North Jordan Research Articles

Pottery Production Changes During the Transition from Byzantine to Umayyad Rule

Pottery is the most affected tool by the changes in human societies; this is due to its flexibility during forming. In order to estimate the effect of the transition of inhabitants of the urban center of Umm Qais (Gadara), north Jordan, from Byzantine (Christianity) to Umayyad (Islam) rule on pottery production traditions, a total of 29 cooking pots and sherds of pottery jars were selected. The samples were dated according to stratigraphy, archaeological context, and parallel examples to the proposed periods. The samples were investigated following the typological and archaeometric approaches. The raw materials and firing technology of the pottery during the two periods were determined following chemical and mineralogical methods using petrography, XRD, ED-XRF, and EDX-SEM techniques. The results revealed that many styles and forms of pottery continued to be produced and some new styles emerged at the urban center of Gadara. Technically, the potters inherited the knowledge of selecting the available raw materials and firing conditions of pottery during the Byzantine and Umayyad periods. During these periods, Umm Qais potters used the local raw materials—non-calcareous ferruginous illite clays mixed with medium to high amounts of coarse quartz grains and fired at temperatures around 1000° in an oxidizing atmosphere to produce cooking pots. They used the available medium to highcalcareous ferruginous illite clays and fired them at temperatures between 850° and 950° in an oxidizing atmosphere to produce the jars. Importing fine fabric jars and cooking pots during the seventh century from Jarash are indicated too. Thus, the types and forms of everyday use pottery were more affected by the political and religious changes than the technical aspects.

RELIEF SCULPTURE OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FROM ANCIENT GERASA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

GERASA, in north Jordan, dating to the Roman period, has been found to contain impressive and well - Musicians and Musical instruments carving on architecture elements (pedestal or candelabrum base). The Gerasa carving expertly combined motifs with a long tradition, some going back to the Roman imperial age and earlier. This study is concerned with the musical instruments appear on architecture elements. The article provides a study of the musical instruments that can be classified into two main types: Aulos and Kithara. Purpose of this paper is to examine the details of those instruments and compare them with other musical instruments from the Roman period, where influences in design within and between regions can be seen. Wherever possible, comparative examples have been chosen from sites that are relatively nearby to establish an overview of musical instruments in the region, but also to distinguish the influences coming from Asia Minor and other areas.

Morphometric Analysis and Prioritization of Watersheds for Flash Floods Management in Wadi Arab Catchment, North Jordan

Morphometric Analysis and Prioritization of Watersheds for Flash Floods Management in Wadi Arab Catchment, North Jordan

Prevalence and risk factors of osteopenia and osteoporosis among postmenopausal women: A cross-sectional study from Jordan.

Our aim was to predict the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis and their associated risk factors among postmenopausal women from Jordan. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 368 postmenopausal women were recruited from King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) in the North of Jordan between September 2022 and April 2023. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. T-score was used for osteoporosis diagnosis in accordance with the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) guidelines. Data about sociodemographic and lifestyle variables were collected using face-to-face interviews. Medical records were used to retrieve participants' BMD information. Predictors of osteoporosis were identified using logistic regression. Prevalence of osteoporosis was 40.5%, while 44.6% of participants were diagnosed with osteopenia. The lumbar spine had the highest frequency of osteoporosis (30.4%), while the left femoral neck had the highest prevalence of osteopenia (46.3%). Postmenopausal women's age (p-value=.024), and history of chronic diseases (p-value=.038) were significant factors associated with increased osteoporosis risk. Postmenopausal women from Jordan had high prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia. It is therefore necessary to target risk factors leading to osteoporosis and to improve patients' lifestyles through patient education. Healthcare systems should consider early screening approaches for osteoporosis at the age of menopause and thereafter. Supplements of calcium and vitamin D may be routinely considered for this age group depending on their serum levels.

Syrian-Refugees Secondary School Students' Attitudes towards Learning English Language in Al-Mafraq Governorate

This study aimed to identify the Syrian-refugees secondary school students' attitudes towards learning English language with regard to behavioral, cognitive, and emotional aspects. It also explored if there are any significant differences in the students' attitudes towards the English language according to their demographic factors, such as gender, year of study, Grade Point Average, and interest in immigrating abroad. A quantitative research design was employed within an attitude survey that focuses on attitudes regarding learning English using the instrument of Attitude and Motivation Test Battery (AMTB). The study participants consisted of 297 students in four secondary schools in Za'atary Camp in the north of Jordan. Software of the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), ANOVA, and multiple comparisons were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the participants had a positive attitude towards learning English. Regarding the demographic factors, there were statistically significant differences in the students' year of study and interest in immigrating abroad; however, these differences were not the same for gender in the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional aspects or for GPA in the cognitive aspect alone.

