Search Results (43)

Awareness of design when planning public urban spaces assumes particular importance through its mission to meet the diverse needs of the different segments within the community. The elderly is considered one of the pivotal segments, with their influence on strengthening social cohesion, fortifying values, and upholding traditions. On the other hand, such a segment demands special physical, behavioral, and mental requirements that would entail specific consideration in the design process of public common spaces. The study aimed to identify and evaluate the most relevant and important indicators pertaining to the most effective design of an age-friendly public space, with community parks taken as a particular case. The study relies on a mixed approach, combining desk research, expert views, the Delphi technique, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process to achieve that purpose. It resulted in a group of sourced, filtered, and evaluated indicators classified into Physical, Experiential, and Social/Emotional categories, which were evaluated by a mixed representative group of academics, practitioners, governmental officials, and end users, being the elderly or their caretakers. Focus was placed on the central park in the Dahiyat Al-Hussein suburb in Amman, Jordan, which was utilized as a contextual case through which a refined design framework was extracted. This framework serves as a potential base that can be expanded and adapted to create a more generalizable model. Full article

Background/Objective: Congenital anomalies (CAs) are structural or functional abnormalities contributing to global neonatal morbidity and mortality. Data on antenatally diagnosed CAs in southern Jordan are limited. The present study reports their prevalence and patterns at the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic of a governmental hospital and examines associated maternal, pregnancy, and delivery outcomes. Methods: This retrospective, hospital-based study involved all pregnant women who presented to the clinic between January 2022 to December 2023 and were diagnosed with congenital fetal anomalies. Data about maternal characteristics, classification of fetal anomalies, and pregnancy outcomes were retrieved from medical files. Statistical analyses comprised chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests, independent t-tests, and multiple binary logistic regressions. Results: Among the 750 pregnant women, 74 (9.9%) were diagnosed with CAs. Urinary system anomalies were the most common (54.1%), followed by central nervous system (CNS) anomalies (37.8%). Major anomalies constituted 59.5%, whereas 40.5% were minor anomalies. Gestational age at diagnosis and birthweight were significantly associated with major anomalies (p < 0.05). All stillbirths (10.8%) and pregnancy losses before 24 weeks of gestation (9.5%) occurred in cases with major anomalies (p < 0.05). Though preterm delivery rates were higher with major anomalies, this association was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Major CAs (59.5%) in this southern Jordan cohort were strongly linked to stillbirths and early pregnancy loss, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and improved prenatal care. Targeted interventions, including anomaly scans and risk factor (RF) screening, may reduce the 9.9% prevalence observed. Full article

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne infection caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania. CL is an emerging global health concern due to increasing migration, travel, and climate change. Traditionally, it was confined to endemic regions such as the Americas, the Middle East, and Central Asia; however, it is now spreading to non-endemic areas. Climate change has further contributed to the expansion of sandfly habitats, increasing CL transmission risk in previously unaffected areas. Healthcare providers in non-endemic regions often misdiagnose CL, delaying treatment and morbidity. Diagnosis remains challenging due to the need for species-specific identification, while treatment is limited by cost, availability, and personnel expertise. This review explores the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management of CL in the context of global mobility. It highlights rising CL cases in refugee settlements, particularly in Lebanon and Jordan, due to poor living conditions, inadequate vector control, and healthcare barriers. While there have been advances in systemic and topical therapies, access in refugee and resource-poor settings remains a barrier. Addressing the global burden of CL requires improved surveillance, healthcare provider training, and increased awareness. By enhancing global collaboration and policy changes, public health efforts can mitigate the expanding impact of CL. Full article

This article examines Fatah’s strategic and ideological evolution during the 1970s and early 1980s, focusing on its adoption of Islamic discourse to strengthen internal cohesion and broaden its influence. It explores how this shift shaped Fatah’s political and military strategies, contributing to its identity formation and support within the Palestinian and Arab public. The findings underscore the role of ideological flexibility in navigating geopolitical dynamics and forging alliances with Islamist factions, including Hezbollah, highlighting the nuanced interplay between pragmatism and ideology in national liberation movements. The study focuses on understanding how Fatah’s adoption of Islamic discourse influenced its political and military strategies during this period. By incorporating Islamic myths and symbols, Fatah not only strengthened internal cohesion but also expanded its influence among young Islamists eager to engage in the Palestinian struggle. This research addresses the central question: How did the adoption of Islamic discourse shape Fatah’s political and military strategies during its transition from Jordan to Lebanon, and how did it contribute to the movement’s identity formation and its success in garnering support among the Palestinian and broader Arab public? Full article

