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Workplace Stress Management using EEG-fNIRS Data Fusion and Binaural Beat Stimulation
No full textA Master of Science thesis in Biomedical Engineering by Ghenwa El Masri entitled, “Workplace Stress Management using EEG-fNIRS Data Fusion and Binaural Beat Stimulation”, submitted in November 2023. Thesis advisors are Dr. Hasan Al Nashash, Dr. Usman Tariq, and Dr. Fares Al Shargie. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).Work-related stress is a common problem for employees in demanding jobs, often resulting in sleep disorders and reduced job performance. Early detection of mental stress levels in employees and implementing mitigation strategies is crucial to prevent such complications. This thesis introduces two neuroimaging modalities, Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), which complement each other, offering insights into the shared characteristics between the brain's hemodynamic and electrical responses to stress. Alongside physiological analyses, this study incorporates behavioral, subjective, and biochemical markers. After signal processing to minimize interference and noise, Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) and Joint Sparse CCA (JSCCA) are employed to fuse signal features. The EEG and fNIRS features are derived from functional connectivity networks, estimated using partial directed coherence (PDC). This work's contributions include the fusion of directed connectivity between EEG and fNIRS and an exploration of the stress-mitigating potential of binaural beat stimulation (BBs) while simultaneously recording EEG and fNIRS. CCA analysis identifies the primary localization of stress in the Orbitofrontal Cortex and Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) for the fusion between the control and stress phases of EEG and fNIRS, mostly DLPFC for the stress and mitigation phases, and frontopolar prefrontal cortex as well as DLPFC for mitigation and after mitigation phases. In terms of classification performance, CCA surpasses JSCCA in enhancing fNIRS metrics, with JSCCA being more suitable for larger datasets. CCA was reported to have an accuracy of 98.38% compared to JSCCA’s 61.91% for the Naïve Bayes Model. Overall, CCA improved Naïve Bayes classification results of control/stress classes significantly, with fNIRS classification at 78.12%, EEG classification at 77.7%. Similar improvement by CCA was observed for the classifications of stress/mitigation and mitigation/after mitigation classes as well.College of EngineeringMultidisciplinary ProgramsMaster of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MSBME
Numerical modelling of hyperbolic phase change problems: Application to continuous casting
No full textHeat diffusion processes are generally modeled based on Fourier’s law to estimate how the temperature propagates inside a body. This type of modeling leads to a parabolic partial differential equation, which predicts an infinite thermal wave speed of propagation. However, experimental evidence shows that diffusive processes occur with a finite velocity of thermal propagation in many applications. In this paper, we develop a mathematical formulation to predict the finite speed of heat propagation in multidimensional phase change problems. The model generalizes the enthalpy formulation by adding a hyperbolic term. The governing equations are simulated by the finite element method. The proposed model is first verified by comparing numerical and experimental results illustrating the difference between the infinite and finite propagation velocity for heat inside biological tissues. Then, the results of the two and three-dimensional numerical solution of the continuous steel casting process are presented. We will illustrate that the effects of the initial conditions vanish faster when using the parabolic equation, while they persist in the hyperbolic modeling approach. The results demonstrate significant differences in the initial thermal dynamics and at the solid-liquid interface position when adding the hyperbolic term. The changes are more noticeable in the regions of the steel beam where rapid heat loss and, consequently, faster phase change occur.American University of SharjahNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada - NSER
Design and Analysis of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
No full textA Master of Science thesis in Mechanical Engineering by Mariam Rashid Almheiri entitled, “Design and Analysis of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells”, submitted in March 2023. Thesis advisor is Dr. Mehmet Orhan. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).College of EngineeringDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringMaster of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME
Effect of Material Constituents on Bond Characteristics of Self Consolidating Concrete
No full textA Master of Science thesis in Civil Engineering by Amjad Ahmad Alhamad entitled, “Effect of Material Constituents on Bond Characteristics of Self Consolidating Concrete”, submitted in April 2023. Thesis advisor is Dr. Sherif Yehia and thesis co-advisor is Dr. Mohamed Elchalakani. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).College of EngineeringDepartment of Civil EngineeringMaster of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE
The Utilization of Ride Sourcing Applications in the UAE: A Structural Equation Model
