Different Regions Of Jordan Research Articles

Internet Use Patterns, Internet Addiction, and Anxiety among Youth in Jordan: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Despite the numerous benefits of Internet use, improper Internet utilization may produce many psychological illnesses, such as Internet Addiction (IA). Young people are considered a vulnerable population for IA. Purpose: The current study is conducted to determine the prevalence of IA among youth in Jordan. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive approach. The final sample consisted of 405 Jordanian young people. The researchers recruited the study participants from two universities and four schools located at different regions in Jordan. The study utilized a self-report questionnaire composed of four sections; Basic Information Questionnaire, Internet Use Patterns Questionnaire, IA Test, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment. Ethical principles of nursing research were adhered to. The study was conducted during the second semester of 2023/2024 academic year. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results: The study results revealed that about one third of the participants (n= 121, 29.9%) met the criteria for IA. There is a variability among the study participants regarding their online activities, where social media was the main online activity (66.4 %). The study results also reported that there is a positive association between anxiety and IA (r = 0.66; p = 0.001). Conclusion: From a Jordanian viewpoint, this study adds to the understanding of IA among youth in the international literature. To mitigate the negative effects of IA, stakeholders must work together interdisciplinarily and with concerted effort. Implications for Nursing: Nurses can play an important role in raising awareness about IA among youth and making referral for the affected individuals. Keywords: Internet, Social media, Internet use, Internet use patterns, Internet addiction, Youth, Anxiety, Jordan.

How Polite can Impoliteness be? A Jordanian Gendered Perspective

Contrary to the abundance of research on politeness in many languages, little research has been done on impoliteness, for, unlike politeness, impoliteness is essentially unmarked and, hence, defies direct observation. This study, which is informed by the work of Culpeper (1996, 2005, 2011), Brown and Levinson (1978, 1987), and Holmes (1995, 2008, 2013), attempts to examine impoliteness from a gender perspective. The data were collected from an equally divided sample of 100 male and female adults (age 20-79 years) from different regions of Jordan by means of a 31-item checklist of potentially impolite behaviors. The findings revealed an effect for gender as, despite evident similarities, male and female respondents manifest differences in their perceptions of what constitutes (im)polite behavior. The study concludes with recommendations for further research.

Antibacterial Activity of Streptomyces Strains Isolated from Different Regions of Jordan

Antibacterial Activity of <i>Streptomyces</i> Strains Isolated from Different Regions of Jordan

Barriers to breast cancer screening in a developing middle eastern country: A nationwide survey.

e22517 Background: Breast cancer imposes a significant global health burden not only due to being constantly ranked as the leading malignancy in females, but also due to the immense resulting morbidity and mortality. Despite the presence of screening modalities, the uptake is relatively low due to unidentified barriers in many countries and regions. The Identification of these barriers towards screening is of paramount importance to tackle the health burden imposed by breast cancer, especially in countries like Jordan, a developing middle eastern country. Methods: A self-reporting survey consisting of comprehensive questions regarding the participant’s demographics, medical history, knowledge about breast cancer and the screening modalities was distributed to females aged 25 years and above with no prior history of breast cancer who are residing across the different regions of Jordan. The first consecutive 790 participants were enrolled, and data analysis was performed to identify the key barriers. Results: The mean age of the enrolled study population was 41 ± 9 years old with the majority being married (82.8%), have underwent a higher level of education (86.5%), are non-smokers (75.2%), and are medically insured (72.4%). 209 participants (26.5%) had reported a family history of breast cancer, while 83.4% of the participants reported awareness about breast cancer screening modalities with breast self-examination being the most commonly known modality of screening in 39.2% of the participants. Only 22.4% of the participants were aware of the 3 available screening methods. The majority of the participants (57.1%) did not undergo previous screening. When the participants who did not undergo previous breast cancer screening were compared with those who did, the participants without prior screening were more likely to report the lack of knowledge towards screening modalities (27.7% vs 8.0%) (p-value &lt; 0.001), fear of the results (22.6% vs 13.9%) (p-value = 0.002), fear of pain during or after from the test (10.4% vs 5.9%) (p-value = 0.024), and feeling of embarrassment provoked by the screening test (15.7% vs 6.5%) (p-value &lt; 0.001) as key barriers. On the contrary, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups when assessing financial aspect of screening uptake as a potential barrier (p-value = 0.860). Conclusions: Despite the considerably high percentage of participants being aware of breast cancer screening modalities, an alarmingly low rate of screening uptake was witnessed due to several barriers. The collective identification of lack of knowledge towards screening modalities and the nature of the available tests, in addition to the fear of the results and pain following the test, and feeling of embarrassment undoubtedly mandates the formulation of comprehensive awareness campaigns that effectively tackle these barriers.

