KUWAIT: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) on Tuesday launched the upgraded version of its digital repository (KDR), marking a significant step in strengthening the national infrastructure for scientific research and promoting a more open and sustainable knowledge-based society. Head of the digital repository project at KISR’s National Center for Scientific and Technological Information, Fadhila Taqi, said in a press statement that the development of the repository aligns with the institute’s strategic vision to adopt digital preservation solutions, which serve as a key pillar for safeguarding institutional knowledge and ensuring continuity while protecting it from loss or damage.

Taqi explained that the upgraded KDR is built on a modern digital system that keeps pace with the latest technologies, enhancing performance efficiency, expanding the scope for handling diverse scientific content and providing researchers with easy access to the institute’s scientific outputs. She added that the platform also contributes to strengthening knowledge exchange among scientific institutions.

The project began several years ago with the aim of preserving KISR’s scientific production, starting with technical reports on research projects and documenting Kuwait’s local scientific output. The initiative ensures that these resources remain accessible to current and future generations, serving as a foundation for ongoing and future research. The first phase of the project involved establishing an integrated digital laboratory to carry out digitization operations using specialized devices and a digitization management system (DAF) developed in collaboration with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. This partnership enabled the addition of advanced features to the KDR platform.

The phase resulted in the digitization of over 10,000 scientific and technical reports, along with studies, government initiatives and other documents, thereby facilitating open access to research outputs and enhancing the circulation of knowledge both nationally and internationally. Taqi commended the Bibliotheca Alexandrina for its pivotal role in developing the new version of the digital repository. She noted that the memorandum of understanding signed with the institution in 2011 has allowed KISR to benefit from its expertise in building and managing digital repositories, including technical architecture, content management standards, and user-friendly data access. 

She added, “This achievement represents a milestone in realizing the goals of the strategic plan for the science and technology sector and would not have been possible without the strong support of the institute’s senior management.” Taqi expressed hope that the upgraded KDR will serve as a qualitative addition that aligns with Kuwait’s aspirations for an advanced scientific and knowledge-driven society.- KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan on Tuesday signed a contract with the Turkish company Kozo for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant in South Al-Mutlaa City, along with its complementary works. In a press statement, the Ministry of Public Works said the project is part of the ministry’s development plan and is designed to serve the residents of Al-Mutlaa City.

The plant will produce around 400,000 cubic meters of triple-treated water daily for agricultural and other beneficial uses. The ministry added that the facility represents a pioneering step in the adoption of alternative energy technologies, reflecting Kuwait’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development and environmental conservation. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Conference on Recent Developments in Cardiology and the Cardiology and Metabolism Conference, organized by the Cardiology Department at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital in cooperation with the Kuwait Heart Association, kicked off with wide participation from doctors and specialists across various medical disciplines. Vice Chairman of the Kuwait Heart Association Professor Dr Mohammed Zubaid revealed that a recent study conducted by the association on patients suffering from severe heart attacks across Kuwait hospitals found that around 10,200 cases were recorded over a period of one and a half years. The study showed that 65 percent of the patients suffered from high blood pressure, while 55 percent had diabetes.

Dr Zubaid explained that the third edition of the conference focuses on heart disease and metabolic syndrome, as well as their impact on cardiovascular health. He noted that metabolic syndrome results from a combination of factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels, which contribute to serious diseases affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver. He added that treatment approaches include lifestyle modification, medication, and surgical interventions, highlighting the use of modern catheterization techniques to treat hypertension. Dr Zubaid praised the strong engagement of medical professionals in the event, stressing that the conference aims to enhance medical knowledge and improve patient care.

For his part, Conference Chair and Consultant Cardiologist and Catheterization Specialist at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Dr Abdullah Ismail, said the scientific gathering seeks to strengthen integration between cardiology and metabolism specialties and to shed light on the latest treatment guidelines and innovative techniques, in line with Kuwait’s vision for continuous advancement in healthcare. He added that the conference program featured three main sessions focusing on hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, addressing the newest pharmacological and surgical treatments, as well as the role of endoscopy and modern technologies in improving treatment outcomes.

Meanwhile, Cardiologist and Catheterization Consultant at the Kuwait Heart Association Dr Fahad Al-Hajri emphasized the organizing committee’s commitment to involving multiple specialties — including obesity surgery, endocrinology, diabetes, gastroenterology and internal medicine — to promote knowledge exchange and enhance the quality of healthcare services. Participants agreed that the conference reflects the medical community’s dedication to advancing professional development and promoting continuing education, ultimately aimed at providing the highest standards of care for patients in Kuwait.