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Cancer is a disease in which some cells of the body grow uncontrollably and occasionally spread to other parts of the body. With a group of more than 100 different types, cancer can start almost anywhere in the body. Defective cells may form a mass called a tumor which can be cancerous (malignant), which grows and spreads to other parts of the body, or benign that can grow but not spread throughout the body. In 2021, more than 10 million people died of cancer worldwide (1 out of 6 deaths). This paper has thoroughly investigated the cancer status in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), in terms of its various types; incidence; mortality; sex, age, and geography distribution; and potential causes. In the OPT, with a population of 5.35 million, cancer mortality was 14% in 2016, being the second cause of death after cardiovascular diseases accounting 30.6% of all causes of death. Cancer mortality in the OPT increased by 136% from 2000 to 2016, and by 14% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to other types of cancer in the OPT, its main types are lung (highest in males), breast (highest in females), colorectal (highest in both sexes), and leukemia (highest in children). The high rates of different types of cancer in the OPT can be attributed to various causes, including those related to environmental pollution, nutrition, stress, and lifestyle factors (smoking, lack of activity, increased dependence on technologies, etc.), whereas only 10–30% of cancer cases are attributed to genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic reached all parts of historic Palestine around the same time, but by the end of December 2021, only 29.02 percent of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza were fully vaccinated compared to 63.82 percent of Israelis (including Palestinians with Israeli citizenship). The mortality rate from COVID-19 in the West Bank and Gaza was also higher, with 941.84 deaths per million, compared to 887.20 in Israel. This essay argues that these differences are a direct result of Israel's COVID-19 response policies toward the Palestinians throughout the pandemic, as well as its ongoing siege of Gaza and its military occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The analysis is framed through the lens of necropolitics, defined as the use of political power to decide who lives and who dies. Using the four waves of the COVID-19 pandemic across historic Palestine as a case in point, the essay focuses on the different political states in which Israel abused necropolitical power: the states of emergency, exception, siege, and acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this interview, Amahl Bishara speaks with Nidal Al-Azza, director of Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, based in Bethlehem, and Rula Nasr-Mazzawi, a psychologist and founding member of Addar for Culture and Art, based in Nazareth, about their organizations' collaborative initiatives. Al-Azza and Nasr-Mazzawi address displacement as an experience shared by most of the Palestinian people, including refugees and internally displaced people. They discuss their organizations' innovative joint work to bring together Palestinian youth from across colonized Palestine, and the importance of connecting youth in face-to-face encounters to combat the fragmentation imposed upon Palestinians and to challenge stereotypes they may have of each other. Finally, they share how the Dignity (Unity) Intifada of 2021 heightened awareness for Palestinians across many locations about the unity of the Palestinian struggle and the role that Palestinians with Israeli citizenship play in Palestinian uprisings. Conducted in Arabic in December 2022 via Zoom, the interview was translated and edited for length and clarity. Reflecting the language of the interviewees, it uses '48 territories to refer to the lands Israel occupied in 1948. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study documents Palestinian construction problems in Area C of the West Bank (the Oslo Accords of 1993 divided the West Bank into three areas: A, B, and C) and the Israeli occupation policy against this construction. Israeli bases the study mainly on reports and international human rights organizations. The study considers the definition of Area C and its structure according to the Israeli vision of raising Palestinian citizens' problems. It provides data on the issue of lands, planning, building permits, the so-called "illegal" construction, and the ongoing evictions, demolitions, and displacement of Palestinian citizens there. The study explores the patterns of control and incitement carried out by the Israeli occupation against any new Palestinian construction or expansion, as the Israeli occupation authorities rarely allow issuing building permits in these areas. The occupation authorities encourage Jewish settlers who live in settlements surrounding Palestinian villages and towns to work as watchdogs to report any Palestinian construction in area C in reward of encouraging wages. The study reveals that Israel's policy against Area C and Palestinian construction violates General International Law and International Humanitarian Law. The study found many features of the expected Israeli behavior against these lands and their Palestinian citizens in the foreseeable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that impairs eyesight and negatively impacts quality of life. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness. This study aims at assessing the quality of life among glaucoma patients in the West Bank (WB) of Palestine and main influencing the factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study and included two questionnaires; the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 (GQL-15). Data were collected from a systematically randomized 100 glaucoma patients in the WB. ANOVA test was used to compare means of continuous variables at a statistically significant P value ≤ to 0.05. RESULTS: The overall quality of life among glaucoma patients was relatively suboptimal. The analysis revealed that the glaucoma quality of life is worse among older patients (mean=3.55±0.64), patients who are less educated (mean=3.91±0.77), among patients who were unemployed (mean=3.44±0.86), and patients who were treated in private clinics (3.57±0.8). Patients with good health (mean=2.48±0.94), type of glaucoma (close glaucoma; mean=3.22±0.9), less than 5 years duration of glaucoma (mean=2.88±1.13), and less than 5 years duration of cryonic diseases (mean=2.48±0.73 have a better glaucoma quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed numerous factors that can impact the quality of life of glaucoma patients in WB. Health professionals, specialists, ophthalmologists, and health educators should be aware of how various socioeconomic and general health factors impact the quality of life of glaucoma patients in order to better diagnose, manage, guide, and educate patients for better health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As several plants have anticoagulant activity, Calotropis procera has been investigated "in vitro" in this study. Hot and cold water, ethanol, and methanol extracts of these plant leaves were prepared to final concentrations of 100, 50, and 25 mg/ml. In vitro, PT and aPTT assays were conducted on normal platelet poor plasma blood samples of 20 healthy volunteers by a digital coagulation analyzer. Results showed that all evaluated extracts prolonged both PT and aPTT at 100 and 50 mg/ml concentrations. The highest effect on PT was observed for ethanol and methanol extracts by recording 128.52±24.45 sec and 105.99±17.76 sec at 100mg/ml concentrations, respectively. The high effect on aPTT was observed for all evaluated extracts by recording 420 ±0.00 sec at 100mg/ml concentration. So they could have an inhibitory effect on the clotting factors in the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways and those in the common pathway. While at 25 mg/ml concentrations, they prolonged PT only, 16.63±1.78 sec, 15.34±0.97 sec, 16.19±1.32 sec, and 16.02±1.37 sec for hot water extract, cold water extract, ethanol extract, and methanol extract, respectively. Suggesting their inhibitory effect was on the extrinsic pathway tissue clotting factors. On the contrary, they demonstrated a decreasing effect on aPTT at a concentration of 25 mg/ml, recording zero aPTT, affecting the intrinsic pathway. Moreover, compared with the positive heparin control, only the alcoholic extracts at 100 mg/ml concentration showed a similar anticoagulant effect on PT (P>0.05). While all evaluated plant extracts at a concentration of 100 mg/ml revealed similar bioactivity on aPTT (P>0.05). Still, all evaluated extracts' anticoagulant and procoagulant activity need in vivo clarification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Educational Psychological Studies (EPS) is the property of Refaad for Studies, Research & Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of International Journal of Educational Psychological Studies (EPS) is the property of Refaad for Studies, Research & Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Obesity and overweight among college and university students have caused a prime public health apprehension. Young adults with high BMI often become obese individual in late adulthood, consequently becoming at a high risk to develop chronic diseases. