Showing papers by "Jordan University of Science and Technology published in 2003"
TL;DR: In this article, the adsorption kinetics and isotherms of methylene blue (MB) on raw and thermally activated date pits, an agricultural solid waste, were investigated.
370 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of water content and bulk density on the specific heat, volumetric heat capacity, and thermal diffusivity of some sieved and repacked soils was investigated through laboratory studies.
334 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of irrigation with treated wastewater on soil fertility and chemical characteristics was evaluated in three field experiments at a farmer's field near Ramtha Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Abstract: Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of irrigation with treated wastewater on soil fertility and chemical characteristics. Three field experiments were conducted at a farmer's field near Ramtha Wastewater Treatment Plant. Corn (Zea mays) was planted for two seasons as a summer crop while vetch (Vicia sativa) for one season as a winter crop. Plots were irrigated with either potable water (PW) or wastewater (WW) in amount according to the following treatments: i) potable water equivalent to 100% class A pan reading (PW); ii) wastewater equivalent to 100% class A pan reading (WW1); iii) PW with application fertilizer equivalent to N and P content of WW (PWF) and iv) wastewater equivalent to 125% class A pan reading (WW2). Treatments were replicated 4 times in a randomized complete block design. Soil samples were taken before and at the end of the growing season and were analyzed for soil parameters. WW samples were taken and analyzed periodically for major characteristics. WW analysis indi...
261 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a batch adsorption test was carried out to remove phenol from aqueous solution using the above-mentioned bentonites, and it was found that the amount of phenol removal was seriated in the following order: CTAB/Al-Bentonite>Al-bentonite >CTAB bentonite>thermal-treated bentonite >cyclohexane-treated bendonite>natural bentonite.
256 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the performance of a solar still with different size sponge cubes placed in the basin was studied experimentally, and the results showed that the daily production of such a still can be greatly enhanced using sponge cubes.
248 citations
TL;DR: Results clearly show that heat distress, a potent inducer of oxidative stress and hsp70, can be partially ameliorated by feeding organic selenium-fed chickens, and attribute this observation to an enhanced GSH-GPX antioxidant system in organic seenium- fed chickens.
Abstract: Selenium is an essential trace element that up-regulates a major component of the antioxidant defense mechanism by controlling the body's glutathione (GSH) pool and its major Se-containing antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Evidence has emerged suggesting that organic selenium, natural seleno-amino acids found in plants, grains and selenized yeast, maintains the antioxidant defense system more efficiently than inorganic selenium. Inorganic selenium is a pro-oxidant, whereas organic selenium possesses antioxidant properties itself. As a pro-oxidant, inorganic selenium is not suitable for animals or humans. Therefore, we examined the GSH–GPX system in broiler chickens and determined that organic selenium was indeed more beneficial than inorganic selenium. Chickens fed the organic selenium as Sel-Plex®, a selenized yeast, had elevated GPX activity in both blood and liver in a thermoneutral environment and after heat distress. More importantly, the ability to reduce the oxidized glutathione (GSSG to 2 GSH) was enhanced and facilitated by maintenance of glutathione reductase activity. Organic selenium-fed chickens were less affected by mild heat distress than inorganic selenium-fed chickens, and this assessment was based upon less induction of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) in organic selenium-fed chickens. Our results clearly show that heat distress, a potent inducer of oxidative stress and hsp70, can be partially ameliorated by feeding organic selenium. We attribute this observation to an enhanced GSH–GPX antioxidant system in organic selenium-fed chickens.
216 citations
TL;DR: Black mustard contains water-soluble substances that inhibited the germination and seedling growth of wild oat and this study investigated the allelopathic effects of various B. nigra plant parts on A. fatua L. germination, seedling length and weight.
199 citations
TL;DR: Filter length has been found to be the predominant factor affecting P trapping in VFS and increasing the filter length beyond 15 m is ineffective in enhancing sediment removal but is expected to further enhance P removal.
