Northern Region Of Israel Research Articles

The Creativity Level of High School Teachers in the Northern Region of Israel from the Perspective of Principals and Teachers

The Creativity Level of High School Teachers in the Northern Region of Israel from the Perspective of Principals and Teachers

Evaluation of fisheries management policies in the alien species-rich Eastern Mediterranean under climate change

Recent decades have witnessed declines in the amount of fishing catch due to changes in the marine ecosystem of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. These changes are mainly a consequence of direct human activities as well as global warming and the entry of invasive species. Therefore, there is a need to improve fisheries management so that it accounts for the various stressors and uses of the marine environment beyond fishing, while providing sustainable catches and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. The ability to understand, and sustainably manage, the fishing industry relies on models capable of analyzing and predicting the effects of fishing on the entire ecosystem. In this study, we apply Ecospace, the spatial-temporal component of the Ecopath with Ecosim approach, to study the Israeli continental shelf to evaluate the impact of climate change and alternative management options on the ecosystem. We examine several management alternatives under the severe assumption of the RCP8.5 climate change scenario for the region. Results indicate that under business-as-usual conditions, the biomass of the native species will decrease, the biomass of the invasive species will increase, and there will be a decrease in the fishing catch. In addition, of the management alternatives examined, the alternative of prohibition of fishing in the northern region of Israel along with the establishment of a network of marine nature reserves provides the optimal response for the ecosystem and fisheries. The Achziv Nature Reserve is projected to be successful, improving the biomass of local species and reducing, to some extent, the presence of invasive species. These results are consistent with visual surveys conducted inside and outside the reserve by the Israeli Nature and Parks Authority. Furthermore, simulation results indicate spill-over effects in areas close to nature reserves yielding higher catches in those regions.

The Creativity Level of High School Teachers in the Northern Region of Israel from the Perspective of Principals and Teachers

The Creativity Level of High School Teachers in the Northern Region of Israel from the Perspective of Principals and Teachers

The Level of Job Performance among Arab School Teachers in the Northern Region of Israel from Teachers' Perspective

The Level of Job Performance among Arab School Teachers in the Northern Region of Israel from Teachers' Perspective

Is setback distance the best criteria for siting wind turbines under crowded conditions? An empirical analysis

Wind power has emerged as the most dominant source of clean energy during the two first decades of the 21st century. As wind turbines became popular, complaints about annoyances from neighboring settlements has led to establishment of greater setback distances in some jurisdictions, due to noise, shadow flickers, and aesthetic considerations. The current study seeks to establish an objective basis for determining optimal setback distance from human settlements. It begins by characterizing the tradeoff between turbines' environmental externalities and energy potential across northern region of Israel, where proposed wind farms are now being considered. The analysis relies on GIS software, which allows for quantification of the energy potential along with impacts of noise and shadow flickers. Based on the geographical data, we compare six contrasting regulatory approaches to setback distance for limiting wind turbines, evaluating how they would be applied in Israel's northern region. The results reveal that at setback of 700–800 m, annoyance levels depend on site-specific conditions, which in some sites are marginal. Zoning restrictions of 1,000–1,200 m pose only negligible externalities to nearby settlements. Greater distancing decreases the number of potential turbine sites dramatically without significant reducing anticipated annoyance levels and can unnecessarily compromise natural areas.

The effect of a forest fire disaster on emotions and perceptions of risk: A field study after the Carmel fire

This field study compares emotions and perceived risks of people from the northern region of Israel who were close to the Carmel forest fire and people from other regions who were far from the event. The results show that while the level of fear was higher in the impacted group close to the fire than the group of people who were far from the fire, the level of anger was the same in both groups. In addition, we found that fearful people (especially women) had higher perceived self-risk including risks unrelated to fire (e.g., the risk of being hurt in a car accident). Women showed higher perceived risk and higher fear levels than men in both groups. These results may have implications for social or economic consequences that extend far beyond direct harm to humans or the environment.

