Research Title: Measuring the composition and availability of human resources for health by sex in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2023, and workforce gaps for universal health coverage: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023

Author: Yazan Mohammad Al-Thaher, Published Year: 2026

The Lancet Public Health, 11

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Background Understanding the size, gender composition, and cadre mix of the health workforce and how it has evolved across time and locations can inform policies for planning, recruitment, training, and retention of human resources for health (HRH), and improvement of access to the health-care workforce among populations. Using comparable and standardised data sources, we aim to describe the composition and density of health workers by sex among 20 cadres for 204 countries and territories over 1990–2023 and quantify workforce shortfalls relative to universal health coverage (UHC) attainment. Methods We used 1816 country-years of data from population-based surveys, 82 from censuses, 3888 from administrative sources, and 96 from scientific literature. We harmonised reported occupation in all sources with the International Standard Classification of Occupations 2008. We produced estimates for 20 cadres and the total health workforce disaggregated by sex using spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression, a standardised method in the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors study. Finally, stochastic frontier meta-regression was used to estimate the minimum density of doctors, nurses and midwives, dentists, and pharmacists required to reach a score of 80 out of 100 on the UHC effective coverage index. Findings In 2023, there were 122·1 million (95% uncertainty interval 115·4–130·5) health workers across 20 cadres, an increase of 81·2 million (72·0–90·5) or 198·5% (161·9–245·6) relative to 1990. Of that total, there were 15·1 million (13·1–18·2) doctors, 33·2 million (30·8–36·3) nurses, 2·4 million (2·0–2·9) midwives, and 7·6 million (6·7–8·6) community health workers (CHWs). 68·9% (66·9–70·6) of all health workers in 2023 were female, and female health workers accounted for 71·4% (64·5–77·4) of net HRH workforce growth. Less than half of doctors were female (43·9%, 34·5–53·2) and most nurses (80·7%, 76·2–83·1), midwives (96·0%, 83·9–98·5), and CHWs (89·5%, 83·6–93·7) were female. Substantial differences in HRH density remained into 2023: sub-Saharan Africa had the lowest HRH densities across cadres, with the exception of CHWs, while high-income countries had the highest HRH densities. To reach 80 out of 100 on the UHC index, an additional 7·1 million (6·6–7·5) doctors, 23·9 million (21·8–26·1) nurses and midwives, 1·8 million (1·6–1·9) dentists, and 1·6 million (1·4–1·9) pharmacists are required globally. Interpretation The global health workforce has expanded substantially since 1990, largely due to women entering the formal health workforce. However, this expansion has been uneven across regions and persistent shortfalls remain in doctors, nurses and midwives, dentists, and pharmacists relative to moderate UHC attainment. Addressing these gaps will require expansion of training capacity, retention and remuneration policies for early-career workers, and gender-responsive workforce arrangements.

Keywords: Female; Global Burden of Disease; Global Health; Health Personnel; Health Workforce; Humans; Male; Universal Health Insurance

Research Title: المؤثرات الفكرية في تشكل اللاتاريخانية البوبرية

Author: Amjad Ahmad Alzoubi, Published Year: 2026

المجلة الاردنية للعلوم التطبيقية - سلسلة العلوم الإنسانية, 28

Faculty: Arts

Abstract: بحثت هذه الدراسة في المؤثرات الفكرية والسياقات التي شكلت موقف كارل بوبر المناهض للتتاريخانية، من خلال ربطه بين نقده للحتمية التاريخية وفلسفته في نقده للعقلانية ومعياره المتمثل "قابلية التكذيب". تجادل الدراسة بأن رفض بوبر للتاريخانية لم يكن مجرد فقط موقفا سياسيا بل كان موقفا معرفيا (أبستمولوجيا) مناهضا لليقين والحتمية والأنظمة الشمولية المغلقة. ومن الناحية المنهجية، تعتمد الدراسة على مقاربة تاريخية لتتبع المؤثرات التي شكلت فكر بوبر، بما في ذلك احتكاكه المبكر بالماركسية، وتفاعله مع التحليل النفسي والوضعية المنطقية، واستجابته للنموذج العلمي لأينشتاين، وتأثير الحرب والمنفى والأيدولوجيات الشمولية. كما تبنت الدراسة نهجا تحليليا لفحص العلاقة بين مبدأ القابلية للتكذيب ورفض التنبؤات التاريخية واسعة النطاق. وتظهر الدراسة أن موقف بوبر المناهض للتاريخانية قد نشأ عن تفاعل عوامل معرفية وسياسية وشخصية،وتوضح كذلك أن نقد بوبر للتاريخانية يرتكز على رفضه تحويل الاتجاهات التاريخية الى قوانين ثابتة للتطور التاريخي. وخلصت الدراسة إلى أن إسهام بوبر يكمن في نقل البحث التاريخي من دائرة التنبؤ والحتمية نحو النقد والمراجعة والتفسير المتعدد والهندسة الاجتماعية الجزئية. وتوصي الدراسة بتطبيق هذا المنظور في تدريس التاريخ والعلوم الإنسانية لتعزيز التفكير النقدي والحد من التفسير الأيديولوجي لأحداث الماضي والحاضر .

