Natural Sciences

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11888/18293

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3-AMINOIMIDAZO[1,2-a] PYRIDINE DERIVATIVES: SYNTHESIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES
(An-Najah National University, 2024-12-18) Dragmeh, Osama
Background: Worldwide, antimicrobial resistance continues to be a major public health issue. Novel antibacterials with improved activity characteristics are therefore in high demand. Antibacterial is one of the many pharmacological actions of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines. These bioactive substances are the main ingredients of several widely marketed therapeutic medications, such as Alpidem and Zolpidem. Objectives: Creation of novel 3-amino-6-floroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives and evaluation of their effectiveness against five bacterial strains. Methodology: The one-pot Groebke-Blackburn-Bienayme-Three Component Reaction (GBB-3CR) was used in the compound synthesis. Several spectroscopic methods, including infrared (IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), were used to confirm the structure. The assessment of purity also makes use of the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technology. To evaluate the compounds' effectiveness against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli, biological experiments were conducted on the produced compounds. Results: The seven synthetic compounds (85-91) were produced with a purity of 88-100%. These compounds (85-91) have been verified for their structural formula using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and IR spectroscopy. These techniques indicate the GBB-3CR normal product. Biologically, compound 91 exhibited the best inhibitory behavior among the others; the lowest MIC value (15.625 µg/ml) was recorded for compound 91 against E. coli. Moreover, compound 91 works better than Gentamicin against K. pneumoniae. The same observation was reported for compounds 85 and 89 against S. epidermis. It is worth pointing out that compound 89 in this study kills E. coli and S. epidermis at lower concentrations (62.5 µg/mL) than Gentamicin antibiotics 125 µg/mL and 250 µg/mL, respectively. The same observation was noticed for compound 85 against S. epidermis with an MBC value of 62.5 µg/mL. Compounds 91, 89, and 85 have good antibacterial effects due to the substitution on C-2 of 3-amino-6-floroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine scaffolds, which are 1-methylimidazole, p-trifluoromethylphenyl, and 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl, respectively. Conclusions: A straightforward, cost-effective, one-step process was used to create new, promising bioactive chemicals. Additional research on these derivatives might provide more potent compounds that show promise as innovative antibacterial treatment options.
A COMPARISON OF NUMERICAL SOLUTIONS FOR ONE FREDHOLM INTEGRAL EQUATIONS SYSTEM OF THE SECOND KIND
(An-Najah National University, 2025-02-06) Badrien, Mohammed
The main goal of this work is to propose various numerical techniques for approximating the solution of a system of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind. The methods proposed involve the Chebyshev collocation method, the Haar wavelet method and the reconstruction of the variational iteration method. After reviewing the basic concepts of Fredholm integral equations and addressing the mathematical framework of these numerical methods, we provide some illustrative numerical examples with known exact solution to illustrate the effectiveness and the efficiency of these methods. Numerical results show clearly that Chebyshev collocation method is one of the most efficient method for solving system of Fredholm integral equations in comparison with its counterparts.
A HYBRID DEEP LEARNING MODEL FOR FORECASTING PM2.5 AIR POLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS
(An-Najah National University, 2024-12-18) Massad, Asma
Air quality forecasting is a crucial research field that aids scientists and policymakers in making informed decisions to combat air pollution. Among various pollutants, PM2.5 -particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometers- poses significant health risks, as it can reach the lower respiratory tract and enter the bloodstream. Accurately forecasting PM2.5 levels is thus essential. Although machine learning-based spatiotemporal forecasting models have advanced, the pursuit for more accurate forecasts continues. The use of hybrid deep learning models for PM2.5 forecasting represents a promising and active area of research, as these models aim to capture complex spatiotemporal dependencies more effectively. We developed a Dynamic Graph Attention Network (DyGAT) to model spatial dependencies effectively. DyGAT leverages engineered edge features, including distance, wind speed, and wind direction, while using attention mechanisms to capture the dynamic nature of these dependencies. DyGAT was then combined with Informer, a Transformer for efficient time-series forecasting, to capture spatial and temporal patterns comprehensively, improving prediction accuracy. Our model was evaluated on a benchmark dataset from Beijing, with 420,768 records over four years. DyGAT-Informer outperformed a version without the DyGAT component and other baseline models. It achieved 50.43 for MAE, 79.9 for RMSE and 28.88% for SMAPE, compared to 51.44 for MAE, 80.83 for RMSE and 30.25% for SMAPE in the next best model. Additionally, we conducted a case study using a dataset from Nablus, Palestine, consisting of 2692 records per station over a two months period. We incorporated geospatial features about nearby pollution sources into the dataset. Due to the insufficient number of records in the Nablus dataset for training the Informer, it was replaced with a sequence-to-sequence Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model. DyGAT-LSTM, trained with additional geospatial features about nearby pollution sources, achieved a 2.08% reduction in MAE, 1.17% in RMSE, and 1.96% in SMAPE. This confirms the benefit of incorporating such data. Finally, despite the short distances between stations, DyGAT successfully captured spatial dependencies, where DyGAT-LSTM achieved a reduction of 3.13% in MAE, 1.48% in RMSE, and 3.67% in SMAPE when compared to the LSTM-only model.
