United Arab Emirates University
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UNVEILING THE ORIGINS OF SOURCE CODE THROUGH AUTHORSHIP ATTRIBUTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AI AND HUMAN CODING PATTERNS
Get PDFIn recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have been used for source code authorship attribution, which is the process of identifying the original author of a given piece of code. With the advancement of AI technologies like ChatGPT, which can generate code, there is a need to accurately identify whether a piece of code is written by a human or generated by a machine. This is crucial for intellectual property protection, cybersecurity, and software forensics. The main objective of this thesis is to review existing research on source code authorship attribution and conduct several experiments to determine the best AI models for identifying the authorship of source code. This includes distinguishing between human-written and ChatGPT-4-generated codes and providing insights into the gender and region. A dataset of 600 source codes was utilized, focusing on extracting lexical and layout features. The study applied several information retrieval and ranking techniques such as TF-IDF, MI, and IG to extract features and understand author characteristics. It also employed various machine learning models, such as SVM, logistic regression, MLP, XGBoost, and random forest. It also employed deep learning models like LSTM, RNN, and CNN to analyze the data. The research achieved up to 94.7% accuracy with the random forest model using TF-IDF in machine learning, and a 95% accuracy rate with the CNN model in deep learning. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of these models in authorship attribution of source code. This work contributes to the field by identifying effective AI models for source code authorship attribution. It provides a comprehensive analysis of how machine learning and deep learning can be used to attribute authorship, differentiating between human and AIgenerated code, and identifying gender and region. By achieving high accuracy in identifying the authorship of source codes, this thesis fills a gap in the current understanding and methodologies in source code authorship attribution. It offers new insights and methods in distinguishing between human- and AI-generated code to address the ethical concerns
INVESTIGATING THE MASS MORTALITY INDUCED FACTORS OF PEARL OYSTER (PINCTADA RADIATA) AT ABU DHABI PEARLS FARM, UAE
Get PDFThe aquaculture of shellfish plays a crucial role in enhancing maritime environments by mitigating algal blooms and improving water quality through the filtration of organic matter, nutrients, and bacteria. This study investigated the environmental factors influencing oyster mortalities through a comprehensive analysis of water quality in Al Mirfa and Al Mughirah farming sites of Abu Dhabi (UAE), from February 2021 to February 2022. To reach such understanding of the main factors led to mass mortalities of cultivated oysters, different monthly sampling and both chemical and biological analyses of the farm water, sediments as well as for both living and dead oyster shells have been carried out during the study period. The results analyses revealed seasonal variations in water temperature, with elevated temperatures adversely affecting physiological rates, growth, and survival of pearl oysters. High seawater temperatures during summer months were identified as a primary factor influencing oyster mortality. Salinity fluctuations and acidic pH conditions negatively impacted oyster health and shell integrity, further increasing mortality rates. Low dissolved oxygen levels, coupled with fouling organism presence, contributed to increased mortality incidents. Toxic dinoflagellates, specifically Pyrodinium bahamense, competed with nutritious algae, causing food shortages and potential toxicity issues, thus triggering oyster mortality. Statistical analyses revealed strong relationships between oyster mortality rates and environmental parameters, with temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen levels, chlorophyll concentration, and the presence of toxic dinoflagellates identified as significant predictors. This study shows the importance of ongoing monitoring and research to understand the interactions between environmental factors and pearl oyster health for sustainable aquaculture management and marine ecosystem conservation. Moreover, proactive measures such as temperature regulation, harmful algal bloom control, and water quality management are essential for minimizing the impact of environmental stressors on pearl oyster populations
SUSTAINING PARTNERSHIPS IN THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: A CASE STUDY IN MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE
Get PDFSustainability of Partnerships: Case Study from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abstract Governance has become one of the most crucial focuses for organizations in recent times, as it plays a significant role in shaping internal and external operational systems at various levels within institutions, organizations, and countries. Governance represents an effective and integrated framework, incorporating best practices that enhance the achievement and sustainability of organizational goals by improving decision-making methods. The aim of this study is to discuss the mechanisms of governance and their impact on the sustainability of partnerships established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the United Arab Emirates. This is achieved by addressing the following study questions: 1- What is the nature of the governance system applied by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE to sustain its partnerships with other entities, from the perspective of decisionmakers within the ministry? 2- What are the determinants, goals, and tools of the UAE\u27s foreign policy towards the governance of partnership sustainability, as perceived by decision-makers in the ministry? 3- What are the decision-making and implementation mechanisms within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the governance of partnership sustainability? 4- What is the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs\u27 possession of partnership sustainability governance? 