A national survey of lower urinary tract symptoms in Jordan

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and their severity population in Jordan. MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was conducted using a paper-based survey between August and September in 2019. The study was carried out in the health care centers or hospitals in three different regions of Jordan: North (Irbid and Jarash), Middle (Amman, Madaba, Salt, and Zarqa), and South (Karak and Aqaba). ResultsTo estimate the prevalence of LUTS, two definitions were used, including the first definition (presence of any LUTS regardless of the degree of severity) and the second definition (presence of any LUTS that occurs half the time or more). According to the first definition, 1038 (89.9%) reported LUTS (male: 47.3%, female: 52.7%), while 763 (66.1%) reported LUTS according to the second definition (male: 45.6%, female: 54.4%). According to the International Prostate Symptom Score characterization, 73.9% had nocturia and 62.9% reported daytime increased frequency. ConclusionLUTS are highly prevalent among the Jordanian population, and more than half of them have nocturia or daytime increased frequency as most frequently reported symptoms.

Temporary and Permanent Impacts of COVID-19 on Water Consumption Patterns and Solid Waste Generation

Water resources are limited and many regions worldwide are encountering serious water problems, mainly about quality and quantity. Water is very important in pandemics’ spread for hygienic practices and providing high sanitary level. Many studies have revealed that there has been a substantial change in water consumption rates and the amount of generated solid waste during Covid-19 pandemic, but there has been no evidence if these changes will continue after the pandemic period. Information about the household’s behavior and personal hygiene practices before and after the pandemic have been gathered from different regions in Jordan through an online questionnaire and focused group discussion. It has been found out that there has been an increase in water consumption up to 41% caused by changes in personal and household’s behavior during the pandemic. Changes in water consumptions associated with handwashing 75% and surface cleaning 66% seem to be permanent, and such changes may be considered for future water management programs. Plastic and metals are the most generated solid waste during the pandemic as there have been high consumption rates of protection items (e.g. gloves) and canned food. This study demonstrates magnitude and importance of permanent changes in household’s behaviors and in personal consumption to be taken into account in future strategies for water resources management and solid waste recycling programs.

Ethnopharmacological importance of local flora in the traditional medicine of Jordan: (A mini review)

Traditional knowledge of medicinal plant use in Jordan is poorly described. During the last years, many phytochemists and botanists from Jordan have conducted qualitative and quantitative several studies, to gather information from the local people in the different rural regions where herbal medicine flourishes. To assess the effectiveness of the specific plants used in the treatment of certain diseases, several ethnopharmacological studies were carried out in different regions of Jordan. The reported use value (UV) and informant’s consensus factor (Fic) of these studies were analysed and summarised. Artemisia and Achillea species scored the highest UV (above 0.8). Ajloun area, rich in medicinal plants, showed the highest average UV, followed by the rural area of Badia. Among all reported illnesses dental pain has achieved the highest homogenity of the information (Fic 0.97). This ethnopharmacological review revealed that despite the availability of modern medicine in Jordan, traditional medicine is also widely practiced, especially in the rural areas of the country.

Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of rabies viruses from Jordan.

Human fatalities caused by rabies are rarely reported in Jordan; however, domestic animals are more likely to fall victim to rabies compared to wild animals, at least this is the case in Jordan due to the presence of canine rabies. In this study, twelve brain samples from domestic and wild animals suspected of being infected with rabies virus from different regions of Jordan were collected during 2019. Seven of them tested positive using the fluorescent antibody test and real-time SYBR RT-PCR assay. Five specimens were from stray dogs and two from foxes. The whole genome sequences were obtained from the positive samples. Sequence analysis showed that one dog virus from Al Quwaysimah city located in Amman governorate, was closely related to an Israeli strain belonging to a Cosmopolitan ME1a clade. The genomes of the remaining six viruses (four from dogs and two from foxes) collected from different areas of Jordan were genetically-related to each other and clustered together with sequences from Iran and Turkey; all belong to Cosmopolitan ME2 clade. These sequences were analyzed with six other Jordanian rabies virus nucleoprotein (N) gene sequences available in the public database, five of them belong to ME1a clade and one belongs to ME1b clade. Rabies virus whole genome data is scarce across the Middle East. This study provides a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of rabies virus in the region.

