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The study aimed to identify the extent to which the faculty members of the Hashemite University use social networks, seen from their point of view, and also aimed to identify if there statistically significant differences in the extent to which the faculty members use social networks, by faculty, country of graduation, academic rank, and years of experience variables. The study's data was collected through a questionnaire distributed to 225 faculty members who were selected in available sample random way in the second semester of the academic year 2019/2020. A tool was developed to measure the faculty members' use, and it consisted of 42 items. The results showed that the degree of social network use among faculty members was high in all disciplines, from the teaching field (highest) to scientific research and the community service field. There were significant differences in social network use due to faculty variable, in favour of science faculty members. And there were significant differences in social network use due to years of experience variable, in favour to the faculty member who has 5-10 years of experience in teaching, but no statistically significant differences in social networks use due to country of graduation and academic position variables. Researchers recommendations to support faculty members and encourage them to evaluate the impact or effects of using different technologies in the educational process.

The study aimed to identify the level of social responsibility among the faculty members of the Hashemite University, from their point of view, and also aimed identify if there any statistically significant differences in the level of social responsibility due to faculty (humanities and science), academic rank (tutor, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor), and years of experience (less than 5 years, 5-10 years, 11-20 years, and more than 20 years). The sample consisted of 274 faculty members, and the study was conducted in the academic year 2018/2019. The methodology was a questionnaire containing a total of 44 items under the headings of self-responsibility, collective responsibility, religious moral responsibility, and national responsibility. After analyzing the data, the results showed that the level of social responsibility among the faculty members was ranked as 'average', with the order of the four dimensions as follows: moral and religious responsibility was ranked highest, followed by national responsibility, self-responsibility, and finally, collective responsibility all with an average level. The results also showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the level of social responsibility by faculty, academic rank, or years of experience. The authors' recommendation to benefit from faculty members' consultancy in the university and in different disciplines.

Women in STEM are underrepresented and face challenges in balancing work and family. Therefore, mentoring is an important career intervention that focuses on individual's well-being and professional career. This study introduces a voluntary, flexible, context-sensitive and informal peer-based mentoring model. Twenty-six female STEM professors from Jordanian universities participated in the program for an academic year, self-identifying as mentors/mentees, creating a unique mentoring network across institutions. This case study uses multiple data sources to illustrate opportunities and challenges inherent in the model. Most participants found the program enriching, exciting and a challenging learning experience. Mentors reported increases in self-confidence and satisfaction derived from contributing to the academic community. Mentees emphasized their continuous learning and improved prioritisation skills. Both reflected on the importance of peer-mentoring for women in academia. The flexibility and organic growth possibility of the model is promising and holds important implications for policy makers and practitioners for future implementation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of employee perception of training on organizational commitment, and consequently, the impact of organizational commitment on turnover intention. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted a quantitative research design. Data were collected from 302 registered nurses working at Jordanian hospitals using an email survey questionnaire. Using statistical package for the social science analysis of regression to test the hypothesized model. Findings: The results suggest a strong relationship between two variables: perceived availability of training and perceived supervisor support for training and organizational commitment. On the other hand, the perceived benefits of training is found to be negatively related to organizational commitment. The study also confirms a strong inverse association between organizational commitment and turnover intention. Research limitations/implications: Limitations and suggestions for future studies three as with all research, there are limitations to this work. First, only three employee perceptions of training are investigated in this study to include perceived availability of training, perceived supervisor support for training and perceived benefits of training. Given that employee perceptions of training include a number of factors, future research may consider other factors such as motivation to learn and co-worker support for training (Newman et al., 2011). Second, the study uses a quantitative approach. Future studies may conduct interviews to examine the relationship between the variables. Third, the data came from registered nurses working in hospitals in a single industry; to increase the generalizability of the findings, there is a need for future research in other industries in Jordan. Fourth, other attitudinal constructs in addition to