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Showing papers by "Jordan University of Science and Technology published in 2009"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a green building assessment tool (SABA Green Building Rating System) was proposed for residential units in Jordan in terms of the dimensions through which sustainable development tools are being produced and according to the local context.

477 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the potential for potable water savings by using rainwater in residential sectors of the 12 Jordanian governorates and provided some suggestions and recommendations regarding the improvement of both quality and quantity of harvested rainwater.

320 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: A new version of LEACH protocol called VLEACH is presented which aims to reduce energy consumption within the wireless network through extensive simulations using OMNET++ simulator which shows that V-LEACH performs better than LEach protocol.
Abstract: This paper presents a new version of LEACH protocol called VLEACH which aims to reduce energy consumption within the wireless network. We evaluate both LEACH and V-LEACH through extensive simulations using OMNET++ simulator which shows that VLEACH performs better than LEACH protocol.

274 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Investigation of the growth performance and grain yield of four barley cultivars under late-terminal drought stress under both glasshouse and field conditions found cultivar differences in grain yield were related to spike number per plant and grain number per spike, but not days to heading or grain filling duration.
Abstract: Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an important winter cereal crop grown in the semiarid Mediterranean, where late-terminal drought stress during grain filling has recently become more common. The objectives of this study were to investigate the growth performance and grain yield of four barley cultivars under late-terminal drought stress under both glasshouse and field conditions. At grain filling, four barley cultivars (Rum, ACSAD176, Athroh and Yarmouk) were exposed to three watering treatments: (1) well-watered [soil maintained at 75 % field capacity (FC)], (2) mild drought stress at 50 % FC, (3) severe drought stress at 25 % FC in the glasshouse experiment and (1) well-watered (irrigated once a week), (2) mild drought (irrigated once every 2 weeks), (3) severe drought (non-irrigated; rainfed) in the field. As drought stress severity increased, gross photosynthetic rate, water potential, plant height, grain filling duration, spike number per plant, grain number per spike, 1000-grain weight, straw yield, grain yield and harvest index decreased. In the glasshouse experiment, the six-row barley cultivars (Rum, ACSAD176, and Athroh) had higher grain yield than the two-row barley cultivar (Yarmouk), but the difference was not significant among the six-row cultivars under all treatments. In the field experiment, Rum had the highest grain yield among all cultivars under the mild drought stress treatment. The two-row cultivar (Yarmouk) had the lowest grain yield. In general, the traditional cultivar Rum had either similar or higher grain yield than the other three cultivars under all treatments. However, the yield response to drought differed between the cultivars. Those, Rum and ACSAD176, that were capable of maintaining a higher proportion of their spikes and grains per spike during drought also maintained a higher proportion of their yield compared with those in well-watered treatment. In conclusion, cultivar differences in grain yield were related to spike number per plant and grain number per spike, but not days to heading or grain filling duration.

185 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Delayed PTSD was found among about a quarter of PTSD cases and represents exacerbations of prior symptoms.
Abstract: Objective: Prevalence estimates of delayed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have varied widely in the literature. This study is the first to establish the prevalence of delayed PTSD in prospective studies and to evaluate associated factors through meta-analytic techniques. Data sources; Studies were located by an electronic search using the databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO. Search terms were posttraumatic stress disorder [include all subheadings] AND (delayed OR prospective OR longitudinal OR follow-up). Results were limited to journal articles published between 1980 and April 4, 2008. Study selection: We included longitudinal, prospective studies of humans exposed to a potentially traumatic event that assessed participants at I to 6 months after the event, that included a follow-up of at least 12 months after the event, and that specified rates of new onset and remission between assessments in study completers. Data extraction: Data were extracted concerning the study design, demographic features, and event-related characteristics and the number of PTSD cases at first assessment, the number of PTSD cases among study dropouts, and the number of new event-related PTSD cases at each subsequent assessment among study completers. Data from 24 studies were included. Four of these provided additional data on initial subthreshold PTSD and subsequent risk of delayed PTSD. Data synthesis: The proportion of PTSD cases with delayed PTSD was 24.8% (95% CI = 22.6% to 27.2%) after adjusting for differences in study methodology, demographic features, and event-related characteristics. Military combat exposure, Western cultural background, and lower cumulative PTSD incidence were associated with delayed PTSD. Participants with initial subthreshold PTSD were at increased risk of developing delayed PTSD. Conclusions: Delayed PTSD was found among about a quarter of PTSD cases and represents exacerbations of prior symptoms. J Clin Psychiatry 2009,70(11):1572-1582 (C) Copyright 2009 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc

177 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Education about the harmfulness of smoking hookah and policies to limit its use should be implemented to prevent the spread of this new form of tobacco use.
