Northern Part Of Jordan Research Articles

Secondhand smoke exposure among young adults in a developing country – a Jordanian case

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is a potentially preventable environmental pollutant that remains a major global public health concern. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to assess secondhand smoke exposure, knowledge, attitudes, and avoidance behaviors, as well as policy agreements related to SHS among young adult university students in the northern part of Jordan. A convenience sample of 800 university students from three public universities participated in the present study. They completed four questionnaires: the Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Household SHS Exposure Questionnaire, the Knowledge and Attitudes Toward SHS Exposure Questionnaire, and the Avoidance of SHS Exposure Scale. Findings showed that SHS exposure among nonsmoking university students was 96%. In addition, the mean hours of exposure per day was 4.64 hours (standard deviation = 4.28), and the mean days of exposure per week was 5.14 days (standard deviation = 2.1). Based on the students reported high hours of exposure, our results suggest that even though a student has knowledge of the dangers of SHS and suitable avoidance behaviors, he or she is unable to avoid SHS. Advocacy for effective interventions to avoid exposure to SHS should be initiated for Jordanian society as a whole.

Design and Operation of Small-Scale Photovoltaic-Driven Reverse Osmosis (PV-RO) Desalination Plant for Water Supply in Rural Areas

The alarming water and energy crisis in many regions of the world can be eased by combining renewable energy with desalination technologies. The ADIRA project funded by the EU looked for demonstrating the feasibility of water desalination in areas around the Mediterranean by installing a number of autonomous desalination systems (ADS) which are able to convert brackish or seawater into potable water for the needs of small communities. Within the activities of the ADIRA project a reverse osmosis unit powered by photovoltaic electricity was installed in a village in the northern part of Jordan with a capacity of 0.5 m3/day. The system was composed of a softener, reverse osmosis unit, PV panels (432 Wp) and storage batteries. Residential type “OSMONICS” membrane (TFM-100) was utilized in the RO unit. Field tests were performed on brackish water (1700 mg/L total dissolved solids (TDS)). This paper sheds the light on the process flow diagram, sizing of the system main components and presents some of the results obtained.

Performance of reverse osmosis pilot plant powered by Photovoltaic in Jordan

This paper presents the work performed within ADIRA project funded by European Union as a consortium of many countries to boost the integration of desalination units with renewable energy in rural areas. The work focused on the study of Water desalination by Reverse Osmosis (RO) and electricity generation using Photovoltaic Technology (PV) with additional battery storage. RO-PV system has been successfully designed, installed and tested in Hartha Charitable Society in northern part of Jordan as part of the ADIRA project. The system is composed of PV panels (433 Wp), softener and compact RO unit with typical daily water production of 500 L. The system produced clean drinking water from a salty water feed with salt content up to 1700 mg/L. The technical details of the RO plant, the energy supply and the operation strategies of the system are presented in this study. The effect of meteorological data like solar insolation, ambient temperature, daily sunshine hours on the performance of the RO-PV system are studied. Furthermore, effect of operating pressure and temperature on recovery percentage, salt rejection and specific energy consumption in addition to details about the PV current and voltage are also discussed.

Nurses' and midwives' knowledge and perceptions of their role in genetic teaching

There is a high incidence of birth defects and genetic disorders in Jordan. The purpose of this study was to explore Jordanian nurses' and midwives' knowledge and perceptions of their role in genetic teaching. A descriptive cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 200 registered nurses and midwives was used. Nurses and midwives were recruited from three maternal and child health hospitals located in the northern part of Jordan. Eligible participants who met the inclusion criteria were invited to participate in the study. A sociodemographic data form and a questionnaire concerning nurses' and midwives' attitudes and perceptions of their role in genetic teaching were developed for self-administration. Findings indicated that the majority (86 per cent) of nurses and midwives had an inadequate level of knowledge regarding genetic teaching regarding their roles in obtaining family history and pedigrees, and providing genetic information for affected persons or high-risk families. Furthermore, the findings indicated that nurses and midwives perceived that genetic teaching is the responsibility of other health professionals or the responsibility of genetic services centres rather than their responsibility. Nurses and midwives need to be better educated about genetics to effectively assume new roles as genetic educators and counsellors. This study documented how Jordanian nurse educators have to work to generate a new cadre of people who are adequately prepared to deliver such a service and who identify with the need for this service.

Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Methanolic Extracts of Some Medicinal Plants in Northern Part of Jordan

Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Methanolic Extracts of Some Medicinal Plants in Northern Part of Jordan

Determination of selected heavy metals in air samples from the northern part of Jordan

In this work, the atmospheric concentrations of selected heavy metals including lead (Pb), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) were measured for two different sampling sites (urban and rural) in the northern part of Jordan (Irbid city). Samples were collected according to a certain schedule for 1 year. High volume air samplers and glass fiber filters were used to collect the samples. Collected samples were digested using a mixture of analytical grade nitric acid and analytical grade hydrochloric acid, and analyzed to evaluate the levels of heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Six heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Cu, Ni, Mn, and Zn) were measured in all samples; the concentrations of Cd and Co were not detected in Irbid atmosphere by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results were used to determine the levels of heavy metal pollutants in air, possible sources, and to compare the levels of selected heavy metals in the two studied sites. Aerosols from the rural site have lower concentrations for all the metals compared to those from the urban site. The daily and monthly variations of the elements were investigated. All heavy metals in urban and rural sites reached maximum concentrations in June, July, and August. This is consistent with the increased activities leading to particulate matter emission during the summer period. The enrichment factors with respect to earth crust and correlation coefficients of heavy metals were investigated to predict the possible sources of heavy metals in air.

Methods of groundwater recharge estimation in eastern Mediterranean—a water balance model application in Greece, Cyprus and Jordan

AbstractGroundwater recharge studies in semi‐arid areas are fundamental because groundwater is often the only water resource of importance. This paper describes the water balance method of groundwater recharge estimation in three different hydro‐climatic environments in eastern Mediterranean, in northwest Greece (Aliakmonas basin/Koromilia basin), in Cyprus (Kouris basin and Larnaka area) and in Jordan (northern part of Jordan). For the Aliakmonas basin, groundwater recharge was calculated for different sub‐catchments. For the Upper Aliakmonas basin (Koromilia basin), a watershed‐distributed model was developed and recharge maps were generated on a daily basis. The mean annual recharge varied between 50 and 75 mm/year (mean annual rainfall 800 mm/year). In Cyprus, the mean groundwater recharge estimates yielded 70 mm/year in the Kouris basin. In the Larnaka area, groundwater recharge ranged from 30 mm/year (lowland) to 200 mm/year (mountains). In Jordan, the results indicated recharge rates ranging from 80 mm/year for very permeable karstified surfaces in the upper part of the Salt basin, where rainfall reaches 500 mm/year to less than 10 mm/year and to only about 1 mm/year in the southernmost part of the basin. For the north part of Jordan, a watershed‐distributed model was developed and recharge maps were generated. This water balance model was used for groundwater recharge estimations in many regions with different climatic conditions and has provided reliable results. It has turned out to be an important tool for the management of the limited natural water resources, which require a detailed understanding of regional hydro(geo)logical processes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Introgression from Durum Wheat Landraces in Wild Emmer Wheat (Triticum Dicoccoides (Körn. ex Asch. et Graebner) Schweinf)

Introgression was detected within wild emmer wheat population in Jordan during the year 2000. Wild emmer wheat was found to occur in non-disturbed habitat, very close to cultivated durum wheat in northern parts of Jordan, and it was found in cultivated durum wheat in southern parts of Jordan. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) test was constructed to assess natural introgression occurrence within wild emmer wheat population. Associated durum wheat land races from the vicinity of durum wheat fields were also collected. Shannon Diversity Index for wild emmer wheat populations was 0.46 and for durum wheat landraces was 0.45. The percentage of polymorphic loci for wild emmer wheat populations was 92.6. The close genetic distance between certain wild emmer wheat populations and durum wheat landraces provided proofs that massive introgression has occurred.

