Research Title: Advocacy Brief: understanding the role of nutrition for individuals living with genetic disorders

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2024

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Nutritionally-managed genetic disorders encompass a wide range of conditions in which dietary interventions play a critical role in managing or mitigating the effects of genetic abnormalities. These disorders range from inborn errors of metabolism, such as glutaric acidaemia, to inherited metabolic diseases and congenital disorders of glycosylation. They often involve autosomal genes and are typically inherited, being passed from one generation to the next. The acute symptoms of genetic disorders, such as intoxication, closely resemble those of other conditions like infections, birth traumas, respiratory issues, cardiac disorders, and endocrine problems, often leading to frequent misdiagnosis and severe outcomes, including death. Key organs affected include the liver, brain, heart, muscles and kidneys, which play critical roles in metabolism and energy regulation. Clinical symptoms, which often relate to the type and toxicity of accumulated metabolites or the absence of essential products, include poor feeding reflexes, vomiting, dehydration, abnormal muscle tone, seizures, neurological impairment, coma and even mortality. Proper management of genetic disorders involves adequate newborn screening, nutritional assessment, nutritional diagnosis, nutritional intervention and consequently nutritional monitoring and evaluation. This guide sheds light on the different categories of genetic disorders (urea cycle disorders (UCDs), organic acidaemias, carbohydrate disorders, amino-acid disorders and fatty acid-oxidation disorders), as well as their main characteristics, biochemical features and clinical symptoms, complications and medical nutrition therapy and management guidelines. The medical nutrition therapy of genetic disorders aims to address the deficiency or inactivity of enzymes by (1) limiting the amount of available substrate; (2) providing more of the end product; (3) supplementing additional enzymatic cofactors; (4) promoting the elimination of toxic metabolites; (5) relying on a combination of these approaches; (6) maintaining appropriate blood levels of pertinent indicators; (7) providing adequate energy and nutrients; (8) ensuring proper growth and development; and (9) treating infections and managing seizures if needed. This document is intended to serve as a resource for policy makers, physicians, healthcare practitioners, parents, family members and caregivers. It also emphasizes the need to have a comprehensive referral system and multidisciplinary care teams to better enhance the management of genetic disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean region. This is not a World Health Organization (WHO) guideline but an updated review of various organizations guidelines in various countries as a desk review of the topic. A preliminary advocacy brief was prepared at the WHO Regional Office and circulated to the various experts from different countries for their feedback and consensus on the contents.

Keywords: nutrition , genetic disorders

Research Title: Effect of Additions of Humic and Fulvic Acids on Soil Properties and Germination Percentage of Cucurbit Plants (Zucchini and Cucumber)

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2024

Nature Environment and Pollution Technology An International Quarterly Scientific Journal, 23

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: This research was conducted to study the effect of adding humic and fulvic acids to the irrigation water on soil properties and germination percentage of two cucurbit plants: zucchini and cucumber. The study was conducted in an open field in Sokhna District in the governorate of Zarqa (Jordan). The field soil was transported to calcareous sandy soil. In the beginning, the weeds and stones were removed, and the land was smoothed and plowed. Effort was made to control weeds and insects at all stages of plant growth. Then, an irrigation network was installed. The fulvic acid-humic acid (FA-HA) biostimulant mixture was incorporated with the irrigation water, and irrigation was practiced three days per week for four weeks. During this period, every irrigation round lasted for two to three hours. A mixture of humic acid (8.0%) and fulvic acid (8.0%) was added to the irrigation water. Three treatments were considered, corresponding to three acid mixture concentrations: 0.50 mL.L-1, 1.00 mL.L-1, and 1.50 mL.L-1. The acid mixtures were added continuously at all stages of plant growth until plant maturity and harvest. Four replicates of the experiment were made. The plant growth variables of interest were germination percentage, number of leaves, date of fruition, size of fruit, and overall mass of fruits. Meanwhile, the soil parameters of interest were soil pH and soil salinity (electric conductivity (EC)) before and after adding the FA-HA mixture. The study found that the 0.5 mL.L-1 acid mixture treatment led to the early growth of the zucchini plant seeds and that fruition took place 12 days after planting. In addition, the results showed an increase in plant germination under the 0.5 mL.L-1 acid mixture treatment in light of the increase in the number of male and female plant flowers, with fruiting taking place on time. In conclusion, the relationship between zucchini growth and yield with FA-HA mixture concentration is non-linear. It is also concluded that the optimum acid mixture concentration and application rate are crop-specific. Hence, for each crop, the most appropriate acid mixture concentration should be determined first before the broad-scale application of amendments to the soil to ensure the contribution of this environmentally friendly practice to sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: Humic and Fulvic Acids, Soil, Germination, Cucurbit Plants , Zucchini, Cucumber

