The Damaging Effects of Abstracting the Deep Aquifers’Groundwater in Jordan-Quality Constraints

The deep aquifers in Jordan contain non-renewable and fossil groundwater and their extraction is quasi a mining process, which ends in the depletion of these resources. Although aquifers in the majority of groundwater basins in Jordan are vertically and horizontally interconnected stratification in different water quality horizons with generally increasing water salinity with the depth is observed. Many officials and planners advocate the extraction of deep salty and brackish water to be desalinated and used in household, industrial, and agricultural uses. In this article, the quality of the groundwater in the different deep aquifers and areas in Jordan is discussed. The results of this study show that the consequences of the deep groundwater exploitation are not restricted to depletion of the deep aquifers but also that the overlying fresh groundwater will, due to vertical and horizontal interconnectedness of the different aquifers, percolate down to replace the extracted deep groundwater. This will cause the down-percolating fresh groundwater to become salinized in the deep saline aquifers, which means that extracting the deep brackish and saline groundwater is not only an emptying process of the deep groundwater but also it is an emptying process of the fresh groundwater overlying them. The results allow to conclude that any extraction of the deep groundwater in areas lying to the north of Ras en Naqab Escarpment will have damaging impacts on the fresh groundwater in the overlying fresh groundwater aquifers. This article strongly advises not to extract the deep brackish and saline groundwater, but to conserve that groundwater as a base supporting the overlying fresh groundwater resources, and that will help in protecting the thermal mineralized water springs used in spas originating from these deep aquifers. The increasing water needs of the country can be covered by the desalination of seawater at Aqaba, which is the only viable option for Jordan at present and in the coming decades.

Enhancing the surface hardness and roughness of engine blades using the shot peening process

The effects of shot peening on the mechanical properties of steel 1070 were studied to enhance the material’s properties and surface characteristics.In this study,pressure and exposure time were the main parameters governing surface hardness and surface roughness.The optimal time duration and pressure were determined after several experimental trials.Changes in hardness and surface roughness were monitored as the pressure of the shot and the exposure time were varied.Furthermore,the microstructure was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and the images were enhanced by image processing techniques to evaluate the surface changes.Pareto charts were constructed to estimate the effects of pressure and time on both surface hardness and surface roughness.The novelty of this study is the concentration on engine blades which are frequently used in aircrafts to determine the optimal time–pressure combination for shot peening to achieve suitable mechanical and surface properties.The results show that shot peening pressure(up to 482.6 kPa for 7 min)has positive effect on enhancing the surface and mechanical properties for steel 1070 blades;however,an increase in either pressure or time above that level adversely affected both surface hardness and surface roughness.

The influence of treatment modality on illness perception and secondary prevention outcomes among patients with acute myocardial infarction

Objectives:This study aims to determine if patients with acute myocardial infarction differ in illness perception and secondary prevention outcomes depending on the treatment they received.Methods:A repeated measures design was used to compare patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving three different treatment modalities:ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention,ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated by thrombolytic therapy,and non ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated by medication.A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit 206 patients with acute myocardial infarction who agreed to participate in the current study.Patients'illness perception,physical activity,and demographical and clinical data were collected during hospital admission and again at 6 months.Results:A total of 186 patients completed the study.Results showed that the primary percutaneous coronary intervention group perceived their illness as acute rather than chronic(P=0.034)and has lower personal control(P=0.032),higher treatment control(P=0.025),and higher perception of illness coherence(P=0.022)compared with patients receiving thrombolytic therapy and treated after non-ST segment infarction.Moreover,they report low control of their blood pressure(P=0.013)and less physical activity(P=0.001).Conclusion:The results of this study revealed that patients'treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention had negative illness perception and limited behavioral changes 6 months after hospitalization in comparison with other treatment modalities such as percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolytic treatment.Further research is recommended to confirm this association with longer follow-up study and among different cultures.

