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The Impact of Street Canyon Geometry on Microclimate and Outdoor Thermal Comfort - The Case of "Damac Hills 2" Community
No full textAlthough urban designers and planners have been trying to provide liveable, walkable and healthy neighbourhoods, outdoor thermal condition has been a challenging issue for them as cities and communities are heating up nowadays due to UHI and global warming, making outdoor daily activities challenging especially in hot climate countries. Researchers have been investigating different strategies to enhance microclimate using street canyon geometry and many researches have been conducted about applying these strategies in different parts of the world.
This dissertation aims to investigate the impact of street canyon ratio and street canyon orientation on microclimate and outdoor thermal comfort to find the ideal aspect ratio and orientation in terms of enhancing wind velocity, solar radiation and thermal comfort for local streets in residential communities that are located in Dubai.
In order to achieve this goal, computer simulation models using Ladybug and Eddy3D plugins were created and applied for the case study and another 8 scenarios were proposed which include different street orientations and canyon ratios. Furthermore, field measurements were conducted to validate the created simulation models’ results.
The research has achieved several results including the best aspect ratio and orientation among the proposed scenarios in terms of MRT and wind velocity. Additionally, the street with a high canyon ratio oriented close to the north was found to experience the lowest average MRT while the street which was oriented in parallel to the wind direction with a high aspect ratio experienced the highest maximum wind velocity. The results of this research will help urban planners and designers to design thermally comfort communities, as well as develop street design guidelines
Novel Federated Decision Making for Distribution of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Monoclonal Antibody to Eligible High-Risk Patients
No full textContext: When the epidemic ¯rst broke out, no speci¯c treatment was available for severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The urgent need to end this unusual sit uation has resulted in many attempts to deal with SARS-CoV-2. In addition to several types of
vaccinations that have been created, anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have
added a new dimension to preventative and treatment e®orts. This therapy also helps prevent
severe symptoms for those at a high risk. Therefore, this is one of the most promising treatments
for mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 cases. However, the availability of anti-SARS-CoV-2 mAb
therapy is limited and leads to two main challenges. The ¯rst is the privacy challenge of selecting
eligible patients from the distribution hospital networking, which requires data sharing, and the
second is the prioritization of all eligible patients amongst the distribution hospitals according
to dose availability. To our knowledge, no research combined the federated fundamental ap proach with multicriteria decision-making methods for the treatment of SARS-COV-2, indi cating a research gap. Objective: This paper presents a unique sequence processing methodology
that distributes anti-SARS-CoV-2 mAbs to eligible high-risk patients with SARS-CoV-2 based
on medical requirements by using a novel federated decision-making distributor. Method: This
paper proposes a novel federated decision-making distributor (FDMD) of anti-SARS-CoV-2
mAbs for eligible high-risk patients. FDMD is implemented on augmented data of 49,152 cases
of patients with SARS-CoV-2 with mild and moderate symptoms. For proof of concept, three
hospitals with 16 patients each are enrolled. The proposed FDMD is constructed from the two
sides of claim sequencing: central federated server (CFS) and local machine (LM). The CFS
includes ¯ve sequential phases synchronised with the LMs, namely, the preliminary criteria
setting phase that determines the high-risk criteria, calculates their weights using the newly
formulated interval-valued spherical fuzzy and hesitant 2-tuple fuzzy-weighted zero-inconsis tency (IVSH2-FWZIC), and allocates their values. The subsequent phases are federation, dose
availability con¯rmation, global prioritization of eligible patients and alerting the hospitals with
the patients most eligible for receiving the anti-SARS-CoV-2 mAbs according to dose avail ability. The LM independently performs all local prioritization processes without sharing
patients' data using the provided criteria settings and federated parameters from the CFS via
the proposed Federated TOPSIS (F-TOPSIS). The sequential processing steps are coherently
performed at both sides. Results and Discussion: (1) The proposed FDMD e±ciently and in dependently identi¯es the high-risk patients most eligible for receiving anti-SARS-CoV-2 mAbs
at each local distribution hospital. The ¯nal decision at the CFS relies on the indexed patients'
score and dose availability without sharing the patients' data. (2) The IVSH2-FWZIC e®ec tively weighs the high-risk criteria of patients with SARS-CoV-2. (3) The local and global
prioritization ranks of the F-TOPSIS for eligible patients are subjected to a systematic ranking
validated by high correlation results across nine scenarios by altering the weights of the criteria.
