Bank Of Palestine Research Articles

Causes of Delays in Road Construction Projects in Laos

One of the most important sectors in infrastructure development in Laos is road construction. However, many road construction projects in Laos suffer from extensive delays. This causes damage such as recurring problems in the road construction industry, and has a negative effect on the success of road construction projects in terms of schedule, cost, quality, safety and the amenity of road users. The goal of this study is to determine the main causes of these delays and to offer remedies. To identify the causes of delays, a questionnaire is designed by modifying one used to measure causes of delays in road construction projects in the West Bank in Palestine and in consultation with engineering experts with more than 10 years of experience in Laos road construction projects. A total of 53 causes of delay are identified as important in Laos. Questionnaire respondents included 35 contractors, 31 owners and 24 consultants in total. The survey results indicate that the five top factors causing road construction delays are: Contractor cash flow; Delayed payment by owner; Difficulties in financing project by contractor; Financial issues related to owner; and Insufficient equipment and vehicles for the work.

واقع أمن وسرية المعلومات الإلكترونية في بنك فلسطين "دراسة حالة" (The Reality of Electronic Information Security in Bank of Palestine "Case Study")

Arabic Abstract: هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى تقييم واقع أمن وسرية المعلومات الإلكترونية في بنك فلسطين دراسة حالة من خلال التعرف على مدى توافر مقومات حماية البنية التحتية لأمن المعلومات ، ولتحقيق هدف الدراسة تم إعداد استبانة مكونة من ثلاث محاور (الحماية المادية - الحماية البرمجية - حماية الأفراد) لقياس متغيرات الدراسة وزعت على العاملين في أقسام تكنولوجيا المعلومات في بنك فلسطين وقد شملت عينة الدارسة على (38) وزعت عليهم الاستبانة وتم استرداد (31) استبانة حيث بلغت نسبة الاسترداد81%) )، وقد توصلت الدراسة إلى نتائج مهمة تشير إلى أنه يتوفر لدى بنك فلسطين مقومات بنية تحتية مقبولة بمحاورها الثلاثة (المادية ,البرمجية، والأفراد ) بنسب متفاوتة حيث كان المحور الأول (الحماية المادية) في المرتبة الأولى بنسبة (%92.69), أما المحور الثاني (الحماية البرمجية ) كان في المرتبة الثانية بنسبة (%88.77) والمحور الأخير (حماية الأفراد) احتل المرتبة الثالثة بنسبة (%80.00) مما يدل على أن الآراء كانت في المحاور الثلاثة موافقة بدرجة كبيرة جدا, وأنه لا توجد فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في استجابات أفراد العينة حول واقع إدارة أمن المعلومات في بنك فلسطين تعزى للمتغيرات الديموغرافية (المؤهل العلمي، المستوى الوظيفي، والخبرة) باستثناء متغير الدورات التدريبية حيث أظهرت النتائج أنه يوجد فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في استجابات أفراد العينة حول واقع إدارة أمن المعلومات في بنك فلسطين تعزى لمتغير الدورات التدريبية. وانتهت الدراسة إلى مجموعة من التوصيات من أهمها ، قيام بنك فلسطين بتطوير سياسات أمن المعلومات الخاصة به، والعمل على نشرها و تطبيقها، والقيام بمراجعتها، لما لهذه السياسات من أثر في تحسين الإجراءات الأمنية ضرورة حث المصارف الفلسطينية على الاستمرار بالاهتمام بالبنية التحتية لأمن المعلومات وتطويرها لتجاري المستحدثات التكنولوجية السريعة. English Abstract: This study aims at evaluating the reality of electronic information security in Bank of Case Study , through recognizing the availability of the elements to protect the infrastructure of information security. To achieve the objective of this study, a questionnaire was prepared and consisted at three axes (Physical protecting, programming protecting and protect the individuals) To measure study variables, It was distributed among the employees in the Departments of information technology in Bank of Palestine, The study sample included (38) employees, we regained( 31) questionnaire, recovery rate of (81%). The study reached important results that there is in Bank Of Palestine the elements of accepted infrastructure in its three axes the( Physical, programming and individuals) in a different ration, and there was no significant differences related to individuals responses about the real field of information security in the Bank Of Palestine, that refers to demographic variables (Qualification, the professional level, the Experience). and there are significant differences related to individuals responses about the real field of information security in the Bank Of Palestine that refers to variable (training courses). The study ends in some recommendations, The most important one is that Bank Of Palestine should improve their own information security policies and publish, apply, develop and review them. As these policies have significant effects in promoting the security procedures, Also, they are important to encourage the Palestinian banks to continue paying attention to the information security infrastructure and developing to keep pace with rapid technological innovations.