Epidemiological studies on caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus infection in Jordan

To investigate the seroprevalence of, and risk factors for, caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) infection in different breeds of goats in Jordan, sera from 1100 goats from three different geographical regions in Jordan were analyzed. Prevalence of antibodies to CAEV was determined using a competitive ELISA test. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on herd health and management. Questionnaire data were tested in a multivariable logistic regression model to elucidate risk factors associated with CAEV seropositivity. In addition, the incidence of CAEV antibodies was investigated in six goat herds located in the northern part of Jordan. Out of the 69 goat herds investigated, 16 (23.2%) had antibodies against CAEV. Individual goat true seroprevalence to CAEV was 8.9%. The highest CAEV seroprevalence was observed in goats older than 3-years and younger than 6-years of age. The seroprevalence of CAEV in goats was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in the northern part of Jordan than that in central or southern parts of Jordan. The multivariable logistic regression model identified large herd size (OD = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.7), addition of new animals to the herd (OD = 1.3; 95% CI: 0.3, 1.6) and contact with other goat herds (OD = 1.1; 95% CI: 0.9, 2.0) as risk factors for CAEV seropositivity. The incidence of CAEV seropositivity in the six herds monitored in the northern part of Jordan ranged from 2.4 to 5.3%.

Analyzing Digital Terrain Attributes to Predict Soil Attributes for a Relatively Large Area

Accurate information about soil attributes, presented in a spatially continuous form, is prerequisite for many land resources management applications. The availability of detailed soil maps and its ability to supply such information for modern tools and applications are questionable. Some alternatives, based on using terrain attributes derived from digital elevation model (DEM) to predict soil attributes are investigated in this study. A study area of 148 km2 in the northern part of Jordan was used. The area is covered by detailed soil map and 2193 field observations, from which the soil attributes were extracted. Terrain attributes derived from 20‐m resolution DEM were utilized to predict soil attributes by implementing different statistical and clustering techniques. The use of multiple linear regression models within small watershed subdivisions enabled the prediction of soil depth for 89.3% of the field observations within ±50 cm, the water‐holding capacity (WHC) for 75.8% within ±50 mm cm−1 and the surface cover percentage for 78.7% within ±10%. The models also predicted surface cover type for 94.5% of the field observations, erosion type for 48.4%, erosion class for 98.0%, and soil texture for 90.3%, within one class difference between predicted and field estimated classes. Comparing these results with estimates of soil attributes using the soil map indicated that the modeling of the soil‐landscape relationships within small watershed subdivisions is a promising approach to predict soil attributes for large areas. An important feature is the spatial distribution of the predicted soil attributes, which is provided in more detailed form than what the soil map provides.

Lifestyle practices of Jordanian pregnant women

Although many improvements have been made in the area of women's health in Jordan, women during pregnancy still face many health problems that put their lives at risk. This is evident in the relatively high Maternal Mortality Rate, anaemia, low birth weight and other problems related to their lifestyle practices during pregnancy (Jordanian Ministry of Health 1998). To describe the health-promoting lifestyle behaviours of Jordanian pregnant women. The Maternal Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (MHPLP), based on the Health Promotion Model, was modified to measure maternal practices. A representative sample of 400 Jordanian pregnant women in their 20th week of gestation or beyond were recruited from five public Maternal and Child Health Centres in the city of Irbid, in the northern part of Jordan. The MHPLP measures six dimensions: physical activity, stress management, self-actualization, nutrition, health responsibility and interpersonal support. Data were analysed by using descriptive analysis. The women reported high scores on health responsibility and self-actualization, moderate scores on interpersonal support and nutrition, and low scores on physical activity and stress management behaviours. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY, PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: The findings have implications for the quality of care delivered through the maternal and child health services. Health promotion and healthy lifestyle need to be an integral part of health services provided for pregnant women. Further research is needed to develop an instrument that integrates the cultural beliefs relating to lifestyle practices of Jordanian pregnant women mainly in the areas of physical activities and stress management. Policy implications of the findings are discussed.

