In collaboration with US University of Illinois-Champaign, University of Florida, King Saud University in Saudi Arabia, and the Polytechnic Institute in Coimbra, Portugal, a joint research team from Yarmouk university and the University of Science and Technology developed a nano-method made of plant proteins to deliver and preserve vitamin D in everyday food and beverages.
Dr. Yazan Al-Akam, the lead researcher in the research project from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Yarmouk University, said that the project aims at developing a way to improve the supply of vitamin D as a way to prevent corona virus and to mitigate the impact of the lack of sun exposure resulting from the bans, pointing out that before the Corona pandemic, specialists believe that the proportion of Jordanians suffering from vitamin D deficiency or inadequacy is between 50% and 80% while the Corona pandemic has caused an excessive increase in people's demand for the use of vitamin D. He explained that the problem of vitamin D deficiency lies in the ease of breaking it due to acid circles, heat, sunlight/UV rays, and oxidized substances in foods. Thus, the research project extractsthe protein from peas to producenano vectors encapsulating vitamin D and protecting it from all the factors that may lead to its destruction.
He then said that experiments show that such vectors can save vitamin D in several daily food products such as juice (natural and artificial), milk and infant formula, with little effect on taste or color assessed by nutritionists and tasters.He added that this method allows the addition of vitamin D to any product including water. Noteworthy is that the results of the research were accepted in the international journal Nanomaterials (Q1) (the highest rating) with 4.2 effect factor under the title: "Pea Protein Nanoemulsion effectively stabilizes Vitamin D in food products: a potential supplementation during COVID-19 pandemic".
In the context of Yarmouk University 's quest for universality and launching a global academic partnership network with prestigious scientific and academic institutions, Professor Nabil Hailat, President of the University, Prof. Muwaffaq Alomoush, the Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Prof. Dr. Riyadh Al-Momani, Vice President for Scientific Affairs, Dr. Ghazi Magableh, Director of International Relations and Projects Department participated in the Bridgewater State University International Partnership Forum, which was held via Zoom application with attendance of more than 70 participants from 35 universities around the world.
During the meeting, participants exchanged views on the challenges and possibilities of building strong cooperation with partner organizations in the pandemic disaster. Each university president or delegate introduced his institution. Professor Nabil Hailat, president of the university, said that Yarmouk University is the second oldest university in Jordan and houses more than 39,000 students from different nationalities, and currently, the university has students from over 40 countries. He explained that most of the disciplines are taught at the University in addition to having a number of centers serving the community through cooperative partnerships. Prof. Hailat pointed out that the university seeks to build bridges with global academic institutions aiming at strengthening scientific research and enhancing cooperation for the sake of university education advancement.
In turn, President of Bridge Water University delivered a speech praising the collaboration and partnership of the Forum member universities, as their participation had further developed the University and increased the numbers of international students admitted to it, as well as enriched programmes of cooperation with various world universities.
It is worth mentioning that since 2010, a memorandum of understanding for joint cooperation between Yarmouk University and Bridge Water University has been signed and recently renewed. The memorandum of understanding includes cooperation in the areas of scientific research, joint projects, scientific cooperation and exchange of academic visits to students and teaching staff.
Moreover, an agreement between both parties has also been signed, whereby the University of Bridgewater would receive students from Yarmouk University to complete their postgraduate studies free of charge. Seven students had studied at the University of Bridgewater in accordance with this agreement, two of whom are current students. In return, Yarmouk University receives five students from Bridge Water University to study Arabic during the summer semester under specific conditions.
The participation of Yarmouk University in this Forum is meant to build a broad network of relationship with various local, regional, and international universities and academic institutions, which is in line with the University's strategy to move towards universality and strengthen scientific and research links with researchers and academics from different regions of the world.
The President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Nabil Hailat, met with the director of the regional office of the German Scientific Exchange Authority (DAAD), Benjamin Shmaling, discussing ways to strengthen cooperation between the two sides. At the beginning of the meeting, Hailat confirmed the depth of scientific relations between Yarmouk and the "DAAD" through which many Yarmouk students were sent to complete their studies in various German universities, calling for the completion of this active cooperation and the expansion of its base to include "short-term" scientific visits for students and faculty members, which reflects positively on the scientific and cultural outcome of both students and faculty members. He also called on the DAAD to take advantage of the regional office in Amman, which is responsible for DAAD grants in Iraq and Lebanon, stressing Yarmouk's readiness to participate in any scientific projects in cooperation with researchers from these countries in the fields of health and public safety, community service, and humanitarian studies.
