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The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that determine intention to adopt e-learning in Jordanian universities. Two models of e-learning that are observed among adopting institutions: E-learning as a supplement to traditional classroom mode, and total electronic learning. The respondents in this research have just been introduced to the first model. The paper takes a social, and technical approach in its investigation by using a research model based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to identify the factors that affect intention to adopt e-learning. The model identifies specific salient beliefs that may influence technology usage, such as instructors attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, perceived usefulness, ease of use, Normative beliefs, Internet Self-efficacy, Perceived Accessibility and university support. stratified random sampling method was used to select instructors. Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis was used to assess the relationships in the constructs. The paper presents some findings on e-learning adoption intention determinants. It also discusses some of the implications of the findings on theory and practice.

The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating factors that effect on adaption e-learning among students in Jordanian universities. Two models of e-learning that are observed among adopting institutions are: E-learning as a supplement to traditional classroom model have been introduced by the respondents in this research. The paper takes a social, and technical approach in its investigation by using a research model based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to identify the factors that affect intention to adopt e-learning. The model identifies the age and gender as a moderator between (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control) and Behavioural intention. Stratified random sampling method was used to select students. 322 from 450 students which response (71.5%) at three public and three private universities in Jordan. Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis was used to assess the relationships in the constructs. The paper presents some findings on e-learning adoption intention determinants. It also discusses some of the implications of the findings on theory and practice in Education.

The aim of this research is to examine if there are differences of the age, gender, and internet experience on behavioural intention to adopt e-learning of the instructors in Jordanian universities. The paper takes a social, and technical approach in its investigation by using a research model based on the ANOVA and t-test Analysis to identify if there are differences or not. Stratified random sampling method was used to select instructors. 245 from 360 instructors responded (68.1%) at three public and three private universities in Jordan. The paper presents some findings on e-learning adoption intention determinants. It also discusses some of the implications of the findings.

PURPOSE: In reality, service failures are inevitable. However, poor service recovery can decrease customer trust and exacerbate customer dissatisfaction. Previous studies have focused on service failure types, reasons for failure, and successful recovery actions from the customers' perspective. Accordingly, this study aims to present a different view by investigating the factors that could improve hotel recovery performance from the employees' perspective. Therefore, a model was developed to study the influence of employees' voice, tacit knowledge sharing, and employee innovation on service recovery performance. METHODOLOGY: This quantitative study used an online survey to gather data from employees in the hotel industry in Jordan. A total of 214 valid responses were obtained. Participants were targeted randomly, mainly through Facebook groups for hotel employees. PLS-SEM (Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling) was employed in this research to analyze the data using Smart PLS 3 software. FINDINGS: The results indicated that employee voice is positively associated with tacit knowledge sharing. Furthermore, it was found that tacit knowledge sharing is positively related to employee innovation. The findings demonstrated that tacit knowledge plays a partial mediating role in the association between employee voice and employee innovation. Additionally, it was discovered that employee innovation has a positive association with service recovery performance. Finally, the results indicate that employee innovation partially mediates the relationship between tacit knowledge and service recovery performance. IMPLICATIONS: Hoteliers are suggested to create a supportive work climate where employees can express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of retribution. Furthermore, hotel managers are advised to establish clear expectations for employees regarding the significance of their opinions and insights, and recognize and reward innovative ideas that can hopefully enhance hotels' performance. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: This research provides new insights and contributes to the understanding of the role of employee voice, tacit knowledge sharing, and employee innovation in enhancing service recovery performance, particularly in a context that has received little attention from researchers, which is the hotel sector, and in a developing country, Jordan. Compared to past studies, this study offers a model that demonstrates how to leverage service recovery efforts in hotels by illustrating structured relationships between employee voice and service recovery performance through the mediation of tacit knowledge sharing and employee innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was designed to uncover the chemistry and bioactivity potentials of Bupleurum lancifolium growing wild in Jordan. In this context, the fresh aerial parts obtained from the plant material were subjected to hydrodistillation followed by GC/MS analysis. The main components of the HDEO were γ-patchoulene (23.79%), β-dihydro agarofuran (23.50%), α-guaiene (14.11%), and valencene (13.28%). Moreover, the crude thanolic extract was partitioned to afford two main major fractions, the aqueous methanol (BLM) and butanol (BLB). Phytochemical investigation of both fractions, using conventional chromatographic techniques followed by careful inspection of the spectral data for the isolated compounds (NMR, IR, and UV-Vis), resulted in the characterization of five known compounds, including α-spinasteryl (M1), ethyl arachidate (M2), ethyl myristate (M3), quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-4")-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (B1), and isorhamnetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-4")-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (B2). The TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity testing of both fractions and HDEO revealed an interesting ABTS scavenging potential of the BLB fraction compared to the employed positive controls, which is in total agreement with its high TP and TF contents. Cytotoxic evaluation tests revealed that BLM had interesting cytotoxic effects on the normal breast cell line MDA-MB-231 (ATCC–HTB-26) and the normal dermal fibroblast (ATCC® PCS-201-012) and normal African green monkey kidney Vero (ATCC-CCL-81) cell lines. Despite both the BLB and BLM fractions showing interesting AChE inhibition activities (IC50 = 217.9 ± 5.3 µg/mL and 139.1 ± 5.6 µg/mL, respectively), the HDEO revealed an interestingly high AChE inhibition power (43.8 ± 2.7 µg/mL) that far exceeds the one observed for galanthamine (91.4 ± 5.2 µg/mL). The HDEO, BLM, and BLB exhbitied no interesting antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart cities are characterized by the integration of various technologies and the use of data to achieve several objectives. These objectives include the creation of efficiencies, boosting economic development, expanding sustainability, and improving the overall quality of life for individuals residing and working within the urban environment. The aim of this study is to analyze the future of smart cities with respect to developing countries, specifically Jordan as the case. This analysis is based on the opinions and feedback from the field experts. In this study, we are tapping into multiple domains of smart cities such as smart governance, education, healthcare, communication, transportation, security, energy, and sustainability. The field experts' consensus was developed with the Delphi method. The Delphi survey comprises eight questions to assess the views about smart city adoption and development with respect to Jordan. The results and findings of this study revealed specific challenges and opportunities in smart city adoption with respect to Jordan. The experts' opinions have validated the study of the 2023 Smart City Index report. They have offered crucial input and future guidance for the adoption of smart cities in Jordan. Additionally, they have indicated which domains of smart cities should be prioritized during the implementation in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a surge in acute stress among individuals who are exposed to distressing images and videos daily via social media. Aim: This study aimed to examine the impact of watching Gaza news footage on social media among Jordanian adolescents, and explore the experiences of watching Gaza news footage on social media from the perspective of adolescents. Methods: An explanatory mixed methods design was conducted from 10/10/2023 until 6/11/2023, undertaken at two government high schools in Jordan. The Perceived Stress Scale was used to survey 180 Jordanian students who watched Gaza news footage on social media. Then the students who had high stress levels were interviewed. Results: 180 students participated in this study, more than half of them were male (52.2%). The quantitative findings showed that the students experienced high stress levels, with a mean score of 3.78 (SD = 1.24). 