Islamic University of Gaza

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major occupational health concern among nurses, particularly in high-stress and resource-constrained armed conflict settings. This study assessed the prevalence and occupational and environmental correlates of MSDs among nurses caring for critically ill patients in Gaza City hospitals during the 2023–2025 conflict.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive analytic study was conducted among 172 nurses in intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, operating rooms, and pediatric ICUs. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Arabic Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and ergonomic exposure assessment tools. Descriptive statistics summarized MSD prevalence and workplace exposures. MSD burden, defined as the number of affected body regions over the past 12 months, was analyzed using negative binomial regression, with logistic and multiple linear regression used as exploratory sensitivity analyses.Results: The 12-month prevalence of MSDs was high, most commonly affecting the neck (69.2%), lower back (68.0%), and shoulders (64.5%). Pain intensity was moderate to high, particularly in the lower back (mean 5.31 ± 3.08), and over 70% of nurses reported difficulty performing work tasks due to pain. Ergonomic risks were widespread, including prolonged neck flexion (84.3%) and trunk bending (67.4%). In multivariable negative binomial regression, being married was independently associated with fewer affected body regions (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] = 0.71, p = 0.002), while working in humid environments was associated with higher MSD counts (aIRR = 1.24, p = 0.026). Adequate rest showed a modest protective association (aIRR = 0.82, p = 0.045). Work pace and perceived stress were not independently associated with MSD burden.Conclusion: Critical care nurses in conflict-affected Gaza experience a high burden of MSDs, particularly in the neck and lower back. Workplace humidity and insufficient rest were key modifiable correlates. Occupational health interventions are urgently needed to protect nurses and sustain care delivery.

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is considered a major factor in both severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality. The two main characteristics of preeclamptic patients are high blood pressure and high proteinuria. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of PE among Palestinian pregnant. Methods: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted. Medical records were reviewed for clinical and laboratory results. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to compare cases and controls. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to compare between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was computed to identify factors associated with preeclampsia. Results: A total of 5462 deliveries were recorded, with 109 preeclamptic cases at a rate of 5%. The vast majority of both preeclamptic and the control groups had no previous abortion (69.4% and 85.9% respectively) and first-time pregnancy was higher among the preeclamptic group (38.8%) as compared to the control (15.3%). Maternal age of ≥ 34 years (AOR, 4.87, 95% CI, 1.92-12.37), Gestational age (AOR, 5.75, 95% CI, 2.01-16.45), abortion (AOR, 3.60, 95% CI, 1.51- 8.58), and first pregnancy (AOR, 3.59, 95% CI, 1.57-8.20) were significantly associated with PE. HELP syndrome (AOR, 7.94, 95% CI, 1.44-43.72), organ dysfunction (AOR, 9.02 95% CI, 2.25-36.24), low Hemoglobin (AOR, 1.65, 95% CI, 0.79-3.42), elevated aPTT (AOR, 5.05, 95% CI, 1.70-14.98) were considered risk factors of severe PE. Conclusion: Our findings imply that early systematic evaluation of PE risk factors should be carried out, followed by ongoing vigilant observation of PE symptoms and indications.

This research examines the relationship between Islamic values and the unique gender system in Bugis society in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, which recognizes five gender identities: makkunrai, urané, calalai, calabai, and bissu. Using a descriptive qualitative approach and literature study methods, this research analyzes the cultural, spiritual, and religious aspects of non-binary gender roles in Muslim society. Data were obtained from scientific journals, books, reports, and relevant digital sources related to the topic. The findings indicate that the Bugis community negotiates between Islamic teachings and local traditions, resulting in contextual interpretations that embrace gender diversity. The bissu figure is viewed as a sacred entity and plays an important role in customary ceremonies and the spirituality of the community. Gender identity in Bugis society is understood not only from a biological perspective but as a result of the dynamic interaction between religion, culture, and evolving social roles. This research contributes to the discourse on Islam regarding gender diversity and emphasizes the importance of preserving local wisdom amid the pressures of globalization and conservative religious ideologies. The study recommends a more contextual and humanistic Islamic approach to understanding the diverse social realities.

Various maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques have been proposed to optimize the efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. These techniques differ in several aspects such as design simplicity, convergence speed, implementation types (analog or digital), decision optimal point accuracy, effectiveness range, hardware costs, and algorithmic modes. Choosing the most suitable MPPT controller is crucial in PV system design, as it directly impacts the overall cost of PV solar modules. This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of 64 MPPT techniques for PV solar systems, covering optimization, traditional, intelligent, and hybrid methodologies. A comparative analysis of these techniques, considering cost, tracking speed, and system stability, indicates that hybrid approaches exhibit higher efficiency albeit with increased complexity and cost. Amidst the existing PV system review literature, this paper serves as an updated comprehensive reference for researchers involved in MPPT PV solar system design.

