An Active Learning Computer-Based Teaching Tool for Enhancing Students’ Learning and Visualization Skills in Electromagnetics

Electromagnetic theoretical concepts, which are represented mathematically, are usually challenging to grasp by students. In this study, we explore an interactive technology-based teaching tool to develop further students’ mastery of electromagnetic concepts through learning development and visualization of electromagnetic problems. This visualization of the problems will help students analyse, evaluate, and draw conclusions of the impact of electromagnetic-related problems in real-life. The simulation tool in this study is based on a MATLAB toolbox package, in which partial-differential equations (PDE) solver is the core engine. In this paper, we will also provide a step-by-step guide on the use of such an interactive computer-aided tool so that it can be a great self-guide tool for beginners in the field of physics and a first-level introductory course in electromagnetism. This study will focus mainly on one classical electrostatic problem that is a challenge to students to visualize, analyze and evaluate. Based on students feedback by the end of the course, 80% of students' population are more comfortablewith the introduced interactive learning tool.

Improving the Resilience of Wireless Sensor Networks Against Security Threats: A Survey and Open Research Issues

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) technology has gained importance in recent years due to its various benefits, practicability and extensive utilization in diverse applications. The innovation helps to make real-time automation, monitoring, detecting and tracking much easier and more effective than previous technologies. However, as well as their benefits and enormous potential, WSNs are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. This paper is a systematic literature review of the security-related threats and vulnerabilities in WSNs. We review the safety of and threats to each WSN communication layer and then highlight the importance of trust and reputation, and the features related to these, to address the safety vulnerabilities. Finally, we highlight the open research areas which need to be addressed in WSNs to increase their flexibility against security threats

Characterization of Propagation Models in Wireless Communications for 4G Network

Estimating the pathloss and signal strength of the transmitted signal at specific distances is one of the main objectives of network designers. This paper aims to provide generalized pathloss models appropriate for urban areas in Muscat the capital city of the Sultanate of Oman environment. The research includes studying different models of pathloss for the 4G cellular network at Muttrah Business District (MBD) at Muscat. Different models (Free Space model, Okumura Hata, Extended Sakagami, Cost231 Hata, ECC-33 Hata – Okumura extended, Ericsson, Egli, and SUI) are used with 800MHz. The results of the prediction models are compared with real measured data by calculating RMSE. The generalized models are created by modified original models to get accepted RMSE values.  Different cells at MBD are tested by modified models. The RMSE values are then calculated for verification purposes.  To validate the modified pathloss models of 4G, they are also applied at different cells in different cities in the capital. They have approximately the same environment as MBD. The modified pathloss models provided accepted predictions in new locations

Characterization of Propagation Models at 5G Network and Effects of SAR on Human Brain

Nowadays, the world is turning into technology, fast internet and high signal quality. To ensure high signal quality, the network planners have to predict the pathloss and signal strength of the transmitted signal at specific distances in the design stage. The aim of this research is to provide a generalized pathloss model to suit the urban area in Muscat Governorate in the Sultanate of Oman. The research covers 5G network pathloss in the Muttrah Business District (MBD) area. It includes Close In (CI) model and Alpha Beta Gamma (ABG) model with 3.45GHz. The results of 5G models were compared with real experimental data in MBD by calculating Root Mean Square Error RMSE. Other cells at MBD area were used for reverification.  To validate the modified pathloss models of 5G, they were applied at different cells in Alkhoud area. Furthermore, this paper also deals the effect of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) on the human brain for ensuring safety due to close proximity to cell towers. The SAR values were calculated indirectly from the electric field strength of different antennas. Calculated results were compared with the international standards defined limits on the human brain

Pathloss Measurements and Prediction using Statistical Models

There is a major expansion in the market of wireless communications services in urban areas. New regulatory environments as well as rivalry in the communications industry necessitate that these systems be arranged quickly and at low cost. Computer-based radio propagation prediction tools are strong candidates for this goal. This paper provides an extension of pathloss analysis in urban environments in Oman. The paper addresses the applicability of Okumura-Hata model in an area in Oman in GSM frequency band. Trigonometric Regression Model is used for data prediction at unknown nodes. These can be used to make desired forecasts. The results are acceptable, can be used primarily for OMAN, and can be extended for other regions

Vitamin D Deficiency as a Risk Factor of Breast Cancer

Background: To determine the frequency of Vitamin D insufficiency in patients with breast cancer.Methods: In this comparative study diagnosed cases of carcinoma breast (n=50) were enrolled. Equal number were taken as control. Patients undergoing current dialysis treatment, elevated liver enzymes, primary hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, or Paget’s disease and already taking therapy to improve vitamin D levels were excluded. Vitamin D levels were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay(ELISA).Chi square test was applied to compare the vitamin D deficiency in cases and controls. Odds ratio were calculated. Stratification was done for duration of disease (in months) age of patients, family history to control the effect modifier.Results: In our study, 64%(n=32) in cases and 100%(n=50) in controls were between 25-45 years of age while 36%(n=18) in cases group were between 46-65 years of age, Mean+SD was calculated as 40.60+10.02 and 32.08+4.12 respectively.Frequency of vitamin D deficiency was 92% in cases and 63% in controls.Conclusion: Fequency of Vitamin D insufficiency in patients with breast cancer was significantly higher as compared to the controls. Dietary vitamin D and casual sunlight exposure may be among the modifiable risk factors for breast cancer

Characterization of Propagation Models in Wireless Communications for 4G Network

Estimating the pathloss and signal strength of the transmitted signal at specific distances is one of the main objectives of network designers. This paper aims to provide generalized pathloss models appropriate for urban areas in Muscat the capital city of the Sultanate of Oman environment. The research includes studying different models of pathloss for the 4G cellular network at Muttrah Business District (MBD) at Muscat. Different models (Free Space model, Okumura Hata, Extended Sakagami, Cost231 Hata, ECC-33 Hata – Okumura extended, Ericsson, Egli, and SUI) are used with 800MHz. The results of the prediction models are compared with real measured data by calculating RMSE. The generalized models are created by modified original models to get accepted RMSE values. Different cells at MBD are tested by modified models. The RMSE values are then calculated for verification purposes. To validate the modified pathloss models of 4G, they are also applied at different cells in a different city in the capital. It has approximately the same environment as MBD. The modified pathloss models provided accepted predictions in new locations