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    PSYCHOLOGICAL HARDINESS AND ITS RELATION TO SLEEP DISORDERS AMONG A SAMPLE OF DOCTORS AND NURSES WORKING IN HOSPITALS IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERROTORIES
    (An-Najah National University, 2025-12-28) Essa, Latifa Ahmad
    Background: This study examines levels of psychological hardiness and sleep disorder among sample of physicians and nurses working on hospitals on occupied Palestinian Interior, aim is to determine extent to which psychological hardiness affects symptoms of sleep disorder among physicians and nurses, given its importance on reducing incidence of sleep disorder. Study Objectives: This study aims to identify levels of psychological hardiness and sleep disorder, differences on these levels according to demographic variables [Gender, Age, Job/Occupation, Marital status, Years of experience, Educational qualification, Workplace]., correlation between them, and predictive power of psychological hardiness on relation to sleep disorder among sample of physicians and nurses working on hospitals on occupied Palestinian Interior. Methodology: descriptive correlational approach was used, and study population consisted of all Arab doctors and nurses working on providing health care on hospitals and health centers on occupied Palestinian interior, numbering (8,000) doctors and (11,494) nurses of different genders, while sample consisted of (449) workers, who were selected using available sample, Measures of psychological hardiness and sleep disorder were also used, and results of verifying their validity and reliability indicated their suitability and suitability to achieve study objectives. Results: Results showed that overall level of psychological hardiness and its sub-dimensions (commitment, challenge, control) were on average level, overall level of sleep disorder and its dimensions (insomnia, circadian rhythm, obstructive sleep apnea) were on average level, while dimensions (restless legs syndrome, parasomnias, narcolepsy) were at low level, results also showed differences on arithmetic means of overall level of psychological hardiness and its dimensions (commitment, control, challenge) among sample of doctors and nurses working on hospitals on occupied Palestinian interior, attributed to variables (results also showed differences on arithmetic means of overall level of psychological hardiness and its dimensions (communication, control, challenge) among sample of doctors and nurses working in hospitals in occupied Palestinian interior, attributed to variables such as [occupation, marital status, years of experience, educational level, and workplace]. Results also revealed statistically significant differences between means of overall level of sleep disorder and its dimensions (insomnia, circadian rhythm, narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias) among same sample, attributable to [gender, age, occupation, marital status, years of experience, educational level, and workplace]. Regarding direction of these differences, obstructive sleep apnea was higher among males than females; participants aged 36–45 years reported higher overall sleep disorder (and higher insomnia/circadian rhythm) than those older than 45 years (and higher insomnia than those aged 26–35 years); physicians reported higher overall sleep disorder and higher insomnia, narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias than nurses; divorced participants reported lower overall sleep disorder and lower insomnia/obstructive sleep apnea/restless legs syndrome than single, married, or widowed participants (while parasomnias were higher among widowed, and higher among divorced compared with married); participants with <3 years or >15 years of experience reported higher overall sleep disorder and higher insomnia than those with 3–7 or 8–15 years, and restless legs syndrome was highest among those with >15 years; educational-level differences favored BA over Diploma on overall sleep disorder and insomnia/circadian rhythm/parasomnias, favored MA over BA/Diploma on overall and multiple dimensions, and favored PhD over other levels specifically on narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea (while BA/MA were higher than PhD on overall sleep disorder, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias); finally, insomnia was higher in private hospitals, government health centers, and private health centers than in government hospitals, whereas restless legs syndrome was higher in government hospitals than private hospitals.” The results also revealed positive correlation between overall psychological hardiness and its dimensions (commitment, control) and sleep disorder (insomnia), and between psychological hardiness dimension (challenge) and sleep disorder (circadian rhythm), There is also negative inverse correlation between overall psychological hardiness and its dimensions (communication, control) and sleep disorder (narcolepsy, parasomnia), results also showed that dimensions of psychological hardiness (commitment, control) predict sleep disorder (insomnia), while psychological hardiness dimension (challenge) predicts sleep disorder (circadian rhythm), dimensions of psychological hardiness (commitment, control) predict sleep disorder (narcolepsy, parasomnia), and overall psychological hardiness predicts sleep disorder dimensions (insomnia, narcolepsy, parasomnia).