Research Title: Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antidiabetic Activities of Different Extracts from Wild Olive Leaves Grown in United Arab Emirates

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2025

processes, 13

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Olive leaves (Olea europaea L.) are a source of natural bioactive compounds with various health benefits and are often considered agricultural waste. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activities of an infused aqueous extract and ultrasonic-assisted extracts (aqueous, methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane) from wild olive leaves grown in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aqueous-infused extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC; 91.9 mg GAE/g extract), the highest reducing power activity, the lowest IC50 value for diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition (97.3% and 81.1 μg/mL, respectively), and the highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities (77.1% and 83.3%, respectively). Meanwhile, the ultrasonic-assisted methanolic extract exhibited the highest total flavonoid content (31.2 mg RE/g extract) and significant α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities (61.8% and 77.2%, respectively). The antimicrobial activity of wild olive leaf extracts (WOLEs) at concentrations of 1, 2.5, and 5 mg, tested using the disc diffusion method against Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacterial strains, was weak or ineffective at the studied concentrations. The study concluded that WOLEs are high in total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, suggesting the potential use of WOLE in folk medicine.

Keywords: DPPH; phenolic compounds; flavonoids; antioxidant; antidiabetic activity; wild olive leaf extract

Research Title: Antioxidant, Physiochemical, and Sensory Properties of Functional Marshmallow Produced from Honey, Strawberry Concentrates, and Hibiscus Extract

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2025

Foods, 14

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Marshmallow candy is a well-known sugar-based confection that is widely consumed among different population groups. However, its high sugar contents and low nutritive value might lead to adverse health outcomes. This study, therefore, aimed to develop optimal formulations for functional marshmallow candy using honey, aqueous hibiscus extract, cow’s milk, and strawberry concentrates with partial replacement of table sugar and glucose syrup. In this regard, six different formulations (F1–F6) were developed, varying in the ratios of key ingredients, such as F1 formulated with honey (9%), sucrose (35%), glucose syrup (33%), milk (4%), and hibiscus extract (1%); F2 containing honey (10%), sucrose (30%), glucose syrup (25%), milk (4%), hibiscus extract (1%), and strawberry concentrate (13%); F3 with honey (15%), sucrose (25%), glucose syrup (20%), milk (4%), hibiscus extract (1%), and strawberry concentrate (16%); F4 formulated with honey (20%), sucrose (20%), glucose syrup (15%), milk (4%), hibiscus extract (1%), and strawberry concentrate (24%); F5 containing honey (30%), sucrose (20%), glucose syrup (5%), milk (4%), hibiscus extract (1%), and strawberry concentrate (24%); and F6 developed with honey (10%), sucrose (30%), glucose syrup (25%), and strawberry concentrate (16%) without milk or Hibiscus extract. These formulations were evaluated for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and textural and sensory characteristics. The results show that all formulations containing functional ingredients had significantly higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with stronger antioxidant activities in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control. Among the formulations, F5 exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoids contents (89.8 mg GAE/100 g and 1.62 mg RE/100 g, respectively) and reducing power activity (197.8% equivalent to 30 μg vitamin C). Additionally, F3 and F4 showed the strongest DPPH scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 8.0 and 5.1 mg/mL, respectively. In terms of texture, the hardness of all formulations was comparable to the control, except for F1 and F6. The results for sensory analysis show that all modified marshmallows received higher consumer acceptance in overall liking, appearance, softness, elasticity, lightness, and flavor compared to the control. Overall, this study shows that the use of functional ingredients significantly enhanced the total phenolic and flavonoid content and improved antioxidant activities in marshmallow production. This functional candy can provide nutrient-rich health-promoting ingredients for consumers.

