Adi Maaita

A Generic Adaptive Multi-Gene-Set Genetic Algorithm (AMGA)

Genetic algorithms have been used extensively in solving complex solution-space search problems. However, certain problems can include multiple sub-problems in which multiple searches through distinct solution-spaces are required before the final solution combining all the sub-solutions is found. This paper presents a generic design of genetic algorithms which can be used for solving complex solution-space search problems that involve multiple sub-solutions. Such problems are very difficult to solve using basic genetic algorithm designs that utilize a single gene-set per chromosome. The suggested algorithm presents a generic solution which utilizes both multi-gene-set chromosomes, and an adaptive gene mutation rate scheme. The results presented from experiments done using an automatic graphical user interface generation case study, show that the suggested algorithm is capable of producing successful solutions where the common single-gene-set design fails.

A Secure Authentication System for ePassport Detection and Verification

The use of smart border entry systems significantly increases the reliability and efficiency of borders control measures. To deal with the increasing numbers of passengers and tighter security controls, pro-active automatic decision-making support to border control authorities is needed. Modern biometric passports, also known as ePassports, integrates an electronic RFID chip into the paper document, which contains information that can be used to authenticate the identity of travelers. In this paper, an RFID-based Location Authentication Protocol, (RFIDLAP), for ePassport detection and verification is proposed. RFIDLAP is designed to detect and track ePassports in a confined area by autonomously initializing an ultra-secure access control routine between RFID tags and readers. The purpose of this protocol is to reduce the lead time for passengers at borders control areas and allow governments to process e-passports effectively without the need to increase their human resources capacity. Using C#, a simulator was developed to test the proposed protocol and the results were within 0.2% error in accuracy when processing ePassports.

An efficient and scalable ranking technique for mashups involving RSS data sources

Mashups are key category of Web 2.0 personalized applications. Due to personalization property of Web 2.0 applications, number of mashups hosted by a mashup platform is increasing. End-users are overwhelmed by the increasing number of mashups. Therefore, they cannot easily find mashups of their interest. In this paper, we propose a novel mashup ranking technique based on the popular Vector Space Model (VSM) for mashups that use RSS feeds as data sources. Mashups that are ranked higher would be more interesting to end-users. In order to evaluate our mashup ranking technique, we implement it in a prototype where end-users select mashups that they consider interesting. We implicitly collect the end-user mashup selections and record the outcome of our ranking technique, and then we analyze them. Recorded R-Precision value in our technique is on an average 30% higher than R-Precision value in binary ranking technique which shows an improvement in capturing mashups that resemble end-user interest. In our design, we make sure our mashup ranking technique scales well to increasing number of mashups.

A Multi-Threaded Symmetric Block Encryption Scheme Implementing PRNG for DES and AES Systems

Due to the ever-increasing efficiency of computer systems, symmetric cryptosystem are becoming more vulnerable to linear cryptanalysis brute force attacks. For example, DES with its short key (56 bits) is becoming easier to break, while AES has a much longer key size (up to 256 bits), which makes it very difficult to crack using even the most advanced dedicated cryptanalysis computers. However, more complex algorithms, which exhibit better confusion and diffusion characteristics, are always required. Such algorithms must have stronger resistance against differential and linear cryptanalysis attacks. This paper describes the development of an algorithm that implements a pseudo random number generator (PRNG) in order to increase the key generation complexity. Experimental results on both DES and AES cryptosystems complemented with the PRNG have shown an average improvement of up to 36.3% in the avalanche error computation over the original standard systems, which is a considerable improvement in the time complexity of both systems.

e-Learning Requirement in University

Each development to the e-learning systems is a profit to the learning model. Most universities work with e-learning system as a main request at their education to automate the managing of learning events to get more flexibility in their learning system. This work compares e-learning systems, our study discuss the basis for choosing the most adequate one. The paper presents the results of the comparison of the most popular e-learning system. The comparison is based on various pedagogical and technical aspects. The open source factor supported the improvement of the e-learning which give great developed communities in many universities. Moodle is the most e-learning management system that has been chosen in many education processes. The article analyses three distance learning environments (Moodle, Blackboard, and Claroline).

The Utilization of the Moodle E-Learning System in Isra University

The Moodle e-learning system has been adopted by several universities and organizations for the large accessible set of e-learning tools. Isra University has adopted and utilized the Moodle e-learning system in many classes throughout all of its colleges. Moodle has solved many course management problems such as finding the appropriate time that suits all students to carry out tests and quizzes; marking and providing feedback to the students within a short period of time; registration for tutorial sessions; and providing lecture materials and general faculty announcements. Our study focuses on student survey to shed some light on the perceptions of using Moodle in Isra University. The evaluation results of using Moodle platform shows promising opportunities to support and improve upon this platform in Isra University classes. This study helps introducing the e-learning system to the entire students in Isra University and to support the understanding of the overall learning process, learning motivation, legitimatize application of knowledge, and a challenge for improving the teaching behaviors.

Risks and Remedies in ISRA University e-Learning System

Information technology brought radical changes in various aspects of contemporary life and education sector in general and in higher education in particular. Our institute (Isra University) decided to be more responsive to these dramatic changes and effectively employ information technology to improve the quality of teaching and learning through a gradual shift from web-enhanced courses towards blended learning, distance learning, and open learning to achieve better learning outcomes excellence and competition. We uses Moodle system to offer web-enhanced courses with timed on-line quizzes as well as a vehicle for students to submit homework assignments and gain access to different course related resources. This paper investigates the risks encountered at Isra university e-learning system (IUELS) in the offering of web-enhanced courses and how we solved the problems.