at a psychiatric clinic. Results: The two groups had comparable demographic information. The ADHD group used physical punishment at a higher rate than the TD group (P=0.001) even when the parents were grouped by sex. In the TD group, the mothers used physical punishment twice as often as the fathers (40% and 20%, respectively; P=0.00). Most parents in the ADHD and TD groups had been subjected to physical punishment as children (74% and 64%, respectively). The prevalence of physical punishment against the TD children (30%) was significantly lower than the prevalence of past violence against their parents. The parental opinions of physical punishment as a disciplinary method did not significantly differ between the groups (P=0.294). Both groups made similar decisions regarding the use of physical punishment (P=0.235). Conclusion: Practitioners working with ADHD children should inquire about the use of physical punishment during their assessments due to its harmful effects.

Vol. 39 Issue 1

Maaz A. Ali and Hussin A. M. Ahmed

Saima Zehra, Parvez Anwar Khan, Hiba Sami and Haris M. Khan

Muwafaq M. Fendi AlKubaisi and Saleh Naser Al-Noaimi

Abdulrahman J Altourah, Ahmed Malalla Al Ansari, Nabeel Ali Suleiman, Haitham Ali Jahrami and Faisal K Al Mahmoud

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