Bank Of Palestine Research Articles

Energy consumption baseline for public schools in the West Bank-Palestine

Schools play a significant role in social development which is one of the three major pillars of sustainable development. Schools are also a hub to promote sustainable practices, and hence, it is imperative to measure the actual energy performance of school buildings. This research was designed to quantify the actual energy consumption in public school buildings in the West Bank in Palestine to establish a baseline for energy consumption in public school buildings. Methodologically, the historical energy performance of a representative random sample consisting of 103 schools in the West Bank was statistically analysed. The results show that the average annual energy consumption in public school buildings is 10,368 kWh, while the annual energy use intensity is around 8.35 kWh/m2/year, and 35.44 kWh/student/year. The results presented in this research are not surprisingly low due to the fact that energy consumption in school buildings is heavily determined by heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems which often do not exist in public school buildings in the West Bank. This research is the first to provide empirical statistical evidence about the actual amount of energy consumed in public school buildings in the West Bank, as well as it is the first to present a baseline energy consumption for public schools. The results presented in this research can be used as an industry benchmark by policy and decision-makers to assess green schools’ performance which, besides reducing the negative impacts on the environment, have the potential to improve health, productivity and, education environment.

The Role of Agile Management in Achieving Creativity among employees in Bank of Palestine

The study aimed to identify the role of agile management in achieving creativity among Bank of Palestine employees, indicate the availability of agile management tools (worksite organization, standard work, six sims, continuous improvement, and multifunctional workers), and determine the extent of its ability to achieve creativity with its various dimensions (problem-solving, changeability, accepting risks, and encouraging creativity). The descriptive analytical approach was used to achieve the study's goals. Through this approach, a questionnaire consisting of (9) axes were developed. To collect the study data, the study population of (168) employees and administrators was targeted at the Bank of Palestine in the southern West Bank region. The sample of the study was (75), all of the questionnaires were retrieved and valid for analysis, and thus the recovery rate was (100 %).
 The researcher also conducted six interviews consisting of 15 questions with the Director of the Individual Business Department for branches and offices, branch managers, supervisors, and a number of employees in the Bank of Palestine included in the study.
 The study concluded with a set of results, the most important of which are: the dimensions of agile management are highly available in the Bank of Palestine, with main (3.47), and the dimensions of administrative creativity are also available in a high degree in Bank of Palestine, with main (3.51), the results also showed the existence of a positive and direct correlation between the dimensions of agile management and the factors of administrative creativity at the Bank of Palestine.
 Originality/value: The originality of the study lies in the importance of the topic as it is one of the modern topics in Palestine, and one of the rare studies that dealt with this topic, which is agile management and its role in achieving administrative creativity in application at the Bank of Palestine, when using modern administrative tools while creating a suitable climate for administrative creativity among employees contributes to maximizing value achieved for customers.

Estimation of Synthetic Unit Hydrographs’ Parameter Values: The Case of Wadi Al-Badan Sub-Catchment, West Bank, Palestine

Developing unit hydrographs is critical in gauged catchments. Due to the lack of local data, engineers should strive to estimate discharges based on empirical (synthetic) methods in ungauged catchments. Synthetic unit hydrograph methods, such as the Snyder and Soil Conservation Service are popular and play an essential role in hydrology. These methods are simple, requiring only catchment characteristics. Therefore, these methods are valuable tools for simulating runoff in ungauged catchments. This research paper focuses on the Al-Badan sub-catchment, which is located in the northeastern part of the West Bank in Palestine with an area of 83 km2. The study used a de-convolution matrix approach to develop an average one-hour unit hydrograph by selecting four significant rainfall events in the period (2005-2007), and the direct runoff hydrographs which are measured by Al-Badan flume located in the outlet of the sub-catchment. By computing the characteristics of the average one-hour UH with a peak discharge of 4.52 m3/sec and time to peak of 5 hours, Snyder and SCS UHs were developed to suit Al-Badan sub-catchment physical characteristics. The parameters were determined for the Snyder; peaking coefficient depends on the storage capacity of the catchment Cp = 0.88 and the non-dimensional regional coefficient representing catchment storage effects and slope Ct = 1.26 and for the SCS; Cp = 1.90 and the coefficient depending on the total runoff volume occur before peak discharge C = 2.92. These synthetic one-hour UHs were examined for two selected rainfall events that occurred in the period (2017–2019) by comparing observed and simulated direct runoff hydrographs. The performance was tested statistically. Results showed that the synthetic UHs are suitable for application and that the SCS method is more applicable.

Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression among women attending primary healthcare centers in northern of West Bank/ Palestine: a cross-sectional study, 2022

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) has a huge negative impact on the health of the mother and the family, both physically and mentally. Few postpartum depression studies have been done in Palestine. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and the most probable risk factor of PDD among Palestinian women in the northern West Bank.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of 380 mothers, ages 18 and 44 years, visiting vaccination clinics with their infants after 7-12 weeks of delivery between 1 May 2022 and 30 June 2022. Postpartum women seeking care at the seven largest primary health care centers of the Ministry of Health in four cities in the Northern West Bank in Palestine were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire that included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and demographic and birth details. A score of 13 or higher was used to indicate PPD risk. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. The level of significance was set at 5%.ResultsThe median age of the participants was 27 years with a range of 26 years. A total of 129 women had an EPDS score of 13 or more, giving a prevalence rate of post-partum depression of 33.9%. The predictors of postpartum depression were stressful life events during pregnancy (p-value 0.003, OR: 2.1, 95% CI [1.27-3.4]), vacuum use during delivery p-values 0.002, OR: 4, 95% CI: [1.64-9.91]), low social support (p-value less than 0.001, OR: 2.5, 95%CI: [1.7-4.2]) and husband’s low level of education (p-value less than 0.001, OR: 5.2, 95%CI: [2.7-10]).ConclusionThe study showed a high prevalence of PPD among Palestinian mothers in the northern West Bank. Our study found that PPD risk factors include lack of social support, the husband’s low education, and stressful events during pregnancy. This will emphasize the importance of PPD screening and early intervention, especially among vulnerable women.

Host range, severity and trans boundary transmission of Orf virus (ORFV).

Contagious ecthyma in small ruminants is a zoonotic disease caused by Orf virus (ORFV) in the genus Parapoxvirus that can be deadly to its natural hosts. It causes significant losses worldwide, and commonly infects humans. However, the literature about its comparative severity in sheep and goat hosts is misleading; and while contagious ecthyma has been shown to occur in camels and transmit to humans, there is confusion as to whether ORFV is responsible. Camels are important from a 'One Health' perspective as they have been implicated as a reservoir host for the virus causing Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which has a case fatality rate of 35% in humans. We compared ORFV gene sequences and mortality data from the West Bank in Palestine, where ORFV has not been reported previously, with data from the region. Surprisingly, we found that infections of camels that had been attributed to ORFV were more closely related to a different member of the genus Parapoxvirus. Two Middle East ORFVs isolated from humans were unrelated and sat alongside sheep and goat derived sequences on two distinct ORFV lineages of a maximum likelihood B2L gene tree. One of the viral lineages bifurcated to produce a monophyletic group of goat-derived ORFVs characterized uniquely by a glycine at amino acid reside 249. We found that serine is the ancestral allele shared between ORFV infections of sheep and also two closely related Parapoxviruses (PCPV and CCEV), indicating that the glycine allele represents a more recent shift in virus host range adaptation to goats. Furthermore, and contrary to some reports that ORFV is more severe in goats than in sheep, we observed median mortality of up to 24.5% in sheep, but none in goats. We also identified trans-boundary spread of ORFV between the West Bank and Israel.