Keywords: كلمات مفتاحية: الفلسفة النقدية، الحتمية، قابلية للتكذيب، التاريخانية، الوضعية المنطقية.

Research Title: Synthesis of High-Purity Sb Nanopowder Using Fine Sn Powder as a Reducing Agent

Author: Mariam Fathi Qderate, Published Year: 2026

Sci MDPI - Switzerland,

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Antimony (Sb) nanopowder was synthesized using fine Sn powder as a reducing agent. The Sn powder was first produced by the chemical reduction of SnCl2·2H2O using commercial Al foil in acidic medium, yielding approximately 89% of the theoretical Sn yield. The resulting Sn powder exhibited a mean particle size of approximately 93 nm and a mean crystallite size of 57 nm, which promoted rapid reduction during Sb synthesis. Prior to synthesis, the composition of the Al foil was examined using SEM/EDS, confirming an Al-rich matrix containing minor Fe and Si impurities. High-purity Sb nanopowder was synthesized by reducing SbCl3 in acetone at 50 °C under magnetic stirring and ultrasonic agitation, using the produced fine Sn powder as a reducing agent, achieving approximately 97% of the theoretical yield. SEM analysis revealed nearly spherical particles of black Sb nanoscale powder with the most frequent size falling within the 20–40 nm range and a mean particle size of approximately 32 nm. XRD analysis confirmed a trigonal Sb structure with a mean crystallite size of around 23 nm. For comparison, pellets prepared from synthesized Sb nanopowder and commercial Sb powder were compacted and sintered under identical conditions. Vickers microhardness measurements showed that the hardness of the sintered Sb nanopowder pellet was approximately 62% higher than that of the commercial Sb pellet. In addition, UV-Vis-NIR reflectance measurements (240–840 nm) demonstrated that the reflectance of the Sb nanopowder pellet was approximately three times higher than that of the commercial Sb pellet. These results demonstrate that fine Sn powder can serve as an efficient reducing agent for the synthesis of high-purity Sb nanopowder with enhanced mechanical and optical properties.

Keywords: Sb nanopowder; Sn powder; chemical reduction; powder metallurgy; optical reflectance

Research Title: Future-Proofing Electric Vehicles Charging Management With Cyber Resilience

Author: AHMAD MOHAMMAD SALEH KHASAWNEH, Published Year: 2026

IET Intelligent Transport Systems, 20

Faculty: Information Technology

Abstract: The market penetration of electric vehicles (EV) has increased globally due to their proven efficiency, sustainability and government support. EV adoption has accelerated the demand for accessible and reliable EV charging infrastructure. Existing literature highlights the increasing demand for EV and emphasises the critical importance of securing EV charging infrastructure. However, there is a lack of security measures in place for analysing, detecting and mitigating cyber-attacks on EV charging infrastructure. In this context, this paper explores the security aspects of an EV charging management and security (EVCMS) framework. The paper examines the impact of denial of service (DoS) attacks on EVCMS services, focusing on Slow DoS attacks and their mitigation. Employing the SlowHTTPtest tool for generating attack traffic and Wireshark for in-depth analysis, we have explored four types of Slow DoS attacks targeting HTTPS applications within the EVCMS framework. The packet traffic pattern was scrutinised with a focus on packet window size and delta time to detect signs of Slow DoS attacks. Subsequently, a mitigation strategy is proposed involving the implementation of custom detection rules in Suricata. These rules are intended to trigger alerts upon detecting DoS attacks in the EVCMS framework. The performance evaluation demonstrates that the proposed detection and mitigation strategy is capable of blocking the attacker's IP address and directing it to iptables for further action. This strategy enhances the EVCMS framework's resilience against such cyber attacks, ensuring reliable and secure EV charging services to users. The novelty of this work lies in correlating network-layer metrics (window size and delta time) to detect Slow DoS attack patterns and applying a Suricata–iptables synergy tailored specifically for EVCMS contexts.

