Implementation of Viterbi decoder on Xilinx XC4005XL FPGA

The Viterbi decoding algorithm is used to decode convolutional codes and is found in many systems that receive digital data that might contain errors. The use of error-correcting codes has proven tobe an effective way to overcome data corruption in digital communication channels. In previous works, researchers describe the Viterbi Algorithm, but the accuracy does not exceed 10% of data points. Also, a lot of previous works do not follow IEEE 802.16 new specifications. Viterbi decoders are generally implemented using programmable digital signal processors (DSPs) or special purpose chip sets and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Here, we aim to implement such decoder on an FPGA. In This paper, we provide a more accurate Viterbi decoder according to IEEE 802.16 specifications. We used VHDL hardware description language to implement the algorithm. We also used OrCAD Capture V9.1 to compile, synthesize, and simulate our code. IEEE 802.16 standard specifies the air interface of fixed point-to-multipoint broadband wireless access (BWA) systems providing multiple services. This standard is intended to enable rapid worldwide deployment of broadband wireless access products. The new IEEE 802.16 specifications require a Viterbi block decoder with constraint length of 3, traceback length of 32, and minimum throughput requirement of 44.8 Mbps. The Implementation parameters for the decoder have been determined through simulation and the decoder has been implemented on a Xilinx XC4005XL FPGA

Alignment of Intended Learning Outcomes with Quellmalz Taxonomy and Assessment Practices in Early Childhood Education Courses

The aim of this study is twofold: (1) to investigate the alignment of the course intended learning outcomes with Quellmalz Taxonomy; and (2) to investigate the alignment of the course intended learning outcomes with assessment practices in early childhood education courses. Data have been gathered from different sources for the purpose of qualitative and quantitative approaches. The data consisted of overall course outcomes, all formal assessment papers used in the mid-term, final – term assessment and in – depth interviews with the instructors who teach 8 randomly selected childhood education courses. The results of the study have shown poor reflection of Quellmalz Taxonomy in the learning outcomes and weak alignment between the intended learning outcomes and the assessment practices of the sample courses used at the end of the semester. A list of recommendations has been suggested to improve the alignment of intended learning outcomes with Quellmalz Taxonomy and assessment practices. Keywords: Alignment, Intended Learning Outcomes, Quellmalz Taxonomy, Assessment Practices, Early Childhood Education

The Concept of Simile in Relevance Theory: An Analysis of the Degree of Relevance of the Simile “Houris” in the Holy Qur\u27an

This study deals with simile as a figure of speech in the field of theoretical linguistics and relevance theory. It presents a model in analyzing the degree of relevance in comparing “Houris” in the Quranic discourse, based on the inductive approach in reviewing related literature and the descriptive approach in selecting the material. In other words, this study further illustrates some of its pragmatic functions via Qur\u27anic discourse by utilizing the selected simile of Houris -the nymphs of paradise in the Qur\u27anic verses: and wide-eyed houris, as the likeness of nestled pearls (Al-Waqi\u27ah: 22-23). The use of relevance theory here reaffirms the analytical benefits of cognitive linguistic accounts. This paper is divided into two main sections. The first section is for providing conceptual clarity to the notion of simile as a single basic phenomenon. The second section provides the practical application of the study’s theoretical premise by scrutinizing the realization the Degree of Relevance of the simile “Houris” in the Holy Qur\u27an. This study finds that simile is more related to metaphor than to literal comparison. Unlike literal comparison, both metaphor and simile figuratively involve ad hoc concepts, even though the concepts work, and are constructed and perceived differently. It further reveals that Qur\u27anic simile is used as a cognitive tool that facilitates inferential and interpretative processes via its communication of abstract and unseen and nuanced themes of God’s message to its audience. The houris\u27 similes essentially provide its recipients with strong ostensive stimuli with strong contextual effects, while the contents enable them to exert the least cognitive effort to grasp the intangible and immeasurable, and infer the utterance intended meaning

Semiotic manifestations in Novel Bilal\u27s Code by Ahmed Khairy Al-Omari

Semiotic analysis is concerned with monitoring the signs that reveal the components of text. This study aims to highlight the defining semiotic features included in Ahmed Al-Omari\u27s Bilal\u27s Code with particular reference to semiotic features including title, cover, dedication, preface, semiotics of colors, body language, characters, and time and place components. Using the descriptiveanalytical method based on the mechanisms of semiotic analysis, the study tries to highlight the features of the semiotic formation that has played an important role in the foundation of the novel\u27s aesthetic and narrative structure.The study came up with a number of results. The cover of the novel opened the text space on the symbols of racism and rebellion against torture. The title of the novel underlines significant connotations that the receiver has to unravel in order to study the relation between the symbol of the code and the connotations associated with the name Bilal. The beginning of the novel also highlighted Bilal\u27s character, a child who possessed the qualities of boldness, endurance, and secrecy. The author also made use of the language of eyes in terms of sarcasm, love and hatred, perplexity and indifference. The features of the face and its expressive forms ranged from a face symbolizing identity, a face devoid of feelings, and a worried face. The tones of the voice also varied to indicate enthusiasm at times, astonishment in addition to sarcasm, anger and pain .Each character is associated with a symbol that goes along with its nature and its characteristics related to color and behavior. The novel also highlighted the semiotic significance of time and place

