PAGE. 1 · 2017. 3. 23. · PAGE. 10 Message from the Executive Chair On behalf of the Conference Organizing and Technical Committees, I would like to welcome you all to the 2015

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UAEGSRC

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Table of Contents

About UAE GSRC

Conference Honorary Chair

Message from the Steering Committee Chair & the General Chair

Message from the Executive Chair

Message from the Technical Program Committee Chair

Conference Committees

Sponsor and Organizer

Conference Venue

Keynotes

Program

Author-Session Index

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ABOUT UAE GSRC

Under the patronage of HE.Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Graduate Students Research Conference (UAE GSRC) is an exciting interdisciplinary academic event that will share graduate level research being conducted at universities across the UAE and internationally.

The main purpose of this conference is to provide opportunities for graduate students to share their research work and initiatives with each other, receive scholarly feedback and network professionally. The event will also enable graduate students to showcase their innovative scholarship to various sectors of industry and government, and get feedback on practical aspects that may enhance the value of their research. Prospective graduate students will be able to learn about the various research opportunities available at the participating academic institutions.

www.uaegsrc.ae

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CONFERENCEHONORARY CHAIR

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Conference Honorary Chair

H.E. Dr. Amal Al-QubaisiDirector General of Abu Dhabi Education Council

Member of the Executive Council and the Executive Committee at the General Secretariat of the Executive Council.

Chair of the Social Committee at the Executive Council.

First Deputy Speaker of the Federal National Council, the first woman in the GCC to hold this position.

The first woman to be elected as member of the UAE Federal National Council in 2006.

President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Group representing the UAE Federal National Council, Member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Representative of the Arab Group in the Coordination Committee of Women Parliamentarians.

Chairman of Education, Media, Youth and Culture Committee at the Federal National Council in the 14th session.

Chair of the Advisory Committee of Woman Workforce in the UAE.

Representative of the Federal National Council in the Steering and Executive Committee for Developing the National Strategy for Motherhood and Childhood; chairing all the strategy’s working teams from over 50 governmental ministries, Authorities, Departments and NGOs from across the UAE.

Rated the 7th most powerful woman in the Arab World in 2013 by Arabian Business.com.

Coordinated with UNESCO for signing an agreement aiming at developing a strategy for the conservation of Al Ain City heritage for the first time in the Arab World and worked on listing it as a World Heritage Site.

Ph.D in Architectural Engineering, with Honours in 2000 (holds the world’s only doctoral degree on the Conservation of the UAE’s Architectural Heritage).

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Message from the Steering Committee Chairand the General Chair

On behalf of the Steering Committee of the 2015 UAE Graduate Students Research Conference (UAE GSRC 2015), I would like to welcome our guests, speakers and participants and wish them to have a fruitful, successful and enjoyable conference. Furthermore, I would like to express our gratitude and thanks to His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE for accepting to hold the conference under his patronage.

The UAE GSRC is an exciting interdisciplinary academic event to share the graduate level research being conducted at universities across the UAE, in particular, as well as internationally. The main purpose of this conference is to provide opportunities for graduate students to share their research work with each other, receive scholarly feedback and network professionally. The event will also enable graduate students to showcase their innovative scholarship and get feedback on practical aspects that may enhance the value of their research. Prospective graduate students will be able to learn about the various research opportunities available at the participating academic institutions.

In its inaugural year, the UAE GSRC 2015 provided an opportunity to graduate students to share their research results in specific areas under the following major tracks:

• Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences• Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health• Life Sciences• Engineering and Physical Sciences

In addition to the research papers under the above tracks, the conference has five distinguished keynote speakers who will address current and future issues related to challenges in various fields. The keynote speakers include highly accomplished academic scholars as well as industry leaders in the UAE and abroad.

Our special thanks go to the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) for initiating this conference, which is dedicated to graduate students, and for their generous sponsorship. Without their support, it would not have been possible to organize such an event.

The success of this conference is attributed to those individuals who have worked hard to ensure smooth operations before and during the event. Hence, we would like to thank the members of the Steering Committee, the Organizing Committee and Students Organizing sub-committee, and the Technical Program Committee.We trust you will professionally benefit from the Conference as well as enjoy it socially.

Dr. Arif Al-Hammadi, Steering Committee Chair and General Chair

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Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi is currently serving in Abu Dhabi Education Council as the Executive Director of the Higher Education Sector and in Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research as the Executive Vice President.

Dr. Arif is the chairman of the board of trustees of Emirates College of Advanced Education, a trustee at Mohammed-V Abu Dhabi University, a trustee at UAE water aid foundation and a board member at Strata (Mubadala’s composite aerostructures manufacturing facility).

He is also the chair of the steering committee and general chair of UAE graduate research conference (UAE GSRC), chairman of the executive committee of the UAE advanced network for research and education (ANKABUT), the chairman of Gulf Nuclear Infrastructure Institute, the founding chair of the UAE Mobile Application Contest (UAE MAC) and the founding chair of the UAE ICT Research Forum (UAE ICTRF).

Dr. Arif is a holder of a PhD Degree in Telecommunications which he obtained from the Queen Mary, University of London (2000 and a holder of a Bachelor Degree in Telecommunications Engineering with Honors from Etisalat University College - UAE (1994).

In the past Dr. Arif held several other key positions in the educational field, including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Deputy Head of the Computer Engineering Department, Manager of Etisalat University College and Interim and Founding President of Khalifa University.

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Message from the Executive Chair

On behalf of the Conference Organizing and Technical Committees, I would like to welcome you all to the 2015 UAE Graduate Students Research Conference (UAE GSRC 2015). This is the first conference in the UAE that is dedicated to graduate students. I would like to express our gratitude and thanks to His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE for accepting to hold the conference under his patronage.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) the initiator and main sponsor of this conference. I would also like to express our gratitude to the members of the Steering Committee for their valuable support and guidance.

We would like to thank Khalifa University for accepting to lead the organization of the UAE GSRC 2015. Organizing an inaugural event bring with it many challenges particularly when it tries to cover different disciplines and involves coordination between different institutions. Therefore, the Steering, Organizing and Technical Committees were designed to include representatives from different institutions and different disciplines. We also made sure that student representatives from different levels and disciplines are involved in the organization.

In order to recognize this collaborative and all-inclusive effort, we would like to express our special thanks to Khalifa University, UAE University, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, The Petroleum Institute, and Zayed University for actively engaging in the various committees and for encouraging their graduate students to participate in the UAE GSRC 2015.

Special thanks go to the keynote speakers for enhancing the technical program with their expertise. We would also like to thank the graduate students from the UAE and the various international institutions who contributed by submitting papers to the conference, the Technical Program Committee members, the track chairs, and the reviewers for putting together a very interesting and stimulating technical program.

I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the members of the Organizing Committee and the various volunteers for their professionalism and valuable efforts in making the 2015 UAE GSRC a success. In particular I would like to thank the External Relations Department as well as other entities at Khalifa University for their support.

Finally, I hope that your participation in the conference will be enjoyable and rewarding.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Mualla, Executive Chair

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Dr. Mohammed Al-Mualla (CEng, MIET, SMIEEE) holds a PhD degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and an MSc degree in Communication Systems and Signal Processing both from the University of Bristol, U.K. He also holds a BEng degree in Communications Engineering from Etisalat College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates.

Since 2000 he has been with Khalifa University where he has served in many roles including Manager of the Abu Dhabi Campus and Interim Provost and Senior Associate Provost. He is currently the Senior Vice President for Research & Graduate Studies providing leadership and strategic direction for graduate programs and for university research and its engagement with industry, and in the management of university Intellectual Property, technology transfer, and research support services.

During his career, Dr Al-Mualla has contributed to the teaching, research and administration sides of the University. He has taught a range of courses and has published widely in refereed international journals and conferences. He is the author of the book “Video Coding for Mobile Communication: Efficiency, Complexity and Resilience”, Academic Press, 2002. He has contributed to curriculum and program development, and participated in, and led, many accreditation activities by both local and international bodies. He has been a member and chair of numerous University committees, boards, and panels.

Dr. Al-Mualla is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the ICT Fund and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute. He is a member of the Senior Management Board of the Etisalat-British Telecom Innovation Center and chair of the Senior Management Board of the Mubadalah-KU Aerospace Innovation Center. He also served in the past on the Board of Directors of C4 Advanced Solutions and the Board of the Emirates Science Club.

Dr. Al-Mualla is very active in professional societies and services. He is a Chartered Engineer (C.Eng.), Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), and Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Dr. Al-Mualla is currently the Chairman of the IEEE UAE Section. He also served as the Vice Chairman from 2006 to 2012. He founded the IEEE UAE Signal Processing & Communication Joint Chapter and served as its founding chair from 2004 until 2012. Dr Al-Mualla has been a member of the steering, organizing and technical program committees of many international conferences, and has served on many editorial and reviewing boards of international journals and conferences.

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Message from the Technical Program Committee Chair

On behalf of the Technical Program Committee, we would like to welcome you all to the 2015 UAE Graduate Students Research Conference (GSRC). We would like to express our gratitude and thanks to His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE for accepting to hold the conference under his patronage.

This multidisciplinary conference received papers under the following major tracks:• Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences• Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health• Life Sciences• Engineering and Physical Sciences

A total of 300 papers have been accepted for oral presentations at the conference. The papers are split among the conference tracks as follows: 44 papers Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 14 Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health, 12 Life Sciences, and 230 Engineering and Physical Sciences.

The program consists of 69 oral sessions covering the 4 major tracks of the conference. The Engineering and Physical Sciences track covers Bioengineering, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Earth and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Energy and Petroleum, Material Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Mechanical Engineering, and Robotics & Automation.

Besides the exciting program of research papers, the conference has five distinguished keynote speakers. Professor Sir John O'Reilly, FREng, UK, will talk about Higher Education, Research and Innovation: a symbiotic inter-relationship. Paolo Dario, Scuola Superiore Sant›Anna, Italy will talk about The Science and Engineering of BioRobotics: A Grand Challenge for innovative and creative graduate students H.E. Mr. Homaid Al Shemmari, Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace & Engineering Services, Mubadala, UAE will talk about Shaping the Future: Career Opportunities for Skilled Graduate Students. Dr. Alison Burdett, Chief Technology Officer, Toumaz Group, UK will talk about Ultra-Low-Power Semiconductors for Wireless Patient Monitoring. Prof. Eugenio Oñate, Technical University of Catalonia, Spain will talk about Numerical Methods in Engineering: Current Developments and Future Trends.

Finally, the Technical Program Committee would like to thank the keynote speakers, authors, session chairs, reviewers, and the volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make the technical program possible. Special thanks to the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) for the initiation of the UAE GSRC and their generous sponsorship.

Dr. Mahmoud Al-Qutayri, Technical Program Chair

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Dean for Graduate Studies – College of Engineering, and a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Khalifa University, UAE. He holds a PhD degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Bath, UK, an MSc degree in Communication Engineering and Digital Design from the University of Manchester, UK, and a B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering from Concordia University, Canada.

Dr. Al-Qutayri has been with Khalifa University since 1996, where he made significant contributions to teaching, research and service. Prior to joining Khalifa University, he was a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at De Montfort University, UK. He also had short industrial appoints including a Principal Engineer position at Philips Semiconductors, Southampton, UK.

During his academic career, which spans over 23 year, Dr. Al-Qutayri has taught many courses at both undergraduate as well as graduate levels mainly in electronic systems design. He also published numerous technical papers in peer reviewed international journals and conferences. He also contributed a number of book chapters and coauthored a book entitled “Digital Phase Look Loops: Architectures and Applications,” Springer, 2006. He also edited a book entitled “Smart Home Systems,” In-Tech, 2010. Dr. Al-Qutayri’s fields of research interest include embedded systems design and applications, design and test of mixed-signal integrated circuits, and wireless sensor networks.

As the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, Dr. Al-Qutayri has overall responsibility of managing all the graduate programs in the College of Engineering at Khalifa University as well as overseeing the development and accreditation of new programs. In addition to this role, he is a member of a number of committees at the University. During his service at Khalifa University, Dr. Al-Qutayri also made significant contributions to undergraduate education including the development of courses and degree programs. He chaired the curriculum committee for a number of years.

Dr. Al-Qutayri is very active in professional societies. This includes SMIEE (Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), MIET (Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology), and Chartered Engineer (C.Eng.), UK. His professional service includes membership of the steering, organizing and technical program committees of many international conferences.

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Conference Committees

Steering CommitteeDr. Arif Al-Hammadi, ADEC & Khalifa University - ChairDr. Mohammed Al-Mualla, Khalifa UniversityDr. G. Alhadrami, UAE UniversityDr. M. Allen, Zayed UniversityDr. S. Griffiths, Masdar InstituteDr. M. M. Durandeau, Petroleum InstituteDr. Amr Elchouemi, ADEC

Conference General ChairDr. Arif Al-Hammadi, ADEC & Khalifa University

Conference Executive ChairDr. Mohammed Al-Mualla, Khalifa University

Conference Executive Vice ChairDr. Lakmal Seneviratne, Khalifa UniversityOrganizing CommitteeProf. Mahmoud Al-Qutayri, Khalifa University (Chair)Prof. Nagi Wakim, UAE UniversityProf. Chet Jablonski, Zayed UniversityProf. Mohamed Sassi, Masdar InstituteProf. Youssef Abdel Magid, Petroleum Institute

Student Organizing Sub-CommitteeEssa Ibrahim Basaeed, Khalifa UniversityKlaithem Alnuaimi, UAE UniversityNoura Al Dhaheri, Masdar InstituteHumaid Al Kuwaiti, Petroleum InstituteKaltham Al Romaithi, Khalifa UniversityHilal Alkatheeri, UAE UniversityHumair Nadeem, Masdar InstituteAfra Al Meraikhi, Petroleum Institute

Technical Program CommitteeProf. Mahmoud Al-Qutayri, Khalifa University (Chair)Arts, Humanities & Social SciencesDr. Labeeb Bsoul, Khalifa University Prof. Fatima Al Sayegh, UAE UniversityDr. Themistoclis Pantos, Zayed UniversityClinical, Pre-Clinical & HealthProf. M. Ljubisavljevic, UAE UniversityLife SciencesDr. Habiba Alsafar, Khalifa University

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Prof. Amr Amin, UAE UniversityProf. J. E. Schmidt, Masdar InstituteEngineering & Physical SciencesProf. Kin Liao, Khalifa UniversityProf. Hassan Noura, UAE UniversityDr. Andrew Marrington, Zayed UniversityProf. Tariq Shamim, Masdar InstituteDr. Ali Almansoori, Petroleum Institute

Technical Program Committee Members and ReviewersProf. Saleh Al-Araji, Khalifa UniversityProf. Mahmoud Al-Qutayri, Khalifa UniversityDr. Lutfi Albasha, American University of SharjahDr. Ali Almansoori, The Petroleum InstituteDr. Habiba Alsafar, Khalifa UniversityProf. Fatima Alsayegh, UAE UniversityDr. Amr Amin, UAE UniversityDr. Joonsang Baek, Khalifa UniversityDr. Labeeb Bsoul, Khalifa UniversityDr. Young-Ji Byon, Khalifa UniversityProf. Wesley Cantwell, Khalifa UniversityDr. Nicolas Christoforou, Khalifa UniversityProf. Jorge Dias, Khalifa UniversityDr. Tarek El Fouly, Khalifa UniversityDr. George Wesley Hitt, Khalifa UniversityDr. Chet Jbalonski, Zayed UniversityProf. George Karagiannidis, Khalifa UniversityDr. Faisal Khan, Khalifa UniversityDr. Peng-Yong Kong, Khalifa UniversityDr. Lydia Kostopoulos, Khalifa UniversityProf. Dimitrios Kyritsis, Khalifa UniversityProf. Milos Ljubisavljevic, UAE UniversityDr. Tufail Malik, Khalifa UniversityDr. Andrew Marrington, Zayed UniversityProf. Tim McGloughlin, Khalifa UniversityDr. Baker Mohammad, Khalifa UniversityProf. Hassan Noura, UAE UniversityDr. Muhamad Olimat, Khalifa UniversityDr. Themistoclis Pantos, Zayed UniversityDr. Kyriaki Polychronopoulou, Khalifa UniversityDr. Mohamed Sassi, Masdar Institute Prof. Jens Ejbye Schmidt, Masdar Institute Dr. Ayman Shabra, Masdar Institute

Prof. Tariq Shamim, Masdar Institute Prof. Raed Shubair, Khalifa UniversityDr. Banu Sizirici Yildiz, Khalifa UniversityDr. Andrzej Sluzek Khalifa, UniversityProf. Bashar Zahawi, Khalifa UniversityDr. Rachad Zaki, Khalifa UniversityDr. Jamal Zemerly, Khalifa UniversityDr. Ashraf Al-Khateeb, Khalifa UniversityDr. Hassan Al-Muhairi Khalifa UniversityDr. Mohamed Alshaikh, UAE UniversityDr. Joonsang Baek, Khalifa UniversityProf. Fawzi Banat, The Petroleum InstituteDr. Young-Ji Byon, Khalifa UniversityDr. Deborah Gater, Khalifa UniversityDr. Kenan Hazirbaba, Khalifa UniversityDr. Farkhund Iqbal, Zayed UniversityDr. Raja Jayaraman, Khalifa UniversityDr. Suryani Lukman, Khalifa UniversityDr. Vikas Mittal, The Petroleum InstituteDr. Rabeb Mizouni, Khalifa UniversityDr. Chih-Wen Ni, Khalifa UniversityDr. Fathalla Rihan, UAE UniversityDr. Shakti Singh, Khalifa UniversityDr. Kamal Taha, Khalifa UniversityProf. Murat Kaya Yapici, Khalifa UniversityDr. Chan Yeob Yeun, Khalifa UniversityProf. Lianxi Zheng, Khalifa University

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Sponsor

Abu Dhabi Education Council

ADEC was established in 2005 to develop education and educational institutions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, implement innovative educational policies, plans and programs that aim to improve education, and support educational institutions and staff to achieve the objectives of national development in accordance with the highest international standards.

The Higher Education sector within ADEC is tasked to develop and implement the higher education strategy that focuses on and promote research and development in Abu Dhabi, support the linkage between academy and economy and more importantly to develop a human capital workforce that matches the 2030 economy vision of Abu Dhabi.

www.adec.ac.ae

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Organizer

Khalifa University

Khalifa University was established in 2007 to complement Abu Dhabi’s 2030 vision, which aims to build a knowledge-based economy that effectively contributes to the development of the United Arab Emirates.

Khalifa University’s main campus is located in Abu Dhabi. Presently, Khalifa University offers bachelor’s degrees in Computer (with optional concentration in Software Systems), Communication, Electrical and Electronic (with optional concentration in Power Systems), Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, Industrial and Systems, and Biomedical Engineering, and a BSc in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Master’s degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Information Security and International and Civil Security, in addition to a Doctorate degree program in Engineering with the option to specialize in Mechanical, Aerospace, Nuclear, Biomedical, Electrical & Computer, or Robotics Engineering. Moreover, Khalifa University is establishing research centers in priority research areas such as Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Energy and the Environment, Aerospace, Transport & Logistics, Security, and Healthcare. Khalifa University is open to men and women from all nationalities with particular emphasis being placed on educating young UAE nationals.

www.kustar.ac.ae

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Conference Venue

The conference will be held in Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel in Abu Dhabi. The hotel boasts a prime location at the mainland gateway to the cosmopolitan city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. With its strikingly, contemporary architecture, this beachfront business hotel offers the highest level of comfort and elegance throughout its 369 Guest Rooms and Suites, including the ultimate exclusive lifestyle hotel experience with Fairmont Gold. For more information on this hotel please access their web site:www.fairmont.com/abu-dhabi

Venue AddressKhor Al Maqta P.O. Box 114304 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel +971.2.654.3333Fax +971.2.654.3322

Meeting Facilities• The conference will be held in a dedicated meetings building with a separate

entrance and reception area to the hotel.

