Research Title: Drying Using Supercritical Fluid Technology as a Potential Method for Preparation of Chitosan Aerogel Microparticles

Author: Mohammad Bayan, Published Year: 2015

AAPS PharmSciTech, 16

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Supercritical fluid technology offers several advantages in preparation of microparticles. These include uniformity in particle size, morphology, and drug distribution without degradation of the product. One of the recent advantages is preparation of porous aerogel carrier with proper aerodynamic properties. In this study, we aimed to prepare chitosan aerogel microparticles using supercritical fluid (SCF) technology and compare that with microparticles produced by freeze drying (FD). Loading the prepared carriers with a model drug (salbutamol) was also performed. Comparisons of the particle properties and physicochemical characterizations were undertaken by evaluating particle size, density, specific surface area, and porosity. In vitro drug release studies were also investigated. The effect of many variables, such as molecular weight of chitosan oligomers, concentrations of chitosan, and concentrations of tripolyphosphate on the release, were also investigated. Chitosan aerogels were efficiently produced by SCF technology with an average particle size of 10 μm with a tapped density values around 0.12 g/mL, specific surface area (73–103) m2/g, and porosity (0.20–0.29) cc/g. Whereas, microparticles produced by FD method were characterized as cryogels with larger particle size (64 microns) with clear cracking at the surface. Sustained release profile was achieved for all prepared microparticles of salbutamol produced by the aforementioned methods as compared with pure drug. The results also demonstrates that chitosan molecular weight, polymer concentration, and tripolyphosphate concentration affected the release profile of salbutamol from the prepared microparticles. In conclusion, SCF technology was able to produce chitosan aerogel microparticles loaded with salbutamol that could be suitable for pulmonary drug delivery system.

Keywords: aerodynamic; aerogels; chitosan; salbutamol; supercritical fluid technology

Research Title: Green Synthesis, Experimental and Theoretical Studies to Discover Novel Binders of Exosomal Tetraspanin CD81 Protein

Author: Balakumar Chandrasekarn, Published Year: 2020

ACS Omega,

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: A new class of benzothiazole-appended quinoline derivatives (6–8) was synthesized via one-pot TPGS micellar-mediated acid-catalyzed nucleophilic addition, followed by aerobic oxidative cyclization of 3-formylquinoline-2-one (2), 3-formylquinoline-2-thione (3), and 2-azidoquinoline-3-carbaldehyde (4) individually with 2-amino thiophenol (5). The structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed using suitable spectroscopic methods complemented with single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Time-dependent density functional theory-based optimization of molecular structures, bond lengths, bond angles, HOMO–LUMO energy gaps, and molecular electrostatic potential maps was theoretically computed at the B3LYP/6-311++g(d) level. The molecular docking studies recommended that 6–8 bound to the active site cavity of CD81 effectively with the binding energies of −6.9, −6.3, and −6.5 kcal mol–1, respectively. Further, MD simulation studies of compound 6 suggested that the binding resulted in the stabilization of the CD81 molecule. Thus, all theoretical predictions associated with the experimental verifications motivated to discover novel approaches for cancer therapy.

Keywords: Vesicles,Free energy,Peptides and proteins,Molecules,Electrostatic potentia

Research Title: Association between Gasdermin A and Gasdermin B polymorphisms and allergic rhinitis amongst Jordanians

Author: Tawfiq Froukh, Published Year: 2020

Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets , 10.2174/187153032066

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Introduction: Gasdermin A (GSDMA) and Gasdermin B (GSDMB) have been associated with childhood and to a lesser extent with adult asthma in many populations. In this study, investigate whether there is an association between GSDMA (rs7212938, T/G) and GSDMB (rs7216389, T/C) at locus 17q21.2 and risk of Allergic Rhinitis among Jordanians. Also we aimed to determine if there is an association between such polymorphisms and the IgE level. Methods: The study included 112 rhinitis patients and 111 Healthy controls. Gasdermin A (GSDMA) (rs7212938, T/G) and Gasdermin B (rs7216389, T/C) polymorphisms were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP method. Results: On the genotype level, three analysis models were applied namely co-dominant, dominant and recessive genotypes. GSDMB CC genotype was found to be significant protective effect against of allergic Rhinitis (< 0.05). cc genotype was also significantly associated with higher IGE level among the studied population. Conclusion: The GSDMB CC of homozygous minor genotype showed a protective effect against Allergic rhinitis. It also was found to be significantly associated with lower IGE level among the studied population. No association was found between GSDMA with the risk of allergic Rhinitis.

