Fatema Shamis Saif Al-Akhzamiyah , Hanan Al-Khatri, Saleh Al-Saadi

كلية الهندسة-جامعة السلطان قابوس · عمان

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is a holistic term for the combination of factors,namely thermal conditions (TC), visual conditions (VC), acoustical conditions (AcC),and indoor air quality (IAQ). It is considered an important indicator of the occupants'health, well-being, and productivity, especially in educational buildings wherestudents spend most of their time indoors. Although Oman is located in a region withextreme climatic conditions, no published research, up to the knowledge of theresearcher, addresses the evaluation of indoor environmental quality in educationalinstitutions. In an attempt to fill this gap of knowledge, this thesis aims at evaluatingIEQ in selected classrooms at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Oman, exploring theoccupants' perception of IEQ and investigating the current IEQ conditions in theclassrooms. A mixed-method approach was followed to carry out the researchinvolving subjective and objective assessments. The former were a self-reportedquestionnaire of students' sensation, satisfaction, and preference. The latter involvedmeasuring environmental variables using specialized instruments. The survey wascarried out in nine classrooms with the participation of 475 students.The IEQ results revealed that the thermal sensations were clustered between neutral tocool, which differs slightly from the comfort range specified by ASHRAE database.The visual sensations were clustered between slightly dim and slightly bright, whichis considered within the comfort range. Regarding the acoustic condition, thesensations clustered between slightly noisy and quiet, and this range is the comfortrange. Considering the students' perceptions of indoor air quality, the sensations' votesclustered between slightly bad to good. Most of the students perceived air quality asgood. Thus, the classrooms are comfortable based on the students' point of view.Based on the objective measurements, the measured variables were incompliant withcomfort ranges specified by the international standards. This indicating that theinvestigated classrooms are uncomfortable.With the increasing interest in IEQ and its influence on occupants' satisfaction andcomfort inside buildings, a great focus was invested in allocating a weighting schemefor IEQ by identifying the relative importance of each individual factor. This studyproposed an original IEQ weighting scheme based on the opinion of the facultymembers of the College of Engineering and the students. Considering the resultingIEQ weights from faculty members of the College of Engineering and the students, itobserved similar ranking order for the four factors. The results of this study are usefulin enhancing the student's educational experience in SQU. Further, they can be usedas a reference for further investigations of IEQ for educational buildings, especially inhot climates. Moreover, the appropriate use of the IEQ weighting scheme can guidearchitects and engineers to design comfortable and energy-efficient buildings.

Hocine Lehouche, Ouahib Guenounou, Siham Fredj

كلية التكنولوجيا-جامعة عبد الرحمان ميرة - بجاية · الجزائر

Les systèmes du chauffage deviennent de plus en plus un sujet d'actualité dans le domaine du bâtiment, vue qu'ils représentent l'élément principal pour améliorer le confort thermique des occupants. Ce travail est effectué pour but d'améliorer le confort thermique dans un bâtiment tout en réduisant la consommation d'énergie en utilisant une nouvelle approche de contrôle par réseau de neurones pour la régulation de la température intérieure dans les bâtiments tertiaires basée sur un algorithme génétique.L'objectif clé de la régulation est de diminuer la consommation d'électricité tout en maintenant un confort thermique optimal aux occupants. L'originalité de cette approche permet au système du chauffage de fonctionner face aux différentes perturbations telles que les profils d'occupation, les appareils électriques, la température intérieure, la température extérieure et les critères météorologiques. Une combinaison des algorithmes génétiques et des réseaux de neurones artificiels est appliquée durant les travaux de recherches de cette thèse afin de bénéficier des avantages de chaque approche pour concevoir un contrôleur rapide et puissant, en particulier lorsque le systèmemanque d'un modèle mathématique et physique étant le cas de notre application qui est un modèle du chauffage d'un bâtiment conçu dans l'espace MATLAB/SIMULINK à base de la boite à outil SIMBAD (SIMulator of Buildings and Devices). L'efficacité du contrôleur suggéré est montrée d'après les résultats de simulations ainsi en assurant un haut niveau de confort dans le local commercial pendant les heures de travail en utilisant un radiateur électrique de 1000 W.