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aims to explore the prevalence of obesity and overweight among Palestinian students in universities, and their relationship with sociodemographic factors, dietary habits, psychosocial factors, and physical activity level. Methods: A total sample of 1243 students, 772 (62.1%) females and 471 (37.9%) males, were included in the final analysis. The nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements and dietary habits. Weight status was defined according to BMI WHO cut off points. Anxiety, stress, and depression were assessed using Arabic version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. A short form of the Arabic version of IPAQ questionnaire was used to assess physical activity level. Results: The results revealed that obesity prevalence was 3.3% and overweight was 16.10% among the students. Obesity was significantly more common among males, and those who are studying scientific specialization. Weigh status was significantly related to anxiety (P < 0.05). Among the psychosocial factors, students with normal weight had significantly higher anxiety scores than obese or overweight students (P < 0.05). Obesity and overweight were significantly associated with lower self-satisfaction (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity and overweight was low among the study sample. In spite of this, there is a need to promote intervention educational programs to improve their lifestyle in terms of physical activity and dietary habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Sharia & Law is the property of United Arab Emirates University, College of Law, Sharia & Law Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Healthcare professionals particularly nurses should be professionally prepared with knowledge about the standards of palliative care and their roles in providing palliative care. Nurses' knowledge about palliative care and influencing factors has not been examined adequately in Arab countries including Palestine. Thus, this study aimed to assess the adequacy of knowledge level and influencing factors (socio-demographic) about palliative care among nurses in West Bank/ Palestine. Methods : A descriptive-correlational design was utilized. A cluster random sampling method was applied to select 12 hospitals from the three regions in West Bank. Then, four hospitals were selected from each region using a simple random method. All registered nurses working in critical care units and medical and surgical wards in the selected hospitals were recruited. The sample consists of 424 registered nurses and data were collected using Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN). Results : The Findings revealed that nurses' level of knowledge about palliative care was low/inadequate (M = 7.75, SD = 2.96). Knowledge about palliative care was influenced by age (B = −.106; p < 0.05), gender (B = −.223; p < 0.001), and hospital ward (B = −.597; p < 0.001), in which younger nurses, females, and those who work in critical care units reported higher levels of knowledge about palliative care. Conclusions : Findings of this study emphasized the need for developing educational and training courses, seminars, and workshops on palliative care to increase nurses' knowledge in order to enhance the quality of patient care. Also, policymakers should develop national strategic plans and policies regarding palliative care and apply these plans in all hospitals in West Bank/ Palestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

States, in their conflicts with militant groups embedded in civilian populations, often resort to policies of collective punishment to erode civilian support for the militants. We attempt to evaluate the efficacy of such policies in the context of the Gaza Strip, where Israel's blockade and military interventions, purportedly intended to erode support for Hamas, have inflicted hardship on the civilian population. We combine Palestinian public opinion data, Palestinian labor force surveys, and Palestinian fatalities data, to understand the relationship between exposure to Israeli policies and Palestinian support for militant factions. Our baseline strategy is a difference-in-differences specification that compares the gap in public opinion between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank during periods of intense punishment with the gap during periods when punishment is eased. Consistent with previous research, we find that Palestinian fatalities are associated with Palestinian support for more militant political factions. The effect is short-lived, however, dissipating after merely one quarter. Moreover, the blockade of Gaza itself appears to be only weakly associated with support for militant factions. Overall, we find little evidence to suggest that Israeli security policies toward the Gaza Strip have any substantial lasting effect on Gazan support for militant factions, neither deterring nor provoking them relative to their West Bank counterparts. Our findings therefore call into question the logic of Israel's continued security policies toward Gaza, while prompting a wider re-examination of the efficacy of deterrence strategies in other asymmetric conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is about Israel's West Bank settler-colonial project from the standpoint of settlers who are of Mizrahi origin (i.e. Jews of African or Middle Eastern descent). While historically predominantly Ashkenazi (i.e. Jews of European descent), with time many Mizrahim have moved to the West Bank and joined the settlement project. And yet, there is more or less scholarly silence regarding the existence of Mizrahi West Bank settlers, and when they are addressed, their motivations are reduced to simplified "economic" considerations; in a way that devoids them of political consciousness compared to their Ashkenazi counterparts. While there has been an immense body of work dealing with ethnic tension between settlers and the indigenous population, by centering the experience of a particular group of Mizrahi settlers, this article examines how internal ethnic tensions within the society of settlers play into and are transformed in the settler-colonial process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formed in the mid-1990s, the Popular Services Committees (PSC) in West Bank refugee camps have played a dual role: on the one hand, they are a liaison body between the camps and UNRWA and the Palestinian Authority (PA), and on the other, they perceive themselves as a political body and guardian of the right of return. In this article, Ala Alazzeh ethnographically historicizes the formation and position of the PSCs within the Palestinian political field. The author shows the role of the camp Youth Centers in the formation of PSCs, the post-Oslo tension between camp residents and the PA, and the camp residents' capitalization on the PLO's legacy and authority. He also points out the tension between self-representation of PSCs as a political body versus their de facto practice as municipallike mediators between refugee camp communities and UNRWA, and the PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers an anthropological look at sacred textuality by exploring the social and theological structure of Jewish religious nationalism in Israel and the West Bank. It argues that the study of sacred texts serves as a medium through which Jewish religious Zionists articulate what it means to return to an ancestral homeland. It demonstrates how the study of these sacred texts is implicated in the cultivation of two different structural modes through which