2828 research outputs found
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A Quantitative Study on the Impact of Online Learning on Reading Comprehension Skills
No full textThis quantitative study aims to investigate the relationship between e education and reading comprehension skills acquisition. It also examines if the
previous relationship may impact students’ results in the exams. It also analyses the
relationship between students’ knowledge in ICT and their perception and accep tance of online education. To collect data, A survey was sent to students to measure
their perception of and satisfaction with online learning. Moreover, the marks of
105 students in an on-campus test were compared to the marks of another one they
did online during the pandemic. The study agreed with the previous studies that e learning can impact the reading skills positively and that students are getting aware
of its educational benefits. On the other hand, the study did not agree with other
studies about students’ knowledge of ICT and how it can positively impact their
perception of online education. The study showed that although secondary students
have sufficient knowledge of ICT, they do not have positive perceptions of online
education
The Role of Lexical Cohesion in Improving Twelfth Graders’ Essay Writing Quality
No full textThe current study was conducted to examine the role of lexical cohesion in
improving the quality of twelfth graders’ essay writing. The study specifically aimed
at examining the correlation between lexical cohesive devices (LCD) and the quality
of written texts as well as investigating the barriers of employing these devices for
twelfth graders. The context was a private American curriculum school in the UAE.
The present paper adopted the quantitative correlational and the quantitative survey
research approaches. Data were collected using document analysis of 30 twelfth
graders’ essays and an online survey attempted by 113 English teachers. Data were
analysed using correlational statistics, multiple linear regression, and exploratory
factor analysis. The results indicated that there was a significantly positive, moderate
association between cohesive ties and students’ essay scores. The results also demon strated that there was a significantly linear relation between hyponyms and synonyms
and students’ writing scores although hyponyms had more effect on the writing score
than synonyms. The findings of exploratory factor analysis identified three factors as
major barriers encountered by learners while using lexical cohesion in their written
texts including (1) lack of resources and instructions, (2) impact of L1 interference
and (3) limited lexical awareness
An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Implementation of the Mathematics ‘Assessment for, as and of Learning’ Strategy in a Primary School in Dubai
No full textThe effective implementation of classroom assessment is central to a successful teaching
and learning cycle. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness of the
implementation of the mathematics ‘Assessment for, as and of Learning’ strategy in a
primary school in Dubai. Participants in this study were six third grade students grouped
into three groups (low, middle, and high achievers) together with the primary Math
coordinator and a classroom teacher. The study employed four research methods:
classroom observations, analysis of some students’ assessment work, semi-structure
interview with the coordinator and teacher as well as students focus group discussion.
The findings revealed that the ‘Assessment for, as and of Learning’ strategy is mostly
effectively implemented in mathematics providing an efficient data collection resource
that measures students’ understanding and informs future teaching instructions. Still,
some challenges arise from the need to differentiate assessments, features of online
testing, and the inconsistent feedback. Discussions were then made on these issues in the
classroom and the expected effect on students’ learning. Therefore, implementing
‘assessment for, as and of learning’ strategy in mathematics has an operative effect on
students’ learning progress but should take into consideration the implied challenges
Three-way decision-based conditional probabilities by opinion scores and Bayesian rules in circular-Pythagorean fuzzy sets for developing sustainable smart living framework
No full textSustainable smart living (SSL) is a crucial component in the emergence of smart cities. These cities
offer potential solutions to address pressing urban challenges, including traffic congestion, energy
consumption and environmental degradation. Recently, many SSL frameworks have been
developed based on multiple factors. However, no framework can simultaneously address all
these factors. Furthermore, no research has ranked and graded the identified SSL frameworks to
select the most sustainable framework. These are considered challenging tasks. To address these
challenges, three-way decisions (TWD) and multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) can serve as a
valuable solution for city planners and decision-makers. This study introduces TWD-based MCDM
as novel conditional probabilities by opinion scores (CPOS) within the context of circular-
Pythagorean fuzzy sets (C-PFSs), namely, C-PFSs-CPOS method, to estimate the conditional
probability of each alternative. Additionally, Bayesian decision theory within a C-PFS environ
ment is employed to construct the decision thresholds for each alternative. Furthermore, the
prioritisation of factors that impact the ranking and grading of SSL frameworks is achieved
through the application of the fuzzy-weighted zero-inconsistency (FWZIC) method within a C-PFS
environment, namely, C-PFS-FWZIC method. A total of 37 SSL frameworks (alternatives) are
evaluated on the basis of 19 assessment factors (criteria) distributed in 4 layers. Results show that
six alternatives exhibit a high level of sustainability, as evidenced by their position in the positive
region, whereas two alternatives consistently fall within the negative region for all σ values. At
σ=0.05, the remaining SSL framework alternatives are positioned within the boundary region.
