Showing papers by "An-Najah National University published in 2004"

The crustal structure of the Dead Sea Transform

Abstract: SUMMARY To address one of the central questions of plate tectonics—How do large transform systems work and what are their typical features?—seismic investigations across the Dead Sea Transform (DST), the boundary between the African and Arabian plates in the Middle East, were conducted for the first time. A major component of these investigations was a combined reflection/refraction survey across the territories of Palestine, Israel and Jordan. The main results of this study are: (1) The seismic basement is offset by 3–5 km under the DST, (2) The DST cuts through the entire crust, broadening in the lower crust, (3) Strong lower crustal reflectors are imaged only on one side of the DST, (4) The seismic velocity sections show a steady increase in the depth of the crust-mantle transition (Moho) from ∼26 km at the Mediterranean to ∼39 km under the Jordan highlands, with only a small but visible, asymmetric topography of the Moho under the DST. These observations can be linked to the left-lateral movement of 105 km of the two plates in the last 17 Myr, accompanied by strong deformation within a narrow zone cutting through the entire crust. Comparing the DST and the San Andreas Fault (SAF) system, a strong asymmetry in subhorizontal lower crustal reflectors and a deep reaching deformation zone both occur around the DST and the SAF. The fact that such lower crustal reflectors and deep deformation zones are observed in such different transform systems suggests that these structures are possibly fundamental features of large transform plate boundaries.

A pilot study to investigate over-the-counter drug abuse and misuse in Palestine.

Abstract: 1. Szlezak N. Strengthening the Role of Research in Improving Health in Developing Countries Current Concepts and Institutions. Presentation slides from Knowledge for Development Seminar; 19 February 2004; Center for International Development, Harvard University. Available from URL: http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/sed/docs/ k4dev/szlezak_k4dev_040219.ppt 2. Trostle J, Brofman M, Langer A. How do researchers influence decision makers? Case studies of Mexican policies. Health Policy and Planning 1999; 14:103-114. 3. Hanney SR, Gonzalez-Block MA, Buxton MJ, Kogan M. The utilization of health research in policy-making: concepts, examples and methods of assessment. Health Research Policy and Systems 2003;1: 2-30. 4. COHRED. Lessons in Research to Action and Policy: Case studies from seven countries. (Edited by COHRED Working Group on Research to Action and Policy) Geneva: The Council on Health Research for Development; 2000. p. 77-85, 2-8. 5. Black N. Evidence-based policy: Proceed with care. BMJ 2001; 323: 275-279. 6. Stone D, Maxwell S, Keating M. Bridging Research and Policy: An international workshop funded by the UK Department for International Development. Radcliffe House, Warwick University. 16-17 July 2001. Available from URL: http://www.gdnet.org/fulltext/bridging.pdf

Non-Conventional Options for Water Supply Augmentation in the Middle East: A Case Study

Abstract: Middle Eastern countries (ME) are expected to face severe water shortages in the near future. As most conventional water resources are already developed or over exploited, there is a need to develop non-conventional options to bridge water shortages. These options include brackish and sea-water desalination and fresh water imports from outside the region either by sea or land. Technically, non-conventional options are possible and feasible, however, depending on many factors, these options are available at a high capital investment with different costs and are associated with some environmental and ecological impacts and political considerations. Water and other conflicts in the region along with funding problems are the main obstacles to the implementation of such options in the ME. Integrating conventional and non-conventional water development options are found to be a more viable combination on the long term. Cooperation between ME countries is found to be a key factor to overcoming water sho...

Composition dependence of the heat capacity jump in Ge-Se-In chalcogenide glasses

Abstract: 1: Physics Department, An-Najah National University, Nablus, via Israel. 2: L.E.C.A.P., Faculte des sciences, Universite de Rouen, F-76801 Saint Etienne du Rouvray, France _________________________________________________________________ Chalcogenide glasses are obtained by mixing the chalcogen elements, viz, S, Se and Te with elements of the periodic table such as Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, As, Sb and Bi, etc. In these glasses, short-range inter-atomic forces are predominantly covalent: strong in magnitude and highly directional, whereas weak van der Waals' forces contribute significantly to the medium-range order. These materials exhibit unique physical properties that make them good candidates for several potential applications such as infrared transmission and detection, threshold and memory switching, etc [1]. In this respect, the analysis of the compositional dependence of their properties is an important aspect of their study.

