Research Title: Online reinforcement learning control of robotic arm in presence of high variation in friction forces

Author: Mohammed Bani Younis, Published Year: 2023

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: The operation and accuracy of industrial robotic arms can be negatively affected by significant fluctuations in friction forces within their joints, potentially resulting in financial and operational losses. To mitigate these issues, an online model-free reinforcement learning controller specifically designed to handle high variations in joints’ friction forces. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time where reinforcement learning controller is used to handle high friction variations in a robotic arm. Initially, the dynamic equations of the robotic arm are derived, verified and validated to ensure an accurate representation of real-world behaviour. The stability of the closed-loop system is analyzed using the Lyapunov second method. The performance of the proposed controller in terms of position tracking is compared against four commonly used controllers found in literature for similar applications: (i) nonlinear model-based computed torque controller, (ii) proportional-derivative controller, (iii) adaptive iterative learning controller and (iv) radial basis function neural network adaptive controller. Simulation results demonstrate that the reinforcement learning controller outperforms the other controllers in terms of tracking performance, even in the presence of significant variations in joint friction forces.

Keywords: Reinforcement learning, controlrobotic arm, high friction variation, online learning

Research Title: Household Food Insecurity and Nutritional Status of PreSchool Children Following Relaxation of COVID-19 Restrictions

Author: Zaher Qassim Al-Bashabsheh, Published Year: 2023

Journal of Xi’an Shiyou University, Natural Science Edition, 19 ISSUE 06 19 ISSUE

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: - Studies found a high prevalence of household food insecurity (HFIS) and malnutrition and an association between them during the movement restriction period of the COVID-19 pandemic. This nutritional status should have improved by now as movement restrictions, including quarantine, have been lifted. Therefore, the goal of this cross-sectional study was to determine the current prevalence of HFIS and malnutrition and their associations and contributing factors among pre-school children (i.e., children under the age of 5 years) following relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions in Jordan. A sample of 386 children (197 boys and 189 girls) in Irbid, Jordan, were recruited in this study following the simple random sampling method. The levels of HFIS and malnutrition were assessed using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) and the World Health Organization (WHO) growth reference values, respectively. Relevant information were managed and measurements made and employed to calculate four major anthropometric indicators for the sample children (weight to height (WHZ), height to age (HAZ), weight to age (WAZ) and Body Mass Index to age (BMI/A) (BMI/A)). The results of analysis pointed out that prevalence of food insecurity among the sample children was 58.2%, where 19.9% of the kids were experiencing moderate food insecurity and 38.3% were suffering from severe food insecurity. On the other hand, prevalence of malnutrition among those children was 1.81%, where 1.55% of the kids were emaciated and 1.26% were severely emaciated. The results also indicated that mother’s age, number of children in the family, income of the family, monthly expenses on food and beverages and the energy expenses contributed significantly (p<0.05) to food insecurity. Moreover, the study found that HFIS had negative correlations with WHZ (r=−0.272, p=0.000), WAZ (r=−0.193, p=0.000) and BMI/A (r=−0.263, p=0.000) and a positive correlation with HAZ (r=0.041, p=0.00). The study reports high prevalence of HFIS among children under the age of 5 years in Jordan, even after relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions on mobility. However, prevalence of malnutrition among this group of the population is low. These results spotlight the continued impact of the COVID19 crisis on the financial statuses of households

Keywords: Anthropometry, Household Food Insecurity, Jordan, Malnutrition, Pre-school children.

Research Title: Examining Weight Stigmatization toward Obese Individuals among Nutrition and Dietetic Students using the Attribution Theory

