Modification and Analysis of a Two-Axis Solar Tracking System

Solar tracking is related to moving the solar panels in such a way that its solar panel always points toward the sun which results in maximum output. The goal of this research was to modify and improve a two-axis solar tracking system. The rotation of the module is controlled by a rotational motor and the tilt is controlled by a linear actuator. The motion and direction of these two motors is controlled by an Arduino code which compares the electrical current going through four mini solar collectors (used as sensors) mounted in orthogonal pairs at the top of the PV panel. If a solar collector has a higher current reading, then it is exposed to more sunlight, so the panel is adjusted until all of the mini solar collectors have nearly the same current output, and thus are receiving the same amount of sunlight. Testing of the designed system was performed alongside an identical, stationary solar panel, which allows for a direct comparison between the electrical outputs of the two solar panels.https://digitalworks.union.edu/steinmetz_posters/1011/thumbnail.jp

A profiling-based algorithm for exams’ scheduling problem

Typically, the problem of scheduling exams for universities aims to determine a schedule that satisfies logistics constraints, including the number of available exam rooms and the exam delivery mode (online or paper-based). The objective of this problem varies according to the university’s requirements. For example, some universities may seek to minimize operational costs, while others may work to minimize the schedule's length. Consequently, the objective imposed by the university affects the complexity of the problem. In this study, we present a grouping-based approach designed to address the problem of scheduling the exam timetable. The approach begins by profiling the courses’ exams based on their requirements, grouping exams with similar requirements to be scheduled at the same time. Then, an insertion strategy is used to obtain the exam schedule while satisfying the imposed constraints of the targeted university. We applied this approach to the problem of exam scheduling at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University in Jordan and achieved a balanced exam schedule that met all the imposed constraints

Exploring the Relationship between MIS and Decision-Making Process at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University

This study aims to identify the role of management information systems (MIS) towards decision-making in Al-Hussein Bin Talal University (AHU). To accomplish the objective of the study, the following hypotheses were formulated: There are NO statistically significant differences between MIS and the effectiveness of the decision-making process (DMP) at AHU. There are NO statistically significant differences in the attitudes of employees at AHU on the role of MIS in the effectiveness of (DMP) due to their demographic variables (gender, age, marital status, job experience, and scientific qualification). The study followed the analytical descriptive approach, a questionnaire was designed to collect the data, it was distributed to a sample of (180) managerial and academic staff of decision-makers at AHU with a recovery rate of (89%). The most important results are: There is a statistically significant relationship between MIS and the decision-making process effectiveness in AHU, The results also showed there are statistically significant differences between the role of management information systems in making decisions due to the variables (age, job experience, and scientific qualification). While there are no statistically significant differences of (gender and marital status) variables, the study recommend the need to increase the support of senior management at AHU for users of information systems, the need to provide training and development programs for them and the need to increase attention to MIS through regular maintenance, continuous development, protection of information, and building an integrated electronic system at the level of all Jordanian universities that guarantees participation as well as safe and effective information exchange between them

Cloud data security and various cryptographic algorithms

Cloud computing has spread widely among different organizations due to its advantages, such as cost reduction, resource pooling, broad network access, and ease of administration. It increases the abilities of physical resources by optimizing shared use. Clients’ valuable items (data and applications) are moved outside of regulatory supervision in a shared environment where many clients are grouped together. However, this process poses security concerns, such as sensitive information theft and personally identifiable data leakage. Many researchers have contributed to reducing the problem of data security in cloud computing by developing a variety of technologies to secure cloud data, including encryption. In this study, a set of encryption algorithms (advance encryption standard (AES), data encryption standard (DES), Blowfish, Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) encryption, and international data encryption algorithm (IDEA) was compared in terms of security, data encipherment capacity, memory usage, and encipherment time to determine the optimal algorithm for securing cloud information from hackers. Results show that RSA and IDEA are less secure than AES, Blowfish, and DES). The AES algorithm encrypts a huge amount of data, takes the least encipherment time, and is faster than other algorithms, and the Blowfish algorithm requires the least amount of memory space

Collaboration in orthodontic clinical trials: prevalence and association with sample size and funding

Abstract Background To assess patterns of research collaboration in orthodontics and possible relationships with sample size and funding status. Methods Orthodontic randomised and non-randomised controlled clinical trials published between 2013 and 2017 were identified through electronic searching. The nature of collaboration, author institutions, study setting, sample size, and funding status were assessed. Linear and logistic regression analyses were applied. Results Of 1153 studies, 217 met the selection criteria. The majority of studies were authored by university academics (86%), were conducted in a single centre (71.9%) and in at least one university hospital (68.2%). The number of practice-based trials (10.1%), as well as the involvement of specialist practitioners (5.2%) in co-authorship, was limited. Multi-centred studies within a single country were associated with a significantly larger sample size compared to single-centred trials (P = 0.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 33.59, 106.93). However, authorship collaboration either nationally (odds ratio [OR] 2.37; 95% CI 0.85, 6.57) or internationally across different continents (OR 5.54; 95% CI 0.62, 49.52) did not translate into increased funding. Conclusions Most orthodontic studies were undertaken in university hospital settings within a single country. Collaboration is common in orthodontics but involvement of practice settings remains limited, suggesting a need for stimulation of practice-based research and research partnerships

Unmasking Coincident Hodgkin Lymphoma and Giant Cell Tumor: Insights from [18F] FDG PET/CT

