Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Food And Physical Activity Behaviours Of Adolescents After Bariatric Surgery: A Qualitative Study, Baraa Osama Alries

Theses

In recent years, both globally and in the United Arab Emirates, adolescent obesity has emerged as a severe public health concern. Bariatric surgery is a viable treatment for adolescent obesity. However, an equally important aspect is examining the lifestyle changes, specifically concerning dietary habits and physical activity after this surgical intervention. Moreover, there is limited research on the postoperative nutrition-related nutritional and physical activity behaviors of adolescents after bariatric surgery globally, regionally, and in the UAE. The main aim of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators of diet and physical activity regimens of adolescents who had undergone bariatric …

The Bible And Normative Experiences Of Queer Marriage In The United States: The Interconnected Influences Of Scripture, Law, And Queer Context, Ross H. Potter Jr.

Theses

This thesis explores the relational influences between scripture, law, and queer context as they drive understandings of queer marriage norms in the United States. Emphasis is placed on the role that particular scriptures play in teasing out meaning from the various lived experiences of queer communities over the last century. These lived experiences, in turn, have influenced both approaches to scriptural interpretation and religious and legal norms surrounding the acceptance of queer people and their marriages within society. By utilizing queer biblical interpretation in dialogue with these influential biblical passages and legal and social norms that have developed in the …

Assessing Asset Management In Aec/Fm: Unveiling Limitations And Advancing Solutions With Digital Twin, Abdelmoneim Mohamed Abdelmoti

Theses

In recent years, the concept of Digital Twins (DTs) has emerged as a transformative technological innovation with the potential to revolutionize asset management practices. A Digital Twin is a digital representation closely linked to a physical entity, enabling bidirectional information exchange and data-driven decision-making. Within the realm of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Facilities Management (AEC/FM), DTs offer a diverse array of applications for enhancing asset management.
/="/">This thesis aims to demystify the concept of DTs and explore their existing applications in asset management, particularly within the AEC/FM industry. To achieve this, the research employs a two-fold approach: a systematic review …

A Smart Chatbot System For Digitizing Service Management To Improve Business Continuity, Asraa Mohammed Albeshr

Theses

Chatbots, also called digital systems that require a natural language-based interface for user interaction, are increasingly being integrated into our daily lives. These chatbots respond intelligently to voice and text and function as sophisticated entities. Its functioning includes the recognition of multiple human languages through the application of Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. These chatbots find applications in various areas such as e-commerce services, medical assistance, recommendation systems, and educational purposes. This reflects the versatility and widespread adoption of this technology. AI chatbots play a crucial role in improving IT support in IT Service Management (ITSM) for better business continuity. …

Association Of Human Leukocyte Antigen (Hla) Alleles With Atopic Dermatitis In The Uae Population, Suhib Ziad Abu Jwayed

Theses

In the face of the increasing global prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin condition, this thesis seeks to elucidate the genetic underpinnings of AD within the UAE population. Previous literature has underscored the ethnic-specific involvement of Human Leukocytes Antigen (HLA) genetic variations, especially within HLA-A and HLA-DRB1 genes, in the pathogenesis of various skin diseases, including AD. Leveraging this knowledge, our research specifically aimed to investigate the association between these HLA variants and AD in the UAE. Utilizing a comparative approach, the frequencies of HLA-A and HLA-DRB1 variants were assessed in AD patients vis-à-vis a control group. …

Development Of Guidance, Navigation, And Control Systems For Multi-Spacecraft Assembly In Proximity Operations, Mohammed Ayman Atallah

Theses

This thesis presents the development of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms for multi-spacecraft assembly in proximity operations. A 3-DOF mathematical model of spacecraft relative translational motion is derived using the Euler-Lagrange method. Additionally, a 6-DOF mathematical model of spacecraft relative translational and rotational motion is derived using the twistor method, with consideration for the kinematic coupling effect. A new Linear Time-Invariant (LTI) model is developed based on the twistor model, which is utilized in the design of the GNC systems. Both LTI Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Linear Time-Varying (LTV) MPC algorithms are employed to develop Guidance and Control …

