Research Title: Corrosion inhibition of aluminum in HBr solutions by nonionic surfactants at different temperature

Author: Khadeejha Fawzi AlAbrouni, Published Year: 2023

Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib, 2023, Vol. 12, Issue

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Abstract: The influence of nonionic surfactant micelles such as Tween 80, polyethylene glycol 400, and coco glucoside on inhibiting aluminum corrosion in hydrobromic acid solutions was investigated via weight reduction, thermometric, and electrical conductivity techniques. In the absence of inhibitors, the rise in temperature and acid levels has led to a tremendous acceleration in aluminum corrosion in HBr solutions. Intriguingly, coco glucoside, PEG 400, and Tween 80 have shown a remarkable inhibitory action on aluminum corrosion in corrosive solutions at different temperatures. The findings demonstrated that the inhibition efficacy of inhibitors and the extent of surface coverage of the micelles on aluminum rise with higher concentrations of the inhibitor and decline with rising temperature. Notably, Tween 80 was a more effective inhibitor than PEG 400, and coco glucoside at all temperatures. This effect may be explained by the force and type of their micelles’ adsorption on the aluminum surface, which occurs when hydrophilic regions of coherent layers of micelles donate their electrons to the metal surface. Also, the thermodynamic factors (ΔH0, ΔS0, and Ea) for the corrosion and adsorption processes were assessed and addressed. The experimental data were best fit by models of Langmuir, Temkin, and Flory–Huggins adsorption isotherms fit each other well.

Keywords: Keywords: corrosion inhibitor, aluminum, nonionic surfactants, micelles, adsorption isotherms

Research Title: Electrolyte Imbalance Among Patients With and With No ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction A Cohort Study

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2023

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Abstract Electrolytes imbalances are highly prevalent and have shown a high impact on mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction. These electrolytes imbalance have prognostic value in predicting mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of electrolyte imbalances in predicting 1-month mortality among patients with myocardial infarction with and with no ST-elevation. This cohort study was conducted in a referral hospital in the West Bank, Palestine. All patients with confirmed medical diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and admitted to the medical coronary care unit in the hospital were eligible participants. A convenience sample of 186 participants was obtained. These participants were followed up for 1 month to assess their survival (alive or dead). Demographic and clinical data were recorded by reviewing their health records. The derived data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. About 36% of all patients were found to be hyponatremic, 15% of them have hypokalemia, and 9% of patients had hypocalcemia. There was a significant difference between STEMI and non-STEMI in sodium (t = 4.7, P < .001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to predict 1-month mortality for patients with myocardial infarction with and with no ST-elevation. The predictors that were found to be significant are sodium (odds ratio [OR] = 0.789, P = .010), calcium (OR = 0.221, P = .014), diastolic blood pressure (OR = 0.933, P = .047), and blood urea nitrogen (OR = 0.821, P = .005). Electrolyte imbalance was highly prevalent among patients with acute myocardial infarction. Hyponatremia and hypocalcemia were present and associated significantly with predicting 1-month mortality. Health care providers should take into consideration the electrolytes of patients with acute myocardial infarction from the first moment of admission and correct them early to maximize the clinical outcomes and survival for patients.

Keywords: acute myocardial infarction, electrolytes imbalance, hypocalcemia, hypona- tremia, myocardial infarction, ST-segment elevation

Research Title: High-performance speed control for three-phase induction motor based on reverse direction algorithm and artificial neural network

Author: Mustafa Awwad Al Khawaldeh, Published Year: 2024

International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE) , 14

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This research proposes two approaches for determining the required frequency and modulation index for a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) system in a variable frequency drive (VFD) to control the speed of the three phase induction motor. The first approach which is the reverse direction algorithm (RDA), uses a set of equations to calculate the necessary frequency and voltage for maintaining a constant motor speed under varying load conditions. The second one involves training a neural network (NN) on data collected by the RDA, which can then be used to continuously adjust the motor speed in real time to adapt to changing load torque requirements. Simulation and laboratory models for the three-phase induction motor are built and the proposed RDA-NN controller is examined. Results have proved that the proposed controller is effective in providing a stable and responsive motor speed control system.

Keywords: Induction motors Load torque Neural network Pulse-width-modulation Speed control Variable frequency drive

Research Title: Oxymorons and Undergraduates' Repertoire in Literature: Exploring the Nexus

Author: Areen Ghazi Khalifeh, Published Year: 2024

Argentinian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 12

Faculty: Arts

Abstract: This study probed into figurative speech and its rhetorical effects with a particular focus on oxymorons which have often been conflated with paradoxes. Besides clarifying the difference between the two, an analysis of the academic records of fifty undergraduates and a test of oxymorons were a point of departure to measure their familiarity with such figurative devices. Using the Pearson correlation test, the participants' oxymoron test scores were correlated with their overall scores on the achievement tests of seven literature courses in the academic records. Findings showed a positive correlation coefficient (r=.251), yet it is considerably weak (sig.=079 at α=0.01). Further evidence on the magnitude of the phenomenon was solicited from five faculty members through a focus group discussion. The faculty substantiated the correlational findings, as they hold a view that oxymorons, tied with other linguistic devices, contribute to learners' repertoire in literature and language in general.