Fadi Karameh, Hmayag Kevork Partamian

كلية مارون سمعان للهندسة والعمارة-الجامعة الأمريكية في بيروت · لبنان

Due to the enhancements in sensor technology and cloud computing, multichannel time series data is readily acquired and analyzed in many real-world problems. However, since the multichannel data has a high dimension and is often acquired over a long duration of time, data analysis is cumbersome visually and computationally challenging despite available resources. In this thesis, we propose a model-free framework for multichannel data analysis to provide a comprehensive insight into the time-varying governing dynamics using a window-based approach and an incremental approach. We evaluate the framework and show its utility using real magneto-encephalogram (MEG) data acquired during cognitive tasks and using clinical seizure (EEG) data during epileptic events. The complexity of interactions among multichannel data is exemplified in brain dynamics analysis, where by recordings often acquire the information not only locally, but also from other sources leading it to be multiplexed and contaminated with noise. To understand such dynamics, many researchers have employed biologically inspired models to identify key biological events and generate hypotheses that can be tested experimentally. Such physical models are often computationally expensive, and because they can only encompass an activity that is explicitly modeled, these models cannot guarantee that all the events will be captured. Therefore, we employ the model-free dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) method to find spectral, spatial, temporal, phase, and instability characteristics in the data and quantify the dynamics. The first objective examines a framework to extract dominant spatial patterns and their temporal evolution. The methodology is then adapted to study long multichannel time series data to extract spatial, temporal, and phase relationships between the channels in the form of color-coded dictionary maps we denote as DMD grams. Next, we study the oscillatory events as instability of the system; since DMD extracts linear underlying subsystem, the fragility of the modes can be extracted and subsequently mapped onto the fragility in the original signal space (or channel fragility). We then evaluate the proposed measure using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and patient-specific sequence learning models. The second objective makes use of the DMD gram and the fragility features to learn deep neural networks for seizure event detection. Attention mechanisms are added to the network to identify channels that are most active during seizures. The analysis in the previous objectives was performed using a window-based approach that cannot localize events in time accurately where the results may vary according to the considered window size. Therefore, in the third objective, the incremental dynamic mode decomposition is used to generate instantaneous features that accommodate time-varying characteristics and is suitable for online analysis. We also investigate smoothing and the transformation of the modes from the complex domain to the real domain where the instantaneous frequency, amplitude, and phase are extracted. Then, channel interactions are analyzed incrementally. The framework was tested on synthetic data and then validated using (1) multi-trial and multichannel MEG data obtained during three cognitive tasks, (2) real epileptic EEG data, and (3) intracranial EEG recordings aiming to locate the seizure onset zone. Our analysis shows that the proposed methodology is a useful tool to summarize the long-duration EEG data, study the underlying dynamics in a linearized domain from spectral, phase, and instability perspectives, and localize key spatiotemporal hidden events such as extracting dominant brain network configurations and exploring seizure onset zones.

M. Fellag, Merouane Cheliout, Y. Kadid

كلية علوم الطبيعة والحياة-جامعة سعد دحلب - البليدة · الجزائر

Ce travail concerne Etude de l’évolution de l’occupation du sol de la commune de Sidi Semiane (Wilaya de Tipaza) au moyen de la télédétection et cartographie numérique. Des images satellitaire LANDSAT des différentes périodes (1984, 2003 et 2016) qui ont été analysées par un logiciel de télédétection ENVI, on s’appuyant sur une classification supervisée basé sur 6 unités : Forêts de Chêne liège, Forêts de Chêne vert, Maquis, Agriculture, sols nu et les zones incendiées.

Sarah Tmadartaza, K. Akkouche

كلية هندسة معمارية-جامعة مولود معمري - تيزي وزو · الجزائر

سيلوموسا كلينبوي ندلانغاماندلا, غلاديس حنين أبو حيدر

مدرسة رفيق الحريري للتمريض-الجامعة الأمريكية في بيروت · لبنان

HIV remains the leading cause of death among adolescents in Eswatini. The prevalence of HIV among adolescents is increasing as is the number of adolescents living with HIV who experience HIV service access issues. In Eswatini, previous studies explored general experiences of ALHIV with a limited focus on access to HIV healthcare services. The study aimed to describe access issues to HIV healthcare services among adolescents living with HIV in an HIV-designated healthcare center in Eswatini, while exploring the factors influencing HIV service access and suboptimal compliance to HIV treatment. Methodology: The study used an exploratory-descriptive qualitative design. Adolescents were sampled using purposive sampling and healthcare providers were sampled through convenience sampling. Results: Adolescents face challenges that limit their ability to perceive a need for HIV care, seek HIV care, reach HIV care, pay for HIV, and engage in HIV care. This is despite some efforts made by the health system through its five dimensions of healthcare access as outlined in the Levesque conceptual framework to facilitate their visibility and success in enhancing adolescents ’ abilities. Discussion: Both the health system factors, and HIV service beneficiaries influence the accessibility of HIV services. A unified effort is needed to address the HIV service access issues experienced by adolescents living with HIV if the country is to achieve local and global HIV targets by 2030.Conclusion: Adolescents living with HIV are a uniquely vulnerable population facing challenges around accessing HIV services and engaging in sustained HIV care. Promoting access to HIV services for the most vulnerable adolescents will require interventions that address both social and health system factors. The findings have implications for programs that will empower both the health system and adolescents living with HIV.

