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- ItemTECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF INTEGRATING ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM INTO GRID CONNECTED PV SYSTEM - CASE STUDY APPROACH(An-Najah National University, 2025-07-30) Yaqoub, RamiThis study investigates the technical and economic impacts of integrating energy storage systems into grid-connected PV systems using the electrical network of Jenin's Arraba village as a case study. Four different configurations of PV and sizes of energy storage systems are compared to assessing their impact on the most critical grid performance parameters, including voltage regulation, energy loss reduction, and dynamic load control. Utilizing ETAP for simulation, the study also analyzes actual grid behavior under real conditions, harmonic distortion due to the PV inverter, and reverse power flow when there is high PV penetration. Harmonic distortion was found to be moderate in Case 0 and increases notably in Cases 1 and 3, with the highest distortion observed at low-voltage buses in Case 3. Reverse power flow was observed in Case 3 with negligible export to the upstream grid, highlighting the importance of control mechanisms at high penetration levels. Economic efficiency is assessed considering the System Advisor Model with high focus on main indicators like payback period, net present value, and levelized cost of energy. Among the four cases, Case 1 is the most efficient cost-saving setting with the smallest levelized cost of energy of 17.4 cents/kWh and a payback period of 8.2 years. While having superior technical performance in Case 2 and Case 3, their increased investment cost reduces their economic efficiency. The conclusion is that Case 1 has the optimal trade-off between technical effectiveness and economic viability, and it is an acceptable solution for grid stability, power quality management, and peak-shaving in small- to medium-size applications. The report wraps up by recommending longer-term investigation of hybrid energy storage technology, predictive algorithms, and long-term service reliability of energy storage under the conditions of diverse grids. Keywords: Energy Storage System, Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System, Technical Feasibility, Economic Benefits, Voltage Regulation
- ItemDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT: ASSESSING THE READINESS OF PALESTINIAN COMPANIES(An-Najah National University, 2025-06-17) Qabajah, AzmiThis study investigates the readiness of Palestinian construction companies to adopt digital transformation (DT) using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, while identifying associated challenges and proposing strategic solutions. In light of low productivity and marginal profit margins in the construction sector, DT is seen as a driver for improving project performance and innovation. The study evaluates how strategy, technological infrastructure, and human resources affect DT adoption and examines digital maturity as a mediating factor. A mixed-method approach was adopted. Qualitative data were collected through 13 semi-structured interviews, while quantitative data were obtained via a structured questionnaire distributed to 333 companies, with 143 valid responses (response rate: 42.9%). The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was used for data analysis. The findings reveal that the level of digital transformation adoption (ADT) was high (mean = 3.73/5), digital maturity (DM) scored a mean of 3.64, while project performance (MP) showed a very high level (mean = 4.18). Among ADT dimensions, technology had the highest influence (mean = 3.96), followed by strategy and human resources (mean = 3.62 each). The structural model showed strong, significant relationships between DT adoption and project performance (R² = 0.712), with digital maturity partially mediating this relationship (VAF = 52%). Key challenges identified include weak digital skills, limited infrastructure, and regulatory constraints. In response, the study proposes a strategic framework that includes: (1) investment in modern digital infrastructure, (2) development of digital competencies, and (3) regulatory reform. These strategies aim to enhance digital adoption and ensure sustainable performance gains in the Palestinian construction sector. This research provides empirical evidence of DT readiness and contributes actionable solutions and policy recommendations to accelerate digitalization in developing construction markets.
