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Purpose: The purpose of this research is to examine the impact on organizational performance of the application of management and human resource practices, and to attempt to outline key elements and assess development of the learning organization (LO) concept in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach: The tool described in this article assesses relationships between LO practices and financial and operational performance measures. The empirical research aims at deconstructing the LO formation through the development and validation of a conceptual model. A total of 41 companies belonging to large industrial sectors in Jordan participated in a survey by responding to a research questionnaire. Findings: The outcomes of the study indicate that the LO concept can be explored in Jordanian industry using eight constructs. These constructs were found to be strongly correlated. In general, this study identifies basic steps in the process of transformation into a learning organization in Jordan. Originality/value: The study identifies the sequence of stages in the process of transformation into a learning organization in Jordan, which might be regarded as a developing country. The study culminated in a novel measurement instrument to evaluate learning organizations. Application of the tool facilitated LO constructs to be analyzed.

This study aims at presenting newly-found safaitic inscriptions discovered in the Black Desert, north-eastern Jordan by the Badia Epigraphic Survey (BES) during the second (2017) field season at Wādī ar-Ru'aylah and in Wādī Suway'id. Through this paper, we aim to explain the toponyms Gl'd and Ngd in the Safaitic inscriptions, shed light on their interpretation in Safaitic and give translation and some commentary. This paper provides a comparison of inscriptions that mention these two toponyms in order to determine whether those names belong to a toponym or an adjective of a toponym. All photo credits are of 'Badia Epigraphic Survey (BES) Project'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petrological, geochemical, and biostratigraphical investigations have been conducted on seventy-nine samples from four selected sections in Jordan to understand the factors that influenced the enrichment and deposition of massive phosphorite deposits. The calcareous nannofossil marker species Broisonia parca constrica and Reticulofenestra bisecta, from the assigned sections 1 and 2 (Hawar and Al Dhahikiyya), were indicative of the Campanian and Eocene periods, respectively. The enrichment of some ecological marker species such as Kamptnerius magnificus indicates that there were cold periods during phosphate precipitation. All thin sections of the phosphate samples are of grainstone and packstone textures and are composed of skeletal fragments and peloids. Skeletal fragments appeared to be the main component of Hawar phosphates with the existence of peloids, while peloids were the component in sections 2 and 3 (section 3: Al Hisa). At least three intervals of high phosphorous values appeared in the Hawar section, showing variations in the Ca and Nd isotopes and in the terrigenous inputs. Four periods of phosphate enrichment are observed in Sections 2 and 3. These are deep water circulation periods of the early and late Campanian period, interrupted by two periods of submarine and continental weathering. Deep water circulation was initiated during cooling in the Campanian period and indicated by high phosphorous and Ca isotope components and a decline in terrigenous indicators (Al, Si, Ti, and Fe). Submarine weathering during warmer deep-sea periods is indicated by a rising Nd isotope ratio when many of the igneous provinces were subjected to weathering. Continental weathering took place in the warmer periods, with the hydrologic cycle and enhancement of terrigenous indicators (Al, Si, Ti, and Fe) being observed. The effect of the hydrologic cycle was at its highest in the south during the Campanian period and in the Eocene, as both represented shallower settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to validate the KAIIAE model in the public sector and analyse the interrelationships between Enablers and Results in the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence (KAIIAE) model to better understand the dynamic logic behind improving excellence results. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology used is structural equation modelling (partial least squares technique), and the data were obtained from the assessment processes for the KAIIAE for 98 Jordanian public organisations. Findings: The findings showed that the award model has proven to be a reliable and valid framework, as the criteria and sub-criteria were highly correlated. The set of Enablers was strongly related to the set of Results, and the synergies between the critical criteria confirmed the importance of leadership, strategy, and processes for the organisation's excellence results. It was found that the new significant and direct relationships between "People" and "People Results" and between "Partnerships and Resources" and both "Society Results" and "Key Results" improved the understanding and implementation of the model. There was a significant interrelationship between model criteria, excluding the relationship between "Society Results" and "Key Results", since the government's main objective is to serve society. A new structural model for the KAIIAE with the new relationships was suggested. Research limitations/implications: This paper concentrated only on the public sector, although the excellence model has been implemented in the private sector. Features of the different types of organisations were not tested. Furthermore, the variations in size, covered fields, number of employees and provided services need to be investigated further. Practical implications: Government award bodies can use these research findings to develop a new model version for public sector awards by combining a cohesive array of elements for any government organisational need or application. The study suggested adding new criteria or relationships or eliminating those that are not significant and have no impact on public