This research aims to harness wind energy to generate power and green hydrogen as a fuel for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The wind‐generated power is divided into two parts: one alleviates Gaza's electrical need, and the other is used to produce hydrogen. The study assesses various wind turbine options, calculates electricity and hydrogen production potential, and quantifies CO 2 emission reductions compared to fossil fuel alternatives. The results shown that the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) are found to be $0.0696/kWh and $4.8/kg, respectively. The lowest levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) delivered, including transportation expenses, has a value of 5.15 $ kg −1 of H 2 . Furthermore, the results reveal that employing a Siemens SWT‐2.3‐93 turbine, which provides an annual energy output of 3910.288 MWh, may cut CO 2 emissions by up to 1071.81 tons if replacing power plants that use fuel oil and 735.134 tons if replacing those that use natural gas. Finally, a comparison of hydrogen fuel cell cars to gasoline and diesel vehicles reveal that 1 kg of hydrogen fuel cells generate 4.85 and 4.45 times more energy than 1 kg of gasoline and diesel, respectively. The findings may be valuable for decision‐makers in the surrounding countries with energy challenges.

Defensive Medicine (DM) is defined as all medical services that physicians provide without real benefit to patients, and the real reasons are to protect themselves from legal issues. Little is known about this issue in the Gaza Strip, from the perspective of physicians. This study aims to assess the prevalence of DM behaviors, associated risk factors, and the mitigation strategies among physicians in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. This study utilized an explanatory sequential mixed methods design including both quantitative and qualitative designs from April 2023 to July 2023 in eight governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip. In the first phase, quantitative data was collected using a self-reported questionnaire through a cross-sectional survey among 200 physicians who were recruited using a simple random sampling method. In the second stage, qualitative data were gathered using a semi-structured interview with ten key informants who were selected via a purposive sampling method to identify mitigation strategies for DM prevalence. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics via SPSS-22. The content analysis method was used to analyze interview data. The prevalence of DM-related behaviors ranged from 30.5% to 75.5%. The highest rate of DM performed behaviors were unnecessary consultations (75.5%), issuing excessive medical instructions (65.5%), referring patients to the emergency room (63.5%), unnecessary imaging (61.5%), and unnecessary laboratory investigations (60.5%). Risk factors in the logistic regression analysis for DM-related behaviors were; gender, work department, qualification, previous lawsuits, type of working shift, and work hours (p < 0.05). The main strategies to prevent or reduce DM are Designed continuous training and teaching programs, the relationship between doctor and patient, reforming the liability and complaints system, Health system reform. The study displayed the proportion of physicians who frequently performed DM-related behaviors and the socio-demographic variables of the physicians that positively affect the frequently performing of the DM-related behaviors. In addition, the study identified four categories of possible solutions to reduce the practice of DM which include designing continuous training and teaching programs, enhancing the trust relationship between physician and patient, reforming the liability and complaints system, and health system reform.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressive infection with high mortality. When NF complicates orthopedic fractures, early recognition is particularly challenging because swelling, erythema, and pain may be misattributed to trauma or postoperative changes. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases up to June 2025 according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Eligible studies included human patients with orthopedic fractures complicated by NF in whom radiologic evaluation and clinical outcomes were reported. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for case reports. Six studies were included, comprising six individual patients with fracture-associated NF. Radiologic evaluation revealed that plain radiographs occasionally demonstrated subcutaneous gas, while CT consistently identified fascial gas, edema, and fluid tracking. MRI was most sensitive for detecting fascial necrosis, particularly in cases under immobilization casts. Clinical outcomes were poor: four patients died, one underwent limb amputation with subsequent death, and one achieved limb salvage with fracture union. Diabetes, ischemia, and virulent pathogens (e.g., Aeromonas hydrophila) were major contributors to adverse prognosis. Reporting of systemic complications, including renal dysfunction, was limited despite their recognized prognostic value. Fracture-associated NF is exceedingly rare but carries devastating outcomes, with mortality in the majority of reported cases. CT and MRI play a critical adjunctive role in diagnosis, but cannot replace urgent surgical exploration. Standardized reporting of systemic complications, especially acute kidney injury, is needed. Multicenter registries are essential to establish more robust diagnostic and prognostic frameworks.

The Gaza Strip is facing a severe electricity crisis due to conflict and dependence on external sources. This study proposes a hybrid stand-alone microgrid for makeshift camps, combining solar panels, battery storage, and a diesel generator to provide reliable and sustainable off-grid power....