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Fieseler CM, Al-Mudaffar Fawzi N, Helmuth B, Leitão A, Al Ainsi M, Al Mukaimi M, Al-Saidi M, Al Senafi F, Bejarano I, Ben-Hamadou R, D'Addario J, Mujthaba Dheen Mohamed A, Giraldes BW, Glowka L, Johnson MD, Lyons BP, Mateos-Molina D, Marshall CD, Mohammed S, Range P, Reza Shokri M, Wong JMK, Pyenson ND. Expanding ocean protection and peace: a window for science diplomacy in the Gulf. R Soc Open Sci 2023; 10:230392. [PMID: 37771965 PMCID: PMC10523068 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
The ecological state of the Persian or Arabian Gulf (hereafter 'Gulf') is in sharp decline. Calls for comprehensive ecosystem-based management approaches and transboundary conservation have gone largely unanswered, despite mounting marine threats made worse by climate change. The region's long-standing political tensions add additional complexity, especially now as some Gulf countries will soon adopt ambitious goals to protect their marine environments as part of new global environmental commitments. The recent interest in global commitments comes at a time when diplomatic relations among all Gulf countries are improving. There is a window of opportunity for Gulf countries to meet global marine biodiversity conservation commitments, but only if scientists engage in peer-to-peer diplomacy to build trust, share knowledge and strategize marine conservation options across boundaries. The Gulf region needs more ocean diplomacy and coordination; just as critically, it needs actors at its science-policy interface to find better ways of adapting cooperative models to fit its unique marine environment, political context and culture. We propose a practical agenda for scientist-led diplomacy in the short term and lines of research from which to draw (e.g. co-production, knowledge exchange) to better design future science diplomacy practices and processes suited to the Gulf's setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare M. Fieseler
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Brian Helmuth
- Coastal Sustainability Institute and School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Mehsin Al Ainsi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Al Mukaimi
- Marine Science Department, College of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Mohammad Al-Saidi
- Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fahad Al Senafi
- Marine Science Department, College of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ivonne Bejarano
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Radhouan Ben-Hamadou
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ahmad Mujthaba Dheen Mohamed
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Lyle Glowka
- Biodiversity Strategies International, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Maggie D. Johnson
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Christopher D. Marshall
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, Galveston Campus, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Pedro Range
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Reza Shokri
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Tehran, Iran
| | - John M. K. Wong
- Aquatic Research Center, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nicholas D. Pyenson
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
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Fawzi NAM, Fieseler CM, Helmuth B, Leitão A, Al-Ainsi M, Al Mukaimi M, Al-Saidi M, Al Senafi F, Bejarano I, Ben-Hamadou R, D’Addario J, Mohamed AMD, Giraldes BW, Glowka L, Johnson MD, Lyons BP, Mateos-Molina D, Marshall CD, Mohammed S, Range P, Shokri MR, Wong JMK, Pyenson ND. Diplomacy for the world’s hottest sea. Science 2022. [DOI: 10.1126/science.add1555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Clare M. Fieseler
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013, USA
| | - Brian Helmuth
- Coastal Sustainability Institute and School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Mehsin Al-Ainsi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Al Mukaimi
- Department of Marine Science, College of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | | | - Fahad Al Senafi
- Department of Marine Science, College of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ivonne Bejarano
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Radhouan Ben-Hamadou
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ahmad Mujthaba Dheen Mohamed
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Lyle Glowka
- Biodiversity Strategies International, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maggie D. Johnson
- Red Sea Research Center, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Brett P. Lyons
- Weymouth Laboratory, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, UK
| | | | - Christopher D. Marshall
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, Galveston Campus, Galveston, TX 77554, USA
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | | | - Pedro Range
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Reza Shokri
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - John M. K. Wong
- Aquatic Research Center, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nicholas D. Pyenson
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013, USA
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Yousif R, Warren C, Ben-Hamadou R, Husrevoglu S. Modeling sediment transport in Qatar: Application for coastal development planning. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018; 14:240-251. [PMID: 28984430 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Hydrodynamics and sediment transport are key physical processes contributing to habitat structure within the marine environment. Coastal development that results in the alteration of these processes (e.g., changing water flushing and/or sedimentation rates) can have detrimental impacts on sensitive systems. This is a current, relevant issue in Qatar as its coastal regions continue to be developed, not only around the capital of Doha, but in many areas around this Arabian Gulf peninsula. The northeastern Qatari coast is comprised of diverse and sensitive flora and fauna such as seagrass and macroalgae meadows, coral reefs and patches, turtles, and dugongs that tolerate harsh environmental conditions. In the near future, this area may see a rise in anthropogenic activity in the form of coastal development projects. These projects will add to existing natural stresses, such as high temperature, high salinity, and low rates of precipitation. Consequently, there is a need to characterize this area and assess the potential impacts that these anthropogenic activities may have on the region. In the present study, a novel sediment transport model is described and used to demonstrate the potential impact of altering hydrodynamics and subsequent sediment transport along the northeastern Qatar nearshore marine environment. The developed models will be tested using potential scenarios of future anthropogenic activities forecasted to take place in the area. The results will show the effects on water and sediment behavior and provide a scientific approach for key stakeholders to make decisions with respect to the management of the considered coastal zone. Furthermore, it provides a tool and framework that can be utilized in environmental impact assessment and associated hydrodynamic studies along other areas of the Qatari coastal zone. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:240-251. © 2017 SETAC.