sector organisations. The findings will assure the organisations' managers that the KAII excellence model criteria are highly correlated and synergised for public sector organisations. These criteria perform efficiently once they are considered and implemented in an interconnected manner rather than managing them independently, which makes up their management framework. This knowledge about the validity of the structure of the model allows public sector organisations to benefit fully from the self-assessment processes and improve the organisation's management, enhancing their faith in excellence award models. Social implications: This study has contributed to the existing literature on the reliability and validity of business excellence models as a framework for implementing, evaluating, and improving excellence, particularly in the government sector. Several important insights have emerged from this study. The relevant analysis supports a new model structure for excellence in the public sector. Among the model structure relationships, the study identified the existence of new direct relationships between enablers and results. New significant and direct relationships are added to the model that advances the implementation and understanding of the model. Moreover, it informs theory about Excellence Award implementation in developing countries within the context of Jordan – a topic that has previously received limited attention in the international business excellence literature. Since there is limited research on the suitability of implementing the KAIIEA excellence model (that is based on nine criteria of the EFQM model) in public organisations, this work suggested introducing a new modification to the model to suit the characteristics of the public sector. Originality/value: The considerable prominence of the government sector has drawn attention to the excellence parameters within its organisations. Hence, a lack of studies and inadequate knowledge in the governmental management system have limited testing excellence in the public sector. This paper provides support that the excellence model (KAIIAE model that is EFQM based) is an appropriate framework by identifying direct and significant model interrelationships for the public sector based on the actual and sufficient performance of its entities so as to drive the changes of the next model generation. This is the first study that attempts to comprehend and describe the validation of the KAIIAE model in the public sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the lack of adequate infrastructure and management, the current busy mechanic industrial zone (MIZ) in the Mafraq City, Jordan is causing several negative effects on its surroundings, including a daily traffic congestion; visual-, air-, and noise pollution; and land-value degradation. The objective of the study presented in this paper is to integrate eco-industrial park principles (EIPs) into multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) and geographic information systems (GIS) for the selection a new MIZ site in Mafraq. A GIS-EIP model was first developed by analyzing the different variables involved, which included the terrain slope suitability; proximity to transportation, utility networks, health centers, and schools; protected sites; stream networks; urban areas; and vacant land. The proposed GIS-EIP model was carried out in the following four steps: (i) identifying the potential areas for the new MIZ site based on specific EIP criteria, (ii) determining the weight and score values for each criterion, (iii) integrating the criteria using a map integration procedure, and (iv) evaluating suitable locations for the new MIZ site. A suitability map was created thereafter, based on five categories (equally suitable, slightly suitable, strongly suitable, very strongly suitable, and extremely suitable). Then, concentrating on the last three suitability categories only, twenty land parcels were identified as the best alternative sites. These identified parcels, which span an area greater than 0.7km2 within a square of 1km and are located within vacant land, were determined to be the best fit to the EIP principles applied in this study. These results can be used by Mafraq's decision-makers to select the best place to relocate its busy MIZ and thereby reduce its current traffic congestion and environmental problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Upper endoscopy is an essential tool for diagnosing pediatric gastrointestinal issues. This study aimed to assess the indications, diagnostic yields, concordance between histopathological and endoscopic findings and suitability of upper endoscopies performed at a tertiary university hospital in Jordan.Methods: Hospital records of children who underwent upper endoscopy were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, endoscopic details (e.g., indications, findings and any complications), and histopathological findings were collected. The relationship between endoscopic findings and histopathological abnormalities was reported.Results: The study included 778 patients (age, 92.5 ± 54.5 months; 380 girls, 48.8%). The most common age group was children younger than 60 months (273 patients, 34.3%). The most common indication for endoscopy was abdominal pain, followed by vomiting and failure to thrive or weight loss. Normal upper endoscopy was reported in 411 patients (52.8%). Age below 60 months, abdominal pain, dysphagia/odynophagia, and heartburn were predictive of abnormal endoscopy in multivariate analysis with p-value 0.000, 0.048, 0.001 and 0.01 respectively. Abnormal endoscopy showed 67.3% sensitivity and 69.9% specificity to predict histopathological abnormalities. Of those performed, 13.6% endoscopies were described as inappropriate indication. The suitability of the procedure was a sensitive predictor for abnormal endoscopic and histopathological findings.Conclusions: Abdominal pain is the most common indication for upper endoscopy in our population. It is associated with a higher chance of abnormal endoscopy. Concordance between endoscopic and histopathological findings is not high. Normal endoscopic findings shouldn`t discourage the endoscopist from obtaining tissue biopsies. Considering more biopsies may improve pathological detection rates. Compliance with established endoscopy guidelines may reduce unnecessary procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To review the indications and clinical profile of neonatal admissions at King Abdullah University Hospital in Jordan. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional review of all neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between September 2016 and September 2018. Collected data include demographic characteristics, indications for admission, morbidities and mortality, and discharge outcomes. Findings were reported among term and preterm infants. Results: A total of 1444 infants were admitted during the study period of whom 1332 (92.2%) were inborn and 612 (42.4%) were term neonates. Of the 832 preterm infants, 545 were late preterm (34– 36 6/7 gestation) and 125 had very low birth weight (˂ 1500 grams); 925 (64%) were born by cesarean section. Respiratory failure of the newborn (41.2%) and prematurity (33.3%) were the main indications for admission among the whole cohort. Maternal prolonged premature rupture of membranes (PROM) was observed in nearly half the admissions of term infants. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (3.2% vs 0.7%, p 0.01) and congenital anomalies (5% vs 1.2%, p 0.03) were more common in term infants. The rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was 39% among < 28-week and 28% among < 32-week premature infants. Sepsis was encountered in 59 infants. The overall mortality rate was 3.8%. Prematurity was the main predisposing factor for mortality (Adjusted OR: 9.9, 95% CI: 3.5, 27.6). Conclusion: The majority of neonatal admissions at our institution are term and late preterm infants delivered by cesarean section. Prematurity, respiratory failure of the newborn, and suspected sepsis due to maternal PROM are the leading causes of admission. The mortality rate is within WHO target to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3. Population-based studies are needed to make better conclusions that represent the whole Jordanian population. A revisit for the indications of cesarean deliveries may help to improve the neonatal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluates the decentralization experience in Jordan offering an empirical test of the tripartite model of decentralization that has been developed by Schneider (2003) using descriptive and inferential analyses. The finding indicates that there is a moderate extent of the implementation of decentralization in Jordan with a mean of 3.12 and standard deviation of 0.581. SPSS analysis confirms a moderate degree for each core indicator within Jordanian experience; the mean average values recorded were 3.33, 3.11, and 2.95 for political, financial, and administrative indicators, respectively. As a result, Jordan's local administration essentially remains dependent on the local arms of centralized power. Finally, the implementation of decentralization experience in Jordan is influenced by the position variable of Jordanian civil servants at level (α ≤.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Municipalities are facing financial challenges and problems mainly in the collection of revenues. The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate the attitudes of a random sample of the employees (376)working in the revenues department in the Jordanian municipalities about the main factors affecting the collection of revenues using a questionnaire survey. Findings revealed that the most important factors affecting revenues collection were organizational, social and personal, legal, and economic respectively. Participants reported that mayors and municipality council are lenient in forcing the administrative process of revenues collection for re-electability purposes. In addition, results showed that the lack of allocated human, financial, and technical resources are crucial obstacle in collecting revenuesin the Jordanian municipalities. Findings indicate that tribe and family relations with the employees of the municipality were considered crucial in not forcing taxpayers to fulfill their financial dues. The evidence of this study will help policy makers, mayors, and financial managers to consider the key factors to improve and enhance revenues collection aiming to sustain highly quality local services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface sediment samples were collected from Ziqlab dam in northwestern Jordan to investigate the spatial distribution of selected trace metals and assess their pollution levels. The results showed that the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn exceeded the environmental background values. Cd, Ni, and Cr contents were higher than the threshold effect level (TEL) in 63, 83, and 60 % of the reservoir sediments, respectively; whereas Pb, Zn, and Cu were less than the TEL limit. The concentrations of trace metals in reservoir sediment varied spatially, but their variations showed similar trends. Elevated levels of metals observed in the western part (adjacent to the dam wall) were coincided with higher contents of clay-silt fraction and total organic matters. Multivariate analysis indicated that Pb, Co, and Mn may be related to the lithologic component and/or the application of agrochemicals in the upstream agricultural farms. However, Cd and Zn concentrations were probably elevated due to inputs from agricultural sources, including fertilizers. Evaluation of contamination levels by the Sediment Quality Guidelines of the US-EPA, revealed that sediments were non-polluted to moderately polluted with Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cr, but non-polluted to moderately to heavily polluted with Ni and non-polluted with Mn. The geoaccumulation index showed that Ziqlab sediments were unpolluted with Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Co, and Mn, but unpolluted to moderately polluted with Cd. The high enrichment values for Cd and Pb (>2) indicate their anthropogenic sources, whereas the remaining elements were of natural origins consistent with their low enrichment levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Jordan is relatively poor in