Abstract: Vegetated filter strips (VFS) are used recently for removal, at or near the source, of sediment and sediment-bound chemicals from cropland runoff. Vegetation within the flowpath increases water infiltration and decreases water turbulence, thus enhancing pollutant removal by sedimentation within filter media and infiltration through the filter surface. Field experiments have been conducted to examine the efficiency of vegetated filter strips for phosphorus removal from cropland runoff with 20 filters with varying length (2 to 15 m), slope (2.3 and 5%), and vegetated cover, including bare-soil plots as control. Artificial runoff used in this study had an average phosphorus concentration of 2.37 mg L(-1) and a sediment concentration of 2700 mg L(-1). The average phosphorus trapping efficiency of all vegetated filters was 61% and ranged from 31% in a 2-m filter to 89% in a 15-m filter. Filter length has been found to be the predominant factor affecting P trapping in VFS. The rate of inflow, type of vegetation, and density of vegetation coverage had secondary influences on P removal. Short filters (2 and 5 m), which are somewhat effective in sediment removal, are much less effective in P removal. Increasing the filter length beyond 15 m is ineffective in enhancing sediment removal but is expected to further enhance P removal. Sediment deposition, infiltration, and plant adsorption are the primary mechanisms for phosphorus trapping in VFS.
166 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the structural kinetic model (SKM) was used to characterize the thixotropic behavior of three different kinds of food products, including milled sesame, concentrated yogurt and mayonnaise.
159 citations
135 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors address the problem of chaos control for autonomous nonlinear chaotic systems and use the recursive backstepping method of nonlinear control design to derive the nonlinear controllers, which stabilize the output chaotic trajectory by driving it to the nearest equilibrium point in the basin of attraction.
Abstract: In this paper, we address the problem of chaos control for autonomous nonlinear chaotic systems. We use the recursive “backstepping” method of nonlinear control design to derive the nonlinear controllers. The controller effect is to stabilize the output chaotic trajectory by driving it to the nearest equilibrium point in the basin of attraction. We study two nonlinear chaotic systems: an electronic chaotic oscillator model, and a mechanical chaotic “jerk” model. We demonstrate the robustness of the derived controllers against system order reduction arising from the use of fractional integrators in the system models. Our results are validated via numerical simulations.
TL;DR: In this article, chicken feathers were tested for their ability, as adsorbents, to remove copper and zinc from wastewater, and they were found to be the best for the sorption process and a 0.6 wt% solution of dodecyl sulfate as anionic surfactant, also gave best adsorption results.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of surfactants, commonly found in detergents, on the hydraulic properties of soils was explored. And the results showed that Sulphonic, the anionic surfactant, had a significant effect on hydraulic properties.
TL;DR: Results showed that PCR assay can be applied with serology for the diagnosis of brucellosis suspected cases and relapses regardless of the duration or type of the disease without relying on the blood cultures, especially in chronic cases.
Abstract: Background: Brucellosis affects human populations in many developing countries including the Middle East, and Latin America where it is still endemic. It has been prevalent in Jordan for years, where 7842 cases of human brucellosis were registered at the Ministry of Health during 10 yearperiod. This study was initiated by the recent increase in the number of human cases diagnosed in a rural area in the Northern Jordan to help assess the status of the disease in that area. For this purpose blood specimens from brucellosis suspected cases were tested by serology, culture and PCR. Methods: Peripheral blood specimens from 50 healthy control subjects and 165 seropositive patients having compatible signs and symptoms that were clinically diagnosed to have brucellosis were tested by blood culture, and by PCR. The PCR assay used genus-specific primers from the conserved region of the 16S rRNA sequence, which showed high specificity for the Brucella spp. Results: Diagnosis of Brucella was established by PCR in 120 cases (72.7%). All of them were seropositive and 20 were positive by culture. Forty-eight of 58 (82.8%) of the relapsed cases two months after completing the treatment with an increase in the previous serological titers were positive by PCR. The assay has 85.7% positive predicative value, 100% sensitivity and specificity since it correctly identified all cases that were positive by blood cultures, 95.8% by serology and none of the control group was positive. Conclusions: Results showed that PCR assay can be applied with serology for the diagnosis of brucellosis suspected cases and relapses regardless of the duration or type of the disease without relying on the blood cultures, especially in chronic cases.
