1,881 research outputs found
Galaxy Zoo:chiral correlation function of galaxy spins
No full textGalaxy Zoo is the first study of nearby galaxies that contains reliable information about the spiral sense of rotation of galaxy arms for a sizeable number of galaxies. We measure the correlation function of spin chirality (the sense in which galaxies appear to be spinning) of face-on spiral galaxies in angular, real and projected spaces. Our results indicate a hint of positive correlation at separations less than ~0.5 Mpc at a statistical significance of 2-3 sigma. This is the first experimental evidence for chiral correlation of spins. Within tidal torque theory it indicates that the inertia tensors of nearby galaxies are correlated. This is complementary to the studies of nearby spin axis correlations that probe the correlations of the tidal field. Theoretical interpretation is made difficult by the small distances at which the correlations are detected, implying that substructure might play a significant role, and our necessary selection of face-on spiral galaxies, rather than a general volume-limited sample
Correspondence between Mervyn M. Dymally and Vernon Jordan, December 1967
No full textCorrespondence between Mervyn M. Dymally about Vernon Jordan increasing voter awareness in Los Angeles. Enclosed is a grant proposal from the Urban Affairs Foundation
The Compliance with Intellectual Property Laws and their Enforcement in Jordan- A post-WTO Review & Analysis
No full textThis thesis examines the implementation, enforcement and evolution of IP laws and regulations in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The period of interest includes the last decade of the twentieth century and the first decade of the twenty first century, with emphasis on the role played by Free Trade Agreements struck between Jordan and the United States, the European Union, and Jordan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.
This thesis also examines the enforcement of the current set of IP laws in Jordan, and looks at their social and economic compatibility with the Jordanian societal norms and economic realities.
This thesis argues that Jordanian IP laws lack a meaningful social and economic texture, and have failed to be evenly enforced in Jordan, essentially because they do not fit the Jordanian culture and are not compatible with Jordan’s economic stage of development. Additionally, the thesis argues that IP laws have had insignificant economic impact on the Jordanian economy as the majority of technologies used in Jordan, and the majority of foreign direct investments attracted to Jordan, are not IP related. Finally, the thesis argues that the current Jordanian enforcement model, which is built on coercion by donor countries, is serving the interests of foreign companies to the exclusion of the local citizens, and will not, in the long run, produce an enforcement model based on self-regulation by Jordanians, themselves. The laws, therefore, are unable to produce tangible results for the Jordanian people, or help meet their economic interests.
The last part of the thesis deals with recommendations and suggestions aimed at creating an integrated approach to the adoption of IP policies
Narratives of ethnicity and nationalism : a case study of Circassians in Jordan
No full textThis research is an exploration of ethnic narratives of the Circassian
community in Jordan, in addition to the nationalist narratives promoted by the state
of Jordan, and their reconstruction by the research participants. This research aims to
understand how the research participants, as non-Arabs, understand and makes
sense of the Pan-Arab ethnonational narratives promoted by the state through the
‘Jordan First’ nationalist campaign and textbooks of national and civic education. It
also seeks to understand the ethnic narratives of the Circassian community. It
highlights the fact that ethnic narratives are often contextualised, and come to light
always in comparison to the other. It also shows how ethnic narratives are gendered,
can include or exclude women, and gender relations are ethnicised, or in other
words used as markers for group boundaries.