conventional energy resources and is basically a non-oil producing country, i.e. its energy supply relies to a very large extent on imports. It is therefore unlikely that any future energy scenario for Jordan will not include a significant proportion of its energy to come from renewable sources such as solar energy. The lack of an integrated energy saving system which utilizes the solar energy for domestic hot water as well as for building space heating was the main motivation for the present study. In Jordan, there is no existing system can provide the integration mechanisms of solar energy and fuel combustion with electrical ones. Also adding new and related products increases sales of current boilers products and can be offered at competitive prices. During our investigations, it has been found that the market demand for boiler–solar integration system in terms of the system acceptability, system feasibility, and system values is very high especially after the increased in oil prices during the last 3years, i.e. 2006–2008. The market trend shows that even though solar collector is not attractive as an energy source for domestic hot water, but the combined system for space heating and domestic hot water is fully accepted. However, the market demand for such a system is not completely identified yet but the awareness and the discussion of the idea shows a good potential. The economical study about the integration system of boiler and solar energy shows that using solar water heaters to heat space and for domestic water is cost-effective. Payback can be as low as 3years, and utility bills are much lower than they would be using a conventional heating system. The initial draft and design of a prototype for the boiler–solar–electrical integration system has been carried out. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose ? The purpose of this research is to examine the impact on organizational performance of the application of management and human resource practices, and to attempt to outline key elements and assess development of the learning organization (LO) concept in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach ? The tool described in this article assesses relationships between LO practices and financial and operational performance measures. The empirical research aims at deconstructing the LO formation through the development and validation of a conceptual model. A total of 41 companies belonging to large industrial sectors in Jordan participated in a survey by responding to a research questionnaire. Findings ? The outcomes of the study indicate that the LO concept can be explored in Jordanian industry using eight constructs. These constructs were found to be strongly correlated. In general, this study identifies basic steps in the process of transformation into a learning organization in Jordan. Originality/value ? The study identifies the sequence of stages in the process of transformation into a learning organization in Jordan, which might be regarded as a developing country. The study culminated in a novel measurement instrument to evaluate learning organizations. Application of the tool facilitated LO constructs to be analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Monitoring and modeling was done to analyze a Nabtaean flood management system. • Special consideration were needed for modeling ultra-low flow in semi-arid regions. • Results suggested that large no. of small check-dams are better than a large one in Petra. • A large dam has the advantage of reducing the peak flow more than several smaller dams. • Delay in peak time rather than reduction in volume is the main advantage of check dams. Evaluating the function and effectiveness of the Nabatean flash flood management system in Petra requires both insight into the nature and extent of the system as well as its hydrological information. Studies of runoff and flooding in semi-arid mountainous regions with high potential for flash floods, such as Petra, can be limited by the lack of any runoff measurements as well as low-resolution rainfall and terrain data. Wadi Hremiyyeh is a small catchment that flows into the Treasury Plaza and is responsible for much of the flooding that occurs there. Half meter spatial-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) was built for this catchment using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) surveying, which was useful in determining the exact sites of terraces built by the Nabataeans for flood management. Rainfall data from the nearby Wadi Musa station was supplemented with a new station installed through this project for continuous precipitation measurements at the site. New water level meters specifically designed for that purpose were installed within the main channel. Four of the ancient Nabataean and post Nabataean check dams were restored. Data collected from the 2019–2020 rainy season created an understanding of the rain-runoff conditions at the site and was utilized in constructing and calibrating hydrological models using HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS software. The function and the effectiveness of the rebuilt terraces were evaluated. The models suggest that terraces are effective at delaying the flood peak time (up to 25-minute delay for an 18 dam setup) and at reducing the actual amount of water arriving downstream (13.5% volume reduction). Similar results can be observed for lower frequency flood analysis, in which the models also show effectiveness of these interventions. Modeling of a large dam, rather than the smaller terraces and check dams, shows that such an intervention would result in a reduction of 30.5% in peak flow but a delay of the peak of merely 14 min. While Petra was the venue for this work, its techniques and suggested parameters are applicable to cases of similar arid and semi-arid mountainous regions that are subjected to flash floods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The Gulf of Aqaba (GoA) supports unique and diverse marine ecosystems. It is one of the highest anthropogenically impacted coasts in the Middle East region, where rapid human activities are likely to degrade these naturally diverse but stressed ecosystems. (2) Methods: Various water quality