Reading for pleasure among Jordanian children: a community‐based reading intervention

BackgroundWe Love Reading (WLR) is a community‐based reading intervention aimed at cultivating an interest in reading for pleasure among children through mobilising local community members to establish informal libraries and organise read‐aloud sessions in public spaces. The programme targets primarily children between the ages 4–10 but is also open to older children. The present study investigated the effect of the WLR programme on children's practices and attitudes related to reading for pleasure.MethodsParticipants were 1,718 children recruited from different regions in Jordan. Children were, on average, 7.52 years old (SD = 2.12). The treatment group comprised 1,304 children (59% girls; Mage = 7.18 years, SD = 2.16) who received the WLR programme over 4 months. The comparison group comprised 414 children (59% girls; Mage = 8.50 years, SD = 1.67) who did not attend any reading programme. Two assessment tools, adapted from previous literature, assessed reading attitudes and reading practices. The structural equation modelling framework was used to analyse the data.ResultsResults showed a small but significant increase in reading attitude scores and reading practice scores among children who participated in the WLR programme. The positive effect was found for children of all ages and for boys and girls alike.ConclusionA comparison of scores between the WLR group and the comparison group showed a small advantage for the WLR group. The results provide initial support for the WLR programme as a promising community‐based reading intervention for promoting reading for pleasure among children.

Multi-residue analysis of organochlorine pesticides and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Jordanian olive oil using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A new simple extraction method has been developed for determination 20 banned organochlorine (OC) pesticide residues and 16 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) priority pollutant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using gas chromatography equipped with a mass-spectrometric detector (GC-MS). Various extraction processes were studied, the final extraction method was applied by liquid-liquid partition using acetonitrile/acetone 6:4 (v/v) mixture. The concentrated extracts were subjected to C18 – Solid Phase Extraction cartridge for the cleanup step. The new extraction method was validated, and it gave satisfactory results in terms of a linear relationship, precision, detection limits, quantitation limits, and recovery. The developed extraction method was applied to multi-residue analysis for OC pesticide residues and 16 EPA PAHs in 27 real samples of olive oil were collected from different regions in Jordan during 2018. Among all OC pesticide residues, only 4.4-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylen (4.4-DDE) was detected in the examined Jordanian olive oil samples. Estimated levels of PAHs ranged from 1.30 to 5.32 and 9.95 to 67.68 µg/kg for PAH8 and 16 EPA PAHs, respectively; while Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) not detected in all samples.

An Analytical Study of Jordanian Consumers’ Attitudes towards Purchasing Organic Food

The study aimed to determine the level of consumer attitudes towards purchasing organic food, by conducting a statistical analysis of the data collected from the questionnaires collected from a sample of consumers in Amman Governorate in 2018 distributed to a sample of 384. The analytical descriptive approach was used in this research to study the relationship Between the variables, the results of the study showed that the average degree of consumers to purchase organic foods was 3.69 degrees, which is a high level according to the scale used. The independent variables of consumers were also distinguished by its clear impact on their attitudes towards the purchase and consumption of organic foods. Through the study, it was found that there is a positive and important relationship between consumers attitudes towards organic foods and some factors that affect their attitudes. Considering this, importance the researcher recommends the importance of conducting awareness programs on the importance of organic foods and to do other relevant studies in different regions of Jordan.

Evaluation of Anti-Propionibacterium Acnes and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Polyphenolic Extracts of Medicinal Herbs in Jordan

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common health problem where medical treatment is sought in adults worldwide. It has been long described the integral role of Propionibacterium acnes in the pathogenesis of this disease. In this study, a group of local herbs known for their antimicrobial effects were selected for the evaluation of potential anti-acnes effects in vitro. Phenolics and flavonoid contents of methanolic extracts of Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha rotundifolia, Inula viscosa, Utrica dioica, Malva sylvestris, Quercus calliprinos, Arum palaestinum and Achille aodorata collected from different regions in Jordan during 2016-2017 were screened for antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes by disc diffusion and by broth microdilution method. Measurement of release of interleukin 1 alpha from human skin explants by ELISA was used for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects of the herbal preparations and extracts. M. rotundifolia and E. globulus, showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents in contrast to M. sylvestris which showed the least phenolic contents. Moreover, polyphenolic fractions exhibited modest anti-acne activity of herbal extracts of E. globulus and A. palaestinum (MIC 0.125 mg/ml), U. dioica (0.25 mg/ml) and I. viscosa (0.5 mg/ml), compared to not significant antimicrobial activity for others (MIC &gt;1mg/ml). Regarding anti-inflammatory effects of the tested fractions, E. globulus and A. palaestinum extracts showed inhibition of interleukin 1 alpha release by more than 60 % for concentrations of 0.5 mg/ml respectively. The presence of anti-inflammatory and anti-acne activities in the polyphenolic extracts of local medicinal plants would increase the potential of using these herbs in the control of Acne vulgaris.

