United Arab Emirates University
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THE FEELING OF BEING ON THE STAGE: ARAB COLLEGE STUDENTS\u27 ORAL PRESENTATION PERFORMANCE AND ANXIETY: A MIXED METHOD STUDY
This study explored Arab college students\u27 oral presentation performance and anxiety using a convergent mixed-method design. The study used three data sets; in the first data set, the college students (n=265) completed an Oral Presentation and Anxiety Survey (OPAS); and the second data set featured a semi-structured interview with a subset sample (n=11), followed by an observation protocol with the interviewees (n=11) for the third data set. The quantitative findings revealed that technological aids significantly affected the levels of Language Anxiety experienced during Oral Presentations. The mean scores showed that females perceived more technical support than males. Additionally, a difference was observed among participants from different study colleges. The qualitative results can be divided into four main areas: a) Language-related factors, such as the difference between receptive and productive language skills and how language proficiency affects oral presentations; b) Social and environmental factors, including the fear of being evaluated by the instructor and the benefits of comparing one\u27s performance with that of other students; c) Strategies for coping with anxiety, such as preparing in advance, being familiar with the topic, and using visual aids; d)the use of nonverbal communication and visual aids to improve the quality of oralpresentations. The study included some curriculum, pedagogy, instruction, and researchrecommendations
EXAMINING THE MEDIATIONAL ROLE OF SELF-EFFICACY IN THE RELATION BETWEEN GRIT AND WELL-BEING AMONG NON-TRADITIONAL (WORKING) UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THE U.A.E
Developments in the educational and economic sector have led to a rising number of older adults enrolling to pursue higher education. In the UAE, there is a large proportion of students who may be categorized as “non-traditional”, i.e., university students who are working, married or older in age, in comparison to “traditional” students. Yet there is a dearth of literature to understand the unique experiences of this specific student population, especially in the current context. This study adopts a strengths-based approach to investigate the experiences of university students in the UAE who are also simultaneously working. The aim of the study is to examine the relationships among three variables: Grit, Self-Efficacy and Well-Being. Additionally, the associations of Self-Efficacy and Well-Being with each of the two dimensions of Grit - PE and Consistency of Interest - was also determined. Furthermore, three mediation models were tested, with Self-Efficacy as the mediator. A cross-sectional correlation research design was employed to test the hypotheses. Convenience and snowball sampling was used to collect data from 242 university students across the UAE, who were simultaneously employed. IBM SPSS software was utilized for demographic and correlation analysis, while mediation analysis was conducted using Process Macro. Results showed higher-than-average levels of Grit, Self-Efficacy and Well-Being, and significant positive correlation between all primary variables. Self-Efficacy emerged as a significant mediator in the relation of Well-Being, with Grit, PE and Consistency of Interest. These findings suggest that adopting a strengths-based approach to studying the mental health of non-traditional (working) students may be beneficial. Strategies focusing on improving self-efficacy could help in improving grit and well-being, thereby reducing the risk of developing psychopathology
FAITHFUL REPRESENTATION OF FREE GROUPS AND CONGRUENT SUBGROUPS OF SL3(Z)
This thesis is concerned with the matrix representation of a free nonabelian group by matrices of size ≥ 3. We proceed from defining an equivalence class and then transitioning to free groups.We discuss in details the group Gn(k) which is the group generated by the matrices filled with first, (second, etc.) column, except for the intersection with the diagonal, and we have ones on the diagonal and zeros at the other places. The filled places are occupied by the same parameter k. An alternative proof for the known fact that Gn(3) is not free is provided . The main objective of this thesis is to find a lower bound for the parameter. An explicit value of the lower bound is found which is a refinement of a previous lower bound
EVALUATING THE FEASIBILITY AND EFFICACY OF 3D PRINTING VERSUS TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: A STUDY OF COST, TIME AND ENERGY OF A NEW LOWRISE OFFICE BUILDING ON THE UAEU CAMPUS
In line with the forward-looking vision of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), this research evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of 3D printing technology compared to traditional construction methods, focusing on cost, time, and energy efficiency for a new low-rise office building on the UAEU campus. With the growing number of PhD students in the Architectural Engineering Department, expanding office space has become a priority. This study explores how 3D printing technology, known for its sustainability, reduced material waste, and accelerated construction, can address these challenges more efficiently than conventional methods.Guided by the UAE Vision 2030, which promotes innovation and sustainable development, this research highlights the potential of 3D printing to create affordable, eco-friendly, and flexible office spaces. The methodology follows four key steps: (1) designing the office building to align with the environmental and site-specific conditions of the UAEU campus, (2) selecting appropriate materials through a decision matrix framework for both 3D printing and conventional construction, (3) calculating the energy requirements of the building using advanced tools such as Ladybug, OpenStudio, and Rhino Grasshopper, and (4) conducting a literature review and collecting data from consulting firms to compare construction timelines and costs between the two methods.The results demonstrate that 3D printing technology offers several advantages over traditional construction, including shorter project timelines, lower costs, and improved energy efficiency, while minimizing material waste. This study concludes that 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry, providing a sustainable and effective solution for office infrastructure development. The findings contribute valuable insights into the practical application of innovative technologies on the UAEU campus and offer a blueprint for the future evolution of eco-friendly office spaces across the UAE and beyond
Government Construction Projects Stumbling in Saudi Arabia Case Study: Municipal Sector Projects
Governmental construction projects receive a large proportion of the annual Kingdom budgets. The Kingdom’s government has been interested in addressing the problem of stumbling projects by establishing and launching several programs, initiatives, and projects. Despite this interest, the problem of stumbling government projects still exists.
