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The effect of Myofascial Release Technique combined with core stability exercises versus core stability exercises among adult males with non-specific chronic low back pain.
(Al-Quds University, 2023-12-17) Al-Tayeb Mohammad Saber Shehada; الطيّب محمد صابر شحادة
Low back pain (LBP) is a frequent ailment that may interfere with daily activities. It can manifest as either non-specific or specific reason of condition. Myofascial release (MR) is a manual therapeutic technique with a stretch for the fascia in particular. Core Stability Exercises (CSE) is a kind of strengthening exercises for the lower trunk area from the lower rib to the buttocks area. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of MR and CSE in contrast with CSE alone on pain, back mobility, lumbar Range of Motion (ROM), and the Quality Of Life (QOL) among males with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain (NSCLBP). Methods: A single-blinded randomized control trial (RCT) with a SHAM group, with sixty-four adult male participants, randomly divided into an MR with a CSE Experimental group and a Control group consisting of SHAM (Superficial Massage (SM)) combined with CSE, by three sessions per week for eight weeks. The participants of both groups were assessed with Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) to measure pain severity, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for back disability, TiltMeter advance app for flexion and extension ROM, and EQ-5D-5L for the QOL pre and post-intervention. All participants were blinded and knew nothing about whether they got into experimental or control groups. Results: There was a significant improvement among both experimental and control groups at post-test (p=.00) for all the following measures: - pain intensity, back disability, ROM, and QOL, moreover, statistical analysis revealed based on the effect size between groups at post-test, that the experimental group had a larger effect than the control group also at all four measures (Cohen’s d > .97). Conclusion: The MR combined with CSE is considered effective with pain intensity, ROM, back disability, and QOL. Even when the Control group (CSE & SHAM) had also a significant improvement in the post-test, the experimental group (CSE & MR) had quite better-improved results with a large effect size for all four outcome measures. Finally, CSE combined with MR can be considered an effective therapy for CLBP.
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The Role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 1 and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Genetic Polymorphism in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 in Palestinian Population
(Al-Quds University, 2023-08-19) Lama Khaled Hammad Abu Saleh; لما خالد حماد ابو صالح
As a key enzyme of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), has been validated as a SARS-CoV-2 receptor, linking RAS to COVID-19. It is likely that functional ACE1/ACE2 gene polymorphism cause the imbalance of ACE1/ACE2 ratio, causing a RAS imbalance that may contribute to the COVID-19 infection complications by causing higher lung damage and disease with severe symptoms. Herein, we developed a new genotyping method using next generation sequencing (NGS) to study four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), three for ACE1, rs4343, rs4342, rs4341 and one for ACE 2, rs2285666 in one multiplex PCR tube. Bioinformatics analysis was done using free online galaxy program (https://usegalaxy.org.au/). The association of ACE 1 (rs4343, rs4342, rs4341) and ACE 2 (rs2285666) polymorphisms with COVID-19 infection in Palestine were investigated. A total of 130 samples were collected, including 50 negative controls without COVID-19 infection, 50 positive controls with COVID-19 infection but not hospitalized, and 30 patients with severe COVID-19 infection in the intensive care unit. Results showed that the genotype distribution of ACE2 (rs2285666) polymorphism was significantly different between COVID 19 patients and the control group (P-value = 0.049, X2), while no statistical differences were observed between the ACE1 mutations (rs4341, rs4342, rs4343) and the control group (P-value > 0.05, X2). Individuals with ACE2 rs2285666 GG genotype were more prevalent in COVID-19 patients compared to control group (P-value = 0.049, X2). Age and comorbidities such as hypertension and coronary artery disease were independent risk factors for COVID-19 disease (P-value < 0.05, X2). Symptoms of COVID-19 patients such as fatigue, headaches, runny noses, and loss of smell were significantly higher in the positive cases COVID-19 (P-value < 0.05, X2), while dyspnea was more frequent in the ICU patients (P-value < 0.05, X2), In this study, we support the hypothesis that wild genotypes of ACE2 rs2285666 GG are associated with COVID-19 infection
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An Advanced Approach to Reconstruct CT Images from limited-angle projections, reducing radiation dose and tube load.