In vitro efficacy of new synthetic benzimidazole-related compounds against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms

Objective:To evaluate the in vitro antischistosomal activity of two new synthetic benzimidazole-related compounds:NBTP-OH and NBTP-F.Methods:Schistosoma adult worms were recovered from mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercaria,washed and then incubated in the culture media with different concentrations of compounds NBTP-OH and NBTP-F up to 72 h.Scanning electron microscopy was conducted to report morphological changes.Results:Incubation of adult Schistosoma mansoni with 10 μg/mL of NBTP-OH for 48 h killed 81.25% of worms.The calculated LC50and LC90 72 h post-incubation were 6.8 μg/mL and 9.8 μg/mL,respectively.Exposure of worms to 10 μg/mL of NBTP-F killed89.5% of worms after 48 h,mostly males(83.3%),the LC50 and LC90 after 72 h of incubation were 4.8 μg/mL and 6.9 μg/mL,respectively.Worms incubated for 72 h with these compounds revealed swelling and deformity of oral sucker,disorganization and erosion of the tegument when examined with scanning electron microscopy.Conclusions:NBTP-OH and NBTP-F possess in vitro antischistosomal activities;however,in vivo studies should be conducted to examine their antischistosomal effects..

MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS OF WEST NILE VIRUS MODEL WITH DISCRETE DELAYS

The paper presents the basic model for the transmission dynamics of West Nile virus （WNV）. The model, which consists of seven mutually-exclusive compartments representing the birds and vector dynamics, has a locally-asymptotically stable disease- free equilibrium whenever the associated reproduction number （R0） is less than unity. As reveal in [3, 20], the analyses of the model show the existence of the phenomenon of backward bifurcation （where the stable disease-free equilibrium of the model co-exists with a stable endemic equilibrium when the reproduction number of the disease is less than unity）. It is shown, that the backward bifurcation phenomenon can be removed by substituting the associated standard incidence function with a mass action incidence. Analysis of the reproduction number of the model shows that, the disease will persist, whenever R0 〉 1, and increase in the length of incubation period can help reduce WNV burden in the community if a certain threshold quantities, denoted by △b and △v are negative. On the other hand, increasing the length of the incubation period increases disease burden if △b 〉 0 and △v 〉 0. Furthermore, it is shown that adding time delay to the corresponding autonomous model with standard incidence （considered in [2]） does not alter the qualitative dynamics of the autonomous ：system （with respect to the elimination or persistence of the disease）.

Screening the RFX6-DNA binding domain for potential genetic variants in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND The regulatory factor X6 (RFX6), a member of regulatory factor X family, is known to play a key role in the development and differentiation of pancreatic beta cells as well as insulin production and secretion. However, the potential role of RFX6 in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is still unclear. AIM Recent studies have indicated that RFX6 binding to DNA could be disrupted in diabetes. Therefore, in this study we investigated whether genetic mutations are present in the DNA binding domain of RFX6 gene that could abrogate its function in T2D. METHODS A cohort of T2D patients was enrolled in this study, and the gene encoding the DNA binding domain of RFX6 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and then analysed by direct DNA sequencing. RESULTS The DNA sequence analysis revealed the absence of any exonic mutation. However, we have identified a new heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphism (IVS6+31 C>T) in the intronic region of DNA binding domain gene that is present in 9.2% and 8.5% of diabetic and control people, respectively (P = 0.97).CONCLUSION We report the absence of any significant genetic variant that could affect the function of RFX6-DNA binding domain in T2D.

A Novel Method for Thermoelectric Generator Based on Neural Network

The growing need for renewable energy and zero carbon dioxide emissions has fueled the development of thermoelectric generators with improved power generating capability.Along with the endeavor to develop thermoelectric materials with greater figures of merit,the geometrical and structural optimization of thermoelectric generators is equally critical for maximum power output and efficiency.Green energy strategies that are constantly updated are a viable option for addressing the global energy issue while also protecting the environment.There have been significant focuses on the development of thermoelectric modules for a range of solar,automotive,military,and aerospace applications in recent years due to various advantages including as low vibration,great reliability and durability,and the absence of moving components.In order to enhance the system performance of the thermoelectric generator,an artificial neural network(ANN)based algorithm is proposed.Furthermore,to achieve high efficiency and system stability,a buck converter is designed and deployed.Simulation and experimental findings demonstrate that the suggested method is viable and available,and that it is almost similar to the real value in the steady state with the least power losses,making it ideal for vehicle exhaust thermoelectric generator applications.Furthermore,the proposed hybrid algorithm has a high reference value for the development of a dependable and efficient car exhaust thermoelectric generating system.

