Research Title: The Effect of Contact-Based Interventions on the Attitudes and Behaviors of Nursing Students towards People with Mental Illness: A Literature Review

Author: Mohammad Abdel Qaedr Al-Maani, Published Year: 2020

Open Journal of Nursing, 10

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background: Student nurses and other healthcare students are the future mental health professionals and have the potential for changing the future of mental healthcare. Therefore, their negative attitudes and behaviors should be screened and corrected by effective anti-stigma interventions. Otherwise, they would likely withhold some health services and practice coercive treatments once planning care to people with mental illness. However, little is known on effective approaches to correct these negative attitudes and behaviors, despite the previous reviews that have shown that contact-based interventions have demonstrated positive attitudinal and behavioral changes for nursing students towards people with mental illness. Aim: The aim of this literature review was to compile the available research evidence on contact-based interventions that have targeted the attitudes and behaviors of nursing students towards people with mental illness. Methods: The relevant literature was extracted by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) and by hand checking reference lists of past similar reviews. Results: Eleven studies were retrieved and included in this review. The included studies in this review either have employed social contact interventions, video- based social contact interventions, or both types for the aim of combining or comparing. Furthermore, the included studies either have targeted the attitudes of nursing students towards people with mental illness (including prejudice), or a combination of attitudinal and behavioral outcomes (including behavioral intentions and social distance). No studies have targeted behavioral outcomes solely. Conclusions: From the available literature, the current authors cannot draw conclusions on the most effective type, form, or in-gredients of contact-based interventions among nursing students, as previous literature has large variations. No consistency was found in the previous studies regarding the types or contents of effective contact-based interventions. The compiled evidence in this review, has suggested that contact-based interventions (both social contact and video-based social contact) have been effective in changing the attitudes and behaviors of nursing students favorably, similarly to what previous reviews have found.

Keywords: Contact-Based Interventions, Attitudes, Behaviors, Nursing Students, Mental Illness

Research Title: Integrating evidence-based interventions in clinical settings in Jordan: a policy brief.

Author: Mohammad Abdel Qaedr Al-Maani, Published Year: 2021

F1000Research, 10

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background: Evidence-based nursing practice (EBNP) is considered a major and very important global paradigm shift. Unfortunately, most healthcare providers and researchers embrace the concept of evidence-based practice (EBP) without integrating this concept in clinical settings. The current situation of EBP and new practice guidelines utilization in Jordan are scarce. This policy brief aimed to discusses the process of utilizing nursing EBP in clinical settings in Jordan. Methods: The authors adopted an action plan utilizing a systematic approach to develop and implement specific strategies and policies to integrate EBP in clinical settings in Jordanian hospitals. We present an experience of one country in terms of introducing a policy brief to establish an EBP policy accompanied by developing an EBP unit in the hospital's country. Results: A comprehensive description of this policy is provided with reference to the eminent steps of policy analysis and evaluation. In fact, EBP policies and clinical practice guidelines should keep a live document and revise regularly or as needed. Overall, the authors suggest the development of a unit for EBP to deal with issues related to clinical practice guidelines. Conclusions: Expected outcomes for the introduction of the EBP unit and its policy include increase research utilization and accelerated adoption of new evidence, increase the quality of care provided, increase patient, staff, and managers satisfaction, and decrease staff workload by reducing complications associated with medical errors and outdated interventions.

Keywords: Policy Brief, EBP, Nursing, Healthcare Professionals, Clinical Practice Guidelines, Jordan.

Research Title: The Effect of Contact-Based Intervention on the Attitudes and Intended Behaviors of Nursing Students in Jordan toward People with Mental Illness: A Quasi-Experimental study.

Author: Mohammad Abdel Qaedr Al-Maani, Published Year: 2022

Health Science Reports, 5

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background and Aim: Although nursing students are professionally and ethically trained and educated to respect patients with a variety of medical and mental problems, they continue to exhibit negative attitudes and behaviors toward mental disease and patients with mental illness. The accumulated evidence indicates that contact‐based intervention (CBI) is helpful in enhancing nursing students' attitudes and behaviors toward patients with mental illness. Although evidence found to support the CBI, culture and settings might play a significant role to decide its effectiveness. This would call for testing further the effectiveness of CBI across cultures and healthcare settings. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a CBI on the attitudes and intended behaviors of nursing students in Jordan toward people with mental illness. Methods: A quasi‐experimental, pre–post, design was used. Data were collected from 81 nursing students from two nursing schools implementing the CBI using selfreported questionnaires to measure students' attitudes and intended behaviors toward people with mental illness. Data were collected during the first semester of the academic year 2019/2020. The paired‐samples and independent‐samples t tests were used to test the study's hypotheses. Results: At baseline, the results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of their attitudes and intended behaviors toward people with mental illness. At posttest, statistically significant improvements in the attitudes and intended behaviors of nursing students found in the experimental group and between control and experimental groups toward people with mental illness compared with baseline pretest measures (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The CBI did improve the attitudes and intended behaviors of Jordanian nursing students toward people with mental illness. Significant implications for nurses were discussed.