(Al-Quds University, 2023-12-12) Doaa Housni Ali Bani Odeh; دعاء حسني علي بني عودة
Concerns regarding ionizing radiation doses to individuals and patients have arisen as a result of the remarkable advancements in computed tomography (CT) technology and applications over the last ten years, so Computed tomography (CT) scanners and CT exams have increased continuously. Researchers aim to minimize ionizing radiation dose via introducing new CT protocols and providing diagnostic CT images with lower radiation doses to patient. Nevertheless, these investigations have challenges: reducing the radiation dose results in decreased image quality, which might occasionally be non-diagnostic. In This study, the researcher aims to investigate the possibility of forming a CT brain image from a limited number of projections at a projection angle of less than 180 degrees While maintaining image quality based on the ALARA principle and decreasing radiation dose. then determine if the images match the quality criteria of Brain CT. This effort spanned from January 2023 to September 2023. The process of reconstructing CT scan images from limited angle projections is critical and requires strict adherence to the ALARA principle. This principle is designed to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining image quality. Our study utilized filter back-projection (FBP) and algebraic iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms to reconstruct brain CT images from 500 projection lines with a 100 x 100 and 200 x 200 matrix size. In addition to researching the effect of the reconstruction angle on image quality, two degrees were taken at an angle of 90 and 45 degrees. The images were evaluated for image quality criteria by 10 expert medical imaging technicians and 2 radiologists and specific evaluations were given. Then, a simple descriptive statistical analysis was conducted, including calculating percentages for expert medical imaging technicians and radiologists evaluations and p-values. By combining the results of a MATLAB 2021 functions with the insights of a radiologist, we can produce high-quality images that decrease radiation dose and tube load. Our findings reveal that the algebraic method is superior to the filter back-projection in preserving image quality when utilizing limited-angle projections. In addition to the Statistical t-test (P<.001), which confirms the existence of statistical differences between the two algorithms. With a percentage of 41%, or a moderate scale, the IR algorithm matches quality requirements better. Conversely, the FBP exhibits a proportion of < 25%, signifying a weak scale. Based on the percentages of evaluation, we can confirm that the size of the Matrix 200 x 200 is superior to the size of the Matrix 100 x 100, as it formed a percentage of 36.25%, which is equivalent to a moderate scale. In addition, the reconstruction angle of 90 provides better quality and its percentage was 41.75%, equivalent to a moderate scale. So the IR algorithm at 90 degree with 500 projection only provides images that match the quality criteria for brain CT. while FBP fails to provide any meaningful insights when working with angles of 45 and 90 degrees.
