An-Najah National University

About: An-Najah National University is a education organization based out in Nablus, Palestinian Territory. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Adsorption. The organization has 1857 authors who have published 2607 publications receiving 68226 citations. The organization is also known as: An Najah National University.

Removal of nickel (II) from water using decaying leaves. Effects of pH and type of leaves

Abstract: Nickel has been known to be toxic. Water becomes contaminated with nickel via several sources. Thus developing ways for the removal of nickel from water is important. Leaves have been proved to be capable for removing nickel from aqueous solutions. This removal process has been found to be very dependent on both pH and the type of leaves. Four common types of leaves have been studied over a wide range of pH. The best pH and type of leaves for the removal of nickel from aqueous solutions have been concluded.

Fast DNA isolation and PCR protocols for detection of methicillin-resistant staphylococci

Abstract: A rapid method that included simple boiling DNA extraction followed by a fast polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cycling protocol designed to detect mecA, which characterizes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), was performed. Briefly, the PCR cycling protocol consisted of pre-denaturation at 95 °C for 30 s, 30 cycles of denaturation at 94 °C for 2 s, annealing at 52 °C for 5 s, extension for 10 s, and final extension at 72 °C for 1 min. A good level of reliability of the method was verified. The study has shown that the method described here represents a rapid and accurate DNA extraction and PCR-based identification system of MRSA, thus allowing clinicians to make early identification and early implementation of control measures.

Collective Trauma, Quality of Life and Resilience in Narratives of Third Generation Palestinian Refugee Children

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to test collective trauma, quality of life and resilience in narratives of Palestinian refugee children. The sample consisted of (30) children aged (14–16) years selected exclusively from five (5) Palestinian refugee camps (Balata, Askar, Ein Beit al-ma’, Nur Shams, and Jenin) established after the 1948 Nakba in the West Bank region of Palestine. Results demonstrated that children in today’s Palestinian camps suffer from collective trauma, they considered the 1948 Nakba as a ‘losing’ experience as it has affected all generations of Palestinian refugees. Results also showed that children in Palestinian camps suffer from poor quality of life; they live in very narrow homes and places, with lack of stadiums and recreational facilities. Participants of this research, however, appeared to demonstrate a high level of resiliency, positive self-efficacy, and responsibility to deal with difficult and stressful events; despite poor quality of life and collective traumatic experiences they have had.

Average coordination-number dependence of glass-transition temperature in Ge-In-Se chalcogenide glasses

Abstract: Twenty-six glassy compositions, belonging to the GexIn6Se94-x and GexIn12Se88-x families of the Ge-In-Se system, were prepared from high purity constiment elements. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements were carried out on these glasses. The DSC thermograms were used to determine the glass transition temperatures (Tg) for the compositions examined. TheTg-composition dependence of the GexIn6Se94-x family shows a minimum inTg at a value of the average coordination number, 〈r⦔, equal to 2.4. For both families of the glasses examined, theTg-〈r〉 dependence displays maxima at 〈r〉=2.75 and 〈r〉=2.83 for GexIn6Se94-x and GexIn12Se88-x families, respectively. These results are interpreted by using the Phillips model of rigidity percolation and Chemically Ordered Covalent Network (COCN) model.

Assessing policy-makers’, academics’ and experts’ satisfaction with the performance of the Palestinian health research system: a qualitative study

Abstract: There is a growing demand within international health agencies to ensure health research systems (HRSs) are strengthened and well-functioning to support healthcare systems (HCSs). Understanding HRS performance through system actors is an indispensable move in analysing this system. This study aims to examine policy-makers’, academics’ and experts’ satisfaction with overall HRS performance, while also investigating their perceptions about political will and attention towards health research. Ultimately, we want to identify gaps related to performance and generate insights on how to move forward for HRS performance strengthening. This study was carried out in Palestine, targeting three sectors, namely government institutions, public health universities, and major local and international health non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Semi-structured, in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with participants. The institutions from the three sectors were selected based on stated criteria and peer reviews. Data were translated from Arabic into English, transcribed, content checked by the principal investigator, imported to a software programme (MAXQDA 12), and then coded. Thematic content analysis was used. A total of 104 experts participated in 52 IDIs and 52 experts participated in 6 FGDs. Findings revealed three principal domains. First, the HRS in Palestine is remarkably underperforming, and the majority of experts were unsatisfied. Participants perceived the system as ineffective and inefficient, poorly managed and lacking systematic assessment. Second, the factors behind system underperformance were (1) an unstructured system and the lack of a research culture as well as of a governing body or policies; (2) health research was seen as individualistic, non-development driven and unutilised in policy decisions; and (3) considerably deficient coordination and essential resources. The third finding showed inadequate political support and engagement, which then also related to system underperformance. The Palestinian HRS is perceived as underperforming by health experts at different levels, where research is not on the leadership agendas. Potential actions should be taken to actively engage the state health decision-makers and inform them of the importance, uses and impacts of performance assessment. Findings urge policy-makers and legislators to build an inclusive and national body of governance with agreed strategies including fundamentally hybrid and aligned performance assessment mechanisms, such as a research observatory platform. In addition, it is recommended to establish a strategic plan to expand professionals’ research awareness and abilities, as well as empower the institution’s research monitoring and evaluation capacities.