Research Title: Determinants of Foreign Portfolio Investment: The Case of Jordan

Author: Mohammad Oqlah Al-Smadi, Published Year: 2018

Investment Management and Financial Innovation, 15

Faculty: Business

Abstract: This study investigates the determinants of foreign portfolio investment in Jordan using series of data covering the period from 2000 to 2016. Eight independent variables were employed. They are: aggregate economic activity, inflation, interest rate differentiation, stock market performance, risk diversification, country creditworthiness, governance, and corruption. The regression results show that good and stable macroeconomic environment attracts foreign investors. In addition, foreign investors prefer to invest in the capital market which provides an opportunity of risk diversification. A country that has enough liquidity to meet its obligation, and has well-governed environment attracts more portfolio investment. The results of the study provide empirical evidence about the factors that have a significant impact on the flow of foreign portfolio investment to Jordan. These factors can be utilized when formulating polices by the specialized authorities who are seeking to attract more portfolio investment.

Keywords: foreign portfolio investment, macroeconomic factors, financial factors, Jordan

Research Title: TRANSFORMATION OF DISCONTINUOUS WAVE FRONTS IN ELASTIC

Author: Nabil Musa Wanas, Published Year: 2008

International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET), Volume 9, Issue 7,

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: In this paper, the problem of interaction of a discontinuous wave with the heterogeneity between two elastic isotropic media with different density parameters is considered. The research object is non-stationary wave with strong discontinuity generated in non-homogeneous elastic medium. The work aims to investigate the diffraction of the discontinuous wave in an interface between two anisotropic media and analysis of received results depending on the anisotropy parameters values. The research method considered is the zeroth approximation of the ray method. The simulation processes of mechanical interaction of elastic discontinuous waves with interfaces between rock media with different properties (particularly, anisotropy parameters) is proposed. The results of the simulation, showed that, the discontinuous wave transformation in the interface planes, not only wave polarization and front geometry can be changed, also the wave intensity can be increased or decreased. This type of the wave diffraction can be accompanied by essential change of the wave intensity in different zones of the wave front. The work results can be implemented for the design of construction of structures, transport and mine destination with the aim of their seismic protection and their screening from action of discontinuous waves generated by different technical failures.

Keywords: shielding, discontinuous waves, anisotropic layered media, elastic medium, ray method.

Research Title: Critical buckling of drill strings in cylindrical cavities of inclined bore-holes.

Author: Nabil Musa Wanas, Published Year: 2016

Journal of Mechanics Engineering and Automation 6 (2016) 25-38, vol.6

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: Abstract Notwithstanding the fact that the problem of drill string buckling (Eulerian instability) inside the cylindrical cavity of an inclined bore-hole attracts attention of many specialists, it is far from completion. This peculiarity can be explained by the complexity of its mathematic model which is described by singularly perturbed equations. Their solutions (eigen modes) have the shapes of boundary effects or buckles (harmonic wavelets) localized in zones of the bore-hole that are not specified in advance. Therefore, the problem should be stated in the domain of entire length of the drill string or in some separated part including an expected zone of its buckling. In the paper, a mathematic model for computer analysis of incipient buckling of a drill string in cylindrical channel of an inclined bore-hole is elaborated. The constitutive equation is deduced with allowance made for action of gravity, contact, and friction forces. Computer simulation of the drill string buckling is performed for different values of the bore-hole inclination angle, its length, friction coefficient, and clearance. The eigen values (critical loads) are found and eigen modes (modes of stability loss) are constructed. The numerical results for the case when the inclination angle equals friction angle coincide with ones obtained analytically.

Keywords: Keywords: deep drilling, inclined bore-holes, drill strings, stability, singularly perturbed problem.

Research Title: Static And Dynamic Analysis Of Bevel Gear Set

Author: Nabil Musa Wanas, Published Year: 2017

IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE), Volume 14, Issue 5

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: Abstract: This paper presents a static and dynamic simulation and analysis of the bevel gear set using Solidworks software, stress, strain, deformation, reactions and torque are calculated. Dimensions and materials of the bevel gears are important factors in determining the values of stress, strain, and displacement. The change in angular velocity and torque applied also change the values of stress, strain, and displacement of the bevel gear.

Keywords: Keywords: Bevel gears, static, dynamic, stress, strain, deformation, solidworks.

