Islamic University Of Gaza Research Articles

Capacity-building training to develop short story writing skills, social values, and gender fairness at the IUG, Palestine: a case study

ABSTRACT This study reflects on an intensive fiction-writing training course conducted at the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) in Palestine. The trainees were divided into two language-specific groups. The immediate outcome of this training course was 87 short stories. The study assessed the participants' satisfaction levels regarding the quality and content of training, besides it conducted thematic analyses of the short stories produced by the trainees. The Feedback collected indicate that the participants voluntarily shared and fictionalized intimate moments from their lives, as well as experiences learned during the training.

Motives of Enrollment the Students in Social Work Specialization at the Islamic University of Gaza

The study aimed to determine the motivation of students to join the social work specialization at the Islamic University of Gaza. The study was conducted among all students of the social work department, totaling 103. The results revealed that the highest motivation for students to enroll in the social work specialization at the Islamic University in Gaza is personal motives, followed by professional motives, social motives, and finally academic motives. The study identified statistically significant differences at (α ≤ 0.05) in the motivation of students in the social work specialization at the Islamic University in Gaza attributed to the gender variable for male students, and the grade variable in high school, particularly for those with an acceptable grade. Additionally, the study indicated that there were no statistically significant differences at (α ≤ 0.05) in the motivation of students in the social work specialization at the Islamic University in Gaza attributed to the variables of social status and the type of certificate obtained in high school.

The Impact of Workforce Agility on Knowledge Management: An Empirical Study on the Academics Working In the Islamic University Of Gaza and Al-Azhar University in Gaza Strip

This Empirical study aims to investigate the impact of workforce agility on Knowledge Management on the academics who are working in the Islamic University of Gaza and Al-Azhar University in Gaza strip. The study used quantitative method distributing a questionnaire and adapted the descriptive analytical approach. HR agility is the independent variable with four sub variables: proactivity, flexibility and adaptability, resilience and competence, while knowledge management is the dependent variable with also four sub variables: creation, storage and retrieval, transfer and application. The study found that there is a significant relationship between the two variables and also there is a significant effect of (flexibility and adaptability, resilience and competence) on knowledge management, but there is an in significant effect of (proactivity) on knowledge management. It is recommended to have more deep studies on workforce agility and knowledge management, study the impact of employees’ proactivity on knowledge management. Also, it is recommended for IUG and AUG to hire more females as academics and to aware their staff about the new HR characteristics which are needed in the rapid changeable environment.

A Comparison of Type IV Hypersensitivity Reaction to Synthetic Polyisoprene Gloves versus Control Gloves Using Modified Draize-95 Test in Normal Individual

Background: The emergence of epidemics in recent years, such as COVID-19 and monkeypox, has increased the need for protective gloves. Objectives: This study was performed to provide clinical evidence that no residual chemical additives are present in the powder-free, non-latex, with and without pigment, sterile and non-sterile nitrile, and polyisoprene gloves at a level that may induce type IV allergy in the unsensitized general user population. Methods and Materials: We conducted the modified Draize-95 test on the GAMMEX® Non-Latex PI, sterile powder-free synthetic polyisoprene surgical gloves (S01) and the GAMMEX® Non-Latex PI Green, sterile powder free synthetic polyisoprene surgical gloves (S02). A quasi-experimental non-equivalent study consisted of 180 healthy unsensitized adult volunteers at the Islamic University of Gaza. Participants were divided into two groups: 150 white subjects and 30 black subjects. Each group divided into two groups, each one contained approximately the same numbers of males and females. We used two sets of different test materials as 2x2 cm pieces of the glove's materials from the inner and outer surfaces mounted on an adhesive patch. For the control groups, we used Nitrile Skin Examination Powder-Free Disposable Gloves (C1) and Aegis Examination Gloves (C2). Results: None of the participants showed positive reactions to the test materials of equal or greater than 1.5 in the challenge or rechallenge phase, both on the inner and outer surfaces of the GAMMEX® Non-Latex PI, sterile powder-free synthetic polyisoprene surgical gloves (S01), and the GAMMEX® Non-Latex PI Green, sterile powder-free synthetic polyisoprene surgical gloves (S02). Only one white woman showed a reaction to the inner surface of the S02 material in the induction phase. Three participants showed skin reactions to the second control material, the Aegis Nitrile Examination Gloves (C2). Those three were a white female in the induction phase and two white males in the challenge phase. However, none of them showed any reaction later. Conclusion: The modified Draize test negative results for the GAMMEX Non-Latex PI, sterile powder-free, synthetic polyisoprene surgical gloves (white and green) support the claim that the chemical sensitization potential of these materials is low and that no residual chemical additives are present in these gloves at a level that could cause type IV hypersensitivity reactions.

