The Relationship between Time Pressure and Burnout Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Survey among Jordanian Nurses

Burnout among nurses is well documented in literature. Precursors of burnout such as time pressure need further study for better understanding. In Jordan literature, studies regarding time pressure and burnout among Jordanian nurses are scarce. This study aimed to 1) evaluate the relationship between time pressure and burnout, and 2) identify participants’ characteristics that may have relationship with time pressure and burnout. A descriptive correlational design was utilized using a self-reported cross-sectional survey to collect data from 175 Jordanian nurses. Participants reported high level of time pressure (24.8 out of 126) and burnout (72.9 out of 126). Time pressure was correlated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization (r = 0.561, 0.491, P < 0.01, respectively). Burnout was highest on the emotional exhaustion (72%) compared to 53.9% for depersonalization and 49.2% for personal achievement. Depersonalization showed the most frequent correlation with participants’ characteristics. Burnout was found to be common among Jordanian nurses, and time pressure is a precursor of this phenomenon, giving rise to the consequences on both patients’ and nurses’ health. Healthcare administrators have to modify the nursing work environment to be less stressful and more appealing to overcome the causes of nurses’ burnout.

Pain-Related Knowledge and Barriers among Jordanian Nurses: A National Study

The purpose of this study is to explore Jordanian nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding pain assessment, and barriers to intervention at different hospitals representing health care sectors in Jordan. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study utilizing self-administered questionnaires to collect data from nurses working in public, University-affiliated, and private hospitals located on the north, mid, and south of Jordan using Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain, (n = 439). The mean of total correct answers on the 32 knowledge questions was 13.39 (SD = 4.31). Nurse-related barriers to effective pain management include patient history of alcohol abuse or drug addiction, and nursing staff reluctant to contact physician for analgesic order. Nurses working in surgical units, employed at private hospitals, holding a master degree, or who attended educational course or program scored significantly higher than other nurses. The results demonstrated knowledge deficit and attitude and that nurses underestimated and undertreated patients’ pain. Serious efforts should be taken in nursing schools and hospitals to prepare nurses and equip them with comprehensive knowledge tools to assess and manage pain appropriately.

The role of eosinophils in asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by recurring episodes of reversible airway obstruction, hyper-responsiveness, wheezing, breathlessness and coughing. Clinical diagnosis of asthma is based on the pattern of clinical symptoms and pulmonary fuction tests. Asthma affectes 5% - 10% of the population and the number of worldwide cases is approximately 300 milliones. The incidence of this disease is increasing particulry in western countries [1]. It is the cause of a huge economic burden to national healthcare services. In a minority of cases, asthma is potentially fatal. After a period when fatalities appeared to be increasing [2], in recent years asthma-related mortality has progressively declined due to the develop- ment of specific asthma disease management programs, as well as the extensive use of in- haled corticosteroids [3]. Inflammation of the airways is a central component in asthma. In- flammation is associated with infliltration of the airway wall with eosinophiles and or neutron- philes mast cell degranulation and T cell active- tion. Other pathological features include, sub- basement membrane thickening, loss of epithet- lial cell integrity, goblet cells hyperplasia In- crease in airway smooth muscle mass. Eosino- phils are thought to be vital in the development of airway hyperreactivity, with the eosinophil cationic protein playing a crucial role [4]. The fact that treatment of asthma with corticos-teroids reduces eosinophils numbers and decreases airway reactivity further supports this hypothesis.

Psychological and Social Health Status of Patients with Lung Diseases in Jordan

Objective: The study aims to investigate the psychosocial health status of patients with pulmonary diseases in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using 230 patients diagnosed with lung diseases from six major hospitals in Jordan used to collect data in regards to depressive symptoms, psychological distress, coping, life satisfaction, and perceived social support. Data were collected from Jan 2013 to May 2013. Results: About 50% of the patients reported moderate levels of ability to effectively cope with life situations, life satisfaction, psychological distress, and perceived social support from family, friends and others. About 29% of the patients reported that they had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms had significant and negative correlation with life satisfaction and perceived social support (r = ﹣0.21 to ﹣0.39, p β = 2.72, p = 0.007), marital status (β = 2.63, p = 0.009), and life satisfaction (β = ﹣4.54, p ≤ 0.001) were the significant predictors of depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Health professionals need to screening for psychological disturbances for their patients. There should be integration between early detection of psychological disturbances and implementation of effective treatment plans.

Psychosocial Correlates of Motivation for Academic Accomplishment among University Students

Motivation has been a concept of interest for behavioral and cognitive scientists for its significant contribution to human behaviors and conducts. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between intrinsic motivation to academic accomplishment (IMTA) and psychosocial wellbeing among university students in Jordan. Methods: cross sectional correctional design utilized to collect data from 218 university students in regards to motivation to academic accomplishment, social support, life satisfaction, optimism, and depressive symptoms. The results showed that university students in Jordan had low moderate level of IMAT, and that IMAT had positive association with perceived social support from family (r = 0.17, p r = 0.14, p r = 0.19, p None of the psychosocial factors were found to be significant predictor of IMATA, while age group and working status were significant ones (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was significant difference in IMTA in regards to age groups showing that 1st and 2nd year’s students had higher IMTA than their counterparts in higher academic levels. Implication for mental health counselors at the students’ health services and centers were discussed.