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    EFFECT OF Recycled PET PLASTIC ON THE MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF HOLLOW CONCRETE BLOCKS
    (An Najah National University, 2025-11-16) Seifi, Majdi
    The accumulation of plastic waste, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poses significant environmental issues due to its durability and detrimental degradation byproducts. The construction industry faces pressure to minimize reliance on natural resources like sand. Utilizing PET as a partial sand replacement in hollow concrete block production in Palestine presents a sustainable solution, reducing plastic waste and conserving natural aggregates. This research investigated the impact of PET plastic waste as a partial fine aggregate (Sand) substitute in hollow concrete blocks, assessing different replacement ratios on compressive strength, unit weight, and thermal insulation. Four concrete mixtures were created with PET-to-sand replacement ratios of 0%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight. Shredded PET was sourced from post-consumer waste, and full-sized hollow blocks were cast. Testing evaluated compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, as well as block mass, specific weight, and thermal conductivity. Increased PET content consistently decreased block weight while significantly enhancing thermal insulation. Thermal conductivity decreased from 1.12 to 0.47 W/m·°C, and R-values more than doubled. Compressive strength reduced at 10% and 15% PET but recovered at 20%, achieving 6.66 MPa at 28 days, similar to the control mix. PET-modified blocks showed brittle failure patterns. PET waste can be effectively reused in non-loadbearing hollow concrete blocks, enhancing thermal resistance and reducing weight while maintaining adequate strength, supporting sustainable building practices.
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    EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A BEHAVIORAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM BASED ON NEUROPLASTICITY THEORY FOR DEVELOPING LIFE SKILLS, SELF-CARE, AND INDEPENDENCE IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA
    (An-Najah National University, 2025-11-20) Kort, Nadeen Wael Jabra
    This thesis investigates whether building a therapeutic program that combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with neuroplasticity-based principles can help individuals with schizophrenia lead more independent lives. Schizophrenia often affects thinking, emotions, and social skills, and even the day-to-day basic tasks. Highlighting the effects of schizophrenia, participants took part in a program that integrated regular CBT sessions to speak about their thoughts and anxiety with activities specifically aimed at stimulating brain plasticity. A sample of this thesis is ten participants who were randomly assigned to either the combined experimental group or to a control group receiving the therapeutic program. Before the start of the program, we measured the LADL of the participants. Over 6 months, we measured the LADL again and used SPSS software to measure the effect of the program on their daily life, especially personal hygiene, medication management, social interaction, and self-care, along with decision-making and problem-solving abilities. The results of this study reveal that the experimental group exhibited significant progress in various areas. They were more socially active and, hence, more capable of managing their daily routines, to an extent that their achievements were statistically superior to those in the control group. However, changes in diet awareness and social reasoning at a higher level barely occurred. Besides, a few participants have kept reporting medication, induced increased appetite. The results thus provide the first signs that a combined method of psychological therapy and neuroscience might help patients to develop their everyday skills and regain some independence. The researcher of this experiment underlines the importance of constant, guided assistance and points to the requirement for future studies that will aim at maintaining and further advancing these benefits over the long term.
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    DECISION-MAKING TOOL FOR PROPER SLUDGE DEWATERING IN PALESTINE
    (An-Najah National University, 2025-11-18) Salahat, Anas
    In Palestine, managing municipal sewage sludge (MSS) is becoming one of the most significant environmental issues. Sludge generation has steadily increased as a result of population growth and the quick construction of wastewater treatment facilities. Sludge's final treatment and sustainable use, however, are still quite limited, and it is typically left unmanaged. This puts society, the environment, and public health at risk. Additionally, there is a glaring knowledge and decision-making gap because so few research studies have addressed this issue in Palestine. By creating a useful tool to select the best sludge dewatering method and offering suggestions for wastewater treatment facilities, this study aims to assist Palestinian decision-makers. To aid in long-term planning and management, it is also crucial to forecast future sludge volumes at the Nablus West Wastewater Treatment Plant. The study employed two primary methods. First, various dewatering techniques were compared using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) according to social, environmental, and economic factors. After gathering information from published research and reports, it was examined and modified in consultation with subject-matter specialists and engineers. Second, the study estimated sludge quantities for the upcoming decades by analyzing recorded operational data from Nablus West WWTP along with design parameters and population projections. To help choose the best sludge drying techniques, a Python-based decision support tool was created. The tool incorporates economic, environmental, and technical factors into an organized framework for making decisions based on multiple criteria. It makes it possible to compare different drying options objectively by using systematic weighting and scoring procedures. In sludge management planning, this method encourages more open, consistent, and data-driven decision-making. According to the AHP analysis's findings, sludge dewatering beds are the best choice for wastewater treatment facilities in Palestine. This approach struck the best possible balance between social acceptance, environmental safety, and cost. Furthermore, the forecasting analysis indicated that Nablus West WWTP's sludge production would rise sharply in the future. The study concludes that, given the present situation, Sludge dewatering beds continue to be the most environmentally friendly option for Palestinian conditions. The ongoing rise in sludge production, however, highlights the pressing need for improved resource allocation and planning. Engineers, officials, and legislators can use the developed decision-making tool to help them