United Arab Emirates University
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AI-ENABLED MULTI-LAYER SECURITY OPERATIONS: A COMBINED SIEM, IDS, AND THREAT INTELLIGENCE MODEL FOR ADAPTIVE CYBER DEFENSE
No full textThis dissertation presents a comprehensive framework for the evolution of Security Operation Centers (SOCs) through the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and optimization techniques. Motivated by the increasing complexity of cyber threats and the limitations of traditional reactive SOC strategies, this work begins with a systematic literature review that identifies critical gaps in current SOC operations. Based on these insights, a reference architecture is proposed to guide the integration of intelligent components into SOC environments. To address the challenge of secure and trustworthy information sharing, a blockchain-based threat intelligence platform is developed, leveraging Byzantine Fault Tolerance and Zero-Knowledge Proofs for integrity and access control. For intelligent threat detection and response, deep learning models—specifically graph convolutional networks and autoencoders—are coupled with reinforcement learning and fuzzy logic to enable adaptive classification, scoring, and continuous model improvement. At the same time, a reinforcement learning–based intrusion detection system (RL-IDS) is put forward for IoT networks that integrates deep neural networks, domain-specific feature extraction, and hybrid metaheuristic optimization for effective and scalable detection. In addition, an ensemble deep learning model is put forward to improve Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems with attention mechanisms and priority assignment of alerts using fuzzy inference. This model effectively captures temporal and spatial threat patterns, substantially improving detection accuracy and reducing false alarm rates. Across all components, experimental evaluations demonstrate superior performance, with detection accuracies exceeding 99%, low false positive and negative rates, and high operational efficiency. The proposed architecture and its subsystems collectively offer a modular, intelligent, and secure foundation for next-generation SOCs. This dissertation contributes novel methodologies across detection, response, and intelligence sharing, aligning academic innovation with practical cybersecurity demands and enabling a shift toward autonomous, AI-driven security operations
EXPLORING DATE POMACE AS A FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENT IN BREAD: NUTRITIONAL AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES
No full textThis study investigated the incorporation of desugared date fruit pomace into wheat bread rolls and evaluated its effects on dough handling, bread quality, staling behavior, sensory acceptability, and nutritional composition. The research was conducted in three experimental phases: (i) development and characterization of a high-fiber dietary ingredient (HFDI) from date pomace, including its physicochemical and functional properties; (ii) bread fortification and quality assessment, where wheat flour was partially replaced with 0–20% HFDI to evaluate its effects on dough rheology, bread texture, color, moisture retention, shelf life, and consumer acceptance; and (iii) nutritional and physiological evaluation of the fortified breads, including proximate composition, antioxidant activity, enzyme inhibition, in vitro starch digestibility, and glycemic index. The HFDI was found to be rich in insoluble dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, making it a promising functional ingredient. Increasing HFDI levels led to higher water absorption and dough resistance but reduced gluten extensibility. Fortification up to 10% maintained acceptable loaf volume, crumb structure, and texture, while higher levels (≥15%) negatively impacted bread quality. Nutritional analyses revealed significant improvements in fiber content (from 5.7 to 22.4 g/100 g) and antioxidant capacity. In vitro digestion showed reduced glucose release in fortified breads, suggesting potential glycemic benefits. In conclusion, date fruit pomace is a viable and sustainable fiber source for functional bread formulation. A fortification level of 10% was identified as optimal, providing a balance between enhanced nutritional value and acceptable dough and bread quality without compromising sensory attributes
POLYPHENOL PROFILING AND BIOACTIVITIES OF DATE SEED: A COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF EXTRACTION TECHNIQUES IN DIFFERENT DATE SEED VARIETIES