Designing For A Local Brand Image Of Architecture To Achieve Cultural Sustainability: Al Ain City As A Case Study, Dana Bassam Bidoun

Theses

Cities, like Al Ain, are dynamic entities, echoing the diverse rhythms and values of their inhabitants. Urban evolution showcases a city's brand-its unique identity sculpted by historical, cultural, and local influences. A city's true essence emerges when architects collaborate with residents, blending their desires with the city's architectural legacy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a brand-based design strategy, integrating the architecture process with insights from local residents to foster a sense of identity and belonging in the built environment. Grounded in the personal construct theory, the research applied the repertory grid technique, combining both qualitative and quantitative …

Parental Participation In An Esl Take-Home Book Bag Program For A Second Grade Class In Al Ain, Dina Ahmad Al Khawaldeh

Theses

The purpose of this current study is to explore Emirati parents' attitudes toward their involvement in their children's ESL take-home book reading experience. The study aims to explore the reading habits of Emirati families and their perceptions of reading books in English with their children.

This study employed a sequential mixed methods design to gather data from parents and students. A pre-experimental demographic survey was sent to the parents and students to ask about their reading habits at home before experiencing it and after the book reading experience. In addition, a take-home literacy bag activity was disseminated to students and …

Dress-Code Violation Detection In Arabic Regions Using Object Detection Machine Learning Model, Maha Sadat Aghaei

Theses

The dress code violation detection system is crucial for assessing clothing appropriateness in public areas. This study aims to improve this system using advanced computer vision and machine learning techniques to more effectively categorize people's attire in images and videos. To enhance adaptability and create a user-friendly graphical interface for system management and deployment, we have generated a unique dataset from various contexts mix of Western and Arabic clothing. This allows users to interact with graphical components, including the ability to upload images or use live video for clothing detection. Moreover, we have taken privacy concerns into account and implemented …

Measuring Jupiter’S Wind From Cassini Spacecraft Observations, Malak Ali Nazmi

Theses

Jupiter's atmosphere has remarkable features like the Great Red Spot, and strong dynamic events take place in its atmosphere for hundreds of years.
/="/">
/="/">We have a set 280 images of Cassini spacecraft December 2000 of southern and northern hemisphere of Jupiter planet which were taken by four distinct filters with a wide range of wavelengths extending from 455 nm to 889 nm to study the Great Red Spot dynamics and measure the velocity fields using Correlation Imaging Velocimetry technique. To understand the mechanism of energy transfer between eddies and jets which governs Jupiter's atmosphere for a long time, …

Analysis Of Cycle 2 Science Textbooks For Representation Of Elements Contributing To Quality Science Textbooks As Learning Resources, Sohani Mehzabin Prova

Theses

Science textbooks are a valuable resource for both students and teachers. They hold a significant role in students' learning of science. Most science teachers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rely on science textbooks as the foundation for their teaching. However, until now, limited research has been conducted to assess the appropriateness of science textbooks prescribed by the Ministry of Education in the UAE. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the representation of elements contributing to the suitability of cycle 2 (grades 5 to 8) science textbooks as learning resources as prescribed by the Ministry of Education of the UAE. …

Anti Cancer Activity Of Rhus Coriaria (Sumac) Against 5-Fluorouracil-Resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells, Zohra Nausheen Nizami

Theses

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, both worldwide and in the UAE. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a pyrimidine analogue, is a chemotherapeutic agent that is an integral component of chemotherapy regimens for CRC treatment. However, 5-FU resistance (intrinsic and/or acquired) inhibits their clinical efficacy. In recent years, there has been a growing popularity for plant-based cancer therapeutics, specifically using phytochemical compounds. Rhus coriaria (Sumac) is a Mediterranean plant whose fruits are used as a spice and medicinal herb. Extracts of Rhus coriaria fruits (RCE) have been reported to exhibit anti-cancer activity against breast cancer and CRC. In …

