Bayesian analysis for time series of count data

Time series involving count data are present in a wide variety of applications. In many applications, the observed counts are usually small and dependent. Failure to take these facts into account can lead to misleading inferences and may detect false relationships. To tackle such issues, a Poisson parameter-driven model is assumed for the time series at hand. This model can account for the time dependence between observations through introducing an autoregressive latent process. In this thesis, we consider Bayesian approaches for estimating the Poisson parameter-driven model. The main challenge is that the likelihood function for the observed counts involves a high dimensional integral after integrating out the latent variables. The main contributions of this thesis are threefold. First, I develop a new single-move (SM) Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method to sample the latent variables one by one. Second, I adopt the idea of the particle Gibbs sampler (PGS) method \citep{andrieu} into our model setting and compare its performance with the SM method. Third, I consider Bayesian composite likelihood methods and compare three different adjustment methods with the unadjusted method and the SM method. The comparisons provide a practical guide to what method to use. We conduct simulation studies to compare the latter two methods with the SM method. We conclude that the SM method outperforms the PGS method for small sample size, while they perform almost the same for large sample size. However, the SM method is much faster than the PGS method. The adjusted Bayesian composite methods provide closer results to the SM than the unadjusted one. The PGS and the selected adjustment method from simulation studies are compared with the SM method via a real data example. Similar results are obtained: first, the PGS method provides results very close to those of the SM method. Second, the adjusted composite likelihood methods provide closer results to the SM than the unadjusted one

An Efficient Approach towards Network Routing using Genetic Algorithm

The network field has been very popular in recent times and has aroused much of the attention of researchers. The network must keep working with the varying infrastructure and must adapt to rapid topology changes. Graphical representation of the networks with a series of edges varying over time can help in analysis and study. This paper presents a novel adaptive and dynamic network routing algorithm based on a Regenerate Genetic Algorithm (RGA) with the analysis of network delays. With the help of RGA at least a very good path, if not the shortest one, can be found starting from the origin and leading to a destination. Many algorithms are devised to solve the shortest path (SP) problem for example Dijkstra algorithm which can solve polynomial SP problems. These are equally effective in wired as well as wireless networks with fixed infrastructure. But the same algorithms offer exponential computational complexity in dealing with the real-time communication for rapidly changing network topologies. The proposed genetic algorithm (GA) provides more efficient and dynamic solutions despite changes in network topology, network change, link or node deletion from the network, and the network volume (with numerous routes)

Effective Light Source for Illuminating Overhead Guide Signs and Improving Roadway Safety

Driver safety is considered an important issue to departments of transportation. One way to increase highway safety is to improve the visibility of overhead guide signs for drivers. Visibility improving methods include the use of sign illumination or retroreflective sheeting materials. This paper focuses on sign illumination by comparing five light sources including high pressure sodium (HPS), metal halide (MH), mercury vapor (MV), induction lighting, and light emitting diode (LED). A laboratory experiment was conducted to compare effective light distribution of each light source and a cost analysis was performed to compare initial, maintenance, and operating cost components of the light sources. Results of the light distribution experiment indicated that HPS was the optimum light source followed by MH, induction lighting, MV, and LED. Induction lighting is a promising lighting technology which features good efficiency and long life. According to cost analysis, induction lighting was the most effective source, followed by the LED, HPS, MV, and MH. Of the five light sources considered, induction lighting provided the best overall performance when considering initial cost, operating cost, expected maintenance, and sign illuminance. Environmentally, LED does not contain mercury, and for those agencies that prefer using sources that are friendlier with the environment, the LED can be their best choice

EFL Undergraduate Students' Perspectives of the Curriculum Employed in the English Language Department at the Hashemite University

This current study aimed to investigate EFL undergraduate students' perspectives of the curriculum employed in the English Language Department at the Hashemite University. More specifically, the study attempted to explore their perspectives of the literature, linguistics, translation and the four language skills courses they had during their study at the university. The research instruments used was a questionnaire and questionnaire interview. One hundred and seventy seven students (40 males and 137 females) took part in the study. Eighty two of them were in the third year of study and 95 were in the fourth. Results showed that the students perceived the curriculum positively and regarded the translation and four language skills courses as the most beneficial. Results also indicated the reasons behind which the students regarded each course as more/less beneficial. In addition, they revealed statistical significant differences in the students’ responses due to gender in favor of females and no significant differences according to study-year. In light of these results, recommendations were suggested. Keywords: EFL undergraduates, perspectives, EFL curriculum, EFL courses, The Hashemite University DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-26-01 Publication date:September 30th 201