70% of students reported high levels of stress, the amount of time spent watching news footage about the Gaza attack on social media each day, and the presence of social support from family or peers are significantly linked to stress levels (p < 0.05). The qualitative findings revealed the following themes: Extreme Emotional Responses, Sources of Stressors and Impact of Stress Extreme Emotional Responses, Sources of Stressors and Impact of Stress. Conclusion: Study findings revealed high stress levels among adolescents after watching Gaza news on social media, highlighting the need for interventions in the context of the three major themes revealed in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, resistance to antimicrobial drugs is a major hazard to public health. Infections that were once easily treatable with antibiotics are becoming harder to control, leading to prolonged illnesses, increased mortality rates, and higher healthcare costs. Aim: This study intended to assess the antimicrobial, specifically the anti-Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and anticancer properties of different extracts obtained from A. herba-alba (AHA). Methods: The antibacterial tests of AHA were performed on two Gram-negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia), two Gram-positive bacterial strains (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Staphylococcus aureus). Initial screening for antibacterial activities was conducted using the well diffusion technique. Subsequently, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined through the broth-dilution assay. The anticancer test was carried out in vitro on a human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT-116) using MTT assay. Results: Among all extracts, n-hexane extract of AHA was the most effective against S. aureus with the highest inhibition zone (24.67 mm ± 0.58) compared to standard antibiotic (erythromycin, 24.00 mm) followed by the methanolic extract against MRSA (24.00 mm ± 1.73). The methanol extract of AHA showed the highest antibacterial activity against MRSA. The results of MIC and MBC of the AHA methanol extract against MRSA were 1.17 ± 1.09 and 9.375 ± 0.0 mg/ml, respectively, demonstrating therapeutically significant antibacterial activity. Ethyl acetate extract has no antibacterial activity against E. coli and K. pneumonia. The findings indicated that the methanol extract of AHA exhibited the highest efficacy against the colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT-116), with an IC50 value of 126.61 ± 13.35 μg/ml. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the methanol extract of AHA could be considered as a potential agent to serve as a source of antibacterial and anticancer compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To examine the understanding of the ethical dilemmas associated with Big Data and artificial intelligence (AI) among Jordanian medical students, physicians in training, and senior practitioners. Methods: We implemented a literature-validated questionnaire to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the target population during the period between April and August 2023. Themes of ethical debate included privacy breaches, consent, ownership, augmented biases, epistemology, and accountability. Participants' responses were showcased using descriptive statistics and compared between groups using t-test or ANOVA. Results: We included 466 participants. The greater majority of respondents were interns and residents (50.2%), followed by medical students (38.0%). Most participants were affiliated with university institutions (62.4%). In terms of privacy, participants acknowledged that Big Data and AI were susceptible to privacy breaches (39.3%); however, 59.0% found such breaches justifiable under certain conditions. For ethical debacles involving informed consent, 41.6% and 44.6% were aware that obtaining informed consent posed an ethical limitation in Big Data and AI applications and denounced the concept of "broad consent", respectively. In terms of ownership, 49.6% acknowledged that data cannot be owned yet accepted that institutions could hold a quasi-control of such data (59.0%). Less than 50% of participants were aware of Big Data and AI's abilities to augment or create new biases in healthcare. Furthermore, participants agreed that researchers, institutions, and legislative bodies were responsible for ensuring the ethical implementation of Big Data and AI. Finally, while demonstrating limited experience with using such technology, participants generally had positive views of the role of Big Data and AI in complementing healthcare. Conclusion: Jordanian medical students, physicians in training and senior practitioners have limited awareness of the ethical risks associated with Big Data and AI. Institutions are responsible for raising awareness, especially with the upsurge of such technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia herba-alba (AHA), known as sheeh in Jordan, is recommended by regional traditional healers for the treatment of a variety of diseases. AHA has been used in folk medicine to treat colds, coughing, bronchitis, intestinal disturbances, diarrhea, neuralgias, arterial hypertension, and diabetes. The objectives of the current study were to identify the chemical compositions of the essential oil extracted from dried leaf powder of AHA cultivated in Jordan and investigate its antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The essential oil was isolated using hydro distillation, and the identification of artemisia herba-alba essential oil (AHEO) composition was performed using validated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial activity of AHEO was assessed against escherichia coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa, klebsiella pneumonia, and staphylococcus aureus and two clinical isolates (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus epidermidis [MRSE]) using a disc diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values, using the micro-dilution broth method. Additionally, antioxidant activities were determined using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. The results revealed that the yield of AHEO was 4.41% v/w, with nearly 22 identified compounds, constituting approximately 96.80% of the total mass of essential oils. Monoterpenoids was the major compounds (71.90%), with alpha pinene being the major component, accounting for 17.20% of the composition. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 43.97 mg GAE/g and 30.11 mg CE/g, respectively. The antibacterial activity of AHEO against MRSE exhibited the highest inhibitory effect, while E.coli showed the highest MBC value. Furthermore, AHEO demonstrated significant antioxidant activity (IC50= 64.57 and 34.01 for DPPH and ABTS, respectively). The results indicate that AHEO possess good antioxidant and antibacterial properties, suggesting that they may be used as a supplementary food and antimicrobial agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The number of cancer survivors and survivorship are increasing. