Abstract Proceedings of the 1st Funded Research Conference11 The 1st Funded Research Conference – 24 April 2012 | JUST Abstract Proceedings of the 1st Funded Research Conference

11 The 1st Funded Research Conference – 24 April 2012 | JUST

Abstract Proceedings of the 1st Funded Research

Conference

Deanship of Research

&

Faculty of Graduate Studies

Jordan University of Science and Technology

24 April 2012


Conference Chairman

Prof. Fahmi Abu Al-Rub

Dean of Research

Prof. Hussein Heis

Dean of Graduate Studies

Editors

Prof. Nezar Samarah Prof. Adnan Massadeh

Dr. Karem Alzoubi Dr. Feras Darwish

Dr. Rami Mukbel

3

Location Al Karama Auditorium

8:30 - 9:00 Registration

9:00 - 9:45 The Royal Anthem of Jordan

Verses from the Holy Quran

Conference Organizing Committee

Keynote Speaker: The General Director of the Scientific Research Support Fund

Prof. Abdallah Al-Zoubi

9:45 - 10:00 Coffee Break

Opening Ceremony

Conference Program

4

Theme Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Location Salah Al Deen Auditorium (1)

Time 10:00-12:15 am

Chairman Prof. Feras Alali

Co-Chairman Dr. Omar Khabour

Presentation

10:00 - 10:15 Omar Khabour, Enas Alsatari, Azab Mohammad, Karem Alzoubi, May Sadiq

Genotoxicity of Waterpipe Smoking

10:15 - 10:30 Nemeh Al-Akour, Mohammad Khassawneh, Yousef Khader, Edgar Dahl

Sex Preference and Interest in Preconception Sex Selection: A Survey among Pregnant

Women in the North of Jordan

10:30 - 10:45 Karem Alzoubi, Omar Khabour, Baraa Abu rashid, Heba Salah

The Neuro-Protective Effect of Vitamin E in Chronic Sleep Deprivation-Induced

Memory Impairment: Molecular Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF),

and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers10:45 - 11:00 Bilal El Masoud, Dua'a Gharaibeh

Fracture Resistance of Implant-Supported All-Ceramic Crowns Retained by Various

Abutment and Cement Material

11:00 - 11:15 Karem Alzoubi, Abdulaziz Aleisa, Karim Alkadhi

In Vivo Expression of Ganglionic Long-Term Potentiation in Superior Cervical Ganglia

11:15 - 11:30 Khalid Al-Ani, Bayan Obeidat, Mudhaffar Al-Farras, Ali Dauod

Adolescence and Young Females with Severe Dysmenorrhea: Are they at Risk of

Developing Osteomalacia? A Prospective Study

11:30 - 11:45 Muhammed Al-Jarrah, Mohammed Jamous

Endurance Exercise Training Promotes Angiogenesis in the Brain of Chronic/Progressive

Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease

11:45 - 12:00 Nemeh Al-Akour, Yousef Khader, Adlah hamlan

Stress among Parents of Infants with Neural Tube Defect and Its Associated Factors

12:00 - 12:15 Jumana Karasneh, Ahmad Flaih, Azmi Darwazeh

Investigation of the Induced Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) Gene Polymorphisms in

Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) in a Sample of Jordanian Population

12:15 1:00 Break

Time

Session 1

5

Theme Engineering, Agriculture, Computer Science


Time 10:00-11:15 am

Chairman Prof. Khaled Asfar

Co-chairman Dr. Abdoul Rjoub

Presentation

10:00 - 10:15 Doraid Dalalah

Development and Design of Omni-Wheeled Robot Arm

10:15 - 10:30 Ghazi Al-Karaki

Hydroponic Fodder Production: Alternative Approach for Continuous Green Forage

Production and Water Saving in Jordan

10:30 - 10:45Nabila Karam, Bashar Al-Daood, Khaled Al-Ghawanmeh, Noor Rashdan, Munir Rusan,

Nabil Bani-Hani

Growth and Flowering of Asiatic Lily (Lilium Hybrida ) in a Closed Soilless Culture

10:45 - 11:00 Munther Kandah

Production of Hydrogen from Water by Electrolysis at Low Current

11:00 - 11:15 Abdoul Rjoub, Motasem Ajlouni, Hassan Manasrah

Jordan Europ Enhanced Research Links in ICT

Time

Session 2

6

Theme All Themes (Poster Session)

Location Salah Al Deen Auditorium

Time 1:00-2:00 pm

Theme Poster

P1 Nizar Abuharfeil, Fawzi Alsheyab

Preparation and Partial Characterization of Monoclonal Antibody against

Human Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5)

P2 Sana Janakat, Mohammd Al-Khateem

Effect of a Popular Middle Eastern Food (Falafel) on the Rat Liver

P3Omar Khabour, Fahmi Mesmar, Mohammad Alatoum, Mohammad Gharaibeh,

Karem Alzoubi

Associations of Polymorphisms in Adiponectin and Leptin Genes with Men’s

Longevity

P4 Omar Khabour, Laila Abu-Haweleh, Karem Alzoubi

Distribution of CCR-5∆32, CCR2-64i and SDF1-3À Alleles that Protect against

HIV Infection among Jordanians

Agriculture P5 Zahir Rawajfih, Rida Al-Adamat, Odeh Al-Meshan, Najwa Alnsour

Assessment of Pollutants Movement from Selected Landfill Sites in Jordan

P6 Zahir Rawajfih

The Adsorption of Methylene Blue on Jordanian Natural Zeolite

P7 Nezar Samarah, Na’em Mazahrih, Khaled Bashabsheh

Effect of Irrigation Treatments Using Treated Wastewater on Grain Yield of

Four Barley Cultivars

P8 Abdelrazzak Al-Tawaha, Ghazi Al-Karaki, Adnan Massadeh

Comparative Performance of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ) in Soilless vs. in Soil

Production Systems

P9 Abdalla Obeidat, Burhan Albiss, Huda Haddad

Automation of Advanced Physics Experiments Using LabVIEW

P10 Fedda Alzoubi, Shaker Abu Bidier

Characterization and Aggregation of Silver Nanoparticles Produced by

Chemical Reduction

P11 Wesam Al-Sharoa, Abdalla Obeidat, Maen Gharaibeh

Effect of Magnetic Anisotropy on the Two Dimensional Dimer Model in

Ferrofluids

P12 Nisreen AL-Quraan, Fatemeh Albatool Adam

Characterization of Gama-Aminobutyric Acid Metabolism and Oxidative

Damage in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seedlings under Salt and Osmotic

StressP13 Mohammad Fares, Fahmi Abu al-Rub, Munther Kandah, Hussein Allaboun

Environmentally-Friendly Copolymeric Beads of Algae and Poly

(Methacrylamide) Grafted Aliginic Acid Di-Block Copolymers for Biosorption

Processes

Medical and

Pharmaceutical

Sciences

Session 3

Basic Sciences

and Arts

7

P14 Majdi Al-Mahasneh

Effect of Storage Time and Temperature on Bread Quality Deterioration in

Arabic Flat Bread

P15 Enas Abdulhay

Accurate and Fast “Seizure Identification” in EEG

P16 Ayman Ababneh, Loai Al-Tarabulsi, Rami Haddad

The Combined Effect of Freezing-Thawing Cycles and Mechanical Loading on

Chloride Penetration into Concrete

P17 Mohammed Almomani

Ultrasonic Cavitation Based Compocasting Processing and Pharacterization of

Aluminum Copper Reinforced with Nano-Sized Sic Particles.

P18 Mohammed Almomani

A Comparative Study for the Localized Corrosion Resistance of Uncoated Mild

Steel, Plasma Coated Mild Steel, and 304 Stainless Steel in Simulated

Electrolytes for the Food Processing Equipments Washdown Processes

P19 Tarek Qasim, Omar Araidah

Statistical Investigation of the Influence of Pre-Heating and Post-Cooling

Temperatures on Critical to Quality Characteristics of Hot Dip Galvanizing

P20 Hasan Hasan, Mousa Abu Arabi

Desalination and Hot Water Production Using Solar Still Enhanced by External

Solar Collector

P21 Hasan Hasan, Hani Abu Qdais, Rizq Al-Zoubi

Potential Production of Biogas from the Sludge of the Wastewater Treatment

Plant at Jordan University of Science and Technology

P22 Abdoul Rjoub, Rodrigo Picos

Remote Laboratory on Electronics for Higher Education (RELEHE)

P23 Abdoul Rjoub, Mutasem Ajlouni, Hassan Manasrah

Leakage Current Sources in CMOS Technology, Study and Analysis

Engineering &

Computer

Science and

Technology

8

Theme Basic Sciences and Arts


Time 2:00-4:00 pm

Chairman Prof. Ahmad Al-Ajlouni

Co-chairman Dr. Mohammad Al Omari

Presentation

2:00 - 2:15 Isam Arafa, Hassan El-Ghanem, Ahmad Lafi

Optical, Photovoltaic and Thermoelectric Characteristics of Bulk Porous Silicon-

Polyaniline Hybrid Composites

2:15 - 2:30 Khalil J. Asali, Mohammad El-Kateeb, Shefa'a Al-Omari

Kinetics and Mechanism of Ligand-Substitution Reactions in Chromium and

Molybdenum Hexacarbonyls with Cyanide Anion

2:30 - 2:45 ا

وا وا ت: اا

2:45 - 3:00 Hasan El Ghanem, Isam Arafa

The Effect of the Size of Magnetite Clusters on the Structure and Magnetic Properties of

the Composite of Magnetite with Functionalized Polyvinylalcohol

3:00 - 3:15 Nada Shakarchi, Imad Al-Hashimi, Monther Jamhawi

Tourist’s Satisfaction Assessment in Downtown Amman: Towards Sustainable

Recommendations

3:15 - 3:30 Abdalla Obeidat, Maen Gharaibeh, Manal Al-Ali, Akram Rousan

Evolution of a Current in a Resistor

3:30 - 3:45 Nisreen AL-Quraan, Ahmed AL-share`

Characterization of Gaba Shunt Pathway and Oxidative Damage in Arabidopsis Thaliana

pop2 Mutants under Various Abiotic Stresses

3:45 - 4:00M-Ali Al-Akhras, M. Alshorman, Majed Masadeh, Adnan Jaradat, G. Makhadmeh, K.