Background and Objectives: Primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors are often associated with relatively poor outcomes. Data on the epidemiology and outcome of CNS tumors in Jordan are scarce. We aim to report the epidemiology and outcome of primary CNS tumors of patients managed at a comprehensive cancer care center in Jordan. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all Jordanian patients with a primary CNS tumor diagnosis who were managed at the center between July 2003 and June 2019. We included all entities described in the 2021 CNS WHO classification system, in addition to pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs). We used the Kaplan–Meier method to estimate the 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for each entity. Results and Findings: We included 2094 cases. The numbers of pediatrics and adults were 652 (31.1%) and 1442 (68.9%), respectively. The three most common groups of tumors were “gliomas, glioneuronal tumors, and neuronal tumors” (n = 1200 [57.30%]), followed by meningiomas (n = 261 [12.5%]), embryonal tumors (n = 234 [11.2%]). The three most common tumor families were adult-type diffuse gliomas (n = 709 [33.8%]), medulloblastoma (n = 199 [9.5%]), and circumscribed astrocytic gliomas (n = 183 [8.7%]). The median survival for the entire cohort was 97 months (95CI; 81–112). Survival was significantly worse for males and adults compared to their respective counterparts. Among the most common tumor group, “gliomas, glioneuronal tumors, and neuronal tumors”, OS rates for adult-type diffuse gliomas were significantly lower than all other types. Overall, adult gliomas with IDH-mutations had a survival advantage over wildtype cases (IDH-mutant 1-year OS, 89% [82–97%] vs. IDH-wildtype 1-year OS, 60% [52–70%]; p < 0.001). Conclusions: We present a detailed analysis of the primary CNS tumors diagnosed in the largest cancer center in Jordan between 2003 and 2019. We compared the epidemiology and overall survival of these patients to worldwide estimates and found the epidemiology and outcome of these tumors comparable to worldwide trends. Full article

Background and Objectives: Amblyopia is a condition where children undergo unilateral or bilateral vision loss due to a variety of disorders that impact the visual pathway. The assessment of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in amblyopia has made optical coherence tomography (OCT) a useful technique for studying the pathophysiology of this condition. This study was conducted to assess OCT results for various forms of amblyopia, including macular thickness and peripapillary RNFL thickness. It is the first of its kind in Jordan. Materials and Methods: Sixty-one individuals, aged 14 to 67, who had been diagnosed with unilateral amblyopia participated in a prospective study. Both eyes underwent spectral-domain OCT imaging, and clinical and demographic information was gathered. Relationships between different types of amblyopia and OCT measurements were investigated. Results: Compared to the contralateral fellow eyes, the amblyopic eyes showed thicker fovea, and there were differences in foveal and macular thickness observed between the sexes. Individuals with anisometropic amblyopia exhibited a greater central macular thickness. While nasal optic nerve thickness was adversely correlated with age, inferior optic nerve thickness was considerably lower in amblyopia. Conclusions: This research indicates unique OCT traits in amblyopic eyes, which may have a role in amblyopia diagnosis and treatment. The prevention of long-term visual impairment depends heavily on early detection and care. More studies using larger cohorts and longitudinal designs are necessary to improve our knowledge of the pathogenesis of amblyopia and to provide the best possible clinical management approaches. Full article

Background: Considering the high prevalence of UI in the rural areas of Jordan and the limited clinical data on its occurrence in central Jordan, this study aims to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on the quality of life (QoL) of women in central Jordan. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2022, using online the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire short form (IIQ-7) and Urogenital Distress Inventory short form (UDI-6). Participation was voluntary, and anonymous. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s α. Results: A total of 128 women participated in the study. More than half of the participants (54.33%, N = 69) experienced UI symptoms. Body mass index was the sole statistically significant factor linked to UI. Obese patients had the highest risk (OR 35, CI 95% 2.577–475.308, p < 0.05) compared to those with a healthy weight. Multivariate regression indicated significant associations of severe UI with smoking and vaginal births with a moderate impact of UI on QoL. Conclusions: The study’s findings emphasize the need for women’s health centers in the center of Jordan to develop comprehensive UI prevention and management programs to improve women’s health and well-being. Full article

