German Jordanian University Research Articles

The case for a circular Blue Card for young non-EU professionals

Due to the challenging demographics in Europe, a new approach to labour migration to the EU is necessary. Such an approach should be more targeted and thus entail a more proactive and integrated stance. Whilst some moves in this direction have been made in recent years, more are required. This article charts one possible route to a more proactive and integrated policy by proposing the creation of European university campuses outside of Europe to act as hubs of academic, cultural, linguistic and labour exchange, similar to the American system. This approach would not only address the current labour force challenges but would also hold the potential to significantly enhance academic and cultural exchange. Many of the required elements are already in place: numerous bilateral universities, for example, already exist, such as the German Jordanian University, as do various European research and cultural institutes. Such campuses, combined with a new circular Blue Card for young non-EU professionals, would have benefits for both the member states and the selected partner countries. The article concludes by proposing the implementation of concrete test cases in the European neighbourhood.

Students’ view on enhancing field education

ABSTRACT Social work education aims to prepare students to respond to the challenges they will face in their future practice. Social work students are a rich source of knowledge about teaching and learning processes. Research shows that students have important roles in contributing to designing the curriculum by sharing the identified learning needs. Engaging students in developing the curriculum can be done by inviting students to evaluate the content of the course, identify the gaps in the learning and provide recommendations for developing an effective program. The exploratory qualitative study explores the learning needs of Social Work, MA students at the German Jordanian University in Jordan. To respond to the research question, of what students say about their learning needs about social work practice, 3 focus groups were conducted with 15 MA students. The transcribed discussions were coded, and themes were established. The findings report two main themes The first theme is; responding to gaps in knowledge. The second theme is flexibility and practical suggestions. The findings highlight the importance of collaboration with students and flexibility in designing field education curricula. The research will report the impact of the findings on designing future social work programs.

The Role of University Campus Locations in the City Urban Growth: the Case of German Jordanian University in Madaba

Although there are many studies related to Madaba at an urban scale, there is no study for the examination of the relationship between university campus locations at the edges and the urban growth of Madaba in Jordan. This study is the first study investigating the impact of university campuses on the urban growth of Madaba, including a set of critical urban issues involved in the development of the city of Madaba. Due to the rapid urban sprawl of Madaba city, there is an increase in population flow towards the outer suburb of the city which includes the university campus and inequity in the distribution of services in these areas. This increases the urban intensification in the city suburbs and the surrounding areas without preserving and reservation of land uses and urban activities. However, urban changes appeared at the city's edges, which helped to form new urban areas close to the university campuses. These changes gave an opportunity to attract new activities due to the existence of university campuses, which affect the urban growth of the city. Therefore, this study aims to identify the role of university campuses localized at the city edges in developing city urban growth. It focused on investigating the relationship between the university campus locations and the urban growth of the cities. This research depends on the quantitative method. The quantitative method employs statistical data analysis using GIS and a questionnaire survey. The study concludes with a series of recommendations for future decision-makers to overcome the main problems facing the urban growth of the city including university campus localizing at the edges. The study shows that the land uses in the surrounding context of the university campus changed significantly, where it could be concluded that residential (48.88% to 79.16%), commercial (3.03% to 9.56%), and service (3.28% to 5.42%) increased at the expense of agricultural use (36.13% to 4.02%). According to this change, it can be noted that there is a slight increase in the built-up areas, which was 3.30% in 1990 then became 8.30% in 2020. The outcome of this study contributes to improving the decisions made by the parties involved in urban development in Jordan when developing the surrounding context of the university campus located at the city edges.

To whom does the water flow? A new aqueduct branch of Ayn Braq in Petra, Jordan

For any city to flourish it must be able to provide sufficient water for the daily needs of the population, as well as, in addition to water for religious needs, water for aesthetic needs, such as fountains, gardens and baths. Nabataeans were specifically keen to showcase their ingenuity and wealth, as they were situated in a dry and arid area. For this, an extensive network of channels, pipes and aqueducts were built to draw water from the numerous springs situated in the karst of the ash-Sharah Mountains. Most aqueducts in Petra have been studied extensively. However, within the framework of the Restoration of the Ancient Nabatean Flood Control System in Wadi Madras at Petra project, which was conducted by the Centre for the Study of Natural and Cultural Heritage at the German Jordanian University, 2017–2021, the author discovered a new branch related to the Ayn Braq aqueduct. This branch might indicate an initial and early plan to draw the water towards the city through the north water flow channels in the Siq. The study of this branch revealed significant investment in the landscape with regard to both preparation prior to the aqueduct’s construction and its protection from natural hazards. In addition, a new naṣṣib and a betyl niche were discovered in direct association with the aqueduct.

