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Voice, and Rejoice: Exploring the Role of Appreciative Inquiry on Pre-service Teacher Wellbeing
No full textA Master of Arts thesis in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) by Fareen Angel Merchant entitled, “Voice, and Rejoice: Exploring the Role of Appreciative Inquiry on Pre-service Teacher Wellbeing”, submitted in April 2022. Thesis advisor is Dr. Tammy Gregersen. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).In the practice of teacher education, perhaps the most common way to address an issue is “this is what’s wrong, let’s fix it.” Recent trends in teacher wellbeing, however, provide us with a novel way of problem solving, where we adopt the attitude of “this is what’s going well, how can we make it better?” This paper explores this alternative method by discussing Appreciative Inquiry (AI): a positive, strengths-based approach that helps identify and capitalize on the strengths in any given situation. The AI approach can be used for the development and enhancement of teachers in all stages of their career. This study centers on the use of AI and its effect on the wellbeing of pre-service teachers. This population is especially susceptible to particular stressors and strains as they transition from the role of student to that of teacher. To overcome this, the study implemented the AI method and grouped together the use of signature strengths and peer mentoring. The participants consisted of 15 master’s degree candidates enrolled in a teaching methods course at the American University of Sharjah (UAE). These students responded to the values in action (VIA) signature strengths survey and were paired up with those who had a similar set of strengths. The peers were asked to observe each other teach and provide strengths- based feedback following AI guidelines. The data were coded thematically to reveal the effects of the approach on the participants’ wellbeing. Results suggest that AI paired with awareness of signature strengths, helped the participants become more empowered, agentic, and as a result, joyful. This study offers insight into the AI method and demonstrates an innovative approach to help enhance pre-service teacher wellbeing.College of Arts and SciencesDepartment of EnglishMaster of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL
Lithium-ion Battery Electro-thermal Modelling and Parameters Estimation
No full textA Master of Science thesis in Electrical Engineering by Mazen Essam Elsaadany entitled, “Lithium-ion Battery Electro-thermal Modelling and Parameters Estimation”, submitted in June 2022. Thesis advisor is Dr. Shayok Mukhopadhyay and thesis co-advisor is Dr. Habib-ur Rehman. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).College of EngineeringDepartment of Electrical EngineeringMaster of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE
EV Charging Coordination in Blockchain-Based Energy Markets
No full textA Master of Science thesis in Electrical Engineering by Mahdi Ali Mohammed entitled, “EV Charging Coordination in Blockchain-Based Energy Markets”, submitted in April 2022. Thesis advisor is Dr. Mostafa Shaaban and thesis co-advisor is Dr. Mohammed Nassar. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).College of EngineeringDepartment of Electrical EngineeringMaster of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE
Detailed Chemical Abundances of Star Clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud
No full textWe derive the first detailed chemical abundances of three star clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), NGC 1831 (436 ± 22 Myr), NGC 1856 (350 ± 18 Myr), and [SL63]268 (1230 ± 62 Myr) using integrated-light spectroscopic observations obtained with the Magellan Echelle spectrograph on Magellan Baade telescope. We derive [Fe/H], [Mg/Fe], [Ti/Fe], [Ca/Fe], [Ni/Fe], [Mn/Fe], [Cr/Fe], and [Na/Fe] for the three clusters. Overall, our results match the LMC abundances obtained in the literature as well as those predicted by detailed chemical evolution models. For clusters NGC 1831 and NGC 1856, the [Mg/Fe] ratios appear to be slightly depleted compared with [Ca/Fe] and [Ti/Fe]. This could be hinting at the well-known Mg–Al abundance anti-correlation observed in several Milky Way globular clusters. We note, however, that higher signal-to-noise observations are needed to confirm such a scenario, particularly for NGC 1831. We also find a slightly enhanced integrated-light [Na/Fe] ratio for cluster [SL63]268 compared with those from the LMC field stars, possibly supporting a scenario of intracluster abundance variations. We stress that detailed abundance analysis of individual stars in these LMC clusters is required to confirm the presence or absence of multiple stellar populations
The Kinetics of Calcein Release from Mixed Targeted Liposomes Using Ultrasound