No full textA Master of Science thesis in Engineering Systems Management by Nada Medhat Hassanin Abdelaziz Elsamahy entitled, “The Utilization of Ride Sourcing Applications in the UAE: A Structural Equation Model”, submitted in December 2023. Thesis advisor is Dr. Vian Ahmed. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).Ride Sourcing service providers or what is commonly known in the UAE as Uber and Careem operate in a market that has a well-established public transportation network, a safe transportation environment, and a mandatory government rule to price the ride sourcing service at 30% more than taxis. These conditions, according to previous research around the world, are deterrents for the utilization of the service. Yet, the service is still thriving and successful in the UAE. Thus, an understanding of the factors and attributes of the service that affect its current utilization in this specific environment is necessary. As such this study aims to develop an understanding of the socio-economic factors, service and trip related factors, accessibility of other modes of transportation, and environmental factors that contribute to stakeholders’ utilization of these services. In addition, the study was able to investigate the relationship between these factors along with their significance on the utilization of such services using a mixed methods strategies and data collection tools. Based on these results a set of recommendations for the service providers and transportation officials was suggested.College of EngineeringMultidisciplinary ProgramsMaster of Science in Engineering Systems Management (MSESM
Tumor vasculature vs tumor cell targeting: Understanding the latest trends in using functional nanoparticles for cancer treatment
No full textDelivering drugs to tumors using nanoparticles (NPs) has shown promising potential in promoting targeted drug delivery of antineoplastic agents to enhance their efficiency while reducing the associated systemic toxicity. This review highlights the different types of NPs and the physiological characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and the mechanisms undertaken to safely deliver drugs to specific lesions. We review the principles and latest developments in the field of targeted NPs designed to target tumor vasculature compared to those designed to target cancer cells and their correlation with the TME. We discuss the advantages and limitations of each targeted drug delivery mechanism and future directions aiming to maximize their potential.American University of SharjahAlJalila FoundationAl Qasimi FoundationPatient’s Friends Committee of SharjahBiosciences and Bioengineering Research InstituteGCC Co-Fund ProgramTakamul programTechnology Innovation Pioneer (TIP) Healthcare AwardsSheikh Hamdan Award for Medical SciencesDana Gas Endowed Chair for Chemical EngineeringMaterial Science and Engineering Ph.D. program at AU
Dynamic Analysis of Modified Hybrid Symmetric Bistable Lamin
No full textA Master of Science thesis in Mechanical Engineering by Ibrahim Khalil Diab entitled, “Dynamic Analysis of Modified Hybrid Symmetric Bistable Lamin”, submitted in November 2023. Thesis advisor is Dr. Samir Emam. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).Bistable laminates have been studied for decades. Their ability to take a stable shape with minimal actuation force has given them much attention and research for morphing applications. Multiple studies have been done to determine how laminates behave under different configurations. Studies include modified hybrid bistable laminates (m-HBSL). Most studies examine the laminate’s behavior under specific loading conditions. To better simulate the use of bistable laminates into real life applications, the response under dynamic loadings must be investigated. Yet, the m-HBSL behavior hasn’t been studied under dynamic loading conditions. This report presents a detailed literature review on the history of bistable laminates to date. Furthermore, an m-HBSL model is studied using ABAQUS. The model investigates three different case studies on the same structure. In all cases, the laminate settles at one of the static equilibrium positions. In the first case, a concentrated dynamic load at the tip of the free edge of the laminate is applied. The second case involves a uniform pressure on the laminate. The third case involves an out of plane displacement applied to the cantilevered end of the laminate. The main objective is to identify the dynamic snap through load and compare it with the static counterpart. Meanwhile, the application of dynamic loads investigates the single-well and double-well response. It is found out that under the dynamic loading, the laminate snaps at lower loads compared with the static snap through. It was found that the laminate will snap at 85% less load under harmonic loads than the static counterparts. However, the laminate will require 35% less load to snap dynamically under pressure loading. Meanwhile, the resonant response shows a periodic single well, chaotic double well, and periodic double well as the load is varied. This emphasizes the crucial role that dynamic response has for the analysis and design of bistable symmetric laminates. Furthermore, the laminate shows a change in shape when higher tip loads are applied. Finally, the laminate shows no steady state response when actuated using the other two loading techniques.College of EngineeringDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringMaster of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME
Encapsulation and Release of Calcein from Herceptin-conjugated eLiposomes
No full textA Master of Science thesis in Biomedical Engineering by Mah Noor Zafar entitled, “Encapsulation and Release of Calcein from Herceptin-conjugated eLiposomes”, submitted in June 2023. Thesis advisor is Dr. Ghaleb Husseini. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases afflicting humanity with no definitive cure. Its heterogeneous nature poses significant challenges. Currently, available cancer treatments such as; chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, etc., have successfully addressed specific types of cancer. However, their side effects reduce the quality of patient life. Fortunately, new approaches involving triggered site-specific delivery of therapeutic drugs using nanoparticles are being devised to provide a personalized and definitive cure for all types of cancer. Surface modification of liposomes with targeting moieties specific to the receptors on the surface of cancer cells enhances the selectivity of the drug delivery systems and reduces off-target effects. Furthermore, external triggers, such as ultrasound, have surfaced as a promising tool to foster triggered and controlled release of the encapsulated drug. The application of low-frequency ultrasound can induce various mechanical and thermal effects that help disrupt liposomal membranes and trigger the release of encapsulated drugs. This study assessed liposomal encapsulation of sono-sensitive phase-changing perfluoro pentane (PFC5) nanoemulsion droplets alongside Herceptin (Trastuzumab) as a targeting moiety. Four liposomal formulations, namely; NH₂ liposomes, emulsion liposomes (eLiposomes), Herceptin-conjugated liposomes, and Herceptin-conjugated eLiposomes, were synthesized, and characterization tests and assays were conducted throughout the thesis to evaluate the properties of different liposomal-formulations. The size was assessed using dynamic light scattering, whereas the lipid and protein content of the liposomes was assessed using the Stewart and bicinchoninic acid assays, respectively. Low-frequency ultrasound (20kHz) at power densities (6.2, 9, and 10 mW/cm²) was then used to trigger the release of the encapsulated drug from liposomes. Herceptin-conjugated emulsion liposomes showed significantly higher release than the rest of the formulations at all three power densities investigated. Furthermore, the zero-order kinetic model was observed to be the best fit for all the liposomal formulations used in this study. Conjugating an antibody to a nanocarrier encapsulating a chemotherapeutic agent and triggering the latter’s release using ultrasound show promise in the quest for a magic bullet that reduces the side effects of chemotherapy.College of EngineeringMultidisciplinary ProgramsMaster of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MSBME
Anomaly Detection Based Framework for Profile Monitoring
No full textA Master of Science thesis in Engineering Systems Management by Nour Al-Huda Z. Al-Abed Al-Rahim entitled, “Anomaly Detection Based Framework for Profile Monitoring”, submitted in May 2023. Thesis advisor is Dr. Hussam Alshraideh and thesis co-advisor is Dr. Mahmoud Awad. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).Due to significant developments in technology, manufacturing processes are being equipped with sensors that provide continuous monitoring of the input and output process parameters. Signals observed through such sensors provide crucial details about the quality of the manufactured items. While significant amount of work has been found in the literature that aims at monitoring products quality through acquired process signals, these studies assume enough frequency of defective products implying balanced models training data. In the case of data imbalance, such methods provide biased and misleading prediction results. This work presents an anomaly detection-based framework for monitoring profile generating processes in the case of infrequent process defectives. The framework is based on the use of Isolation Forest (IF), Local Outlier Factor (LOF) and Density Based Scan (DBSCAN) algorithms. The proposed framework is illustrated through two case studies, a thread tapping process and a 3D printing process. For the tapping process, the DBSCAN model provided the best performance with AUC=0.83, accuracy=71.34%, and sensitivity=82.31%, compared to the IF and LOF models. For the 3D printing process, the IF algorithm achieved the best performance with AUC=0.85, accuracy=74.83%, and sensitivity=82.22%, outperforming the LOF and DBSCAN models. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed framework for monitoring profile generating processes and its potential to improve quality control in manufacturing processes.College of EngineeringDepartment of Industrial EngineeringMaster of Science in Engineering Systems Management (MSESM
The demographics of energy and mobility poverty: Assessing equity and justice in Ireland, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates
No full textEnergy and mobility poverty limits people’s choices and opportunities and negatively impinges upon structural economic and social welfare patterns. It also hampers the ability of planners to implement more equitable and just decarbonization pathways. Research has revealed that climate policies have imposed a financial burden on low-income and other vulnerable groups by increasing food and energy prices, leading as well to global inequality. Similarly, researchers have warned that in developing countries, emission mitigation policies could increase poverty rates and even frustrate progress towards universal access to clean energy. This research explores whether low-income social groups experience a 'double energy vulnerability', a situation that simultaneously positions people at heightened risk of transport and energy poverty. We investigate this 'double vulnerability' through original data collection via three nationally representative surveys of Mexico (N = 1,205), the United Arab Emirates (N = 1,141), Ireland and Northern Ireland (N = 1,860). We draw from this original data to elaborate on the sociodemographic attributes, expenditure and behaviour emerging from energy and transport use, focusing on themes such as equity, behaviour and vulnerability. We propose energy and transport poverty indexes that allow us to summarize the key contributing factors to energy and transport poverty in the countries studied and uncover a strong correlation between these two salient forms of poverty. Our results suggest that energy and transport poverty are common issues regardless of the very different national, and even sub-national, contexts. We conclude that energy and transport poverty requires target policy interventions suitable for all segments of society, thus enabling contextually-tailored, just energy transitions.Centre for Research into Energy Demand SolutionsKhalifa University of Science and Technology “High Impact Grant