Showing papers by "University of Jordan published in 1986"

Earthquake deformations in the Lisan deposits and seismotectonic implications

Abstract: Summary. Earthquake deformations and induced sedimentary structures preserved in Quaternary sediments include faults, folds, fissures, slumps, sand boils and other effects of liquefaction. Such deformations and structures are well preserved in the Lisan deposits of the Dead Sea. Of most importance are the fold-type deformations known as decollement structures which are present all along the eastern side of the Lisan and seem to decrease gradually westwards to disappear in the middle of the Lisan. These may indicate that palaeoearthquakes originating along the Araba fault have triggered such structures due to shaking of elastoplastic unconsolidated sediments over gentle slopes dipping to the west. Preliminary results from studies on decollement structures preserved in a section representing some 1733 years of continuous deposition in the uppermost? Pleistocene, in the vicinity of Wadi Araba, indicate that: (1) seismic activity has fluctuated with time. Average recurrence period is about 340 ± 20yr for earthquakes with magnitudes greater than or equal to 6.5, Earthquakes with magnitude greater than 7 seem to have occurred along the Araba fault. (2) Deduced earthquake magnitudes conform to the frequency–magnitude relationship: log N= 5.24–0.68M. (3) The deduced seismic slip rate along the Araba fault seems to be not less than 0.64 ± 0.04 cm yr−1.

Determinants of the utilization of maternal and child health services in Jordan.

Abstract: The utilization of antenatal, delivery and postnatal services by a random sample of married women in Jordan during their most recent pregnancy resulting in a live birth is analysed. Marked variations are shown in the use of these services and of preventive infant care for women living in urban and rural areas. Women with increasing levels of formal education and those living near services were significantly more likely to use services. If effective coverage of these services is to be achieved then it is suggested that greater emphasis should be placed upon outreach and realistic social marketing.

Acclimatisation of the fowl to intermittent acute heat stress

Abstract: 1. The acclimatisation of poultry to a hot, dry climate was assessed by studying changes in rectal temperature (Tr) during regular daily exposure to an ambient temperature of 38 °C and 26% RH. 2. Laying hens of two strains, young chicks, growing broilers and broiler breeders were able to acclimatise, in varying degrees, to these conditions. 3. Acclimatisation was characterised by a progressive reduction in the rate of increase in Tr over the period of exposure and the ability to survive conditions that initially would have been fatal. 4. Laying hens could acclimatise if prevented from displaying their normal postural responses to heat stress. 5. Acclimatisation was accompanied by a decrease in oxygen consumption when measured at either the acclimatisation temperature or at a thermoneutral temperature.

On Communication Strategies: Focus on Interaction

Abstract: Although previous work has analyzed the communication strategies (CS) of L2 learners (e.g., Faerch & Kasper, 1983; Tarone, 1980, 1977), this research is an attempt at studying CS used by both 12 speakers and their interviewers during a videotaped interview. Fifty-three beginning French learners were interviewed and the videotape was analyzed for CS used by both interactants; learners' performance was also rated (ACTFL, 1982). Subjects were instructed either by Total Physical Response (Asher, 1977, 1969) or Strategic Interaction (SI) (Di Pietro, 1982, 1979).Data were subjected to correlational and MANOVA analyses. Significant differences were detected between groups. In general, the higher the proficiency rating, the lower was the use of CS. The method of instruction appeared to have an important bearing on amount and kind of CS used and on proficiency ratings received. SI students and their interviewers used fewer CS; SI learners also received higher ratings.It appears that SI facilitated students' development of at least two underlying competencies, linguistic and interactional (Palmer, 1979; Canale & Swain, 1980). It is also posited that SI students' diminished use of CS indicates a higher degree of control over the activity, as proposed by the Vygotskian paradigm (Vygotsky, 1962).

A new description of the lumbar erector spinae muscle in man.

