United Arab Emirates University
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Effectiveness of a Three-Step Decoding Strategy with Constant Time-Delay to Teach Word Reading to Students with Mild and Moderate Intellectual Disability
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a three-step decoding strategy with constant time delay on teaching and acquisition of decoding and word reading skills to four students with mild and moderate intellectual disability and to measure the generalization of those skills to untaught words. A multiple probe design across participants was used to examine the percentage of sounds correctly decoded and words correctly read. The results indicate that all four participants learned to decode and read words using the two strategies. Furthermore, all participants showed an increased learning efficiency in decoding and reading when teaching the second set of similar words. Generalization data showed that only two participants were able to decode and read some of the new words before teaching them, while all participants\u27 ability to decode the letters of the new words was improved.
Keywords: Reading, Phonics, Three-step decoding, Time delay, Intellectual disabilit
IMPROVING STUDENTS’ COGNITIVE ABILITIES IN REMOTE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT USING BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACE AND EYE-TRACKING
Get PDFAttention and cognitive engagement are crucial factors in remote learning environments, where the absence of physical presence often diminishes learning outcomes. Traditional methods for assessing these cognitive states, such as observation and self-reporting, are limited by subjectivity and inefficiency. Automated solutions, particularly those based on biometric data like EEG and eye-tracking, offer a more accurate and scalable alternative. However, developing robust systems that leverage biometric data in real-time presents significant challenges. These include handling large volumes of complex data, ensuring low-latency processing, and adapting machine learning models to diverse learning environments and individual cognitive states. Additionally, the integration of neurofeedback and brain-to-brain synchronization in online learning is still an emerging area of research, posing further challenges in understanding and improving cognitive alignment between students and instructors. To address these challenges, we developed an integrated system that combines machine learning, EEG-based neurofeedback, and brain-to-brain synchronization analysis to enhance cognitive engagement in remote learning environments. We employed several machine learning models, including CNN, logistic regression, and KNN, to classify cognitive states based on EEG and eye-tracking data. The CNN model outperformed others, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.98, demonstrating its effectiveness in interpreting subtle cognitive patterns. Additionally, we introduced a real-time neurofeedback system, which provided participants with immediate feedback based on their brain activity, resulting in significant improvements in attention as measured by increased beta and gamma wave activity across multiple sessions. Power spectral density (PSD) analysis and low-latency feedback processing further validated the system’s efficacy in enhancing attention and cognitive engagement. Furthermore, we explored brain-to-brain synchronization between students and instructors during remote learning sessions. Using EEG data and the KNN algorithm, we successfully identified synchronization patterns that reflected a shared cognitive focus between participants. This analysis provided valuable insights into how synchronization and intermittent desynchronization influence learning outcomes and cognitive alignment. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential for machine learning and neurofeedback systems to improve remote learning by fostering higher levels of engagement and cognitive resonance. In conclusion, the proposed system offers a promising solution to the challenges of assessing and enhancing cognitive engagement in online learning environments. By automating the detection of cognitive states and improving brain-to-brain synchronization through neurofeedback, this research has the potential to revolutionize how educators assess and enhance cognitive performance in digital classrooms. Future work will focus on scaling the system, exploring personalized neurofeedback, and expanding the use of multimodal data to further improve learning outcomes
The Validity and Criticisms of the Current Approach of Human Rights Bodies Regarding the Positive Procedural Obligations of States
Get PDFThis paper questions whether the current approach of human rights bodies with regard to the positive procedural obligations is valid according to both, the domestic legal standards of states, and the mandate given to them in the conventions. It raises important criticisms about the capability of human rights bodies to effectively fulfill their newly assumed task of ordering and supervising prosecutions and punishments in criminal matters. It seems clear that the domestic justice systems of states bear the primary responsibility to bring violators of the right to life and other human rights to justice and action by human rights bodies should only take place, as subsidiary measure, when such systems prove to be inadequate. Nevertheless, human rights bodies should use their influence as widely as possible in order to encourage the improvement of domestic justice systems in securing justice for victims. In measuring and monitoring the degree of compliance of domestic justice systems with their orders of investigation, prosecution and punishment, human rights bodies have, to some extent, established an important quasi-criminal jurisdiction. In doing so, they may be said to have contributed to the improvement of the prosecutorial practices of states in dealing with criminal violations of the right to life. Therefore, it can be argued that the difficulties in applying the remedial decisions of the human rights bodies on non-compliant states have not entirely negated these decisions. These decisions may be said to have strengthened the resolve of citizens, particularly victims, to increasingly compel states to bring their criminal justice systems into full compliance with the requirements of human rights bodies. Only if the state does this, can it claim to have legitimate authority over its citizens in the sphere of human rights. This legitimacy is most likely to be found in states which possess an executive of high integrity, an independent legislature and judicial system and other robust and vigilant civil institutions.
