A Case Study of Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT) Engineering Students’ Perceptions of Utilizing Simulation Software via Online Learning

The primary goal of this research has been to examine the perceptions related to the use of simulation software in the context of e-learning at Engineering PSUT in Jordan, which is acknowledged as one of the leading private universities in the country. The present study and a descriptive study utilized a 25-item survey given to 270 students. The research findings indicate that, according to the students’ subjective viewpoint, the effectiveness of simulation software in the context of online learning was observed to be significantly high. This observation is supported by an average score of 3.89 and a standard deviation of 0.959, indicating a relatively consistent perception among the participants. The study’s results indicate that there were no significant variations observed in terms of academic year, computer skills, student GPA or gender parameters. The research findings underscore the importance of incorporating simulation software in higher educational institutions to improve the teaching and learning experience

Molecular characterization of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec and virulence encoding genes in methicillin-resistant staphylococci at a medical center in Lebanon

Background: Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) are major human pathogens accounting for most hospital-acquired (HA) and community acquired (CA) infections worldwide. The recent increase in MRS in a medical center in Lebanon elicited the determination of SCCmec types, genotypes, and prevalence of Panton-Valentine leucociden (PVL) and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) among the MRS isolates.   Methods: Thirty-six MRS isolates collected between October 2010 and September 2011 at a medical center, Lebanon were typed using phenotypic and genotypic methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion agar method. SCCmec typing was performed by multiplex PCR and sequence analysis. The prevalence of the genes encoding PVL and TSST-1 virulence factors and their transcription levels, were determined respectively by PCR and semi-quantitative real-time PCR. The genomic relatedness of the isolates was assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis.Results: Antimicrobial susceptibility revealed three distinct antibiotypes. The predominant SCCmec type found among the MRS isolates was type IVa (51%). Twenty-nine percent harbored SCCmec type III and 14% harbored SCCmec type II. One isolate harbored SCCmec type IVc, and another  harbored SCCmec type I. All methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates were negative for the gene encoding for PVL, and two were positive for the gene encoding for TSST-1. RAPD analysis demonstrated high genomic diversity among the MRS isolates.Conclusion: This study demonstrated the SCCmec types and the clonality of the MRS strains, allowing the differentiation between HA and CA-MRS strains. CA-MRS have  increased  in the hospital environment and rendered highly resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin

Weighted corporate social responsibility index for measuring Islamic banking's social performance: how to develop it?

It is posited that Islamic Banking is meant to be socially responsible. Relating to this social responsibility, this paper undertakes two objectives. One is to develop an illustration of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) measurement index by allocating differential weights to process-based and outcome-oriented CSR measures. The illustrative index contains nine (9) process-based measurement items, which fall under three (3) dimensions: investment, research and development, and human resources. Outcome-oriented measurement items are eight (8), which represent three (3) dimensions: Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB), social activities and sharing, and environment. The way of deciding different weights for these two categories of measures is explained, and a possible method for validation of assigned weights is proposed. Another objective is to explain why CSR measures relating to core business processes should be given more weight than outcome-oriented CSR measures for Islamic banks. In order to develop this explanation, the paper draws upon Quranic and Hadith texts, maqasid literature and published works on CSR of Islamic banks. The basic argument underlying this explanation is that purity of the process of earning is a precondition for the earning-based beneficial acts to be acceptable as good deeds

Illness-related fatigue and its association with quality of life among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional survey from Jordan

Background & Aim: Fatigue is a commonly reported issue in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often overlooked or inadequately addressed in Jordan and globally. This study aimed to assess illness-related fatigue in COPD people, its contributing factors, and its impact on their quality of life (QOL). Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed, recruiting 200 people from four hospitals in Jordan between April and May 2021. Participants completed Arabic versions of the self-administered Fatigue Severity Scale and the WHOQOL questionnaire. Results: The study revealed a high level of fatigue among COPD people, with an overall mean fatigue score of 5.07±0.62. Particularly noteworthy was the association between heightened fatigue levels and factors such as disease-related disability and interference with daily responsibilities. The overall mean QOL score was low (2.665±0.39), with the physical domain displaying the lowest mean score (2.6±0.47). Fatigue and QOL were significantly and negatively correlated. Conclusion: COPD people in Jordan experience substantial levels of fatigue, negatively impacting their QOL. Unfortunately, fatigue is often unnoticed in healthcare services. Addressing fatigue should be a crucial aspect of treatment plans for these people. Particularly during pandemics or service disruptions, additional attention is needed to manage fatigue among COPD people effectively. Digital health interventions may offer opportunities to enhance continuity and quality of care, especially during challenging times