8 5- Is there an impact of governance mechanisms (participation, accountability, political stability, government effectiveness, legislative quality, rule of law) on partnership sustainability within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE according to decisionmakers in the ministry? To answer these questions, the researcher designed a specific questionnaire covering aspects of personal and job-related analysis for the study participants, including gender, age group, educational qualification, job level, and years of experience. The questionnaire also covered governance mechanisms with their dimensions (participation, accountability, political stability, government effectiveness, legislative quality, rule of law), and partnership sustainability with its dimensions (importance of partnership sustainability, requirements of partnership sustainability, barriers to partnership sustainability) within the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The questionnaire was distributed to a convenient random sample of 139 decision-making managers working in areas related to partnerships between the ministry and other entities. Using a quantitative approach (descriptive analysis) and the statistical analysis program SPSS, the study found the following results: - The reality of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs\u27 implementation of governance mechanisms with their dimensions (participation, accountability, government effectiveness, political stability, legislative quality, rule of law) was at a high level to achieve partnership sustainability with various sectors and organizations. - The study results indicated that governance mechanisms with their dimensions (participation, accountability, government effectiveness, political stability, legislative 9 quality, rule of law) have an impact on the importance of partnership sustainability and its requirements and barriers within the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. - The study results showed a statistically significant impact of governance mechanisms, with their dimensions (participation, accountability, government effectiveness, political stability, legislative quality, rule of law), on partnership sustainability with its dimensions (importance of partnership sustainability, requirements of partnership sustainability, barriers to partnership sustainability), where governance mechanisms explained 70.2%. In light of the results, the study recommends paying attention to governance mechanisms and building clear plans to improve partnership sustainability in the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It also suggests conducting further studies related to governance mechanisms due to their importance in organizational performance
LEGAL PROTECTION FOR A SHAREHOLDER IN THE PUBLIC JOINT STOCK COMPANY
Get PDFThere is no doubt that Legal protection for a shareholder in a public joint stock company has become one of the key pillars on which the UAE national economy rests as it ecamines shareholder protections by critically analyzing voting and related rights, the right to intermaton,excpusion right,the dissolutions of company, derivative action and direct action.Moreover,the thsis provides solution to the problem of minority shareholder protections,that is, methods by which to increase protection for minoriting shareholders against the majority and directors. In view of proctecting the shareholders rights by controlling the manament of public jointstock company, where the borad of directors is the executive authority which runs its affairs under the control of its general assembly comprising all the shareholders, the legal protection for shareholder in a public joint stock company. The aim of this research paper is to provide detailed overview of civil liabilities of chairman and members of the board of directors in a public joint stock company, in particular such liabilities are analyzed vis-vis the company itself, to the shareholders and third parties. It appears that the UAE legislators have recently imposed new restrictions that are aimed at limiting the powers of the board of directors in public joint stock companies. There is an ongoing trend that such restrictions imposed by UAE legislators will continue increasing in the coming months
ENHANCING CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: AN ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT PRACTICES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN AI-ENHANCED MOBILE APPLICATION
Get PDFIn today\u27s interconnected world, individuals, private corporations, public institutions, and governments face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats and attacks, highlighting the critical need for individuals and organizations to understand cybersecurity comprehensively. Cyberattacks have affected many countries and infrastructures in different sectors worldwide, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has become a main target for cybercrime due to its booming economy and tourism. The UAE considers cybersecurity an increasingly critical issue in our digital world, and increasing cybersecurity awareness among residents is essential to protect themselves and their organizations from cyberattacks. The primary objectives of this study are to identify key challenges and gaps in school cybersecurity curricula and university program outcomes, evaluate the current state of cybersecurity awareness among individuals in the UAE through a survey, and develop an AI-enhanced mobile application to address the identified cybersecurity awareness gaps among individuals in the UAE. The study\u27s results identified gaps in the Ministry of Education\u27s (MoE) curriculum for grades 1 to 12 in UAE public schools, highlighting a need for more direct, in-depth cybersecurity education to equip students with the skills to navigate evolving cyber threats. Additionally, while UAE universities offer a range of cybersecurity programs, challenges persist in aligning these curricula with international standards, ensuring practical experience, and updating content to reflect the latest cyber threats. The cybersecurity awareness survey further uncovered diverse levels of understanding and various practices among UAE residents, pointing out huge misconceptions and inconsistent cybersecurity practices. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity education and practices. In response, an AI-enhanced mobile application was developed to address these gaps tailored to each individual\u27s unique needs, offering tailored cybersecurity education content, including news updates, a roadmap for certifications, interactive tasks and quizzes, etc. Utilizing AI, the app provides personalized responses and assistance, fostering a more informed and secure digital environment for UAE residents
THE USE OF PUFFED RICE BIOMATERIAL AS AN INSULATION LAYER: CHARACTERIZATION AND SIMULATION STUDY
Get PDFUpon close examination in this study, the feasibility of utilizing puffed rice as an insulation layer for construction is explored. Regions that are warm and receive direct sunlight experience heightened temperatures, which can lead to structures trapping excessive heat, resulting in increased cooling demands, energy consumption, and higher costs all around. As revealed via findings from research conducted over time, puffed rice showcases immense prospects when employed as insulation considering its high level of percolation coupled with low thermal conductivity rates. Conversely, conventional materials tend to have better-quality properties like greater compressive strength than what one sees here, along with water-soaking tendencies. In an effort to scrutinize its thermal insulating capabilities thoroughly, the physical traits associated with it were assessed, including density and moisture absorption levels, by putting it through experimental stages closely monitoring, gathering material characterization, and inputting it using simulation software such as Design Builder, Energy Plus, and opaque 3.0, for the case studies of a common Emirati villa and typical office building in Dubai, will show the potential use of biomaterials such as puffed rice for insulation purposes in hot climates. Overall, the results put forward throughout provide comprehensive insights relating to how economically and environmentally optimally suited using puffed rice could prove suitable as an ideal building insulation material. In order for composite building blocks featuring Puff Rice fillers within them to strengthen their structural integrity, further additional studies will be required altogether
THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION AND MINING OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN OUTER SPACE
Get PDFThe mining of natural resources from outer space has become closer to reality more than ever, and some States have enacted unilateral legislations regulating the exploitation of space resources, and some entities have developed strategic plans to extract space resources. There are also many initiatives that seek to regulate space resource exploitation activities at the international level. Mining of space resources raises several legal questions about how to conciliate between the principle of non-appropriation and the principle of freedom of exploration and use of outer space. The problem appears in the international space law\u27s inability to keep pace with the technical advancement in space, and the granting of property rights by unilateral legislations of States may constitute a violation of the principle of non-appropriation of outer space. This research addresses the current legal framework of mining space resources (both domestic and international), the legal challenges it faces, and the need for international cooperation that guarantees equality between States and the exploitation of outer space resources for the benefit of all mankind, and analyses the potential models to regulating mining activities in outer space. This research suggests that the Outer Space Treaty could represent a starting point, a proactive framework for achieving consensus among States and for seeking multilateral solutions for the exploitation of space resources
Teachers’ Attitudes Toward the Educational Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Omani Kindergartens
Get PDFThis study investigated the attitudes of female teachers (N = 169) toward the educational inclusion of children in kindergarten within the Sultanate of Oman. A Digital survey was conducted to gather insights into the teachers’ perspectives across two domains: the learning environment (LE) and the Impact of Early Inclusion in Kindergarten (IEIK). The results indicate that teachers demonstrate strong support for the inclusion of children with disabilities in kindergarten, underscoring the importance of establishing a conducive learning environment. This includes recommendations for increasing the number of teachers, modifying school infrastructure, and adapting curricula to accommodate the diverse abilities of all students. A comparative analysis of the two domains reveals a greater endorsement among teachers for issues related to the physical environment over those pertaining to the non-physical environment. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings.
Keywords: Educational Inclusion, children with disabilities, Oman, Kindergarten, teachers’ attitude
EFFECT OF VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGY ON CE/CS BASED LABORATORIES EDUCATION – A
Get PDFVirtual reality (VR) is becoming increasingly popular in different fields, as institutions strive to incorporate technology into the education process. This thesis explores the effect of the use of VR on the users learning experience, and whether gamification, and human-computer interaction (HCI) affect the VR experience in a positive way. The main goal of this thesis is to explore the VR environment in STEM courses/Labs and investigate its effect on learning advanced topics. Specifically, we developed Digital Design & Computer Organization Lab (CS/CE Laboratory) as a VR environment to research this topic. We set and conducted experiments, surveyed participating students from UAEU, and finally, we present the final outcomes and results. The Digital Design & Computer Organization Lab virtual reality environment will implement a simulation of the lab environment by allowing the students to use lab equipment to achieve lab tasks. The system allows the students to experience learning through a gamified environment in a competitive immersive way. The study employs two types of experiments; the first is a usability test experiment to measure the user\u27s overall experience with the VR environment, and the second is an educational experiment to compare the VR users\u27 results to students who only rely on documents. In our experiments, we concluded that VR environment contribute positively on educating CS/CE/IT students on advanced topics in CENG205. Specifically, 90.9% of the participants found that the VR gamification experience was fun and encouraged competitive behavior. The second experiment proved that the group that used the VR application achieved better understanding of the materials and scored better than other students. We developed a fully functional VR application prototype that simulates the Digital Design & Computer Organization Lab class to confirm/verify that students who use VR are more likely to better understand the materials and achieve higher results. The experiment results obtained give us a better understanding of how VR can affect the user experience and how to improve the VR environment to match the user expectations
AI-POWERED PEDAGOGY: REVOLUTIONIZING STUDENTS’ LEARNING EXPERIENCES THROUGH INTEGRATION OF AI TECHNOLOGIES
Get PDFThis research examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within the educational sector with the aim of enhancing student learning outcomes. AI offers tailored learning experiences, interactive educational content, prompt feedback, and access to diverse learning resources. Nonetheless, challenges including addiction, costliness, privacy infringement, bias, ethical dilemmas, market competition, and moral considerations require resolution. Research particularly delves into the utilization of chatbots, and algorithms designed to simulate human interactions and generate text resembling human speech. Educational applications powered by AI have the potential to heighten student engagement, comprehension, and academic performance by substituting traditional assignments with concise, information-rich lessons. Furthermore, AI assists in crafting queries, recommendations, and educational materials, thereby enabling educators to prioritize student interactions. However, addressing concerns such as accessibility, impartiality, algorithmic predispositions, reluctance to adopt change, privacy assurance, security measures, ethical considerations, and equitable resource allocation remains imperative