Abstract: Introduction Tobacco cigarette smoking a well-known cause of cancer and other diseases. Hookah smoking is another form of tobacco use that has rapidly spread in the United State and Europe. This study assessed beliefs about the harmfulness of smoking hookah.

177 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A coordinated survey for Cronobacter and related organisms in powdered infant formula, follow up formula and infant foods was undertaken by 8 laboratories in 7 countries in recognition of and in response to the data needs identified in an FAO/WHO call for data in order to develop global risk management guidance.

149 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used feed forward backpropagation neural network in prediction of some physical properties and hardness of aluminium-copper/silicon carbide composites synthesized by compocasting method.

148 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: BMI-defined obesity, high WC, and high fat per cent were significantly associated with increased odds of having periodontitis, more prevalent among subjects with high waist circumference (WC) and among subjectsWith high waist-to-hip ratio.
Abstract: Aim: To determine the relationship between periodontitis and overweight/obesity among Jordanians. Material and Methods: A systematic random sample of 340 persons aged between 18 and 70 years was selected from those who accompanied patients during their visit to the outpatient clinics in the medical centre of Jordan University of Science and Technology in north of Jordan. All participants underwent periodontal examination, had anthropometric measurements, and completed the questionnaire. Periodontitis was defined as presence of four or more teeth with one or more sites with probing pocket depth 4 mm and clinical attachment loss 3 mm. Results: Only 14% of normal weight participants had periodontal disease whereas 29.6% of overweight and 51.9% of obese participants had periodontal disease. Periodontitis was more prevalent among subjects with high waist circumference (WC) and among subjects with high waist-to-hip ratio. After adjusting for important variables, only body mass index (BMI)-defined obesity [odds ratio (OR)=2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3, 6.1], high WC (OR=2.1, 95%CI: 1.2, 3.7), and high fat per cent (OR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.3) remained significantly associated with increased odds of periodontitis. Conclusion: BMI-defined obesity, high WC, and high fat per cent were significantly associated with increased odds of having periodontitis.

140 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results reveal that design of antenna arrays using the PSO method provides considerable enhancements compared with the uniform array and the synthesis obtained from other optimization techniques.
Abstract: Linear and circular arrays are optimized using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method. Also, arrays of isotropic and cylindrical dipole elements are considered. The parameters of isotropic arrays are elements excitation amplitude, excitation phase and locations, while for dipole array the optimized parameters are elements excitation amplitude, excitation phase, location, and length. PSO is a high-performance stochastic evolutionary algorithm used to solve N-dimensional problems. The method of PSO is used to determine a set of parameters of antenna elements that provide the goal radiation pattern. The efiectiveness of PSO for the design of antenna arrays is shown by means of numerical results. Comparison with other methods is made whenever possible. The results reveal that design of antenna arrays using the PSO method provides considerable enhancements compared with the uniform array and the synthesis obtained from other optimization techniques.

140 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of adding copper as alloying element and silicon carbide as reinforcement particles to Al-4-wt% Mg metal matrix were investigated at room conditions at a pressure of 3.18-MPa and a sliding speed of 0.393m/s using a pin-on-disk wear testing machine.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Uvulo-glosso-pharyngeal dimensions are affected by anteroposterior skeletal pattern, and on average, tongue length was significantly shorter in Class III subjects (P < .05), tongue height was reduced in Class II female subjects, the soft palate was thicker in ClassIII females and the vertical airway length (VAL).