organizational commitment may act as potential mediators in the relationship between employee perception of training and turnover intention. Future studies can include mediating variables such as job satisfaction (Poon, 2004) and trust in management (Whitener, 2001), which may better explain the hypothesized relationships. Finally, the findings cannot be generalized, as there is a possibility of bias because of differences in knowledge of and attitude to perceived training. Practical implications: The findings of the present study have implications for theory and practice. At the theoretical level, the current study adds to the body of knowledge on commitment and turnover. Specifically, the current study provides evidence of a strong or weak relationship between employee perception of training, organizational commitment and turnover intention. The research findings verify the applicability of the social exchange theory (Blau, 1964) and the norm of reciprocity (Gouldner, 1960), and concurs with Fishbein and Ajzen's (1967) model of beliefs, attitude and behavioral intentions in Jordanian hospitals. From the practical aspect, the study findings urge Jordanian hospitals to enhance employee perception of training and correlated development opportunities, so as to fulfill their employees' needs and expectations in terms of organizational development. Hospitals may achieve this by providing effective and more comprehensive training programs and urging supervisors to motivate their subordinates to participate in these programs (Jehanzeb "et al.," 2013). This study results also confirm that perceived supervisor support is very significant to the maintenance of organizational commitment. Hospitals need to create an environment in which practicing training is highly motivated by supervisors. While supervisors are required to publicize the availability of training to the nursing workforce (Ha "et al.," 2014). Furthermore, the study findings reveal no evidence of a link between perceived benefits of training and organizational commitment. The premise behind this result is attributed to the fact that employees believe that the benefits obtained from participating in training activities are very limited (Kadiresan "et al.," 2015). So, supervisors are requested to raise their awareness of the benefits to be gained from participating in training programs. The role of supervisors here is very important, they should also unfreeze the old concerns of individuals through positive approach by communicating aggressively about the benefits of training. Moreover, hospitals need to focus more on promoting better relations between training and career development (Newman "et al.," 2011). Finally, the study results suggest that organizational commitment is negatively related to turnover intention. So, to increase organizational commitment, the hospitals' management should first, design more effective in house training, as well as motivate their nursing workforce, and financially support external training programs that will foster the nurses' skills and knowledge. Second, create a culture of commitment to reinforce the relationship with nursing workforce and encourage them to consider the hospital as a family to which they belong (Diab and Ajlouni, 2015). Finally, the work and environmental conditions must be improved through the provision of career development and promotion opportunities (Silva and Dias, 2016). Originality/value: This study makes a significant theoretical contribution to the literature, as it addresses an essential and not so well researched issue in Jordan a developing Arab country in Middle East. The paper investigates the interaction between employee perceptions of training, organizational commitment and turnover intention of registered nurses in Jordanian Hospitals.

The present paper details the experience of designing and running the first online English language courses at Yarmouk University with the support of the Open University of Catalonia. The courses fall within the framework of the EQTEL project, which aims to develop and implement accreditation standards, guidelines and procedures for quality assurance of online courses in Jordanian universities. The focus of the research was to evaluate the course from the teachers' perspective while identifying possible stumbling blocks and challenges that could be used to refine and enhance the course and the teacher preparation program in successive iterations. Teachers completed a questionnaire that sought to reveal their beliefs, attitudes and experiences using technology for language instruction. The study concluded that teachers perceive more affordances in using technology to practice receptive skills (listening, reading) than productive skills (speaking, writing). Teachers evaluated the teacher preparation prior to the course as sufficient but expressed contradictory attitudes towards using technology for language instruction which need to be understood within the context of the institutional culture and the decision-making process behind technology adoption.

This paper presents a curriculum design approach for a Masters Programme in Telecommunications Management based on demand data obtained from surveying the needs of potential students of the proposed programme. Through online surveys disseminated at telecom companies in Jordan, it was possible to measure the demand for such a programme and to determine the required programme contents and specifications. The curriculum design is based on definition of programme outcomes and on using a house of quality approach (HOQ) to determine the list of courses required in the programme. Surveyed competencies are mapped to a long list of proposed courses in a HOQ in order to determine the importance of each of these courses. A final list of core and elective courses is then developed considering the contribution to programme outcomes and the academic standards.