Keywords: DPPH; flavonoid; phenolic content; reducing power; texture analysis;marshmallow

Research Title: Development of Functional Jelly Gums Using Blueberry Concentrate and Honey: Physicochemical and Sensory Analysis

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2025

Processes, 13

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: The production of functional candies has garnered significant attention due to the growing consumer demand for healthier confectionery options. This study investigates the production of functional jelly gum by replacing table sugar and glucose syrup with honey and blueberry concentrate. Various formulations were developed and tested for phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, textural properties, and consumer acceptance. Results showed that the addition of functional ingredients increased the phenolic and flavonoid content compared to the control. The modified jelly gums exhibited strong antioxidant activities, as evidenced by the DPPH assay, with significant differences (p < 0.05) from the control. The DPPH radical scavenging activity correlated strongly with phenolic content (R2 = 0.88) and flavonoid content (R2 = 0.89). Reducing power ranged from 32.31% to 78.45%, with the T5 sample (containing 30 g honey and 60 g blueberry concentrate) showing the highest activity. The reducing power of all treatments correlated significantly with flavonoid content (R2 = 0.75) and phenolic content (R2 = 0.83). Sensory analysis revealed that the T4 sample (containing 30 g of honey and 30 g of blueberry concentrate) was the most favorably received by consumers. These findings highlight the potential of using natural ingredients to develop healthier confectionery products that meet consumer demand for confectionery that is both nutritious and appealing.

Keywords: functional jelly gums; phenolics; flavonoids; blueberry concentrate; antioxidant activity; textural analysis

Research Title: Household food insecurity and nutritional status of pre-school children following relaxation of corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) restrictions

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2025

Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 66

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Background & Aims: Studies found a high prevalence of household food insecurity (HFI) and malnutrition and an association between them during the movement restriction period of the corona virus disease-2019 (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 HFI 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. Methods: 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 HFI 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 for height (WHZ), height for age z-score (HAZ), weight for age z-score (WAZ) and body mass index (BMI)-for-age z-score. Results: The results of analysis pointed out that prevalence of food security 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 HFI had negative correlations with WHZ (r=0.272, p=0.000), WAZ (r=0.193, p=0.000) and BMI-for-age z-score (r=0.263, p=0.000) and a positive correlation with HAZ (r=0.041, p=0.00). Conclusions: The study reports high prevalence of HFI 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 COVID-19 crisis on the financial statuses of households.

Keywords: Food Insecurity, COVID-19, Nutritional Status, Child, Preschool, Cross-Sectional Studies, Jordan

Research Title: Machine learning-assisted prediction of associated risk factors for depression, anxiety and stress among nursing students

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2025

Cuest.fisioter., 54 (2)

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: During their time as students, nursing students are exposed to numerous stressors that result in physical and mental health issues and poor academic performance. Using the machine learning method, this article investigates the depression, anxiety, and stress among Malaysian university nursing students. The subjects were assured of the secrecy and anonymity of the data collected. Multiple logistic regression and scale 21 was used to identify significant relationships between variables. The sample comprised 83.90 percent female and 16.09 percent male students. The proposed system achieves 80.3% Sensitivity, 80.5% Specificity, 89.8?curacy, 89.8% Precision, and 73.23 JSC (Jaccard Similarity coefficient). Therefore, the proposed system's final average CR (Classification Rate) is approximately 89.6%. In this article, the k-fold cross-validation method is utilized to cross-validate the experimental results of the proposed method. According to various university-level surveys, depression, anxiety, and stress affect 47.8 percent, 66.34 percent, and 36.54 percent of students. According to the findings of this study, respondents have a high prevalence of Sp, Se, Acc, Pre, and JSC, was achieved using machine learning method.

Keywords: Prevalence; depression; anxiety; stress; university students; machine learning methods

Research Title: The effect of an emotional support training program on weight self-stigma and body image among women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2025

Nutrition & Food Science, 55 (2)

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to investigate the impact of an emotional support training program on weight selfstigma and body image among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design/methodology/approach – A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 200 women diagnosed with PCOS employing a pretest-posttest design. The experimental group, consisting of 100 women, participated in an emotional support training program and received an informational booklet, while the control group (100 women) received only the booklet. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using weight self-esteem and body shape questionnaires. Findings – The results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in weight self-stigma and body shape scores between the experimental and control groups following the intervention. For both the immediate post-intervention test [t(198) = 31.1, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 31.1, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 31.1, p = 0.01] and [t(198) = 60.7, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 60.7, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 60.7, p =0.01], as well as the delayed post-intervention test [t(198) = 32.3, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 32.3, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 32.3, p = 0.01] and [t(198) = 70.9, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 70.9, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 70.9, p = 0.01], the experimental group exhibited lower mean scores. Specifically, the experimental group scored 20.3 ± 9.2 for immediate and 20.4 ± 9.3 for delayed assessments on weight self-stigma, and 101.2 ± 7.2 for immediate and 86.5 ± 7.6 for delayed assessments on body shape. In contrast, the control group scored 159.8 ± 6.3 for immediate and 157.6 ± 6.4 for delayed assessments, respectively. Practical implications – Nurses should be aware of the adverse effects of PCOS and associated obesity on weight self-stigma and body image. They are encouraged to develop targeted emotional support training programs specifically designed to address weight self-stigma and body image concerns in women with PCOS