Conceptualising Islamic Human Resource Management Principles in the Context of Palestine

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to conceptualise Human Resource Management Principles in the context of Palestine by investigating the current and standard practices of Islamic HRM principles in the West Bank in Palestine. The primary focus is more on the implementation and awareness about Islamic HRM principles in the large institutions and organisations including governmental and non-governmental influential bodies like banks, universities, ministries and other key organisations.
 Approach – The paper takes the form of a qualitative approach based on an extensive review of relevant literature. It examines the different available research works and studies done in the field of HRM and Islamic Human resources in the West Bank in Palestine. It aims to summarise the current trends and possible future implications of the present behaviours and practices in the Palestinian organisations and their awareness about the importance of Islamic HRM.
 Findings – The reviewed literature reveals a considerable misunderstanding of the critical concepts of the Islamic HRM and a lack of awareness about their nature and importance to the organisations. Although most organisations claim that their practices are in line with the principles of Islam and they care a lot about fair treatment and honesty, nevertheless the reality is that the literature reveals a minimal implementation of these principles. Furthermore, the Israeli occupation has created many limitations on Palestinian organisations.
 Research limitations – The limitations that this study faced are the lack of data from primary resources and official data. Furthermore, there is a lack of research papers on Islamic HRM in the Palestinian context because of the limited resources and empirical studies in this area.
 Value –The study has an excellent value for decision-makers and policymakers in Palestine and shows them the importance of implementing Islamic HRM for their organisations

أثر استخدام أنظمة ذكاء الأعمال على التوجهات الريادية للقطاع المصرفي الفلسطيني: بنك فلسطين نموذجاً (The Impact of Using Business Intelligence Systems on Entrepreneurial Orientations of the Palestinian Banking Sector: Bank of Palestine as a Model)