Investigation of lifetime attributable risk associated with brain CT scans: A retrospective study in North Jordan

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the lifetime attributable risk (LAR) associated with brain Computed Tomography (CT) scans, focusing on diverse dimensions, including radiation doses and technical factors. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted spanning from May 2021 to June 2022 across multiple hospitals in North Jordan. Data from 1505 adult patients undergoing brain CT scans were analyzed. The effective dose (E), calculated based on the dose length product (DLP) and tissue weighting factors, provided a comprehensive assessment of radiation exposure. Statistical analysis was employed to assess gender differences in mean effective doses across different age groups. LAR estimates were calculated for male and female patients. ResultsThe mean effective doses showed no significant gender differences, except in the 60–70 age group. However, LAR estimates revealed potential increased cancer risk, with values of 0.00029 for males and 0.000232 for females. These findings underscore the importance of scrutinizing radiation doses and technical parameters in brain CT examinations to mitigate potential risks. ConclusionThis study contributes valuable insights into the refinement of CT practices, emphasizing the necessity of optimizing radiation doses for patient safety in brain CT examinations. Addressing these factors is crucial to minimize the lifetime attributable risk associated with this imaging modality, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.

Occupational Safety Assessment for Surface Mine Systems: The Case in Jordan

Surface mining is one of the hazardous industries that have several risky operations, including transportation, treatment, and mineral extraction. To avoid the risk of disaster, it is important to evaluate safety procedures and determine expected hazards. The aim of this study is to develop a thorough safety evaluation model for the surface mining industry based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), one important multi-criteria decision-making approach. A total of 11 criteria and 36 sub-criteria that are both independent and homogeneous were involved in the decision problem. Further, a deep sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the stability of the ranking preference. The findings indicate that four out of the eleven criteria are particularly significant. To test the model’s applicability and effectiveness, a case study was conducted involving three surface mining companies located in the north of Jordan. The results demonstrate that the model is reliable, applicable, and effective in addressing real-world problems.

The Effect of Whey Protein Supplements on Acne Vulgaris among Male Adolescents and Young Adults: A Case-Control Study from North of Jordan.

Young people and athletes willing to gain muscle mass and strength are likely to consume whey protein supplements. The effect of milk as a dietary source of whey protein on acne is still controversial. At the same time, a few studies have suggested an acnegenic impact of whey protein supplements. To examine the association of whey protein supplements on acne risk among male adolescents and young adults. 201 male teenagers and young adults attending fitness centers in Irbid/Jordan were involved in an observational case-control research; those with acne were deemed cases, and those without acne were considered controls. The primary outcome was a comparison of the proportion of participants in each group who consumed whey protein supplements within the previous three months. 100 acne-afflicted participants were compared to 101 healthy controls with similar demographics, including age, body mass index, educational level, and smoking habits, as well as intake of vitamin B12, corticosteroids, and anabolic steroids. However, considerably more participants in the acne group (47%) were taking whey protein supplements than in the control group (27.7%) (p=0.0047). The significance of this difference was maintained after multivariate analysis. This case-control study provides evidence of a positive association between whey protein consumption and acne risk.

Maternal and neonatal factors associated with neonatal jaundice in Jordan: a case-control study

Background/Aims Neonatal jaundice is a common cause of hospitalisation. This study aimed to identify maternal and neonatal factors associated with neonatal jaundice among hospitalised neonates in north Jordan. Methods This was a case control study involving 312 mothers and their neonates (106 cases, 206 controls), recruited from two governmental hospitals in north Jordan. A structured interview was used to collect data. Neonatal medical records were accessed for clinical data. Results Maternal factors associated with higher risk of jaundice included having higher education, being employed and having had a caesarean section. Neonatal factors associated with higher risk of jaundice included being preterm, receiving <5 feeds per day and having ABO incompatibility. Conclusions Using evidence-based guidelines for the assessment and management of risk factors helps to reduce the prevalence of jaundice requiring hospitalisation among neonates. Raising mothers' awareness of neonatal jaundice through interventions and education sessions during antenatal care, in particular for high-risk mothers, is also likely to help reduce its prevalence.