ACCEPTANCE AND SATISFACTION WITH ELECTRONIC HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM BY HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN PALESTINIAN HOSPITALS
(An-Najah National University, 2024-08-22) Sabri Dweikat, Ahmad
Background: This study investigated the factors influencing employees’ acceptance and satisfaction of Electronic Health Information Systems (EHIS) in An-Najah National University Hospital and Rafidia Surgical Hospital. Methods: The study included healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, medical secretaries, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, and radiologists. The study investigated fifteen hypotheses related to relative advantage, system quality, top management support, information technology (IT) department support, and competitive pressure. Results: A total of (n = 220) The research study, found no significant gender differences in EHIS acceptance (55% males, 45% females). Educational backgrounds varied, with 71% holding bachelor's degrees, 22% master degrees, and 7% diplomas. Participants with younger ages and less experience exhibited different perspectives on EHIS. Postgraduate participants showed greater awareness of relative advantage. The study also revealed that external factors such as relative advantage, system quality, top management support, and competitive pressure significantly affected perceived usefulness (PU) and ease of use (PEOU). Conclusion: The study looked at factors affected the acceptance of EHIS by Palestinian hospital staff and found that perceived usefulness (PU) was highly impacted by system quality, relative advantage, competitive pressure, top management support, and IT department support, while organizational support, compatibility, and system complexity had little effect on perceived ease of use (PEOU).
ADAPTIVE LEARNING USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH FOR E-LEARNING PLATFORMS
(An-Najah National University, 2025-06-03) Khalil , Bashar
E-learning has become an important area of scientific research, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to increased focus on this topic. However, many e-learning systems still use a one-size-fits-all approach, similar to trying to fit a single shirt size on all men's sizes. To address this issue and accommodate individual differences among students, an adaptive learning system is needed. This system can provide tailored learning paths that match each student's academic level and personal needs. This research introduces an adaptive learning system called Najah-AI. In this system, the curriculum is divided into specific learning objectives, and various recommendation systems are used, including collaborative and content-based approaches. The nearest neighbor machine learning algorithm was chosen for its suitability to the data type in this study. The findings revealed that 71% of students benefited from the adaptive e-learning system, and their performance improved significantly after watching videos that supported the learning objective where they were struggling.
AFLATOXIN B1 LEVELS IN CORN IN CORN (ZEA MAIZE) AND SOYBEAN (GLYCCINEMAX L.MERR.)-BASED FEED IN NORTHERN PALESTINE
(An-Najah National University, 2023-12-20) Hamdan, Elahm
Aflatoxin is a by-product of the metabolism of aspergillus fungi has severe health risks as indicated by many researchers. This study is aiming to examine the existence of aflatoxin B1 in two crops; corn and soybean which is the major raw material in poultry feeding concentrates. Both ingredients are imported and inter the manufacturing process in local factories. In this study 42 samples of corn and soybean were collected from siloes of concentrates processing factories for animal feeding located in Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarm districts. The samples were collected in October, 2021. The samples were kept in cool dark containers and then sent to the lab analysis to test the concentration of Aflatoxin B1 according to the procedure of RIDASCREEN® Aflatoxin B1 30/15. The results indicated that aflatoxin B1 was detected in 80%, 100%, and 100% of the corn samples from Jenin, Nablus and Tulkarm consequently. While in soybean the existence of aflatoxin B1 was found in 60%, 85.7%, and 100% of the samples in Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarm consequently. In corn samples; the overall average AFB1 concentration was 0.69 µg/kg, the average concentration is 0.64 µg/kg in Jenin, 0.604 µg/kg in Nablus, and 0.80 µg/kg in Tulkarm. These results are ithin the accepted levels according to the standards. Significant differences in the aflatoxin concentration of both crops were found between the three districts. In soybean sample; the overall average AFB1 concentration was 0.66 µg/kg. The average concentration is 0.78 µg/kg in Jenin, 0.61 µg/kg in Nablus, and 0.65 µg/kg in Tulkarm, which is within the accepted levels as indicated by the European and US FDA guidelines, which is 20 ppb ( 20 µg/kg).