Arabic Abstract: هدفت الدراسة إلى التعرف على واقع استخدام أنظمة ذكاء الأعمال وأثرها على التوجهات الريادية لبنك فلسطين-المحافظات الجنوبية، واعتمدت الدراسة على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، وتم جمع البيانات الأولية للدراسة من خلال تطوير استبانة مكونة من ستة مجالات رئيسية تضمنت 39 فقرة، وتشكل مجتمع الدراسة من العاملين في الوظائف الإدارية المتقدمة في بنك فلسطين (مدير إدارة، مدير دائرة، مدير فرع) والبالغ عددهم 55 موظفا، واعتمد الباحثان على أسلوب الحصر الشامل، حيث تم توزيع (55) استبانة استرد منها (46) بنسبة (83%)، وتم تحليل الاستبانة واختبار فرضيات الدراسة بواسطة برنامج الحزم الإحصائية (SPSS)، وقد اظهرت النتائج أن واقع استخدام أنظمة ذكاء الأعمال بأبعادها (جمع وتحليل البيانات، إدارة أداء الأعمال، دعم الموقف التنافسي) قد حصل على تقدير مرتفع بمتوسط حسابي (3.85)، ووزن نسبي (77.0%). وقد اظهرت النتائج مستوى تحقق التوجهات الريادية بأبعادها مجتمعة (الاستباقية، المغامرة التنافسية، المخاطرة) قد حصل على تقدير مرتفع وبمتوسط حسابي (3.98) ووزن نسبي(79.6%). كما بينت النتائج وجود تأثير ذو دلالة إحصائية عند مستوى (α ≤ 0.05) لواقع استخدام أنظمة ذكاء الأعمال في مستوى تحقق التوجهات الريادية، حيث بلغت قيمة معامل التفسيرR2 (44.4%). وتوصي الدارسة الإدارة العامة للبنك بتطوير أنظمة ذكاء الأعمال بحيث تساهم بشكل أكبر في رصد قدرات وإمكانيات المنافسين واستراتيجياتهم التنافسية، وطرح خدمات مصرفية مبتكرة، ومزيد من خفض أسعار الخدمات وتخصيص الأموال الكافية للبحث والتطوير. English Abstract: The study aimed at identifying the reality of using business intelligence (BI) systems and its impact on entrepreneurial orientations of the bank of Palestine in southern governorates. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive analytical approach was used , The Primary data collection achieved by developing a questionnaire consisting of six main areas, which included (39) paragraphs, The study population consisted of (55) employees working in senior management positions in the bank of Palestine includes director of administration, Director, and bank’s Branch Manager. The researchers adopted the complete census, Where (55) questionnaires were distributed, of which (46) were retrieved at a rate of (83%). The questionnaire was analyzed and the study hypotheses tested by the statistical package program (SPSS). Findings of the study showed that the reality of using business intelligence (BI) systems with its dimensions of (data collection and analysis, business performance management, and competitive position support) scored a high level, where its mean reached (3.85) with a relative weight of (77.0%). Also showed that the level of realizing the entrepreneurial orientations with its combined dimensions (proactive, competitive adventure, risk) scored a high level, where its mean reached (3.98) with a relative weight of (79.6%). The study also showed that there was a statistically significant effect at the level of (α ≤ 0.05) for the reality of using the business intelligence (BI) systems in the level of achieving entrepreneurial orientations, where the determination coefficient R2 scored (44.4%). The study recommends that the general administration of the bank should develop business intelligence (BI) systems to contribute more in monitoring competitors’ abilities, capacities and competitive strategies, furthermore, to offer innovation-baking service, and to reduce service prices and allocating sufficient funds for research and development.

Energy Recovery from Waste Tires Using Pyrolysis: Palestine as Case of Study

The first industrial-scale pyrolysis plant for solid tire wastes has been installed in Jenin, northern of the West Bank in Palestine, to dispose of the enormous solid tire wastes in the north of West Bank. The disposable process is an environmentally friendly process and it converts tires into useful products, which could reduce the fuel crisis in Palestine. The gravimetric analysis of tire waste pyrolysis products from the pyrolysis plant working at the optimum conditions is: tire pyrolysis oil (TPO): 45%, pyrolysis carbon black (PCB): 35%, pyrolysis gas (Pyro-Gas): 10% and steel wire: 10%. These results are depending on the tire type and size. It has been found that the produced pyrolysis oil has a High Heating Value (HHV), with a range of 42 − 43 ( MJ / kg ) , which could make it useful as a replacement for conventional liquid fuels. The main disadvantage of using the TPO as fuel is its strong acrid smell and its low flash point, as compared with the other conventional liquid fuels. The produced pyrolysis carbon black also has a High Heating Value (HHV) of about 29 (MJ/kg), which could also encourage its usage as a solid fuel. Carbon black could also be used as activated carbon, printers’ ink, etc. The pyrolysis gas (Pyro-Gas) obtained from waste tires mainly consist of light hydrocarbons. The concentration of H2 has a range of 30% to 40% in volume and it has a high calorific value (approximately 31 MJ / m 3 ), which can meet the process requirement of energy. On the other hand, it is necessary to clean gas before the burning process to remove H2S from Pyro-Gas, and hence, reduce the acid rain problem. However, for the current plant, some recommendations should be followed for more comfortable operation and safer environment work conditions.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists toward the management of acne vulgaris in Palestine: a cross-sectional study.

