Research Title: Reduce the Component Count of Three-Phase T-Type Multilevel Inverter Based on Matrix Converter

Author: Akram Mohammed Al-mahrouk, Published Year: 2026

Jordan Journal of Electrical Engineering, 12

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This study provides a T-type multilevel inverter-matrix converter topology that minimizes hardware complexity while providing additional levels of output voltages for three-phase converters. The T-type multilevel inverter (TMLI) configuration utilizes three asymmetric T-type multilevel inverters and a 3×3 matrix converter (3TMLIMC) for voltage sharing and additional output levels without increasing the count of active power components. A VSA is proposed to manage the switching states to guarantee proper voltage converter function. Two cases are examined: a configuration with three three-level TMLIs (3L-TMLI) for a seven-level (7L) converter and a configuration with three five-level TMLIs (5L-TMLI) for a thirteen-level (13L) converter. The proposed architecture and control strategy are verified through theoretical analysis and MATLAB/Simulink simulations. The design is confirmed to be feasible through an evaluation of its performance. A component count (CC) analysis of the proposed architecture and conventional multilevel inverter topologies demonstrates the proposed architecture's reduced component count and overall improved efficiency. Therefore, the proposed 3TMLIMC topology stands out as very promising for innovative applications in medium to high-power electronics.

Keywords: Matrix converter; T-type multilevel inverter (TMLI); DC-AC converter; Multilevel voltage generation; Voltage selection algorithm (VSA); Total harmonic distortion (THD); Component count (CC); MATLAB/Simulink

Research Title: Biogenic Synthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles by Arum palaestinum Extract: Optimization, Characterization, and their Photocatalytic and Antioxidant Investigations

Author: Adnan Dahadha, Published Year: 2026

Chemistry Africa, 9

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) were biosynthesized using an aqueous extract of Arum palaestinum under the optimized reaction conditions. The biosynthesized PdNPs were characterized using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV) spectroscopy techniques, revealing their crystalline structure and spherical core-shell morphology with a size average of 11.5 nm. The bioactive compounds in the extract of Arum palaestinum serve as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents, and they are also deposited on the nanoparticle surface. Under optimal reaction conditions, the PdNPs achieved a maximum MB degradation efficiency of 97% over 240 min of sunlight exposure. The study findings showed that the biosynthesized PdNPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with an IC50 of 59.8 µg/ml. Remarkably, the green synthesis process is a simple, stable, rapid, low-cost, and environmentally beneficial method that has opened up new possibilities for these nanoparticles as promising candidates for sustainable environmental and biomedical applications.

Keywords: Palladium · Nanoparticles · Photodegradation · Antioxidant

Research Title: Perceived Changes in Psychological Well-Being, Cognitive Domains, and Sleep Quality Among Jordanian Adults Observing Ramadan Intermittent Fasting: A Prospective Cohort Study

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2026

healthcare, 14, 3148

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Background and Aims: Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) involves significant shifts in sleep patterns and circadian rhythms that may affect neurological health. This study aimed to evaluate changes in neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive functions in relation to sleep quality among healthy adults observing RIF. Methods: We recruited healthy adults from various regions in Jordan for this prospective cohort study. We used validated self-report questionnaires to assess mental health and sleep parameters. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9, respectively. We measured resilience using the 10- item Nicholson McBride Resilience Questionnaire (NMRQ), and the Neuro-QoL (cognitive functions domain) assessed memory and attention. We assessed sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).We administered all tools before (BR) and at the end of Ramadan (DR) to track changes in symptom severity and functional status. Results: A total of 723 healthy adults (mean age: 28.82 ± 12.04 years) completed both assessments. A paradoxical divergence emerged between mood and sleep parameters: mean scores for depression (PHQ-9: 8.65 to 7.70) and anxiety (GAD-7: 6.75 to 5.65; both p = 0.0001) improved significantly, with a higher proportion of participants reporting minimal symptoms during Ramadan. Conversely, overall sleep quality (PSQI) deteriorated markedly, with the percentage of participants classified as having “good sleep quality” dropping from 66.4% to 34.9% (p = 0.0001). While sleep latency and sleep disturbances improved slightly,subjective sleep quality and sleep duration worsened significantly (p ≤ 0.01). Additionally, Neuro-QoL cognitive scores decreased from 30.60 to 28.97 (p = 0.0001), whereas total resilience scores remained stable (p = 0.897). Conclusions: RIF is associated with significant improvements in depression and anxiety scores despite a concurrent deterioration in overall sleep quality and duration. While these findings suggest a favorable impact on subjective mental well-being, the observational design precludes establishing causal relationships. This paradoxical interplay between fasting-induced mood enhancements and sleep disruptions highlights the need for future prospective studies utilizing objective measurement tools.