Microgrid Optimal Scheduling

This paper presents the optimal scheduling of renewable resources using interior point optimization for grid-connected and islanded microgrids (MG) that operate with no energy storage systems. The German Jordanian University (GJU) microgrid system is used for illustration. We present analyses for islanded and grid-connected MG with no storage. The results show a feasible islanded MG with a substantial operational cost reduction. We obtain an average of $1 k daily cost savings when operating an islanded compared to a grid-connected MG with capped grid energy prices. This cost saving is 10 times higher when considering varying grid energy prices during the day. Although the PV power is intermittent during the day, the MG continues to operate with a voltage variation that does not 10%. The results imply that MGs of GJU similar topology can optimally and safely operate with no energy storage requirements but considerable renewable generation capacity.

Software design patterns for data management features in web-based information systems

In complex information systems, some features may recur hundreds of times. Therefore, identifying such features and suggesting suitable design solutions for them can simplify the development and maintenance of such complex systems. In that regard, this work introduces five design patterns that were utilized to develop data management features that recurred many times in several web-based information systems used to manage enterprise and student data at the German Jordanian University. In this context, a software design pattern describes a solution to design repeating software features. The proposed design patterns are documented in a general manner using UML diagrams to enable utilizing them in different web development platforms and to allow their development using popular object-oriented programming languages. In particular, the suggested patterns seek to solve the following software features: flexible user interface for data management, reusable module for dependent dropdown filters, table data lazy loading, unified modules to handle data addition and editing, and page state restoration when navigating between related pages. Not to mention, the validation results show that the discussed design patterns were used hundreds of times while implementing six information systems for the university. Specifically, one of the patterns was utilized more than 700 times. Additionally, as it seems that some of the design patterns in this work were not investigated in related work.

Attitudes of the administrative staff at the German Jordanian University towards the participation of women in the decision-making process and their relationship to some variables

The study aims to identify the extent to which decision-makers at the German Jordanian University take into account gender at the level of representation and resources, the factors that help women reach leadership positions, the difficulties they face in the work environment, the attitudes of administrators towards women’s participation in decision-making, and to what extent women are accepted as managers. A descriptive analytical approach was used, by conducting a questionnaire in which the Male administrators and Female administrators at the German Jordanian University participated. The results showed the existence of a gender gap at the level of representation between male and female administrators in favor of male administrators in terms of their occupation of leadership positions and the number of years of service. The study also revealed a gap in the field of participation in courses and conferences, in addition to participation in committees, the number of times they occupied leadership positions, and access to awards. It was also found on the level of resources that there is no gap between them in the field of enrollment in educational missions. The participants agreed that the most important factors that helped women reach leadership positions are due to the sound leadership upbringing within the family. In the field of administrators' attitudes towards the reality of women and their role at work, the results were of high relative importance. Attitudes vary according to gender, educational level, marital status, and number of years of service. The study participants agreed that the best way to achieve gender justice is through equal opportunities.

Sustainable Development Goals and social work in the migration context – a higher education dialogue between Germany, Jordan, and Lebanon

ABSTRACT Germany, Jordan, and Lebanon’s social, political, and socio-economic structures are influenced by a long history of them receiving refugees and migrants. This was a starting point for the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg (Germany), the German Jordanian University, Yarmouk University (Jordan), and the Lebanese University to engage in an intercultural and professional exchange project on social work in the field of (forced) migration. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) served as a conceptual framework to examine the lives of refugees, community development and social cohesion in receiving societies, and the role of social work in this context. The project concept focused on engaging in cultural dialogue, linking theory to practice, and fostering academic exchange through research projects. The paper provides practical insights into and reflections on the international dialogue project that proved to be an insightful learning experience for students and staff even in exceptional times of crises, exploring the relevance of SDGs for a profiled social work profession and scientific discipline.