The Controversial Relationship among Emotional Divorce, Marital Infidelity, and Marital Distrust: A Field Study Using Structural Equations Modeling for Spouses in the West Bank in Palestine

This study aims at testing the fitness of six proposed structural models to determine the direct and indirect effects of three marital variables in each other: Emotional divorce, marital infidelity, and marital distrust for spouses in the West Bank in Palestine. Also, it aimed at discovering the levels of these marital variables and revealing the effects of gender, economic and educational levels, and marriage duration in the three marital variables. An available sample was used and it consisted of (135) spouses. Out of the six proposed structural models; two structural models were accepted. According to these models; in all cases; emotional divorce is a consequence of marital infidelity and marital distrust and the opposite is not true. Levels of all marital variables were low, Married males were more tended to marital infidelity. Lower economic and educational levels and long marriage duration had negative impacts on some marital variables. Based on the results the study presented a set of recommendations and suggestions.

The Occurrence of Disinfection By-Products (DBPs) in Chlorinated Recreational Water, Palestine

Recreational water disinfection is an essential treatment for controlling microbial activity. However, chemical disinfectants are powerful oxidants that react with the natural organic matter, anthropogenic contaminants, and bromide present in water and produce unintended disinfection by-products. Chlorine is the most used water disinfectant in Palestine. In this study, water samples from 9 swimming pools present in 3 Governments in the West Bank in Palestine were analyzed to investigate the occurrence of trihalomethanes which are the main and most reported disinfection by-products formed in chlorinated waters. Results show that these pools are poorly managed and do not comply with recommended guidelines for recreational water quality. The pH of some of the water-monitored swimming pools did not comply with the pH guideline for swimming pools. The free chlorine residual measured in the swimming pools' water was higher than recommended values or much less than required. DBPs in the form of THMs measured in the samples from the pools were in the range 386 to 2856 ppb. These amounts of DBPs exceed what has been reported in the recreational water in other countries and are far away from recommended levels. Brominated THMs that impose higher toxicity compared to chlorinated analogs were detected in all 9 swimming pool samples. The bromine substitution factor for all samples was calculated and showed a correlation with the pH of the water sample.

The Extent of Basel Accord implementation on Islamic Banks in Palestine the case of Palestine Islamic Bank

The primary goal of this study is to examine how the Basel II agreement is being implemented in Islamic banks in Palestine (a case study of Palestine Islamic Bank). To attain the purpose of the research, a descriptive-analytical approach was used, and a questionnaire was distributed to the employees of Palestine Islamic Bank (145) in all branches of Palestine. The study's main result is the implementation of the Basel II Agreement in the Islamic Bank of Palestine. Based on the findings, the researcher has some suggestions, the most essential of which are: empowering and strengthening human resources to monitor different threats. Banks should develop capabilities, develop instruments and systems for measuring risk according to internal assessment methods and adhere to Islamic regulations and rules in Islamic banks to maintain the level of competition with traditional banks in the market.

Critical Factors Influencing the Bid / No-Bid Decision in the Palestinian Construction Industry

The purpose of this study is to identify and rank the factors influencing the bid/no-bid decision according to their relative importance from the perspective of the contractors in the West Bank in Palestine. To achieve the study objectives, a questionnaire survey was conducted. The survey covered a randomly selected sample of 64 contractors involved in the construction industry in the West Bank. The questionnaire’s structure is based on the related literature, the pilot study, and the feedback from local experts in the construction industry. A total of 32 factors that might influence the bid/no-bid decision were identified and considered. Then, the targeted population was asked to rank these factors according to their relative importance. The results indicate that the top five factors affecting a contractor’s decision to bid or not include the financial stability of the client, the identity and reputation of the client in the industry, the promptness of the client in the payment process, the expected profitability, and the project’s source of funding. On the other hand, the least affecting factors are the type of the project, client’s requirements, taxes, laws and government regulations, and weather conditions. The paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting the bidding decision. Construction parties and researchers could benefit from the results of this study.