(4) A comparative analysis of the experimental results with a prior study con¯rms the e®ec tiveness of the proposed FDMD. Conclusion: The proposed FDMD has the bene¯ts of centrally
distributing anti-SARS-CoV-2 mAbs to high-risk patients prioritized based on their eligibility
and dose availability, and simultaneously protecting their privacy and o®ering an e®ective cure
to prevent progression to severe SARS-CoV-2 hospitalization or deat
Enhancing Bifaciality Factor for Building Integrated Bifacial PV in a Double Skin Façade System
Get PDFOn a global scale the move towards renewable energy is at its highest rates, new technological developments aiming to increase efficiency of energy production and reducing overall cost, making renewables viable on all scales. United Arab Emirates is one of the countries that are pioneering in the area of renewable green energy, with the goal is to increase the contribution of green energy up to 50% by the year 2050 and reduce the carbon footprint by 70 % by increasing consumption efficiency and introducing versatile energy sources that are more sustainable. Considering that the region solar energy provides prospects in terms of energy yields and project scalability. Specially within the building sector, which is an energy demanding sector, lies the opportunity to cover the energy requirements through implementation of localized solar energy generating schemes in the form of standalone PV panels and building integrated photovoltaics. Moreover, applying novel innovations in solar power to maximize energy yields. One of these technologies is bifacial photovoltaic panels, which is a type of PV panels that produce electricity from both sides compared to regular Monofacial PV that utilize the front surface only. Studies shows that bifacial panels produce 25-40% more electricity than Monofacial panels in all installation schemes.
This research examines the application of bifacial PV integrated within building elements, specifically double skin façade, where the Bifacial PV presents the second outer façade in a double skin façade configuration. The study objective is to analyze the bifaciality factor under different façade material and façade gap distances using ray tracing computer simulation software (TracePro). Bifaciality factor is the ratio of irradiance hitting the rear of solar panel to the total irradiance, which is a parameter to evaluate the performance of bifacial PV panels. The optical performance of the façade envelope directly affects the value of bifaciality factor (bifacial back side irradiance to bifacial front side irradiance). Bifaciality factor significantly impacts electrical energy production of bifacial PV cells, and it is the main factor when comparing different bifacial PV technologies.
To answer the question of which façade material provides the highest bifaciality factor, therefore, the highest electrical yields of bifacial BIPV as part of a double skin system, computer simulations for optical performance were analyzed. The simulation matrix applied in this study consists of four façade materials: clear glass, reflective glass, white paint cladding and diffused white paint cladding. Each façade material was simulated for four different gap distance (0.5, 1, 2 and 3 m). The ray tracing simulation applied a solar emulator specifically for Dubai UAE solar profile. Simulation results were provided as Irradiance maps with data like façade incident irradiance, bifacial back surface incident irradiance, bifacial front surface incident irradiance and number of rays exiting each surface. Bifaciality factor was calculated using Excel for all simulation scenarios. The simulation with the highest bifaciality factor is Scenario No.13, which is the scenario of diffused white paint cladding for a façade gap distance equal to 0.5m. With bifaciality factor of 14.32%, followed by S5, Bifaciality factor of 13.74%, presenting reflective glass façade with 0.5m gap distance. It was noticed that across the same façade material increasing the gap distance reduced the Bifaciality factor, that reduction was the highest between gap distance of 1m and 2m, almost half for all façade materials
Connections - Issue 2 Spring 2022
No full textTable of Contents
01 Imagine the UAE in 2071 / Dr Khalid Almarri
03 Six People, Six Experiences / Milek Anilkumar
05 A UAE Morning in 2071 / Zina Abohaia
08 18 December 2071 / Mohammed Alameen
12 The Green Economy / Ashish Zachariah
14 A Midas in the Desert / Cyril Saju
17 From 'Hoo, Ya Mal' to 'Salama' / Maha Ali Al-Shehhi
19 The Medical Tourism Capital of the World / Bianca Badando
22 The Only Certainty Towards 2071 is Change / Dabeer Hassan
24 UAE and the Technological Advancements of Tomorrow / Hiba Hassan
26 Welcome to Dubai 2071 / Leah Unnikrishnan
29 A Hundred Years of UAE / Rama Rayes
31 Food Security in the UAE of 2071 / Sala Essam
32 The Vision: UAE Centennial 2071 / Umamah Ali
35 Top of the World / Tasneem Salahaldeen
38 Mind-Friendly Technology / Abdul Munem Nerabie
39 The Top Four Tech Companies of 2071 / Khadyja Imad
40 UAE 2071 in Bites / Laraib Syed
41 The Emirati Metaverse / Mohamed Yehi
An empirical study on measuring operating efficiency and revenue of real estate assets in the UAE using data envelopment analysis
No full textPurpose
This paper aims to examine the performance efficiency of 56 real estate assets within the rental sector in the UAE to evaluate the relative operation efficiency in relation to revenue generation.
