Research In Jordan Research Articles

Implementation of a Practical Environmental Sustainable Design Project in Interior Architectural Education: A Case Study at the University of Jordan

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to discuss the implementing of a practical project as a new learning methodology to help students develop expertise in the functional, aesthetic, and creative aspects of environmental design. Methods: The research is qualitative in design and based on a case-study approach, in which sixty-three environmental practical projects were explored. The examined design projects were conducted by interior design students at the department of visual arts of the University of Jordan as part of an environmental design course during three semesters in 2022. Results: Nine themes emerged from the study, which were interpreted based on the selecting and processing of materials (either recycled or adapted from the local environment). These materials comprised recycled plastic, recycled paper, recycled metal, recycled wood, recycled glass, recycled threads, resin, ceramic, and plants. The study also found that working with and processing local or recycled materials in practical projects within the study curriculum helped students acquire skills and gain confidence in relation to environmental practice, and increased their awareness of the different usages of materials and their advantages from both a functional and aesthetic perspective. Conclusions: The significance of the study lies in its adoption of a practical approach as a new active learning methodology within art and design educational programmes to meet the current educational standards stipulated by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Jordan. Real-world projects foster students’ development of critical creativity to achieve the ultimate principles of environmental design and prepare them to deal with real challenges within the professional job market.

Validation of McCARD Monte Carlo Calculation Code Against NAA Experiments Using Rare Earth Element Certified Reference Material Activated at JRTR

Rare earth elements (REEs) are widely used in several high-tech modern industries. Quantification of REEs demonstrates a technical challenge that requires the use of special scientific techniques. These techniques commonly introduce uncertainties that may propagate not only during the sample preparation phase but also in subsequent measurement and analysis phases. The Jordan Atomic Energy Commission is starting up a REE investigation program utilizing many of its available physical and chemical analytical capabilities, one of which is the Neutron Activation Analysis Facility (NAAF) at the Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR). The NAAF provides accurate and relatively quick analytical services for better estimations of REEs in the unknown samples of interest without the need for any chemical processing prior to or after sample activation. In this paper, we present analytical results of routinely conducted instrumental neutron activation analysis (NAA) experiments using REE certified samples. To optimize future NAA investigations, first, a time-dependent Monte Carlo code at the JRTR, named Monte Carlo Code for Advanced Reactor Design and Analysis (McCARD), is herein validated via comparing its calculation results of the activation process against the presented results of the NAA experiments. The certified REE samples were activated in a well-thermalized NAA vertical activation hole within the reactor reflector region. Detailed neutronics and burnup calculations as well as transmutations were performed using McCARD. Ultimately, this study aims to assess the accuracy and reliability of the McCARD calculation models as a part of the effort of setting up a dedicated REE analysis laboratory at the JRTR. This study shows very good agreement between both obtained results—NAA experiment and McCARD calculations—with confidence levels noted to be more than 90% for almost all REE elements.

Researching the Jordanian city: toward an urban planning research agenda in Jordan

PurposeResearch and Development (R&D) plays a significant role in promoting social and economic development in cities. In urban planning practice, a lack of evidence-informed policies and misguided research efforts can undermine national and local development efforts. This research aims to outline the state of academic research in urban planning and propose a tentative urban planning research agenda in Jordan. Specifically, the study identifies emerging research areas within postgraduate urban planning research in Jordan, examines the extent to which current research activities align with national research priorities, and determines research areas of top priority for Jordanian cities.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs a mixed-method approach using content analysis to analyze academic urban planning research in Jordan and the Delphi method targeting Jordanian urban planning experts to identify research areas that should be prioritized in Jordan within the next five years.FindingsThe findings indicate that while urban design and housing, neighborhoods, and community development were the dominant fields of study in postgraduate urban planning research, planning experts identified transportation and land use planning as research areas of top priority for the next five years. The results also suggest that national research priorities lack specificity and offer little guidance for researchers in complex and multifaceted scientific disciplines, such as urban planning.Originality/valueThis research lays the foundations for developing a comprehensive and feasible urban planning research agenda that is responsive to the diverse needs of communities and cities across Jordan. It offers three propositions to guide future knowledge production in urban planning: emphasizing research activity in priority areas, decentralizing research activities, and fostering inter/transdisciplinary research linkages. To the best of the author's knowledge, this study is the first to propose an urban planning research agenda in Jordan.

