This study is an independent and a comparative research concerning the accuracy, capability and suitability of three well known packages of ISIS, MIKEI 1 and HEC-RAS as hydraulic river modeling software packages for modeling the flow through bridges. The research project was designed to assess the ability of each software package to model the flow through bridge structures. It was carried out using the data taken From experiments completed by a 22-meter laboratory flume at the University of Birmingham. The flume has a compound cross section containing a main channel and two flood plains on either side. For this study a smooth main channel and a smooth floodplain have been assumed. Two types of bridges are modeled in this research; a multiple opening semi-circular arch bridge and a single opening straight deck bridge. For each bridge, two different simulations were carried out using two different upstream boundaries as low flow and high. flow simulations. According to the results, all three packages were able to model arch and US BPR bridges but in some cases they presented different results. The highest water elevation upstream the bridge (maximum afflux) was the main parameter to be compared to the measured values. ISIS and HEC-RAS (especially HEC-RAS) seem to be more efficient to model arch bridge. However, in some cases, MIKE 11 produced considerably higher results than those of the other two packages. To model USBPR bridge, all three packages produced reasonable results. However, the results by HEC-RAS are the best when the outputs are compared to the experimental data.

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effects of the non-computerized training package of Working Memory (WM) and selective attention with Captain’ s Log software on the components of WM. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a non-random targeted sampling method, and pre-test, post-test, follow-up, and a control group design. A sample of 150 cases aged 13 to15 years diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) referring to neurology clinics was selected and randomly divided into two case groups (n=15/group) and a control group (n=15). The non-computerized package was performed in 15 one-hour sessions for 4 weeks in the first case group. Besides, the computerized package was provided in 15 sessions (45 minutes each) for 4 weeks in the second case group; however, the control group received no training. All WM components were examined in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up (3 months after post-test) steps in all study groups. Results: The repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) data indicated a significant difference in the mean scores of the components of WM in the first case group, compared to the second case group and the controls (P<0. 05). Conclusion: The non-computerized package of WM and selective attention were significantly more effective on the WM components, compared to the Captain’ s Log computerized package.

Background: The aim of this study was to estimate the entrance skin dose (ESD) in adult patients undergoing skull and pelvis X-ray examinations in Najran, Saudi Arabia using the DoseCal (Radiological Protection Center of Saint Georges’,Hospital, London, England) and CALDose_X (Department of Nuclear Energy, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil) software packages. Additional aims included conducting comparisons between these two software packages and against international reference dose levels and estimating the radiogenic risk during X-ray examinations. Materials and Methods: A dataset of 410 patients seen at Najran University Hospital was examined to assess the radiation dose using the DoseCal and CALDose_X software packages. Results: The values of the entrance dose, organ doses and effective dose obtained by the DoseCal and CALDose_X software were reported in this study. The ESD values estimated from the X-ray units ranged from 0. 32 to 2. 65 mGy for skull anteroposterior/posteroanterior (AP/PA), 0. 62 to 2. 13 mGy for skull lateral (LAT), and 1. 23 to 3. 15 mGy for pelvis AP projection. According to the DoseCal and CALDose_X, the dose absorbed by the pelvis and skull varied by a factor ranging between 1. 2 and 2. 4. Conclusion: All entrance doses calculated for the skull and pelvis were found to be within the corresponding dose reference levels recommended by the international agency, board and commission highlighted in this study.

In software rating area, it is necessary to apply a measurement reference model to evaluate the quality of software. The standard 25030 is an example of an evaluation system which is based on stakeholders' requirements. In this study, an attempt has been made to establish a model in which all implicit and explicit requirements of stakeholders, users and policy makers have been taken into account. In addition, AHP method has been followed to weigh the indicators used in the model. The results show applicability of the model to meet the requirements of Iranian users.

Open-source software packages have various functions. An important factor is choosing the right package. On the other hand, no organization is responsible for these packages. In this regard, using the users' experience can be a good option or method in selecting the right package. There are many online forums which users discuss their experiences about the open-source software packages. Analyzing the data from these forums can help users to select the appropriate packages. This paper evaluates three top open-source software packages, namely QGIS, GRASS, and gvSIG, based on online forums covering spatial issues. In addition, the paper compares software packages and forums based on users' behaviors through a new approach, namely a Recency-Frequency-Satisfaction (RFS) method based on Recency-Frequency-Monetary (RFM) in Customer relationship management (CRM). Finally, the paper analyzes the procedure for using software packages by users’ comments by year. The results show that QGIS was used more than the other two and that the procedure was in ascending order for years.