Computer Science

Although e-learning is in its infancy in Saudi Arabia, most of the public universities in the country show a great interest in the adoption of learning and teaching tools. Determining the significance of a particular tool and predicting the success of implantation is essential prior to its adoption. This paper presents and modifies the technology acceptance model (TAM) in an attempt to assist public universities, particularly in Saudi Arabia, in predicting the behavioural intention to use learning management systems (LMS). This study proposed a theoretical framework that includes the core constructs in TAM: namely, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude toward usage. Additional external variables were also adopted—namely, the lack of LMS availability, prior experience (LMS usage experience), and job relevance. The overall research model suggests that all mentioned variables either directly or indirectly affect the overall behavioural intention to use an LMS. Initial findings suggest the applicability of using TAM to measure the behavioural intention to use an LMS. Further, the results confirm the original TAM’s findings.

Mobile technologies have changed the shape of
learning for learners, society, and education providers.
Consequently, mobile learning has become a core component in
modern education. Nevertheless, introducing mobile learning
systems does not automatically guarantee that learners will
develop a positive behavioural intention to use it and therefore
use it. Thus, acceptance-of-technology and system-success studies
have increased. As yet, however, much of the research regarding
understanding students’ behavioural intention to use mobile
learning systems seems to suffer from several shortcomings. On
top of that, there is no common cognitive theoretical foundation.
This study introduces a theoretical framework that combines the
Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT)
and information system (IS) success model. This integration
resulted in three success measures and two acceptance
constructs. The success measures included the following: a)
information quality, b) system quality, and c) user satisfaction;
whilst the following were the acceptance measures: a) effort
expectancy, b) performance expectancy, and c) social influence.
Further, this study introduces lecture attitude as a new construct
that is believed to moderate students’ behavioural intention. The
relationships between the different factors form the research
hypotheses.

Mobile technologies have changed the shape of learning for learners, society, and education providers. Consequently, mobile learning has become a core component in modern education. Nevertheless, introducing mobile learning systems does not automatically guarantee that learners will develop a positive behavioural intention to use it and therefore use it. Thus, acceptance-of-technology and system-success studies have increased. As yet, however, much of the research regarding understanding students’ behavioural intention to use mobile learning systems seems to suffer from several shortcomings. On top of that, there is no common cognitive theoretical foundation. This study introduces a theoretical framework that combines the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Information System (IS) Success Model. This integration resulted in three success measures and two acceptance constructs. The success measures included the following: a) information quality, b) system quality, and c) user satisfaction; whilst the following were the acceptance measures: a) effort expectancy, b) performance expectancy, and c) social influence. Further, this study introduces lecture attitude as a new construct that is believed to moderate students’ behavioural intention. The relationships between the different factors form the research hypotheses.
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Preprocessing is done on the CT image of lung for removal of noise. A fuzzy filter is presented for the noise reduction of medical images corrupted with additive noise. The filter operation involves two stages. The first stage computes a fuzzy derivative for eight different directions. The second stage uses these fuzzy derivatives to perform smoothing with the fuzzification and De fuzzification operations along by weighting the contributions of neighboring pixel values. Both stages are based on fuzzy rules. The filter can be applied iteratively to effectively reduce heavy noise. In particular, the shape of the membership functions is adapted according to the remaining noise level after each iteration, making use of the distribution of the homogeneity in the image.

The performance of assessment in medical image segmentation is highly correlated with the extraction of anatomic structures from them, and the major task is how to separate the regions of interests from the background and soft tissues successfully. This paper proposes a fuzzy logic based bitplane method to automatically segment the background of images and to locate the region of interest of medical images. This segmentation algorithm consists of three steps, namely identification, rule firing, and inference. In the first step, we begin by identifying the bitplanes that represent the lungs clearly. For this purpose, the intensity value of a pixel is separated into bitplanes. In the second step, the triple signum function assigns an optimum threshold based on the grayscale values for the anatomical structure present in the medical images. Fuzzy rules are formed based on the available bitplanes to form the membership table and are stored in a knowledge base. Finally, rules are fired to assign final segmentation values through the inference process. The proposed new metrics are used to measure the accuracy of the segmentation method. From the analysis, it is observed that the proposed metrics are more suitable for the estimation of segmentation accuracy. The results obtained from this work show that the proposed method performs segmentation effectively for the different classes of medical images.

— As the use of network resources are increasing, the attacks on network are spreading which causes loss of confidential information, loss of confidential data, spreading of virus in networks and computers. To avoid the attacks on networks and to restrict or block the information coming and going from network we required some security. Firewall technology results to protect the network from flow of traffic over internet.