Evaluation of Micro Leakage of Two Direct Esthetic Restorations with Different Preparation Techniques

Objectives: In recent times, the term “minimal intervention dentistry” has coined to describe a new approach to the treatment of the disease of caries. This study was carried out to evaluate the marginal integrity of class V cavity in permanent posterior teeth prepared with different air abrasion parameters compared with classical rotary cavity preparation. Methods: A total number of 150 sound caries for free human posterior teeth were used in this study. Teeth were extracted for periodontal disease or orthodontic reasons and the average age of patients between 20 - 35 years. Teeth were divided according to the type of restoration into two main groups: Group I (n = 75) restored with low shrinkable posterior composite (P90) and Group II (n = 75) restored with Ketac nano ionomer (N100). Each main group was divided into five groups (n = 15), then each group was further subdivided into three subgroups (n = 5) according to the storage time (immediately, three months, and six months). All teeth would be tested at both occlusal and gingival margins of prepared class V cavity according to the method of cavity preparation. Results: A high significant difference was found in the mean ranks of micro-leakageat both occlusal enamel and gingival dentin walls among Groups 1 - 5 (p-value of Conclusion: Low shrinkable silorane based composite yielded better results of micro-leakage scores along the occlusal enamel and gingival dentin walls when the cavity of class V was prepared with air abrasion technique with large size alumina particles under high pressure at immediate storage time as compared with Ketac N100.

Psychosocial Health Status of Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Illnesses in Jordan

Background: The comorbidity between chronic physical conditions and psychosocial health consequences is becoming a research interest for researchers in the field. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychosocial health status of patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses in Jordan. Methods: A cross sectional survey using 806 patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses has been used to collect data in regards to depressive symptoms, psychological distress, coping, optimism, life satisfaction, and perceive social support. Results: 17.5% of the patients reported that they had moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and about 50% of them had high level of optimism and life satisfaction, moderate level of effectiveness of coping skills, psychological distress, and perceived social support from family, friends and others. There were significant association between patients’ age and their scores on perception of social support from family, friends and others, life satisfaction, and psychological distress (p > 0.05). While, male and female patients were different in their depressive symptoms (t = -2.57, p = 0.01), perceived social support from others (t = -2.06, p = 0.04), and optimism (t = 2.29, p = 0.02). Also, patients had differences in their depressive symptoms, perceived social support from friends, others and friends, optimism, life satisfaction, and psychological distress related to their medical diagnoses (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with chronic illness are in need for psychological care, and periodic psychological screening is one step toward maintaining their psychological wellbeing.

Al-Akidi Therapeutic Protocol for Severe Infections Associated with Covid-19:Potential and Effective Treatment by Levofloxacin and Vitamin D3 and Zinc(Part 1)

Background:The emergence of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 evoked an unprecedented threat globally.Ever since the spread of this pandemic research and clinical trials have concentrated on the repurposing of already exciting FDA drugs to find a successful candidate to combat Covid-19.Objective:The objective of this study is to propose a therapeutic protocol that may have a potential solution to treat the severe infections associated with coronavirus.The clinical application of this protocol(Al-Akidi Therapeutic Protocol,A-TP)is highly recommended,as there are several scientific evidences that support this trusted protocol to be of great potential.Methods and Materials:This A-TP includes the use of one of the respiratory Fluoroquinolones(Levofloxacin or Moxifloxacin)in doses of 500 mg twice daily for 7-10 days,together with high doses of Vitamin D3(10000 IU/day)and Zinc(50 mg daily)for few weeks.This protocol is based on the previous antiviral activity of those Fluoroquinolones towards few viruses,the potent antibacterial activity on respiratory infections and high available concentrations in the lungs.It is also based on molecular docking of Levofloxacin and Moxifloxacin on various viral enzymes.Results:Molecular docking showed encouraging and very interesting docking scores and binding affinity of Levofloxacin and Moxifloxacin to certain viral enzymes,such as,RNA dependent RNA polymerase(RdRp),3-Cysteine-Like protease,Neuraminidase,Replicase polyproteins and Trans-Membrane Protease Serine 2 inhibitor(TMPRSS2).The highly expected clinical results of using this protocol are:reduce infection,control of temperature,improve breathing with less dependent on supplemented oxygen,and remarkable reduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokine storm,and hence,reduce hospitalization and mortality.Conclusion:Levofloxacin is highly recommended in managing the severe infections associated with Corona virus and has a remarkable reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine storm as an immuomodulating agent.Levofloxacin is superior in this protocol over Moxifloxacin,due to its high excretion(≤83%)as unchanged through the kidneys,while Moxifloxacin is only 20%is excreted unchanged.It is an extra advantage of Levofloxacin to manage coronavirus in the kidneys.High doses of Vitamin D3 and Zinc are very useful to provide additional effective measures to combat Corona virus.Therefore,the use of this A-TP is highly and strongly recommended,as it serves the full requirements for excellent and potential therapy for the severe infections associated with Covid-19.