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has not been widely studied in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study is to explore HRQOL of childhood brain tumor survivors and its determinants in Jordan. Methods Health-related quality of life information was collected from 80 patients treated at the King Hussein Cancer Center and their parents using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Generic Core Scales questionnaire in Arabic. Multivariable linear OLS regression models were used to analyze correlates of HRQOL and compare differences between child- and parent-reported responses. Results Health-related quality of life scores reported by survivors and by parents were positively correlated on all subscales and total PedsQL scores (r = 0.59, P =.001). Survivors reported better HRQOL in cognitive subscale (β = 0.56, P =.03) and worse HRQOL in work subscale (β = 0.43, P =.04), but no significant differences in the physical, emotional, and social subscales and total PedsQL scores. Significant predictors of HRQOL reported by parents and by children were different. Supratentorial tumor location was associated with a 10.97-unit lower physical HRQOL score, and recurrence of tumors predicted a 17.5-unit lower total HRQOL score, indicating worse quality of life. Male gender (β = 14.9, P =.002) and diagnosis of hypopituitarism (β = 16.1, P =.03) were associated with better HRQOL. Furthermore, patients that only had radiotherapy treatment had better emotional HRQOL (β = 32.9, P =.006) compared to patients that had combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Conclusion This study provides evidence on determinants of HRQOL of pediatric brain tumor patients in Jordan. Future studies need to capitalize on the findings of this study to institute a system for regular assessment of quality of life of pediatric cancer patients in Jordan and other countries with similar health care systems and sociocultural backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (pedDTC) is a rare pediatric malignancy with an increasing incidence over time. To date, there is a paucity of literature specifically addressing pedDTC within the context of Middle Eastern ethnicity. This retrospective study aimed to assess the risk-stratifying factors for overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in pediatric DTC patients from Iraq and Jordan. The medical records of 81 patients from two tertiary cancer institutes were retrieved. Kaplan–Meier analysis was employed to investigate OS and EFS, and the Cox proportional hazards model was employed to estimate hazard ratios. All patients underwent surgery and radioactive iodine therapy, with a median age of 14 and an interquartile range of 12–15. Lymph node involvement was observed in 55% of cases, while distant metastases were present in 13.5%. After a median follow-up period of 68 months, the 10-year survival rate was determined to be 94%, while the 10-year EFS rate was 58%. EFS was negatively impacted by cervical lymph node metastases and early age of diagnosis (p ≤ 0.01, each). Therefore, pediatrics with initial cervical lymph node metastases and those diagnosed before puberty tend to experience poorer EFS, which may justify the need for more aggressive management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was designed to reveal the main groups of secondary metabolites in the methanol (M) and acetone (A) extracts from four Euphorbia species from Jordan. The extracts of these species were also tested for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic effects against human MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. Different groups of secondary metabolites were found in the M and A extracts of E. hierosolymitana, E. aleppica, E. petiolata, and E. prostrata. All extracts had moderately high TPC and TFC. Of all species, both extracts of E. aleppica had an exceptionally high TFC that far exceeded its content in all other extracts (1462.67 ± 0.04; 1600.44 ± 0.03 mg quercetin equivalents/g of extract, respectively). E. prostrata extracts had high amounts of TPC (182.61 ± 0.12; 187.35 ± 0.07 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract) and TFC (629.78 ± 0.00; 774.22 ± 0.01 mg quercetin/g extract). Extracts obtained from the tested Euphorbia species had moderate high antioxidant activity, but the DPPH and ABTS-scavenging activity of the E. prostrata extracts was the highest, but were lower than those observed for the the positive controls (range 0.004-0.009 mg/mL). The methanol extract of E. hierosolymitana also showed strong DPPH scavenging activity (0.007 ± 0.002 mg/mL). The acetone extract of E. prostrata showed much stronger anticancer activity than the positive control drug, doxorubicin (62.5±3.71 mg/mL), against the human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 (HTB-26TM) cell line (IC50 value: 58 ± 3.71 µg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different drying techniques may alter the chemical composition of plant extracts and consequently affect their bioactivity potential. The current study was designed to reveal the effect of four different drying methods on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of hydrodistilled essential oil (HD-EO) and methanolic (APM) extract obtained from the aerial part of Anthemis palestina from Jordan. Aerial parts of A. palestina in their fresh (FR) form and after drying in shade (ShD), sun (SD), oven at 40 °C (O40D) and 60 °C (O60D), in addition to microwave (MWD), were used to extract their essential oils by hydrodistillation and to prepare the different methanolic extracts (APM). GC/MS analysis of the different HD-EOs revealed qualitative and quantitative differences among the different samples. While FR, O40D, O60D, and MWD EO samples contained mainly sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (35.43%, 29.04%, 53.69%, and 59.38%, respectively), ShD sample was rich in oxygenated monoterpenes (33.57%), and SD-EO contained mainly oxygenated sesquiterpenes (40.36%). Principal component analysis (PCA) and Cluster analysis (CA) grouped the different drying methods based on their impact on the concentration of chemical constituents. SD-EO demonstrated high DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activity (1.31 ± 0.03) × 10−2; (1.66 ± 0.06) × 10−2 μg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, A. paleistina methanolic extracts (APM) obtained after subjecting the plant to different drying methods showed interesting patterns in terms of their TPC, TFC, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical profiling. Of all extracts, SD-APM extract had the highest TPC (105.37 ± 0.19 mg GA/g DE), highest TFC (305.16 ± 3.93 mg Q/g DE) and demonstrated the highest DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities ((4.42 ± 0.02) × 10−2; (3.87 ± 0.02) × 10−2 mg/mL, respectively); all were supported by correlation studies. LC-MS/MS analysis of the different extracts revealed the richness of the SD-APM extract in phenolic acids and flavonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous studies have linked COVID-19 to a range of human health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Only a few research have focused on the specific effects of COVID-19 on healthy people. Consequently, this study was designed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on hematological and biochemical markers among healthy people infected with COVID-19 patients according to sex, and age. Materials and methods: This study is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted on 2,640 healthy people infected with COVID-19 in Jordan for the period from January 2021 to March 2022. Independent t-test and one-way ANOVA tests were used to compare the means of different groups. Results: In the present study, only 271 out of 2,640 COVID-19 cases met the criteria and were assessed according to sex and age. The average age of the study population was 57.90 years. The findings of this study revealed that statistically significant increases were noticed only in the levels of WBC, K, and ferritin of males compared with females. Similarly, statistically significant increases across various age groups were observed in WBC, MCV, MCH, PT, INR, and D-dimer levels. Moreover, statistically significant increases in FBS, creatinine, AST, CPK, CK-MB, ferritin, and LDH were seen when comparing the biochemical parameters across age groups. Conclusions: Patients infected with COVID-19 should be screened for all these studied hematological and biochemical parameters because the findings of the present study suggest that COVID-19 could lead to disturbances in, WBC, PT, APTT, d-dimer, INR, FBS, CR, urea, K, AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, CPK, CK-MB, and ferritin. We recommend clinical physicians to monitor patients' conditions immediately by evaluating all of these parameters in order to prevent patients from deteriorating into life-threatening situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the social cognitive elements of the stigma of mental illness (knowledge, attitudes and behaviours) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Jordan. Design: A cross‐sectional descriptive design. Methods: A total of 206 HCPs were conveniently recruited from general hospitals in Jordan. The mental attitude, knowledge and intended behaviours scales were used to measure stigma elements. Results: Participants reported a moderate level of knowledge, a moderate negative attitude and a moderate or not greater interest to deal with people with mental health illnesses. The bivariate correlation revealed a negative significant correlation between HCPs' knowledge and attitude, indicating that HCPs with more knowledge significantly have more positive attitude (lower