Reorientation: a journey through spatial sequence

Introduction | The building for this thesis project is one with a long history. Originally built as the First Baptist Church, it was converted over the years to fulfill a role completely different from its original intent; a student center! During this process and after a series of renovations, the Broad Street main grand entrance lost its place and the arrival into the building became much less choreographed. Essentially, over time one could say that this building had been flipped around, it has lost its original intent, grandeur and purpose. Hypothesis | I challenge the idea of flipping the building back to its original state to return its historical glory, significance and grand emotional experience. I hypothesize that a reorganization of spatial sequence (i.e. bringing the outside in and extending the inside out) can help flip this building around. Materials and Methods | I introduce an internal three sided staircase that mimics what exits exteriorly in an attempt to bring the outside in. This staircase becomes the center’s focal point as it rises to the third mezzanine level. The staircase is based on the “Golden Section” idea of proportional geometries which has been found inherent in the building. I extend the inside out by turning the “monumental” exterior grand steps into a place people can utilize. Results | Placing such a large structure by the building’s entry points had great impact on drawing people into the building and up the steps into the main lounge consequently re-choreographing the arrival experience. The design solution breathes new life into this building while still respecting and acknowledging all of its crucial and historic elements. Just as the altar was a main focal point when this building served as a church, the new transparent elevator shaft that is tucked in between the spiraling stairs becomes the center’s new focal point. The contemporary facade that was inserted asymmetrically on the west side of the building emphasizes the symmetry and contrasts the existing structure causing tension between the old and new but proving that they can coexist

Diagonal And Triangular Matrices

HAMDAN ALSULAIMANI, for the Master of Science in Mathematics, presented on NOV 6 2012, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: Diagonal (Triangular) Matrices PROFESSOR: Dr. R. Fitzgerald I present the Triangularization Lemma which says that let P be a set of properties, each of which is inherited by quotients. If every collection of transformations on a space of dimension greater than 1 that satisfies P is reducible, then every collection of transforma- tions satisfying P is triangularizable. I also present Burnside’s Theorem which says that the only irreducible algebra of linear transformations on the finite-dimensional vector space V of dimension greater than 1 is the algebra of all linear transformations mapping V into V. Moreover, I introduce McCoy’s Theorem which says that the pair {A,B} is triangularizable if and only if p(A,B)(AB-BA) is nilpotent for every noncommutative polynomial p. And then I show the relation between McCoy’s Theorem and Lie algebras

What Impedes Saudi Science Teachers from Using ICT?

Integration of information and communications technologies (ICT) in Saudi Arabia encounters some obstacles. This study comes to divulge the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers that impede Saudi male and female science teachers at the intermediate schools from using ICT in science pedagogy. A quantitative methodology was employed to obtain quantitative data from a 16-item questionnaire for which 309 replies were received participants. The findings confirm those reported in the literature that inefficient central project management and inadequate resources influence the integration of ICT in the science curriculum. The results of the questions on factors impeding integration of ICT differed somewhat between male and female science teachers.The study reveals that there are ten (10) main barriers that impede integration of ICT in science pedagogy in the schools of Saudi Arabia, where the Ministry of Education is called upon to deal with those obstacles and help integrate ICT in the science pedagogy. Keywords: Saudi, science, teachers, ICT and technolog

Modeling and Classification of Student Performance Based on a Machine Learning Model

The increasing popularity of Machine Learning in the education business can be attributed to its capacity to enhance several aspects of the educational system. The objective of the present study is to construct a prediction model utilizing Machine Learning techniques in order to forecast students academic performance. In the contemporary competitive landscape, academic institutions are compelled to engage in the proactive task of predicting students academic performance, categorizing them based on their individual talents, and implementing strategies to enhance their success in examinations. In order to identify students who may require early intervention and support, educational institutions must have the capacity to analyze student learning behavior through the application of predictive models for student achievement. The present study utilized a sample of 1087 students enrolled at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia to make predictions about student scores by employing the GMM model. The results indicated that the mean score achieved by students enrolled in this particular course varied between 14 and 93. The findings also indicate that the optimal model for predicting students academic achievement is the mixture model with four components and varying variances

Acquisition of active multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) data in karst terrain

This study was designed to verify the effects and data reproducibility when the length of receiver array, receiver spacing, source offset and array orientation parameters are changed for data acquired using multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW), at intended target depth of 30ft (9m), and to compare the results with electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data obtained for the same study site. The MASW data acquired for 34 sites, along four profiles for each site using variable source offsets of 10ft (3m) and 30ft (9.1m), and variable receiver spacings of 2.5ft (0.76m) and 5.0ft (0.76m), concurrently. Out of the 272 profiles studied, 136 profiles were oriented east-west, and 136 profiles were oriented north-south. The MASW data was used in conjunction with ERT data to ensure the accuracy of the ERT data. The comparative analysis indicated the profile configuration measurements have significant influence on the quality of the data and that the best inversion analysis is obtained when the dispersion curves are created using the north-south oriented arrays. The MASW survey study concluded that the most consistent and beneficial karst terrain dispersion images were those obtained from the predicted optimal acquisition, using receiver spacing (dx) = 2.5ft, source offset (X1) =10ft and depth of investigation of about 30ft --Abstract, page iii