TL;DR: Overall screening results revealed the characterization of four Streptomyces isolates (I7, AC32, Bb36 and Z11) which inhibited the growth of all tested pathogens and underlined their potential as a source of novel antibiotics.
TL;DR: Plants grown on highly saline soils were severely affected where the dry weight was significantly lower than plants growing on moderately and low saline soils and the tiller number and the plant height were also lower under highly saline condition.
Abstract: Greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on plant growth, and nutrient uptake in saline soils with different salt and phosphorus (P) levels. The following treatments were included in this experiment: (i) Soil A, with salt level of 16.6 dS m−1 and P level of 8.4 mg kg−1; (ii) Soil B, with salt level of 6.2 dS m−1 and P level of 17.5 mg kg−1; and (iii) Soil C, with salt level of 2.4 dS m−1 and P level of 6.5 mg kg−1. Soils received no (control) or 25 mg P kg−1 soil as triple super phosphate and were either not inoculated (control) or inoculated with a mixture of AM (AM1) and/or with Glomus intraradices (AM2). All pots were amended with 125 mg N kg−1 soil as ammonium sulfate. Barley (Hordeum vulgar L., cv. “ACSAD 6”) was grown for five weeks. Plants grown on highly saline soils were severely affected where the dry weight was significantly lower than plants growing on moderately and low saline soils. The tiller number and the plant height were a...
TL;DR: It is concluded that gingival inflammatory symptoms are aggravated during pregnancy and are related to increased age, lower level of education and non-employment, and periodontal preventive programmes are very important for pregnant women.
Abstract: summary The aims of this study were to assess the periodontal health and oral hygiene status of pregnant women and non-pregnant controls and to evaluate the effect of socio-demographic and other variables on such periodontal status. A total of 400 women, of whom 200 were pregnant (mean age=30 years, s.e.m.=0ḃ05) and 200 non-pregnant controls (mean age=32 years, s.e.m.=0ḃ05) were chosen at random from four health centres. The clinical parameters used were the Silness and Loe plaque index (Pl.I), Loe and Silness gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), probing attachment level (PAL), any relationship to socio-demographic (age, level of education and professional level) and clinical variables (gestation period, previous pregnancy and vomiting during pregnancy) was evaluated. The results showed that pregnant women had significantly higher GI and PPD scores (P 0ḃ01) compared with non-pregnant controls. Increased age, lower level of education and non-employment were associated with significantly higher GI and PPD scores (P 0ḃ05). Also, women who vomited during pregnancy had significantly higher GI and PPD scores compared with those who did not vomit (P < 0ḃ05). It is concluded that gingival inflammatory symptoms are aggravated during pregnancy and are related to increased age, lower level of education and non-employment. Therefore periodontal preventive programmes are very important for pregnant women.
TL;DR: The spore density was not clearly affected neither by the host plants nor by the location, which suggest the absence of location or plant specificity for the AMF observed in soils of North Jordan, and biotic factors may be relatively less important than abiotic factors for establishing population patterns.
TL;DR: In this paper, the adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was used to predict the effect of machining variables (spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and number of flutes) on the surface finish (represented by the surface roughness) of Alumic-79.
TL;DR: The present descriptive study indicates that the distribution of ectoparasites within-broods is not generally governed by rank-related variation in host defence of chicks as initially suggested by the TCH.