Keywords: attitudes, behaviors, contact‐based intervention, mental illness, nursing student

Research Title: Clinical Simulation for Psychiatric Nursing Students: A Systematic Review

Author: Mohammad Abdel Qaedr Al-Maani, Published Year: 2022

Azerbaijan Medical Journal, 62

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Clinical simulation is increasingly used in the education and training of healthcare professionals. Such professionals include physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and paramedics. Nurse educators must employ evidence-based practices to ensure high-quality clinical training for nursing students. The purpose of the current review attempted to compile the available research evidence on using and effectiveness of simulation for nursing students. The relevant literature was extracted by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) and hand-checking reference lists of past similar reviews. The search strategy revealed 1544 records. After removing duplicates and screening the titles and content of the abstract, the total number of articles was 19. This article advocates using simulation as a teaching strategy in undergraduate psychiatric nursing education. The review discussed the benefits and ways of enhancing simulation use in the psychiatric nursing specialty.

Keywords: Simulation; Psychiatric Nursing; Nursing Students; Systematic Review

Research Title: Social cognitive elements of mental illness stigma among healthcare professionals currently working in general hospitals: A cross‐sectional study from Jordan

Author: Mohammad Abdel Qaedr Al-Maani, Published Year: 2023

Nursing Open, 10

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Aim: To assess the social cognitive elements of the stigma of mental illness (knowledge, attitudes and behaviours) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Jordan. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive design. Methods: A total of 206 HCPs were conveniently recruited from general hospitals in Jordan. The mental attitude, knowledge and intended behaviours scales were used to measure stigma elements. Results: Participants reported a moderate level of knowledge, a moderate negative attitude and a moderate or not greater interest to deal with people with mental health illnesses. The bivariate correlation revealed a negative significant correlation between HCPs' knowledge and attitude, indicating that HCPs with more knowledge significantly have more positive attitude (lower average score) towards those suffering from the illness. A more significant correlation was found between HCPs' knowledge and behaviour. The HCPs who had more knowledge were holding more interest and willingness towards dealing with persons with mental illness. Patient or Public Contribution: Negative attitudes among HCPs demand awareness programmes pertaining to the stigma of mental illness to afford higher standards of practice for patients with mental problems.

Keywords: general hospital, healthcare professional, Jordan, mental illness, stigma

Research Title: Unveiling the role of exosomes as cellular messengers in neurodegenerative diseases and their potential therapeutic implications

Author: Balakumar Chandrasekarn, Published Year: 2024

Pathology - Research and Practice, 260

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Exosomes are a subgroup of extracellular vesicles that function as transmitters, allowing cells to communicate more effectively with each other. However, exosomes may have both beneficial and harmful impacts on central nervous system disorders. Hence, the fundamental molecular mechanisms of the origin of illness and its progression are currently being investigated. The involvement of exosomes in the origin and propagation of neurodegenerative illness has been demonstrated recently. Exosomes provide a representation of the intracellular environment since they include various essential bioactive chemicals. The latest studies have demonstrated that exosomes transport several proteins. Additionally, these physiological vesicles are important in the regeneration of nervous tissue and the healing of neuronal lesions. They also offer a microenvironment to stimulate the conformational variation of concerning proteins for aggregation, resulting in neurodegenerative diseases. The biosynthesis, composition, and significance of exosomes as extracellular biomarkers in neurodegenerative disorders are discussed in this article, with a particular emphasis on their neuroprotective effects

Keywords: ExosomesBiomarkersNeurodegenerative diseasesExosomal therapeuticsNeuroprotective effects

Research Title: The Flexibility of Placing the Subject in Arabic Sentences: A Study of Syntactic Word Order Restrictions and their Application to Arabic Grammar

Author: Yousef Rababa, Published Year: 2024

International Journal of Arabic-English Studies, 2

Faculty: Arts

Abstract: This research addresses the possibility of placing the subject in a pre-verb position in verbal sentences in Arabic, without necessarily stipulating that if the subject is preposed before the verb, it becomes a topic. In this way, the subject is a non-overt pronoun positioned within or after the verb, because the subject is conventionally acknowledged by grammarians to move freely to various post-verbal positions, but never pre-verbally. The research considers the views and opinions of linguists and grammarians who have dealt with this issue in detail, presenting a discussion of these views to reveal the strict restrictions imposed on the movement of the subject. It is hoped that this will contribute to the facilitation of teaching and learning Arabic grammar. It will also revitalize the discussion of views in Arabic grammatical traditions to try to establish new grammatical principles that contemporary linguists may adopt when reformulating the rules of Arabic grammar. This endeavor may simplify the task of learning rules and contribute to presenting them more flexibly and plausibly.