Keywords: calorie restriction; time-restricted eating; mental health; psychology; nutritional neuroscience

Research Title: Impact of climate change on water quality of Zarqa Stream Basin: Evidence from Jordan

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2025

Tikrit Journal for Agricultural Sciences , Volume 25 , Issue 4

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Climate change poses substantial threat to water quality in Jordan. It may lead to saline water intrusion into freshwater reserves, increased water pollution, and scarcity of freshwater. This study aims to investigate the impact of climate change on water quality in Zarqa Stream Basin, Jordan. One hundred and twenty water samples were collected from Zarqa Stream, and were distributed equally between the three study locations, namely, Jerash, Zarqa, and King Talal Dam. Laboratory analyses and tests, that is; basic water components, were performed on the water samples according to the standards approved in the specialized laboratories of the Ministry of Health, Jordan, and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Jordan. The study results uncovered variations in concentrations of chemical parameters of water quality among the three studied sites (Zarqa, Jerash, and King Talal Dam), suggesting diverse effects due to environmental pollution and surrounding conditions. Water quality varies in Zarqa Stream Basin from a location to another, and despite the fact that some indicators meet international standards, the water has high level of turbidity, high concentrations of dissolved substances, and a high electrical conductivity, making it unsuitable for human drinking. The study highlights organic pollution and changes in certain chemical elements. This necessitates adoption and implementation of effective measures to improve and protect the water quality in this basin. Non-essential water components have been significantly affected by climate change, with some surpassing safe limits. This calls for rapid treatment and continued monitoring to avoid negative consequences. These changes should be considered in water quality assessments. Additionally, awareness of the impact of climate change on water quality should be raised and the local communities should be encouraged to take action to preserve water resources and protect the water quality from deterioration.

Keywords: Climate change, environmental pollution, water components, water quality, Zarqa Stream Basin

Research Title: Global, regional, and national prevalence of second-hand smoke and attributable disease burden in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023

Author: Ahmad Mohammad Hassan Al-bashaireh, Published Year: 2026

The Lancet public Health, 11

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background Second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure remains a major source of morbidity and mortality among non-smokers. This study presents the first dedicated Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) publication to systematically quantify SHS prevalence and evaluate its effect as a global risk factor across a broader range of outcomes. Methods Using the GBD 2023 comparative risk assessment framework, we estimated SHS exposure prevalence and attributable disease burden across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2023, stratified by age and sex. Exposure estimates were derived by synthesising population-based surveys and household composition data through spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression. Relative risks for nine health outcomes, now including asthma, were estimated using the Burden of Proof methodology, and applied to calculate attributable deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Findings In 2023, an estimated 2·71 billion (95% UI 2·44–3·02) people worldwide were exposed to SHS, including 767 million (687–858) children aged 0–14 years. Age-standardised prevalence was highest in southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania (48·4% [44·0–53·4]), with female individuals in some countries experiencing nearly 1·8 times the exposure prevalence of male individuals. Despite a 22·2% (10·6–32·4) decline in global age-standardised prevalence since 1990, this progress has not been sufficient to reduce the absolute number of exposed individuals, which has remained stable globally and has risen sharply in sub-Saharan Africa (98·5% [62·0–144·4] increase) and North Africa and the Middle East (72·1% [47·8–101·8] increase). In 2023, SHS exposure accounted for 1·66 million (1·33–2·07) deaths and 44·8 million (35·8–54·3) DALYs globally. Ischaemic heart disease was the leading contributor to SHS-attributable DALYs (12·0 million [9·31–15·2]) overall, while lower respiratory infections predominated among children (5·16 million [3·48–7·12]). Interpretation We estimated that SHS remains a substantial driver of global health loss, particularly through cardiovascular and paediatric respiratory diseases. Persistent geographical disparities and growing absolute numbers of exposed individuals in several regions underscore the urgent need for accelerated implementation and enforcement of comprehensive tobacco control measures, particularly to protect women and children in both public and domestic environments.

Keywords: Global, regional, national prevalence, second-hand smoke, attributable disease, systematic analysis, Global Burden of Disease Study 2023

Research Title: Psychosocial, Clinical, and Knowledge-Based Factors Associated with Self-Care in Heart Failure: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author: Ahmad Mohammad Hassan Al-bashaireh, Published Year: 2026

Healthcare (Switzerland), 14 (17)