Comparison of core control and geophysical investigations, silica sand deposits, Dawmat Al Jandal, Al Jawf at Saudi Arabia

This thesis is a summary of a comprehensive geophysical investigation in southern Dawmat Al Jandal, Al Jawf in Saudi Arabia. This research demonstrates that the acquisition of both core control and geophysical data is superior to the acquisition of core control alone. Coring is expensive and is limited in subsurface coverage. Geophysical surveying, however, is a relatively rapid and cost-effective means of deriving information about the subsurface between core holes. Ground penetrating radar (GPR), Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), and Seismic Refraction methods were used as exploration techniques to locate surficial mineral deposits within the study area. During the course of these investigations, the author tries to review the acquired 1620 meters of ground penetrating radar (GPR) data to image internal reflections (if any) within the sand and the top of the underlying sandstone; 27 MASW field records were acquired at each core hole location, which generated 1-D and 2-D shear wave velocity profiles, and 27 seismic refraction profiles were acquired, which did not image the top of the sandstone. The purpose was to estimate the thickness of the sand and to map bedding planes within the sand to better understand depositional environments under the same conditions, based on the high-resolution 2-D surveys, mostly performed in mining areas. The Geophysical investigations were successful and proved to be useful methods for the exploration of shallow subsurface areas where the results are equal to, or slightly different from, the corresponding with of the core holes\u27 values. Therefore, geophysical surveying does not remove the need for core control, but when it is properly applied it can optimize exploration rating programs by maximizing the rate of ground coverage and minimizing the amount of core drilling that is required. --Abstract, page iii

Mechanical properties and shear bond strength of denture teeth to different denture base materials

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study is to investigate the mechanical properties and bond strength of denture teeth to recently introduced denture base materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From high-impact pourable acrylic HIPA (Dentsply Sirona), DSDM Lucitone 199 puck (Dentsply Sirona), and digitally printed (Dentsply Sirona) denture base materials, bar specimens were fabricated for flexural testing (10 × 3.3 × 64 mm3) and fracture toughness testing (8 × 4 × 39 mm3). Tensile strength specimens were fabricated to form dumbbell-shaped specimens (3 × 6 mm cross-section) with a central bar. Micro-tensile specimens were fabricated into 10 × (1.5 ± 0.2) × (1.5 ± 0.2) mm3 bars. The treated specimens were subjected to thermal cycling. Square plates (3 × 18 mm2) were prepared for bonding to IPN denture teeth rods (3.85 mm) for evaluation of shear bond strength after surface treatment with airborne particle abrasion of 50 m aluminum oxide powder. The means were compared using an ANOVA Tukey HSD test, paired Student’s t-test, and contingency test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: DSDM had statistically higher flexural strength (p < 0.0001) than the other tested materials, as determined by one-way ANOVA. However, all denture base materials’ flexural moduli were not statistically different (p = 0.22). The effect of thermal aging on flexural strength (p = 0.18) and moduli of tested materials (p = 0.83) was not statistically significant. DSDM demonstrated statistically higher fracture toughness values (p = 0.0013) than the other materials. HIPA, however, had statistically higher work of fracture values than the other materials tested (p < 0.0001). The effect of thermal aging on Kmax and fracture work of all tested materials (pooled) was statistically different (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0132, respectively). DSDP had the statistically highest tensile strength, followed by DSDM, and HIPA had the lowest (p < 0.0001). The effect of thermal aging on tensile strength (pooled) was statistically different (p <0.0001). The HIPA material’s mean micro-tensile strength was significantly lower than the DSDM and DSDP materials (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the effect of thermal aging on the micro-tensile strength of all tested materials (pooled) was statistically different (p = 0.0005). Each paired Student’s t-test showed that surface abrasion increased the shear bond strength of DSDM, DSDP, and HIPA materials significantly (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0037, and p = 0.0035, respectively). Contingency analysis of the effect of the surface abrasion on each material’s failure mode revealed a 100% adhesive failure mode in DSDM. In DSDP, 5% of the failure mode was mixed. In contrast, the analysis showed 40% cohesive, 50% adhesive, and 10% mixed failure modes in HIPA material, although this finding was not statistically significant (p = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS: DSDM had higher flexural strength than the other tested materials and maximum stress intensity factors. However, HIPA performed better in terms of flexural modulus work of fracture. DSDP material had higher tensile strength values than the other materials. Thermocycling increased flexural strength, modulus values, and fracture toughness values, except for DSDP material which its work of fracture reduced after thermocycling. The tensile strength values of all tested materials was reduced after thermocycling. Air abrasion treatment enhanced the bonding strength between denture teeth and denture base material. Fractographic analysis of fragmented HIPA and DSDM specimens revealed varying degrees of plastic deformation, while DSDP material exhibiting less plastic deformation.  2021-12-13T00:00:00