With the rapid expansion in the usage of information and communication technologies (ICT) in social, economic and allied activities, cybersecurity has become a major nuisance for states, organizations, institutions, and individuals. As information and communication technology is spreading its influence in every facet of modern society, the risk of cyber threats is continuously increasing with each passing day. Cyber threat or data exfiltration can benefit the attacker without the consent of the victim, therefore, cybersecurity becomes an important factor for developing and maintaining participation in the digital society. Any institution or organization cannot earn trust until and unless they build a system that is secure and reliable and ensure the people that they have a requisite security mechanism in place, to ensure the safety of their data. This paper focuses on numbers and their theoretical analysis related to cyber threats, trends, impact, and diversity. An attempt has been made to discuss the cybersecurity in terms of threats, trends, major data breaches, etc. During the course of this work, it was observed that there has been a negative impact on industries by the cyberattack. Statistics from world-renowned organizations and institutions show that an increasing percentage of industries that have been victims of cyberattacks, which may increase further.

As the use of network resources are increasing, the attacks on network are spreading which causes loss of confidential information, loss of confidential data, spreading of virus in networks and computers. To avoid the attacks on networks and to restrict or block the information coming and going from network we required some security. Firewall technology results to protect the network from flow of traffic over internet.

A new evaluation of seismic hazard in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia area has been carried out, for the minimization and mitigation of earthquake losses. The study area controlled by a number of major regional tectonic features including the Red Sea, Gulf of Suez, and Gulf of Aqaba-Dead Sea fault system and a larger number of recorded earthquakes. A probabilistic seismic hazard analysis is performed within a logic-tree framework. The analysis started with an exhaustive revision of the seismic catalogues of the area and vicinity from which a catalogue has been declustered and homogenized at moment magnitude, M w . According to the tectonic setting and spatial distribution of earthquakes in area and vicinity, twelve seismic zones are defined. The seismic hazard parameters, namely the bparameter (of the Gutenberg-Richter relation), M max (the upper-bound magnitude), and, k (the annual rate of occurrence of earthquakes with minimum magnitude M min C 3), are calculated for each seismic zone. The ground-motion prediction models have been selected according to the tectonic regime associated with the earthquakes in each source zone. The results are displayed in the form of contour maps of peak ground acceleration and five groundmotion spectral periods for a return period of 475 years. The maximum peak ground acceleration values are found around the Gulf of Aqaba and it is 325 gal for 475-year return period (equivalent to 90 % probability of non-exceedance in 50 years), while the lowest values in the eastern region is 75 gal. This is the first study developed at the northwestern part of Saudi

Graphical representation of groundwater major dissolved constituents greatly help researchers in understanding the hydro-chemical evolution, grouping and areal distribution. Durov diagram is one of the most widely used technique but it requires a lot of tedious calculations. The DurovPlot program, which is used to plot the expanded Durov diagram as a graphical representation of groundwater major dissolved constituents is working on Disk Operating System (DOS) environment. Therefore, the need of a new program working under windows is a must. The program termed as DurovPwinis developed using Microsoft visual studio 2010. The DurovPwin program not only calculates the Durov coordinates and plot it, but also plots the total dissolved solids (TDS) on logarithmic scale and the measure of the activity of hydrogen ion (pH) of the given samples. The updated DurovPwin adds many features such as interface with Microsoft Office package (Word and Excel) to read the input chemical elements and automatically write result interpretation report. The user facility to group wells based on data features is added and the selection of the electric balance tolerance (10% as default) value is given. Another feature of the modified DurovPwinis has the ability to do useful X-Y plot for different hydro-chemical parameters to assist in data interpretation. The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) is also calculated and written in the final report. Also, in the present study, the usability of the new version of DurovPwin program has been tested on the chemical data from 59 groundwater samples collected from Al-Jawf area, Saudi Arabia. The collected water samples were mainly from the Secondary-Tertiary-Quaternary (STQ) aquifer and some from Tawil and Jaufaquifers. The grouping of the major ions in the three aquifers have been displayed and presented using the DurovPwin program. The TDS values of Tawil aquifer ranges from 257.9 to 822.3 (2.4115 to 2.915) and for Jawf aquifer from 494.4 to 1,070 (2.6941 to 3.0294) and for STQ aquifer ranges from 399.5 to 9,861.8 (2.6015 to 3.994). The pH for the three aquifers ranges from 7 to 7.9, 7.6 to 7.8 and 7.2 to 8.3, respectively.

