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This paper contributes to the debates on the effectiveness and legitimacy of global labour standards. Theoretically, the paper integrates literature on labour standards in global production networks with cognitive framing and sensemaking literature to capture decent work understandings of suppliers and to theoretically underpin their relevance for the debates on the legitimacy and effectiveness of global labour standards. Empirically, the study explores cognitive decent work frames of garment suppliers and discusses them in reference to global decent work frames. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with thirty owners and managers in Egypt and Jordan served to identify suppliers' decent work frames. Owners and managers dominantly framed decent work as a (paternalistic) family responsibility and as a business responsibility. Further notions that recurred across interviews were the framing of decent work as a human responsibility, religious (Islamic) responsibility, philanthropic responsibility, and regulatory responsibility. The findings show that supplier frames partly go beyond, partly undermine, and partly accord with global conceptualisations of decent work. They imply the need to strengthen and better communicate the human rights orientation of global labour standards and to give local social partners the autonomy to supplement and specify standards according to their context-specific needs. Global regulations otherwise risk crowding out informal, locally specific decent work practices that benefit workers in GPNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines Egypt's labor market transition dynamics post-Arab Spring based on the two most recent rounds of the Egypt Labor Market Panel Survey conducted in 2012 and 2018. In addition to providing disaggregated level analysis by examining labor market transitions by gender, education, and age groups, our paper provides a cross-country perspective by comparing Egypt's labor market transitions with Jordan's. Regression analyses focusing on transitions to and from the dominant absorbing labor market states in Egypt – public sector employment for both genders, non-participation for women, and the informal sector for men – show that having a post-secondary education is associated with a lower probability of remaining out of the labor force (OLF) for women who were already OLF at baseline, while being married at baseline is found to be a significant predictor for women to stay out of the labor force if they were already so. As for men, the better educated are found to be more likely to secure formal employment, be it in the public or in the private sector, and also more likely to keep their public formal jobs once they secure them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the prevalence of ambiguous citizenship policies that say one thing in law and another in implementing regulations, few studies have focused on systematically studying this type of implementation gap, particularly in contexts beyond North America and Europe. This largely has remained the case despite research on discursive policy gaps, which occur between a policy's stated objectives and its laws, efficacy gaps, which describe when a policy's outcomes fail to meet its goals, and compliance gaps, which reflect disparities between a state's commitments to international law and its corresponding domestic policies. How can we advance conceptualizations of law-regulation implementation gaps? This paper proposes one approach by focusing on the content of domestic laws, on the one hand, and the content of related implementing regulations, on the other. When law-regulation discrepancies occur, they illustrate the agency of senior officials in writing this intentional ambiguity into different levels of legislation, challenging assumptions about institutional weakness and lower-level bureaucratic discretion as chief drivers of implementation gaps. The paper illustrates this concept by analyzing discrepancies between Jordan's nationality and passports laws and their related implementing regulations, particularly regarding Gaza refugees' access to passports, investors' access to nationality, and Palestinian-Jordanians' subjection to nationality withdrawals. These diverse cases of intentional ambiguity demonstrate that such gaps can serve to partially exclude or include a group and can occur with noncitizen and citizen as well as more or less vulnerable groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to explore examine the therapeutic potential of head-mounted display (HMD)-based Virtual Reality Relaxation Therapy (VRRT) sessions for people individuals with dementia in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach: This cross-sectional survey recruited 75 dementia-diagnosed elderly individuals from three Jordanian care homes. A VRRT intervention comprising 10 tailored RT sessions held over the course of five weeks was administered to the participants. Apathy, cognitive performance, anxiety and depression were evaluated before and after the intervention to determine any changes. The Person-Environment Apathy Rating Scale's (PEARS) Arabic translation's validity and reliability were also evaluated. Findings: The VRRT intervention yielded noteworthy results in reducing apathy, as indicated by a substantial decrease in PEARS scores from 17.20 to 11.15. The findings of the study revealed that the participants demonstrated enhanced cognitive abilities, as evidenced by a significant rise in their Saint Louis University Mental Status ratings, which increased from 15.11 to 19.70. The levels of anxiety and depression exhibited a significant decrease subsequent to the implementation of VRRT, with anxiety levels decreasing from 13.66 to 8.23 and depression levels decreasing from 13.62 to 9.33. Furthermore, a notable 70% of participants demonstrated statistically significant decreases in indifference. Practical implications: This study makes a significant contribution to the advancement of innovative treatment approaches aimed at addressing the needs of the aging population, hence enhancing health outcomes and raising the quality of care in Jordan. Originality/value: The effectiveness of VRRT in reducing apathy among Jordanian senior citizens residing in nursing homes has not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, this paper seeks to assess the effectiveness of HMD-based VRRT by conducting pre- and post-intervention evaluations. This research aims to provide valuable insights into the applicability and significance of VRRT in the Jordanian context, contributing to the development of culturally appropriate and cutting-edge therapeutic interventions for older individuals in Jordan. Through this study, the authors aim to promote improved health and elevated standards of care for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the relationship between different dimensions of intellectual capital and industrial companies' financial performance. In addition, this paper aims to examine the role of organisational ambidexterity in mediating this relationship. Design/methodology/approach: This paper adopted a quantitative method using a previously validated questionnaire. The questionnaire copies have been distributed to accountants and accounting managers in the context of industrial companies. Findings: Findings indicate that there is a positive correlation between all dimensions of intellectual capital and organisational ambidexterity. Furthermore, the connection between intellectual capital dimensions and financial performance is notably positive when it comes to relational capital. Additionally, it was established that the various dimensions of capital and financial performance are interconnected through the intermediary influence of organisational ambidexterity. Originality/value: This paper provides important contributions to managers, policymakers and stakeholders. Jordanian industrial companies must improve the quality of their work by enhancing levels of intellectual capital and organisational ambidexterity that leads to improving the financial performance of companies. Additionally, managers should identify and capitalise on the benefits of other intangible assets and understand more about how to increase the use level of other intangible assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jordan Museum is the most important modern archeological museum in Jordan. This paper assesses the quality of design and the visitors' satisfaction with the Jordan Museum. Also, it investigates which of the selected performance elements contribute most to visitors' satisfaction. Investigative Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) was used within a mixed methodology approach. A questionnaire was used for the quantitative part, complemented by other qualitative methods. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the design quality and visitors' satisfaction. Stepwise regression was used to detect which performance elements predict overall visitors' satisfaction. The design quality of the museum was rated as good, and its permanent galleries were exceptionally rated as excellent. The visitors were generally satisfied with the museum. Visitors were satisfied with the interior and exterior finish but were not impressed with the heavy use of stone in the façade. The simplicity of the museum layout made navigation easy, and visitors were satisfied with wayfinding. This paper is the first to use POE to assess the Jordan Museum. The findings can be used to enhance the management and operation of the Jordan Museum. Also, important performance elements can be developed into guidelines to guarantee effective museum designs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Society for Consumer Protection in Jordan is a non-governmental organization seeking to educate the public on consumer problems. The objective of this paper was to elucidate the role of this association and the challenges it faces in the absence of courts for consumers and the failure to activate the role of the Consumer Protection Association in defending consumers. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of this association and the challenges it faces in the absence of defending the rights of consumers and pleading before the courts on their behalf. This research has been achieved by adopting numerous study techniques and methodologies. In this study, numerous methods are employed; the online questionnaire method (survey online), and doctrinal method. the researcher has also conducted online questionnaire. The purpose was to get responses from laymen in of this method was to support and achieve the objectives of this study and to get feedback from consumer in Jordan particularly on the issues regarding to the role of Consumers Association in Jordan. The main objective of this paper is to given the Consumer Protection Association in Jordan the legal stand in defending the rights of consumers, as it was found through the result that the Jordanian legislator did not give the association the legal authority to defend consumers. Thus, this study also gives suggestions to the private agency such as legal committee of Consumers Association to strengthen its power legally and formally in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jordan Medical Journal is the property of University of Jordan 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.)

Purpose: Due to the current volatile environment and fierce competition, manufacturing firms (MFs) must improve their performance to survive. In this regard, checking and monitoring the suppliers' risk should significantly improve the performance of MFs. In addition, a relation based on not being an opportunist, confidence and reliance are influential factors in reducing the supplier defaults on his/her supply obligations and improving supply chain performance (SCP). Besides, the moderator function of supplier involvement (SI) in the relationship between quality of the relationship (QoR) and supply risk mitigation (SRM) is undeniable. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the survey of 148 samples from small to large-sized MFs in Jordan, Turkey and Egypt, empirical evidence has been conducted to support a majority of the authors' hypotheses. This paper provides a theoretical review of buyer–supplier relationships and supply risk. Hypotheses were tested by using structural equation modeling (SEM)/Smart PLS-4. Findings: According to the results, confidence and reliance have statistically significant and positive impacts on SRM, resulting in better SCP. Moreover, the findings show that SI positively affects and moderates the relationship between confidence (C) and SRM, while it has no statistically significant influence on the relationship between reliance (R) and SRM. Practical implications: This study provides necessary material for managers and decision-makers in MFs to confirm the importance and understanding of the QoR in building relationships and business dealings with partners in the SC, in addition to limiting and mitigating the risks of an interruption in supply in particular. Therefore, building a high-quality relationship as a practice based on trust and reliability with suppliers positively affects the performance of the SCs of MFs. Originality/value: This research paper offers empirical evidence for using QoR within SRM resources of MFs' context for enhancing their supply chain performance. This study is one of few studies that examine the QoR and SRM that contribute to enhancing SCP in MFs in developing countries, which also can serve as a reference for many SC managers and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prolonged presence of Syrian refugees in Jordan has highlighted the need for sustainable health service delivery models for refugees. In 2012, the Jordanian government adopted a policy that granted Syrian refugees access, free of charge, to the national health system. However since 2012, successive policy revisions have limited refugee access. This paper seeks to understand factors that initially put refugee integration into the health system on the policy agenda, as well as how these same factors later affected commitment to sustain the policy. Methods: This paper draws on data from a document review of 197 peer-reviewed and grey literature publications, a media analysis of newspaper articles retrieved from four officially recognized newspapers in Jordan, and 33 semi-structured key informant interviews. We used Kingdon's Multiple Streams Model – a well-established tool for analyzing policy adoption – to understand how political priority developed for integration of refugees into the health system. Results: We find that several factors helped bring attention to the issue, namely concerns over infectious disease transmission to host communities, high rates of chronic conditions among the refugee population and the increasingly urban and dispersed nature of refugees. At the outset of the conflict, the national mood was receptive to refugees. Politicians and government officials quickly recognized the crisis as an opportunity to secure material and technical support from the international humanitarian community. At the same time, global pressures for integrating refugees into national health systems helped move the integration agenda forward in Jordan and the region more broadly. Since 2012, there were several modifications to the policy that signal profound changes in national views around the continued presence of Syrian refugees in the country, as well as reduced external financial support which has undermined the sustainability of the policy. Conclusion: This case study underscores the dynamic nature of policymaking and the challenge of sustaining government commitment to the right to health among refugees. Our analysis has important implications for advocates seeking to advance and maintain momentum for the integration of refugees into national health systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dirasat: Educational Sciences is the property of University of Jordan 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.)

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to examine a model that combines barriers, drivers, government responses, recovery expectations, expected future changes in performance and the extent of digitalisation as a moderator in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses exploratory causal methodologies. The study employs a quantitative methodology based on utilising an electronic questionnaire to gather the opinions of home workers and entrepreneurs in Jordan. The cross-sectional data collection approach was conducted in a single time frame, and a total of 1,179 valid questionnaires were analysed using Smart PLS along with SPSS. Findings: The findings demonstrate that the barriers lower the expectations of recovering performance, whilst the drivers and government responses raise the expectations of both performance recovery and change in performance. Concerning digitalisation, this study discovered that firms going digital had a significant positive direct impact on expectations of performance change. This paper also found that expectations of performance change are significantly positively impacted by the interaction between drivers and digitalisation. However, the moderating influence of digitalisation on the positive impact of government responses on expectations of performance change was not verified. Practical implications: The study's conclusions led to the formulation of several policy recommendations aimed at easing the burden on SMEs. Originality/value: This study adds something new to the body of knowledge on SMEs by investigating the effects of barriers, drivers and government responses on expectations of performance recovery and the expected future change in performance moderated by digitalisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study paper is to examine Jordan's mineral development and investment policies. Mining policies that attract foreign investment must handle both traditional investor concerns and some new challenges. The paper delves deeply into issues such as a country's geological, political, financial, regulatory, operational, fiscal, social, and environmental