Author: Zaher Qassim Al-Bashabsheh, Published Year: 2023

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Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Background: Despite the increasing prevalence of obesity in the United States, negative attitudes toward obese individuals are widespread. Health‑care providers, including dietetics and nutritionists, are not exempt from showing bias toward obese individuals, which may lead to subsequent psychological and health problems. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to measure the extent of weight bias among dietetics and nutrition students and investigate its determinants. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional survey (316) was conducted among undergraduate dietetics and nutrition students at a large Midwestern University to assess weight bias using the Fat Phobia Scale. Eating competence was measured using the ecSI 2.0 and body dissatisfaction using the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale. Other variables included experience with obesity, media exposure to health and nutrition information, and demographic characteristics. Results: About 36% of the participants had weight bias, 64% were unsatisfied with their body image and none of the participants had eating competence. Media exposure to health information, body dissatisfaction, and eating competence was related to fat phobia (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings highlight that weight bias is an apparent issue among students enrolling in health‑related programs. Considering their future role in clinical and community settings, this issue should be addressed properly

Keywords: Determinants of weight bias, health communication, obesity, weight bias, weight bias in health care

Research Title: Corporate environmental responsibility and corporate performance in Jordan

Author: Ali Ahmad Masadeh, Published Year: 2023

Uncertain Supply Chain Management, 12

Faculty: Business

Abstract: This research sought to assess how Jordan's corporate environment affected corporate performance. The population is made up of (182) businesses. Using simple random sampling, 384 respondents from companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange were given questionnaires as part of a quantitative approach. To confirm the correlations between the variables, the data were analyzed using AMOS; the study relied on the descriptive analytical method. The study's most notable findings demonstrated that corporate environmental performance had a favorable and considerable impact on corporate performance.

Keywords: Corporate environmental, Corporate performance, Amman stock exchange

Research Title: Challenges to Female Engineers’ Employment in the Conservative and Unstable Society of Taiz State, Yemen: A Survey Study

Author: Fahd Mohammed Saleh Al-Duais, Published Year: 2023

Sustainability, 15(20), 14919

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Typically, the underrepresentation of female engineers in education, employment, and leadership is a worldwide social issue. The present study investigates the critical employment challenges and barriers for female engineers in Yemeni’s unstable, conservative, and poor society. The quantitative methodology was based on two constructed questionnaires targeting female engineering graduates from 2012 to 2021 at Taiz University and executive HR managers. The results indicated that the ongoing civil war, employability attributes, personal attitudes, low wages, the conservative society, and marriage–family beliefs are the most apparent barriers to female engineers’ employment in Yemen. Nearly 40% of female engineers are frustrated with not having a job, almost the same percentage stopped seeking a job, and about two-thirds did not register with government employment offices. This study prompts engineering colleges to frequently update their programs to cope with rapid developments and to include employability courses in their curricula. Furthermore, this study advises female engineers to consult experts before enrolling in engineering programs and to practice training and employability skills immediately after graduation. We want to encourage such social studies in Yemen that are concerned with female issues to underpin their participation in society and to make use of unutilized resources.

Keywords: women engineers; gender discrimination; engineering profession; employability skills; workforce

Research Title: Challenges to Female Engineers’ Employment in the Conservative and Unstable Society of Taiz State, Yemen: A Survey Study

Author: Fahd Mohammed Saleh Al-Duais, Published Year: 2023

Sustainability, 15(20), 14919

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Typically, the underrepresentation of female engineers in education, employment, and leadership is a worldwide social issue. The present study investigates the critical employment challenges and barriers for female engineers in Yemeni’s unstable, conservative, and poor society. The quantitative methodology was based on two constructed questionnaires targeting female engineering graduates from 2012 to 2021 at Taiz University and executive HR managers. The results indicated that the ongoing civil war, employability attributes, personal attitudes, low wages, the conservative society, and marriage–family beliefs are the most apparent barriers to female engineers’ employment in Yemen. Nearly 40% of female engineers are frustrated with not having a job, almost the same percentage stopped seeking a job, and about two-thirds did not register with government employment offices. This study prompts engineering colleges to frequently update their programs to cope with rapid developments and to include employability courses in their curricula. Furthermore, this study advises female engineers to consult experts before enrolling in engineering programs and to practice training and employability skills immediately after graduation. We want to encourage such social studies in Yemen that are concerned with female issues to underpin their participation in society and to make use of unutilized resources.