Data Sharing And School Improvement: A Phenomenological Study Of Source, Mechanisms, Lacunes And Usefulness, Maitha Khalifa Al Mansoori

Theses

This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the datafication process and determine whether it contributes to school improvement in public schools. A particular focus was placed on investigating the methods used in data collection from various sources, the mechanisms in place for data sharing, the ways in which data are collected and shared, the gaps in data sharing, and the ways in which school administrators and teachers are sharing data for the school improvement. The use of a transcendental phenomenological approach contributes to the development of a theoretical model that illustrates how school data sharing works and how …

Canagliflozin Ameliorates Autistic-Like Features And Mitigates Brain Oxidative Stress Levels In Valproic Acid-Induced Autism In Rats, Mohammad Moutaz Nakhal

Theses

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease with a substantially increasing incidence rate. It is mainly characterized by repetitive behavior, intellectual difficulties, social communication and interactions deficits. Many medications, dietary supplements, and behavioral treatments have been recommended for ASD management, however, there is no cure yet. Recent studies have examined the therapeutic potential of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in neurodevelopmental diseases, based on their proved anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The main objective of this study is to assess the ability of canagliflozin in improving the behavioural characteristics of autistic rats and investigate the efficacy of canagliflozin in …

Investigating Bim Applications In Reducing Co2 Emissions In The Built Environment – Uae Context, Rua Ahmed Maali

Theses

Large amounts of CO₂ are released into the atmosphere throughout the life cycle of a building starting from the production of materials and products, in the construction phase of the building itself, in the site setting, the renovations, the later rehabilitation, and up to the final demolition. Hence, this thesis aims to investigate the potential of using Building Information Modeling (BIM) in making informed decisions that can help in reducing CO₂ emissions in the life cycle of built environment projects. This study has used a mixed method approach that includes literature review, a case study and semistructured interviews. …

Impact Of Covid-19 On Security Vulnerabilities Of Learning Management Systems: A Study Towards Security And Sustainability Enhancement, Souheil Abdel-Latif Akacha

Theses

The rapid adoption of Learning Management Systems (LMSs) like Moodle, Chamilo, and Ilias became essential for online education due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, revolutionizing online learning while exposing security vulnerabilities. This thesis explores security concerns within these LMSs across different pandemic periods. By analyzing existing patches, security measures, and emerging cybersecurity technologies, recommendations are formulated to enhance LMS security against evolving cyber threats, providing actionable insights for educational institutions to ensure secure online education continuity. The numerical findings highlight the increasing need for proactive security measures in Moodle, the fluctuating nature of vulnerabilities in Chamilo, and the …

Estimating Mars Surface Wind Stress And Dust Lifting Using Reanalyses Based On Emm And Other Spacecraft Observations, Haneen Abouhaligah

Theses

Studying Mars offers insights into terrestrial planet evolution and informs future human expeditions. This thesis examines dust dynamics in Mars’ lower atmosphere, focusing on understanding its weather and climate. We investigate the role of Near-Surface Wind Stress (NSWS) in dust lifting, using six reanalysis datasets, respectively: MACDA, EMARS, OpenMARS, ACS–TIRVIM (ExoMars observations of the MY34 Global Dust storm), EMM1 and EMM2. Following the parameterization approach by Newman et al. (2002a), areas of agreement and discrepancy among datasets were identified. Time series analysis revealed consistent results where datasets overlap temporally. Some differences were expected and shown due to the different Global …

جريمة إيداع أو تحويل الأموال بقصد التعاطي أو الاستعمال الشخصي للمواد المخدرة والمؤثرات العقلية في القانون الإماراتي (دراسة تحليلية تطبيقية), مريم محمود حبيب