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common dermatological disease affecting almost 85% of teenagers. Patients with AV usually present at community pharmacies during the early stages of their disease. The aim of this study was to assess community pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward AV management in West Bank in Palestine. This study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. The questionnaire included four sections: 1)demographic, 2)knowledge, 3)attitude and practice items related causes, and 4)treatment options and counseling during management of patients with AV. A convenience sampling method was implemented in this study. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to compare different issues as appropriate. P<0.05 were considered significant. A total of 270 community pharmacists were interviewed, and more than half (54.1%) were males. The study revealed that community pharmacists had an inadequate level of knowledge on management of AV; only 7.7% had high levels of knowledge. Pharmacists have positive attitude regarding AV management, but inadequate knowledge was reflected on their treatment practices; only 10% of participants independently dealt with AV without referral. Pharmacists with a low level of knowledge showed five times more referrals than those with a high level of knowledge (OR: 5.3; P<0.001), and those with a bachelor degree showed three timesmore referrals than postgraduates (OR: 3.3; P<0.001). There is a demand to update dermatological knowledge of community pharmacists and encourage them to attend structured training programs about the management of AV.

Electronic Banking Strategies and Their Impact on Customers’ Satisfaction: Empirical Evidence from Palestine

Digital banking could be a new era for banks in Palestine. Electronic banking services have become an essential part of the banking services in most of the banks in Palestine, along with the traditional banking represented by the physical branches. Recently, more banks in Palestine have shifted towards Electronic Banking services by utilizing the advancement in the Information and Telecommunication technology thereby enhancing the customer experience and satisfaction, and increasing the efficiency of the banking services, since electronic banking is available 24/7, with no restrictions on working hours. &#x0D; This study examines the correlation between electronic banking services in Palestine and customer satisfaction. The main question is: “What is the impact of the electronic banking strategies on customers’ satisfaction within the banking sector in Palestine?” The methodology used to tackle this question is based on two major components: a) survey design targeting 347 banks’ customers in 8 banks in Palestine, b) Direct interviews with the Top management of two major banks in Palestine (Arab Bank and Bank of Palestine) on the bank's future strategies towards Electronic banking.&#x0D; With the introduction of the Third generation of wireless internet (3G) service in Palestine, the internet has become readily available and accessible, at any time. Along with the availability of traditional wireless network in the bank itself, the banking systems in Palestine are moving quickly toward digitalization. This study finds several interesting findings, one of these findings is the significant positive correlation between electronic banking strategies and customer satisfaction using these services. Thus, the study null hypothesis was rejected and the alternative hypothesis was accepted. This finding will be guiding the banks in Palestine to build strategies focusing on electronic banking services to achieve one of their top objectives by attracting and retaining their customers for the long-term.

Antimicrobial Activities of Teucrium creticum against Reference Microbial Strains and Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria Isolated at an Oncology Ward

Aim: To determine antimicrobial activity of Teucrium creticum (T. creticum) leaves extract against bacterial and fungal reference strains and multidrug resistant bacteria isolated at an oncology ward.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in department of biology and biotechnology in An-Najah National University in cooperation with the laboratory of the hospital of the university. An-Najah National University is located in West Bank in Palestine. The research was performed from 8th of February to the 15th of April 2017. &#x0D; Methodology: Teucrium creticum plant leaves were collected in Palestine, from which aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared. Antimicrobial activities of T. creticum extracts were determined against reference bacterial and fungal strains as well as against 8 multidrug resistant bacteria isolated at an oncology ward. Antibacterial and anti-yeast activities were determined by Micro broth dilution method, while anti-mold activities were determined by agar dilution method. Teucrium creticum methanolic extract strongly inhibited the growth of the studied reference bacterial strains, which were Staphylococcus aureus (MIC= 1.56 mg/ml) and Shigella sonnie (MIC=3.125 mg/ml). In addition, most of the 8 multi-drug resistant bacterial strains isolated from patients with cancer (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia Coli and Enterobacter cloacae) were also highly susceptible to methanolic extract (MIC=3.125 mg/ml). Both the Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella sonnie reference strains were inhibited at lower level by the aqueous extract (MIC=12.5 mg/ml). All the bacterial strains isolated from patients with cancer were susceptible to aqueous extract at different levels (3.125 – 25 mg/ml). Epidermophyton floccosum mold and Candida albicans yeast were strongly inhibited by aqueous extract, where the MIC values were 1.56 and 3.125 mg/ml, respectively. &#x0D; Conclusion: T. creticum plant extracts showed promising antimicrobial activities against multidrug resistant bacterial isolates as well as against reference bacterial and fungal strains.