Assessing mental health literacy in Jordan: a factor analysis and Rasch analysis study.

Mental health literacy (MHL) research in Jordan is sparse and validated MHL measures are lacking. The present study validated a Jordanian version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and examined Jordanian individuals' MHL. A Google Forms survey was designed, and the link was shared through various Jordanian social media platforms. Factor analysis and Rasch analysis were performed to validate the Jordanian version of the MHLS. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess variables associated with MHL. The Jordanian MHLS was administered to 974 participants (74.4% females; median age 27 years). The mean MHL score of the participants was 71.1% indicating average literacy levels. The factor analysis indicated that 27 items distributed across four factors had the best model fit. The Rasch analysis confirmed item separation reliability and person reliability. The regression showed a correlation between educational attainment, income, marital status and MHL level. These findings emphasize the role of educational attainment in MHL, pointing to the necessity of integrating mental health education into formal curricula to enhance MHL across all societal levels. Stigma and limited-service availability act as barriers to mental health service and access, which compound the challenge of improving MHL. Targeted educational interventions and policy reforms may help improve MHL, thereby contributing to improving mental health outcomes in Jordan and potentially other similar settings.

Investigation of the Cd-Ratio difference method to measure the cross section of 186W(n,γ)187W at the Jordan Research and Training reactor

The neutron capture cross section of 186W(n,γ)187W was measured at different energies, including the thermal capture cross section (0.025 eV) and resonance integral. Neutron capture cross section values were determined using the activation technique and by applying the Cadmium-ratio difference method. Two irradiation locations at the Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR) were used (NAA1 and NAA2). The thermal capture cross section values were determined to be 39.56 ± 0.69 ± 2.58b and 32.17 ± 3.72 ± 2.00b at NAA1 and NAA2, respectively. While resonance integral values were found to be 113.93 ± 8.20 ± 16.87b and 69.35 ± 26.63 ± 29.69b at NAA1 and NAA2, respectively. The present results of the resonance integral are not in good agreement with the most of the previous experimental and evaluated data as well as the theoretical calculations.

What's in a Name? Archives and Special Collections at American Research Institutions in the Middle East: Repositories at the American University of Beirut, the American University in Cairo, the American Center of Research in Jordan, and New York University Abu Dhabi

ABSTRACT In today's Middle East, a number of institutions of research and higher education have American origins, and several maintain archives and special collections. This article offers case studies of repositories at four of these institutions: the American University of Beirut (AUB), the American University in Cairo (AUC), the American Center of Research (ACOR) in Jordan, and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). The article traces the origins of these archives and how those were shaped by the development of each one's parent organization as an American-inspired institution, as well as by the historical, social, and cultural framework of their host countries. The authors also consider the landscape of archives in the nations where these institutions are based: Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. The evolution of the collecting program of each repository is outlined, with strategies and key acquisitions and collections mentioned. Access and dissemination methods, including digitization initiatives, are also covered. In presenting such activities, the ways in which American traditions and standards of archival practice contrast with or complement those of local archival traditions are examined. A central theme is the way that the archives at AUB, AUC, ACOR, and NYUAD go about documenting not only institutional history but also the heritage of their host countries and the challenges and opportunities inherent in that work.