Theses

/="/">

The crime of Depositing or Transferring Funds with the Intention of Using or Personally Using Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in UAE law (Applied Analytical Study)
/="/">
/="/">Criminal elements seek to take advantage of the benefits of using the Internet and communication programs, especially with its confidential nature and the difficulty of tracking its users, which allows its users to achieve direct criminal activities without being caught or being held legally accountable. The misuse of technology has posed a threat to our societies and has been accompanied by the emergence of many negatives and positivity; in addition to …

The Association Between Added Sugar And Abdominal Obesity In Adults, Noora Salem Alhammadi

Theses

Excessive body fat accumulation is a complicated medical condition known as obesity. Obesity increases the risk of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancer. Numerous studies have shown that adults who regularly consume added sugar, mostly from sugar sweetened beverages, are more likely to be overweight or obese and/or abdominal obesity, however results remain controversial. The primary objective was to evaluate the relationship between Greek adults’ consumption of added sugar and abdominal obesity. The primary outcome was to investigate the intakes of added sugars in relation to weight status, fat mass, and specific …

Bearings Fault Classification Using Machine Learning And Dashboard For Bearing Signals Vibration, Ameirah Mohamed

Theses

Bearings are crucial components for the mechanical system that allows relative motion between two parts. Bearings primarily used to reduce the friction on the component. However, Bearings can fail for several reasons such corrosions, fatigue and electrical damage ..etc .This research aims to develop an accurate prediction model and visualization dashboard to avoid the costly downtimes, high repair cost and enhance the maintenance experience for workers and engineers. The data used in this research is CASE WESTERN RESRVE UNIVERSITY (CWRU) bearing data set. The data set contains signals vibration readings of bearings that can used for bearings fault detection. The …

The Development Of A One-Shot Learning Machine Learning For Industrial Use With Predictive Maintenance, Conor O Brien

Theses

With the advent of Industry 4.0, Manufacturing operations have become more connected and automated. Modern industrial monitoring technology can monitor the performance of both the sensor utilised and the material under monitoring. This has led to a trend where legacy machines without this technology are being removed from production and/or not included in new reconfigurations of production lines, well before their productive lifespan had ended. A key driver for this is the difficulty in retrofitting Predictive Maintenance (PdM) systems to legacy machines, in part due to the machine-to-machine variation present in older machines. Accounting for this variation in PdM systems …

The Artistic Narratives Of Faith Ringgold: Depicting Race Relations And Social Justice In 1960s America, Nicole Hill

Theses

This thesis explores the works of artist and activist Faith Ringgold within the context of the Civil Rights movement in the United States. The Civil Rights era was a pivotal moment in American history, marked by racial segregation, violence, and discrimination against Black Americans. Against this backdrop, Ringgold's art emerged as a powerful tool for social critique and political activism. The thesis focuses on five of Ringgold's most significant works: Between Friends, The Civil Rights Triangle, The Flag is Bleeding, US Postage Stamp Commemorating the Advent of Black Power, and Die. These works span the period of the 1960s to …

The Combination Approaches For One Class Classifier Ensembles For Software Defect Datasets, Maitha Mohammed Alkalbani

Theses

The classification of imbalanced datasets poses significant challenges, becoming a crucial topic in ML, particularly when standard algorithms struggle with accurate classification. In OCC, classifiers may encounter objects from ensembles of one class, leading to outlier scores generated at different scales. Additionally, there is a lack of a unified combination method, with many experiments resorting to using an average as the combination method. The thesis aims to investigate the effectiveness of normalization and unnormalized outlier scores on OCC ensembles. Furthermore, we conducted a comparative study of different types of combination methods. We used k-means clustering as OCC model, and the …

Design And Application Of Circular Edge-Fed Linearly Polarized Patch Antenna With Enhanced Bandwidth And Gain For Respiratory Monitoring Systems, Mo’Ath Akram Al Hayek