As noted above, the European system and UN Human Rights Committee practice are a weaker form of quasi-criminal review than that of the Inter-American Court. Nevertheless, they do issue orders to investigate and punish in particular cases and exercise some supervision of their implementation. This weaker form of quasi-criminal review will very likely increase as human rights bodies move towards greater dialogue with states, more specific reparatory rulings, and closer supervision of state compliance. However, in parallel with this increase, there is an essential need to find more effective mechanisms to compel states to comply with the orders of human rights bodies to achieve justice for victims of crime if the policy of these bodies is to be successful. It has been suggested by some commentators that the application of coercive measures may improve the compliance of offending states. For example, more diplomatic, economic and political pressures by neighboring states against a non-complying state may make a difference in this regard. Such external pressure, however, is not liable to be effective because it depends on the willingness of these states to play this role. Therefore, the media and other internal institutions of civil society must be active in pressing state authorities to acknowledge the orders of human rights bodies, not merely notionally, but to take serious practical steps to implement them.
يتساءل هذا البحث عما إذا كان النهج الحالي لهيئات حقوق الإنسان فيما يتعلق بالالتزامات الإجرائية الإيجابية صحيحًا وفقًا للمعايير القانونية المحلية للدول والولاية الممنوحة لها في الاتفاقيات. وهو يثير انتقادات مهمة حول قدرة هيئات حقوق الإنسان على الوفاء بفعالية بمهمتها التي تم تكليفها بها حديثًا والمتمثلة في إصدار الأوامر والملاحقة القضائية والعقوبات في المسائل الجنائية والإشراف عليها. يبدو من الواضح أن أنظمة العدالة المحلية للدول تتحمل المسؤولية الأساسية عن تقديم منتهكي الحق في الحياة وحقوق الإنسان الأخرى إلى العدالة ، ويجب ألا يتم اتخاذ إجراءات من قبل هيئات حقوق الإنسان إلا ، كإجراء ثانوي ، عندما تثبت هذه الأنظمة أنها غير كافية. ومع ذلك ، ينبغي لهيئات حقوق الإنسان استخدام نفوذها على أوسع نطاق ممكن من أجل تشجيع تحسين أنظمة العدالة المحلية في تأمين العدالة للضحايا. في قياس ورصد درجة امتثال أنظمة العدالة المحلية لأوامر التحقيق والمقاضاة والعقاب ، أنشأت هيئات حقوق الإنسان ، إلى حد ما ، ولاية قضائية شبه جنائية مهمة. ومن خلال القيام بذلك ، قد يُقال إنهم ساهموا في تحسين ممارسات الدول في مقاضاة الانتهاكات الجنائية للحق في الحياة. لذلك ، يمكن القول إن الصعوبات في تطبيق القرارات العلاجية لهيئات حقوق الإنسان على الدول غير الممتثلة لم تلغي اهمية هذه القرارات تمامًا. يمكن القول إن هذه القرارات قد عززت من حقوق المواطنين ، ولا سيما الضحايا ، على إجبار الدول بشكل متزايد على جعل أنظمة العدالة الجنائية الخاصة بها متوافقة تمامًا مع متطلبات هيئات حقوق الإنسان. فقط إذا قامت الدولة بذلك ، يمكنها أن تدعي أن لها سلطة شرعية على مواطنيها في مجال حقوق الإنسان. من المرجح أن توجد هذه الشرعية في الدول التي تمتلك سلطة تنفيذية ذات نزاهة عالية ، وهيئة تشريعية ونظام قضائي مستقل، ومؤسسات مدنية أخرى قوية ويقظة.