Research Title: Investigation on torsional vibration of drill strings in cylindrical cavities of vertical bore-hole with liquid medium

Author: Nabil Musa Wanas, Published Year: 2018

International Journal of Mechanical and Production engineering research and development, Vol. 8, Issue 3,

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This paper deals with the torsional vibration of a drill string in a vertical cylindrical cavity of a bore-hole with liquid medium. The mechanical interaction models of the drill string with viscous liquid are considered. In the paper to describe the vibrations of the drill string bit with allowance made for viscous friction, the nonlinear deferential equation with partial derivatives is used. The oscillation scheme of torsional auto-vibration of homogeneous drill string in the form of oscillation pendulum is stated. it was founded, that the properties of the liquid medium in which the rotating column, lead to a small range of angular velocity value, which are generated during the self-oscillation.

Keywords: vertical bore-holes, auto-vibration, stationary oscillations, rotational motions dynamic viscosity.

Research Title: Solar Panels Cleaning Frequency for Maximum Financial Profit

Author: Mohammad Abdul Qader Abu Naser, Published Year: 2017

Open Journal of Energy Efficiency, 6

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: Allowing the dust to accumulate on solar panels without adequate cleaning leads to huge monetary losses. Proper judgment of when to call for washing of solar panels is a compromise between gross costs of cleaning the panels and how much reduction in efficiency of solar panels can be tolerated. In this paper, we derive a formula for the optimal number of days between cleaning cycles of a solar array by minimizing the cost of cleaning the array and the lost revenue from the unclean panels. The formula will aid in deciding cleaning periods based on the environment in which the solar panels are installed and cost incurred from undertaking the washing process.

Keywords: Dust Deposition, PV Efficiency Degradation, Optimal Cleaning Cycle

Research Title: Challenges to effective communication in the care of children with palliative care needs: the perspective of mothers and health professionals in Jordan

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2017

The 8th International Cardiff Conference on Paediatric Palliative Care “Worlds apart: culture and context in caring for the whole child”, Cardiff, Wales, UK

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Introduction: A preliminary systematic review reports nurses being poorly prepared to communicate with children with palliative care needs and their families, feeling inadequately prepared to provide support to families facing loss and lack confidence to deal with difficult questions and conflict. To date there is scanty research in the Middle East on the challenges of communication from the perspectives of physicians, family carers and nurses in the field of paediatric palliative care Purpose: to explore challenges to effective communication in the care of children with palliative care needs, from the perspective of physicians, nurses, and mothers in Jordan. Material and Methods: This study employed a collective qualitative case study approach. Data were collected in three paediatric units in a Jordanian hospital. Two data collection methods were employed: participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Results: Mothers found it hard to determine how best to care for their child when admitted not knowing how to answer some of the difficult questions posed by their child. Physicians found it difficult to communicate with parents when delivering an initial diagnosis, when the child’s health deteriorated, or if the child’s death was imminent. Nurses reported lack of skills in offering emotional support and they also revealed that work pressure often limited their ability to provide optimum patient care and to communicate effectively with patients and their families. Conclusion and impact on practice: In healthcare settings with limited access to specialist palliative care, staff need continuous education and dedicated training in communication skills and provision of emotional support to ensure that children and their parents receive good quality care. However, further research is required in the Middle East in order to investigate the special challenges of communication especially in Muslim culture.

Keywords: Children with life-threatening or life- limiting illnesses, End of life, Experience of communication, Healthcare care providers, Paediatric palliative care.

Research Title: The Experience of Decision Making in the Care of Children with Palliative Care Needs: The Experiences of Jordanian Mothers

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2017

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of decision making in the care of children with palliative care needs in Jordan, from the perspective of their mothers. This study employed a collective qualitative case study approach. Data were collected in 3 pediatric wards in a Jordanian hospital. The study used 2 data collection methods: participant observation (197 observational hours) and 56 semi-structured interviews with 24 mothers, 12 physicians and 20 nurses. The findings show how Jordanian mothers seek to transfer the role of decision making to physicians, as they perceive themselves to be unable to make decisions about critical issues related to the treatment of their children. Mothers had a widespread apprehension of “future guilt,” especially when they feared that any decisions they might make could have an adverse impact on their children. Contrary to the predominant pattern, some mothers took a proactive approach towards decision making about their children’s treatment. These mothers requested detailed information from primary physicians and sought different sources of knowledge such as second opinions, reading online resources, or talking to other parents who had a child with similar circumstances. The study concludes that mothers prefer to involve physicians in decisions about their children’s healthcare and treatment to eliminate their fear of probable future guilt; this modifies any tendency to autonomously decide for their children. These findings are underpinned by the Jordanian culture in which doctors’ opinions are highly regarded.

