Detecting Land use/cover dynamics and land suitability mapping for Irbid governorate using an integrated approach

This research proposes to design an approach recognizing land use/cover change for Irbid governorate from 1985 to 2015 in 10 years period bases, with an agriculture suitability map using remote sensing and GIS. In this paper, ENVI6 was used to analyse Landsat images, which helps to understand the land uses’ classes. LULC Changes results showed an increase in urban land, from 2% in 1985 reached to 11% in 2015; soil and agricultural classes had declined, in 1985 they were 74% of the total area, and reduced to 67% in 2015.  Irbid Governorate’s change detection results revealed that the decline of agriculture and rock land areas is due to the accelerated expansion of urbanization, which negatively affects agricultural lands. Modelling the area showed high suitability for agricultural activities, which should be considered for the upcoming plans

Understanding the impact of droughts in the Yarmouk Basin, Jordan: monitoring droughts through meteorological and hydrological drought indices

This article assesses drought status in the Yarmouk Basin (YB), in northern Jordan, using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), the Standardized Water-Level Index (SWI), and the Percent Departure from Normal rainfall (PDNimd) during the years 1993–2014. The results showed that the YB suffers from frequent and irregular periods of drought as variations in drought intensity and frequency have been observed. The SPI results revealed that the highest drought magnitude of − 2.34 appeared at Nuaimeh rainfall station in 1991. This station has also experienced severe drought particularly in years 1995, 1999, 2005, and 2012 with SPI values ranging from − 1.51 to − 1.59. Some other rainfall stations such as Baqura, Ibbin, Khanasiri, Kharja, Mafraq police, Ramtha, Turra, and Umm Qais have also suffered several periods of drought mostly in 1993. The SWI results show the highest extreme drought events in 2001 in Souf well while other extreme drought periods were observed at Wadi Elyabis well in 1994 and at Mafraq well in 1995. As compared to SPI maps, our SWI maps reflect severe and extreme drought events in most years, negatively impacting the groundwater levels in the study area

Performance Analysis of Sink Mobility Models for Wireless Sensor Networks: A Comparative Study

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs), deployed in the area of interest to gather data unattended, comprise numerous tiny, ponderous, and battery-operated sensor nodes (SNs). Numerous research publications presented strategies for extending the lifespan and performance of wireless sensor networks because SNs lifetime depends on limited battery life. One strategy for enhancing the performance of wireless sensor networks is to deploy an energy-rich sink capable of mobility to gather data sensed by stationary SNs. Therefore, several mobility models (MMs) were suggested. The primary objective of this investigation is to compare the effectiveness of wireless sensor networks using two MMs for mobile sinks (MSs): Kohonen’s self-organizing map-based model and the genetic algorithm-based model, in order to find the most suitable conditions under which each one of them can be used. As a result, network performance is investigated using the NS-2 simulator under various scenarios and MS speeds. Additionally, throughput, packet delivery ratio (PDR), and end-to-end (E2E) delay are the metrics used to analyze performance. Finally, messages are forwarded from their sources to the MS using the AODV routing protocol. The results show that the Kohonen-based model is suitable for small networks with moderate speeds of the mobile sink. On the other hand, the genetic algorithm-based model is suitable to be used with medium-sized networks with low speeds of the mobile sink

GIS-based analytical modeling on evaluating impacts of urbanization in Amman water resources, Jordan

Amman governorate is the largest governorate in terms of population and urbanization in Jordan that is the third most water-scarce country worldwide. It has also limited water resources that were rapidly decreasing as results of groundwater over-pumping and climate changes that generate a serious water crisis. However, the population and urbanization focused on the Northwest of the governorate. The surface water and groundwater resources are available in the Northwest area as well. The overlaying between urbanization and population on one hand and water resources on the other hand resulted in different environmental, hydrological, and hydrogeological problems. Our research investigated these problems using an integrated approach of remote sensing and geographic information systems. Furthermore, our research suggested a spatial plan that would solve the conflict of urbanization\u27s impact on water resources in Amman. Accordingly, the catchment areas that span on the study area and their drainage network were defined

Analysis of Historical Precipitation in Semi-Arid Areas – Case Study of the Amman Zarqa Basin