When σ value increases to a range of 0.55–0.59, TWD is transformed into a two-way decision
The Mediating Role of Empowerment on the Impact of Servant Leadership on Safety Culture Maturity: A Case Study in UAE Petrochemical Plant
No full textThis study explores the relationship between servant leadership and safety culture maturity in a UAE petrochemical plant. It investigates how employee empowerment can mediate this connection. Effective leadership is essential for creating a mature safety culture in high-risk industries like petrochemicals. Servant leaders prioritize employees' needs and focus on their development; these traits are conducive to fostering an advanced safety environment. This research seeks to understand how empowering workers influence the impact of servant leadership on mature safety culture. This study proposes employee empowerment as a key mediator. Thus, servant leaders can foster a safe working environment that promotes trust and respect by enabling their staff through empowerment strategies such as entrusting responsibility and providing support when needed. The research employs a case study to explore the relationship between leadership and safety culture in a UAE petrochemical plant. It aims to contribute to the existing literature on this topic and provide practical guidance for organizations looking to improve their safety culture. In this study, mediation was conducted by using Hayes’ Process Macro through IBM SPSS. Findings identify the positive impact of servant leadership on safety culture maturity through full mediation of empowerment. This suggests that servant leadership and employee empowerment are key factors in promoting mature safety cultures, highlighting the vital role of human elements in occupational health. The research offers insight into how leaders can influence workplace safety within the petrochemical industry
The Implementation of Inclusive Education Policies in One of Higher Education Institutions in the U.A.E: Services & Facilities Provided for SWD, and Challenges & Barriers that Institutions Face
No full textWhen it comes to the objectives or aim of the research, the study is designed to explore the implementation of UAE’s Federal Law No. 29/2006 policy in supporting PWDs in one of the HEIs in UAE to identify the obstacles experienced by the many participants in the inclusion policy. In addition, the research also looks to understand the current availability of accessible services and facilities used for SWD for HEI in the UAE. This is because the more accessible HEIs are, the more SWD would be encouraged to pursue a higher educational career. This ranges from students who have difficulties with mobility, hearing, visual impairments, dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning difficulties. In addition, the research will also look at the different aspects of a university or higher education campus to understand best if those are up to the standard required to support SWD. This will help shed greater light on the inclusion policy and understand if there are any gaps or areas of improvement that can occur and then propose those solutions. Another aim of the research is to better understand the challenges and barriers that SWD faces based on the staff members working at the university. More importantly, the role of the Ministry of Education in providing the best environment, technology, and facilities to SWD is also reflected in this research. From a methodology perspective, the qualitative approach was selected for this research study, and along with it, some semi-structured interviews with individuals in position to process and make decisions. In addition, numerous journal articles and academic books on relevant subjects were also selected to provide insight and a greater understanding of the topic. This was designed to answer the four main research questions, which include understanding what the on-campus facilities provided for SWDs are in their institution. What the current services are that the HEI provides to support SWDs? What challenges and barriers does HEI face in supporting SWDs? And lastly, what is the role of the Ministry of Education in supporting SWDs? From a finding perspective, the on-campus facilities were investigated, photographed, and detailed in depth to identify any issues. This included the campus building, atrium, classrooms, labs, washroom, elevator, campus clinic, registration office, university library, campus restaurants, student dorms, car parking, busses, and security staff. At the same time, the services provided by the institution, in this case, University A, were also detailed, along with the perspective of faculty, SASD, and students on the challenges and barriers they face. Lastly, the role of the Ministry of Education was also reflected upon after the visit. All in all, some limitations were identified when it came to the Ministry of Education in the way they were monitoring or doing their annual checks in universities to ensure that they were compliant with the educational policies. However, there is no in-depth check for specific departments that should occur, especially with departments associated with SWD since it is critical to their educational career. In addition, the Ministry of Education should also help to promote and support the education of SWD from a young age, even at school, so that by the time they come to university, their integration into higher education is much smoother tha
Muslim Consumers’ Food Safety Behaviour and Religious Commitment: An Empirical Study in the UAE Context