Aljarrah, A. Al-omari, Z. Ababneh

Modeling the Effect of Rose Bengal on Growth, Decay Patterns of Pseudomonas

Aeruginosa, Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus

Time

Session 4

9

Theme All Themes (Graduate Students)


Time 2:00-4:00 pm

Chairman Dr. Karem Alzoubi

Co-chairman Dr. Feras Darwish

Presentation

2:00 - 2:15 Fahmi Abu Al-Rub, Mohammad Fares, Tariq Talafah, Munther Kandah

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biosorption Properties of Poly (N-Vinylimidazole)

Grafted Sodium Alginate and Poly (Acrylic Acid) Grafted Sodium Alginate

2:15 - 2:30 Ayman Ababneh, Issam Ghaith, Rajai Al Rousan

Development of Mechanical Anchor System to Enhance the Efficiency of Flexural

Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Fiber Reinforced Polymers

2:30 - 2:45Sayer Al-Azzam, Karem Alzoubi, Omar Khabour, Mohammad Nusair, Hakam Al-Hadidi,

Abdalla Awidi, Akram Saleh

Factors That Contribute to Clopidogrel Resistance in Cardiovascular Disease Patients:

Environmental and Genetic Approach

2:45 - 3:00 Lama Awawdeh, Mousa Abufadaleh

Apical Morphology of Mandibular First Premolar

3:00 - 3:15 Wesam AL-Amara, Khalid Al-Ani, Kamal Bani Hani

Plasma Vitamin A and E Levels in Patients with Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel

Syndrome

3:15 - 3:30 Fwzieh Hammad, Sana Janakat

Composition of Jordanian Olive Oil Amurca and Its Effect on Olive Oil Shelf Life

3:30 - 3:45 Ndial Daamsa, Jumana Karasneh

Role of Diabetes and oral Conditions in Oral Malodor

3:45 - 4:00 Feras Darwish, Ghassan Tashtoush, Mohammad Gharaibeh

A General Equation for Stress Concentration Factor in Countersunk Holes in

Orthotropic Plates

Time

Session 5


Session 1

Theme Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences


Time 10:00-12:15 am

Chairman Prof. Feras Alali

Co-Chairman Dr. Omar Khabour

Genotoxicity of Waterpipe Smoking Omar Khabour, Enas Alsatari, Azab Mohammad, Karem Alzoubi, May Sadiq Abstract:

Tobacco smoking is a major world health problem. Recently, waterpipe smoking has become more

popular in many countries. Although the genotoxicity associated with cigarette smoking has been

extensively investigated, studies evaluating such toxicity in waterpipe users are still lacking. In this

study, we examined the genotoxicity of waterpipe smoking in lymphocytes compared with the

genotoxicity of cigarette smoking. Genotoxicity was evaluated using the sister chromatid exchanges

(SCEs) assay. Fifty waterpipe smokers and 18 healthy nonsmokers participated in this study.

Additionally, 18 heavy cigarette smokers (CS) were recruited for comparison. The results show that

waterpipe smoking and cigarette smoking significantly increase the frequencies of SCEs (P< 0.01)

compared with those of nonsmokers, indicating the genotoxic effect of tobacco smoking. In addition,

frequencies of SCEs were significantly higher among waterpipe smokers compared with CS (P < 0.01),

indicating that waterpipe smoking is more genotoxic than cigarette smoking. Moreover, the frequency of

SCEs increased with the extent of waterpipe use. In conclusion, waterpipe smoking is genotoxic to

lymphocytes and the magnitude of its genotoxicity is higher than that induced by regular cigarette

smoking.

Sex Preference and Interest in Preconception Sex Selection: A Survey among Pregnant Women in the North of Jordan Nemeh Al-Akour, Mohammad Khassawneh, Yousef Khader, Edgar Dahl

Abstract:

Preconception sex selection for non-medical reasons is a controversial issue in bioethics. Little research

has described preferences for preconception sex selection among Arab populations. This study describes

the sex preference and interest in employing sex selection techniques among pregnant women in

northern Jordan. A self-reported questionnaire was administered to 600 pregnant women in Irbid,

Jordan. χ2 test and binary logistic regression were used to examine the factors associated with interest in

preconception sex selection. In general, the interest in using sex selection was low. Women who

preferred boys were more likely to be interested in sex selection, if paid for by the couple [odds ratio

(OR) = 4.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.75–11.11] or by health insurance (OR = 3.42, 95% CI:

1.94–6.06), or, if feasible, administered through oral medication (OR = 8.84, 95% CI: 5.05–15.63).


Women with lower education were more likely to be interested in sex selection, if paid by health

insurance (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.10–3.45) and were more likely to believe that sex selection is legal

(OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.06–2.86). Women who had no boys were more likely to be interested in sex

selection, if paid by health insurance (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.10–3.42) or, if feasible, through medication

(OR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.82–5.00). The majority of participants were not in favor of using preconception

sex selection. Those with a preference to have boys, with lower education, and those with an imbalanced

family were more likely to be interested in using sex selection technology.

The Neuro-Protective Effect of Vitamin E in Chronic Sleep Deprivation-Induced Memory

Impairment: Molecular Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and Oxidative

Stress Biomarkers Karem Alzoubi, Omar Khabour, Baraa Abu rashid, Heba Salah Abstract:

Sleep deprivation induces oxidative stress, which damages neurons and prevents firing and the

subsequent learning and memory impairment. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is a strong antioxidant that

has neuroprotective effect on the brain. In this study, we examined the potential protective effect of

vitamin E administration on chronic sleep deprivation-induced cognitive impairment. In addition,

possible molecular targets for vitamin E effects on chronic sleep deprivation-induced cognitive

impairment were determined. Sleep deprivation was induced in rats using inverted modified multiple

platform model. Vitamin E was administered to animals by oral gavage. Behavioral study was

conducted to test the spatial learning and memory using radial arm water maze. At the end of the

behavioral experiment, the hippocampus was dissected out and antioxidant markers including

glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and GSH/GSSG, glutathione peroxidase (GPx),

catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed. The results of this project revealed that

chronic sleep deprivation impaired both (short- and long-) term memories, while vitamin E treatment

prevented such effect. Additionally, vitamin E normalized chronic sleep deprivation-induced reduction

in the hippocampus activity of catalase and GPx. It also enhanced the ratio of GSH/GSSG without any

effect on SOD activity. In conclusion, sleep deprivation induces memory impairment, and treatment

with vitamin E prevented this impairment probably through its antioxidant action in the hippocampus.

Fracture Resistance of Implant-Supported All-Ceramic Crowns Retained by Various

Abutment and Cement Material Bilal El Masoud, Dua’a Gharaibeh Abstract:

Up to the author’s knowledge, no study was identified that compared the fracture resistance of zirconia

all-ceramic implant-supported single crowns retained with different abutment and permanent cement

material at the same time. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of the abutment

and permanent cement type on the fracture resistance of implant-supported zirconia all-ceramic single

crowns. Forty standardized premolar-shaped crowns were prepared using Computer Aided Design/

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. The 40 crowns were divided into 4 groups

(GZ, ZZ, GR, ZR) of ten samples each. These groups were as follows: Group GZ: titanium abutment

1 25 The 1st Funded Research Conference – 24 April 2012 | JUST

retaining a zirconia coping luted with zinc phosphate cement; Group ZZ: zirconia abutment retaining a

zirconia coping luted with zinc phosphate cement; Group GR: titanium abutment retaining a zirconia

coping luted with resin cement; Group ZR: zirconia abutment retaining a zirconia coping luted with

resin cement. Crowns and abutments wereretained over 40 3i dental implants that were embedded in

acrylic resin blocks. All specimens were positioned in a custom-made stainless steel holder and loaded

at a 45º angle onto the middle of the occlusal surface with a universal testing machine at a crosshead

speed of 1 mm/min until they fracture. Mean values of the load at fracture in Newtons (N) were

calculated in each group and compared by a 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Post Hoc

Tukey`s test (α=0.05) to investigate the differences in fracture resistance values between groups. The

mean values of loads required to fracture the restorations were as follows: Group GZ: 812 ± 70.8; Group

ZZ: 510.4 ± 116.1; Group GR: 817.2 ± 152.5; Group ZR: 572.4 ± 161.9. Zirconia abutments exhibited

significantly lower fracture resistance than titanium abutments with no effect for the cement type.

In Vivo Expression of Ganglionic Long-Term Potentiation in Superior Cervical Ganglia Karem Alzoubi, Abdulaziz Aleisa, Karim Alkadhi Abstract:

Sustained increase in central sympathetic outflow to ganglia may provide the repeated high frequency

presynaptic activity required for induction of long-term potentiation in sympathetic ganglia (gLTP),

which is known to be involved in the manifestation of a neurogenic hypertension. Aging is often viewed

as a progressive decline in physiological competence with a corresponding impaired ability to adapt to

stressful stimuli. Old animals have exaggerated sympathetic activity during prolonged exposure to

stressful stimuli. Using the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) as a model for sympathetic ganglia,

electrophysiological and biochemical evidence show that mildly hypertensive aged rats have expressed

gLTP in vivo. This is suggested by a number of lines of evidence. Firstly, a shift in input/output (I/O)

curve of ganglia from aged rats to the left side of I/O curve of ganglia from 6-month old (adult) rats

indicating expression of gLTP. Secondly, failure of in vitro high frequency stimulation to induce gLTP

in ganglia isolated from aged rats, which indicates occlusion due to saturation, which, in turn, suggests

in vivo expression of gLTP in these ganglia. Thirdly, in vitro inhibition of basal ganglionic transmission

by blockers of gLTP (5-HT3 antagonists) is observed in ganglia isolated from aged rats, but not in those

from adult rats. Finally, immunoblot analysis revealed that protein levels of signaling molecules such as

calcium-calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII; phosphorylated and total), which normally increase during

expression of LTP, are elevated in ganglia isolated from aged rats compared to those from adult ones.

Protein levels of calcineurin, which dephosphorylates P-CaMKII, were reduced in ganglia isolated from

aged rats, probably as a support mechanism to allow prolonged phosphorylation of CaMKII. Our

findings suggest in vivo expression of gLTP in sympathetic ganglia of aged animals, which may

contribute to the moderate hypertension often seen in aged subjects.