The main aim of this research is to unpack the research participants’
conceptualisations of Jordan and the Pan-Arabism, and to understand the strategies
they use to include themselves within these narratives. It intends to evaluate
whether research participants see themselves as integrated into the Jordanian society
or not. Whereas the community itself is often portrayed as integrated into the
society, because many of them are in high governmental positions, and the
ceremonial guards of the Royal Family are the Circassians, it is also important to
examine whether they believe that they are, and how. This thesis contributes to the
literature on ethnicity and nationalism based on a minority with unique profile, and
also contributes to the overall body of literature on state nationalism in the Middle
East. The research has been approached through the use of both qualitative and
quantitative data collection methods. It is based on the analysis of textbooks of
national and civic education, and the ‘Jordan First’ campaign, in addition to 13
interviews and 62 questionnaires
A. Van Jordan, 38th Annual ODU Literary Festival
No full textA. Van Jordan is the author of four collections: Rise, M-A-C-N-O-L-I-A, Quantum Lyrics, The Cineaste, and a chapbook, The Homesteader (2013). Jordan has won a Whiting Writers’ Award, an Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, a Pushcart Prize and he has been included in the 2013 Best American Poetry anthology. A recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and a United States Artists Williams Fellowship, he was an English professor at the University of Michigan, taught in the Warren Wilson College MFA Program, and has served as the Henry Rutgers Presidential Professor at Rutgers University-Newark since fall 2014
Pre-vocational education in Jordan : implications for teacher preparation and in-service training
No full textThis study proposes a rational basis for pre-vocational. education (PVE) teacher
preparation and training in Jordan based on a thorough assessment of the teacher's
role and responsibilities. Qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were
employed. These included semi-structured interviews with members of the Jordanian
National Teams for PVE Curriculum Development and for Supervision on PVE
Curriculum Development, as well as with PVE supervisors in Jordan. Selfcompletion
questionnaires were also administered to a sample of PVE teachers and
educational supervisors. Asserting that design and implementation of a successful
training programme should be founded on the job activities and competencies
required, this study presents a job description for the PVE teacher, analyses the
activities involved, and identifies the associated competencies. The study proceeds to
scrutinise the components of WE teacher preparation, analyses the current delivery
of PVE in Jordan, identifies some deficiencies, and considers potential corrective
action. The study also discusses the necessity of vocational field experience for the
PVE teacher. Current programmes of PVE teacher preparation are critically
examined, shortcomings are identified, and proposals for improvement are discussed
Editorial: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Challenges and Opportunities, A Special Issue of the Jordan Medical Journal
No full textA Brief View of the Global Situation of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is undermining the effectiveness of life-saving treatments and placing populations at heightened risk, whether from common infections or even routine medical interventions [1]. In 2014, the “Review on AMR” projected that 10 million deaths caused by AMR could occur by 2050. This helped position AMR as one of the most pressing threats to health of the 21st century [2].
With the antimicrobial increasing use and misuse, microorganisms have developed AMR. The phenomenon of AMR refers to the potential of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to continue to grow in the midst of drugs designed to kill them [3]. Infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant organisms are not only difficult to treat, there is also an increased chance of severe illness and even death due to these infections [3].
AMR is an evolutionary phenomenon shown by all organisms through development of mutations in order to withstand the lethal environmental selection pressure which subsequently, makes these drugs ineffective. Thus, with the ever-increasing use of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture, bacteria had huge opportunity to develop AMR [3].
As a response to this crisis, the May 2015 World Health Assembly adopted a global action plan on AMR, which outlines five objectives: 1) to improve awareness and understanding of AMR through effective communication, education and training; 2) to strengthen the knowledge through surveillance and research; 3) to reduce the incidence of infection through hygiene and infection prevention measures; 4) to optimize the use of antimicrobials in human and animal health; and 5) to increase investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines and other interventions [4].
However, despite these calls and alarms, the current situation is still alarming. The findings of the recent “Global antibiotic resistance surveillance report 2025” are concerning. It showed the global resistance is extensive with wide regional variations, an increasing threat from Gram negative bacterial pathogens, higher levels of AMR are reported from settings with low AMR surveillance coverage report, and that AMR is disproportionately affecting low and middle income countries [1].
More specifically, the report highlights the following findings: one in six laboratories confirmed infections worldwide were caused by AMR bacteria, resistance was most common in urinary tract infections (1 in 3 infections), blood stream infections (1 in 6), and in gastrointestinal (1 in 15). Resistance was most common in South East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean regions (1 in 3), followed by the African region (1 in 5). Resistance was less frequent in the European region (1 in 10), and least frequent in the Western Pacific region (1 in 11) indicating wide regional disparity [1]. The report also indicates that AMR has increased by 40% between 2018 and 2023. In particular, resistance to carbapenems and fluoroquinolones is increasing among Gram negative pathogens including Acinetobacter spp, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. This is a concern as these antibiotics are used to treat severe and life-threatening infections [1].