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the uvulo-glosso-pharyngeal dimensions in subjects with different anteroposterior jaw relationship. Cephalometric radiograph of 90 subjects (45 females and 45 males, aged 14-17 years) were divided into three groups according to the ANB angle, ie, group 1, skeletal Class I (ANB angle 1-5); group 2, skeletal Class II (ANB angle >5); and group 3, skeletal Class III (ANB angle <1). In addition, each group was divided into two subgroups according to sex. Statistical analysis was undertaken using analysis of variance and least significant difference test. Pearson's Correlation test was also performed. Sex differences were found in Class I and III subjects. No sex differences were detected in Class II subjects. On average, tongue length was significantly shorter in Class III subjects (P < .05), tongue height was reduced in Class II female subjects, the soft palate was thicker in Class III females and the vertical airway length (VAL) was reduced in Class II male subjects (P < .01). In Class II subjects, the hyoid bone was closer to the mandible vertically and to C3 horizontally compared with Class I (P < .01) and Class III (P < .001) male subjects. Anteroposterior skeletal pattern showed a weak, but significant correlation with inferior pharyngeal airway space (R = -0.24, P = .024), vertical position of hyoid bone in relation to mandibular plane (R = -0.26, P = .014), and anteroposterior position of hyoid bone in relation to C3 (R = -0.561, P = .000). In conclusion, uvulo-glosso-pharyngeal dimensions are affected by anteroposterior skeletal pattern.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Thyroxin treatment reverses hypothyroidism‐induced impairment of hippocampus‐dependent cognition, and L‐LTP, probably by restoring the levels of signaling molecule important for these processes.
Abstract: Hypothyroidism induces cognitive impairment in experimental animals and patients. Clinical reports are conflicting about the ability of thyroid hormone replacement therapy to fully restore the hypothyroidism-induced learning and memory impairment. In this study, we investigated the effects of L-thyroxin (thyroxin) treatment on hippocampus-dependent learning and memory in thyroidectomized adult rats. In the radial arm water maze (RAWM) task, thyroxin treated thyroidectomized animals made significantly fewer errors than the untreated hypothyroid animals in Trial 3 of the acquisition phase, short-term memory and long-term memory tests. In addition, the number of errors made by the thyroxin treated thyroidectomized animals was not different from that of the control group. Furthermore, the days-to-criterion (DTC) values for thyroxin treated thyroidectomized animals were not different from those of the control group but significantly lower than those of the untreated hypothyroid animals. In anesthetized rats, extracellular recording from hippocampal area CA1 of hypothyroid rats shows that thyroxin treatment restores impaired Late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP). Immunoblot analysis of signaling molecules, including cyclic-AMP response element binding protein (CREB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKp44/42; ERK1/2), in area CA1 revealed that thyroxin treatment reversed hypothyroidism-induced reduction of signaling molecules essential for learning and memory, and L-LTP. This study shows that thyroxin treatment reverses hypothyroidism-induced impairment of hippocampus-dependent cognition, and L-LTP, probably by restoring the levels of signaling molecule important for these processes.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Jordanian mandibular first and second molar teeth exhibit features close to the average Caucasian root and canal morphology.