Keywords: onceptual metaphor, metaphoric competence, oxymoron, rhetorical effect

Research Title: A Secure Blockchain-Based Vehicular Collision Avoidance Protocol: Detecting and Preventing Blackhole Attacks

Author: Maram Bani Younes, Published Year: 2024

Computer Systems Science and Engineering, 120

Faculty: Information Technology

Abstract: This work aims to examine the vulnerabilities and threats in the applications of intelligent transport systems, especially collision avoidance protocols. It focuses on achieving the availability of network communication among traveling vehicles. Finally, it aims to find a secure solution to prevent blackhole attacks on vehicular network communications. The proposed solution relies on authenticating vehicles by joining a blockchain network. This technology provides identification information and receives cryptography keys. Moreover, the ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) protocol is used for route discovery and ensuring reliable node communication. The system activates an adaptive mode for monitoring communications and continually adjusts trust scores based on packet delivery performance. From the experimental study, we can infer that the proposed protocol has successfully detected and prevented blackhole attacks for different numbers of simulated vehicles and at different traveling speeds. This reduces accident rates by 60% and increases the packet delivery ratio and the throughput of the connecting network by 40% and 20%, respectively. However, extra overheads in delay and memory are required to create and initialize the blockchain network.

Keywords: Vehicular networks; blockchain; collision avoidance; protocol design; security mechanisms

Research Title: An Enhanced Model for Detecting and Classifying Emergency Vehicles Using a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)

Author: Maram Bani Younes, Published Year: 2024

vehicles, 6

Faculty: Information Technology

Abstract: The rise in autonomous vehicles further impacts road networks and driving conditions over the road networks. Cameras and sensors allow these vehicles to gather the characteristics of their surrounding traffic. One crucial factor in this environment is the appearance of emergency vehicles, which require special rules and priorities. Machine learning and deep learning techniques are used to develop intelligent models for detecting emergency vehicles from images. Vehicles use this model to analyze regularly captured road environment photos, requiring swift actions for safety on road networks. In this work, we mainly developed a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) model that generates new emergency vehicles. This is to introduce a comprehensive expanded dataset that assists emergency vehicles detection and classification processes. Then, using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), we constructed a vehicle detection model demonstrating satisfactory performance in identifying emergency vehicles. The detection model yielded an accuracy of 90.9% using the newly generated dataset. To ensure the reliability of the dataset, we employed 10-fold cross-validation, achieving accuracy exceeding 87%. Our work highlights the significance of accurate datasets in developing intelligent models for emergency vehicle detection. Finally, we validated the accuracy of our model using an external dataset. We compared our proposed model’s performance against four other online models, all evaluated using the same external dataset. Our proposed model achieved an accuracy of 85% on the external dataset.

Keywords: autonomous vehicle; machine learning; emergency vehicle; GANs; CNN; object detection

Research Title: Effect of using normal concrete or recycled concrete layer on behavior of repaired projectile bullet damaged reinforced concrete beams

Author: Ala Taleb Obaidat, Published Year: 2024

Structural concrete, 25/5

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This study utilized experimental research to investigate the efficiency of using normal aggregate concrete (NAC) or recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) as a new concrete layer for repairing projectile bullet damage to strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) beams. This study comprised the construction and testing of eight RC beams made of RAC and NAC. They are initially subjected to projectile bullets and after that tested with flexure load to evaluate the effect of using RAC and NAC that was investigated. The findings of test results demonstrate that the repaired specimens with RAC or NAC experienced a higher load capacity than the damaged control specimens. As such, this approach could potentially use to restore RAC or NAC beams were previously damaged by projectile bullets. In addition, the findings of this research indicate that the load capacity of the damaged RC beams that were previously repaired using the NAC layer was higher than the load capacity of the damaged RC beams that were repaired using the RAC layer. The load capacity enhanced significantly of (106%–118%) and (104%–113%), respectively, when NAC and RAC are utilized in repairs. Therefore, using either NAC or RAC concrete is more economical, environmentally friendly, and efficient than demolishing.

Keywords: Reinforced concrete beam, Strengthening, NSM-CFRP rope

Research Title: Investigating the value of medication management review for asthma patients: A randomized controlled study.

