Digital Commons Network^™

Development Of Al Ain Flash Flood Risk Maps\ Utilizing High-Resolution And Accurate Remote Sensing Data, Khaled Khamis Al Arfati

Dissertations

Al Ain City has undergone significant land use transformations from 1992 to 2022, marked by a population increase of over 50% and extensive development activities. This period has seen the construction of new residential areas, infrastructure, and commercial establishments, as well as enhancements to green spaces. An analysis of the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) revealed an 83% alteration in the terrain due to urbanization and shifting sand dunes, with most elevation changes under 5 meters.

The primary aim of this dissertation is to develop accurate flash flood risk maps for

Al Ain using high-resolution remote sensing data. This research highlights …

المسؤوليَّة الجِنَائِيَّة عن الاتجار بالأعضاء والأنسجة البشريَّة في ضوء المرسوم بقانون اتحادي رقم (25) لسنة 2023 – دراسة مقارنة, مريم سعيد الحمودي

Theses

Criminal Liability for Trafficking in Human Organs and Tissues in Light of Federal Decree Law No. (25) of 2023 – “A Comparative Study”

The crimes of trafficking in human organs and the legal responsibilities they raise are among the most heinous, complex, and multidimensional criminal phenomena, and are considered the most dangerous sources of human rights violations, because they have taken an approach that violates the integrity, dignity, and humanity of the human body

The trade in human organs, as one of the forms of human trafficking crimes, which is an organized cross-border crime, has become a fast …

School Leadership Insights And Practices: Understanding Bullying Prevention Strategies Among Teachers In Private And Public Schools Across The Uae, Wissal Mohsen

Theses

This thesis investigates the detrimental effects of bullying on students, including its impacts on mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Addressing this issue necessitates a proactive strategy involving school leaders, teachers, and parents. Data was collected via a questionnaire: selected items employed a 5-point Likert scale, while others used a multiple-choice format. Analysis was conducted in SPSS and included descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, t-tests, and binary logistic regression. The t-tests indicated that leadership practices implemented to prevent bullying in both public and private schools were highly effective and statistically significant (p < .05). This research contributes to our understanding of how school leadership and teacher involvement influence the efficacy of bullying-prevention strategies. By using quantitative methods, the study offers a comprehensive examination of school policies, bullying-awareness initiatives, and reporting systems. The findings highlight the importance of adopting context-specific approaches to bolster prevention efforts within schools. Future research that combines qualitative and quantitative analyses may yield deeper insights into the real-world challenges encountered in bullying-intervention strategies, thereby bridging the gap between policy formulation and practical implementation to ensure anti-bullying programs are both effective and culturally relevant.

The Cellular Trafficking And Targeting Of Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme-2 (Ace2) And Neutral-Amino-Acid-Transporter (B0at1) Variants: Implications For The Pathogenesis Of Associated Diseases And Therapy, Nesreen Fayyad Alkhofash

Dissertations

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the neutral amino acid transporter B0AT1, encoded by SLC6A19, are membrane proteins with pivotal roles in human physiology. ACE2 is involved in regulating blood pressure and serves as the cellular entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2, while B0AT1 facilitates amino acid absorption in the intestine. The interplay between ACE2 and B0AT1, particularly their physical interaction and co-expression in the intestine, underscores their relevance in both normal physiology and disease. Dysregulation of these proteins has been implicated in conditions such as hypertension, and Hartnup disease and they have been usurped by SARS-CoV-2 to cause COVID-19. Despite their …

Exploring The Relationships Between G2g, G2e And G2c E-Government Interactions And Organizational Readiness For Citizen Centricity In The Uae Government: Organizational Culture As A Moderator, Esam Al Sayed Ahmed

Dissertations

The UAE has topped the e-Gov development rankings globally over the last two decades. But during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain problems befell the model of e-Gov, like no coherent strategy, inconsistencies in digital practice, inadequate collaboration, the lack of mechanisms for innovation, poor digital talent, and concerns with public trust. After the pandemic, the government released its digital strategy (2021-2025) as part of the rapid recovery plan to stimulate the economy and society. The strategy aimed at increasing sustainability and innovation and putting citizens first. Yet, the strategy can be improved in regard to how prepared government …