Abstract: Aim To examine the root and canal morphology of mandibular permanent first and second molar teeth in a Jordanian population. Methodology A total of 685 extracted mandibular first and second permanent molar teeth were collected from dental clinics within north Jordan. The teeth were examined visually and the root number and morphology were recorded. After that, access cavities were prepared, pulp tissue dissolved by sodium hypochlorite and the root canals injected with Indian ink. Stained teeth were decalcified with 10% nitric acid, dehydrated with ascending concentrations of alcohol and rendered clear by immersion in methyl salicylate. The following observations were evaluated: (i) number of canals per root; (ii) number of root canals per tooth; (iii) canal configuration in each root; (iv) number and location of lateral canals and (v) presence of intercanal communications. Results Of 330 mandibular first molars, the majority had three (48%) or four (46%) canals, whilst 4% had a third disto-lingual root. Of 355 mandibular second molars, 58% had three canals, 19% two and 17% had four canals, whilst 10% had C-shaped roots. The most prevalent canal configuration in the mesial root of both first (53%) and second (40%) molars was type IV, and in distal roots was type I (54% in first and 79% in second molars). Conclusions Jordanian mandibular first and second molar teeth exhibit features close to the average Caucasian root and canal morphology.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is expected that an improved understanding of the nature of Cronobacter persistence may aid in further improved control measures and eliminate the bacterium from the critical food production environments.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Chronic stress significantly intensified Abeta-induced deficits of short-term memory and E-LTP in chronically stressed/Abeta-treated rats by a mechanism involving decreased CaMKII activation along with increased calcineurin levels.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Personality traits were found to be correlated with patients' satisfaction with their dentition after orthodontic treatment and higher neuroticism scores were associated with lower levels of satisfaction with the dentition.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to identify factors that may affect patients' satisfaction with their dentition after orthodontic treatment. Fifty patients (20 males and 30 females; mean age 20.7 +/- 4.2 years) who successfully had finished fixed orthodontic treatment were included in the study. All subjects were treated with upper and lower fixed orthodontic appliances for an average duration of 19 +/- 4 months and were in retention stage (6-12 months) with upper Hawley and lower fixed bonded retainers. Dental Impact on Daily Living questionnaire was used to assess the effect of orthodontic treatment on daily living and satisfaction with the dentition in the study sample. The NEO Five Factor inventory was used to assess personality profiles in the study sample. Comparisons between groups were made using chi-square test. Personality traits were found to be correlated with patients' satisfaction with their dentition after orthodontic treatment. Higher neuroticism scores had a significant negative relationship with total satisfaction with the dentition (P < .05). Age, sex, and pretreatment orthodontic treatment need had no relationship with the patient's satisfaction. Patients treated nonextraction showed more dissatisfaction with their dentition (P < .05). In orthodontically treated patients, higher neuroticism scores were associated with lower levels of satisfaction with the dentition.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Tooth size differences were found between right and left sides, between females and males, and between the different malocclusions in a Jordanian sample.
Abstract: The objectives of this study were to determine the mean mesiodistal tooth width of the dentition, Bolton anterior and overall ratios, arch length, and arch width in the different malocclusions in a Jordanian sample. The mesiodistal tooth width, arch width, and length were measured on a total of 140 orthodontic models of school students aged 13-15 years of different occlusal relationships (Class I, Class II division 1, Class II division 2, and Class III malocclusions). Anterior and overall Bolton ratios were calculated. The mean and standard deviation were calculated. Student's t-test and analysis of variance were used for the statistical analysis. The results show that (1) females have smaller teeth than males; (2) Class III malocclusion showed larger teeth than the rest of the other occlusal categories; (3) no statistically significant differences were found in Bolton ratios between the different malocclusions; (4) Class II division 1 showed the narrowest maxillary arch compared with the other types of malocclusion; (5) the mandibular intercanine width was significantly larger in Class III group than in Class II division 1 and Class II division 2 groups; (6) the maxillary arch was significantly longer in Class II division 1 than in Class II division 2; and (7) the mandibular arch of both Class II categories was significantly shorter than Class III malocclusion group. In conclusion, tooth size differences were found between right and left sides, between females and males, and between the different malocclusions. Arch width and length also showed differences among the different malocclusions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Ten weeks of resistance exercises were associated with a significantly better glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes compared to treadmill exercise.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 10 weeks of resistance or treadmill exercises on glycemic indices levels prior to and immediately following exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes. Twenty inactive subjects (mean age 53.5 years) with type 2 diabetes enrolled in the study. Baseline HbA1c, blood glucose levels, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured for each subject prior to the initiation of the exercise program. Subsequently, subjects were matched to age, waist circumference and sex and assigned to either isocaloric resistance or treadmill exercise groups, which met 3 times per week for 10 weeks. Both groups showed a reduction in pre and post-exercise blood glucose and HbA1c values. There was no change in resting blood pressure or heart rate in either group during the course of the 10 week intervention. The group receiving resistance exercises showed significant differences in the daily pre-exercise plasma glucose readings between the beginning and end of the exercise protocol (p < 0.001). There were significant improvements in the mean HbA1c reading pre and post training in both groups (p < 0.001). However, the greater reduction was noted in the resistance exercise group, and at 10 weeks their HbA1c levels were significantly lower than the group that received treadmill exercises (p < 0.006). Ten weeks of resistance exercises were associated with a significantly better glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes compared to treadmill exercise.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results obtained in this study indicated that zeolitic tuff is an efficient ion exchanger for removing heavy metals, in particular the fine particle sizes of zeolite at pH 6, whereas, no clear effect of low ionic strength values is noticed on the removal process.