Keywords: nominal sentence, order, subject, topic, verbal sentence

Research Title: Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) towards Monkeypox among Healthcare Workers in JORDAN: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Author: Audi Naji Khaled Al Smadi, Published Year: 2024

JORDAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 17

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Introduction: The zoonotic features and potential for transmission between animals and humans make the monkeypox (MPX) virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus family, a serious threat. Unfortunately, healthcare staff's lack of knowledge and readiness about MPX has made it harder to implement effective prevention and response plans. Our current understanding of the KAPs (Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices) among Jordanian clinicians could benefit from additional research. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the MPX KAP among 300 healthcare workers (HCWs) in two private hospitals in the Irbid governorate of Jordan. We employed descriptive statistics, such as percentages and frequencies, as well as an independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression (enter method) for data analysis. Results: Although differences existed between demographic groups, the study found that participants had an average level of MPX knowledge proficiency. Out of a total of 300 participants, 196 were female and 104 were male, with 52.7% in the 20–30 age bracket. Compared to their female counterparts, male respondents exhibited higher levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding MPX. Attitudes and practices towards MPX varied by age group and level of education, demonstrating how demographic factors impact these aspects of public health. Additionally, monkeypox attitudes were lower among women, those with a diploma degree, and those aged 31–40. Conclusions: Healthcare staff require adequate training and continuous education to address their lack of knowledge and attitudes regarding MPX protection. Staying updated about new illnesses like MPX is crucial, as the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated. To effectively tackle global health concerns, continuous learning and up-to-date knowledge are essential.

Keywords: Jordan, Hospital, Monkeypox

Research Title: The effect of malnutrition on students' academic performance: Roy’s model application

Author: Mariam Mofleh Kawafha, Published Year: 2024

Nutrition and Food Science, 54

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Purpose This study aims to enhance understanding of malnutrition's effect on academic achievement of primary school students. Design/methodology/approach This is a descriptive, cross-sectional design built on Roy's adaptation model (RAM). This study uses a random cluster sample, consisting of 453 primary school students. Contextual stimuli (mother's educational level, income and child’s breakfast eating) and focal stimuli (wasting, thinness, body mass index and stunting) were examined regarding adaptive responses to student’s academic achievement. Findings The investigation revealed that Model 1, which took into account factors of age, gender, the frequency of breakfast, income, the number of family members and the education of mothers, explained 12% (R2 = 0.12) of the variance in academic achievement. Stuntedness (β = −3.2 and p < 0.01), BMI (β = 0.94 and p < 0.001), family income per month (β = 5.60 and p < 0.001) and mother's education (β = 2.79 and p < 0.001) were the significant predictors in Model 2. Practical implications This study provides evidence that malnutrition is associated with ineffective academic achievement. Moreover, variables such as the mother's level of education, family income and the child’s breakfast consumption have a significant impact on academic achievements. Originality/value RAM is a useful framework for determining factors affecting people's reactions to difficult circumstances.

Keywords: malnutrition's

Research Title: Deep Learning-based Arabic Optical Character Recognition: A New Comprehensive Dataset at Character and Word Levels.

Author: Maram Bani Younes, Published Year: 2024

International Conference on Information and Communication Systems, Jordan

Faculty: Information Technology

Abstract: Optical character recognition (OCR) technology aims mainly to transform printed or handwritten text into machine-readable text. Recently, OCR technology has improved text scanning for various languages. It is widely used for digitizing physical documents, making them searchable and editable digitally. It aids in language learning and boosts business efficiency. However, attempts to apply OCR technology to Arabic texts face several challenges. This is because of the high complexity of its script, the cursive nature of Arabic characters, and contextual variations. Many Arabic OCR mechanisms have been developed in the literature. However, they suffer high error rates and issues of low accuracy. Then, an accurate OCR benefits the visually impaired, making content accessible via text-to-speech and braille displays is required. This work introduces a new dataset, MFSRHRD (Multiple Fonts, Sizes, Resources, High Records Dataset), containing sufficient records to ensure adequate training and correct learning of the model. This dataset gathers two types of words; the first includes words with diacritics, and the second includes words without diacritics. Besides, the new dataset contains images of the words collected from different specialized websites to ensure the diversity of the words and separate character images with and without diacritics. Therefore, the proposed dataset is classified at word and character levels. All these words and letters were drawn in different font styles, sizes, and image quality. The diacritical marks are dhamma, fatha, kasra, shade, and sukun. This work describes the detailed specifications of the proposed dataset intended for the research community.

Keywords: Arabic Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Arabic OCR datasets, Deep learning, MFRSHD, and Neural Networks.