religious Zionists relate to ideas of homecoming. On one side, homecoming rests in a revolutionary force of intellectual insight; on the other, it is expressed through the mystical and mysterious force of prophecy. In a broader sense, this article critiques the reticence of anthropologists to engage seriously with the broader theological ideas that are expressed through a textual medium that can be so much a part of the everyday experiences of individuals living in text-based societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal is the property of World Health Organization and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article aims at challenging the widely accepted argument that Israel has failed to enforce the law on Jewish communities in the West Bank. It argues instead that, since the 2000s, there has been a gradual creation of two armies within the Israel Defense Forces: alongside the 'official' army, a 'policing' force has emerged in the Israeli-controlled West Bank. Although it is ostensibly subordinate to formal political authority, it has become a quasi-militia force, relied on by both standing forces and local militias, executing a policy which often oversteps official procedures. Its main unofficial task is to entrench Israel's grip on the West Bank in the form of informal annexation, without resorting to an internationally unacceptable formal annexation. Thus, this army operates in a grey manner, in a duality of official and unofficial forms of action, while claims about failure in law enforcement are what legitimize the duality of this structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent agreements between the Zionist entity and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain embodied a major breakthrough in the normalization course, especially since these agreements came at a time when the Arab world is suffering from unprecedented weakness, dispersion, turmoil and disorientation. Not to mention, internal Palestinian situation is still suffering from severe division and the absence of common denominators between the main parties on the Palestinian scene, all while the Palestinians, whether in Gaza or the West Bank are drowning in poverty, unemployment and suffering from poor conditions. This study sheds light on the "Abrahamic Accords" and the economic, political, social and security consequences of normalization on the Palestinian cause and the Gulf Cooperation Council. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues that the book of Judith seeks to define the Jews as a "mountain people." It suggests that Judith advances this idea through numerous direct statements by prominent characters, particularly Achior during his speech at Jdt 5:5–21, and by redrawing the boundaries of Judea to correspond with the Judean and Samarian hill country. The article further argues, following a consideration of environmental determinism in ancient Greek sources and depictions of mountain peoples in Ancient Near Eastern art, that this definition is used by the author to characterise the Jews as a strong, fierce, and intimidating people as part of its wider discourse on Jewish ethnic identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a study of the causes and consequences of making Palestinian land into an ethical investment. It builds on fieldwork in villages north of Ramallah where a Palestinian real estate company purchased devalued agricultural lands and offered them to Palestinian buyers as an ethical investment. It argues that through private titling, planning, and infrastructure, this company secured land for potential investors and produced an imaginary of rural areas as empty and unowned. It created enclaves that protect the rights of new owners but undermine the possibilities for collective land defence, and it pioneered a model of development that will transform the use and control of village land across the West Bank. Rather than an example of a company that uses human rights to cover up illegality, this case illuminates the limits of human rights for critiquing capital and settler colonialism and for understanding the forces that are reshaping rural Palestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experience of fear and dissonance during my fieldwork in the West Bank led me to explore the epistemological importance of fear as key to understanding political action and imagination. Although fear has been described in the literature as a political emotion and as a primary means of mobilization and control, in this article I suggest that it also unmasks systems of control, thereby spurring resistance and nurturing a counter-hegemonic political imagination. Based on my research of left-wing Jewish women living in Palestinian West Bank localities, and in line with anthropological and feminist scholarship, I demonstrate in this article how the emotional dissonance generated by fear of Palestinians from a left-wing political stance may create reflexivity, resistance, and a desire for change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Because of the steep shortage in freshwater supply in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, raw wastewater (RWW) has been widely used to irrigate vegetable crops. This study aims to detect the effects of irrigation with raw wastewater on crops cultivated in Wadi Al-Far'a, Palestine. Method A total of 300 soil, crop, and RWW samples were randomly collected from Wadi al-Far'a, an area with a long history of irrigating crops with raw wastewater. A survey questionnaire was also used to collect data on the parasitesinfected farmer. Results Results showed that percentages of contaminated vegetables, soil, and RWW samples were 10.2%, 27.0%, and 47.5%, respectively. Crops leave indicate contamination with parasite eggs depending on their contact with surface soil, e.g., contamination of zucchini (leaves rest on surface soil) and mallow (upright plant stand) was 19.0% and 2.0%, respectively. The highest and lowest soil contamination with parasites eggs pertained to A. lumbricoides (30.0%) and T. trichiurid (19.2%). Conclusion Certain mitigation measures should be used to limit the danger of farmers becoming infected with common parasites, particularly Ascaris lumbricoides. Farmers' awareness of the manner of parasite transmission and adherence to safety regulations should be among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of an important financial reform, namely a collateral reform extending the assets, which could qualify as collateral for bank loans to the firms' own equipment and moveable assets, so as to increase the access to such credit by small private firms. The reform studied was undertaken in the Palestinian territories of West Bank and Gaza (WBG) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region where bank credit and financial markets have been especially heavily constrained. First, we apply two different synthetic control techniques to panel data covering both pre- and postreform years from both the WBG and a sample of comparable countries that did not undertake collateral reform. The results from both synthetic control methods show that such credit increased significantly after the reform in WBG but not in the nonreformed comparator countries. Then, we use comparable firm-level data obtained from a panel of all available firms in WBG from the Enterprise Survey of the World Bank, both 3 years before and 3 years after the reform to trace the impacts of the reform on various financial and other outcomes at the firm level. Despite the other difficulties that WBG was going through over the period, we find considerable evidence at the firm level that this collateral reform has been effective in stimulating credit, investment, and employment growth, especially among small firms, underscoring its potential for use by other low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to detect the relationship between the elements of dramatic treatment (i.e. characters, information accuracy, content, location and dramatic structure) and the effectiveness of historical drama in order to learn how dramatic treatment actualizes attraction, understanding and interaction. This study used a quantitative method by collecting quantifiable data, and also used the questionnaire as a data collection tool. The population sampled consisted of West Bank Palestinians, who watched one of the most successful historical TV drama series which was entitled Omar. Subsequently, data were subjected to statistical analysis by SPSS. The researcher used correlation