Design/methodology/approach
The data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach was used to measure the relative operational efficiency of the studied assets in relation to the revenue performance. This method could produce a more informed and balanced approach to performance measurement.
Findings
The outcomes show that scores of efficiencies ranging from 7% to 99% in some of the models. The results showed that on average buildings are 75% relatively less efficient in maintenance, in term of revenue generation, than the benchmark set. Likewise, on average, the inefficient buildings are 60% relatively less efficient in insurance. Result also shows that 95% of the building assets in the sample are by and large operating at decreasing returns to scale. This implies that managers need to considerably reduce the operational resources (input) to improve the levels of revenue.
Research limitations/implications
This study recommends that the FM operational variables that were found to inefficiently contribute to the revenue should be re-examined to test the validity of the findings. This is necessary before generalising or interpolating the results that are presented in this study.
Practical implications
The information obtained about operational performance can help FM managers to understand which improvements in the productivity of inefficient FM resources are required, providing insight into how to reduce operating costs and increase revenue.
Originality/value
This paper adds value in using new FM operational parameters to evaluate the efficiency of the performance of built assets
Online Feedback in a Visible Learning School: An Investigation to Study the Effect of Online Feedback during Online Sessions Conducted through Nearpod
No full textSince feedback is one of the most significant elements that support the learning process and online learning is a demand nowadays, the present study utilizes a mixed methodology to investigate the effect of online feedback that is conducted through Nearpod during online sessions in one of the private schools in Sharjah, UAE that implements the visible learning principles. Classroom observations qualitatively collected the data about the characteristics of online feedback, which are summarized as being 1) immediate 2) frequent 3) able to increase the students’ awareness of each other’s mistakes 4) able to allow the students to think critically 5) balanced 6) able to foster equity and establish a sense of community 7) having 3 levels, which are task level, process level and self-regulatory level. Besides, a quasi-experiment quantitatively gathered data about the effectiveness of online feedback during online sessions, which was found very effective after comparing the pre-tests and post-tests data of both the control and experimental groups. The results were in agreement with the qualitative data collected from the teachers’ semi-structured interviews
Comparing the effectiveness of concept-based curricula and video-based curricula in ESL primary classrooms
No full textVarious countries around the world have benefited greatly from the technological advancements in the education sector. Modern technologies provide teachers the ability to set up new capabilities that can support not only their subject areas, but also various aspects of education. In the past, the use of video was just for entertainment and the teacher used to play videos that had nothing to do with educational content, and this is known as negative consumption. Currently, the video has become the teacher’s partner in explaining lessons and curricula through a reliable, effective, and attractive technology that makes lessons successful and allows students to comprehend the information more easily.
The purpose of this research is to examine how digital videos can be used in education and to measure the effectiveness of digital videos on students from the perspective of teachers as technical integrators. Twenty classroom observations were conducted in grade 5 classrooms to examine the effectiveness of concept-based compared to video-based learning for teaching English grammar. Additionally, eighteen English teachers were interviewed in semi-structured interviews as part of the research.
Methods and Procedures:
In grade 5 classrooms, twenty observations were carried out and eighteen teachers were interviewed to determine what impact video-based curriculum applications had on the English primary classroom while studying English grammar lessons and how teachers viewed video-based curricula in comparison to content-based curricula.