Tenosynovial giant cell tumors represent a group of typically non-malignant tumors found within the joints and soft tissues. The occurrence of tenosynovial giant cell tumor alongside hematologic malignancies is an infrequent finding. Herein, we report a patient who presented with coinciding Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) and tenosynovial giant cell tumor before chemotherapy initiation. The case was discovered during initial assessment using [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging for HL staging. An unrelated hypermetabolic mass within the left knee joint led to the discovery of this unusual case, which led to a CT-guided biopsy and tenosynovial giant cell tumor discovery. This was clearly demonstrated in interim and end-of-therapy PET/CT studies when all lymphomatous lesions had resolved but the tenosynovial giant cell tumor remained. This case serves as a reminder of the intricate nature of oncological pathology and emphasizes the need for thorough and vigilant diagnostic evaluation for optimal management plan

Factors influencing adherence to vacuum-formed retainer wear: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore factors influencing adherence to vacuum-formed retainer wear over a minimum period of four years. DESIGN: A qualitative study based on a randomised controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of orthodontic retainers. SETTING: Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen participants wearing vacuum-formed retainers for at least four years. METHODS: One-to-one semi-structured interviews were undertaken on a criterion-based purposive sample of participants wearing vacuum-formed retainers. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Framework Methodology. RESULTS: High self-reported levels of adherence in the early stages of retention were linked to a desire to maintain orthodontic outcomes and the negative perception of potential post-treatment changes. However, adherence typically reduced over time due to a combination of factors including the negative impact of retainers on quality of life and pragmatic issues related to retainer wear. Network support was found to be important in the short and long term, with instances of self-directed wear and negative beliefs concerning the importance of retainer wear and predisposition to post-treatment changes. Lack of follow-up appointments and immaturity of participants prompted independent decisions to cease retainer wear. CONCLUSIONS: Six key influencers of prolonged adherence with vacuum-formed retainer wear were identified. Future strategies to improve adherence should account for these while also being responsive to time elapsed since debond and patient age.European Orthodontic SocietySaudi Arabian Cultural Bureau

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a tailored mobile application in increasing the duration of wear of thermoplastic retainers: a randomized controlled trial.

This article has been accepted for publication in European Journal of Orthodontics Published by Oxford University PressBACKGROUND: The 'My Retainers' mobile application is a patient-informed intervention designed to enhance removable retainer wear and associated patient experiences during the retention phase. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of receiving the 'My Retainers' application on objectively assessed thermoplastic retainer (TPR) wear time, stability, periodontal outcomes, patient experiences, and knowledge related to retainers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four participants planned for removable retention with TPRs were assigned either to receive the 'My Retainers' application or to control not receiving electronic reminders during the 3-month period. Randomization was based on computer-generated random numbers and allocation was concealed using opaque, sealed envelopes. The primary outcome was objectively assessed retainer wear recorded using an embedded TheraMon® micro-electronic sensor. Secondary outcomes, including irregularity of the maxillary and mandibular incisors, plaque levels, bleeding on probing and probing depth, were assessed at baseline and 3-month follow-up; and analysed using a series of mixed models. Experiences and knowledge related to orthodontic retainers were recorded using questionnaires. The outcome assessor was blinded when possible. RESULTS: Receipt of the mobile application resulted in slightly higher median wear time (0.91 hours/day); however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.19, 4.01). No significant differences were found between the treatment groups in terms of stability (P = 0.92; 95% CI: -0.03, 0.04), plaque levels (P = 0.44; 95% CI: -0.07, 0.03), bleeding on probing (P = 0.61; 95% CI: -0.05, 0.03) and probing depth (P = 0.79; 95% CI: -0.09, 0.07). Furthermore, similar levels of patient experiences (P = 0.94) and knowledge related to retainers (P = 0.26) were found. However, marginally better levels of knowledge were identified in the intervention group. No harms were observed. LIMITATIONS: A relatively short follow-up period with the study confined to a single-center in a university-based hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Provision of the bespoke 'My Retainers' application did not lead to an improvement in adherence with TPR wear over a 3-month follow-up period. Further refinement and research are required to develop and investigate means of enhancing adherence levels. CLINICAL REGISTRATION: NCT03224481.This work was supported by funding from the European Orthodontic Society. DA’s PhD is funded by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau

Effects of fixed vs removable orthodontic retainers on stability and periodontal health: 4-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION Our objectives were to compare the stability of treatment and periodontal health with fixed vs removable orthodontic retainers over a 4-year period. METHODS A 4-year follow-up of participants randomly assigned to either mandibular fixed retainers from canine to canine or removable vacuum-formed retainers was undertaken. Irregularity of the mandibular anterior segment, mandibular intercanine and intermolar widths, arch length, and extraction space opening were recorded. Gingival inflammation, calculus and plaque levels, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing were assessed. The outcome assessor was blinded when possible. RESULTS Forty-two participants were included in the analysis, 21 per group. Some relapse occurred in both treatment groups at the 4-year follow-up; however, after adjusting for confounders, the median between-groups difference was 1.64 mm higher in participants wearing vacuum-formed retainers (P = 0.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30, 2.98 mm). No statistical difference was found between the treatment groups in terms of intercanine (P = 0.52; 95% CI, -1.07, 0.55) and intermolar (P = 0.55; 95% CI, -1.72, 0.93) widths, arch length (P = 0.99; 95% CI, -1.15, 1.14), and extraction space opening (P = 0.84; 95% CI, -1.54, 1.86). There was also no statistical difference in relation to periodontal outcomes between the treatment groups, with significant gingival inflammation and plaque levels common findings. CONCLUSIONS This prolonged study is the first to suggest that fixed retention offers the potential benefit of improved preservation of alignment of the mandibular labial segment in the long term. However, both types of retainers were associated with gingival inflammation and elevated plaque scores