For his part, Shmaling expressed the keenness of the regional office of the DAAD to strengthen cooperation with Yarmouk University, which has a distinguished scientific reputation, pointing out that the numbers and forms of grants provided to the students of Jordanian universities vary each year according to the categories and numbers of applicants, which enables university students of different levels and faculties to benefit from them.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Muwaffaq al-Amoush, Prof. Riad Al-Moumni, the Dean of al-Hajjawi Faculty of Technological Engineering, Dr. Muwaffaq Otoom, and the Director of the Department of International Relations and Projects, Dr. Ghazi Maqableh.
Written by: Prof. Nabil QasemHailat/ President of Yarmouk University
Jordanians celebrate on the 25th of May every year an occasion that is considered the most precious in their hearts. On this day, seventy-five years ago, the independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was declared. Perhaps on this day and in the midst of our celebrations of the great victory, we cannot help but remember the martyrs of Jordan and their great sacrifices, and remember with pride what our fathers and grandfathers have achieved in terms of victory and achievement in service for our homeland Jordan, and the concerns of our Arab nation. Congratulations to us and to our youth on this honorable history and this great legacy that Jordan have accomplished, under the leadership of the distinguished sons of Hashem, who gave this country and the issues of the Arab nation great care and consideration, and were able to stand by their generous people to move forward in order to lay solid foundation for a nation that has become a symbol of security and safety, so they built edifices and raised buildings, and made glory and rooted love for the homeland in the souls of people who pledged to God and promised their leader to exert great and precious efforts to keep the flag of Jordan fluttering high over the years.
Independence for Jordanians does not only mean getting rid of the oppression of colonialism and military dependence on the foreigner, but it has a comprehensive and civilized concept which includes all the principles of freedom, justice, equality, freedom of expression, respect for opinion, and the embodiment of the principles of equality and responsibility, regardless of religion and belief. It is a day for all Jordanians, It is a day we celebrate the development of a strong Jordanian human being, who is competent, educated, and moderate who can stand on his feet with all steadfastness and strength and overcome challenges, for the sake of his dignity and the dignity of his homeland.
Independence also means building educational, health, security and economic institutions, as well as achieving balance, growth and community peace with Jordanian hands, and maximizing the achievements of a comprehensive and moderate Jordan, with its balanced local, regional and international ideas and policies that achieve our supreme national interest.
Certainly, independence is not measured by numbers only. If we look at the great achievements in the education and higher education sector - and here we refer to the compulsory education - we find that Jordan has made qualitative leaps in building educational institutions in a short period of time, raising the level of the Jordanian scientist and researcher, corresponding to the global level, as we have become one of the countries that provide the Arab and regional market with qualified competencies of our Jordanian people, armed with leadership skills and able to build and develop, achieve progress and prosperity, and here we can only speak with pride about this country and its great achievements that are based on the fact that "The human being is the most precious".
Independence is represented in the Jordanian state and its Hashemite leadership gaining all respect and appreciation, and a model renewed presence in international and global diplomatic forums, despite the intellectual contradictions and military alliances, the countries and peoples of the world constantly desire the good and continuous dealings with all components of the Jordanian state.
Independence also means the unmarketable ability of the Jordanian state to withstand all the exceptional and sudden challenges and obstacles that affect the Jordanian environment, and its ability to deal with asylum issues at different periods and deal with refugees who sought refuge in Jordan with full capacity, responsibility and humanity, and the application of international standards to preserve Human dignity, whatever its roots, despite the shortage of economic resources and the difficult political situation, but God - the Almighty - always reconcile the decisions of the Jordanian state to serve humanity and crowned it with success.
We do not forget that independence also comprises in showing and highlighting Jordan's role in all sincerity and honesty, and its support for Arab issues, especially the central issue of Palestine, and the defense that accompanies it, led by the Hashemites throughout their honorable history of defending the rights of the Palestinian people, their right to self-determination, and achieving the required support in all international forums, with the assertion that this defense is not a usual one, as much as it is a perception stemming from the doctrine of realizing the right and in support of our Palestinian brothers in building their state on the land of Palestine on the 1967 borders.