Seroepidemiology of caprine Brucellosis in Jordan

The seroprevalence and risk factors for Brucella seropositivity in goats in Jordan were investigated. Serum samples were collected from 1100 goats randomly from 69 herds. The rose bengal plate test and the complement fixation test were used to detect antibodies against Brucella. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on goat health and management. Questionnaire information was tested in a multivariable logistic regression model to identify risk factors for Brucella seropositivity. In addition, the incidence of Brucella-specific abortion was investigated in goat herds located in the northern part of Jordan. Of the 1100 goats sampled, 305 (27.7%) had antibodies against Brucella. Thirty-seven herds (53.6%) had at least one Brucella seropositive goat. The prevalence of brucellosis in goats was significantly higher ( P < 0.01) in the southern part of Jordan than that in central or northern Jordan. The multivariable logistic regression model identified large herds (OD = 2.6; 95% CI: 2.1, 2.9), not using disinfectants (OD = 2.8; 95% CI: 2.1, 3.8), not vaccinating with Rev 1 vaccine (OD = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.0) and contact with other goat herds (OD = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3, 2.7) as risk factors for Brucella-seropositivity. The incidence of Brucella-caused abortion was 27% (95% CI: 19, 32). Most of the isolated Brucella strains from the aborted fetuses and vaginal swabs were characterized as Brucella melitensis biotype 1. Brucella abortus biotype 9 was isolated from only one aborted fetus.

Soil compaction and root distribution for okra as affected by tillage and vehicle parameters

Many soil physical properties and crop yield are affected by compaction and tillage systems. The effect of three different factors, i.e. tillage treatments (no-tillage, chisel plowing, and moldboard plowing), axle load (6 and 16 t/axle vehicle), and tire inflation pressure (120 and 350 kPa inflation pressures) on okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus) root density and soil physical properties (bulk density and cone penetration resistance) was studied. This study was initiated in April 2000 on a loam soil (42% sand, 36% silt, 22% clay) at an experimental farm in Irbid, a district in the northern part of Jordan. Response to the above factors was measured down to 48 cm. Axle load and tire inflation pressure caused an increase in bulk density (BD) and cone penetration (CI) resistance from the soil surface down to 48 cm. The loaded vehicle with 350 kPa tire inflation pressure on no-tillage plots had the greatest effect soil physical properties measured while the unloaded vehicle with 120 kPa tire inflation pressure on chisel-plowed plots had the least effect. Plants in the no-tillage and moldboard-plowed treatments had a higher concentration of roots near the base of the plant compared to the plants in the chisel-plowed treatment.

The mineral status of grazing Awassi sheep in Northern part of Jordan

The mineral status of grazing Awassi sheep in Northern part of Jordan

Discovery of the Oldest Church of the World

During December of the year 2000 the Public Archaeological Department of Jordan announced discovery of the new oldest Church in the World, the St. George Church. It dates from the Roman period of A.D. 230. This has been proved through an analysis of the writing and symbols found in the mosaic floors of the church. This important site is located in the northern part of Jordan, 24 kilometers east of the famous city of Gerasa, in a small town named Rihab. Rihab may be the lost old Roman of Thantia, one of the commercial League of Ten cities established by Pompey, which were given a considerable degree of autonomy and were subject to the Roman governor of Syria.

Chances of lung cancer due to radon exposure in Al-Mazar Al-Shamali, Jordan

Radon ( 222Rn) levels were determined in Al-Mazar area, northern part of Jordan. Passive diffusion dosimeters (using CR-39) were used indoors in different seasons. The average radon concentration during summer season was about 62 Bq/m 3 (∼1.7 pCi/l which corresponds to 0.017 WL for the equilibrium factor, F=1), while in winter season it was about 81 Bq/m 3 . However, the overall radon average in Al-Mazar is comparable to the radon average in other Jordanian cities. Furthermore, the radon average concentration during the year was about 75 Bq/m 3 (∼2.0 pCi/l which corresponds to about 0.02 WL ). According to these findings, the chances of dying from lung cancer due to exposure, over the lifetime, to 0.02 WL of radon level is about 0.09%.