بن محمد عمر, عولمي عبدالمالك

كلية العلوم-جامعة فرحات عباس - سطيف1 · الجزائر

Nadjoua Djerroud , Sabiha Achat , Souzi Djaouzi

كلية العلوم الطبيعية والحياتية-جامعة عبد الرحمان ميرة - بجاية · الجزائر

ناصر حسين زاده, يعقوب حامد سيف

كلية الهندسة-جامعة السلطان قابوس · عمان

Power systems are subjected to low-frequency disturbances that might cause loss of synchronism and eventually might lead to blackouts. The oscillations, which are typically in the frequency range of 0.2 to 3.0 Hz, might be excited by the disturbances in the system or, in some cases, might even build up spontaneously. These oscillations limit the power transmission capability of a network and, sometimes, even cause a loss of synchronism and an eventual breakdown of the entire system. To mitigate this, Power system stabilizers (PSS) are used to generate supplementary control signals for the excitation system in order to damp these low frequency power system oscillations. Previous studies show that Oman Main Interconnected System (Oman-MIS) experienced low frequency oscillations that might affect the system's stability. The existence of a lightly-damped low frequency oscillations was observed across many geographical locations in Oman after a three-phase short circuit fault occurred on a 132 kV transmission line. Furthermore, the system is now expanded and have three main voltages for the transmission network: 400kV, 220kV and 132kV. Therefore, it is advisable to investigate the low frequency oscillations in the upgraded network and propose solutions to overcome such oscillations. The main objective of this research is to design a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) for OmanMIS to damp unpredicted oscillations. Unlike the Conventional Power System Stabilizers (CPSS), the fuzzy logic controller design does not need exact mathematical equations of the system. It just depends on some logic rules, IF-THEN rules, which use the linguistic knowledge of system's operator. In order to compare performance, two PSS's were designed: a CPSS was designed using frequency-response approach, and a fuzzy logic PSS (FLPSS) was designed based on normalized membership functions and linguistic rules. Then, the Oman Main Interconnected System (MIS) was modeled using MATLAB/Simulink extracted from a DIGSILENT model. The system performance for each PSS was achieved by simulating the whole system in MATLAB/Simulink environment. A three-phase short circuit fault was imposed in one of the 400kV bus bars. The built model of Oman-MIS in MATLAB/Simulink experienced severe low-frequency oscillations when there was no PSS installed on the generators. With the use of the CPSS only, light damping to the systems oscillations was observed. Whilst the proposed FLPSS had much better damping to those oscillations.

سامح محمد حسن فيومي, سلام الخطيب

كلية الصحة العامة-جامعة القدس · فلسطين

The incidence of Neonatal Jaundice is increased in infants of East Asian, Indian, American and Greek descents. Greater awareness is needed among nurses to assess jaundice and educate parents on how to assess jaundice and prevent complications.Nurses must have good practices to provide proper services to keep newborns free from any harm or malpractice that might lead to other complications. The overall aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of nurses working in (NICU) and Pediatric Wards.Aim of the study:To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses working in(NICU) and pediatric wards regarding Neonatal Jaundice in the northern area of the West Bank. Study Design:A descriptive, cross sectional study was done using a convenience sample of all nurses(n=174) working in the NICU and pediatric wardsin 9 governmental and private hospitals in the Northern area of the West Bank. Study Tools: After reviewing the previous studies, a-68 items questionnaire was formulated by the researcher to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice among nurses working in NICU and pediatric wardsregarding neonatal jaundice. Results:The study founded that 90.2%(157) of nurses had a moderate knowledge of neonatal jaundice. Most of the nurses gained high level of knowledge about various types of neonatal jaundice and differences among them.The results also showed that 157 (90.2%) participants IVhad moderate level of knowledge about signs and symptoms, treatments and complications of neonatal jaundice. No significant differences were found between knowledge and marital status, level of education, total experience, type of shift, place of residence, and the age of the participants.81.6%(142) of nurses held positive attitudes about neonatal jaundice. 85.1%(148) nurses had moderate level of practice regardingneonatal jaundice.No significant differences were found between attitudes and practice of nurses with demographic factors except between attitudes and training.Results found a positive relationship between knowledge and practice.It also showed a positive relationship between attitude andpractice. However; the result showed no association between knowledge and attitude regarding Neonatal Jaundice.Conclusion: The study demonstrated that nurses working in(NICU) and pediatric wardshad moderate knowledge and practicewith a positive attitude regarding Neonatal Jaundice. This highlights the needofa more appropriate education for nurses. Ministry of Health must implement the necessary interventions that must standardize practice to ensure efficiency and effectiveness while securing children safety in the care delivered. This ultimately will most likely to prepare mothers for discharge, to reduce newborn readmission for jaundice, and enhance maternal satisfaction