Exploring Date Pomace As A Functional Ingredient In Bread: Nutritional And Functional Properties, Alaa Almoumen

Dissertations

This study investigated the incorporation of desugared date fruit pomace into wheat bread rolls and evaluated its effects on dough handling, bread quality, staling behavior, sensory acceptability, and nutritional composition. The research was conducted in three experimental phases: (i) development and characterization of a high-fiber dietary ingredient (HFDI) from date pomace, including its physicochemical and functional properties; (ii) bread fortification and quality assessment, where wheat flour was partially replaced with 0–20% HFDI to evaluate its effects on dough rheology, bread texture, color, moisture retention, shelf life, and consumer acceptance; and (iii) nutritional and physiological evaluation of the fortified breads, including …

The Epidemiology Of Major Congenital Anomalies In The United Arab Emirates: The Mutaba'ah Study, Hiba Mahdi Adam

Dissertations

Major Congenital Anomalies (MCAs) are significant contributors to perinatal morbidity and mortality. The absence of clear baseline prevalence data for MCAs hinders the development of targeted interventions to mitigate their burden. Furthermore, studies on adverse obstetric and birth outcomes in pregnancies complicated by MCAs are scarce, emphasizing the need for research to enhance management strategies. This dissertation aimed to: (1) estimate the live birth prevalence of perinatally diagnosed MCAs and describe study population characteristics by MCA status, (2) investigate the impact of MCAs on fetal presentation and delivery mode, and (3) investigate the impact of MCAs on preterm and low …

From Microplastic Impact To Biodegradation Solutions: Investigating Microplastic Pollution, Microbial Responses, And Efficacy Of Synthetic Microbial Consortia In Plastic Degradation, Rener Sahot De Jesus

Dissertations

Plastics, including microplastics, pose significant environmental threats due to their widespread presence and harmful ecological effects. This dissertation present three distinct, yet interconnected studies. First, a study on microplastic contamination in urban recreational parks was conducted in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Results showed that low-density microplastics were present in 87% of soil samples, with spectroscopic analysis identifying synthetic polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Additionally, these microplastics were found to negatively affect soil pH and moisture levels, emphasizing the need for enhanced monitoring and management strategies. Second, the effects of ground microplastics on Photobacterium leiognathi strains, a marine luminous …

It Ends With Us: How Social Media Algorithms Shape Recommendations In Online Reading Communities, Alana Nicole Whitley

Communication & Theatre Arts Theses

My thesis explores social media algorithms and their influence on recommendations of authors for people who engage with reading communities online. During a three-week research period, I examined algorithmic behaviors in online book communities using an alias. Findings revealed that BookTube, BookTok, and Bookstagram facilitate book discovery but offer weak algorithmic recommendations and suggestions. While social media algorithms excel at providing opportunities for creators and authors, they fail to promote trending and diverse books. These insights indicate that algorithms shape literary consumption by limiting readers’ choices. This research contributes to discussions of online reading communities and the role of algorithmic …

The Impact Of Drought And Socio-Economic Factors On Attitudes Toward Immigrants In South Africa, Pamela Antwi-Nimarko

Graduate Program in International Studies Theses & Dissertations

Estimates of the global migrant population have steadily increased, with current data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reporting approximately 281 million migrants worldwide. Alongside this growth, anti-immigrant sentiments have risen in many host countries. This study seeks to contribute to the research on attitudes toward immigrants by exploring climate-related factors, particularly drought, as a key influence.