ALGAE FOR NUTRIENTS REMOVAL FROM WASTEWATER: THE APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT FOR ENHANCED ALGAL GROWTH
(An-Najah National University, 2024-10-10) Alhamaydeh, Ahlam
Treating municipal wastewater using algae to remove nutrients is considered one of the most successful, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive natural methods, as algae grow naturally in wastewater if the appropriate conditions are available for its growth, such as nutrients, temperature, duration, and intensity of exposure to light, as well as the presence of bacteria that form a symbiotic relationship with algae to help it grow. This research studied the effect of artificial light on the growth of algae and its activity in removing nutrients from municipal wastewater. Three beakers of municipal wastewater in which the algae grew, with a volume of 5 liters as a pilot scale of patch reactors, were used and placed in the same conditions which were Temperatures and mixing for 15 days, with varying durations of exposure to artificial light. In the first sample, the algae was exposed to light 24 hours a day and was called the light sample. The second beaker was exposed to light for 19 hours, the fifth was exposed to natural daylight and was called half light sample, and the third sample remained in the day and night cycle, where it was called the natural sample. After 15 days of comparing the three samples, although the results were close in the two light and half-light samples, the algae in the light sample were the most efficient in removing nutrients from wastewater, as their efficiency in removing COD was 95% and phosphorus was 96%. 99.8% ammonium, TSS concentration 737.4 mg/L, and chlorophyll A pigment concentration of 129.4 μg/L. In the half-light sample, the effectiveness of algae in removing COD was 93%, phosphorus was 94%, ammonium was 99.8%, TSS concentration was 237.4 mg/L, and chlorophyll A concentration was 57.2 μg/L. Finally, in the natural sample, the efficiency in removing COD was 93%, phosphorus was 6%, ammonium was 56%, TSS concentration was 174 mg/L, and chlorophyll A concentration was 8 μg/L. These results show the effectiveness of algae as a natural method for removing nutrients from wastewater and the positive effect of light on improving algae growth and its efficiency in the treatment process.
AN AHP BASED CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING AI ASSISTED DESIGNS AS PERCEIVED BY DESIGNERS
(An-Najah National University, 2025-02-13) Kayed, Aseel
This thesis presents the development of an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) framework to assess artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted architectural designs. The main objective is to construct a priority scale that reflects the experts' evaluation of the relative importance of different design elements. To this end, after an extensive systematic literature, four primary standards—authenticity, beauty, inventiveness, and harmony—were found to be crucial for judging architectural designs. Sub-criteria were derived from each of these primary criteria to offer a more detailed assessment. A panel of professionals in the domains of architecture and artificial intelligence were administered a two-part questionnaire in order to inform the suggested framework. The participants' backgrounds and prior exposure to AI were gathered in the first section of the questionnaire. In the second section, the specified criteria and sub-criteria were evaluated. Thirty responses were collected and analyzed. The AHP results show that, inventiveness with 35.5% weight is the most influential factor for assessing AI-assisted designs. Authenticity with a weight of 21.5% and harmony with a weight of 24% are, respectively, the next two most important criteria. Beauty was found to have a weight of 19%. The most important sub-criterion for authenticity with their weights were found to be design consistency (36.1%), with material integrity (20.4%), authentic expression (22.7%), and historical context (20.8%). The top ranking factors for beauty are integration with the environment (43.7%), visual impact (22.1%), timelessness (20%), and detailing (14.2%). Emerged as the highest-ranking element of inventiveness is sustainable solutions (36.1%), with technical innovation (23.1%) and adaptive reuse (23.9%) also having significant effects. A smaller but still significant impact is made by spatial novelty (16.9%). Material coherence (28.3%), spatial harmony (21.2%), and proportionate balance (16.3%), environmental synchronization (34.2%) are the main components of harmony. The study's findings led to the development of a solid and organized framework for assessing architectural projects helped by artificial intelligence. The contribution of this research is mainly for researchers, architects, and stakeholders to be able to quantitatively assess architectural designs that are produced by AI with a novel AHP based approach evaluation method. This framework contributes to the ongoing discourse about the incorporation of Artificial intelligence in the field of architectural engineering, more specific the architectural design by prioritizing important design elements and providing a systematic method for upcoming evaluations. A thorough assessment of design quality is made possible by the framework's methodical approach, which highlights the significance of coherence, contextual integration, and sustainability.
