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The Speaker identification process is not a new trend; however, for the Arabic Holy Quran recitation, there are still quite improvements that can make this process more accurate and reliable. This paper collected the input data from 14 native Arabic reciters, consisting of “Surah Al-Kawthar” speech signals from the Holy Quran. Moreover, this paper discusses the accuracy rates for 8 and 16 features. Indeed, a modified Vector Quantization (VQ) technique will be presented, in addition to realistically matching the centroids of the various codebooks and measuring systems’ effectiveness. Note that the VQ technique will be utilized to generate the codebooks by clustering these features into a finite number of centroids. The proposed system’s software was built and executed using MATLAB®. The proposed system’s total accuracy rate was 97.92% and 98.51% for 8 and 16 centroids codebooks, respectively. However, this study discussed two validation tactics to ensure that the outcomes are reliable and can be reproduced. Hence, the K-mean clustering algorithm has been used to validate the obtained results and discuss the outcomes of this study. Finally, it has been found that the improved VQ method gives a better result than the K-means method.

This paper examines the idea of the feminine memory and its role in re/establishing a new dimension of Palestinian history in Ibtisam Barakat’s Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood (2007). The article draws on several core concepts in postcolonial studies, including diaspora narrative, trauma, and memory as well as Fatma Kassem’s study of the oral narratives of Palestinian women who witnessed the events of the 1948 War. Instead of being a mere memetic text that reflects historical incidents in literature, Tasting the Sky sheds light on the impact of traumatic experiences on both memory and the writing/narrative process. This feminine memory, focusing on traumatic experiences, seeks to construct a healing narrative that comes to terms with the traumatic past of the individual and the collective, and as a result, creates new realities. The novel demonstrates how memory and narrative can be encapsulated in a literary-political project, not merely to represent reality but to recreate it, recreating history from a countless number of scattered, traumatic, not-yet-graspable moments about a lost Home. We argue that this feminine memory is manifested through three perspectives: The domestic sphere, the female body and the female language.

The COVID-19 pandemic increases the reliance on video conferencing applications for learning. Accessible video conferencing applications with good learning features can help people with visual impairment when they participate in online classes. This paper investigates the accessibility limitations and the available learning features of the top two current video conferencing applications, namely Zoom and MS Teams. A task-based expert review and a blind user evaluation are conducted using Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1. In addition, the study identifies the application with the better learning features based on Universal Design for Learning guidelines. A set of recommendations are outlined for developing better inclusive video conferencing applications for people with visual impairment. The presented ideas can be applied to enhance the learning experience of people with visual impairment.

Internet-based tools and social media are greatly developed in the tech world. Today, technology is widely accepted and used by all generations. These tools are great and very useful for students in terms of learning, collaboration and information sharing. We aim to present a model for learning programming in social learning environments with the context of the Affinity Research Group (ARG) model. The proposed model is called “Learning Programming in Social Environments within Affinity Group (LPSEAG)”. We test the proposed model for two academic years. A comparative approach was used. In the experiment, we divide the students into two categories: (1) Learn programming in the context of using the LPSEAG model, (2) Learn programming in the context of social media groups. Qualitative and quantitative results are compared for the two categories. From the results obtained it was clearly found that the students’ satisfaction was high on working within a group using the LPSEAG model compared to the responses of students that use social media groups only. Moreover, the quantitative results supports the assumptions that the use of LPSEAG model in learning programming in the introductory programming courses enhances the learning outcomes. Learning programming in groups enhances the learning outcomes for students whatever the student’s programming level. Teachers are encouraged to create students’ programming groups and implement LPSEAG model to increase learning outcomes and facilitate learning environments for students over-distance. More researches are needed to develop CVLEs which encourage students to learn programming with teams over distance.