The Mediating Effect of Organizational Memory on Social Media and Hotel Reputation in Jordan

Purpose: This study analyzed the mediating effect of organizational memory on the relationship between social media and hotel reputation in Jordan. Theoretical framework: The study employed the theory of organizational memory to clarify the mediating effect of organizational memory on social media and hotel reputation. It is a theoretical construct that explains how knowledge production, preservation, distribution, and application occur across time in an organization and how the cumulative impact affects the organization's current as well as its planned actions and decisions. Design/methodology/approach: The study surveyed 600 participants from hotels in Amman. They were selected randomly according to Westland’s sampling criteria. They were asked to rate their responses on a seven-point Likert scale. Moreover, the (PLS-SEM) is adopted in this research to analyze the collected data. Findings: The result reflected that the social media significantly influences hotel reputation in Jordan. Besides, social media positively impacts organizational memory and organizational memory positively impacts hotel reputation. It is also noted that organizational memory partially affects the relationship between social media and hotel reputation in Jordan. Research, Practical & Social implications: The results of this study will be a policy recommendation between the department of human resources, regulators, researchers and policy makers. Originality/value: This is the first research in Jordan to address the mediating effect of organizational memory on the relationship between social media and hotel reputation.

Demotivation Factors for Learning English (Students' Perspectives)

Demotivation is a topic that has lately received a lot of attention in the field of language acquisition. There is a shortage of research in Jordan that investigates demotivating variables impacting learning English among Jordanian undergraduate students. As a result, the purpose of this research is to look at the elements that influence Jordanian undergraduate students' acquisition of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The data was collected using a questionnaire adapted from Sakai and Kikuchi (2009). The survey comprised 35 questions on a five Point likert scale about six demotivation factors: class characteristics, teacher attitude, course contents and teaching materials, effects of poor grades, classroom atmosphere, and lack of self-confidence and interest. This study's sample included 110 undergraduate students from the faculty of arts at Zarqa University in Jordan. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data showed that classroom environment is the most demotivating elements impacting Jordanian undergraduate students' EFL learning, while lack of self-confidence and interest were the least demotivating factors. As a result, further research into this topic is strongly suggested in order to acquire a better knowledge and deeper insights into this issue in order to aid ESL/EFL learners in learning English.

The Golden Era for Nursing Research in Jordan: A Model for the Arab World

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Status of Smoking Research in Jordan: Scoping Review and Evidence Synthesis

Background Jordan has one of the highest smoking rates in the world. Despite this, there is a limited understanding of the scope and nature of smoking research in Jordan. In this scoping review, we assessed the status of research on smoking in Jordan, identifying research gaps and opportunities for future studies, and informing the development of evidence-based interventions to reduce smoking prevalence and related health harms in the country. Methods We searched Scopus database to identify papers covering various aspects of smoking research in Jordan, including nicotine, smoke, cigarette, tobacco, and waterpipe. We assessed several outcomes, including sample characteristics size, data characteristics included data type (quantitative, qualitative), data collection methodology (survey, clinical measurements) and data collection sites. Results From 410 studies screened, we included 125 studies. We classified included studies according to the main topics covered in the articles, where 32 studies assessed the clinical impact of smoking, 24 studies assessed aspects of smoking cessation, 19 articles included the perception and knowledge of smoking, 19 studied the prevalence of different types of smoking in different age population, 16 articles studied the factors affecting smoking, 9 studied the relation with oral health, diseases, and cancer, 6 of them handled different aspects of smoking and smoking research tools and training of healthcare workers. Conclusions This scoping review provided valuable insights into the various aspects of smoking research among Jordanians and highlighted gaps where research is needed. The results can be used to inform policies and programs on areas of needed evidence.

Designing of a Flipped STEM Classroom Engineering-Based Module: Fuzzy Delphi Approach