ANALYSIS AND IMPROVEMENT OF NEDCO ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION NETWORK OF JENIN GOVERNORATE AND CLARIFYING THE IMPACT OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PENETRATION
(2022) Haitham Alawneh
This thesis starts by getting information from North Electrical Distribution Company (NEDCO) about all parameters and contents of the electrical network of Jenin, such as transmission lines, underground cables, transformers, loads, and PV systems in detail with all lengths, diameters, capacities, average annual consumption and PV systems power. ETAB simulator program was used to build this network, and the analysis started at a low voltage side at every load. Thesis focus on the power quality and voltage quality through the analysis. The objective of this thesis is to improve the power and voltage quality of the whole network in different ways, such as improving power factor to be more than 95% with respect to IEEE standards, improving low voltages at some loads and reducing drop voltages to be within 5% as IEEE standards, and reducing power losses using techniques such as: adding new PV systems, adding new capacitor banks, increasing the tap changers. Depending on the readings of the voltage bus and power factor (i.e., real and reactive power) of each load bus. Also, this thesis discusses another subject: the PV penetration level. It describes in detail the problem led by high penetration in the network and loads. It also discusses the solution to each problem. High PV penetration in the network causes many problems such as power losses, voltage rise, voltage fluctuations, voltage unbalance and reverse power flow that impacts the power quality; also, it causes a negative on power factor, voltage sag, harmonics, and frequency. The thesis suggests many solutions for these problems, such as: using an on load tap changer, reactive power control, energy storage system, PV generation curtailment, and smart inverter, and passive filters to reduce the harmonics effect. These solutions are described in detail in chapter 4. However, these solutions aim to balance real power and reactive power production to improve the power factor, avoid reverse power flow, store the power and use it at a suitable time and reduce harmonics effect to be within 5% for THD and less than 3% for IHD as IEEE standards. Keywords: Effect of high PV Penetration; Improve power quality; Improve voltage quality; Improvement of NEDCO; Harmonics Effect.
ASSESSING CITY RESILIENCE USING CITY RESILIENCE PROFILING TOOL CASE STUDY: NABLUS CITY
(An-Najah National University, 2025-02-16) Abu Baker, Laila
Objective: This study aims at evaluating the resilience of Nablus City, with a specific focus on the implementation and assessment of its Sustainable Development Investment Plan (SDIP). The study seeks to measure the city’s progress toward resilience-based sustainable development, while identifying areas for improvement and proposing recommendations to strengthen future efforts. Approach: Drawing on the UN-Habitat framework, “City Resilience Profiling Tool”, the researcher developed an assessment framework combining “Disaster Risk Reduction” (DRR) and sustainable development elements, aligning with global best practices and local challenges. One of the main pillars of this study is a revision of both versions of Nablus SDIP, the previous SDIP of (2018-2021) and the ongoing SDIP of (2023 – 2026). This evaluation was conducted based on a tailored-fit monitoring and evaluation matrix . A stakeholder analysis was conducted as part of the study categorizing key actors into a variety of groups. The assessment emphasizes the crucial role that each group plays in shaping the city’s resilience strategy. Accordingly, the research proposes a roadmap for enhancing stakeholder engagement to ensure that the SDIP process benefits from their active and informed involvement. Another pillar was the integration of DRR-related “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) into local development practices. Being a core aspect of this evaluation, the research incorporated the “seven targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction” to develop a set of measurable indicators, linking local resilience efforts to sustainable development goals. Results: The analysis reveals that regardless of the significant strides Nablus municipality has achieved in implementing resilience-based development including their high commitment, there are still key areas that require improvement. In particular, the integration of resilience across various sectors remains inconsistent. Fiscal, communal, and institutional constraints continue to impact the city’s capacity to fully achieve its SDIP vision. Furthermore, a robust municipal monitoring system is lacking, leading to difficulties in tracking and measuring disaster risk reduction efforts and creating a gap in data availability and quality. As for stakeholders, it was identified that governmental bodies and the private sector have strong engagement practices. However, CBOs, which are essential for local ownership and community participation, are often underrepresented. In regard to the progress in the achievement of DRR-related SDGs, the study reveals the low levels of progress in each of the related indicators and the gap in the availability of required data to measure and assess progress. Conclusion: The established framework is a tool designed to assist the local authorities, in evaluating the progress of SDIP initiatives, track disaster risk reduction efforts, and assess stakeholder engagement in promoting the concept of resilience-based sustainable development. Its unique contribution lies in the absence of similar studies addressing resilience-based sustainable development within the Palestinian context, offering a model that can be adapted to other cities facing similar challenges. Recommendations: The study emphasizes the importance of investing in improving municipal governance, institutional capacity, and financial resources to promote the concept of resilience-based sustainable development. Specific recommendations include the establishment of a robust municipal monitoring system, the development of real-time data collection tools, and targeted training programs for municipal staff. Furthermore, enhancing the participation of various stakeholders in the SDIP process, particularly by involving CBOs and local communities in all stages of design, implementation, and evaluation, is crucial for ensuring the success of the plan and promoting local ownership of resilience initiatives. Additional recommendations focus on integrating resilience into urban planning practices by strengthening risk-informed approaches to land use and construction and incorporating climate change adaptation strategies into the SDIP. The study also calls for adopting technology and innovation in urban management, to improve risk mapping and environmental monitoring. Investing in smart city solutions and continuous research collaborations with academic institutions can further enhance the city’s resilience capacity. Finally, knowledge-sharing platforms with other cities that have successfully implemented resilience-based sustainable development strategies could facilitate peer-to-peer learning and drive further progress.