- ItemSTUDYING THE FACTORS AFFECTING PROTECTED AGRICULTURE FARMERS' ADOPTION OF PALESTINIAN GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES (PAL-GAP) IN THE NORTHERN WEST BANK(An-Najah National University, 2025-07-15) Al-Masri, HaneenAgriculture in Palestine is considered an essential part and component of Palestinian national, cultural, economic and social life. The agricultural sector contributes to creating job opportunities, increasing income and achieving food security for many Palestinian families.The security and safety of locally traded food is one of the most important issues of concern to all parties and participants in the value chain of various agricultural production.The necessity of adopting modern specialized programs locally and internationally to ensure the safety and security of agricultural and food products from any chemical residues. The necessity of obtaining a high level of quality for agricultural and food products and producing them in an environmentally friendly manner, in response to consumer demand and their right to obtain a safe product. This study aims to examine the factors affecting the adoption of Palestinian good agricultural practices by farmers (Pal Gap) in Tulkarm, Jenin and Nablus governorates. The Palestinian government seeks to direct agricultural production systems towards sustainable and environmentally safe agriculture to contribute to improving farmer income. Direct Palestinian farmers to produce healthy and safe crops and link them to new markets by achieving the Palestinian strategic objectives of good agricultural practices. Adopting economically viable good agricultural practices enhances the reduction of agricultural chemical inputs locally and develops good agricultural practices while ensuring the implementation of a complete and comprehensive crop system from farmer to consumer. A random sample of 291 irrigated vegetable farmers from three northern governorates was selected to complete the questionnaire study tool. The first part of the questionnaire included demographic and farm-related variables such as location, gender, age, marital status, number of family members, educational level, economic status, source of family support, nature of farm work, family income, number of individuals working on the farm, type of agricultural holding, farm area, and participation in community institutions. The second part consisted of questions related to farmers' awareness, interest, and evaluation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and the actual practices implemented by vegetable growers on their farms. This section aimed to assess the extent to which farmers adopt Palestinian Good Agricultural Practices (PAL-GAP), whether they hold a PAL-GAP certificate or are interested in obtaining one, and to identify the obstacles and challenges that hinder adoption. The results indicated that 10% of the sampled farmers hold a Pal Gap certificate. While the majority implement some Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), many expressed a willingness to adopt the full set of Palestinian Good Agricultural Practices; however, they lack the financial resources necessary for implementation. The results showed that farmers’ awareness of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) was high, averaging 71%. Similarly, farmers’ interest in and evaluation of GAP was also high. However, farmers' actual implementation of GAP was found to be at a moderate level. These findings suggest the need to enhance farmers' understanding of the PAL-GAP concept through awareness workshops explaining the certification requirements. In addition, hands-on training should be provided on the practical aspects of implementing GAP, emphasizing worker welfare and safety. Financial support is also essential to encourage farmers to pursue PAL-GAP certification. This would facilitate the marketing of their products, increase farmers’ profitability, and ensure consumer access to safe and healthy agricultural produce. Furthermore, the establishment of high-quality packaging centers would improve product quality, enhance shelf life, and help open export opportunities for Palestinian agricultural products.
- ItemMAGNETOCALORIC EFFECT AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF DOPED INSB - DOUBLE QUANTUM WIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF EM-FIELDS AND SPIN- ORBIT TERM(An-Najah National University, 2025-07-09) Ali, Mahmoud M.This study provides a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the electronic, magnetic, and thermodynamic properties of a double quantum wire (DQW) system made of Indium Antimonide (InSb), a material known for its high electron mobility and strong spin-orbit coupling. The study investigates the effect of the structural parameters of the confining potential, Rashba spin-orbit, external electric and magnetic fields, and impurity potential on the electronic, magnetic, and thermodynamic properties. We solve the Hamiltonian by using the exact diagonalization method, and then we compute the energy spectra, probability density distributions, local density of states (LDOS), magnetization, magnetic susceptibility, entropy, and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) for the double quantum wire system. Our numerical results show that the presence of the dopant potential changes the electronic structure, causing energy level shifts and breaking the symmetry between the two quantum wires. The impurity causes selective energy shifts, so that one wire undergoes large spectral changes while the other wire remains largely unchanged. Furthermore, the energy spectra and the probability density distributions analysis indicates that the quantized energy levels strongly depend on the structural parameters of the confining potential. The observed energy splitting and redistribution of probability density shows that the external fields provide a mechanism for controlling electronic properties for the system. Additionally, The effect of Rashba SOC and magnetic field variations on LDOS and spin-split state formation is explained. The influence of temperature, SOC strength, and electric field on the magnetic properties is analyzed, focusing on the transition from diamagnetic to paramagnetic behavior. The interplay between quantum and thermal effects is discussed. Our results highlight the critical role of spin-orbit coupling and external fields in controlling the magnetic responses. The MCE is studied by calculating entropy change and the refrigerant capacity (RC). We found that the refrigerant capacity (RC) increases nonlinearly with the Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SOC) strength. It is further enhanced when the impurity is placed at a specific position and when the external electric field is increased up to a certain value. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing magnetocaloric materials for advanced technologies.