Culture as a Problem in the Translation of Jordanian Proverbs into English

The study aims at identifying the cultural problems, encountered in the translation of Jordanian proverbs into English. The significance of the study stems from the fact that it stresses on the social, colloquial, and folkloric use of proverbs that adds to the various implications of them. It relies on the selection of proverbs that are used and understood in different regions of Jordan. They address different social and cultural issues, and this makes indispensible the relationship between Jordanians and their cultural and social values. The conventions of the proverbs reflect their historical background, and the actual incidents or events that have led to their formation, utterance, currency, and frequency. The whole proverbial context has been pivotally and elementally noticed in proverbs' construction, and this fact enhances both the utterer and the audience in the comprehension of the proverb. Translating the selected proverbs into English collides with many challenges, of which the cultural ones are observed as the most manifest. What adds to the translation challenges is the colloquialism of the proverbs, which gives them enough semantic, social, and cultural values that cannot be stripped or ignored in the literal translation of the proverbs.

Impact of a pharmacist-provided information booklet on knowledge and attitudes towards oral contraception among Jordanian women: an interventional study

Objectives: Jordan has high rate of unintended pregnancy, which is largely attributed to limited knowledge and misconceptions about contraceptive methods, namely oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a pharmacist-provided information booklet on increasing the knowledge of Jordanian women about safe and effective OCP use.Methods: This was a randomised interventional study. One hundred and sixty women who had used OCPs at least once in their lifetime were randomised to receive conventional counselling (control group) or a pharmacist-provided booklet (intervention group). Knowledge about and attitude towards OCP use were assessed before and immediately after the intervention, and at three-month follow-up.Results: The mean knowledge score (out of 5) of women in the intervention group improved significantly from 1.76 at baseline (standard deviation [SD] 1.25) to 5.00 (p < .000) directly after the intervention, which then slightly decreased to 4.93 (SD 0.31; p = .033) at follow-up. The baseline mean knowledge score of the control group was 1.29 (SD 1.12) and did not significantly increase over time. It was also considerably lower than that of the intervention group both immediately after the intervention and at follow-up. As regards mean attitude score (out of 6), the control group demonstrated no changes from baseline, whereas the intervention group improved significantly from 5.15 (SD 1.63) to 5.50 (SD 1.36; p = .014).Conclusions: Provision of an information booklet by pharmacists to women in Jordan using OCPs is highly recommended. Studies with a larger sample size and from different regions of Jordan are recommended.

English

Potato soft rot is one of the major destructive diseases affecting potato plants throughout the world. In a survey of different potato growing seasons in different regions of Jordan, samples of rotten potato tubers were collected and 131 isolates identified biochemically as Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc). The PCR primer pair (EXPCCR/EXPCCF) was used to detect these Jordanian isolates. The primer set amplified a single fragment of 550 bp in size from the total genomic DNA, which was extracted independently from 67 Pcc strains. In a nested PCR, the primer set (INPCCR/INPCCF) amplified the expected single fragment of 400 bp from the PCR product of first PCR amplification. The use of these primers was not reliable in detecting all isolates identified biochemically as Pcc. Different rots causal agents were detected by PCR amplification and further sequenced. The sequencing data revealed similarities to different genera; Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae genera such as Enterobacter spp., Serratia spp. and Klebsiella spp., in addition to P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. So far this is the first study where Pcc has been identified by using PCR and sequencing approaches in Jordan. &nbsp; Key words: Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, specific primers, nested PCR, sequencing. &nbsp

Economic Assessment of PV Investments in Jordan

Energy has been considered as one of the most important merchandises for the countries as it is related to the prosperity and the development of the countries. Nowadays, the investment in renewable energy resources became an attractive option with bright and optimistic future of such investment. Jordan is a Mediterranean country that has high protentional of renewable energy resources especially solar resources which makes the investment in solar projects in Jordan attractive in the presence of supportive governmental regulations. This study aims to assess the economics of PV power plant investments in different regions in Jordan in order to specify the best regions for such investment. The results indicate that the investment in PV projects is profitable in all the regions where Ma'an is the best region in Jordan for PV projects with NPV of 1531.7 USD/KWp and LCOE of 0.0916 USD/KWh.