• The registration desk, exhibitions and coffee breaks will be in the reception area.

• The opening ceremony, keynotes, and closing ceremony will be in Saqr Ballroom (A+B).

• The lunch will be served in the Saqr Ballroom C.

• Oral sessions will be held in Al-Reem A, Al-Reem B, Baniyas A, Baniyas B, Yas and Saadiyat.

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Venue Map

Event venue layout

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KEYNOTES

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Keynotes

Keynote 1 Higher Education, Research and Innovation: a symbiotic inter-relationship

Professor Sir John O'Reilly FREnGDate and Time Sunday 22 March, 9:30 - 10:15Room Saqr Ballroom

AbstractThe "knowledge triangle" of higher education, research and innovation, their inter-relationship, interworking and mutuality, is explored. The two-way, mutually beneficial and supportive relationships and interactions, synergistic to the point of symbiosis, are recognised and it is noted that no one aspect can be as strong and effective as it needs to be without the others. No nation with aspirations to be a significant player in the emerging knowledge economy can determine to be ‹good› at just one: excellence in any requires commitment to excellence in all. A strong and fully effective knowledge triangle is crucial for success – in science of course, but equally for the economy and society we wish and need to have.To present, illustrate and support this assertion exemplars and illustrative outcomes will be provided from some high performing systems around the world.

About the PresenterSir John O'Reilly was appointed Director General of Knowledge and Innovation in February 2013. John came from Cranfield University where he was Vice Chancellor from December 2006.Prior to that John was Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and has held academic posts at Essex, Bangor and UCL universities. He worked at the Royal Radar Establishment, Post Office Research Centre, BT Laboratories and with the small and medium-sized enterprises sector (IDB Ltd, CAST Ltd).John is a board member of ERA Foundation, chairman of UK Interoperability Standards (NICC) and a commissioner of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851. His international roles include serving on the Board of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and as chair of the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) of Singapore and as chair of the systems and communications engineering panel for the European Research Council (ERC).He is an international member of Académie Hassan II des Sciences et Techniques and of Academia das Ciências de Lisboa. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a past president of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (now the Institute of Engineering and Technology) and a Fellow and former member of council of the Royal Academy of Engineering. John was created Knight Bachelor in 2007 for contributions to science.

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Keynotes

Keynote 2 The Science and Engineering of BioRobotics: a grand challenge for innovative and creative graduate students

Prof. Paolo Dario, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, ItalyDate and Time Sunday 22 March, 10:30 - 11:15Room Saqr Ballroom

AbstractModern robotics combines technology and science: robotics technology allows to build new machines, smart and helpful in real-life scenarios; robotics science makes use of robotic systems to validate scientific models, or even to generate new scientific knowledge.Biorobotics is an emerging area of robotics pursuing an integrated approach to the study of robots and biological systems. A key aspect of biorobotics is the effort to model biological systems by methods and technology of engineering and robotics, with the twofold aim of: 1) designing high performance machines for biomedical applications; 2) designing bio-inspired machines based on the concept of embodied intelligence for different (often non biomedical) applications. Humans are at the centre of the scientific interest and technological applications of biorobotics, which therefore can be defined as «robotics in the service of humans». Biorobotics is also a deeply interdisciplinary field, where diverse technologies converge, such as: advanced mechanical design and components; materials; sensing; actuation; micro-, precision and ultra-precision fabrication technologies; embedded control; ITC technologies; human-machine interfaces; power supply; etc. At the same time, biorobotics is deeply transdisciplinary, since it involves knowledge and methods from disciplines and areas outside the technology field, such as biology, medicine, economy, sociology, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, and ethics. This lecture briefly introduces the theoretical framework of biorobotics and discusses its many implications and applications, including clinical and industrial, with particular attention to bio-inspired robots and to the biomedical field.

About the PresenterPaolo Dario is Professor of Biomedical Robotics, Founding Director of The BioRobotics Institute of the Scuola Superiore Sant›Anna (SSSA), Pisa, Italy and Visiting Professor in many international universities and currently serving as Visiting Chief Researcher, Biomedical Engineering and Robotics, at KUSTAR, UAE. Prof Dario coordinates the PhD Program in BioRobotics at SSSA, with a total of about 90 PhD candidates. His main research interests are in bio-robotics, medical robotics, biomechatronics and micro/nano biomedical engineering. He is the coordinator of many national and European projects, the author of more than 300 ISI journal papers, the recipient of +25 international patents and the founders of many start-up companies. He has been and is Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editor and member of the Editorial Board of many international journals, and the program chair and plenary invited speaker in many international conferences. Prof. Dario has served as President of IEEE Robotics and Automation Society in years 2002-2003, he is an IEEE Fellow, a Fellow of the European Society on Medical and Biological Engineering, and a recipient of many honors and awards, such as the Joseph Engelberger Award for Pioneer Research in Biomedical Robotics and of the IEEE RAS George Saridis Leadership Award in Robotics and Automation 2014.

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Keynotes

Keynote 3 Shaping the Future: Career Opportunities for Skilled Graduate Students

H.E. Mr. Homaid Al Shemmari, MubadalaDate and Time Monday 23 March, 9:00 - 9:50Room Saqr Ballroom

About the PresenterH.E. Mr. Homaid Al Shemmari is Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace & Engineering Services, with oversight of Mubadala›s aerospace, communications technology and defense services portfolios.Before joining Mubadala, H.E. Mr. Al Shemmari was a Lieutenant Colonel in the UAE Armed Forces, with involvement in military aviation, maintenance, procurement and logistics.Board Positions: Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company, Strata Manufacturing, Maximus Air Cargo, Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies, Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Center (AMMROC) and ADASI; board member of Mubadala Petroleum, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), Abu Dhabi Aviation, Royal Jet, GLOBALFOUNDRIES and Piaggio Aero Industries Spa.

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Keynotes

Keynote 4 Ultra-Low-Power Semiconductors for Wireless Patient Monitoring

Dr. Alison Burdett, Toumaz Group, UKDate and Time Monday 23 March, 14:00 - 14:50Room Saqr Ballroom

AbstractThe majority of patients in hospital have measurements of their vital signs taken and recorded only intermittently; typically at 6 or 8 hourly intervals. As a result, patient deterioration can occur to a point of serious consequence before it is recognized by the clinical staff. It is neither practical nor desirable to attach all patients to static monitors; such a solution would be very expensive, and would confine patients to bed.This talk will outline recent advances in ultra-low power semiconductors which are enabling a new wave of miniature, wearable and wireless healthcare devices. Such devices are already being deployed within hospitals to increase patient safety by allowing near-continuous monitoring of a much wider patient population than previously possible. The challenges of, and solutions to monitoring ambulatory patients will be described, and future applications and ongoing research topics will also be discussed. Finally the talk will outline a vision where these mobile healthcare devices could also be deployed outside hospital to enable a truly mobile and personalised healthcare revolution.

About the PresenterAlison has over 25 years of experience in semiconductor design, particularly in the field of ultra-low power wireless communication. She joined Toumaz in 2001 as Technical Director, and is currently Chief Technology Officer (CTO), responsible for delivering silicon and healthcare technology programmes within the company. Prior to joining Toumaz, Alison spent time both in industry as an integrated circuit designer, and also in academia (as Senior Lecturer in Analogue IC Design at Imperial College London).Dr. Burdett is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (FIET) and a Senior Member of the IEEE. She was European Regional Chair (2013-2015) of the Technical Programme Committee for the IEEE International Solid State Circuits Conference (ISSCC). She is a member of the UK National Microelectronics Institute (NMI) Microelectronics Design Advisory Board, and a Visiting Researcher at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College.

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Keynotes

Keynote 5 Numerical Methods in Engineering: Current Developments and Future Trends

Prof. Eugenio Oñate, Technical University of Catalonia, SpainDate and Time Tuesday 24 March, 9:00 - 9:50Room Saqr Ballroom

AbstractThe lecture presents an overview of current developments and applications of the most popular numerical methods for solving problems of interest in engineering. The state of the art in the finite element method (FEM) and in a selected number of meshless techniques and particle-based methods, such as the discrete element method (DEM) and the particle finite element method (PFEM) are described. Applications of the numerical methods to problems in civil, mechanical, aerospace, naval, marine and oil and gas engineering are presented. The future trends in the numerical methods for analysis of multidisciplinary problems in engineering and applied sciences are highlighted.

About the PresenterProf. EUGENIO OÑATE, Civil Engineer by Technical University of Valencia, Spain (1975) and PhD by University of Swansea, Wales, UK (1979), Professor of Structural and Continuum Mechanics at Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Director of the School of Civil Engineering of Barcelona (UPC) (1983-1989), founder and director of the International Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE, www.cimne.com) (since 1987), founder and Honorary President of the Spanish Society of Numerical Methods in Engineering (SEMNI) (since 2004), founder and Past-President of the European Community on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences (ECCOMAS) (2000-2004) and Past-President of the International for Association Computational Mechanics (IACM) (2002-2010). He has received a number of awards from universities and scientific and technological organisations worldwide. He is editor of three international journals and author of three text books and some 300 scientific papers on developments and applications of finite element and particle-based methods for structural and geomechanical problems, fluid dynamics, fluidsoil-structure interaction and industrial forming processes.For details see www.cimne.com/eo

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THEPROGRAM

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Time

Saqr

Ballroom

Al-

Reem

A

Al-Reem

B

Baniyas

A

Baniyas

B

Yas Saadiyat

Sunday, March 22

08:00 Registration (Conference Reception)

09:00

Opening

Ceremony

09:30

Keynote 1:

Higher

Education,

Research and

Innovation: a

symbiotic inter-

relationship

10:15 Coffee Break (Conference Reception)

10:30

Keynote 2:

The Science

and

Engineering of

BioRobotics: a

grand challenge

for innovative

and creative

graduate

students


11:30

SA1:

Electrical &

Electronic

Engineering

SB1:

Energy &

Petroleum

SC1: Arts,

Humanities

and Social

Sciences

SD1:

Mechanical

Engineering

SE1:

Computer &

Information

Science

SF1: Health

and Life

Sciences

SG1:

Operations

Research &

Management

Science

13:30 Lunch (Saqr Ballroom C)

14:30

SA2:

Electrical &

Electronic

Engineering

SB2:

Energy &

Petroleum

SC2: Arts,

Humanities

and Social

Sciences

SD2:

Mechanical

Engineering

SE2:

Computer &

Information

Science

SF2: Health

and Life

Sciences

SG2:

Mathematics

& Statistics


16:20

SA3:

Electrical &

Electronic

Engineering

SB3:

Energy &

Petroleum

SC3: Arts,

Humanities

and Social

Sciences

SD3:

Mechanical

Engineering

SE3:

Computer &

Information

Science

SF3: Health

and Life

Sciences

SG3:

Mathematics

& Statistics

Monday, March 23

09:00

Keynote 3:

Shaping the

Future: Career

Opportunities

for Skilled

Graduate

Students

09:50

MA1:

Electrical &

Electronic

Engineering

MB1:

Chemistry

& Chemical

Engineering

MC1: Arts,

Humanities

and Social

Sciences

MD1:

Mechanical

Engineering

ME1:

Communication

Engineering

MF1:

Bioengineering

MG1: Civil

Engineering

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11:40

MA2:

Electrical &

Electronic

Engineering

MB2:

Chemistry

& Chemical

Engineering

MC2: Arts,

Humanities

and Social

Sciences

MD2:

Materials

Science

ME2:

Communication

Engineering

MF2: Health

and Life

Sciences

MG2: Civil

Engineering


14:00

Keynote 4:

Ultra-Low-

Power

Semiconductors

for Wireless

Patient

Monitoring

14:50

MA3:

Electrical &

Electronic

Engineering

MB3:

Chemistry

& Chemical

Engineering

MC3: Arts,

Humanities

and Social

Sciences

MD3:

Materials

Science

ME3: Earth &

Environmental

Engineering

MF3: Health

and Life

Sciences

MG3: Civil

Engineering


16:30

MA4:

Electrical &

Electronic

Engineering

MB4:

Chemistry

& Chemical

Engineering

MC4: Arts,

Humanities

and Social

Sciences

MD4:

Materials

Science

ME4: Earth &

Environmental

Engineering

MF4: Health

and Life

Sciences

MG4: Civil

Engineering

Tuesday, March 24

09:00

Keynote 5:

Numerical

Methods in

Engineering:

Current

Developments

and Future

Trends

09:50

TA1:

Electrical &

Electronic

Engineering

TB1:

Chemistry

& Chemical

Engineering

TC1: Earth

&

Environmental

Engineering

TD1:

Materials

Science

TE1:

Computer &

Information

Science

TF1:

Information

Security

TG1: Earth

&

Environmental

Engineering


11:40

TA2:

Electrical &

Electronic

Engineering

TB2:

Robotics &

Automation

TD2:

Materials

Science

TE2:

Computer &

Information

Science

TF2:

Information

Security

TG2: Earth

&

Environmental

Engineering


14:00

TA3:

Electrical &

Electronic

Engineering

TB3:

Robotics &

Automation

TC3: Arts,

Humanities

and Social

Sciences

TD3: Arts,

Humanities

and Social

Sciences

TE3:

Computer &

Information

Science

TF3:

Information

Security

TG3: Arts,

Humanities

and Social

Sciences


16:00

Closing

Ceremoney

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Sunday, March 22

08:00 - 09:00

Registration (Conference Reception)

09:00 - 09:30

Opening Ceremony

Room: Saqr Ballroom

Welcome Speech

H.E. Dr Amal Al-Qubaisi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Education Council and Honorary Chair of the UAE

GSRC2015

About the UAE GSRC

Dr Arif Al-Hammadi, EVP of Khalifa University, Executive Director of Higher Education, ADEC, and Steering

Committee Chair and General Chair of the UAE GSRC2015

A brief Overview of the UAE GSRC 2015 Program

Dr Mohammed Al-Mualla, SVP Research and Graduate Studies of Khalifa University and Executive Chair of the

UAE GSRC2015

09:30 - 10:15

Keynote 1: Higher Education, Research and Innovation: a symbiotic inter-relationship

Professor Sir John O'Reilly FREnG

Room: Saqr Ballroom

Abstract:The 'knowledge triangle' of higher education, research and innovation, their inter-relationship, inter

working and mutuality, is explored. The two-way, mutually beneficial and supportive relationships and

interactions, synergistic to the point of symbiosis, are recognised and it is noted that no one aspect can be as

strong and effective as it needs to be without the others. No nation with aspirations to be a significant player

in the emerging knowledge economy can determine to be 'good' at just one: excellence in any requires

commitment to excellence in all. A strong and fully effective knowledge triangle is crucial for success - in

science of course, but equally for the economy and society we wish and need to have.To present, illustrate

and support this assertion exemplars and illustrative outcomes will be provided from some high performing

systems around the world.

About the Presenter: Sir John O'Reilly was appointed Director General of Knowledge and Innovation in

February 2013. John came from Cranfield University where he was Vice Chancellor from December 2006.Prior

to that John was Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and has

held academic posts at Essex, Bangor and UCL universities. He worked at the Royal Radar Establishment, Post

Office Research Centre, BT Laboratories and with the small and medium-sized enterprises sector (IDB Ltd,

CAST Ltd).John is a board member of ERA Foundation, chairman of UK Interoperability Standards (NICC) and

a commissioner of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851. His international roles include serving on

the Board of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and as chair of the Science and

Engineering Research Council (SERC) of Singapore and as chair of the systems and communications

engineering panel for the European Research Council (ERC).He is an international member of Académie

Hassan II des Sciences et Techniques and of Academia das Ciências de Lisboa. He is also a member of the

Board of Trustees of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a past president of the Institute of Electrical Engineers

(now the Institute of Engineering and Technology) and a Fellow and former member of council of the Royal

Academy of Engineering.John was created Knight Bachelor in 2007 for contributions to science.

10:15 - 10:30

Coffee Break (Conference Reception)

10:30 - 11:15

Keynote 2: The Science and Engineering of BioRobotics: a grand challenge for

innovative and creative graduate students

Prof. Paolo Dario, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy

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Room: Saqr Ballroom

Abstract: Modern robotics combines technology and science: robotics technology allows to build new

machines, smart and helpful in real-life scenarios; robotics science makes use of robotic systems to validate

scientific models, or even to generate new scientific knowledge.Biorobotics is an emerging area of robotics

pursuing an integrated approach to the study of robots and biological systems. A key aspect of biorobotics is

the effort to model biological systems by methods and technology of engineering and robotics, with the two-

fold aim of: 1) designing high performance machines for biomedical applications; 2) designing bio-inspired

machines based on the concept of embodied intelligence for different (often non biomedical) applications.

Humans are at the centre of the scientific interest and technological applications of biorobotics, which

therefore can be defined as "robotics in the service of humans". Biorobotics is also a deeply interdisciplinary

field, where diverse technologies converge, such as: advanced mechanical design and components; materials;

sensing; actuation; micro-, precision and ultra-precision fabrication technologies; embedded control; ITC

technologies; human-machine interfaces; power supply; etc. At the same time, biorobotics is deeply

transdisciplinary, since it involves knowledge and methods from disciplines and areas outside the technology

field, such as biology, medicine, economy, sociology, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, and ethics.This

lecture briefly introduces the theoretical framework of biorobotics and discusses its many implications and

applications, including clinical and industrial, with particular attention to bio-inspired robots and to the

biomedical field.

About the Presenter:Paolo Dario is Professor of Biomedical Robotics, Founding Director of The BioRobotics

Institute of the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (SSSA), Pisa, Italy and Visiting Professor in many international

universities. He is currently serving as Visiting Chief Researcher, Biomedical Engineering and Robotics, at

KUSTAR, UAE.Professor Dario coordinates the PhD Program in BioRobotics at SSSA, with a total of about 90

PhD candidates. His main research interests are in the fields of bio-robotics, medical robotics, bio-

mechatronics and micro/nano biomedical engineering. He is the coordinator of many national and European

projects, the author of more than 300 ISI journal papers, the recipient of 25+ international patents and the

founders of many start-up companies.He has been and is Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editor and member of the

Editorial Board of many international journals, and the program chair and plenary invited speaker in many

international conferences. Prof. Dario has served as President of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society in

the years 2002-2003, he is an IEEE Fellow, a Fellow of the European Society on Medical and Biological

Engineering, and a recipient of many honors and awards, such as the Joseph Engelberger Award for Pioneer

Research in Biomedical Robotics and of the IEEE RAS George Saridis Leadership Award in Robotics and

Automation for 2014.

11:15 - 11:30


11:30 - 13:30

SA1: Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Room: Saqr Ballroom

SA1.1 11:30 SCA Resistant Elliptic Curve Cryptography Processor

Hamad Al Marzooqi (Khalifa University, UAE)

Physical cryptographic systems tend to leak side channel information that might be correlated to

critical information. With a multilayer Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) system, leakages are observed

from every layer of the system. Power consumption is a major source of leakage that is easily

gathered and analysed by attackers using simple setup. In this paper, we propose a new and cost

effective countermeasure to increase the robustness of an ECC processor against Simple Power

Analysis (SPA) attacks.