coefficient analysis that examines the relationships between variables in terms of strength and direction. The study found that there were statistically significant positive correlations between dramatic treatment elements and historical drama effectiveness factors, which ranged from medium to strong. There was a strong positive correlation between understanding drama and drama content. There was also a strong positive relationship between attraction and dramatic structure, accuracy and content. Additionally, there was a strong positive correlation between interacting with characters, informational accuracy and content. This study contributes to helping individuals in the field of drama production understand the effective elements of drama. This means that if the producer of historical drama wants to achieve an understanding of the subject, they should have an interest in the content. Furthermore, if they want to attract an audience to the drama, they should ensure interest in the dramatic structure, informational accuracy and the contents. Finally, if they want to achieve audience interaction, they should ensure interest in the characters, informational accuracy and content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabie endeavors to extend this political economic methodology in tracing capital investments, land development, and state formation of what he calls the West Bank state (202). Finally, this book makes a key intervention in the burgeoning field of political economic analysis of Palestine and will be of crucial interest to those seeking to understand the PA and state construction in the West Bank. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Women and girls experience menstruation throughout their reproductive years. Normal adolescent menstrual cycles gauge current and future reproductive health. Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) is the most prevalent menstrual disturbance in adolescents that can be debilitating. This study examines the menstrual characteristics of adolescent girls living in Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank of the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory and Jordan, including estimates of dysmenorrhea levels and associated factors. Methods: A household survey of 15 to 18-year-old adolescent girls was conducted. Trained field workers collected data on general menstrual characteristics and dysmenorrhea level using Working ability, Location, Intensity, Days of pain Dysmenorrhea scale (WaLIDD), in addition to demographic, socio-economic, and health characteristics. The link between dysmenorrhea and other participant characteristics was assessed using a multiple linear regression model. Additionally, data on how adolescent girls cope with their menstrual pain was collected. Results: 2737 girls participated in the study. Mean age was 16.8 ± 1.1 years. Mean age-at-menarche was 13.1 ± 1.2; mean bleeding duration was 5.3 ± 1.5 days, and mean cycle length was 28.1 ± 6.2 days. Around 6% of participating girls reported heavy menstrual bleeding. High dysmenorrhea levels were reported (96%), with 41% reporting severe symptoms. Higher dysmenorrhea levels were associated with older age, earlier age-at-menarche, longer bleeding durations, heavier menstrual flow, skipping breakfast regularly, and limited physical activity patterns. Eighty nine percent used non-pharmacological approaches to ease menstrual pain and 25% used medications. Conclusion: The study indicates regular menstrual patterns in terms of length, duration, and intensity of bleeding and a slightly higher age-at-menarche than the global average. However, an alarmingly high prevalence of dysmenorrhea among participants was found that tends to vary with different population characteristics, some of which are modifiable and can be targeted for better menstrual health.This research emphasizes the need for integrated efforts to assist adolescents with menstrual challenges such as dysmenorrhea and irregular periods to achieve informed recommendations and effective actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial misuse is a worldwide issue, and antimicrobial resistance is considered the most challenging aspect of health care. It has been reported that as much as 30–50% of antimicrobials prescribed in hospitals are deemed unnecessary or inappropriate. Antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) include policies that apply continuous management of judicious anti-infectious treatment in the clinical setting. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of ASPs on antibiotic consumption, the costs of antibiotic expenditure, and the sensitivity of antimicrobials. A retrospective, quasi-experimental study was performed to assess the effect of ASP at An-Najah National University Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in the West Bank, Palestine, over a period of 20 months before and 17 months after the implementation of the ASP. Data on antibiotic consumption were reported monthly as days of therapy per 1000 patient-days and monthly costs (USD/1000 patient-days). A total of 2367 patients who received one or more of the targeted antibiotics (meropenem, colistin and tigecycline) during their hospital stay were included in the study. They have split into two groups: 1710 patients in the pre-ASP group, and 657 patients in the post ASP group. The most significant reduction in DOT per 1000 patient-days was seen with tigecycline, with a percentage of change of − 62.08%. Furthermore, the mean cost of the three antibiotics decreased significantly by 55.5% in the post-ASP phase compared to the pre-ASP phase. After the implementation of ASP, there was a statistically significant increase in susceptibility to meropenem, piperacillin and piperacillin/tazobactam with respect to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, changes in mortality rates were not statistically significant (p = 0.057). ASP positively reduced costs and antimicrobial consumption, with no statistically significant effect on the overall mortality rate. However, a long-term evaluation of the ASP's impact is needed to conclude its lasting impact on infection-related mortality and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the Covid-19 epidemic, the increased number of people seeking medical attention worsened hospital shortages. This shortage required reallocating the workforce, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical equipment, medical disposables, and hospital wards. This reallocation delayed a number of elective surgeries. This study explored the financial, physical, and psychological implications of deferring elective surgeries on Palestinians in three West Bank hospitals during the pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 398 patients from tertiary hospitals in Palestine whose elective surgical procedures were deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 8/8/2021 and 6/9/2021, data were collected on patients who had elective surgery deferral at three government hospitals in the West Bank of the Palestinian territories. There were five parts to the study tool; personal information, access to the health system, physical affection, financial effect, and psychological effect. Statistical analysis included a univariate, bivariate and multivariate. Results: The healthcare system's response to the COVID-19 epidemic directly affected patients whose surgeries were deferred. The healthcare system's response was the cause of the delay in 91.5% of the cases. Orthopedic and neurological surgeries account for 48.3% of deferred surgery. Other than delayed surgeries, 30.2% of patients were unable to get additional health care services. Physically, 55.5% of patients were impacted, 45% were anxious, and 29.6% were depressed. Conclusions: Patients who had procedures deferred as a result of the healthcare system's response to the COVID-19 epidemic were impacted physically, financially, and psychologically. There should bea better crisis management strategyto ensure that certain hospitals are able to operate regularly despite the situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater resources are uncertain in Palestine and their uncertainty is expected to intensify due to climate change and the political situation. Yet, in this region, a stable freshwater supply is vital for domestic and agricultural uses. Rainwater harvesting could help to increase freshwater availability. This study investigates the economic feasibility of two rainwater harvesting applications in the West Bank, with