Sustainable Green University: Waste Auditing, German Jordanian University as a Case Study

In order to get on the path of sustainable development as a society as a whole, a great transformation is required. Universities are embedded in society and networked with it through various forms of interaction; they influence social discourses and often have a decisive influence on them. As educational institutions, universities have to take a critical stance on the state of our earth and actively fulfill their responsibility. The German Jordanian University (GJU), like any other university, produces solid and hazardous waste. A waste audit was done to identify the waste streams and the opportunities for reinforcing waste reduction, recycling, and composition while enhancing the comprehensive sustainability of a waste management program. The results showed that an average of 2,500 kg of waste was produced per week. The composition of the waste generated at the GJU main campus was 1,051 kg (41%) for paper and cardboard, 875 kg (35%) for plastics, 325 kg (13%) for biowaste, and 275 kg for other wastes. The performed UI GreenMetric showed high potential in the programs to reduce the use of paper and plastic on campus and the treatment of toxic waste with a score of 75 points. The results of this study indicate high potential in the recycling program for university waste, organic and inorganic waste treatment, and sewage disposal. The results for these indicators were moderate, a score of 75 points out of 300 points. Thus, more focus and actions should be placed on these indicators to enhance a sustainable green campus.

A literature review on the use of retrospective LMS data to investigate online Teaching and Learning practices

A literature review on the use of retrospective LMS data to investigate online Teaching and Learning practices

The Share of Energy Consumption by End Use in Electrical Residential Buildings in Jordan

Abstract Jordan and many countries unfortunately have no up-to-date reliable data on the share of electrical energy consumption by end-use in its residential buildings. Therefore, to determine the share in Jordan’s middle district, detailed data was completed for around 350 buildings. The participants in this survey were engineering students in their final year of an energy auditing course in the German Jordanian University. The data were used to determine the primary share of electrical energy end-use in residential buildings. These data, the first of their kind in Jordan, were recorded by trained participants and are essential for the adoption of appropriate future energy efficiency programs in Jordan. These shares of electrical energy consumption by end use in residential buildings in Jordan are the first of their kind it is necessary to ensure adequate planning for future energy efficiency programs in Jordan and this will enable policymakers to support certain technologies and implement large-scale energy efficiency programs in the residential sector.

The Significance of the Adaptive Thermal Comfort Practice over the Structure Retrofits to Sustain Indoor Thermal Comfort

Any building’s design should sustain thermal comfort for occupants and promote less energy usage during its lifetime using accurate building retrofits to convert existing buildings into low-energy buildings so that the heating and cooling loads can be minimized. Regarding the methodology adopted in this research, an energy model of an educational building located at the German Jordanian University in Jordan was constructed utilizing DesignBuilder computer software. In addition, it was calibrated utilizing real energy consumption data for a 12-month simulation of energy performance. Subsequently, a computerized evaluation of the roles of building envelope retrofits or the adaptive thermal comfort limits in the reduction of the overall building energy consumption was analyzed. The results of the study show that the current building’s external wall insulation, roof insulation, glazing, windows, and external shading devices are relatively energy-efficient but with high cost, resulting in significant financial losses, even though they achieved noticeable energy savings. For instance, equipping the building’s ventilation system with an economizer culminated in the highest financial profit, contributing to an annual energy savings of 155 MWh. On the other hand, in an occupant-centered approach, applying the adaptive thermal comfort model in wider ranges by adding 1 °C, 2 °C, and 3 °C to the existing operating temperatures would save a significant amount of energy with the least cost (while maintaining indoor thermal comfort), taking over any retrofit option. Using different adaptive thermal comfort scenarios (1 °C, 2 °C, and 3 °C) led to significant savings of around 5%, 12%, and 21%, respectively. However, using different retrofits techniques proved to be costly, with minimum energy savings compared to the adaptive approach.

The muses and other statues of the Eastern Roman Baths of Gerasa, Jordan (2018 Campaign): Form and provenance

The Eastern Roman Baths of the Deacapolis Gerasa, Jordan, represents one of the largest and best preserved Roman baths in the entire Bilad Al-Sham. It was built during the second half of the 2nd century CE and adorned by sculptures of imported precious marble, some have inscribed bases. The 2018 excavations11The Great East Baths of Gerasa were excavated during the 2018 campaign (September 1st – October 17th) by the joint project of the French Archaeological Mission to Jerash (MAFJ), the Department of Antiquities of Jordan (DoA) and the German Jordanian University (GJU). The marble sculptures under investigation were found by the French team and the participation of local workmen from the Gaza Refugee Camp under the supervision of the DoA representative and Dr. Thomas Lepaon, the then MAFJ director. A team from the DoA and students from the GJU worked simultaneously on the conservation, restoration and presentation of the sculptures under the guidance of Professor Dr. Thomas M. Weber-Karyotakis and the Italian conservator Franco Sciorilli. This team arranged a close cooperation with Professor Dr. Khaled al-Bashaireh from the Yarmouk University to investigate the marble provenance of the sculptures. unearthed a group of well preserved statues, although headless or broken, including six Muses (Melpomene, Clio, Urania, Erato and two as yet unidentified), Cybele, Dionysus, female head, draped female, etc. This study sheds light on ten statues of the new collection, and investigates their provenance by applying combined scientific analytical techniques associated with the recently published databases on the ancient marble quarries of the Mediterranean. The results showed that the six muses were most likely carved out of Pentelic marble (Mount Pentelikon, Attica, Greece) probably in one order from the same workshop, the enthroned Cybele statue is of Thassos-3 marble (Vathy-Saliara district, Thassos Island, Greece), the Dionysus statue and the female marble head are of Proconnesus-1 marble (Marmara Island, Turkey), and the torso of the draped female statue is of Paros-2 marble (Lakkoi, Valley of Chorodaki, Paros Island, Greece). The results agree with previous studies of provenancing sculptures uncovered at Gerasa, and other sites in Jordan and the Levant. They support the suggestion that Lakkoi produced medium-grained marble variety for carving out statues. The results give more evidence about the high state of the art of Gerasa during the Roman period.