دراسة مقارنة لتقییم الأداء المصرفي بالاعتماد على مؤشرات السیولة والربحیة للمصارف المدرجة في بورصة فلسطین للمدة 2010- 2017

The study aims at comparing the performance of banks listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange inthe period 2010-2017 based on the averages of liquidity and profitability indicators, using thedescriptive approach and the analytical method. The results showed instability in the Palestinianeconomic environment, which affected the results of performance of liquidity and profitability,where the highest indicators of liquidity in the Arab Islamic Bank (55.667%), while the profitabilityindicators the best results were in the Bank of Palestine. This confirms that Islamic banks maintaincash liquidity more than commercial banks because they are unable to provide liquidity at anytime.The study recommends the adoption of indicators of liquidity and profitability in riskmanagement and analysis by banks because of their importance in deviating degrees and levels ofsafety to avoid risk

Physicians\u2019 knowledge, perceived barriers, and practices regarding cancer pain management: a cross-sectional study from Palestine

BackgroundPain continues to be a prevalent yet undertreated problem among cancer patients. Achieving adequate control of cancer pain is influenced by physicians’ knowledge and practices, which have been found to be inadequate by many studies. In this study, we aimed to examine knowledge and practices, as well as perceived barriers relating to the management of cancer pain among Palestinian physicians.MethodsThis cross-sectional study took place at eight hospitals in the northern West Bank in Palestine. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to physicians who were responsible for the care of cancer patients. The questionnaire assessed knowledge, perceived barriers, assessment practices, pain documentation, and delaying processes relating to cancer pain management (CPM).ResultsIn total, we analysed 109 questionnaires. The mean age of the participants was 32.3 ± 7.0 years and 73.4% had less than 10 years of professional experience. After analysing the data, we found physicians’ knowledge to be inadequate, with a mean knowledge score of 6.2 ± 1.9 out of 14. The barriers that were perceived by the highest percentages of physicians to affect CPM were inadequate pain assessment (89%), insufficient experience (79.8%), and insufficient knowledge (76.1%), all of which are staff-related. However, 65% reported assessing pain on every round and 70% asked about all items related to the nature of pain. Finally, obtaining opioids from the pharmacy was the most recognized delaying step in CPM.ConclusionsDespite reporting good practices, physicians showed substantial knowledge deficits regarding CPM. Besides, many barriers appear to impede effective CPM. Therefore, appropriate educational programmes and policy changes are recommended in order to improve professional performance as well as patient care.

Pattern of substance use among schoolchildren in Palestine: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundTobacco smoking, alcohol use, and illicit drug use are significant health, psychological, and social problems among youth in Palestine. The aim of this study was to provide insight into the extent and the pattern of psychoactive substance use among schoolchildren in the West Bank in Palestine. A cross-sectional study in 16 schools was conducted in 2016. Eight hundred seventy-seven students of 10th grade were chosen randomly. Modified self-administrated questionnaire from Monitor the Future Study and European school survey project on alcohol and other drugs was used.ResultsThe most current substance used by schoolchildren was tobacco (40.6%), followed by alcohol (3.2%) and illicit drugs (2.0%). Around 59.7, 7.9, and 2.9% of the schoolchildren had tried, at least once in their lifetime, tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, respectively. Moreover, 11.1% of them who had not yet tried a substance intends to smoke tobacco, 1.4% intends to drink alcohol, and 0.3% intends to try illicit drugs. Curiosity and experience was the most frequent motivation for using these substances. The mean age of initiation was 12 years for smoking and 14 years for drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs. Most of the illicit drug users (78.3%) had tried more than one illicit drug or more than one substance at the same time. Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids followed by amphetamines were the most commonly used drugs. Around 78.8%, 37.6%, and 27.6% agreed that tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, respectively, were easily accessible in their communities. Work was significantly associated with increased risk for substance use across various substances.ConclusionMany factors had determined the danger of using psychoactive substances by Palestinian schoolchildren including the initiation age, the availability, the type of the substances used, and the frequency of the use, and using multiple substances at the same time. Curiosity and experience, peer pressure, families, and working were the most important motives. Health care professionals, clinicians, and ministries of education, health, and labor have key responsibilities in preventing substance use among youth and need to develop more effective prevention and cessation strategies. The Palestinian National Authority needs to make more efforts in smoking legislation regulating the age of access and smoking for youths and adults.