Rh alloimmunization awareness among pregnant women in the north of Jordan: a cross sectional study

Rh alloimmunization awareness among pregnant women in the north of Jordan: a cross sectional study

Electricity energy-saving behavior of households in Jordan: a qualitative study

PurposeGiven the rapid increase in energy consumption in the residential sector in Jordan recently, the question of how to promote energy-saving behavior in Jordanian households is an emerging topic that is receiving increasing attention from scholars and academics. Generally, there is an unresolved paradox in the literature concerning electricity-saving behaviors. On one hand, numerous studies highlight energy-saving behaviors. On the other hand, recent research indicates the presence of significant untapped potential in electricity-saving behaviors. Therefore, it is useful to revisit the construct of these behaviors qualitatively to expand understanding. The study aimed to provide a better understanding of electricity energy-saving behaviors in terms of its motivations, barriers and support mechanisms from household heads' or household members' perspectivesDesign/methodology/approachQualitative study in a sample of households in north Jordan was conducted in the Irbid province using grounded theory methodology. The analysis of qualitative data involved coding, followed by the integration of codes into more comprehensive categories and themes and interpreting the findings.FindingsThe results identify the motivations for households to save energy, the main barriers to indulging in electricity energy-saving behaviors, and the main support mechanisms and perceived support of electricity energy-saving behaviorsPractical implicationsThe findings bear significant implications for targeted interventions in the study area, improving motivations and addressing local barriers and can inform future policy issues by tailoring initiatives to the specific context.Originality/valueThis study is distinguished by being the first study that specializes in electricity energy-saving behavior of households in Jordan, using new methodology and techniques (qualitative survey).

Factors Influencing Medication Administration Errors as Perceived by Nurses in Pediatric Units in a Jordanian Tertiary Hospital: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

The World Health Organization declared that medication errors are the third largest global patient safety challenge. The medication administration stage is a common and susceptible stage for medical errors to occur. To explore the factors contributing to medication administration errors specifically in pediatric care units as perceived by nurses in a Jordanian hospital. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted involving face-to-face audio-recorded interviews with 9 nurses in a tertiary hospital located in the north of Jordan. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the participants of our study. Data were collected between October 2022 and November 2022. The data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Four themes emerged affecting medication administration errors in pediatric care units. These were environmental, staff, parents and patient, and medication-related factors. The findings of this study raise awareness of the most frequent sources of medication errors in a Jordanian hospital. Holding training and supervision to raise awareness among nurses and the availability of equipment and supplies could improve medication safety practices.

Genotypes and Phenotypes of Arab Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever in North Jordan

Objectives: Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal-recessive disorder caused by mutations in MEFV gene. Hundreds of mutations have been described in patients with FMF. The aim of this study was to analyze the common genotypes of Arab patients with FMF from Jordan and to establish genotypephenotype correlation patterns.
 Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study was performed in a tertiary hospital in the north of Jordan. A total of 123 patients with FMF were recruited from the rheumatology outpatient clinic at King Abdullah University Hospital. Patients were diagnosed according to Tel-Hashomer criteria and a carrier of at least one previously identified MEFV gene mutation. Demographics and clinical manifestations were recorded.
 Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 17.49 years and M:F ratio was 1.05:1. The following mutations were common among our patients: R202Q (41.4%), M694V (22.1%), E148Q (10.3%), V726A (11.3%), M680I (5.3%), and M694I (3.7%). Among them 26% were homozygous, 11% were compound homozygous, 26% heterozygous, 42% were compound heterozygous, and 18% were other complex genotype including homozygosity and heterozygosity of more than one mutation. As for genotype-phenotype correlation, 65% of the patients with skin rash had R202Q mutation, while M694V mutation was associated with abdominal and chest pain. Amyloidosis correlated most with the M694I mutation (66.7%).
 Conclusion: The results confirm the frequency of the previously and commonly identified mutations and highlight the association of R202Q polymorphism with skin rash phenotype among adult Jordanian FMF patients. Additionally, both M694V and M694I mutations were associated with different clinical presentations.
 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 01 January’24 Page : 54-62

University Students' Physical Activity: Perceived Barriers and Benefits to Physical Activity and Its Contributing Factors.