On the seventy-fifth anniversary of the independence of our beloved Jordan, we can only pray to God that we celebrate soon the Jordanian Hashemite support for the independence of Palestine, considering that the Palestinian issue is the main concernof the Jordanian state and Jordan's policy.
Happy Independence Day for Jordan and for our leader.
The President of the University, Prof. Nabil Hailat, discussed with the Head of the Psychosocial Support and Trauma Project of the GIZ in Jordan, Dr. Kristin Müller, ways to strengthen cooperation between Yarmouk University and the German Agency for International Cooperation regarding the mechanism of implementing the sustainability plan for the psychosocial support project funded by the German agency, which is implemented by the University through the Refugees and Displaced Persons and Forced Migration Studies Center. Hailat stated that Yarmouk University attaches special importance to the issues of asylum and refugees through subjecting them to scientific research and study. He also stressed the depth of relations between Yarmouk University and the German Agency for International Cooperation, stressing the need to provide all that is required to ensure the implementation of agreements related to international projects.
For her part, Dr. Müller introduced a detailed report containing an assessment of the mechanism for implementing the psychosocial support project over the past three years and the mechanism for implementing the fourth as well as final phase of it, which will be implemented this year through the Refugees Center. She also presented the sustainable plan proposed by the GIZ to ensure the continuation of this project after the end of the funding period.
During the meeting, Dr. Anas al-Suboh, the Director of the Center, presented a brief overview of the center and its future plans to ensure its presence and effectiveness as a strategic unit specializing in refugee studies at the regional and global levels.
The meeting was attended by the Coordinator of the Psychosocial Support Projects at the German Agency in Jordan, Kristisna Maria, and the Deputy Director of the Refugees, Displaced Persons and Forced Migration Studies Center - Coordinator of the third and fourth phases of the project, Dr. Alaa Al-Quda.
The Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Science at Yarmouk University has strengthened its progress in computer science and information systems according to the University's QS Global Ranking (550-500), thus exceeding 50 places compared to last year.
The President of the University, Prof. Nabil Hailat, said that this achievement reflects the spirit of development and innovation of this faculty and the keenness of its professors to reflect their excellence and scientific and research diligence. Hailat also urged other faculties to strive and pay attention to research and scientific publication in the finest scientific journals in the world to obtain such classifications, which contributes to the high status of Yarmouk University.
The Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Samer Samara, thanked the university administration for its support and encouragement of the faculties to move forward towards excellence, explaining that QS is one of the greatest systems adopted globally to evaluate educational institutions according to specialization. He added that this achievement of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Systems reflects the good reputation of the graduates and the research and academic excellence of the faculty members.
For his part, the Director of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Center, Dr. Abd al-Khataiba, stressed the importance of this achievement for the faculty as well as the university and the importance of this classification in achieving quality standards for the university. He noted the importance of publishing distinguished scientific research by faculty members in international classified and prestigious scientific journals.
As part of Yarmouk University's celebrations in the Jordanian State Centenary, Yarmouk University President, Professor. Nabil Hailat announced the foundation of the first research network of female academic faculty members in various faculties under the name of Leading Academics Network "She Leads Network", as to be proud and appreciative of the Jordanian women role and their vital contributions to supporting Jordanian society and evolving its career in diverse fields.
During the meeting with the group of academic femalesin the presence of the Vice President for Academic Affairs professor. Muwaffaq Al-Amoush, and the Director of the department of International Relations and Projects Dr. Ghazi Magableh, Prof. Hailat stated that the launch of this network at Yarmouk University is an activation of the pioneering and innovative role of the 'Yarmouk Academic Female', besides leadership and excellence of Yarmouk University in various fields of knowledge and humanity.
Prefessor Hailat pointed out that Yarmouk University is counting on this academic female elite highly for increased international cooperation and participation in international, regional and local projects, in order to serve the university's goals, and devotes the leading role of women in it.
Dr. Magableh stressed that launching this network comes in line with the Jordanian state's procession towards development and growth, and with Yarmouk University's plan and strategic vision regarding local and regional developments, as well as improving research studies and supporting international projects. Therefore, it is important for the university to have such specialized research team that activates the role of females towards universality and networking with female academics in various international academic and research institutions, within the general framework that concerns women and youth.
He also pointed out that this network will focus on scientific research and research related projects, besides enhancing partnership with the local, regional and international community, and encouraging academic females to search for opportunities and areas of support and development, through cooperation with the organizations and institutions interested in such research projects.