Abstract— The National Innovation System found that research in Jordan did not contribute sufficiently to economic growth and to solving real-world challenges, particularly those related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). This was attributed to several reasons, including the inability of educational curricula to guide students in dealing with real-world issues. In addition, education in Jordan is content-intensive and primary school children lack the time to build functional competencies such as problem-solving. Therefore, it was necessary to adopt an approach allowing students to learn the theoretical content on their own while allocating class time to practice problem-solving activities with their teacher and peers. To address this gap, this study aimed at designing an engineering-based module for a flipped STEM classroom to aid grade seven students in developing their problem-solving abilities based on Merrill’s first principles of instruction as an instructional design model. To generate the module components and aspects, semi-structured interviews were performed with 9 subject matter experts. Then, 29 experts responded and offered a consensus on what was reached in the previous interview. A total of 36 items were discussed by the expert panel using the Likert 7-point scale in the fuzzy Delphi approach. The five-module aspects namely; the form of STEM integration, the assessment, the resources, and the pre-class and in-class instructional activities, were determined. This research will usher in a new era for the Ministry of Education. in planning and teaching integrated STEM disciplines in line with Jordan’s vision 2025 to equip all learners with 21st-century skills such as problem-solving to enhance education standards to international levels.

A Study on Radiological Hazard Assessment for Jordan Research and Training Reactor

Numerical simulations of atmospheric dispersion and dose assessment were performed for the Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR) to evaluate its radiological effects on surrounding population and the environment. A three-dimensional atmospheric dispersion model was applied to investigate the behavior of the radionuclides released into the air, and a dose assessment model was used to estimate the radiological impact on the population residing in nearby cities around the JRTR. Considering full core meltdown an accidental scenario, most of the source term was assumed to be released from the JRTR. Simulations were performed to calculate the air and deposition concentrations of radioactive materials for July 2013 and January 2014. The monthly averaged values of concentrations, depositions, and dose rates were analyzed to identify the most harmful effects in each month. The results showed that relatively harmful effects occurred in January 2014, and the total annual dose rate was estimated to be approximately 1 mSv outside the 10 km radius from JRTR. However, the impact of a nuclear accident is not as severe as it might seem, as the affected area is not highly populated, and appropriate protective measures can significantly reduce the radiation exposure. This study provides useful information for emergency preparedness and response planning to mitigate the radiological consequences of a nuclear accident at the JRTR.

Neutron-Physical and Radiation Characteristics of Different Low Enrichment Fuels (Thorium and Uranium) in a Proposed JRTR Research Reactor

Abstract: The Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR) is a 5-MWth, open-pool type, light-water moderated and cooled reactor with a heavy-water reflector system. The core consists of standard Material Testing Reactor (MTR), the plate type of fuel assemblies with low enriched fuel of 19.75% U-235 enrichment. One of the most important purposes of JRTR is producing several radioisotopes e.g. (99Mo/99mTc, 131I and 192Ir isotopes) by using the neutron activation technology. A new computational model has been developed for different low enrichment fuels (Thorium and Uranium) in the JRTR by using the Serpent Monte Carlo code. The purpose of this paper is to validate Th-U233 fuel by comparison of the calculation results of important neutronics parameters, like keff, flux distribution, kinetics parameters, power peaking factors, heat decay and activity of spent fuel. Keywords: U3Si2, Th3Si2, JRTR, Light-water Reactors (LWRs), Extended cycle lengths.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire Short Form (TEIQue-SF)

The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire Short Form (TEIQue-SF), a brief and effective tool used for assessing emotional intelligence, originated in the Western culture and needs to be adapted to other cultures. The current study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of an Arabic-adapted version of the TEIQue-SF. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 487 Arabic-speaking participants, including students and laypeople. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess the conceptual factorial structure. Measurement invariance analyses were performed across genders. The big five were employed as external validation measures. The CFA findings validated the proposed TEIQue-SF structure, which included one latent factor (global trait EI) and four indicator factors. Analysis of measurement invariance revealed that the TEIQue-SF Arabic version was factorially equivalent across genders. Furthermore, TEIQue-SF demonstrated good internal consistency. No significant differences are observed between women and men in terms of trait emotional intelligence. The correlations between TEIQue-SF and the big five dimensions demonstrated the theoretically predicted relationships with these variables. We concluded that the Arabic version of the TEIQue-SF is psychologically sound and appropriate for research and practice in Jordan.