No full textAs the final stage of the food chain, consumers’ food safety behaviour plays a major role in national food safety management systems. The knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) model, and application of traditional interventions have not ensured effective consumer food safety behaviour. Consumer behaviour is complex but is essential in managing national food safety systems; therefore, it is important to consider other factors that are important in the local cultural context, such as religious commitment. However, the impact of religious commitment on consumer food safety behaviour has not been investigated. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), combining the effect of collectivism (e.g., subjective norms), religious commitment and consumer awareness with the KAP model may help to explain Muslim consumers’ food safety behaviour. This study examined the roles of consumer awareness and religious commitment in the relationships between food safety knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms and Muslim consumers’ food safety behaviour in the UAE. In addition, factors that impacted consumer food safety behaviour, particularly those influencing the relationships between food safety knowledge and attitudes and consumer food safety behaviour were explored. This thesis adopted a positivist philosophy and used a deductive, cross-sectional approach guided by the theory of planned behaviour and attachment theory to investigate the impact of the studied factors on consumer behaviour. A conceptual model was developed that incorporated 20 hypotheses. Quantitative data were collected from 1089 Muslim consumers in the UAE using a self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were analysed using the PLS-SEM software package. Empirical evidence from this research indicated that consumer awareness and religious commitment acted as a multiple mediator in the relationships between food safety knowledge, food safety attitudes, subjective norms and consumer food safety behaviour. Religious commitment also affected Muslim consumers’ food safety behaviour. This study demonstrated that an important factor influencing Muslim consumers’ food safety behaviour was Sharia and its teachings, as religious commitment emerged as a new construct related to food safety behaviour. This research contributed to building understanding of managing food safety in Muslim societies by offering new and deep insights of Muslim consumers’ behaviour, including subjective norms and religious commitment, which are highly relevant in Muslim society. The conceptual model developed in this thesis built on and improved existing models of food safety management by introducing attachment theory to currently used behavioural theories. The model may also inform a new and innovative guideline that considers religious commitment and behaviour-based food safety awareness. Regulatory and food safety authorities and other stakeholders can benefit from this model as it may assist in establishing a positive food safety culture, thereby promoting good food safety behaviours and reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses. This research succeeded in explaining Muslim consumers’ food safety behaviour and concluded that Muslim consumers with greater religious commitment were more likely to demonstrate good food safety behaviour
A Comparative study of DAB and Arbitration as methods of resolving Construction Disputes
No full textThis dissertation’s purpose is to briefly introduce reasons for construction field disputes and to discuss the various DR methods applicable to resolve them, and their advantages and disadvantages. It then proceeds to elaborate on two of these methods, namely arbitration and dispute adjudication boards and take a closer look at two important factors considered when a person decides to approach DR, which are time and cost for resolving disputes through them.
The doctrinal nature of this study allows comparison between the two methods using information collected by credited researchers. It is intended to highlight the overlooked benefits of DAB, and encourage its application in the UAE, since it is supported by FIDIC only and not by statute.
It is concluded that while the cost of international arbitration may be 15% of a project’s value and may take years to resolve, DAB takes less time. Although time limits increase efficiency relative to arbitration, the ICC rules set time limits for the tribunal’s formation and for submission of rejoinders, but not for the issuance of an award. DIAC rules however set a three-month limit that can be extended to five, from the date of transfer of the case from DIAC to the tribunal
Improving video surveillance systems in banks using deep learning techniques
No full textIn the contemporary world, security and safety are signifcant concerns for any country that wants
to succeed in tourism, attracting investors, and economics. Manually, guards monitoring 24/7 for
robberies or crimes becomes an exhaustive task, and real-time response is essential and helpful for
preventing armed robberies at banks, casinos, houses, and ATMs. This paper presents a study based
on real-time object detection systems for weapons auto-detection in video surveillance systems.
We propose an early weapon detection framework using state-of-the-art, real-time object detection
systems such as YOLO and SSD (Single Shot Multi-Box Detector). In addition, we considered closely
reducing the number of false alarms in order to employ the model in real-life applications. The model
is suitable for indoor surveillance cameras in banks, supermarkets, malls, gas stations, and so forth.
The model can be employed as a precautionary system to prevent robberies by implying the model in
outdoor surveillance cameras
