Smart Requirements Engineering

Project Summary:

Smart Requirements Engineering (Smart RE) is the application of advanced techniques, methodologies, and tools to improve the process of eliciting, analyzing, documenting, verifying, and managing system requirements. It integrates intelligence and automation to address the challenges of traditional requirements engineering, which often involves manual, error-prone, and time-consuming activities. It combines intelligent tools and methodologies to address the complexities of modern systems development, ensuring higher quality and efficiency in project implementation. Therefore, this research project aims to enhance traditional requirements engineering techniques with support from new technologies (artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, Internet, etc.).

Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles (RuNPs, NiNPs, AuNPs, AgNPs) and Their Applications

Project Summary:

Research has been conducted on the following nano-sized elements: ruthenium nanoparticles (RuNPs), nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) due to their unique biological properties as antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant agents, as well as larvicides, in addition to their low preparation cost. They also have a wide range of applications in sensors, catalysis, and solar cells.

We will synthesize ruthenium nanoparticles (RuNPs), nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Arum hygrophilum leaf extract. This plant extract acts as both a reducing agent and a capping agent simultaneously. Subsequently, these particles will be used to detect their biological activities such as antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities. We will use these formed nanoparticles in important scientific research related to the environment through the use of particles in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes that pollute ordinary water.

Analytical Study of microRNA Distribution in Cell Compartments in Response to Doxorubicin Treatment in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Project Summary:

Breast cancer is a widespread cancer with 2.3 million new cases documented worldwide in 2022. An estimated 15-20% of these cases are triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is one of the most difficult types of this disease to treat. Currently, there is no treatment method except through the use of chemotherapy drugs, including doxorubicin treatment.

This project aims to study the reasons for the lack of response of triple-negative breast cancer to doxorubicin chemotherapy by studying the pattern of change in the distribution of microRNA in the cell and its compartments (nucleus and cytoplasm), thus defining it as a gene therapy that contributes to improving the response to chemotherapy. This research directly aligns with Jordan's national priorities in scientific research, which emphasize the promising role of using biotechnology and nanoscale applications in diagnosing and treating diseases.

Development of Xenograft Model Derived from Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer

Project Summary:

Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body. Under normal conditions, human cells grow and divide in an organized manner through a process known as cell division, forming new cells as needed by the body. However, in some cases, this organized process is disrupted, leading to the growth and uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal or damaged cells.

Both breast cancer and prostate cancer are among the most prevalent types of cancer, and the available treatments for them still suffer from significant limitations, which has led to extensive research to understand tumor development mechanisms and improve therapeutic strategies. Although the mouse model is widely used in cancer research, it suffers from several fundamental drawbacks. Therefore, developing a suitable mouse model for studying breast cancer or prostate cancer is the main objective of this research project.

Surface Chemistry of Modified Silica Nanoparticles and Intracellular DNA Delivery

Project Summary:

The use of silica nanoparticles for cellular DNA delivery has gained significant interest. Typically, various polyelectrolytes (PEs) are employed to create silica/PE composite carriers. A clear understanding of the interactions at the interface between silica and PEs is crucial for effective DNA delivery and transfection, particularly when using silica with different surface modifications.

This study focuses on examining the types of bonds formed between PEs molecules and surface-modified silica nanoparticles. These interactions may slow the release of PEs and DNA from freeze-dried composites into aqueous environments, in contrast to the release from unmodified silica particles. Enhanced PEs retention on modified silica is anticipated to boost transfection efficiency by promoting strong extracellular DNA binding, facilitating lysosomal escape, and improving nuclear entry of both PEs and DNA. This innovative research aims to offer foundational insights for designing efficient silica-PE-based nanocarriers for DNA delivery.

Assessment of Structural Safety for Reinforced Concrete Buildings under Unaccounted Rooftop Water Tank Loads

Project Summary:

Due to severe water scarcity in Jordan and the use of intermittent water supply systems, rooftop water tanks have become common on residential buildings in Amman. While these tanks are essential for daily water needs, they impose additional permanent loads that can reach 10–15 kN/m² and may exceed the roof loads originally considered in structural design. In many buildings, these loads are not explicitly accounted for, especially when tanks are added after construction. In addition, repeated filling and emptying of the tanks introduces quasi-cyclic loading that may affect the serviceability performance of reinforced concrete roof slabs, including deflection and cracking, as well as increasing the risk of water leakage and moisture-related problems.

This study aims to evaluate the structural safety of reinforced concrete roof slabs in existing buildings in Amman subjected to unaccounted rooftop water tank loads. The research adopts a case-study-based approach that combines assessment of current engineering practice, field documentation using high-resolution aerial imagery from the Royal Jordanian Geographic Centre, and numerical structural analysis. A questionnaire survey is used to examine how rooftop loads are considered in design practice, while the structural response of roof slabs is analyzed using sectional analysis and finite element modelling to evaluate deflection and crack width under sustained loading.

The expected results indicate that ignoring rooftop water tank loads can lead to unacceptable serviceability performance, even when strength requirements are satisfied. The study highlights a gap between code provisions and common design practice and provides practical recommendations to improve structural assessment and design. The findings aim to increase awareness and support future updates to load provisions in the Jordanian building codes.