Author: Tahani Tawfiq M. Al-Bahnasi, Published Year: 2024

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Background: Asthma remains a major worldwide challenge, which threatens health and economies. The vast majority of asthmatics continue to experience uncontrolled asthma; thus, the need for enhancing patients’ awareness, targeting the behavior of both physicians and patients to reach optimal medications’ use is arising. Medication management review (MMR) service can be delivered by pharmacists to help resolve this dilemma. Aims: To assess the clinical and humanistic outcomes of MMR service for asthmatic patients in Jordan. Via this service, the pharmacist identifies treatment related problems (TRPs) and resolves them either directly or by sending the physician a letter with recommendations. Methods: A prospective randomized single blinded intervention-control study was conducted over 15 months, in outpatient clinics of public hospitals in Jordan. Asthmatics were recruited and randomized into intervention and control groups. MMR service was delivered for all patients by the researcher to identify patients’ TRPs based on updated guidelines. Recommendations were sent to intervention patients’ physician for resolution. Pharmacist level recommendations were resolved by pharmacist for the intervention patients. All patients were reassessed at three months. Results: Patients with asthma (n=152) were recruited, and 959 TRPs were identified at baseline with no significant differences between both groups. A significant decrease in TRPs was noticed for the intervention group at follow-up, going down from 6.540±1.685 at baseline to 2.800±0.924 TRP per patient at follow-up (p< 0.001). Regarding TRPs at three-month follow-up, a significant difference (intervention group: 2.800±0.924, control group: 5.920±1.679 control, p< 0.001). Conclusions: MMR service, which was delivered to asthma patients for the first time in Jordan proved successful in identifying and resolving TRPs for asthma patients. Such outcomes are beneficial in improving asthma control for asthma patients in Jordan.

Keywords: Jordan, medication management review, asthma control, treatment related problems, pharmacist’s educational intervention, inhaler technique

Research Title: Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding medication splitting and crushing among the general public in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Author: Mohammad Bayan, Published Year: 2024

BMJ Open, 14

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Background Splitting or crushing medications are used for dosage administration when a certain dose is not easily accessible. Understanding the splitting or crushing of medications is essential to guarantee safe medication administration since inappropriate handling might impact therapeutic efficacy, safety and patient outcomes. Objectives This study intends to examine the practices, attitudes and knowledge of the Jordanian population regarding the splitting/crushing of medications. Study design and setting This is a cross-sectional survey study conducted in Jordan between November 2022 and March 2023. The questionnaire tool was adapted from previous literature, and binary logistic regression analysis was used, to identify the predictors of participants’ knowledge concerning medication splitting/crushing. Participants A total of 1259 participants from the general public were involved, without restrictions on gender or age. Results Around 22.2% of participants confirmed that tablet splitting/crushing is a useful way to reduce medication costs. 67.0% reported that they are not sure whether tablets are suitable for splitting/crushing/crushing. 75.8% reported that they refer to package leaflet information to check whether tablets are suitable for splitting/crushing. 84.8% correctly believed that scored tablets can be split, while unscored tablets cannot. 72.0% identified correctly that not all types of tablets and capsules can be split/crushed or dissolved. The mean knowledge score of study participants was 2.7 (SD: 1.5) out of 6, which is equal to 45% of the maximum attainable score and reflects a weak level of knowledge about tablet crushing. Those who hold a bachelor’s degree and have an income level of JD500–JD1000 (which is equal to US$715–US$1428) were more likely to have knowledge about tablet crushing. Around 39.2% of the participants reported that they had split or crushed tablets to reach their desired dose, of which the vast majority (82.9%) were using scored tablets. Conclusion Understanding of tablet-splitting and crushing techniques ought to be enhanced while encouraging prescribing practices that stress safety and well-informed decision-making. Patients should actively seek reliable sources of information, have an awareness of which tablets can be safely divided and actively engage with healthcare experts to receive appropriate guidance.

Keywords: Attitude; Crushing; Jordan; Knowledge; Medication; Oral dosage forms; Practices; Splitting

Research Title: Targeting nerve growth factor for pain relief: pros and cons

Author: Raida W. Khalil, Published Year: 2024

Korean J Pain, 37

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic protein that has crucial roles in survival, growth and differentiation. It is expressed in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues. NGF exerts its effects via two types of receptors including the high affinity receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase A and the low affinity receptor p75 neurotrophin receptor highlighting the complex signaling pathways that underlie the roles of NGF. In pain perception and transmission, multiple studies shed light on the effects of NGF on different types of pain including inflammatory, neuropathic, cancer and visceral pain. Also, the binding of NGF to its receptors increases the availability of many nociceptive receptors such as transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, transient receptor potential ankyrin 1, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid, and P2X purinoceptor 3 as well as nociceptive transmitters such as substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. The role of NGF in pain has been documented in pre-clinical and clinical studies. This review aims to shed light on the role of NGF and its signaling in different types of pain

Keywords: Keywords: Acute Disease, Chronic Disease, Inflammation, Low Back Pain, Musculoskeletal, Neoplasms, Nerve Growth Factor, Neuropathic Pain, Orofacial Pain, Osteoarthritis, Pain