Theses

This Master’s thesis explores the design and application of a circular edge-fed patch antenna for respiratory monitoring systems. The antenna, fabricated from a thin copper adhesive sheet, demonstrates compatibility with textile materials of low thickness and a relative permittivity of 1.3. Using CST Studio Suite 3D EM simulation software, the antenna’s design was optimized through extensive trials, achieving improved bandwidth and gain. Our findings indicate that the antenna successfully differentiates between various breathing patterns, including slow, normal, and fast breathing rates. The study’s managerial and research implications extend to healthcare, wearable technology sectors, and the broader scientific community. The research …

Investigation And Analysis Of Circular Economy Indicators In The Manufacturing Industry, Dina Al Jamal

Theses

In the pursuit of sustainable development, the concept of the Circular Economy (CE) has emerged as a compelling and transformative alternative to the traditional linear economic model (i.e., take, make, use, dispose). The limitations of the linear economy in addressing contemporary global challenges have highlighted the urgency of adopting a more regenerative approach. Simply put, the circular economy aims to maximize the value extracted from available resources over their lifecycle, thereby ensuring the fulfillment of both current and future generations' needs. This thesis sheds light on a pivotal solution for effectively integrating circular economy principles into enterprises, thereby reinforcing sustainability. …

Enhancing Autism Education: Exploring Interactive Videos And Ai Integration For Effective Teaching, Fatima Ahmed Alraeesi

Theses

This research focuses on enhancing autism education by integrating interactive videos and AI solutions to improve teacher training. As the number of autistic students rises, it becomes crucial for special education teachers to employ effective teaching strategies tailored to individual needs. The most effective teaching methods for autistic students involve understanding the condition and incorporating customized instruction strategies, such as adapting assignments to suit the student's needs, assisting those with difficulty speaking, and employing visual aids for better organization. The proposed solution involves utilizing interactive video technology to train teachers, bridging the gap between research and practical implementation of educational …

Human Error Assessment In Software Engineering, Benjamin S. Meyers

Theses

Software engineers work under strict constraints, balancing a complex, multi-phase development process on top of user support and professional development. Despite their best efforts, software engineers experience human errors, which manifest as software defects. While some defects are simple bugs, others can be costly security vulnerabilities. Practices such as defect tracking and vulnerability disclosure help software engineers reflect on the outcomes of their human errors (i.e. software failures), and even the faults that led to those failures, but not the underlying human behaviors. While human error theory from psychology research has been studied and applied to medical, industrial, and aviation …

‘The Table’, Exploration And Discussion On The Future Form Of Board Games, Boyuan Zheng

Theses

Board games, also known as tabletop games, are one of the most popular forms of games ever invented in history. Over time, the game designs have become more intricate, as have the physical game sets, resulting in larger and larger boxes. However, in a world where portability and intelligence are key factors in technology, digitalization appears to be the way forward. This project aims to explore the essence of board games and envision a possible future of board game system digitalization with existing or foreseeable technologies.

The Soft Power Impact Of International Event Hosting: The Case Of Uae And Expo 2020, Haya Mohamed Almazrouei

Theses

The study aimed at identifying and evaluating the soft power impact of international event hosting by considering the case of the UAE and Expo 2020. To attain this aim, a qualitative methodology has been incorporated, wherein data have been collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 managers involved in the organization of the Dubai Expo 2020, which were correspondingly analyzed through textual basis or content analysis. The study found that the soft power of the UAE can be measured using the six parameters of Soft Power 30 of McClory, which are Engagement, Government, Culture, Education, Enterprise and Digital. The challenges associated …

Predicting Payment Defaults In Customs Authorities, Ahmed Fayed Elnahel

Theses

As the global economy continues to expand, international trade is growing at an unprecedented rate, resulting in a surge of cargo movements across borders. With so much activity taking place, it's imperative that customs systems operate intelligently to identify potential risks in every transaction and highlight any potential fraud or manipulation that may be occurring. Customs play a crucial role in supporting legitimate trade, protecting society, and promoting sustainable economic development. However, it is unfortunate that some companies take advantage of the facilities provided by customs departments to avoid paying their duties or engaging in smuggling from the free zone …