The Effect of the Hot Springs at the Umm Qeis Archaeological Site and Museum

Several recent studies have pointed out that northern parts of Jordan are exposed to high levels of the effect of the hot spring, which is widely known to have severe impacts on health, vegetation and structures. North Jordan has a wealth of ancient heritage including six out of the ten Decapolis Cities. Air pollution that comes out from the hot springs is alleged to deteriorate and erode buildings, structures, statues and monuments through acid deposition. Therefore, this research was conducted to assess air quality at Gadara, the capital of the ancient Decapolis and suggest mitigation measures that have to be adopted in order to save the ancient heritage against further deterioration. Measurements revealed that most criteria air pollutants including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide attain corresponding national ambient air quality standards. Atmospheric concentrations of NO are strongly linked to the amount of 03. Simultaneous exposure to SO2 and NO2 demonstrated that a catalytic reaction takes place which increases the rate of sulphate production after 30 h exposure.

Using the Taguchi Method and Grey Relational Analysis to Optimize the Performance of a Solar Air Heater

Solar energy is regarded as one of the promising renewable energy sources in the world.The main aim of this study is to use the Taguchi-Grey relational grade analysis to optimize the performance of two Solar Air Heaters(SAHs).A typical Grey–Taguchi method was applied.The Orthogonal Array,Signal-to-Noise ratio,Grey Relational Grade,and Analysis of Variance were employed to investigate the performance characteristics of SAH.Experimental observations were made in agreement with Jordanian climate 32°00′N latitude and 36°00′E longitude with a solar intensity of 500 W\m^(2).The operating factors selected for optimization are the tilt angle(T)with three levels(0°,22°,45°),inlet velocity(V)with two levels(1.2,1.8 m/s),and absorber plate material(M)with two levels(Aluminum,wood).In this study,the Grey–Taguchi approach is validated by performing 12 individual experiments.The results show that the process factors sequence required for a maximum SAH efficiency(SAHµ)is V>T>M.Using this approach,we combined the Orthogonal Array design with Grey Relational Analysis.As a result of that,the level of each operating conditions which optimizes both process responses(Temperature difference,ΔT and Solar air heater efficiency,SAHµ)can be specified with a minimum number of tests compared with classic Grey Relational Analysis.The optimal operating conditions of a SAH for multiple performance characteristics are determined as T2,M2,and V2,respectively,which are in congruence with the experimental results.

Influence of Air Pollution on the Deterioration of Monuments and Museum Collections

The time has come to recognize the extreme importance of the archaeological sites in Jordan. They provide a wealth evidence and precise information regarding ancient civilizations and cultures. The safeguarding of this cultural heritage is one of the most urgent priorities, that involve the proper conservation and preservation methods of all artifacts and buildings that have an important artistic and historic value. Conservation is a whole field in regarding the care and treatment of valuable artifacts, both movable and immovable. It has two aspects： （1） the control of the environment--to minimize the decay of artifacts and materials and （2） the treatment of these--in order to stop or slow down any deterioration and to stabilize them where possible against further dilapidation. The museum environment is a limited space dedicated not only to exhibition but also to the appropriate conservation of works of art. This article presents an overview of the types of damage and deterioration that air pollution causes to indoor cultural heritage materials and monuments. It identifies the main damaging air pollutants from outdoor sources to be sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and sulphide gases.

Coconut Fibre Effect on Fresh and Thermo Gravimetric Properties to Mitigate Spalling of Self-Compacting Concrete at Elevated Temperatures

In this research the effect of Coconut (CN) fibre on the fresh and thermo gravimetric properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) at elevated temperatures was investigated experimentally and statistically. The mixtures containing cement, water, fly ash, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate and super plasticizer with the addition of CN fibres (0%, 0.05%, 0.10 %, and 0.15%) by volume of the mixtures were prepared. The fresh and thermo gravimetric properties of the SCC specimens were determined after mixing at elevated temperatures (200℃, 400℃, and 600℃) testing in a laboratory. Three control specimens with 0% CN fibres were used for every mixture of SCC. Regression models were developed to determine the responses. The optimum of the CN fibres was measured.