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Torquato F, Jensen HM, Range P, Bach SS, Ben-Hamadou R, Sigsgaard EE, Thomsen PF, Møller PR, Riera R. Vertical zonation and functional diversity of fish assemblages revealed by ROV videos at oil platforms in The Gulf. J Fish Biol 2017; 91:947-967. [PMID: 28776682 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
An assessment of vertical distribution, diel migration, taxonomic and functional diversity of fishes was carried out at offshore platforms in The (Arabian-Iranian-Persian) Gulf. Video footage was recorded at the Al Shaheen oil field between 2007 and 2014 using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). A total of 12 822 individual fishes, from 83 taxonomic groups were recorded around the platforms. All the species identified are considered native to The Gulf, although Cyclichthys orbicularis and Lutjanus indicus were recorded for the first time in Qatari waters. Several trends were uncovered in the vertical distribution of the fish community; most species were observed between 20 and 50 m depth and fish abundance decreased towards the bottom, with the highest abundances recorded in the upper layers, i.e. down to 40 m depth. Vertical variation in fish diversity, however, was generally not accompanied by differences in vertical movements. Carnivores and invertivores were the dominant trophic groups, being found at each depth range from surface to seabed. The functional indices showed no significant differences between water depths or diel cycles. The study demonstrates that oil platforms represent a hotspot of fish diversity and interesting sites for studying fish communities, abundance and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Torquato
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H M Jensen
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - P Range
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - S S Bach
- Maersk Oil Research and Technology Centre, Doha, Qatar
| | - R Ben-Hamadou
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - E E Sigsgaard
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - P F Thomsen
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - P R Møller
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R Riera
- Centro de Investigaciones Medioambientales del Atlántico (CIMA SL), Avda. de los Majuelos, 115. Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canarias), Spain
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Garrido S, Ben-Hamadou R, Santos AMP, Ferreira S, Teodósio MA, Cotano U, Irigoien X, Peck MA, Saiz E, Ré P. Born small, die young: Intrinsic, size-selective mortality in marine larval fish. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17065. [PMID: 26597385 PMCID: PMC4657020 DOI: 10.1038/srep17065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mortality during the early stages is a major cause of the natural variations in the size and recruitment strength of marine fish populations. In this study, the relation between the size-at-hatch and early survival was assessed using laboratory experiments and on field-caught larvae of the European sardine (Sardina pilchardus). Larval size-at-hatch was not related to the egg size but was significantly, positively related to the diameter of the otolith-at-hatch. Otolith diameter-at-hatch was also significantly correlated with survival-at-age in fed and unfed larvae in the laboratory. For sardine larvae collected in the Bay of Biscay during the spring of 2008, otolith radius-at-hatch was also significantly related to viability. Larval mortality has frequently been related to adverse environmental conditions and intrinsic factors affecting feeding ability and vulnerability to predators. Our study offers evidence indicating that a significant portion of fish mortality occurs during the endogenous (yolk) and mixed (yolk /prey) feeding period in the absence of predators, revealing that marine fish with high fecundity, such as small pelagics, can spawn a relatively large amount of eggs resulting in small larvae with no chances to survive. Our findings help to better understand the mass mortalities occurring at early stages of marine fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Garrido
- Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera, Av. Brasília s/n, 1449-006 Lisboa, Portugal.,Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R Ben-Hamadou
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - A M P Santos
- Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera, Av. Brasília s/n, 1449-006 Lisboa, Portugal.,Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve, Universidade do Algarve. Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - S Ferreira
- Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera, Av. Brasília s/n, 1449-006 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M A Teodósio
- Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve, Universidade do Algarve. Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - U Cotano
- Marine Research Unit - AZTI Foundation, Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110 Pasaia, Spain
| | - X Irigoien
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, 23955-6900 huwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - M A Peck
- Institute for Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, Hamburg University, Olbersweg 24, 22767 Hamburg, Germany
| | - E Saiz
- Institut de Ciències del Mar - CSIC, Ps. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Ré