Get PDFPlant-waste-derived bioactive compounds have generated growing interest recently. In this context, this project examined the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity, and antibiofilm capability of the seed extract of Phoenix dactylifera. Six date seed varieties (Fardh, Sukarri, Negal, Majdool, Zahidi, and Khadrawy) were studied. In this study, a novel ultrasound-assisted extraction technique is compared with the conventional extraction method (maceration using 80% ethanol), taking into account both the quality and quantity of polyphenols. Among the primary objectives, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of polyphenols was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), aiming for maximum TPC and DPPH radical scavenging. By studying three extraction parameters, ethanol concentration (0-80%), time (1-15 min), and amplitude (10-80%), the optimum extraction conditions of 80% ethanol, for 6 min, at amplitude 80%, were obtained. Experimental validation of the optimum conditions predicted by the designed model showed R2 \u3e 96% for both responses. The comparison study between date seed varieties proved that the UAE method was the most efficient technique for producing higher phenolic extracts (TPC ranged from 50.44±0.65 to 381.90±13.49 mg GAE/100g DSP) with powerful antioxidant activity compared to the conventional method (47.74±0.31 to 287.23±3.97 mg GAE/100 g DSP).Findings of the antibacterial activity against pathogens supported their significant capabilities to inhibit pathogens with low MIC values. The most promising results were found with the ultrasonic extract of Sukkari against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433) with MIC 1.03 mg/mL, and ultrasound extracts of Negal against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) with MIC 1.87 mg/ml. In addition, results indicated the potential of these DSEs to inhibit biofilm formation with difficulty in eliminating the existing biofilms. The characterization of the polyphenols using UHPLC and LC–ESI-MS/MS revealed 14 compounds (gallic acid, (+)-catechin, 1,2- dihydroxybenzene, chlorogenic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, flavone, t-ferulic acid, rutin hydrate, t-cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, syringic acid, and sinapic acid). Furthermore, the FTIR analysis confirmed the detection of potentially active components in all DSEs. This research could significantly contribute to the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals. The findings of this study may lead to the creation of novel dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals that provide enhanced health benefits by optimizing extraction methods and thoroughly characterizing the bioactive compounds found in date seeds
التفريد القضائي للعقوبة في القانون الجزائي الاماراتي
Get PDFJudicial Individualization of Punishment in UAE Criminal Law
This study addresses the topic of judicial individualization of punishment in UAE criminal legislation through a descriptive-analytical approach. In the preliminary section, the study defines punishment, which is imposed as a consequence of a crime that has already occurred, and precautionary measures aimed at confronting criminal danger to prevent future harm that could affect society. The characteristics and purposes of both punishment and precautionary measures are detailed, as they cannot be applied unless those implementing them understand their goals and intended outcomes.The study examines, in the first chapter, the concept of legislative and judicial individualization of punishment, where the former precedes and influences the latter. It also discusses the methods of judicial individualization, including primary and alternative punishments, such as deportation and community service, which the judge may select based on the type of crime. The study then explores the quantitative gradation of these punishments and their various types. The first chapter concludes with the powers granted to the judge by the criminal legislator, including legal excuses, mitigating circumstances, aggravating circumstances, recidivism, repetition of offenses, suspension of execution, and judicial pardon. These are all provided by the legislator, acknowledging the importance of judicial individualization of punishment.In the second chapter, the study explores the criteria for judicial individualization of punishment, which include personal factors related to the offender and objective factors related to the crime and the punishment. These factors cannot be fully addressed by legislative individualization, as legal texts are characterized by their generality and abstraction, and they cannot predict the circumstances surrounding these elements. The study also highlights the role of the public prosecution in the judicial individualization of punishment, noting that the prosecution is a branch of the judiciary. It holds the officers, and pursue criminal cases. The second chapter concludes with practical applications related to the judicial individualization of punishment.The study reached several conclusions, the most important of which is that the characteristics and purposes of punishment cannot be achieved without individualizing it for each person according to the nature of the crime, its circumstances, and the personality of the accused. Furthermore, the UAE criminal legislator has not stipulated clear guidelines or criteria for judicially determining punishments. The absence of such guidelines leads to the issuance of sentences that do not align with the crime or the criminal. This lack of reasoning in judgments, especially when increasing or decreasing the punishment beyond its minimum or maximum limits or when using any of the available alternatives to the judge, results in the misuse of these methods and makes it difficult to monitor their application.One of the main recommendations of the study is the need to establish guiding criteria for judges to determine punishments. The study also emphasizes the importance of enacting provisions requiring reasoning when increasing or decreasing punishment beyond its minimum or maximum limits or when using any of the alternatives available to the judge
