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Behavioral Modeling of RF Power Amplifiers Using Real-Valued Time Delay Neural Networks
A Master of Science thesis in Electrical Engineering by Sharafa Idowu Bankole entitled, “Behavioral Modeling of RF Power Amplifiers Using Real-Valued Time Delay Neural Networks”, submitted in April 2025. Thesis advisor is Dr. Oualid Hammi. 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
The Impact of TBLT on L2 Vocabulary Development in SCMC and FTF Environments
A Master of Arts thesis in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) by Mustafa Raafat Abunar entitled, “The Impact of TBLT on L2 Vocabulary Development in SCMC and FTF Environments”, submitted in April 2025. Thesis advisor is Dr. Ozgur Parlak. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).College of Arts and SciencesDepartment of EnglishMaster of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL
Development of a MOF-based Material for Cholesterol Detection
A Master of Science thesis in Biomedical Engineering by Heba Farid Abed entitled, “Development of a MOF-based Material for Cholesterol Detection”, submitted in May 2025. Thesis advisor is Dr. Rana Sabouni and thesis co-advisor is Dr. Mehdi Ghommem. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).Cholesterol detection is essential for early diagnosis and monitoring of cholesterol-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, and liver diseases. A variety of nanomaterials have been designed and synthesized for cholesterol detection via electrochemical and spectrophotometric techniques. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising detector materials for cholesterol sensing. Recent research has explored MOFs as spectrophotometric cholesterol sensors with remarkable performance in terms of limit of detection (LOD) and selectivity. Given the growing interest in cholesterol sensing and limitations of existing biosensors, this thesis aims to develop a novel MOF-based spectrophotometric sensing platform for cholesterol detection. First, this thesis reviews recent advances in MOF-based spectrophotometric cholesterol sensors, outlining the different mechanistic roles of MOFs in cholesterol detection, current challenges, and potential applications of MOF-based sensors for cholesterol detection in point-of-care devices and medical diagnostics. Then, iron-based MOF (Fe-BTC) is introduced as a novel, peroxidase mimic nanozyme for cholesterol detection, marking its first reported use in this application. Characterization studies, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and zeta potential, revealed stable, amorphous nature of Fe-BTC and potential peroxidase activity. Parametric studies including pH, time, temperature, and reagent concentrations were performed to determine optimal conditions for H2O2 and cholesterol detection. Mechanistic studies demonstrated biosensor operation via OH· radical formation by Fe-BTC. The present biosensor achieved a cholesterol limit of detection (LOD) of 2.91 μM and 2.88 μM at 25 ⁰C and 37 ⁰C cholesterol incubation, respectively, with a linear detection range of 6.56–78.75 μM. The biosensor had good selectivity to cholesterol in the presence of interfering analytes, including glycine, uric acid, glucose, and NaCl. Overall, our novel Fe-BTC-based biosensor demonstrated comparable performance to nanomaterial-based cholesterol sensors reported in the literature and shows great promise for cholesterol detection via spectrophotometric methods.College of EngineeringMultidisciplinary ProgramsMaster of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MSBME
Auditor Characteristics and Their Impact on Information Asymmetry in R&D Intensive Firms
A Master of Science thesis in Accounting (MSA) by Shahad Melhem Abdulrahman Al Melhem entitled, “Auditor Characteristics and Their Impact on Information Asymmetry in R&D Intensive Firms”, submitted in April 2025. Thesis advisor is Dr. Ashraf Khallaf. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Approval Signatures, Completion Certificate, and AUS Archives Consent Form).School of Business AdministrationDepartment of AccountingMaster of Science in Accounting (MSA
Digital Spare Parts Ecosystem: A Strategic Approach to Industrial Advancemen
A Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation in Engineering Systems Management by Wadhah Saif Hashel Saeed Alzahmi entitled, “Digital Spare Parts Ecosystem: A Strategic Approach to Industrial Advancement”, submitted in October 2025. Dissertation advisor is Dr. Abdulrahim Shamayleh and dissertation co-advisor is Dr. Marco Stefancich. Soft copy is available (Dissertation, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).Spare parts are essential for maintaining the smooth operations of industrial processes. However, traditional stock-based management methods are becoming less effective due to unpredictable demand, complex global supply chains, and shorter product lifecycles. These challenges often result in higher costs, inefficiencies, and increased risks of downtime and obsolescence. Emerging digital technologies, including additive manufacturing (AM), digital twins, and blockchain, have the potential to transform Spare Parts Management (SPM) by making it more flexible, data-driven, and on-demand. At the center of this transformation lies the concept of Digital Spare Parts (DSP). Despite growing interest, the literature on DSP remains fragmented, marked by conceptual inconsistency, sectoral silos, and methodological narrowness that limit coherence and large-scale applicability. This research aims to address this gap by developing and validating a DSP Ecosystem model that views DSP adoption not as a matter of adopting one technology, but as a transformation of the entire ecosystem. Using a mixed-methods design, the study began by refining and validating the ecosystem enablers through expert interviews and then use Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to map their interdependencies. The results show that DSP adoption depends less on individual technologies and more on the systemic alignment of different dimensions. The study also conducted a gap analysis, an urgency–feasibility assessment, and an impact–effort matrix, which informed the design of strategic actions at both the organizational and national levels. The outcome of all of the analysis resulted in the development of the Decision Support Tool (DST), which organizations can use to assess their readiness for DSP adoption. This research contributes to both theory and practice. It presents the first empirically grounded ecosystem assessment for DSP adoption and delivers a practical DST that enables policymakers and firms to assess their readiness for DSP adoption. Ultimately, this study advances the conversation on DSP, moving it from promise to practice and positioning it as a cornerstone of industrial resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability in the digital
age.College of EngineeringDepartment of Industrial EngineeringPhD in Engineering - Engineering Systems Management (PhD-ESM
Life cycle-based sustainability assessment of different partition board materials
A Master of Science thesis in Construction Management by Lara Omar Dhin entitled, “Life cycle-based sustainability assessment of different partition board materials”, submitted in November 2025. Thesis advisor is Dr. Maruf Mortula. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Completion Certificate, Approval Signatures, and AUS Archives Consent Form).The construction industry accounts for large amount of waste, causing significant implications on the sustainable development. The waste materials in the industry originate from many different building materials. The waste materials can originate mostly during construction or demolition of the built infrastructure. Partition board is one such material. Due to the significant environmental impact, it is important to examine sustainable construction and demolition waste management. This study examines the lifecycle impacts of traditional and alternative partition board materials used in construction. To achieve the objective, the study investigates three different aspects of sustainability: environmental, economic and social. Environmental impacts were measured using SimaPro in a Life Cycle Assessment, evaluating gypsum boards alongside sustainable substitutes such as plywood, cork, and straw-clay panels; long term economic performance was assessed using market and RSMeans data in a Life Cycle Cost Analysis; and stakeholder and user perceptions were analyzed using surveys and AHP-based weighting in a Social Life Cycle Assessment. The results showed that straw-clay offered the best overall sustainability by combining the greatest social acceptance with the least detrimental environmental effects. Plywood also did well because, while cork yielded somewhat balanced results. Despite being cost-effective, gypsum board had the worst social performance and the greatest environmental impact. When all pillars were considered, bio-based materials such as straw-clay proved to be the most sustainable overall, demonstrating the framework's usefulness in guiding low carbon, socially conscious material selection for the construction industry. The results of this study aim to influence material selection in the construction industry, recommending a shift towards more sustainable practices that align with global sustainability goals.College of EngineeringMultidisciplinary ProgramMaster of Science in Construction Management (MSCM
Language, Knowledge, and the Sacred: Al-Bukhārī’s Philosophical and Linguistic Journey in Ḥadīth Compilation
The distinct geographical locations of the Companions of the Prophet Muḥammad after his death necessitated travelling for the acquisition of knowledge, in particular ḥadīth, which became a major topos among early Muslim scholars. Muḥammad b. Ismā‘īl al-Bukhārī (256/810) played a key role in recording the ḥadīth of the Prophet Muḥammad, culminating in his magnum opus, al-Jāmi‘ al-Ṣaḥīḥ. This work profoundly impacted the ḥadīth tradition and the genesis of its sciences. Beyond the empirical quest for authentic traditions, Al-Bukhārī's work can be interpreted through the prisms of linguistics and epistemology, which shaped his methodological approach to knowledge transmission. This paper explores Al-Bukhārī's journeys not only as physical travels but as intellectual and philosophical voyages, emphasizing the interplay between linguistic precision and philosophical inquiry in the authentication and preservation of sacred texts
