Fast flux botnet detection framework using adaptive dynamic evolving spiking neural network algorithm

A botnet, a set of compromised machines controlled distantly by an attacker, is the basis of numerous security threats around the world. Command and Control servers are the backbones of botnet communications, where the bots and botmasters send report and attack orders to each other. Botnets are also categorized according to their C&C protocols. A Domain Name System method known as Fast-Flux Service Network (FFSN) – a special type of botnet – has been engaged by bot herders to cover malicious botnet activities and increase the lifetime of malicious servers by quickly changing the IP addresses of the domain name over time. Although several methods have been suggested for detecting FFSNs, they have low detection accuracy especially with zero-day domain. In this research, we propose a new system called Fast Flux Killer System (FFKS) that has the ability to detect FF-Domains in online mode with an implementation constructed on Adaptive Dynamic evolving Spiking Neural Network (ADeSNN). The proposed system proved its ability to detect FF domains in online mode with high detection accuracy (98.77%) compare with other algorithms, with low false positive and negative rates respectively. It is also proved a high level of performance. Additionally, the proposed adaptation of the algorithm enhanced and helped in the parameters customization process

The Relationship Between Perfectionism and Goal Orientation Among Gifted Students in the King Abdullah II School of Excellence

This study aimed to find out the relationship between Perfectionism and Goal Orientation among Gifted Students in the King Abdullah II School of Excellence. It also aimed at finding out if the relationship between Perfectionism and Goal Orientation is different according to the level of education and gender. To achieve the objectives of the study, Perfectionism and Goal Orientation scales were developed by the researchers. The sample of the study consisted of 184 students at seventh and eighth grades in the King Abdullah II School of Excellence. They were randomly stratified selected from the students population. The results of the study indicated that the level of Perfectionism among the gifted students was high, and the study showed that the level of the types of goal orientation was high, specifically Mastery goal oriented. The results also indicated there was no statistically significant difference at the significance level (α=0.05) in the strength of the correlation between Perfectionism and the types of goal orientation due to the level of education. The results also indicated there was no statistically significant difference at the significance level (α=0.05) in the strength of the correlation between Perfectionism and the types of Goal Orientation due to gender

Local Power For Combining Independent Tests in The Presence of Nuisance Parameters For The Logistic Distribution

Four combination methods of independent tests for testing a simple hypothesis versus one-sided alternative are considered viz. Fisher, the logistic, the sum of P-values and the inverse normal method in case of logistic distribution. These methods are compared via local power in the presence of nuisance parameters for some values of α using simple random sample

Seeking care behavior of men with sexual dysfunction in Jordan: patients’ perspective

BACKGROUND: Sexual health problems are common among different health conditions such as cancer, diabetes mellitus and heart diseases. Little has been published on why and what factors behind hesitance to seek help and hiding the problem. METHODS: The study explored the extent to which men suffering from sexual dysfunction are willing to discuss their sexual concerns and care needs with nurses. A qualitative exploratory approach was used to explore men’s perspectives on nurses’ role in providing men’s sexual healthcare in Jordan. Data were collected through semi-structural interviews from 16 men with sexual health problems secondary to chronic health conditions. RESULTS: Four themes were derived from the data; men’s perceptions about sexual healthcare, ability of men to seek help from nurses, barriers to seeking help, and desired sources for help. Men reported that they would not seek help from nurses; they preferred using other sources, including internet, friends and other men with similar experiences. CONCLUSIONS and discussion: closed social and family structure limited men’s willingness to seek help for their sexual problems in Jordan leaving them untreated, which might then threaten their general health and wellbeing. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nursing is a profession that deals with human as a whole and the sexual health care was not part of nurses’ daily care for men. Therefore, this study added a view to nurses and health care professionals to consider sexual health care as part of their sexual health care for men. This might be through developing a multidisciplinary service for men. KEY WORDS: Sexual healthcare, Men’s health, Nurses, Jordan

Degree of the Requirements for Improving Human Capital Management in Arab Universities as a Gateway to Achieving Sustainable Development

The paper identifies the degree of requirements for improving human capital management in Arab universities as a gateway to achieve sustainable development from the perspective of faculty members according to gender, faculty, supervising authority, academic rank, and number of years of experience. The descriptive approach is used to achieve the research objectives. The research sample consists of (526) faculty members randomly selected. The questionnaire is used as a research instrument. The results indicate that the research sample’s approval of the requirements for improving human capital management in Arab universities as a gateway to achieving sustainable development is high with a mean value of (3.99), where the career development domain is the highest with a mean value of (4.02) and a high degree, while rewards and incentives domain is the lowest with a mean value of (3.96) and a high degree. The findings also show statistically significant differences in the requirements for improving human capital management due to gender, supervisory authority, and academic rank in favor of the category of female, public university, associate professor, and professor, respectively. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate no statistically significant differences due to the variables of faculty and number of years of experience. Given the results, the research recommends developing a strategy and an advanced plan for the career and professional development of faculty members and attracting distinguished and talented scholars, academics, and researchers to achieve its vision as a distinguished, innovative, and internationally competitive organization