Abstract: The adsorption behavior of natural Jordanian zeolites with respect to Cd2 + , Cu2 + , Pb2 + , and Zn2 + was studied in order to consider its application to purity metal finishing drinking and waste water samples under different conditions such as zeolite particle size, ionic strength and initial metal ion concentration. In the present work, a new method was developed to remove the heavy metal by using a glass column as the one that used in column chromatography and to make a comparative between the batch experiment and column experiment by using natural Jordanian zeolite as adsorbent and some heavy metals as adsorbate. The column method was used using different metal ions concentrations ranged from 5 to 20 mg/L with average particle size of zeolite ranged between 90 and 350 μm, and ionic strength ranged from 0.01 to 0.05. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used for analysis of these heavy metal ions, the results obtained in this study indicated that zeolitic tuff is an efficient ion exchanger for removing heavy metals, in particular the fine particle sizes of zeolite at pH 6, whereas, no clear effect of low ionic strength values is noticed on the removal process. Equilibrium modeling of the removal showed that the adsorption of Cd2 + , Cu2 + , Pb2 + , and Zn2 + were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Kaganer-Radushkevich (DKR). The sorption energy E determined in the DKR equation (9.129, 10.000, 10.541, and 11.180 kJ/mol for Zn2 + , Cu2 + , Cd2 + and Pb2 + respectively) which revealed the nature of the ion-exchange mechanism.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The prevalence of overweight was high among Jordanian children compared with that in the neighboring countries, and the prevalence of obesity was lower.
Abstract: Objectives To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and determine their associated factors among school children aged 6–12 years in the north of Jordan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among school children in the north of Jordan in the period between March 2006 and May 2006. A total of 2,131 children (1,052 boys and 1,079 girls) were selected at random using multistage cluster sampling method. The first part of the questionnaire was completed by pupils in schools and the second part was completed by their parents at home. The researchers measured height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and mid upper arm circumference of each student in the class. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the international cut-off points of body mass index for boys and girls between 2 and 18 years of age. Results Of the total 2,131 children, 19.4% were overweight (18.8% of boys and 19.9% of girls) and 5.6% were obese (5.6% of boys and 5.5% of girls). Watching television >2 h/day, daily pocket money >20 piasters (1 piaster = 1.42 cents), having overweight or obese mother/father were significantly associated with increased odds of both overweight and obesity. Age ≥ 10 years, female gender, and family size of ≤4 were significantly associated with being overweight and total monthly family income >300 Jordanian Dinars (JDs), (1 JD = $1.42) was associated with obesity. Conclusions While the prevalence of overweight was high among Jordanian children compared with that in the neighboring countries, the prevalence of obesity was lower.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The seroprevalence of brucellosis in cows located in the Mafraq, Zarqa and Ma'an governorates was significantly higher than that of the other studied governorates and the use of disinfectants and the presence of adequate veterinary services were identified as protective factors.
Abstract: We investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors for Brucella seropositivity in cattle in Jordan. The sera from 671 cows were randomly collected from 62 herds. The antibodies against Brucella were detected using a Rose Bengal plate test and indirect ELISA. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the cattle herds' health and management. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed to identify the risk factors for Brucella seropositivity. The true prevalence of antibodies against Brucella in individual cows and cattle herds was 6.5% and 23%, respectively. The seroprevalence of brucellosis in cows older than 4 years of age was significantly higher than that in the younger cows. The seroprevalence of brucellosis in cows located in the Mafraq, Zarqa and Ma'an governorates was significantly higher than that of the other studied governorates. The multiple logistic regression model revealed that a larger herd size (odd ratio = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.6) and mixed farming (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.7) were risk factors for cattle seropositivity to Brucella antigens. On the other hand, the use of disinfectants (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.1) and the presence of adequate veterinary services (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.2) were identified as protective factors.