- ItemMODELING AND ASSESSMENT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER IMPACTS ON JENIN INDUSTRIAL FREE ZONE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT(An-Najah National University, 2025-07-20) Omran, OsamaThe Jenin Industrial Free Zone Wastewater Treatment Plant (JIFZ-WWTP), primarily designed for domestic wastewater, is challenged by unregulated industrial effluents, which threaten its biological treatment processes and effluent quality. This comprehensive study evaluates the plant’s performance under varying conditions using a dynamic simulation model developed in GPS-X software (version 8.5) with the ASM1-based MANTIS framework. The model was calibrated with 728 test results collected in 2024 from the Jericho WWTP, an extended aeration facility, with adjustments for local temperature, elevation, and influent characteristics to accurately represent microbial behaviour and oxygen dynamics specific to Jenin’s conditions. Simulations were conducted for normal operations, high-load scenarios, and a shock event involving 1,000 m³ of untreated industrial wastewater. Under optimized conditions, the JIFZ-WWTP demonstrated robust pollutant removal efficiencies: TSS at 95.18%, VSS at 93.62%, COD at 89.5%, cBOD₅ at 94.32%, PO₄³⁻ at 99.88%, and TP at 66.45%, limited by particulate-bound phosphorus forms. TN removal was lower at 33.8%, constrained by insufficient anoxic conditions and limited carbon availability for denitrification. Potential enhancements include incorporating an anoxic reactor, external carbon dosing (e.g., methanol), and optimizing solids retention time to improve nitrogen removal efficiency. The plant maintained Class C effluent quality at influent flows up to 900 m³/day of industrial wastewater (matching domestic concentration) by regulating return activated sludge (RAS) at 460 m³/day and waste activated sludge (WAS) at 60 m³/day, ensuring process stability even under peak loads of 1,000 m³/day. Monte Carlo probabilistic simulations assessed effluent quality variability, revealing that 68% of scenarios met total nitrogen targets, 33% met cBOD₅ and COD standards, and 87% achieved TSS compliance, indicating sensitivity to fluctuations in industrial discharge composition and volume. A shock-load scenario highlighted the plant’s vulnerabilities, with effluent concentrations of COD (8,000 mg/L), BOD₅ (3,500 mg/L), TP (63 mg/L), TKN (37 mg/L), and TSS (510 mg/L) exceeding Palestinian regulatory limits. Biomass activity declined sharply, nitrification ceased, and solids accumulated due to washout and floc destabilization, with gradual recovery post-event. These findings emphasize the need for robust pretreatment measures. To enhance resilience, the study recommends stringent pretreatment standards for industrial contributors, including screening, pH correction, equalization, dissolved air flotation, anaerobic digestion, coagulation, flocculation, precipitation, and filtration. Real-time monitoring of influent characteristics is critical for early detection of critical loadings. Operational strategies, such as increasing WAS and chemical dosing during peak loads, alongside optimized RAS/WAS regimes, are essential to maintain biological activity and effluent quality. The JIFZ-WWTP supports sustainable water management in the Jenin Governorate by facilitating treated wastewater reuse for agricultural irrigation, conserving water, and reducing groundwater depletion. However, external financial constraints, including Israel’s annual deduction of approximately 100 million ILS from Palestinian Authority tax revenues for transboundary wastewater treatment, pose challenges to long-term sustainability.