In general, undergraduate university students in the north of Jordan have a low level of physical activity. To examine the physical activity level, perceived barriers and benefits to physical activity, and the contributing factors among university students in north of Jordan. A cross-sectional study design was used, and data was collected from 235 university students through a self-reported questionnaire. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was utilized to calculate the amount of physical activity, while the exercise benefits and barriers scale (EBBS) was used to measure the perceived benefits and barriers of physical activity. According to the findings, less than half of the students (48.1%) reported engaging in physical activity. Several factors were found to be significantly related to higher levels of physical activity, including being younger, single, having a normal body weight, and reporting excellent health status. Logistic regression analysis revealed that overweight (OR = -0.068, 95% CI 0.025-0.183) and obese (OR = -0.250, 95% CI 0.068-0.924) were less likely to be physically active, while those who rated their health as excellent had higher rates of physical activity (OR = 3.590, 95% CI 1.263-10.201). The students agreed most strongly with the perceived benefit item "Exercise improves the way my body looks," while the perceived barrier item they identified most strongly with was "There are too few places for me to exercise." This study provides important data for health promotion programs aimed at supporting physical activity among university students.

Efeito antibacteriano de extratos brutos aquosos e etanólicos de Asphodelus fistulosus sobre bactérias gram-positivas e gram-negativas

Asphodelus fistulosus (A. fistulosus) is a wild plant grows in Jordan. Traditionally, it is used to treat different medical conditions and diseases such as respiratory ailments, against burns and dermatomucosal infections.This study aims to find out the effects of A. fistulosus aqueous and ethanolic crude extracts on Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) as gram positive bacteria and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as gram negative bacteria and to investigate which one will be affected either by aqueous and/or ethanolic crude extracts of A. fistulosus shooting parts that were collected from Jerash in the north of Jordan. Agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the crude extracts. In addition, MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) as well as MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) were determined against both types of bacteria. The results showed that flower aqueous extract of A. fistulosus was very effective against E. coli (20.0 ± 0.50) mm and caused a (14.0 ± 0.50) mm inhibition to S. aureus. The ethanolic extract of stem was very effective cauesed a (19.0 ± 0.50) mm inhibition in both bacterial species. Respectively, both S. aureus and E. coli were inhibited by ethanolic and aqueous extracts (mixture1 and mixture2) (15.0 ± 0.00 mm and 10.5 ± 0.50 mm). The highest antimbacterial activity was observed for the leaves aqueous extract against E.coli (0.06120 mg/mL). The obtained MIC values from A. fistulosus parts extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity ranged between 7.606 and 0.06120 mg/mL. The highest antimicrobial activity was recorded in the leaves aqueous extract against E. coli.The MBC value of stem aqueous extract was 5.00 mg/mL against both S. aureus and E. coli. On the other hand, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the leaves gave MBC values 5.00 mg/mL, and 0.156 mg/mL, respectively, against E. coli.Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that there is good inhibitory effect of aqueous and ethanolic of A. fistulosus shooting parts extracts on growth of E. coli and S. aureus. Adding to that, stem ethanolic extract has the most effective against S. aureus while aqueous extract of flower has the most effective against E. coli.So, it is recommended to have further future studies on the A. fistulosus shooting parts crude extract bioactive components and the mechanism of how these constituents affect these types of bacteria.

Prevalence and Related Factors of Postpartum Depression among Jordanian Mothers with a History of COVID-19 during Pregnancy or After Childbirth in a Developing Country.

The magnitude of postpartum depression in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic is under-documented, and little is known about its potential social, demographic, and clinical correlates. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and related factors of postpartum depression among Jordanian mothers with a history of COVID-19 during pregnancy or after childbirth. This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in March-June 2021 among a convenient sample of 109 women with a history of COVID-19 during pregnancy or after childbirth, who were at a leading hospital equipped to care for COVID-19 cases in North Jordan. An online survey using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to collect information from mothers with a history of COVID-19-positive tests. Among the total number of women who participated in the study (n = 109), 73 women had postpartum depression. The prevalence of postpartum depression in the present study was 67%. In addition, the study found a positive statistically significant correlation between EPDS scores and being a smoker, delivery method, experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms, and being hospitalized. During the COVID-19 pandemic, women had a high level of postpartum depression. It would be necessary to follow further the confirmed cases of COVID-19, and mothers should be screened for depressive symptoms during pregnancy and followed up for antenatal and postnatal care.