Abstract: A study of the attachments of the musculotendinous fibres of the lumbar erector spinae muscle shows that it is made of two parts: a superficial or costal part, and a deep or vertebral part. The superficial part arises by small fleshy slips from the posterior (superficial) surface as well as the rostral and lateral margins of the erector spinae aponeurosis. It inserts by slender flattened tendons into the lower ten ribs. The deep part arises by large fleshy laminae from the deep surface of the erector spinae aponeurosis. It inserts through musculotendinous fibres mainly into the upper four lumbar and lower eight thoracic vertebrae. The superficial part corresponds to the iliocostalis lumborum and upper part of the longissimus thoracis. The deep part corresponds to the lower part of the longissimus thoracis. The functional significance of the present findings is discussed.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Production under Mulch and Trickle Irrigation in the Jordan Valley

Abstract: Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) is one of the major irrigated vegetables in the Jordan Valley. Watermelon production has increased in the last few years with the introduction of trickle irrigation and plastic mulching, especially in the highlands. In this experiment it is intended to study the effects of different plastic mulching on crop water use and on yields of watermelon. Soil temperature data was also collected in an attempt to study its fluctuation and degree of change under different mulching. Also studied were the root density and distribution. Results indicate significant differences in water applied and in yields between treatments. Highest yield (average = 55.3 MT/HA) was obtained under transparent mulch and with average total water supply of 44.3 cm. Whereas under black mulch an average yield of 13.3 MT/HA was obtained although 40.1 cm total water was applied. Under no mulch, only 10.4 MT/HA was obtained with a highest total water supply of 51.2 cm. Root distribution and density did not show any significant differences. Soil temperature under mulched treatments were higher than those non-mulched. Heat units determined showed no big difference between transparent and black mulched treatments.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in Jordanians: a histopathological study of 231 cases.

Abstract: Our hospital admitted 231 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas between June 1976 and November 1984. Review of these cases revealed the following profile: ages ranged from 1 to 70 years (median: 30 years), 156 males, predominantly children and adolescents, and 75 females. Diffuse histiocytic lymphoma accounted for 40.6 per cent of all cases. Seventeen patients (7 per cent) had nodular lymphomas. Fifteen patients, predominantly male children and adolescents, had lymphoblastic lymphomas and showed high association with mediastinal mass (47 per cent). Extranodal lymphomas mostly of the diffuse histiocytic subtype were diagnosed in 100 cases (43.3 per cent) and most frequently situated in the small intestine (59 cases). Burkitt's lymphoma--32 patients (14 per cent)--presented most often in male patients during the first decade of life and as an abdominal intestinal disease (19 cases). There were four cases of Mediterranean abdominal lymphoma (IPSID). Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in Jordanians are mostly of the diffuse histiocytic type, are rarely nodular, have a high frequency of extranodal involvement and tend to occur in younger age groups. Mediterranean abdominal lymphoma is less frequent than previously thought. The use of both of the Rappaport and Lukes-Collins classifications demonstrated a high degree of reproducibility.

Irrigation Scheduling and Watermelon Yield Model for the Jordan Valley

Abstract: A crop yield and soil water management simulation model (CRPSM) developed at Utah State University was modified, calibrated and tested using local weather data and field results from a trickle irrigation experiment with different mulching on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), carried out at the University of Jordan Research Station, in the Jordan Valley. Simulated irrigation schedules were then applied with some of the four options provided by the model. The water yield index, WYI, introduced by Battikhi and Hill (1985) to select the most efficient schedule as based on yield and water use efficiency, was then determined. WYI ranged from 27 to 87. The field schedule, WM2, had a WYI of 62. Whereas, the model provided a much better schedule, WM7 (WYI = 86). WM7 requires 17 irrigations of 2.0 cm per irrigation totaling a water supply of 44.1 cm with an irrigation season starting on April 7 to give a yield equivalent to the potential yield, 80.0 MT/ha. On the other hand, the best field schedule, WM2 under transparent mulch, required 14 irrigations to provide 45.9 cm (including rainfall and soil moisture change), with a season starting on April 28 resulted in a yield of 68.8 MT/ha. So we can see that by using the same amounts of total water supply but with different schedule we can get the potential yield. The model has, therefore, provided few better schedules that can be tested in the field at lower costs before final recommendations are made.

Effects of seasonal changes of soil salinity and soil nitrogen on the N-metabolism of the halophyte Arthrocnemum fruticosum (L.) Moq.