One important and key strategy for addressing the AMR crisis has been the development of new antibiotics. However, antibiotic development has had several scientific and economic challenges over the years [5]. The WHO reports that only 13 new antibacterial agents have been developed since 2017, with only 2 representing a new chemical class. Overall, the timeframe required for developing these drugs and conducting clinical trials, the likelihood of failure, and the lack of innovation threaten the future of clinical interventions [6].
AMR also has economic implications and is globally draining resources from economies, including the health-care, agriculture, and food production sectors [7]. AMR might reduce the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 1.1% and its cost may exceed US$ one trillion annually after 2030 across the globe [8].
At present, the proposed approaches to mitigate global AMR crisis include: antibiotic stewardship, development of new antibiotics, combination therapy, phage therapy, probiotics and prebiotics, immunotherapy, repurposing existing drugs, alternative to antibiotics, education and public awareness, surveillance systems, environmental regulations, and one health approach [9].
In conclusion, AMR is a serious global threat that threatens treatment of infections and decades of medical progress. Urgent, coordinated global action is needed to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials for the future
Antimicrobial Resistance in Jordan: A Critical Moment for National Action
Jordan, like many countries in the region, is witnessing a steep rise in AMR [10,11]. National surveillance data demonstrate particularly alarming levels of resistance: Acinetobacter spp. exhibit carbapenem resistance exceeding 80%, Staphylococcus aureus continues to show high methicillin resistance rates, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production is widespread among Enterobacterales. Community-acquired pathogens—including E. coli—demonstrate rising resistance to commonly used oral therapies, signaling diminishing effectiveness of first-line treatments and highlighting the urgent need for coordinated stewardship interventions [10-12].
Clinical and Public Health Significance
The clinical impact of these resistance patterns is profound. AMR prolongs illness, increases mortality risk, and substantially elevates healthcare costs. It compromises the safety of routine medical procedures, from surgical interventions to hematologic treatments, and limits therapeutic options for common infections [13]. At the community level, non-prescription antibiotic access, cultural expectations surrounding antibiotics, and misconceptions about viral illnesses continue to drive unnecessary consumption [14]. In this context, AMR has become both a medical and societal challenge, demanding a comprehensive response that integrates clinical stewardship, regulatory reinforcement, and public engagement.
The Role of Youth and Community Awareness
Amid rising resistance, Jordan has a unique opportunity to mobilize a new generation of healthcare professionals and community leaders. Youth—particularly university students in medicine, pharmacy, and allied health fields—hold considerable influence within families, academic institutions, and digital platforms, enabling them to serve as catalysts for behaviour change. Emerging national initiatives, such as youth-led AMR advocacy networks, social media campaigns, and peer-driven educational programs, demonstrate the effectiveness of combining scientific messaging with culturally resonant communication strategies [15,16]. These initiatives help bridge the gap between clinical practice and public expectations, particularly through mechanisms such as hospital-based AMR counselling committees that offer clear explanations to patients when antibiotics are not indicated.
Towards a Nationally Integrated Response
A sustainable national response to AMR requires multisectoral collaboration across academic institutions, healthcare providers, ministries, and community stakeholders. Strengthening stewardship programs, embedding AMR education within university curricula, improving transparency around prescribing decisions, and expanding community engagement efforts are essential pillars of this approach [17]. Integrating surveillance findings with awareness campaigns ensures that resistance data do not remain isolated within laboratories or policy documents, but instead inform public behaviour and clinical practice.
Purpose of this Special Issue
The Jordan Medical Journal (JMJ) has recently announced a call for a special issue titled “Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Challenges and Opportunities” for 2025. The purpose of this special issue is to present current national surveillance findings, expert reviews, clinical perspectives, and community-based models relevant to AMR in Jordan thereby elevating AMR as a shared national responsibility. The collection aims to highlight both the scientific realities revealed through surveillance and the societal dimensions of awareness, behaviour, and stewardship. This issue also seeks to support a unified national strategy that preserves antimicrobial effectiveness and strengthens Jordan’s resilience against the growing threat of resistance through interdisciplinary dialogue and evidence-based recommendations.