Adolescence and Young Females with Severe Dysmenorrhea: Are they at Risk of Developing

Osteomalacia? A Prospective Study Khalid Al-Ani, Bayan Obeidat, Mudhaffar Al-Farras, Ali Dauod Abstract:

Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological complaint in adolescents and young females. Previously, we

observed a strong correlation between dairy products intake and dysmenorrhea. A significantly higher

percentage of female students expressing severe dysmenorrhea were found when their intakes of dairy

products were none as compared to participants who took three or four servings per day (97% vs. 36%).

The majority of the cases of primary dysmenorrhea usually begin during early adolescence. Thus

calcium and vitamin D deficiencies during this period of life increase the risk of Osteomalacia as well as

osteoporosis in older age. This research was undertaken to test this hypothesis prospectively. Fifty six

female ages between 17 and 24 years with severe and very severe dysmenorrhea were given information

regarding demographics besides general assessment of their menstruation and dietary intake of dairy

products. Plasma vitamin D, PTH levels were measured. About 61% of the studied population

experience very severe dysmenorrhea. Half of participants had dairy intake less than one serving per

day. The majority of participants (80.4%) had insufficient plasma vitamin D and 48.2 % of them had

hyperparathyroidism. A high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism

among adolescence and young adult females experience sever and very sever dysmenorrhea may

increase the risk developing Osteomalacia.

Endurance Exercise Training Promotes Angiogenesis in the Brain of Chronic/Progressive

Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease

Muhammed Al-Jarrah, Mohammed Jamous

Abstract:

The main goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of treadmill exercise on the angiogenesis markers in

the striatum (ST) of chronic/progressive parkinsonian mice. Forty 57BL/6 albino mice were randomly

divided into four groups; Sedentary control (SC, n=10), exercise control (ExC, n=10), sedentary

Parkinson's (SPD, n=10), and exercised Parkinson's (ExPD, n=10). Parkinsonism was induced by the

injection with 10 doses of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, (25 mg/kg) and probenecid

(250 mg/kg) over 5 weeks, three days and half a part. Following the induction of parkinsonism, ExPD

and ExC animal groups were trained on a modified human treadmill at a speed of 18 m/min, 0 degrees

of inclination, 40 min/day, 5 days/week for 4~weeks. The remaining two groups (SPD and SC) were

housed in cages for the same period. At the end of the experiment, the angiogenesis markers; Vascular

Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and CD34 were examined in the striatum in the four animal groups.

PD resulted in a significant decrease in blood vessel density with the comparison between the sedentary

control and PD model animals (p < 0.005). Four weeks of treadmill exercise training significantly

increased angiogenesis in the striatum in ExPD groups (p < 0.05). Exercise also induced an increase in

blood vessel density in the striatum of the control animals, but the change was not significant (p < 0.3).

These data suggest that 4 weeks of treadmill exercise promoted angiogenesis in the brain of chronic

Parkinsonian mice, which can partially explain the beneficial role exercise in patients with PD. Further

studies are required to determine the mechanism of exercise-induced angiogenesis in PD.


Stress among Parents of Infants with Neural Tube Defect and Its Associated Factors

Nemeh Al-Akour, Yousef Khader, Adlah hamlan

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to assess the stress among parents of infants (either the mother or the

father) with neural tube defects (NTDs) and its associated factors. Using Parenting Stress Index–Short

Form, one-hundred parents of infants with NTDs were compared with 100 parents as a normative group.

The total mean score for parents of infants with NTDs was 104.0 (SD = 22.9) compared with 84.3 (SD

=18.9) in parents of infants without NTDs. Twelve-percent of parents of infants with NTDs had total

stress equal to or greater than the 85th percentile, as compared with 2.5% in the normative sample.

Parents of infants with NTDs had a significantly higher score of distress in all scales of PSI-SF

compared with those without infants with NTDs. Multivariate analysis found that mothers of infants

with NTDs had a significantly higher average score for parental distress, parent child dysfunctional

interaction, and total stress than fathers. Lower parents' education, unemployed parents and lower

family income per month were significantly associated with increased parent child dysfunctional

interaction and parental distress. Parents with lower education and lower family income are in need for

psychological and emotional support from health care professional.

Investigation of the Induced Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) Gene Polymorphisms in Recurrent

Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) in a Sample of Jordanian Population Jumana Karasneh, Ahmad Flaih, Azmi Darwazeh

Abstract:

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common ulcerative disease of the oral mucosa. Recurrent oral

aphthous ulceration is also a feature of the more serious and systemic Behçet's disease. Nitric oxide is a

free radical synthesized by one of a family of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes and is an important

regulator of inflammation and immunity. Association of NOS3 gene polymorphisms encoding

endothelial nitric oxide synthase has been reported in Behçet's disease but not recurrent aphthous

stomatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate any association between NOS2 gene polymorphisms

that encode inducible nitric oxide synthase and recurrent aphthous stomatitis. This is a case control

association study. Eighty-three Jordanian recurrent aphthous stomatitis patients and 83 age, gender and

ethnically matched controls were genotyped for three NOS2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms,

rs10459953, rs1060822 and rs2297518. Chi-squared analysis was used to compare the allele frequencies

and genotypes. There was a significant association between recurrent aphthous stomatitis and

inheritance of single-nucleotide polymorphism rs2297518 (P<0.006). Although no direct association was

demonstrated between rs10459953 or rs1060822 and recurrent aphthous stomatitis, strong linkage

disequilibrium was identified between rs1060822 and rs2297518. Inheritance of a NOS2 single-

nucleotide polymorphism rs2297518 is associated with increased risk of recurrent aphthous stomatitis in

a Jordanian population. Confirmatory studies in other populations and investigation of other NOS2 gene

polymorphisms will enhance our understanding of the functional basis of this association and help

elucidate the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase in recurrent aphthous stomatitis.


Session 2

Theme Engineering, Agriculture, Computer Science


Time 10:00-11:15 am

Chairman Prof. Khaled Asfar

Co-Chairman Dr. Abdoul Rjoub

Development and Design of Omni-Wheeled Robot Arm Doraid Dalalah Abstract:

A tailored autonomous mobile robot manipulator will be designed and built for remarkable flexibility

and custom mobility. It will be characterized by special navigation capabilities for obstacle avoidance

and distinguished by its free rotational ability. Nontraditional Omni-wheels will be used for

unidirectional motion. Custom design of brushes will be used to transmit the signals to the manipulator

for free arm rotation. The manipulator will consist of two links and a gripper. It is expected to perform

remote tasks that require high precision and maneuvering in unreachable or tight workplaces which may

include pick/place, assembly and maintenance in inaccessible places due to limited workspace or safety

matters. Such places may involve radiation, hot or high power zones.

Hydroponic Fodder Production: Alternative Approach for Continuous Green Forage Production

and Water Saving in Jordan

Ghazi Al-Karaki

Abstract:

Reducing agricultural water use in arid and semiarid regions (e.g., Jordan) while maintaining or

improving economic productivity of the agricultural sector is a major challenge. Therefore, alternative

agricultural practices that can potentially reduce water use warrant consideration like hydroponic

agriculture. A pilot hydroponic forage production system has been developed and used in this study.

Three experiments have been conducted to assess of hydroponic system performance as alternative to

field forage production as well as saving water. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L) crop has been utilized in

these experiments. In experiment 1, three barley cultivars (ACSAD176, Rum and local cultivar

"Balady") were tested for green fodder production and water use efficiency under hydroponic

conditions. In experiment 2, four seeding rates (3, 4, 5 and 6 kg m-2

) have been tested in order to

determine the best seeding rate for producing highest fodder yield and at the same time considering the

economic dimensions of seeds costs in the process of hydroponic green fodder production. Nutritional

value of the produced fodder was analyzed and compared with field grown alfalfa. In experiment 3,

using alternative water resources such as treated sewage wastewater has been considered to investigate

green fodder production, quality, and water use in comparison with tap water irrigation. Results of these


experiments indicated that the developed hydroponic fodder system was very effective as a water-saving

alternative to field forage production. The results also showed that the green barley forage with lush

vegetation of height up to about 25 cm can be produced in 8-10 days from planting to harvest using the

developed hydroponic fodder production system. Hydroponic system used on average about 2% of

water that can be used in field to produce same amount of green fodder. The local barley cultivar with

seeding rate of 4 kg/m2 was the best choice for hydroponic fodder production as well as the economics

of seed use. Application of treated wastewater in irrigation was superior in production and quality of

green fodder in comparison to irrigation with tap water. In conclusion, the developed pilot hydroponic

system is characterized by low cost, easy to operate, control and maintenance, high fodder productivity,

less water consumption and the provision of green fodder continuously according to the needs of

animals in the farm most days of the year. Moreover, the nutritional quality of produced barley fodder

was superior or equal to field grown alfalfa forage used mainly as a source of roughage for livestock in

Jordan and the countries of region.

Growth and Flowering of Asiatic Lily (Lilium Hybrida) in a Closed Soilless Culture Nabila Karam, Bashar Al-Daood, Khaled Al-Ghawanmeh, Noor Rashdan, Munir Rusan, Nabil Bani-

Hani Abstract:

Closed soilless culture is a technology in which the plants are grown in a substrate other than soil and

the drain solution is recovered after irrigation and recycled. There is increased interest in closed soilless

culture to save water and fertilizers and to reduce groundwater pollution. Several experiments were

conducted to evaluate performance of hybrid lily (Lilium hybrida), one of commercial value cut flowers

produced in Jordan, in a closed soilless culture using black zeolitic tuff as a substrate. In the first

experiment, the plants were irrigated with a nutrient solution and the drain solution was circulated until

electrical conductivity (EC) reached 1.6, 1.8, 2 or 2.2 dS m-1

after which it was replaced with a fresh

nutrient solution. Results indicated that using 1.6 dS m-1

as a target EC resulted in superior plant

performance and in estimated water savings of 5 liters m-2

daily, in addition to savings in fertilizers. In

the second experiment, the plants were irrigated with a nutrient solution, singly or mixed with treated

wastewater at 3:1, 1:1 or 1:3. The drain solution was circulated until EC reached 2.3 dS m-1

and then

replaced with fresh solutions. Results indicated that growth and flowering parameters of plants irrigated

with 3:1 solution were superior or comparable to those of plants irrigated with the nutrient solution

alone. By using that ratio, it is expected to save 7 liters m-2

daily in addition to savings in fertilizers. In

the third experiment, the plants were irrigated with a nutrient solution or treated wastewater containing

30, 50, 100, 150 or 200 ppm Ca. Results indicated that plant performance was superior using a nutrient

solution containing 150 ppm Ca or wastewater containing 200-250 ppm Ca. It was concluded that

addition of Ca to a nutrient solution or treated wastewater at the proper concentration had potential to

ameliorate the adverse effects of salinity associated with using closed soilless culture and treated

wastewater.