Primary healthcare reform in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

Palestinian refugees served by the United Nation Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) are experiencing increasing rates of diagnosis of non-communicable diseases. In response, in 2011 UNRWA initiated an Agency-wide programme of primary healthcare reform, informed by the Chronic Care Model framework. Health services were reorganized following a family-centred approach, with delivery by multidisciplinary family health teams supported by updated technical advice. An inclusive clinical information system, termed e-Health, was implemented to collect a wide range of health information, with a focus on continuity of treatment. UNRWA was able to bring about these wide-ranging changes within its existing resources, reallocating finances, reforming its payment mechanisms, and modernizing its drug-procurement policies. While specific components of UNRWA's primary healthcare reform are showing promising results, additional efforts are needed to empower patients further and to strengthen involvement of the community

Maternal Anemia in Rural Jordan: Room for Improvement

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to estimate the prevalence and determine factors associated with anemia among pregnant women in rural Jordan. A cohort of 700 pregnant women from a National Health Service hospital and ten health centers completed a questionnaire. Of the total, 243 (34.7%) had anemia. The prevalence was the highest for women in their 3rd trimester (42.5%) compared to those in 2nd trimester (32.7%) and 1st trimester (18.9%). Gestational age, body mass index, history of previous surgery, and multivitamin intake during pregnancy were significantly associated with anemia. Women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters had higher odds of anemia (OR = 2.2 and 3.3, resp.). Underweight women had higher odds of anemia (OR = 2.9). History of previous surgery and multivitamin intake during pregnancy were associated with higher odds of anemia (OR = 1.6 and 1.9, resp.)

Nutritional Status among Children under Five Years in Amman, Jordan

Objectives: There is scarcity of data on malnutrition among children in Jordan. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the nutritional status and estimate the prevalence rates of stunting, underweight, and wasting and their associated factors among children under five. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2017 among children under five years in Amman, Jordan. All Jordanian children under five years who visited the selected health centers for vaccination or accompanied their mothers during the study period were included in this study. Mothers or caregivers of children were interviewed face-to face using the study questionnaire. Weight in kilograms and height in centimeters were measured for all children. Anthropometric indices were calculated using reference medians recommended by the World Health Organization. Results: This study included a total of 923 (463 boys and 460 girls) children. The prevalence rates of stunting, underweight, and wasting were 6.2%, 3.8%, and 2.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that low birth weight was significantly associated with stunting (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.4,6.0; p-value=0.003) and underweight (OR =5.6, 95% CI: 2.5,12.3, p-value <0.001). Compared to exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding was associated with increased odds of stunting (OR =2, 95% CI: 1.1-3.9, p-value =0.029) and underweight (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.002, 5.0; p = 0.049). None of the variables were significantly associated with wasting. Conclusions: The prevalence rates of stunting, wasting and undernutrition among children under five years in Jordan are low. Low birth weight and mixed feeding were associated with higher rates of malnutrition

Clostridium difficile : Infection, diagnosis and treatment with antimicrobial drugs : A review article

Clostridium difï¬cile infection (CDI) is increasing problem in healthcare, associated with high incidence, mortality, and costs in hospitalized patients.  Dramatic increases in the incidence and severity of healthcare-associated C. difficile infection have occurred since the last decade, including elderly population, young adults, pregnant females, infants and children. C. difï¬cile infections are mainly linked to the prolonged use of wide-spectrum antibiotics that disrupt the intestinal microbiota equilibrium. Toxigenic strains of C. difï¬cile commonly produce two clostridial toxins, toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB), to which disease symptoms are attributed. Few strains of C. difï¬cile may also produce another more powerful binary toxin associated with high fatality. The clinical manifestations of infection with toxin-producing strains of C. difï¬cile range from symptomless carriage, to mild or moderate watery-bloody diarrhea, and few percentage developed fulminant and sometimes fatal pseudomembranous colitis. Complications that have been associated with CDI include dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, toxic megacolon, bowel perforation, hypotension, renal failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and death. The most important step in treating CDI is immediately discontinuing use of offending antimicrobial drug. Both metronidazole and vancomycin are equally effective for the treatment of mild CDI, but vancomycin is superior for treating patients with severe C. difï¬cile disease. Recently, fidaxomicin proved to be superior to other drugs in treatment of patients who are at high risk for CDI relapse.Â

Awareness and factors influencing breast reconstruction in the Gaza Strip: a cross-sectional study

Background Women are usually given two options after a mastectomy. They can either wear a prosthesis or have a breast reconstruction. Unfortunately, many women in the Gaza Strip are unaware of these options. The aim of this study was to shed light on the awareness and sociocultural factors in women who underwent mastectomy before choosing between options. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recruited patients who underwent mastectomy in the Gaza Strip. All participants completed a face-to-face questionnaire between Aug 1, 2015, and April 30, 2016. Verbal consent was obtained from all participants. Findings 173 women with a mean age 51 years (SD 10) were enrolled in this study. 90 (52%) women had low income, and 36 (21%) women had a first-degree relative with breast cancer. 133 (77%) women underwent radical mastectomy, and 29 (17%) women had breast-conserving surgery. 96 (55