ASSESSING CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITIES OF THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN PALESTINE -RISK MANAGEMENT APPROCH
(2024-02-18) Jafar Talib Ismail
Abstract Climate change threatens solid waste management in vast ways in Palestine by augmenting environmental risks as well as matters of public health. Thus, this thesis covering the interactions of climate vulnerabilities (temperature, rainfall, extreme weather, sea level and winds( within the regional wastes management practices and aimed at developing strategies towards climate resilience. The goal is to help people cope better with climate change on waste management by providing policymakers with sound advice. The thesis aims to build a holistic approach that guarantees waste disposal practices conform to global norms and contribute to a greener environment by considering climate change vulnerability and waste management. The research included quantitative assessment for historical data (rainfall, evaporation, temperature) and analysis it using R studio software (R programming for integrated development environment to analysis historical data and visualization), then applied to perform ARCGIS 10.8 mapping of the data levels to analyze areas with high climatic changes. This thesis also used qualitative assessments such as interviews with policy makers to determine which vulnerabilities are the most severe and which strategies work best for climate change vulnerabilities. According to experts in ministry of local government said the national strategy play a significant role in the mitigation of climate change and ensuring sustainable demands coordinated efforts in the development of waste management sector in Palestine. The key results showed that some regions like Gaza and south of Palestine has certain challenges and more vulnerable with regard to climate change. According to results the extreme weather such as storms, floods and draughts are high, rainfall and temperature are moderate, winds and rising sea level are low. The main strategies to be included are (Recycling programs, waste to energy, public awareness, sustainable procurement practices, circular economy, extend producer responsibility, climate resilience infrastructure). In addition to installing methane pipes in Zahrat Al-Finjan, expanding recycling programs for paper, cartons and plastic, reinforcing trash container such as strong frame to prevent movement during high winds and covering it to make transportation more efficient. Keywords: Climate Change, Mapping, Vulnerability, Waste Management, Palestine, Strategies.
ASSESSING THE ADOPTION OF IOS (INTERORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS) ON SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCES IN AUTO SPARE PARTS INDUSTRY: THE MEDIATION ROLE B2B (BUSINESS TO BUSINESS) INTEGRATION
(An-Najah National University, 2024-10-02) Abdelnaser Salous, Nour
In today's rapidly evolving automotive industry, companies require effective Inter-organizational Systems (IOS) and strong Business-to-Business (B2B) integration to improve Supply Chain Performance (SCP). Despite the growing importance of IOS adoption and B2B integration in Supply Chain Management (SCM), limited research exists that investigates the effects of these variables within the automotive spare part businesses in Palestine. This study seeks to address this research gap by focusing on the nature of the relationship between IOS adoption, B2B integration, and SCP. The methodology used in this study was based on a quantitative approach, which involved distributing a questionnaire to 70 auto spare parts companies in Palestine. PLS-SEM was employed to test the developed conceptual model. The analysis shows that IOS adoption as well as B2B integration have positive significant effects on SCP. Additionally, it was found that B2B plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between IOS adoption and SCP. The findings enhance the theoretical development by offering empirical data on the link between IOS adoption, B2B integration, and SCP within automotive spare parts. This study also supports the adoption and implementation of information and technology systems to enhance organizational SCP.