Frilled Lizard Optimization: A Novel Bio-Inspired Optimizer for Solving Engineering Applications

This research presents a novel nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithm called Frilled Lizard Optimization(FLO),which emulates the unique hunting behavior of frilled lizards in their natural habitat.FLO draws its inspiration from the sit-and-wait hunting strategy of these lizards.The algorithm’s core principles are meticulously detailed and mathematically structured into two distinct phases:(i)an exploration phase,which mimics the lizard’s sudden attack on its prey,and(ii)an exploitation phase,which simulates the lizard’s retreat to the treetops after feeding.To assess FLO’s efficacy in addressing optimization problems,its performance is rigorously tested on fifty-two standard benchmark functions.These functions include unimodal,high-dimensional multimodal,and fixed-dimensional multimodal functions,as well as the challenging CEC 2017 test suite.FLO’s performance is benchmarked against twelve established metaheuristic algorithms,providing a comprehensive comparative analysis.The simulation results demonstrate that FLO excels in both exploration and exploitation,effectively balancing these two critical aspects throughout the search process.This balanced approach enables FLO to outperform several competing algorithms in numerous test cases.Additionally,FLO is applied to twenty-two constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite and four complex engineering design problems,further validating its robustness and versatility in solving real-world optimization challenges.Overall,the study highlights FLO’s superior performance and its potential as a powerful tool for tackling a wide range of optimization problems.

AMAD:Adaptive Mapping Approach for Datacenter Networks,an Energy-Friend Resource Allocation Framework via Repeated Leader Follower Game

Cloud Datacenter Network(CDN)providers usually have the option to scale their network structures to allow for far more resource capacities,though such scaling options may come with exponential costs that contradict their utility objectives.Yet,besides the cost of the physical assets and network resources,such scaling may also imposemore loads on the electricity power grids to feed the added nodes with the required energy to run and cool,which comes with extra costs too.Thus,those CDNproviders who utilize their resources better can certainly afford their services at lower price-units when compared to others who simply choose the scaling solutions.Resource utilization is a quite challenging process;indeed,clients of CDNs usually tend to exaggerate their true resource requirements when they lease their resources.Service providers are committed to their clients with Service Level Agreements(SLAs).Therefore,any amendment to the resource allocations needs to be approved by the clients first.In this work,we propose deploying a Stackelberg leadership framework to formulate a negotiation game between the cloud service providers and their client tenants.Through this,the providers seek to retrieve those leased unused resources from their clients.Cooperation is not expected from the clients,and they may ask high price units to return their extra resources to the provider’s premises.Hence,to motivate cooperation in such a non-cooperative game,as an extension to theVickery auctions,we developed an incentive-compatible pricingmodel for the returned resources.Moreover,we also proposed building a behavior belief function that shapes the way of negotiation and compensation for each client.Compared to other benchmark models,the assessment results showthat our proposed models provide for timely negotiation schemes,allowing for better resource utilization rates,higher utilities,and grid-friend CDNs.

Application of Stork Optimization Algorithm for Solving Sustainable Lot Size Optimization