eyebrow terracing in olive groves in rural areas and domestic rooftop harvesting in urban areas. Cost-effectiveness is estimated using a spatially explicit cost–benefit analysis. Three land zones varying in suitability for the implementation of eyebrow terracing in olive groves are analyzed. The potential increase in olive yield is estimated with a crop–water balance model. The potential amount of rainfall that can be harvested with domestic rooftop harvesting is calculated based on the average rooftop area for each of the 11 governorates individually. Costs and benefits are considered at the household level to calculate the economic feasibility of these two applications. Although eyebrow terracing enlarges soil moisture availability for olive trees and thereby increases olive yield by about 10–14%, construction costs are too high to make implementation cost-effective. Similarly, rooftop harvesting can harvest about 30% on average of the annual domestic water demand and is worthwhile in the northern and southern governorates. Yet, in this case, construction costs are generally too high to be cost-effective. This obstructs more widespread adoption of rainwater harvesting in the West Bank, which is urgently needed given the large impacts of climate change. Providing subsidies for rainwater harvesting could help to make adoption more attractive for households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) identifies the provision of palliative care for people with advanced disease as an essential health service. Palliative care is also stipulated as a human right under existing covenants. Oncology services provided by the Palestinian Authority under Israeli military occupation are limited to surgery and chemotherapy treatment. Our study aimed to describe the experiences of patients with advanced-stage cancer in the West Bank in accessing oncology services and meeting their health care needs. Methodology: We conducted a qualitative study among adult patients diagnosed with advanced lung, colon, or breast cancer in three Palestinian governmental hospitals, and with oncologists. Thematic analysis was conducted on the verbatim interview transcripts. Results: The sample consisted of 22 Palestinian patients (10 men and 12 women) and 3 practicing oncologists. The findings reveal that cancer care is fragmented, with limited access to the services needed. Patients face referral delays in accessing treatment which worsen their health condition in some cases. Some patients reported difficulties in getting Israeli permits to access radiotherapy treatment in East-Jerusalem, and others experienced interruptions of their chemotherapy treatment sessions due to the unavailability of chemotherapy medications caused by Israeli-side delays. Other reported problems were related to the Palestinian health system and service delivery and quality, including fragmentation of services, infrastructure issues, and unavailability of medications. Advanced diagnostic services and palliative care are almost absent at Palestinian governmental hospitals, and patients need to seek these services in the private sector. Conclusion: The data demonstrate specific access restrictions to cancer care in the West Bank due to Israelimilitary occupation of Palestinian land. This affects all stages of the care pathway, fromrestricted diagnosis services, to limited treatment and then poor availability of palliative care. Cancer patients will continue to suffer if the root causes of these structural constraints are not addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geology plays a fundamental role in establishing species' habitats, determining both physical (e.g., landscape morphology, soil texture) and chemical (e.g., mineral composition, water availability) properties. In the current Anthropocene epoch, human activity is transforming Earth's geology and ecosystems. Yet to date, there have been almost no studies incorporating geology when examining the effect of such land‐use changes on species distribution. This study seeks to uncover how specific land‐use changes interact with geology, in order to explain the recent and rapid expansion of the rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) across the mountains of central Israel and the West Bank. Hyraxes are dependent on rock mounds for their habitat, and their expansion seems to be correlated with increasing infrastructure construction. However, their expansion patterns differ among locations, even when the human land‐use is similar. To explain the patterns of hyrax distribution observed over the past 46 years, we converted geological data into ecological data, which present the probability of the local bedrock breaking into boulders, whether due to either natural or anthropogenic weathering processes. We applied species distribution models (SDMs) and found that the expansion of rock hyrax populations was facilitated by means of the interaction of specific geological units with land‐use practices (e.g., roads and construction), which resulted in the accumulation of large boulders, creating novel habitats and stepping stones in previously unsuitable areas for hyraxes. Since rock hyraxes are major hosts of the leishmaniasis pathogen, the findings from this study offer important insights into the progression and potential outbreaks of the disease in human populations. Understanding the role that geology plays in shaping a species' niche is expected to prove useful in studying the distribution of other wildlife species and is fundamental in studies seeking to predict the potential ecological impacts on local biodiversity associated with land‐use change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to identify the effect of a proposed training program for the foundation course of the basic skills and body composition of the members of karate clubs in the governorate of Jenin – Palestine. The researchers used the experimental approach due to its suitability to the nature and objectives of the study. To achieve this, the study was conducted on a carefully chosen sample of karate clubs (the Talented Academy of Physical Fitness and self Defense, Arrabah Karate Club and Zababdeh Karate Club). The sample consisted of 50 members, 10 of those members were of exploratory sample, and the rest 40 members were considered as a basic sample that had been divided randomly into two groups. 20 members of experimental group and 20 members of control group. The researchers used Tanita DC-360 P to measure body components and in addition to a set of tests that measure basic skills. The training program was applied for a period of (10) weeks with (3) training sessions per week. Each training session took (60) minutes. In addition, the statistical packages program was used to analyze the data. The results showed that there were differences among the members of the experimental group between the pre and post measurements of body composition and basic skills. The results also indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the members of the experimental and control groups in the post-measurement of body composition, while the results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the post-measurement of basic skills in karate, which came in favor of the members of the experimental group. The researchers recommended to the need to take account of the training program proposed by the coaches of karate clubs (kata) in the West Bank, especially in the training phase for basic karate skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carceral edgeland occupies a unique position. At times, it is acknowledged; at others, it remains unseen by those outside its boundaries. In cases where the edgeland is architectural, such as a prison or a detention center, it can prompt viewers to consider the power dynamics exercised within. This article, however, is concerned with the possibilities for the edgeland to be moveable and embodied. Focusing on the transformation of the area of Masafer Yatta in the occupied West Bank into a military training zone, the article shifts the discourse from the connection between the edgeland and the symbolic power of carceral architecture to suggest alternative carceral edgelands: the occupying edgeland, wherein the moveable and embodied converge to form a tapestry of edgelands. The Israeli military presence varies in intensity, yet the result is the realization of Achille Mbembe's 'infrastructural warfare' (2003) that manifests through the moveable edgeland, and second, the embodied edgeland that is enacted by the military