Higher Education as a Platform for Cross-Cultural Transition: the Case of the First Educated Bedouin Women in Israel

This article examines two groups of Bedouin women who studied in different cultural spaces. The first group, due to a lack of high schools in the Negev (during the 1970s), were obliged to leave the village to study and reside in boarding schools in the central and northern regions of Israel. These women returned to their society of origin after the completion of their academic studies. The second group went to Jewish universities in a town near their homes (Beersheba), attending daily and returning home each night to patriarchal control. The article examines the experience of these pioneers in higher education as a form of cultural transition and internal immigration, with an emphasis on the unique characteristics of each of the two groups. Going out to gain higher education is seen in Bedouin society as a form of immigration, and the first educated women therefore became a type of immigrant.

Economic Criteria of Introducing a New Transit Station

Developments of new land use concentrations or shifts in the spatial location of existing land uses along the rail require that the train service will be adjusted accordingly. A typical response to the new demand is to consider the implementation of an additional station on an existing train line. In most cases, the new station will improve the accessibility for adjacent users. However, passengers that board in other stations, and are already on the train, suffer time losses due to the stop at the new station. Hence, a positive attitude towards the new station is not obvious. This paper introduces an economic criteria whether to add a new station or not. A cost-benefit model is presented, which considers infrastructure costs for the new station, and benefits for new passengers in terms of time savings. Time loss of on-board passengers is also considered, in the ‘cost’ side of the equation. Analyses of other components, that influence the feasibility of the train station, are also included. The cost-benefit analysis is applied on a test case of a new potential station in the northern region of Israel. The findings suggest a break-even formula through which losses of on-board passengers are compared with benefits to the users of the new station.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in Aegilops sharonensis

Sharon goatgrass (Aegilops sharonensis Eig) is a useful source of genes for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) improvement, but little is known about its genetic diversity in Israel. We analyzed genetic diversity and population structure of 106 Ae. sharonensis accessions. Twenty‐one microsatellites revealed a high level of diversity that was comparable to Triticeae species with larger geographic distribution. The genetic structure of Ae. sharonensis is characterized by high diversity within location and by a short distance (15 km) similarity between populations. Accessions from the Sharon Plain exhibited the highest level of diversity. Because the Sharon Plain is located in the center of geographic distribution of the species and includes the three most genetically diverse sites, it may be the center of diversity of Ae. sharonensis A wide range of variation was observed in the 11 morphological traits evaluated, and the regional effect on the phenotypic variability was higher than the one observed for genetic diversity. Considerable variability was found in response to leaf rust and stem rust among regions, as a very low frequency of resistance was found for both diseases in the northern regions of Israel. The diversity pattern found in populations of Ae. sharonensis indicate that, to optimize the capture of the greatest diversity, collection and utilization programs should include multiple individuals from as many sites as possible.

Social workers' attitudes to the law: an Israeli perspective

Doron I, Karpel M, Or‐Chen K. Social workers' attitudes to the law: an Israeli perspective Int J Soc Welfare 2010: 19: 95–103 © 2009 The Author(s), Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.In recent years, there has been a general shift towards integration and cooperation between lawyers and social workers, both professionally and ideologically. The goal of this study was to explore the general attitudes of social workers toward the law. The hypothesis was that, due to the recent legal and professional changes in Israel, social workers would express positive attitudes towards the law. For the purpose of this study, a closed questionnaire containing 25 statements regarding the law and its relationship to social work was used. The research population consisted of 202 social workers from Haifa and the Northern region of Israel. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that there is indeed a tendency to closer ideological and professional proximity between social work and the law in Israel. However, especially regarding courts and the litigation process, their attitudes in response to the statements were relatively less favourable.