MODERNIZATION EXPERIENCES IN PUBLIC EDUCATION SCHOOLS LIMITS OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT IN JERUSLAEM/ PALESTINE

The study aimed to identify learning from successes in public education schools in the East Jerusalem, and to uncover the effect of learning factors from successes in achieving learning from successes and determining their competitive advantage. The researchers followed the descriptive and analytical approach for its relevance to this study, and the researchers used the study tool (in-depth personal interview) With a sample of public education school principals in the West Bank in Palestine. The study focused on three main axes: 1. The first axis: learning from past successes retrospectively. 2. The second axis: the journey after the learning question: the future method. 3. The third axis: learning about learning: identifying and transmitting learning patterns at the individual and group levels. Each of these axes included a set of related questions that deal with the subject of the study. The results of the study showed the importance of learning from the successes in public education schools, following the success factors in achieving the desired goals, employing strategic planning, raising the motivation of human resources and the level of their personal and professional competencies, and following the methods of evaluation, evaluation and follow-up in school achievements. The researchers recommended the necessity of analyzing the school environment and identifying strengths and weaknesses in order to identify and follow success factors, and to invest and transfer creative and innovative ideas in employing success factors and achieving respiratory advantage.

The role of e-payments in enhancing financial performance: A case study of the Bank of Palestine

The purpose of this paper is to explore electronic payments, which are considered one of the most important tools in financial technology. Hence, electronic payments play a great role in enhancing the financial performance of the Bank of Palestine. The study uses three dependent variables such as return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and earnings per share (EPS). The study methodology employs a descriptive and analytical approach to investigate the bank’s data during the period of 2010–2019. Hence, the findings show that electronic payment methods have an important impact on the bank’s financial performance, through the return on assets and equity indicators, which helps to reduce costs and thus increase profits. However, there is no statistically significant effect on the earnings per share. What is more, the Bank of Palestine uses a wide variety of electronic payment methods. Thus, the study suggests the necessity to increase the effectiveness of the information security from fraud risks, in addition to activating supervisory and regulatory authorities (such as the Palestinian Monetary Authority), to strengthen the application of electronic payment tools. Acknowledgment Special thanks to Palestine Technical University Kadoorie for their valuable and continuous support.

Challenges of Human Resource Management in Palestine

The study investigated the challenges faced by the Palestinian Authority Institutions (PNA) in their practice of Human Resource Management. It adopted a qualitative approach based on a review of relevant literature to find out the major challenges handicapping the efforts to improve HRM in the West Bank in Palestine. The study reflected that with a specific focus on Palestine, the daily practice of HRM is a real challenge especially under the Israeli occupation and the different strategies Israel employs to destroy any improvement plans. The study showed that in the era of global technology, the Palestinian National Authority and its organisations in the West Bank are facing both internal and external challenges, namely the low organisational position of the management of human resources and its confinement to basic functions. In addition, the Procedural aspects, lack of planning and developmental aspects, and limitation of their practice in routine matters related to employment, calculation of salaries and dues, as well as follow-up and permits which constitute a significant challenge. Moreover, the external challenges include the Israeli occupation, which has a major role in these challenges as the occupation prevents public employees of different positions and deputies from reaching their workplaces by dividing the cities of Palestine, military checkpoints, and frequent arrests of ministers and legislators.

Breast milk to blood lead ratios among women from the West Bank of Palestine: a cross-sectional study of associated factors

