Analysis of coffin and shoulder joint lameness with an inertial sensor-based system : impact versus pushoff

Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on September 10, 2012).The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.Thesis advisor: Dr. Kevin KeeganIncludes bibliographical references.M.S. University of Missouri-Columbia 2012."May 2012"Reason for performing the study: An inertial sensor-based system (Lameness Locator[copyright] [LL]) can help veterinarians detect mild lameness. It would be beneficial if this tool could also be used to distinguish lamenesses produced by lesions in different structures. Hypotheses: Coffin arthritis predominantly causes impact lameness while shoulder arthritis predominantly causes pushoff lameness. Objective: To investigate if shoulder arthritis causes pushoff lameness and coffin arthritis causes impact lameness and if these lamenesses can be differentiated by comparing the phase angle of the resultant ray calculated by the LL. Methods: Using a crossover design, coffin and shoulder arthritis were alternately induced in 12 horses with intra-articular injection of IL-1[beta]. Immediately before injection and every 6-12 h thereafter, the horses were evaluated with the LL. This evaluation was performed while the horses were trotted in hand in a straight line on a hard surface for about 120m. The phase angle (= arctangent [MINDIFF mean / MAXDIFF mean]) of each type of lameness (coffin or shoulder arthritis) were compared with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test using data from the last time point before lameness was no longer detectable. Results: No difference could be detected (p=0.625) between the phase angle when coffin (median, 81[degrees]; range, 58-123[degrees]) and shoulder arthritis (median, 86[degrees]; range, 59-104[degrees]) were compared. Conclusion: Coffin arthritis and shoulder arthritis did not consistently cause impact lameness and pushoff lameness, respectively

The dynamics of the CBC Mode of Operation

In cryptography, the Cipher Block Chaining (CBC), one of the most commonly used mode in recent years, is a mode of operation that uses a block cipher to provide confidentiality or authenticity. In our previous research work, we have shown that this mode of operation exhibits, under some conditions, a chaotic behaviour. We have studied this behaviour by evaluating both its level of sensibility and expansivity. In this paper, we intend to deepen the topological study of the CBC mode of operation and evaluate its property of topological mixing. Additionally, other quantitative evaluations are performed, and the level of topological entropy has been evaluated too.Comment: Nonlinearity, IOP Publishing, 2016. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1601.0813

A Proposal of an Excellence and a Performance Appraisal Model Dedicated to Higher Education Institutions

The current research intends to provide a clear understanding of the process of appraising performance inside institutions. In order to alleviate the obstacles that could prevent the achievement of a valuable performance, appraisal in Higher education institutions in Iraq, the main models of excellence that are highly recognized in other international contexts were considered and in-depth depicted for the purpose of proposing a similar model that could be adapted to the University of Al-Qadisiyah affiliated to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Iraq. The axes suggested in the proposed model could support directors and managers of this university, or any other higher education institution, in the fulfilment of a superior performance and excellence

Adapting Distance Online Learning Methods for Communication and Media courses: Perceptions and attitudes

The study revolves around the perceptions of university professors in the Arab region, about the appositeness of using online distance learning (DOL) methods in Communication and Media courses, with a particular emphasis on attitudes towards necessary amendments in curricula, teaching methods, and Courses learning objectives’ (CLOs) assessment tools. The research was guided by the theory of social constructivism, which states that the learning process is established on the basis of "inference" through information and communication technology and the use of cooperative learning strategies so that learners participate in the formulation of goals and reach their achievement. Qualitative analysis based on semi-structured interviews was adopted to address the research questions; Findings showed that several strategies were called upon by the participants such as intensive online discussions, student-activated workshops, and online games; According to participants, online test questions differ from those designed in the paper-based test; they cited many examples such as true or false, multiple choice, short answers, and essay questions. While designing the tests, questions that require good memory have been incorporated, along with others that require deep understanding, analysis and criticism. Finally, it must be emphasized that the use of learning management systems and remote testing was not an option for all participants as several circumstances have prevented certain Arab universities from carrying out these experiments, including poor infrastructure and weak communication network in certain Arab countries, as well as the attitude of some that communication and media courses do not fit the nature of remote exam’ questions

Prevalence, Comparison, and Determinants of Smoking among Young Schoolchildren in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Smoking is one of the most serious health issues among all age groups, particularly in children globally including the Gulf region. However, there are little data about the prevalence in public and private schools and determinants of smoking among adolescents in Saudi Arabia. AIM: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence, compare, and determine smoking habits among male children in public and private schools. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Dammam city, KSA. The data were collected from 866 male children studying in public and private schools. Sample was calculated through stratified random sampling. The modified “Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS)” was used to collect information. RESULTS: The total number of children recruited was 866 (223 from private and 643 from public schools). The mean age of children studied was 14.20 ± 1.03 years in both groups. The result shows that overall 27.8% of children tried to smoke cigarette both in public and private schools. The prevalence of smoking is higher in public schools’ children than in private schools (30% vs. 21%; p = 0.005). In addition, wrong perception of comfortable feeling after smoking, easy access to cigarettes, parent’s addiction, and smoking in front of children are the determining factors. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the prevalence of cigarettes smoking among children exists in considerable proportion. It is higher in public schools children. The health and education authorities should take urgent steps to encounter this major health issue

Evaluating the Strategic Performance in Yemens Public Universities from the Point of View of Experts

The aim of the research is to evaluate the strategic performance in Yemeni government universities from the point of view of experts, by identifying the level of practice of administrative performance and academic performance in its various fields, according to the opinions of experts. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive analytical approach was used through a closed questionnaire designed, according to the modified Delphi method, distributed among an intentional sample of (31) experts. (Administrative performance-Academic performance) came at a low score, with an average of (2.21) for the tool as a whole. As for the axes, they were respectively, (2.21, 2.22). The study also found that there are no statistically significant differences between the experts’ estimates due to the variables (scientific degree, current job, years experience). Accordingly, the study recommends expanding the dissemination of a clear vision among university employees, beneficiaries and stakeholders about the concept of strategic performance evaluation. In addition, the use of information and technology technologies in strategic performance evaluation processes

Evaluation Strategic Performance in Yemens Public Universities from the Point of View of Experts

The aim of the research is to evaluate the strategic performance in Yemeni government universities from the point of view of experts, by identifying the level of practice of administrative performance and academic performance in its various fields, according to the opinions of experts. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive analytical approach was used through a closed questionnaire designed, according to the modified Delphi method, distributed among an intentional sample of (31) experts. (Administrative performance-Academic performance) came at a low score, with an average of (2.21) for the tool as a whole. As for the axes, they were respectively, (2.21, 2.22). The study also found that there are no statistically significant differences between the experts’ estimates due to the variables (scientific degree, current job, years experience). Accordingly, the study recommends expanding the dissemination of a clear vision among university employees, beneficiaries and stakeholders about the concept of strategic performance evaluation. In addition, the use of information and technology technologies in strategic performance evaluation processes

Strategic Intelligence and its Impact on Knowledge Management Governance :a Field Study on the University of Science & Technology-Yemen

The research aims to investigate the impact of strategic intelligence on knowledge management governance at the University of Science and Technology. To achieve the research objectives, the analytical descriptive method was used through a questionnaire distributed to a targeted population of (36) individuals comprised of the Universitys academic and administrative leaders. The study found that the level of exercise of strategic intelligence and knowledge management governance were high, as well as there is a statistically significant impact of strategic intelligence on knowledge management governance. The study recommended enhancing the awareness of the academic and administrative leaders of the University and the rest of the Universitys staff on the concepts of strategic intelligence and knowledge management governance and maintaining their level of practice