Pronunciation Difficulties and Challenges in the Field of Research in Jordan

This paper presents the current evidence regarding English pronunciation challenges and problems in the Jordanian context by reviewing related literature. The present study was carried out to determine the extent to which pronunciation research regarding challenges is carried out in Jordan. The available literature on pronunciation is limited to phonological variances, consonants’ and vowels’ variations, syllable structure differences and similarities, and mother tongue as an effective element. In order to achieve this objective identifying pronunciation difficulties and challenges in the field of research in Jordan, this study followed systematic literature review (SLR) framework adapted from previous studies in this regard. The findings revealed that one of the key problems in learning English language pronunciation is related to the socio-psycho variables e.g., anxiety, self-confidence, motivation, attitudes and so on noting that studies investigated did not present these factors in detail and they focused more on the role of learners’ native language, exposure to language, phonemic variations and vowels, and syllable structures’ differences. Hence, future studies in this regard are recommended to investigate the challenges related to anxiety, self-confidence, motivation, attitudes and their role on affecting pronunciation teaching and learning.

Derivation of operating conditions for the Jordan cement solidification process and evaluation of disposability of the cement waste form produced in the process

The purpose of this study is to develop a process control program for the cement solidification process of the Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR). The optimal operating conditions of the cement solidification process were found to be a concentrate/cement ratio of 0.65 (water/cement ratio of 0.45) and a salt content of 20 wt%. The compressive strength of the cement solidified material was 17.8–23.8 MPa, which is much higher than the 3.44 MPa specified in the waste acceptance criteria (WAC) for a disposal facility in South Korea, as developed by the Korea radioactive waste agency. In addition, through evaluation of the leaching stability for Cs, Sr, and Co, the leaching index of the samples was confirmed to be >10, 10.8, and 8.05 for Co, Sr, and Cs, respectively; all of these values exceed the WAC leaching index standard of 6.

Unravelling Humanitarian Narratives

International humanitarian actors, such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and United Nations agencies, often focus on gender norm change when conducting gender analysis among refugees and internally displaced persons. Dominant humanitarian narratives about gender in research reports, assessments and technical guidance reveal an underlying belief that displacement is causative – an external, intervening force. In such analysis, colonial and neoliberal ideologies may influence how refugees’ lives are represented, resulting in depictions of lack of modernity, tradition and culture as overarching (yet ill-defined) forces, and women and girls as vulnerable by default. Such analysis is frequently ahistorical, presented without analysis of the pre-displacement situation. This paper explores and challenges humanitarian narratives about gender norm change during displacement. It is based on feminist ethnographic research in Jordan with Syrian women and men as well as interviews with humanitarian workers. The paper demonstrates that assumptions about lack of empowerment of Syrian women and men may be misguided, identifying both subtle and more overt forms of Syrian women’s and men’s resistance’ to expected norms. It urges humanitarian actors to use ‘resistance’ as an alternative to analysing ‘change’, recognise heterogeneity within populations, resist ‘rapid’ data collection, challenge paternalistic and colonial stereotypes, and reflect complexity in analysis.

One Hundred Years of Archaeological Research in Jordan

This three-part article presents the history of archaeological research in Jordan, especially in the last one hundred years and concentrating on methodological advances. The first part of the article by Gary Rollefson covers the prehistoric periods, first by presenting the achievements of the pioneers and then by concentrating on research developments in the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods from 9,750 to 3,750 BC. The second part of the article by Katharina Schmidt covers the Bronze and Iron Ages and highlights trends in archaeological research over the past one hundred years. The third part of the article by Robert Schick presents archaeological research in the Hellenistic to Islamic Periods, focusing on the contribution of foreign researchers, and presenting developments by decade

The Medical and Health Humanities in the Middle East: Report on the Meeting of the 2nd International Conference on the Medical Humanities in the Middle East (online) in Doha, Qatar

The Medical and Health Humanities in the Middle East: Report on the Meeting of the 2nd International Conference on the Medical Humanities in the Middle East (online) in Doha, Qatar

The Birth of the First Journal of Nursing Research in Jordan

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