Research Title: An analysis of heuristic metrics for classifier ensemble pruning based on ordered aggregation

Author: Amgad Monir Mohaned Elsayed, Published Year: 2022

Pattern Recognition, 124

Faculty: Information Technology

Abstract: Classifier ensemble pruning is a strategy through which a subensemble can be identified via optimizing a predefined performance criterion. Choosing the optimum or suboptimum subensemble decreases the initial ensemble size and increases its predictive performance. In this article, a set of heuristic metrics will be analyzed to guide the pruning process. The analyzed metrics are based on modifying the order of the classifiers in the bagging algorithm, with selecting the first set in the queue. Some of these criteria include general accuracy, the complementarity of decisions, ensemble diversity, the margin of samples, minimum redundancy, discriminant classifiers, and margin hybrid diversity. The efficacy of those metrics is affected by the original ensemble size, the required subensemble size, the kind of individual classifiers, and the number of classes. While the efficiency is measured in terms of the computational cost and the memory space requirements. The performance of those metrics is assessed over fifteen binary and fifteen multiclass benchmark classification tasks, respectively. In addition, the behavior of those metrics against randomness is measured in terms of the distribution of their accuracy around the median. Results show that ordered aggregation is an efficient strategy to generate subensembles that improve both predictive performance as well as computational and memory complexities of the whole bagging ensemble.

Keywords: Heuristic optimization; Ensemble selection; Ensemble pruning; Classifier ensemble; Machine learning; Difficult samples; Ordering-based pruning; Classifier complementariness

Research Title: Quantum Crossover Based Quantum Genetic Algorithm for Solving Non-linear Programming

Author: Amgad Monir Mohaned Elsayed, Published Year: 2012

Faculty: Information Technology

Abstract: Quantum computing proved good results and performance when applied to solving optimization problems. This paper proposes a quantum crossover-based quantum genetic algorithm (QXQGA) for solving non-linear programming. Due to the significant role of mutation function on the QXQGA’s quality, a number of quantum crossover and quantum mutation operators are presented for improving the capabilities of searching, overcoming premature convergence, and keeping diversity of population. For calibrating the QXQGA, the quantum crossover and mutation operators are evaluated using relative percentage deviation for selecting the best combination. In addition, a set of non-linear problems is used as benchmark functions to illustrate the effectiveness of optimizing the complexities with different dimensions, and the performance of the proposed QXQGA algorithm is compared with the quantum inspired evolutionary algorithm to demonstrate its superiority.

Keywords: Quantum Computing; Quantum Evolutionary Algorithms; Quantum Crossover operator; Quantum Mutation operator; Convergence; Non-linear optimization

Research Title: Virtual Reality Training for Balance in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author: Fuad Abdul Rahman Taha Abdulla, Published Year: 2025

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Background: Chronic low back pain is often associated with impaired balance and reduced functional mobility. Recent studies suggest that virtual reality-based interventions may be effective in improving balance outcomes in individuals with chronic low back pain. Objective: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the impact of virtual reality training on static and dynamic balance outcomes in patients with chronic low back pain. Methods: Two independent reviewers searched English-language studies from inception to 1 July 2024, using the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Dimensions, Semantic Scholar, and ProQuest. Randomized clinical trials with a PEDro score of ≥6 were included. Fixed- and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted on eligible trials. Results: Of 3172 records screened, 13 trials were eligible. Meta-analyses of six trials (n = 183) across diverse adults using 2–8 week interventions showed that virtual reality training improved dynamic balance: timed up and go (mean difference: −2.29 s; 95% confidence interval: −2.91 to −1.66; I2 = 0%; p < 0.00001) and forward reach (mean difference: 7.80 cm; 95% confidence interval: 2.08 to 13.52; I2 = 0%; p = 0.008). However, no significant effects were found for static balance, single-leg stance, center of pressure medio-lateral displacement, or center of pressure velocity, compared with controls. Conclusions: Virtual reality-based training seems to be more effective than control interventions in improving dynamic and functional balance, but not static balance, in patients with chronic low back pain.

Keywords: Dynamic; rehabilitation; randomized clinical trial; static; video games

Research Title: pH-responsive chlorhexidine LbL coated silica nanoparticles for managing skin wound infections

Author: Yazan Mohammad Al-Thaher, Published Year: 2025

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, Volume 726, Part 1,

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Skin wound infections pose a significant challenge for clinical treatment due to the development of biofilm. In this study, a wound dressing was employed to accelerate healing by enhancing the release and effectiveness of antimicrobial agents. pH-sensitive silica nanoparticles (SiNP) were designed to enable targeted drug delivery in both acidic and neutral wound environments, optimizing drug delivery. Chlorhexidine (CHX), a well-known antiseptic, was incorporated into SiNP using a layer-by-layer (LbL) coating method. The nanoparticles were characterized for size (TEM), surface charge (zeta potential), FTIR, TGA, CHX release. The CHX-loaded SiNP (CHX-SiNP) exhibited a 2–3 times higher release at pH 5 compared to pH 7.4. Additionally, CHX-SiNP demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, without showing cytotoxicity in cell viability tests. To enhance usability, CHX-SiNP were incorporated into alginate hydrogels. Their antibacterial efficacy was further evaluated using artificial wounds created in an ex vivo human skin, where alginate-formulated CHX-SiNP treatment resulted in decrease in viable bacterial cells, compared to negative controls. These findings confirm that CHX-SiNP enable effective pH-responsive drug release, ensuring strong antibacterial performance. Furthermore, this study highlights the clinical potential of CHX-SiNP in treating wound infections.