characteristics, as well as profit and marketing factors. After analyzing these criteria for Jordan, they were compared to the MENA region in order to provide insights into potential changes and improvements to both the MENA and Jordan mineral policies. International investors have not been drawn to Jordan's mineral resource sector for a number of reasons, including—but not limited to—a lack of digitally available and accessible geological data, lack of access to finance exploration projects, an unfavorable legal and fiscal environment, lack of many of the best practices for transparency standards, and lack of awareness and promotion of Jordan's mineral potential among international businesses. For Jordan to improve its standing in the world for investing in mining, it needs effective mining regulations, effective regulatory agencies, very lenient foreign investment laws, highly competitive tax system, enormous geologic potential, highly qualified personnel, exceptional local expertise and skills, modern infrastructure, and stable political and economic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the latter part of the 21st century, the prevalence of online games has significantly increased, encompassing titles connected to the Internet via smart devices, enabling multiplayer interaction. Recent media attention has shed light on the adverse effects associated with online gaming. This research paper explores the viewpoints of 4,700 university students in Jordan regarding the physical, psychological, and behavioural impacts of Internet games. Additionally, it predicts how these impacts may affect the academic performance of 1,410 students. To analyze student trends and forecast outcomes based on sustained game engagement, a convolutional neural network (CNN) was specifically developed for the neural network. The findings revealed student consensus with recommended university measures to limit online game usage, emphasizing a prevalent belief in the negative influence of games on the body, behaviour, and mental health. In terms of the prediction process, the training data encompassed 60%, 70%, and 80% of the dataset. The results revealed that the highest accuracy, 96.69%, was achieved at the 70% threshold for predicting students' grade point average (GPA). The analysis suggested that projecting a decrease in the percentage of hours dedicated to playing online games could act as a mitigating factor to prevent GPA decline. Consequently, the system advises a range from 99.9% to 4.1%. This implies that a student with a maximum of 99.9% is encouraged to significantly reduce playing hours to preserve their GPA, while a student with a minimum of 4.1% is recommended to decrease playing hours by 4.1%. On average, for the 1,090 students, the system proposes a 48.36% reduction in playing hours to safeguard their GPAs and mitigate potential risks. This high level of accuracy played a crucial role in forecasting students' GPA outcomes following a year of sustained daily engagement with online games. Notably, the results unveiled a concerning revelation that 80% of students would face a detrimental impact on their academic performance after one year of such consistent online game involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study is to delve into the intricacies of econtracting within a legal framework. The researcher undertakes an in-depth exploration of the legal aspects associated with e-contracting, elucidating the fundamental components that constitute an e-contract. The initial section of the study encompasses the researcher's definitions and discussions regarding the concept, execution, and methods for validating e-contracts. Subsequently, the paper explores the domain of arbitration specific to such contracts, with a particular emphasis on electronic arbitration and electronic negotiations in its second segment. Employing an analytical descriptive approach, the researcher addresses the central theme, focusing on the application of traditional contract articles to electronic contracts. This encompasses an examination of electronic consent, acceptance, and electronic arbitration. The study's findings offer insights into e-contracts, characterizing them as agreements forged online. Furthermore, the study scrutinizes critical elements such as satisfaction, Lex loci, rationale, and the mode of communication, whether visual or auditory. This analytical inquiry aims to provide significant contributions to the comprehension of e-contracting within the legal landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Przeglad Elektrotechniczny is the property of Przeglad Elektrotechniczny 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.)

Purpose: Despite the enormous need to succeed in the urban model, scientists and policymakers should work consistently to create blueprints to regulate urbanization. The absence of coordination between the crucial requirements and the regional strategies of the local authorities leads to a lack of conformance in urban development. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach: This study intends to manage future urban growth patterns using integrated methods and then employ the results in the genetic algorithm (GA) model to considerably improve growth behavior. Multi-temporal land-use datasets have been derived from remotely sensed images for the years 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020. Urban growth patterns and processes were then analyzed with land-use-and-land-cover dynamics. Results were examined for simulation and utilization of the GA. Findings: Model parameters were derived and evaluated, and a preliminary assessment of the effective coefficient in the formation of urbanization is analyzed, showing the city's urbanization pattern has followed along with the transportation infrastructure and outward growth, and the scattering rates are high, with an increase of 5.64% in building area associated with a decrease in agricultural lands and rangelands. Originality/value: The research achieved a considerable improvement over the growth behavior. The conducted research design was the first of its type in that field to be executed to any specific growth pattern parameters in terms of regulating and policymaking. The method has integrated various artificial intelligence models to monitor, measure and optimize the projected growth by applying this design. Other research on the area was limited to projecting the future of Amman as it is an urbanized distressed city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this research is to provide researchers with a comprehensive literature review while demonstrating how service quality (SQ) led to the development of viable research avenues for future analysis and research. In this study, the review protocol PRISMA approach and meta-literature review are used to analyse the relevant literature using the Scopus database from 1984 to 2023. This analysis takes into account top authors, top keywords by using Publish or Perish and page rank analysis by using Gephi software. Second, the VOS viewer is employed to engage in co-citation analysis and keyword co-occurrence analysis aiding in uncovering the core literature and research within this area of study. Initially, analysis reveals that the number of publications follows a general upward trend. Top authors and SQ keywords were identified in the most-cited papers in the Scopus database. The United States, followed by India, Hong Kong, Jordan, and the Philippines, published most of these papers. This study critically analysed data characteristics, labels, measures objectives and key findings of SQ top-cited papers. In addition, this paper provides additional details regarding the evolution of the research topic's trends and offers insights into future research directions. Finally, this study additionally elaborated key results of 88 top-cited papers. The paper demonstrates that SQ is a topic when taken as a whole, is both relevant and emerging and it necessitates future research about the skills of business, management and accounting professionals, as well as their activities and how their customers perceive quality in an environment that is subject to continuous change. This is the first study to analyse and review relevant research on service quality using the review protocol PRISMA and meta-literature review. This is helpful for researchers since it allows them to easily grasp its development and trend. This evaluation indicates potential paths for future research and acts as a valuable reference for additional investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The involvement of the private sector in fostering sustainable development is propelled by significant advancements in commercial and industrial spheres. However, despite these advancements, there is a noticeable decline in corporate social responsibility, attributed to various factors such as scepticism among owners or board members regarding sustainability concepts and the perceived high costs associated with adopting sustainable technologies. This paper endeavours to investigate the relationship between community responsiveness and the extent of