كما لوحظ أعلاه ، فإن النظام الأوروبي وممارسات لجنة حقوق الإنسان هي شكل أضعف من أشكال المراجعة شبه الجنائية مقارنة بمحكمة البلدان الأمريكية. ومع ذلك ، فإنهم يصدرون أوامر للتحقيق والمعاقبة في حالات معينة وممارسة بعض الإشراف على تنفيذها. من المرجح جدًا أن يزداد هذا الشكل الأضعف من المراجعة شبه الجنائية مع تحرك هيئات حقوق الإنسان نحو حوار أكبر مع الدول، وقرارات تعويضية أكثر تحديدًا، وإشراف أوثق على امتثال الدولة. ومع ذلك ، بالتوازي مع هذه الزيادة ، هناك حاجة أساسية لإيجاد آليات أكثر فعالية لإجبار الدول على الامتثال لأوامر هيئات حقوق الإنسان لتحقيق العدالة لضحايا الجريمة إذا كان لسياسة هذه الهيئات أن تكون ناجحة. وقد اقترح بعض الباحثين أن تطبيق التدابير القسرية قد يحسن من امتثال الدول المخالفة. على سبيل المثال، قد تُحدث المزيد من الضغوط الدبلوماسية والاقتصادية والسياسية التي تمارسها الدول المجاورة ضد دولة غير ممتثلة فرقًا في هذا الصدد. ومع ذلك ، فإن مثل هذا الضغط الخارجي لن يكون فعالاً لأنه يعتمد على استعداد هذه الدول للعب هذا الدور. لذلك، يجب أن تكون وسائل الإعلام والمؤسسات الداخلية الأخرى للمجتمع المدني نشطة في الضغط على سلطات الدولة للاعتراف بأوامر هيئات حقوق الإنسان ، ليس فقط من الناحية النظرية، ولكن لاتخاذ خطوات عملية جادة لتنفيذها
INTELLIGENT TUTORING SYSTEM ONTOLOGY
Get PDFThe integration of pedagogical rules into Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) using semantic web technologies, particularly the Web Ontology Language (OWL), holds great promise for enhancing the capabilities of these systems. However, a significant challenge arises from the labor-intensive process of manually constructing ontologies, which can consume valuable time and resources. While ontologies offer numerous advantages, including robust knowledge inference and scalability, the limitations of manual ontology creation are evident in terms of time and flexibility. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to develop an efficient and automated solution that harnesses the benefits of ontologies while reducing the time and effort required for their construction. This study employs Protege software, an open-source ontology tool and knowledge management system, to build ontologies efficiently. By automating the rule extraction and representation process, this research aims to make integrating pedagogical rules into ITS more practical and less resource-intensive. This study\u27s findings contribute to the educational technology field by providing a novel approach to streamline ontology development, ultimately enhancing the adaptability and effectiveness of Intelligent Tutoring Systems
HEAT SINK INTEGRATING PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS (PCMs) FOR COOLING HIGH POWER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Get PDFThis research explores the numerical analysis of phase change materials (PCMs) heat sinks, focusing on high heat flux dissipation applications, e.g. electronics cooling. Both 2D and 3D numerical models using gallium and paraffin RT31 as PCMs are considered within a heat sink design framework featuring a rectangular cavity and dual opposing vertical copper walls serving as fins to dissipate heat from the hot sink base that receives heat from the heat source. The inclusion of a Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) ‘Primitive’ structure as an in-fill thermal conductivity enhancer (TCE) in the case of the gallium heat sink, and a ‘Primitive’ TPMS structure combined with high thermal conductivity metal foam in the case of the RT31 heat sink, aims to enhance the heat dissipation efficiency within the sink cavity. To further enhance the thermal performance, the study fosters a temperature differential across the sink cavity, initiating buoyancy-driven circulations within the melted PCM to augment cooling of the hot sink base by natural convection. This temperature differential is achieved by subjecting one of the two opposing sink walls to external forced convection cooling with the ambient surroundings and insulating the other wall. Investigations extend to varying sink-base placements on top of the heating source surface area, sink cavity aspect ratios while maintaining PCM volume, and the impact of using metal foam and TPMS structures for improved heat transfer. A range of cavity heights from 14 mm to 20 mm, corresponding to aspect ratios (height/width) from 0.65 to 1.3, respectively, are considered. Two heat flux levels are applied at the sink base, 15 W/cm², and 6 W/cm², across a 15 mm span. However, for the paraffine sink cases, only 6 W/cm² heat flux was applied, as paraffin failed to withstand such a high heat flux value of 15 W/cm², even when the TPMS structure and the metal foam were utilized. Results indicate that the most effective thermal management occurs at an aspect ratio of 0.963, with the sink optimally positioned at the heat source\u27s edge. This configuration ensures minimal peak temperatures and restricted spreading of the hottest spots on top of the sink base. For the gallium heat sink cases, gallium alone as PCM (without the inclusion of TPMS structure or metal foam) stands out for its superior heat dissipation performance. When gallium is integrated within the TPMS structures it shows markedly enhanced heat dissipation features in the sink, resulting in a peak temperature reduction of approximately 10°C compared to the baseline case without TPMS structures. Furthermore, for the paraffine sink cases, the integration of the metal foam within the TPMS configurations demonstrates efficient heat dissipation, achieving a steady-state peak temperature decrease by about 5°C, compared to the baseline case. This comparative analysis underscores the importance of PCM material selection, structural and design configurations, and the synergistic effects of paraffin, metal foam, and TPMS structures in achieving optimal thermal management for high heat flux generating devises such as electronics
THE IMPACT OF HYBRID WORKING ON EMPLOYEE WAY OF LIFE AND THE NEED TO RESHAPE THE EMPLOYEE VALUE PROPOSITION
Get PDFThis dissertation details a post-pandemic qualitative investigation conducted to understand the impact of hybrid working solutions on reshaping the employee value proposition (EVP) in the health insurance industry of the UAE. The research aims to evaluate how the introduction of modern hybrid working solutions impacts employees in a post-pandemic environment and, in turn, whether this creates a demand for human resources to refocus drivers of the EVP. Traditionally, EVP is referred to as the overall give-and-get in an employment deal; however, the pandemic was an eye-opener for organizations to redefine what it entails. Since hybrid working has become the new norm across the corporate world, this research can be viewed as shedding light on a topical social issue. The consequences of a pandemic are cyclical; therefore, examining those at the receiving end of impacts is warranted. The study follows an interpretive research approach to investigate employee perception, awareness, and assumptions on the transformative organizational shift toward hybrid working and its impact on the employees and the EVP. Although several empirical studies have been conducted concerning remote work and work from home [WFH] in a post-pandemic environment, the author identifies a void in academic qualitative research in investigating the impact hybrid working arrangement has made on the employee way of life (i.e., quality of life and employment relationship) and organizational EVP that is essential for envisioning future talent strategies. Furthermore, the lack of theoretical frameworks to design or reshape the EVP is a crucial limitation identified in the existing literature. Existing academic research does not justify whether hybrid working is a driver or enabler of EVP. As part of the investigation, the research strategy and results of the study are sieved through the theoretical framework developed by the author based on Kurt Lewin’s (1951) Force Field Analysis theory to identify possibilities of triggering negative and positive effects of change. The need to reshape EVP is determined based on the negative impacts of change. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups are utilized to provide qualitative evidence; specifically, data collected from 26 respondents are thematically analyzed using NVivo, and the impact of hybrid working on the EVP is discussed in detail. Finally, the conceptual framework crafted for the EVP gap analysis is aimed at bridging a gap in academic literature and providing guidance for the application of theory in practice
SECURING THE INBOX: ADVANCING CYBER RESILIENCE WITH FINE-TUNED BERT
Get PDFIn recent years, phishing attacks have persisted as a widespread threat in the contemporary digital environment, presenting substantial risks to individuals and organizations. Cybercriminals are devising increasingly sophisticated strategies to deceive users through malicious emails. In response to this challenge, this research focuses on developing a new tool for detecting phishing emails utilizing the BERT algorithm. The tool aims to enhance email security by accurately identifying deceptive emails and protecting users from potential cyber threats. The primary objective of this study is to investigate how leveraging the BERT algorithm can improve the detection of phishing emails compared to traditional methods. The methodology involves fine-tuning the pre-trained BERT model on a dataset comprising both legitimate and phishing emails to learn patterns and characteristics of phishing attempts. The study evaluates the effectiveness of the BERT-based detection tool through various experiments and performance assessments. The results indicate that the BERT algorithm achieves an accuracy of 98% in identifying phishing emails, demonstrating its potential to enhance email security measures significantly. The significant contributions of this research lie in developing an advanced tool for combating phishing attacks, thereby mitigating risks associated with cyber threats. Additionally, this study fills a crucial gap in current email security measures by harnessing the power of state-of-the-art natural language processing techniques for phishing detection. By delivering valuable insights into the effectiveness of the BERT-based approach in safeguarding users against phishing attacks, this research contributes to creating a safer and more secure online environment
