Digital Commons Network^™

Information Brokerage - A New Approach Using Knowledge Management, Robert Loew

Theses

Traditional knowledge management attempts to store the total enterprise knowledge into IT related structures, but knowledge management strategies should focus also on people and organisations and not just on technology.

This can be addressed in part by communicating knowledge between people, in and across organisations. Such communication focuses on the development and exchange of people’s experience.

This thesis introduces a hybrid knowledge management solution consisting of an automated system that includes people: employees, experts and Knowledge Brokers (KB). The hybrid concept supports the identification of suitable people for certain topics of discussion. Further, it supports the knowledge communication process by …

Renovating A Control Engineering Laboratory For Enhanced Learning, David Hamilton

Theses

In an attempt to both place the student at the centre of the learning process and thus improve student engagement with the discipline, and to incorporate professional skills into the engineering curriculum at the module level, an enquiry based learning (EBL) component to enhance teamwork, problem solving skills and the student’s ability to learn independently was developed using current best practice in teaching and learning. As EBL is not widely used in engineering curricula in CIT, a pilot scale three week trial was performed during the academic year 2007-08 to evaluate the appropriateness of the pedagogy and student reactions to …

Propellant Tank Pressurization Modeling For A Hybrid Rocket, Margaret Mary Fernandez

Theses

A basic hybrid rocket oxidizer delivery system utilizes the self-pressurizing nature of a liquid oxidizer at ambient temperatures in conjunction with a non-condensable pressurant to provide a high oxidizer tank pressure that drives liquid oxidizer flow to the combustion chamber. In this study, the oxidizer fluid is nitrous oxide which produces high vapor pressures at ambient temperatures, and helium is the pressurant. The goal of this thesis is to provide a theoretical model that predicts the pressure draining history of the oxidizer tank to within ± 5% of experiment. The validity of simple thermodynamically-based models has not been considered for …

Vibrational Control Of Chaos In Artificial Neural Networks, Ralph Bean

Theses

Neural networks with chaotic baseline behavior are interesting for their experimental bases in both biological relevancy and engineering applicability. In the engineering case, the literature still lacks a robust study of the interrelationship between particular chaotic baseline network dynamics and 'online' or 'driving' inputs. We ask the question, for a particular neural network with chaotic baseline behavior, what periodic inputs of minimal magnitude have a stabilizing effect on network dynamics? A genetic algorithm is developed for the task. A systematic comparison of different genetic operators is carried out where each operator-combination is ranked by the optimality of solutions found. The …

Inside All-Optical Networks, Sana Tariq

Theses

Imagine a world where lightning speed Internet is as common as telephones today. Imagine when light, the fastest moving thing in the universe, is the signal-carrying transport medium. Imagine when bandwidth no more remains a constraint for any application. Imagine when imagination is the only limit! This all can be made possible with only one technology and that is optical communication. Optical networks have thus far provided a realization to a greater extent to the unlimited bandwidth dreams of this era, but as the demands are increasing, the electro-optic conversions seem to become bottlenecks in blended optical networks. The only …

Securing Location Discovery In Wireless Sensor Networks, Wisam F. Kadhim

Theses

Providing security for wireless sensor networks in hostile environments has a significant importance. Resilience against malicious attacks during the process of location discovery has an increasing need. There are many applications that rely on sensor nodes' locations to be accurate in order to function correctly. The need to provide secure, attack resistant location discovery schemes has become a challenging research topic. In this thesis, location discovery techniques are discussed and the security threats and attacks are explained. I also present current secure location discovery schemes which are developed for range-based location discovery. The thesis goal is to develop a secure …

Eating The Allegory, Nicola Kountoupes

Theses

This project explores imagery, sense memory, and performance through the intersection of an event and the objects within it and at its periphery. The archaeological dig provides the emotional and intellectual setting for discovery, history, and cultural identity, as well as an outlet for creation (of new memories) and desire (for knowledge). The performance elements of the show, including roles portrayed by audience and participants, provide the uncertain layout and improvisational aspect that relies on people coming together in a moment that is unique. The ephemeral nature of a moment lends itself to construction of memory, so that it will …

Cross-Verified, Combined Methodologies For High Frequency Electrical Characterisation Of Electronic Packaging, Eoin Mcgibney

Theses

Methodologies for cross-verified, wide bandwidth (50MHz-20GHz) electrical model extraction for as-manufactured electronic packaging and interconnection are presented. They are presented in the context that packaging and interconnection is now following a rapidly-evolving Moore’s-type Law in terms of new generations of packaging and interconnection materials, technologies and manufacturing processes. Significant frequency content is also increasing while, at the same time, final product cost constraints mean that packages and circuit boards must typically be manufactured using low cost materials and mass-manufacturing processes, often geographically remote, with their inherently higher levels of variability. Wide bandwidth signal integrity analysis cannot be performed during electronic …

Experimental Techniques In Infrared Measurements Of Thin-Film Plastics, Robert F. Hawkins

Theses

No abstract provided.