No full textSite-specific delivery of chemotherapeutics using actively targeted-stimuli-responsive liposomes is a promising approach to enhance the therapeutic efficiency of anti-cancer drugs while reducing the associated undesirable side effects. Recently, the co-functionalization of liposomes has shown interesting results in enhancing cellular uptake; however, such systems suffer from stability issues. This study proposes mixing calcein-loaded liposomes decorated with different ligands, namely estrone and Herceptin, to treat breast cancer. We investigated the low-frequency ultrasound-mediated release of calcein from the synthesized liposomes (control, estrone-modified, Herceptin-modified, and mixed estrone and Herceptin liposomes at different volume fractions). The results showed that the release increased as the power density increased and that estrone-conjugated liposomes achieved the highest release under all test conditions.American University of SharjahAlJalila FoundationAl Qasimi FoundationPatient’s Friends CommitteeBiosciences and Bioengineering Research InstituteGCC Co-Fund ProgramTakamulTechnology Innovation Pioneer-Healthcare (TIP) ProgramSheikh Hamdan Award for Medical SciencesFriends of Cancer Patients (FoCP)Dana Gas Endowed Chair for Chemical Engineerin
Variation in cooling performance of a bio-based phase change material by adding graphene nanoplatelets with surfactants
No full textIn this paper, thermal characteristics of various phase change materials induced with additives and surfactants are studied to enhance cooling properties and chemical stability. In this regard, graphene nanoplatelets at various mass fractions are integrated with surfactant-induced-PureTemp PCM and used as a heat sink for an electric heating source. The surfactants considered in this study are sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and sodium stearoyl lactylate. The thermal characteristics are measured in terms of indices such as thermal conductivity, thermal capacity, and time of reaching the reference temperature. The results indicate that composite samples are superior in cooling when compared to the plain PureTemp PCM. Also, the highest thermal conductivity and phase change enthalpy are recorded in NanoPCM-SDS at 5% GnPs mass fraction and NanoPCM-SSL at 1% GnPs mass fraction amounting to 1.03 W/m.K and 236.5 J/g, respectively. NanoPCM-SSL displayed the longest delay of 1015 s to reach the reference temperature of 43 °C
Bibles and Bathrooms: Intersex Variation Awareness Among College-Aged American Christians
No full textThe extant literature concerning the existence and experience of the LGBTQIA+ community in the United States sometimes overshadows that of people with intersex variations (Jones, 2018). While many people with intersex variations identify within the binary, these variations directly challenge belief systems conforming to the existence of only two sexes, and thus, only two relative genders. This research attempts to gain a greater understanding of American awareness, acceptance, and attitudes concerning intersex variations, and how these beliefs fit into or challenge conservative views of gender. More specifically, we focus on the relationship between religiosity and views of homosexuality, and how these variables may influence and/or be influenced by intersex variation awareness and acceptance. Using a survey of 146 American college students, we find that overall intersex variation is viewed with more acceptances and comfort than homosexuality, and that Christians (in particular, those leaning toward biblical literalism) are more likely to express views that those with intersex variations should adhere to sex and gender binaries.American University of Sharja
Risk Identification and Assessment Through Construction Project Lifecycle in UAE
No full textA Master of Science thesis in Construction Management by Fayiz Juem entitled, “Risk Identification and Assessment Through Construction Project Lifecycle in UAE”, submitted in April 2022. Thesis advisor is Dr. Sameh El-Sayegh and thesis co-advisor is Dr. Abroon Qazi. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).Risk management in construction projects has been recognized as a critical management process for achieving project goals and completing the project successfully. Most previous research has concentrated on specific aspects of construction risk management rather than taking a holistic and integrated approach to identify risks and assess their probability of occurrence and impact through the project life cycle. There is a lack of studies that focus on the changing behavior of risks over the project’s life cycle in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim of this research is to identify and assess risks associated with construction projects through the project life cycle in the UAE. Fifteen critical risks involving several stakeholders were identified through a literature review. The probability and impact of these risks on project cost were determined based on a questionnaire. The study considered that these risks exist during the project life cycle phases affecting different stakeholders and impacting the cost objective. The thesis provides a detailed visualization of the risk behavior throughout the project’s life cycle using coordinate systems. The majority of the identified risk involve owners and designers, with only a few involving contractors. The results show that these risks exist at various phases of the project’s life cycle. The construction phase is the riskiest phase, followed by the handover, design, and feasibility phases. The thesis proposes a modified probability-impact matrix that considers the risks occurring in several phases. Overall, the most significant risk is owners’ delayed payment with a risk significance of 13.39 followed by contractors’ poor management ability. Construction management firms, acting on behalf of the client, may use the results to allocate risks to the appropriate stakeholders. This analysis can help in contract formation and negotiations related to risk-sharing mechanisms.College of EngineeringMultidisciplinary ProgramsMaster of Science in Construction Management (MSCM