SA1.2 11:50 A CMOS Temperature Sensor with Self-referenced Successive

Approximation ADC

Sami Rehman (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology & Masdar Institute of

Science and Technology, UAE); Ayman Shabra (iMicro, Masdar Institute of Science

& Technology, UAE)

This brief discusses the design and implementation of a Successive Approximation Analog to Digital

Converter (SAR ADC) for thermal monitoring which, unlike other ADCs, does not require an explicit

voltage reference. Instead, the reference is implemented digitally using only the inputs from the

sensor. We demonstrate a novel ratio-metric scheme to implicitly implement the reference inside the

temperature sensor ADC used for thermal management of 3D integrated architectures. Simulation

results performed in 65nm CMOS for 12-bit ADC demonstrate the feasiblity of this new idea, and

illustrate that after applyig room temperature trim, reference less SAR results in roughly ×2 times

lower mismatch and process spread in error estimate compared to traditional SAR based sensor design

and hence can achieve better temperature accuracy.

SA1.3 12:10 Evaluation of a m-Watt Range Wireless Sensor Node Using an

Extended Semi-Markov Model

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Yasmin Halawani (Khalifa University, UAE)

Wireless Sensor Nodes (WSN) are used in Wireless Sensor Networks as well as the internet of things

applications. The growing interest in long lifetime for WSNs has resulted in an increase focus on the

energy efficiency of the overall system. Most of the emphasis in the system design has been on trade-

offs between communication and computing aspects with minimum focus on the memory side. This

paper construct a framework for analyzing the energy efficiency of a sensor node architecture

highlighting the impact of traditional SRAM memory on overall system power and lifetime. A semi-

Markov model with realistic activities of the WSN system including memory is developed. The

simulation results of the proposed model using MATLAB show an improvements of 2x at 90% duty

cycle in the lifetime of WSN when memory is utilized. Furthermore, the paper introduces an emerging

non-volatile ReRAM -memristor to further improve the overall power efficiency.

SA1.4 12:30 An All-Digital, CMOS Zero Current Switching Circuit for Thermal

Energy Harvesting

Mohammad Alhawari (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research,

UAE); Baker Mohammad (Khalifa University, UAE); Hani Saleh (Khalifa University

of Sciente, Technology & Research, UAE); Mohammed Elnaggar (Khalifa

University, UAE)

This paper introduces an all digital, CMOS zero current switching (ZCS) circuit that enables a wide

dynamic and a fine resolution zero current detection range for inductor based DC-DC converter. Using

only a 3 bit design, more than 1.5 micro second dynamic range with 50 ns delay resolution is achieved.

Post layout SPICE simulation results confirm that 85% efficiency can be achieved for the overall

system.

SA1.5 12:50 Novel Electrical Based Technique for Microalgae Lipid Content

Quantification

Leena Saqer, Mahmoud Al Ahmad and Hanifa Taher (United Arab Emirates

University, UAE); Sulaiman Al-Zuhair (UAE University, UAE); Ali Al Naqbi (United

Arab Emirates University, UAE)

In this work, a novel electrical based technique for the lipid content quantification inside microalgae

cells suspended is presented. A single microalgae cell capacitance was estimated by measuring the

suspension capacitance and de-embedding the contribution of the medium. The microalgae strain used

in this experiment is Nannocloropsis and its actual lipid content was determined. For validation,

samples with unknown lipid content were quantified using the suggested technique and compared to

samples obtained by conventional methods.

SA1.6 13:10 Comparison of Crowd Segmentation for Surveillance

M. Sami Zitouni (Khalifa University, UAE); Harish Bhaskar (Khalifa University of

Science Technology and Research, UAE)

In this paper we present a comparison that sheds the light on existing techniques for crowd

segmentation that mainly aimed for surveillance applications. Crowd segmentation and modeling are

becoming critically important for crowd management and behavior analysis. This review introduces an

identification of technical and methodological differences between the crowd segmentation methods.

The comparison is based on the novelty of each method, its usefulness, assumptions, advantaged and

disadvantages. The review is supported by samples of the results from videos each method were

applied on to spot the differences.

11:30 - 13:10

SB1: Energy & Petroleum

Room: Al-Reem A

SB1.1 11:30 Rheological and Physicochemical Characterization of Crude Oil

Akinola Olanrewaju, Shadi Hasan and Mohammad Abu-Zahra (Masdar Institute of

Science and Technology, UAE)

Crude oils have the potential to be used as pack up fuel in power generation. However; prior to this

deployment in the power sector; the crude oils compositions and physicochemical properties need to

be evaluated. Therefore, this study focused on the characterization of three types of crude oil (A, B,

and C) as well as fuel oil using different approaches. Experimental measurements in terms of the

rheological and physicochemical analyses provided detailed information about the n-heptane insoluble

asphaltenes, apparent pH values, pour point, percentage moisture content, viscosity and density of the

samples. Density and viscosity dependence on temperature was investigated between 20 to 200 oC.

Using Arrhenius equation to model the exponential decrease of viscosity in relation to temperature

increase, it was observed that the activation energy for flow execution for crude oil A, B, C and fuel oil

is 1246.1, 1201.3, 1309.5 and 4809.8 mPa.s.K, respectively.

SB1.2 11:50 An Industry Survey of the Petroleum Engineering Parameter, Oil

Formation Volume Factors

Lulu Liu (The Petroleum Institute, UAE)

Oil formation volume factors(FVF) are extremely important and widely used in the oil industry. As

investigated in the literature review, laboratory PVT experiments can not represent real reservoir

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depletion processes because of laboratory constraints and conventional adjustment methods have

limitations. As part of the master thesis which is to develop a new method to adjust FVF, this survey is

to know how the industry professionals use oil FVF currently.

SB1.3 12:10 Enhancing Depth of Penetration by Application of Low-

concentration Acid IOR (EK LCA-IOR) in Under Reservoir (HPHTHS) Conditions

Abu Dhabi Carbonates

Arsalan Ansari (The Petroleum Institute & ZADCO, UAE); Mohammed Haroun and

Mohammed Motiur Rahman (The Petroleum Institute, UAE)

Improved Oil Recovery has been on the forefront of petroleum R&D for the past 4 decades as it helps

in the improvement of the oil sweep efficiency. EK-LCA-IOR is one of the emerging technologies which

involves the application of the Low-concentration acidizing integrated with electrically enhanced oil

recovery. Core-flood tests were performed on carbonate core plugs in a specially EK-designed core-

flood setup. After the waterflooding stage, EK was applied with varying voltage gradient and varying

acid concentrations. The experimental results have shown that the application of waterflooding on the

carbonate cores yields an oil recovery of 60%. An additional 17-28% recovery was enhanced by the

application of EK-LCA-IOR recording a maximum oil sweep of 88%. In addition, EK-LCA-IOR was

shown to enhance the reservoir's permeability by 53% as it also allows us to save on the OPEX by

reducing the acid/water requirement upto 10 times as compared to conventional EOR/IOR.

SB1.4 12:30 Characterization of Thick Transition Zones in Carbonate Reservoirs

Jorge Costa Gomes (The Petroleum Institute, UAE)

Naturally, tight carbonate reservoirs exhibit thick transition zones (TZ's) that could contain large

amounts of original oil in place (OOIP) and hence significant addition of reserves could be left behind if

the rock-fluid interactions and recovery mechanisms are not well understood. This work presents the

results of both static and dynamic properties, including fluid flow analysis, of carbonate samples

collected along a thick TZ of a heterogeneous cyclic carbonate reservoir of Abu Dhabi. The samples

were collected from the same well at a depth of 9000+ ft., and rock and fluid typing was conducted

taking into consideration the pore size distribution, the irreducible water saturation, the residual oil

saturation, the oil and formation water characteristics, and the wettability all with respect to depth.

Furthermore, the importance of wettability on Archie's saturation exponent 'n' on computation of OOIP

will be discussed.

SB1.5 12:50 The Impact of Carbonate Cyclicity and Petrophysical Properties in

Well/Reservoir Performance of a Carbonate Reservoir

Ruaa Jaafar (Petroleum Institute, UAE); Jorge Gomes (The Petroleum Institute,

UAE)

This paper aims to analyze the implications of carbonate cyclicity, with various degrees of

heterogeneity, on the areal/vertical sweep efficiency of water-flood projects. The area where the model

was built pertains to Thamama-B reservoir in X-field. With the assistance of high resolution

mechanistic static and dynamic models, the project also investigated the impact of various reservoir

descriptions and multiple well completions, involving vertical and horizontal wells, on the overall sweep

efficiency and recovery factor. Detailed geostatistical models of the petrophysical properties were built,

capturing the small scale sedimentary and diagenetic cycles, including the dense stylolitic intervals.

The mechanistic model, based on real field data, comprised of a crestal Oil-producer and a downflank

water-injector, with different completion strategies. The conclusion of this work showed that to achieve

a higher recovery factor it is not enough to change the injection fluid or the displacement efficiency

mechanism. The completion strategy is equally important

11:30 - 13:30

SC1: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Room: Al-Reem B

SC1.1 11:30 Decline of Oil Prices in GCC: Causes and Impact

Hessa Al Ateibi (Zayed University & MOFA, UAE)

Global prices of oil have continued to fall over the last few months. The trend has left observers

confused about the longevity of decline in light of the insistence of some major oil-producing countries,

such as Saudi Arabia, of maintaining their production ceiling. The phenomenon raises questions about

the impact of the decline on countries that are highly dependent on oil revenues in their annual

budgets, including Arab countries that do not garner enough revenue from other investment sectors or

alternative fuels. Above all, what are the causes for this decline in oil prices? This paper addresses the

impact of drop in oil prices on the short- and long-term economic growth of the GCC. The paper

highlights the political and economic causes that triggered the decline in oil prices and the

consequences of price drop on the oil producing and importing countries.

SC1.2 11:50 Empowerment of Arab Women in Economy

Reem Alshamsi (Zayed University, UAE)

Women make up a little over half the World's population. However, their contribution to measured

economic growth is far below its potential, with serious macroeconomic consequences. In Arab

countries, women work predominantly in the public sector, mostly in the education and health sectors.

The recent pro-democracy movement originated in Arab countries highlighted the need for many

political and economic reforms. The continuation of high unemployment among women increases the

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foundational imbalance in regards to social justice, which creates an Environment conducive to social

conflict and political instability. The importance of human resources, especially youth and women must

be invested in building the economy. As a form of cultural diplomacy,UAE can provide a vital platform

for the transferal of its development views and leadership experiences to female Arab leaders. Such

cultural entails the Emirati government taking action to help the other women to follow and apply the

Emirati Women model.

SC1.3 12:10 Inclusion of African American Muslim Slave Narratives in American

Literature

Muna Al Badaai (UAEU, UAE)

Slave narrative as a genre became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many African Muslims who

were enslaved in the Americas wrote autobiographies, diaries, letters, plantation records and other

such documents. Compared with slave narrators such as Frederick Douglass or Harriet Jacobs, literary

scholars have long marginalized African American Muslim slave such as Omar Ibn Said, Abu Bakr al-

Siddiq, Abdul al-Rahman Ibrahim.This paper aims to review the important sources in the field and

discuss the issue of inclusion of these narratives, in particular Omar's narrative, in the American canon.

The addition of Muslim narratives would provide a complete and more scholarly picture about slaves

and their writings. It would also highlight the possible influences of these Muslim slaves on other

African American writers. This merits investigation because Muslim slaves were literate prior to their

enslavement unlike their African American counterparts.

SC1.4 12:30 Principals' Communication Styles and School Performance in Al Ain

Government Schools, UAE

Shereen Mahmoud (UAEU, Palestine); Ali Ibrahim (UAEU, UAE)

This study described principals' communication styles and investigated their relationships to school

performance in Al Ain city government schools in the UAE. Data were collected through a questionnaire

of 50 items. Six hundred sixty seven male and female staff out of a total population of 2240 staff in 40

schools responded to the questionnaire. Then, semi-structured phone interviews with 11 participants

were conducted to collect qualitative data. The results showed that principals in Al Ain schools are

almost always expressive in their communication. They almost never act aggressively or use

moodiness or threat in their communication. The results showed also that participants attributed high

performance to the principal's supportiveness style. When the school was used as the unit of analysis,

the preciseness style of the principal had the highest correlation coefficient with high performance.

Finally, the study found that styles of moodiness and threat were correlated negatively with school

performance.

SC1.5 12:50 An Examination of Leadership Style in One Public Authority in the

UAE

Sandra Baroudi (Zayed University, UAE)

This study will examine which of the three main types of leadership (transformational, transactional,

and avoidant) is mostly followed by Emirati managers inside one public organisation in the UAE by

using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire developed by Bass and Avolio (1990) and re-examined

by Avolio, Bass, and Jung (1999.This paper documents that Emirati leaders were dominantly

transformational.It also finds that they contribute in transactional and avoidant components of their

management style. The researcher concludes that transactional style was followed in order to meet

quick deadlines and to be able to deal with the stress and daily workload, by helping the team focus on

accomplishing specified goals without failure.In light of these findings, the researcher recommends that

management inside public organisation should provide a more relaxed environment and give

reasonable time to the tasks accomplishment in order to reduce the stress and workload.

Recommendations and future research is also discussed.

SC1.6 13:10 Electoral Capacity and the Administration of the Scottish

Referendum on Independence

Emily Strong (University of Utah, USA)

In 1997, Scotland asked its citizens: Do you agree that there should be a Scottish Parliament? Their

response was overwhelmingly – yes. Subsequently, in 1998 Westminster passed the Scotland Act,

creating the Scottish Parliament. The next fifteen years were cornerstone to the evolution of Scottish

elections. Within the bounds of devolution, great strides were made in improving Scottish elections.

This included the creation of the Electoral Management Board (EMB) for Scotland in 2008. This analysis

explores how, in a six year period, the EMB Scotland grew from budding electoral advisory board to

chief operator and statutory power for the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum. This assessment

follows the United Nation's Development Programme's (UNDP) model on Capacity Notes and organizes

data, reports, interviews, and recorded activities from three stages: Pre-referendum period,

referendum period, and Post-referendum period to assess the capacity of the EMB for Scotland and its

administration of the Independence Referendum.

11:30 - 13:10

SD1: Mechanical Engineering

Room: Baniyas A

SD1.1 11:30 CFD Modelling and Validation of Cocurrent Gas-Liquid Trickle Flow

Through Fixed Bed Reactors and Comparative Analysis of Different CFD Models

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Shahid Rabbani and Mohamed Sassi (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE)

This work mainly consists of CFD modeling of cocurrent gas-liquid flow in Trickle Bed Reactors (TBR)

which has variety of applications in petroleum refining industry. Traditionally, TBRs are modeled in CFD

with 3D geometry which is computationally intensive and very costly. This study incorporates simpler,

quick and cost effective method of 1D/2D CFD modeling to predict pressure drop and liquid holdup in

TBR. The objectives of the study include CFD analysis of hydrodynamics of multiphase flow across TBR

and comparison of experimental observations with that of CFD models. In order to predict the liquid

holdup and pressure drop inside reactor under different operating conditions, CFD analysis of the

multiphase flow across fixed bed reactor have been performed. First, different CFD models were

prepared and validated with experimental results in Ansys Fluent 14.0. Then the comparative analysis

of these models is presented where their advantages, limitations and applications have been explored.

SD1.2 11:50 A 3D Analytical Model for Shape Memory Alloys Accounting for

Plasticity and Asymmetric Response

Cheikh Cisse (Khalifa University, UAE)

In this paper, extensions of the ZM model [1] are proposed to account for irreversible plastic

deformations and asymmetry between tension and compression response of Fe-based shape memory

alloys. The procedure casts mainly within the framework of generalized standard materials with

internal constraints For the time being, only the mathematical model is described. Numerical and

experimental results will be detailed in future work.

SD1.3 12:10 Analytical and Numerical Modeling for Single Lap-Joint Bond-line

Region

Mariam Ahmed Al-Dhaheri (United Arab Emirates University, UAE); Frank van

Liempt (Design Engineering & Strata, UAE); Soufiyane Ait El Hadj (STRATA

Manufacturing, UAE); Abdel-Hamid Ismail Mourad (Unietd Arab Emirates

University, UAE)

The use of adhesive materials in assembling some aircraft structural components, e.g. spoilers, is

increasing in the aerospace industry, since it reduces the overall weight of the aircraft and maintains

the strength of the component, unlike other joining techniques, e.g. bolts and rivets. Therefore,

researchers and engineers became more interested in solving for stresses of the bond-line regions

using analytical and numerical techniques, e.g. Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This will enable them to

report the stress values at these critical regions during the design process and/or in the stress

justification reports for the manufactured part. In this paper, both analytical and FEA were conducted.

Hart- Smith model was used in the analytical analysis, while NASTRAN Sol 400 (Implicit nonlinear

Analysis) was used in the 2D FEA. The analytical and FE results were in a good correlation in predicting

the maximum and average shear stresses.

SD1.4 12:30 Induced Draft Wet Cooling Tower Performance in Abu Dhabi

Ambiant Conditions

Sultan AlAli (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology & Masdar Institute,

UAE); Abdulla Al Ali (Masdar & Masdar, UAE); Mohamed Ali (Masdar, UAE)

A thermodynamic analysis on an induced wet cooling tower is presented, using 1st and 2nd laws as

well as exergy flow analysis. The variation of the second-law efficiency, exergy destruction and cooling

tower effectiveness is determined as a function of various input parameters such as inlet air dry bulb

temperature and inlet air relative humidity through a parametric study. Irreversible losses are

determined by applying an exergy balance on each of the systems investigated. In this regard, an

engineering equation solver program has been developed using thermodynamic functions and pressure

and temperature dependent transport properties. For the different input variables that meet Abu Dhabi

hot and humid environment, efficiencies were seen to decrease because of increasing the exergy

destruction. Cooling down the outlet humid air will condensate a significant amount of pure water, in

addition the cooled air can be recycled back to the tower for cooling the hot water.

SD1.5 12:50 The Manufacture of Scaled High-performance Complex Structures

Using RTM/VARTM

Hussam Alhussein and Rehan Umer (Khalifa University, UAE)

The manufacture of scaled high-performance complex aerospace structures using RTM/VARTM is one of

the most promising manufacturing technologies available in the market. They can be used to

manufacture large three dimensional components with desired mechanical properties. Injection phase

in Liquid composite molding (LCM) must ensure complete impregnation of resin within the dry preform.

Many parameters affect the impregnation phase such as: pressure, temperature, viscosity, fiber

compaction and gates/vents location. In the study, resin is going to be characterized as function of

temperature and time using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and rheological meter.

Understanding the injection characteristics and permeability effect is crucial in the whole process as

well. These data will be used to simulate filling process using PAM/RTM software in order to estimate

filling time and identify optimum gate and vent locations in the scaled structure. Moreover, fiber

placement robots are going to be used for complex fiber layups.

SE1: Computer & Information Science

Room: Baniyas B

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Generalized N-Grams and an Ensemble of Randomized Models

Mahmoud Khonji (KUSTAR, UAE); Youssef Iraqi (Khalifa University, UAE)

Due to the rapid growth of electronic texts in the Internet, the need to identify, verify or profile their

authors becomes increasingly attractive for forensics, market analysis, recommender systems, or even

anti-forensics (pro-privacy) applications. This paper presents the results of an experiment in electronic

text author verification. The novelty of this experiment is two fold. First, the use of a generalized

n-grams feature extractor which allowed us to explore additional features beyond what is evaluated in

the literature. Second, the generalization of the score aggregation function of the state-of-the-art in

author verification. A partial implementation of this classifier ranked first in the international author

identification challenge in PAN14: http://www.uni-weimar.de/medien/webis/research/events/pan-14/

--- the leading international competition in stylometry. This paper presents preliminary findings of a

further developed author verification classifier with the addition of a feature that represents a special

case of syntactic n-grams (sn-grams).