"She Leads Network",team leader, Dr. Ayat Nashwan, highlighted that the foundation of this network at Yarmouk University is a strengthening of its mission and philosophy that based on education and developing scientific research and community service, which in return deepening the role of academic females in it, in order to take the lead in devoting the university's capabilities and responsibilities towards its community.
Dr. Ayat added that the idea of this network is subject to expanding its content and formulating its main duties, objectives and tasks to benefit youth and women, and then transfer it out of campus to include female researchers at the national and international levels.
The President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Nabil Hailat, patronized the inauguration of the Francophone Week through Zoom, which was organized by the Department of Modern Languages in the Faculty of Arts and the Department of International Relations and Projects in cooperation with the French Embassy in Amman as well as the University Agency of Francophonie and the International Francophone Organization.
The president said that Yarmouk is always keen to celebrate Francophonie, which brings together French-speaking people to represent values related to humanity and respect of diversity, pointing out that Francophonie is not only a language and culture, but also a promotion of education, development, vocational training, and sustainable development and economics. He also praised the efforts of professors and students participating in this event, praising the outstanding level of the Department of Modern Languages at the Faculty of Arts, which proved its worth in graduating a group of qualified students in this field, and thanked the embassies of francophone countries for their support and cooperation with Yarmouk University in organizing this event.
For her part, Dr. Batoul Al-Muhaysin, the Head of the Department of Modern Languages, pointed out that Yarmouk is keen to celebrate Francophone Week annually and holds many cultural, artistic, international, and recreational events in French for students of the Department of Modern Languages at the university, thus enhancing students' language skills and improving their proficiency in French.
Dr. Mamoun Al-Shtaiwi, the representative of Yarmouk University at the Francophone University Agency, pointed out that the celebration of Francophone sits in March each year, where this event is a unique experience that provides French speakers or those learning French with the opportunity to practice and celebrate this language by organizing many cultural events and presentations centered on the French language that is spoken by 300 million people around the world. He called on the Francophone countries including France, Canada, Switzerland, and Belgium to support teachers of modern languages, especially French, by developing their language skills, organizing advanced and specialized courses in this field, and securing scholarships and missions for students of modern languages to complete their higher studies in order to keep up with modern scientific developments in the fields of language science and literature.
The ceremony was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts Dr. Mohamed Bani Doumi, Vice Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Osama Al-Omari, the Director of International Relations and Projects, Dr. Ghazi Maqableh, Ms. Julie Mina, who received a scholarship from the French Embassy to teach French in the Department of Modern Languages, a number of faculty members of the university, and a group of students.
The President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Nabil Hailat, discussed with the Director of the Department of Cooperation and Culture at the French Embassy in Amman ways to enhance cooperation between Yarmouk University, the French Embassy in Amman, and French educational institutions. At the beginning of the meeting, Hailat pointed out the depth of cooperation relations between Yarmouk University and the French Embassy in Amman as well as several prestigious French universities. He stated that such cooperation is represented in the activation of exchange programs for students and faculty members, which contributes to enhancing the university's academic and scientific performance across the globe. Hailat also said that the university is now studying the possibility of offering international doctorate programs in cooperation with international universities including the French ones. He also expressed his hope for increasing the number of French scholarships offered to outstanding students of Yarmouk University and the possibility of holding workshops through zoom for faculty members and students by the French Embassy in Amman.
For his part, Roland praised the depth of relations between the two sides, especially in the field of French language education, archaeology, and cultural history, pointing out that the French Embassy seeks to develop French language education in Jordan and is ready to support the related programs, activities, and events. In addition, he declared that the embassy is looking for ways to expand and strengthen possible future cooperation with Yarmouk University, especially in the field of students exchange, faculty exchange, and scientific projects with the French universities of mutual interest.
Noteworthy is that the meeting was attended by the University's Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Prof. Riyad Al-Moumani, the Director of the Department of International Relations and Projects, Dr. Ghazi Maqableh, the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Osama Al-Omari, the Head of the Department of Modern Languages, Dr. Batoul Muhaisen, the French Language teacher at the University, Julie Minat, and Dr. Maamoun Al-Abadi.
The preparation of scientific competencies in various fields of knowledge, and the production of innovative scientific research aims to serve society by providing exemplary education in an intellectually stimulating university environment.