Climate change is determined as a severe threat to water resource availability in Semi-Arid Areas. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the drought trends to develop and sustain water resources. This study evaluates the effects of climate change in Jordan by investigating the long-term precipitation trends in the Amman Zarqa Basin over the water from 1971 to 2016. Daily precipitation data were gathered to analyze different rainfall stations over and around the basin. The standardized precipitation index (SPI) variations were investigated at monthly intervals. Control charts, hypothesis testing, T-test, differences of variances, and trend analysis were used to determine climatic trends. The analysis results showed that 2003 marks an acceleration point in the precipitation decrease rate; therefore, the SPI showed a decrease and a high DI for the area in the tested year 2005 and 2010 to be a mild drought in the following years. Additionally, a change in the precipitation pattern was observed as seasonal precipitation contribution varied for the pre-2003 period compared to the post-2003 period. The SPI results show that 1995 reflects the higher drought periods, and the following years showed mild drought events; nevertheless, the year 2016 displayed lower drought events, reflecting wet events

The Influence of Geology on Landscape Typology in Jordan: Theoretical Understanding and Planning Implications

Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) has been introduced into Jordan through the MEDSCAPES project. The purpose of this project was to streamline landscape studies and integrate them into the land use planning practices in Jordan. Two areas within the Mediterranean and arid climatic zones of the country were chosen as test areas for the methodology. These were the Yarmouk River drainage basin in the northwest of the country and the Mujib River area in the west of Jordan within the Dead Sea basin. Landscape Character Mapping resulted in 22 and 64 Land Description Units (LDUs) for the Yarmouk and Mujib areas, respectively, which were then classified into 14 landscape types. The factors which control the spatial distributions of these units are geology, land cover, landform, and settlements. However, the study suggests that the underlying geology, which influences topography, impacts indirectly on soil types, climate zones, and human activities, and hence has a predominant influence on the character of these units. Specifically, the transition between the Dead Sea Rift Valley and the adjacent highlands create variations in the topographical relief, climate, water availability, and human settlements. Implementation of LCA in Jordan has done much to highlight geological hazards, such as sinkholes, as constraints to development in certain areas. Here, we described how the LCA process could be implemented in Jordan and how this can help in improving land use management practices in the country

Gastrointestinal manifestations in patients with COVID-19 it’s correlation with overall clinical outcomes

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not just a disease of the respiratory system. The virus can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as well. Recognizing the various manifestations in every organ system is important because these manifestations can contribute to community-based transmission. Aim: The aim of this study is to report the impact of gastrointestinal associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in our COVID-19 isolation department at Queen Alia Military Hospital, Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan between Mar 2020 and Sep 2021 for all eligible COVID-19 infected hospitalized patients. Because of the retrospective nature of our research, a sign consent form was waived. All admitted COVID-19 infected patients, who were admitted for at least 3 days and whose retrieved data from our electronic medical record system (Hakeem) were available, were grouped into either Higher Liver Disease Status (Status I) and Lower Liver Disease Status (Status II). Higher versus lower liver disease statuses were based on Child-Pugh Score ≥8 or <8, respectively. An independent T-Tests was used to analyze the non-parametric and parametric outcomes’ data.&nbsp

Fellowship of the Spring: An initiative to document and protect the world's oases

: An 'oasis' signifies a refugium of safety, recovery, relaxation, fertility, and productivity in an inhospitable desert, a sweet spot in a barren landscape where life-giving water spills forth from the Earth. Remarkable mythological congruencies exist across dryland cultures worldwide where oases or 'arid-land springs' occur. In many places they also provide specialised habitats for an extraordinary array of endemic organisms. To inform their management, and maintain their integrity, it is essential to understand the hydrogeology of aquifers and springs. Gravity-fed vs artesian aquifers; actively recharged vs fossil aquifers, and sources of geothermal activity are important concepts presented here. There consequences for oases of sustainable and unsustainable groundwater extraction, and other examples of effective conservation management. Oases are archetypes for human consciousness, habitats that deserve protection and conservation, and a lingua franca for multicultural values and scientific exchange. We represent an international Fellowship of the Spring seeking to encompass and facilitate the stewardship of oases and aquifers through improved knowledge, outreach, and governance