Selection and verification of performance grading for asphalt binders produced in Jordan

Selection of proper binder is one of the most important factors considered in mixture design. Three different asphalt grading systems are normally used; they are penetration grading system, viscosity grading system and performance grading (PG) systems. PG system is a method of measuring asphalt binder performance; it was originally developed during strategic highway research program in the early 1990s in order to accurately and fully characterise asphalt binders for use in hot mix asphalt pavements. PG system is based on the idea that the properties of an asphalt binder should be related to the conditions under which it is being used. This involves expected climatic conditions, pavement temperature as well as ageing conditions. Performance-graded asphalt binders are selected to meet expected climatic conditions as well as traffic speed and load conditions. Therefore, the PG system uses a common set of tests to measure physical properties of the binder which can be directly related to field performance of the pavement at its service temperatures. In order to adopt the Superpave system in Jordan, it is essential to develop climatic zones for Jordan and to select the proper performance-graded binder to be used in different regions in Jordan. Selection of performance-graded binder is based mainly on the air temperature of the desired location. Several models were used to calculate the pavement temperature. Different reliability levels were used in developing the climatic zones in Jordan. Finally, Jordan was divided into different zones and specific binder type to be used there. On the basis of analysis, binder grade having designation PG 64-10 can be used in most parts of Jordan. The only source for asphalt binders used in the construction of flexible pavements for Jordan's highways and streets is the Jordan Petroleum Refinery (JPR). Typically, the JPR produces two main types of original asphalt binders; these are 60/70 penetration grade asphalt binder and 85/100 penetration grade asphalt binder. On the basis of laboratory test and according to the Superpave asphalt binder classification system, the 60/70 penetration grade asphalt binder can be classified as PG 64-16 and the 85/100 penetration grade asphalt binder as PG 58-16.

Distribution OfCCR-5Δ32,CCR2-64I, andSDF-1-3′AAlleles Among Jordanians

Entry of HIV virus into cells is mediated by chemokine receptors. Genetic variations in chemokine receptors have been shown to modulate susceptibility to HIV infection and disease course. In this study, the frequencies of CCR5 (CCR5-Δ32), CCR2 (CCR2-64I), and SDF-1 (SDF-1-3') gene polymorphisms were determined in a Jordanian population. A total of 540 subjects were randomly selected from different regions of Jordan (South, Middle, and North). Six individuals were found to carry the CCR5-Δ32 allele (0.6%) and only in the heterozygous genotype. The frequencies of CCR2-64I and SDF1-3'A were 17.5% and 34.2%, respectively. In addition, no significant difference in the distribution of the examined polymorphisms among different regions of Jordan was detected. In conclusion, the CCR5-Δ32 allele is rare, whereas the CCR2-64I and SDF1-3'A alleles are common among Jordanians.

An Updated Inventory of Mistletoe (Plicosepalus acaciae and Viscum cruciatum) Distribution in Jordan, Hosts, and Severity of Infestation

A botanical survey conducted from 2003 to 2007 showed the occurrence of the acacia strap flower and the Oriental mistletoe plant in different regions in Jordan. Acacia strap flower was found parasitizing 26 plant species belonging to 12 families. Oriental mistletoe attacked 14 plant species from eight families. Parasitized species ranged from wild shrubs to fruit and forest trees. Eleven Fabaceae species were parasitized by acacia strap flower, whereas Oriental mistletoe parasitized six Rosaceae species. Caper, pomegranate, white weeping broom, and white willow were attacked by both parasites. Infection by both parasites resulted in mortality of host plants in many cases. Hosts severely attacked by acacia strap flower were African jujube, Australian pine, chinaberry, Christ thorn jujube, common jujube, oleander, poinciana, sumac, tamarisk, terebinth, and white weeping broom. Oriental mistletoe heavily parasitized almond, mosphilla, olive, Palestine buckthorn, pomegranate, and white weeping broom. Results indicated the high potential of both parasites to spread and attack new hosts in the absence of control measures.

Effect of Honey on the Growth and Metabolism of Two Bacterial Species of Intestinal Origin

The increase in viable cell numbers and the production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) by Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus acidophilus-both of human intestinal origin-were measured over 16 h at 37 in reconstituted skim-milk (100 g l ) and skim-milk with one of three types of honey extracted from o -1 hives located in different regions of Jordan. All the honeys increased cell counts over the control with no honey and the final values for SCFA, especially acetic acid secreted by L. acidophilus (25.0 g l ), were -1 significantly higher than those observed in milk alone. Honey from a desert region was most stimulatory to L. acidophilus, while one produced from the flora of a mountainous area had most effect on Bif. infantis. It is proposed that specific oligosaccharides or other compounds in the honeys were responsible for the contrasted behaviour of the two species and that honey ingested in a human diet might have the same effect on desirable components of the intestinal microflora.