This paper developed Arabic text encryption and compression based on dictionary indexing algorithm. The proposed algorithm includes encoding the Arabic text utilizing Arabic words dictionary, mapping encoded binary stream to a two-dimensional binary matrix, utilizing randomized variable size encryption key, applying randomly binary shuffling functions on the two-dimensional matrix, and mapping back the two-dimensional binary matrix into a sequential binary stream. The decryption algorithm at the receiver side implements the encryption steps reversely, utilizing the encryption key and the shared Arabic word dictionary. In this dictionary, the words of the formal Arabic language are classified into four categories according to the word length and sorted alphabetically. Each dictionary category is given an index size that is large enough to fit all words in that category. The proposed algorithm shuffles adjacent bits away from each other in random fashion through utilizing randomized variable length encryption key, two-dimensional shuffling functions, and repetition loop. Moreover, the index size is selected not to be multiple bytes to destroy any statistical feature that may be utilized to break the algorithm. The proposed algorithm analysis concluded that it could be broken after 3.215∗109 years. Moreover, the proposed algorithm achieved a less than 30% compression ratio.

This letter considers minimizing the bit error rate (BER) of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications assisted by intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs). By noting that increasing the number of IRS elements in the presence of phase errors does not necessarily improve the BER, it is crucial to use only the elements that contribute to reducing the BER. Consequently, we propose an efficient algorithm to activate only the elements that improve the BER. The proposed algorithm has lower complexity and comparable BER to the optimum selection process, which is an NP-hard problem. The accuracy of the estimated phase is evaluated by deriving the probability distribution function (PDF) of the least-square (LS) channel estimator, and showing that the PDF can be closely approximated by the von Mises distribution at high signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). The obtained analytical and simulation results show that using all the available reflectors can significantly deteriorate the BER, and thus, elements’ selection is necessary. In particular scenarios, using about 26% of the reflectors provides more than 10 fold BER reduction.

This paper considers the deployment of intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs) technology forwireless multi-hop backhauling of multiple basestations (BSs) connected in a mesh topology. Theperformance of the proposed architecture is evaluated in terms of outage and symbol errorprobability in Rician fading channels, where closed-form expressions are derived and demonstratedto be accurate for several cases of interest. The analytical results corroborated by simulation, showthat the IRS-mesh backhauling architecture has several desired features that can be exploited toovercome some of the backhauling challenges, particularly the severe attenuation at high frequencies.

This paper proposes a new algorithm for text encryption utilizing English words as a unit of encoding. The algorithm vanishes any feature that could be used to reveal the encrypted text through adopting variable code lengths for the English words, utilizing a variable-length encryption key, applying two-dimensional binary shuffling techniques at the bit level, and utilizing four binary logical operations with randomized shuffling inputs. English words that alphabetically sorted are divided into four lookup tables where each word has assigned an index. The strength of the proposed algorithm concluded from having two major components. Firstly, each lookup table utilizes different index sizes, and all index sizes are not multiples of bytes. Secondly, the shuffling operations are conducted on a two-dimensional binary matrix with variable length. Lastly, the parameters of the shuffling operation are randomized based on a randomly selected encryption key with varying size. Thus, the shuffling operations move adjacent bits away in a randomized fashion. Definitively, the proposed algorithm vanishes any signature or any statistical features of the original message. Moreover, the proposed algorithm reduces the size of the encrypted message as an additive advantage which is achieved through utilizing the smallest possible index size for each lookup table.

The paper presents a model suitable to support effective team work and collaborative learning in a distributed context (e.g. in the context of distance education). The model is an extension of the ...

Edge detection considered as very important and fundamental tool in image processing. An image edge is a very sensitive place where the image information and details mostly placed on it. Different filters were used to detect and enhance these edges to improve the sharpness and raising the image clarity. The significance of this paper comes from the study, compare and evaluate the effects of three well-known edge detection techniques in a spatial domain, where this evaluation was performed using both subjective and objective manner to find out the best edge detection algorithm. The Sobel, Homogeneity and Prewitt algorithms were used on 2D gray-scale synthesis and real images in Jordan using C# programming language. According to the comparative results obtained using the three techniques, it was clearly found that Prewitt and Homogeneity algorithms performance were better than Sobel algorithm. Therefore, Prewitt and Homogeneity algorithms can be recommended as useful detection tools in edge detection.