SE1.2 11:50 Efficient Demand Response Management Algorithms for Microgrids

Chi-Kin Chau (Masdar Institute, UAE); Khaled Elbassioni and Areg Karapetyan

(Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Majid Khonji (Masdar

Institute, UAE); Hatem Zeineldin (Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, UAE)

Demand response has become one of the major technologies for smart grids providing the means for

efficient management and performance. The higher the demand response incentives set by utility

companies, the more customers are participating to demand response schemes. Nonetheless, with

increasing customer participation identifying the optimal load curtailment for customers turns out to be

computationally complex. This paper proposes efficient algorithms for event-based demand response

management for microgrids. In these systems, it is of significant importance to optimally shed loads as

fast as possible to conserve microgrid stability, taking into account a combination of active and

reactive power. Efficient algorithms for determining the optimal loads to be curtailed during islanded

operation are compared and contrasted. A novel algorithm based on a greedy approach that is capable

of determining a close-to-optimal load shedding scheme rapidly to maintain microgrid stability is

proposed.

SE1.3 12:10 Scalable Multi-hop Data Dissemination in Vehicular Ad Hoc

Networks

Moumena Chaqfeh and Abderrahmane Lakas (UAE University, UAE)

The rapid evolution of wireless communication capabilities and vehicular technology would allow traffic

data to be disseminated and collected by travelling vehicles in the near future. Vehicular Ad hoc

Networks (VANETs) are self-organizing networks that can support different types of traffic applications

without requiring fixed infrastructure or centralized administration. Since traffic data is of public

interest, it is more appropriate to rely on broadcasting for data dissemination in VANETs. However,

broadcasting under high densities may easily lead to the broadcast storm problem due to data

redundancy and packet collisions. Instead of blind data flooding, only some of the vehicles can be

selected as packet relays. Existing solutions are not yet enabled to estimate traffic density effectively

and accurately, and therefore, they do not scale well according to traffic regime. We propose to design

a scalable data dissemination method for multi-hop VANETs that can estimate traffic regime for low

broadcasting overhead.

SE1.4 12:30 A Framework for Comparison of Trust Models for Multi-Agent

Systems

Dina Shehada (Khalifa University, UAE)

Nowadays, agents technology plays an important role in the development of service applications.

However, balancing between the flexible features agents provide and their vulnerability to many

attacks is considered a great challenge. In this paper we discuss trust models developed by researcher

for the sake of providing trustworthiness and security to Multi-Agent Systems (MAS). A framework for

comparison of different trust models is provided. Trust models are first compared and classified

according to types of evaluations used, weight assignment, consideration of inaccurate evaluations and

architecture. They are also compared according to suitability to MAS

SE1.5 12:50 Deployment Optimization Model of Indoor Distributed Antenna

Systems for Multi-Storey Buildings with Particle Swarm Optimization

Dina Atia (Khalifa University for Science Technology and Research, UAE); Dymitr

Ruta (Etisalat British Telecom Innovation Centre, UAE); Kin Fai Poon and Anis

Ouali (Khalifa University, UAE); Abdel Isakovic (KUSTAR, UAE)

In-door wireless access becomes a standard and ensuring a thorough and economically sound wireless

signal coverage throughout the building is increasingly important problem. In-building Distributed

Antenna System (DAS) extends the wireless access from the base station to distributed antennas

through the complex network of coaxial cables and power splitters. For high rise buildings the initial

cost of DAS and the running costs of powering the network are quite significant, calling for the optimal

design of DAS network. This Report offers a novel, complete building DAS optimization model that

utilizes Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to provide a near optimal network topology that minimizes

the cost of the cabling, equipment and power requirements. As opposed to other approaches which

solve this problem only partially our model is a compete proposition for DAS optimization that is

scalable and can deliver quality DAS designs even for the tallest buildings with hundreds of floors.

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11:30 - 13:30

SF1: Health and Life Sciences

Room: Yas

SF1.1 11:30 Two SNPs in the VKORC1 Gene are Sufficient to Predict the

Appropriate Warfarin Dose Among Emirati Patients

Hayat Saad Al-Jaibeji (College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University &

Maastricht University, UAE); Bassam Ali and Lihadh Al-Gazali (United Arab

Emirates University, UAE)

Warfarin dose vary up to 10-fold among patients. The gene encoding for the target enzyme of

Warfarin, vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 (VKORC1), is a highly polymorphic gene and

contributes about 30% of this variability .In this Study, we used PCR amplification and direct DNA

Sanger sequencing to genotype the two most important variants in VKORC1 gene. The sample

consisted of 117 Emirati healthy nationals as controls and 96 patients on Warfarin therapy. The alleles

and genotypes frequencies were determined for both groups. In addition, the daily Warfarin

maintenance dose for patients was examined for association with both SNPs. Crucially, both VKORC1

polymorphisms were found to be strongly associated with the Warfarin dose required to achieve the

target international normalized ratio INR (p < 0.0001). The results of this study confirm the suitability

of VKORC1 genotyping to guide the use of the appropriate Warfarin dose among Emiratis

SF1.2 11:50 Spontaneous Heart Rate is Reduced in Streptozotocin-Induced

Diabetic Rat

Zannatul Ferdous, Haider Raza and Mohammed Anwar Qureshi, MA (United Arab

Emirates University, UAE); Frank Howarth (UAE University, UAE)

Diabetes mellitus is a serious and increasing global health burden, with cardiac dysfunction reported as

a frequent complication of clinical and experimental diabetes mellitus. In vivo biotelemetry studies in

rat have demonstrated that heart rate is progressively reduced after administration of streptozocin1.

The effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on action potentials in isolated perfused rat heart has

been investigated. Heart rate was significantly reduced in Langendorff perfused spontaneously beating

diabetic rat heart compared to controls. Prolongation of action potential repolarization may partly

underlie reduced spontaneous heart rate in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.

SF1.3 12:10 Early Gene Expression Changes in Dorsal Root Ganglia of

Streptozotocin Rat Model of Diabetic Neuropathy

Nadia Hussain, Khatija Parekh, Eric Mensah-Brown and Chris Howarth (College of

Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, UAE); John Morrison (College of

Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, United Kingdom); Thomas Adrian

(United Arab Emirates University & College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE)

Diabetic neuropathy affects more than 50% of diabetics but the underlying pathophysiological

mechanism remains poorly understood. The aim of this project is to identify the early changes in gene

expression in diabetic neuropathy. Samples of dorsal root ganglia were dissected from STZ rats and

age matched controls. RNA was extracted, converted to cDNA for low density arrays. Genes selected

for the low density arrays were those involved in sympathetic and afferent nerve function in the dorsal

root ganglia. Gene expression was studied based on the results of the low density arrays. Several

interesting and promising changes in expression of different genes was seen suggesting their

involvement in diabetic neuropathy. Insight into changes in gene expression furthers our knowledge of

the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy and may pave the way for future therapeutic interventions.

SF1.4 12:30 Distribution of Ghrelin in the Cytoplasmic Organelles of Pancreatic

Islet Cells of Normal and Diabetic Rats

Haba El Abadlah (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)

Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid peptide discovered in the rat stomach in 1999, is a potent growth hormone

secretagogue and food intake modulator. Ghrelin has been postulated to play a role in insulin and

glucagon secretion and in glucose homeostasis. Here we study the pattern of distribution of ghrelin in

pancreatic islet cells in normal, diabetic and ghrelin-treated rats. The effect of chronic ghrelin

treatment on blood glucose level was also investigated. We observed that ghrelin co-localizes with

insulin and glucagon in pancreatic islet cells. It is worth noting that insulin is present in specific

secretory granules of pancreatic beta cells. No other cytoplasmic organelles, other than secretory

granules contain ghrelin. The pattern of distribution of ghrelin is altered after the onset of diabetes

mellitus. In conclusion, ghrelin co-localizes with both insulin and glucagon in the islet of Langerhans

and may indeed play a role in the regulation of islet hormones.

SF1.5 12:50 Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in Kainic Acid Induced

Neurodegeneration

Sara Sharkawi and Rajesh Mohanraj (UAE University, UAE); Eric Mensah-Brown

(College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, UAE); Abdu Adem (UAE

University, UAE)

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine with homeostatic and

pathophysiological roles in the central nervous system. It was shown that mice lacking TNF receptor-1

(TNFR1) exhibit greater neurodegeneration in kainic acid (KA)-induced neurotoxicity, suggesting that

TNF-alpha exerts its protective role via TNFR1. Here, we study the impact of TNF-alpha on

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neurodegeneration at several time points to find out possible mechanisms underlying its effects. KA

(40 mg/kg body weight) was given intranasally to TNF-alpha knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (Wt)

mice, and seizure severity was scored. Astrogliosis and microglial activation were assessed by

immunohistochemistry and cytokine production was measured. TNF-alpha KO-mice showed

significantly more severe seizures compared with Wt-mice. Hippocampal microglial activation and

astrogliosis were enhanced and persisted up to 1 month in TNF-alpha KO-mice compared with Wt-

mice. These data suggest that deficiency of TNF-alpha worsens KA-induced neurotoxicity resulting in a

vicious cycle of chronic neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

SF1.6 13:10 Eating Disorders Prevalence and Determents in UAE

Alla Abdulla (University of Sharjah, UAE)

To assess the prevalence of Disordered Eating Attitude (DEA); and to investigate the determinants of

eating disorders in a representative sample of Emirate young females. A cross sectional study of a

sample of 508 adolescent females were chosen through a stratified randomization technique. All

consenting students in the selected classes filled the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and Body Figure

Rating Scale (BFR). From the latter, body dissatisfaction score was calculated. EAT 26 was used to

measure symptoms of DEA and body dissatisfaction. Then, a sample was selected for one to one

interviews for further investigation on determinants of DEA.From the study sample, 37.8% scored at

least 20 on EAT-26, and 65.2% had body dissatisfaction. Significant relationships were seen between

the following pairs: 1) EAT-26 and body dissatisfaction, 2) BMI and body dissatisfaction. Family, media

and bullying at either home or school, were the major determents for DEA among adolescents.

11:30 - 13:10

SG1: Operations Research & Management Science

Room: Saadiyat

SG1.1 11:30 A Mathematical Programming Framework for Energy Planning in

Services' Sector Under Different Uncertainty

Moza Salim Al Naimi (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE);

Mohamed Ali (Masdar, UAE); Ali Diabat (Masdar Institute, UAE)

Management of energy resources plays an important role in economical, technical and human

development. In the last few years, rising energy demand, decreasing energy reserves and growing

environmental alarms have yield new challenges for planners to consider and propose sustainable

energy management systems. Although there were many optimization methods used to assist in the

formulation of energy systems which were effective in providing optimal decision alternatives, these

plans were under uncertainty of some parameters like market conditions and resource availability. The

objective of this research is to develop an energy planning model for an aluminum industrial firm in

UAE where an optimal strategy to reduce energy consumption from different resources will be found

with consideration of uncertainty in energy prices, demand and CO2 emission. Challenges in the

research are to find the optimal structure, the beast equipment and the optimal size, and to find the

energy flows for different interval.

SG1.2 11:50 The Application of Operations Research Optimisation Techniques in

Civil Works and Electrical Contracting

Amani Alkhodari, Khaled ElSayed, Mansoor Al Jabri and Rashed Al Dhaheri (United

Arab Emirates University (UAEU), UAE); Basel Alsayyed (UAEU, UAE)

This paper presents the research undertaken in studying two Operations Research (OR) problems that

commonly arise in the field of civil works and electrical contracting. As the complexity in organisations

increases, it becomes demanding to handle activities in an optimal way. In this regard, OR tools have

been applied extensively in areas as public services, health care, manufacturing, and the military.

However, there has not been found in the literature as many applications in civil works and electrical

contracting. This paper demonstrates how OR tools have been utilised in minimising the costs in this

area while reaching goals effectively. Problems illustrated here are of a real-life project in the field

whose scope covers the installation of underground cable circuits between two grid stations. This paper

shows the mathematical models and optimal solutions of the problems of scheduling integer

programming and transportation linear programming, which are very common to this field.

SG1.3 12:10 The Application of Queuing Analysis of Operations in Civil Works

and Electrical Contracting



This paper presents the research undertaken in studying one Operations Research (OR) problem that

commonly arises in the field of civil works and electrical contracting; that is, queuing of arriving units

and handling them efficiently. As the complexity in organisations increases, it becomes highly

demanding to manage activities in an optimal way. In this regard, OR tools have been applied

extensively in areas as public services, health care, manufacturing, and the military. However, there

has not been found in the literature as many applications in civil works and electrical contracting

operations. This paper demonstrates how OR tools have been utilised in minimising the costs of

queuing problems while satisfying different demands. The problem illustrated here is of a real-life

project in the field whose scope covers the installation of underground cable circuits between two grid

stations. This paper shows the mathematical formulation and optimal solution of the studied queuing

problem.

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SG1.4 12:30 Optimal Resource Allocation in Operations of Civil Works and

Electrical Contracting



This paper presents the research undertaken in studying one major Operations Research (OR) problem

that commonly arises in the field of civil works and electrical contracting; that is, the allocation of

scarce resources among various competing activities. As the complexity in organisations increases, it

becomes highly demanding to handle activities in an optimal way. In this regard, OR tools have been

applied extensively in areas as public services, health care, manufacturing, and the military. However,

there has not been found in the literature as many applications in civil works and electrical contracting

operations. This paper demonstrates how OR tools have been utilised in cost minimisation and

resource allocation in a problem of a real-life project in the field whose scope covers the installation of

underground cable circuits between two grid stations. It shows the mathematical model and optimal

solution of the problem of resource allocation using linear programming.

SG1.5 12:50 Automation of FTTH Network Design Based on Integer Linear

Programming Approach

Kaltham Al Romaithi (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research,

UAE); Kin Fai Poon and Anis Ouali (Khalifa University, UAE); Peng-Yong Kong

(Khalifa University of Science, Technology & Research, UAE)

With the increase in popularity of bandwidth intensive applications, the telecommunication companies

have been driven to find alternatives for the existing VDSL infrastructure to meet the requirements of

the subscribers. Fiber To The Home (FTTH) networks, based on the Gigabit Passive Optical Network

(GPON) topology, have proven to be a cost effective solution for a large scale deployment. In this

paper, a one-level problem of a typical FTTH network is presented and modeled using the Integer

Linear Programming (ILP) approach. Results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of such

approach.

13:30 - 14:30

Lunch (Saqr Ballroom C)

14:30 - 16:10


Room: Saqr Ballroom

SA2.1 14:30 Utilization of Battery Storage Systems in Multi-Area Power

Systems with High Penetration of PV for Secondary Frequency Regulation

Maksymilian Klimontowicz (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE);

Amer Al-Hinai (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology & Institute Center for

Energy, UAE); Jimmy Peng (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

Frequency stability within conventional electrical power systems is highly dependent on active power

management. Each second of power system operation active power demand changes in random

manner it means that some loads are connected and at the same time some are disconnected what

eventually creates mismatch between generated and consumed energy. Output active power from all

interconnected energy sources have to follow changes in demand to reduce power mismatch to zero

thus redress frequency and tie line power transfers to the scheduled values within strictly determined

time. This paper presents load frequency control study on three area generalized power system model

with distributed energy resources (DERs) and battery storage systems. Genetic algorithm was applied

to find optimal control gains in conventional as well as distributed plants.

SA2.2 14:50 Optimizing Energy Performance of Magnetic Tunnel Junctions for

STT-RAM Application

Ilyas Farhat (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE); Ella M

Gale (University of the West of England, United Kingdom); Abdel Isakovic

(KUSTAR, UAE)

The report presents a scaling argument of MTJ in STT-RAM memory for several design parameters with

the goal of optimizing the energy performance. An analytical study was conducted showing the

dependence of critical current density on geometrical parameters. The effect of scaling down the width

of the junction on the critical current density is then discussed showing a great potential for lowering

the energy required for switching of magnetization.

SA2.3 15:10 Identification of Defect Patterns in Semiconductor Wafer Maps

Fatima Al-Shawish (Khalifa University, UAE)

Defect detection and classification in semiconductor wafers has received an increasing attention from

both industry and academia alike. Wafer defects are a serious problem that could cause massive losses

to the companies' yield. The defects occur as a result of a lengthy and complex fabrication process

involving hundreds of stages, and they can create unique patterns. If these patterns were to be

identified and classified correctly, then the root of the fabrication problem can be recognized and

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eventually resolved. Machine learning (ML) techniques have been widely accepted and are well suited

for such classification-/identification problems. In this study, we develop a state-of-the-art classifying

algorithm using multiple ML techniques, relying on a general-regression-network-based consensus

learning model along with a powerful randomization technique. Our method has proved to be more

accurate and stable as compared to any of the existing algorithms reported in the literature, achieving

accuracy of 99.8%.

SA2.4 15:30 An Experimental Study on Pulse Discharge of Gel and AGM Lead-

acid Batteries by Varying the Frequency

Zahi Omer (United Arab Emirates University & College of Engineering, UAE);

Ahmed AlAmeri and Abbas Fardoun (United Arab Emirates University, UAE); Ala

Hussein (UAE University, UAE)

Valve Regulated Lead-acid (VRLA) batteries are one of the most common rechargeable battery

technologies used in energy backup systems, and are widely used in several applications. The steady

demand on those batteries adds more burdens on improving the performance and determining the

state-of-health of those batteries. At harsh environmental conditions such as in UAE where the

temperature can go to extremely high levels most of the year, the battery performance and

replacement increases the cost and raises the concerns about the reliability and economic feasibility of

those batteries. It is extremely beneficial to predict battery behavior to allow the investigation of

possible scenarios during operation run time. This paper investigates the discharge performance with

0.01Hz to 1kHz frequency range of two major VRLA batteries, namely 12V/150Ah Gel and Absorbed

glass mat (AGM) sealed lead-acid batteries, when operating in stand-alone mode in photovoltaic (PV)

based systems in United Arab Emirates.

SA2.5 15:50 Modeling and Fault Diagnosis of PEM Fuel Cells

Reem I Salim (UAE University, UAE); Hassan Noura and Abbas Fardoun (United


The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considered one of the major oil producers and suppliers in the

world. However, the increasing pollution rates around the globe resulted in a major move towards the

exploration and deployment of different types of green technologies in the UAE. Fuel cells are one of

those green technologies currently being explored in the region. However, despite their promising

features, fuel cell systems still lack a solid fault diagnosis and predictive maintenance study that would

reflect the course climate conditions of the UAE. Moreover, in order to develop an accurate fault

diagnosis study, a fault diagnosis oriented model of the fuel cell system under study is to be

developed.


Room: Al-Reem A

SB2.1 14:30 Techno-economic Analysis of Biodiesel Production Using Reactive

Distillation

Tuhin Poddar (The Petroleum Institute & ADNOC, UAE); Anoop Jagannath and Ali

Almansoori (The Petroleum Institute, UAE)

Biodiesel is a leading biofuel in the alternative fuels market with a surge in its worldwide production

recently with the purpose of replacing crude-based diesel as a transportation fuel. In this work, two

reactive distillation processes for biodiesel production have been simulated: the first process uses an

alkali while the second includes a heterogeneous catalyst with both processes yielding a high purity

biodiesel product. Aspen Plus v8.4 was used as the process simulation tool in this particular work.

Comparison between the two production processes were made in terms of the annual production costs

and total capital expenditure. The heterogeneous-catalyzed process for the reactive distillation was

found to be more economically advantageous than the alkali-catalyzed process due to a much lower

annual cost per unit of biodiesel produced and lower annual production cost calculated in USD/year.