Keywords: PH-response, Silica nanoparticles, Controlled drug release, Wound infection, Ex vivo skin.

Research Title: Effect of Aging on the Main Active Ingredients in the Volatile Oil and Crude Methanolic Extract from Achillea santolina

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2025

Biomedical & Pharmacology Journal, 18

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Achillea santolina is an important plant in traditional medicine in Jordan. To utilize the herb throughout the year, the storage process seems to be inevitable. This study investigates the effect of aging for one year on the main active ingredients of the volatile oil and some predominant polar compounds in a methanolic extract of the aerial parts of the plant. Fresh and old samples were evaluated and compared for their antioxidant activity and content of the phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The antioxidant activity of A. santolina was weaker than ascorbic acid (IC50 values for the old, fresh samples, and ascorbic acid: 185.6, 171.4, and 61.3, respectively). Plant storage did not affect the antioxidant capacity and the total phenolic and flavonoid content. Semiquantitative analysis using GC-MS showed that the storage process significantly affected the volatile oil content. Several monoterpenoid and sesquiterpenoid compounds significantly diminished or were even absent in the old sample. Conversely, the content of the polar compounds was not affected by the storage process. The polar compounds derived from azulene, naphthalene, and anthracene dominated the fresh and old samples. The azulene compound achillicin was noticeably abundant in both samples. In conclusion, the volatile oil content seemed to play a pivotal role in the activity of A. santolina, and consequently, storage for one year adversely affected its activity.

Keywords: Achillea santolina; Essential oil; Methanolic extract; Phenolics; Storage; Terpenoids

Research Title: Conceptual and Legal Issues for National Cyber Sovereignty

Author: Noor Saleh Al-Zyoud, Published Year: 2025

Faculty: Law

Abstract: The research delves into the intricate legal hurdles posed by cyberspace to the notion of sovereignty in both international and national legal frameworks, highlighting two pivotal aspects: issues stemming from the essence of sovereignty and those arising during its practical enforcement. Cyberspace introduces legal complexities to state sovereignty, given its inherent openness, which stands in stark contrast to the traditional closed nature prerequisite for sovereignty. The phenomenon of globalization exacerbates these complexities, as transnational governmental bodies and communities endeavor to leverage cyberspace for economic and cultural pursuits, thereby intensifying the clash between sovereignty and the inherent openness of cyberspace. The delineation of cyber sovereignty necessitates a delicate equilibrium between the principles of sovereignty and the unique characteristics of cyberspace to uphold their respective identities. A nuanced understanding of cyber sovereignty aids in delineating the actual scope of state jurisdiction in governing and regulating cyberspace, thereby addressing the legal dilemmas confronted by states in this domain. The research concludes that cyber sovereignty embodies an application of sovereignty in its conventional sense, rather than a mere synonymous concept. It advocates for international acknowledgment of this novel application and advocates for collaborative endeavors aimed at its regulation to tackle emergent issues in cyberspace, ensuring global security and stability.

Keywords: Legal concepts,National law,Cyber sovereignty

Research Title: Secure Context-Aware Traffic Light Scheduling System: Integrity of Vehicles’ Identities

Author: Said Ahmad Ammar Ghoul, Published Year: 2025

world electric vehicle Journal, 16

Faculty: Information Technology

Abstract: Autonomous vehicles and intelligent traffic transportation are widely investigated for road networks. Context-aware traffic light scheduling algorithms determine signal phases by analyzing the real-time characteristics and contextual information of competing traffic flows. The context of traffic flows mainly considers the existence of regular, emergency, or heavy vehicles. This is an important factor in setting the phases of the traffic light schedule and assigning a high priority for emergency vehicles to pass through the signalized intersection first. VANET technology, through its communication capabilities and the exchange of data packets among moving vehicles, is utilized to collect real-time traffic information for the analyzed road scenarios. This introduces an attractive environment for hackers, intruders, and criminals to deceive drivers and intelligent infrastructure by manipulating the transmitted packets. This consequently leads to the deployment of less efficient traffic light scheduling algorithms. Therefore, ensuring secure communications between traveling vehicles and verifying the integrity of transmitted data are crucial. In this work, we investigate the possible attacks on the integrity of transferred messages and vehicles’ identities and their effects on the traffic light schedules. Then, a new secure context-aware traffic light scheduling system is proposed that guarantees the integrity of transmitted messages and verifies the vehicles’ identities. Finally, a comprehensive series of experiments were performed to assess the proposed secure system in comparison to the absence of security mechanisms within a simulated road intersection. We can infer from the experimental study that attacks on the integrity of vehicles have different effects on the efficiency of the scheduling algorithm. The throughput of the signalized intersection and the waiting delay time of traveling vehicles are highly affected parameters.

