Recently, a significant number of applications are directing their interest into origami patterns which have been widely used in creating novel deployed structures and devices. In aerospace applications, for instant; there is a crucial need for improving the packaging efficiency and this can be obtained through having a low packaging volume to the deployed size ratio. Other than occupying less space, these structures are light weight, flexible, affordable, and have a stiffness higher than the construction material stiffness. Therefore, it is desirable to find a novel fabrication method to form an origami-based structure from lightweight composite materials which can be easily manufactured and cost-effective. In this paper, different out of autoclave methods were experimented to reach a novel approach that is both simple and affordable. This technique was then implemented to manufacture a cylindrical self-deployable boom using fiber-reinforced composite. The proposed model undergone mechanical characterization of the folds that showed a nonlinear moment vs. curvature relationship and suggested the applicable parameters to be further tested. Micro-CT and SEM testing was conducted to show the microanalysis of the model under load. Overall, the fabrication method was proven to be successful and the structure showed a high energy recovery in the folds.
The study aims to evaluate the risk of Station Blackout (SBO) in a single unit from probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) perspective and to re-evaluate the extended station blackout in multi-unit nuclear power plants that shared their dedicated emergency deiseal generator. The initiated event of SBO for the NPP unit is a combination of a Loss of Offsite Power (LOOP) and loss of its Emergency Diesel Generators (EDGs) and if the shared Alternative Alternate Current Diesel Generator (AAC) is lost, the SBO event is extended. The electrical cross-tie is a sharing (donation) of a unit?s dedicated (EDG) from non-impacted unit to the unit under extended SBO of multi-unit NPP in one site. The results of Core Damage Frequencies (CDFs) have been presented for a single unit with two EDGs, with additional third EDG (without crosstie) and with crosstie EDG from another unit. To ensure that, the SBO risk is not underestimated, the benefit and risk of crosstie between units have to be quantified with specific considerations.
In this study, a comparison is conducted between some of the most common techniques used in the nanofluid literature for calculation of the van der Waals (vdW) and electrical doublelayer (EDL) interaction potentials between nanoparticles suspended in a water base fluid. Input parameters and operation conditions that represent practical nanofluid systems used in solar and thermal applications have been used. Limitations and ranges of validity for the different vdW and EDL results have been highlighted. All interaction potentials have been evaluated within the context of DLVO theory, which is the cornerstone for studying the kinetic stability and agglomeration of colloidal particles. Thus, recommendations have been provided with regards to the most appropriate vdW and EDL expressions to be used in the DLVO analysis of solar and thermal nanofluid systems.
Xenon oscillation is a serious issue in nuclear power plants that affects the efficiency of such power plants. Xenon oscillations result from the imbalance between three key parameters, flux distribution in the core, Xenon distribution, and lastly iodine distribution. An improved procedure to simulate and dampen Xenon oscillations by determining only two parameters namely, ?a? and the proportional constant for Xenon concentration difference on axial offset , is previously proposed by the authors (Shimazu, 2009; Al Nuaimi et al., 2019). These two parameters can be calculated from actual nuclear reactor data obtained from nuclear power plants during their operation. In this paper, the approach described earlier (Al Nuaimi et al., 2019) will be validated by solving for the two reactor parameters, ?a? and , through determination of the stability index, ? and angular velocity, ?. This can be done by using fitting algorithm on PWRs? real data in order to characterize the expected Xenon oscillations behavior.
The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of people's lives. Specifically, education has transformed from its traditional form into a remote online environment. The Ministry of Education carried out its emergency plan and launched virtual classrooms through several platforms. This has supported students in their learning journey and ensured that education is guaranteed even through the toughest situations. However, the closure of educational institutes has greatly impacted all involved parties. We conducted research based on a survey that focused on digital connectivity, learning efficiency, social life, and technological literacy. The results from the survey have been analyzed and visualized to clearly display the impact of the pandemic on education. This research is highlighting the main issues with online learning among School-age students. Moreover, it will contribute to enhancing the e-learning experience, improving educational policies, and future planning.
The purpose of this study is to explore the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum system IB in line with its global citizenship mission which emphasis cultural diversity with the aim of shedding light on bilingualism in practice, particularly in curriculum approach and design. This research study followed a qualitative approach in a case study framework (Yin, 1994) with a semi-structured interview, observations and informal interviews with school personnel which provided insights on bilingualism in the IB system. The topic of bilingualism deduced further themes such as the literature selection, students' and parents' perception and the quality and choices of literary work. The study recommends further research in the bilingual effect on learners in the IB framework, taking in consideration two main points, the role of the first language and the national identity in promoting culturally responsive education.
Mathematical literacy is an important skill that students must possess, as it helps students understand and use mathematics in the real world. The main aim of this study is to investigate the impact of a proposed mathematical enrichment program developed based on the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) framework. This International assessment is particularly important because it is on the National Agenda as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aspires to be among the top 20 countries in the world in PISA by 2021. This research applied a nonequivalent pre-posttest quasi-experimental research method was conducted where a Mathematical literacy test was used to collect data. Data were collected from 102-grade 10th students from the advanced stream, taken from two schools. Data is going to be analysed by applying the covariate analysis to compare the experimental group means of performance with the control groups.
In an attempt to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 138 countries around the globe have locked schools and higher education institutions nationwide, impacting over 1.3 billion students, among them 1.1 million in the UAE (UNESCO, 2020). The UAE government have planned for a complete transition into distance learning in an attempt to allow for an uninterrupted virtual verification of knowledge and significant educational activities. The current study examined the influence of students' engagement (SE) and ease of communication (EC) with distance learning on the students' academic achievement. Self-reported measures of SE and EC during distance learning were obtained from 138 post-graduate students from UAEU. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed significant correlation between SE and EC with students' academic achievement including cumulative GPA. Generalized linear model revealed that SE and EC are strong predictors of students' academic achievement. Implications of fostering SE and EC are discussed.
The study will identify the active cortical areas in the prefrontal lobe during reading tasks for younger children with and without dyslexia in two classes of one public school in Al -Ain, UAE. Few studies have examined cortical activation and none for reading Arabic skills. The study will follow an exploratory experimental research design (fNIRS as a tool to measure cortical areas that are active during reading acquisition across younger children with and without dyslexia in an inclusive environment. Ten (10) 3rd graders male students with and without dyslexia, attending Arabic as (a native language) classes will be the participants of the study. Participants will comprise two sample groups. The participants will complete reading stimuli assessments using fNIRS.; As a result, we suggest fNIRS as an additional technique to track brain activation changes in the field of educational neuroscience.
The globalization of economies and societies worldwide has transformed higher education by creating a context that includes an "international" dimension in higher education institutions (HEIs). Global learning is essential for the development of cognitive skills and the success of academics. In this regard, institutional stakeholders such as administrators, faculty, and students are key players in the initiatives to internationalize academia. This study examines the institutional stakeholders' perspectives of the internationalization of higher education in the United Arab Emirates. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to institutional stakeholders within eight HEIs in the UAE. According to the findings, the respondents believed that internationalization is a significant means for knowledge creation and sharing, which can ultimately improve the quality of education. However, the main risk is the dilution of cultural values. This study provides decision-makers a rich source of information to enhance the planning and implementation of internationalization within their respective institutions.