Production of Hydrogen from Water by Electrolysis at Low Current Munther Kandah Abstract:

Water is one important source of hydrogen and there are different known possible methods for

producing hydrogen from water such as electrolysis, plasmolysis, magnetolysis, direct decomposition of

water thermally, catalytic decomposition of water thermally, cyclic decomposition of water thermally,

thermochemical process, photosensitized decomposition using dyes, plasma-induced photolysis,

photoelectrolysis, photovoltatic electrolysis, bio-catalytic decomposition of water and radiolysis.

Electrolysis has been known for the production of hydrogen since the early nineteenth century. The

process by which hydrogen (and oxygen) is generated from water is called electrolysis. The word "lysis"

means to dissolve or break apart, so the word "electrolysis" literally means to break something apart (in

this case water) using electricity. Electrolysis is very simple - all one have to do is to arrange for

electricity to pass through some water between two electrodes placed in the water. It is as simple as that!

The chemical equation for electrolysis is: energy (electricity) + 2 H2O → O2 + 2 H2. In this project, the

principles of electrochemistry were employed to decompose water into oxygen and hydrogen gas at low

current. Different electrolyzer designs were investigated to produce sufficient amount of gases with

minimum heat loss and low current withdrawal. A flow rate of HHO gas about 634 ml/min was

achieved at low current of about 20 A using 16 rectangular plates (3 cathodes, 3 anodes and 10 neutrals).

The low current was achieved by choosing the suitable electrolyzer design and electrolyte concentration.

Jordan Europ Enhanced Research Links in ICT

Abdoul Rjoub, Motasem Ajlouni, Hassan Manasrah

Abstract:

The 36-month JEWEL project gives Jordan the possibility to improve the research activities of their

highest quality in the FP7 thematic priority “Information and Communication Technologies” (ICT),

through twinning activities between one of the leading Jordan scientific and educational organisations

Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), with their long term partner the Aristotle

University of Thessaloniki, Greece (AUTH). A coherent development strategy for JUST (ICT sector)

will be prepared, based on SWOT analysis and on the socio-economic analysis on Jordan, regional

(Mediterranean) and European level. A twinning and joint research plan will be then agreed by the

twinned partners and implemented. Project includes several main types of activities, e.g. twinning

activities between JUST and AUTH, large-scale networking & brokerage activities, exchange of

researchers and young specialists and organisation of joint events such as summer school and an

international conference in Jordan; training and coaching activities, integration into the European

networks and enhancing Jordan participation in FP7.


Session 3

Theme All Themes (Poster Session)

Location Salah Al Deen Auditorium

Time 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Preparation and Partial Characterization of Monoclonal Antibody against Human

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) Nizar Abuharfeil, Fawzi Alsheyab Abstract:

Phosphodiesterase 5 is a catalytic enzyme for degradation of cGMP in human smooth muscle cells.

Inhibition of this enzyme by certain chemicals including sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil, is

considered a breakthrough treatment of erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, these drugs are associated

with several side effects. In this study, another strategy is adopted in the inhibition of the

phosphodiesterase5 enzyme by using a monoclonal antibody against the enzyme. The monoclonal

antibody was prepared by immunizing a mouse, taking the spleen to make single cell suspension of

lymphocytes. Hybridoma cells were obtained by fusion of Balb/c myeloma cells with the immunized

lymphocytes using the polyethelene glycol method. Several clones were produced that have been

separated by limiting dilution method. The antibodies were tested by ELISA and western blot. The

obtained monoclonal antibody has titer of 625, IgG1 isotype and 3.9X104 Mol-1 affinity constant.

Effect of a Popular Middle Eastern Food (Falafel) on the Rat Liver Sana Janakat, Mohammd Al-Khateem Abstract:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of short-term consumption of oil and frying oil extracted

from falafel patties, and then to study the long-term effect of consumption of falafel patties on rat liver

gross morphology and serum liver enzymes. The frying oil quality was assessed using thiobarbituric

acid reaction on rat liver homogenate. Frying oil and oil extracted from falafel patties were administered

to male Wistar albino rats via gavage for 5 days. Blood samples were collected and the activities of

alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and bilirubin

levels were determined. Livers were weighed and gross morphology was assessed. For the long-term

effect of falafel consumption, rats were fed falafel patties for 30 days, and then blood samples were

collected and assayed for the above-mentioned parameters. Short-term consumption of falafel extracts

and frying oil did not cause any significant difference in the liver function tests and liver gross

morphology. Whereas, long-term consumption of falafel patties caused a significant increase in ALP,

ALT, bilirubin level and increased liver weight/ body weight ratio denoting hepatotoxicity. This

indicates that consumption of large amounts of falafel on daily basis might lead to hepatotoxicity.


Associations of Polymorphisms in Adiponectin and Leptin Genes with Men’s Longevity Omar Khabour, Fahmi Mesmar, Mohammad Alatoum, Mohammad Gharaibeh, Karem Alzoubi Abstract:

Adipokines are important for regulation body metabolism and immune response. Many studies have

shown that variants inadipokines genes play a role in age associated diseases. In this study, we

investigated the contribution of rs266729(-11377G/C), rs2241766(+45T/G), and rs1501299 (+276 G/T)

SNPs of adiponectin gene (ADIPQO) and rs7799039(-2548C/A) SNP of leptin (LEP) gene to human

longevity phenotype in Jordanian population. Polymorphisms were genotyped in 110 randomly selected

elderly subjects (>85 years old) with mean age of 90.2 years, and 120 young control subjects (range

from 20 to 50 years) with mean age of 32.0 years. No significant differences were detected in the

genotype and allele frequencies of examined gene variants between the two groups (p>0.05). However,

when gender was considered, genotypes and alleles frequencies of rs1501299 SNP in ADIPOQ gene and

rs7799039 in LEP gene were significantly associated with longevity in men (p<0.02) but not in women

(p>0.05). Thus, ADIPOQ and LEP genes polymorphisms might play a gender-specific role in the

pathway to men’s longevity.

Distribution of CCR-5∆32, CCR2-64i and SDF1-3À Alleles that Protect against HIV Infection

among Jordanians Omar Khabour, Laila Abu-Haweleh, Karem Alzoubi Abstract:

Chemokine receptors are involved in the entry process of the HIV virus into the cells and the subsequent

development of AIDS. In this study Polymorphisms in chemokine receptor genes; CCR5 (CCR5-∆32),

CCR2 (CCR2-64I), and SDF-1 gene SDF1-3À (the only ligand for CXCR4) were evaluated to assign

their frequencies and genotype distribution patterns among Jordanians. A total of 540 subjects were

randomly selected from all the 12 Jordanian Provinces and genotyped for the three polymorphisms using

PCR and PCR-RFLP technology. Six individuals were found to carry CCR5-∆32 allele (0.6%) and only

in heterozygous genotype. The frequencies of CCR2-64I and SDF1-3À were frequencies 17.5 % and

34.2% respectively. No significant difference in the mutant allele distribution of the three

polymorphisms was noticed through the different parts of Jordan (p > 0.05). However, the genotypes of

SDF-1gene showed a significant different distribution with enriched homozygous mutant genotype in

the middle of Jordan (p < 0.05).


Agriculture

Assessment of Pollutants Movement from Selected Landfill Sites in Jordan Zahir Rawajfih, Rida Al-Adamat, Odeh Al-Meshan, Najwa Alnsour Abstract:

This research project aims to investigate the potential pollution of soil and groundwater from two waste

disposal sites in the Jordanian Badia: Al-Akaider waste disposal site and Mafraq waste disposal site. In

order to meet this aim, the following objectives will be achieved: 1) Collect all available data including

geological information, water analyses, and pertinent parameters needed for assessing aquifer sensitivity

to contamination; 2) Assess the vulnerability of the groundwater aquifers beneath the selected landfill

sites for contamination from pollutants leached from the wastes in the landfills; 3) Validate results

obtained from the available data by analysis of core samples taken from around the selected sites; 4) Use

GIS software to model movement of pollutants from landfill sites down to aquifers to predict possible

contamination of groundwater; 5) Disseminate the outcome of this research project to the targeted

clients through a workshop. The project is in its second year of activities. The collection of available

data was accomplished. Now we are at the stage of getting ready to go to the field and collect core

samples to a depth of 20 meters and analyze them to validate the results obtained from available data.

The Adsorption of Methylene Blue on Jordanian Natural Zeolite Zahir Rawajfih Abstract:

In this study, aqueous solutions of a basic dye, methylene blue (MB), were used as a model compound

in an attempt to use natural zeolite as an adsorbent and for evaluating the potential to remove dyes from

wastewater. MB is a cationic dye, which is most commonly used for coloring paper, temporary hair

colorant, dyeing cottons, wools and so on. Although MB is not considered to be a very toxic dye, it can

reveal very harmful effects on living things. Factors affecting adsorption, such as, initial dye

concentration, pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and temperature, were evaluated. The equilibrium of

adsorption was modeled by using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Results of the study

showed that Jordanian zeolite can be used as a sorbent for the removal of MB dye from aqueous

solutions. The amount of dye sorbed was found to vary with initial pH, increased with increasing zeolite

dose, increased when MB initial concentration increased and when temperature increased. The

adsorption data obtained were well described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, indicating

monolayer adsorption on a homogenous surface. The negative values of free energy change indicated the

spontaneous nature of sorption and confirmed affinity of natural Jordanian zeolite for the MB basic dye.