SB2.2 14:50 Thermal Characterization of Desert Sand for Use as Sensible

Thermal Energy Storage Media

Miguel Diago, Alberto Crespo Iniesta, Thomas Delclos, Tariq Shamim and Nicolas

Calvet (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

Several sand samples from the desert of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were analyzed using a

thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Loss of mass was

observed in all the samples above 600 °C, although no further mass loss could be observed in

following thermal cycles. DSC analysis of cycled samples allowed for the determination of their heat

capacities and revealed the existence of a solid phase transformation during the heating process at

575 °C. This transformation was identified as the transition from α-quartz to β-quartz in the sample.

SB2.3 15:10 Exergy Analysis of Fuel Cells

Ibrahim H. S. Mustafa, Asif Muhammad Bin Adam Soopee and Ali Al Menhali

(Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Mohamed Ali (Masdar, UAE)

Exergy analysis plays an important role in the measurement of the true performance of engineering

systems, aiding in the identification and minimization of losses within. In this work, a Matlab model is

developed for exergy analysis and is applied to Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), the respective work potential is determined, and the components

contributing to the thermodynamic losses within the systems are identified. Furthermore, the effects of

the variation of operating conditions on the performance are analyzed, identifying opportunities for

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efficiency improvement and therefore maximizing the fuel cell output. Significant differences have been

seen between our results and the recent literature. The variations in results are discussed with

emphasis on the PEM fuel cell model.

SB2.4 15:30 Mechanical Characterization of Desert Sand and Design of a Conical

Hopper for a Solid Particle Solar Receiver

Alberto Crespo Iniesta and Miguel Diago (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE); Salah Al-Toubat and Maher Omar (University of Sharjah, UAE);

Thomas Delclos, Tariq Shamim and Nicolas Calvet (Masdar Institute of Science

and Technology, UAE)

Sand from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) desert was mechanically characterized to determine its

effective angle of internal friction as well as its angle of wall friction against two different metallic

surfaces and a concrete surface. The Jenike method for silo design was used to calculate the minimum

required angle leading to mass flow (first-in-first-out) discharge regime of a conical hopper with such

sand particles.

SB2.5 15:50 UAE Recycled Industrial Waste Based Innovative Materials for

High-Temperature Thermal Energy Storage Applications

Kholoud Al Naimi (Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, UAE)

yearly in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. As an innovative and sustainable approach for waste recycling, four

types of waste have been identified as inexpensive materials for high-temperature thermal energy

storage applications: aluminum white dross (AWD) and aluminum post skimming (APS) from Emirates

Aluminium, and electric arc furnace (EAF) slags, ladle furnace (LF) slags from Emirates Steel. Results

of chemical analysis revealed that these materials are chemically stable with a negligible quantity of

heavy metals. Excluding APS, the rest materials are thermally stable at high temperatures up to 1100

°C.


Room: Al-Reem B

SC2.1 14:30 Determinants of Perceived Competency Based Model Effectiveness:

Reaction of Developees

Nadia Al Mannaee (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)

The purpose of this study is to assess the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of the

competency-based models used in an oil company in the United Arab Emirates. A questionnaire

method is used to get the perception of trainees in an oil company who are still in or completed the

program. A structured equation model is used to analyze the data. The factors that contribute to the

effectiveness of the competency-based model are the competency based goals, content and

framework, the assessment conducted to the trainees and minimum coaching. The study was

conducted in one oil company and for that it can't be generalized to other contexts that implement

similar program. This study will help to close the gap that previous studies have indicated on the

application of competency models and their effectiveness. It could add a value to the efforts of the

National Qualification Authority in Abu Dhabi.

SC2.2 14:50 Polygamy in Emirati Society

Mariam AlZaabi (Zayed University, UAE)

There was a debate concerning polygamy at the FNC of the UAE. Polygamy has been suggested as a

solution to the rising number of spinsters and it was blamed to be a cause of divorce. My research is

an examination of current Emirati perspectives on polygamous marriage.The issue I am trying to tackle

in this research is the causes, effects of polygamous marriages in the UAE, and if pushing polygamy at

the national agenda would eliminate or cause issues. I collected data from preexisting research and

conducted my own fieldwork. I surveyed a sample of over 200 willing participants with guaranteed

anonymity, using a snowball technique.With an aim to build a link between perceptions of polygamy

and age, gender, region lived in and economic status. I also carried out semi-structured interviews

with 40 participants which were then thematically analyzed to further investigate the acceptance of the

UAE society for polygamy.

SC2.3 15:10 Leadership Strategies of Team Building, Teacher Motivation, and

Teacher Empowerment and Their Role in Enhancing School Performance

Effectiveness?

Ibtisam Elayan and Sumayya Andy (Zayed University, UAE)

This qualitative research case study examines leadership strategies as a contributing factor in the

"band B" rating given to a privately operated Abu Dhabi school and emphasizes three key areas:

teacher empowerment, teacher motivation and teacher team-building. The school leadership was

interviewed and observed in order to provide material for analysis. What did you find? Subsequently,

recommendations were made in each of the three key areas that should contribute to further growth

aligned to the Irtiqaa evaluation system. It is hoped that this paper will aid other researchers

investigating topics related to the creation of high performing schools in Abu Dhabi.

SC2.4 15:30 Introduction to Arabic Literary Journalism: A Critical Study

Samah AbuMarzok (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)

This paper examines Al Adab Al Sahafi: (Arabic literary journalism) as a possible branch of Anglo-

American literary journalism, analyzing extracts from works of Al Jahith, Abu: Hayan Al Tawhedi:,

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Yacaqub Sanu and Ghassan Kanafany according to the criteria set out by a number of Anglo-American

literary journalism scholars such as Thomas Connery, Kevin Kerrane, Ben Yagoda, and Norman Sims.

This paper also briefly surveys humor in Al Adab Al Sahafi: to the end of understanding its role at

overcoming challenges of limited freedom of expression in the Arab world.

SC2.5 15:50 The Possibility of Huthis' Accessing Power in Yemen

Sara Al Kaabi (Khalifa University for Science, Thechnology, and Research, UAE)

Huthis is an armed group in Yemen which was one of the main actors that participate in the uprisings

in 2011. Nowadays, Huthis broken into the presidential palace and threatening the political stability in

Yemen by forming and applying their own government for the whole county. If Huthis succeed to gain

power in Yemen, this will affect the security status in the region. There are some indications that may

increase the chance of Huthis to gain power which will affect the security stability among the Arabian

Gulf countries.


Room: Baniyas A

SD2.1 14:30 Performance and Exergy Analysis of Turbine-Burner and

Afterburner Gas Turbine Engines

Mohamed Ali (Masdar, UAE); Abdulla Alshehhi, Patroula Christopoulou and Tala El

Samad (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

Several research studies have been made in order to investigate the effect of replacing a conventional

turbine with a turbine-burner which has combustion between its stages. This study aims to investigate

the performance and exergetic values of the proposed gas turbine modifications, turbine-burner,

afterburner and a combination of both. Using a turbine-burner, there will be an increase in the thrust

at a relatively lower fuel consumption rate than afterburners. In order to do the analysis, a selected

range of compression ratios as well as flight Mach numbers were tested, i.e. the gas turbine is not a

ground based turbojet. Our results are comparable to those obtained in literature.

SD2.2 14:50 Micromechanical Computational Evaluation of Triply Periodic

Minimal Sheet Rienforcements for Creating Architectured Composite Materials

Ahmed Dalaq, Diab Abueidda and Rashid Abu Al-Rub (Masdar Institute of Science


Triply periodic minimal sheets were created, used as a reinforcement in materials, and modeled using

finite element analysis. Hence, the effective Young's and bulk modulus are evaluated and compared

with fibers and particulate composites.

SD2.3 15:10 Micromechanics Modeling of Damage and Healing in Advanced

Self-Healing Materials

Ammar Alsheghri and Rashid Abu Al-Rub (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE)

A cohesive zone damage-healing model for self-healing materials is presented. The damaged and

healing configurations of classical continuum mechanics are extended to self-healing materials. A new

physically-based internal crack healing state variable is proposed for describing the healing evolution

within the crack cohesive zone. A numerical example is presented to discuss the influence of

temperature on healing.

SD2.4 15:30 Conductivity of Inperpenetrating Phase Composites Based on

Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces Architectures

Diab Abueidda, Ahmed Dalaq and Rashid Abu Al-Rub (Masdar Institute of Science


In this paper, new interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) based on the mathematically-known triply

periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) are proposed. In these IPCs, different TPMS architectures are used

as reinforcing solid shells to increase the effective multifunctional properties of IPCs. Several three-

dimensional representative volume elements (RVEs) are generated and studied using the finite

element method in order to predict the effective properties for various TPMS-based IPC architectures.

The calculated properties are compared with some analytical bounds and conventional composites. The

proposed IPCs have superiority against the conventional composites, and they possess effective

properties close to the upper Hashin-Shtrikman bounds.

SD2.5 15:50 Design, Dynamic Modeling and Automation of Fixed-wing VTOL

UAVs

Adnan Saeed, Guowei Cai, Ahmad Bani Younes and Jorge Dias (Khalifa University,

UAE); Lakmal Seneviratne (KURI, UAE)

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are experiencing a tremendous development as they are being

utilized in a wide range of reconnaissance and surveillance missions. This paper presents the ongoing

research project at Khalifa University on the design and development of a fully-autonomous robotic

aircraft that aims for combining the advantages of fixed-wing conventional aircrafts and vertical takeoff

and landing (VTOL) aircrafts. These, which are known as Hybrid UAVs or fixed-wing VTOL UAVs can

perform wider range of missions or same missions with higher performance which further enhances

their utilization in military and civil applications. The research project includes designing a novel Hybrid

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UAV, developing a high-precision nonlinear flight dynamics model, achieving full autonomy and

realizing intelligent navigation.


Room: Baniyas B

SE2.1 14:30 Ontology-based Visual Analytic Technique for Semantic Web Data

Maryam Al-Shehhi (Khalifa University of Science, Technology, and Research,

UAE); Benjamin Hirsch (EBTIC & Khalifa University, UAE); Kamal Taha (Khalifa

University of Science, Technology & Research, UAE); Paul Yoo (BU Data Science

Institute & University of Sydney, United Kingdom); Marcello Leida (Taiger, Spain)

One of the technologies underpinning the future vision of a web as huge database is Linked Data (LD).

LD provides structured data over the web that is understandable by machines and connecting

resources between different datasets over the web forming a big data graph. Effective Visual Analytics

techniques become necessary to efficiently analyze and visualize the desired information from this big

graph. In this paper, we are investigating the impact of using semantic web technologies in developing

automation visualization process of Visual Analytics techniques. We introduce a promising approach for

automatic visualization of queries over LD sets, paving the road for next generation of visual analytics

tools for the semantic web.

SE2.2 14:50 Refinement-based Verification Framework for WBSN

Hussam Al-Hamadi (Khalifa University for Science, Technology and Research,

UAE); Amjad Gawanmeh (Khalifa University, UAE)

This paper presents a formal method for verifying several features in Wireless Body Sensor Network

(WBSN) at different levels of abstraction. We use the Event-B method to formalize the complex

features of WBSN at different levels of abstraction, and then to specify properties about their

operation. WBSN are considered complex and sensitive designs as they are used with patients where

safety and privacy are major concerns. This makes verifying WBSN using traditional simulation

methods insufficient since it is necessary to have great confident in the design before we can have it

implemented and used in this critical context. In this paper we introduce a formal model for a bio-

sensor that is used in WBSN, and we identified and proved several safety-critical requirements about

its operation.

SE2.3 15:10 Queuing Algorithm to Find Minimum Number of VMs to Satisfy SLO

Response Time

Fatima Alqaydi (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE);

Khaled Salah (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR),

UAE); Jamal Zemerly (Khalifa University, UAE)

This paper presents a queuing algorithm to find minimal number of VMs to satisfy Service Level Object

(SLO) response time. The algorithm ensures the quality of service (QoS) by using the minimal number

of required VMs to satisfy user service agreement conditions (response time). Based on queuing theory

the model is built to increase the system performance by minimizing waiting time for servers and using

resources with its maximum capacity.

SE2.4 15:30 Bitcoin Over Time: Inspecting the Evolution of the P2P Digital

Currency

Israa Alqassem (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

The growing research on networks during the past decade facilitated the understanding of the

underlying structure behind complex networks whether they are linked to biological, social, or political

systems. In this work, we examine the evolution of connectivity and activity dynamics in the Bitcoin

transaction graph to get more insights into the change of its structural and functional properties over

time. While some of the properties under investigation are specific to the Bitcoin environment, others

are generic and hence are compared with the same properties examined previously in various social

and information networks. Previous research identified two distinct evolutionary stages of Bitcoin i.e.,

the initial stage and the trading stage. Our results reveal that during the trading stage the Bitcoin

transaction graph started approximately resembling other real-world networks, moreover user

activities differ noticeably throughout these stages.

SE2.5 15:50 Wearable Technology and Internet of Things for Hajj

Sara Mahmoud (UAE University, UAE); AbdulMutalib Masaud-Wahaishi (United


Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, in which millions of Muslims from all over the world congregate to

perform religious rituals in Mecca at fixed determined days. In spite of the tremendous effort geared

towards facilitating the Hajj activities to pilgrims, the authority and Hajj organizers face great

difficulties to manage and control the various inherent Hajj processes. The cases of missing pilgrims,

massive crowd fatalities; safety violations and knowledge unawareness become major and challenging

issues. Although several solutions have been introduced, the need for an efficient smart monitoring

and controlling solutions become a vital necessity. This paper proposes a novel approach that can

provide efficient means, guidelines Hajj Pilgrims that utilize the Internet of Things (IoT) phenomena

and wearable technology. Therefore, we proposed wearable devices solution that are electronic strap

and smart glass to be provided to pilgrims, as well as applications for organizers to overcome these

difficulties.

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Room: Yas

SF2.1 14:30 Improved Plasma Membrane Expression of the Trafficking

Defective P344R Mutant of Muscle, Skeletal, Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (MuSK)

Causing Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome

Reham Milhem, Lihadh Al-Gazali and Bassam Ali (United Arab Emirates University,

UAE)

Muscle, skeletal, receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK) is the key organizer at the postsynaptic membrane

and critical for proper development of the neuromuscular junction. Mutations in MUSK result in

congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS). It was hypothesized that the CMS-causing missense mutation

(P344R), found within the cysteine-rich domain of the protein, will affect its conformational tertiary

structure. Consequently, the protein will misfold, get retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and

lose its biological function through proteasomal degradation. Investigating the molecular mechanism of

missense mutations is important since ER-targeted therapies are in development. P344R-MuSK

mislocalized to the ER, was improperly N-glycosylated and tagged with polyubiquitin chains,

prerequisites for proteasomal degradation. Proteasomal inhibition resulted in an increased half-life of

the mutant. P344R-MuSK's trafficking defect was rescued by expression at 27 °C and with chemical

chaperones. These findings open perspectives for potential therapeutic intervention for patients with

CMS harboring the P344R-MuSK mutation.

SF2.2 14:50 Developing Polyclonal Antibodies Targeting a Novel Growth-

Related Protein in Pancreatic Cancer

Amal Al Haddad and Mahmoud Ali (United Arab Emirates University, UAE); Sandor

Lovas (Creighton University School of Medicine, USA); Thomas Adrian (United

Arab Emirates University & College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE)

Pancreatic cancer is the most fatal disease amongst all solid malignancies. Understanding the

sequential additive genetic alterations in its pathogenicity is essential. Via global expression profiling,

TTMP gene was found to be involved in the genetic evolution of pancreatic cancer. To better

understand the role of the TTMP gene, specific anti-TTMP antibodies against unique C- and N-terminus

peptides were generated. Five rabbits were immunized with each of the two conjugated peptides.

Animals were bled regularly and antibody titers were checked by ELISA. Western blotting was used to

assess the antibodies. Significant antibodies titers against the C- and N-termini were generated in all

animals. Antibodies worked well for western blotting in detecting the same molecular weight protein.

These highly specific antibodies can serve a pivotal role in further studies to characterize the TTMP

gene and expand our knowledge of its role in the context of pancreatic cancer pathogenesis.

SF2.3 15:10 Frequency of ABO, Rhesus Phenotypes and Most Probable

Genotypes and the Type of RHD Negative Variants Among UAE Nationals in Al

Ain District

Mariam Al Meqbali, Rasheed Al Hammadi, Amina Ahmed and Asma Al-Menhali

(UAEU, UAE)

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of ABO, Rhesus phenotype and most

probable genotypes in Al Ain area. The studied group consisted of 500 locals of both gender from

different age groups. ABO and Rh-hr phenotype reactivity were determined using conventional tube

method and gel technology. Our study shows the distribution of ABO phenotypes was as follows: O =

56%, A = 26.2%, B= 14.2% and AB= 3.6%. The distribution of Rh antigens was as follows: D=90.4

%, C= 76.2%, E= 27.2%, c= 71.6% and e= 97.8%. And the distribution of most probable genotypes

was as follows: R1 r = 29.8%, R1 R1 = 28.4%, R1 R2 =16.8%, rr= 8.4%, R2 r= 8.2%, Ro r=5%, R2

R2 =2.2%, and r'r = 1.2%. Our study showed that the most frequent antigen amongst five major

antigens of Rh system was RhD while the least common was E antigen.

SF2.4 15:30 Optimal Packaging of MPMV Genomic RNA Depends on a Conserved

Long Range Interaction Between U5 and Gag Complementary Sequences

Rawan Kalloush (United Arab Emirates University & UAEU, UAE)

Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus is a non-primate, D-type simple retrovirus that is being studied intensively

recently with the hope of using MPMV-based vectors for gene therapy. RNA structure of the MPMV RNA

packaging sequences has identified two Long Range Interactions (LRI-I and II) between the U5 and

Gag sequences (Fig 1A). Such LRIs have been suggested to an important role in the viral RNA

packaging and propagation. Genetic analysis of the LRI-II mutants suggests that the presence of LRI-II

primary sequence in its native structural context is critical for the packaging and propagation of the

viral RNA.

SF2.5 15:50 Y-Chromosome Polymorphism in the United Arab Emirates

Population

Safa Alhammadi, Miss (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)

In UAE population, the analysis of the allele frequency shows that each locus has a predominant allele

and the most loci are clustered over narrow range. The UAE population is largely heterogeneous and a

total of 301 different haplotypes were identified. There are 271 unique haplotypes and 22 haplotypes

were shared between two individuals. There are three cases where four, five and six individuals are

sharing identical haplotype. This is likely due to the sharing of most common recent ancestors. This

brings the discrimination capacity to approximately 90% and haplotype diversity 99.885%. This is

fundamental to understanding the degree of heterogeneity in UAE population and can reflect the

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pattern of the migration, geographic influence, and cultural influences. Secondly, United Arab Emirates

population is diverse and are genetically close to neighboring countries. Analysis of molecular variance

show no significant genetic differences within UAE population or population residing the Arabian Gulf

region.

SG2: Mathematics & Statistics

Room: Saadiyat

SG2.1 14:30 Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions for a Class of Non-linear

Boundary Value Problems of Fractional Order

Arwa Baabdulla (UAE University, UAE); Mohammed Al-Refai and Ahmed Al-

Rawashdeh (UAEU, UAE)

In this paper we propose to extend the maximum principle and the method of upper and lower

solutions to boundary value problems with Caputo fractional derivative. At first, we transform the

problem to a system of two equations, one with fractional derivative and the second one with integer

derivative. We then establish a new positivity result and apply it to introduce two well-defined

monotone sequences of pairs of lower and upper solutions to obtain existence and uniqueness results

for the problem.