Leveraging a unique dataset combining the World Values Survey (WVS) and Afrobarometer, the study examines how drought, along with individual and contextual factors, affects attitudes toward immigrants. This dataset allows for an in-depth analysis of the direct impact of drought on public …

Historic Bedrocks Of Volunteer Recruitment: Collaboration Between The Peace Corps And Higher Education Partners, Melanie Elizabeth Graham

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

In this study I investigate the collaboration between the United States Peace Corps and their higher education partnership institutions, focusing on Peace Corps Prep Programs (PCPP) which aim to recruit, prepare, and retain diverse Peace Corps Volunteers. The inquiry examines the purpose, structure, and process of these collaborations to uncover successes and shortcomings, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to effectiveness or hinder progress. A mixed-method, multiple case study methodology, integrating surveys and individual interviews that parallel The Wilder Collaboration Factors Inventory, facilitates an in-depth examination of the intricate dynamics and multifaceted experiences within the collaborative partnerships. By …

Biogenic Modification Of Tidally Modified Substrates From The Micro- To Macroscopic Scale, Rogers Clark Caldwell Buntin Ii

OES Theses and Dissertations

Digital outcrop models generated by high-resolution photogrammetric imagery permit investigations into organism-substrate interactions at the centimeter to sub-millimeter scale. This dissertation uses this three-dimensional technology to study two sedimentary successions— the Archaean Dresser Formation and Cretaceous Dakota Sandstone— by capturing images via unmanned aircraft systems and single lens reflex cameras. The ~3.48 Ga Dresser Formation provides evidence for some of the earliest life on Earth in the form of stromatolites and microbially induced sedimentary structures. Aerial imagery of the 3.5 km2 Buick Geoheritage reserve capture the site’s geologic structures and close-range imagery documents stromatolites and several microbially induced sedimentary structures …

Fostering Cognitive Complexity In Behavioral Health Providers: Perspectives From Supervisors In Integrated Primary Care, Katherina Nako

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

The integration of behavioral health into primary care settings, known as Integrated Primary Care (IPC), offers a holistic approach to addressing both physical and mental health needs (Ramanuj et al., 2019). Efforts to expand access to mental healthcare have contributed to the growing presence of IPC settings (Martin 2017), with mental health providers, such as mental health counselors, joining these teams as Behavioral Health Providers (BHPs; Blount, 2017). However, the unique complexities of IPC often leave BHPs feeling underprepared, largely due to the traditional training frameworks emphasized in many graduate counseling programs. The need for BHPs to adapt to the …

Black Students With Disabilities In The Virginia Community College System, David Jerome Sultzer

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

The advancement of policies and laws to support students with disabilities has increased the roles of students with disabilities in post-secondary institutions. There remains a significant disparity between the population of abled and disabled students and even a more significant disparity between Black and other students with disabilities on post-secondary campuses in the United States. Research has uncovered a fair amount of qualitative literature that speaks to the disparity between Black and other students with disabilities on post-secondary campuses with most of the qualitative literature from the perspective of the Black student with disabilities.

This study examined the perceptions of …

Designerly Skills: An Educational Design Research Study On K-5 Teacher-Designers N Trauma-Informed Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments, Kristin Marie Herman

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

This study explored how K-5 teachers exhibit designerly skills when creating trauma-informed, technology-enhanced learning environments. While teachers have long been recognized as designers, asset-based research on their specific designerly skills, particularly in trauma-informed digital spaces, remains limited. Using an educational design research (EDR) approach focused on research-for-interventions, this study examined which skills teachers consider essential and how these skills manifest in course designs supporting student belonging.

The study employed a multi-method qualitative approach over 12 months, following 23 K-5 teachers and administrators engaged in designing Canvas courses. Data collection included reflective discussion boards, design studio sessions, individual think-aloud protocols, and …

Enhancing Iot Security Using Lightweight Machine Learning Algorithms: A Comprehensive Approach Using Ensemble Learning, Feature Selection, And Federated Transfer Learning, Khawlah Harahsheh

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has introduced significant security vulnerabilities due to the resource-constrained nature of IoT devices and their exposure to cyber threats. Traditional security solutions are often infeasible due to the high computational and storage demands they impose. This dissertation presents a lightweight, AI-driven security framework that enhances IoT network resilience by integrating feature selection, ensemble learning, and federated transfer learning while maintaining data privacy and minimizing computational overhead.