Keywords: intelligent transport system; context-aware algorithm; traffic light; security; integrity; vehicle identity

Research Title: The influence of occupational stress and job satisfaction on burnout among healthcare workers in the UAE: A cross-sectional study

Author: Ahmad Mohammad Hassan Al-bashaireh, Published Year: 2025

Plos One, 20 (10)

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: ackground Healthcare Workers (HCWs) frequently face high levels of occupational stress, job dissatisfaction, and burnout due to the demanding nature of their work. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), these challenges are further intensified by the rapid growth of the healthcare sector and increasing workloads, making it particularly critical to study these variables. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of occupational stress and job satisfaction on burnout and to identify the key predictors of burnout among HCWs in the UAE. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 498 HCWs from hospitals and primary healthcare centers under Emirates Health Services/ Ministry of Health and Prevention. Data was collected using the Work Stress Questionnaire (WSQ), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). Results The mean level of occupational stress was moderate, with a mean of 34.68 (SD = 10.15). The most affected subscales were “work-to-leisure time interference” and “influence at work.” The level of job satisfaction was also moderate, with a mean of 3.13 (SD = 0.75), and the highest satisfaction was related to extrinsic factors. The levels of burnout were notably high for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, whereas “personal accomplishment” was less affected. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed significant predictors of emotional exhaustion (R2 = 0.530), including individual demands, work-to-leisure conflict, job satisfaction, income, and marital status. Depersonalization was predicted by indistinct organization, income, and employment type (R2 = 0.254). The least affected personal accomplishment subscale was predicted by occupational stress, age, education, nationality, and working hours, accounting for 6.9% of the variance (R2 = 0.069). Conclusion The present study has highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions to reduce occupational stress and improve job satisfaction to combat burnout among HCWs in the UAE. Organizational strategies should focus on workload management, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and clearly defining roles. These findings offer a foundation for informed policy actions to safeguard HCW well-being and elevate healthcare quality.

Keywords: Occupational Stress, Job Satisfaction, Burnout, Healthcare Workers

Research Title: Prevalence of physical activity and its association with atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors in young women in the middle east: a sub-analysis of the ANCHORS study

Author: Ahmad Mohammad Hassan Al-bashaireh, Published Year: 2025

BMC Public Health, 25 (1)

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background Physical inactivity is a major driver of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) globally, with women in transitional regions like the Middle East facing unique challenges. This is the first study in the Middle East to explore the prevalence of physical activity and its association with ASCVD risk factors in young women, as part of a sub-analysis of the ANCHORS study. Methods In this cross-sectional Analysis of 626 women aged 18–50 from the ANCHORS study (2021–2023), participants were categorized as physically active (≥ 150 min/week) or inactive based on self-reported exercise. Data on traditional and emerging ASCVD risk factors were collected through questionnaires and physical assessments. Statistical analyses included chi-square, t-tests, and logistic regression, adjusting for age, residence, education, and BMI. Results Only 25.1% of participants met recommended physical activity levels. Inactivity was significantly associated with higher BMI (p < 0.001), postpartum weight retention (p = 0.010), and a history of gestational hypertension (p = 0.001) and diabetes (p = 0.015). No link was found with dyslipidemia or family history of CVD. Surprisingly, active women reported more depressive symptoms (p = 0.042), possibly indicating greater mental health awareness. Conclusions Physical inactivity is widespread among young Middle Eastern women and closely linked to key ASCVD risk factors. These findings highlight an urgent need for culturally tailored physical activity strategies that also consider mental and social health influences.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular, Young Women, Middle East, ANCHORS study

Research Title: Flaxseed-Coated Titanium: A Natural Antibacterial Strategy for Dental Implants

Author: Raida W. Khalil, Published Year: 2025

JIDMR, 18

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) has been used since ancient times for its nutritional and medicinal properties. It is increasingly recognized for its rich content of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. In the field of dentistry, titanium (Ti) is widely utilized for implants due to its biocompatibility; however, implant-associated infections remain a clinical concern. This has led to interest in natural bioactive coatings that could enhance antimicrobial protection. This study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of flaxseed-coated titanium plates against common oral pathogens. Titanium specimens were coated with flaxseed extract and tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Porphyromonas gingivalis using agar diffusion methods. Zones of inhibition were measured and compared to positive (broth) and negative (ethanol) controls. Experiments were conducted in triplicate, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. The flaxseed-coated titanium exhibited measurable antibacterial activity, with zones of inhibition comparable to those produced by ethanol and broth. Notably, the combination of flaxseed and ethanol showed enhanced antimicrobial effects against both bacterial strains. The findings demonstrate that flaxseed extract has promising antimicrobial potential when used as a coating on titanium surfaces. This natural, plant-based approach may contribute to the development of antimicrobial dental implants and help reduce postoperative complications related to infection.

Keywords: Assessments; Antibacterial activity; Flaxseed; Titanium plates