Developing and validating a simulation model for counting and classification of vehicles

An algorithm system approach has been presented for extracting traffic data using video image processing. While an offline program focuses on extracting vehicles, tracking them and provides the vehicle count for a short period of time. It uses background subtraction, shadow removal, and pixel analysis for extracting moving objects. The results show that the algorithm is capable of counting 95% of the vehicles due to some shaking in the video feed. These data have been analyzed by statistical regression to show the credibility of the results which been approved to be useful according to the value of R Square and Significance F compared with the value of the observation method. Also, the classification of vehicles was performed using the improfile command in Matlab-Video Image Processing that computes the intensity values along a line or a multiline path in an image. The algorithm program was developed to detect vehicles in traffic videos and get the vehicle count for the small time period as an assistance tool for a researcher who seeks vehicle counting

University Students’ Attitudes towards using the Nearpod Application in Distance Learning

Creating a stimulating learning environment is a challenge in distance learning settings. This study aimed to investigate university students' attitudes towards using Nearpod in distance learning. For purposes of the study, the researchers developed a questionnaire of 20 items for which the validity and reliability were verified. The study sample consisted of 190 students. The students were taught different courses remotely in the second semester of the academic year 2020-2021 via Nearpod and Zoom. The results showed that the students had positive attitudes towards using Nearpod. In addition, the results showed that teacher support was the most important variable (x ̅=3.69), while student interaction and participation via Nearpod was predicated by students. Using appropriate applications to increase teacher support and student interaction is the most important variable in distance learning settings. The results also showed that there were no statistically significant differences (α = 0.05) attributed to the gender and academic stage variables

Management of Software-Defined Networking Powered by Artificial Intelligence

Separating data and control planes by Software-Defined Networking (SDN) not only handles networks centrally and smartly. However, through implementing innovative protocols by centralized controllers, it also contributes flexibility to computer networks. The Internet-of-Things (IoT) and the implementation of 5G have increased the number of heterogeneous connected devices, creating a huge amount of data. Hence, the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning is significant. Thanks to SDN controllers, which are programmable and versatile enough to incorporate machine learning algorithms to handle the underlying networks while keeping the network abstracted from controller applications. In this chapter, a software-defined networking management system powered by AI (SDNMS-PAI) is proposed for end-to-end (E2E) heterogeneous networks. By applying artificial intelligence to the controller, we will demonstrate this regarding E2E resource management. SDNMS-PAI provides an architecture with a global view of the underlying network and manages the E2E heterogeneous networks with AI learning

Effect of varicocelectomy on sperm parameters, oxidative stress and Chromatin maturity in seminal fluid of infertile patients with varicocele

This study aimed to determine the effect of varicocelectomy on sperm parameters, oxidant- antioxidant status and chromatin maturity percent. The current study has been conducted on 154 infertile patients complaining from varicocele and varicocelomized men in addition to 25 fertile men as control. The results revealed significant decrease (

Development of roundabout delay models using traffic simulation programs: a case study at Al-Mansour City, Iraq

Due to the increased number of vehicles, shopping centers and rapid growth population of Al-Mansour city, daily trips have been increasing besides generating traffic congestion in major roundabouts in the city. Those will make developing an imperial delay model in roundabouts important due to the traffic and geometric influences. Therefore, two major roundabouts have been selected in the city to be taken as a case study. Geometric features for the selected roundabouts have been measured accurately by satellite images via ArcGIS. Traffic and geometric data analysis indicate that both are significantly important on delay models. The delay time produced by SIDRA and SYNCHRO has been compared with the delay time measured from the field. A significant difference in delay for roundabouts is noticed. This difference could be attributed to the difference in driver behaviour. Ideal saturation flow is the main factor related to driver behaviour, so it adjusted to be the average of the saturation flow measured from the field (2200 vphgpl)

Impact of Delay and Queue on the Length of Left-Turn Storage at Palestine Intersections in Baghdad city, Iraq

At intersections, Left-turning vehicles seek to occupy the same physical space as close to the stop line as possible. These result in high conflicts, delays, and blockage of vehicles by turning vehicles and vice versa. The impact of the lengths of Left-turn lanes on intersection delays is considered to optimize the lengths of the Left-turn lanes. Data for traffic counts, queue lengths, and signal timing are collected from three intersections in Baghdad city in Iraq. The methodology involves the development of estimation models using traffic Simulation SIDRA INTERSECTION 8.0 and simulating various scenarios by varying traffic signal conditions to evaluate delays and queues caused by varying lengths of the Left-turn Lane. Optimal lengths are computed and compared to existing lengths in intersections. No differences in delay, queue, and lengths of the Left turn lane are found using t-test analysis for significance. Outputs from the three models were compared to the maximum observed in the field from the selected intersections. Data analysis involved determining the R2 and the standard error mean between the model output and the observed data. In general, SIDRA INTERSECTION 8.0 overestimated queue vehicles and length of storage for approaches with a high degree of saturation ratios and underestimated it for those with a high degree of saturation ratios

Gynecological Disorders and the Management of Interventional Radiology

This study aimed at exploring the management of interventional radiology in gynecological disorders, by highlighting the importance of interventional radiology in treating a comprehensive range of obstetric and gynecological pathologies. The study concluded that laparotomy should be performed if the woman is not stable enough to wait for the embolization procedure or for completion of a difficult procedure. If the time permits, angiographic occlusion balloon catheters can be placed to temporarily occlude the hypogastric or common iliac arteries (or even in the aorta) while end route to the operating room or during the surgery

Urocortin 3 overexpression reduces ER stress and heat shock response in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The neuropeptide urocortin 3 (UCN3) has a beneficial effect on metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It has been reported that UCN3 regulates insulin secretion and is dysregulated with increasing severity of obesity and diabetes. However, its function in the adipose tissue is unclear. We investigated the overexpression of UCN3 in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and differentiated adipocytes and its effects on heat shock response, ER stress, inflammatory markers, and glucose uptake in the presence of stress-inducing concentrations of palmitic acid (PA). UCN3 overexpression significantly downregulated heat shock proteins (HSP60, HSP72 and HSP90) and ER stress response markers (GRP78, PERK, ATF6, and IRE1 alpha) and attenuated inflammation (TNF alpha) and apoptosis (CHOP). Moreover, enhanced glucose uptake was observed in both preadipocytes and mature adipocytes, which is associated with upregulated phosphorylation of AKT and ERK but reduced p-JNK. Moderate effects of UCN3 overexpression were also observed in the presence of 400 mu M of PA, and macrophage conditioned medium dramatically decreased the UCN3 mRNA levels in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of UCN3 in adipocytes are reflected, at least partially, by the improvement in cellular stress response and glucose uptake and attenuation of inflammation and apoptosis.Peer reviewe

Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Therapy in the Arab World: A New Model of Advanced Practice

This study aimed at suggesting a new model for advanced practice in the diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy in the Arab World by presenting a comparative study between the different medical imaging techniques, the concepts, benefits, risks and medical applications of these techniques has been presented with details. Attempting For building a new model of advanced practice for the diagnostic role of  imaging and radiation therapy in the Arab World; by analyzing the current status of the imaging and radiation therapy in the Arab World, and then surveying the different medical imaging techniques. Then  to suggest a model of best practices upon the outcomes of the study