BackgroundInfants fed contaminated breast milk are at an increased risk of exposure to lead. Breast milk to blood (M/B) ratios have not been investigated among women in Palestine. The aim of this study was to assess blood, breast milk, and M/B lead ratios in samples collected from Palestinian breastfeeding women. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics with breast milk lead levels and M/B lead ratios were also investigated.MethodsThis study was conducted in a cross-sectional design in the period between October 2017 and April 2018. Breastfeeding women visiting maternity care centers in different regions of the West Bank of Palestine were recruited to the study by the nurses in the maternity care centers. Sociodemographic characteristics, venous blood, and breast milk samples were collected from each participant. Lead concentrations were analyzed using a validated inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric method. Mann–Whitney U test, Pearson’s Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Spearman’s correlations were used to analyze the data. Odds ratios (OR) were computed using a multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsMatching blood and milk samples were collected from 80 women. Lead concentrations in 11 (13.8%) of the breast milk samples were above the World Health Organization’s recommended levels. Breast milk lead levels were more likely to be ≥5 μg/L in breastfeeding women who lived in urban areas (aOR 4.96; 95% CI 1.10, 22.38) compared to those who lived in rural areas. Breast milk to blood lead ratios were more likely to be ≥25% in breastfeeding women who lived in urban areas (aOR 7.06; 95% CI 1.68, 29.77), used eye kohl (aOR 14.29; 95% CI 1.32, 155.06), and used hair dye (aOR 5.33; 95% CI 1.58, 18.00) compared to those who lived in rural areas, did not use eye kohl, and did not use hair dye, respectively.ConclusionsHigher M/B lead ratios were predicted by living in urban areas, using eye kohl, and using hair dye. Decision makers in health authorities should address sources of exposure to lead in urban areas. Cosmetics containing lead should be assessed and regulated for lead content.

Effects of Design Quality on Delay in Residential Construction Projects

This study is conducted to establish the effect of design quality on project delay in building projects. It aims at: 1) investigating the major factors of design quality, 2) identifying the main delay factors in building projects, 2) establishing the relationship between design quality and delay in building projects. To achieve these objectives, a questionnaire survey is performed. Seventeen (17) factors that might affect design quality, and 15 delay factors are listed in a questionnaire form. Sixty (60) contractors and 40 consultants are asked to identify the severity of the identified factors. Results indicate that the top factors affecting design quality are: delay in payments by client for design services, staff allocation for many projects at the same time, copying and modifying from previous work to minimize time and cost, tight design schedule, lack of designer knowledge with techniques and materials available in the market. The study also concludes that the top five delay factors include: payments delay, poor labor productivity, lack of skilled manpower, frequent change orders and rework. Regression analysis for data collected from 36 building projects shows a good correlation between design quality and delay in projects. This study is the first one that addresses the problem of design quality in the West Bank in Palestine. Furthermore, it is the first study that addresses the effect of design quality on project delay in Palestine and the neighboring countries. It is hoped to be helpful for researchers and professionals to understand the impact of design quality on schedule delay.

NEW CHRONOLOGICAL INFORMATION FROM RADIOCARBON DATING OF HUMAN REMAINS AT JACOB’S WELL, NABLUS, PALESTINE

ABSTRACTJacob’s Well, located in modern city of Nablus and ancient Shechem (Tall Balata) in the northern West Bank of Palestine, attracts modern day tourists and pilgrims. It is found in the eastern suburbs of the city. Since 333 AD, pilgrims have been writing accounts of the well, and it has been venerated by both Christian and Jewish communities throughout its history. It is believed to be the well referred to in the New Testament, where Jesus conversed with a Samaritan woman, the orthodox saint, Photini. It now forms the central feature in the crypt of the St Photini Greek Orthodox church in the walled grounds of a monastery. In order to gain more information on the chronology of the site, we analyzed human skeletal remains found at the site in 1997. These consist of three skulls and a femur. One of the skulls was found in a sarcophagus alongside the church and the two other skulls and a femur were found in a burial ground alongside the monastery, north of the church, over which a room has now been built. Radiocarbon analysis reveals that the remains date to four historical periods or events: the early Christian period, before structural additions to the well by Constantine the Great in the fourth century; the Samaritan Revolts (AD 529 and 556), the Sassanid Invasion (AD 614–628), and Abbasid rule (AD 750–1258). Dating of one skull suggests it may have been that of Germanus, a fourth century bishop of Nablus, and that there may have been a very early structure, shrine, or burial chamber at the site before the fourth century. We provide contextual information based on historical and contemporary literature.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with regard to their disease: a cross-sectional study among Palestinians of the West Bank