Effect of Irrigation Treatments Using Treated Wastewater on Grain Yield of Four Barley

Cultivars Nezar Samarah, Na’em Mazahrih, Khaled Bashabsheh Abstract:

Two field experiments were conducted during the 2010/2011 growing season to assess the effect of four

irrigation treatments on grain yield of four barley cultivars at two locations in Northern Jordan. Four

barley cultivars (ACSAD176, Rum, Athrouh, and Yarmouk) were exposed to four irrigation treatments:

1) Full irrigation using treated wastewater (FWW); 2) Supplementary irrigation using treated wastewater

(SWW); 3) Supplementary irrigation using fresh water (SFW); 4) Rainfed treatment without irrigation

(RF). Plants exposed to full irrigation treatment using treated wastewater had higher grain yield than

plants exposed to SFW and RF treatments for all cultivars. The full irrigation treatment using

wastewater (FWW) increased grain yield in comparison with the supplementary irrigation treatment

using wastewater (SWW) for ACSAD176 and Rum, but the difference was not significant for Athrouh

and Yarmouk. Grain yield of plants exposed to supplementary irrigation using wastewater was higher

than those plants exposed to supplementary irrigation using fresh water. The supplementary irrigation

treatments increased grain yield in comparison with the RF treatment. For FWW and SWW treatments,

Rum had the highest grain yield than other cultivars. ACSAD176 had higher yield than Athrouh for

FWW and SWW. ACSAD176 did not differ in grain yield from Yarmouk for all treatments except for

FWW, where ACSAD176 had higher grain yield. Athrouh and Yarmouk did not differ in grain yield for

all treatments. The grain yield of all cultivars was higher at Ramtha location than at JUST. Rum had the

highest yield and Athrouh had the lowest yield at Ramtha. At JUST, Rum and ACSAD176 had the

highest yield. In conclusion, full or supplementary irrigation using treated wastewater increased grain

yield for all cultivars and Rum had the highest yield among cultivars at various conditions.

Comparative Performance of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) in Soilless vs. in Soil Production

Systems Abdelrazzak Al-Tawaha, Ghazi Al-Karaki, Adnan Massadeh Abstract:

The production of medicinal/aromatic plants (e.g. thyme) either collected from wild or by conventional

agriculture production is not meeting the ever increasing demand for these plants with the limited water

and land recourses in Jordan. Therefore, introduction of new agricultural techniques (e.g. soilless

culture) into Jordan for cultivation of medicinal plants is needed. Soilless cultivation method in recent

years gained a great attention, due to its efficiency in productivity (higher yields) cleaner products, year

round production, water saving and due to accurate management of all factors in crop nutrition such as

nutrient solution composition, water supply and control pH and electrical conductivity. The effect of soil

and soilless cultivation methods with different planting densities and cutting height on herbal yield and

water use efficiency of Thymus vulgaris were evaluated in this study. Three planting densities (16, 20

and 26 plants m-2

) at three cutting height (10, 15 and 20 cm) were evaluated. Results showed that

cultivation method, planting density and cutting height significantly affected fresh and dry herbal yields,


branch number per plant, plant height and water use efficiency (WUE). The highest fresh and dry

weights were achieved under soilless cultivation method and 26 plants m-2

planting density at 10 cm of

cutting height with value 5.289 and 1.867 kg m-2

, respectively. While, the highest WUE was achieved

under soilless cultivation method and planting density 20 plant m-2

at 10 and 15 cm of cutting height

2.592 and 2.525 kg m-3

, respectively. It was concluded that soilless cultivation can improve yields and

water use efficiency over than in soil cultivation.

Basic Sciences and Arts

Automation of Advanced Physics Experiments using LabVIEW

Abdalla Obeidat, Burhan Albiss, Huda Haddad Abstract:

The computer technology and the Internet have the potential to provide a highly interactive and

powerful learning environment for physics disciplines. We have automated several advanced physics

experiments for graduate and undergraduate levels using LabVIEW (the industry standard software for

data acquisition and instrument control). LabVIEW “virtual instruments”, coupled with data acquisition

and control devices, were created to interface with; a Keithey Current-Voltage source and sensitive

Nano-voltmeter, PID Lake shore temperature controller, HP low frequency impedance analyzer, Band

pass filter, stepper motor, Shimadzu digital balance and NI-ELVIS bread board. The automation of these

experiments permits the rapid and easy collection and analysis of data, facilitating the student’s

exploration of the basic and advanced physics of these experiments. We will present examples of our

virtual instruments, magneto-transport experimental set-ups for low and high temperatures, collected

data sets and experimental results.

Characterization and Aggregation of Silver Nanoparticles Produced by Chemical Reduction Fedda Alzoubi, Shaker Abu Bidier Abstract:

Colloidal solutions of silver nanoparticles were prepared by chemical reduction method in which silver

nitrate was used as a metal precursor and sodium citrate as a reducing and a stabilizing agent. UV-vis

absorption spectra of the prepared colloids showed a surface plasmon resonence peak around 420 nm

indicating the formation of the nanoparticles. Size distribution analysis using particle size analyzer

showed that the average diameter of the synthesized nanoparticles is about 68 nm. This result was

supported by the transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of the colloidal solutions. X-ray

diffraction (XRD) pattern was obtained to figure out the crystalline structure of the silver nanoparticles.

Aggregation of silver nanoparticles was investigated using different chemicals mainly chlorides and

hydroxides. These two categories of chemicals revealed different activity in aggregating silver

nanoparticles.


Effect of Magnetic Anisotropy on the Two Dimensional Dimer Model in Ferrofluids Wesam Al-Sharoa, Abdalla Obeidat, Maen Gharaibeh Abstract:

The initial magnetic susceptibility of a two dimensional ferrofluid system has been calculated. Assuming

a two body interaction approach, we find that the ordering temperature (T0) depends on both of the

anisotropy energy of the particles and the direction of the magnetic field. Our calculations illustrate the

effect of the particle’s size as a sensitive parameter of determining the state of the assembly

magnetization.

Characterization of Gama-Aminobutyric Acid Metabolism and Oxidative Damage in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seedlings under Salt and Osmotic Stress

Nisreen AL-Quraan, Fatemeh Albatool Adam

Abstract:

The molecular response of plants to abiotic stresses has been considered as process mainly involved in

the modulation of transcriptional activity of stress-related genes. Upstream molecular mechanisms are

involved in the plant response to abiotic stress. Plants gain resistance to abiotic stress by reprogramming

metabolism and gene expression. GABA is proposed to be a signaling molecule involved in nitrogen

metabolism and regulating the cytosolic pH, and provide protection against oxidative damage in

response to various abiotic stresses. The aim of our study is to examine the role of GABA shunt

pathway-specific response in five Jordanian wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (Hurani 75, Sham I,

Acsad 65, UmQayes and Nodsieh) to salt and osmotic stress with respect to seed germination, seedlings

growth, oxidative damage in term of Malonaldehyde (MDA) accumulations, and characterization of

glutamate decarboxylse gene (GAD) m-RNA level using RT-PCR techniques. We found a remarkable

increase in GABA, MDA and GAD m-RNA level under salt and osmotic stress in the five wheat

cultivars. Om Qayes showed the highest germination percentage, GABA accumulation and the MDA

level under salt and osmotic stresses. The remarkable increase in GAD gene expression explains the

high accumulation of GABA level under both stresses. Our results indicate that GABA shunt is a key

signaling and metabolic pathway that allow wheat to adapt to salt and osmotic stress. Based on our data

Om Qayes wheat cultivar is the most recommended cultivar to be grown in soil with high salt and

osmotic contents.

Environmentally-Friendly Copolymeric Beads of Algae and Poly (Methacrylamide) Grafted

Aliginic Acid Di-Block Copolymers for Biosorption Processes Mohammad Fares, Fahmi Abu al-Rub, Munther Kandah, Hussein Allaboun Abstract:

The syntheses of biodegradable environmentally-friendly copolymeric beads for water treatment

biosorption processes have been demonstrated. The synthesized poly (methacrylamide) grafted aliginic

acid copolymers were characterized using 1H-NMR, FTIR, TGA and SEM techniques. The di-block

copolymer showed a morphological change from two dimensional layer-by-layer structures to three

dimensional well-compacted wrinkles as grafting efficiency increased. The copolymeric beads were

formed from the di-block copolymer and algae crosslinked with 5% calcium ions (w/w). These


copolymeric beads were then subjected to biosorption investigations for zinc ions as a model heavy

metal ion at different pH and agitation time values. The sorption of zinc ions on the surface of the

copolymeric beads exhibited Freundlich isotherm fit. The highest zinc metal uptake was achieved using

higher grafting efficiency copolymeric beads at 5.5 pH values and after the passage of 20 minutes

agitation time. Such promising biodegradable and environmentally-friendly copolymeric beads could be

the successful alternatives for many chemical and toxic sorbents used for the next sorbent generations.

Engineering & Computer Science and Technology

Effect of Storage Time and Temperature on Bread Quality Deterioration in Arabic Flat Bread Majdi Al-Mahasneh Abstract:

Arabic flat bread (AFB) is pocket type bread that is widely consumed in Jordan and throughout the

Middle Eastern countries. The quality of AFB deteriorates quickly (within 24 hrs) and there is no

available quantitative test to determine the rate of quality deterioration. In this research project several

methods were developed to test AFB bread quality by using mechanical tests (tensile, tearing and

deformation). The effect of storage temperature (at room temperature and at -18 C) and storage time (2

to 96 hrs) after baking on quality deterioration of bread were studied. Physical properties of bread loaves

were found to be as follows: weight (59.91 g), thickness (5.76 mm), moisture content (25.9 % w.b.),

water activity (0.95), geometric mean diameter (148 mm) and bulk density (336.9 kg/m3). Mechanical

testing showed that tearing force decreased with storage time for both storage temperatures. At room

temperature it decreased from 0.85 N after 2 hrs of baking to 0.45 N after 96 hrs of storage after baking

and from 0.85 to 0.6 N at -18 C for the same storage period. The holding time (hold until fail) for bread

samples decreased from 9 s for fresh bread samples at 2 hrs to 0.5 s after 96 hrs of storage at room

temperature. The compression force at 25 % deformation increased significantly with increase in storage

time at room temperature (from 7 N to 18 N), while bread samples stored -18 C did not show significant

reduction in 25% deformation. The results suggested that bread quality deterioration was more

noticeable when bread samples were stored at room temperature and frozen storage was useful to reduce

quality deterioration. Moreover, the holding time test and 25 % deformation test provided the most

accurate results for predicting quality loss in Arabic flat bread.

Accurate and Fast “Seizure Identification” in EEG Enas Abdulhay Abstract:

The proposal aims at putting forward a classification method that can be used to provide information

related to the patient brain health state. The proposed classification will help physicians discriminate

between healthy and abnormal seizure electroencephalographic (EEG) signals. The seizure is

characterized by a disturbance caused by changes in neuronal electrochemical activity.