Sustainability Of Potable Water In The Pilbara, Timothy P. Pidhirnyj

Theses

This paper provides an examination of current and future demands on potable (drinking) water in the Pilbara. In this examination, it builds a picture summarizing human habitation in the Pilbara, and the nature in which the Western Australia state and Commonwealth governments assess and manage resources in the Pilbara, state wide, and nationally. Following on, water demand is broken down into its major user groups per town, and future demand is estimated based on publically available documents. It will be shown that water demand in certain areas of the Pilbara will exceed their licensed extraction limits within the next 20 …

Extraction Of Hydrocarbons And Minimizing Organic Deposits From Crude Oil Using Carbon Dioxide, Adel Adib Azzam

Theses

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technology is a new and powerful separation process, which has several applications in environmental and petroleum industry fields. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO₂) extraction process can be applied as a remediation technique for sediments contaminated with crude oil. On the other hand, SC CO₂ can be applied as an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technique in the petroleum industry to increase the ultimate recovery factor of crude oil from reservoirs. Therefore, utilization of SC CO₂ for the extraction applications can result both in environmental and economic benefits.

In this study, SC CO_{2 …}

Carbon Dioxide Capture From Flue Gases, Mohamed Rashid Al Rashid

Theses

Global warming and climate change are believed to be caused by the greenhouse effect. CO₂ has been regarded as the main contributor to global climate change which directly results in serious environmental problems. Half of the anthropogenic CO₂ emission sources are emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels in industries and power plants worldwide. The absorption behavior of Carbon dioxide from flue gases can be studied using conventional absorber and polymeric hollow fiber membrane contractors. An industrial absorber data was compared with simulated data using hollow fiber membrane contractor using the gPROMs software package. In this analysis, with …

Utilizing Available Residual Pressure In Fujairah Lines In Bypassing Al Ain Reception Station Considering Transients And Water Hammer Conditions, Hazem Bakri Al Naser

Theses

The objective of this study is to utilize the available residual pressure at Fujairah Transmission lines in order to save energy, operation and maintenance costs, and still deliver the required water to the end users of the distribution network. This has been achieved by bypassing the existing pumping stations (i.e. AARS Reservoir and pumping stations in addition to the local reservoirs and pumping stations of each area). The possibility of transients, surge, and cavitation occurrence was studied via a comprehensive transient simulation to make sure that the proposed bypassing will not have any impact on the upstream transmission system by …

Development Of A Gis Database For Water Resources Management In Ajman Emirate, Uae., Mohammad Rehan Yusuf

Theses

The lack of freshwater resources represents a major constraint against the sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions. Because of the scarcity and randomness nature of rainfall in arid regions, surface water resources are almost absent. Groundwater resources are always under stress and in many cases do not suffice the water demands for different sectors. Desalination plants are widely constructed to substitute for the water shortage. The UAE, including Ajman emirate, is witnessing a rapid development in the industrial, commercial, construction and agricultural fields which has led to a tremendous increase in water demands.

Proper management of the limited water …

Polymeric Nanofibrous Media For Enhanced Ground Water Filtration, Bothaina Abdulla Al Shamsi

Theses

Water is one of the bulk transportation media for transmission of particulate contaminants. These contaminants are complex mixtures of particles; most of them are usually smaller than 1000 µm in diameter. Chemical and biological aerosols (particulates) are frequently in the range of 1- 10 µm. The particulate matters may carry some adsorbed gaseous contaminants. The removal of particulate and biological contaminants is thus an important step in water purification process. Particulate contaminants if not removed tend to foul reverse osmosis membranes and severely reduce the throughput of the final purification step. The filtration industry is looking for more efficient high …

Evaluation Of Management Options For Groundwater Resources In Khatt Basin Area, Uae Using Gis And Modflow, Nada Buti Khalifa Buthiana Alsuwaidi

Theses

Khatt springs area has been chosen in 1979 to be a major recreational site in Ras Al Khaimah. The outflow water from these springs has been used to irrigate the surrounding farms. In the period 1999-2004, there was a severe drought which affected the flow and water temperature from the spring as the flow decreased to almost one tenth of its average value and temperature decreased from 40 to 33 C. This work is an attempt to develop a GIS-based groundwater flow model for the Khatt springs area with the following main objectives: 1) Characterize the general hydrogeological setting of …

Screening For Latent Or Silent Celiac Disease “Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy” In Uae Adults Nationals, Waheeba Salman Al Zaabi

Theses

No abstract provided.

