Knowledge-sharing adoption in Saudi Universities' E-learning communities

Technology revolution in recent years has increased the demand for the provision of e-learning. However, academic staff lack the knowledge-sharing attitude in e-learning communities. The aim of this research is to investigate the various factors of knowledge-sharing adoption for e-learning communities in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, a framework aimed at sharing knowledge within the e-learning communities is developed. Data has been collected from public universities in Saudi Arabia. Partial Least Square approach has been applied to analyse the data. The results shows knowledge-sharing individual factors (such as openness in communication, interpersonal trust), technology acceptance factors (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) significantly influence knowledge-sharing attitude while the relationship between people self-motivation and knowledge-sharing attitude is insignificant. Among other factors, subjective norm and attitude significantly impact behavioural intention toward knowledgesharing adoption in Saudi universities' e-learning communities

Impact of Knowledge Sharing Adoption on Universities' Virtual Learning Communities.

In new age, knowledge has become a significant source. Knowledge sharing is a substantial component of success in any organisation. In various organisations, knowledge sharing adoption is lacking, especially among academic staff working in Saudi universities. This paper investigates collectivism impact on knowledge-sharing factors among academics in Saudi e-learning communities. A conceptual model that will affect the knowledge sharing behaviour within the e-learning community in Saudi universities is proposed. Hypotheses have been accordingly developed. Data was collected in different Saudi public universities. Partial Least Square approach has been applied to analyse the data. The findings of this study provide key factors affecting the process of knowledge-sharing adoption between academic staff within the virtual learning communities in Saudi universities

Local-Partial Signal Combining Schemes for Cell-Free Large-Scale MU-MIMO Systems with Limited Fronthaul Capacity and Spatial Correlation Channels

Cell-free large-scale multi-user MIMO is a promising technology for the 5G-and-beyond mobile communication networks. Scalable signal processing is the key challenge in achieving the benefits of cell-free systems. This study examines a distributed approach for cell-free deployment with user-centric configuration and finite fronthaul capacity. Moreover, the impact of scaling the pilot length, the number of access points (APs), and the number of antennas per AP on the achievable average spectral efficiency are investigated. Using the dynamic cooperative clustering (DCC) technique and large-scale fading decoding process, we derive an approximation of the signal-tointerference-plus-noise ratio in the criteria of two local combining schemes: Local-Partial Regularized Zero Forcing (RZF) and Local Maximum Ratio (MR). The results indicate that distributed approaches in the cell-free system have the advantage of decreasing the fronthaul signaling and the computing complexity. The results also show that the Local-Partial RZF provides the highest average spectral efficiency among all the distributed combining schemes because the computational complexity of the Local-Partial RZF is independent of the UTs. Therefore, it does not grow as the number of user terminals (UTs) increases

Developing and evaluating cybersecurity competencies for students in computing programs

Changes due to technological development in the workplace are putting pressure on academia to keep pace with the changing nature of work. Due to the growing need for cybersecurity professionals, universities improve their cybersecurity programs to develop qualified cybersecurity competencies. The purpose of this study is to validate the cybersecurity knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) competencies of cybersecurity degree programs using a fuzzy linguistic group decision-making method. This study shows that cybersecurity knowledge is essential, along with technical skills and human abilities for cybersecurity professionals.</jats:p

Effect of hip abductors and lateral rotators' muscle strengthening on pain and functional outcome in adult patients with patellofemoral pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Even though literature indicates presence of weak hip abductors and lateral rotators' in Patellofemoral Pain (PFP), studies evaluating the effect of hip abductors and lateral rotator strengthening to improve knee function and quality of life in PFP are limited. This study systematically reviews and meta-analyzes the best evidence on the therapeutic value of strengthening hip abductors and lateral rotators muscles for treating PFP with a presumptive hypothesis that strengthening hip muscles stabilizes the patellofemoral joint, relieves pain, and enhances knee functions. Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro and PubMed Central databases were searched between January 1994 and September 2019 using the PICOS tool. The methodological quality of the selected studies were appraised individually using the 20-item McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies. Supplemental quality appraisal of randomized controlled clinical trials performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's 'Risk of bias' quality criteria. Data on patient population demographics, interventions, duration of intervention, and outcome measures were extracted and summarized in evidence tables and descriptive analysis. Meta-analyses under both fixed and random-effects models determined pooled effects size from appropriate RCTs. All fourteen studies demonstrated that hip muscle strengthening improved pain and knee function. All RCTs, except one, demonstrated that hip muscle strengthening is superior to quadriceps strengthening. Of the five RCTs accessing the additional effect of hip-quad versus quadriceps strengthening, four suggested that hip-quad strengthening is superior to standard quadriceps strengthening alone to improve PFP and knee function. In adult patients with PFP, strengthening hip abductors and lateral rotators' have beneficial therapeutic effects than the conventional quadriceps exercises in improving knee pain and function both in the short- and long term. However, the present review data can be used to develop a standardized hip-quad protocol in the future

Computation of Power Extraction from Photovoltaic Arrays under Various Fault Conditions

Photovoltaic (PV) faults such as partial shading, bypass-diode defects, degradation of PV modules, and wiring issues greatly affect the power output and cause various peaks in P-V curves of a PV system. Although, commonly used Total-Cross-Tied (TCT) scheme in PV arrays is considered instrumental for reducing power losses there lies a great scope to evaluate power extraction through reconfiguration of modules with different PV materials. This paper presents detailed investigation of power extraction using number placement reconfiguration method under numerous faults. PV power extraction is carried out and compared with three different interconnections of PV modules, including series-parallel (SP), bridge-link (BL) and TCT. In order to conduct a thorough investigation and better evaluate the performance of PV arrays, we have studied reconfiguration of PV modules with polycrystalline and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) PV technologies. In addition, this paper contains detailed quantification of the impact of the studied PV faults on power grid. The results obtained in MATLAB/Simulink demonstrate that CIGS PV technology performs better than polycrystalline in terms of power output during different faulty conditions. It becomes evident from the presented results that optimal reconfiguration of PV arrays can increase the power extraction from PV system with reduced number of P-V peaks. Hence, leading to improved performance of the PV system.The research work is supported by Qatar University under its National Capacity Building Project (NCBP) Research Grant.Scopu

A novel mathematical model for the effects of wall properties on pumping flow of a biofluid in a symmetrical three-dimensional curved duct

Most pumping actions entail a physical volume change of the duct, which is frequently achieved by having a compliant wall or membrane. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first report on a mathematical model developed to analyze the peristaltic transport of a Newtonian fluid in a curved duct with rectangular face and compliant walls. Such geometries are most commonly used in clinical and biological equipment, where the walls of the duct need to be flexible. Flexible ducts are more useful than rigid ones because they do not require any extra modifications or accessories. Here, we have used the conditions of lubrication theory to construct an accurate model, and a common perturbation technique was incorporated to handle the Navier-Stokes equations with emphasis on various aspect ratios and curvatures. A system of curvilinear coordinates operating according to the principles of the cylindrical system was employed to represent the mathematical problem. No-slip boundary limitations were considered at the walls along with the extra constraint of compliant walls showing damping force and stiffness. Comprehensive graphical representations were made to illustrate the effects of all emerging factors of the study in both two- and three-dimensional formats. We found that large curvatures and flexure rigidity decreased the fluid velocity uniformly, but the aspect ratio and amplitude parameters could promote fluid velocity. Validation of the results was performed through the generation of a residual error curve. The current readings were taken again with a straight duct to make a comparison with the existing literature