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دراسة مقارنة لتقییم الأداء المصرفي بالاعتماد على مؤشرات السیولة والربحیة للمصارف المدرجة في بورصة فلسطین للمدة )(2017-201

The study aims at comparing the performance of banks listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange inthe period 2010-2017 based on the averages of liquidity and profitability indicators, using thedescriptive approach and the analytical method. The results showed instability in the Palestinianeconomic environment, which affected the results of performance of liquidity and profitability,where the highest indicators of liquidity in the Arab Islamic Bank (55.667%), while the profitabilityindicators the best results were in the Bank of Palestine. This confirms that Islamic banks maintaincash liquidity more than commercial banks because they are unable to provide liquidity at anytime.The study recommends the adoption of indicators of liquidity and profitability in riskmanagement and analysis by banks because of their importance in deviating degrees and levels ofsafety to avoid risk

Genetic diversity of Taenia hydatigena in the northern part of the West Bank, Palestine as determined by mitochondrial DNA sequences.

Cysticercus tenuicollis is the metacestode of canine tapeworm Taenia hydatigena, which has been reported in domestic and wild ruminants and is causing veterinary and economic losses in the meat industry. This study was conducted to determine the sequence variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (coxl) gene in 20 isolates of T. hydatigena metacestodes (cysticercus tenuicollis) collected from northern West Bank in Palestine. Nine haplotypes were detected, with one prevailing (55%). The total haplotype diversity (0.705) and the total nucleotide diversity (0.0045) displayed low genetic diversity among our isolates. Haplotype analysis showed a star-shaped network with a centrally positioned common haplotype. The Tajima's D, and Fu and Li's statistics in cysticercus tenuicollis population of this region showed a negative value, indicating deviations from neutrality and both suggested recent population expansion for the population. The findings of this study would greatly help to implement control and preventive measures for T. hydatigena larvae infection in Palestine.

Using E-Leadership as a Strategic Tool in Enhancing Organizational Commitment of Virtual Teams in Foreign Commercial Banks in North West Bank -Palestine

Using information technologies in organizations has been one of the most important topics for numerous scholars in the business field. This manuscript aims to investigate the impact of using E-leadership as a strategic tool in enhancing the organizational commitment of virtual teams in foreign commercial banks in Northern West Bank in Palestine. Primary data was collected via questionnaires which distributed on virtual teams in foreign commercial banks in North West Bank - Palestine. Researchers used a purposive sample which is suitable to study objectives. The empirical model in this study illustrates the relationship among E leadership dimensions (i.e. Envision, engage, energize, empower, execute, and elastic), perceptions of organizational commitment. This manuscript employs simple regression analysis to examine the impact of E-leadership on organizational commitment. In addition, researchers use Pearson correlation matrix to identify the relationship between the six dimensions of E-leadership and organizational commitment. The result proves that positive impact of using E-leadership as a strategic tool in enhancing the organizational commitment of virtual teams in foreign commercial banks is significant. Also, finds that there is a positive significant relationship between E-leadership and its six dimensions with organizational commitment.

Blood zinc levels in nursing women from different regions of the West Bank of Palestine

ABSTRACTPregnant and nursing women are at higher risk of zinc deficiency which can have detrimental consequences on health. We assessed blood zinc levels in 72 nursing women from the West Bank of Palestine and investigated the association between sociodemographic variables and blood zinc levels. Blood samples were analyzed for their zinc contents using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Blood and data collection were performed between July and December 2016. The median blood zinc level was 4.53 mg/L (interquartile range of 0.38 mg/L). In unadjusted analyses, blood zinc levels were higher in nursing women who lived in cities (p-value <.001), had higher household income (p-value <.001), whose husbands had a white collar job (p-value <.05), were nonsmokers (p-value <.05), did not use hair dyes (p-value <.05), and consumed energy beverages (p-value <.001). Multiple linear analysis showed that living in cities and consuming energy beverages remained significantly associated with higher blood zinc levels (p-value <.05). Blood zinc levels were in the range previously reported for similar non-malnourished populations. Nursing women living in cities and those consuming energy beverages tended to have higher blood zinc levels. Urbanized lifestyle might have enhanced blood zinc levels in nursing women.