Patent
02 Jun 2009
TL;DR: In this paper, a system and method for listing an item online is presented, which provides a user interface comprising a first pane for entering information pertaining to the item and a second pane for viewing said information while it is being entered.
Abstract: A system and method are provided for listing an item online. The system provides a user interface comprising a first pane for entering information pertaining to the item and a second pane for viewing said information while it is being entered. The user is provided, in the second pane, an upload tool for uploading one or more photos of the item to assist in describing the item during the listing process. Upon entering one or more characters in a field in the first pane for identifying the item, the system searches a database of items being either parts or components and displays possible choices for said item such that the user can simply type in what their item is and the system provides possible category choices to facilitate and speed up the listing process.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jun 2009
TL;DR: The first automatic Arabic sign language (ArSL) recognition system based on hidden Markov models (HMMs) is introduced and it allows the deaf signers to perform gestures freely and naturally.
Abstract: Sign language in Arab World has been recently recognized and documented. There have been no serious attempts to develop a recognition system that can be used as a communication means between hearing-impaired and other people. This paper introduces the first automatic Arabic sign language (ArSL) recognition system based on hidden Markov models (HMMs). A large set of samples has been used to recognize 30 isolated words from the Standard Arabic sign language. The system operates in different modes including offline, online, signer-dependent, and signer-independent modes. Experimental results on using real ArSL data collected from deaf people demonstrate that the proposed system has high recognition rate for all modes. For signer-dependent case, the system obtains a word recognition rate of 98.13%, 96.74%, and 93.8%, on the training data in offline mode, on the test data in offline mode, and on the test data in online mode respectively. On the other hand, for signer-independent case the system obtains a word recognition rate of 94.2% and 90.6% for offline and online modes respectively. The system does not rely on the use of data gloves or other means as input devices, and it allows the deaf signers to perform gestures freely and naturally.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Investigation of the antimicrobial activity of propolis-based intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis using infected dentine models showed that propolis was significantly more effective than non-setting calcium hydroxide against E. Faecalis after short-term application.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of propolis-based intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis using infected dentine models, and to compare its antimicrobial efficacy with that of the non-setting calcium hydroxide paste when used as a short-term medication for 1 and 2 days. A total of 50 dentine discs of 7-mm length was obtained from extracted human teeth. Five dentine discs were kept sterile to serve as a negative control. The remaining 45 were contaminated with E. faecalis and divided into two groups (n = 20) in addition to five discs that served as a positive control. The discs were treated as follow: 20 discs were filled with propolis, while the other 20 discs were filled with non-setting calcium hydroxide. Microbiological sampling was performed utilising sterile paper point, headstrom file and disc immersion. Results showed that propolis was significantly more effective than non-setting calcium hydroxide against E. faecalis after short-term application, which made comparison from this prospect unlevelled. The most effective microbiological sampling technique was abrading the lumen with headstrom file. Propolis is very effective as intracanal medicament in rapidly eliminating E. faecalis ex vivo.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
28 Jul 2009
TL;DR: The results show that the suggested hybrid approach of Document Frequency Thresholding using an embedded information gain criterion of the decision tree algorithm is the preferable feature selection criterion.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of classifying Arabic text documents using a decision tree algorithm. Experiments are performed over two self collected data corpus and the results show that the suggested hybrid approach of Document Frequency Thresholding using an embedded information gain criterion of the decision tree algorithm is the preferable feature selection criterion. The study concluded that the effectiveness of the improved classifier is very good and gives generalization accuracy about 0.93 for the scientific corpus and 0.91 for the literary corpus and we also conclude that the effectiveness of the decision tree classifier was increased as we increase the training size, and the nature of the corpus has such a influence on the classifier performance.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Physicians in hospitals in Jordan were more likely to accept or recognize traditional pharmacy services than newer clinical services and increasing physician awareness of these clinical pharmacy skills will be an important step in developing CWRs.