Keywords: Children with lifethreatening or life-limiting illnesses; decision making; end of life; healthcare providers; pediatric palliative care

Research Title: Developing and marketing a new tourism concept: Halal handicrafts and souvenirs

Author: Rabia Hani Amin Haddad, Published Year: 2017

In process , In process

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Handicrafts are important pieces of handwork for tourists when visiting any destination. These are gifts tourists buy before they return to their home countries. They work as a tool that connects tourism destinations and tourists after visitation. In addition, they my influence tourist future decision to visit a particular destination (Mehta et al. 2014; Wilkins 2011; Yunis 2006; O’Connor 2006). Halal handicrafts or souvenir is a new concept that has not been explored so far in academic research. This segment of handicraft is related to Halal Tourism and considered as one of its main pillars. The aim of this research is to develop a new concept ‘Halal handicrafts’ in order to build a better understanding of the main pillars of Halal tourism. The author adopted a conceptual research approach based on secondary data in order to develop this new concept that is identified as 'Halal handicrafts'. Muslim tourists are travelling to Halal friendly destinations that provide Halal services and products (Harahsheh and Haddad 2016). Reviewing the literature has not provided any piece of work on Halal handicrafts, although handicrafts, in general are well researched. Therefore, this research will contribute and fill the gap in literature about Halal handicrafts and will add a new segment to halal tourism as a new segment in tourism research. Moreover, Halal labelled handicrafts may increase the authenticity of products, increase the local income and create more job opportunities within halal tourism destinations such as Jordan, Malaysia, Turkey and Egypt.

Keywords: Halal tourism, Halal handicrafts, marketing, Islamic destinations

Research Title: Halal tourism: Marketing implications

Author: Rabia Hani Amin Haddad, Published Year: 2017

in process, in process

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: The link between tourism and religion and religious motivated travel is well researched (e.g. Poria et al. 2003; Harahsheh 2009; Nassar et al. 2014). Halal or Islamic tourism is a newly niche market segment in the tourism industry that is equally growing rapidly in Islamic and non-Islamic destinations and is becoming a popular topic of research (Battour et al. 2010). Halal tourism as a product is associated mainly with Muslim travelers, which should be designed to satisfy their needs and wants. Halal tourism can be defined as Muslim tourists travel to Muslim or no-Muslim destinations that offer services according to Islamic standards. Muslim tourists are motivated by factors that are similar to or different from other tourists of the world. Those include: Push factors: learning about Islamic history; to know Islamic religious sites; to practice a religious duty such as Hajj or Umrah; to visit their Muslim friends and relatives (VFR); to pursue their education; to reflect and meditate God’s natural beauty and creation; to invite non-Muslims to Islam. They can be pulled by other factors including Muslim-friendly tourism amenities and services such as non-alcoholic and Halal food and beverages (F&B); friendly and hospitable locals; separate baths and beaches for men and women; separate dining quarters for women and families in restaurants, prayer rooms and/or prayer mats at hotels and restaurants, and so on (Nassar et al. 2014). The top ten Halal/Islamic destinations include: Malaysia, UAE, Turkey, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Jordan, Qatar, Tunisia and Egypt (Shafaei and Mohamed 2015, p.99). Whereas, according to another source, the top ten destinations are: Malaysia, Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Oman, Jordan, Singapore and Morocco (The National 2015). The aim of this paper is to know the perceptions of Jordanian tourists about the concept of Halal tourism, the potential of applying of Halal tourism in Jordan and the implications of marketing this type of tourism in Jordan. This research adopted a quantitative methodology using a self-completion questionnaire as a data collection tool. A total of 918 questionnaires were collected and used for analysis. The main findings of this study include: Halal tourism is not well-established in Jordan; Halal tourism is a new tourism concept and Jordan is looking forward to get a share of it; the motives for Jordanian tourists to travel to Islamic destinations are indifferent to those to travel to non-Muslim destinations. Consequently, it seems those factors do not influence the decisions of Jordanian tourists to visit Islamic-friendly destinations. From the marketing point of view, the results of this study reveal fair awareness of potential Jordanian tourists towards Halal tourism and Halal services. There is a moderate favorable attitude towards the concept of Halal tourism and Halal destinations and less than half of the sample showed fair understanding of this type of tourism. Respondents evaluated Jordan as a Halal tourist destination less than what is known in other research; Jordan is ranked number seven out of ten of the top ten Halal-friendly destination in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation states (Shafaei and Mohamed 2015).

Keywords: Halal tourism, Islamic destinations, Islamic motivated travel, Muslim tourists, Islamic marketing, Jordan.