personnel who symbolize the state. In Masafer Yatta, the army's long-term presence has had an impact on the communities that evokes Lauren Berlant's 'political depression' (2011). Building on Paul Farley and Michael Symmons Roberts' recognition of multitudinous edgelands (2012), this article suggests that there can be multiple carceral edgelands at one site, all of which facilitate exclusion and political depression through enclosure, whether through fences, walls, or moveable checkpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Palestinian Family Protection Law was submitted for ratification in November 2020 after much collaboration between advocates, attorneys and governmental officials, as well as community and international organizations. The draft bill addresses a myriad of social issues affecting vulnerable populations in the West Bank of Palestine, including: the legal age for marriage; gender inequality in inheritance; divorce; gender-based violence; and domestic violence. However, immediate feedback from local religious scholars, with increasing pressure from the general Palestinian population, was deeply divided, with negative perceptions relating to the perceived 'foreign' nature of the regulations and criticism that the law was not in accordance with Palestinian culture and Islamic Law. This criticism led to two years of inactivity regarding the bill. The current study sought to evaluate the attitudes, behavior and beliefs regarding the underlying human rights issues and assumptions concerning gender, marriage, and domestic violence that could be found in the codices of the proposed legislation as well as among the general population of Palestine. The data demonstrates that the population sampled viewed the underlying premise of the Family Protection Bill negatively. Individuals with a graduate degree or above tended to view the bill with less negativity, whilst females viewed the bill more positively than males. The results of this study illustrate that, with regard to legislation that relates to family life in Palestine, there is a wide gap between the points of view held by human rights advocates and NGO's and those held by the general population. To further the agenda of family protection community education relating to social issues, the fundamentals of Sharia law and national sovereignty may be needed so as to clarify the core Islamic beliefs in relation to human rights and oppression, as well as to increase Palestinian ownership of the family protection agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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During the past decades, militaries have increasingly used force against civilians and armed adversaries in operational settings other than war. Theories about legitimacy for the use of military force often focus on macro variables such as international law, government policy, and structural political contingencies. The strength of such theories in explaining military violence during conventional wars notwithstanding, this article argues that they fail to explain the legitimization of the use of force in situations that cannot be categorized as "classic" warfare, where institutional and international norms seem to fade, rational calculations become unclear, and governments often do not hold themselves accountable for soldiers' violent behavior. When such conflicts linger, they often develop into situations in which sovereignty is fragmented and statehood is limited in ways that further undermine institutional legitimacy. Using the accounts of Israeli soldiers deployed in the occupied Palestinian territories in the last two decades, this article broadens the analytical perspective on military violence's legitimacy by depicting its micromechanisms and local factors. In doing so, it identifies three clusters of factors: emotions, space and time, and informal organizational culture. We posit that, during intense friction between soldiers and civilians in the context of prolonged occupation, the structural variables and formal powers that typically dictate the use of force give way to more fluctuating dynamics that shape the patterns of military violence and, ultimately, influence its legitimacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents the initial endeavour to perform geo-referenced 3D reconstruction of an ancient Egyptian tomb located on the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor, evaluating low-cost techniques. This study uses low-cost equipment in conjunction with simple geodetical principles to accurately map a tomb in 3D to empower archaeological teams with limited budgets to efficiently and effectively map their projects. Emphasizing the project goals of both high detail and high accuracy, one of our chosen techniques is photogrammetry with a standard system camera. Additionally, 3D mapping with a modern smartphone was explored in the tomb and was compared with results from the photogrammetry process. Geo-referencing the underground map in a global grid was also part of the project goals. This research shows that, within certain reasonable constraints, the chosen low-cost techniques successfully achieved all goals of producing a highly detailed, highly accurate, and georeferenced 3D map of the selected tomb (Theban Tomb 45). In this first season of mapping the tomb in 3D, various mapping methods were used and tried and where possible compared. Digitally mapping an ancient, underground Egyptian tomb requires a planned approach. In order to better plan when using low-cost scanning equipment, preliminary research was done for mapping a mostly underground, relatively small but complex to survey ancient Egyptian tomb. Data have been collected with the use of both devices and also with a total station, a laser distance meter and a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) datalogger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines how Palestinians' intergroup contact experiences relate to their attitudes towards interactions with Israelis (i.e., normalization). We draw on four recent advances in intergroup contact literature. First, recent research indicates that positive contact can impede disadvantaged groups' motivation to challenge inequalities. Second, increased endorsement of normalization mediates this sedative effect of positive contact on motivation to resist in the West Bank. Third, negative contact has been related to increased motivation for social change. Fourth, institutions and societal norms shape the meaning of intergroup contact and its effect on intergroup relations. We hypothesize that negative experiences at checkpoints can act as reminders of institutionalized inequalities and thus attenuate sedative effects. Furthermore, we explore the contextual boundary conditions of such reminder effects. Analyses of cross‐sectional survey conducted among a representative sample (N = 1,000) in the West Bank including Jerusalem showed that (1) positive intergroup contact related to normalization endorsement (sedative effect), (2) negative intergroup contact related to decreased normalization endorsement (mobilizing effect), and (3) negative contact experiences (at checkpoints) canceled out the effect of positive contact (reminder effect), but only in Jerusalem. Results suggest that the impacts of intergroup contact need to be interpreted in light of institutionalized forms of group inequality and segregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ocular manifestations and associated factors in patients on haemodialysis. Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients on haemodialysis from a haemodialysis unit in Nablus, Palestine, was conducted. Medical examination for ocular manifestations (intraocular pressure, cataract, retinal changes and optic neuropathy) was performed using Tono-Pen, portable slit-lamp and indirect ophthalmoscope. Predictor variables were age, gender, smoking, medical comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease [IHD], peripheral arterial disease [PAD]) and use of antiplatelet or anti-coagulation medications. Results: A total of 191 patients were included in this study. The prevalence of any ocular manifestation in at least one eye was 68%. The most common ocular manifestations were retinal changes (58%) and cataract (41%). The prevalence of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and NPDR or PDR was 51%, 16% and 65%. Two patients had PDR in one eye and NPDR in the other, and therefore, they were counted only once making the total for this category 71 rather than 73 patients. An increase in age by one year increased the odds of having cataract by 1.