Shaimaa Nasr Amin,1,2 Gehan El-Akabawy,3– 5 Mohammad Adel Abuqasem,6 Asem Abdullah AL-Rawashdeh,6 Maram Mohamed Ayyad,6 Ahmad Khalid Ibrahim,6 Ali Mohammad AlShawagfeih,6 Sara Khaled Ebdah,6 Rana Jassem AlHajri,6 Ahmed A Ismail7,8 1Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan; 2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 3Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; 4Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; 5Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt; 6House Officer, Medical Graduates Training Program, Jordan Medical Council, Amman, Jordan; 7Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt; 8Department of Health and Environment, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa, KS, USACorrespondence: Shaimaa Nasr Amin, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan, Tel +962770507906, Email shaimaa@hu.edu.joPurpose: Cognitive flexibility is a mental ability that aids in smoothly alternating between them tasks in the brain. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a, common disorder that has been associated with impairments in cognitive functions. This research is a retrospective case-control study aimed at establishing a clear relationship between cognitive flexibility and diabetes among Jordanians, considering demographic, anthropometric, and therapeutic variables.Patients and Methods: The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)-64 item and the Trail Making Test (TMT) assessed cognitive flexibility in 268 people with diabetes and healthy control. Demographic, therapeutic data were collected. We also measured waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI). As the variables were non-normally distributed, non-parametric statistical tests were used to examine differences (Kruskal–Wallis) and correlation (Spearman) between variables.Results: The patient group did worse on the WCST In contrast to the control group, patients exhibited more significant delays for both Part A and Part B of the TMT (p< 0.05). Males had higher WCST conceptual level responses than females. In addition, participants with professional jobs showed less delay in TMT Part A (p< 0.05). Age was positively correlated with WCST’s total errors and TMT’s Parts A and B (p< 0.05). BMI was negatively correlated with the WCST’s conceptual level of responses and positively correlated with TMT’s Part B (p< 0.05). In addition, urea and albumin levels were positively correlated with TMT’s Part A (p< 0.05). Furthermore, creatinine was positively correlated with WCST’s total errors and TMT’s Part A (p< 0.05).Conclusion: Some measures of cognitive flexibility are associated with DM status in the studied sample of Jordanians and other variables (educational levels, occupation, lifestyle, average duration of illness, and age).Keywords: cognitive flexibility, diabetes mellitus, Jordan, Wisconsin card sorting test, trail making test

Mahmoud Izraiq,1 Eyas Almousa,2 Suhail Hammoudeh,1 Mazen Sudqi,1 Yaman B Ahmed,3 Omran A Abu-Dhaim,1 Abdel-Latif Mughrabi Sabbagh,1 Karam I Khraim,1 Ahmad A Toubasi,4 Abdullah Al-Kasasbeh,3 Sukaina Rawashdeh,3 Hadi Abu-Hantash5 1Cardiology Section, Internal Medicine Department, Specialty Hospital, Amman, Jordan; 2Department of Cardiology, Istishari Hospital, Amman, Jordan; 3Cardiology Section, Internal Medicine Department, King Abdullah University Hospital, Irbid, Jordan; 4Cardiology Section, Internal Medicine Department, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan; 5Department of Cardiology, Amman Surgical Hospital, Amman, JordanCorrespondence: Mahmoud Izraiq, Cardiology Section, Internal Medicine Department, Specialty Hospital, Amman, Jordan, Tel +962795652260, Email izraiq@yahoo.comBackground: Heart failure (HF) is a common final pathway of various insults to the heart, primarily from risk factors including diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2. This study analyzed the clinical characteristics of HF in a Jordanian population with a particular emphasis on the relationship between DM and HF.Methods: This prospective study used the Jordanian Heart Failure Registry (JoHFR) data. Patients with HF were characterized by DM status and HF type: HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Demographics, clinical presentations, and treatment outcomes were collected. Statistical analyses and machine learning techniques were carried out for the prediction of mortality among HF patients: Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross-Validation (RFECV) and Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique with Edited Nearest Neighbors (SMOTEENN) were employed.Results: A total of 2007 patients with HF were included. Notable differences between diabetic and non-diabetic patients are apparent. Diabetic patients were predominantly male, older, and obese (p < 0.001 for all). A higher incidence of HFpEF was observed in the diabetes cohort (p = 0.006). Also, diabetic