BackgroundIn Palestine, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a rapidly growing health concern. This study evaluated knowledge, attitude, and practice of patients with T2DM with regard to their disease. The study also investigated association and correlation between knowledge, attitude, and practice with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. Predictors of higher knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice were also identified.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in primary healthcare facilities frequently visited by patients with T2DM across the West Bank of Palestine in the period of October 2018 to January 2019. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of patients with T2DM with regard to their disease.ResultsOut of 300 patients invited, 220 (73.3%) patients responded. In this study, the median age was 57.0 years (51.0, 65.0), the median time elapsed since diagnosis with T2DM was 7.0 years (4.0, 14.0), the median fasting blood glucose was 150.0 mg/dL (128.8, 180.0), the median postprandial glucose was 230.0 mg/dL (200.0, 270.0), the median HbA1c was 7.8% (7.0, 8.53), and the median BMI was 28.8 kg/m2 (25.5, 33.1). The median knowledge score was 6.0/13.0 (4.5/13.0, 7.5/13.0), the median attitude score was 3.0/4.0 (2.0/4.0, 4.0/4.0), and the median practice score was 3.0 (1.0/5.0, 4.0/5.0). Having university education was strongly associated with having higher knowledge scores (p-value = 0.001). Additionally, having attended an educational program on diabetes was moderately associated with higher practice scores (p-value = 0.026).ConclusionsFindings of this study highlighted the need for appropriately designed interventions to increase knowledge about T2DM among patients with low educational level. Well-designed educational programs might promote healthy practice among patients with T2DM. Future studies are still needed to assess if such interventions could be effective in improving health outcomes and quality of life of patients with T2DM in Palestine.

Effect of Employees Performance on Sales in Bank of Palestine

Due to the huge competition that has surrounded business environment, industries, sectors and organizations have put in place many effective plans and strategies. Great reward to employees bring about good employees performance and a subsequent increase in sales. Motivation system is one of the numerous tools used by management to improve employee performance, maintain quality products and increased sales. When business organizations are not bothered about motivational plan, most times they suffer a great deal including decreased sales. In order to achieve employees performance which will lead to increased sales, a good motivation system must be put in place. In order to bring about increase sales percentage, a good system of administration and sales influencers must be put in place by management. It is however important to investigate the nexus between employee motivation, employee performance and sales in the bank of Palestine. Based on this argument, this research tends to investigate the Effect of employees performance on sales. Main aim of this research is determining the effects of employees performance on sales. This study examines the relationships between employees performance and sales in the bank of Palestine. We explore conceptually how linking the dynamics of the behaviours of employees on reward administration and it impact on productivity Our findings suggest that higher employees motivation can lead to higher employees performance as well as sales. Keywords : Employee performance, sales, organization, competition

The impact of financial inclusion on the performance of traditional banks - An analytical study on conventional banks listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange using the CAMELS model