Abstract—Understanding the evolution of natural groundwater chemistry requires graphical representation of major dissolved constituents. Expanded Durov diagram was used since 1958. DurovPlot program was widely used, since 1997, to calculate and plot the expanded Durov diagram, but it was running under DOS, which is now obsolete. Therefore, the DurovPwin program was first introduced in 2012, to calculate the Durov coordinates and plot it. It also plots the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and the measure of the activity of hydrogen ion (pH) of the given samples. However, it still needs some additional features to be more users friendly specially to handle old data stored on Excel sheets. Many features have been added to improve the DurovPwin program facilities. One of the added features is the interface between the DurovPwin program and Microsoft office package so that users can read data from Excel, which in turn can read ASCII files; also the program automatically writes interpretation report in Microsoft Word format. Another added feature is modifying the X-Y plot to group up to three anions versus up to 3 cations to help data interpretations. The user can also select the electric balance (10% is default). The facility to group wells according the water content is given to help user to plot these group of wells on a map to identify water types in specified area. Another feature is calculating the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) which is important for irrigation purposes. All results and interpretations are written automatically in the output Microsoft Office Word file. The last feature added is including the Schoeller diagram where actual sample concentrations (meq/l) are displayed and compared. A case study data from Al-Ula area, Saudi Arabia is used to confirm the correctness of results and to show the great features added. A set of 22 groundwater samples were collected from Al-Ula area and data were saved in excel. Using DurovPwin, automatic scaling of pH shows the wells with minimum and maximum pH values. Automatic analysis report shows the interpretations of the wells located in expanded Durov fields 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The X-Y scatter diagrams show relations between many hydro-chemical elements. Finally, Schoeller Diagram is created.

The object of this paper is to use a design centering technique to improve the realization accuracy of digital filters. That should maximize the number of digital filter which meet specifications. For a certain fs and in a certain frequency band, the coefficients a's and b's represent n-vector of statical varying parameters. The constraints are the amplitude response /h(jw)/ over a prescribed range of frequency. Then, under and/or within certain specification, we get the acceptable region, otherwise failed region. After determining the acceptable region, the design center is defined as the point at which the parameters can have maximum variation and still, the response satisfies the specification. Consequently, a new set of nominal values for the coefficients is obtained. Using these bew values, the number of digital filter circuits that meet specifications is maximized.

A new computer application is created to use graphical representation of seismological data sets namely focal mechanism data to help seismologist to minimize complexities, recognize trends, discover data patterns and finally to develop the hypotheses. These graphical representation views are widely used by seismologist to drive information out of its long datasets. Using visual studio dot net 2012 to create a windows based software tools for focal mechanism datasets analysis using triangle diagrams. Another analysis tool is bar graph using basics of rose diagrams to plot the distribution of data frequency of each class. The third analysis tool included is a 4D plot of the distribution of earthquake events versus its depths and magnitude. A new classification of plotting double-couple earthquake focal mechanisms on the ternary diagram is defined. The application software has many advantages like automatic writing the analysis reports which contain all calculated information represented in the software graphs. This report helps for advanced processing. Automatic prototype analysis reporting can be considered as the first step (milestone) for applying expert systems in focal mechanism analysis tools. The application program interface (API) are designed to be user friendly and use interactive screens to customize the analysis.

The object of this paper is to use a design centering technique to improve the realization accuracy of digital filters. That should maximize the number of digital filter which meet specifications. For a certain fs and in a certain frequency band, the coefficients a's and b's represent n-vector of statical varying parameters. The constraints are the amplitude response /h(jw)/ over a prescribed range of frequency. Then, under and/or within certain specification, we get the acceptable region, otherwise failed region. After determining the acceptable region, the design center is defined as the point at which the parameters can have maximum variation and still, the response satisfies the specification. Consequently, a new set of nominal values for the coefficients is obtained. Using these new values, the number of digital filter circuits that meet specifications is maximized.

The preliminary seismic hazard assessment of western Saudi Arabia is primarily embodied in two single element maps which are the estimated maximum intensity and expected intensity in 50 years at 10% probability of exceedance. The maps were prepared from results obtained from applications of locally developed empirical relations, methods and equations that are considerably appropriate from physical considerations. The results can be considered relatively reliable estimates as indicated by the general agreement and correlation to locations and orientations of seismic source zones manifested by occurrences of major and strong earthquake events. The two maps are similar in shape, outline, and values at lower intensity level, but differ relatively at higher intensity values. Land and coastal areas that are of seismic concern are those which are covered by iso-curves of intensities from VIII to XII along transform faults with possible extension toward inland on both sides of the Red Sea, dislocation lines, rift systems, volcanic ranges, and possible intersection of these seismic zones.