Detection of genomic instability in hypospadias patients by random amplified polymorphic DNApolymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) method

Hypospadias is a urogenital malformation, and it is a common inborn disorder in male individuals. The etiology of hypospadias is still unsolved. The present study is aimed to identify the genetic instability in hypospadias patients. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based technique, was adopted using ten random primers in twelve cases and twelve controls. The primer detectability on genomic instability in 12 samples ranged from 25% with primer OPA-01 to 66% with OPA-08. Case 2 showed the highest genomic instability (80%). The lowest genomic instabamility was (10%) case 6. The results determined numbers of genomic instabilities among hypospadias patients. In addition, the RAPD-PCR technique is a powerful tool for detection of genomic instability in hypospadias patients. Further larger studies are needed, which include low and high grade of patients to: 1) Obtain RAPD markers useful for hypospadias early diagnosis; 2) investigate different genes directly involved in the etiology of hypospadias; 3) analyze chromosomal instability among hypospadia patients.Key words: Hypospadias, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), genomic instability

Effect of Remodeling Root Surfaces by New Cementum Formation on Orthodontically Induced Tooth Root Resorption in Rats

Background: The etiology of dental root surface resorption associated with orthodontic tooth movement is not fully understood. However, under normal circumstances, the cementum layer covering the dental root surfaces provides a protective barrier against resorption. Objective: To investigate the effect of cementum layer remodeling, induced either by cyclosporine A (CsA) or by low-level laser therapy (LLLT), on the amount of root resorption caused by orthodontic tooth movement. Methods: Two different animal experiments were performed. The first experiment lasted two weeks and used three groups of female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats as follows: six rats received daily 10mg/kg CsA subcutaneous injections; six rats received daily LLLT treatment delivered by gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) laser at an 830nm wavelength; and six rats received no treatment (control). In vivo micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to analyze volumetric changes in the root hard tissue. The cementum thickness was also evaluated histologically. A follow-up split-mouth study was performed using nine female SD rats. The right side maxillary first molars received daily LLLT treatment using the same laser exposures as in the previous experiment for two weeks. The left side was not treated and served as the control. Immediately after LLLT treatment, orthodontic appliances were placed bilaterally to move the right and left molars mesially over four weeks. Ex vivo micro-CT was used to evaluate the volume of root resorption. The extent and severity of root resorption were then assessed histologically. Results: In the first experiment, the cementum was significantly thicker (P=0.019) over the root surfaces in the LLLT group compared with the control and CsA groups. The follow-up experiment showed significantly less (P=0.028) root resorption volume due to tooth movement on the LLLT side compared with the control side. This protective effect against root resorption was more, on average, on the root surfaces that showed more cementum growth in response to our LLLT treatment. Conclusion: Our LLLT treatment significantly increased the thickness of dental root cementum in rats. Moreover, remodeling of the rats’ dental root surfaces using our LLLT treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the volume of root surface resorption following application of orthodontic force

User Perceptions of AI Services in Abu Dhabi Government: An Empirical Study of Satisfaction And Acceptance Factors on the TAMM Platform

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how governments deliver services by enabling automation, personalization, and data-driven decisionmaking. In the United Arab Emirates, particularly in Abu Dhabi Emirate, the TAMM platform exemplifies this transformation, integrating AI to streamline citizen-government interaction. Understanding the factors that influence the user’s satisfaction of Powered AI services in the public sector is crucial for effective policy implementation and user engagement. This study employs a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach, grounded in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), extended with User Satisfaction as a fifth construct. Quantitative data were collected from 137 TAMM platform users and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Follow-up interviews were conducted to add depth and interpretive insights. The quantitative results showed that Effort Expectancy, Facilitating Conditions, and Social Influence had significant positive effects on User Satisfaction, while Performance Expectancy was not statistically significant. However, the qualitative analysis revealed strong support for Performance Expectancy, highlighting its importance in user narratives. Thematic insights also emphasized the demand for hybrid human-AI interaction, ethical AI design, and trust as critical elements influencing user experience. Demographic factors, such as gender and prior AI experience, were found to moderate perceptions of usability and support needs. This research contributes to the UTAUT literature by applying the model in a Middle Eastern government context. This study provides strategic insights for policymakers, emphasizing the need to ensure the long-term success of AI-driven public services in Abu Dhabi