patients had significantly higher levels of cholesterol (p = 0.008) and LDL (p = 0.003), reduced hemoglobin levels (p < 0.001), and more severe renal impairment (eGFR; p = 0.006). Machine learning models, particularly the Random Forest Classifier, highlighted its superiority in mortality prediction, with an accuracy of 90.02% and AUC of 80.51%. Predictors of mortality included creatinine levels > 115 μmol/L, length of hospital stay, and need for mechanical ventilation.Conclusion: This study underscores notable differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes between diabetic and non-diabetic heart failure patients in Jordan. Diabetic patients had higher prevalence of HFpEF and poorer health indicators such as elevated cholesterol, LDL, and impaired kidney function. High creatinine levels, longer hospital stays, and the need for mechanical ventilation were key predictors of mortality.Keywords: heart failure, diabetes mellitus, Jordan, clinical characteristics, machine learning, mortality prediction, predictive analytics

Rasheed Ibdah,1,&ast; Omar Obeidat,1,&ast; Yousef Khader,2 Jowan Al-Nusair,1 Obada Abusurrah,1 Abedallah Obeidat,1 Ali Obeidat,1 Sukaina Rawashdeh,1 Nasr Alrabadi,3 Abdelrahman F Obiedat,4 Naseem N Alnadi,4 Ayman Hammoudeh4 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan; 2Department of Community Medicine, Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan; 3Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan; 4Department of Cardiology, Istishari Hospital, Amman, Jordan&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Rasheed Ibdah, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jordan University for Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan, Email rkibdah@just.edu.joBackground and Purpose: CHA2DS2-VASc score is one of the most widely used scoring systems to assess the risk of systemic embolization and stroke in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (Afib); furthermore, it is important in guiding their treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the predictivity of this score in the Jordanian population, build a deeper understanding of patients’ demographic and risk factors, and assess the usefulness of anticoagulation as a preventive measure.Methods: A total of 2020 patients with Afib registered in the Jordanian Atrial Fibrillation (JoFib) registry were enrolled in this study. All patients were followed up for 1 year to assess their susceptibility to develop cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and systemic embolism (SE). The association between CHA2DS2-VASc score and risk of development of stroke or systemic embolization was analyzed based on bivariate and adjusted multivariate analyses. The ROC curve was used to assess the predictivity of the CHA2DS2-VASc score.Results: The mean age of the study population was 67.8 years; 45.8% were males, and 81.8% were on anticoagulants. And, 71.8% had a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥ 3. During the follow-up period of 1 year; 69 developed new CVA (mean age, 72.8 years), and 9 developed SE. A total of 276 patients died; 18 patients died (6.5% out of all deceased)% from CVA. A moderate predictive power of the CHA2DS2-VASc score was demonstrated through ROC curve analysis with C statistics of 0.689 CI (0.634 to 0.744) for predicting the development of SE or CVA at 1 year.Conclusion: CHA2DS2-VASc showed a moderate predictivity of stroke, SE, and all-cause mortality at 1 year. The study suggested disregarding gender differences in deciding to initiate anticoagulant therapy.Keywords: atrial fibrillation, Jordan, CHA2DS2-VASc, stroke, risk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of human resource development on turnover intention through the mediating role of organizational commitment. Design/methodology/approach – This paper used a quantitative research design. Data were collected from 204 flight attendants employees working at Royal Jordanian Airlines Company using an email survey questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was adopted to test the hypothesized model. Findings – The results assure positive effect of human resource development (HRD) on organizational commitment. Negative effect of both HRD and organizational commitment to turnover intention is observed. The results also confirm that the effect of HRD on turnover intention is negatively mediated by organizational commitment. Originality/value – This research paper extends the literature by empirically adducing evidence that organizational commitment negatively mediated the effect of human resource development on turnover intention of the airlines in Jordan. 研究目的 – 本研究擬透過組織承諾的中介角色,探討人力資源發展對離職意向的影響。 研究設計/方法/理念 – 本研究採用了定量研究法。數據透過電郵問卷調查,從204名在皇家約旦航空公司工作的機艙服務員取得的。研究人員使用結構方程模型來測試假設模型。 研究結果 – 研究結果確認了人力資源發展對組織承諾的積極作用,也肯定了人力資源發展和組織承諾兩者對離職意向的負面影響。研究結果亦確認了人力資源發展對離職意向的影響,是會受組織承諾負介導的。 研究的局限 – 由於研究在約旦的航空工業內進行,故取得的數據不能概括地廣泛應用於其他行業上。 研究的啟示 – 研究的結果,在人力資源發展、組織承諾和離職文獻的知識體系上提供了新的信息。本研究亦顯示了在一個仍未充分探討、處於發展中國家的公司的背景下,人力資源發展、組織承諾與離職意向三者之間的相互作用。由於過去對人力資源發展和離職的研究大多是在發達國家進行的,故本研究的結果,確切證明了在發展中國家的背景裡,機艙服務員對人力資源發展的看法,會影響其態度的情感部分和行為意向。再者,本研究或可填補以發展中國家為背景之離職文獻研究缺口,尤其是約旦。實際上,面對員工有離職意向這挑戰的航空公司管理階層或需特別關注這個學術研究,這也正是本研究主要的啟示。航空公司經理和政策制定者可使用本研究的結果、作為他們研發人員保持策略的指導原則,以把員工離職的意欲減至最低。 研究的原創性/價值 – 研究以實驗為依據,引證了就約旦航空公司而言,人力資源發展對離職意向的影響,是會受組織承諾負介導的。