Graphical representation of groundwater major dissolved constituents greatly help researchers in understanding the
hydro-chemical evolution, grouping and areal distribution. Durov diagram is one of the most widely used technique but it requires a
lot of tedious calculations. The DurovPlot program, which is used to plot the expanded Durov diagram as a graphical representation
of groundwater major dissolved constituents is working on Disk Operating System (DOS) environment. Therefore, the need of a new
program working under windows is a must. The program termed as DurovPwinis developed using Microsoft visual studio 2010. The
DurovPwin program not only calculates the Durov coordinates and plot it, but also plots the total dissolved solids (TDS) on
logarithmic scale and the measure of the activity of hydrogen ion (pH) of the given samples. The updated DurovPwin adds many
features such as interface with Microsoft Office package (Word and Excel) to read the input chemical elements and automatically
write result interpretation report. The user facility to group wells based on data features is added and the selection of the electric
balance tolerance (10% as default) value is given. Another feature of the modified DurovPwinis has the ability to do useful X-Y plot
for different hydro-chemical parameters to assist in data interpretation. The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) is also calculated and
written in the final report. Also, in the present study, the usability of the new version of DurovPwin program has been tested on the
chemical data from 59 groundwater samples collected from Al-Jawf area, Saudi Arabia. The collected water samples were mainly
from the Secondary-Tertiary-Quaternary (STQ) aquifer and some from Tawil and Jaufaquifers. The grouping of the major ions in the
three aquifers have been displayed and presented using the DurovPwin program. The TDS values of Tawil aquifer ranges from 257.9
to 822.3 (2.4115 to 2.915) and for Jawf aquifer from 494.4 to 1,070 (2.6941 to 3.0294) and for STQ aquifer ranges from 399.5 to
9,861.8 (2.6015 to 3.994). The pH for the three aquifers ranges from 7 to 7.9, 7.6 to 7.8 and 7.2 to 8.3, respectively.

Understanding the evolution of natural groundwater chemistry requires graphical representation of major dissolved constituents. Expanded Durov diagram was used since 1958. DurovPlot program was widely used, since 1997, to calculate and plot the expanded Durov diagram, but it was running under DOS, which is now obsolete. Therefore, the DurovPwin program was first introduced in 2012, to calculate the Durov coordinates and plot it. It also plots the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and the measure of the activity of hydrogen ion (pH) of the given samples. However, it still needs some additional features to be more users friendly specially to handle old data stored on Excel sheets. Many features have been added to improve the DurovPwin program facilities. One of the added features is the interface between the DurovPwin program and Microsoft office package so that users can read data from Excel, which in turn can read ASCII files; also the program automatically writes interpretation report in Microsoft Word format. Another added feature is modifying the X-Y plot to group up to three anions versus up to 3 cations to help data interpretations. The user can also select the electric balance (10% is default). The facility to group wells according the water content is given to help user to plot these group of wells on a map to identify water types in specified area. Another feature is calculating the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) which is important for irrigation purposes. All results and interpretations are written automatically in the output Microsoft Office Word file. The last feature added is including the Schoeller diagram where actual sample concentrations (meq/l) are displayed and compared. A case study data from Al-Ula area, Saudi Arabia is used to confirm the correctness of results and to show the great features added. A set of 22 groundwater samples were collected from Al-Ula area and data were saved in excel. Using DurovPwin, automatic scaling of pH shows the wells with minimum and maximum pH values. Automatic analysis report shows the interpretations of the wells located in expanded Durov fields 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The X-Y scatter diagrams show relations between many hydro-chemical elements. Finally, Schoeller Diagram is created.

Abstract
A new computer application is created to use graphical representation of seismological data sets namely focal mechanism data to
help seismologist to minimize complexities, recognize trends, discover data patterns and finally to develop the hypotheses. These
graphical representation views are widely used by seismologist to drive information out of its long datasets. Using visual studio
dot net 2012 to create a windows based software tools for focal mechanism datasets analysis using triangle diagrams. Another
analysis tool is bar graph using basics of rose diagrams to plot the distribution of data frequency of each class. The third analysis
tool included is a 4D plot of the distribution of earthquake events versus its depths andmagnitude. A new classification of plotting
double-couple earthquake focal mechanisms on the ternary diagram is defined. The application software has many advantages
like automatic writing the analysis reports which contain all calculated information represented in the software graphs. This report
helps for advanced processing. Automatic prototype analysis reporting can be considered as the first step (milestone) for applying
expert systems in focal mechanism analysis tools. The application program interface (API) are designed to be user friendly and
use interactive screens to customize the analysis.