Modeling of guide sign illumination and retroreflectivity to improve driver’s visibility and safety

Doctor of PhilosophyDepartment of Industrial & Manufacturing Systems EngineeringMalgorzata J. RysThis dissertation is the result of studying different methods of increasing guide sign visibility and legibility to drivers during nighttime, to increase safety on roadways. It also studies intersection lighting to indicate the lighting benefits on nighttime crash frequency reduction. From a survey conducted, practices related to overhead guide sign illumination and retroreflectivity in United States were summarized. A laboratory experiment was conducted to compare light distribution of five light sources: Metal Halide, Mercury Vapor, High Pressure Sodium, induction lighting, and Light Emitting Diode (LED). Cost analysis of the five light sources was performed. Combining results of the laboratory experiment and the cost analysis, induction lighting was recommended for states that want to continue external sign illumination. A retroreflectivity experiment was conducted to compare three types of retroreflective sheeting: Engineering Grade (type I), Diamond Grade (type XI), and High Intensity (type IV), to determine the sheeting that best increases visibility and legibility. Diamond Grade (type XI) was found to be the optimal sheeting that increases visibility and legibility to drivers during nighttime. A glare experiment was conducted to expand the retroreflectivity experiment results. Four sheeting-font combinations of High Intensity (type IV) and Diamond Grade (type XI) materials and Series E (Modified) and Clearview fonts were compared. Results revealed an optimal sheeting-font combination of Diamond Grade (type XI) sheeting and Clearview font which increases the visibility and legibility of guide signs to drivers under presence of oncoming glare source. The Highway Safety Information System (HSIS) database was used to study the effect of intersection lighting on the expected crash frequency. Illuminated intersections showed 3.61% and 6.54% decrease in the expected nighttime crash frequency as compared to dark intersections in Minnesota and California, respectively. In addition, partial lighting at intersections decreases the expected nighttime crash frequency by 4.72% compared to continuous lighting in Minnesota. The recommended sheeting-font combination for Departments of Transportation was Diamond Grade (type XI) and Clearview. This combination will increase signs’ visibility and legibility to drivers, and consequently increase safety on roadways. Adding partial lighting at intersections will reduce the expected nighttime crash frequency, and increase safety on roadways

EFL Undergraduate Students’ Perspectives of the Methodology of Teaching Employed by their Teachers in the Teaching-Learning Context

This current study aimed to explore English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ opinions on the methodology of teaching used by their teachers. More specifically, the study aimed to investigate their perspectives of performance techniques the teachers used in the classroom. The sample consisted of 190 male and female students chosen randomly from the population of the study (N= 650). The research instrument used in this study was a questionnaire including items derived from the literature related to teaching and learning and to students’ attitudes toward method of teaching.  Results indicated students’ positive attitudes toward the methods of teaching used by their teachers. They also revealed that the teachers were very active with regard to preparation for lectures, presenting the aim clearly from the very beginning, listening to students’ opinions and addressing their concerns, encouraging students to remember rules and sentence patterns to apply them in communication, creating a friendly and purposeful environment in the classrooms and displaying enthusiasm in the teaching-learning context. Moreover, results showed no significant differences between the attitudes of males and females. However, there were significant differences between their attitudes according to study level and grade point average. In light of these results, recommendations were suggested. Keywords: EFL undergraduates, perspectives, teachers, methodology of teaching DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-33-18 Publication date: November 30th 201

EFFECTS OF MALTODEXTRIN AS FAT REPLACER ON THE CHEMICAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF BARAZEQ, GHURIBEH AND MA'AMUL

ABSTRACT   Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the effect of maltodextrinas fat replacer at various levels on some structural and sensory properties of Ma'amul, Barazeq and Ghuribeh.Methods: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fat replacing with maltodextrin at various levels (i.e., 10, 20, 30, and 40%) on Ma'amul, Barazeq and Ghuribeh chemical and quality characteristicsResults:Fat and energy were significantly (P<0.05) reduced with the increase of maltodextrin level in these bakery products. Overall acceptance, flavor, color and softness of Ma'amul, Barazeq and Ghuribeh were not significantly affected by the replacement in ratio ranging from 10-20% when compared to controls. Greater replacements (i.e., 30 and 40% maltodextrin) showed significant reduction on sensory acceptability of the three products.Conclusion:Ma'amul, Barazeq and Ghuribeh are rich fat traditional sweet bakery products that are usually consumed in the Middle East. The maximum fat level that could be replaced in Ma'amul, Barazeq and Ghuribeh were 40%, 30% and 20%, respectively.  Keyword: Fat Replacer, Brazzaq, Ma'amul, Ghuribeh, Maltodextrin, Sensory properties