Keywords: women engineers; gender discrimination; engineering profession; employability skills; workforce

Research Title: Development of a Novel, Ecologically Friendly Generation of pH-Responsive Alginate Nanosensors: Synthesis, Calibration, and Characterisation

Author: Mohammad Bayan, Published Year: 2023

Sensors, 23

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Measurement of the intracellular pH is particularly crucial for the detection of numerous diseases, such as carcinomas, that are characterised by a low intracellular pH. Therefore, pH-responsive nanosensors have been developed by many researchers due to their ability to non-invasively detect minor changes in the pH of many biological systems without causing significant biological damage. However, the existing pH-sensitive nanosensors, such as the polyacrylamide, silica, and quantum dots-based nanosensors, require large quantities of organic solvents that could cause detrimental damage to the ecosystem. As a result, this research is aimed at developing a new generation of pH-responsive nanosensors comprising alginate natural polymers and pH-sensitive fluorophores using an organic, solvent-free, and ecologically friendly method. Herein, we successfully synthesised different models of pH-responsive alginate nanoparticles by varying the method of fluorophore conjugation. The synthesised pH nanosensors demonstrated a low MHD with a relatively acceptable PDI when using the lowest concentration of the cross-linker Ca+2 (1.25 mM). All the pH nanosensors showed negative zeta potential values, attributed to the free carboxylate groups surrounding the nanoparticles’ surfaces, which support the colloidal stability of the nanosensors. The synthesised models of pH nanosensors displayed a high pH-responsiveness with various correlations between the pH measurements and the nanosensors’ fluorescence signal. In summation, pH-responsive alginate nanosensors produced using organic, solvent-free, green technology could be harnessed as potential diagnostics for the intracellular and extracellular pH measurements of various biological systems.

Keywords: pH nanosensors; ecologically friendly; MHDs; PDI; fluorophore conjugation; fluorescence intensity

Research Title: Maxillofacial prosthetics and digital technologies: Cross-sectional study of healthcare service provision, patient attitudes, and opinions

Author: Heba Mohammad Ahmad Hatamlah, Published Year: 2023

Journal of Prosthodontics, Volume 32

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Purpose: Digital technologies are continuously improving the accuracy and quality of maxillofacial prosthetics, but their impact on patients remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the impact of facial prosthetics service provision, patients' perception, and digital technology on prostheses construction. Materials and methods: All patients who presented for evaluation and management of facial defects between January 2021 and December 2021 at the ENT clinic were eligible for study enrollment. Patients requiring prosthetic reconstruction of their missing facial parts were included in the study. Forty-five questionnaires were delivered, inquiring about the patients' prosthetic demographics, prosthesis manufacture using 3D technologies, and their perceptions and attitudes. Results: A total of 37 patients responded (29 males, eight females; mean age 20.50 years). The congenital cause was the highest among other causes (p = 0.001) with auricular defects being the highest (p = 0.001). A total of 38 prostheses were constructed and 17 prostheses were retained by 36 craniofacial implants (p = 0.014). The auricular and orbital implants success rates were 97% and 25%, respectively. The implant locations were digitally planned pre-operatively. Digital 3D technologies of defect capture, data designing, and 3D modeling were used and perceived as helpful and comfortable (p = 0.001). Patients perceived their prosthesis as easy to handle, suited them, and they felt confident with it (p = 0.001). They wore it for more than 12 h daily (p = 0.001). They were not worried that it would be noticed, and found it comfortable and stable during various activities (p = 0.001). Implant-retained prosthesis patients were more satisfied with it, and found it easy to handle and stable (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Congenital defects are the main cause of facial defects in the study country. The overall acceptance of maxillofacial prostheses was good, showing high patient perception and satisfaction. Ocular and implant-retained silicone prostheses are better handled, more stable, and the latter is more satisfying than traditional adhesive prostheses. Digital technologies save time and effort invested in manufacturing facial prostheses.

Keywords: computer-aided design; congenital microtia; ear deformities; implantation; maxillofacial prosthesis; prostheses and implants; prosthesis design; silicones; spectrophotometry; surveys and questionnaires; treatment outcome.