The proposed framework consists of three primary components: Feature Selection for Intrusion Detection, which optimizes performance by reducing redundant data and improving detection accuracy with …

How Does Frugal Innovation Help Young Firms In The Us? The Moderating Roles Of Venture Capital Investment And Debt Financing, Zafrin Rahman, Wanying Shi

Business Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study examines the effects of frugal innovation on firm performance among young firms located in the U.S. Though frugal innovation is a concept that originated from innovation practices among emerging market firms, firms in the developed economies have absorbed a frugal mindset and are regularly exercising frugal innovation. We develop a framework for frugal innovation by building on entrepreneurial bricolage theory. One of our research findings shows that young firms in the U.S. find frugal innovation useful in gaining firm performance. In addition, interaction effects on firm performance are tested; those between frugal innovation and venture capital (VC) equity …

Mechanochemical Reaction Kinetics—A Theoretical Modeling And Experimental Study, Maria Dolores Masso Ramirez

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Mechanochemical reactions represent a class of chemical processes triggered by mechanical energy, widely recognized for their efficiency, solvent-free nature, and environmental benefits. They are increasingly applied in synthetic chemistry, a branch of science focused on creating new chemical compounds through controlled laboratory reactions. However, the mechanisms underlying mechanical activation remain poorly understood, primarily due to the difficulty in quantifying energy transfer during milling, where solid reactants are ground together using a ball mill. This thesis aims to bridge the gap in understanding the relationship between mechanical parameters and reaction kinetics by developing and validating a theoretical framework based on dimensional …

Internal Communication And Organizational Culture: A K–12 District Office Phenomenological Study, Jessica Coleman Scogin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study utilized motivating language theory to explore the experiences that K–12 district office staff had with internal communication. The purpose of the study was to find how these experiences impacted an employee’s feelings of safety, value, and positive emotions in the workplace. The lens of motivating language allowed for a view of how empathetic language, meaning-making language, and direction-giving language shaped experiences for employees. Communication is an integral part of the culture of an organization; yet it is often overlooked as an influencing factor in job satisfaction and well-being. In fact, poor internal communication can lead to negativity …

Barriers To Female Advancement In Health Sciences Education: A Qualitative Study Examining The Effect Of Culture And Values On Leader Selection, Christie C. Moreno

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Leadership in the 21st century has been broadly defined as a process of influence toward achieving shared goals. However, despite research affirming the leadership capabilities of both men and women, persistent gender disparities in executive leadership remain across sectors, particularly within academic health professions education. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of women in executive leadership roles at graduate health sciences centers in Texas. The purpose was to understand the barriers to advancement, the role of organizational culture and values, and the environmental and individual factors influencing leadership trajectories. Prior studies have identified that women often ascend to …

University Administrators’ Perceptions On Social Inequalities And Retention Of First-Year African American Students At Historically Black Colleges And Universities (Hbcus), Toni V. Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Low retention rates of African American students in U.S. higher education institutions remain an issue, with researchers exploring possible contributing factors, including social inequalities. This qualitative descriptive study explored the perspectives of administrators from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on the unique barriers African American students face in the HBCU context, including financial hardship, academic unpreparedness, and limited opportunities for social integration. Data were collected through detailed, voice-recorded, semistructured interviews conducted via Zoom with administrators, including provosts, presidents, and directors from 12 current and former HBCUs, to explore how policies initially perceived as unfavorable could positively impact institutional leadership …

Women Overcoming Barriers In Stem: How Mentors, Allies, And Sponsors Assist Career Trajectories In Higher Education, Leila Marie Romeo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the personal narratives of women in STEM in both public and private higher education institutions within various roles. Specifically, the researcher aimed to determine the following: (a) if mentors/allies influence the career trajectories of women in STEM in higher education institutions and (b) if mentors/allies aid in the support of women in STEM in higher education institutions. The researcher used semistructured interviews with a narrative analysis to determine areas of struggle for the sample within their careers and how mentors, allies, and sponsors were present throughout their careers to help the women overcome these challenges. Data …

Sigma Gamma Epsilon – Call To Convention: Final Notice And Convention Schedule, Scott R. Beason

The Compass: Earth Science Journal of Sigma Gamma Epsilon

No abstract provided.

The Compass - Volume 94 Issue 2 - Complete Issue, Scott R. Beason

The Compass: Earth Science Journal of Sigma Gamma Epsilon

No abstract provided.