Keywords: EV; Cybersecurity; Management; DoS Attack

Research Title: Gluteus Maximus Strengthening for Low Back Pain in Desk-Job Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Author: Atef Mohamed Atef Doweir, Published Year: 2026

SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine , volume 8

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Abstract Background Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a major cause of disability among desk-job workers. This study evaluated the impact of a specific gluteus maximus (GM) strengthening program on pain, range of motion, and back endurance in this population. Methods This randomized controlled trial included 40 subjects (20 males, 20 females; aged 30–40 years) stratified into two equal groups. Group A (n = 20) received conventional physical therapy (CPT), whereas Group B (n = 20) received CPT plus a GM strengthening program. Outcomes included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Lumbar Flexion/Extension Range of Motion (ROM), modified Schober’s test, and Biering-Sorensen Test. Measurements were recorded at the initial point and after 4 weeks. Results Both groups improved significantly in all outcomes post-treatment (P < 0.0001). Group B achieved significantly greater improvements than Group A in lumbar flexion ROM (44.25 ± 4.89 vs. 38.30 ± 6.65 degrees; P < 0.01), extension ROM (12.95 ± 1.76 vs. 9.10 ± 1.80 degrees; P < 0.0001), back muscle endurance (157.10 ± 3.27 vs. 85.00 ± 3.93 s; P < 0.0001), and spinal mobility (5.53 ± 0.27 vs. 3.57 ± 0.17 cm; P < 0.0001). Pain intensity also decreased more in Group B (VAS: 6.55 to 1.15) than in Group A (6.20 to 4.05; P < 0.0001). Conclusions Preliminary findings indicate that incorporating targeted GM strengthening into conventional physical therapy may enhance pain, range of motion, and back-muscle endurance in desk-job workers with CLBP, and necessitate verification in larger trials. Trial registration: NCT07598812, retrospectively registered.

Keywords: Gluteus maximus · Low back pain · Exercise therapy · Desk-job workers · Randomized controlled trial

Research Title: Digital Content Marketing, Consumer Trust, and Digital Engagement on Social Commerce Platforms: Effects on Brand Attitude in Iraq’s Hospitality Sector

Author: Muneer Mujalli Abdel-Muti AlRwashdeh, Published Year: 2026

,

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Digital Content Marketing (DCM) has become a key tool for brands to influence Brand Attitude on social commerce platforms, but its impact on consumer perception remains poorly understood in the emerging market context of the hospitality industry. Based on the theory of Uses and Gratifications (U&G), this study aims to explore the direct and indirect impact of DCM on Brand Attitude, with Consumer Trust and Digital Engagement playing mediating roles among social commerce consumers in Iraq. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, with 386 respondents obtained using the social media distribution of a self-administered online questionnaire. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used in Smart PLS 4.0 to analyse the proposed model. All eight hypotheses were supported. Consumer Trust (β = 0.487) and Digital Engagement (β = 0.361) were both positively influenced by DCM, and both mediators had significant positive effects on Brand Attitude (β = 0.394 and β = 0.286, respectively). The total indirect effect of DCM on Brand Attitude (β = 0.351) was significantly larger than the direct effect (β = 0.187), supporting the strength of mediated effects. Serial mediation through Trust and then Engagement was also confirmed. These findings extend the application of U&G theory within an Iraqi social commerce context and offer evidence-based implications for hospitality brands designing content strategies on digital platforms. The findings are only applicable within the context of Iraq and the non-probability sample studied.

Keywords: digital content marketing; brand attitude; consumer trust; digital engagement; social commerce; uses and gratifications theory; PLS-SEM; Iraq; emerging market; travel and hospitality

Research Title: Comparison of optimal switching angle patterns using the asymmetric selective harmonic current and voltage modulation technique for a single-phase cascaded H-bridge converter

Author: Firas Abdullah Obeidat, Published Year: 2026

International Journal of Advanced Technology and Engineering Exploration, 13

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: Different switching angle patterns are used in multi-level converters such as quarter-wave symmetry about 90o, half-wave symmetry about 180o and full-wave symmetry about 360o. This paper addresses the use of optimal switching angle patterns, optimal modulation index, and optimal filter value for single-phase seven levels cascaded H-bridge (CHB) converter based on the asymmetric selective harmonic current and voltage modulation-PWM (ASHCVM-PWM) technique. Grey wolf optimization (GWO) technique is used to find the optimal angles, optimal modulation index, and optimal filter value. The system is simulated using MATLAB R2022b software using the obtained optimal values to obtain the harmonic values, total harmonic distortion (THD) of voltage waveforms, and total demand distortion (TDD) of current waveforms, and consequently evaluate the performance of the system. The results show that all switching patterns meet the IEEE 519 standard, and the system achieves the lowest THD and TDD when half-wave symmetry is employed whereas the worst results are obtained when full-wave symmetry is employed.

Keywords: Cascaded H-bridge converter, Grey wolf optimization, Multilevel converter, Pulse width modulation, Selective harmonic elimination, Total harmonic distortion.