The efficiency of businesses is often hindered by the challenges encountered in traditional Supply Chain Manage-ment(SCM),which is characterized by elevated risks due to inadequate accountability and transparency.To address these challenges and improve operations in green manufacturing,optimization algorithms play a crucial role in supporting decision-making processes.In this study,we propose a solution to the green lot size optimization issue by leveraging bio-inspired algorithms,notably the Stork Optimization Algorithm(SOA).The SOA draws inspiration from the hunting and winter migration strategies employed by storks in nature.The theoretical framework of SOA is elaborated and mathematically modeled through two distinct phases:exploration,based on migration simulation,and exploitation,based on hunting strategy simulation.To tackle the green lot size optimization issue,our methodology involved gathering real-world data,which was then transformed into a simplified function with multiple constraints aimed at optimizing total costs and minimizing CO_(2) emissions.This function served as input for the SOA model.Subsequently,the SOA model was applied to identify the optimal lot size that strikes a balance between cost-effectiveness and sustainability.Through extensive experimentation,we compared the performance of SOA with twelve established metaheuristic algorithms,consistently demonstrating that SOA outperformed the others.This study’s contribution lies in providing an effective solution to the sustainable lot-size optimization dilemma,thereby reducing environmental impact and enhancing supply chain efficiency.The simulation findings underscore that SOA consistently achieves superior outcomes compared to existing optimization methodologies,making it a promising approach for green manufacturing and sustainable supply chain management.

Magnificent Frigatebird Optimization: A New Bio-Inspired Metaheuristic Approach for Solving Optimization Problems

This paper introduces a groundbreaking metaheuristic algorithm named Magnificent Frigatebird Optimization(MFO),inspired by the unique behaviors observed in magnificent frigatebirds in their natural habitats.The foundation of MFO is based on the kleptoparasitic behavior of these birds,where they steal prey from other seabirds.In this process,a magnificent frigatebird targets a food-carrying seabird,aggressively pecking at it until the seabird drops its prey.The frigatebird then swiftly dives to capture the abandoned prey before it falls into the water.The theoretical framework of MFO is thoroughly detailed and mathematically represented,mimicking the frigatebird’s kleptoparasitic behavior in two distinct phases:exploration and exploitation.During the exploration phase,the algorithm searches for new potential solutions across a broad area,akin to the frigatebird scouting for vulnerable seabirds.In the exploitation phase,the algorithm fine-tunes the solutions,similar to the frigatebird focusing on a single target to secure its meal.To evaluate MFO’s performance,the algorithm is tested on twenty-three standard benchmark functions,including unimodal,high-dimensional multimodal,and fixed-dimensional multimodal types.The results from these evaluations highlight MFO’s proficiency in balancing exploration and exploitation throughout the optimization process.Comparative studies with twelve well-known metaheuristic algo-rithms demonstrate that MFO consistently achieves superior optimization results,outperforming its competitors across various metrics.In addition,the implementation of MFO on four engineering design problems shows the effectiveness of the proposed approach in handling real-world applications,thereby validating its practical utility and robustness.

Using the Novel Wolverine Optimization Algorithm for Solving Engineering Applications

This paper introduces the Wolverine Optimization Algorithm(WoOA),a biomimetic method inspired by the foraging behaviors of wolverines in their natural habitats.WoOA innovatively integrates two primary strategies:scavenging and hunting,mirroring the wolverine’s adeptness in locating carrion and pursuing live prey.The algorithm’s uniqueness lies in its faithful simulation of these dual strategies,which are mathematically structured to optimize various types of problems effectively.The effectiveness of WoOA is rigorously evaluated using the Congress on Evolutionary Computation(CEC)2017 test suite across dimensions of 10,30,50,and 100.The results showcase WoOA’s robust performance in exploration,exploitation,and maintaining a balance between these phases throughout the search process.Compared to twelve established metaheuristic algorithms,WoOA consistently demonstrates a superior performance across diverse benchmark functions.Statistical analyses,including paired t-tests,Friedman test,and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests,validate WoOA’s significant competitive edge over its counterparts.Additionally,WoOA’s practical applicability is illustrated through its successful resolution of twenty-two constrained scenarios from the CEC 2011 suite and four complex engineering design challenges.These applications underscore WoOA’s efficacy in tackling real-world optimization challenges,further highlighting its potential for widespread adoption in engineering and scientific domains.