average score) towards those suffering from the illness. A more significant correlation was found between HCPs' knowledge and behaviour. The HCPs who had more knowledge were holding more interest and willingness towards dealing with persons with mental illness. Patient or Public Contribution: Negative attitudes among HCPs demand awareness programmes pertaining to the stigma of mental illness to afford higher standards of practice for patients with mental problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study aimed at examining how concepts of blogging and vlogging in touristic marketing can influence individuals' trust towards touristic destinations. Quantitative approach was used through distributing an online questionnaire on (370) individuals in Jordan. SPSS was used to screen and analyze gathered data, results of study indicated the acceptance of main hypothesis arguing that vlogging and blogging touristic marketing has a positive influence of customers' trust, also, results were able to uncover that cognitive needs, social values, and emotional & and epistemic values are very influencing when it comes to blogger/customer trust while information credibility appeared to have no impact, this can be attributed to the state of saturation that a client gets when being exposed to a good experience in terms of cognitive needs, social values, and emotional & and epistemic values study recommended paying attention to the level of information provided during blogging in order to increase the level of realism of the information provided, which would deepen the results of the experience experienced by the client. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Scrophularia is one of the largest genera belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. Different members of the genus exhibit an interesting, wide spectrum of bioactivities. Accordingly, the current study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the chemical composition of the essential oil of Scrophularia peyronii Post. from Jordan. Additionally, extracts obtained from the aerial parts with solvents of different polarities were assayed for their phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activities. The major constituents detected in the essential oil, as revealed by GC/MS analysis, contained mainly Z,Z-farnesyl acetone (11.04%), β-elemene (6.36%), n-octanal (5.98%), and spathulenol (4.58%). Each of the aqueous methanol (Sp-M) and butanol (Sp-B) extracts contained flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinone, and glycosides. Both extracts were evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and their in vitro antioxidant activity, which were assayed using the DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging methods. Additionally, the two extracts were then subjected to LC-ESI-MS/MS for the qualitative determination of their secondary metabolite content, especially in flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The results showed that the Sp-B extract of S. peyronii had the highest contents of both phenolic compounds and flavonoids and showed high radical scavenging activity, as determined by the two assay methods, when compared with the Sp-M extract. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis resulted in the detection of 21 compounds, including 8 flavonoids, 6 phenolic acids, 6 iridoids, and 2 acids. Although the majority of compounds were detected in both extracts, it was noticed that scropolioside B, 6′-O-cinnamoylharpagide, isoferulic acid, and 6-O-methylcatapol were only detected in the Sp-M fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this study was to improve the residential photovoltaic systems (RPVS) sector, using surveys as the research method. The research was carried out in four selected districts in Jordan, taking into account the largest population. The prepared sets of questionnaires covered a wide range of topics, divided into three parts and seven sections. The results showed that the highest use of solar energy for heating was in the Amman district, while in the Irbid and Zarqa districts photovoltaic (PV) system installations can potentially be more prospective because of high electricity and thermal energy usage. This study found the willingness of people to have a combined on-grid/off-grid PV systems, made by European and American manufacturers. However, those respondents were afraid of the high maintenance cost, the unclear lifespan of the system, doubtful reliability, and unclear warrantee of the PV systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A comprehensive assessment of patients' problems and needs is essential for all patients with chronic diseases, including cancer. Aim: This study assesses the problems, unmet needs and requirement for palliative care (PC) among patients with cancer. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed using a valid self-reported questionnaire. Results: On average, 62% of patients had problems that were unresolved. The need for patients to have more information about their health was identified (75.1%), followed by financial problems because of the illness and ability to afford healthcare (72.9%), and psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety and stress (67.1%). Patients stated that their spiritual needs were not being met (78.8%), and that they were experiencing psychological distress and problems with daily living that needed to be addressed through PC (78%, 75.1%, respectively). A chi-square test revealed that all problems are significantly associated with the need for PC (P<.001). Conclusion: Patients needed more assistance in psychological, spiritual, financial and physical domains, and this can be provided by palliative care. Palliative care in low-income countries is a human right for patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Introduction: Jordan hosts one of the highest numbers of refugees per capita in the world, with the Syrian crisis leading to an influx of displaced persons to the already vulnerable population. However, limited resources and a lack of cancercare strategies have made it difficult for refugees in Jordan to access quality cancer care. The King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) and Foundation (KHCF) have played a pivotal role in providing financial and medical support for displaced children with cancer, treating 968 non-Jordanian children with cancer between 2011-2022, with a median age of 6 years. Of these, 84% were fully funded by KHCF, and nationalities included Syrians (29%), Palestinians (26%), Iraqis (23%), and Yemenis (17%). Cancer diagnoses included solid tumors (44%), leukemia (23%), lymphoma (13%), bone sarcomas (9.5%), and retinoblastoma (9.1%). The median cost of treatment was JOD 18,000 (USD 25,352), with a total estimated cost of JOD 23.8 million (USD 33.5 million). More recently, in partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (SJCRH), two successive humanitarian funds (HF) were established to optimize cancer care for displaced children in Jordan. Results: Between February 2018 and September 2022, 51 children were fully treated on KHCC-SJCRH-HF, with a median age of 6 years and nationalities including Syrians (80%), Iraqis (6%), and Yemenis (8%). The most common cancer diagnoses were leukemia (41%), lymphoma (25%), solid tumors (24%), retinoblastoma (6%), and brain tumors (4%). Of these, 94% are alive and 51% are still receiving coverage. The median coverage for patients was JOD 21,808 (USD 30,715), and the total cost of treatment on KHCC/KHCF-SJCRH/American Lebanese Syrian-Associated Charities HF1 and HF2 was JOD 1.44 million (USD 1.97 million) and JOD 1.18 million (USD 1.67 million), respectively. Conclusion: This experience highlights the high burden of displaced children with cancer in Jordan, and the importance of local foundations like KHCC/KHCF and partnerships with international partners like SJCRH in providing lifesaving humanitarian initiatives and quality cancer care. Innovative cancer-care delivery models and sustainable financing are essential to ensure continuous coverage and access to cancer care for displaced persons in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the impact of cash flow variation in Jordanian construction projects from contractors' perspective and its relationship with project performance. An online questionnaire was developed and distributed to a selective sample. The respondents were project managers from contracting companies working in Jordan, around 340 construction companies. The sample frame was a form of non-probability sampling of 181 project managers. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The study results showed a positive statistically significant effect at the significance level (α ≤0.05) of cash flow variation on project performance in Jordanian construction projects. In addition, respondents indicated a high level of agreement on the impact of cash flow variation on projects' performance, with a mean of 4.01 and a standard deviation of.546. However, on the project performance dimensions' level, Quality came first, with a mean of 4.11 and at a high level, followed by Safety, with a mean of 4.01 and at a high level, while Final Cost ranked third with a mean of 3.96 and at a high level. Finally, Project Final Duration ranked fourth with a mean of 3.95. The researchers recommended the necessity of more efforts for a better understanding of the importance of cash flow by contractors to schedule project activities correctly and efficiently to maintain a steady state of the project cash flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of essential oil extracted from the aerial parts of Ballota saxatilis Sieber ex C.Presl from Jordan has been elucidated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, aqueous methanol (BsA), Butanol (BsB) and water (BsW) extracts were screened for their total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities using the 2,2 Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) methods. The most potent extracts were screened for their phenolic acids and flavonoid content using liquid the chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technique. The results indicated that the essential oil predominantly contained cis-pinane (14.76%), β-caryophyllene (8.91%) and allo-aromadendrene epoxide (6.39%). Among the different extracts investigated, the BsB fraction had the most TPC and TFC (455.79 ± 1.03 µg gallic acid/g dry extract; 272.62 ± 8.28 µg quercetin/g dry extract, respectively) and had the best radical and radical cation scavenging activities, as determined using the DPPH and ABTS methods. Quantitative and qualitative LC-MS analyses of BsA and BsB using LC-MS revealed each of the kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (30.29%), chrysoeriol-7-glucoside (7.93%) and luteolin 7-o-glucoside (7.76%) as the main constituents of the BsA fraction. The BsB fraction was rich in 7,4′-dimethoxy-3-hydroxyflavone (34.68%), kaempferol-3,7,4′-trimethyl ether (29.17%) and corymbosin (9.66%) and lower concentration levels of kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (1.63%) and chrysoeriol-7-glucoside (0.51%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The humanitarian crisis in Syria has had a profound impact on the entire region. In this study, we report the patterns of presentation and management outcomes of Syrian patients with Retinoblastoma (Rb) treated at a single tertiary cancer center in Jordan. Methods and Materials: This is a retrospective comparative study of Syrian refugees and Jordanian citizens who had Rb between 2011 and 2020. Collected data included patient demographics, presentation, tumor stage, treatment modalities, eye salvage rate, metastasis, and mortality. Results: Thirty Syrian refugees (16 (53%) had bilateral disease) and 124 Jordanian citizens (51(41%) had bilateral disease) were diagnosed with Rb during this period. The median age at diagnosis for refugees was 10 and 32 months for patients with bilateral and unilateral Rb consecutively, compared to 6 and 28 months for citizens. The median lag time between signs of disease and initiation of treatment was 3 months for refugees, compared to 1 month for citizens.Refugees were more likely to present with a more advanced stage (p=0.046). Out of 46 affected eyes in refugees; 32 (70%) eyes were group D or E, while out of 175 affected eyes among citizens; 98 (56%) eyes were group D or E. Therefore, refugees with Rb were more likely to mandate primary enucleation (48%) compared to citizens (25%) (p=0.003). However, out of 24 eyes among refugees who received conservative therapy, 15 (62%) eyes were successfully salvaged, while out of 131 affected eyes among citizens who received conservative therapy, 105 (80%) eyes were successfully salvaged (p=0.06). Two (7%) of the refugees and four (3.2%) of the citizens with Rb died from metastasis. Conclusion: Syrian refugees with Rb presented with more advanced disease due to delay in diagnosis and referral that increased the treatment burden by decreasing the chance for eye globe salvage. However, patients who received the timely intervention had a similar outcome to citizens with Rb; probably a reflection of the management of all patients at a single specialized center. We advocate for the timely referral of refugees with this rare life-threatening tumor to a specialized cancer center for the best possible outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to study and measure the impact of macro policies (monetary and financial) on the agricultural sector and economic growth in some Arab countries, namely (Saudi Arabia and Jordan), with special reference to Iraq. The research relied on the descriptive approach with quantitative analysis using the statistical program (Eviews10). The research included a time series over a period of thirty-one years (1990- 2020), where the co-integration mechanism and the error correction methodology (ECM) were used to find out the impact of some independent financial and monetary economic indicators on the variable value added of the agricultural sector of the sample countries, and then measure the value added of the agricultural sector. Estimated from the first model on the economic growth of the second stage v Using the two-stage method, in order to reach more accurate results, and one of the most important conclusions reached by the research is that all economic variables are stable at the first level and difference, so the ARDL autoregressive vector model was chosen to estimate the relationship between the long and short term variables. This model was used in order to know the nature of the relationship shown by the macro policies (financial and monetary) in the agricultural sector and the economic growth rates of all the sample countries, as it was found that the policies followed by the sample countries were ineffective. Which contributed to the low added value of the agricultural sector and thus reduced economic growth, especially in Iraq and Saudi Arabia as they are oil countries, while in Jordan the added value increased economic growth. The researcher recommended raising the efficiency of fiscal and monetary policies by relying on mechanisms that raise the agricultural added value, which in turn works to raise the economic growth rates of the sample countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Many people today, even those with a healthy body mass index (BMI), misperceive their body image and attempt an unhealthy diet regimen to lose weight. The present study aimed to investigate the distribution of weight-loss diet programs among undergraduate students at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University (AHU), Jordan, and to study the association of these strategies with students' BMI and health status. Materials and methods: 1,200 questionnaires were distributed for undergraduate students at AHU, then the data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: The results show that 43.53% (8.50% males & 91.50% females) of respondents were following weight-loss diet programs. Dieting students had a significantly higher mean BMI value (25.67±2.86), compared to non-dieting students (23.23±3.70). "To look better" was found to be the most common reason for trying a weight-loss diet program. Additionally, a significant correlation (p=0.008) was found between skipping breakfast and the occurrence of irregular and painful periods among dieting students. Conclusion: Weight-loss diet programs, which involve several unhealthy practices, are widely practiced among AHU undergraduate students, leading to the development of a variety of dietary side effects. Hence, more caution must be taken when attempting weight-loss diet programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The caregivers who provide care for patients with cancer often experience emotional and psychological stressors and burdens that could be influenced by several factors, including the cultural context. This study examines the level of emotional distress and burden and their effect on the quality of life (QOL) of Jordanian cancer patients' caregivers. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 257 family caregivers of patients at various stages of cancer. Results: The average age of caregivers was 37.5 years (SD = 12.2). Most caregivers (145; 59.2%) were female and married (168; 68.6%). About a quarter were partners (32.2%) and lived with their patients (137; 55.9%). Caregivers with a reduced overall Caregiver Quality of Life Index‐Cancer (CQOLC) score were more likely to be older, the parents of the patients, and living with patients in the same house. A significant negative relationship was found between caregivers' CQOLC and Zarit Burden Interview (r = −0.7, p = 0.001), anxiety (r = −0.69, p = 0.001), and depression (r = −0.42, p = 0.03) scores. