Research Title: Midwives’ attitudes toward the use of cardiotocograph (CTG) machines in labor units: A study in Jordan

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2024

Midwifery , 132

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background: The purpose of cardiotocograph (CTG) usage is to detect any alterations in fetal heart rate (FHR) early before they are prolonged and profound. However, the use of CTG machines on a routine basis is not an evidence-supported practice. There is no Jordanian study that assesses the midwives’ attitudes toward this machine. This study aimed to identify Jordanian midwives’ attitudes towards the use of cardiotocograph (CTG) machines in labor units, alongside examining the relationships between midwives’ personal sociodemographic characteristics and such attitudes. Methods: A descriptive research design was used to identify Jordanian midwives’ attitudes towards the use of CTG machines in both public and private labor units in Jordan. Data were collected using the valid and reliable tool designed by Sinclair (2001), and these were used to identify midwives’ attitudes towards CTG usage. A total of 329 midwives working in the labor units of governmental and private hospitals in the center and north of Jordan participated in the study from May to July 2022. Results: The total mean score for the attitude scale was M = 3.14 (SD = 0.83). More than half of the sample (N = 187, 58.4 %) demonstrated a mean score greater than 3.14, however, which indicates generally positive attitudes toward CTG usage in labor units. Midwives working in private hospitals and those holding Bachelor’s degrees had more positive attitudes toward the use of CTG machines. Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the attitudes of Jordanian midwives towards CTG use in labor units. These suggest that it is critical to conduct training courses for registered midwives to help them develop and/or regain confidence and competence with respect to various key aspects of intrapartum care, including intermittent auscultation and the appropriate use of CTG.

Keywords: Midwife Attitudes Cardiotocograph Labor Jordan

Research Title: Hematological cross sectional study of the anemia types in children in Al-Zahraa hospit

Author: Khadeejha Fawzi AlAbrouni, Published Year: 2017

Faculty: Science

Abstract: This study determined the cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Anchusa strigosa Banks et Sol, Cardaria draba, Marrubium vulgare, Sarcopoterium spinosum and Capparis spinosa. These medicinal plants were collected from Jordan. Hydro-ethanolic and aqueous extracts displayed a strong scavenging capacity for DPPH radical; IC50 values ranging from 11 to 57, and from 13 to 464 g/mL, respectively. Total phenolic contents, expressed as gallic acid equivalent, varied from 3.4 to 16 mg/g dry plant in hydro-ethanolic extract and from 1.8 to 15.1 mg/g in aqueous extracts. Total flavonoids in the same extracts, expressed as quercetin equivalent, ranged from 2.55 to 10.1 and from 0.68 to 9.4 mg/g dry plant, respectively. There was a strong correlation between antioxidant activities and phenolics for aqueous extracts (r= 0.893), but moderate correlation for hydro-ethanolic ones (r=0.581) implying the contribution of other non-phenolic compounds to the antioxidant activity in the latter. Both hydro-ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Sarcopoterium Spinosum showed the highest antioxidant activity, reducing power, phenolic, and flavonoid contents. Therefore, Sarcopoterium Spinosum is a promising candidate for antioxidants from a natural source Furthermore. Hydro-ethanolic extracts of all plants were not toxic to HCT116 or SW480 cell-lines.

Keywords: Jordan, Antioxidant, Cytotoxicity, DPPH, Phenolics, Flavonoids.

Research Title: New terpenes from Salvia palaestina Benth. And Salvia syriaca L. growing wild in Jordan

Author: Khadeejha Fawzi AlAbrouni, Published Year: 2012

J Asian Nat Prod Res, 2012 Jul; 14(7):618-

Faculty: Science

Abstract: The novel seco-ursane-type triterpenoid 3β,11α-dihydroxy-17,22-seco-17(28), 12-ursadien-22-oic acid (1) was isolated for the first time from a natural source from two Salvia species growing wild in Jordan, Salvia palaestina Benth. and Salvia syriaca L. In addition to compound 1, S. syriaca afforded a new sesquiterpene named syriacine (2). S. palaestina also afforded 15 other known compounds, 6 of which are isolated for the first time from the plant, and these include velutin, hyptadienic acid, cirsilineol, 2α,3β-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2α,3α-dihydroxy-24-nor-4(23),12-oleanan-28-oic acid, and 2α,3β,24-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid. S. syriaca also afforded 16 other known compounds, 7 of which are isolated for the first time from the plant. These are 1α,3α-dihydroxyolean-9(11),12-diene, maslinic acid, 2α,3β,24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, 11-oxo-oleanolic acid, 11-oxo-ursolic acid, poriferast-5-en-3,7-diol, and pectolinangenin.