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF CLINICAL ALARM MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON PATIENT ’S SAFETY AS PERCEIVED BY NURSES: THE MODERATING ROLE OF JCI-ACCREDITATION
(An Najah National University, 2024-09-25) Abdelhadi, Fadi
This study investigates the impact of Clinical Alarm Management Practices and Knowledge (CAMPK) on Patient Safety as Perceived by Nurses (PSPN) and the moderating role of Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation within Palestinian hospitals. To this end, the Health Technology Foundation (HTF) 2016 Clinical Alarms Survey, was used to collect data from 102 nurses across various departments in Palestinian hospitals. Collected data were analyzed using the partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) via Smart PLS software. The findings of the analysis revealed that effective CAMPK positively enhance the PSPN with value of ( p = 0.004) . Furthermore, the study shows the importance of reducing nuisance alarms and the use of smart alarm systems as major and important elements of CAMPK that positively impact PSPN. JCI accreditation was found to have a minimum statistically significant effect on nurses’ perception of patient safety and a minimum moderating effect on the relation between CAMPK and PSPN. The analysis shows that the interaction effect between JCI and CAMPK on PSPN was not statistically significant p = 0.486 which is > 0.05 . In order to enhance patient safety perceptions this study suggests that accreditation alone is insufficient and a comprehensive approach integrating CAMPK and tailored accreditation processes is necessary. The findings show the complexity of patient safety improvements and the need for ongoing evaluation and adjustment of clinical practices and accreditation standards. The study's conclusion provides data highlighting the importance of effective Clinical Alarm Management Practices and Knowledge (CAMPK) in enhancing nurses' perceptions of patient safety (PSPN). Also this study provides the tools, for healthcare policymakers and administrators in Palestinian healthcare sector as well as clinical staff, necessary for developing patient safety programs in the altered clinical settings, allowing one to comprehend the link between CAMPK, PSPN, and JCI accreditation. As Palestinian hospitals have just recently begun to participate in international joint commission accreditation, accrediting processes require regular reviews and modifications. Administrators need to take a more active role in quality improvement initiatives in order to close any gaps that exist and ensure that clinical practice and accreditation criteria are in line with patient safety objectives. Keywords: Clinical Alarm Management Practices and Knowledge (CAMPK), Patient Safety, Smart PLS, Palestinian healthcare sector, nuisance alarms, Health Technology Foundation (HTF).
ASSESSING THE POTENTIAL OF ADOPTING CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND ITS EFFECT ON THE SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE IN THE PALESTINIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
(An-Najah National University, 2024-06-09) Zean Al-dean, Shaimaa
In recent years, the global community has acknowledged the critical importance of sustainable development approaches in addressing acute environmental concerns while also ensuring long-term social and economic success. In this environment, the circular economy (CE) has emerged as a viable paradigm for encouraging sustainability in a variety of industries, including construction. In Palestine, the construction industry is crucial to economic growth. This thesis aims to assess the potential of adopting the principles of CE in the Palestinian construction industry and to investigate its effects on sustainable development. It also aims at studying how the application of CE in the Palestinian construction industry can help in using resources, and exploring the potential social and environmental impacts of applying the principles of CE in Palestinian construction industry. To this end, a research model was developed where data was collected using questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Data were collected from a random sample of 80 participants including engineers, contractors and suppliers. The respondents scored CE in a medium level 2.480 . Aspects observed in current practice reveal only occasional fulfilment of goals set regarding recycled content, although some obstacles are related to the limited availability of recycled materials, the lack of official rules concerning their use, insufficient financial incentives, and the lack of appropriate training. But the opportunity to extend CE is the possibility to decrease its negative impact, governmental programs, and financial stimuli, all of which stimulate activity. The partial least squares- structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using Smart PLS software was used to analyze the data collected by the questionnaire and test the model hypotheses. The results obtained showed that the level of implementation of adopting principles of CE is of medium level. Keywords : Circular economy (CE), Construction industry (CI) , Sustainable development (SD) , Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
ASSESSMENT OF RED WIGGLER WORMS ABILITY IN VERMICOMPOSTING OF TREATED SLUDGE, AND COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PRODUCED VERMICOMPOST
(An-Najah National University, 2025-02-06) Najim, Sajeda
Sludge is produced during the wastewater treatment process. It contains organic materials and elevated concentrations of nutrients. So, it is considered a source of pollution. Therefore, further treatment is required to eliminate the source of pollution in sludge before safe reuse. This study aims to assess the impact of using vermicompost, a material resulted from feeding red wiggler of Eisenia fetida species on treated sludge and its effect on the growth of basic fodders. Red wiggler, 2000 worms, were brought from Om Suliman Organic farm in Ramallah. Worms were used to treat the sludge produced from Nablus-West Wastewater Treatment plant (WWTP), and produce vermicompost. Two fodder crops were grown, barley and vetch, each crop was planted in 27 pots, 9 of with vermicompost, 9 with sludge was added and 9 without any additives. The study was conducted by the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) from June 2022 to April 2023. The results showed that vermicomposting reduced the heavy metal content in the sludge by 45.9% on average, with a range of 7.9% in Na and 83.1% in Mg. According to Palestinian regulations, the original concentration of heavy metal in the treated sludge was below the maximum allowed levels. In addition, the results showed that the plant parameters were the highest in soils mixed with treated sludge, followed by soil mixed with vermicompost in both crops, without any significant differences (at 95% confidence level) in these parameters between sludge mixed soils and vermicompost mixed soils. The fresh weights of barley were 124.7 g/plant, and 113.4 g/plant were for sludge and vermicompost consequence compared to 82.8 g/plant for the control. For vetch, the fresh weight in both sludge and vermicompost compared to the control are 62 g/plant for sludge and 57.6 g/plant for vermicompost. A similar increase in the other plant parameters is found without significant differences (at 95% confidence level) between the sludge and vermicompost. Also, the crops added to vermicompost and sludge showed improved water use efficiency (WUE) compared to those grown without any additives. The (WUE) (kg/m3) increased from 13.9 to 20.96 for barley with sludge and 19.05 for barley with vermicompost, from 7.05 to 15.18 for vetch with sludge, and 14.10 for vetch with vermicompost. Results indicate that red wiggler worms could be used in vermicomposting treated sludge, and using the resulting vermicompost as soil amendment enhances the production.