4-Ethylacetophenone From Potato Plants Repels Phthorimaea Operculella And Inhibits Oviposition: A Sustainable Management Strategy, Xinyu Ma, Junjie Yan, Guangyuan Su, Fathiya M. Khamis, Athanase Hategekiman, Yulin Gao

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is an important pest of potato crops capable of boring into and consuming the potato tubers. Although chemical insecticides are employed to control P. operculella populations, their efficacy is frequently limited, raising environmental concerns. Host plant volatiles are important allelochemicals that can be exploited for the management of pests. In our previous studies, we identified five volatile organic compounds (3-ethylacetophenone, 4-ethylacetophenone, geranylacetone, ethylbenzene, and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone) as allelochemicals potentially influencing the oviposition behavior of P. operculella. Using electroantennography (EAG) and behavioral assays, we found that 4-ethylacetophenone significantly repelled P. operculella at all tested concentrations …

Nanosilica Supplementation In Tomato Increases Oviposition On Stems And Caterpillar Mortality In The Tomato Pinworm, Kokou R. Fiaboe, Fathiya M. Khamis, Xavier Cheseto, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Baldwyn Torto

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Silicon-induced responses play a key role in plant defense against herbivory, though the underlying mechanisms remain underexplored. In this study, we examined how mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) affect tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) defense against an invasive and highly destructive lepidopteran herbivore, the tomato pinworm (TPW), Phthorimaea absoluta. In tomato plants supplemented with MSN, prior exposure to TPW oviposition shifted subsequent egg-laying from a preference for leaves to an even distribution between stems and leaves. This shift was not observed in nonsilicon-supplemented plants. Prolonged oviposition triggered pigmentation in the basal cells of type I glandular trichomes on the stems of silicon-supplemented plants. …

From A Learning To A Smart Nation: The Rise Of The Digitalization Megatrend And Singapore's Development, Siu Loon Hoe

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to discuss the “learning nation” concept and examine the characteristics and implications of using the “learning” premodifier in this nation-building program. Design/methodology/approach: This article reviews how the “learning” aspect is inter-related to a series of national information and communication technology masterplans and includes a comparative analysis of the related premodifier “smart” as Singapore sets forth its ambition to become a “smart nation” as part of the digitalization megatrend. A print media indicator and Google Trends form part of the methodology to ascertain the rise of digital technology over a certain period. The former …

Verification Of Bit-Flip Attacks Against Quantized Neural Networks, Yedi Zhang, Lei Huang, Pengfei Gao, Fu Song, Jun Sun, Jin Song Dong

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In the rapidly evolving landscape of neural network security, the resilience of neural networks against bit-flip attacks (i.e., an attacker maliciously flips an extremely small amount of bits within its parameter storage memory system to induce harmful behavior), has emerged as a relevant area of research. Existing studies suggest that quantization may serve as a viable defense against such attacks. Recognizing the documented susceptibility of real-valued neural networks to such attacks and the comparative robustness of quantized neural networks (QNNs), in this work, we introduce BFAVerifier, the first verification framework designed to formally verify the absence of bit-flip attacks against …

The Lao Penal Code: A Comparative Discourse, Wing Cheong Chan, Wing Cheong Chan, Phanthasak Mingnakhone, Perrine Simon, Stanley Yeo

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

This book comprises a commentary on the criminal law of Laos dealing with the general principles of criminal responsibility, and describing the main offences against the person and property under the Lao Penal Code 2017.

Ada-Gen: Iterative And Incremental Generation Of Full-Stack Apps For Learning Agile/Devops Software Development Practices, Nguyen Binh Duong Ta

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

To learn Agile/DevOps practices effectively, students need to apply them in an actual software development project. This is challenging if students are mostly from non-computing backgrounds and they do not have time in the curriculum to learn programming and related tools. Therefore, it is important to help students who do not possess programming foundations to develop fully functional software during the process of learning Agile/DevOps concepts. We noted that existing low-code/no-code app development platforms have not been designed to teach Agile/DevOps practices. On the other hand, recent AI-based tools for code generation such as GitHub Copilot have been built mainly …