SG2.2 14:50 Modified Taylor Series Solution of Initial Value Problems with

Irregular Singularity and Boundary Value Problems

Ghada Janem (UAEU, UAE)

Initial value problems with irregular singular points are very important for researchers in various fields

including science and engineering. Series solution of these kinds of problems is not easily achieved at

the point of singularity, and the numerical techniques are not capable to solve the problem due to the

fact that calculations will require a division by 0. In addition, numerical solutions of boundary value

problems are very limited; it includes finite difference method and shooting method. This initiates the

need for a development of new techniques to handle these problems. In this article we will discuss a

new method based on a modified Tylor series approach to solve initial value problems with irregular

singular at certain points in the domain of definition of the problem and boundary value problems in

general. The method is based on expanding of the solution at different choices of the expansion point

SG2.3 15:10 Quaternary Affine-Invariant Codes

Badria Omar Salih (UAE University & Science College, UAE)

We give a full enumeration of extended cyclic affine-invariant codes of length 2 to power n over the

binary field and over the ring of integers modulo 4 for n < or = 8.

SG2.4 15:30 An Efficient Method for Solving a Discrete Orthogonal

Approximation to Fractional Boundary Value Problems

Mwaffag Sharadga (UAE, UAE)

In this paper, we will use the Tau method to develop an iterative methods for solving nonlinear

fractional differential equations.

SG2.5 15:50 On the Pricing of Asian Options in High Volatile Markets

Nabil Al Farra and Youssef El-Khatib (UAEU, UAE)

In this work, we deal with the pricing problem for a specific type of Exotic options: the Asian options.

We consider a modified Black-Scholes model where the volatility is high. One approach to valuing

options is the Partial Differential Equation (P.D.E) method. After setting up the model, we derive the

P.D.E of the Asian option price.

16:10 - 16:20


16:20 - 18:00


Room: Saqr Ballroom

SA3.1 16:20 Integrated Remote Sensing Image Fusion Framework for Target

Detection

Essa Basaeed (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE)

The detection and tracking of targets in remote sensing images is essential given the increased

dimensionality of data both spatially and spectrally. Current algorithms cannot cope with the increased

data complexity of remote sensing imagery. In this work, a novel efficient and effective multi-layer

multi-scale fusion framework is proposed as a solution to the target detection problem. This work is

expected to advance the field of remote sensing image analysis especially when it comes to

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information retrieval in large datasets of imagery data. This work also presents unprecedented

research on UAE's national satellite (i.e., DubaiSat-1).

SA3.2 16:40 A Histogram-Based Image Segmentation ASIC Design for SoC

Ehab Salahat (Khalifa University, UAE); Hani Saleh (Khalifa University of Sciente,

Technology & Research, UAE); M. Sami Zitouni (Khalifa University, UAE); Andrzej

S Sluzek (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE); Baker

Mohammad and Mohammed Elnaggar (Khalifa University, UAE)

Image segmentation is an essential preprocessing step for many computer vision and image

processing applications. Implementing algorithms that0 handle such images in hardware will speed up

the processing task considerably. In this paper, a new robust histogram-based image segmentation

ASIC design of a System-on-Chip (SoC) using 65nm technology is presented. With a clock frequency of

289 MHz, the SoC can reach a frame rate of a 4410 FPS for an image resolution of 256×256. This is

few order of magnitudes faster than the FPGA implementation in the literature. The finished-chip

details renders it suitable for real-time and mobile applications.

SA3.3 17:00 Optical Technique for Scale Detection

Solaiman Sowwan (The Petroleum Institute, UAE); Abdellatif Bouchalkha (The

Petroleum Institute & Art and Science College, UAE); Khalid Alhammadi (The

Petroleum Institute, UAE)

Scale Deposition in pipelines is becoming a major concern to oil companies. This causes severe

problems such as those related to well integrity, reduced production and sensors failures which will

affect the overall well performance. In this paper, we present an approach for the detection of scale

deposition using light sensing techniques. We have successfully detected scale deposition within a

short time after the scaling process was triggered. The experimental setup, theoretical consideration

and the results are discussed.

SA3.4 17:20 Enhancing of the Quality of CT Scans Using Super-Resolution

Algorithms for Cancer Diagnostics

Saeed Alnuaimi (Khalifa University of Science, Technology & Research, UAE)

The early detection of cancer disease can improve survival rate by allowing a wider range of medical

treatments for the patients. Mammography or CT scans are believed to be an effective tool to help

radiologists to diagnose and detect many types of the cancer cells at the early stages. Medical imaging

is a leading role in modern diagnosis and contrast enhancement of medical image is useful in helping

radiologist or doctors to detect abnormal regions. In recent years, many image enhancement

techniques have been developed to improve the quality of medical images such as X-ray, MRI, and CT

scans. Image enhancement techniques can improve the quality of the CT scan images with enhancing

the details of key features, like the shape of the cancer cell. For medical images, image enhancement

is very useful as medical images are poorly illuminated and many of the important structures are

hardly visible.

SA3.5 17:40 A Novel Multiple Watermarking Scheme for Patient Identification

and Integrity Control

Sohailah Makhmasi (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE)

A novel multiple watermarking scheme based on spatial and discrete cosine transform domains is

proposed. The scheme allows the physician to define regions of interest to keep diagnostic value intact.

The rest part of the image casts multiple watermarks conveying the patient's identification (ID) for

ownership detection, and additional information for the purpose of integrity control and source

authentication. In or-der to increase data robustness, each single digit in patient's ID is represented

using a unique binary code and all the codes are highly uncorrelated to each others. The experimental

results demonstrate the efficiency of the scheme in terms of robust-ness, imperceptibility, and integrity

control.


Room: Al-Reem A

SB3.1 16:20 Screening of Polymers for EOR in High Temperature, High Salinity

and Carbonate Reservoir Conditions

Syed Mohamid Raza Quadri and Mohamad Shoaib (The Petroleum Institute, UAE)

Polymer flooding is a well-established chemical EOR technique. However, its application in high

temperature, high salinity carbonate reservoirs is still a very challenging task due to unavailability of

polymers which can withstand these harsh reservoir conditions. A polymer screening study has been

conducted on a series of polymers, to identify the most suitable candidate that can tolerate these

harsh reservoir conditions. Initially, a polymer screening study has been conducted through rheological

measurements on a series of polymers which can withstand high temperature and high salinity

conditions followed by filterability, injectability, adsorption, mechanical and thermal stability testing as

a screening criterion for polymers in EOR operations. Amongst the tested polymers polyacrylamide

based co- and ter-polymers showed reasonable temperature stability but very poor salinity tolerance.

On the other hand, biopolymer a polysaccharide showed shear thinning behavior with excellent thermal

stability at 120 °C under anaerobic conditions and salt tolerance upto 220 g/l.

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SB3.2 16:40 Experimental and Digital Rock Physics: Mechanical Properties and

Multiphase Flow Properties From Nanotomography to Whole Core Scale

Analysis

Amina Islam, Titly Faisal and Sylvie Chevalier (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE); Mohamed Jouini (Petroleum Institute, UAE); Mustapha Jouiad

and Mohamed Sassi (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

This project aims at developing Digital Rock Physics (DRP) as the novel and future reservoir

engineering simulation tool, especially as applied to the super giant carbonate reservoirs of Abu Dhabi.

The approach is to use an ascending scale of integration of experimental and numerical modeling

techniques from the nano-scale offered by a dual Focalized Ion Beam- Scanning Electron Microscope

(FIB-SEM) nanotomography, through nano-, micro- and macro-XCT (X-ray Computer Tomography)

and all the way to whole core analysis offered by a tri-axial-stress core-flooding machine that operates

under reservoir conditions. The nano, micro, and macro scale tomography is used to extract the

complex pore scale and solid matrix network to be used within simulators for the correct prediction of

average macroscopic properties (porosity, permeability, formation factor, capillary pressure, relative

permeability, and elastic and shear moduli) of carbonate rocks. Experimental results are used to

validate the simulation results.

SB3.3 17:00 Comparison of Serpent and TRITON Generated Few Group

Constants for APR1400 Nuclear Reactor

Zainab Alnoamani (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE);

Mohamed Elsawi (Khalifa University of Science, Technology, and Research, UAE)

The accuracy of nuclear reactor power calculations using diffusion codes is dependent on the quality of

the homogenized cross sections generated by lattice codes. In this paper, the few-group constants

generated by two reactor physics codes, SERPENT as Monte Carlo code and TRITON as deterministic

code, is critically studied and their reliability is evaluated. The approach followed in this paper is as

follows. First, the nuclear constants for APR1400 reactor core were generated using SERPENT and

TRITON codes. For both codes, the critical spectrum was used as a weighting function. Second, 2-D

diffusion calculations were performed using PARCS code employing the two few-group constant sets

generated previously. Finally, an assessment of the results was performed. Comparison of the few-

group constants showed excellent agreement with relative difference ~ 1%. The full core power

distribution has showed a similar trend with the maximum relative difference between the two codes of

~7%.

SB3.4 17:20 Evaluation of Depassivation of Reinforcing Steel in Barakah

Nuclear Power Plants

Maryam Qasem (Khalifa University, UAE)

Threshold conditions for depassivation of the reinforcing steel from Barakah nuclear power plants

(BNPP) was evaluated using a galvanostatic technique (GS). Samples were galvanostatically polarized

in Ca(OH)2 solutions with NaCl and depassivation of samples was monitored using potential variation.

The conditions for the depassivation were evaluated as a function of pH and Cl- concentration. In the

threshold conditions, a linear correlation was found between pH and log(Cl-). Using the linear

correlation, a new parameter, M, as a function of pH and Cl- concentration is suggested.

SB3.5 17:40 High Resolution of Parabolic Radon Transform for Multiple

Attenuation in Seismic Processing

Rongzhi Lin (Petroleum Institute, UAE); Yi Guo (The Petroleum Institute, UAE)

Radon transform has suffered the typical problems of low resolution, and many researchers have

proposed some different algorithms to solve this problem (Cary, 1998; Sacchi, et al., 1999; Trad, et

al., 2003). As the operator in the original formulation of the high resolution Radon transform is

inverted using Cholesky decomposition, which is relatively expensive compared to least squares Radon

transform that utilizes the Levinson recursion to invert a Toeplitz form, we need to pay attention to

develop robust and easy algorithms. In this paper, we discuss the least square method of parabolic

Radon transform with conjugate gradient algorithm in time domain, which is less expensive than using

Cholesky decomposition. Then, we apply this method to simulative seismic data for multiple

attenuation, and get a satisfying result.


Room: Al-Reem B

SC3.1 16:20 Evaluation of the Philosophy of Policing by Consent the Case of Abu

Dhabi Police

Ahmed Al Ghaithi (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE)

The adoption of British military model of policing by Abu Dhabi Police (ADP) is worth mentioning.

Emanating from the fact that British police system is built upon the philosophy of Policing by Consent,

ADP has adopted the key traits of the philosophy with little cognizance of its express implementation.

The implementation of these and other foreign models by ADP may be considered among other

attempts, efforts to overcome key challenges of ADP. The present study adopts a qualitative

methodological approach in evaluating the concept in context of ADP.

SC3.2 16:40 The Political Impact of Arab Spring on UAE

Saif Alkhafili (Khalifa University, UAE)

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What is the political impact of the Arab Spring on GCC status (UAE case)? What are the important

measures taken by UAE authority? Arab spring is the term refers to the revolutionary wave of

demonstrations and protesters both violent and non-violent happened in the Arab world since 2011. In

this literature review we will try to find out the changes and impacts recently occurred toward the

political and national security policies within GCC countries to maintain the political stability.

Furthermore, a comparison analyzing different opinions of the recent changes happened on GCC since

the rise of Arab Spring will be discussed.

SC3.3 17:00 Balancing Social Media and National Security

Nehal A Al Hemeiri (Khalifa University & Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management, UAE)

The use of social media has been growing significantly in impact in the society today with various

groups embracing the use of the tool. While these platforms arise as a norm due to the high level of

use, there are various negative impacts that leads us to rethink the essence of these platforms. This

research will seek to point out these negative effects and the overall impact social media has towards

the national security of the UAE. The paper will also offer some legal position on how the UAE

government views this problem and the legal measures they have set forth to mitigate occurrence of

such incidences. The UAE government seems to have realized the problems in how the public

interprets the messages sent through the social platform. Thus, it has established various systems to

educate the users on how they could optimize the use of the social platform positively.

SC3.4 17:20 The Threat of Foreign Teachers with Radical Beliefs to the UAE's

Political Stability

Mohammed Al-Mazrouei (Khalifa University, UAE)

The impact of foreign radical beliefs on UAE university students continues to be a source of concern for

policymakers in the UAE. Additionally, the general public is becoming increasingly agitated by the

never-ending accounts of indoctrination from foreign teachers. Both of these matters mystify the

future of the educational system and more importantly it may tilt the delicate political balance and lead

to civil unrest. Thus, what is needed is a thorough and poised study on the impact of large numbers of

foreign teachers with radical beliefs on the political balance of the UAE. In order to carry out such a

study, this research adopted a qualitative approach using structured interviews, observations, case

studies, journals, and public documents. However, the bulk of the data is from primary sources, due to

the lack of readily available resources.

SC3.5 17:40 Abu Dhabi Government E-Intelligence

Naeima AlMenhali (Khalifa University, UAE)

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is exposed to explicit and implicit threats. The UAE is surrounded by

unstable countries for example, Bahrain. We also cannot ignore the complicated situations in the whole

world particularly in the Middle East region, these situations are making direct and/or indirect impact

on the UAE's developments, in terms of economy, society, environment, education and military forces


Room: Baniyas A

SD3.1 16:20 Effect of Different Environmental Conditions on the Mechanical

Behavior of Plain Weave Woven Laminated Composites

Maryam Al-Kuwaiti (United Arab Emirates University & STRATA Manufacturing,

UAE); Abdel-Hamid Ismail Mourad (Unietd Arab Emirates University, UAE)

Fiber reinforced composites have been gaining wide use in the variety of applications such as military

and aerospace. The performance of these composites may suffer when the material is exposed to

adverse environments for long periods of time. In this research, the effect of different environmental

conditions on the mechanical behavior of woven laminated composites is investigated. The major

objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of water/humidity and temperature on the strength of

woven laminated composites. It is observed that high temperature accelerates the degradation

mechanism in the composite. The results revealed that the different climatic conditions have a

deteriorative impact on the performance of the composite. The highest degradation impact was under

the combined effect of hot water immersion and testing at high temperature.

SD3.2 16:40 Numerical and Experimental Investigation on the Effect of the

Electric Field on Non-Premixed Counterflow Methane-Air Flames

Abdul Rahman Farraj (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research,

UAE); Rajavasanth Rajasegar (University of Illinois at Urbana-Chamapaign, USA);

Ashraf N. Al-Khateeb (Khalifa University, UAE); Dimitrios Kyritsis (Khalifa

University & University of Illinois at Urbana-Chamapaign, UAE)

Results of a computational and experimental study of the structure of counterflow diffusion flame

under the effect of the electric field are reported. A simplified modeling approach is proposed to

describe combustion in the presence of electric body force. The mass, momentum, species evolution

and energy conservation equations were solved numerically using FLUENT program by importing the

methane GRI-Mech 3.0 chemical mechanism to the program. The behavior of the flame under the

electric field for different polarities was monitored and captured by high-speed camera.

SD3.3 17:00 Evaluation of Phase Change Materials Integrated Into Heat Sinks

for Enhanced Cooling in Electronic Packaging

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Shaimaa Aboo Ayyan (UAEU, UAE); Ahmad Hassan and Hassan Hejase (UAE

University, UAE)

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are integrated to metallic heat sinks to evaluate their performance to

cool electronic packaging. The heat sinks were prepared as metallic containments with vertically

aligned fins with optimized inter-fin spacing. The heat sink filled with PCM is subjected to various heat

loads at 4W, 6W and 8W. The heat generating surface temperatures are plotted against time at each

power input for both the PCM and for all the four modes of operation. It is found that in all cases, the

inclusion of PCM into heat sink maintained lower temperature on heat generating surface compared to

heat sink alone which shows the effectiveness of PCMs for electronic packaging.

SD3.4 17:20 Modeling of a Potential Geological Carbon Dioxide Storage Site in

UAE

Mohammed Nazeer ul Hasan Khan (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE); Tariq Shamim (Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, UAE)

Rapidly rising concentration levels of carbon dioxide in atmosphere has made the researchers and

scientists to find an effective way to capture and sequester it. One of the most sought after

sequestration technique is to store the CO2 in deep geological formations where it can stay in

supercritical form. Deep saline aquifers stand out of all the other geological formations due to their

high storage capacities and wide availability. In this study, a potential site for geologic sequestration of

carbon dioxide in UAE has been studied. A parametric study has been performed by varying the

parameters such as salinity, pore compressibility, Corey residual gas saturation, Corey residual liquid

saturation and van Genuchten m value. The results for total CO2 mass are plotted as a function of

simulated time. The results show that salinity, Corey residual gas and liquid saturations and van

Genuchten m parameter are the most influential parameters.

SD3.5 17:40 Bioreactor Landfilling of Oil Sludge

Ahmed Alshehhi (Masdar Institute, UAE); Thomas Arink and Isam Janajreh

(Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Ashjan Al Katheerib and

Rizwan Ahmedb (TAKREER Research Centre, UAE)

Waste to Energy can be pursued biologically, chemically, or thermally, result in production of fuel or

sensible heat. The petroleum industry has been generating an alarming amount of solid waste in the

form of oily sludge. It is a hazardous complex emulsion of various petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs),

solid particles, water and heavy metals. Recovery of PHCs and thermochemical has been widely

investigated, however biological treatment for recovery and safe disposal is less fortunate. This work

focuses on the anaerobic PHC decomposition in a well-controlled landfill bioreactor for the generation

of landfill gas (CO2 and CH4). It is found that on the basis of 100kg of PHC, nearly 4.5 kg and 11.8 kg

of CH4 and CO2 are generated. This is fairly equal to what would be generated from MSW. Practically,

co-digestion with MSW can enhance the biodegradation and the yield, contrary to WWTP sludge which

only enhances the biodegradation.


Room: Baniyas B

SE3.1 16:20 Randomized Voting and Selection Ranking Techniques for Network

Intrusion Detection Tasks

Omar Al-Jarrah (Khalifa University of Science, Technology & Research, UAE)

An intrusion Detection System (IDS) monitors and analyzes network activity and data for potential

vulnerabilities and attacks in progress. A knowledge-based IDS (KB-IDS) references a database of

previous attack profiles and known system vulnerabilities to identify active intrusion attempts. A KB-

IDS is the most widely accepted due to their model-free properties such as learnability and

adaptability. However, as a network grows in size,the efficiency and the scalability of IDS become

critical. In this paper, we develop a state-of-the-art KB-IDS on a biophysically motivated intelligent

voting-model through the use of a minimum and optimal feature set only for instant feedback and

improved system efficiency. Existing KB-IDSs reach about 95–98% accuracy, and about 1–2% false-

alarm rate on KDD-99 benchmark datasets. However, our approach that utilizes ensemble-voting

model achieves about 99.9% accuracy and 0.1% false-alarm rate on the same benchmark datasets.

SE3.2 16:40 A Hybrid Collaborative Filtering Approach for Educational Data

Mining

Ioannis Karakatsanis (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

Working with datasets that consist of millions of records is becoming increasingly necessary for

scientific research. In the present work, two such datasets are used to predict student performance in

test sections. In particular, the goal is to predict a student's ability to answer questions correctly based

on historical results. A linear model that features a plain stochastic gradient descent learning routine

produces quite satisfactory predictions for this problem. However, mixing the existing linear model with

factorization machines trained with three different collaborative filtering learning algorithms can yield

even better results. By offering actionable insights, it is hoped that the findings of this study can be

used to improve the design of educational resources such as distance learning portals and course

delivery platforms.