The discrimination between seizure free and seizure EEG signals will be performed by applying

sequentially two signal transforms through which information related to the intrinsic modes contained in

the EEG signals will be extracted, and their instantaneous amplitudes or frequencies will be tracked.

After verification of no mode mixing, the weighted frequency will be then measured for every single


seizure mode and compared to the weighted frequency of the counterpart mode extracted from healthy

EEG. The purpose of our proposal is, first, to demonstrate that application of classical Huang transform

to EEG signals leads sometimes to the mode mixing phenomenon that affects the transform accuracy.

Second, to investigate the potential of the recently developed “improved Huang transform’’ in mode

mixing removal as well as the potential of its derived “complementary improved Huang transform’’ in

decomposition response time improvement, and finally to evaluate the overall performance for seizure

identification. The short response time, the accuracy and the adaptability of our identification technique

are the most important characteristics that should be offered by the proposed method.

The Combined Effect of Freezing-Thawing Cycles and Mechanical Loading on Chloride

Penetration into Concrete Ayman Ababneh, Loai Al-Tarabulsi, Rami Haddad Abstract:

During service, structures in marine and cold environments are typically subjected to several

environmental factors such as freezing-thawing cycles and chloride ingress. When these factors are

combined with mechanical loads, they accelerate the aging and deterioration of concrete materials and

consequently impair the safety, serviceability and durability of structures and shorten their service lives.

This study investigates the effect of damage induced by the combined effect of uni-axial load and

freeze-thaw cycles on the penetration of chloride ions into concrete. Concrete specimens were prepared

and pre-loaded up to different levels of uni-axial compression loads and then subjected to different

repeated freezing and thawing cycles. All specimens were exposed to chloride solution in two

directions: parallel and perpendicular to the load axis. Ultrasonic pulse velocity was used to quantify the

extent of damage. Chemical analysis methods were used to obtain the chloride profiles in concrete.

Statistical methods were used to find the correlation between the damage and the chloride transport

parameters. The experimental results revealed that the induced damage by the combined effects

increased the permeability thus increased the penetration of chlorides into concrete. Chloride ingress

parallel to the load axis resulted into more chloride penetration. Finally combining mechanical loads

with freeze-thaw cycles created a network of connected macro and micro cracks, thus shifted the

penetration mechanism from diffusion to permeation and resulted into higher chloride concentration at

deeper parts. This work resulted in better understanding of the synergistic effect of freeze-thaw cycles

and mechanical loads on the chloride penetration into concrete. The work will also provide engineers

with more accurate predictions of the durability and service life of buildings and infrastructures in

marine and cold environments.


Ultrasonic Cavitation Based Compocasting Processing and Pharacterization of Aluminum

Copper Reinforced with Nano-Sized Sic Particles. Mohammed Almomani Abstract:

The potential of producing light weight composites with high mechanical properties for automotive parts

can have significant advantages to transport industries. This can be achieved by developing metal

matrix composites reinforced by nanoparticles. Ultrasonic cavitation based solidification is one of the

techniques that successfully produced this promising nanosized particles reinforced matrix composites.

In this research study, different aluminum copper alloys reinforced with nano-sized SiC particles will be

produced by ultrasonic cavitation technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with in situ energy

dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) will be used to confirm the size of the preserved nanoparticles within the

composite cast material. In addition, the microstructure and the overall mechanical properties (strength,

hardness, toughness) of the considered nanocomposites will be studied to understand the effect of the

nanoparticles on compocast Al-Cu alloys. Also, low-and-high speed pin-on disk wear apparatus will be

used to study the tribological and the wear resistance characteristics of the produced composites. ASTM

Machinability standard test will be performed on the produced composites to draw conclusions about the

machining performance of the produced nanocomposites. The results of this study will be compared

with the results of similar previous studies performed on Al-Cu alloys reinforced by micro-sized SiC

particles.

A Comparative Study for the Localized Corrosion Resistance of Uncoated Mild Steel, Plasma

Coated Mild Steel, and 304 Stainless Steel in Simulated Electrolytes for the Food Processing

Equipments Washdown Processes Mohammed Almomani Abstract:

The wide variety of detergents and chemicals used in the washdown processes for the food processing

equipments leads to localized corrosion of these equipments. Thus, increasing the corrosion resistance

of these materials is a major concern in order to reduce the transfer of the corrosion products to the

consumer's body. In this study, samples of uncoated mild steel and coated mild steel with plasma spray

will be examined for their corrosion resistance using the direct current polarization technique in variety

of chemicals similar to those used in the washdown processes of the food processing equipments. Post

exposure morphology will be characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with in situ energy

dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). A model that describes the capability of these artificial coatings in the

protection of the steel in terms of their electrochemical behavior and the resultant corrosion morphology

will be established. In addition, the relation between the architecture and the composition of the

overlayer coatings with their ability to enhance the localized corrosion resistance of the underlined

substrate will be investigated.


Statistical Investigation of the Influence of Pre-Heating and Post-Cooling Temperatures on

Critical to Quality Characteristics of Hot Dip Galvanizing Tarek Qasim, Omar Araidah Abstract:

Hot dip galvanizing (HDG) represents excellent method of protecting steel against corrosion and

ensuring the longevity of steel structures life expectancy. HDG is a multi-stage process, begins with

surface preparation step, galvanizing, quenching and post treatment methods. Each stage requires

specific details in order to ensure that the best results are achieved and optimal zinc utilization to reduce

the overall cost. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of pre-heating and post-

cooling temperatures relative to sample thickness on critical to quality characteristics of hot dip

galvanizing by using statistical analysis. Four different thicknesses were used, pre-heating temperatures

ranging from 100oC to 200

oC and two post cooling methods were utilized in this study. Several tests

used in this study to investigate CTQ characteristics; Zink coating thickness, hardness test, roughness

test, and microstructure analysis. The results of this study indicate that the coating thickness affected

mostly by steel sample thickness and preheating temperatures. Hardness of samples affected mainly by

post cooling method where preheating temperatures affected the surface roughness of the coating.

Coating thickness was related to sample thickness, and the post cooling method. In addition,

microstructure examination is used to investigate the alloying layers of the coating and coating

variations. The new results obtained in this study are important since nearly all-engineering structures

exhibit some variation in thickness, and the variation of pre-heating temperature can enhance some

properties such as coating thickness which related directly to the life-time of the galvanized structure.

Desalination and Hot Water Production Using Solar Still Enhanced by External Solar Collector Hasan Hasan, Mousa Abu Arabi Abstract:

A unit consisting of a solar still enhanced by an external solar collector to desalinate and produce hot

water was designed and tested. The unit consists of a square basin whose cover is made of double glass

layer and whose bottom side is painted black to absorb solar energy. The basin is connected with a solar

collector that absorbs solar energy and heats water that circulates through the water that is already exists

in the basin. This adds extra heat to the water and enhances evaporation. The vapor rises and condenses

on the glass cover of the basin. The condensation process is enhanced by cold water flowing through the

gap between the two layers of the glass cover. The exit hot cooling water is collected as hot water or fed

to the basin. The effect of cooling water flow rate, ambient temperature, solar intensity and hot water

production rate on the amount of desalinated water produced was investigated. The effect of recycling

the hot water exiting the unit to the feed tank on the production of desalinated water was also

investigated. The results showed that the production rate is proportional to the solar irradiation, ambient

temperature and cooling water flow rate. Recycling the cooling water to the feed tank has little effect on

the production rate. On average the unit was capable of producing 0.4 l/hr desalinated water of

conductivity of low conductivity (6 µs) and hot water of temperature up to 85oC.


Potential Production of Biogas from the Sludge of the Wastewater Treatment Plant at Jordan

University of Science and Technology Hasan Hasan, Hani Abu Qdais, Rizq Al-Zoubi Abstract:

Potential production of biogas from the sludge of the wastewater plant at JUST was investigated. The

research aims at studying the effect of temperature, Volatile Suspended Solid (VSS) concentration,

mode of operation and pressure on the concentration of methane gas in the biogas produced. The results

showed that biogas of higher methane concentration was produced when the reactor temperature was

controlled at 35oC compared to room temperature. Experimental results also showed that biogas

production is faster at 35oC compared to that at room temperature. Investigating the effect of VSS

concentration on methane production revealed that VSS concentration of 2% gave the highest methane

concentration in the biogas produced. The study showed that the concentration of methane in the biogas

produced when it is withdraw as soon as it is formed is higher than its concentration when the gas

buildup is allowed leading to fermentation at high pressure.

Remote Laboratory on Electronics for Higher Education (RELEHE)

Abdoul Rjoub, Rodrigo Picos

Abstract:

The use of internet as a tool for distance learning (e-learning) is becoming a very important application.

Many universities and schools offer distance learning, promoting learning throughout life or long-life

learning. Students can follow many courses via web, but the experimental areas show more difficult,

since lab work is an essential part. This deficiency could be supplemented with the use of remote

laboratories that allow students to perform experiments directly from your computer. The extensive use

of these activities can also consider new educational and live demonstrations in traditional lectures, or

conducting experimental measurements and personal work, among others. All these aspects are very

important within the new European Higher Education Area, and were not possible before.

Leakage Current Sources in CMOS Technology, Study and Analysis

Abdoul Rjoub, Mutasem Ajlouni, Hassan Manasrah

Abstract:

The increased demand for portable devices and hand held equipment recently, gives the low power

design architectures more attention. The resources of power dissipation in circuit level that include:

Dynamic power dissipation, static power dissipation and leakage current power dissipation are the main

factors of power dissipation in electro components. The move from -technology to η-technology makes

leakage current to be the prime source of power dissipation: The increased value of leakage current from

3% in the last decade to 55% recently and to 75% expected value in the next decade, gives the leakage

current significant role in solving the problem of power dissipation in circuit design. This could happen

if we define the sources of the leakage current power dissipation starting from the SPICE parameters.

The SPICE parameters which influence the value of the leakage current could be modified in order to


have lowest value of leakage current. In this proposal, we will investigate the main parameters of SPICE

which influence the leakage current values, and then will re-generate our own model and re-calculate the

new leakage current value in order to optimize the leakage power dissipation.