FOOD NEOPHOBIA, FOOD PICKINESS, AND PHYSICAL GROWTH STATUS IN A SAMPLE OF EMIRATI CHILDREN WITH NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS AND NEUROTYPICAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Get PDFEating habits and expression of independence in food selection typically starts at about 18 months of age, reaching its peak between 2 and 6 years. However, child feeding problems are common in boys and girls, both- in children with neuro-typical development (NTD) and those with neuro-development disorders (NDDs). Food Neophobia (FN) and Food Pickiness (FP) are considered as the main forms of food rejection in children, affecting their diet variety, and consumption of foods. If unresolved, these may result in nutrient deficiencies and compromised growth and development in children. There is a dearth of evidence on this important topic in context to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To examine and compare the occurrence of FN and FP, and find their association with physical growth status in 2-8 years old Emirati children with NDDs including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Down Syndrome (DS), and those with NTD. The study was conducted on 83 Emirati children (males and females) aged 2-8 years, diagnosed with NDDs (n=29) attending Autism, Early Intervention, and Rehabilitation Centers under Zayed Higher Organization of People for Determination, and those with NTD (n=54) from public schools under Emirates Schools Establishment in Al Ain. Parents and children\u27s socio-demographic backgrounds and medical status of the children were elicited. Validated parent-reported questionnaires were translated into Arabic language to assess child’s diet variety, dietary intake, food rejection (FN and FP), mealtime behaviors (BAMBIC), and parental mealtime actions (PMAS-R). Physical status measures included weight, height and body composition of children assessed by the researcher during the center and school visits. Overall, the average mothers’ age was 38.70±5.79 years, and 42.05±7.73 years for the fathers. The mean age of children was 5.48±1.65 years, 61.1% children were males and 38.6% females. A significantly higher proportion of children with NDDs were males (79.3%). FN and FP, and deviations from normal in physical growth status were common among the studied sample. Parents’ age, Oro-motor difficulties in children and BMI for age z-scores were significantly associated with the neurodevelopmental status of their children. FN was significantly negatively was significantly negatively correlated with total diet variety score (r=.-177, p\u3c0.05). Further, Child Food Rejection score (r=.373, p\u3c0.001), FN (r= .396, p\u3c0.001) and FP (r= .288, p\u3c0.001) showed strong positive correlations with child mealtime behaviors (total BAMBIC score, and its sub-scales). Similarly, Child Food Rejection (r= .250, p\u3c0.001), FN (r= .224, p\u3c0.001) and FP (r= .221, p\u3c0.001) showed strong positive correlations with parental mealtime actions (total PMAS-R score, and six sub-scales). The study findings highlight the common occurrence of food rejections in terms of FN and FP, feeding problems evident in mealtime behaviors, and limited acceptance to food items indicated in restricted diet variety among 2-8 years old Emirati children, those with NDDs were affected worse than with NTD. Moreover, these negative feeding behaviors were significantly associated with deviations in physical growth status reflected in either under or over nutritional status determined using anthropometric indices. The study findings form the basis for future large-scale cohort studies for generalization of results in the UAE and the Region. This is the first-ever research conducted to investigate food rejection in formative years of life in the UAE sample, comprehensively studying males and females across 2-8 years of age, including those with NTD and NDDs. Such studies are imperative to create scientific evidence on FN and FP for developing targeted strategies for their prevention, early identification, and appropriate management. Thus, avoiding the adoption of forceful parental strategies during the mealtimes; thereby, reducing negative and promoting healthy feeding behaviours and physical growth among young children
SYNTHESIS AND BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF SAFRANAL-LOADED METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORK NANOSTRUCTURES
Get PDFLiver cancer remains a primary worldwide health concern, necessitating the development of innovative and effective treatment options. In this study, we present a biocompatible iron-based metal-organic framework (Fe-MOF) consisting of iron ligands connected by terephthalate linkers loaded with safranal, a major biomolecule of saffron (the stigmas of Crocus sativus flower), as therapeutic intervention with dual efficiency. This compound not only meets the demand for improved liver cancer therapies but also exhibits antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus. The synthesis stage of the study focuses on preparing MIL-88B(Fe) and loading safranal into/onto its structure (SAF@MIL-88B(Fe)). The material\u27s composition and purity are validated through various characterization techniques, including XRD, FTIR, TGA-DTG, and N2-adsorption. Furthermore, the morphology and uniformity are assessed using the SEM-EDX approach, while the successful loading of safranal is confirmed through the NMR technique. The potential of MIL-88B(Fe) and SAF@MIL-88B(Fe) as promising anticancer/antibacterial agents is highlighted by their substantial inhibitory impact on the growth of HepG2 cells and the examined bacterial strains. The present findings pave the way for developing innovative multifunctional agents with potential applications in biotechnology