In many situations, vehicles are required to operate over a rough terrain to undertake certain tasks. Therefore, such vehicles are designed with tracks to deal with the irregular terrain. The performance of tracked vehicles is evident to be better over rough terrains than those with wheels. However, it is required to maneuver and steer such tracked vehicles in an efficient manner to follow a certain path. In fact, the most challenging factor in steering a tracked vehicle over a rough terrain is the presence of slipping and skidding and their consequences. In this paper, a nonlinear control scheme is proposed to overcome the presence of slipping and skidding while maneuvering tracked vehicles over uneven terrains. A robust feature is utilized in the proposed controller design to improve the tracking performance under slipping and skidding. Preliminary simulation results are introduced to verify the proposed controller and demonstrate the feasibility of the design.

Motion control of skid-steered tracked mobile robot with slippage is still of interest for many specialists and researchers. Skid-steering with slippage causes complex track terrain interactions which make the modeling and control of such systems very challenging. In this paper, various control schemes are explored and tested on the tracked robot to investigate the dynamical performance under different operating conditions. First, a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller is implemented and then compared with a FLC (Fuzzy Logic Controller). The main challenge in controlling the tracked mobile robot is the presence of highly nonlinear quantities due to slippage and soil shearing. Preliminary simulation results are introduced to verify the robustness of the proposed controllers under different operation conditions.

Thermal transient response of internal combustion engines (ICEs) can enormously be improved by maintaining desired temperatures of coolant circulating in engine cooling system. Thus, fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions can be significantly reduced. Computer controlled servo actuators are the main components of advanced automotive thermal management systems. It is evident that desired thermal conditions can be achieved when all electrically controlled actuators function in harmony. In this paper, various control techniques are proposed for implementation on hydraulic actuated automotive cooling systems where they were never found in the literature implemented on such systems. A neural network optimal control (NNOC) and a sliding mode control (SMC) are designed and introduced to examine transient temperature tracking while minimize the smart components' power consumption of thermal management system. Representative numerical simulations are introduced to demonstrate the functionality of the proposed control schemes in accurately tracking prescribed temperature profiles.

In this research, we aim to address the problem of combining the benefits of using eLearning environments and let students work together in groups in a collaborative virtual learning environments. In this paper, we explain the development of an establishment of a collaborative model for deaf people to support collaborative learning. The created model is an extension of traditional collaborative learning models in class rooms; it allows multiple deaf students to work together in a virtual environment to discuss the learning materials, solve problems, transfer knowledge, etc. We start by extending the collaborative learning model, by introducing explicit roles for each member in the group. The model provides a social space for deaf people to communicate using sign language. Moreover, it is implemented in a collaborative virtual environment that provides different types of features to support learning over distance. It allows deaf students to communicate and share knowledge easily. Bilingual chatting (text and sign language), video conference, and avatar feature are the main three features in the proposed model.

Dual arm manipulators are becoming widely used in industrial applications, however, their control is much more complicated than their single arm counterparts. In this paper we present a novel genetic algorithm based reinforced neurocontroller for the dual arm system. The new controller does not require any knowledge about the dynamics of the system and can be trained offline. A genetic algorithm search and optimize for the best controller in a population of potential neurocontrollers for the system. The simulation results showed an outstanding performance of the neurocontroller over other conventional control methods, the neurocontroller was robust and able to reject noises and disturbances in the measured output variable. The controller also offers great range of flexibility to system parameter changes as it does not depend on the system dynamics.