businesses' commitment to sustainability in the context of Jordan. Utilizing a mixed methods approach comprising interviews and a comprehensive questionnaire, data was collected from a sample of two hundred and ten members of the Jordan community through an online platform. The collected data underwent rigorous analysis including descriptive and regression analyses as well as relevant correlations. Encouragingly, the findings of this study reveal a robust association between individuals' social consciousness and their support for businesses and organizations operating within the Jordan community. Future research endeavours could further explore additional influential factors. The conclusions drawn from this research hold potential significance as they may provide valuable insights for incentivizing businesses to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency in cultivating a genuine societal commitment to sustainability, thereby contributing to scholarly discourse on the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jordan faces significant, immediate challenges of enhancing energy security while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most promising approaches to achieve sustainable development, energy security, and environmental conservation is to increase the integration of renewable energy into electricity generation. To this end, the Jordanian government aims to expand investments in the green energy sector, with solar and wind energy expected to play a crucial role in meeting energy demands and promoting environmental sustainability. This paper aims to examine the distinct dynamics, challenges, obstacles, and potential solutions related to establishing community solar and wind farms in suburban areas of Jordan. It seeks to highlight the opportunities and barriers influencing the adoption of sustainable energy in the country. Evaluation results from engaging 320 key stakeholders were obtained through a questionnaire, and after comprehensive analysis, it became evident that the benefits and positive aspects of solar and wind farms outweigh their drawbacks and obstacles. These insights can be useful in guiding policies and practices to make renewable energy community projects a reality within Jordan's suburban areas. Additionally, the findings may serve as a valuable benchmark for other regions facing similar challenges in their pursuit of a sustainable energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the utilisation of heritage building information modelling (BIM) in order to improve the architectural heritage documentation process at Ad Deir, a significant historical building within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra, Jordan. Ad Deir, also known as 'The Monastery', requires accurate and complete documentation for its preservation and effective management. Traditional documentation methods, such as manual surveys and 2D drawings, frequently fail to obtain the intricate details and complexity of heritage structures. This study proposes the use of heritage BIM, which involves creating a digital representation of Ad Deir by combining various data types such as geometric, material, and historical information. Laser scanning technology is used to capture the site in three dimensions, providing a precise representation of its current state. The point clouds are exported to the BIM workflow once they have been processed. The longitudinal and cross-sections of the point clouds revealed the dimensions of regular and irregular elements, which were then traced and modelled accurately. This digital model serves as a platform for future data integration, which may include historical documentation, architectural plans, and construction details. Creating accurate heritage BIM, which involves various levels of knowledge, improves quality control during conservation work and aids in informed decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although Jordan has made significant progress toward expanding the utilization of facility‐based intrapartum care, prior research highlights that poor service quality is still persistent. This study aimed to identify quality gaps between women's expectations and perceptions of the actual intrapartum care received, while exploring the contributing factors. Methods: Utilizing a pre–post design, quality gaps in intrapartum care were assessed among 959 women pre‐ and postchildbirth at a prominent tertiary hospital in northern Jordan. Data were gathered using the SERVQUAL scale, measuring service quality across reliability, responsiveness, tangibles, assurance, and empathy dimensions. Results: The overall mean gap score between women's expectations and perceptions of the quality of intrapartum care was −0.60 (±0.56). The lowest and highest mean gap scores were found to be related to tangibles and assurance dimensions, −0.24 (±0.39) and −0.88 (±0.35), respectively. Significant negative quality gaps were identified in the dimensions of assurance, empathy, and responsiveness, as well as overall service quality (p < 0.001). The MLR analyses highlighted education (β = 0.61), mode of birth (β = −0.60), admission timing (β = −0.41), continuity of midwifery care (β = −0.43), physician's gender (β = −0.62), active labour duration (β = 0.37), and pain management (β = −0.33) to be the key determinants of the overall quality gap in intrapartum care. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance of fostering a labour environment that prioritizes enhancing caregivers' empathetic, reassuring, and responsive skills to minimize service quality gaps and enhance the overall childbirth experience for women in Jordan. Patient or Public Contribution: This paper is a collaborative effort involving women with lived experiences of childbirth, midwives, and obstetrics and gynaecologist physicians. The original idea, conceptualization, data generation, and coproduction, including manuscript editing, were shaped by the valuable contributions of stakeholders with unique perspectives on intrapartum care in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in Jordan requires massive efforts to prepare the infrastructures that serve the transportation sector. The lack of EV charging stations is the major obstacle that faces EV drivers. Utilizing renewable energy in EV charging stations contributes to the spread of these stations. Renewable energy technologies are environmentally friendly as they mitigate greenhouse gases that cause the global warming phenomenon. In this paper, an EV charging station, based on a PV-biodiesel-battery hybrid system, is investigated. The importance of this article is to discuss the hybrid system of PV and waste vegetable oil (WVO) along with storage that applies the maximum reliability supply, having an environmentally friendly supply and achieving the lowest energy cost of charging. This station is designed based on renewable and WVO utilization. In fact, WVO, coming from restaurants, is exploited to produce electricity by a diesel generator through direct burning after converting it into biodiesel. The capacity of each station is 14 cars/day with a medium-speed charger of 7 kW. The system is simulated and optimized using iHOGA software where multiobjective optimization is applied to achieve the minimum net present cost (NPC) and CO2 emissions considering three cases, PV-diesel, PV-biodiesel, and PV-WVO, all with battery-hybrid system. These values for the EV charging station that uses the PV-biodiesel-battery hybrid system are 624408 € and 15.4 tons/year, respectively. The corresponding values are 781473 € and 15.14 tons/year and 615310 € and 18.84 tons/year for the systems that work with diesel and WVO, respectively, and energy cost is achieved in best solution to be 0.11 Euro/kWh. Simulation results show that the proposed technique led to enhanced operational efficiency in terms of both NPC and annual CO2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to investigate the moderating role of corporate governance on the relationship between earnings management and debt level in capital structure. The paper used a hypothesis-testing research approach to gather data from the annual reports of 13 industrial companies listed on Palestine Exchange and 25 Jordanian companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2020. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed, along with correlation analysis to evaluate linear relationships between variables. The fixed and random effect regressions were utilized to develop the research model. In the case of Palestinian manufacturing firms, the results revealed that Earnings Management (EM) had a significant negative impact on debt level. According to the moderating role of Corporate Governance (CG), larger boards and the existence of female members on the board of directors causes an increase in the high-leverage impact of EM, whereas CEO duality mitigates the high-leverage impact. However, in the case of Jordanian manufacturing firms, EM showed an insignificant impact on debt level. Regarding the moderating role of CG, it was proved that the presence of female members on the board of directors increased the firm's reliance on debt financing as a result of EM practices, while institutional investors mitigate the effect of EM on debt financing, leading to a decrease in reliance on debt. The findings of this research are suitable for the regulators while formulating policies on the Corporate Governance and the Impact of Earnings Management on Capital Structure. These findings have guided the policymakers that they should enhance their focus on Palestine and Jordan companies to test Corporate Governance Moderates the Impact of Earnings Management on Capital Structure. This study is also helpful for the new researcher while investigating this area in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a new perspective on the long-debated issue of "collapse" at the end of the urban Early Bronze Age III (EB III, traditionally ca. 2300 BCE) in the southern Levant. In the past, the facts on the ground – manifesting the classic characteristics of a devastating collapse (destruction/abandonment) at the end of EB III – appeared to be followed by a rural "dark age" or "pastoral-nomadic" interlude in Early Bronze IV (EB IV), also known as the Intermediate Bronze Age (IBA). The "dark age" then ended upon the regeneration of urbanism after 2000 BCE in the Middle Bronze Age (MBA). This conceptualization of dramatic culture change in the Early Bronze Age has dominated the scholarly literature since the mid-20th century, bolstered by the widespread acceptance of evolutionary theories on the collapse of nations and civilizations. Current theoretical constructs on collapse look to the post-collapse period for insights on the process itself. A post-collapse urban-to-rural process, documented by nine continuous occupational phases at the EB III/IV transition, has recently come to light at Khirbat Iskandar, Jordan. This archaeological profile suggests strong local resilience in the aftermath of collapse, evident in the maintenance of traditions and social memory of settled life at the ancestral home. This adaptive cycle militates against traditional "collapse" modeling positing an apocalyptic break in Early Bronze Age civilization; instead, it resonates with resilience and resilience theory. Moreover, a plethora of new evidence has accumulated illuminating a type of "rural complexity" witnessed by a considerable database of EB IV permanent, multi-phased agricultural settlement sites belying the so-called pastoral-nomadic interlude rubric. Applying the construct of societal transformation, the hypothesis driving this research is that archaeological stratification at Khirbat Iskandar supports a process of recovery, resilience, and societal transformation, a reevaluation particularly apropos when contextualized in the new higher Early Bronze Age chronology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on forward-looking corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure (FCSRD). Design/methodology/approach: The authors use the manual content analysis to measure FCSRD for a sample of 94 companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2016. Data on companies' FCSRD are manually collected from annual reports. The authors also use regression analyses to test the research hypotheses. Findings: The authors find that board size positively affects FCSRD, while CEO duality and family ownership negatively impact FCSRD. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first evidence of how governance mechanisms affect FCSR information in corporate annual reports in a developing country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around the world, refugees share shelters and homes with other refugees. Such household-level hosting relationships play a central role in the lives of displaced individuals and families, offering support to meet basic needs, safety, and a sense of belonging. Yet, the role of displaced people as refugee hosts is often overlooked, an omission that fails to account for the active role of displaced populations in supporting one another and the dynamic social connections between refugees. Thus far, hosting relationships have often been understood through hospitality. Instead, in this paper I develop an understanding of refugeerefugee hosting as constituted through care. Drawing on qualitative research conducted with Sudanese refugee men in Amman, Jordan, I demonstrate the value of this framework in explaining the emergence and experiences of their hosting relationships. I highlight the importance of everyday interdependencies for life in displacement, alongside the challenges and ambivalences of providing and receiving care in such contexts, and show how configurations of care shift and alter throughout protracted displacement. In doing so, I center informal and everyday acts of care among refugees in relation to external humanitarian care, arguing for a re-conceptualisation of the relationship between 'hosts' and 'humanitarians', and propose avenues for those working with displaced populations to engage with the vital support that refugee-refugee hosting provides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The refugee crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic continue to negatively impact access to education, and especially disproportionately affect underserved communities. Apart from access, such communities experience additional barriers including inadequate classroom infrastructure and suitable localization of such infrastructure. This paper aims to provide an analytical framework to identify the most suitable locations for mobile classrooms for underserved communities, thereby mitigating the lack of access to equitable education for underserved communities. To construct the analytical framework, we conduct a critical literature review to conceptualize the educational needs of underserved communities. Next, we proposed parameters that may be applicable for determining locationally metrics that match the educational needs of underserved communities. On this basis, we explore tools and methods applicable for suitability analysis and developed a geo-information framework that integrates an analytical hierarchy process tool to prioritize parameters decision-makers can apply to identify optimal areas to locate classroom infrastructure. This framework was applied to a use case of determining suitable location areas for an innovative mobile classroom (EDUBox) in Jordan. Using the framework, we demonstrate its applicability by identifying appropriate locations adapted to the tertiary and vocational education needs of underserved persons including refugee communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study is based on extensive evidence-based assessments. The aim of this paper is to evaluate how well Jordan's health information system (HIS) incorporates social determinants of health inequity (SDHI) and to propose suggestions for future actions. Methods: An extensive evidence-based assessment was performed. A meta-synthesis of the inclusion of the SDHI in the HIS in Jordan was conducted. After searching and shortlisting, 23 papers were analyzed using Atlas.ti 9.0 employing thematic analysis technique. Results: The HIS in Jordan is quite comprehensive, comprising numerous data sources, various types of information, and data from multiple producers and managers. Nevertheless, the HIS confronts several obstacles and fails to ensure the timely and secure publication of available data. The assessment of the inclusion of the SDHI in the HIS showed that the HIS allows for the measurement of progress in relation to social policies and actions but has a very limited database for supporting the inclusion of health inequity measures. One reason for the difficulty in identifying fairness is that certain crucial information necessary for this task cannot be obtained through the available institutional HIS or population survey tools. Additionally, relevant modules for fairness may be missing from population surveys, possibly due to a failure to fully utilize the capabilities of the institutional HIS. Conclusion: There are opportunities to make use of Jordan's dedication to fairness and its already established strong HIS. Some social determinants of health exist in the HIS, but much more data, information, and effort are needed to integrate the SDHI into the Jordanian HIS. A proposal from a regional initiative has put forward a comprehensive set of indicators for integrating SDHI into HIS, which could aid in achieving health equity in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent paper of Philcox, Goodman and Slepian, the solution of the elliptic Kepler's equation is given as a quotient of two contour integrals along a Jordan curve that contains in its interior the unique real solution of the elliptic Kepler's equation and does not include other complex zeroes. In this paper, we show that a similar explicit integral solution can be given for the hyperbolic Kepler's equation. With this purpose, we carry out a study of the complex zeros of the hyperbolic Kepler's equation in order to define suitable Jordan contours in the integrals. Even more, we show that appropriate elliptic Jordan contours can be defined for such integrals, which reduces the computing