Keywords: Gasdermin A, Gasdermin B, polymorphisms, allergic rhinitis, Jordanians, IGE.

Research Title: Repairing of Circular Reinforced Concrete Columns Damaged By Heat Using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) (Rope) Technique

Author: Ala Taleb Obaidat, Published Year: 2020

5th International Conference on Civil and Environmental Engineering for Sustainability IConCEES 2019, Johor, Malaysia

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This study investigated the behavior of repaired circular reinforced concrete RC columns exposed to temperature considering effect of spacing between CFRP ropes, number of layers of carbon fiber reinforced polimers CFRP and degree of temperature. Six circular RC specimens divided into two groups with diameter of 185 mm and length of 800 mm were tested. First and second groups consisted of three RC columns exposed to temperature degree of 400°C and 600°C, respectively. In each group, the first column used as control specimen, the second and third RC columns were repaired using one layer and two layers of CFRP ropes, respectively. The results showed that the repaired RC columns damaged by heated up to (400°C and 600℃) with one layer of spacing 100 mm and two layers of spacing 200 mm exhibited load capacity about (140% and 188%) and (123% and 164%), respectively as control specimen. Hence, one layer of CFRP rope at spacing of 100 mm was more effective than two layers at spacing of 200 mm. In addition, as the exposure temperature of fire increases, the regained capacity of the repaired column increase.

Keywords: FRP rope, Heat Damaged, Circular column

Research Title: A new technique for repairing reinforced concrete columns

Author: Ala Taleb Obaidat, Published Year: 2020

Journal of Building Engineering , Journal of Building

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: Experimental work was conducted to investigate the behavior of repaired and strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) rectangular columns by flexible near surface mounted –carbon fiber reinforced polymer (NSM-CFRP) cord. Thirteen RC column specimens were tested under axial load. Eight specimens were preloaded up to 70% of the maximum axial load and repaired using NSM-CFRP cord with different configurations, spacing, anchoring location, and groove size while the last one was repaired using CFRP sheet. Test results showed that the NSM CFRP cord technique is more efficient in increasing compressive strength than CFRP sheet. Repairing RC columns with NSM CFRP cords provided up to 171% increase in axial load capacity, while repairing with fully two layers of CFRP sheet provided up to 138% increase in axial load capacity, compared to the control columns. The study showed that significant gains in axial strength can be achieved by using larger width to depth ratio and smaller spacing between CFRP cords. Also a modified design model to predict the capacity of repaired columns using NSM-CFRP cord was proposed. Accuracy of the proposed model was checked against the test results. Capacity prediction using the proposed model showed good agreement with the experimentally strengthened or repaired columns, which means the modified design model is capable of predicting the load of NSM-CFRP cord columns.

Keywords: Concrete column Near-surface mounted CFRP cord Preloading Strengthening Repair

Research Title: Performance of RC Beam Strengthened with NSM-CFRP Strip Under Pure Torsion: Experimental and Numerical Study

Author: Ala Taleb Obaidat, Published Year: 2019

International Journal of Civil Engineering, International Journa

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This paper presents experimental and finite element model (FEM) on reinforced concrete (RC) beam behavior strengthened by near-surface mounted (NSM) carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips subjected to pure torsional loading. Seven rectangular reinforced concrete RC beams of 250 mm 9 250 mm 9 1600 mm were constructed and tested considering the effect of length, inclination, arrangement of longitudinal and scheme of NSM-CFRP strips. The outcomes of the tests indicated remarkable enhancement in the behavior of torsional strengthened beams using NSM-CFRP strips. In general, the beams strengthening with inclined CFRP-NSM strips exhibited an increase in torsion moment strength and angle of twist more than the beams strengthening with vertical CFRP-NSM strips. The experimental measured results are validated with a 3D numerical simulation carried out using nonlinear finite element (FE) modeling. Finally, it can be seen that the calculated numerical torsional moment–angle of twist behavior is in agreement with the experimental results for all RC beams.