Criteria Development for Affordable Housing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
No full textA Master of Science thesis in Construction Management by Mohammad Said Jamal Abuhalimeh entitled, “Criteria Development for Affordable Housing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)”, submitted in May 2022. Thesis advisor is Dr. Salwa Beheiry. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).It is intuitive to believe that having a decent living habitat is the birth right of every human being. Nevertheless, many people face the global problem of securing decent affordable housing. The concept of affordability addresses the issue of housing for low-to-medium-income populations. Past studies addressed housing affordability in several countries, especially those with successful affordable housing programs such as Singapore and Hong Kong. However, the literature does not address the topic in the unique context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Thus, the objective of this study was to develop a framework for assessing housing affordability in the UAE and to determine the critical factors that affect affordability. The aim of the study was to facilitate the decision-making process in the UAE's housing development sector. A comprehensive literature review was carried out to examine the relevant factors affecting housing affordability. The factors were categorized into household and housing attributes, and macroeconomic variables. The factors were tailored to the UAE context and validated via housing industry experts’ input and used as a foundation to build the data collection tool. The factors were ranked using the Relative Importance Index (RII) and the data was collected from low-to-medium-income UAE residents and analysed. The results show the four most influential factors on housing affordability in the UAE are household age distribution (RII of 0.739), number of working adults in a household (RII of 0.708), housing cost (RII of 0.706), and the household income (RII of 0.690). In addition, data was collected and analysed to reflect the specific UAE factors influencing housing affordability, beyond the available literature. According to the 30-Percent Income / housing cost Ratio, more than 40% of the sample were housing-cost burdened. In addition, proximity to basic amenities was also highlighted as a constraint since 75% of the sample needed to drive to reach basic amenities and spend more than 10% of their monthly income on transportation. Moreover, 50% of the sample faced hardship covering their non-housing needs after paying housing expenditures and a significant portion of the sample around 72.5% would accordingly consider relocating outside the UAE.College of EngineeringMultidisciplinary ProgramsMaster of Science in Construction Management (MSCM
Design Thinking in the Workplace
No full textA Master of Science thesis in Engineering Systems Management by Mariam Majid Almheiri entitled, “Design Thinking in the Workplace”, submitted in December 2022. Thesis advisor is Dr. Abdulrahim Shamayleh. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).Companies worldwide are expected to be highly innovative, responsive, and proactive in today's dynamic business environment. Management strategies that are merely based on specific tools and techniques are likely to be overrun by new advancements. Hence, management strategies must be shifted from being entirely operative to creative. Recently, design thinking has gained popularity in the business world, and the utilization of design thinking in managing projects is believed to enhance creativity and innovation. Design thinking is a non-linear approach and a set of tools used to generate innovative solutions to problems by having a deep understanding of customers' needs. Various researchers claim that design thinking can address challenging business problems, improve the quality of generated ideas, reduce the risk of failure, improve adaptability, and increase organizational innovativeness. However, the topic is relatively new, and there is limited quantitative empirical evidence on the variables that impact the willingness of companies to adopt a design thinking approach and on the effectiveness of design thinking in ensuring project success. This work fills the gap in research by providing a literature review and a thorough study and analysis of variables that impact design thinking adoption in the workplace. The main objective of this research is to identify critical factors that impact design thinking adoption. The benefits, challenges and barriers were assessed using structural equation modeling. Moreover, the effectiveness of using design thinking to ensure project success was studied by presenting a case study of one of the top 25 Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) companies in the Middle East. The results indicate that the perceived benefits of design thinking positively impact design thinking adoption, however, the perceived challenges and barriers do not impact design thinking adoption. Furthermore, adopting a design thinking approach can positively impact project success.College of EngineeringDepartment of Industrial EngineeringMaster of Science in Engineering Systems Management (MSESM