“Walls of Freedom”: Street Art and Structural Violence in the Global City

This article argues that contemporary street art (or graffiti) uses a unique set of resistant techniques to foreground the contours and shapes of different kinds of structural violence inscribed into, and perpetuated by, the infrastructural layouts of the twenty-first century’s increasingly global cities. Graffiti can resist structural violence as it is shaped and exacerbated by—even embedded within—the physical walls of city spaces, ricocheting off into alternative and on occasion more democratic modes of urban habitation. Through a discussion of examples from urban spaces as diverse as revolutionary Cairo, divided East Jerusalem and the West Bank in Palestine, and South African townships and gentrifying East London, the article shows that street art can transform the violent infrastructural strategies of oppressive state governance into a canvas that articulates calls for democratic and political freedom.

Parents' and professionals' perceptions towards support for children with communication disorders in preschool settings in the North West Bank in Palestine: Preliminary data from the pilot study

According to the Palestinian Centre for Statistics (2013), children with communication disorders constitute the highest percentage of special educational needs in Palestine; however, there is a lack of services to support these children. The purpose of this quantitative study is to analyze how the preschools settings in the Northern region of the West Bank, Palestine, support children with communication disorders from the parents' and professionals' perceptions. To collect data, two questionnaires were developed, (for parents, and for professionals). The participants in this study were 40 parents and 44 professionals from all these regions. The researcher aimed to clarify the type of support provided for children with communication disorders in preschool contexts in Palestine, also to find out if there is a relationship between the variables of the study and the perceptions of parents and professionals towards the support provided in preschool settings. Preliminary data from this study will be provided. Keywords: Parents, perceptions,professionals perceptions, preschool settings, communication disorders

Parents' and professionals' perceptions towards support for children with communication disorders in preschool settings in the North West Bank in Palestine: Preliminary data from the pilot study

According to the Palestinian Centre for Statistics (2013), children with communication disorders constitute the highest percentage of special educational needs in Palestine; however, there is a lack of services to support these children. The purpose of this quantitative study is to analyze how the preschools settings in the Northern region of the West Bank, Palestine, support children with communication disorders from the parents' and professionals' perceptions. To collect data, two questionnaires were developed, (for parents, and for professionals). The participants in this study were 40 parents and 44 professionals from all these regions. The researcher aimed to clarify the type of support provided for children with communication disorders in preschool contexts in Palestine, also to find out if there is a relationship between the variables of the study and the perceptions of parents and professionals towards the support provided in preschool settings. Preliminary data from this study will be provided. Keywords: Parents, perceptions,professionals perceptions, preschool settings, communication disorders

Technical Efficiency of Olive-growing Farms in the Northern West Bank of Palestine

This study examines the firm-level technical efficiency of olive-growing farms in the West Bank of Palestine. Using a sample of 176 olive farms in the Jenin governorate collected during September 2015, we estimated the Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function. The results suggest that higher levels of education of the head of farm households and farms with a higher density of olive trees are associated with higher technical efficiency. The introduction of irrigation had a marginal effect on upgrading efficiency. Enlarging the irrigated area had a negative effect, but increasing the number of years of irrigation had a positive impact on efficiency. While the impact of access to export markets on technical efficiency was negative and farms oriented towards domestic consumption of olive oil showed lower efficiency, access to markets through olive presses and middlemen contributed to improve efficiency. The results of the chosen half-normal model suggest that olive farms in Jenin have the potential to increase production by 51.4% through more efficient use of technology and production inputs. These results imply promotion of intensive farming with mature olive trees and expansion of market access could contribute to improve technical efficiency of olive farms in the West Bank even under severe geographical and geopolitical conditions.