FACTORS INFLUENCING INNOVATIVE BEHAVIOR OF HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
Get PDFInnovation in the higher education sector is globally recognized as a driving power behind a country\u27s socioeconomic and technological development. This quantitative study explores the primary influences on the innovation of college students in the UAE. Four research goals were proposed: (I) exploring potential input from innovative faculties; (ii) assessing the impact of curriculum excellence; (iii) examining the consequences of students\u27 social abilities; and (iv) researching the moderating impact of supportive leadership. The research also seeks to create a theoretical model connecting various key elements that promote an environment of innovation in the higher education sector of the UAE based on Amabile’s Componential Theory of Creativity (1988). Information was collected via an online questionnaire from 305 university faculty members, yielding 216 valid answers (with a return rate of 70.82%). Studies indicated that innovative faculties positively influenced students\u27 communication skills. The quality of the curriculum had a positive impact on the innovative behavior of students, faculty, and their interpersonal communication skills. Students\u27 capacity to interact with others exerts a positive impact on their creativity and innovation skills. In the end, support of management in universities also has a positive impact on students\u27 innovation, highlighting the important role of supportive leadership in creating innovative educational settings. Implications require top institution management to create curricula, enhance faculty, and use effective management methods to encourage student creativity and nurture students\u27 innovative behavior, preparing them for success in the competitive job market
مدى اعتبار الهجمات السيبرانية انتهاكاً للحظر المفروض على استخدام القوة أو التهديد بها في ضوء أحكام القانون الدولي للجوء للحرب
Get PDFJurisprudence of international law, including the 2013 Tallinn Manual experts, have argued that cyberattacks may constitute an unlawful use of force under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter if it is of such severity as to result in severe human and material casualties similar to that caused by a kinetic attack.
However, it is unclear whether a cyberattack can be included in the scope of Article 2 (4) which is subject to multiple and conflicting interpretations governed by different considerations that can create confusion and
ambiguity regarding its exact meaning, making it difficult to establish an international legal framework governing armed attacks.
Additionally, it is unclear whether a cyberattack could be considered an armed attack since the UN Charter does not define the term. The prevailing trend in international law, in the absence of a binding international instrument governing operations in cyberspace, considers that cyber-attacks often do not reach the threshold of “armed attack”, which is backed by recent state practices.
مضى فقهاء القانون الدولي بمن فيهم خبراء دليل تالين لعام 2013 إلى أن الهجوم السيبراني قد يشكل استخداماً محظوراً للقوة بموجب المادة 2 (4) من ميثاق الأمم المتحدة إذا كان من الشدة بحيث تنتج عنه إصابات بشرية ومادية فادحة شبيهة بتلك التي يحدثها الهجوم الحركي، ومع ذلك فليس من الواضح ما إذا كان يمكن إدراج الهجوم السيبراني في نطاق المادة 2 (4) التي تواجه تفسيرات متعددة ومتضاربة تحكمها اعتبارات مختلفة يمكن أن تخلق التباسًا وغموضًا فيما يتعلق بمعناها الدقيق ، ومن ثم صعوبة وضع إطار قانوني دولي يحكم الهجمات المسلحة. إضافة إلى ذلك ليس من الواضح ما إذا كان الهجوم السيبراني يمكن أن يشكل هجومًا مسلحًا حيث لا يقدم ميثاق الأمم المتحدة أي تعريف لمعنى الهجوم المسلح ، ومع أن بعض الهجمات السيبرانية القادرة على إلحاق ضرر مادي سوف تتحدى عتبة الهجوم المسلح ، فإن الاتجاه الغالب في القانون الدولي، في ظل عدم وجود صك دولي ملزم يحكم العمليات في الفضاء السيبراني يرى أن الهجمات السيبرانية غالبًا لا تصل إلى عتبة الهجوم المسلح ، وهو ما أكدته الممارسات الحديثة للدول في هذا المجال
EMULSION STABILITY, RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES, AND COMBUSTION CHARACTERISTICS OF WATERJOJOBA BIOFUEL EMULSION
