Clinical and Molecular Genetic Analysis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (1996-07-16)
M. Z. Haider
Kuwait University

Abstract
The clinical phenotype and the genetic defects of Kuwaiti children with spinal muscular atrophy have been characterized using a molecular genetic approach. This study was carried out on sixty Kuwaiti families and involved 145 subjects. The genetic defect was identified in all the patients and correlated with the clinical presentation. Based on the findings of this project, a molecular diagnostic service was established which offers the diagnostic facility to all hospitals in Kuwait and has been used by a number of institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
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Impact of Drugs on National Economy and Security (2000-11-07)
S.A. Mahmoud and A. Al-Humaidan
National Committee for Drug Control

Abstract
The major objectives of this study are to demonstrate the negative effects of drugs (trading, possession, drug abuse, trafficking) on the national economy, such as decrease in work productivity, human loss resulting from addicted manpower, deaths resulting from drug overdoses, the costs borne by the society for prevention and treatment programs and the increasing cost of security efforts necessary to fight drug trafficking.
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Millennium Challenges and Merging in the Kuwaiti Banking Sector (2001-12-06)
F. Jabsheh, M. Hajeeh, Z. Basha
Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR)

Abstract
Reasons for consolidation differ from region to region and among economies; however, recapitalizing financial distress, increased efficiency, cost-cutting and large economies are among a few prevalent motivations of consolidation efforts in the banking sector. Bank consolidations are a direct result of fundamental economic forces, which have increased competition and improved the efficiency of our financial system. Furthermore, consolidations increase diversification of bank portfolios, making bank collapses less likely, and hence, the prevalence of a healthier banking system, which is less prone to banking crises. The banking sector in Kuwait has experienced moderate developments throughout the 1990’s. Since the primary role of the banking system was to channel funds to the real sector, efficiency and performance were not prioritized in this heavily supported and protected sector. However, with the inevitability of financial liberalization, embodied in the GATS, (General Agreement on Trade in Services) the competitiveness of this sector becomes imperative. This study analyzes the concept and the phenomenon of mergers in the banking sector, from a global, regional and local perspective. More specifically, it focuses on studying the impact of GATS on the Kuwaiti Banking Sector.
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Introduction of Mangrove for Protection and Enrichment of Kuwait Coastlines - Phase II (1996-04-05)
N.R. Bhat, S.A. Shahid
Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR)

Abstract
The introduction of mangrove along the coastline is believed to play a major role in enhancing greenery and enriching the marine environment in the intertidal areas. Therefore, the present study was conducted to introduce mangrove ecotypes and species, develop suitable nursery and silvicultural practices, identify suitable sites along the coastline for establishing experimental plantations and assess the likely environmental impacts of mangrove introduction. Results indicated that raising the seedlings in greenhouses and acclimatizing them to seawater salinity prior to field planting was the most appropriate method of propagation. Data on vegetative growth recorded at three-month intervals indicated that seedling growth varied with site and even at different locations within each site. Plants along or near the tidal line showed the maximum survivability and height increase. Doha site had the most ideal site conditions for establishing Avicennia marina plantations. At this site, wet sandy loam that is covered by daily tidal water promoted maximum plant survival and promoted seedling growth. Results of the environmental impact assessment showed that mangrove plantations in the study area had and will have more positive impacts to the surrounding ecosystem. Based on the findings of these studies, a strategic approach has been proposed for establishing mangrove plantations in Kuwait.
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