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The objective of this study was to measure the three-dimensional hand forces people exert to initiate a cart push or pull for two cart loads: 73 and 181 kg, and three handle heights: knuckle, elbow, and shoulder heights. The cart used was equipped with 15.24 cm (6 in) diameter wheels. The floor was covered with carpet tiles. The laboratory-measured hand force exertions were compared to the minimum forces needed to push/pull the cart under the same conditions and to the psychophysical initial push/pull force limits. For pushing and pulling, the measured anterior-posterior hand forces were 2–2.4 times the minimum required forces. For the heavier cart load, lower forces were applied as handle height increased. Pull forces were 7% higher than push forces. The smallest vertical forces were measured at elbow height. Strength capability and gender did not have an effect on the applied forces. The mean strength percentile for the male sample was 64%, while the mean strength percentile for the female sample was 13...

In Jordan, large numbers of wild edible plants are widely distributed throughout the country and consumed in various ways. In this study 56 wild edible plants used in local meals were surveyed to determine the plant parts used, the detailed methods of their preparation and preservation as well as their uses. The study showed that the plants used are either eaten raw, cooked by boiling in water, frying in fat or baking to be served as dishes such as stew, turnovers, stuffed and rolled vegetable foods or as cold or hot drinks for certain occasions and seasons. The study also showed that some of these plants are preserved by sun drying to be used out of season for cooking in main dishes, or as spices and appetizers.

The effects of the aqueous extract of Glaucium arabicum on smooth muscles of rabbit and guinea pig were tested in vitro using isolated segments of intestine, trachea, and aorta. The aqueous extract of G. arabicum inhibits the spontaneous movement of the rabbit jejunum and the contractions of rabbit jejunum and guinea pig ileum induced by acetylcholine stimulation. Also, the aqueous extract inhibits the contractions of rabbit trachealis muscle induced by acetylcholine stimulation and the contractions of guinea pig trachealis muscle induced by histamine stimulation. This inhibition is dose-dependent and is reversible. However, the aqueous extract does not inhibit the contractions of rabbit and guinea pig aortic rings induced by norepinephrine stimulation. These data suggest that this plant has antispasmodic, anticholinergic and antihistaminic effects.

Dispersal of airborne pollen in Jordan was studied for a whole year using a Burkard volumetric trap. Day to day counts of different pollen taxa were tabulated and analysed. A pollen calendar was produced. Analysis of the data showed significant tree pollen dispersal in two periods: February to April and May to July. Grass pollen dispersal was concentrated in spring and early summer while weed pollen dispersal occurred in spring as well as in autumn. The latter phenomenon was unexpected yet correlated with certain clinical observations unexplained for a long time.