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06--1.14). Patients with diabetes had higher odds of having cataract (odds ratio [OR] = 7.43, 95% CI: 3.26--16.95) and any retinal changes (OR = 109.48, 95% CI: 33.85--354.05) than patients without diabetes. Patients with diabetes and IHD or PAD had higher odds of having NPDR than those with diabetes without IHD or PAD (OR = 7.62, 95% CI: 2.07--28.03). Conclusion: Retinal changes and cataract are common ocular manifestations among patients on haemodialysis. The findings emphasise the importance of periodic screening for ocular problems in this vulnerable population, especially older patients and those with diabetes, to prevent visual impartment and associated disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public sector social workers in the Occupied Palestinian Territories experience loss and trauma on a daily basis. Study objectives were to: (a) assess levels of three mental health outcomes and (b) examine workplace correlates among Palestinian social workers in the West Bank. Results revealed alarmingly high percentages of workers who met clinical thresholds for somatic symptoms (70.9%), distress (34.7%), and anxiety (19.3%). Multivariate regression models explained 25–32% of outcome variance. Job stress, exposure to violence, and job satisfaction were significant in two models, and physical health was significant in three models. Policy, practice, and future research implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the employment of indigenous peoples has been a key strategy of economic development in settler colonial states. Israel's framing of occupied Palestinian labour in its economy has mirrored this approach, with an implicit claim that it contributes prosperity to the Palestinians. What this false promise hides is how employment and the economic incorporation of indigenous people can become a source of ongoing dispossession in and of itself: a kind of dispossession that is driven by workers' economic inclusion rather than being remedied through it. Based on ethnographic research among Palestinians from the occupied West Bank who work in Israel, this article explores the multiple dispossessions that result from such labour. The article explains how a neoliberal settler economy utilizes a meritocratic regime of indigenous employment to execute a colonial logic of domination. As access to jobs in the settler economy is made conditional on workers' political docility and their continued absence from communal life, the labour regime aims to turn Palestinian livelihood and Palestinian nationhood into mutually exclusive aspirations: it strives to undermine the Palestinians' capacity for social reproduction and anticolonial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Palestinian environment suffered from abuse and neglect for decades. As a nascent state, Palestine aspired to protect and restore its environment, in line with international standards and conventions. Yet, many challenges remain, including a lack of data, the science–policy–practice gaps, and the lack of sovereignty. The management of protected areas (PAs) is particularly challenging under these circumstance. Two key protected areas in the northern West Bank (Wadi Qana and Wadi Al-Zarqa Al-Ulwi) were surveyed, with a focus on plant communities and dealing with threats. The two areas had similar Mediterranean flora with differences, including in rare plants. Both areas have important but different wetlands in their buffer zones. The data show that the protection of the two areas is important because of the differences noted, and both areas are valued as IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) protection. Such protection is possible by working with local communities and bridging the science–policy–practice gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legionella pneumophila is an environmental bacterium and clinical pathogen that causes many life-threating outbreaks of an atypical pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease (LD). Studies of this pathogen have focused mainly on Europe and the United States. A shortage in L. pneumophila data is clearly observed for developing countries. To reduce this knowledge gap, L. pneumophila isolates were studied in two widely different geographical areas, i.e., the West Bank and Germany. For this study, we sequenced and compared the whole genome of 38 clinical and environmental isolates of L. pneumophila covering different MLVA-8(12) genotypes in the two areas. Sequencing was conducted using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. In addition, two isolates (A194 and H3) were sequenced using a Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) RSII platform to generate complete reference genomes from each of the geographical areas. Genome sequences from 55 L. pneumophila strains, including 17 reference strains, were aligned with the genome sequence of the closest strain (L. pneumophila strain Alcoy). A whole genome phylogeny based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was created using the ParSNP software v 1.0. The reference genomes obtained for isolates A194 and H3 consisted of circular chromosomes of 3,467,904 bp and 3,691,263 bp, respectively. An average of 36,418 SNPs (min. 8569, max. 70,708 SNPs) against our reference strain L. pneumophila str. Alcoy, and 2367 core-genes were identified among the fifty-five strains. An analysis of the genomic population structure by SNP comparison divided the fifty-five L. pneumophila strains into six branches. Individual isolates in sub-lineages in these branches differed by less than 120 SNPs if they had the same MLVA genotype and were isolated from the same location. A bioinformatics analysis identified the genomic islands (GIs) for horizontal gene transfer and mobile genetic elements, demonstrating that L. pneumophila showed high genome plasticity. Four L. pneumophila isolates (H3, A29, A129 and L10-091) contained well-defined plasmids. On average, only about half of the plasmid genes could be matched to proteins in databases. In silico phage findings suggested that 43 strains contained at least one phage. However, none of them were found to be complete. BLASTp analysis of proteins from the type IV secretion Dot/Icm system showed those proteins highly conserved, with less than 25% structural differences in the new L. pneumophila isolates. Overall, we demonstrated that whole genome sequencing provides a molecular surveillance tool for L. pneumophila at the highest conceivable discriminatory level, i.e., two to eight SNPs were observed for isolates from the same location but several years apart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem worldwide. Dispensing antibiotics without prescription is a major contributing factor to antibiotic resistance. Pharmacists as healthcare providers are, in many studies, considered responsible for this practice. This study aims to explore Palestinian pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning antibiotic resistance. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021–2022. A random sample of 152 pharmacists was selected from the West Bank. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that includes five sections: demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and potential interventions. Results indicated that 60% of pharmacists dispense antibiotics without a prescription. A significant association between pharmacies' locality and antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and practices was found. Pharmacists' knowledge-related responses indicated that 92.1% of the pharmacists agreed that inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to ineffective treatment and 86.2% disagreed that patients can stop taking antibiotics upon symptoms' improvement. Only 17.1% disagreed that antibiotics should always be used to treat upper respiratory tract infections. Over two-thirds considered that they are aware of the regulations about antibiotic dispensing and acknowledged that antibiotics are classified as prescription drugs. Furthermore, 71.7% and 53.3% agreed that they have good knowledge of the pharmacological aspects of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Concerning attitudes, 75.6% agreed that antibiotic resistance is an important and serious public health issue facing the world, and 52% thought that antibiotic dispensing without a prescription is a common practice in the West Bank. Our