SE3.3 17:00 Keyframe Selection From Egocentric Videos Using Fast Keypoint

Recognition

Buti Al Delail (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE)

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Mobile and wearable computing have witnessed increasing interest with new applications becoming an

important part of people's daily life. Recently developed mobile wearable glasses (such as Google

Glass) advances the idea that most of the smartphone functionalities would eventually move to

wearable portable devices. The availability of such pervasive device creates new research opportunities

and challenges. One directions is to utilize wearable camera and sensors to record and understand the

user activities. The camera can be used to record a video of the user moments. However, none would

have the time to watch it. Hence, automatic gathering, analysis, indexing and retrieval of multimedia

has seen a great interest over the past decade. This paper discusses design of algorithms and system

for keypoint based keyframe extraction from egocentric videos. And show our results of using an

implementation of keypoints extraction for basic keyframe assessment based on the number of

keypoints.

SE3.4 17:20 Google Scholar as a Source of Bibliometric Data: Initial

Impressions

Bedoor K AlShebli and Wei Lee Woon (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE)

Google scholar is a search engine that helps users search for content that has been published in the

scholarly literature. In this paper, initial impressions of the data collected during our crawl of Google

Scholar are presented and discussed.

SE3.5 17:40 Design-Time Evolution Rules to Support SaaS Daynamic Evolution

Fatma Mohamed (Khalifa University, UAE); Mohammad Abu Matar (Etisalat British

Telecom Innovation Center at Khalifa University of Science & Technology, USA);

Rabeb Mizouni (Khalifa University, UAE)

Cloud computing is an emerging paradigm that provides scalable computing capabilities where

resources are accessed on a pay-as-you-go basis. Software as a Service (SaaS) applications are

hosted in the cloud and made available as services for tenants' organizations over a network. To

achieve reusability in the cloud, software and hardware resources are shared among tenants.

Conventional multi-tenant SaaS applications provide the same set of services for all the subscribing

tenants, thus resulting in one-size-fits-all applications. However, as tenants may have different

requirements, customizable SaaS solutions are needed. To accommodate evolving tenants'

requirements, the SaaS instance should evolve systematically. In this paper, we present a multi-tenant

single instance SaaS evolution platform based on Software Product Lines (SPLs) and Model Driven

Architecture (MDA) concepts. The platform specifies a set of evolution rules, based on feature

modeling, that govern evolution decisions. We also present a proof of concept tool for the proposed

approach.


Room: Yas

SF3.1 16:20 Differential Mechanistic Degradation of Pollutants by Different

Peroxidases

Aysha Al Neyadi (United Arab Emirets University, UAE); Syed Ashraf (United Arab

Emirets University UAE, UAE)

Biological remediation of pollutants are a novel set of biotechnology approaches in which the pollutants

are removed using either microorganisms or enzymes. Specifically, the use of enzymes to degrade

organic pollutant is at the forefront of this exciting field and has attracted much interest due to its

efficiency and potential ease. Various diverse classes of peroxidases have been commonly used for the

enzymatic degradation of organic pollutants, however, studies showing how different classes of

peroxidases may degrade specific dyes have not yet been reported. In this study, Soybean Peroxidase

and Choloroperoxidase were used to degrade a specific aromatic azo dye, Amido Black. Specifically, we

examined the differences in the pH profiles and the products produced during the dye degradation by

these two peroxidases. The results show that the two peroxidases have different optimum pH and

produce different products, suggesting that different mechanisms are involved when different

peroxidases are used.

SF3.2 16:40 Potential Therapeutic Application of Novel Crocin-Coated

Nanoparticles Against Liver Cancer

Rkia El Kharrag and Amr Amin (UAE University, UAE); Yaser Greish (United Arab

Emirates University, UAE); Soleiman Hisaindee and Sherif Karam (UAE University,

UAE)

A modified co-precipitation method in air was used to prepare pure and coated magnetite

nanoparticles. A maximum of 1.0 % of dextran was sufficient to coat the nanoparticles surfaces, after

that they were bound to the crocin via a cross-linker. Crocin was reported to have anticancer effect in

different in vivo and in vitro settings. The aim of this study was to synthesize magnetite nanoparticles

formulations containing crocin with a higher therapeutic index for the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

treatment. The nanoparticles with crocin were tested in vitro and in vivo for their anticancer effects. In

HepG2 cells, crocin-conjugated nanoparticles decreased cells proliferation compared with groups

treated with crocin, saline, and nanoparticles alone. Crocin-loaded nanoparticles' antitumor effect was

also evaluated in Balb/c mice that were chemically induced to develop HCC. The immunohistochemistry

and HepG2 cells results were similar. The results indicated that nanoparticles conjugation of crocin

improve its anti-tumorigenic activity.

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SF3.3 17:00 Effect of Acidic pH on Growth and Differentiation of Gastric Stem

Cells on 3D Microfibrous Polycaprolactone Scaffold

Sunitha Pulikkot (CMHS & UAE University, UAE); Sherif Karam (UAE University,

UAE); Yaser Greish (United Arab Emirates University, UAE); Abdel-Hamid Ismail

Mourad (Unietd Arab Emirates University, UAE)

Multipotent stem cells are responsible for stomach epithelial homeostasis and production of four main

cell lineages secreting mucins, acid, pepsinogen and hormones. Established mouse gastric stem (mGS)

cell line isuseful tool to study the role adult stem cells in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

We have recently shown that 3D microfibrous polycaprolactone scaffolds support growth and

differentiation of mGS cells into stomach mucous cells after 9-day culture. One of the future

applications of this 3D culture model is in the field of regenerative medicine of gastric mucosal defects.

Since luminal pH of the stomach may have deleterious effect on the transplanted tissue. The current

study examines the effects of acidic pH on mGS cells using 2D and 3D culture systems.

SF3.4 17:20 The Putative DNA Repair Protein IRC20 Acts as a Chromatin

Remodeling Enzyme

Deena Jalal (UAE University & College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE);

Jisha Chalissery (Colleague, UAE); Ahmed Hassan (Supervisor, UAE)

The S. cerevisiae IRC20 protein (Increased Recombination Centers 20) shares homology with an

extended family of Snf2-related ATPases. It has previously been reported to play a role in homologous

recombination repair and thus crucial in maintaining genome integrity following a double strand break.

Mutations in SHPRH, the human homolog of IRC20, has been shown to be involved in several cancers.

The exact mechanism of function of IRC20 in DNA repair is yet to be revealed. Here we report the

purification of IRC20 using a TAP technique under native expression conditions, and using a His-tag on

a plasmid for overexpression in yeast. Biochemical characterization of this complex reveals that it

exhibits ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling activity. Consistent with this, it also binds to both DNA

and chromatin.

SF3.5 17:40 Study of Genetic Polymorphisms Involved in Depressive Disorders

in a Tunisian Population of the Region of Monastir

Mohamed Amine Sayadi (University of Monastir & Higher Institute of

Biotechnology of Monastir, Tunisia)

Major depression (MD) and anxiety disorders (AD) are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the

community (Rouillon 1999). Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder with

considerable morbidity and mortality (Harris and Barraclough 1998; Judd et al. 2008). A long-standing

theory is that a breakdown in brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) signalling is critically

involved in the symptoms and drug treatment of clinical depression (Sharp et al. 2011). The human

serotonin transporter protein (SERT) is encoded by a single gene [SLC6A4]. A deletion/insertion in the

5-HTTLPR creates a short (S) or long (L) allele (14- or 16-repeat alleles), which alters the promoter

activity. The S-variant has been reported to be associated with lower basal and transcriptional

efficiency of the SLC6A4, resulting in lower serotonin uptake activity when compared with the L-variant

(Nakamura et al, 2000, Zalsman et al, 2006). Dysfunction of 5-HT has been implicated in the aetiology

of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety (Neumeister et al, 2004, Sen et al, 2004).

SG3: Mathematics & Statistics

Room: Saadiyat

SG3.1 16:20 On the Valuation of European Options Under a CEV Model with High

Volatility

Wafa Abu Zarqa (UAE University, UAE); Youssef El-Khatib (UAEU, UAE)

In this work we deal with the pricing problem for European options under CEV models. We suggest a

modified CEV model that covers post-crash markets. Using Monte Carlo methods we investigate

numerical solutions for the pricing problem for European opt

SG3.2 16:40 Mathematical Modeling of the Imported Malaria in the United Arab

Emirates

Fatima Alawadhi (UAE University, UAE); Abdessamad Tridane (UAEU, UAE);

Mohamed Ali Hajji (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)

The aim of this work is to study, via mathematical model, the impact of imported malaria on the

population of United Arab Emirates (UAE). The nature of the health policies in UAE impose on us to

consider a model that categorizes the living population in land of UAE to two categorizes. The local

population, which represent the permanents resident that have not health requirement for their

residency, and the non-locals, which are required to have certain health condition to maintain their

status in the country. This paper includes the calculation of the basic reproduction number for the

entire population R_0 and also for the sub-populations R^L_0 and R^N_0. Local and global stability of

the disease free equilibrium of the model also were studied. Our goal is show the possible outcomes of

such epidemic on both population and the control strategy to maintain lower epidemic size in UAE.

SG3.3 17:00 Series Solutions for Multi-Term Fractional Differential Equations

Mohammed Al Srihin and Mohammed Al-Refai (UAEU, UAE)

In this paper we consider multi-term fractional differential equations of Caputo's and Riemann-Liouville

types. We propose a new series solution which is a modified form of the well known Taylor series

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expansion and differential transform methods. The main advantage of the new series solution

comparing with the existing ones in the literature is, to overcome the difficulty of computing iterated

fractional derivatives, which don't compute in general. The idea of the new approach was introduced

recently by Al-Refai et al. [1] for a class of fractional differential equations of Caputo's type. Analysis of

the new approach will be presented as well as, a comparison with the well known methods such as the

Adomian decomposition and differential transform methods.

SG3.4 17:20 Geometric Integrators with Applications to Hamiltonian Systems

Hebatalah Alsakaji (UAUE, UAE)

Many dynamical systems exhibit properties that are preserved by the flow, e.g., energy conservation,

symmetry, momentum and symplecticity. A conventional numerical integrator approximates the flow of

the continuous-time equations using only the information about the vector field, ignoring the physical

laws and the properties of the original trajectory. In this way, small inaccuracies accumulated over

long periods of time will significantly diminish the operational lifespan of such discrete solutions.

Geometric integrators, on the other hand, are built in a way that preserve the structure of continuous

dynamics, so maintaining the qualitative behaviour of the exact flow even for long-time integration.

The aim of this paper is to design efficient geometric integrators for Hamiltonian systems. These

methods are implicit for general Hamiltonian systems. We show that explicit integrators can be

developed to solve some selected examples drawn from celestial mechanics.

SG3.5 17:40 Maximal Entropy Markov Chains

Sanket Satpathy (Princeton University, USA)

We study the problem of maximizing the entropy rate of a Markov chain. This problem is motivated by

two applications: constrained codes and strategy in adversarial settings. Given a directed graph, we

would like to pick the edge transition probabilities to maximize the error probability of guessing the

next state given knowledge of the current state. A simple combinatorial approach to this problem is

provided.

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Monday, March 23

09:00 - 09:45

Keynote 3: Shaping the Future: Career Opportunities for Skilled Graduate Students

H.E. Mr. Homaid Al Shemmari, Mubadala

Room: Saqr Ballroom

About the Presenter: H.E. Mr. Homaid Al Shemmari is Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace & Engineering

Services, with oversight of Mubadala's aerospace, communications technology and defense services

portfolios.Before joining Mubadala, H.E. Mr. Al Shemmari was a Lieutenant Colonel in the UAE Armed Forces,

with involvement in military aviation, maintenance, procurement and logistics.Board Positions: Chairman of

Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company, Strata Manufacturing, Maximus Air Cargo, Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies,

Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Center (AMMROC) and ADASI; board member of

Mubadala Petroleum, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), Abu Dhabi Aviation, Royal Jet,

GLOBALFOUNDRIES and Piaggio Aero Industries Spa.

09:50 - 11:30

MA1: Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Room: Saqr Ballroom

MA1.1 09:50 The Revolution of Glucose Monitoring Methods and Systems: A

Survey

Nourhan Bayasi (Khalifa University, UAE)

Diabetes is characterized by high glucose levels in the blood that result from defects in insulin

secretion, or its action, or both, being considered as one of the major contributors of precipitate

infirmity and death in non-contagious diseases. Glucose meter is the prevailing technique to determine

the glucose level, a technique involving chemical analysis of a sample of the diabetic blood obtained by

pricking a finger. Yet, due to the many demerits of the glucose meter, including the pain and the direct

contact requirement, many alternatives were proposed in the literature. In this paper, we explore and

compare, based on a number of performance metrics, some of those techniques and systems and their

compatibility to be implemented for Systemon- Chip (SoC) for glucose and health monitoring, which

will potentially transform the future of healthcare. A preliminary SoC design for non-invasive glucose

monitoring is proposed

MA1.2 10:10 Investigation of Wireless Power Transfer for a Sensor-based

Microsystem for Orthodontic Applications

Eiman Elghanam, Khalid Ibrahim and Salma Zeid (American University of Sharjah,

UAE); Lutfi Albasha (American University Of Sharjah, UAE); Nasser Qaddoumi

(American University of Sharjah, UAE)

This paper summarizes findings of the research investigating wireless power transfer to on-chip

circuitry. The ultimate objective is to wirelessly power a non-invasive, biocompatible sensor-based

microsystem that would detect the dislocation of orthodontic brackets. Three schemes that are based

on inductive coupling are proposed in this paper and their respective power transfer efficiencies are

investigated via Agilent Advanced Design System software. The first scheme studies the coupling

behavior between an external coil to the orthodontic brace wire, whereas the second scheme examines

brace wire to on-chip coupling. The third scheme looks into direct coupling between an external coil

and an on-chip coil. The simulated coupling efficiencies are compared and the best coupling scheme is

chosen with an efficiency of 3.87%.

MA1.3 10:30 Enhancement of ECG Signal Using Adaptive Filtering

Tamador Elboshra Alkhidir and Murat Kaya Yapici (Khalifa University of Science,

Technology and Research, UAE)

In this paper, we have developed simple method for adaptive filtering of the motion artifact on ECG

signal obtained from conductive textile. The textile electrodes were placed on left and the right wrist to

measure ECG through lead-2 configuration. The motion artifact was induced by simple hand

movement. The reference signal for adaptive filtering was obtained by placing additional electrodes at

one hand to simulate the motion of the hand. The adaptive filtering was compared to independent

component analysis (ICA) algorithm. The signal to noise ratio (SNR) for the adaptive filtering was

higher than independent component analysis in most cases.

MA1.4 10:50 Sample and Hold Circuits for Analog-to-Digital Converters

Tasnim Nazzal (University of Sharjah, UAE)

This paper presents a survey of different sample and hold (S/H) circuits for analog-to-digital

converters. It aims to illustrate the suitable sample and hold (S/H) circuit for low voltage operation and

Bluetooth application. A simulation was done for the different sample and hold (S/H) circuits using

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90nm CMOS technology on LT Spice IV. According to the simulation results, the simple sample and

hold circuit has a signal to noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) of 40 dB. While the sample and hold

circuit with bootstrapped switch technique has 56.56 dB for a 1MHz-500 mVp-p input sine wave. In

addition to that, the clock frequency is 40 MS/sec, and the supply voltage is 1V. The simulation results

show that the sample and hold (S/H) circuit with bootstrapped switch is the best candidate for low

voltage operation and high frequency signals.

MA1.5 11:10 An Integrated, Low-Power Platform for Continuous Congestive

Heart-Failure Monitoring Using Body-Channel Communication

Shahzad Muzaffar (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Ayman

Shabra (iMicro, Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, UAE); Ibrahim M Elfadel

(Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

The basic requisite of wearable hardware platforms for continuous congestive heart-failure monitoring

is the accuracy and low power operation. Low-power noninvasive monitoring of body fluids and gait

abnormalities is generally very hard using the traditional techniques. In this paper, we present a novel

mechanism followed by a demonstrator setup to monitor the body fluids in the form of weight

measurements using wearable foot mounted sensors and a processing unit named as personal digital

assistant. Energy and architectural efficient interfacing of these two and a low-power communication

in-between using the human body as a communication medium is promising for accurate and low

power operation.

MB1: Chemistry & Chemical Engineering

Room: Al-Reem A

MB1.1 09:50 Natural Antimicrobial Agent From Lignocellulosic Wastes for the

Control of Lactic Acid Bacteria in the Bioethanol Production

Sabeera Haris (Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, UAE)

Bacterial contamination is one of the major challenge faced by bioethanol production plants as it

reduces the viability of yeast and hence ethanol yields. The primary bacterial contaminants of ethanol

fermentations are lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Currently, bioethanol industries use antibiotics to control

the contamination. This has led to the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacterial strains. This is of

considerable concern for environmental pollution and an economic problem for bioethanol industries.

This project aims at identifying potential antimicrobial products from various native biomass in Abu

Dhabi for contamination control. Extracts and pretreated liquids of parts of date palm and mangrove

were analyzed to see if LAB could be inhibited but still allowing growth of the yeast. The analysis was

carried out using plating technique. The pretreated liquids of the date palm rachis and that of the

mangrove stem and leaf were the promising natural antimicrobial agents identified in the study

MB1.2 10:10 Screening and Production of Biogas From Macro Algae Biomass

Native to Abu Dhabi

Rashed Hussain Farzanah (Masdar Institute, UAE)

Composition analysis as well as elemental analysis of three sampled macro algae from Abu Dhabi

showed a significant amount of glucan ranging from 7.3% in Ulva sp., and 8.05% in Padina boergeseni

to 9.5% in Colpomenia sinuosa. The theoretical biogas potential was calculated at 411 ml/gVS for Ulva

sp., 368 ml/gVS for Padina boergeseni, 388 ml/gVS for Colpomenia sinuosa. Anaerobic digestion of the

three macro algae samples digesting with was carried out at two different loadings; 0.2% and 0.5%.

The results show a high methane yield for all three sampled species at 0.2 and 0.5% VS, with Ulva Sp

yielding much higher methane production compared to Padina boergeseni and Colpomenia sinuosa.

Biogas production for Ulva. sp. was carried out at 1%, 3%, and 5% VS loading. These results showed

that the highest specific methane production for Ulva sp. was observed for samples with 1% VS.

MB1.3 10:30 Adsorption of Dyes on Activated Carbon From Agricultural Wastes

Maliha Parvin (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)

Dyes have a wide range of applications. But, it has huge adverse effect on flora and fauna. Therefore,

remediation of dye polluted waters remains of importance. One technique to rid water from dye-stuff is

by adsorption of dye onto stationary phase. In this work, activated carbon is obtained from treated

date palm leaf wastes which can be used as a sorbent for a number of dyes. Leaves have been treated

with sulfuric acid . Prepared activated carbon has been characterized by BET, FT-IR, and SEM

techniques. For sorption, the focus has been on crystal violet as dye component where the remaining

dye concentration in the water has been followed up by UV-VIS spectrometry. Batch and dynamic

sorption experiments have been carried out to obtain the maximum loading of the dye per gram

activated carbon and to understand the underlying kinetics of the adsorption of the dye onto the

carbon material.

MB1.4 10:50 The Use of BrCCl3-PPh3 in Appel Type Transformations to Nitriles,

Esters, Acyloximes, Amides, and Acid Anhydrides

Mariam Al-Azani (UAE University, UAE); Bernhard Bugenhagen (University of

Hamburg, UAE); Thies Thiemann (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)

Benzonitriles have been synthesized from benzamides and benzaldoximes, using BrCCl3-PPh3. Also,

esters, N-acyloximes, amides and acid anhydrides have been prepared from the respective carboxylic

acids, oximes, amines and alcohols by use of the reagent combination BrCCl3-PPh3. The reactions

obviates the handling acyl halides or the more aggressive reagents PCl3, POCl3, or SOCl2.