Get PDFThis thesis comprehensively investigates the stability, rheological properties, and engine performance implications of water in jojoba biodiesel (WJBD) emulsion. The research delves into multiple aspects, including the influence of diverse surfactants and water concentrations on emulsion stability. It also yields valuable insights into the development of stable water in jojoba biodiesel emulsions, specifically tailored for diesel engines. These insights contribute significantly to the body of knowledge of positioning emulsion fuels as viable alternative to traditional diesel fuels. The anticipated benefits include notable reductions in emissions. Importantly, this study underscores the critical importance of considering emulsion stability, both during storage and engine operation, as it holds substantial implications for their overall performance and commercial viability. These emulsions, formulated from jojoba biodiesel synthesized via transesterification of jojoba oil extract, their stability was tested via several tests, including Gravitational test, and microscopy test. Furthermore, the investigation extends to the rheological properties of WJBD emulsions, focusing on their flow behavior and viscoelastic properties across varying water concentrations, results displayed noteworthy stability and rheological characteristics. Stable emulsions were tested on running a single cylinder diesel engine to study their performance characteristics, exhaust emissions, noise, and vibration levels. Notably, the utilization of WJBD emulsions demonstrated a pronounced reduction in NOx emissions, offering compelling insights into the potential of this emulsion compared to jojoba biodiesel
DISTURBANCE OBSERVER-BASED CONTROL FOR PMSG-BASED WIND TURBINE CONSIDERING UNBALANCED GRID CONDITIONS
Get PDFA typical permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-based wind turbine system consists of an electrical generator, machine-side converter (MSC), grid-side converter (GSC), dc-link capacitor, and a passive filter such as L filter or LCL filter to connect the GSC to the host grid. When the wind turbine operates under unbalanced grid voltages, a negative sequence component is introduced to the system. This negative sequence voltage can pose challenges for classical controllers to ensure an efficient control of the PMSG-based wind turbine system. On one hand, when the control objective is to ensure injecting sinusoidal and balanced three-phase currents to the grid, voltage unbalance can cause active power to oscillate at double fundamental frequency. On the other hand, delivering constant active power to the grid, under unbalanced voltages, requires injecting sinusoidal and unbalanced three-phase currents to the grid. In current control scheme, constant active power operation during unbalanced voltages can be achieved by setting the grid currents to follow appropriate sinusoidal and unbalanced current references. In power control scheme, these current references can be used to compute the active and reactive power commands required to achieve ripple-free active power under unbalanced voltage conditions. During unbalanced grid voltages, ripple-free active power can produce a sinusoidal oscillation of frequency 2 in the dc-link voltage, where is the grid frequency. This oscillation occurs due to periodic energy exchange between the inductance of the passive filter and the dc-link capacitor, as no active power oscillations are injected into the grid. This energy exchange also occurs between the dc-link voltage and the stator windings of the PMSG, resulting in 2 ripple in the torque of the generator. Thus, under unbalanced grid voltages, appropriate control strategies are required for the control of the GSC and MSC to enable efficient power exchange between the host grid and the wind turbine. This thesis presents the design and performance evaluation of a robust control strategy for both GSC and MSC. Under balanced grid voltage conditions, GSC regulates the dc-link voltage through controlling either the current or the power injected into the grid, while the MSC regulates the stator currents of the PMSG aiming to maximize the power extracted from the wind. During unbalanced grid voltage conditions, the roles of GSC and MSC are interchanged. In particular, the MSC regulates the dc-link voltage through controlling the stator currents of the PMSG, while the GSC regulates the active power delivered to the grid to allow implementing the so-called “Fault Ride Through” algorithm. In this thesis, the proposed controller for both converters is based on combining a state-feedback controller with a disturbance observer. The feedback controller has the role of stabilizing the nominal closed-loop system, while the disturbance observer plays the role of a servo-compensator to cancel the effect of model uncertainties and unknown disturbances, considering the oscillatory behavior of disturbances under unbalanced grid voltages. Another advantage of the disturbance observer is its ability to achieve a seamless transition between the control schemes in response to sudden balance/unbalance event in grid voltages. The proposed controller also makes use of a notch filter to cancel the effect of the inherent dc-link voltage oscillations on the machine torque, particularly when the grid voltage is unbalanced. Simulation tests are conducted to verify the performances of the proposed control technique using MATLAB Software considering realistic scenarios and adequate control parameters. The results demonstrate that the proposed control scheme can achieve good steady-state and transient performances under both balanced and unbalanced grid voltages. More importantly, the obtained results show that proposed controller is able to maintain good transient performances in response to sudden unbalance/balance events in the grid voltages