The Impact of Adopting UNICEF Maternity Modules on Nursing Students' Knowledge: A Qualitative Study

Background: Maternal health refers to women's health throughout pregnancy, childbearing, and the postnatal period. every phase should be a positive experience, assuring that women and their babies reach their full potential for health and well-being. Aim: The study aims to assess the impact of adopting UNICEF maternity modules on nursing students' knowledge. Design: A qualitative study design was used to conduct the study. Participants: 40 nursing students participated in the study. Methods: Four focus group interviews were conducted on nursing students, two groups of the traditional curriculum, and two groups who adopted the curriculum which was modified according to UNICEF modules for maternity. Setting(s): The study was conducted at the Islamic University of Gaza. Results: Most of the students who adopted the new curriculum mentioned that they have a lot of knowledge about maternity themes and subthemes while the students from the groups of the traditional curriculum mentioned that they have a knowledge deficit about it. Conclusion: The adopted curriculum which was modified according to UNICEF modules for maternity, effectively enhanced students' knowledge about maternity concepts. Recommendations: Nursing faculties need to modify their curriculum according to UNICEF modules to enhance nursing students' knowledge about maternity as proved by this study’s results, and this study will be a good base for other relevant research activities for nursing research interests.

The Effectiveness of a Training Program Based on GeoGebra Program in Developing Mathematical Generalizations Teaching Skills among Female Student - Teachers at the Islamic University of Gaza

The research aims to design a training program based on GoeGebra program and to explore its effectiveness in developing the teaching skills of mathematical generalizations among the Islamic University in Gaza female students who practice teaching. The research adopted the constructive approach in order to design the intended training program based on interactive programs and the one-group quasi-experimental approach to reveal effectiveness of the designed training program. The sample of the research consisted of (22) randomly selected female students who study mathematics and are enrolled in the module of Field Training. The researchers prepared a note card consisting of (36) items divided into three fields (planning skills, implementation skills, and assessment skills) to evaluate performance of the female students in the teaching skills of mathematical generalizations using the GeoGebra program. The research results showed the effectiveness of the proposed training program based on the GeoGebra program in developing the skills of teaching mathematical generalizations among the female student- teachers. The research recommended the need to train students at faculties of education who practice teaching on the use of GeoGebra program in the teaching of mathematics subjects especially mathematical generalizations.

The Effectiveness of a Training Program Based on GeoGebra Program in Developing Mathematical Generalizations Teaching Skills among Female Student - Teachers at the Islamic University of Gaza

The research aims to design a training program based on GoeGebra program and to explore its effectiveness in developing the teaching skills of mathematical generalizations among the Islamic University in Gaza female students who practice teaching. The research adopted the constructive approach in order to design the intended training program based on interactive programs and the one-group quasi-experimental approach to reveal effectiveness of the designed training program. The sample of the research consisted of (22) randomly selected female students who study mathematics and are enrolled in the module of Field Training. The researchers prepared a note card consisting of (36) items divided into three fields (planning skills, implementation skills, and assessment skills) to evaluate performance of the female students in the teaching skills of mathematical generalizations using the GeoGebra program. The research results showed the effectiveness of the proposed training program based on the GeoGebra program in developing the skills of teaching mathematical generalizations among the female student- teachers. The research recommended the need to train students at faculties of education who practice teaching on the use of GeoGebra program in the teaching of mathematics subjects especially mathematical generalizations.

