Research Title: Cardiometabolic Morbidity (Obesity and Hypertension) in PTSD: A Preliminary Investigation of the Validity of Two Structures of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2024

Journal of Clinical Medicine , 13

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Abstract: Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or specific PTSD symptoms may evoke maladaptive behaviors (e.g., compulsive buying, disordered eating, and an unhealthy lifestyle), resulting in adverse cardiometabolic events (e.g., hypertension and obesity), which may implicate the treatment of this complex condition. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD have lately expanded beyond the three common symptoms (intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal). Including additional symptoms such as emotional numbing, sleep disturbance, and irritability strengthens the representation of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), suggesting that models with four, five, or six dimensions better capture its structure compared to the original three-dimensional model. Methods: Using a convenience sample of 58 Russian dental healthcare workers (HCWs: mean age = 44.1 ± 12.2 years, 82.8?males), this instrumental study examined the convergent, concurrent, and criterion validity of two IES-R structures: IES-R3 and IES-R6. Results: Exploratory factor analysis uncovered five factors, which explained 76.0% of the variance in the IES-R. Subscales of the IES-R3 and the IES-R6 expressed good internal consistency (coefficient alpha range = 0.69–0.88), high convergent validity (item total correlations r range = 0.39–0.81, and correlations with the IES-R’s total score r range = 0.62–0.92), excellent concurrent validity through strong correlations with the PTSD Symptom Scale-Self Report (PSS-SR: r range = 0.42–0.69), while their criterion validity was indicated by moderate-to-low correlations with high body mass index (BMI: r range = 0.12–0.39) and the diagnosis of hypertension (r range = 0.12–0.30). In the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, all IES-R models were perfectly associated with the PSS-SR (all areas under the curve (AUCs) > 0.9, p values < 0.001). The IES-R, both hyperarousal subscales, and the IES-R3 intrusion J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13, 6045. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13206045 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jcm J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13, 6045 2 of 22 subscale were significantly associated with high BMI. Both avoidance subscales and the IES-R3 intrusion subscale, not the IES-R, were significantly associated with hypertension. In the two-step cluster analysis, five sets of all trauma variables (IES-R3/IES-R6, PSS-SR) classified the participants into two clusters according to their BMI (normal weight/low BMI vs. overweight/obese). Meanwhile, only the IES-R, PSS-SR, and IES-R3 dimensions successfully classified participants as having either normal blood pressure or hypertension. Participants in the overweight/obese and hypertensive clusters displayed considerably higher levels of most trauma symptoms. Input variables with the highest predictor importance in the cluster analysis were those variables expressing significant associations in correlations and ROC analyses. However, neither IES-R3 nor IES-R6 contributed to BMI or hypertension either directly or indirectly in the path analysis. Meanwhile, age significantly predicted both health conditions and current smoking. Irritability and numbing were the only IES-R dimensions that significantly contributed to current smoking. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for assessing the way through which various PTSD symptoms may implicate cardiometabolic dysfunctions and their risk factors (e.g., smoking and the intake of unhealthy foods) as well as the application of targeted dietary and exercise interventions to lower physical morbidity in PTSD patients. However, the internal and external validity of our tests may be questionable due to the low power of our sample size. Replicating the study in larger samples, which comprise different physical and mental conditions from heterogenous cultural contexts, is pivotal to validate the results (e.g., in specific groups, such as those with confirmed traumatic exposure and comorbid mood dysfunction).

Keywords: impact of event scale-revised/IES-R/posttraumatic stress disorder/PTSD; cutoff score/ cutoff point; three factors/six factors/dimensions; receiver operator curve (ROC); cardiovascular disorders/CVDs/cardiometabolic*/hypertension; diet*/high-sugar/high fat; obesity/high body mass index/metabolic dysfunction; sleep disturbance/irritability/emotional numbing; smoking/ behavioral risk factors; dental healthcare workers

Research Title: The influence of educators' first impression of learners on nursing education in Jordan: Students' and faculties' perspectives

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2024

Teaching and learning in Nursing , 19

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Objective: This study investigated the impacts of first impressions on nursing education from the perspective of the educator and the student. Method: A qualitative descriptive approach design was adopted. The study included faculty members and nursing students who were in their second, third, or fourth years. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were performed for data collection. Findings: Nineteen individual interviews were conducted with fifteen nursing students and four faculty members, and three focus groups were performed with nursing students. The data analysis revealed the following themes: (1) the effects of first impression, both positive and negative; (2) the consequences of these impressions, including their effects on student grades and stereotyping; and (3) exaggerators to first impression, wherein the same instructor teaches different classes. Conclusion: There is a need to raise the faculty’s awareness about the influence of stereotyping and the impressions that they develop about their students and how it affects them.