This study aimed at identifying the impact of the financial inclusion on the performance of conventional banks according to an analytical study using the American Banking Evaluation System (CAMELS) model during the period (2011-2014-2017). The study population included the conventional banks listed in Palestine stock exchange, and it was a comprehensive survey of all the study population. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher followed a descriptive analytical approach using the financial analysis and the multiple linear regression analysis. Moreover, the study concluded a number of findings, the most important are: The conventional banks provides a performance ranges between strong and satisfactory in light of growing financial inclusion in Palestine, where capital adequacy (13.8-31%), assets quality(1.9-6.4%), returns (0.8-1.7%) and sensitivity (2.5-9.9%) record strong and satisfactory rating, while the management quality (25.7-34.8%) is equivalent to performance and between serious and strong is the liquidity (49.7-66.2%). In addition, there is a statistical impact for the financial inclusion on the performance of conventional banks ratio of 41.5% and on the sub variables with the impact ratio: (capital adequacy 38.3%, assets 58.3%, management 55.8%, earning 33.2%, liquidity 77.9% and sensitivity to market risks 87.5%). Moreover, there is a statistical impact for the independent variables of the financial inclusion, adults having official accounts and the number of ATMs, on the conventional banks. While there is no impact for the savings, borrowings and the number of branches. Furthermore, the study recommended developing financial products suitable for the excluded groups according to Islamic law according to the pioneering funders' thoughts. Moreover, The monetary authorities should intervene to take corrective monitoring procedures to strengthen the liquidity position of the National Bank and Bank of Palestine. Additionally, the banking administrative of Al-Quds Bank and the Palestine Investment should take correct administrative procedures to consider the inflation of administrative expenses. Finally, there is a need to adopt the (CAMELS) model by the monetary authorities to assess the performance of banks and disclosing the results in its annual reports.

The impact of financial inclusion on the performance of traditional banks - An analytical study on conventional banks listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange using the CAMELS model

This study aimed at identifying the impact of the financial inclusion on the performance of conventional banks according to an analytical study using the American Banking Evaluation System (CAMELS) model during the period (2011-2014-2017). The study population included the conventional banks listed in Palestine stock exchange, and it was a comprehensive survey of all the study population. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher followed a descriptive analytical approach using the financial analysis and the multiple linear regression analysis. Moreover, the study concluded a number of findings, the most important are: The conventional banks provides a performance ranges between strong and satisfactory in light of growing financial inclusion in Palestine, where capital adequacy (13.8-31%), assets quality(1.9-6.4%), returns (0.8-1.7%) and sensitivity (2.5-9.9%) record strong and satisfactory rating, while the management quality (25.7-34.8%) is equivalent to performance and between serious and strong is the liquidity (49.7-66.2%). In addition, there is a statistical impact for the financial inclusion on the performance of conventional banks ratio of 41.5% and on the sub variables with the impact ratio: (capital adequacy 38.3%, assets 58.3%, management 55.8%, earning 33.2%, liquidity 77.9% and sensitivity to market risks 87.5%). Moreover, there is a statistical impact for the independent variables of the financial inclusion, adults having official accounts and the number of ATMs, on the conventional banks. While there is no impact for the savings, borrowings and the number of branches. Furthermore, the study recommended developing financial products suitable for the excluded groups according to Islamic law according to the pioneering funders' thoughts. Moreover, The monetary authorities should intervene to take corrective monitoring procedures to strengthen the liquidity position of the National Bank and Bank of Palestine. Additionally, the banking administrative of Al-Quds Bank and the Palestine Investment should take correct administrative procedures to consider the inflation of administrative expenses. Finally, there is a need to adopt the (CAMELS) model by the monetary authorities to assess the performance of banks and disclosing the results in its annual reports.

Water and Wastewater Management in Healthcare Centers in the West Bank of Palestine

The availability of drinking water and the proper management of wastewater in healthcare centers are important pillars for maintaining the safety of workers and visitors of these centers. Healthcare wastes include contaminated wastewater, which must be treated before disposed to the environment. Since information from healthcare centers was limited, qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed. The questionnaire study showed that 93% of the healthcare centers in Palestine are connected to public water networks, 4% of them purchase water tanks and 3% of them depend on harvested rainwater which may cause contamination and waterborne diseases. Regardless of the source of fresh water, the water quality has to be regularly examined and compared to local and international standards to promote public health. Almost 58% of the healthcare centers were not connected to wastewater networks and used tight and porous cesspits instead. Once these cesspits were filled off, wastewater was randomly disposed into neighboring valleys causing dramatic environmental impacts on air, water and land resources. Healthcare wastes have to be appropriately treated into medical wastewater treatment plants for safe disposal to the surrounding environment. Proper healthcare wastewater management can protect both public health and the environment in the West Bank.