Antibiotic Resistance Of Helicobacter Pylori Strains In The United Arab Emirates And Its Relation To The Gene Associated To Gastric Cancer “Cag A Gene”, Wafa Ali Rashid Al-Tayyari

Theses

Helicobacter pylori is a flagellated corkscrew, slow growing neutrophilic gram negative ureolytic organism. It has an extraordinary ability to establish infection in human stomach that can last for years or decades. Its eradication remains an important public health challenge especially in light of broadening indications and increasing antimicrobial resistance.

AIM: i) Identification of H. pylori in UAE patients ii) Determination of the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (mutation in 23S rRNA gene in clarithromycin, and deletion in RdxA gene in metronidazole) among H. pylori strains isolated from U.A.E patients by using molecular methods, iii) Ascertain whether Cag A- positive H. …

Integrating Advanced Facades Intro Sustainable Office Buildings In The Emirate Of Abu Dhabi, Uae, Ahmad Omar Balhamar

Theses

Abu Dhabi emirate consume about 130 millions AED in air conditioning electricity bills, this amount is only for 700 buildings in Abu Dhabi City and 300 buildings in Musafah district. Abu Dhabi city consumes 239.70 Kw/m²/year; however Musafah district consumes 179.92 Kw/m²/year. The difference came from different in total area of glass building facades between Abu Dhabi city and Musafah district buildings. Despite the fact that Abu Dhabi is one of the hottest cities in the Gulf region, its modern office buildings are characterized by glass facades. Such a concept comes with increased air conditioning operational …

Germination Ecology Of Two Indigenous Range Grasses Lasiurus Scindicus And Panicum Turgidum, Naeema Sultan Abdullah Al-Shamisi

Theses

The utilization of indigenous forage species to replace the exotic ones could help in saving large amounts of water. The indigenous forage grasses Lasiurus scindicus and Panicum turgidum have been ranked among the plants that could tolerate drought during vegetative and reproductive stages and are currently being successfully used as fodders under experimental conditions in the UAE and in some parts of the world. However, there are no enough information about their dormancy and the environmental factors affecting their seed germination. In this study, the innate dormancy, light and temperature requirements, drought and salinity tolerances and the impact of dormancy …

Impact Of Heavy Metals On Childhood Behaviors And Development: A Uae Study, Said Yousef Ahmad Abdel Razeq

Theses

BACKGROUND: Environmental toxic metal exposure is well known to adversely affect children's development and behavior. To our knowledge, there are no studies that carefully examined this potential hazard in UAE and Gulf countries.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case-control study was to determine blood concentrations of 12 heavy metals in school-age children in Al Ain City. The other aim was to correlate the blood levels with developmental (e.g., learning disability) and behavioral (e.g., Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) problems in children.

METHODS: One hundred and forty seven subjects (73 with developmental and/or behavioral disorders and 74 controls) participated in the study. The …

Workplace Privacy: An Environmental-Behaviour Analysis Of Etisalat Offices In Al-Ain, Latefa Ali Saleh Ahmad Alkuwaiti

Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore environmental quality factors in the workplace and to examine the level of job satisfaction among the employees of Etisalat Al-Ain through three main factors: visual privacy, acoustical privacy and social interaction. The theoretical and conceptual elements of the study evolved from the literature of office history, behaviour studies, building performance evaluation and job satisfaction.

Data were gathered in two stages, first phase with a population of 10 and second stage with 100 subjects of Etisalat employees, including both those working in open plan workstations and those who work in enclosed offices.

Using …

Water Demand Forecasting In Umm Al Quwain Using The Iwr-Main, Aysha Abdulla Al Mualla

Theses

Water demand forecasting has become an essential component in effective water resources planning and management. It provides valuable trigger in determining the time and the capacity for new water resources development. In the United Arab Emirates, the need for an accurate water demand forecasting becomes particularly important. The reasons for this include, and are not limited to, high temperature throughout the year, high population growth rates, and high development growth.

