Morphological Traits Evaluation of Rumex L. (Polygonaceae Juss.: Rumicoideae Leurss.) Using Principal Component Analysis

Usama Abdelhameed — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the present work is to use Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and phenetic clustering to examine and understand the patterns of morphological variation among taxa within the genus Rumex subfamily Rumicoideae (Polygonaceae). Morphological variation was assessed in ten Rumex taxa using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Fourteen morphological features, which include 29 character states were examined. According to PCA, the first two factors explained 53.6% of the total variance, with inflorescence type making the most contribution. R. pictus was the most divergent, but R. pulcher, R. vesicarius, R. roseus, and R. simpliciflorus were closely related, according to UPGMA clustering. Both positive and negative relationships between attributes were found using correlation analysis. The findings support the use of morphological features in improving classifications within Rumicoideae and demonstrate their taxonomic significance.

Perception and Acceptance of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Among Infertile Couples in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study

Fawaz Edris — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Infertility is a significant health concern affecting 10–15% of couples in Saudi Arabia, with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) offering potential solutions. However, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic factors heavily influence the perception and acceptance of these treatments. This study examines the perception and acceptance of ART among infertile couples in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted from January to December 2024, involving 428 infertile couples (aged 20–49) attending fertility clinics in Mecca. Data were collected on demographics, ART awareness, perceptions (including cost and stigma), and predictors of acceptance. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.26, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The study revealed high awareness of ART (87.9%), with healthcare providers (46.3%) and the internet (33.4%) as primary information sources. However, only 67.5% correctly defined IVF. Acceptance of ART was higher among women (71.8% vs. 61.7% in men, p = 0.023), those with higher income (OR = 1.95 for >20,000 SAR) and education (OR = 2.31), and couples with longer infertility duration (>5 years, OR = 3.14, p < 0.001). Major barriers included cost (82.7%) and social stigma (55.6%).

Conclusion: While awareness of ART is high, financial constraints and societal stigma remain significant obstacles. Policymakers and healthcare providers should address these barriers through subsidized treatment programs and public education campaigns to improve ART accessibility in alignment with cultural and religious values.

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University Journal of Applied Sciences

Morphological Traits Evaluation of Rumex L. (Polygonaceae Juss.: Rumicoideae Leurss.) Using Principal Component Analysis

Perception and Acceptance of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Among Infertile Couples in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study