Abstract: Summary 1. The Tasty Chick Hypothesis (TCH) proposes that hatching asynchrony evolved as an antiparasite strategy. Hosts would benefit if ectoparasites aggregate more on the offspring that are of lowest reproductive value within a brood, i.e. on the last-hatched chicks, because offspring reproductive value generally decreases with hatching rank. The poor body condition of the later-hatched chicks would impair parasite resistance and render them especially attractive to ectoparasites. Thus, the TCH predicts a decline in chick parasite load with hatching order in avian broods. 2. We investigated the main assumption of the TCH that junior chicks are less immunocompetent than their senior siblings. We also examine the prediction of the TCH that junior chicks bear more ectoparasites than their senior siblings. 3. Conform to the assumption of the TCH for hosts, junior chicks in broods of the barn owl ( Tyto alba L.) showed a lower humoral immune response than their senior siblings. In contrast, the cell-mediated immune response of senior chicks in broods of the great tit ( Parus major L.) was not significantly greater than that of their junior siblings. 4. In line with the prediction of the TCH for the distribution of parasites among hosts, the fly Carnus haemapterus Nitzsch infested junior chicks in larger numbers than senior chicks in both barn owl and kestrel ( Falco tinnunculus L.) broods. 5. In conflict with the TCH, ticks ( Ixodes ricinus L.) were distributed randomly with respect to hatching rank in broods of the barn owl and the great tit. Moreover, louseflies Crataerina melbae Rondani infested mainly senior chicks instead of junior chicks in the Alpine swift ( Apus melba L.). 6. Summarizing, the present descriptive study indicates that the distribution of ectoparasites within-broods is not generally governed by rank-related variation in host defence of chicks as initially suggested by the TCH. We argue that specific aspects of the morphology, life history and ecological requirements of various ectoparasite species need more consideration as to explain the dynamics and evolution of host‐parasite interactions.
TL;DR: Males had larger tooth/arch dimension than that of females in the primary dentition stage of Jordanian children, and the majority of children examined had spaced primary dentitions.
Abstract: Summary. Objectives. To assess tooth and arch dimensions, occlusal relationships and the presence of spacing or crowding in primary dentition of Jordanian children.
Study design. A list of 10 kindergartens was randomly selected in the governate of Irbid, Jordan. A total of 1048 children (2·5–6 years old) with complete primary dentitions were examined for occlusal relationships in three planes, and the presence of spacing or crowding. Of those, study casts were taken for 87 randomly selected 4–5-year-old children (39 girls, 48 boys). Measurements of tooth and arch dimensions were made using electronic digital sliding callipers.
Results. In general, males had larger mesiodistal tooth width and larger arch dimensions. Bilateral mesial step molar relationship was found in 47·7% of children followed by bilateral flush terminal molar relationship in 37% and bilateral distal step in 3·7%. Asymmetric right/left molar relationship was found in 11·6% of children examined. Class I canine relationship was found in 57% of children, followed by Class II canines in 29% and Class III canines in 3·7%. Fifty per cent of children examined had Class I incisors, 24·7% had Class II Division 1, 13·5% had Class II Division 2 and 11·8% showed reversed overjet. Ideal overbite was seen in 44·3% of children, reduced overbite in 21·8%, increased overbite in 28·2% and 5·7% had anterior openbite. Buccal crossbite was seen in 7% of the sample. Generalized spacing was found in 61·8% and 61·1% of children in the upper and lower arches, respectively. Anthropoid spaces were found in 70% of the upper arches and in 51% of the lower arches.
Conclusions. Males had larger tooth/arch dimension than that of females in the primary dentition stage. Mesial step molar relationship was found in 47·7% of the subjects followed by flush terminal molar relationship in 37%. The majority of children examined had spaced primary dentition.
TL;DR: High yields were obtained for early sowing, high plant density, and high phosphorus application rate, and yield and yield components were not affected by ethephon application 30 days after sowing.
Abstract: Lentil (Lenus culinaris Medik) is a major grain legume crop in many developing countries in West Asia, North Africa and many other areas of the world. The effects of sowing date (1 January, 15 January and 2 February), plant density (80, 100 and 120 plants m -2 ), phosphorus level (0, 17.5, 35.0 and 52.5 kg Pha -1 ) and ethephon application [(1500 p.p.m. ethephon (2-chloroethel phosphonic acid) applied 30 days after sowing] were investigated in the semiarid region in the north of Jordan. High yields were obtained for early sowing (1 January), high plant density (120 plants m -2 ), and high phosphorus application rate (52.5 kg P ha -1 ). Yield and yield components were not affected by ethephon application 30 days after sowing.