Medication errors occurrence and reporting: A qualitative study of the Jordanian nurses' experiences

Background & Aim: Medication errors are a significant concern in healthcare, with effective management largely dependent on understanding its causes and reporting practices. This study aims to explore the experiences of Jordanian nurses in relation to medication error occurrence and reporting within the Jordanian context and the factors that may influence their decisions to report or not. Methods & Materials: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. 24 nurses from three different hospitals were interviewed. The hospitals included a major governmental institution, a private facility, and a university hospital, ensuring diverse healthcare settings. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, and the study was reported guided by the COREQ checklist. Results: Three major themes were identified: Obsolete policies and guidelines, Adapting to an Unhealthy Environment, and Trying to adjust: creating own definition for medication errors. In our study, medication errors emerged as a pervasive issue across Jordanian hospitals, attributed to both systemic failures and individual practices. Despite existing policies, participants reported frequent medication errors due to obsolete guidelines, lack of adherence, and an environment that hinders effective medication administration. Conclusion: The study reveals the critical issues of medication errors in Jordanian hospitals due to outdated policies and challenging environments. It emphasizes the need for updated protocols and a culture supportive of error reporting. Addressing these factors is essential for improving patient safety and healthcare quality

Exploring factors among healthcare professionals that inhibit effective pain management in cancer patients

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the barriers to good cancer pain management between physicians, nurses, and pharmacists in Jordan. Design: A descriptive correlational design was used to answer the research questions of this study. Methods: A group of 473 participants completed the study questionnaires (Barriers Questionnaire – II and Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Survey). Results: Fears related to analgesic use, fears related to opioid side effects, communication, cultural beliefs, and lack of knowledge were the most clearly identified barriers to cancer pain management. Cancer pain management has not previously been an area of interest for the Jordanian health authorities. Conclusion: The information that emerged from this study helps to identify the current barriers and misconceptions among health professionals that prevent effective pain management for cancer patients. To maximize the role of health professionals in this area, health administrators need to provide them with more specialized training and empowerment

The impact of cultural healthcare practices on Children’s health in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study of traditional remedies and implications

AimThis qualitative study investigates the impact of cultural practices on children’s health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by examining the use of traditional remedies and home treatments by mothers.MethodsTwenty-five participants, all mothers who had employed traditional treatments or home remedies for their children during periods of illness, were included in the study. The participants represented a diverse range of educational backgrounds, from school diploma holders to university degree graduates, with ages spanning from 20 to 50 years. Hailing from different Arabic countries and cultural subgroups, the majority of participating mothers were from the UAE.ResultsThrough in-depth interviews, three major themes emerged from the participants’ experiences. Firstly, a strong connection between culture, religion, and healthcare practices was evident. Many mothers opted for cultural remedies as their first line of defense against illnesses due to the practices’ strong foundations in their cultural heritage. Herbal remedies, Quranic healing, and other traditional methods were perceived to be both effective and spiritually comforting, reinforcing participants’ sense of cultural identity. Secondly, participants highlighted unintended consequences of relying solely on traditional treatments. Some instances were reported where the use of ineffective remedies resulted in delays in seeking appropriate medical care for their children, potentially compromising their health. Additionally, certain misconceptions regarding the safety and efficacy of traditional remedies were identified, emphasizing the need for evidence-based healthcare education.ConclusionThis qualitative study sheds light on the intricate interplay between culture, traditional remedies, and children’s health in the UAE. The incorporation of diverse participants from various Arabic countries and cultural subgroups enriches the study’s applicability to broader Arabic cultures. By recognizing the significance of cultural healthcare practices and striking a balance with evidence-based care, healthcare providers can create a more inclusive and effective healthcare environment for children in the UAE. Future research should explore diverse samples and develop targeted interventions to further advance cultural awareness and understanding in healthcare practices

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for the detection of dementia in clinically unevaluated people aged 65 and over in community and primary care populations

