Internet Use among Jordanian Students with and without Learning Difficulties at Primary Schools

The main aim of this study is to explore the degree of Internet use among Jordanian students with and without learning difficulties at primary schools. Descriptive-analytical approach was utilized to achieve the study aims. The study sample consisted of (144) students from different primary schools in Jordan. A validated scale was developed to collect the data. SPSS software was employed to analyze the collected data; means, standard deviations, and t-test were calculated. Findings revealed that students with learning difficulties had good computer skills which were similar to students without learning difficulties. It also showed that there were no statistical significant differences in the skills of using the Internet, the degree of its use, the areas of use, and the problems that hindered their use attributed to the classification variable (with and without learning disabilities). This indicates that students with learning difficulties have skills and abilities to use the Internet in all areas, just as students without learning difficulties. The study, therefore, recommends making technological useful facilities available to the students with learning difficulties, to their teachers, and their parents. Received: 26 November 2020 / Accepted: 15 February 2021 / Published: 5 March 2021

Trade Protectionism and Intra-industry Trade: A USA - EU Comparison

The aim of this work is to find patterns for products included in the customs tariffs of the USA and the EU (composed of over 5000 products disaggregated at the 6 digit-level) which share similarities, defined by a set of international trade variables, namely the index of revealed comparative advantages (RCA), the Grubel-Lloyd index, and other indicators of international trade. There is a strand in the literature advancing a theory that links the degree of intra-industry trade with the level of protectionism. In order to test this theory we use cluster analysis as a method of data analysis and the Grubel-Lloyd index as a classification variable between groups. For each of the analyzed regions we obtain four different groups. Thereafter each of these four clusters are further characterized with the help of the other international trade indicators and the tariffs. Finally, we establish a comparison between the two regions by examining possible differences and similarities. The results show a significant difference in the tariffs applied between the USA and the EU, with the USA presenting a lower level of protectionism. Additionally, the results for the USA show a positive relationship between the degree of intra-industry trade and a lower level of protectionism, while for the EU the results are not conclusive.

A new Bayesian RAIM for Multiple Faults Detection and Exclusion in GNSS

A new Bayesian approach for multiple satellite faults detection and exclusion is proposed by introducing a classification variable to each satellite observation. If we treat this classification variable as random and assume a prior distribution for it, then a rule for satellite fault detection and exclusion based on the posterior probabilities of the classification variables is constructed under the framework of Bayesian hypothesis testing. Secondly, the Gibbs sampler is introduced to compute the posterior probabilities of the classification variables. Then the implementation for a Bayesian Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) algorithm is designed with the Gibbs sampler. Finally, different schemes are designed to evaluate the performance of the new Bayesian RAIM algorithm in the case of multiple faults. We compare the method in this paper with the Range Consensus (RANCO) method. Experiments illustrate that the proposed algorithm in this paper is capable of detecting and eliminating multiple satellite faults, and the probability of correctly detecting faults is high.

Abstract 2847: High Prevalence of ’Unclassifiable’ Diastolic Dysfunction Using Current Criteria

Background: Cross sectional studies have shown that diastolic dysfunction is prevalent and impacts mortality. Classification of diastolic function (DF) requires several Doppler variables. However, in clinical practice, pts may not necessarily have concordant data, leading to confusion about classification. The issue is compounded in hospitalized patients, who are tachycardic and may have limited Doppler data. Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to determine the percentage of pts with measurable DF data, and (2) to determine the percentage of pts with concordant data. Methods: Data from 100 consecutive in- and outpts in sinus rhythm, compiled by a single experienced sonographer were reviewed; transmitral (E/A), deceleration time (DT), pulmonary vein flow - S/D ratio and A reversal duration (PV A dur), and tissue Doppler E’ were attempted in all. DF was classified as normal, or mild, moderate or restrictive dysfunction, based on the validated and widely used scheme of Redfield et al (JAMA 2003). E/A was used as the primary classification variable. Results: E/A, DT and E/E’ were measurable in 3/4 of pts while PV S/D and A dur were measurable in 1/2 and 1/4 of pts, respectively. The most common reason for inability to record E/A was tachycardia (E/A fusion). Of pts with measurable data, only 55% had ≥3 concordant variables and most of those had normal DF. Summary/Conclusions: Applying the validated DF classification scheme to a wider variety of pts demonstrates: (1) 30% pts could not be classified and (2) only 55% pts have ≥3 concordant measurements. These data suggest the need for a weighted classification scheme which, perhaps, incorporates LA and LV structure, and PA pressure.

Phenotypic differentiation of exterior traits in local Criollo Goat Population in Patagonia (Argentina)

The Neuquén-Criollo goat is a significant genetic resource, adapted to the singular harsh environment of North Patagonia. Its present gene pool was built up from different breeds since the Spanish colonization being Angora the latest introduced. High phenotypic diversity and their geographical distribution suggest a subdivision of this goat population into four close sub-areas. As phenotypic characterization was carried out on 827 Criollo adult goats. Analyse were based on fourteen quantitative (morphostructural) and eight qualitative (morphological) variables. Correspondence analyses for qualitative and canonical discriminant analysis for quantitative traits were performed, using hair types as classification variable. Results were consistent in differentiating the four considered sub-areas. Neuquen Criollo breed could be characterized in two ecotypes: Short and Long hair goats, a mixed type area and a crossbred area fulfil the types distribution. Principal divergence factors would be isolation, natural and artificial selection, transhumance and exotic breeds introduction.