From Athens to Andalusia: The Enduring Legacy of Plato, Aristotle, and the Islamic Philosophers
This article explores the foundational contributions of key philosophers—Plato, Aristotle, Al-Fārābi, Ibn Sīna, and Ibn Rushd—to the history of philosophical thought. It investigates their major ideas across metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, and political philosophy, emphasizing their relevance across cultures and time periods. The study also highlights the enduring influence of their work on both Islamic and Western intellectual traditions, showing how reason and revelation were negotiated in the pursuit of truth
Development and characterization of novel flexible cellulose electrodes for electrophysiological monitoring
Flexible and biocompatible electrodes are crucial components in developing future wearable and implantable biomedical devices. In this work, a novel composite bioelectrode from cellulose, supported by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and glycerol were developed. Cellulose, an abundant and biodegradable biopolymer, provides the conductivity, while PDMS provides the support and the mechanical elasticity. All together, they provide elasticity and skin-conformability. Glycerol was added in this work as it also acts as an ionic conductor and a plasticizer, thus, improving interfacial charge transfer and electrode hydration stability. The composite was fabricated by an easy polymerization and curing process. The morphological, electrochemical, and mechanical characteristics of the fabricated electrode were evaluated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) showed low impedance, high conductivity, and stability. The electrochemical characteristics demonstrated the lowest bulk resistance of 0.658 kΩ, a conductivity of 0.0193 S m⁻¹ and a charge storage capacity of 4.626 mC m⁻². The ductile properties for the samples showed a low elastic Young modulus of 10.3 ± 5.4 kPa. Electroencephalograph (ECG) signal was recorded at a considerable good quality with SNR of 33.31 dB. Thus, the cellulose–PDMS–glycerol electrode material appears to offer a highly promising, green platform for the development of soft bioelectronics to be employed in real-time physiological signal monitoring.American University of Sharja
Crisis Management and Crisis Communication in the Digital Age: The Impact of Social Media
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) thesis by Agnel Rose Thomas entitled, “Crisis Management and Crisis Communication in the Digital Age: The Impact of Social Media”, submitted in May 2025. Thesis advisor is Dr. John Katsos. Soft copy is available (Thesis, Approval Signatures, Completion Certificate, and AUS Archives Consent Form).Social media has transformed crisis management and communication by enabling organizations to engage with consumers and address crises in real time. However, the rapid spread of information on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (previously known as Twitter) presents significant challenges, including the spread of misinformation and difficulties in maintaining narrative control. This study investigates United Arab Emirates consumers’ perceptions of organizational crisis response strategies using a hypothetical crisis scenario. Using a quantitative methodology, the research adopts the "corporate response continuum" model to analyze consumer perceptions of 4 types of corporate responses to crises. Data was collected through an online survey. The study aims to provide insights into effective crisis communication approaches, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and timely engagement in maintaining organizational reputation and consumer trust. The study involved 50 participants. The key findings present that morality violation emerged as the strongest predictor of consumer outcomes. Higher perceived morality violations were significantly associated with lower purchase intention and increased likelihood of secondary crisis communication on social media. Although crisis response type did not significantly affect outcomes, descriptive trends suggested that the “Super Effort” response strategy may reduce perceived immorality and slightly improve purchase intention. Informational social influence was notably high among participants, while normative influence was lower. Correlation analyses showed that participants who favored rapid crisis communication were more supportive of using social media for response. Overall, the findings highlight the central role of ethical perceptions and peer influence in shaping consumer reactions during crises and emphasize the importance of transparent, responsible, and socially aware communication strategies.School of Business AdministrationDepartment of Management, Strategy and EntrepreneurshipMaster of Business Administration (MBA