Contents covered by the special issue on AMR
A considerable number of manuscripts were received from researchers worldwide in response to the call for the special issue. Following a rigorous selection process by the Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editors, as well as a thorough anonymous peer review, nine articles were accepted for publication. This special issue features original research and review articles from highly recognized experts, covering AMR governance, epidemiological trends, resistance and virulence genes, public awareness, infection prevention and control, antibiotic stewardship, and the One Health approach.
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is among the most challenging bacterial pathogens and has become widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean region [18]. In Jordan, numerous reports have highlighted the increasing prevalence, impact, and severity of CRAB infections [18,19]. In this context, a study by Zueter et al., published in this special issue, demonstrated an increased prevalence of several virulence genes—specifically bap, OmpA, surA, PLD, paaE, and basD—alongside a high capacity for biofilm formation in clinical CRAB isolates from Jordan. These findings suggest mechanisms for the enhanced survival of CRAB in hospital environments and its significant resistance to treatment [20].
In the same vein, Kuruva et al., from India in their review on tracking A. baumannii in critical care, discuss the pathogen's behavior and spread, as well as the utility of quantitative PCR and whole-genome sequencing for rapid detection. The review also outlines various hospital control measures, emphasizing the importance of environmental monitoring and a One Health approach to combat AMR. Furthermore, the authors propose future research directions, including metagenomic surveillance, machine learning and modeling, and pangenome-guided drug discovery [21].
The increased prevalence of hospital-acquired infections, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs), remains a critical challenge in the fight against AMR. Analysis of bacterial isolates collected from 12 ICUs across Jordan revealed that 41.2% were multidrug-resistant (MDR), 17.5% were extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and 6.8% were pandrug-resistant (PDR). MDR rates were highest among Klebsiella (82%) and Acinetobacter (79%) species. Furthermore, the study identified key resistance genes, including blaKPC in K. pneumoniae, mecA in Staphylococci, blaCTX-M in E. coli, blaOXA-51 and blaOXA-23 in A. baumannii, and the vanA gene in E. faecalis [22].
A three-year retrospective study examining common isolates and the sensitivity patterns of blood cultures from pediatric cancer patients in Libya indicated that Gram-positive organisms were the most frequently isolated bacteria (58.2%), with S. aureus being the most prevalent. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common Gram-negative isolates; notably, a higher proportion of carbapenem resistance was observed in K. pneumoniae [23].
The antibiotic susceptibility and resistance genes of E. coli isolates collected from two tertiary centers in Jordan revealed that 57.8% of samples were resistant to cefoxitin, a resistance mostly mediated by the CMY-2 gene. Additionally, 38% were resistant to gentamicin, with 61.4% harboring the aac(6’)-Ib-cr gene, while 65.7% of isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin—nearly all of which were positive for the gyrA gene. Notably, only 2% of isolates showed resistance to imipenem and meropenem. These findings are instrumental in guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy and combating the spread of resistant E. coli in Jordan [24]. Other previous studies investigating ESBLs rates and resistance genes in Jordan have similarly identified CTX-M as the most prevalent genotype [12,25,26].
An interventional randomized controlled study involving 132 hospitalized pediatric patients in Jordan identified administration errors as the most frequent antibiotic-related problem. These errors were reduced by 70.67% in the intervention group; furthermore, the incidence of side effects stemming from inappropriate antibiotic use was significantly lowered, alongside a reduction in the average length of hospital stay. The study concludes that clinical pharmacist interventions significantly enhance the appropriate use of antibiotics in pediatric settings [27].
Taha et al., study utilizing structured questionnaires among 238 Jordanian women of reproductive age revealed a 25.7% prevalence rate of antibiotic misuse. The findings showed weak associations between misuse and factors such as higher family income or larger family size, while a higher level of education was found to slightly decrease the likelihood of obtaining antibiotics without a prescription. Such misuse is a primary driver that facilitates the development of antibiotic resistance [28]. These findings are supported by a systematic review of antibiotic misuse in Jordan, which indicated a high prevalence rate of inappropriate use, particularly among children with upper respiratory tract infections [29].