Abstract: The N-metabolism ofArthrocnemum fruticosum (L.) Moq., growing in a saline area north-east of the Dead Sea in Jordan, was studied over its vegetative growth period from March to September 1981. Plant and soil samples were taken at monthly intervals. Water content, Na+, K+, Cl−, NH 4 + , NO 2 − and NO 3 − concentrations were determined in the soil extracts, and the same determinations plus ash weight, soluble carbohydrates, proline, proteins andin vivo nitrate reductase in the plant roots and shoots. Soil humidity decreased and salinity increased from March to August, with re-wetting occurring in late July. K+ and Cl− were much lower in the soils than Na+. Plant relative dry weight increased during summer due to the absorption of Na+ in addition to increased organic dry weight. The uptake of Na+ was not balanced by a similar uptake of Cl−. Ammonium and nitrate decreased in soil and plants in parallel with increasing salinity. Nitrite was only found in the roots and always in very low quantities. Proline was found only in March. The total soluble carbohydrates in the roots showed a short increase in June when the sodium in the plants also increased. It was concluded that carbohydrates may be used to balance osmotic shocks, but that another compatible compounds is necessary to maintatin long-term osmotic equilibrium. The nitrate reductase activity, measuredin vivo, and the soluble protein changed roughly in parallel with the internal nitrate from May to August, suggesting that nitrogen uptake and reduction in the plant is inhibited during summer when the soil is dry and very saline. This could be a direct effect of drought and/or salinity on the plants, or an indirect onevia an inhibition of nitrifying bacteria.

Intracranial neoplasms associated with sudden death: a report of seven cases and a review of the literature.

Abstract: During the eight-year period 1978–85, 1055 autopsies were performed at Jordan University Hospital on cases of sudden unexpected death. Out of these, seven cases of intracranial neoplasm which contributed directly or indirectly to death were encountered. These cases are reported and the relevant literature is reviewed.

Virulence mechanisms associated with clinical isolates of non-O1 Vibrio cholerae.

Abstract: Twenty one isolates of non-O1 V. cholerae from patients with diarrheal illness were examined for the presence of potential virulence mechanisms. The motile strains (90%) produced cell-associated mannose-sensitive hemagglutinins which reacted with human group O, chicken, sheep and rabbit erythrocytes. Motile isolates also attached to embryonic intestinal epithelial cells (ATCC 407), and the adherence was not inhibited by the presence of 1% D-mannose. All vibrio isolates hemolyzed sheep erythrocytes. Three vibrio isolates (14%) harbored two or three plasmids which ranged in size between 1.7 and 5.2 megadaltons. The presence of the plasmid did not correlate with the presence of hemolysin, hemagglutinins, adhesions or antibiotic resistance in any of the isolates. Thus, it appears that multiple factors associated with bacterial cell surfaces influence adhesin andd apparently pathogenic potential of the non-O1 vibrio isolates in the host intestine.

Malignant neoplasms in Jordanian children

Abstract: SUMMARYThree hundred and seventy-three cases of malignant disease in children were diagnosed in Jordan during the 5-year period 1975–79. Lymphomas (28·7%) were the most frequently encountered tumours, followed by leukaemias (19·6%) and brain tumours (16·1%). One third of the children with lymphoma had Hodgkin's disease. Burkitt's lymphoma accounted for another one third, and lymphocytic lymphoma the remaining third. Abdominal involvement was frequently encountered in children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Our data are similar to those reported from the neighbouring Arab countries, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt, and contrast with the data available from developed countries in which leukaemias and brain tumours are more frequent than lymphomas.

The Effect of Bases and Formulation on the Release of Indomethacin from Suppositories

Abstract: The in vitro release characteristics of indomethacin from different suppository formulations were investigated using a dialysis method. Suppositories containing 100 mg of indomethacin were prepared...

Maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters of the bivariate binomial distribution

Abstract: We consider the problem of maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters of the bxvariate binomial distribution, In the statistical literature, this problem is solved when the observed sample is available in the form of a 2x2 contingency table, that is, with all four cell fre quencies given,, The present paper provides a solution for this problem when only the marginal totals of the 2x2 table are observed, which is the natural set-up in a bivariate sampling situation.. Thus, based on a sample [(Xi,Yi:), i = 1, …, k] from a bivariate binomial population, we derive maximum likelihood (ML) estimators for the two marginal parameters p1,p2: and the covariance parameter p11: It. turns out that the ML estimators for P1: and P2: are expressed explicitly in terms of the sample values, whereas the ML estimator for p11: can only be obtained numerically by iterative methods Two nu merical illustrations are also presented

The application of AC impedance methods to HgI2 crystals

Abstract: Impedance and phase angle measurements produced by HgI 2 crystals as a function of frequency in the range 1 Hz to 30 kHz in both dark and light environments are described. The equivalent networks which correspond to the crystal in both environments are inferred from the complex impedance plane plots. The crystal in the dark showed a conduction mechanism with a relaxation time of ⋍ 2.9 ms at high frequency and a capacitive coupling indicative of polarization at low frequency. The crystal under illumination showed two distinct conduction mechanisms (bulk and interfacial) with two relaxation times τ 1 ⋍ 0.71 and τ 2 ⋍ 6.4 ms . At low frequencies, polarization effects were found to be diminished by exposing the crystal to illumination. At high frequencies, the crystal responses were found similar in both environments except for a factor of 3 increase in the real part of the admittance. This is consistent with the values found for the bulk resistances.

Effects of NaCl on the nitrogen metabolism of the halophyte Arthrocnemum fruticosum (L.) Moq., grown in a greenhouse

Abstract: Arthrocnemum fruticosum (L.)Moq., a halophyte from the shore of the Dead Sea in Jordan was grown in a greenhouse with nutrient solution supplemented with various concentrations of NaCl. It was shown that with increasing salinity the plants became more succulent, mainly due to an accumulation of sodium and water. Sodium was taken up into the roots in equal amounts to chloride, but in the shoots far more sodium than chloride was found, suggesting a control of these ions either in the excretion into the xylem, or in the uptake by the shoot out of the xylem. Ammonium and nitrate in the plants decreased with time on nutrient solution more or less independently of the salt concentration. However, more nitrate appeared again in the plants when they started flowering. After an initial period of adaptation the nitrate reductase activityin vivo was not inhibited by a salinity of up to 2%, but at higher NaCl concentrations a shift of nitrate reductase activity occurred from the roots to the shoots. This was consistent with earlier observations in the field. In the vegetative phase of the plants the nitrate reductase in the roots was influenced by the soil water potential, but in the shoot it was mainly dependent on the supply of nitrate from the roots. High NaCl concentrations delayed flower initiation. During flowering the nitrate reductase was involved in the re-allocation of nitrogenous compounds from the roots to the developing flowers, and it became effectively independent from salinity.

The Effect of Conservation on Wildlife in Jordan

Abstract: Four selected reserves in Jordan have been studied to find out the effect of conservation on wildlife. These reserves are: Shaumari in the eastern desert; Surra in the Irano-Turanian region in the north of Jordan; Dab'aa in the Irano-Turanian in the southeastern part of Jordan; and Al-Fugaug in the Mediterranean region in the south of Jordan. The four reserves are representative of the three major biogeographical regions represented in the country.Using the quadrat method of survey, the vegetation height, cover, phytomass, diversity, and total number of macrophytic species, were statistically analysed. The results obtained show that the values of the factors studied tended to be 2–3 times as much inside as outside the fence in the unprotected area.These reserves were not subjected to any special treatment, merely being fenced and protected under natural condition without any human interference such as spreading of seeds, irrigation, fertilization, or any other anthropogenic factors.The following recommendations are offered in order to protect wildlife: foundation of reserves for wildlife protection; increasing well-planned rangelands and grazing areas for meat production; implementation of the laws against offences; improvement of the rangelands through research and by using fertilizers or nodular Bacteria associated with leguminous plants adapted to dry conditions; increased water research in dry areas in the hopes of producing irrigated rangelands; marginal lands with a low rainfall must not be used for cultivation; scientific research is needed to determine the carrying capacity of rangelands in different regions of the country; development of new methods of animal feeding to decrease the grazing pressure on natural rangelands; prohibition of hunting for at least five years; and finally, intensive information and publicity through the different media should be given out to educate the public and make them aware of the urgent need to protect wildlife and make proper use of it.