time. Moreover, using the ideas behind the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm, these integrals can be approximated by the composite trapezoidal rule which gives an algorithm with spectral convergence as a function of the number of nodes. The results of some numerical experiments are presented to show that this implementation is a reliable and very accurate algorithm for solving the hyperbolic Kepler's equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the policies taken by Jordanian tourism sector before and after COVID-19; it is divided into two parts: the first dealt with the period 2011-2019 which followed the events of Arab Spring, the second focused on the postCOVID-19 period. A mixed methodology was used as for the Arab Spring case a quantitative approach that aimed at measuring the satisfaction of 54 travel agents about policies taken by public tourism sector was used. A Structure Equation Modelling analysis was conducted to test the relationship between specific satisfaction about promotional and economic policies as independent variables, and the general satisfaction as a dependent variable. As for the case of COVID-19, a different approach was used where the Tourism National Strategy 2021-2025 and reports on the influence of COVID-19 on Jordanian Economy were referred to make an evaluation of governmental performance. There was an obvious absence of the concept of “Crisis Management" in tourism national strategies (MOTA, 2003 ; 2010 ; 2015) ; where the focus was on diversifying the tourism product, enhancing the image of the country and increasing competitiveness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of nurses' competencies while providing care to COVID-19 patients. Design/methodology/approach: A descriptive, correlational design was used to collect data from nurses who were providing care to COVID-19 patients at four public hospitals. Findings: A total of 377 nurses (64.5% females) aged 23–50 consented to participate and completed the survey. The mean score of nurses' competencies in providing care to COVID-19 patients was 2.5 (SD = 0.81). The results of correlation coefficient tests disclosed a significant positive correlation between reported competence level and sex rpb (377) = 0.18, p < 0.01; working area rpb (377) = 0.2, p < 0.01; disaster experience rpb (377) = 0.16, p < 0.01; disaster education rpb (377) = 0.25, p < 0.01; and disaster training rpb (377) = 0.31, p < 0.01. Research limitations/implications: The COVID-19 pandemic response heavily relied on nurses. However, they had a gap in clinical competencies that indicates an urgent need to incorporate disaster management courses in basic nursing education and to update training in hospitals based on nurses' needs to improve their capabilities in dealing with COVID-19 pandemic. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the perceived level of Jordanian nurses' competencies in providing care to COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education institutions are thought to be largely responsible for environmental pollution even though businesses of all shapes and sizes contribute to this issue. This research explores how important factors might help government universities in Jordan develop and implement green innovation. It seeks also to examine whether the academic citizenship behaviour is a mediating variable that explains the connection between green training and development, green recruitment and selection, and organization environmental performance. Accordingly, an email survey was conducted to collect responses from 404 employees in the Jordanian Government universities. The study used contemporary variance-based structural equation modelling (Amos-SEM) for data analysis and hypothesis testing. The obtained results indicated a positive association between green training and development and two variables, namely academic citizenship behaviour, and organization environmental performance. They also indicated a positive association between green recruitment and selection and two variables, namely, academic citizenship behaviour and organization environmental performance. As well as between academic citizenship behaviour and organization environmental performance. Furthermore, they showed mediating effects of academic citizenship behaviour in the relationship between green training and development and organization environmental performance and between green recruitment and selection and organization environmental performance. This paper helps to provide insights to HRM practitioners, shedding light on the importance of Green HRM practices and their role in enhancing organization environmental performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Khirbat Iskandar is an Early Bronze Age (ca. 3800-1950 BCE) mound in the Madaba Governorate of Jordan. Until a decade ago, it was better known as a key site for the non-urban Early Bronze IV period (ca. 2500-1950 BCE), but is increasingly emerging as a signature site for the urban Early Bronze II-III period (ca. 3050-2500 BCE). The contour of the tall site is shaped by the presence of buried fortifications that were investigated in the north-western sector of the mound, where a long sequence of rebuilds was recognized, but were exposed to and impacted by modern construction activities along the southern and south-eastern areas prior to being recorded. There, due to erosion and weathering, the stone fortifications dating to the first half of the Early Bronze III (ca. 2850-2650 BCE) fell down. In this paper, we report on our strategies to assess threats, document damages, sustainably stabilize, and consolidate the collapsed ancient fortifications in the 2023 field season at Khirbat Iskandar. At the same time, we discuss the conceptual/methodological and practical challenges of identifying best practices in the conservation and preservation of antiquities that collapsed prior to being excavated. We conclude with some thoughts on how to build on these actions to efficiently present the archaeology and cultural heritage at protohistoric sites, like Khirbat Iskandar, and to make it accessible for the local and the international communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a final report of the 2011 season of excavation at the archaeological site of Gadara (Umm Qais) in Jordan. The season was directed by Lamia El-Khouri (PhD), during the 15th of June until the 28th of July 2011. The excavation took place in Area Z, along the southern edge of the main colonnaded street (Decumanus Maximus). The main discoveries showed that this part of the city was occupied during several historical periods, from the Late Hellenistic until the Crusader–Mamluk periods. The majority of archaeological artefacts in the excavated area showed clear evidence of intensive human activities mostly in the Late Byzantine, Umayyad and Abbasid periods. This paper includes a full description of the historical levels as well as the most impressive archaeological finds that were collected during the excavation. An isometric reconstruction drawing of the original construction was produced to give a better view of the city of Gadara during the Graeco–Roman period. As it has been delineated by the stylobate and the other architectural remains, this building seems to have been part of an inner courtyard lined by an Ionic peristyle. It was perhaps a sort of square-shaped colonnaded enclosure, a courtyard, or an open-air garden used for exercise, whether it was part of a bath construction, or a palaestra on the atrium of a private house or a gymnasium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Midwives can play a pivotal role in promoting natural-birth experiences. However, limited information is available about Jordanian laboring women’s experiences of natural childbirth guided by midwives. Understanding women’s experiences of natural birth can inform healthcare providers and policymakers to improve the care provided for laboring women. Purpose: This study aims to explore women's experiences of natural childbirth in a midwife-led care unit. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach guided the study protocol. Data was collected through in-depth, semi-structured telephone interviews with 10 Jordanian women who experienced natural childbirth in a midwife-led care unit. Results: Two main themes emerged: “The journey of empowerment “and “being prepared for natural childbirth". The first theme consisted of two sub-themes: Making an informed decision, and being supported. The second theme consisted of three sub-themes: The power of the place, being satisfied with natural-childbirth practices, and feeling relieved. Conclusion: Women had positive childbirth experiences shaped by having autonomy in decision-making, perceived support, and being satisfied with the midwife-led care unit. Women’s positive experiences emphasize the need for social and political change to promote natural childbirth. Implications for Nursing: This paper provides evidence that supports the incorporation of midwife-led units to promote natural childbirth. New data will play a critical role in strengthening the responsibilities of nurses and midwives by raising public awareness and calling for policy changes to promote natural childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of key financial indicators influencing the operational efficiency of banks in Jordan over the period 2006 to 2021. The study, focusing on fifteen commercial banks, employs seven regression models to assess the impact of selected variables on bank operating efficiency. Our findings reveal novel insights with substantial contributions to banking practice. We identify a statistically significant influence of both bank-specific factors and temporal effects, demonstrating the nuanced dynamics shaping the operational efficiency of Jordanian banks. Notably, a positive and significant correlation is established between the operating efficiency ratio and return on assets, bank size, and the ratio of loan loss provisions to net interest income, providing valuable strategic guidance for effective management. Conversely, a significant negative relationship is observed between the operating efficiency ratio and the total expense ratio, underscoring the critical importance of careful cost management. No significant associations are found between the operating efficiency ratio and credit risk, the equity-to-asset ratio, the deposit-to-liability ratio, and the equity-to-liability ratio. This study makes a unique contribution by shedding light on these previously unexplored correlations, offering actionable insights for enhancing operational efficiency in the banking sector. Additionally, our research advocates for the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) to persist in adaptive policy measures, which are crucial for ongoing banking reforms and improved monitoring practices. Based on our empirical findings, these recommendations aim to fortify the resilience and adaptability of Jordan's banking sector, contributing both academically and practically. Importantly, they reinforce the symbiotic link between a stable banking sector and sustained economic development in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents research on design challenges in protracted refugee camps, where "temporary" shelters undergo informal transformations, becoming long-term homes and establishing communities. We develop a shape grammar to investigate this phenomenon, focusing on the evolution of refugee housing units in the Irbid Camp in Jordan from the emergency to the transitional and permanent phases. Our parametric shape grammar analyzes and describes the physical characteristics of these units, revealing their dynamic nature. The corpus of the grammar includes 10 diverse housing units that provide a range of insights and opportunities for refugee housing design and planning. The grammar builds a foundation for developing design solutions that mediate transformations and address long-term implications for sustainable and adaptive environments to anticipate self-build processes and better support evolving resident needs in housing layouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global concern for the environment and sustainable development goals has led to a growing focus on the increasing activities of city logistics. This research study aims to evaluate the current state of city logistics within the framework of sustainable development and analyze the key factors that impact the efficient management of city logistics in Jordan. Methods: To achieve these research objectives, a quantitative approach utilizing a survey questionnaire was employed. The findings emphasize a significant disparity between current practices in city logistics and desired outcomes, indicating an urgent need for improvement in cost reduction, enhancement of quality of life, and promotion of sustainability. Results: The results reveal that the performance of urban authorities in managing city logistics is influenced by various factors, including regulatory inefficiencies, suboptimal human resource performance, deficiencies in information systems, and challenges related to coordination amongst stakeholders. Conclusions: Consequently, this paper puts forth actionable recommendations for improving city logistics management, which involve amending existing regulations, implementing comprehensive training programs for employees, strengthening infrastructure for information systems, and fostering robust communication channels between urban authorities and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the moderating effect of humble leadership on the relationship between different intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors and employee's knowledge-sharing intention. Design/methodology/approach: Responses of 236 employees in public organisations in the country of Jordan were collected via the completion of an online survey. The study data was analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings: This study found that humble leadership support positively moderated the effect of intrinsic motivational factors (i.e. self-efficacy and enjoyment) on KS intention, while such leadership does not moderate the relationship between extrinsic motivational factors (i.e. rewards and reciprocity) and KS intention. Originality/value: This study increases the understating of the conditions under which employees' knowledge-share by exploring the moderating effect of humble leadership behaviour on motivational factors and KS intention in public organisations, particularly in the context of a developing country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the dynamic interplay among intellectual capital, the intention to adopt business intelligence (BI) technology, and the decision to innovate within the industrial landscape of Jordan. Using a quantitative approach, the study employs bootstrapping and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data from participants familiar with their companies' technological and innovation orientations. The findings reveal a noteworthy positive correlation between human capital and structural capital with the intention to adopt BI technology. Additionally, human capital demonstrates a significant positive association with the decision to innovate. The research further validates a positive relationship between the intention to adopt BI technology and the decision to innovate. The practical implications of these findings extend to decision-makers and managers in Jordan's industrial sector, underscoring the pivotal role of adopting business intelligence technology in fostering innovation. Significantly, by concentrating on innovation orientation in the Jordanian context, this paper contributes to the expanding body of research in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the sociopragmatic functions of death formulas used by Bedouins in eastern Jordan. It emphasizes discourse strategies Bedouins use, such as euphemisms and politeness, to refer to the deceased or to announce someone's death. The researchers collected 32 authentic expressions commonly used in death discourse. They examined and categorized them in light of the following sociopragmatic theories: politeness theory, Grice's maxims of conversation, and Austin's theory of speech acts. Seven strategies for using euphemisms in Bedouins' speech were elicited and analyzed in sections. The analysis reveals that death formulas serve contextual functions, such as maintaining social rapport, expressing condolences, and highlighting the predestination of death and life by God. This study adds to our understanding of Bedouin language and cultural practices in eastern Jordan, and it has practical implications for cross-cultural communication. Individuals can enhance mutual understanding and constructive connections with Bedouin communities in Jordan and worldwide by recognizing and respecting these cultural customs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper investigates the factors affecting individual dispositions toward intentions. Specifically, this study aims to investigate the effects of emotional intelligence, entrepreneurial motivation and creativity on the entrepreneurial intentions of university students in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach: The data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires from a sample of 745 university students in Jordan. The hypotheses were tested using partial least squares (PLS) analysis. Findings: The results indicate a robust relationship between entrepreneurial motivation and creativity and entrepreneurial intention. However, an insignificant relationship was found between emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial intention. The findings of this study reveal that both creativity and emotional intelligence exert a significant and positive indirect effect on entrepreneurial intentions through the mediation of entrepreneurial motivation. Practical implications: This work suggests that university administrators should consider the significant roles that emotional intelligence, entrepreneurial motivation and creativity play in shaping the entrepreneurial intentions of university students. Originality/value: While there is limited existing research on