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that burden, anxiety, and depression scores were independent predictors and explained 63% of the variance in the total CQOLC score of caregivers. Conclusion: Cancer caregivers are at elevated risk of poor QOL. Despite participants' low perception of the burden level, this study provides preliminary results for policymakers and medical practitioners to foster a comprehensive platform supporting cancer caregivers. Moreover, identifying the caregivers' readiness to provide the needed care and the availability of supportive resources, as a clinical routine, is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A shared emotional response helps with understanding what other people are feeling and/or thinking; and it is a vital skill in clinical settings. Collectivist communities place more emphasis on the emotional components of their feelings in comparison to the cognitive aspects of their emotions. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the emotions experienced by students at their first clinical placement. Methods: A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used among nine baccalaureate students. Results: Three major themes emerged from the data: overwhelming emotions; unbalanced perception of professional identity; and adjustment and adaptation. Conclusions and Discussion: It is evident that nursing students from collectivist communities encounter challenges in dealing with their emotions and managing their patients' emotions; however, they were capable of empathizing with their patients using the two components of their empathy; affective (emotion) and cognitive (cognition), with prominence given to the affective part. As countries become increasingly multi‐cultural, which in turn influences the characteristics of people entering pre‐registration nursing programs, nursing leaders are invited to address both dimensions of empathy as part of the nursing curriculum. Attention should also be given in clinical settings to appropriate channeling of clinical empathy to cultivate a professional identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

It is generally agreed that human resources are the single most significant feature of any firm. Furthermore, they are an indispensable factor in achieving both excellence and commercial success. as well as this, human resources, which are the most precious asset, are now the source of the long-term competitive advantage of a firm. The current focus on the employee as the organization's primary source of human capital management is likely where the interest in empowerment originated. The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate both the significance of employee empowerment in any type of company and the impact that empowerment has had on the growth of governmental service centres in Jordan. Using quantitative research methodology, the study recommends the necessity of three things: Work to increase citizens' awareness of the quality of services provided through government service centers; Attention to raising the level of quality of services provided through government service centers and providing all needs and capabilities; Interest in developing the capabilities of workers in government service centres in Jordan by providing courses and training programme; and Interest in developing the capabilities of workers in government service centres in Jordan by providing courses and training programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sharing economy services are growing very quickly, including with successful implementations such as mobile ride hailing services, whereby consumers and drivers can coordinate to share rides. This research investigates factors that are affecting consumers' intention to use mobile ride hailing services in developing countries. The research data was collected in June 2021 from Jordanian consumers using an online questionnaire. The collected data was then analyzed to verify the research hypothesizes using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The empirical findings indicate that personalized benefits positively attract consumers to use mobile ride hailing applications. The findings also show that consumers' privacy concerns negatively affect consumers' intention to use mobile ride hailing applications. Moreover, the findings also show that the role of laws and regulations is significant in such contexts as it decreases the negative interaction between privacy concerns and consumers' intention to use ride hailing applications. Accordingly, this research suggests that ride hailing practitioners should focus on providing more convenient services and at the same time governments and policy makers should provide protective legislations to overcome user's privacy concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zarqa Journal for Research & Studies in Humanities is the property of Zarqa Journal for Research & Studies in Humanities 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.)

The pivotal Cleome arabica L. species belongs to the Cleome genus with fascinating secondary metabolites consisting of main classes of phenols, flavonoids, and glucosinolate derivatives. The current study was carried out on three crude extracts of Cleome arabica L. plant of Jordanian origin. In terms of the valuable resources for natural new drug development. The phytochemical contents, antioxidants, and antibacterial activities, in addition to the oil composition of this species were identified. Forty-six compounds representing 96.98% of the total composition were detected from the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation (0.06%). The oil composition was dominated by nitrogen-sulfur-containing compounds (35.66%), esters (19.64%), and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (11.92%). Butanol extract had significantly the best scavenging activities of DPPH (P <.0001), ABTS (P <.0001), and hydroxyl radicals (P <.0001) while the Aq.MeOH extract exhibits the highest flavonoid content (173.5 ± 0.002 mg Quercetin/g dry extract) and had significantly the most ferrous chelating effect (P =.0011). Also, most of the tested extracts showed antibacterial activities against bacterial strains. Our findings exhibited that the Cleome arabica L. plant from Jordan origin might be a good candidate as potential biologically compounds that could be used as a source of natural antioxidants and antibacterial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies the role of Jordanian political parties in supporting the process of democratic consolidation and in solving the problems and challenges that block the process of democratic transformation. It used a cross-sectional design depending on statistics and analytics, whereby 497 male and female students were selected from three departments of the recruited colleges. Data were collected through a questionnaire, with a reliability score of 0.92 (Cronbach's alpha). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, univariate analysis, and multiple contrast tests were used to analyze the data. Findings from the study indicated that the role of Jordanian political parties in entrenching the process of democratic transformation and in solving problems and challenging procedures was partially performed. The obtained p-value of 0.00 indicates that political parties play a significant role in dealing with democratic challenges at behavioral, attitudinal, and constitutional levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the inflammation of the adnexa of the uterus, that mainly manifests in a subclinical/chronic context and goes largely underreported. However, it poses a major threat to women's health, as it is responsible for infertility and ectopic pregnancies, as well as chronic pelvic pain. Previous studies in Jordan have not reported PID, attributed mainly to the social structure of the country which largely represents a sexually conservative population. Our study aims to report the clinical symptoms that point towards PID and investigate the major risk determinants for the Jordanian population, in a cross-sectional study, using our scoring system based only on clinical data and examination. Methods: One hundred sixty-eight consecutive adult women that came in the Outpatient Clinics of Gynaecological Department of the Jordan University Hospital were interviewed and their medical history and symptoms were registered and analysed. A Score for PID symptoms, we developed, was given to each woman. Results and correlations were then statistically tested. Results: Our study population consisted of relatively young women (37.7 ± 11) that had their first child at an average age of 24.1 (± 4.8) and a mean parity of 3.1 (± 2.2). Fifty-eight women (34.5%) reported having undergone at least one CS, while the mean PID Symptom Score was 3.3 (± 2.3). The women in our study exhibited 8 symptoms of PID, namely dysmenorrhea and vaginal discharge; being the commonest (45.2% and 44.6% respectively), in addition to chronic pelvic pain, pelvic heaviness, menorrhagia, dyspareunia, urinary symptoms, and smelly urine. They also reported history of 3 conditions that can be