This study aims to reach recommendations that lead to practical solutions to solve the problem of stumbling municipal sector construction projects in the Kingdom, by identifying the reasons for government construction projects stumbling in general and construction municipal sector projects in particular, classifying the reasons for stumbling of municipal sector construction projects, and arranging them statistically based on importance,
This study used a descriptive method in the theoretical part of the study by describing and studying the reasons for the stumbling of government construction projects in the Kingdom by focusing on municipal sector projects, and descriptive analytical method in the practical part of the study through designing and developing data collection tools (questionnaires and interviews) to answer questions of the study.
The Study concluded by knowing the ranking of the most important reasons that lead to the stumbling of construction municipal projects arranged according to their importance; waste of time and cost resulting from change orders, inaccuracy of technical specifications and schedules of quantities, and lack of clarity in the documents and plans that were prepared by the owner, in addition to identifying the parties involved in the construction projects stumbling in the municipal sector, and at the end of the study, many recommendations were reached that can be applied to most construction projects in the Kingdom, and these recommendations are classified according to municipal sector, general recommendations, and recommendations related to future studies. This is what distinguishes this study, as it is considered one of the few studies that sheds light on municipal sector projects and covers the period between (2011 - 2021), which shows the reasons for stumbling before the announcement of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in (2016) and the corrective measures that were taken in this regard
PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA - A COMPARATIVE ANALYTICAL STUDY
This study aimed to define the conceptual framework for the processing of personal data, identify the legality of its processing procedures, and detail the legal conditions necessary for this processing in accordance with federal law and comparative legislation. The study also dealt with the rights of the owner of personal data, the obligations of those who processed it, in addition to clarifying the role and responsibilities of data protection centers, such as the Emirates Data Office. To achieve these objectives, the comparative analytical approach was used, where the texts contained in Federal Legislation No. (45) of 2021 on the protection of personal data were analyzed, in addition to comparing these texts with other comparative legislation that included independent texts or included in its existing legislation related to this subject, with reference to some international legislation such as European Regulation No. (679) issued by the European Union in 2016.The study found many results, the most important of which was that the legislation includes a comprehensive assessment of the impact of data processing on the protection and privacy of individuals, which helps in identifying risks and taking appropriate measures to reduce them. A prior authorization or authorization must also be obtained from the competent administrative authority to carry out the processing of personal data, which ensures the control and official approval of data-related activities. The study recommended that future policies and legislation include clear frameworks for the protection of legal entities\u27 data, which enhance transparency and prevent manipulation or illegal use of associated data. This expansion of protection will contribute to enhancing the confidence of stakeholders and ensure comprehensive protection of all types of data in the modern digital environment
DESIGN ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURAL SYSTEM OF ALAINSAT-1 CUBESAT BY SIMULATION AND EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION
This thesis presents the process of conducting the structural analysis of AlAinSat-1 CubeSat through a numerical solution using Siemens NX. AlAinSat-1 is a 3U remote-sensing CubeSat carrying two earth observation payloads. The CubeSat is scheduled for launch on SpaceX\u27s Falcon 9 rocket. To ensure the success of the mission and its ability to withstand the launch environment, several scenarios should be analyzed. For the AlAinSat-1 model, the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method is used, and four types of structural analyses are considered: modal, quasi-static, buckling, and random vibration analyses. The steps followed include idealizing, meshing, assembling, applying connections and boundary conditions, and eventually running the simulation utilizing the Siemens Nastran solver. The results of each analysis are reviewed, and the issues raised during the analysis are highlighted along with suggested solutions for them. The simulation results of all analysis types indicate that the model can safely withstand the loads exerted during launch. Also, the numerical results of Command and Data Handling Subsystem Hardware (CDHS HW) module of AlAinSat-1 are experimentally validated through a vibration test conducted using an LV8 shaker. CDHS HW successfully passed the test based on the test success criteria provided by the launcher. The numerical simulations along with the experimentally obtained results are consistent and give a better understanding of the evaluation requirements of the CubeSat systems
PEROVSKITE MATERIALS FOR OPTOELECTRONICS APPLICATIONS: SOLAR CELLS AND PHOTODETECTORS
Perovskite materials have emerged as promising candidates for optoelectronic applications, particularly in solar cells and photodetectors, due to their remarkable properties such as high carrier mobility, tunable bandgap, and low-cost fabrication. This thesis explores two novel approaches, namely monovalent doping and bulk as well as surface passivation, to enhance the performance and stability of perovskite-based devices.