TL;DR: The accumulation of rosmarinic acid (RA) in Salvia fruticosa callus, cell suspension, and root cultures was studied and the largest callus was obtained with a combination of 6.9 μM TDZ and 3 μM IAA.
Abstract: The accumulation of rosmarinic acid (RA) in Salvia fruticosa callus, cell suspension, and root cultures was studied. For callus induction, leaves excised from microshoots were cultured on MS medium containing thidiazuron (TDZ) (0, 2.3, 4.6, 6.9, 9.2, or 11.5 μM) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (0 or 3 μM). For root culture, hairy roots were cultured in B5 medium containing 2.7 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and different concentrations of sucrose or phenylalanine. Induction of callus was completely inhibited in the absence of both TDZ and IAA and the largest callus (0.79 g) was obtained with a combination of 6.9 μM TDZ and 3 μM IAA. Culture duration of 5 weeks resulted in maximum callus growth and RA yield (2.12 mg/ 100 mg dry weight). Cell suspension growth and RA yield (5.1 mg/ 100 mg dry weight) were maximum after 20 days of culture. The highest root growth and RA yield (2.62 mg/ 100 mg dry weight) was obtained with 4% (w/ v) sucrose. Incorporation of 10 mg l−1 phenylalanine in the medium increased RA yield in the roots to 4.68 mg/ 100 mg dry weight after 4 weeks of culture. Amounts of RA extracted from in vivo leaves and roots were 0.21 and 0.72 mg/ 100 mg dry weight, respectively.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the effect of operating parameters on the yield of distillate water in a vacuum membrane distillation process in desalination, using simple techniques including the normalized dimensionless sensitivity factor and temperature polarization coefficient as well as the solution of the transport models.
TL;DR: It was concluded from this study that changing the pH within the matrix influenced the rate of release of the drug without affecting the release pattern.
Abstract: The aim of this work is to design pH-dependent swellable and erodable-buffered matrices and to study the effect of the microenvironment pH on the release pattern of diclofenac sodium. Buffered matrix tablets containing diclofenac sodium, physically mixed with hydrophilic polymer (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose [HPMC]) and pH-dependent solubility polymer (Eudragit L100-55) were prepared with different microenvironment pHs. The release of diclofenac sodium from the buffer matrices was studied in phosphate buffer solutions of pH 5.9 and 7.4. The swelling and erosion matrices containing only HPMC and Eudragit L100-55 were studied in phosphate buffer solution of pH similar to the microenvironment pHs of the matrices. Drug release from matrices was found to be linear as a function of time. Amount of drug released was found to be higher in the medium of pH 7.4 than that of pH 5.9. The rate of drug release increased with the increase of the microenvironment pH of the matrices as determined from the slope. The pattern of drug release did not change with the change of microenvironment pH. The swelling and erosion occurred simultaneously from matrices made up of HPMC and Eudragit L100-55. Both extent of swelling and erosion increased with increase of the medium pH. It was concluded from this study that changing the pH within the matrix influenced the rate of release of the drug without affecting the release pattern.
TL;DR: Examining the complexity of activities undertaken in general practice in relation to degree of rurality of the practice finds that some activities are more complex than others.
Abstract: Objectives: To examine the complexity of activities undertaken in general practice in relation to degree of rurality of the practice.Design and setting: National mail questionnaire survey across non-metropolitan Australia in July 2002.Participants: 1498 respondents out of 4406 GPs providing at least 375 Medicare-rebatable consultations in rural and remote locations during January-March 2002 (response rate, 35%).Main outcome measures: Responses to five sentinel measures of practice complexity.Results: In general, the proportion of GPs providing complex services increases with increasing rurality or remoteness. Isolated rural and remote GPs manage myocardial infarctions to a higher level than GPs in larger rural and regional centres, are more likely to administer cytotoxic drugs, perform forensic examinations, stabilise injured patients pending retrieval, and coordinate discharge planning more often.Conclusions: The more rural or remote the area, the more likely a GP is to be regularly engaged in complex care. These findings have implications for the workload, responsibility, vocational satisfaction, need for professional education and support, and costs and remuneration of practice.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Gingival and dental diseases are prevalent in the renal dialysis population and the dental community's awareness of the implication of poor oral health within this population should be elevated and daily oral health maintenance should be reinforced by the dialysis team.