this matter within the Middle Eastern context, especially in Jordan, this study aims to address this gap in the Jordanian entrepreneurial literature. As the first of its kind conducted within Jordanian universities, this study contributes significantly to the understanding of entrepreneurial dynamics in the region. Using the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, this study evaluates emotional intelligence in Jordan. The results contribute to social psychology literature and suggest actionable government measures, integrated into education systems, to encourage entrepreneurial paths for students and alleviate graduate unemployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses two distinct but interwoven questions on the link between spirituality and religion in the lives of Syrian Muslim refugee parents. (1) How do religious and spiritual convictions impact these refugees and their families? (2) How do these convictions shape Syrian Muslim refugee parents' own positionality as caregivers and as individuals? We distinguish religious convictions as ones entrenched in the practice of organized religion (e.g., prayer and fasting), and spiritual convictions as ones associated with the frame of reference inspired by religion (e.g., embedded references to God and/or the Prophet Muhammad peace and blessing be upon him). This paper is focused on qualitative findings from 16 Syrian refugee parents (15 mothers and 1 father) and their individual families. While the study began as a pilot for an intervention program focused on early childhood education among refugee children in Jordan, it became overwhelmingly clear that the refugee parents' individual senses of parenthood, responsibility, and aspiration for their children's futures are inextricably linked to their spiritual and religious convictions. Highlights: Explores the importance of faith and spirituality in the context of refugee parenting and early childhood development. Provides insight into how refugee parents speak about their faith and spirituality in the context of their migration experiences, aspirations for their children, and as an extension of their own development. Based on a qualitative study with 16 Syrian caregivers in Jordan. Argues for the need to include awareness of and sensitivity to Islamic religious and spiritual practices in the design of interventions and programs concerning Muslim refugee children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a descriptive case study focused on developing a local model with global applicability for fostering innovative entrepreneurial and applied scientific research projects in the climate, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sectors. Our study examined the effectiveness of UNICEF's water, sanitation, and hygiene programs in mitigating disasterrelated effects on human and environmental health at the Bassmati Innovation Community in Jordan. This study reveals significant advances in disaster mitigation strategies, including improved sanitation facilities, innovative water management strategies, and improved community engagement. These results provide a practical framework for similar initiatives in the future in addition to highlighting the crucial role that the Bassmati Community plays in the development ofJordan's water, sanitation, and climate response sectors. The study's innovative model, demonstrated through the achievements of the UNICEF Innovation Hub, provides a scalable and adaptable approach for universities and centers focusing on climate and waterrelated projects. As a result of this model, the Arab region and global communities will benefit from its addressing of pressing environmental challenges beyond local boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let \mathcal M be a semifinite factor with a faithful normal semifinite tracial weight \tau, and \mathscr P the set of all projections in \mathcal M. Denote by \mathscr P_{c} the Grassmann space of all projections in \mathscr P with trace c, where c is a positive real number. A map \psi : \mathscr P_c\rightarrow \mathscr P_c is called an ortho-isomorphism if \psi is a bijection of \mathscr P_c onto \mathscr P_c satisfying, for all P,Q\in \mathscr P_c, P\perp Q if and only if \psi (P)\perp \psi (Q). The aim of this paper is to establish a version of Uhlhorn's theorem in the setting of semifinite factors. We give a complete characterization of ortho-isomorphisms on Grassmann space \mathscr P_c in a semifinite factor. And we show that an ortho-isomorphism \psi : \mathscr P_c\rightarrow \mathscr P_c can be extended to a Jordan *-isomorphism \rho of \mathcal M onto \mathcal M. As an application, we obtain the structure of surjective isometries on \mathscr P_c with respect to strictly increasing unitarily invariant norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores cultural heritage pedagogical practices in architectural curricula. A comprehensive mixed-method research approach was implemented on a national scale to examine the curricula of architecture departments in all Jordanian universities. This investigation encompassed qualitative and quantitative analyses, including the development of Standard and Compulsory Affinity Index ratios to assess the level of heritage integration in these curricula. To further enhance findings from both analyses, purposive criterion sampling was used for semi-structured interviews with 20 architectural professors, alongside a participatory workshop involving 25 academics, heritage professionals, and organisations. The research contributes to the limited existing literature on cultural heritage education in architectural curricula. It also introduces a model for assessing cultural heritage education at the BSc level, uncovering disparities in its presence within architectural curricula. The role of the Accreditation & Quality Assurance Commission for Higher Education Institutions in promoting heritage education is found to be limited, and inconsistencies in terminology and approaches across institutions are observed. While the primary focus is on the Jordanian context, this research offers practical recommendations that can be applied more broadly to architectural education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green hydrogen and synthetic fuels are increasingly recognized as a key strategic element for the progress of the global energy transition. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with its large wind and solar potential, is well positioned to generate renewable energy at low cost for the production of green hydrogen and synthetic fuels, and is therefore considered as a potential future producer and exporter. Yet, while solar and wind energy potentials are essential, other factors are expected to play an equally important role for the development of green hydrogen and synthetic fuels (export) sectors. This includes, in particular, adequate industrial capacities and infrastructures. These preconditions vary from country to country, and while they have been often mentioned in the discussion on green hydrogen exports, they have only been examined to a limited extent. This paper employs a case study approach to assess the existing infrastructural and industrial conditions in Jordan, Morocco, and Oman for the development of a green hydrogen and downstream synthetic fuel (export) sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary focus of this study is to establish a mechanism for assessing a country readiness for eTourism using two paradigms: systematic review and gap analysis. This assessment will be conducted by applying eTourism technology aspects as the main detriments of eTourism and behavioral aspects as moderating factors to generate a three-level gap index. The systematic review for determining gap analysis will be based on a framework developed in the literature of the eTourism Technology Acceptance Model (ETAM). This study, based on ETAM, develops its own framework for the systematic review. A comparative study was performed on two dimensions. The first dimension involves the examination of technology-related factors, encompassing security, accessibility of mobile applications, support for mobile payments, user interface design, and quality. To improve understanding of how tourists assess the four technological aspects, the second dimension included two moderating factors: attitude and trust. Based on the systematic review, this paper demonstrates a methodology for calculating individualized gaps for the six factors, as well as compounded gap indexes for the two dimensions and the total composite gap index (CGI) for all six factors through the utilization of an Excel spreadsheet. Based on the overall assessment, as the authors deduced from the discussions, Jordan's readiness for eTourism still needs further improvements to its eTourism factors. Future investigations will involve the implementation of a framework, such as Expert Choice, to emulate the methods utilized in this research. In addition, the outcome of this endeavor should suggest potential avenues for continuous improvement and diversification of eTourism research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]