Awareness of BA Translation Students of the Arabic Grammatical Aspects and their Translations into English: A Comparative Study

This paper aims at measuring the extent of some translation students' competence of grammatical aspect compounds (strings) and their adequacy in rendering them in English. It also tries to establish which strings students tend to mistranslate. The researchers designed a multiple-choice test, using Google form, in which a given Arabic text is provided with four alternatives: one correct answer and three distractors. The test was distributed to students from translation departments at Yarmouk University and the German Jordanian University enrolled in the second semester, 2020 via the E-learning systems. Responses of students (202 out of 300 from YU and 63 out of 86 from GJU) were collected in tables. The researchers used One-way ANOVA and Scheffe Test to analyze the data. The paper has concluded that there are no significant differences among students with regard to gender, study plan, level of study, and taking Arabic courses traditionally taught. However, students joining Yarmouk University and the German-Jordan University from international and private schools are better than those coming from public schools. The majority of students do not have problems with the simple present and simple future and their perfective and progressive aspects, nor do they with past perfect. However, they confuse the perfective and progressive aspects of the simple present and the simple past. Keywords: Grammatical aspects, Arabic grammar, English grammar, Translation Yarmouk University, German-Jordanian University.

Real-Time Operation of Microgrids

Microgrid (MG) systems effectively integrate a generation mix of solar, wind, and other renewable energy resources. The intermittent nature of renewable resources and the unpredictable weather conditions contribute largely to the unreliability of microgrid real-time operation. This paper investigates the behavior of microgrid for different intermittent scenarios of photovoltaic generation in real-time. Reactive power coordination control and load shedding mechanisms are used for reliable operation and are implemented using OPAL-RT simulator integrated with Matlab. In an islanded MG, load shedding can be an effective mechanism to maintain generation-load balance. The microgrid of the German Jordanian University (GJU) is used for illustration. The results show that reactive power coordination control not only stabilizes the MG operation in real-time but also reduces power losses on transmission lines. The results also show that the power losses at some substations are reduced by a range of 6% - 9.8%.

Multi-Agents for Microgrids

Microgrid systems are built to integrate a generation mix of solar and wind renewable energy resources that are generally intermittent in nature. This paper presents a novel decentralized multi-agent system to securely operate microgrids in real-time while maintaining generation, load balance. Agents provide a normal operation in a grid-connected mode and a contingency operation in an islanded mode for fault handling. Fault handling is especially critical in microgrid operation to simulate possible contingencies and microgrid outages in a real-world scenario. A robust agent design has been implemented using MATLAB-Simulink and Java Agent Development Framework technologies to simulate microgrids with load management and distributed generators control. The microgrid of the German Jordanian University has been used for simulation for Summer and Winter photovoltaic generation and load profiles. The results show agent capabilities to operate microgrid in real-time and its ability to coordinate and adjust generation and load. In a simulated fault incident, agents coordinate and adjust to a normal operation in 0.012 seconds, a negligible time for microgrid restoration. This clearly shows that the multi-agent system is a viable solution to operate MG in real-time.

Low Vision Profile in Jordan: A Vision Rehabilitation Center-Based Study.