A cross-sectional study utilizing the WHO multi-country public awareness questionnaire to assess AMR awareness in Jordan revealed that 85.1% of participants were unable to define antibiotic resistance correctly. Furthermore, 45.6% mistakenly believed that the common cold could be treated with antibiotics [30]. These findings align with a previous study indicating that 39% of medical university students incorrectly identified bacteria as the cause of the common cold. Such data underscores the urgent need for targeted public education campaigns to enhance awareness and rectify these persistent misconceptions [31].
Finally, Shedeed describes the factors contributing to the poor implementation of antibiotic stewardship by employing multi-level and polycentric governance theory. The review, extracted in part from the author's master’s thesis, maps and analyzes the key actors, institutional arrangements, and policy mechanisms that shape stewardship efforts. The author notes that stewardship governance remains fragmented, underfunded, and poorly implemented in low- and middle-income countries. To address these gaps, they propose an original Integrated Polycentric Glocal Governance Framework (IPGF), applying it to two case studies within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to strengthen global antibiotic stewardship and mitigate the AMR crisis [32].
In conclusion, this Special Issue highlights the multifaceted nature of the AMR crisis. The featured research underscores a critical escalation in AMR of A. baumannii, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae—driven by complex genetic mechanisms and widespread clinical prevalence. The articles identify significant systemic gaps, including low public awareness, frequent antibiotic misuse, and fragmented governance. Mitigating AMR requires a unified, One Health approach that integrates clinical precision, public education, and policy reform
The Evolving Nature of Astronomy Research and its Implications for EPO
No full textLike all sciences in general, astronomy has experienced unprecedented changes in just the last few years. As the total volume of data continues to double each year, we struggle to collect and interpret all the data - and as EPO professionals, we struggle to bring this data to learners in a meaningful way. This rapporteur paper will review some of our community’s reactions to the “Evolving Nature of Astronomy Research” thread. These reactions include strategies for learners to access real astronomy data through visualization and resources like the World Wide Telescope, for remote telescope access, for collaborative environments, and for citizen science projects. These resources come together in a variety of activities for learners in all settings, at all levels. As these activities are deployed and evaluated, astronomy education will continue to benefit from its rich interconnections with astronomy research
The use of strategic planning tools and techniques by hotels in Jordan
No full textPurpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the use of strategic planning tools and techniques by hotels in Jordan and the nature of its relationship with managers' views of the strategic planning process.
Design/methodology/approach – A review of the literature relating to both strategic planning and strategic planning tools and techniques in both developed and emerging markets is provided. The empirical research was conducted via a questionnaire survey of Jordanian hotels in two cities; namely, Petra and Aqaba.
Findings – The main findings of this research are that the Jordanian hotels engage in the strategic planning process by using a number of techniques. The use of strategic planning tools and techniques relates more to the size of hotel and less to age and ownership type. There is a positive relationship between the use of strategic planning techniques and size of hotel. The managers of these hotels have generally positive attitudes towards the strategic planning process. The managers who believe in the benefits of strategic planning engage more in the practice of it.
Research limitations/implications – The nature of this research is descriptive and the method used is a cross-sectional survey. Therefore, future research could be conducted on a small number of these hotels by using a more in-depth approach. Second, the sample was restricted to hotels in two cities in Jordan. Further research should include other regions in Jordan and should analyse the ownership types of hotels (such as independent versus chain) and its star rating.
Originality/value – This paper provides empirical evidence about the use of the strategic planning tools and techniques by hotels in an emerging market context
SMARANDACHE NON-ASSOCIATIVE RINGS
No full textAn associative ring is just realized or built using reals or complex; finite or infinite
by defining two binary operations on it. But on the contrary when we want to define or study or even introduce a non-associative ring we need two separate algebraic structures say a commutative ring with 1 (or a field) together with a loop or a groupoid or a vector space or a linear algebra. The two non-associative well-known algebras viz. Lie algebras and Jordan algebras are mainly built using a vector space over a field satisfying special identities called the Jacobi identity and Jordan identity respectively. Study of these algebras started as early as 1940s. Hence the study of non-associative algebras or even non-associative rings boils down to the study of properties of vector spaces or linear algebras over fields
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