In this study, the association between the rs2200733 SNP and AFib was examined in the Jordanian population. Methods: The study included 450 subjects (274 controls and 176 patients with AFib). Patients were recruited from King Abdullah University Hospital based on the European Society of Cardiology criteria. The rs2200733 SNP was genotyped using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) technique. Results: The mutant T allele of the rs2200733 SNP was common in the studied population with a frequency of 19%. The T allele and CT/TT genotypes were prevalent among patients with AFib compared with the controls (P< 0.05, OR [CI]: 1.65 [1.12– 2.43]). In addition, body mass index, diabetes, and hypertension were found to be associated with AFib risk. Conclusion: The rs2200733 SNP was associated with AFib among Jordanian patients. The mutant T allele of the rs2200733 SNP might increase the risk of AFib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of accumulated dust on two types of photovoltaic (PV) cells in the performance of solar panels facility located in the southern part of Jordan between January to August 2020. To determine the performance of the solar PV panel system, two elements have been considered: sun radiation total efficiency and output power generated from the two types of the PV panel. Results of the study revealed that the mass of dust accumulated on the polycrystalline panel accumulated faster than on the cadmium telluride panel at a rate of 10.5 g/m2 for polycrystalline panels and 8.4g/m2 for cadmium telluride panel. Furthermore, results indicated that the projected drop in the efficiency of washed and unwashed polycrystalline panels decreased monthly by 5% and 16% respectively, while the efficiency of washed and unwashed cadmium telluride panels decreased monthly by 5% and 11.5% respectively. In the same context, results indicated that the wind speed, concentration rate, and relative humidity increased by 3%, 5%, and 8% respectively whereas the ambient temperature decreased by 4% monthly. On the other hand, the size and charge of accumulated dust on the cadmium telluride panel surface were larger than the size and charge of dust on the polycrystalline panel surface with a high percent of (Si) and low percent of (Ca) and (Fe). This research contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence for the impact of accumulated dust on PV panels applied on a dusty-weather such as the one in the southern part of Jordan.

Aim: To assess the awareness, attitude, and acceptance of the Post Placental Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD) as an immediate long‐acting contraceptive method among Jordanian women. Methods: A cross‐sectional observational study was conducted at King Abdulla University Hospital among women attending antenatal clinics after 20 weeks of gestation between January 2020 and May 2021. One thousand and 30 women had completed a structured questionnaire in Arabic. Results: Only 41.4% of the sample was aware of the PPIUCD. The attitude toward PPIUCD after a brief introduction was 56.3%. Women who had used interval IUCD were 5.82 times more likely to express a positive attitude toward PPIUCD, while postgraduate women were 1.35 times more prone to show the same attitude. Only 34% accepted PPIUCD if offered, whereas the main barrier to acceptance was the false fear of extra complications in 34.5% of the sample. The rate of unintended current pregnancy was 35.8%, where 53.4% were using natural methods. Conclusions: The rate of awareness of PPIUCD is low among women in Jordan. Antenatal introduction encourages attitude toward PPIUCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carrying capacity represents an important module in tourism planning; it is one of the mechanisms for establishing standards for sustainable tourism and cultural heritage preservation. This study evaluates the carrying capacity at the site of Jerash (Gerasa), one of the Decapolis cities in Jordan. The methods of the study include mathematical modeling for evaluating the carrying capacity that was modified after Boullon (1985) within an ArcGIS 10.2 environment. The results show that the carrying capacity at the site of Gerasa is currently manifesting a serious issue, where the excessive number of tourists and Festival attendants put its archaeology in danger. The results also stress on the need for adopting intra-site variation in evaluating the physical carrying capacity. Accordingly, there is a need for further collaborations among decision makers, stakeholders, tour operators and the local community.