Direct Regeneration in Cyclamen Persicum Mill. Using Seedling Tissues

Abstract: In Vitro shoot regeneration and microtuberization of Cyclamen persicum Mill. were studied using seedling tissues. Tuber, leaf and petiole sections of aseptic seedlings of cultivar ‘Concerto’ were established on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium. Three levels of benzyladenine (BA) (4.4, 8.8, 13.3 µM) and four levels of thidiazuron (TDZ) (0.5, 1, 2, 4 µM) were used with the three different explants. All regeneration media were supplied with 5.4 µM naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). No shoot regeneration was observed in media without cytokinins. The greatest percent shoot regeneration (100 %) was obtained from tuber sections cultured on media supplemented with 4.4 µM BA and 4 µM TDZ. No regeneration was obtained with petiole sections. Microtubers were formed with leaf explant. The higher microtuberization response was obtained with leaf explants cultured on media supplemented with 2 and 4 µM TDZ (41.6 and 58.3, respectively). Tuberous structures (microtubers) were able to sprout and leaves continued to grow on these structures. After an acclimatization period, the plantlets were transferred to the greenhouse and continued their growth normally.

Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Factors Affecting Physician's and Pharmacist's Selection of Drugs

Abstract: A survey of random sample of physicians and pharmacists in north Palestine was carried out to ascertain the factors that influence their decisions when selecting a drug for a patient. Of the four hundred (400) questionnaire distributed, two hundred and fourteen (214) were filled correctly and returned giving a response rate of approximately 56%. The ten factors which had the greatest influence on drug selection were as follows in ranking order: active ingredients, evidence of product efficacy, patient characteristics, presence of side effects for the drug, successful self use of product, product abuse potential, confidence in manufacturer, availability of product in community pharmacies, cost of drug for the patient and range of dosage forms available for the product. Commercial factors like profitability, number of medical samples and personal relations with manufacturers have slight influence on the drug selection by physicians and pharmacists. The results of this short communication suggest that selection of drugs for therapy is based on clinical and patient factors and whilst commercial factors may be involved they do not compromise the quality of therapeutic recommendations.

Pharmacotherapeutic Implications and Prescribing Pattern of Benzodiazepines (BZD) by Psychiatrists and Neurologists

Abstract: The aim of this study is to explore and investigate benzodiazepine (BZD) prescribing pattern by neurologists and psychiatrists. Randomly selected five hundred and five neurologists and psychiatrists prescriptions were collected throughout West-Bank and analyzed using SPSS 10 for windows. Approximately half of the prescriptions contain BZD with alprozolam being the most commonly prescribed BZD followed by clonazepam. More than half of the BZD prescriptions were missing important patient and dispensing information. Gender of the patient and physician’s specialty were not a determining factor in choosing or prescribing BZD. Antidepressants were commonly co-prescribed with BZD (57%). BZD were more commonly co-prescribed with tricylic antidepressants (TCA) antidepressants than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Approximately 20% of antipsychotic prescriptions contained BZD especially clonazepam. In conclusion, although our study is not based on complete clinical investigation of patients disease and drug history, it is clear that there is some irrational BZD prescribing practices based on the general requirements for BZD prescriptions.

A Municipal Management and Decentralization Policy Analysis in the Palestinian Territories

Abstract: This study aims at assessing the performance of local government in Palestine in regard to fiscal and administrative decentralization. Data was gathered from the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Finance and a questionnaire was sent to 12 municipalities' key officials. It was found that the government is organized into the central government headed by the president, the cabinet, the governorates, mayors and village councils. The main functions of the local governments are to provide the necessary needed services. It was found that there is a degree of decentralization in providing the intended services as the functions of each level is clearly defined by the law, even though there is an overlapping amongst these functions due to the current situation instability The study explains several aspects including organization of the local government, decision making process, functional responsibilities, partnership among local government and the performance of these partnerships, employment, training programs, the most urgent issues regarding decentralization process, local government finances, financial standing of municipalities, relationship between central and local governments, and decentralization reforms under preparation, The study ends up with conclusions and recommendations.