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the levels of periodontal disease and dental caries in individuals on renal dialysis in a Jordanian population. Method and materials: A total of 47 individuals (mean age = 42.9 years, standard deviation [SD] 12.5) were examined for plaque deposits, gingivitis, periodontitis, and dental caries using the Silness and Loe plaque index (PII), Loe and Silness gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT), respectively. Gingival recession also was recorded using the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the gingival margin. Patients were categorized into three subgroups based on their renal dialysis histories: on dialysis for less than 1 year; on dialysis for 1 to 3 years; or on dialysis longer than 3 years. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in PII, GI, PPD, and gingival recession among the three subgroups examined. The GI revealed that 55% scored more than 2, indicating moderate to severe gingivitis. None of the individuals in this study displayed an absence of gingival inflammation. DMFT index showed that there were statistically significant differences between subjects on renal dialysis for less than 1 year and subjects on dialysis for 1 to 3 years and more than 3 years. The group DMFT index mean was 8.5 (SD 2.88). Conclusion: Gingival and dental diseases are prevalent in the renal dialysis population. The dental community's awareness of the implication of poor oral health within this population should be elevated and daily oral health maintenance should be reinforced by the dialysis team.
TL;DR: The majority of benign tumours in the young are probably developmental rather than true neoplasms, and those from other countries may be attributable to genetic and geographic differences.
TL;DR: In this article, high performance concrete mixes containing various proportions of natural pozzolan and silica fume (up to 15% by weight of cement) were prepared and stored in sodium and magnesium sulfate solutions, in Dead Sea and Red Sea waters.
Abstract: High-performance concrete mixes containing various proportions of natural pozzolan and silica fume (up to 15% by weight of cement) were prepared and stored in sodium and magnesium sulfate solutions, in Dead Sea and Red Sea waters. The progressive deterioration and the relative sulfate resistance of these mixes were evaluated through visual observations, ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements, and relative strength determinations. The investigation indicated that the concrete mix containing 15% natural pozzolan, and 15% silica fume showed the best protection in sulfates solutions and sea waters. It retained more than 65% of its strength after one year of storage in sulfates solutions and sea waters. The superior resistance of that mix against sulfate attack is attributed to the pore refinement process and further densification of the transition zone occurring due to the conversion of lime forming from the hydration of cement into additional binding material through lime-pozzolan reaction. This investigation recommends the use of silica fume in combination with natural pozzolan for better performance in severe sulfate environments.
TL;DR: In this article, the grafting of Ntert-butylacrylamide (BAM) onto starch in aqueous medium initiated by ceric ammonium nitrate ion has been studied under N2 atmosphere.
Abstract: Grafting of N-tert-butylacrylamide (BAM) onto starch in aqueous medium initiated by ceric ammonium nitrate ion has been studied under N2 atmosphere. The optimum conditions with respect to monomer concentration, initiator concentration, polymerization temperature, polymerization time and material to liquor ratio were studied in terms of percent of grafting efficiency (%GE) and percent of grafting yield (%GY). The optimum conditions obtained for the grafting of BAM on 1.0 g starch were: [BAM]=0.020 mol/L, [CAN]=0.91×10−3 mol/L, Temperature=30 ○C, and Time=240 min. Starch-g-BAM copolymer was characterized by FTIR, TGA for thermal stability, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the crystallinity and scanning electron microscope (SEM) for surface morphology of the copolymer. Acid hydrolysis and viscosity average molecular weight (M
v) of copolymer were evaluated for the copolymer. Hydrogels prepared by grafting of BAM onto gelatinized starch showed maximum water uptake and moisture retain of 162% and 63% respectively.