Research Title: Transformational leadership impact on innovative behaviour as perceived by healthcare workers in private hospitals in Jordan

Author: Atef Al-Raoush, Published Year: 2023

Cogent Business & Management, Volume 10 Issue 3

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Because of globalization and the ever-changing nature of businesses, particularly healthcare organizations, leaders need to determine the most effective method for bringing change that will help the organization achieve its objectives. Understanding how to encourage followers to reach organizational goals through leadership techniques adequately has become a concern for the healthcare business. Consequently, the significance of transformational leadership can be observed in bringing about that type of change in any business and understanding how to motivate followers to reach corporate goals effectively. As a result, the main objective of this study is to determine the influence of transformational leadership on healthcare workers' innovative behavior in Jordan's private hospitals as perceived by healthcare workers. This research employs a cross-sectional study design involving a quantitative method of data collection. In total, 412 healthcare workers from Jordanian private hospitals were included in the sample. Using simple linear regression analysis, the research findings revealed a significant transformational leadership impact on healthcare workers' innovative behavior; the findings highlight the importance of hospital leaders adopting a transformational leadership style, which is crucial for motivating healthcare employees to engage in innovative behavior, In addition, Hospital leaders should focus on fostering a workplace that encourages innovation, motivates staff to gain new knowledge and skills and gives them chances to transfer their knowledge and skills into practice.

Keywords: Transformational leadership; Leadership style; Innovative behavior; Private hospitals; Healthcare; Jordan.

Research Title: دعوى عدم نفاذ التصرف وفقًا لأحكام قانون الإعسار الأردني

Author: Noor Saleh Al-Zyoud, Published Year: 2020

مجلة کلية الشريعة والقانون بتفهنا الأشراف-دقهلية, 22-5

Faculty: Law

Abstract: تعد دعوى عدم نفاذ التصرف التي نظم أحکامها قانون الإعسار الجديد ثورة على مفهوم البطلان الذي ظل سائداً ومعمولاً به حتى عهد قريب فقد عرف قانون التجارة البطلان الجوازي والبطلان الوجوبي وحدد فترة الريبة، إلا أن قانون الإعسار قد جاء بأحکام جديدة عرفت بعدم نفاذ التصرفات التي يجريها المدين اضراراً بذمة الإعسار مع التفريق ما بين تصرفات المدين من الضارة ضرراً محضاً بذمة الإعسار إلى تلک التي يتوجب اثبات أنها ضارة بذمة الإعسار ليصار إلى الحکم بعدم نفاذها وانتهاء بالتصرفات التي لا تلحق ضرراً بذمة الإعسار والتي تعد نافذة ، وفي حقيقة الأمر إن التصنيف الذي جاء به المشرع في قانون الإعسار يعد تصنيفاً مستساغاً ومنسجماً مع أحکام عدم نفاذ التصرفات والتي توجّه إلى تعطيل التصرف لجهة نفاذه في مواجهة الآخرين دون التطرق إلى أصل التصرف من کونه صحيحاً من عدمه، بخلاف البطلان الذي کان معمولاً به إبان سريان أحکام الإفلاس المنصوص عليها في قانون التجارة حيث أن البطلان حکم بينما عدم النفاذ حالة تلحق التصرف وإن کان صحيحاً وتجعله غير نافذ وهذا ما استخلصه الباحثان من دراسة أحکام عدم نفاذ التصرف في المواد (33-35) من قانون الإعسار رقم (22) لسنة 2018. وتبقى دراستنا في مجال دعوى عدم نفاذ التصرفات في قانون الإعسار دراسة تعتمد على تحليل النصوص واستخراج الأحکام منها في ظل عدم وجود تطبيقات تناولت تصرفات المدين من حيث عدم نفاذها حتى تاريخ إعداد هذه الدراسة، ونأمل أن تجد النتائج التي خرج بها الباحثان صداها لدى المشرع ذلک أن قانون الإعسار يحتاج إلى نظرة جديدة تعالج الاختلالات التي وردت ضمن أحکامه سيما تعارض نصوصه مع الکثير من القواعد الراسخة في التشريع الأردني.

Keywords: قانون الإعسار، دعوى عدم نفاذ التصرف، المدین، الدائن، ذمة الإعسار.