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY IN THE JORDANIAN CONTEXT:INFLUENCE ON OCCUPANTS’SATISFACTION

The applicability of building rating systems has gained attention for achieving indoor environmental quality.Considering the wider internationalized recognition of LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)and other rating systems,the case of Jordan provides a sense of particularity in consideration to its rather recent history in acknowledging these progressive standards.Utilizing a mixed approach based on paired comparisons between local LEED and non-LEED certified buildings,this research paper explores the level of satisfaction pertaining to Indoor Environmental Quality of building occupants.While it touches on the generality of such satisfaction,it proceeds to unpack and investigate how it resonates with the sustainability of the building measured through various means.The research outcomes reflected an overall appeal of LEED certified buildings and a decent level of comfort of their dwellers.Yet,it conveyed a vague,rather sporadic relation when comparing the subjective percep-tion to the objective measures due to multiple potential reasons.The paper concludes by stressing the need for further appropriation of international environmental codes to better suit the local context.It lays a reliable foundation for further research,uti-lizing more case studies and exploring the applicability of rating systems in Jordan.

Beamforming Performance Analysis of Millimeter-Wave 5G Wireless Networks

With the rapid growth in the number of mobile devices and user connectivity,the demand for higher system capacity and improved qualityof-service is required.As the demand for high-speed wireless communication grows,numerous modulation techniques in the frequency,temporal,and spatial domains,such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing(OFDM),time division multiple access(TDMA),space division multiple access(SDMA),and multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO),are being developed.Along with those approaches,electromagnetic waves’orbital angular momentum(OAM)is attracting attention because it has the potential to boost the wireless communication capacity.Antenna electromagnetic radiation can be described by a sum of Eigen functions with unique eigenvalues,as is well known.In order to address such issues,the millimeter-wave(mmWave)communication is proposed which is considered as one of the potential technology for 5G wireless networks.The intrinsic feature of all electromagnetic waves is OAM.The OAM beams’unique qualities have led to a slew of new uses.Broadband OAM generators,on the other hand,have gotten very little attention,especially in the mmWave frequency band.The use of OAM in conjunction with mmWave can reduce the beam power loss,enhance the received signal quality,and hence increase the systemcapacity.The transmitter and receiver antennas must be coaxial and parallel to achieve precise mode detection.The proposed mmWave integrated with OAM system model is discussed in this study.The channel model is created using the channel transition characteristics.The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed system model is a good way to boost the system capacity.

An Integrated Approach to Groundwater Exploration Using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System

In this study, an integrated approach was implemented using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing technique for locating promising areas for groundwater exploration. This method is based evaluating a set of hydrological, geological and topographical parameters that influence the natural occurrence of groundwater. As a result, a ground water potential map (GPM) was generated by modeling these parameters. Groundwater potential map results were classified into three classes that describe the potentiality of each cell in the study area for groundwater exploration. These classes are;high, moderate and low groundwater potential area. It was found that about 7% of the study was classified as high potential areas which were found to be concentrated in the western part of the study area. About 79% of the study was classified as moderate potential for groundwater exploration. The rest of the study area (14%) was classified as low potential areas and concentrated in northeast and southeast part of the study area. These results were verified against existing well data and field observations. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was performed to study the effect of each parameter on the overall groundwater map using the effective weight and variation index. It was found that the slope parameter was the most effective among the five used parameters in the model.

Design of a Novel THz Modulator for B5G Communication

Wireless data traffic has expanded at a rate that reminds us of Moore’s prediction for integrated circuits in recent years,necessitating ongoing attempts to supply wireless systems with ever-larger data rates in the near future,despite the under-deployment of 5G networks.Terahertz(THz)communication has been considered a viable response to communication blackout due to the rapid development of THz technology and sensors.THz communication has a high frequency,which allows for better penetration.It is a fast expanding and evolving industry,driven by an increase in wireless traffic volume and data transfer speeds.A THz modulator based on a hybrid metasurface was devised and built in this work.The device’s modulation capabilities were modelled and proved experimentally.The electrolyte is an ion-gel medium implanted between graphene and metasurface,and the active material is graphene.On the metasurface,the interaction between the THz wave and graphene is improved.Additionally,an external bias voltage was employed to actively regulate the THz waves by tuning the electrical conductivity of graphene.The results show that with a minimal bias voltage,the device can achieve a modulation depth of up to 73%at the resonant frequency.Furthermore,during the modulation process,the resonance frequency remains almost constant.As a result,the proposed gadget offers a unique tool for substantial THz amplitude modulation at low voltages.