Jordan University of Science and Technology

About: Jordan University of Science and Technology is a education organization based out in Irbid, Irbid, Jordan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 7582 authors who have published 13166 publications receiving 298158 citations. The organization is also known as: JUST.

Bit error probability for coherent M-ary PSK systems

Abstract: A simple technique for evaluating the bit-error probability of coherent M-ary phase-shift keying (PSK) with any bit-mapping is proposed. Closed-form expressions are given in terms of error functions for half- and quadrant-plane probabilities in the decision space, avoiding the numerical evaluation of complicated integrals that occurs in the direct method. Bit error probability expressions for M-ary PSK with Gray, natural binary, and folded binary bit-mappings are derived. >

Diabetic foot ulcer mobile detection system using smart phone thermal camera: a feasibility study

Abstract: Nowadays, the whole world is being concerned with a major health problem, which is diabetes. A very common symptom of diabetes is the diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). The early detection of such foot complications can protect diabetic patients from any dangerous stages that develop later and may require foot amputation. This work aims at building a mobile thermal imaging system that can be used as an indicator for possible developing ulcers. The proposed system consists of a thermal camera connected to a Samsung smart phone, which is used to acquire thermal images. This thermal imaging system has a simulated temperature gradient of more than 2.2 °C, which represents the temperature difference (in the literature) than can indicate a possible development of ulcers. The acquired images are processed and segmented using basic image processing techniques. The analysis and interpretation is conducted using two techniques: Otsu thresholding technique and Point-to-Point mean difference technique. The proposed system was implemented under MATLAB Mobile platform and thermal images were analyzed and interpreted. Four testing images (feet images) were used to test this procedure; one image with any temperature variation to the feet, and three images with skin temperature increased to more than 2.2 °C introduced at different locations. With the two techniques applied during the analysis and interpretation stage, the system was successful in identifying the location of the temperature increase. This work successfully implemented a mobile thermal imaging system that includes an automated method to identify possible ulcers in diabetic patients. This may give diabetic patients the ability for a frequent self-check of possible ulcers. Although this work was implemented in simulated conditions, it provides the necessary feasibility to be further developed and tested in a clinical environment.

Use of elliptic curve cryptography for multimedia encryption

Abstract: The unique characteristics of the elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) such as the small key size, fast computations and bandwidth saving make its use attractive for multimedia encryption. In this study, the ECC is used to perform encryption along with multimedia compression, and two ECC-based encryption algorithms are introduced and applied before and during compression. The first algorithm performs selective encryption on the transform coefficients during compression, whereas the second algorithm achieves perceptual encryption based on selective bit-plane encryption before compression. The results of applying ECC to multimedia encryption are presented and analysed with respect to the requirements of multimedia encryption: the encryption efficiency, compression efficiency, codec compliance and security level. It is shown that ECC is highly efficient and does not affect the compression efficiency, and accordingly can meet the multimedia encryption requirements.

Laser beam machining of carbon fiber reinforced composites: a review

Abstract: Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites gained wide acceptance in aerospace, automotive and marine industries due to their superior properties. It became the major structural material that substitutes metals in many weight-critical components such as the new A350 and the B787 aircrafts, with composite content to exceed the 50%. Although CFRP structures are manufactured to near-net-shape, edge trimming, drilling, sawing, milling, and grinding operations are unavoidable. Being anisotropic, inhomogeneous and highly abrasive, their conventional machining is normally associated with delamination, fibers pull-out, inadequate surface quality, and tool wear. Other nontraditional processes which include abrasive water jet machining (AWJM), ultrasonic machining (USM), and electrodischarge machining (EDM) offer substitute to the conventional methods. Laser beam machining (LBM) is an emerging technology offering an excellent alternative for machining CFRP composites. This paper reviews the research work carried out in the area of LBM of CFRP materials. It reports the experimental and theoretical studies covering the process accuracy in terms kerf width, kerf depth and edge quality, and the thermal characteristics in terms of heat-affected zone (HAZ). Minimizing the kerf taper, increasing kerf depth, and eliminating the HAZ in the polymer matrix are considered the major obstacles of CFRP industrial applications. Methods of improving the machining productivity by reducing the machining time and increasing the material removal rate (MRR) and kerf depth are reviewed. Several mathematical and statistical modeling and optimization techniques have been critically examined. The concept of specific energy and its impact on HAZ and kerf width is introduced. The relationship between laser type and HAZ is discussed. The current work furthermore outlines the possible trends for future research.

Challenging parents’ myths regarding their children’s teething

Abstract: Objectives: The aims of this study were to (i) investigate the parental beliefs about teething signs and symptoms, (ii) investigate the parents’ practices used to alleviate teething troubles and (iii) provide an educational basis for dental healthcare providers to better educate parents on this subject. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a random sample of 1500 parents attending Maternity and Child Health Care Centers. The self-administered questionnaire contained three sections: Section I surveyed parents’ and their children’s demographic characteristics, Section II aimed to assess the general knowledge and beliefs of parents regarding their children’s teething. Section III aimed at investigating the practices that the parents would do to manage teething problems and relieve pain. The analysis of data was carried out using spss computer software. Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared test were utilized. Results: Almost 75% of the participants incorrectly attributed fever, diarrhoea and sleep disturbances to teething, and more than 50% believed systemic symptoms are not related to the process. More than 50% of the participants allowed their children to bite on chilled objects, (76.1%) used systemic analgesics and (65.6%) rubbed the gums with topical analgesics to relieve the symptoms associated with teething. Conclusions: This study shows a common lack of knowledge about teething among parents. Parents should be better educated about the teething process and the proper management of teething troubles by the dental health care providers.