Research Title: أنور عبد الملك من المصرية إلى العالمية: دراسة في المؤثرات الفكرية وأثرها في نتاجه العلمي

Author: Amjad Ahmad Alzoubi, Published Year: 2026

مجلة الفكر المتوسطي , مج 15، ع 30

Faculty: Arts

Abstract: عدّ المفكر المصري أنور عبد الملك علامة فارقة ليس فقط على مستوى الوطن العربي بل على المستوى العالمي، وتأطرت تجربته النضالية والحياتية في مشروع فكري أفنى حياته فيه؛ مشروع حضاريّ بشر وتنبأ من خلاله ببزوغ نظام دولي جديد، يلعب فيه الهامش دورا مميزا "الشرق" الذي بدأت ملامحه تظهر في الثلث الأول مطلع القرن الواحد والعشرين. حاولت هذه الدراسة تفصيل المؤثرات الفكرية التي أنتجت منظّرا في مسيرة الحضارة وبنائها، مفككا مزاعم تفوق الغرب مقدّماً نماذج تقاطعت مع خلفيته الماركسية. فتجربة أنور النضالية أفرزت روح المغامر الذي خاض البحر المتوسط ليؤكد اسمه في القائمة الأولى في علم الاجتماع السياسي؛ ليبثّ عبر نتاجه العلمي مشروعه الذي نظّرَ له عبر كتاباته الغزيرة. اتبعت الدراسة المنهج التاريخي بالعودة إلى المصادر الأولية سواء ما كتبه أنور أو ما كتبه معاصروه في بنية متسلسلة زمنيا وموضوعيا. بافتراض أساسي أن أنور انتقل من المصرية إلى العالمية، وأن تجربته ومسير حياته انعكس في نتاجه الفكري.

Keywords: أنور عبد الملك، الدوائر الحضارية، الحزب الشيوعي المصري، النهضة، فائض القيمة التاريخي.

Research Title: The German Penetration into the Ottoman Empire through Orientalism 1898-1908: A Study of the Transformation of Structure and Discourse.

Author: Amjad Ahmad Alzoubi, Published Year: 2026

Dirasat: Human and Social Sciences journal , 53, No. 11 (2026)

Faculty: Arts

Abstract: The end of the nineteenth century in Germany witnessed major shifts in terms of domestic and foreign policy, and it seemed clear that the general principles drawn by Bismarck after the achievement of German unity in 1871 was abandoned. This brought a transformation from the policy of reservation and preservation of European balances to the stage of rushing towards the East, which was embodied in the policy of the young German Kaiser by building a “colonial empire", and German Orientalism was one of these tools. A move which derived the mission of these transformations, so that German Oriental Studies acquired a new dimension and a great development in terms of goals, means and tools, and this was by moving Orientalism from knowledge, theology, exoticism and science to the stage of direct employment in politics, economics and culture. With the beginning of the twentieth century, German projects grew within the Ottoman Empire, which went hand in hand with the growth and consolidation of German Orientalist institutions, whether they were independent institutions or affiliated with universities. At the same time, events accelerated on the internal level in the Ottoman Empire, especially regarding Sultan Abdul Hamid’s desire to renew his legitimacy in power by adopting the Islamic League and by declaring himself as the protector of Muslims and their caliph. This also coincided with the visit of the German Emperor to the Ottoman Empire, where it became clear that the Emperor's determination was to penetrate the Ottoman Empire, and the slogan of the German Empire became the strengthening of the Ottoman Empire to resist European projects, especially with the policy of European alliances and blocs.

Keywords: Orientalism, Colonialism, the Islamic League, Penetration, German -Ottoman History.

Research Title: Evaluating the Interplay of Macroeconomic Indicators and the Amman Stock Exchange: Implications for Contemporary Investment Strategies

Author: Izzeddien Naef Ananzeh, Published Year: 2026

Faculty: Business

Abstract: This research aims to examine the dynamic interrelationships among pivotal Jordanian macroeconomic indicators, including GDP, CPI, IPI, M2, Worker Remittances (WRMIT), and Amman Stock Exchange Index (ASEI) over the period spanning from 2012 to 2022. The study employs many statistical methodologies, including the Johansen co-integration test, ARDL approach, the Error Correction Model (ECM), and the Granger causality test. The findings of this study robustly affirm the existence of both long-term and short-term relationships between the ASE and the macroeconomic variables. Specifically, the research substantiates a sustained long-term equilibrium association between ASEI and GDP, CPI, M2, IPI, and WRMIT. Furthermore, it identifies a long-term causality running from these economic indicators to the Amman Stock Exchange, as well as a short-term causality from CPI, GDP, and WRMIT to the ASE. These results raise questions about the ASE's operational efficiency, and investors should incorporate prevailing macroeconomic variables into the investment decision process

Keywords: Amman Stock Exchange; Macroeconomic Variables; Cointegration Test; ARDL approach; Granger Causality Test