Keywords: Faculty, First impression, Influence, Outcomes Students

Research Title: The Design of a PV System of a Multi-Location Large Consumer: A Case Study from Al-Balqa Applied University

Author: Akram Mohammed Al-mahrouk, Published Year: 2024

Sustainability, 16

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This research applies the suggested photovoltaic solar system design to Jordan’s Al-Balqa Applied University. Twelve of the twenty-four college buildings are located on the main campus, while the remaining twelve remote colleges are dispersed throughout Jordan’s many geographic locations, ranging from the far north to the far south. Azimuth angle, irradiation effect, building size, location, power consumption, and student population are all taken into account in the suggested design. Additionally, in-site generation and remote-wheeling generation are two types of solar system installation designs that are taken into consideration. A method for calculating the optimal location of remote-wheeling generation is proposed based on the centroid mass theory. The proposed method is applied in four scenarios. The first three scenarios are single-point, two-point, and three-point centroid locations. The fourth scenario is based on three single points, considering the power distribution regions in Jordan, which cover three regions. The results of the four scenarios will be discussed and demonstrated along with a comprehensive comparison between in-site generation, single-centroid point remote-wheeling generation, and three-centroid-point remote-wheeling generation.

Keywords: PV solar cell energy management; renewable energy design

Research Title: British-Idrisi relations in resisting Ottoman influence in Tihama Asir 1915-1926

Author: Abdalla Ahmad Abdalla, Published Year: 2024

Research Journal in Advanced Humanities, 5

Faculty: Arts

Abstract: The study dealt with a significant historical topic: Britain's relations with the Idrisis in Tihama Asir from 1915 to 1926. It showed the features and objectives of this relationship. The study described and analyzed the reasons for Britain's persistent efforts to secure its maritime communications line in the Red Sea, as well as placing obstacles in the way of the Ottoman Empire to prevent it from threatening British influence in Aden. Therefore, it resorted to allying itself with the Idrisis in Tihama Asir. For this purpose, it concluded several treaties with them and provided various financial and military support. As for the Idrisids, their ultimate goal was to provide money, weapons, and military support for their emirate to ensure its continuity and prevent it from falling into the hands of their opponents.

Keywords: Britain, Al-Idrisi, Tihama Asir.

Research Title: The Stance of the Israeli Historian Ilan Pappé on the Israeli Transgressions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip: “An Analytical Study through Television and Press Interviews”

Author: Abdalla Ahmad Abdalla, Published Year: 2024

Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 22

Faculty: Arts

Abstract: This study aims to shed light on the stance of the Israeli dissenting historian Ilan Pappe regarding the Israeli transgressions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as expressed through his documented statements in television and press outlets. The study focuses on highlighting Israel's repressive practices against the Palestinian people, including the use of Judaization tactics in the West Bank and the violation of agricultural lands in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Additionally, the study emphasizes Ilan Pappe's opposition to these oppressive actions carried out by the Israeli occupation authorities against the Palestinian population. The study concludes that Ilan Pappe consistently rejects all Israeli projects on Palestinian land and asserts that the end of the Zionist project is nearing due to the repeated and escalating Israeli repressive assaults on the West Bank and Gaza Strip. INTRODUCTION

Keywords: Ilan Pappé, The Israeli Transgressions, The West Bank, Gaza Strip.

Research Title: Anxiety, depression, stress, and resilience among undergraduate nursing students at Al-Quds university: the impact of war started on October 7 in Palestine

Author: Rabia Hani Amin Haddad, Published Year: 2024

BMC Nursing, 23

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background The current outbreak of war in Palestine on the 7th of October 2023, heightened concerns about mental health and well-being of individuals, particularly undergraduate students in Palestine. Such traumatic experiences and political conflict did affect the social, economic, psychological, and academic status of university students in Palestine, in particular, nursing students. However, resilience is one of the moderators which may positively decrease the severity of those negative war-related symptoms. Aim The study aimed to examine the moderation effect of resilience on the relationship between sociodemographic and personal characteristics and depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate nursing students in Palestine. Design and methods A quantitative, descriptive-correlational design utilized to investigate anxiety, depression, stress, and resilience among nursing students. A convenience sample of 325 nursing students recruited from Al-Quds University were asked to respond to a self-administered questionnaire. Results A total of 325 nursing students participated in this study. The analysis showed that the majority of the participants were experiencing extremely severe anxiety levels (43.7%, n = 142), while 25.5% (n = 83) were experiencing extremely severe depression and 14.5% (n = 47) were experiencing high-stress levels compared to 60% (n = 195) of the students were at their normal resilience level. There were statistically significant differences in the resilience based on sex (t323 = 2.994, p = .003). Knowing that males have higher resilience mean scores (M = 3.06, SD = 0.35) than females (M = 2.93, SD = 0.41) indicates higher resilience in males than females. After performing two steps of hierarchical regression, the results revealed that resilience negatively moderated the relationship between sociodemographics and depression, and anxiety. Conclusion This study offers valuable insights into the mental health status of undergraduate nursing students in Palestine during the war. The results indicated that resilience is one of the pivotal moderators that may buffer anxiety and depression. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the diverse mental health needs of this population, considering the complex interplay of individual, demographic, and contextual factors. Future research should continue to explore these dynamics and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions promoting mental well-being during conflict.

Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Resilience, War, Palestine, Undergraduate nursing students

Research Title: Evaluation of anticancer activity of some new hybrids of 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole tethered cinnamamides

Author: Balakumar Chandrasekarn, Published Year: 2025

Journal of Molecular Structure, 1322

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: A series of novel hybrids of 1,3,4-oxadiazole tethered cinnamamides was synthesized and characterized spectroscopically using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and HR-MS. The synthesized compounds were screened for their anticancer activity using MTT (in vitro) assay involving different cancer cell lines such as MCF-7, MDA-AMB-231, DU-145, and PC-3. Among the tested compounds, compound 23 showed percentage inhibition against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines reaching 30.23 %, whereas compound 21 exhibited an inhibition of 30.99% against prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3). The highly active seven compounds were further assessed to determine IC50 values against MCF-7 and PC-3 cell lines. Of which, compound 8 showed potent inhibition of 1.08 µM. None of the compounds exhibited any cytotoxicity toward normal cells. Structure-activity relationship analysis indicated the influence of electron-withdrawing functional groups on the anticancer activity, positively. This has been further supported by molecular modeling studies such as DFT analysis and molecular docking simulation. Pharmacokinetics ADME properties and drug likeliness are also determined, establishing the compounds druggability. Thus, the synthesized derivatives could be promising leads for further optimization to achieve novel anticancer agents.

Keywords: 1,3,4-oxadiazole; cinnamamide; Anticancer agents; Molecular docking; thymidine phosphorylase; DFT

Research Title: A QbD-Navigated Approach to the Development and Evaluation of Etodolac–Phospholipid Complex Containing Polymeric Films for Improved Anti-Inflammatory Effect

Author: Balakumar Chandrasekarn, Published Year: 2024

Polymers, 16

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: The current study focuses on development of phospholipid complex-loaded films of etodolac for enhanced transdermal permeation and anti-inflammatory effect. An etodolac–phospholipid complex was developed using the solvent evaporation method and was characterized by DSC, XRD, FTIR, and 1H-NMR studies. The formation of the complex led to conversion of a crystalline drug to an amorphous form. A stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 (drug–phospholipid) was selected as the optimized ratio. Further, the developed complex was incorporated into films and systematic optimization using a central composite design was carried out using a response surface methodological approach. The desirable design space based on minimum contact angle and maximum tensile strength was selected, while the water vapour transmission rate and swelling index were set within limits. The results for swelling index, contact angle, tensile strength, and water vapour transmission rate were 60.14 ± 1.01%, 31.6 ± 0.03, 2.44 ± 0.39 kg/cm2, and 15.38 g/hm2, respectively. These values exhibited a good correlation with the model-predicted values. The optimized formulation exhibited improved diffusion and permeation across skin. In vivo studies revealed enhanced anti-inflammatory potential of the developed films in comparison to the un-complexed drug. Hence, the study demonstrated that etodolac–phospholipid complex-loaded films improve the transdermal permeation and provided enhanced anti-inflammatory effect.

Keywords: QbD; phospholipid complex; transdermal; health; research; response surface methodology

Research Title: Smart transdermal patch for monitoring of type 2 diabetes

Author: Balakumar Chandrasekarn, Published Year: 2024

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Smart transdermal patch for monitoring of type 2 diabetes

Keywords: Smart transdermal patch for monitoring of type 2 diabetes

Research Title: Computational design of a novel inhibitor against COVID

Author: Balakumar Chandrasekarn, Published Year: 2025

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Background: In recent years, in silico computational approaches have tremendously guided computational medicinal chemists and research scientists to analyze protein structures, kinetics, functions, and molecular interactions of the administered drugs. Objective: This study aimed to identify a novel inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 using human CD26 and modeled spike protein through suitable in silico approaches. Methods: In this work, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation experiments were conducted to gain insights into the binding affinity and stability, respectively. The docked complex of CD26 with modeled spike protein showed higher binding affinity than the complex of CD26 with resolved spike protein due to the existence of strong interactions with the crucial amino acid residues of the target proteins. Results: The results of the molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated that CD26 with the modeled spike protein docked complex showed good stability when compared with the resolved protein. Conclusion: From this computational finding, it was also suggested that the structure was stable and would rapidly guide the discovery of potential inhibitors against COVID-19.

Keywords: Computational design, molecular dynamics simulation, molecular docking, CD26, COVID