Nesreen A Saadeh,1 Rami Saadeh,2 Liqa A Rousan,3 Dalia Rawashdeh,1 Aya Obeidat,1 Abdullah M Saadeh1 1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan; 2Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan; 3Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, JordanCorrespondence: Nesreen A Saadeh P.O.Box 1214, Irbid 21110, JordanTel +962 7970 23157Email nasaadeh@just.edu.joBackground: Early diagnosis and management of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) are important to avoid the risk of developing overt hypothyroidism. This study aimed to evaluate patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), in regard to their biochemical characteristics, and ultrasound features, and factors associated with initiating treatment for this condition.Methods: This was a retrospective study, which reviewed the data of patients who visited the Endocrinology clinic of a tertiary hospital in Jordan, King Abdullah University Hospital. Patients who visited the clinic with SCH over 1 year, Jan 2016–Dec 2016, were included. The charts were reviewed again 2 years later to check patients who started L-thyroxine for the different indications of treatment of SCH. Thyroid function tests (free T3, free T4, and TSH) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) were found to be measured for all cases (n=287), among whom, thyroid ultrasound was done for 43 patients.Results: Most patients were females (88.1%). Mean age was 42.36 (± 15.36 years). Positive TPO-Ab status was associated with higher TSH (p=0.056), lower free T4 levels (p= 0.012), and more patients treated with L- thyroxine for SCH in 2 years (p=0.001). On ultrasound, hypoechogenicity was more predominant among TPO-Ab positive patients than TPO-Ab negative patients (78% vs 30%).Conclusion: SCH patients with positive TPO-Abs were more likely to be treated for this condition based on the various indications, and more likely to have had hypoechogenicity on ultrasound. Hence, thyroid ultrasonography and TPO-Ab status should be implemented early in evaluating and treating patients with SCH.Keywords: subclinical hypothyroidism, thyroid peroxidase ab, thyroid ultrasound, Jordan

Fareed Khdair Ahmad,1 Tariq N Aladily,2 Motaz Altamimi,3 Maher Ajour,3 Nisreen Alsaber,3 Mohamed Rawashdeh1 1Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan; 2Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan; 3Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, JordanCorrespondence: Fareed Khdair Ahmad Email fareedpeds@yahoo.comBackground: Helicobacter pylori is spreading worldwide with a high prevalence rate in the developing countries. Our primary goal was to measure the histology-based prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in children and to quantify its impact on the gastric inflammation and anemia. Our secondary goal was to study possible predictors for the presence of Helicobacter pylori in this cohort.Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for children who underwent Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy at Jordan university hospital in Jordan from 2008 to 2016. Data collected included epidemiological data, indication for endoscopy, endoscopic findings, and laboratory data. The gastric biopsies were re-examined by a pathologist to check for the presence of Helicobacter pylori, the presence of gastritis, and to grade gastritis according to the updated Sydney criteria.Results: A total of 98 children (53 girls– 54%) underwent Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy. The average age was 11.7 years ± 4.7 years. Of them, 53 patients (29 boys– 55%) had Helicobacter pylori identified in the gastric biopsy. The histology-based prevalence rate of Helicobacter pylori was 54%. The most common indication for endoscopy was abdominal pain (53%) followed by vomiting (18%). Nodular gastric mucosa was present in 43% of the Helicobacter pylori-positive group, and in only 11% of the Helicobacter pylori-negative group (P-value < 0.0.5). Moderate to severe chronic gastritis was seen in 59% of the biopsies of Helicobacter pylori-positive group, compared to 31% in the Helicobacter pylori-negative group (p value < 0.05). Presence of anemia was not different between the two groups (p value > 0.05). Presence of endoscopic nodularity, active gastritis by histology, and moderate to severe gastritis by histology were positive predicators for the presence of Helicobacter pylori. (p value < 0.05).Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori infection in this study cohort of Jordanian children is common, with a histology-based prevalence rate of 54%. Nodularity of the stomach is the most common positive endoscopic feature, and its presence predicts the presence of Helicobacter pylori. Moderate to severe active gastritis is associated with Helicobacter pylori. The presence of Helicobacter pylori does not affect anemia status in this cohort of Jordanian children.Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Jordan, children, histology

Green management is fundamentally referred to the environmental practices and the implementation of the appropriate eco-friendly activities, which improve the level of people’s awareness about the environmental protection. Such green management practices have been investigated namely, redesigning of operation and production processes, innovation and R&D functions, use of technology to save energy and reduce waste, environmental awareness of stakeholders through seminars and training, investment in equipment and technology, and improvement in products or services towards improving firm efficiency in Oil and Gas industry in Jordan. The design of this study has a quantitative approach. Three hypotheses have been developed through literature review and tested using descriptive statistical analysis performed by SPSS. The number of population was 250 employees from different departments that include HR, environment, operation, maintenance, and marketing, a total of 208 completed questionnaires were analyzed as a final sample. The results show a moderate implementation of Green management practices, redesigning of operation and production processes indicated the strongest influence, while innovation and R&D functions indicated the weakest influence. Statistical positive association also was indicated between green management practices and firm efficiency. This study contributes to support the literature of Green management and environment protection that is little in developing countries like Jordan. And it urges firm management to develop effective green innovation culture to improve the implementation level of Green management which may in turn create a high level of environmental efficiency outcome in the medium and long run. Also, it’s very significant for firm management to invest more money in green innovation and R&D functions in order to improve the level of efficiency/ performance.

