Applied Science Private University

About: Applied Science Private University is a education organization based out in Amman, Jordan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Population. The organization has 4124 authors who have published 5299 publications receiving 116167 citations.

Treatment related problems for outpatients with chronic diseases in Jordan: the value of home medication reviews.

Abstract: Background Research conducted in Jordan has shown that suboptimal use of medications by outpatients along with the suboptimal role played by community phar- macists is currently a big dilemma highlighting the need for the Home Medication Review (HMR) service in the country. Objectives To evaluate the prevalence and types of treatment related problems (TRPs) for outpatients with chronic dis- eases. Setting Patient interview was conducted at the patients' community pharmacy initially, then at their home to collect required data. Methods 167 patients with chronic conditions (mean age 58.9 ± 13.54, 53 % males) were recruited. Data collected by the graduate pharmacists to conduct a HMR included patient's demographics, income, laboratory data, medical history, medication record, and adherence. A HMR was conducted for each patient by the researchers (experienced clinical pharmacists) to identify the patients' TRPs based on published literature. A focus group interview was conducted to elicit information regarding the feasibility of the HMR process and acceptability of the patient to the service. Main outcome measure Prevalence and nature of identified TRPs, associated diseases and drugs, and patients' acceptability to the HMR service. Results The mean number of disease conditions per patient was 4.1 ± 1.7, and the mean number of medications taken by each patient was 8.1 ± 2.7. HMR results showed a mean number of TRPs per patient of 7.4 ± 2.8. TRPs prevalence: 34.7 % of patients were found to have unnecessary drug therapy; 68.3 % had untreated conditions, and 74.9 % had ineffective/incomplete drug therapy; 50.3 % had inappropriate dosage regimen; 10.2 % were found to have actual adverse drug effects. A significant correlation between the number of TRPs and the number of disease states the patient had (r = 0.311, p = 0.003; Pearson correlation) and the number of drugs the patient was taking (r = 0.443, p \ 0.001) was found. Patients accepted the HMR service well including the home visiting part. Conclusion TRPs in Jordanian outpatients with chronic diseases visiting community pharmacies are of concern and this signifies the integral role of pharmacists to identify these TRPs and hence provide the HMR service in the country.

Analytical modelling of 3-3 piezoelectric composites

Abstract: A piezoelectric composite of the ‘3-3’ type consists of interpenetrating active piezoceramic and passive polymer phases. Applications for these materials include low frequency hydrophones, due to the improved properties and figures of merit under hydrostatic conditions. Previous research on analytical modelling 3-3 materials has considered polymer infiltrated equiaxed open pores in a piezoelectric ceramic and has assumed complete stress transfer of an applied load into the stiffer ceramic matrix. This research extends the analytical modelling of 3-3 piezocomposites to include the load experienced by the polymer phase. The model is a useful aid to fabricate and optimise piezocomposite 3-3 structures for specific applications.

Determination of the Firing Temperature of Ancient Ceramics by Measurement of Thermal Expansion

Abstract: THE thermal expansion method for determining firing temperatures1–3 is based on the assumption that, when clays are fired, shrinkage occurs as a result of various sintering processes such as vitrification. Consequently when a clay ceramic is heated up from room temperature (see Fig. 1) it typically exhibits a reversible expansion, characteristic of its mineralogical composition, until temperatures comparable with the original firing temperature are reached. With continued increase in temperature the ceramic begins to contract because superimposed on the reversible expansion there is an irreversible shrinkage associated with resumption of sintering (that is, the firing of the ceramic is being continued beyond the point reached during the original firing). The temperature (Ta) at which a net shrinkage is first observed should therefore provide an indication of the original firing temperature (Te) of the ceramic.