ASSESSMENT OF WIND ENERGY POTENTIAL IN PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES
(An-Najah National University, 2024-06-24) Qasem Solaiman, Motasem
The Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) face significant challenges due to a high dependency on imported conventional energy sources, including petroleum and approximately 90% of its electrical energy needs from Israeli companies. This dependency results in elevated energy costs and susceptibility to price fluctuations. Amidst these challenges, The energy dilemma has a vital solution in renewable energy. with wind energy representing an underutilized yet promising resource within the OPT. Despite its global significance, wind energy's potential remains largely untapped in the OPT due to a limited number of studies, professional capacity constraints, and geopolitical barriers, alongside the high costs associated with wind energy technologies. These factors have led to a palpable sense of frustration and the perception of wind energy projects as impractical within the region. This study uses exacting scientific procedures to thoroughly examine and evaluate the possibility of wind energy in the OPT. Employing the Weibull distribution method, The goal of the study is to present a thorough summary of the state of wind resource evaluations as of right now., explore existing wind energy conversion technologies suitable for the OPT, and present detailed wind characteristics for specific regions under study. Additionally, it aims to identify the most viable locations for wind turbine installations and determine the most appropriate turbine types for these areas. Through this approach, the research endeavors to offer substantive insights and recommendations to overcome the challenges facing wind energy implementation in the OPT.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BLOOD MAGNESIUM LEVEL AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AMONG COMMUNITY DWELLING OLDER ADULTS IN TULKARM: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
(An-Najah National University, 2024-05-09) Layan Alkum
Background: The investigation into the potential association between blood Magnesium level and cognitive impairment among community dwelling older adult in Tulkarm stems from a growing interest in understanding modifiable factors influencing cognitive health in aging populations, magnesium deficiency is associated with poor cognition or dementia. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of Magnesium deficiency, to determine the association between magnesium levels in the blood and to determine the factor that associated with magnesium deficiency among community dwelling older adult in Tukaram. Methodology: A cross-sectional design study was conducted among 200 participants aged 60 years or older. The participants were selected by convenient sampling from Tulkarm Governance. The collected data included: sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, life style, nutritional status, cognitive status and functional status. Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA) tool was used to screen for malnutrition while Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) was used to determine the adherence to Mediterranean diet. Magnesium deficiency was defined according to Magnesium levels less than (1.9 mg/dl). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) test. Functional status was determined using activity of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL). SPSS21 software was used to analyze the data, and Chi Square test was used to determine the association between magnesium level and other variables. Results: The finding revealed that 63.5% were female, with a mean age of 64.6±3.3 years old. Most of the participants (72.5%) were married, 67.5% did not receive formal education, and 40.5% were not working. The most prevalent chronic diseases were: hypertension (32.5%), diabetes (29.0%), and heart disease (15.0%). In terms of lifestyle, 19.0% smoked and 77.5% good sleep quality. A low magnesium level was discovered in 30.5% of the population. The mean cognitive and functional status were; (24.5±3.66), ADL (5.4±1.19), IADL (6.2±3.2) respectively. The results revealed that, there was a significant association between magnesium levels and smoking status (P=0.006), IADL (P=0.048), and cognitive function (P=0.011). There were no significant relationships detected with sociodemographic, sleep quality, Physical Activity, body mass index, malnutrition or adherence to Mediterranean diet. Conclusions: The prevalence of magnesium deficiency was 30.5%, it was significantly associated with smoking status, IADL and cognitive performance. These findings shed light on the association between magnesium deficiency and numerous elements of participants' lives, as well as possible links to lifestyle and health concerns, Recommendation: The study findings suggest prioritizing the dietary consumption of older persons and raising awareness about the need of selecting nutrient-rich foods that are high in minerals and vitamins, particularly magnesium. Additional investigation is advised to ascertain the efficacy of Magnesium supplementation on the cognitive and functional condition of elderly individuals. It is advisable to conduct a longitudinal research to examine the causal factors that affected magnesium intake which may impact the cognitive and functional status of older adults in the Palestinian community. Keywords: aging population, magnesium deficiency, cognitive function, functional status