The primary goal of this research is to enhance the properties of perovskite materials to improve their optoelectronic performance, aiming to broaden their use in solar cells and photodetector devices. Specifically, this study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of Cu doping and Zinc porphyrin passivation techniques in improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. Additionally, the research aims to enhance the performance of photodetectors by employing the Zinc porphyrin passivation method.
To achieve the objectives, a systematic approach involving synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication was employed. Perovskite films were synthesized using a cost-effective spin-coating technique. Cu doping was achieved through controlled incorporation of Cu+ion during synthesis, while Zinc porphyrin passivation was implemented through the bulk as well as surface modification using the antisolvent engineering techniques. Various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and electrical measurements, are employed to assess the structural, optical, and electronic properties of the modified perovskite materials.
Experimental results demonstrate the successful incorporation of Cu dopant into the perovskite lattice. Optimizing the amount of Cu has been found to significantly enhance crystalline quality and grain size, leading to improved light absorption and higher efficiency. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Cu-doped MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells increased from 16.3% to 18.2%. However, Zinc porphyrin passivation enhances the grain size and reduces defects, improves the optical properties, and charge transport efficiency of FA0.95MA0.05PbI2.85Br0.15 perovskite solar cells. This approach significantly boosts the PCE from 15.38% to 19.11% while ensuring exceptional stability, retaining over 91% of initial efficiency.
The bulk passivation of perovskite single crystal was also made possible during the inverse temperature crystallization process. Photodetectors integrated onto single crystal surfaces were also fabricated, and their performance in photodetection was assessed. Photodetectors utilizing Zinc porphyrin passivation demonstrated enhanced photodetection properties and rapid response speed, leading to superior performance in low-light conditions compared to un-passivated devices. The Photodetector devices passivated with 0.05% Zn-PP exhibited the best performance with a responsivity of 5.16 (A/W) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of about 1581% whereas the un passivated sample exhibited a responsivity of 1.05 A/W and EQE of 320%. Furthermore, the photocurrent for the un-passivated sample has shown a rise time (tr) of 7.5 μs and fall time (tf) of 84.8 μs as a function of time. However, with a 0.05% Zn-PP passivation, the tr and tf were reduced to 2.6 μs and 57.9 μs, respectively.
This thesis contributes to the advancement of perovskite-based optoelectronic devices by introducing novel strategies for improving material properties and device performance. The successful implementation of monovalent doping and metal porphyrin passivation demonstrates the potential of these approaches in enhancing the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells and the performance of the photodetector devices. The insights gained from this research pave the way for further optimization of perovskite materials and the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices
THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ABIOTIC STRESSES ON ZIZIPHUS AND ACACIA SPECIES GROWN UNDER UAE CLIMATE CONDITION
This comprehensive thesis delves into a comparative analysis of two prominent desert plant species, namely Acacia and Ziziphus, shedding light on their distinct adaptive features in response to challenging environmental conditions. The exploration spans various facets, including the germination process, tap root development, and their reactions to water stress, ultimately revealing the superior hardiness and adaptability of Acacia over Ziziphus. In the realm of germination, Acacia stands out with its swift and efficient initiation, indicating a robust mechanism for establishing its presence in arid landscapes. The examination of tap root development further underscores the resilience of Acacia, as it demonstrates a more intricate and branched system, allowing for enhanced nutrient and water absorption from the soil. Additionally, the study highlights Acacia\u27s remarkable ability to adjust its growth patterns in response to water stress, showcasing its adaptability to harsh environmental fluctuations. These findings contribute significant insights into the nuanced mechanisms governing the survival of plant species in arid environments. The implications of this research extend beyond mere academic curiosity, holding relevance for practical applications in ecosystem management, afforestation initiatives, and the development of resilient crops. Understanding the intricacies of plant physiology in the context of climate challenges becomes paramount for addressing the pressing issues of global climate change. Therefore, this thesis not only advances our knowledge of the adaptive strategies employed by Acacia and Ziziphus but also underscores the importance of leveraging this understanding for sustainable environmental practices. The implications extend to fields such as afforestation and agriculture, where resilient plant species play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of climate change and ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems
ENHANCING CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: AN ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT PRACTICES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN AI-ENHANCED MOBILE APPLICATION
In 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