Abstract: Background To initiate a collaborative working relationship (CWR) between physicians and pharmacists, current physicians' perceptions, expectations, and experiences with pharmacists should be determined. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate physicians' perceptions, expectations, and their actual experiences with pharmacists in hospital settings in Jordan. Methods A self-administered questionnaire was delivered to 284 physicians selected randomly from 4 main hospitals in northern Jordan. The questionnaire was composed of 4 parts investigating physicians' expectations, experiences, and perceptions of the pharmacists. Results Two hundred and forty-five questionnaires were completed (response rate, 86.3%). More than half of the physicians were comfortable with pharmacists providing patient education. Similarly, just fewer than half (48.2%) were uncomfortable with pharmacists suggesting the use of prescription medications to patients. Most physicians (62.5%) expect the pharmacist to educate their patients about safe and appropriate use of drugs; however, approximately one third (33.9%) of them do not expect the pharmacist to be available for consultation during rounds. Approximately, 54% of the physicians agreed that pharmacists were always a reliable source of information. Nevertheless, only 28.2% agreed that pharmacists frequently inform them that their patients have experienced some problem with their medications. Conclusions Physicians in hospitals in Jordan were more likely to accept or recognize traditional pharmacy services than newer clinical services. Increasing physician awareness of these clinical pharmacy skills will be an important step in developing CWRs.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The studies showed that Cronobacter spp.
Abstract: Background Cronobacter spp. (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii), are a group of Gram-negative pathogens that have been implicated as causative agents of meningitis and necrotizing enterocolitis in infants. The pathogens are linked to infant formula; however, they have also been isolated from a wide range of foods and environmental samples.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Current understanding of B-cell therapy, the role of rituximab in the treatment of RA and the evolving role of ocrelizumab, a novel humanized anti-CD20 antibody, are described.
Abstract: Recent advances in our understanding of B-cell dysregulation and its important link to autoimmunity have brought about a radical change in the management of autoimmune diseases. Over the past few years, encouraging data from several clinical trials of rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 antibody, have led to its approval for use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These data, regarding clinical efficacy, safety, improved patient-reported outcomes and cost-effectiveness with the use of rituximab in patients with RA, have led to the exploration of other agents targeting B-cell functions. Ocrelizumab, a novel humanized anti-CD20 antibody, has shown clinical efficacy and safety in a recently reported trial in patients with RA. Future clinical trials will help evaluate further the role of ocrelizumab in RA and its potential use in other autoimmune diseases. This review describes current understanding of B-cell therapy, the role of rituximab in the treatment of RA and the evolving role of ocrelizumab as a B-cell-targeted...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Jordanian ICU nurses should be prepared to care for families in crisis, and the focus of nursing practice should be moved from just patient-centered care to a more holistic approach including family needs.
Abstract: Purpose: To identify the self-perceived needs of adult Jordanians who have family members in ICUs and to explore whether those needs were being met. Design: A descriptive, exploratory design was used. A convenience sample of 139 family members of 85 critically ill patients was recruited from ICUs located in three different types of hospitals in Irbid, a city in northern Jordan. The three types of hospitals included Ministry of Health, university health system, and private sector. Methods: Family members who participated in this study were instructed to answer all the questionnaires that included: a demographic data form, the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI), and Needs Met Inventory (NMI). Results: The findings showed that the 10 most important needs identified by adult Jordanian family members were in the Assurance and Information subscales. The need “to be assured that the best care possible is being given to the patient” was reported as the most important need. Use of the NMI indicated that none of the 10 most important needs were perceived as being met. Conclusions: Jordanian ICU nurses should be prepared to care for families in crisis, and the focus of nursing practice should be moved from just patient-centered care to a more holistic approach including family needs. Clinical Relevance: Meeting family needs should be emphasized in nursing practice. Meeting these needs might help family members to cope better and be more supportive to their critically ill loved one.