الحمایة المدنیة للعلامات التجاریة في الإعلان المقارن عبر الانترنت
Get PDFCivil Protection of Trademarks in Comparative Advertising via The Internet
This study aims to explore the civil protection of trademarks in the context of comparative online advertising by third parties. It employs an analytical approach to examine the current legal frameworks and their impact on trademarks in the digital environment.One of the key findings of the study is that the legal provisions regarding advertising in Cabinet Decision No. (66) of 2023, concerning the executive regulations of Federal Law No. (15) of 2020 on Consumer Protection, implicitly recognize the need for transparency and objectivity. They prohibit the dissemination of false or misleading information about a brand or other essential elements of a product or service. Moreover, presenting a competitor\u27s products or services for comparison with one\u27s own is considered an infringement of the Federal Trademark Law, if it references a competitor\u27s trade name or trademark and that leads to the confusion of customers about the sources of the products or services. Such actions can damage the competitor\u27s reputation, divert customers, reduce sales, and result in losses. These acts are regarded as forms of unfair competition under the Federal Commercial Transactions Law, which includes using a trade name without consent or disseminating misleading information and false statements regarding products or services
A SECURE AND EFFECTIVE FRAMEWORK FOR KEY CONCEPT MINING FROM EDUCATIONAL CONTENT USING LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS
Get PDFThis thesis examines the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) in education, with a focus on improving performance and implementing strong security measures. The research has two main goals, namely, the development of an effective lecture summarization technique using LLMs and identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities in LLM applications according to OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) guidelines. For the former goal, we have proposed an effective framework for fine-tuning LLMs using real lecture datasets and compared the performance of different LLMs. For the latter goal, we conducted a thorough review of the application dataflow of the proposed framework and revealed several vulnerabilities, categorized as high risk, medium risk, and low risk. We also propose countermeasures to these vulnerabilities and demonstrate their efficacy. Thus, this study suggests a framework for securely integrating LLMs into educational purposes, tackling critical security concerns while harnessing the models\u27 efficiency
MAPPING AND ANALYZING URBAN GROWTH IN THE ABU DHABI METROPOLITAN USING GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED WITH MACHINE LEARNING
Get PDFUrbanization is happening at a rate twice the increase in population on a worldwide scale. This has great environmental and social impacts, along with large impacts on regional climate and one of the reasons for this is the ever-continuous change of land use and land cover. The availability of high-resolution satellite imagery in addition to the advancements in geospatial technology allow mapping of LULC changes to be done accurately, efficiently and covering wide areas. This thesis studies the urban Land Use and Land Cover Change (LULCC) that happened in Abu Dhabi city for the last 3 decades by utilizing geospatial technologies integrated with machine learning. The goal of this research is to utilize Support Vector Machine (SVM) to model the urban LULCC that occurred in Abu Dhabi metropolitan area between 1990 and 2022. Landsat imagery of the years 1990, 2000, 2014 and 2022 were retrieved to analyze the changes. Post- Classification Comparison (PCC) was chosen to map the change that occurred between the consecutive years as well as for the entire study period. The results from this research aim to demonstrate the ability of supervised machine learning in modelling the urban growth in Abu Dhabi. It also aims to visualize the change that occurred over the study period and present a temporal model which can both offer valuable insight to urban planners and policymakers for the future. The study found the SVM classifier to be highly accurate in classifying the urban land in the Abu Dhabi Metropolitan area and the results found that Abu Dhabi city has experienced consistently high urbanization throughout the study period