Crystals of karwowskiite, Ca₉Mg(Fe²⁺_0.5□_0.5)(PO₄)₇, a new mineral of the merrillite group, were found on an amygdule wall in the central part of an anorthite–tridymite–diopside paralava of the Hatrurim Complex, Daba-Siwaqa, Jordan. The amygdule was filled with a sulfide melt, which after crystallization gave a differentiated nodule, consisting of troilite and pentlandite parts and containing tetrataenite and nickelphosphide inclusions. Karwowskiite crystals are colorless, although sometimes a greenish tint is observed. The mineral has a vitreous luster. The microhardness VHN₂₅ is 365 (12), corresponding to 4 on the Mohs hardness scale. Cleavage is not observed, and fracture is conchoidal. The calculated density is 3.085 g/cm³. Karwowskiite is uniaxial (−): ω = 1.638 (3), ε = 1.622 (3) (λ = 589 nm), and pleochroism is not observed. The composition of karwowskiite is described by the empirical formula: Ca_9.00(□_0.54Fe²⁺_0.23Mg_0.12Na_0.04 Sr_0.03 Ni_0.03K_0.01) _Σ1.00Mg_1.00(PO₄)_7.02. Karwowskiite is distinct from the known minerals of the merrillite subgroup with the general formula A₉XM[TO₃(Ø)]₇, where A = Ca, Na, Sr, and Y; X = Na, Ca, and □; M = Mg, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Mn; T = P; and Ø = O, in that the X site in it is occupied by Fe²⁺_0.5□_0.5. Karwowskiite is trigonal, space group R-3c with a = 10.3375 (2) Å, c = 37.1443 (9) Å, and V = 3437.60 (17) ų. Karwowskiite crystallizes at temperatures lower than 1100 °C in a thin layer of secondary melt forming on the walls of amygdules and gaseous channels in paralava as a result of contact with heated gases which are by-products of the combustion process. Full article

Background and Objectives: Although physical health is always studied for women with diabetes, the mental health aspect is generally overlooked for this chronic disease. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of psychosomatic symptoms, namely, fibromyalgia syndrome, depression, anxiety, and insomnia, and how these symptoms related to the medications used in a cohort of women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (DM) in Jordan. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and validated scales (PSRS, PHQ-9, GAD-7, and ISI-A) for fibromyalgia syndrome, depression, anxiety, and insomnia were used. The associations between the different medications used and the dependent variables were examined using four separate multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Data were analyzed from 213 participants. Of them, 27.2% met the threshold for fibromyalgia syndrome diagnosis, 38% met the threshold for severe depression, 36.2% met the threshold for severe anxiety, and 39.9% met the threshold for severe insomnia. Fibromyalgia syndrome symptoms were significantly associated with glimepiride (OR = 1.92, CI = 1.00–3.68), β-blockers (OR = 2.21, CI = 1.03–4.70), diuretics (OR = 3.13, CI = 1.26–7.78), herbal remedies (OR = 2.12, CI = 0.98–4.55), and prescriptions for centrally acting medication (OR = 2.78, CI = 1.24–6.29). Significant associations were found between depression and diuretics (OR = 2.62, CI = 1.05–6.67), over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (OR = 3.49, CI = 1.69–7.23), and herbal remedies (OR = 5.07, CI = 2.40–10.69). In addition, anxiety was significantly related to diuretics (OR = 2.48, CI = 1.02–6.02), and OTC NSAIDs (OR = 2.60, CI = 1.29–5.21). Significant associations were evident between insomnia and β-blockers (OR = 3.23, CI = 1.51–6.95), acetaminophen (OR = 2.09, CI = 1.06–4.08), NSAIDs (OR = 4.61, CI = 2.18–9.76), and herbal remedies (OR = 5.95, CI = 2.71–13.07). Conclusions: Medications are associated with high burden of fibromyalgia syndrome, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. These findings underscore the importance of revising and optimizing the pharmacotherapy of these vulnerable patients, performing close mental health monitoring and the implementation of non-pharmacological interventions by integrating mental health services for women with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Full article

This paper focuses on the problem of information source identification in online social networks (OSNs). By analyzing the research situation of source identification problems and challenges (such as the randomness of the information dissemination process and complexity of the underlying network topology), this paper studies the problem of multiple source diffusion and proposes a source identification algorithm based on multi-attribute topological clustering (MaTC). The basic idea of the algorithm is to decompose the multi-source problems into a series of single-source problems by using clustering partitioning to improve accuracy and efficiency. Firstly, it estimates the number of source nodes, which is also the number of network partitions, then characterizes the combination of multiple attribute structures as an attribute index of topological clustering, performs an analysis of the distribution of real source nodes in each partition to evaluate the accuracy of the clustering partition, and finally uses Jordan centrality within each partition for single-source identification. Through comparative experiments, it is verified that the proposed MaTC algorithm is superior to the comparison algorithms in evaluating indicators. Full article