Keywords: Training program, Stigma, PCOS,Weight, Body image

Research Title: The Impact of Water Quality on Jordanian Public Health Status: A Case Study in Zarqa Basin

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2025

Int. j. adv. multidisc. res. stud, 5 (2)

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Climate change significantly impacts water quality, posing serious risks to public health. Rising global temperatures and altered precipitation patterns contribute to water pollution, increasing the proliferation of harmful microorganisms and contaminants. This study examines the effects of climate change on water quality in the Zarqa Basin, Jordan, by analyzing key water quality indicators, including microbiological contamination and chemical composition. Water samples were collected and assessed for compliance with Jordanian and WHO water standards. The study followed a descriptive analytical approach, incorporating field sampling and laboratory analysis to determine the concentrations of minerals, organic matter, pesticides, and microbiological indicators. Results indicate that climate change has exacerbated water contamination, particularly through increased bacterial presence, higher turbidity, and deviations in chemical composition beyond permissible limits. The presence of Escherichia coli and total coliforms in water samples suggests heightened risks of waterborne diseases, necessitating urgent mitigation measures. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, water managers, and public health authorities in addressing climate-induced water quality challenges in Jordan and similar regions. Water samples from key locations—including Zarqa, Jerash, and King Talal Dam—were analyzed to assess their compliance with international water safety standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Health Canada, the European Union, and Australia’s National Medical and Health Research Council. Results indicate that 55.1% of the 49 assessed water quality components exceeded safe limits, highlighting substantial contamination. High concentrations of sodium, chloride, nitrogen compounds, and microbiological contaminants, particularly Escherichia coli and total coliform bacteria, were detected, posing severe health risks. Elevated pollutant levels were attributed to climate-induced changes in precipitation patterns, industrial and agricultural runoff, and insufficient wastewater treatment. Additionally, significant fluctuations in pH, water temperature, and electrical conductivity suggest instability in water quality, necessitating continuous monitoring. The study underscores the urgent need for adaptive water management strategies, regular surveillance of water quality, and policy interventions to mitigate contamination risks. Key recommendations include enhancing water purification systems, improving wastewater treatment infrastructure, and promoting community awareness about water conservation. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring sustainable access to safe water in the Zarqa Basin and similar vulnerable regions. The findings emphasize the critical need for adaptive water management strategies, improved monitoring systems, and policy interventions to ensure water safety. Reducing contamination, securing alternative water resources, and implementing sustainable land-use practices are essential to protecting public health and the environment.

Keywords: Water Components, Water Quality, Public Health, Minerals, Zarqa Basin

Research Title: Fuzzy control of processes with long transportation delay – A comparative study

Author: Zaid Ayed Mohd Almuala, Published Year: 2025

12th International Conference on Information Technology (ICIT 2025), Jordan

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: In this paper, the authors present linear fuzzy control system for controlling process variables with long transportation delay, which is frequent for numerous production lines. It is well known, that proportional-Integral control cannot handle processes with long transportation delay; therefore, fuzzy control with properly tuned membership functions and fuzzy inference system rules could give significantly better results than PI control. Fuzzy control requires thorough understanding of the process, its nominal operating conditions, a proper choosing of electric drive units and their saturation limits, converters, actuators, and sensors. Fuzzy control has gained more popularity in numerous industrial sectors, where process engineers and line operators work collaboratively to achieve best performance results and ultimately better final products. The plastic on-wire coating process is taken into consideration for this study as it exhibits long transportation delays after the measurement of the coated wire. The designed fuzzy controller is compared with cascade proportional integral control. Finally, we show that fuzzy control outperforms proportional integral control in terms of various performance metrics, like settling time, overshoot, and undershoot

Keywords: Fuzzy control, Proportional integral control, Transportation delay, Cascade control