The last three Apollo lunar missions (15, 16, and 17) carried an integrated photogrammetric mapping system of a metric camera (MC), a high-resolution panoramic camera, a star camera, and a laser altimeter. Recently images taken by the MC were scanned by Arizona State University (ASU); these images contain valuable information for scientific exploration, engineering analysis, and visualization of the Moon’s surface. In this article, we took advantage of the large overlaps, the multi viewing, and the high ground resolution of the images taken by the Apollo MC in generating an accurate and reliable surface of the Moon. We started by computing the relative positions and orientations of the exposure stations through a rigorous photogrammetric bundle adjustment process. We then generated a surface model using a hierarchical correlation-based matching algorithm. The matching algorithm was implemented in a multi-photo scheme and permits the exclusion of obscured pixels. The generated surface model was registered with LOLA topographic data and the comparison between the two surfaces yielded an average absolute difference of 36 m. These results look very promising and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in accounting for depth discontinuities, occlusions, and image-signal noise.

Stepper motor driven systems are widely used in industrial applications. They are mainly used for their low cost open-loop high performance. However, as dynamic systems need to be increasingly faster and their motion more precise, it is important to have an open-loop system which is accurate and reliable. In this paper, we present a novel technique in which a genetic algorithm (GA) based lookup table approach is used to find the optimal stepping sequence of an open-loop stepper motor system. The optimal sequence objective is to minimize residual vibration and to accurately follow trajectory. A genetic algorithm is used to find the best stepping sequence which minimizes the error and improves the system performance. Numerical simulation has showed the effectiveness of our approach to improve the system performance for both position and velocity. The optimized system reduced the residual vibration and was able to follow the trajectory with minimal error.

The last three Apollo lunar missions (15, 16, and 17) carried an integrated photogrammetric mapping system of a Metric Camera (MC), a high-resolution Panoramic Camera, a Star Camera, and a Laser Altimeter. Recently images taken by the MC were scanned by Arizona State University (ASU); these images contain valuable information for scientific exploration, engineering analysis, and visualization of the moon’s surface. Through this article, we took advantage of the large overlaps, the multi viewing, and the high ground resolution of the images taken by the Apollo MC in generating an accurate and trustful surface of the Moon. After computing the positions and orientations of the exposure stations, through rigorous a photogrammetric bundle adjustment techniques, we carried out a two-step matching process that contains hierarchical matching and least squares matching; both steps are implemented in a multi-photo scheme. Our results look very promising and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in accounting for depth discontinuities, occlusions, and noises.

Thermoelectric modules (TEMs) are solid state energy converters and they are divided into two categories: thermoelectric generator (TEG) and thermoelectric cooler (TEC). Both can be integrated together to recover engine’s waste heat into electrical power then into cooling capacity. In this paper, the optimal configuration of TEG-TEC modules integration is investigated, in which the TEC modules are powered by the electricity generated from the TEG modules. This configuration is applied to recover engine’s waste heat into cooling capacity for the cabin air conditioning system. For this proposed system, it is suggested that the TEG modules will be mounted on the engine’s manifold surface while the TEC modules will mounted on the inside cabin’s ceiling surface. A mathematical model is derived for this configuration to investigate the optimal ratio of TEC modules to TEG modules. The proposed TEG-TEC integration offers the advantages of clean and direct conversion between heating and cooling without the need of energy converters or complex interfacing circuits. The TEG generated power and the TEC cooling capacity are simulated using MATLAB. It is expected that recovering waste heat energy from the automobile engine can power up the air conditioning needs without consuming any extra fuel. The proposed air conditioning system is validated using (Ansys Fluent 14®) as a CFD simulation of the cabin climate control, where the temperature distribution for the cabin is investigated. Furthermore, it is expected that this work will be beneficial to the analysis and design of the automobile future air conditioning systems. The main contribution of this work is that a mathematical integration model is developed to investigate the optimal ratio for TEG-TEC module integration. Further, the optimal ratio between the number of TEG and TEC is calculated.

Advanced thermal management systems can enormously improve the transient response of internal combustion engines (ICEs). It can also reduce the fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. By regulating the ICE temperature via maintaining desired temperatures of coolant circulating in the engine cooling system, the thermal transient response of ICE can be improved. Advanced automotive thermal management systems feature computer controlled servo actuators to energize a smart valve, water pump, and radiator fan. When all the electrically controlled actuators function harmoniously, desired thermal conditions can be obtained. In this paper, variable structure control (VSC) schemes are proposed for hydraulic actuated automotive cooling systems. Different types of sliding mode controllers along with a fuzzy logic control (FLC) architecture are implemented and tested for transient temperature tracking. Representative numerical simulations are introduced to demonstrate the functionality of the proposed control schemes in accurately tracking a prescribed temperature profiles.

