Variable Block Size Motion Compensation In The Redundant Wavelet Domain

Video is one of the most powerful forms of multimedia because of the extensive information it delivers. Video sequences are highly correlated both temporally and spatially, a fact which makes the compression of video possible. Modern video systems employ motion estimation and motion compensation (ME/MC) to de-correlate a video sequence temporally. ME/MC forms a prediction of the current frame using the frames which have been already encoded. Consequently, one needs to transmit the corresponding residual image instead of the original frame, as well as a set of motion vectors which describe the scene motion as observed at the encoder. The redundant wavelet transform (RDWT) provides several advantages over the conventional wavelet transform (DWT). The RDWT overcomes the shift invariant problem in DWT. Moreover, RDWT retains all the phase information of wavelet coefficients and provides multiple prediction possibilities for ME/MC in wavelet domain. The general idea of variable size block motion compensation (VSBMC) technique is to partition a frame in such a way that regions with uniform translational motions are divided into larger blocks while those containing complicated motions into smaller blocks, leading to an adaptive distribution of motion vectors (MV) across the frame. The research proposed new adaptive partitioning schemes and decision criteria in RDWT that utilize more effectively the motion content of a frame in terms of various block sizes. The research also proposed a selective subpixel accuracy algorithm for the motion vector using a multiband approach. The selective subpixel accuracy reduces the computations produced by the conventional subpixel algorithm while maintaining the same accuracy. In addition, the method of overlapped block motion compensation (OBMC) is used to reduce blocking artifacts. Finally, the research extends the applications of the proposed VSBMC to the 3D video sequences. The experimental results obtained here have shown that VSBMC in the RDWT domain can be a powerful tool for video compression

Impact of English Orthography on Learning English Sounds and Spelling

In order to learn or study English as a foreign language, the learner must be aware of pronunciation skills besides other skills which are of great importance for studying it. In Sudan, there is a large number of people who are interested in learning English as a foreign language. Among them are the students of English language at the University of Gezira. Many studies have demonstrated that the errors made by the speakers of other language who speak English, are systematic rather than random. For instance, scholars and linguists demonstrated that Arab learners of English face problems in pronunciation of sound which they are not familiar with. The present study is limited to the University of Gezira, Faculty of Education – Hassahisa English Department, students during the academic year 2015-2016 and the teachers who teach at University of Gezira-Faculty of Education Hantoub-English Department. The researcher followed the analytical descriptive method to carry out the study. The tools used by the researcher were i) a test for students of 3rd Semester at the University of Gezira, Faculty of Education, Hassahiesa ii) a questionnaire for teachers at University of Gezira, Faculty of Education-Hantoub. Correct pronunciation and spelling have been always a great challenge for the EFL learners. The present research is at attempt to find that how English orthography affects the learning of English sounds and spelling. Moreover, the research may benefit syllabus designers as well as English students who are specialized in the field of English Language by providing lights and hints in the scope of how to write in correct spelling. Keywords: orthography, pronunciation, EFL, University of Gezira, descriptive metho

Characterization of bending fatigue mini-specimens for nuclear materials

New materials with superior radiation and corrosion resistance are needed to improve the economy and performance of current nuclear reactors as well as future nuclear reactors. Measurement of mechanical properties of the material of equipment is required to estimate its safe operating life. Studying fatigue of irradiated specimens is challenging due to space limitation in research reactors (e.g. ATR). The mini-specimen bending fatigue (Krouse-type) of nuclear materials was used to study fatigue properties and compare the obtained results with that of reference data of full size specimen. These Krouse-type were made of austenitic SS304, SS316, HT9 ferritic martensitic steel, and Incoloy alloy MA956 oxide dispersion strengthens (ODS). A comparison between the mini-specimens and the standard specimen ASTM B593 had similar design but a smaller size. The bending fatigue machine VSS-40H was designed and LEF-150 was modified with a specially designed adapter to test the fatigue of the mini-specimen. Consequently, the S-N curve for both HT9 and Incoloy alloy MA956 were defined. The endurance limits were measured to be 94 MPa for HT9 and 132 MPa for Incoloy alloy MA956. The finite element model code ABAQUS was used to estimate the level of stress in the bent mini specimen. The plots indicated that the 3- parameter Weibull distribution fits the data well. The correlation coefficient value for 3-parameter Weibull was improved and increased by 33.66 % for the HT9, 30.88% for the as-received and 26.51% for the thermal aging for Incoloy alloy MA956. The thermal aging process had little impact on the mini-specimens fatigue life. The analysis of error propagation of specimen\u27s stress has been observed that the most of the error was in deflection measurements. Thus this Krouse-type was seen as the solution to studying fatigue of irradiated specimens as it can solve the challenge of limitation of space in research reactors. --Abstract, page iv

geodynamic characteristics of the Nile Craton-Nubian Shield boundary

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Saudi SCD patients’ symptoms and quality of life relative to the number of ED visits

Background Individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD) have significantly increased emergency department (ED) use compared to the general population. In Saudi Arabia, health care is free for all individuals and therefore has no bearing on increased ED visits. However, little is known about the relationship between quality of life (QoL) and frequency of acute care utilization in this patient population. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 366 patients with SCD who attended the outpatient department at King Fahad Hospital, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through self-administered surveys, which included: demographics, SCD-related ED visits, clinical issues, and QoL levels. We assessed the ED use by asking for the number of SCD-related ED visits within a 6-month period. Results The self-report survey of ED visits was completed by 308 SCD patients. The median number of SCD-related ED visits within a 6-month time period (IQR) was four (2-7 visits). According to the unadjusted negative binomial model, the rate of SCD-related ED visits increased by (46, 39.3, 40, and 53.5 %) for patients with fever, skin redness with itching, swelling, and blood transfusion, respectively. Poor QoL tends to increase the rate of SCD-related ED visits. Well education and poor general health positively influenced the rate of SCD-related ED visits. Well education tends to increase the rate of SCD-related ED visits by 50.2 %. The rate of SCD-related ED visits decreased by 1.4 % for every point increase in general health. Conclusion Saudi patients with sickle cell disease reported a wide range of SCD-related ED visits. It was estimated that six of 10 SCD patients had at least three ED visits within a 6-month period. Well education and poor general health resulted in an increase in the rate of SCD-related ED visits