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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Pereira H, Custódio L, Rodrigues MJ, de Sousa CB, Oliveira M, Barreira L, Neng NDR, Nogueira JMF, Alrokayan SA, Mouffouk F, Abu-Salah KM, Ben-Hamadou R, Varela J. Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Methanolic Extracts of Selected Autochthonous Microalgae Strains from the Red Sea. Mar Drugs 2015; 13:3531-49. [PMID: 26047482 PMCID: PMC4483643 DOI: 10.3390/md13063531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Four lipid-rich microalgal species from the Red Sea belonging to three different genera (Nannochloris, Picochlorum and Desmochloris), previously isolated as novel biodiesel feedstocks, were bioprospected for high-value, bioactive molecules. Methanol extracts were thus prepared from freeze-dried biomass and screened for different biological activities. Nannochloris sp. SBL1 and Desmochloris sp. SBL3 had the highest radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, and the best copper and iron chelating activities. All species had potent butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (>50%) and mildly inhibited tyrosinase. Picochlorum sp. SBL2 and Nannochloris sp. SBL4 extracts significantly reduced the viability of tumoral (HepG2 and HeLa) cells with lower toxicity against the non-tumoral murine stromal (S17) cells. Nannochloris sp. SBL1 significantly reduced the viability of Leishmania infantum down to 62% (250 µg/mL). Picochlorum sp. SBL2 had the highest total phenolic content, the major phenolic compounds identified being salicylic, coumaric and gallic acids. Neoxanthin, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein and β-carotene were identified in the extracts of all strains, while canthaxanthin was only identified in Picochlorum sp. SBL2. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that the microalgae included in this work could be used as sources of added-value products that could be used to upgrade the final biomass value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Pereira
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal.
| | - Luísa Custódio
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal.
| | | | | | - Marta Oliveira
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal.
| | - Luísa Barreira
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal.
| | - Nuno da Rosa Neng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, Ed. C8, Lisbon 1749-016, Portugal.
| | - José Manuel Florêncio Nogueira
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, Ed. C8, Lisbon 1749-016, Portugal.
| | - Salman A Alrokayan
- King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Fouzi Mouffouk
- King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Safat 13060, Kuwait.
| | - Khalid M Abu-Salah
- King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Radhouan Ben-Hamadou
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - João Varela
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal.
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Martins DA, Custódio L, Barreira L, Pereira H, Ben-Hamadou R, Varela J, Abu-Salah KM. Alternative sources of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in marine microalgae. Mar Drugs 2013; 11:2259-81. [PMID: 23807546 PMCID: PMC3736422 DOI: 10.3390/md11072259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The main source of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in human nutrition is currently seafood, especially oily fish. Nonetheless, due to cultural or individual preferences, convenience, geographic location, or awareness of risks associated to fatty fish consumption, the intake of fatty fish is far from supplying the recommended dietary levels. The end result observed in most western countries is not only a low supply of n-3 LC-PUFA, but also an unbalance towards the intake of n-6 fatty acids, resulting mostly from the consumption of vegetable oils. Awareness of the benefits of LC-PUFA in human health has led to the use of fish oils as food supplements. However, there is a need to explore alternatives sources of LC-PUFA, especially those of microbial origin. Microalgae species with potential to accumulate lipids in high amounts and to present elevated levels of n-3 LC-PUFA are known in marine phytoplankton. This review focuses on sources of n-3 LC-PUFA, namely eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, in marine microalgae, as alternatives to fish oils. Based on current literature, examples of marketed products and potentially new species for commercial exploitation are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Alves Martins
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal; E-Mails: (D.A.M.); (L.C.); (L.B.); (H.P.); (R.B.-H.)
| | - Luísa Custódio
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal; E-Mails: (D.A.M.); (L.C.); (L.B.); (H.P.); (R.B.-H.)
| | - Luísa Barreira
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal; E-Mails: (D.A.M.); (L.C.); (L.B.); (H.P.); (R.B.-H.)
| | - Hugo Pereira
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal; E-Mails: (D.A.M.); (L.C.); (L.B.); (H.P.); (R.B.-H.)
| | - Radhouan Ben-Hamadou
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal; E-Mails: (D.A.M.); (L.C.); (L.B.); (H.P.); (R.B.-H.)
| | - João Varela
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro 8005-139, Portugal; E-Mails: (D.A.M.); (L.C.); (L.B.); (H.P.); (R.B.-H.)
| | - Khalid M. Abu-Salah
- King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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