AAMER ABU-QARN

The natural sources of water are typically enriched with microelements and some of which, like calcium, magnesium, iodine and potassium are crucial for proper functioning of the human body. Their deficiency can lead to negative consequences for public health. The possible outcomes include but not limited to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipdemia, obesity, chronic renal failure and rate of the eGFR decline, hyper/hypo-thyroidism, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, asthma and dementia. In this case study, researchers will determine the degree of desalination using the water's electrical conductivity, based on the presence of microelements in the water. They will utilize chemical analysis records of drinking water, which the Ministry of Health has been reporting since 2014. A particular challenge will be attributing the water analysis outcomes from distribution centers to the residents, as there appears to be no well-defined rule. Health data will be retrieved from the clinical databases of Clalit HMO and Soroka hospital in the Negev region, spanning the years 2014-2022. We will use time-series and geospatial methodologies to inspect morbidity rates in relation to subjects’ exposure period and location. At the individual level, we will assess the risk of developing specific conditions based on exposure parameters, adjusting for age, gender, socioeconomic status, health habits, and comorbidities.

The research group explored the location-specific historical data on agricultural fields, their surface area and the crops grown since 2001, using archived information from the Ministry of Agriculture. Additionally, information on the flowering season of each crop was gathered through literature research and experts in the field. To identify allergy attacks, we reviewed Soroka hospital's emergency records, Clalit physician diagnoses, and Clalit pharmacy allergy medication disbursements from 2001-2022. For more severe cases, we also examined allergy-related hospitalizations. We used time-series analysis and case-crossover design at the stage of the statistical analysis.

Investigating how this and that happened and why and why and how it affects here you can be at the forefront of research in the fields of science and technology, with the best lecturers and researchers, in advanced research laboratories and innovative teaching laboratories