Keywords: Keywords: Salvia palaestinaSalvia syriacaE-secoursadiene3β,11α-dihydroxy-17,22-seco-17(28),12-ursadien-22-oic acidsyriacine

Research Title: Corrosion inhibition of aluminum in HBr solutions by nonionic surfactants at different temperature

Author: Khadeejha Fawzi AlAbrouni, Published Year: 2023

Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib, 2023, Vol. 12, Issue

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Abstract: The influence of nonionic surfactant micelles such as Tween 80, polyethylene glycol 400, and coco glucoside on inhibiting aluminum corrosion in hydrobromic acid solutions was investigated via weight reduction, thermometric, and electrical conductivity techniques. In the absence of inhibitors, the rise in temperature and acid levels has led to a tremendous acceleration in aluminum corrosion in HBr solutions. Intriguingly, coco glucoside, PEG 400, and Tween 80 have shown a remarkable inhibitory action on aluminum corrosion in corrosive solutions at different temperatures. The findings demonstrated that the inhibition efficacy of inhibitors and the extent of surface coverage of the micelles on aluminum rise with higher concentrations of the inhibitor and decline with rising temperature. Notably, Tween 80 was a more effective inhibitor than PEG 400, and coco glucoside at all temperatures. This effect may be explained by the force and type of their micelles’ adsorption on the aluminum surface, which occurs when hydrophilic regions of coherent layers of micelles donate their electrons to the metal surface. Also, the thermodynamic factors (ΔH0, ΔS0, and Ea) for the corrosion and adsorption processes were assessed and addressed. The experimental data were best fit by models of Langmuir, Temkin, and Flory–Huggins adsorption isotherms fit each other well.

Keywords: Keywords: corrosion inhibitor, aluminum, nonionic surfactants, micelles, adsorption isotherms

Research Title: Corrosion inhibition of aluminum in HBr solutions by nonionic surfactants at different temperature

Author: Khadeejha Fawzi AlAbrouni, Published Year: 2023

Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib, 2023, Vol. 12, Issue

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Abstract: The influence of nonionic surfactant micelles such as Tween 80, polyethylene glycol 400, and coco glucoside on inhibiting aluminum corrosion in hydrobromic acid solutions was investigated via weight reduction, thermometric, and electrical conductivity techniques. In the absence of inhibitors, the rise in temperature and acid levels has led to a tremendous acceleration in aluminum corrosion in HBr solutions. Intriguingly, coco glucoside, PEG 400, and Tween 80 have shown a remarkable inhibitory action on aluminum corrosion in corrosive solutions at different temperatures. The findings demonstrated that the inhibition efficacy of inhibitors and the extent of surface coverage of the micelles on aluminum rise with higher concentrations of the inhibitor and decline with rising temperature. Notably, Tween 80 was a more effective inhibitor than PEG 400, and coco glucoside at all temperatures. This effect may be explained by the force and type of their micelles’ adsorption on the aluminum surface, which occurs when hydrophilic regions of coherent layers of micelles donate their electrons to the metal surface. Also, the thermodynamic factors (ΔH0, ΔS0, and Ea) for the corrosion and adsorption processes were assessed and addressed. The experimental data were best fit by models of Langmuir, Temkin, and Flory–Huggins adsorption isotherms fit each other well.

Keywords: Keywords: corrosion inhibitor, aluminum, nonionic surfactants, micelles, adsorption isotherms

Research Title: Electrolyte Imbalance Among Patients With and With No ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction A Cohort Study

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2023

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Abstract Electrolytes imbalances are highly prevalent and have shown a high impact on mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction. These electrolytes imbalance have prognostic value in predicting mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of electrolyte imbalances in predicting 1-month mortality among patients with myocardial infarction with and with no ST-elevation. This cohort study was conducted in a referral hospital in the West Bank, Palestine. All patients with confirmed medical diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and admitted to the medical coronary care unit in the hospital were eligible participants. A convenience sample of 186 participants was obtained. These participants were followed up for 1 month to assess their survival (alive or dead). Demographic and clinical data were recorded by reviewing their health records. The derived data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. About 36% of all patients were found to be hyponatremic, 15% of them have hypokalemia, and 9% of patients had hypocalcemia. There was a significant difference between STEMI and non-STEMI in sodium (t = 4.7, P < .001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to predict 1-month mortality for patients with myocardial infarction with and with no ST-elevation. The predictors that were found to be significant are sodium (odds ratio [OR] = 0.789, P = .010), calcium (OR = 0.221, P = .014), diastolic blood pressure (OR = 0.933, P = .047), and blood urea nitrogen (OR = 0.821, P = .005). Electrolyte imbalance was highly prevalent among patients with acute myocardial infarction. Hyponatremia and hypocalcemia were present and associated significantly with predicting 1-month mortality. Health care providers should take into consideration the electrolytes of patients with acute myocardial infarction from the first moment of admission and correct them early to maximize the clinical outcomes and survival for patients.