Population ecology of Forda riccobonii (Hemiptera: Pemphigidae) on Pistacia atlantica

This paper discusses research on the population ecology and biology of the galling aphid Forda riccobonii [Stefani] on Pistacia atlantica Desf. trees in natural habitats in the northern region of Israel. 427 trees were searched for the presence of secondary galls produced by the second (F2) generation. This species occurred on only 29 trees in 7 of the 12 research sites. In the galled trees, a mean of only 22. 7 galls ± 6. 30 (SE) was located in 20 randomly selected branches. Of the 658 galls found, 65% populated the periphery of the crown, while the remaining ones were within. None were found higher than 4 meters above ground level, and they were dispersed evenly in each of the four cardinal directions. The distribution of the galls among the leaves on the galled shoots was not random: the aphids attacked the leaves that developed in the midseason (July) more than the others. Gall size varied greatly, depending on the number of chambers they comprised, from one to ten. Ahigh correlation was found between the number of chambers in the galls and the reproductive success of the F2, as measured by the number of winged aphids in autumn: a mean of 62 ± 2. 5 offspring (range: 47–81). Compared with other galling aphids in Pistacia, relatively few galls (19%) were occupied by predators, parasites, or inquilines. Of these, parasitoid wasps comprised more than 50%. Even so, the colonies in the parasitized galls succeeded in producing the same mean number of offspring as those living in intact galls. Observations indicate that F. riccobonii is less common in natural habitats than previously presumed. The specific morphology of its secondary galls, which consist of relatively closed chambers, seems to provide suitable protection from large enemies. Their relatively wide shape enables the production of a larger number of offspring compared with other galling aphid species that create two different galls in P. atlantica trees during their life cycle.

Emergence of dog rabies in the Northern region of Israel

Between 1979 and 2000, foxes constituted the main reservoir of rabies in the Northern regions of Israel. Following the implementation of the fox-targeted oral vaccination programme (ORV) in 1998, rabies was eradicated from this area. Subsequently during 2004-2007, the biological and molecular characterization of the rabies isolates showed that stray dogs emerged as the main animal reservoir in Northern Israel while lower numbers of cases were reported in domestic animals. The virus isolates from foxes and dogs differed, in their molecular characterization, suggesting two distinct separate lineages. The transition from fox-mediated rabies to dog-mediated rabies is of great concern to public health because of the close contact between dogs and the human population.

Hospital Disposition After Stroke in a National Survey of Acute Cerebrovascular Diseases in Israel

Treger I, Ring H, Schwartz R, Tsabari R, Bornstein NM, Tanne D; for the National Acute Stroke Israeli Survey Group. Hospital disposition after stroke in a national survey of acute cerebrovascular diseases in Israel. Objective To investigate predictive factors for disposition after acute stroke. Design A nationwide survey (2004 National Acute Stroke Israeli Survey). Setting All 28 primary general medical centers operating in Israel. Participants Acute stroke patients (n=1583) admitted during February and March 2004 and discharged from the primary hospital. Interventions Data collected on baseline characteristics, stroke presentation, type and severity, in-hospital investigation and complications, discharge disability, acute hospital disposition, and mortality follow-up. Main Outcome Measure Hospital disposition to home, acute rehabilitation, or nursing facility. Results Among patients, 58.9% (n=932) were discharged home, 33.7% (n=534) to rehabilitation departments, and only 7.4% (n=117) to nursing facilities. Admission neurologic status was a good predictor of hospital disposition. Patients with severe strokes were mostly discharged to rehabilitation facilities. Patients with significant functional decline before the index stroke, resulting from a previous stroke or another cause, were sent to inpatient rehabilitation less frequently. Disability level at discharge from acute hospitalization had high predictive value in hospital disposition after stroke. In the northern region of Israel, a higher proportion of patients were sent home and a lower proportion to rehabilitation and nursing facilities, probably because of lower availability of rehabilitation care in this region of Israel. Conclusions This nationwide survey shows that most stroke survivors in Israel are discharged home from the acute primary hospital. Good functional status before the index stroke is an important predictor for being sent to acute inpatient rehabilitation. Severity of neurologic impairment and level of disability after the stroke at discharge from the primary hospital are strong predictors for disposition after stroke in Israel. Our data may be useful in discharge planning for stroke patients by policy-makers and health care providers in Israel.