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Aim: This study examined cross-sectional associations between sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, knowledge-based, and psychological factors and three behavioral scales of heart failure (HF) self-care: Maintenance, Symptom Perception, and Management. Self-Care Confidence was examined as a separate 10-item outcome. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 516 consecutive adults with confirmed HF at two tertiary-care HF clinics in northern Jordan between May and November 2025. Self-care was assessed using the SCHFI v7.2, HF knowledge using the AHFKT, and anxiety and depression using the HADS. Separate multivariable ordinary least-squares regression models estimated adjusted associations with Maintenance, Symptom Perception, Management, and Confidence. Association-rule mining was used to identify descriptive co-occurrence profiles. Results: Median SCHFI scores were 50.00 for Maintenance, 43.48 for Symptom Perception, and 51.52 for Management. All four regression models included 516 participants and showed limited explanatory performance (adjusted R2 = 0.076–0.127). Each 10-percentage-point increase in the AHFKT percentage-correct score was associated with higher Maintenance (unstandardized coefficient B = 2.02, 95% CI 0.50–3.54), Symptom Perception (B = 2.26, 95% CI 0.78–3.73), and Management (B = 3.81, 95% CI 2.32–5.30). HADS depression was inversely associated with Maintenance (B = −0.94, 95% CI −1.57 to −0.31), Symptom Perception (B = −1.47, 95% CI −2.10 to −0.83), and Management (B = −1.09, 95% CI −1.70 to −0.48). HADS anxiety was positively associated with Symptom Perception (B = 1.37, 95% CI 0.74–2.00) and Management (B = 0.92, 95% CI 0.33–1.51). Elementary and secondary education were associated with lower Maintenance scores. Current smoking (B = −6.69, 95% CI −10.78 to −2.60) and no prior HF admission (B = −4.32, 95% CI −8.21 to −0.42) were separately associated with lower Symptom Perception. Association-rule mining retained 10 exploratory co-occurrence profiles; the highest-lift profile involved male sex, sleeping difficulty, and an HF knowledge score from 50% to <60% for Management scores < 70 (50/51 participants; confidence = 98.0%; lift = 1.25). For the separate Confidence outcome, no profiles met the same final criteria. Conclusions: Most participants had scores below 70 across the three behavioral scales. Higher HF knowledge was associated with higher scores across self-care maintenance, symptom perception, and self-care management, and higher HADS depression was associated with lower self-care confidence, whereas HADS anxiety was positively associated with self-care confidence; education, smoking, and prior HF admission showed further scale-specific cross-sectional associations.

Keywords: anxiety and depression; heart failure; self-care behaviour; self-management; patient knowledge

Research Title: Perception and Knowledge About Telenursing and eHealth Among Nursing University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in the United Arab Emirates

Author: Ahmad Mohammad Hassan Al-bashaireh, Published Year: 2026

Public Health Nursing, 2026

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background Telenursing uses digital technologies to support remote nursing care. As telehealth expands in the UAE, nursing students need adequate knowledge and skills to use these tools effectively. Objectives This study examined nursing students’ knowledge and perceptions of telenursing and their attitudes toward eHealth and technology. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 258 undergraduate nursing students using a demographic questionnaire, the Telenursing Knowledge Scale, and the Perceptions and Attitudes Towards eHealth and Technology Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Students exhibited positive perceptions (M = 3.65 ± 0.98) and positive attitudes (M = 3.67 ± 0.84) towards telenursing and eHealth and technology, respectively. The majority of the participants (78.3%) agreed with the incorporation of telenursing in nursing curriculum at the college level, and 77.9% were willing to utilize it as another type of health service in future professional practice. Many participants knew about the benefits of telenursing, such as increased staff effectiveness (70.2%) and improved communication between patients and staff (72.1%), which gave a mean advantage score of 3.56 ± 0.82. But there were issues about technical difficulties (59.3%), lack of patient interaction (59.3%), and society's vulnerability due to excessive dependence on technology (62.4%). Most significantly, 87.6% misunderstood telenursing with the help of the definition of telemedicine, indicating their poor conceptual knowledge. Internet usage was significantly related to positive perception and attitude (p ≤ 0.05) on all the outcome variables, but academic year and clinical courses had no effect. Conclusion Nursing students generally had positive views of telenursing and eHealth, but stronger practical education in digital health is needed.

Keywords: Attitudes, eHealth, Knowledge, Practice, Telenursing, UAE, University Students

Research Title: Global Burden of Elevated LDL-C Findings From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023

Author: Ahmad Mohammad Hassan Al-bashaireh, Published Year: 2026

JAMA, 336 (8)