The Role of the Moodle Educational Platform in Developing Twenty-First Century Skills among English Language Students at the Islamic University of Gaza

This study aimed to identify the role of the Moodel educational platform in developing the skills of the twenty-first century among English language students at the Islamic University of Gaza from their point of view. The study used the descriptive approach; Where the study sample consisted of (98) male and female English language students at the Islamic University of Gaza in the second semester of the year 2021/2022, and the study tool was a questionnaire directed to students to identify the role of the Moodel educational platform in developing the skills of the twenty-first century. The results of the study concluded that there is a significant role for the Moodle educational platform in developing twenty-first century skills on all fields as well as on the overall field of the study tool. The learning and innovation skills field ranked first with an arithmetic mean of (3.88), followed by the profession and life skills field with an arithmetic mean of (3.83), while the digital culture skills field ranked last with an arithmetic mean of (3.78). The results also showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the average students’ opinions due to gender, the study recommended continuing to support and encourage the use of the Moodle educational platform as a system for managing university education in a way that meets the requirements of the twenty-first century.

Anxiety among students of Islamic University of Gaza at the time of COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has many impacts on individuals’ physical and mental health, including unbearable psychological stress and anxiety. Aim: to assess the anxiety level among students of Islamic University of Gaza at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods and materials: A sample of 1121 students from 11 different colleges at the Islamic University of Gaza completed the online questionnaire which conists of demographic data and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Results: Most of the participants were females (63.2%), single (84.9%), enrolled as regular students (77.7%), not working (88.8%) and not having a chronic disease (97.4%). Results revealed that 33.4% of participants had mild anxiety, 26.3% had moderate and 20% had severe level of anxiety. Reported levels of anxiety were not impacted by age, sex, marital status or year of stduy. Conclusion and implication for practice: About half of the participants reported moderate to high levels of anxiety. The new experience of e-learning could be a factor that increased participants’ level of anxiety. Thus, faculty members and other university staff as well as the health care system in the Gaza Strip should pay attention to reduce anxiety levels among students and therefore; prevent its negative consequences. This could be reached by providing online training courses or setting channels of one-to-one online or phone counseling for students to alleviate the negative psychological effects of anxiety and to enhance students’ mental health of stutus.

A Smart Parking System‏, Case Study

The Gaza Strip in general, and the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) in particular, are plagued by a lack of parking places, a lack of management and efficient usage of parking spaces, and illegal vehicle parking. This resulted in lost time and effort, besides traffic congestion. The study's goal is to provide a plan for implementing a Smart Parking System, which manages the parking spots on the IUG campus. To accomplish this goal, the researchers have identified the parking problems that face drivers at IUG, and then they have studied the impact of implementing the Smart Parking System. Researchers have used questionnaires to collect the raw data as one of the important tools in the field of survey. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), as a useful tool for statistical analysis. The first results was the number of parking spaces is 300, which is greater than the number of potential vehicles occupying the university parking spaces at peak hours. Therefore, the issue is not the number of parking places, but how they are used. The result of the questionnaire presents that a large majority of respondents agreed that the IUG campus suffers from a lack of parking spaces, especially in rush hour from 8-10 am. The results indicate that 65.7% of the respondents park their cars near their workplace/study at the campus parking spaces, and 72.6% of the respondents do not use parking spaces with modern technology before. While 92.6% of the respondents encourage parking with modern technologies. Smart Parking System has assisted to resolve the issue of locating a parking spot on the IUG campus, resulting in less traffic congestion and a better flow of traffic. The Smart Parking System can be applied to all of the IUG's parking spaces and in the Gaza strip cities in the future

The Effectiveness of Educational Environment Based on Smart Learning in Developing English Language Speaking Skill among IUG Female Student

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of educational environment based on smart learning in developing English Language speaking skill among IUG female students. To achieve this aim, the researcher adopted the quasi-experimental approach. The study was applied on a representative sample of (30) female students of journalism and media second-level at the Islamic University of Gaza, and that is in the second semester of the academic year (2020-2021). In order to collect data, the researcher used one main tool, a pre- and post-speaking test, and then he verified the validity and reliability of the test. Results of the study revealed that There were significant statistically difference at level (0.05) between the average scores of female students in journalism and media at the Islamic University in the pre and post applications to test skill of speaking in English language and in favor of the post application. Based on upon the previous findings, the study recommended the necessity of implementing smart learning in teaching and learning English speaking skill to bring about better outcomes in female students' achievement. Also, the researcher suggested that further research should be conducted concerning the effectiveness of educational environment based on smart learning in teaching different English language skills.