Prevalence and clinical aspects of Behcet’s disease in the north of Israel

Behcet's disease (BD) has a higher prevalence in countries along the ancient silk route, but the actual prevalence in Israel is unknown. We evaluated the occurrence and clinical expression of BD in the northern region of Israel: in the whole population and by ethnic groups. The sample included all adult patients with BD (International Study Group criteria) treated at three medical centers in northern Israel. Patient data were collected by file review and physician survey. Relevant demographic data for the population served by the medical centers were obtained from the official Israeli authorities. A total of 112 patients were identified. The overall prevalence of BD was 15.2/100,000 and was similar in men and women. The prevalence rates among the Jewish, Arab, and Druze populations were 8.6, 26.2, and 146.4 per 100,000, respectively. Age at disease onset was similar in all ethnic groups and significantly lower in males (28.6+/-9.7 vs 32.9+/-11.3, p=0.03). There were no differences in disease manifestations by sex or ethnicity. All Druze patients were HLA-B5 positive, compared to 80.8% of the Arab patients and 72.0% of the Jewish patients. Recurrent oral ulcers in family members were more common in Arab patients (p=0.004). The BD severity index was significantly lower in Druze patients (p=0.05), mainly in males (p=0.03). This study confirms the high prevalence of BD in Israel and the variability in disease rates and expression by ethnic origin. Our findings, particularly regarding the Druze population, call for further field surveys and genetic studies.

Occurrence of powdery mildew ( Sphaerotheca pannosa) in Japanese plum in Northern Israel and its control

Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Sphaerotheca pannosa (Wallr.) Lev., is a widespread and destructive disease of nectarine in the northern region of Israel. Powdery mildew has not previously been observed on Japanese plum ( Prunus salicina Lindl.) in this region, and we describe here the first occurrence of powdery mildew on plum trees in the largest growing area in Northern Israel. The first symptoms and signs were observed on 22 April 2000 as single colonies on young plum fruits, and these expanded during the season and covered large parts of the fruit. The disease caused browning and russeting of the fruit surface, and chlorotic spots on mature and coloured fruits until harvest. The disease on leaves was less severe, characterized by chlorotic (bright yellowish) lesions of 5–10 mm diameter on the upper surface and “oil spot” type lesions on the lower surface. Microscopic examinations revealed that the mycelium, conidiophores and conidia were similar to those of S. pannosa that attacks nectarine trees in this region. Cleistothecia were not found during the growing season. Disease rating in two orchards showed that fruits were more infected than leaves. The most severly affected cultivar was ‘Red Beaut’ with 27% and 97%, respectively, of leaves and fruits infected. Field experiments conducted in 2000, 2002 and 2004 showed that foliar applications of DMI (demethylation inhibitor) fungicides reduced disease development, but failed to provide satisfactory control. DMIs were less effective than the strobilurin, kresoxim-methyl and polyoxin B in controlling S. pannosa on fruits and leaves of field-grown Japanese plum trees. However, spraying of sulphur significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect against powdery mildew and provided the highest level of disease control. In the light of experience with S. pannosa in nectarine , it is suggested that intensive use may have led to reduced efficacy of the DMI fungicides in controlling S. pannosa in nectarine and plum orchards. An alternative disease management programme, which integrates early and timely applications of effective fungicides, and tank-mixtures of DMI fungicides with sulphur, may provide an improved level of powdery mildew control and could be valuable to avoid the spread of powdery mildew and to minimize the development of fungicide resistance.