Expression of cyclin D1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Cyclin D1 expression regulates normal cell cycle. Its deregulation or overexpression may cause disruption in the normal cell cycle control and lead to cancer progression. In this study, we aimed to study the expression of cyclin D1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and find its association with the different grades of oral tumors, if any.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 40 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks specimens of OSCC with variable grades. The expression of cyclin D1 was evaluated through immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.Results: A total of 40 (9 female and 31 male) samples were included, with a maleto-female ratio of 3.4:1. The age ranged between 25 and 90 years with an average age of 65.5 years. Twenty-five (62.5%) samples were diagnosed as well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (WDSCC) and fifteen (37.5%) as poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (PDSCC). No cases of moderately differentiated squamous carcinoma were included in the study. The expression of cyclin D1 was detected in the cases of WDSCC and a lesser expression was seen in the PDSCC with a P-value of 0.0003, OR 1581 and 95% CI (29.8239 to 83810.7113).Conclusion: Cyclin D1 is expressed in OSCC and stronger expression was detected in WDSCC

Intermediate Role of the Criterion of Focus on the Students Benefiting in the Relationship between Adopting the Criterion of Partnership and Resources and Achieving Community Satisfaction in the Palestinian Universities

The study aimed at identifying the intermediate role of the criterion of emphasis on students and beneficiaries in the relationship between adopting the criterion of partnership and resources and achieving the satisfaction of the society. The study used the analytical descriptive method. The study was conducted on university leadership in Al-Azhar, Islamic and Al-Aqsa Universities. The sample of the study consisted of (200) individuals, 182 of whom responded, and the questionnaire was used in collecting the data. The study reached a number of results, the most important of which were: The level of adoption by the Palestinian universities of the criterion of partnership and resources came to a large extent. The level of adoption by the Palestinian universities of the criterion of emphasis on the beneficiary students was very high. The criterion of partnership and resources to achieve the satisfaction of the community surrounding the Palestinian universities, the existence of a statistically significant impact of the adoption of the criterion of partnership and resources to strengthen the focus on students benefiting in Palestinian universities, The focus on the students benefiting from the satisfaction of the community surrounding the Palestinian universities, the existence of a statistically significant impact on the adoption of the criterion of partnership and resources to achieve the satisfaction of the community surrounding the Palestinian universities, The study presented a number of recommendations, most important of which are: Increase interest in the resource and partnership criterion through enhancing the university's resources and developing internal and external partnerships to serve the university and the society. Increase the focus on students and beneficiaries by providing an appropriate educational environment and academic programs that meet the needs of the labor market. Through the strengthening of existing community service centers and the establishment of new community centers, strengthening the partnership of industrial companies and promoting scientific research for the benefit of universities and society

The Availability of the Resource Standard and Partnership as One of the Possibilities of Excellence in Palestinian Universities According to the European Model

The study aimed to identify the availability of the resource and partnership standard as one of the possibilities of excellence in Palestinian universities according to the European model. The study used the analytical descriptive method. The study was conducted on the university leadership at Al - Azhar and Islamic Universities, where the study population consisted of (282) individuals. The study sample consisted of (135) individuals, (119) of them responded, and the questionnaire was used in collecting the data. The study has reached a number of results, the most important of which is the existence of a high standard of resources and partnership in the Palestinian public universities operating in the southern governorates. The fields of the resource and partnership criteria were as follows: (79.8%) management of internal and external partnerships; management of technical resources (technology) (76.4%), Buildings, equipment and resources (76%), Finance Management (72.8%). The study presented a number of recommendations, the most important of which is: Increasing the interest of universities in applying the criteria of resources and partnership as one of the criteria of excellence, increasing the interest of universities in managing finance and obtaining funding for their various activities, periodic maintenance of buildings and equipment and ensuring their suitability to the requirements of the educational process

Autoantibodies in Viral Infections

The immune system’s ability to distinguish self from nonself is essential for initiating host defense against microbial antigens and protection of self-antigens from autoimmune-associated destruction. Virus infections have been implicated in the initiation of multiple human autoimmune diseases. This chapter aims to summarize the main principles for some specific viral infections and the subsequent production of autoantibodies resulting in the initiation, progression, and perpetuation of autoimmune diseases. Various mechanisms by which virus infections can induce autoimmune responses including molecular mimicry and epitope spreading are discussed with respect to these viruses, and evidence implicating virus infections in the pathogenesis of various human autoimmune diseases is reviewed. A better understanding of the viral origin of autoimmune diseases is an important step in the identification of high-risk patients as well as designing prevention and disruption strategies

THE IMPACT OF A NUMBER OF CHOICES IN A TEST ON THE DIFFICULTY INDICATORS AND DISCRIMINATION

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between a number of choices (alternatives) in a test, and the difficulty indicators and discrimination. A test of multiple choices on statistics students at the University of Jordan was used in this study. The test consisted of 30 items, and three forms (models). Also, a sample of 350 students was studied. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and Bilog-Mg were used for the analysis of the data based on the Two parameter models. Therefore, the findings of the present study uncovered a negative association between the number of choices and the difficulty indicator and discrimination