Keywords: acute myocardial infarction, electrolytes imbalance, hypocalcemia, hypona- tremia, myocardial infarction, ST-segment elevation

Research Title: High-performance speed control for three-phase induction motor based on reverse direction algorithm and artificial neural network

Author: Mustafa Awwad Al Khawaldeh, Published Year: 2024

International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE) , 14

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This research proposes two approaches for determining the required frequency and modulation index for a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) system in a variable frequency drive (VFD) to control the speed of the three phase induction motor. The first approach which is the reverse direction algorithm (RDA), uses a set of equations to calculate the necessary frequency and voltage for maintaining a constant motor speed under varying load conditions. The second one involves training a neural network (NN) on data collected by the RDA, which can then be used to continuously adjust the motor speed in real time to adapt to changing load torque requirements. Simulation and laboratory models for the three-phase induction motor are built and the proposed RDA-NN controller is examined. Results have proved that the proposed controller is effective in providing a stable and responsive motor speed control system.

Keywords: Induction motors Load torque Neural network Pulse-width-modulation Speed control Variable frequency drive

Research Title: Oxymorons and Undergraduates' Repertoire in Literature: Exploring the Nexus

Author: Areen Ghazi Khalifeh, Published Year: 2024

Argentinian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 12

Faculty: Arts

Abstract: This study probed into figurative speech and its rhetorical effects with a particular focus on oxymorons which have often been conflated with paradoxes. Besides clarifying the difference between the two, an analysis of the academic records of fifty undergraduates and a test of oxymorons were a point of departure to measure their familiarity with such figurative devices. Using the Pearson correlation test, the participants' oxymoron test scores were correlated with their overall scores on the achievement tests of seven literature courses in the academic records. Findings showed a positive correlation coefficient (r=.251), yet it is considerably weak (sig.=079 at α=0.01). Further evidence on the magnitude of the phenomenon was solicited from five faculty members through a focus group discussion. The faculty substantiated the correlational findings, as they hold a view that oxymorons, tied with other linguistic devices, contribute to learners' repertoire in literature and language in general.

Keywords: onceptual metaphor, metaphoric competence, oxymoron, rhetorical effect

Research Title: A Secure Blockchain-Based Vehicular Collision Avoidance Protocol: Detecting and Preventing Blackhole Attacks

Author: Maram Bani Younes, Published Year: 2024

Computer Systems Science and Engineering, 120

Faculty: Information Technology

Abstract: This work aims to examine the vulnerabilities and threats in the applications of intelligent transport systems, especially collision avoidance protocols. It focuses on achieving the availability of network communication among traveling vehicles. Finally, it aims to find a secure solution to prevent blackhole attacks on vehicular network communications. The proposed solution relies on authenticating vehicles by joining a blockchain network. This technology provides identification information and receives cryptography keys. Moreover, the ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) protocol is used for route discovery and ensuring reliable node communication. The system activates an adaptive mode for monitoring communications and continually adjusts trust scores based on packet delivery performance. From the experimental study, we can infer that the proposed protocol has successfully detected and prevented blackhole attacks for different numbers of simulated vehicles and at different traveling speeds. This reduces accident rates by 60% and increases the packet delivery ratio and the throughput of the connecting network by 40% and 20%, respectively. However, extra overheads in delay and memory are required to create and initialize the blockchain network.

Keywords: Vehicular networks; blockchain; collision avoidance; protocol design; security mechanisms

Research Title: An Enhanced Model for Detecting and Classifying Emergency Vehicles Using a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)

Author: Maram Bani Younes, Published Year: 2024

vehicles, 6

Faculty: Information Technology

Abstract: The rise in autonomous vehicles further impacts road networks and driving conditions over the road networks. Cameras and sensors allow these vehicles to gather the characteristics of their surrounding traffic. One crucial factor in this environment is the appearance of emergency vehicles, which require special rules and priorities. Machine learning and deep learning techniques are used to develop intelligent models for detecting emergency vehicles from images. Vehicles use this model to analyze regularly captured road environment photos, requiring swift actions for safety on road networks. In this work, we mainly developed a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) model that generates new emergency vehicles. This is to introduce a comprehensive expanded dataset that assists emergency vehicles detection and classification processes. Then, using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), we constructed a vehicle detection model demonstrating satisfactory performance in identifying emergency vehicles. The detection model yielded an accuracy of 90.9% using the newly generated dataset. To ensure the reliability of the dataset, we employed 10-fold cross-validation, achieving accuracy exceeding 87%. Our work highlights the significance of accurate datasets in developing intelligent models for emergency vehicle detection. Finally, we validated the accuracy of our model using an external dataset. We compared our proposed model’s performance against four other online models, all evaluated using the same external dataset. Our proposed model achieved an accuracy of 85% on the external dataset.

Keywords: autonomous vehicle; machine learning; emergency vehicle; GANs; CNN; object detection