Professional Development in Israel: fostering multicultural dialogue among Jewish and Arab Israeli teachers

Can teacher-educators and teachers work together in community, to make a difference in society? The aim of this article is to describe a set of strategies the implementation of which will contribute towards the elaboration of a new ‘culture of teaching’. By promoting practices that lead to the development, in students and educators alike, of communication across cultural, ethnic, religious and national boundaries, of mutual tolerance and acceptance, the program we propose is dedicated to the evolution of a ‘culture for peace’. The program will be implemented and ongoing formative evaluation carried out, in the northern region of Israel, by a team of researchers with the participation of teacher educators and junior high school teachers from various cultural backgrounds. The rationale for the work derives from research literature on the nature of teaching and school change, the foundations of hostility and misunderstanding among people of diverse cultural backgrounds, and the potential of personal narrative for bringing people together. Our purpose in this article is to elaborate this rationale and to engage in critical reflection on the prospects and difficulties that lie ahead

Barriers and Limitations in the Development of Industrial Innovation in the Region

The growing interest in public policy contributing to the expansion of industrial innovation, has become increasingly significant, resulting from the interrelationship between innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth. This article presents the results of an empirical study in identifying the most important barriers to the development of innovation, as ascribed by industrial firms belonging to the high-tech sector alongside the more traditional industries. The data were collected through field survey of industrial firms, located in the Northern region of Israel. A considerable unexpected similarity was identified in the most important factors that constitute barriers to innovation, between the industrial sectors and the different regions investigated. The most significant limitations are those that relate to the high risk involved with the engagement in innovation. The risks are related, on the one hand, to the lack of financial resources, and on the other hand, to the high cost needed for this engagement, thereby affecting the time needed for return on investment. Additionally, the lack of highly skilled workers was also found to be a significant barrier.

Why High-technology Firms Choose to Locate in or near Metropolitan Areas

Various studies have provided evidence of the advantages of the ability of metropolitan areas to attract hi-tech industries, which employ advanced technology and are strongly involved in the process of innovation. This paper presents the results of an empirical study of the location choice of Israeli hi-tech industries within a metropolitan area, carried out in the Northern region of Israel (which encompasses the Haifa metropolitan area and its surrounding localities) and based on field-survey data obtained from hi-tech plants. The study investigates the effect of different factors on location choice and also identifies the direct contribution of each factor to the probability of choosing the metropolitan area as a preferred location. The implications of these findings for industrial policy are also discussed.

Why High-technology Firms Choose to Locate in or near Metropolitan Areas

Various studies have provided evidence of the advantages of the ability of metropolitan areas to attract hi-tech industries, which employ advanced technology and are strongly involved in the process of innovation. This paper presents the results of an empirical study of the location choice of Israeli hi-tech industries within a metropolitan area, carried out in the Northern region of Israel (which encompasses the Haifa metropolitan area and its surrounding localities) and based on field-survey data obtained from hi-tech plants. The study investigates the effect of different factors on location choice and also identifies the direct contribution of each factor to the probability of choosing the metropolitan area as a preferred location. The implications of these findings for industrial policy are also discussed.

Local milieu and innovations: Some empirical results

. Industrial innovations constitute a major factor in fostering the expansion of industrial activities and, consequently, regional growth. Innovations are closely tied to variables both internal and external to the structure and operation of the firm. The latter variables have hardly ever been investigated empirically. The current study utilizes data collected by means of a thorough personal interview of a representative sample of firms belonging to the three fastest-growing industries in Israel: Electronics, Plastics and Metals. All the firms are located in the Northern region of Israel and cover three different sub-regions: metropolitan core, intermediate zone and periphery. The paper reports an attempt to identify and quantify external factors clustered under the term, “local innovation milieu,” and to analyze their effect on the rate of industrial innovation. More specifically, the present study describes the construction of alternative measures of industrial agglomeration economies and their effect on the probability of a firm‘s belonging to different industrial branches when it comes to innovation. The results show that the size of the industry, as measured by the total number of employees, is the best explanatory measure of agglomeration economies in a particular sub-region. Agglomeration economies are significantly responsible for the increase in the rate of a firm‘s innovation potential in the Electronics industry. In the Plastics industry, however, no significant effect of agglomeration economies on the rate of innovation is detected; and in the Metals industry, only a marginal effect is felt.