The main objective of this study is to forecast the water demand in UAQ for the next 25 years using the IWR-MAIN software. Two methods; namely the Constant Use Rate …

Investigation On The Minimization Of Sulfur Dioxide Emissions At Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Company Limited (Adgas) And Its Impact On Ambient Air Quality, Haitham Salmeen Abdulla Babahar

Theses

The processing of sour gases within Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Company (ADGAS) LNG Trains located in Das Island involves sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions that mainly result from fuel gas usage to produce steam and electricity, and incomplete recovery of sulfur from acid gases. ADGAS SO₂ emissions affect the ambient air quality in Das Island, and this has the potential to affect the health of the residents of the island. The aim of this work is to explore the feasible technologies to minimize SO₂ emissions from ADGAS, and study the impact of such on the ambient air …

Development And Characterization Of Sulfur Dioxide Gas Analyzer, Samira Mohamed Saeed Mohamed Baomran

Theses

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is considered one of the main contaminants in air because of its major contribution to acid rain and due to the major health concerns associated with exposure to high concentrations of SO₂. Hence, there has been a great interest in the determination of SO₂ because of continuous monitoring its impacts on the environment and public health. However, limited reports targeted SO₂ in gas streams.

Therefore, the primary objective of the present work was to develop affordable gas analyzer for continuous monitoring of SO₂ in gas streams. The principle of operation …

Influence Of Iron And Iron-Bearing Minerals On Soil Magnetic Properties, Suzan Marwan Ramadan Shahin

Theses

In this study, soil magnetic properties (magnetic susceptibility/ permeability) due to iron and iron bearing minerals have been evaluated by using MS2B on different percentage levels from pure iron, hematite and magnetite content at different conditions. The study shows that soil magnetic behavior has a strong dependency on grain size, temperature, water content, pH and compositional content.

Also, soil electrical behaviors have been studied due to iron and iron bearing minerals by using Impedance/ gain-phase Analyzer on different soil magnetic inclusion at different percentages. The study has established the strong effect of the magnetic inclusion on the measurements of relative …

The Cost And Benefits Of Upskilling The Irish Labour Force, Peter Daly

Theses

This study assesses the position of Irish businesses in relation to upskilling their workers in the globalised business environment. There is a scarce amount of data published on the implications for Irish businesses and their interaction state supports for upskilling the Irish labour-force.

This study has found that Irish businesses recognise that they now operate in a global market and that they believe that a strong third and vocational level of skills exist but work based skills must improve. Outsourcing parts of the business process is not considered a preferred option of skills replacement by Irish businesses but business networks …

A Virtual Training Environment For Temporal Bone Surgery, Denis Stack

Theses

A virtual training environment for temporal bone surgery incorporating haptic, visual and audio feedback is presented in this work. Data are derived from Computed Tomography (CT) scans, thus patient-specific cases may be examined in the simulator.

Two main classes of volume haptic algorithm exist for virtual surgery, namely proxy-based and non proxy-based. A review of the evolution of relevant haptic algorithms is presented. Proxy-based and non proxy-based algorithms are implemented and their performance measured against each other by comparison with real-world force data. An improved proxy-based feedback algorithm is also presented. This algorithm uses a spherical proxy which prevents the …

Fluoride And Phosphate Glass Whispering Gallery Micro-Resonators, Jonathan Ward

Theses

This PhD work focuses on spherical microlasers made from commercial and experimental laser glasses. The laser light in a microsphere is confined in a region called a whispering gallery mode, which has unique properties that allow for many nonlinear effects to be observed with only sub-mW pump powers. Efficient coupling of light into the microsphere is attained by using adiabatically tapered fibres fabricated using various heating methods including a CO₂ laser, a sapphire tube furnace and electric heaters. However, the best result is obtained using a fibre pulling rig with an oxy-butane torch as the heat source. This system …

The Geometry Of The Space Of Oriented Geodesics Of Hyperbolic 3-Space, Nikos Georgiou

Theses

In this thesis we construct a Kähler structure (J, Ω, G) on the space L(H³) of oriented geodesics of hyperbolic 3-space H³ and investigate its properties. We prove that (L(H³),J) is biholomorphic to (see thesis pdf), and that the Kähler metric G is of neutral signature, conformally flat and scalar flat.

We establish that the identity component of the isometry group of the metric G on L(H³) is isomorphic to the identity component of the hyperbolic isometry group. We show that the geodesics of G correspond to ruled minimal surfaces in H3, which …