Outcomes:
The findings from this study demonstrate that the students who studied using video-based learning as a learning approach, accompanied by discussion, performed significantly better than those who studied with concept-based learning in understanding English language grammar. In light of these findings, using video in the classroom is recommended for providing information to students in an easy and innovative manner
An exploratory study of the methods of teaching Islamic education in the private international schools (Dubai case study).
No full textTeaching methods are one of the most debated topics in the field of education, and concentrating on a particular subject such as Islamic education is a one-of-a-kind concern that requires greater attention from academics. This study focuses on the most essential methods of teaching Islamic education that assist students at private international schools in achieving their highest levels of achievement and progress in Islamic education. The study also provides light on the challenges that instructors and students encounter in Islamic education, such as mastering the Arabic language and emphasizing the necessity of higher-order thinking abilities and the use of technology in Islamic education classes. This study also examines prior literature that addressed the above stated concerns. The research method was a combination of quantitative and qualitative, with the researcher conducting interviews with two heads of Islamic education departments and an interview with a teacher in an Arab school with more than ten years of experience. In addition, the researcher conducted a questionnaire among Islamic education teachers, which was completed by 66 teachers. The four previously described techniques of imparting Islamic education are among the most significant, as are the relevance of the Arabic language in absorbing Islamic education, the necessity of employing higher-order thinking abilities, and the use of technology in Islamic education courses. This research includes a discussion of the research findings as well as a description of the Islamic education document in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The conclusions of this study also revealed the most significant discoveries of instructors in the best techniques of teaching Islamic education. The research also identified key areas that need more development and greater attention from policymakers in order to improve the teaching of Islamic education in private international schools
The Transition to a New Educational Culture - Exploring Possibilities - A Case Study in Iraq
No full textThe e-portfolio has become widely used by many educational institutions in the world, and it has been acknowledged for its numerous benefits. The purpose of this study is to explore the readiness of a private university in Iraq to use the e-portfolio platform as a new technology tool for the first time; and to analyze its level of acceptance among the management team, teachers, and students. This case study was carried out at a private university in Baghdad, Iraq during the last semester of the academic year 2021-2022. A qualitative research design was used to gain insights into how technology particularly e-portfolio is perceived at the university. One-on-one and focus group interviews were used as instruments to collect data from ten participants, the Head of ICT, ICT Assistant, Administrator, two teachers, and five students. It was found that students were eager to use the e-portfolio and had perceived its potential value in their academic learning, but some require support and training because they have different IT skills. It was also revealed that the factors contributing to the success and acceptance of the new e-portfolio technology resemble understanding the benefits of the tool and its actual use. Lastly, the management team and teachers positively perceived the idea of e-portfolios but were not ready enough for a technological change due to certain constraints, but they aim for the change to happen one day. The study had some limitations which were treated according to what was found in the literature about such cases. Each point of limitation was justified under its respective section in the research paper. This study is important because it is an attempt to respond the need for the education system in Iraq to be in line with the global Ed-tech revolution and it is the first research paper exploring the e-portfolio tool in Iraq
An investigation into the role of clinical education in preparing undergraduate physiotherapy students for professional practice in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
No full textBackground: Clinical education is an integral part of physiotherapy education. In clinical placements students encounter complex cases and challenging circumstances and learn to withstand and overcome these situations. These experiences are vital for graduates’ readiness for professional practice.
Purpose: The aim of this research was to understand the contribution of clinical education in preparing undergraduate physiotherapy students for professional practice.
Methods: This study took a qualitative methods approach and interviews were used to collect data from physiotherapy students and clinical educators. Participant responses were audio recorded and verbatim transcribed for analysis. NVivo12 was used for analysis of data.
Results: Thematic analysis of participants’ interviews confirmed that the real-world experience was useful in developing reflective practice, exposure to evidence-based practice and autonomous practice, opportunity to develop interpersonal skills and develop open-mindedness for feedback which are all vital for professional practice.
Conclusion: It was evident from the findings that clinical education played a crucial role in preparing the physiotherapy students for entry-level physiotherapist roles