Session 4

Theme Basic Sciences and Arts


Time 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Chairman Prof. Ahmad Al-Ajlouni

Co-Chairman Prof. Mohammed Al Amori

Optical, Photovoltaic and Thermoelectric Characteristics of Bulk Porous Silicon-Polyaniline

Hybrid Composites Isam Arafa, Hassan El-Ghanem, Ahmad Lafi Abstract: Porous silicon-polyaniline hybrid composites (p-Si-PANI) were prepared by chemical attachment of

aniline to freshly etched technical silicon particles through oxidative polymerization in acidic media

(HCl and HF). The structures of the obtained composites were elucidated by electronic, infrared

spectroscopy and powder-X-ray diffraction techniques. The thermal, thermoelectric, electrical and

photoelectric properties of the resulting hybrid composites were investigated. Thin films of these

composites in drying linseed oil were fabricated by solvent cast method and subjected to photovoltaic

studies. Simple photovoltaic cells are fabricated using the obtained thin films sandwiched between

perforated aluminum and aluminum electrodes [perforated-Al/p-Si-PANI/Al]. Laboratory testing of

these PV cells using incandescent lamp (36 W) demonstrated that they exhibit modest photovoltaic

characteristics with variable open-circuit voltages reaching VOC of 1.29 V with short-circuit current

density (JSC) of 117 µA/cm2 are obtained. The determined fill factors (FF) and power conversion

efficiencies (η) indicate that these novel hybrid systems are promising composites for the development

of photovoltaic (PV) devices.

Kinetics and Mechanism of Ligand-Substitution Reactions in Chromium and Molybdenum

Hexacarbonyls with Cyanide Anion

Khalil J. Asali, Mohammad El-Kateeb, Shefa'a Al-Omari

Abstract:

The kinetics of the thermal reactions of the cyanide anion (CN-) with Cr(CO)6 and Mo(CO)6 in acetone

under pseudo-first-order conditions were conducted. The results of this study indicated that these

reactions proceed by a perfect second-order rate law: Rate = k2[M(CO)6][CN-] (M = Cr, Mo). Taking

into consideration that these reactions proceed under very mild conditions and thus initial M-CO bond

dissociation to generate a 16-electron unsaturated intermediate, M(CO)5, is not possible, it was proposed

that the initial attack of CN- occurs at a carbonyl carbon of the parent hexacarbonyls as rate-determining

step. This step is followed by other fast steps which involve some rearrangement in the resulting

intermediate with extrusion of CO to afford the [M(CO)5CN]- as an initial reaction product. The rate


constants and the activation parameters, ∆H≠ and ∆S

≠, for these reactions have been determined and are

discussed.

M(CO)6 + [PPN][CN] → [PPN][M(CO)5CN] + CO

fast ↓ +[PPN][CN]

[PPN]2[M(CO)4(CN)2] + CO

M = Cr, Mo; [PPN][CN] = Bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium cyanide.

وا وا ا: ات

ا

ا:

. ر أو ل اراب دأ ارت ك أن أد رف أن .ظو وا اد أھ ارت

و أن ظ ا س أنا رف ترا ن إ دادل ات وادوا ر اظ د ور ف ت إ

و ارت دم اب، ھذا . وادة رأ م و ارت ل أ رف و .ل دو وان.اة

رت، ازل وة. ا واه ن اب ھذا رأ ن ل أن و وت، دة و أذة، ون أن رو

وف وادث( اد ارت طت ن ودم اط، و وارا، اد ظ وى ،ووت دة دم

( دھش ،رئا ور .دمرا، وأ ن )واتء) ھ ،ترا ت مر أ وند رج مإ ،را

دان س

The Effect of the Size of Magnetite Clusters on the Structure and Magnetic Properties of the

Composite of Magnetite w ith Functionalized Polyvinylalcohol

Hasan El Ghanem, Isam Arafa Abstract: Nano magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been prepared in-situ addition of NH4OH to an emulsion

(H2O/C2H4Cl2) contains mixed of iron (II)-iron (III) chlorides and palmatoyl-functionalized polyvinyl

alcohol under continuous sonication at~60 ºC. Structure and magnetic properties have been investigated

by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Mössbauer Spectroscopy

(MS). The estimated cluster sizes of iron oxide found to be 10-13 nm with an average number of

magnetic dipole moments around 20 Bohr magnetons. The results of Mössbauer Spectroscopy (MS)

indicates that all magnetic components corresponding to iron oxide particles in polymer spectrum split

into a number of sextet separated by about 10-35 Tesla.


Tourist’s Satisfaction Assessment in Downtown Amman: Towards Sustainable

Recommendations Nada Shakarchi, Imad Al-Hashimi, Monther Jamhawi Abstract:

This research study was undertaken to identify and evaluate variables that contribute to downtown

Amman tourists’ satisfaction and then how to implement sustainable solutions to develop that area.

Satisfaction is vital for ensuring sustainability of the tourism industry. In addition, the literature has

positively associated and emphasized on the importance of several concepts to tourism flourishing sector

such as ensuring the tourists’ satisfaction, and adopting sustainable solutions. Following the arguments

on the significance of tourist satisfaction in city centers, this study emphasized on how downtown

Amman tourists’ experience affect their overall satisfaction level as one of the tourism products.

Accordingly, correlated questions were set and proper methodology to collect data and find answers was

determined through field observation, interviews and questionnaires. The questionnaire was divided into

three sections: demographic data, the SERV-QUAL (scale to assess questions on service quality), and

satisfaction, utilized the Likert scale and then analyzed the data using SPSS regressions and correlations

to sort out the affective variables on the tourists’ satisfaction in downtown Amman. The results came to

explain the positive and negative variables affecting the satisfaction measure; of which hospitality was

the high positive variable, the movement was negative one, and in between the rest of variables. This

result has led to highlight the need for more work to improve and control all sub variables related to the

tourists’ movement such as; walkability and pedestrian, accessibility and legibility, landscaping,

signage, and taxis and busses affordability. It is hoped that considering the recommendations of this

study through a sustainable approach will lead to get high level of satisfaction by tourists and will be a

pilot case to be followed in other areas and cities, which would flourish the tourism industry in Jordan.

Evolution of a Current in a Resistor Abdalla obeidat, Maen Gharaibeh, Manal Al-Ali, Akram Rousan Abstract:

The current in a simple electric circuit consisting of a resistor and a power supply is studied under the

assumption that the current starts from zero and reaches its maximum value. It suggests that an

evolution process of a current occurs approximating the circuit temporarily to an R-L circuit. The

current equation is solved analytically using Mittag-Leffler function. The equation was also solved

numerically. Results supported the assumed behavior of current to evolve from zero to its saturation

value.


Characterization of Gaba Shunt Pathway and Oxidative Damage in Arabidopsis Thaliana pop2

Mutants under Various Abiotic Stresses Nisreen AL-Quraan, Ahmed AL-share` Abstract:

All living organisms are affected by their environments and respond to any change either by adaptive

mechanisms or by alteration in growth and development. Environmental stresses such as low

temperature, drought, and salinity limit crop productivity worldwide. To cope with the environment and

it’s stressful changes, organisms have evolved complex intra- and intercellular communication networks

to translate information about a perceived stimulus to the cellular mechanisms that are responsible for

mediating the responses inside the cell. In this study, Arabidopsis thaliana 3 pop2 mutant's lines: 1-

pop2 mutant line 1 with accession number SALK_007661 and gene number AT3G22200, mutation in

GABA-TA enzyme, 2- Pop2-1 mutant line 2 with accession number (CS6385) and gene number

AT3G22200, mutation in GABA-TA enzyme, 3- pop2-3 mutants line 3 with accession number

(CS6387) and gene mutant number AT3G22200, mutation in GABA-TA, 3- pop2-3 mutants line 3 with

accession number (CS6387) and gene mutant number AT3G22200, mutation in GABA-TA, with

different T-DNA insertion in GABA-TA gene and wild type. They were screened for; seed germination,

stress-induced oxidative damage, GABA shunt metabolite levels, and the expression analysis of GABA-

TA gene using PCR and RT-PCR techniques under various abiotic stresses (high temperature (42ºC),

low temperature (4ºC), salinity (NaCl) and high osmolarity (Mannitol)). All mutants line showed

sensitivity in seed germination under all types of stress with remarkable reduction in pop2-1 and pop2-3

mutants seed germination. GABA and MDA were accumulated under all stresses with different patterns

in all the mutants under the various abiotic stresses. Our analysis provides strong evidence about the role

of GABA shunt pathway and GABA-TA of A. thaliana pop2 mutants and wild type under abiotic stress,

which in turn will provide insight knowledge to explore the shunt and its enzymes in other plants and

crops in Jordan in response to various abiotic.

Modeling the Effect of Rose Bengal on Growth, Decay Patterns of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus M-Ali Al-Akhras, M. Alshorman, Majed Masadeh, Adnan Jaradat, G. Makhadmeh, K. Aljarrah, A. Al-

omari, Z. Ababneh

Abstract:

Most infections, caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, are

hospital acquired and community acquired infections in patients. Bacterial growths incorporated with

photosensitizing material (Rose Bengal) with and without light were investigated. The results

demonstrated that the viable counts are increased in absence of light (in dark) for all samples

incorporated with Rose Bengal. Convenient and adequate mathematical modeling is in very good

agreement with the experimental results and showed to be a very good approach to characterize the

growth behaviors of the bacteria. Lethal phase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa induced with Rose Bengal in

the presence of light showed independent relationship between the Rose Bengal concentrations with the

time of 50%. Moreover, independence of t50 with Rose Bengal concentration was also found. Our

finding suggests that Rose Bengal could be used as a potential drug in photodynamic therapy.


Session 5

Theme All Themes (Graduate Students)


Time 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Chairman Dr. Karem Alzoubi

Co-Chairman Dr. Feras Darwish

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biosorption Properties o f Poly (N-Vinylimidazole) Grafted

Sodium Alginate and Poly (Acrylic Acid) Grafted Sodium Alginate Fahmi Abu Al-Rub, Mohammad Fares, Tariq Talafah, Munther Kandah Abstract:

The syntheses of biodegradable environmentally-friendly copolymers for water treatment biosorption

processes has been demonstrated. The synthesized poly (acrylic acid) grafted sodium alginate (SA-g-

PAA) and poly (N-vinylimidazole) grafted sodium alginate (SA-g-PNVI) copolymers were

characterized using FTIR, TGA and SEM techniques. These copolymers will be then subjected to

biosorption investigations for zinc, lead and copper at different pH, concentrations of heavy metal,

temperatures and agitation time. Preliminary results on the effect of pH on copper biosorption process

revealed that copper removal increases with the increase in pH until precipitation occurs at pH 6. The

results also indicated that copper uptake of SA-g-PAA is higher than that for sodium alginate beads or

free algal bleeds.