A Proposed Vision of the Transformation of the Arab Universities into Smart Digital Universities

This research develops a proposed vision to transform Arab universities into smart digital universities. The descriptive research approach is used to achieve the research objectives. The research sample consists of 450 faculty members and 75 educational experts randomly selected by stratified random method. The questionnaire is adopted as a research instrument. The findings indicate that a proposed vision can be developed to transform Arab universities into smart digital universities by addressing several themes; the philosophical premises of the proposed vision, the features of the proposed vision “smart university administration, smart people, smart university environment, and knowledge network”, determining the requirements necessary to implement the proposed vision, setting the appropriate foundations for the proposed implementation and success in Arab universities, and demonstrating the potential challenges and threats that may stand in the way of implementing the proposed vision and methods to overcome them

The cost benefit of algal technology for combined CO2 mitigation and nutrient abatement

The use of microalgae culture technology (MCT) for mitigating CO2 emissions from flue gases and nutrient discharges from wastewater whilst generating a biofuel product is considered with reference to the cost benefit offered. The review examines the most recent MCT literature (post 2010) focused on the algal biomass or biofuel production cost. The analysis reveals that, according to published studies, biofuel cost follows an approximate inverse relationship with algal or lipid productivity with a minimum production cost of $1 L−1 attained under representative conditions. A 35–86% cost reduction is reported across all studies from the combined harnessing of CO2 and nutrients from waste sources. This compares with 12–27% for obviating fertiliser procurement through using a wastewater nutrient source (or else recycling the liquor from the extracted algal biomass waste), and 19–39% for CO2 fixation from a flue gas feed. Notwithstanding the above, economic competitiveness with mineral fuels appears to be attainable only under circumstances which also feature: a) The inclusion of cost and environmental benefits from wastewater treatment (such as the energy and/or greenhouse gas emissions benefit from nutrient and CO2 discharge abatement), and/or a) Multiple installations over an extended geographic region where flue gas and wastewater sources are co-located

Granulomatous Hepatitis Secondary to Histoplasmosis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Histoplasma capsulatum is the most common endemic mycosis in the United States and usually occurs in certain geographic areas, such as the Mississippi or Ohio River valleys. Histoplasmosis usually causes a mild disease in the immunocompetent but can progress to disseminated disease in patients with impaired immunity. Granulomatous hepatitis as a manifestation of disseminated histoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients is extremely rare. We report the case of a 62-year-old immunocompetent gentleman with a history of histoplasmosis who presented with abdominal pain, elevated liver enzymes, who was diagnosed with granulomatous hepatitis secondary to histoplasmosis

Small Bowel Metastasis as a Presentation of Testicular Seminoma

Testicular germ cell tumors account for 95% of testicular cancers in men with approximately 71,000 patients being diagnosed with testicular cancer every year. The overall survival of testicular germ cell tumors is approximately 95%. However, the prognosis becomes less favorable when distant metastasis is present. Gastrointestinal (GI) tract metastasis occurs in less than 5% of patients with non-seminomatous tumors, and in less than 1% in patients with pure seminomas. GI metastasis usually involves the colon, esophagus, and stomach with the most common symptoms of GI metastasis being diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and obstruction. We discuss the case of a 42-year-old male patient with GI manifestations as the first presentation of testicular seminoma with metastasis to the small bowel. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a small bowel mass, and the diagnosis was confirmed with histopathologic examination of endoscopic biopsy samples. The patient subsequently underwent chemotherapy treatment with close surveillance. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in young male patients, especially when associated with symptoms like unexplained weight loss, constitutional symptoms, and testicular pain or swelling. Metastasis to the GI tract from the testis should be promptly diagnosed and managed, as the overall survival rates can significantly decrease with the delay of diagnosis

Critical success factors of construction projects in Jordan : An empirical investigation

The construction sector is considered one of the most important engines of the national economy in any country; in addition to that, it clearly contributes to improving the quality of life of individuals. In the construction industry, project success is crucial, because it reflects positively on the growth of the national economy, in partnership with other sectors related to it directly and indirectly. However, construction projects often come with disappointment in completion within time, cost, and quality, for multiple reasons throughout the project life cycle. The aim of this study is to determine the factors that affect the success of construction projects, based on realistic project data. To achieve this goal, data were collected and analyzed from the final reports of a number of projects that had been implemented in 15 years. The result illustrates that the most significant and vital factors for the success of the construction project are: quality-related factors, cost-related factors, time-related factors, contract-related factors, and related external factors. Results help project stakeholders improve construction project performance by identifying factors that have affected project success. This allows them to take appropriate measures for every worker to ensure the success of their projects. In addition, this study contributes to the current body of knowledge by being one of the few studies that analyze project data to identify critical success factors for construction projects in developing countries