The aim of this paper is to study the profile of persons with low vision in Jordan based on the clinical records of service users who attended the Vision Rehabilitation Center (VRC) at the German Jordanian University (GJU). A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the archived data for persons with low vision attending the VRC over the period September 2012 to December 2017. The information collected included age, gender, referral, geographical distribution, chief functional visual problems, and ocular pathology. The records of 725 (28.9 ± 20.3 years old) persons out of 858 persons were analyzed. Almost half (50.6%) of the sample was less than 18 years old. The main cause of the low vision was retinal diseases (53.4%), followed by albinism. Gender and age showed no significant influence on ocular pathology distribution. For the referrals, ophthalmologists (37.8%) were the largest source of referral, followed by institutions for people with disabilities (14.9%). Near tasks were reported as the main functional problems for patients with low vision (74.9%), followed by distance tasks (8.3%). This study sets a precedent for determining the characteristics of persons with low vision in Jordan. Developing an efficient referral system between eye health care professionals and other health caregivers is important to ensure the best multidisciplinary services for low vision.

The Benefits of Continuing Teaching English Remotely at the German Jordanian University after Covid-19 Pandemic

The implementation of teaching English online parallel to its on-campus courses has become a necessity more than a supplement. After the spread of the Corona virus, Covid-19, online teaching has become the only alternative to maintain a proper education in Jordan, especially at the German Jordanian University (GJU). The pandemic, despite its negativity, has opened doors to innovative ways in education and encouraged everyone to continue with online education. With the positive impact of online teaching for higher education, this paper concentrates on the need to continue online teaching as parallel to classroom teaching after the end of the pandemic since its advantages have proven it to be effective and beneficial. The study uses a survey approach administered to GJU undergraduate students, who have taken English lectures online during the pandemic. The variables are reliable with Cronbach alpha α = 0.736, proving that students are interested and do need to take English courses online as a parallel form but not as a substitute. The results show that students are in favor of the parallel leaning for the multiple benefits it offers. E-learning is the new gateway for GJU to adopt the parallel stream in higher education, and can be used due to its advantage.

Inclusive Multicultural Videos: An Engaging Approach in Teaching Higher Educational Levels of English

Students studying different levels of English require special attention in a higher educational classroom, especially when such levels are part of a university requirement and are not treated with the same focus as specialty courses. Hence, the aim of this study is to implement a teaching method that uses multicultural videos throughout an English level course to enhance student learning. This paper uses a survey approach given to students of different majors registered in two English levels at the German Jordanian University. In total, 53 students have responded. Ordinal scales are used through descriptive statistics analysis with a frequency check of the demographic data. Cronbach's alpha is calculated for each section of the survey, proving a valid consistency of three dependent variables. DV1 α = 0.935, DV2 α = 0.930, and DV3 α = 0.921. A one-way ANOVA test was then used in order to interpret the relationship between the independent variable: multicultural videos, and the three dependent variables. The results of this study confirm the hypothesis that there is a positive relationship between multicultural videos and their dependent variables, reflecting on how this particular method promotes inclusive teaching in a higher educational classroom, and can help students from different cultural and educational backgrounds participate and engage fruitfully. Through this study, the Universal Design for Learning is tested on higher educational students without disabilities but have debility of different educational and cultural backgrounds, making the need for a material source, such as multicultural videos, used to promote inclusive education, which is an important factor when teaching English as a foreign language.

Potential Study of Solar Thermal Cooling in Sub-Mediterranean Climate

Air conditioning is becoming increasingly important in the energy supply of buildings worldwide. There has been a dramatic increase in energy requirements for cooling buildings in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This is before taking the effects of climate change into account, which will also entail a sharp increase in cooling requirements. This paper presents the potential of using a solar thermal absorption cooling system in Sub-Mediterranean Climate. Four sites in Jordan are now equipped with water-lithium bromide (H2O-LiBr) absorption chillers with a total nominal capacity of 530 kW. The focus of the paper was on the pilot system at the German Jordanian University (GJU) campus with a cooling capacity of 160 kW. The system was designed and integrated in order to support two existing conventional compression chillers with a nominal cooling capacity of 700 kW. The system was economically evaluated based on the observed cooling capacity results with a Coefficient of Performance (COP) equals 0.32, and compared with the values observed for a COP of 0.79 which is claimed by the manufacturer. Several techniques were implemented to evaluate the overall economic viability in-depth such as present worth value, internal rate of return, payback period, and levelized cost of electricity. The aforementioned economic studies showed that the absorption cooling system is deemed not feasible for the observed COP of 0.32 over a lifespan of 25 years. The net present value was equal to −137,684 JD and a payback period of 44 years which exceeds the expected lifespan of the project. Even for an optimal operation of COP = 0.79, the discounted payback period was equal to 23 years and the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) was equal to 0.65 JD/kWh. The survey shows that there are several weaknesses for applying solar thermal cooling in developing countries such as the high cost of these systems and, more significantly, the lack of experience for such systems.