Thesis Writing Challenges Facing Palestinian EFL Master’s Students: A Qualitative Case Study

This study probed challenges of writing thesis among Palestinian English as a foreign language (EFL) master’s students (MA). A qualitative case study was employed, and the data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. The participants were eighteen MA students and ten supervisors from the department of English at the Islamic University of Gaza. The main findings identified in the study included, among others, selecting an appropriate research topic, limited research and methodology training, linguistic and academic writing inadequacies, insufficient feedback from supervisors and course instructors, and limited resources and online digital materials. To minimize these challenges and empower MA students, the study offered some recommendations and suggestions for further future studies.

The Effectiveness of Educational Environment Based on Smart Learning in Developing English Language Listening Skill among IUG Female Learners

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of educational environment based on smart learning in developing English Language listening skill among IUG female learners. To achieve this aim, the researcher adopted the experimental approach. The study was applied on a representative sample of (30) female students of journalism and media second-level at the Islamic University of Gaza, and that is in the second semester of the academic year (2020-2021). In order to collect data, the researcher used one main tool, a pre- and post-listening test, and then he verified the validity and reliability of the test. The findings of the study revealed that There were significant statistically difference at level (0.05) between the average scores of female students in journalism and media at the Islamic University in the pre and post applications to test skill of listening in English language and in favor of the post application. Based upon the previous findings, the study recommended the necessity of implementing smart learning in teaching and learning English listening skill to bring about better outcomes in female students' achievement. Also, the researcher suggested that further research should be conducted concerning the effectiveness of educational environment based on smart learning in teaching different English language skills.

House of quality: a method to identify landscape design requirements

Purpose The level of live, reduction of pollution and positive human health is affected by the quality of landscape. In addition, many benefits such as aesthetic, psychological and social can be achieved. The quality of landscape is integrated with the individual’s needs. The scope of landscape must be determined according to user needs and planning methods. The purpose of this study is to propose a house of quality (HOQ) model to identify the landscape design requirements. The Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) was used as a case study. The need to implement the proposed HOQ model has been identified. Also, the male and female students’ priorities have been identified, and the weight of campus landscape design elements was extracted. Design/methodology/approach The male and female IUG students’ needs were identified using a questionnaire survey. The data were analyzed for testing statistical validity and reliability using SPSS. HOQ model was built using EDRAW Max program. Findings The ten most important student needs are “cleanliness, praying, feeling safe, feeling comfortable psychic, drinking, spaciousness and breadth, shading, quiet, rest and sitting, and fresh air.” Based on these results and needs assessment, the HOQ was constructed. The most important design elements are “group of seats, shrubs, trees, lawns, pergola, and seats chairs or benches.” Originality/value This study adds to the designer’s knowledge about HOQ application in design, and contributes significantly to consider public participation as a way in collecting the voice of customers.

COVID-19 and Gaza: The Ideal Time to Establish a Medical Reserve Corps of Public Health Preventive Medicine Specialists.

COVID-19 and Gaza: The Ideal Time to Establish a Medical Reserve Corps of Public Health Preventive Medicine Specialists.

The Impact of Developing a Translation Course in Accordance with The European Masters Translation to enhance Graduate Translation Competence at The Islamic University of Gaza

The demand for translation has become greater than ever in the Twenty-first Century which necessitates investigating and ultimately refining the quality of translation programmes. The research problem responds to a presupposed gap between what is taught in the translation program at the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) and what is really needed for the job market. The present research aimed at developing a specialized translation course in light of the European Masters Translation (EMT) standards, and measuring its effect on upgrading the translation competence among the MA female students at IUG. Following the one-group pre and post-application quasi-experimental design, the researchers used a translation competence tool for the data collection. The results show that there is sufficient evidence to prove the presence of statistically significant differences between the means of the MA translation students’ scores in the pre- and post-test in favor of the post-test as it got a high average of (80.35). The results also reveal the large effect size of the designed course, as (87%) of the resulting change in the students’ translation competence is attributed to the intervention of the current research. The researchers recommended redesigning all the other MA courses in light of EMT.