findings indicate that pharmacists' locality and practices related to antibiotic dispensing without prescription are associated with the increase in antibiotics misuse and bacterial resistance. There is a need to design education and training programs and implement legislation in Palestine to decrease antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotavirus infection remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The introduction of vaccination programs in more than 100 countries has contributed to a decrease in hospitalizations and mortality. This study investigates the epidemiological impact of the rotavirus vaccine ROTAVAC® in the Palestinian Territories, the first country to switch from ROTARIX® to this new vaccine. Clinical surveillance data was collected from children younger than 5 attending outpatient clinics throughout Gaza with diarrhea between 2015 and 2020. The incidence of all-cause diarrhea was assessed using an interrupted time-series approach. Rotavirus prevalence was determined at the Caritas Baby Hospital in the West Bank using ELISA on stool specimen of children younger than 5 with diarrhea. Genotyping was performed on 325 randomly selected rotavirus-positive samples from January 2015 through December 2020 using multiplex PCR analysis. Average monthly diarrhea cases dropped by 16.7% annually from introduction of rotavirus vaccination in May 2016 to the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in March 2020 for a total of 53%. Case count declines were maintained after the switch to ROTAVAC® in October 2018. Rotavirus positivity in stool samples declined by 67.1% over the same period without change following the switch to ROTAVAC®. The distribution of predominant genotypes in rotavirus-positive stool samples changed from a pre-vaccination G1P [8] to G9P[8] and G12P[8] during the ROTARIX® period and G2P[4] after the introduction of ROTAVAC®. ROTAVAC® has shown epidemiological impact on par with ROTARIX® after its introduction to the national immunization schedule in the Palestinian Territories. A molecular genotype shift from a pre-vaccination predominance of G1P[8] to a current predominance of G2P[4] requires more long-term surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is a crucial resource for water supply and irrigation in many parts of the world, especially in the Middle East. The Eocene aquifer, located in the northern part of the West Bank, Palestine, is threatened by unsustainable groundwater abstractions and on-ground pollution. Analysis and management of this aquifer are challenging because of limited data availability. This research contributes to the long-term sustainability of the aquifer by model-based design of future abstraction strategies considered within an uncertainty analysis framework. The methodology employed started with development of a single-layer steady-state MODFLOW groundwater model of the area, followed by uncertainty analysis of model parameters using Monte Carlo simulations. The same model was afterwards coupled with a Successive Linear Programming (SLP) optimization algorithm, implemented in the Groundwater Management tool (GWM) of the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The purpose of optimization was deriving five optimal abstraction strategies, each aiming to maximize groundwater abstraction, subject to different constraints regarding groundwater depletion. Given the uncertainty of model parameters, the sensitivity and reliability of these optimal strategies were then tested. Sensitivity was checked for two optimal strategies by performing re-optimization with different values of uncertain model parameters (one at a time). Reliability of the five strategies was tested by analyzing the extent of constraints' violation for each strategy when varying the uncertain parameters using Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, the model was used for determining capture zones of wells for the five optimal abstraction strategies, land-use in these capture zones, and the associated estimates of on-ground nitrogen loading. The developed strategies were then deployed in a web-based decision support application (named Groundwater Decision Support System—GDSS), together with other relevant information. Users can analyze results of different optimal strategies in terms of groundwater level variations and total water balance results, and test consequences of uncertain parameters. Capture zones of wells for different abstraction strategies, together with land-use and on-ground nitrogen loading in these capture zones, are also presented. Results show that critical uncertain parameters are recharge, hydraulic conductivity, and conductance at key boundary condition locations. Optimal abstraction strategies results indicate that an increase in total abstractions could be between 5% and 20% from the current level (estimated at about 56 × 106 m3/year, which is about 74% of estimated annual recharge). The uncertain parameters, however, are impacting the sensitivity and the reliability of the optimal strategies to variable degrees. Recharge and hydraulic conductivity are the most critical uncertain parameters regarding sensitivity of the optimal strategies, while reliability is also impacted by the level of abstraction proposed in a given strategy (number, locations, and abstraction rates of new wells). The main novelty and contribution of this research is in combining modelling, uncertainty analysis, and optimization techniques in a comprehensive decision support system for the area of the Eocene aquifer, characterized with limited data availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease that affected multiple countries and sustained person-to-person transmission making it a concerning and serious public health threat. This pandemic has emphasized that good nutrition and a healthy life is the key to strengthening immunity. Aim of the study: To assess knowledge of nutrition toward the COVID-19 among the Palestinian population. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was launched at West Bank and Gaza Strip. A total number of 554 participants have shared the completion of this survey and the response rate was 90.2%. Results: The mean level of knowledge among participants was 65.38% and the study indicated that 55.8% behaving healthy nutritional habits. The analysis revealed that the mean score of knowledge increased by 1.61 comparing the oldest age groups (>30 years) against the youngest group. As the same as, the knowledge mean score increased by 2.46 among the obese individuals according to BMI classification (>30). Whereas, the knowledge mean score was increased significantly among those who work in medical sectors compared to others unemployed individuals. As well, the knowledge score increased by 2.04 among individuals with comorbidity than healthy ones. Conclusion: Nutritional knowledge score during COVID-19 was 67.03% and the knowledge about the body immunity system and the protective measures against COVID-19, scored a weighted mean of 76.21%. The level of knowledge among all participants did not reflect a satisfactory level of knowledge among the public regard COVID-19 while the level of behaving healthy nutritional habits illustrated that nearly 45% of the participants were practicing unhealthy nutritional behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on social movement coalitions highlights the tremendous challenges posed to coalitions by ideology. Yet, coalitions do occasionally form across contrasting ideological lines. This study investigates how the Palestinian‐led Sumud Freedom Camp coalition in the occupied West Bank was able to reach agreement across ideological divides, thereby enabling an ambitious collective action that actively sought to reestablish a Palestinian village depopulated by Israeli colonial policies and settler violence. Based on interviews with coalition activists, this study principally highlights, though, the tremendous challenges the coalition faced sustaining agreement among all the partners and the circumstances that led the coalition to splinter. Ultimately, it argues that differences in strategy need to be addressed, particularly in environments where the differences are salient. Otherwise, interactions with media and prospective members, along with the authorities, are likely to expose the differences and trigger conflict, particularly as it relates to representation and expression of the coalition's collective identity (i.e., who "we" are collectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]