Among the metaheuristic algorithms, population-based algorithms are an explorative search algorithm superior to the local search algorithm in terms of exploring the search space to find globally optimal solutions. However, the primary downside of such algorithms is their low exploitative capability, which prevents the expansion of the search space neighborhood for more optimal solutions. The firefly algorithm (FA) is a population-based algorithm that has been widely used in clustering problems. However, FA is limited in terms of its premature convergence when no neighborhood search strategies are employed to improve the quality of clustering solutions in the neighborhood region and exploring the global regions in the search space. On these bases, this work aims to improve FA using variable neighborhood search (VNS) as a local search method, providing VNS the benefit of the trade-off between the exploration and exploitation abilities. The proposed FA-VNS allows fireflies to improve the clustering solutions with the ability to enhance the clustering solutions and maintain the diversity of the clustering solutions during the search process using the perturbation operators of VNS. To evaluate the performance of the algorithm, eight benchmark datasets are utilized with four well-known clustering algorithms. The comparison according to the internal and external evaluation metrics indicates that the proposed FA-VNS can produce more compact clustering solutions than the well-known clustering algorithms.
The developments and transformations taking place in the era and the growth of knowledge economies and communication technology led this development to compel higher education institutions in Iraq to reconsider their objectives to keep pace with development. And one of the most important tools of development was the application of e-learning standards and its long-term impact on the performance of the educational institution. Performance auditing plays an important role in verifying the extent to which these institutions have implemented their activities and programs that auditing performance by adopting e-learning standards helps the institutions’ management by providing appropriate information on the extent to which they achieve thei
... Show MoreComputational Thinking (CT) is very useful in the process of solving everyday problems for undergraduates. In terms of content, computational thinking involves solving problems, studying data patterns, deconstructing problems using algorithms and procedures, doing simulations, computer modeling, and reasoning about abstract things. However, there is a lack of studies dealing with it and its skills that can be developed and utilized in the field of information and technology used in learning and teaching. The descriptive research method was used, and a test research tool was prepared to measure the level of (CT) consisting of (24) items of the type of multiple-choice to measure the level of "CT". The research study group consists of
... Show MoreThe study aimed to determine the effect of the flipped learning model in improving the acquisition of the overhand serve skill in volleyball among second-year students at the College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Baghdad, for the academic year 2024/2025. The study used an experimental design with a control group and pre-post testing, on a purposive sample consisting of 12 students. The model relied on watching short videos before class via the SGS application, and practical application in class at a rate of three sessions per week. The results showed a significant improvement in performance, as the calculated value (t = 5.356) exceeded the tabulated value (2.042) at a significance level of 0.05. The percentage of s
... Show MoreDeep learning convolution neural network has been widely used to recognize or classify voice. Various techniques have been used together with convolution neural network to prepare voice data before the training process in developing the classification model. However, not all model can produce good classification accuracy as there are many types of voice or speech. Classification of Arabic alphabet pronunciation is a one of the types of voice and accurate pronunciation is required in the learning of the Qur’an reading. Thus, the technique to process the pronunciation and training of the processed data requires specific approach. To overcome this issue, a method based on padding and deep learning convolution neural network is proposed to
... Show MoreEducation around the world has been negatively affected by the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Many institutions had to transition to distance learning in compliance with the enforced safety measures. Distance learning might work well for settings with stable internet connections, professional technical teams, and basic implementation of technology in education. In contrast, distance learning faces serious challenges in less fortunate settings with inferior infrastructure. This report aims to shed light on the immediate action steps taken at a leading pharmacy school in Iraq to accommodate for the enforced changes in pharmacy education. The University of Baghdad College of Pharmacy went from less than minimal technology impl
... Show MoreRecommendation systems are now being used to address the problem of excess information in several sectors such as entertainment, social networking, and e-commerce. Although conventional methods to recommendation systems have achieved significant success in providing item suggestions, they still face many challenges, including the cold start problem and data sparsity. Numerous recommendation models have been created in order to address these difficulties. Nevertheless, including user or item-specific information has the potential to enhance the performance of recommendations. The ConvFM model is a novel convolutional neural network architecture that combines the capabilities of deep learning for feature extraction with the effectiveness o
... Show MoreResearch in the field of English language as a foreign language (EFL) has been consistently highlighted the need for communicative competence skills among students. Accompanied by the validated positive impact of technologies on students’ skills’, this study aims to explore the strategies used by EFL students in enhancing their communicative competence using digital platforms and identify the factors of developing communicative competence using digital platforms (linguistic factors, environmental factors, psychological factors, and university-related factors). The mixed-method research design was utilized to obtain data from Iraqi undergraduate EFL students. The study was conducted in the Iraqi University in Baghdad Iraq. EFL undergradu
... Show MoreSome new norms need to be adapted due to COVID-19 pandemic period where people need to wear masks, wash their hands frequently, maintain social distancing, and avoid going out unless necessary. Therefore, educational institutions were closed to minimize the spread of COVID-19. As a result of this, online education was adapted to substitute face-to-face learning. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the Malaysian university students’ adaptation to the new norms, knowledge and practices toward COVID-19, besides, their attitudes toward online learning. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit 500 Malaysian university students from January to February 2021 through social media. For data collection, all students
... Show MoreCloud computing is the new technological trend for future generations. It represents a new way to use IT resources more efficiently. Cloud computing is one of the most technological models for developing and exploiting infrastructure resources in the world. Under the cloud, the user no longer needs to look for major financing to purchase infrastructure equipment as companies, especially small and medium-sized ones, can get the equipment as a service, rather than buying it as a product. The idea of cloud computing dates back to the sixties of the last century, but this idea did not come into actual application until the beginning of the third millennium, at the hands of technology companies such as Apple, Hp, IBM, which had
... Show MoreThis research discusses the rehabilitation of heritage markets in the historical centers of Islamic Arab cities and their use in the field of cultural tourism as one of the most important tourist attractions and the subsequent revival of the national economy in addition to preserving the urban heritage as these markets part of the historical centers of cities. The research also discusses the preservation of the continuity of heritage markets as a product of cultural heritage value within an integrated framework to preserve the urban heritage in the historic centers of cities. The study then reviews a number of experiences of Arab and Islamic countries in the field of preserving and rehabilitating heritage markets, which qualify them to b
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