Landslide at km 56.4 along the Irbid-Amman Highway, Northern Jordan

Abstract During the last 30 years, the northern part of Jordan has been affected by many landslides. In 1992, which was a very wet year, 67 landslides of different volumes occurred. These mainly affected the Late Cretaceous Naur Group, which is well known for being prone to slope movements of many types and sizes. This article describes the Jueidya slide which occurred on the night of 13 August 1992 after a very wet winter at Jueidya village, at station km 56.4 along the under-construction highway between Irbid and Amman. This landslide affected ~250 m of the highway, destroying two houses, causing the evacuation of 10 others, and delaying the opening of the highway for several months. The bedrock of the study area consists of Late Cretaceous marl, limestone, and dolomite of Cenomanian age. These rocks are overlain by younger colluvium, essentially loose materials detached from the bedrock masses by chemical, mechanical, and/or tectonic processes. In addition, the area is partially covered by caliche. Monitoring during the last five years has indicated that the slope is still active, and that the present location of the highway in this portion will continue to be affected by future sliding. This article presents geological and geotechnical studies of the slide area with special emphasis on the geostructures that affect slope stability. A stability analysis for this solution is given, and a comparison between the present as-built road and the recommended solution is also presented.

An Arabic language version of the health promotion lifestyle profile.

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of an Arabic version of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile instrument in Jordan, whose society and culture differ from that of North America, where the instrument was developed. The instrument was translated into Arabic, back-translated, and pilot tested to ascertain cultural sensitivity. The Arabic version was then evaluated using a convenience sample of 950 adults in the northern part of Jordan using a principal components factor analysis. The order of factors was not entirely identical to those isolated previously during the psychometric assessment of the English language version. Only the structure of three factors--self actualization, health responsibility--and exercise were the same as those obtained in the English version. The forced, six factor solution explained only 39.3% of the variance in the measure. The alpha reliability coefficients were 0.89 for the total scale and ranged from 0.85 to 0.60 for the subscales. It was concluded that the Arabic version of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile has demonstrated initial reliability and validity. Further testing is recommended.

Determination of radon soil concentration levels in the governorate of Irbid, Jordan

Radon isotopes occur in the natural radioactive decay series of uranium ( 235U and 238U) and thorium ( 232Th), which exist in the earth's crust with varying concentrations in different locations. It is believed that underlying soil is the main source of radon in the atmosphere of dwellings, offices and public places. In view of the risk presented by high concentrations of radon and its progeny indoors, this work was carried out to measure radon concentration in different types of soil in the northern part of Jordan at different depths (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 cm). The prepared time-integrated passive dosimeters were distributed among eight stations located in the governorate of Irbid. The results of this study show that the radon levels at a given depth vary significantly from one type of soil to another. For example, at 100 cm depth radon levels range from 4000 Bq/m 3 in limestone to 4 × 10 5 Bq/m 3 in chalky marl. Moreover, we found that the radon concentration increases exponentially with depth, which is in good agreement with a mathematical model. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that houses should not be constructed on such soil if U/Th-rich bedrock lies underground.

Lead concentration and the level of glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, reductase and peroxidase in the blood of some occupational workers from Irbid City, Jordan

Blood samples were collected from 263 lead-exposed suspected males living in Irbid area in the northern part of Jordan. The blood lead concentrations in the samples were determined by atomic absorption and were related to the type of work performed by the workers. The blood lead concentration was higher in metal casters, 41.6, and radiator welders, 32.8 μg/dl, compared to non-suspected lead-exposed university students, 5.7 μg/dl. Workers such as mechanics, bus drivers, car painters and gas station workers showed slightly higher but not significant blood lead. The blood glutathione content and the activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase were also determined in non-suspected subjects and in those with occupational exposure to lead. With increasing blood lead concentration, glutathione content decreases as well as the activities of the glutathione utilizing enzymes.