Study of North Jordanian women's knowledge of breast cancer causes and medical imaging screening advantages

Backgroundamong both industrialized and developing nations, breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among women. The purpose of this research project is to evaluate adult females in northern Jordan's level of awareness regarding breast cancer risk factors and potential causes. A link between certain variables and their comprehension of breast cancer risk factors was established, enabling us to take appropriate measures to increase women's awareness. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire to assess the awareness of breast cancer risk factors, treatment beliefs, and screening practices among adult females in north Jordan. There was a scoring system used. IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 20.0) was used to conduct all statistical analyses. ResultsOnly 18.11% of participants (n = 201) reported having little understanding of breast cancer risk factors; 36.31% of participants (n = 403) reported having fair knowledge; and 45.58% of participants (n = 506) reported having a good grasp of breast cancer risk factors. ConclusionThe study's findings show that North Jordanian women are well informed about breast cancer and its potential causes. To improve females' knowledge of breast cancer, however, we advocate for the need for ongoing medical education programs.

Transfer factors for natural radioactivity into olive mill pomace

The transfer factor (TF) of naturally occurring radioactivity between soil and olive mill pomace (OMP) was calculated in this study. Nine samples were collected from three locations in north Jordan. The study focused on calculating the 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs activity concentrations in both soil and OMP samples using high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometry. The average activity levels in the soil samples were determined to be 24.0±10.1, 31.3±9.1, 323.7±68.4, and 1.0±0.4 (Bqkg−1), respectively. In the OMP samples, the average activity levels of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 6.7±1.8, 3.2±1.2, and 185.5±56.6 (Bqkg−1), respectively, while no trace of 137Cs was detected. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the soils and OMP samples are within the average worldwide ranges. The calculated values of the TF geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were determined to be 0.35 (0.2), 0.11 (0.05), and 0.59 (0.19), respectively. This research offers valuable information about the behavior and movement of radionuclides in the environment.

Bordering Principles and Integration in Urban Context: Parallel Insights from Lund and Irbid

In this paper we reflect on how bordering emerge in urban integration processes in relation to two geopolitical belongings. The paper emanates from a performative dialogic event, labelled Lund Irbid Parallel Walk connecting two geopolitical regions: one in Europe through the city of Lund in the South of Sweden, and one in the Middle East that is Irbid located in the North of Jordan. Here, we reflect on key places addressed through this staged dialogic event, looking into bordering processes and their effects in and around the two cities. By addressing cultural heritage areas, official government buildings, but above all areas where newcomers have settled, or been placed within the lay-out of the two cities, we trace histories, architecture, and contestations around different bordering processes, exploring how they have been shifting, and emerging. The geopolitical belongings of Lund and Irbid, representing a division between a global North and South, show interesting local complexities as regards ways of handling housing for newcomers, especially refugees, linked to the history of neighboring relations on minor as well as major scales. In this paper we point to varying mechanisms of integration in the two cities, as regards how local border-formation appears, especially as related to architectural and urban transformation. 

“Safety and security are everything”: a qualitative study on the quality of life of Syrian refugees living in Za’atari camp

PurposeMany refugees around the world are forced to leave their counties seeking safety and security. Millions of Syrian refugees fled their country since the conflict started in Syria. Jordan is one of the host countries for refugees from different countries including Syria. Health-related quality of life of individuals influences both the individual and the community, and how these two interact with one another. This study aims to explore the four domains – physical health, psychological health, social relationships and environment domains – of health-related quality of life of adults residing in Za’atari camp in the North of Jordan.Design/methodology/approachA constructivist grounded theory approach was used. Data were collected using semi-structured, face-to-face, audio-recorded interviews. Data were analysed using different levels of coding, constant comparative analysis and writing reflective memos.FindingsPursuing safety and security emerged as a core theme in this study. Participants were pursuing safety and security since the conflict started in Syria. Lack of safety and security led them to flee Syria. For participants, safety and security were among the most important aspects of their lives. The meaning of safety and security for Syrian refugees is presented in this paper.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study exploring the health-related quality of life of Syrian refugees residing in Za’atari camp using a qualitative approach.