The Contradiction of the legal Provisions with the Nature of the Solidarity Company

This article is studying the contradiction of legal provisions provided by the Saudi Companies Regulation (No 6/M/1385H), and its amendments, and the Jordanian Companies Act (No 22/1997M), and its amendments, with the special nature that the solidarity company is characteristic with. The dilemma of this study appears in the case that there are some sorts of provisions that are stipulated in the Saudi Regulation and in the Jordanian Law concerning the special nature of the solidarity company regarding the responsibility of its partners in addition to the situation ‘where a partner shall grant a merchant or trader title’. Moreover, the application of these provisions is seen - in some cases – to lead to a critical situation that concludes to the existence of partners in the company who their responsibilities are not solidarity or personally for the company’s debts and commitments, the matter that is seen contrary to the special nature of this company. This article is divided into three sections; the first dealt with the identification of the special provisions related to partners in the solidarity company; while the second is dealing with the responsibility of partners in the company and the acceptance of new partners; finally, the timeframe of partner’s responsibility. This study has uncovered number of crucial results, where – for example - we concluded that both of the Saudi and Jordanian legislators have stipulated some provisions that do not correspond with the special nature of this company - such as the characteristic of a partner and his entry to the company. In addition, this study reached to number of recommendations, the most important of which were attributed with modification of some special rules in order to be corresponded with the special nature of this company, whether in regard to partners’ characteristics or the number of partners in the company, in addition to the conditions required to the entry of new partners and their responsibilities. Keywords: Solidarity Company, Solidarity responsibility, the role of a partner in the company, the entry of new partners, the withdrawal of partners, the joining of heirs

Role of Entrepreneurship Development on Dissemination of the Culture and Concept of Creativity

This study aimed to recognize the role of entrepreneurship and innovation course in the establishment and dissemination of the culture and concept of entrepreneurship and creativity among students of Jordan University of Science and Technology. The study sample consisted of 1,258 male and female students. The results show that the average responses of the students to the scale paragraphs as a whole were “agree”. It was noted that the average of all the statements is greater than 3.39 and in all three main dimensions of the scale. They constitute Dimension I: Gaining a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation; Dimension II: Developing creativity and innovation in entrepreneurship; Dimension III:  Scientific and practical methods applied in the implementation of Pioneering Projects. The results show that there are no statistically significant differences (α=0.05) at the level of students' responses on the extent to which the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation was acquired, and to the extent the scientific and practical methods were applied in the implementation of Pioneering Projects due to the gender and the level of study. On the other hand, the results indicated that there are statistically significant differences (α=0.05) at the level of students' responses to innovation and creativity in entrepreneurship according to gender and the level of study. Research paper Keywords: Course; Entrepreneurship; Innovation; Pioneering culture Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Ayasrah, S. M., Obeidat, M. M., & Khatatbeh, Q. (2019). Role of Entrepreneurship Development on Dissemination of the Culture and Concept of Creativity: A Study of the Students of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Journal of Entrepreneurship, Business and Economics, 7(1), 42–63

Role of Entrepreneurship Development on Dissemination of the Culture and Concept of Creativity

This study aimed to recognize the role of entrepreneurship and innovation course in the establishment and dissemination of the culture and concept of entrepreneurship and creativity among students of Jordan University of Science and Technology. The study sample consisted of 1,258 male and female students. The results show that the average responses of the students to the scale paragraphs as a whole were “agree”. It was noted that the average of all the statements is greater than 3.39 and in all three main dimensions of the scale. They constitute Dimension I: Gaining a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation; Dimension II: Developing creativity and innovation in entrepreneurship; Dimension III:  Scientific and practical methods applied in the implementation of Pioneering Projects. The results show that there are no statistically significant differences (α=0.05) at the level of students' responses on the extent to which the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation was acquired, and to the extent the scientific and practical methods were applied in the implementation of Pioneering Projects due to the gender and the level of study. On the other hand, the results indicated that there are statistically significant differences (α=0.05) at the level of students' responses to innovation and creativity in entrepreneurship according to gender and the level of study. Research paper Keywords: Course; Entrepreneurship; Innovation; Pioneering culture Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Ayasrah, S. M., Obeidat, M. M., & Khatatbeh, Q. (2019). Role of Entrepreneurship Development on Dissemination of the Culture and Concept of Creativity: A Study of the Students of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Journal of Entrepreneurship, Business and Economics, 7(1), 42–63