Keywords: Reinforced concrete beam Angle of twist Torsion Strengthening NSM-CFRP Finite element method Plasticity

Research Title: Behavior of heat damaged circular reinforced concrete columns repaired using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer rope

Author: Ala Taleb Obaidat, Published Year: 2020

Journal of Building Engineering, Journal of Building

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the behavior of repaired circular reinforced concrete (RC) columns exposed to temperature considering the effect of spacing between CFRP ropes, area of CFRP ropes and degree of temperature. Nine circular column specimens with diameter of 185 mm and length of 800 mm were constructed and tested. The experimental RC column specimens were divided into three groups. The first group consisted of three circular RC columns not exposed to temperature, the second group consisted of three circular RC columns exposed to 400 �C and the third group consisted of three circular RC columns exposed to 600 �C. In each group, the first column was not repaired and used as control specimen, while the second and third RC column specimens were repaired with one layer of CFRP ropes at spacing of 100 mm and two layers of CFRP ropes at spacing of 200 mm, respectively. Results showed that the repaired circular RC columns damaged by heat up to 400 �C for 3 h with one layer of 100 mm spacing and two layers of 200 mm spacing exhibited load capacity of about 40% and 23%, respectively, of the load capacity of the control specimen. On the other hand, the load capacity of rehabilitated short circular RC columns damaged by heat up to 600 �C for 3 h with one layer of 100 mm spacing and two layers of 200 mm spacing were 88% and 64%, respectively, compared to the control specimen. CFRP effectiveness increases when decreasing the spacing between the CFRP ropes, which leads to a better effective lateral confining pressure. Complementary to the experimental work, a validated numerical finite element model was employed to investigate the effect of different parameters used in the experimental investigation on the stress-strain behavior of RC circular columns. Results of the numerical model showed good agreement with the experimental results.

Keywords: Heat damaged Strengthening Repairing Carbon fiber reinforced polymers CFRP Short-term exposure Finite element ABAQUS Stress-strain Unrepaired column specimens

Research Title: Challenges in Conducting a Multiple Qualitative Case Study Approach of Communication Experiences in the Care of Children With Palliative Care Needs

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2020

Sage Research Methods Cases, doi:10.4135/97815297

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate the challenges in conducting a multiple qualitative case study approach in a study that explored the communication experiences in the care of children with palliative care needs. This study employed a collective qualitative case study approach. It was conducted in three pediatric units in a Jordanian hospital. Each case comprised a child aged 1–12 years, their most involved family carer (mothers), physician(s), and nurse(s). Two data collection methods were employed, participant observation and semi-structured interviews, with three categories of participants: mothers, physicians, and the nurses who cared for the children that participated in this study (children were involved in the participant observation; however, they were not interviewed). I decided to avoid interviewing children in this study to avoid any potential harm to them. Within-case and cross-case analysis was undertaken in accordance with Stake’s recommendations. The within-case analysis focused on establishing the contextual background for every case. This was significant to protect the uniqueness of each case within its context and to be consistent with the case study approach. The within-case analysis was presented narratively for every case. Then, cross-case analysis was undertaken to systematically extract the themes and subthemes of each case to identify similarities, differences, and contradictions. The study was based on 15 cases, with a total of 197 observational hours and 60 interviews (conducted with 15 mothers, 12 physicians, and 21 nurses). This study is unique as it applies a qualitative collective case study approach that yields a rich and in-depth understanding of the experiences of communication from more than one perspective. It was underpinned by the interpretative constructivist approach that guided the analysis and accepts more than one interpretation of reality as viewed by the participants.