The Effect of a Learning Environment Based on Global Education on Promoting Critical Literacy for IUG English Language Juniors

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using a learning environment based on global education on promoting the juniors' critical literacy in the Islamic University of Gaza who enrolled in the Academic Reading course and majoring in English language at the academic year 2019-2020. Following ADDIE Modal, the researchers designed a hybrid learning environment consisting firstly of a textbook that involved controversial issues and designed at a specific pattern and enriched with a plenty of activities. The second part of the environment is the use of Google Classroom as an electronic platform to enhance the acquisition of the critical literacy skills in the experiment. The third part of the environment is the evaluation system as the researchers used a debate along with an analytical test. The researcher adopted a quasi-experimental approach with one group design. The results of the study demonstrated that the learning environment in dealing with controversial issues was effective in promoting critical literacy skills for juniors. In addition, the study findings revealed that there were statistically significant differences between the pre and posttest in favor of the posttest. From the results, the researchers concluded that global education is an appropriate approach in promoting critical literacy as they share some common principles and goals.

The Palestinian Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Preserved at the Biology Exhibitions of the Universities of the Gaza Strip

The Gaza Strip (365 km2 ) of Palestine (27,000 km2 ) is home to a wealth of terrestrial vertebrate fauna. Some of these faunistic species find their ways to preservation at the local universities. Hence, the current study comes to document the Palestinian terrestrial vertebrate fauna acquired by the biology exhibitions (BEs) of Al-Azhar University, Islamic University of Gaza and Al-Aqsa University that are located at the Gaza City of the Gaza Strip. The amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals preserved at BEs of the universities in question were surveyed and scientifically classified during a three-month period extending from January to March, 2012. The study showed that all BEs of local universities are underdeveloped, lacking attention and suffer from specimen scarcity and good preservation. The BE at Al-Azhar University is the best in the arrangement and preservation of bird specimens. A total number of 200 specimens belonging to 54 terrestrial vertebrate fauna species, 39 families and 17 orders was recorded at BEs. Reptiles constituted 40.7% of the total species recorded, followed by birds (38.9%), mammals (14.8%) and amphibians (5.6%). The Islamic University of Gaza was considered the best in terms of the number of preserved species (39.8%), followed by Al-Azhar University (36.3%) and Al-Aqsa University (23.9%). The Common Toad (Bufo viridis) was the most preserved among the amphibian species recorded. Squamata was the biggest reptilian order, comprising 20 species (8 lizards and 12 snakes), with the Syrian Black Snake (Coluber jugularis asianus) was the commonest. The Palestine Viper (Vipera palaestinae) is endemic to Palestine and most venomous and dangerous to human health. The Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) was the largest Palestinian bird preserved at BE of Al-Azhar University. The Egyptian Mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) and the Common Badger (Meles meles) were the biggest mammalian specimens preserved, while the Palestine Mole-rat (Spalax leucodon ehrenbergi) was the only Palestine endemic species encountered among the preserved mammals. Finally, the improvement of BEs of local universities and the construction of a Central Museum of Natural History is highly recommended in order to change the Palestinians’ attitudes toward a sustainable ecological conservation in the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinian Marine and Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Preserved at the Biology Exhibition, Islamic University of Gaza, Bombarded by the Israeli Army in December, 2008

The Palestinian Marine and Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Preserved at the Biology Exhibition, Islamic University of Gaza, Bombarded by the Israeli Army in December, 2008

E-Payment Services Among Undergraduate Students in Palestine: Survey Study

This work aims to explore the extend of knowledge that undergraduate students at local Universities have about electronic payment (e-payment) methods. The population is chosen to be the undergraduate students studying at the faculty of information technology (IT) and engineering faculty at both the Islamic University of Gaza and Gaza University in Gaza, Palestine. To satisfy the aim of this work, electronic questionnaire (e-questionnaire) is built and distributed to the population of this study. The retrieved questionnaires were 10% of the population of the study. The collected data have been analyzed using SPSS program. The results showed that the students trust the e-payment services but they lack the needed knowledge about the system and its usage. To over this deficiency, we recommend that local universities should provide training courses and specialized lectures given by experts in the field to the students. In addition, we recommend that local universities introduce new courses to the students in which they learn about e-commerce, e-banking and e-payment methods.