Salem Alkhalaf

A note on optimal homotopy asymptotic method for the solutions of fractional order heat- and wave-like partial differential equations

Optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) is prolifically implemented to find the optimal solutions of fractional order heat- and wave-like equations. We inspect the competence of the method by examining fractional order time dependent partial differential equations. It is observed that OHAM is a prevailing and convergent method for the solutions of linear and nonlinear fractional order time dependent partial differential problems. The numerical results rendering that the applied method is explicit, effective and easy to use, for handling more general fractional order heat- and wave-like models.

Fuzzy-VQ image compression based hybrid PSOGSA optimization algorithm

The transmission speed of big data in multimedia, social networking, and web services, can be enhanced by image compression technology. Fuzzy vector quantization (VQ) image compression is a significant tool for achieving a codebook to illuminate lineaments of big data. A functionality combination of PSO and GSA algorithms, with parallel running, have been used to design a fuzzy-VQ image compression system. The improvement of the compressed image quality has been executed by carrying out suitable parameters selection using the proposed algorithm. Comparative study between sophisticated learning schemes and Linde-Buzo-Gray (LBG) based VQ learning process has been introduced. The proposed algorithms provide an achievement in the behavior of pure image compression.

Validation of the IS Impact Model for Measuring the Impact of e-Learning Systems in KSA Universities: Student Perspective

The IS-Impact Measurement Model, developed by Gable, Sedera and Chan in 2008, represents the to-date and expected stream of net profits from a given information system (IS), as perceived by all major user classes. Although this model has been stringently validated in previous studies, its generalizability and verified effectiveness are enhanced through this new application in e-learning. This paper focuses on the re- validation of the findings of the IS-Impact Model in two universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Among the users of 2 universities e-learning systems, 528 students were recruited. A formative validation measurement with SmartPLS, a graphical structural equation modeling tool was used to analyse the collected data. On the basis of the SmartPLS results, as well as with the aid of data-supported IS impact measurements and dimensions, we confirmed the validity of the IS-Impact Model for assessing the effect of e-learning systems in KSA universities. The newly constructed model is more understandable, its use was proved as robust and applicable to various circumstances.

Online Learner Satisfaction and Collaborative Learning:Evidence from Saudi Arabia

Despite the considerable potential for e-learning to improve learning outcomes, particularly for female students and students who need to rely on distance learning, feedback from current users of e-learning systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) suggests a relatively low level of satisfaction. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach in investigating the underlying reasons for this situation. Results indicate that students are not unhappy with the information technology infrastructure or with other technical aspects. However, many students report a low level of interaction between them and their fellow students. When interactions do occur, students indicate overwhelmingly that they find such interactions useful. Together, these findings suggest that greater student interaction, which could be fostered through the use of collaborative learning, is likely to be both popular with students and beneficial to their learning outcomes.

Using the Facebook Iframe as an Effective Tool for Collaborative Learning in Higher Education

Facebook is increasingly becoming a popular senvironment for online learning. Despite the popularity of using Facebook as an e-learning tool, there is a limitation when it comes to presenting content: another platform is required to run the files. Presented in this paper is a case study of how the Facebook iframe code can be used as a hosting environment tool to support collaborative activities in higher education at Qassim University. The study was conducted on a sample of (N=45) university students who were enrolled in Selected Topics in Information Systems (INFO491) at the Faculty of Art & Science at Qassim University. We used Facebook markup language (FBML) to design and implement the course. An online questionnaire was used to investigate the students’ perceptions about using Facebook iframe for the course. Descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square test were used to analyze the data. According to our results, the participants reported that using the Facebook iframe page increased their understanding and improved their learning performance. In addition, for the majority of students, it enabled them to learn more quickly. Our findings also revealed that a Facebook iframe page is a distinctive hosting environment for presenting content.

Distributed Pattern Transformation-Invariant Recognition Scheme for Real-Time Sensory Applications

This paper describes the Cellular weighted Graph Neuron (CwGN) scheme, which demonstrates real-time transformation-invariant pattern recognition for resource constraint networks such as wireless sensor networks (WSN). This scheme can recognise patterns from a variety of perspectives in a fully distributed manner, which makes it highly responsive, scalable, and energy efficient. Learning operations are decoupled and reduced to relatively simple processing elements to achieve an economical parallelism. We show that by using only local computation, i.e., between adjacent nodes, we can fully describe patterns by their boundaries and then recognise the transformations of these patterns. Our scheme solves the invariant pattern recognition for the first time in a fully distributed manner within a predictable single cycle learning duration which allows the use of the scheme within resource-constrained networks such as wireless sensor networks for event-detection. Theoretical analysis and experimental results demonstrate online recognition of transformed patterns with competitive accuracy and a low energy budget.

Improvement of Control System Performance by Modification of Time Delay

This paper presents a mathematical approach for improving the performance of a control system by modifying the time delay at certain operating conditions. This approach converts a continuous time loop into a discrete time loop. The formula derived is applied successfully to an applicable control system. The results show that the proposed approach efficiently improves the control system performance. The relation between the sampling time and the time delay is obtained. Two different operating conditions are examined to assess the proposed approach in improving the performance of the control system.

Measuring the Information Quality of e-Learning Systems in KSA: Attitudes and Perceptions of Learners

The introduction of e-learning, with the easy availability of course materials and related resources, has had a major impact on students and lecturers in higher education. However, few studies have been conducted to measure the information quality of e-learning on educational institutions in Saudi Arabia. This paper looks at the issues of using e-learning systems and the effect on higher education institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The findings of this study show positive attitudes towards e-learning systems in higher education, as well as learning improvement and the positive effect of employing a collaborative style of e-learning.