Keywords: Challenges, multiple case study, children, palliative care

Research Title: Using Advanced Technology in Nursing Education in Palestine

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2020

The Revolutionary Power of Nursing Science: Health Equity, Policy, and Practice, the Eastern Nursing Research Society,, Massachusetts; USA

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background: Technology has been shown to have a profound effect on education in the 21st century. Using technology in nursing education has become indispensable, due to the need to link theoretical courses with hospital-based practice. Therefore, nursing educators and students must possess high levels of competency in communication and information technology. There has been little research in the Middle East regarding the use of technology in education. Most research on this subject has been carried out in Western countries. Palestine is an example of a developing country with many political issues that can affect its educational environment. However, few studies have been conducted in Palestine that investigate this issue from robust perspectives. Consequently, the present study investigates the experiences of using advanced technology in nursing education from the perspectives of lecturers, students, administrators, and lab technicians at two Palestinian universities. Methodology: This study employed a mixed method of research design. It was conducted in two Palestinian universities and employed several data collection methods: participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and curriculum analysis. A purposeful sampling strategy was adopted to recruit the participants. Maximum variation sampling was employed in order to include participants with different characteristics, which will improve the transferability of the findings to a broader setting. Within-case and cross-case data analysis was undertaken in accordance with Stake’s (2006) recommendations. Findings: Six interviews have been collected to date: assistant professor (n=3) and lecturers (n=3). The initial findings revealed several facilitators and challenges regarding the use of advanced technology in nursing education in Palestine. Although using technology was perceived to be time-consuming initially, lecturers pointed out that technology facilitated their work after they mastered its usage. Technology saved time and effort, for example by providing an accurate grading system for exams. Additionally, some educators reported that they encouraged adopting different technological means by their students who demonstrated advanced technological capabilities. Using technology enabled educators to communicate with students, especially during difficult political circumstances. However, educators reported several challenges pertaining to the use and sustainability of technology in the classroom. The high cost, especially as a part of the university’s budget, was one of the most prominent obstacles to adopting technology. Lack of skills in using technology was another obstacle faced by Palestinian professors. The resistance of some faculty members to the change represented by the adoption of technology was a third obstacle. Finally, educators reported that while it was very important to adopt advanced technology in education, some students could use it negatively, such as to cheat on exams. Conclusion: The study findings reveal several facilitators and challenges faced by Palestinian nursing educators in the use of technology. Continuous training of educators is imperative for increasing the use of communication and technology in nursing education. There is a need for updated policies to avoid advanced technology’s perceived negative consequences and maximize its benefits.

Keywords: Advanced technology, Higher education, Nursing, Palestine

Research Title: Work stressors faced by health professionals working with children with palliative care needs: multiple case study approach from jordan

Author: Maha Mohammed Wahbi Atout, Published Year: 2020

BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, 10

Faculty: Nursing

Abstract: Background A broad overview of the existing literature reveals that nurses often feel inadequately trained or prepared in terms of the communication skills needed to deal with the difficult situations. The purpose of the current study was to explore the experience of communication in the care of children with palliative care needs, from the perspective of physicians, nurses, and mothers in Jordan. Methods This study employed a collective qualitative case study approach. It was conducted in three paediatric units in a Jordanian hospital. Each case comprised a child aged 1–12 years, their most involved family carer (mothers), physician(s) and nurse(s). Two data collection methods were employed: participant observation and semi-structured interviews with three categories of participants: mothers, physicians, and the nurses who cared for the children that participated in this study. Results The study was based on 15 cases, with a total of 197 observational hours and 60 interviews (conducted with 15 mothers, 12 physicians and 21 nurses). The findings indicate that the healthcare professionals struggled to communicate with families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. For instance, many found it difficult to communicate with parents when delivering an initial diagnosis, when the child’s health deteriorated, or if the child’s death was imminent. Doctors also reported feeling blamed for the ineffectiveness of treatment plans and cited this as their primary difficulty. Nurses also revealed that work pressure often limited their ability to provide optimum patient care and to communicate effectively with patients and their families. Other nurses reported difficulty in offering emotional support. Conclusions The continuous education and specialised training for professionals, which provides staff with specialised communication skills and emotional support for children and parents is imperative in improving the clinical practice in the healthcare settings with limited access to specialist palliative care.

Keywords: Work stressors, health professionals, children, palliative care, Jordan