Red Blood Cell (RBC) geometry forms unique distinguished shape. This shape is thought to have a major influence on both the function and the dynamics of the moving erythrocyte. The shape of the RBC is hypothesised to cause platelet scattering and diffusion towards vessel wall. The current study is built to provide a detailed review of the previous theories that discuss the influence of RBC shape on its functionality and dynamics, a detailed focus on the influence of RBC dynamics on platelet migration towards the vessel wall is presented. Afterwards, computational results representing the influence of RBC shape on platelet migration to the vessel wall are listed. The results involve comparison between circular and elliptical RBCs using low Reynolds number channel flow regime. It is shown that this migration process is primarily affected by the diameter of the RBC and not by its shape.

The coolant temperature of internal combustion engines can be regulated effectively by advanced thermal management systems that feature multiple computer controlled servomotor actuators (i.e., a variable position smart valve, variable speed electric water pump, variable speed electric radiator fan). When the components of the advanced thermal management system function harmoniously, desired thermal conditions can be achieved in a power efficient manner. Hence, fuel consumption and emissions are reduced. In this paper, a fuzzy logic control architecture is proposed for transient temperature tracking. A representative numerical simulation is introduced to demonstrate the functionality of the thermal management system in accurately tracking a prescribed temperature profile.

13th IASTED International Conference on Control and Applications, CA 2011; Vancouver, BC; Canada; 1 June 2011 through 3 June 2011, In this paper, nonlinear control techniques are developed to control parallel-plate micro electrostatic actuators in the presence of parasitics and parametric uncertainties. The movable plate of the micro actuator is actively controlled utilizing the measurements of internal charge and movable plate's displacement. A velocity observer is designed to estimate the velocity of the plate that is needed for the control algorithm since it is difficult to be measured practically. The proposed backstepping nonlinear control strategies are developed based on a Lyapunov-based analysis, which proves that the desired plate's displacement can be obtained accurately. The proposed nonlinear controllers are capable of controlling the movable plate beyond the pull-in limit in the presence of parametric uncertainties. Representative numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the performance of the developed nonlinear control strategies in accurately tracking desired deflections of the movable plate within the entire capacitive gap. Finally, a comprehensive performance comparison is performed to examine the effectiveness of the control designs.

This paper presents a simple reasoned methodology for designing sliding mode controllers (SMCs) for single-input-multi-output (SIMO) control systems. The approach is explicitly based on the assessment of a system total energy, and the realization of a SMC that minimizes that energy. The practical implementation of the proposed approach is exemplified on an inverted pendulum system where the system is two independent sliding surfaces are designed based on the system states.

In this paper, a method for digitally redesign of observer-based synchronization for chaotic systems with uncertain time-varying parameters is presented. The proposed design methodology in this work can be considered as an observer design problem where two systems states synchronize. The proposed method starts by having the system in a form suitable for the design; hence, the optimal linearization method (OLM) of the nominal system, around each operating point of the system trajectory, is used. The uncertain time-varying parameters terms are decomposed such that the nonlinear system can be presented as a set of local linear model with disturbed inputs. Then, H∞ robust observer is designed in continuous-time domain based on the linearized model of the system to force the system to synchronize. Finally, a robust digital observer is obtained as a result of applying digital redesign of the designed continuous-time H∞ robust observer using the state matching technique. The effectiveness of the proposed design method is illustrated through numerical examples solving the Chua and Chen chaotic systems. The examples are numerically simulated with Matlab® using a Runge Kutta fourth-order algorithm. The results are provided at the end and then compared with others to show the effectiveness of this method. The results show a robust performance of the proposed method where the trajectory of the states for the drive and response systems synchronizes.