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Importance Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of premature death worldwide. Assessing the LDL-C–related burden is critical for guiding prevention and treatment strategies. Objectives To estimate the global, regional, and national burden of ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke attributable to elevated LDL-C (relative to 35-54 mg/dL) from 1990 to 2023 and to quantify the contributions of population growth, aging, risk-deleted burden, and exposure changes to burden trends. Design, Setting, and Population This comparative risk assessment, part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, estimated population-level LDL-C exposure and associated health loss in 204 countries and territories. Mean LDL-C levels were estimated using spatiotemporal gaussian process regression based on 806 studies across 161 countries. Relative risks were derived from meta-analyses of 38 randomized clinical trials. Population-attributable fractions for deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were estimated by age and sex for adults aged 25 years or older from 1990 to 2023, with 95% uncertainty intervals. Exposure Population-level LDL-C concentrations. Main Outcomes and Measures Population-attributable fractions, counts, and rates (all ages and age standardized per 100 000) of LDL-C–attributable deaths and DALYs from ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke, with uncertainty intervals. Results In 2023, elevated LDL-C accounted for 3.6 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval, 2.2-5.4 million; 6.0% of global mortality) and 90.7 million DALYs (95% uncertainty interval, 58.9-123.3 million; 3.2% of DALYs). Although global all-ages rates remained stable, age-standardized death and DALY rates decreased by 45.6% and 39.5%, respectively, since 1990. In 2023, age-standardized LDL-C–attributable DALY rates were highest in Eastern Europe and lowest in high-income Asia-Pacific. One-third of the global LDL-C burden occurred in India and China. Population growth and aging drove the increasing burden, with notable regional disparities in LDL-C exposure and risk-deleted DALY rates shifting toward middle-sociodemographic settings. Conclusions and Relevance Despite declining age-standardized rates, the absolute LDL-C burden has increased since 1990 due to demographic changes and has shifted toward middle-sociodemographic countries. Measurement and surveillance gaps persist. Strengthened prevention, diagnosis, and treatment access strategies are essential to mitigate the health burden of LDL-C.

Keywords: Global Burden, Elevated LDL-C, Global Burden of Disease Study 2023

Research Title: Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors in Patients with Heart Failure Across Three Ejection Fraction Categories: A Two-Center Cross-Sectional Study

Author: Ahmad Mohammad Hassan Al-bashaireh, Published Year: 2026

Healthcare (Switzerland), 14 (16)

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background: Heart failure (HF) substantially affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but evidence across left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) categories in Jordan remains limited. Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study included 516 adults with HF attending outpatient cardiac clinics in northern Jordan between May and November 2025. SF-36 Version 1.0 items were recoded to eight 0–100 domains, and unweighted SF-36 physical and mental four-domain composite scores were analyzed using expanded multivariable ordinary least-squares models with HC3 robust standard errors. A total of 476 participants had complete data for all model variables. Results: The mean SF-36 physical and mental four-domain composite scores were 48.80 (SD 21.14) and 51.88 (SD 20.57), respectively. Both scores differed across EF categories before adjustment (physical p < 0.001; mental p < 0.001), but the adjusted EF omnibus tests were not significant (physical p = 0.111; mental p = 0.613). Lower physical scores were associated with NYHA class II and III, physical inactivity, sleeping difficulty, retirement, and higher anxiety and depression scores, whereas self-care efficacy was positively associated with physical HRQoL. Lower mental scores were associated with NYHA class II and III, physical inactivity, and higher anxiety and depression scores, while self-care efficacy was positively associated with mental HRQoL. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional sample, functional limitation, anxiety and depressive symptoms, physical inactivity, and self-care efficacy were more consistently associated with HRQoL than EF category after adjustment. These findings support multidimensional assessment alongside cardiac measures.

Keywords: heart failure; health-related quality of life; ejection fraction; anxiety; depression; self-care confidence

Research Title: The Difference Between Conventional and Simulation-based BLS Training on Nursing Students’ Knowledge Acquisition and Self-Efficacy in Jordan

Author: Ahmad Mohammad Hassan Al-bashaireh, Published Year: 2026

Al-Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences, 10 (2)

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background: Advanced technology in education and training is a challenging task that requires appropriate assessment of new, innovative methods. Objective: To evaluate the difference between conventional and simulation-based basic life support (BLS) training on nursing students’ knowledge acquisition and self-efficacy. Methods: A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was utilized. 87 nursing students (43 in the control and 44 in the intervention groups) were recruited. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, an independent-samples t-test, a paired-samples t-test, Spearman's correlation, ANCOVA, and a multiple linear regression. Results: Significant differences were reported in exam scores between the intervention control groups pre- and post-intervention. Post-intervention exam scores were statistically higher in the simulation group (difference= 2.8), with both groups achieving pass scores. Significant differences between the groups in the total self-efficacy scores for resuscitation were reported. ANCOVA results showed significant differences in exam scores between the two groups (p=0.013), and the intervention had a significantly positive effect on students’ knowledge (7% of the variance in exam scores) (η²=0.07). Conclusions: Students' BLS knowledge and self-efficacy significantly improved after training, regardless of the training method, although simulation-based training showed statistically significant improvement in BLS knowledge acquisition. The modest difference indicates limited educational significance, particularly in the context where conventional training already achieves the competency threshold. Educators and policymakers should consider including simulation-based BLS training in nursing education. However, traditional BLS training is still efficient in improving student knowledge and self-efficacy, especially in limited-resource countries.

Keywords: BLS, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Knowledge , Nursing students , Simulation training , Self-efficacy