parameters were measured to assess the current status and conditions of GoA seawater including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total alkalinity (TA), Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, PO43−, NH4+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Sr, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn. (3) Results: The pH values indicated basic coastal waters. The elevated levels of TDS with an average of about 42 g/L indicated highly saline conditions. Relatively low levels of inorganic nutrients were observed consistent with the prevalence of oligotrophic conditions in GoA seawater. The concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Sr, Cl−, and SO42− in surface layer varied spatially from about 423–487, 2246–2356, 9542–12,647, 513–713, 9.2–10.4, 22,173–25,992, and 317–407 mg/L, respectively. The average levels of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn ranged from 0.51, 0.38, 1.44, 1.29, 0.88, 0.38, and 6.05 µg/L, respectively. (4) Conclusions: The prevailing saline conditions of high temperatures, high evaporation rates, the water stratification and intense dust storms are major contributing factors to the observed seawater chemistry. The surface distribution of water quality variables showed spatial variations with no specific patterns, except for metal contents which exhibited southward increasing trends, closed to the industrial complex. The vast majority of these quality parameters showed relatively higher values compared to those of other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northwestern Arabian plate has been long influenced by various processes, including late Precambrian crustal extension, Paleozoic rifting and ice-sheet loading/unloading, and inversion during the Late Cretaceous–Late Eocene times. It has been experiencing extension in a N-S direction since the Oligocene, N-S-trending strike-slip faulting along the Dead Sea Transform Fault accompanied by the N-S extension of its surroundings, as well as shortening from E to W since the Miocene. The primary objective of this research is to examine the tectono-stratigraphic development of the Central Jordan Region (CJR), located in the northwestern Arabian plate, by employing data from seismic surveys and well logs. The CJR hosts five significant fault systems: Feinan-Zekimat AlHasa, Salwan, Karak-Wadi Al Fayha, Dana, and Hasa faults. Despite the surface expressions of these faults highlighting the tectonic impacts during the Late Cretaceous-recent period, there is a lack of comprehensive research investigating how previous tectonics influenced their structural evolution. Seismic data and well-log integration provide a unique opportunity to fill this knowledge gap. Here we identified six major stratigraphic units: upper Precambrian, Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Lower Cretaceous, and Upper Cretaceous. Using time-structure maps, we also identified several phases of fault growth, with evidence suggesting that faulting primarily occurred during the late Precambrian as part of the Najd Fault System. The reactivation of these faults can be attributed to the combined effects of the Late Ordovician ice-sheet loading and the uplift during the late Paleozoic to Early Cretaceous periods. The growth of all pre-existing faults was contemporaneous with a change in the regional stress field from the Late Cretaceous to the recent. The vertical correlation between the latest Cretaceous faulting of the CJR and the previously published topographic lineaments map suggests a tectonic control on the evolution of the surface structures. Graphical Abstract [Display omitted] • Imaging of subsurface tectono-stratigraphy in Central Jordan for the first time. • Five growth basement faults cut the entire overburden stratigraphy. • These faults were mainly moved during the Precambrian due to the Najd Fault System. • Ice-load and major uplift caused fault reactivation during the Paleozoic. • Modifying the stress field during the Turonian-recent caused faulting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The draining of the herein introduced ancient Lake Elji, and the subsequent erosion of its lacustrine sediments, were necessary precursors to the Late Epipalaeolithic (Natufian) and later settlement of Petra. This study investigates this geological history and relates it to human occupation of the broader region. Widespread carbonates consisting of algal mat deposits, beach rocks, and rhizoliths are consistently present at the 1060 m contour line of what is believed to be the shoreline of Lake Elji in the Petra basin. Well sorted siliciclastic fluvio-lacustrine sediments at lower elevations and human settlement patterns all indicate that a standing body of water once existed in the area. Stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen, as well as the fossil assemblages and the textures of the carbonate deposits, suggest that the body of water was an open lake with regular outflows. A sill has been identified at Ras Btahi, indicating a southward outflow direction, as opposed to the current drainage pattern towards the west. The lack of a basin closure towards the west at the time, as evidenced by thick, low energy sediment accumulations, suggest that tectonic movements were responsible for breaching the lake and establishing the current hydrological pattern. Results obtained from the optical stimulated luminiscence (OSL) in the palaeolake sediments indicate that the basin was closed from at least 100 Ka up to approximately 9 Ky. This timeline is also supported by the distribution of archaeological sites in the area and a previously documented massive erosional event at the end of this period. Subsequent gradual denudation of the basin sediments allowed for the settlement in the center of Petra during the Early Nabatean period. • The area of Petra was covered by a lake in the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene. • This lake significantly shrank in the Early Holocene as the climate changed. • Post Neolithic tectonism changed the drainage pattern in the area. • Continuous subsequent denudation of the sediments allowed for the existence of Petra as it is now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]