BACKGROUND: The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a cognitive test that is commonly used as part of the evaluation for possible dementia. OBJECTIVES: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) at various cut points for dementia in people aged 65 years and over in community and primary care settings who had not undergone prior testing for dementia. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the specialised register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group, MEDLINE (OvidSP), EMBASE (OvidSP), PsycINFO (OvidSP), LILACS (BIREME), ALOIS, BIOSIS previews (Thomson Reuters Web of Science), and Web of Science Core Collection, including the Science Citation Index and the Conference Proceedings Citation Index (Thomson Reuters Web of Science). We also searched specialised sources of diagnostic test accuracy studies and reviews: MEDION (Universities of Maastricht and Leuven, www.mediondatabase.nl), DARE (Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, via the Cochrane Library), HTA Database (Health Technology Assessment Database, via the Cochrane Library), and ARIF (University of Birmingham, UK, www.arif.bham.ac.uk). We attempted to locate possibly relevant but unpublished data by contacting researchers in this field. We first performed the searches in November 2012 and then fully updated them in May 2014. We did not apply any language or date restrictions to the electronic searches, and we did not use any methodological filters as a method to restrict the search overall. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included studies that compared the 11‐item (maximum score 30) MMSE test (at any cut point) in people who had not undergone prior testing versus a commonly accepted clinical reference standard for all‐cause dementia and subtypes (Alzheimer disease dementia, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia). Clinical diagnosis included all‐cause (unspecified) dementia, as defined by any version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the Clinical Dementia Rating. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least three authors screened all citations.Two authors handled data extraction and quality assessment. We performed meta‐analysis using the hierarchical summary receiver‐operator curves (HSROC) method and the bivariate method. MAIN RESULTS: We retrieved 24,310 citations after removal of duplicates. We reviewed the full text of 317 full‐text articles and finally included 70 records, referring to 48 studies, in our synthesis. We were able to perform meta‐analysis on 28 studies in the community setting (44 articles) and on 6 studies in primary care (8 articles), but we could not extract usable 2 x 2 data for the remaining 14 community studies, which we did not include in the meta‐analysis. All of the studies in the community were in asymptomatic people, whereas two of the six studies in primary care were conducted in people who had symptoms of possible dementia. We judged two studies to be at high risk of bias in the patient selection domain, three studies to be at high risk of bias in the index test domain and nine studies to be at high risk of bias regarding flow and timing. We assessed most studies as being applicable to the review question though we had concerns about selection of participants in six studies and target condition in one study. The accuracy of the MMSE for diagnosing dementia was reported at 18 cut points in the community (MMSE score 10, 14‐30 inclusive) and 10 cut points in primary care (MMSE score 17‐26 inclusive). The total number of participants in studies included in the meta‐analyses ranged from 37 to 2727, median 314 (interquartile range (IQR) 160 to 647). In the community, the pooled accuracy at a cut point of 24 (15 studies) was sensitivity 0.85 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74 to 0.92), specificity 0.90 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.95); at a cut point of 25 (10 studies), sensitivity 0.87 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.93), specificity 0.82 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.92); and in seven studies that adjusted accuracy estimates for level of education, sensitivity 0.97 (95% CI 0.83 to 1.00), specificity 0.70 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.85). There was insufficient data to evaluate the accuracy of the MMSE for diagnosing dementia subtypes.We could not estimate summary diagnostic accuracy in primary care due to insufficient data. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The MMSE contributes to a diagnosis of dementia in low prevalence settings, but should not be used in isolation to confirm or exclude disease. We recommend that future work evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of tests in the context of the diagnostic pathway experienced by the patient and that investigators report how undergoing the MMSE changes patient‐relevant outcomes

Towards development of tropical solar architecture : the use of solar chimney as stack induced ventilation strategy

This research investigates the possibility of using solar chimney as stack induced ventilation strategy in terraced house in Malaysia. The existing terraced house design complies with the minimum requirement of natural ventilation as stipulated in the Malaysian Uniform Building By-Law. Unfortunately, the architectural design solutions do not permit good natural ventilation for thermal comfort. This can be illustrated by the low internal air velocity and high temperature experienced during the day time. The wind effect is also not well captured especially in the single sided ventilation. Solar chimney ventilation has been suggested by many researcher as possible alternative techniques for natural ventilation. The solar chimney study in this research involved both physical modelling and computer simulation using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique. The specific software called Flo Vent is used. Validation of CFD FloVent is done by comparing the computer simulation result with the field measurement on site and in experiment existing terraced house. The result of the final model solar chimney prototype shows that it can increase indoor air velocity until 0.8 m/s. The other important factor is that it can continuously induce the flow of natural ventilation regardless of the available wind outside of the house. This effect is significant toward improving the thermal comfort performance in the terraced house through passive natural ventilation