attributed to PID, that is infertility, preterm labour, and miscarriages. Conclusions: Our PID Scoring System seems to identify the risk factors of PID and predict well the PID likelihood. This score predicts that women with higher parity, who used contraceptives and underwent any invasive medical procedure are expected to score higher in the PID Symptom Score. Our data also suggest that PID should not be ruled out in the Jordanian population when symptoms are compatible to this diagnosis. Plain language summary: As a sexually conservative country, Jordan is thought to have a low prevalence of pelvic inflammatory disease. The prevalence of STD pathogens is very low, however many patients present symptoms of PID, so we randomly interviewed 168 healthy participants and investigated symptoms related to PID. Surprisingly the percentage of participants who had symptoms of PID was high, reaching up to 64% for some symptoms. We then created a PID symptom score; where every symptom gets one mark (1–11), and tested it for association against independent factors. As a result, it can be predicted that a woman with higher parity, who used contraceptives, and underwent E & C, D & C, HSG, or Hysteroscopy is expected to score higher in the PID Symptom Score. This result draws the attention to PID incidence in similar conservative communities, and therefore further research is needed to confirm the prevalence of PID and identify the causative factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of the chemical constituents of Salvia judaica growing wild in Jordan led to the isolation and identification of 15 known compounds. These included: luteolin-3′-methyl ether (1), indole-3-carboxyaldehyde (2), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (3), tricin (4), apigenin (5), methyl isoferuloyl-7-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) lactate (6), methyl rosmarinate (7), rosmarinic acid (8), salvigenin (9), β-sitosterol (10), 3β, 28-dihydroxyurs-12-ene (11), cirsilineol (12), 2,3-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (13), β-sitosteryl glucoside (14), and tormentic acid (15). Compounds 6 and 7 exhibited strong radical scavenging and chelating activities as compared to α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid, compound 7 showed a 2-fold greater antioxidant activity as compared to compound 6. Furthermore, low doses of compounds 6 and 7 were able to inhibit the growth of leukemic (HL-60, Jurkat, K562 and CCRF-SB) and solid tumor cells (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and Caco-2). Compound 7 showed a ca. 3–4-fold stronger cytotoxicity against the tested cells as compared to compound 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical screening of the different extracts obtained from each of Capparis spinosa L. and Capparis decidua Edgew (Forssk.) from Jordan revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, and glycosides. In addition, the total phenolic content (TPC, expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE)) and total flavonoids content (TFC, expressed as mg quercetin/g of dry extract) for the crude extracts of C. spinosa and C. decidua were also evaluated. the antioxidant activity of the crude extracts obtained from both plants were assayed. Morevoer, the antioxidant activities of the crude extracts of both plants were evaluated using different methods including the DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelating (FIC) and hydroxyl radical assay (HR) methods. The different screening results showed that the butanol extracts of both C. Spinosa and C. Decidua, contained the highest phenolics and flavonoids contents and exhibited the greatest antioxidant activities in all used assay methods. Results of the present study showed that antioxidant activities of C. Spinosa and C. Decidua have a direct relationship with their phenolic compounds and flavonoids content. The current study also revealed a good correlation between the total phenolic contents and the observed antioxidant activity of the crude extracts of C. spinosa and C. decidua. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to investigate whether outsourcing mediates the impact of dynamic strategic capabilities on strategic entrepreneurship. The population of the research consists of top managers in five stars hotels. A sample of 215 respondents were selected for the research in which 186 questionnaires were valid for statistical analysis. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses of the research. The results of the research indicate that outsourcing does not mediate the relationship between dynamic strategic capabilities and strategic entrepreneurship. All the dimensions of dynamic strategic capabilities have a statistical impact on strategic entrepreneurship, while the dynamic strategic capabilities dimension all affect outsourcing except the seizing capability. Based on the research results, managers and decisionmakers have to focus on innovation functions by enhancing the role of knowledge management and R&D activities, as well as concentrate on employees training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describes a range of neurodevelopmental disabilities that impair behavior and communication. Although it is relatively prevalent, the pathophysiology is still subject to speculation and debate. The aim of this study is to identify a possible association between interleukin-6, -8, -9, and -10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in autism among Jordanian children by comparing the plasma levels of these cytokines in autistic children with those of their unaffected siblings and unrelated healthy controls. Materials and methods: In this study, 80 Jordanian children under the age of 12 with diagnosed autism were selected. For comparison, 51 unaffected siblings and 86 unrelated healthy controls were also recruited. Venous blood was collected and interleukin levels in all three groups were investigated. Results: Interleukin-6 was found to be significantly higher in the plasma of both autistic children and their siblings compared with the unrelated healthy control group (P < 0.05). As for interleukin-8 and TNF-α, plasma levels were significantly higher exclusively in autistic children compared to their siblings and unaffected control subjects (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between plasma levels of the previously mentioned cytokines in the siblings and the unrelated control group. As for interleukin-9 and interleukin-10, no significant differences were found between all three groups (P = 0.15, P = 0.35). Conclusion: We found that interleukin-8 and TNF-α were exclusively elevated in autistic Jordanian children, while interleukin-6 was elevated in both autistic children and their siblings, potentially dismissing its significance. These results may lead to a better understanding of the disorder's pathophysiology, early testing, and diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effects of oral care protocol on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) at selected intensive care units (ICUs) in Jordan using clinical pulmonary infection score. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used, and 1 large teaching hospital from the Jordanian capital, along with 2 hospitals from the southern region, was selected. A total of 218 patients participated, among which VAP risk in 2 independent groups was evaluated through the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score sheet. Results: The VAP incidence rate was significantly lower in the intervention group (n = 102) as compared with control group (n = 116) (21.6 vs 35.3, respectively; P = .018); in addition, ICU stay and intubation period were significantly shorter among the intervention group. A higher risk of VAP was independently predicted by previous lung diseases (odds ratio [OR], 1.441; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.185-1.88), open suctioning system (OR, 2.536; 95% CI, 1.261-5.101), and duration of intubation (OR, 1.770; 95% CI, 0.845-2.220). The oral care protocol has effectively improved ventilated patients' oral health, which has statistically reduced the incidence of VAP. It occurred more frequently among patients who have lung disease and those who were intubated for more than 7 days and have an open suctioning system. Conclusion: Health care teams should ensure that effective care protocol is implemented among patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Understanding the factors associated with patients’ health‐related quality of life along with their social networks can help identify who may benefit from supportive programmes. This study sought to evaluate the impact of a cancer diagnosis on Jordanian cancer patients’ health‐related quality of life and its relationship with social support and emotional status. A descriptive design was utilized, and 226 clients were participated. Participants completed European Organization for Research and Treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire (EORTC‐version 3), the Hospice Comfort Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. The results revealed that participants demonstrated unsatisfactory quality of life and many complained of fatigue. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that social support, hospitalization readmission and being a nonsmoker were significant predictors for poor global quality of life score. In addition, a high educational level, less rehospitalization and high anxiety and depression scores were significant predictors for comfort level. In conclusion, patients with cancer are at an elevated risk of impaired physical functioning and report unsatisfactory quality of life, particularly if they are anxious, depressed and lack social support. The associated factors with decreased quality of life or low comfort level could be amenable to change with appropriate interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Syrian crisis, which started in 2011, has had a profound impact on the entire region. Jordan, with its limited resources, now has the second highest ratio of refugees to inhabitants in the world (89 to 1,000). The actual number of Syrians in Jordan is hotly contested: more than 630,776 refugees registered in November 2015 compared with 1,265,514 reported by the national census conducted at the same time. Although the numbers are slowly but steadily increasing, the number of patients with cancer who were registered by the Jordan Cancer Registry peaked in 2013 at 510 patients reported and subsequently slumped downward, which coincided with changes in funding as a result of the increasing strains on the Ministry of Health. Older individuals, women, and patients with advanced diseases were less likely to be registered. These findings overlap with data obtained from the authors' own center registry. Using age- and sex-specific population-based incidence rates, we estimated that 869 Syrians are diagnosed with cancer in Jordan annually. Using diagnosis-specific cost records of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation, we estimated that the cost of their treatments is 15.6 million Jordan dinars (US$22.1 million). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess differences in banking service quality (BSQ) perceptions across demographic subgroups of Islamic and conventional Jordanian banking consumers.Design/methodology/approach Data are collected using surveys. The survey contains items for three different measures of overall BSQ perceptions. The researchers mailed surveys to a random sample of 2,000 banking customers in Jordan. Responses to questionnaire items measuring respondents’ BSQ perceptions were analysed using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s honest significant difference post hoc tests to assess subgroup differences in six demographic variables: gender, age, occupation, income, education, and religion.Findings BSQ perceptions are significantly different in four of the six demographic variables. Age and education do not impact on BSQ perceptions.Research limitations/implications The findings indicate demographic effects on Jordanian banking consumers’ perceived BSQ. Study limitations include demographic subgroup underrepresentation and survey structure. Future research should obtain a more representative sample for better generalisability.Practical implications The findings suggest that Jordanian banks should structure their services to best accommodate their customers’ demographics. In addition, banks can use the findings to guide the development of demographic-driven marketing to target and attract customers efficiently.Originality/value This study is the first to investigate demographic differences in the perceived service quality of Jordan’s Islamic and conventional banking customers. The findings can contribute to future research on BSQ, and guide Jordan’s banking management towards more effective marketing and service provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives The aim of this study was to identify the differences in perceived learning needs between cardiac patients who have undergone major coronary interventions and their nurses. Background The decrease in length of stay after cardiac interventions has signalled an urgent need to provide effective in-hospital health education. Therefore, the content of health education should bridge the gap between nurses' and patients' views of what information is important for ensuring patients' optimum recovery. Design A descriptive comparative design was employed. Methods Patients were invited to participate if they had undergone angioplasty or bypass surgery and were ready for discharge within 24-48 hours. A convenience sample of 365 cardiac patients and 166 cardiac nurses participated in this study. Baseline data on patients' and nurses' sociodemographics, clinical history and experience were collected through personal interviews. Then, participants completed the Patient Learning Needs Scale to identify their perceptions of the learning needs after cardiac interventions. Results The top-priority learning needs according to both patients and cardiac nurses was information on wound care and medication. In contrast, the lowest-priority learning need was physical activity. Nurses perceived information about physical activity as most needed to patients, whereas patients perceived information about medications, postintervention complications and postintervention concerns as mostly needed. Conclusion The disparity between perceptions of patient and nurses on the essential content to be learned highlights the importance of considering both of these parties when establishing health education programmes. In addition, nurses should focus more on information related to the recovery period and immediate needs after discharge. Relevance to clinical practice Information about wound care, medication and potential complications should be the core of predischarge education programmes. In addition, nurses should focus on improve patients' awareness of secondary prevention and lifestyle modification, as patients pay less attention to these vital topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease are strongly recommended to adopt healthier behaviours and adhere to prescribed medication. Previous research on patients with a wide range of health conditions has explored the role of patients’ illness perceptions in explaining coping and health outcomes. However, among coronary heart disease patients, this has not been well examined. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore coronary heart disease patients’ illness perception beliefs and investigate whether these beliefs could predict adherence to healthy behaviours. Methods: A multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted at four tertiary hospitals in Jordan. A convenience sample of 254 patients (73% response rate), who visited the cardiac clinic for routine review, participated in the study. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire, which included the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Godin Leisure Time Activity questionnaire and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Results: Patients reported high levels of disease understanding (coherence) and they were convinced that they were able to control their condition by themselves and/or with appropriate treatment. Male patients perceived lower consequences (p<0.05) and had a better understanding of their illness than female patients (p<0.001). There were significant associations between increasing age and each of timeline (r=0.326, p<0.001), (r=0.146, p<0.024) and coherence (r=−0.166, p<0.010). Adjusted regression analysis showed that exercise adherence was predicted by both a strong perception in personal control (β 2.66, 95% confidence interval 1.28–4.04), timeline (β –1.85, 95% confidence interval 0. 8–2.88) and illness coherence (β 2.12, 95% confidence interval 0.35–3.90). Medication adherence was predicted by perception of personal control and treatment control. Adherence to a low-fat diet regimen was predicted by perception of illness coherence only (odds ratio 12, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.33). Finally, the majority of patients thought that the cause of their heart problem was related to coronary heart disease risk factors such as obesity and high-fat meals. Conclusion: Patients’ illness beliefs are candidates for a psycho-educational intervention that should be targeted at improved disease management practices and better adherence to recommended healthy behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We characterized Middle East respiratory syndrome coronaviruses from a hospital outbreak in Jordan in 2015. The viruses from Jordan were highly similar to isolates from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, except for deletions in open reading frames 4a and 3. Transmissibility and pathogenicity of this strain remains to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]