Stock Market Reaction to Cash Dividend Announcement: Evidence from Palestine

In this study, we used the event study methodology to examine if cash dividend announcements affect the stock prices of companies listed on the Palestine Exchange. We studied 62 events announced from 1/1/2006 to 31/12/2015. Appropriate statistical tests were used to examine if the cumulative abnormal return is statistically significant around the announcement day, namely, 10 days before and 10 days after the event day. Results reveal that statistically significant differences exist between cumulative abnormal returns and zero. Thus, investors could realize abnormal returns during the event window for the study period. The findings also indicate that a statistically significant negative relationship exists between dividend announcements and abnormal returns starting from the day of dividend announcement. We conclude that the market reacts negatively to cash dividends after disclosure. Keywords: event study, abnormal return, cash dividend, Palestine Exchange, stock market reactio

An investigation into the effect of social support on job performance and job satisfaction in the Jordanian insurance industry

An increased sense of job performance and better job satisfaction can be achieved by receiving social support. In order to fulfil this purpose, this study aimed to determine the relationship between social support on the one hand and job performance and job satisfaction on the other hand for the Jordanian insurance industry employees. Survey data were gathered from 269 employees from the Jordanian insurance industry. The PLS 3.0 software was used to process data using the structural equation modelling method. The study’s findings revealed that all social support factors were positively and significantly related to job performance and job satisfaction, including manager support, peer support, friends support, and others’ support. Hence, job performance and job satisfaction in the Jordanian insurance industry can be predicted by studying the existence of social support. The study’s findings concluded that the higher the social support, the higher the job performance and job satisfaction

The experience of patients with hematological malignancy in their terminal stage: a phenomenological study from Jordan’s perspective

Abstract Background Patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies residing in low-middle-income countries undergo significant physical and psychological stressors. Despite this, only 16% of them receive proper care during the terminal stages. It is therefore crucial to gain insight into the unique experiences of this population. Aim To have a better understanding of the needs and experiences of adult patients with advanced hematological malignancy by exploring their perspectives. Methods A qualitative interpretive design was employed to collect and analyze data using a phenomenological approach. The study involved in-depth interviews with ten participants aged between 49 and 65 years, utilizing a semi-structured approach. Results Two primary themes emerged from the participants’ experiences of reaching the terminal stage of illness: “Pain, Suffering, and Distress” and “Spiritual Coping.” The first theme encompassed physical and emotional pain, suffering, and distress, while the second theme was centered on the participants’ spiritual coping mechanisms. These coping mechanisms included seeking comfort in religious practices, relying on spiritual support from family and friends, and finding solace in their beliefs and faith. Conclusion Patients with hematological malignancies in the terminal stages of their disease experience severe pain, considerable physical and psychosocial suffering, and spiritual distress. While they require support to cope with their daily struggles, their experiences often go unnoticed, leading to disappointment and loss of dignity. Patients mainly rely on their spirituality to cope with their situations. Healthcare providers must acknowledge these patients’ needs and provide more holistic and effective care

Additional file 1 of The experience of patients with hematological malignancy in their terminal stage: a phenomenological study from Jordan’s perspective

Supplementary Material

ADAMTSL2 mutations determine the phenotypic severity in Geleophysic Dysplasia

Geleophysic Dysplasia-1 (GD1) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by ADAMTSL2 variants. It is characterized by distinctive facial features, limited joint mobility, short stature with brachydactyly, and the potential for life-threatening cardiovascular and respiratory complications. The clinical spectrum spans from perinatal lethality to milder phenotypes in adult survivors, manifesting a clinical heterogeneity. The Adamtsl2-/- mouse model dies perinatally and hinders further functional investigation. In this study, we developed and characterized cellular and mouse models, which were designed to replicate the genetic profile of a patient who is compound heterozygous for two ADAMTSL2 variants, namely p.R61H and p.A165T. The impairment of ADAMTSL2 secretion was observed in both variants, but notably, p.A165T exhibited a more severe impact. We conducted a thorough analysis of mice carrying different allelic combinations, including knockout, p.R61H, and p.A165T variants. This examination revealed a wide spectrum of phenotypic severity, spanning from lethality in knockout homozygotes to mild growth impairment observed in adult p.R61H homozygotes. While they survived, the homozygous and hemizygous p.A165T mice displayed severe respiratory and cardiac dysfunction. The respiratory dysfunction mainly affects the expiration phase without significant fibrosis in the lungs. Evidence of microscopic post-obstructive pneumonia was found in some hemizygous and homozygous p.A165T. Echocardiograms and MRI studies revealed a significant systolic dysfunction, accompanied by a reduction in the size of the aortic root. Histological examinations further confirmed the presence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with myocyte hypertrophy. In addition, evidence of elevated proteoglycan staining in the myocardium, chondroid metaplasia, along with patchy mild interstitial fibrosis within the myocardium was seen in hemizygous and homozygous p.A165T. In conclusion, our study revealed a significant correlation between the degree of impaired ADAMTSL2 secretion and the severity of the observed phenotype in GD1. The surviving mouse models we developed have provided valuable insights into the pathogenesis of GD and hold promise as valuable tools for informing and guiding future therapeutic interventions aimed at managing this disorder effectively