Development of Mechanical Anchor System to Enhance t he Efficiency of Flexural

Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Fiber Reinforced Polymers Ayman Ababneh, Issam Ghaith, Rajai Al Rousan Abstract:

Fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) composites have been widely used for flexural strengthening of

reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Debonding failure of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with

externally bonded fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) is a frequent problem. This failure mode limits the

full utilization of this strengthening system. The anchorage of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)

composites when applied to reinforced concrete (RC) structures as externally bonded reinforcement is an

effective means to achieve higher levels of fiber utilization prior to premature debonding failure.

Mechanical anchorage is a useful method to prevent this mode of failure; therefore it improves the

performance of the conventional FRP-strengthening method. Knowledge on anchorage systems is

limited. Further experimental and numerical studies to understand their behavior are still necessary. This

study aims at determining an effective technique for mechanical anchoring of reinforced concrete beams

strengthened in flexure using FRP composites. A comprehensive review of the existing literature was

conducted to explore research findings related to debonding failure and anchorage systems for


reinforced concrete structural elements with special attention on mechanical anchorage systems. Based

on the analysis of the data resulted from literature review, eight new anchoring systems were proposed.

An experimental study was performed to assess the structural performance of the proposed systems and

developing recommendations to optimize their design. Developing anchor system to prevent plate end

debonding failures is vital for the successful design of flexural strengthening using FRP composites.

Factors That Contribute t o Clopidogrel Resistance in Cardiovascular Disease Patients:

Environmental and Genetic Approach Sayer Al-Azzam, Karem Alzoubi, Omar Khabour, Mohammad Nusair, Hakam Al-Hadidi,

Abdalla Awidi, Akram Saleh

Abstract:

Clopidogrel is a potent anti platelet drug that reduces the risk of vascular events in patients with

cardiovascular disease. However, several studies have shown that about a quarter of patients showed low

or no response to clopidogrel therapy. In this study, factors that contribute to clopidogrel resistance were

investigated in 270 cardiovascular disease patients from Jordan. Clopidogrel resistance was determined

through platelet aggregation analysis using the Multiplate analyzer. Genetic factors (CYP2C19*2 and

PON1 Q192R) were examined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length

polymorphism analysis. The incidence of clopidogrel resistance among Jordanians is about 32%.

Significant association between clopidogrel resistance and BMI, female gender, concomitant use of

calcium channel blockers was found (P < 0.05). In addition, presence of CYP2C19*2 allele is strongly

related to clopidogrel resistance (P <0.001). However, lack of contribution to clipidogrel resistance was

found for PON1 Q192R polymorphism, age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking and aspirin use (P > 0.05).

Several factors might contribute to clopidogrel resistance including body mass index, gender,

concomitant use of calcium channel blockers and CYP2C19*2 polymorphism.

Apical Morphology of Mandibular First Premolar Lama Awawdeh, Mousa Abufadaleh Abstract:

Root canal morphology especially in the apical third is a critically important factor during conventional

root canal treatment and surgical endodontics. Few studies concerning the morphology of root apex and

foramen morphology have been conducted. No data seems to be available on the possible effect of age

and gender on the apical landmarks. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the shape and

position of the physiological foramen and the relationship between the age and gender to the location

and size of the apical foramen in mandibular first premolar teeth. One hundred and one extracted human

mandibular first premolar teeth were examined; the age and gender of the patients from whom the teeth

had been collected were recorded. Apices of teeth were stained with methylene blue and then examined

stereomicroscopically. The following observations were made: number of apical foramina; size and

shape of the minor apical foramen; accessory foramina frequency, and deviation of the minor apical

foramina from the apex and the possible effect of age and gender on these variables. The number of


major foramina ranged between 1 and 5 foramina, 64% of the examined teeth had one foramen and 23%

had two. There was a high frequency (75%) of 1, 2, or 3 accessory foramina. The mean distance

between the physiological foramen and the anatomical apex was 0.638 mm. The most common

physiological foramen shape was oval (50%). In the youngest age group; the irregular shape was

dominant (41%), while in the oldest age group, the round shape was dominant (45%). All of the apical

foramina were found to be deviated from the long axis of the roots from 0.07 to 2.18 mm. The number

of foramina ranged from 1 to 5. These great variations render clinical identification of working length

practically impossible. It was found that the shape of the apical foramen and the distance from the

foramen to the anatomical apex changes with age.

Plasma Vitamin A and E Levels in Patients with Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel

Syndrome Wesam AL-Amara, Khalid Al-Ani, Kamal Bani Hani

Abstract:

Vitamin A and E are fat soluble vitamins that are involved in numerous essential life processes. These

vitamins are absorbed from the small intestine in the same way as fat. Conditions or disease interferes

with the absorption of fat may also inhibit the absorption of those vitamins. Chronic diarrhea is one of

these conditions; it results in fat malabsorption, thus fat soluble vitamins. Irritable bowel syndrome is

one of the most common causes of chronic diarrhea. Therefore, we hypothesized that, diarrhea

predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) may result in low plasma fat soluble vitamin levels. This

research was undertaken to test this hypothesis prospectively. Fort four patients with IBS-D (23 males

and 21 females) subtyped based on RomeII criteria, and 27 sex and age-matched healthy controls (16

males and 11 females) were involved in this study. Demographic data, diet pattern, and IBS-D

symptoms were obtained through filling out a self-guide questionnaire. Plasma vitamin A levels in male

patients with IBS-D were significantly lower than that of the males control group (514± 22 vs. 631± 40

µg ml, P=0.007). Plasma vitamin A levels in male patients were found to be negatively influenced by

the presence of steatorrhea, duration of the disease, and daily bowl movement. Female patients with

IBS-D showed lower vitamin A levels than those of control but not statistically significant (445±34 vs.

510± 43 µg ml, P= 0.52). Plasma level of vitamin E, cholesterol and triglyceride were slightly affected

by the disease in both male and female patients. The results of this study suggest that IBS-D is a risk

factor for vitamin A deficiency especially in male patients.

Composition of Jordanian Olive Oil Amurca and Its Effect on Olive Oil Shelf Life Fwzieh Hammad, Sana Janakat Abstract:

Amurca (olive oil lees) is one of olive oil byproducts which is watery bitter tasting and dark colored

sediment that settles at the bottom of olive oil container after several months of storage. In this study,

the composition of Jordanian amurca, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity anti-

lipoperoxidative (LPO) activity of amurca, and its effect on Jordanian olive oil shelf life was assessed.


Gross composition of amurca was as follows; carbohydrates 0.74+0.02%, proteins 0.7+0.02%, fats

49.43+0.29%, moisture 47.33+0.30%, ash 0.89+0.05% and fiber 0. 92+0.03%. Total phenolic

compounds content was 289 mg GAE/100 g of amurca and antioxidant activity was 22.3+0.21 mg

vitamin E equivalent /100g that caused 95.7% LPO inhibition and low peroxide value (1.78+0.03

meqO2/Kg amurca). Olive oil samples taken over the period of 12 months possessed decreasing

amounts of phenol content, anti-oxidant activity and anti-lipoperoxidative activity, which lead to

increased peroxide and free fatty acidity values. In contrast olive oil samples taken from the bottom of

container after12 months possessed high phenol content, antioxidant activity and anti-lipoperoxidative

activity and low acid and peroxide values. These results show that amurca is a very rich source of

phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity that leads to anti-lipoperoxidative activity, decrease acid

and peroxide values of stored olive oil and increases olive oil shelf life.

Role of Diabetes and oral Conditions in Oral Malodor

Ndial Daamsa, Jumana Karasneh

Abstract:

This study aimed to identify any correlation between oral malodor and tongue coating, colonization by

red complex bacteria (RCB), periodontal status, diabetes mellitus and psychological status. One hundred

diabetic patients and 100 age and gender matched healthy controls were recruited. A questionnaire and

full oral and periodontal examination was completed for each participant. Tongue coating was

quantified, the BANA test was used to detect RCB in plaque samples, oral malodor was determined by

organoleptic (OLT) testing and the psychopathological profile was determined using the SCL-90

questionnaire. No significant difference was observed between the two groups. However, chronic

periodontitis (CP) and overall psychological distress were more prevalent in the controls whilst diabetic

patients tended to have more severe forms of periodontitis (p = 0.001). A significant association (p>

0.05) was observed between oral malodor and male gender, unemployment, heavy cigarette smoking (p

> 0.001), CP and refrain from tooth brushing. Tongue coating was associated with oral malodor but this

did not reach significance. Oral malodor was not associated with diabetes, however, it was more

prevalent among patients with higher levels of HbA1c and fasting blood glucose (p =0.041, 0.037

respectively). RCB were associated with CP, although this did not reach significance. Tongue coating

was associated with clinial attachment loss, plaque index and gingival index (p = 0.033, 0.020 and 0.006

respectively) and the diagnosis of CP (p = 0.011). Most patients who thought they had halitosis also had

depression and anxiety, although this did not reach significance. However, delusional halitosis was not

associated with any psychological problem. Heavy smoking and CP were the main contributory factors

to oral malodor. Diabetes per se did not cause oral malodor, however, poorly controlled diabetes might

contribute to halitosis through periodontal disease.


A General Equation for Stress Concentration Factor in Countersunk Holes in Orthotropic

Plates Feras Darwish, Ghassan Tashtoush, Mohammad Gharaibeh Abstract:

This research investigates the stress concentration factor in countersunk holes in orthotropic plates under

uniaxial tension load. Finite element analysis using ANSYS (commercial software) was used to build

and mesh the geometry of the plate with a countersunk hole, define the boundary and loading

conditions, run the analysis and obtain the stress concentration factor results. The effect of several

geometric parameters such as plate thickness, straight-shank radius, countersink angle, countersink

depth, and plate size; and different material systems on the stress concentration factor was also

investigated. Finally, multi parameter fit and factorial analyses were applied on the finite element results

to establish the relationships between the stress concentration factor and the various geometric and

material parameters and to formulate a general equation for the stress concentration factor in terms of

the above mentioned parameters.

Abstract Proceedings of the 1st Funded Research Conference11 The 1st Funded Research Conference – 24 April 2012 | JUST Abstract Proceedings of the 1st Funded Research Conference

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