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Signal Quantification of Intravenous Contrast Media Enhancement From Biphase Liver CT Scan Procedures
(Al-Quds University, 2023-07-22) Rawa Khaled Abed Almajeed Alqam; رواء خالد عبدالمجيد علقم
Computed Tomography (CT) is a diagnostic imaging technique that produces comprehensive images of skeletons, arteries, veins, tissues of the body, and organs inside the body. This imaging program MSc thesis concentrated on contrast agent (CA) assessed to the region of interest (ROI) in CT image. It was compared with automated bolus monitoring with a fixed time delay technique of contrast enhancement in multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) during abdominal and pelvic CT treatments using an intravenous (IV) CA. During this investigation, all variables impacting contrast enhancement were collected, including patient characteristics such as body weight, cardiac output, and contrast injection settings. The sample for this study was split into two groups: 100 retrospective and 43 prospective patients. Hounsfield Unit was measured before administering the CA, and it was also measured 30 seconds and 70 seconds after administering the CA in the first group. This group contained 50 patients from a government hospital and another 50 patients from an Non-Governmental hospital. The second group collected patient information, which included the patient's age, weight, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and Creatinine level. HU values were measured before and after the CA was administered at a time estimated by the radiographic technologist based on the HU values reaching 120. The HU values in both groups were analyzed to determine the differences between both HU measurements and to develop an equation for predicting imaging time when employing the automated bolus monitoring technique. The study's findings revealed that there is no difference in age between males and females in all sample patients, and the predictors of the Bolus Time Equation dealt with patient weight, heart rate, Creatinine level, and systolic blood pressure, where the percentage of dependence on these variables was up to 34.9%, and the effect of each variable in the equation had a value of up to 59.1%. The ANOVA test demonstrated that this equation can be relied upon, as the result was p = 0.002. When the equation was used, the findings revealed no discrepancies between the Bolus Time value gathered in the study and the Bolus Time utilizing the equation, with a p-value of (0.992 > 0.05). The HU rate differed significantly between the first group and the second group, where the p-value was 0.00. The research indicated that using bolus monitoring resulted in a wide range of enhancements compared to when fixed-time was used, and the bolus tracking produced better improvement results than fixed-time
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درجة توظيف منحى STEM وعلاقته بالنمو المهنيّ لدى معلمي الفيزياء في المرحلة الثانويّة في مديريات تربية وتعليم محافظة الخليل
(Al-Quds University, 2024-01-06) أريج ياسين عبد الله سيد أحمد; Areej Yaseen Abdallah Sayed Ahmad
هدفت الدراسة للتعرف على درجة توظيف منحى STEM وعلاقته بالنمو المهنيّ لدى معلمي الفيزياء في المرحلة الثانويّة في مديريات تربية وتعليم محافظة الخليل، استخدمت الباحثة المنهج الوصفيّ الارتباطيّ، وقامت ببناء الاستبانة من خلال الاستفادة من الدراسات السّابقة، وتكوّنت عينة الدراسة من (57) معلمًا ومعلمة من معلمي الفيزياء للمرحلة الثانويّة في مدارس مديريات تربية وتعليم محافظة الخليل بنسبة (30%) من مجتمع الدراسة البالغ عددهم (187)، وتم اختيار العينة بالطريقة الطبقيّة العشوائيّة. توصلت الدراسة إلى أن درجة توظيف منحى STEM لدى معلمي الفيزياء في المرحلة الثانويّة في مديريات تربية وتعليم محافظة الخليل كانت بدرجة مرتفعة، وأشارت النتائج إلى عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائيّة بيّن المتوسّطات الحسابيّة لدرجة توظيف منحى STEM لدى معلمي الفيزياء في المرحلة الثانويّة في محافظة الخليل تبعًا لمتغيرات الجنس، المؤهل العلميّ، سنوات الخبرة، والمديريّة، وتوصلت أيضًا إلى أن مستوى النمو المهنيّ لدى معلمي الفيزياء في المرحلة الثانويّة في مديريات تربية وتعليم محافظة الخليل كان بدرجة مرتفعة، كما وأشارت النتائج إلى عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائيّة بيّن المتوسّطات الحسابيّة لمستوى النمو المهني لدى معلمي الفيزياء في المرحلة الثانويّة في محافظة الخليل تبعًا لمتغيرات الجنس، المؤهل العلميّ، سنوات الخبرة، والمديريّة، كما وأشارت النتائج إلى وجود علاقة طرديّة قويّة بين درجة توظيف منحى STEM والنمو المهنيّ لدى معلمي الفيزياء في المرحلة الثانويّة في مديريات تربية وتعليم محافظة الخليل. وبناءً على ذلك توصّي الدراسة بإجراء دراسات مشابهه للكشف عن درجة توظيف منحى STEM لدى معلمي المواد الأخرى في مختلف المراحل التعليمية، وحث المعلمين والمعلمات على متابعة الأبحاث التربوية في مجال تدريس الفيزياء وفق منحى STEM، وإجراء البحوث الإجرائية حول متطلبات توظيف منحى STEM.