This narrative review explores the multifaceted barriers hindering access to quality cancer care in Jordan. A literature-based narrative review was undertaken to explore the current identified barriers to cancer care in Jordan. Four databases were searched using relevant keywords to identify key insights on barriers and proposed solutions. Key challenges and potential solutions were identified based on evidence from studies, reports, and initiatives. Medical services and infrastructure exhibit centralized disparities, impacting rural and underserved areas. Human resources shortages, geopolitical instability, and quality management issues pose significant challenges. Public awareness campaigns face hurdles in addressing the tobacco epidemic and late-stage diagnosis. Socioeconomic disparities, particularly in health insurance and urban–rural divides, further compound barriers. Refugees encounter distinct challenges, including late-stage diagnosis, financial barriers, and psychological distress. Despite multiple challenges, Jordan presents a model for regional development and health equity. This study not only contributes to improving cancer care in Jordan but also offers a roadmap for policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and researchers in similar contexts globally. Government initiatives, financial aspects, and proposed policy measures are examined as potential solutions. Recommendations include coordinated prevention strategies, enhanced screening uptake, training programs, the equitable distribution of facilities, and policy directives aligned with global commitments. The role of digital technologies, telemedicine, and community engagement models is emphasized. Full article

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

Jameed is a traditional dried dairy product in Jordan that is known under different names in the Middle East, Turkey, Central Asia, China, and Mongolia. It has been produced in the region for centuries and makes a significant contribution (up to 20%) to the income of small-scale traditional dairy processors who are based in sheep-producing districts. This study aims to assess the nutritional value of Jameed as a model for traditional dried fermented dairy products and to highlight the safety of the product quality and some of the health risks that may arise. For this purpose, 80 samples of Jameed were collected from the market covering all regions of the Kingdom of Jordan. The samples were analyzed for nutritional value and health risks by standard and approved methods. Results show that the total solids were 84.57%, with a large variation from 73 to 92%. Producers use a lot of salt to control elevated acidity during the drying of Jameed. The salt concentrations in collected samples were 15.68%. The average acidity was 6.79%. Moreover, farmers heavily use antibiotics to control mastitis without observing milk withdrawal. The residues of antibiotics were detected in 50.65% of the analyzed samples. The samples show large variations in measured values, reflecting differences in processing methods, homogeneity, and standardization. Full article

The current study aims to examine the determinants of the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) in the context of Jordanian banks through a literature review and analysis of empirical evidence. The aggregate data were obtained from Globaleconomy.com, the Financial Soundness Indicators, the Central Bank of Jordan, and World Bank Data covering the period from 2003 to 2021. The aggregate data were analyzed using autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), utilizing Econometric Views (EViews) software. The empirical results suggest a short-run causality relationship running from banks’ credit-to-deposits ratio, banks’ leverage ratio, banks’ liquidity ratio, and one-year-lagged ROE to the CAR. The results also suggest the existence of short-run causality running from the capital-to-assets ratio, one-year-lagged capital-to-asset ratio, liquid-assets-to-deposits ratio, and coverage ratio to CAR. In addition, the results show the leverage ratio and liquidity ratio as having positive long-run associations with CAR. A positive and significant long-run association was also found between CAR, on the one hand, and the capital-to-assets ratio and the liquid assets to deposits ratio; the coverage ratio, on the other hand, showed a negative and statistically significant long-run association with CAR. The pairwise Granger causality test results reveal that liquid asset to deposits, money supply, profitability, and the capital-to-assets ratio Granger cause CAR. The study findings emphasize the importance of understanding the factors impacting CAR, the direction of the influence, the magnitude of the influence of the determinants of CAR in emerging economies such as Jordan and taking appropriate measures to safeguard the stability and resilience of the banking industry. Full article

We investigate the Chandrasekhar mass limit of white dwarfs in various models of $f\left(R\right)$ gravity. Two equations of state for stellar matter are used: the simple relativistic polytropic equation with polytropic index $n=3$ and the realistic Chandrasekhar equation of state. For calculations, it is convenient to use the equivalent scalar–tensor theory in the Einstein frame and then to return to the Jordan frame picture. For white dwarfs, we can neglect terms containing relativistic effects from General Relativity and we consider the reduced system of equations. Its solution for any model of $f\left(R\right)=R+\beta R^m$ ($m\ge 2$, $\beta >0$) gravity leads to the conclusion that the stellar mass decreases in comparison with standard General Relativity. For realistic equations of state, we find that there is a value of the central density for which the mass of a white dwarf peaks. Therefore, in frames of modified gravity, there is a lower limit on the radius of stable white dwarfs, and this minimal radius is greater than in General Relativity. We also investigate the behavior of the Chandrasekhar mass limit in $f\left(R\right)$ gravity. Full article