Repairing of RC T-Section Beams with Opening by CFRP for Cracks and Ultimate Torque

The repair of reinforced concrete(RC)beams with carbon fiber reinforced polymers(CFRP)is experimentally investigated in this study.The four T-section reinforced reactive powder concrete beams with many locations of circular opening were repaired by CFRP and investigated under pure torsion.The repairing beams were tested to obtain the effect of the amount of CFRP laminate on beams cracking and ultimate torque behavior,angle of twist and failure modes.The results obtained from the adopted repairing technique showed a significant effect of external high strength CFRP laminates on effectively restore of section solid of 85%of crack torsional strength effectively restored.In addition,the results show that effectively restoring of section opening by 82%-80%of crack torsional strength,and the adopted repairing technique gives a good strength to the beams.

Midwives and Nurses Compliance with Standard Precautions in Palestinian Hospitals

Midwives and nurses should use the standard precautions as the basic level of infection control precautions when delivering care to all patients, regardless of their presumed infection status. Therefore midwifes and nurses should have sound knowledge and compliance with standard precaution. Aim of the study: The study aimed to assess the level of the compliance of standard precautions among the midwives and nurses in the Palestinian Hospitals. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted from May to June 2015 on 81 midwives and nurses from Palestinian hospitals. The data were collected from labor rooms and postpartum departments of Palestinian hospitals. Data were collected using pretested questionnaire on 81 midwives and nurses selected by convenience sample. Results: The current study showed that the average of standard precautions knowledge level and compliance are 74.6% and 83.8% respectively. There are an association between age, education, work experience, and compliance with standard precautions at p p < 0.05 (0.191). Conclusion: The midwives and nurses in the current study for both knowledge and compliance have high level regarding standard precautions. There is an association between age, education, work experience, and compliance with standard precautions. Recommendations: Knowledge of midwives and nurses should be updated;the importance of latest evidence-based practices of infection control in continuing education/training program should be emphasized;and training programs for newly midwives and nurses about standard precaution and at regular intervals should be provided.

Development of Lightweight Concrete Using Industrial Waste Palm Oil Clinker

Concrete is a major material used in the construction of buildings and structures in the world.Gravel and sand are the major ingredients of concrete but are non-renewable natural materials.Therefore,the utilisation of palm oil clinker(POC),a solid waste generated from palm oil industry is proposed to replace natural aggregate in this research to reduce the demand for natural aggregates.One mix of ordinary concrete as control concrete;while four mix proportions of oil palm clinker concrete were obtained by replacing 25%,50%,75%,and 100%of gravel and sand of control concrete with coarse and fine oil palm clinker respectively by volume,with same cement content and water cement ratio.Compressive strength test was carried out of concretes with different percentages of oil palm clinker;whereas water absorption tests according to respective standard,were carried out to determine the durability properties of various mixes.Based on the results obtained,the study on the effect of percentage of clinker on strength and durability properties was drawn.According to ACI classification of light weight concrete only the 100 percentage replacement can achieve the definition of light weight concrete since its density is less than 1,900 kg/m3 and strength larger than 17 MPa.Eventually the 25%replacement of the normal aggregate by the OPC will improve the strength and durability of the concrete.

Heavy metal adsorption of Streptomyces chromofuscus K101

Objective:To find the best actinomycete that has potential application value in the heavy metal remediation due to its special morphological and physiological metabolism.Methods:In some areas of River Nile,Egypt,a total of 67 actinomycete isolates(17 isolates from surface water and 50 from sediment)were identified.In addition,the studied area was characterized by a large amount of submerged macrophyte species Ceratophyllum demersum,one free floating species Eichhornia crassipes and two emergent species Polygonum tomentosum and Saccharum spontaneum with the highest biomass production values.Many methods are used in this research like qualitative evaluation of heavy metals,minimum inhibitory concentration of heavy metal determination,metal binding assay,heavy metal assessment,etc.Results:Many actinomycetes isolates were isolated from River Nile,Egypt,the absorbent efficiency of one isolate Streptomyces chromofuscusK101 showed the most efficient metal binding activity.The adsorption process of Zn^(^(2+)),Pb^(2+)and Fe^(2+)single or mixture metal ions was investigated,where the order of adsorption potential(Zn^(2+)>Pb^(2+)>Fe^(2+))was observed in single metal reaction.The adsorption in mixed metal reactions was the same order as in single-metal ion with a significant decrease in Fe^(2+)and Pb^(2+)adsorption.Conclusions:In conclusion the metal adsorption reactions were very fast,pH dependent and culture age-independent,suggestive of a physicochemical reaction between cell wall components and heavy metal ions.The absorbent removal efficiency was determined as a function of ion concentration,pH and temperature.