Introduction: The effects of COVID-19 lockdowns and the discontinued face-to-face clinical practicum had negative consequences on nursing and midwifery students at many levels. The clinical learning environment includes all the training and learning experiences that nursing students undergo during their clinical practicum. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns on the nursing and midwifery students' practicum training in governmental and private universities and academic faculties of nursing in Jordan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 1025 nursing and midwifery students from academic faculties of nursing of both governmental and private Jordanian universities was conducted in September 2021. The research group from two Jordanian universities designed and validated a 13-item survey to determine and evaluate the impact of mass lockdowns on nursing and midwifery students' practicum training. The responses were assessed using descriptive and inferential analyses. Results: The findings revealed that the lockdown had a negative impact on nursing and midwifery students' self-confidence and competency in performing nursing procedures. The academic year of the students was a significant independent predictor of their self-confidence and competency levels in performing nursing procedures. Conclusion: The study concluded that nursing and midwifery students were dissatisfied with their clinical education during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to poor self-confidence in performing nursing procedures. The study group recommended repeating the clinical practicum, incorporating extensive laboratory and hospital courses, and implementing a one-year internship for newly graduated nurses and midwives to address the training gap and enhance self-confidence in clinical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tinnitus is a common complaint that carries a significant impact on life. However, there is paucity of data regarding this condition in Jordan. Our study is the first study to demonstrate the prevalence of tinnitus in Jordan and its characteristics. Methods: A sample of 1060 participant's representative of the Jordanian population was invited to answer a questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of 15 questions about tinnitus and its characteristics. The data was collected over a year (2016-2017). Results: The prevalence of tinnitus was 28.8% with 72.8% reporting non-pulsatile tinnitus, 95.5% reporting intermittent tinnitus and 57.4% had bilateral tinnitus. There was no significant difference found between males and females (p value: 0.786). There was significant correlation between tinnitus, vertigo, and dizziness (p value < 0.0001). Conclusion: Tinnitus is a common condition with high prevalence in Jordan denoting the significance of diagnosis and offering treatment especially for debilitating cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, and there is a growing global interest in reducing the environmental impact of carbon dioxide emissions associated with building construction and operation. Concrete, the most commonly used material in construction, is known to release a substantial amount of environmentally harmful waste throughout its life cycle, including production, construction, operation, and demolition. The worldwide production and consumption of concrete contribute to approximately 5% of all human-related CO2 emissions each year. To assess the carbon footprint of concrete manufacturing and its application in construction projects, a comprehensive approach called life cycle assessment (LCA) is necessary. This paper presents a new process-based LCA approach to analyze carbon emissions and evaluate the carbon footprint of concrete from raw material extraction to the end-of-life stage. To address carbon emissions throughout the life cycle of concrete structures in the Middle East, the study adopts a case study approach, focusing on selected concrete structures in Jordan. The findings from these case studies highlight that the operational phase of concrete structures is the primary contributor to carbon emissions. By thoroughly examining the carbon cycle within structures and their interactions with the surrounding ecosystem, significant reductions in CO2 emissions, environmental deterioration, and its consequences can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toddlers are consuming more energy-dense, nutrient-poor foodstuffs in discordance with international dietary guidelines. Limited data are available on the dietary habits of children in Jordan. Objectives: This study aimed primarily at assessing the local validity of the NutricheQ tool in reflecting the nutritional risk status of 12- to 36-month-old toddlers in Jordan. Methods: This national, multicentre, observational validation study analyzed the data of healthy 12- to 36-month-old toddlers who were identified and prospectively enrolled during a routine clinic visit. After providing written informed consent, the parents or legal guardians of toddlers were asked to (a) complete a food intake diary form (FIDF) over three days (two weekdays and one weekend day); and (b) to answer the NutricheQ questionnaire completed by the physician during a single outpatient visit, as part of the case report form (CRF). Results: Out of 213 Jordanian toddlers, 31 (14.6%) were at low nutritional risk; 145 (68.1%) (95% confidential interval (CI): 61.5 - 74.0) were at moderate nutritional risk, and 37 (17.4%) (95% CI: 12.8 - 23.1) were at an increased nutritional risk. The average nutritional intake of the toddlers did not meet the daily intake of the main nutrients recommended across all food categories, with a default daily intake of vitamin A, vitamin D, fiber, and iodine and an excess daily intake of protein and iron. NutricheQ-predicted risk categories significantly correlated with meat intake and the number of weekly servings of fruits and cooked vegetables. Conclusions: NutricheQ is a valid tool to predict nutritional risk among toddlers in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background We evaluated community health volunteer (CHV) strategies to prevent non-communicable disease (NCD) care disruption and promote coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) detection among Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians, as the pandemic started. Methods Alongside medication delivery, CHVs called patients monthly to assess stockouts and adherence, provide self-management and psychosocial support, and screen and refer for complications and COVID-19 testing. Cohort analysis was undertaken of stockouts, adherence, complications and suspected COVID-19. Multivariable models of disease control assessed predictors and non-inferiority of the strategy pre-/post-initiation. Cost-efficiency and patient/staff interviews assessed implementation. Results Overall, 1119 patients were monitored over 8 mo. The mean monthly proportion of stockouts was 4.9%. The monthly proportion non-adherent (past 5/30 d) remained below 5%; 204 (18.1%) patients had complications, with 63 requiring secondary care. Mean systolic blood pressure and random blood glucose remained stable. For hypertensive disease control, age 41–65 y (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.78) and with diabetes (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.98) had decreased odds, and with baseline control had increased odds (OR 3.08, 95% CI 2.31 to 4.13). Cumulative suspected COVID-19 incidence (2.3/1000 population) was suggestive of ongoing transmission. While cost-efficient (108 US |${\$}$| /patient/year), funding secondary care was challenging. Conclusions During multiple crises, CHVs prevented care disruption and reinforced COVID-19 detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an epidemiologic analysis of retinoblastoma (RB) and uveal melanoma (UM) in Jordan to aid national strategies for improved ocular cancer surveillance and control. A retrospective cohort of all Jordanian patients with RB and UM diagnosed over 10 years (2011–2020). Outcome measures included incidence, demographics, and outcomes. Retinoblastoma (n = 124) was more common than UM (n = 82); there was no sex predilection for either group. The median age at diagnosis of RB was 15 months(Six and 28 months for bilateral and unilateral cases, respectively), and the mean age-adjusted incidence was 8.2 cases per-million-children per year for children aged five years or less(one per 15,620 newborn per year). Fifty-one(41%) had bilateral disease, and 18(15%) had familial disease. Ninety-six(55%) eyes were group D or E(78% were T3/T4), and the five-year survival rate was 96%. For UM, the median age at diagnosis was 45 years with an incidence of 1.39 new cases per year per one million population. All(100%) had nonfamilial unilateral disease. Seventy-three(89%) had the tumor in the choroid, and 48(58%) had an advanced tumor that had invaded the sclera or the orbit (T3/T4) tumor. Sixty-two(76%) were treated by I-125 radioactive plaque, with globe salvage in 59(95%); the five-year survival rate was 85%. In Jordan, RB is more common and has better survival than UM. RB in Jordan and Western countries is equal in terms of incidence, globe salvage, and survival. UM is less common, with lower age at diagnosis (that was associated with better survival) in Jordan than in Western countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The service sector plays an important role in growing the economic life of a country. In Jordan, the service sector contributes 80% to the gross domestic product. This study aimed to investigate the link between transformational leadership, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment in a service aviation industry, which was not studied before in a developing country like Jordan. Adopting a quantitative research design, data were collected from 286 employees working in Jordanian airline companies, using a self- structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistical methods with mean, standard deviation, percentage, Pearson correlation coefficient, T-test, and regression performed by SPSS. The analysis results showed that transformational leadership has a positive relationship with job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The findings of this study serve as a guide for leaders and policymakers to better understand the relationship between transformational leadership, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Hence, practitioners can design good policies for adopting transformational leadership to enhance the satisfaction and commitment of employees. Finally, the results of this study were extracted based on data collected from the aviation industry, which cannot be generalized across a broader range of industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]