AUTOMATED OPTIC DISC SEGMENTATION FOR FUNDUS IMAGES BASED ON ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS: U-NET
(An-Najah National University, 2024-08-27) Alhendi, Nour
Optic disc (OD), located at the back of the eye, is a significant part of the retina. It represents the entry point for the optic nerve and blood vessels. Accurate OD segmentation provides critical information about the anatomy and health state of the retina, aiding in diagnosing and managing various eye conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and optic nerve abnormalities. With automatic OD segmentation, computer-based systems can efficiently analyze large numbers of retinal images, enabling early detection and monitoring of eye diseases. This automation not only enhances the speed and accuracy of diagnosis but also facilitates cost-effective and accessible healthcare, especially in areas with limited ophthalmic expertise. In this study, an automatic method for OD segmentation in retinal images using a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture, known as U-Net, was introduced. First, a region of interest (ROI) was extracted from the fundus images using the bounding box technique. For faster calculations, the cropped images were resized to 128 × 128 pixels. Then, these images were enhanced using the contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) to eliminate the noise and improve their qualities. After that, a U- Net model was constructed and trained to obtain segmented images. The proposed model was trained and evaluated using the public dataset ORIGA, and the predicted results were compared with the ground truth (GT) images. This method competed with other studies and achieved average accuracy of 98.42%, average precision of 97.46%, and average sensitivity of 95.33%. As the execution time is short, this enables the proposed method to be an online implemented method.
BIOBASED IMIDAZOLE DERIVATIVES WITH VERSATILE BIOACTIVITIES
(2024-03-07) Saber Mahmoud Abu-Jabal
Abstract Imidazole is known to be a highly momentous biomolecule since it is demonstrated to possess exceptional biological properties, like antimicrobial, antifungal, inhibition of nitric oxide synthase, and cytotoxic activities. Vanillin was used as the starting material in this study, it is a natural phenolic substance, and it makes up the majority of the vanilla orchid's bean and pod. It is used as a flavoring agent and as a preservative in the pharmaceutical industry and cosmetics. This work aims to synthesize a novel natural vanillin-based imidazolone derivatives and zwitterionic vanillin-based imidazolone derivatives with alkyl sulfonate moiety starting from the natural product vanillin. Thirty new derivatives were synthesized. Various spectroscopic methods analyzed all prepared derivatives. The anticancer properties of all derivatives were evaluated against two liver cancer cell lines (Hep-3B, LX2) and cervical cancer (HeLa). Moreover, the molecular docking between some of the prepared compounds and DNA was performed. The study discovered that a few of these substances have high impact on preventing the growth of two types of cancer cells liver cancer (Hep-3B) and cervical cancer (HeLa), and compounds with the numbers (3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 17, 24, 26) shown extraordinary efficiency against these cancer cells with low viability against the normal cells. A molecular docking study showed excellent interaction of some of these derivatives with the DNA through forming strong H-bonding. Prepared compounds with the alkyl sulfonate moieties showed improvement in the anticancer efficiency. In conclusion, a new novel set of imidazoles and synthesis of imidazolone with alkyl sulfonate moiety were successfully prepared. The anticancer activities were very promising, which makes the synthesized compounds possible future drugs for the treatment of various cancers. Keywords: Hippuric acid; oxazolone; imidazolones; anticancer; Benzimidazole; Schiff.
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF PLANT EXTRACTS FROM MIDDLE EAST AREA ON FOOD BORNE PATHOGENS
(2018-07-24) Nouraldin Shtaya
ABSTRACT there's many research investigate of high activity of plants extract and microbes and during the past few decades there has been a notable increase in the demand natural preservatives. The aim of our study to evaluate six methanolic extracts of medicinal plants from Palestine against 18 bacterial indicator strains (gram positive & gram negative). Six methanolic extracts were prepared from different parts of plants used in traditional medicine in Palestine. We prepared the crude extract by using methanol and distilled water, and used rotary evaporator, Testing by using two method paper disc diffusion and agar well diffusion. In our study has shown the antibacterial activity for all methanolic extract of plants we tested Origanum syriacum L. Var. syriacum, Rhus coriaria L., Rumex acetosa L, Salvia hierosolymitana Boiss, Teucrium capitatum L, Cyclamen persicum mill at different amount range (5µL-50 µL ). In addition the results we got it, can be first step for various future research.

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