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Furthermore, it replaces the environmentally hazardous CCl4 in the Appel reaction with BrCCl3, a

reagent of less environmental concern.

MB1.5 11:10 Chemical Reaction Kinetics Measurements for Amine Blend Solvent

for CO2 Post-Combustion Capture Application

Ahmed Sodiq and Nabil El Hadri (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE)

This work focuses on the measurement of reaction kinetics of a blend of piperazine (PZ) with aqueous

sterically-hindered amine, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP). This blend is evaluated and confirmed

to be a promising solvent for CO2 removal in gas streams. This evaluation considers the CO2 reaction

kinetics of the blend at concentration ranges of 6.11-24.00 mol∙m-3 for AMP and 7.09-47.92 mol∙m-3

for PZ forming a blend (AMP/PZ). The stopped-flow technique is used to measure the direct pseudo

first-order reaction kinetics of the blend over a temperature range of 298.15‒313.15 0K. Different

proposed reaction mechanisms such as zwitterion and termolecular reaction mechanisms for the

reaction of CO2 with aqueous solutions of amines are used to correlate the experimental data. Hybrid

of zwitterion mechanism correlated the blend of AMP/PZ perfectly

MC1: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Room: Al-Reem B

MC1.1 09:50 The Relative Risk Performance of the Islamic Sukuk Over the

Conventional Bonds: New Evidence From Value At Risk Approach

Mariam AlDhaheri (UAEU & HCT, UAE)

Sukuk are securities that are asset-backed and Shari'a compliant. Since their inception in 2002, Sukuk

markets have experienced dramatic growth rates attracting the attention of investors, analysts and

researchers alike. Despite Islamic bonds (thereafter termed as Sukuk) which held successfully their

place in the international bond markets, the literature survey reveals that there are limited empirical

studies on the Sukuk market risk from the investors' perspectives. Both the conventional bonds and

Sukuk as financial instruments are exposed to various types of financial and market risks. The purpose

of this paper is to examine the possible market risks in regards to the Sukuk as compared to the risks

of traditional bonds. Based on value at risk (VaR) approach, we examine whether Islamic Sukuk exhibit

a different market risk performance to conventional benchmarks.

MC1.2 10:10 Risk and Wealth Effects on the "two Pillar" UAE Financial Sector

Ali Almulla (Zayed University & NBAD, UAE); Themistoclis Pantos (Zayed

University, UAE)

This study examines wealth effects and changes in the systematic risk associated with the return

structure of the Segmented "Two-Pillar" system in the UAE, resulting from the introduction of several

major UAE "Banking-Directives" over the period 2004 to 2014. The empirical findings indicate that the

systematic risk for the investment firms increased, while the systematic risk for the commercial banks

slightly increased through the passage of these "Banking-Directives". The empirical evidence stipulates

that all these "Banking-Directives" have created significant wealth effects for the investment firms, but

insignificant wealth effects for the commercial banks. Conversely, the empirical results suggest that

the introduction of the "Banking-Directives" produced positive wealth effects on the Segmented "Two-

Pillar" UAE financial system.

MC1.3 10:30 Relation Between Depression and Aggression

Hilal Alkatheeri (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)

Series of theorists have suggested that conflicts about depression and aggression. The interest of this

study is occurrence of depression and aggressiveness in young teens ages 15 to 18 at cycle 3 schools

in Abu Dhabi. This study will use quantitative and qualitative methods research design to explore the

causes of aggressiveness in schools. The study will use a convenience sample N=80 of adolescences

during the school day. This will be done by applying a open-ended and closed ended (survey)

questions to answer the following research question: What are the causes that contribute to aggression

behavior among Emirati male students in cycle3 school?

MC1.4 10:50 Body Image Attitudes of Young Emirati Men

Rick Hoffman (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)

Obesity is a problem in the United Arab Emirates. The aim of this dissertation was to provide

recommendations to improve obesity interventions in the United Arab Emirates by exploring the body

image attitudes (how people think and feel about their bodies and bodies of others) of young, Emirati

men. The sample population is 340 Emirati citizen men between the ages 18-29 from all seven

emirates. The data was collected through focus groups, a survey, and interviews. The influences on

body image attitudes of young Emirati men are religion, occupation, region, friends, technology, gym,

fashion, marriage, and media. The top three influences are religion, marriage, and occupation. The

researcher recommends more health messaging in the Mosque, interventions to help men from gaining

weight post-marriage, and health campaigns in workplaces including sports competitions and quality

foods in the cafeterias.

MC1.5 11:10 Capability-Building in Strategic Planning and Policy-Making: What

Does Our Government Really Need?

Maryam Al Obaid (Zayed University, UAE)

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The UAE and the local (emirate-level) governments have adopted structured strategic planning and

policy-making during the first two decades of the millennia. In-house general strategic planning and

policy making skills, however, are insufficient for successfully implementing the national strategies

without relying on external consulting support. This in-house recurring insufficiency is a challenge that

prevents the government from comprehensively exploring its strategic issues, conceptualizing them,

and producing suitable strategic remedies and policy options based on proper professional situation

analysis. Continuing reliance on external consultants is financially infeasible, risky from an information

security aspect and is needlessly time consuming. Two approaches to the problem should be adopted.

A human resources' development approach that adopts a customized capability-building framework to

offer soft skills and also an academic stream that uses established affiliations with renowned schools of

government to offer academic education.

MD1: Mechanical Engineering

Room: Baniyas A

MD1.1 09:50 Numerical Simulation of Transesterification

Tala El Samad (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Mohammed

Hussain (Masdar Institute, UAE); Isam Janajreh (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE)

Transeterificatoin is a chemical process in which two immiscible liquids react in the presence of a

catalyst to form biodiesel, and the less desired glycerol. The efficiency of the process depends on

numerous variables, including reactants molar ratio, flow and agitation speed, temperature and

pressure, residence time, reactor configuration as well as the amount of the catalyst. Numerical

simulation can be used at the conceptual level to investigate the trend, parametric dependency, offset

numerous experimentation hassles and their associated capital and cost. This work details the

development of numerical reactive flow model applied to transesterification following a coupled

thermo-chemical flow. It consists of several reactions with known rate constants and activation

energies. The model has been used to carry parametric study of the process parameters. Special

attention here is given to the rate of reactions and their behavior in a semi-continuous tubular reactor.

MD1.2 10:10 Load Carrying Capacity of Aluminum Plates with Free or Filled and

Notched or Un-Notched Holes Under Uniaxial Loading

Mostafa Hassan Abou Ouf (United Arab Emirates University & Western Atlas

Incorporation, UAE); Abdel-Hamid Ismail Mourad and Aly Aldomaity (Unietd Arab


In this paper the effect of imperfections ( holes and cracked holes with and without bugs) on the load

bearing capacity of pure aluminum thin plates subjected to tensile load is investigated. The results

illustrated that the presence of plug improve the load bearing capacity of the. The maximum load has

been significantly increase for sheets with central hole due to the presence of the plugs.

MD1.3 10:30 Experimental Characterization of a Swirl Stabilized, Direct-

Coupled, Plasma Assisted Turbulent Jet Flame

Rajavasanth Rajasegar (University of Illinois at Urbana-Chamapaign, USA);

Constandinos Mitsingas and Tonghun Lee (University of Illinois at Urbana-

Champaign, USA)

A swirl-stabilized burner was designed to enhance combustion by coupling an atmospheric plasma

discharge to a premixed methane/air turbulent jet. The swirl stabilized burner consists of a high-

velocity, premixed central jet that is stabilized in the recirculation zones created by the four

tangentially placed swirl inlets. A tunable microwave waveguide is used to achieve direct coupling of

plasma to the reaction zone. OH radical number densities were measured using chemiluminescence

imaging. Direct plasma coupling anchored the flame onto the electrode thus preventing blow off and

thereby enhancing flame stability. Flame stability was characterized in terms of the lean blow off limit.

It was observed that increasing the swirl ratio and/or the coupled plasma power enhanced the flame

stability by significantly lowering the lean blow off limit. This was found to be in good agreement with

the measured increase in OH radical density with increase in swirl and/or coupled plasma power.

MD1.4 10:50 Thermomechanical Modeling of Thermal Barrier Coating

Francisco Bernabe Pascual (Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, UAE)

A computational model for thermal barrier coatings made using Electron Beam Physical Vapor

Deposition (EB-PVD) route is developed to predict the stresses in the coating systems upon cool down

to room temperature from maximum operating temperature. Bending effects due to thermal expansion

coefficient mismatch between the different layers are accounted for. Temperature dependent material

properties and spatial variation of topcoat's properties due to sintering are also considered. Inter-

columnar sintering takes place in the top coat (TBC) of the multilayer system. The effect of sintering of

top on the stresses induced in the Thermally Grown Oxide (TGO) is studied. Finite Element Analysis

indicate that the stresses in TGO increases due to sintering.

MD1.5 11:10 Novel Lightweight Structures for Blast Protection

Alia Ruzanna Aziz (University of Liverpool, United Kingdom)

This work presents the findings of a research study investigating the novel lightweight structures of

polymer foams reinforced with composite tubes for blast protection. The specimens were tested under

quasi-static tests at a loading rate of 1mm/minute. Initial attention focused on establishing the

influence of tube diameter on the specific energy absorption (SEA) and the failure characteristics of the

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tubes. In the next stage of the investigation, the tubes were embedded in a range of polymer foams in

order to establish the influence of foam density on the crush behaviour of these lightweight structures.

A limited number of blast tests were undertaken to evaluate the dynamic response subjected to one of

the most severe forms of loading.

ME1: Communication Engineering

Room: Baniyas B

ME1.1 09:50 MU-MIMO Precoding for Visible Light Communication

Hanaa Marshoud (Khalifa University of Science, Technology & Research (KUSTAR),

UAE)

Visible light communication (VLC) is a rapidly emerging technology that derives benefit from the

tremendous developments in solid state lighting devices, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), and its

integration with wireless communication technology. A VLC system is an optical wireless (OW)

communication system in which the visible light is used as the transmission medium. For OW links

utilizing LEDs, the transmitter modulates the intensity of the optical signal at sufficiently high

frequencies, without affecting the illumination function of the LEDs. This process is called intensity

modulation. Direct detection of the decoded signals is applied at the receiver's photo detector (PD),

which converts the incoming light stream into an electrical signal.

ME1.2 10:10 Optimal Precoder Design for Non-Regenerative MIMO Relay

Networks with Antenna Selection

Lina Bariah (KUSTAR, UAE)

In this paper, we present a source precoder design and relay antenna selection scheme by exploiting

the sparsity of the relay gain vector. We consider the Amplify-and-Forward (AF) protocol in a single

relay scenario equipped with multiple antennas. For the precoder design, we present a technique which

diagonalizes the Mean Squared Error (MSE) matrix using singular value decomposition (SVD) and the

generalized SVD (GSVD). The proposed solution for the precoder aims at minimizing the MSE and

reduce the design complexity. As for the relay antenna selection scheme, we employ a technique

based on the Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) algorithm to generate the antenna selection matrix.

Extensive Monte Carlo simulation results demonstrate that the performance gain of the proposed

schemes over the existing ones is significant.

ME1.3 10:30 Enhanced MIMO-OFDM System for Mobile Wireless Channels

Fatma Kalbat (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE);

Arafat Al-Dweik (University of Guelph, UAE); Bayan S Sharif (Khalifa University,

UAE); George K. Karagiannidis (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece)

This work presents a new technique based on Walsh Hadamard Transform (WHT) to improve the

robustness of the space-frequency block coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (SFBC-

OFDM) systems. Simulation results proved that the proposed system enhance the OFDM system

performance in static and time varying channel models compared to conventional SFBC, space time

block coded (STBC) in time varying channels. In addition, the performance of the proposed system was

compared with other precoded SFBC-OFDM systems.

ME1.4 10:50 Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Over Composite Fading Channels

Bassant Selim (Khalifa University, UAE)

In this paper, we study cooperative spectrum sensing over composite fading channels. First, we

consider the Mixture of Gaussian distribution to model the composite channel statistics and derive a

simple generic approximation for the average probability of detection which can be efficiently applied

to any composite fading channel. Second, we derive the optimal voting rule for hard combining in

cooperative spectrum sensing over composite fading channels. In particular, we derive an exact closed

form expression for the optimal decision fusion rule (k-out- of-N) that minimizes the total sensing error

in cognitive radio networks.

ME1.5 11:10 Distributed Differential Space-time Coding for Vehicle-to-Vehicle

Network

Sara Ahmed Al Maeeni and Sami Muhaidat (Khalifa University, UAE); George K.

Karagiannidis (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece); Saleh Al-Araji (Khalifa

University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE)

Differential distributed space-time coding has been proposed for wireless relay network. It provides

spatial diversity without channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter or receiver side. Differential

detection for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) has been studied in the literature for single Rayleigh channel.

However, experimental and theoretical studies have reports that double Rayleigh channel considered

as an appropriate fading model for V2V network. This paper investigates the BER performance of a

distributed differential space-time coding for V2V network. Simulation results show that the bit error

rate (BER) performance degrades severely in fast-fading channel.

09:50 - 11:10

MF1: Bioengineering

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Room: Yas

MF1.1 09:50 Atherosclerosis: A Review on Latest Trends and Directions

Sara Timraz (Khalifa University for Science Technology and Research, UAE)

Atherosclerosis is one of the cardiovascular diseases that has become dramatically prevalent and

contributed to an increase in morbidity rates globally. It is defined as an inflammatory health condition

characterized by accumulation of plaque inside the blood vessels, decreasing blood flow and leading to

stroke or myocardial infarction in severe cases. Atherosclerosis involves a highly regulated and

sophisticated network of interactions between the endothelium, inflammatory cells through cytokines

which are the signaling factors that initiate the events. In this short review, light is shed on few recent

studies that investigated the disease through in vitro models, and their results are summarized here.

MF1.2 10:10 Evaluating the Influence of Interstitial Flow on Tumor Cell

Migration

Ghada Al Hussein (KUSTAR, UAE)

Interstitial fluid flow, represented by the movement of fluid through the extra cellular matrix or more

precisely between blood and lymphatic vessels, is considered to be one of the main factors that

influences morphology and migration of tumor cells in addition to leukocytes, endothelial cells,

fibroblasts mesenchymal cells and other types. Understanding the cellular migration phenomena and

how it relates to tumor development, invasion and metastasis will lead to major development in cancer

treatments (1). Thus, many researches have been conducted in order to come up with mathematical

models, microfluidic-based in-vitro assays and devices that can better quantify and control the tumor

micro-environmental factors (2; 3). These studies also helped in understanding the biochemical,

physical and mechanical environment of the tumor which provided them with major advancement in

drug delivery techniques. This short review will cover different methods used by various labs across

the world to understand the relationship.

MF1.3 10:30 Bioengineered Blood Vessels Generated From a Novel Collagen &

Elastin Biomaterial

Alan Ryan (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & 1. Trinity College Dublin, 2.

Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, RCSI & ,

Ireland)

The generation of a functional bioengineered blood vessel requires the application of appropriate

biomechanical/biochemical signals, a suitable cell source, and a biomaterial scaffold template for tissue

maturation. We have shown that elastin addition to 3D collagen scaffold sheets can play a major role

in the scaffold biological and mechanical response. In particular, elastin addition resulted in a more

native viscoelastic response and also earlier gene expression of mid/late stage smooth muscle cell

contractile proteins, which are necessary to achieve vasoactivity. This biomimetic biomaterial was

subsequently fabricated into a physiologically relevant bilayered tubular structure consisting of an inner

dense film layer for endothelium development, and a porous outer layer for medial layer development.

Following 21 days culture the construct was remodelled into a dense, organised tissue resulting in

mechanically robust bioengineered vessels capable of sustained mechanical conditioning in a custom

designed bioreactor.

MF1.4 10:50 Radiation Exposure and Risk Assessment to Pediatric Patient At

Digital Radiology Chest Examination

Najlaa Khalfan Almazrouei, NK (UAEU, UAE); Jamila Alsuwaidi (DHA, UAE); Adel

Hashish (UAEU, UAE)

Radiation safety for pediatric of different age groups is extremely important because of the higher

radiation risks associated with radiation exposure in children compared to adults. This chest

examination study was performed on phantoms to measure the incident air kerma (Ki). Entrance skin

dose (ESD), Ke, was determined indirectly via tube output measurements and from knowledge of

X-ray exposure factors. The effective dose (ED) was estimated using Monte Carlo dose calculation

software. Five pediatric patient age groups were chosen as: newborn, 0-<1, 1-<5y, 5-<10y, 10-<15y

The ESD results for these age groups were 37.53, 37.56, 43.01, 57.3 and 61.81 µGy, respectively, and

the ED were 18.71, 12.89, 14.96, 19.44 and 25.55 µSv, respectively. Our Results were lower than

other published data and the higher ED was for the patient of age group 10-<15y.

09:50 - 11:30

MG1: Civil Engineering

Room: Saadiyat

MG1.1 09:50 Estimating Base Saturation Flow Rate and U-Turn and Left-Turn

Adjustment Factors for Selected Signalized Intersections in Doha, Qatar

Hassan Abuhamda (Aljaber Engineering, Qatar)

This study attempts to estimating the U-turn and Left-turn adjustment factors at selected signalized

intersections in Doha, as well as measuring the base saturation flow rate. It also compares the results

with the Highway Capacity Manual and previous studies. To estimate the base saturation flow rate for

Doha, 86 queues for the through lane were used. The results found the base saturation flow rate to be

2,323 pc/h/ln. To develop the left-turn adjustment factor, 88 queues were used. The left-turn

adjustment factor was found to be 0.947, which is similar to the 0.95 value suggested by the HCM. To

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measure the U-turn adjustment factor, 198 queues were used to develop a regression model with the

headway as the dependent variable and the U-turn percentage as the independent variable. The

results show the U-turn adjustment factor ranges from 0.76 for 100% of U-turn traffic to 0.95 for 10%

of U-turn traffic.

MG1.2 10:10 Shear Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams with Textile-

Reinforced Mortar

Oluwafunmilayo Awani (UAE University, UAE); Tamer El-Maaddawy (United Arab

Emirates University, UAE); Ahmed El-Refai (Laval University, Quebec, Canada)

Strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is frequently required due to poor structural

design, changes in structural loading and/or corrosion of steel reinforcement. Since the late 1980s,

externally-bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (EB-FRP) composites have been used successfully in

strengthening of RC structures. The EB-FRP system exhibits some undesirable properties such as

incompatibility of the epoxy adhesive with concrete and poor performance at high temperatures. An

alternative composite strengthening system known as textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) has emerged

recently and is being proven to provide a comparable increase in structural capacity as that of the

FRPs, while circumventing the problems associated with FRPs. This study investigates the effectiveness

of using TRM composites in shear strengthening of RC beams. The influence of amount of internal

stirrups and external TRM layers on shear response has been investigated. The performance of the

TRM-strengthened specimens is also compared with that of specimens strengthened with textile-

reinforced polymer (TRP).

MG1.3 10:30 Response of Flexure-Deficient Continuous Slabs Strengthened

with Near Surface Mounted Composites

Jwan Alkhalil and Tamer El-Maaddawy (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)

Flexural deficiency could happen in reinforced concrete (RC) floor slabs due to an error in design,

omission of steel during construction, or other construction defects. Such deficiencies would

compromise the serviceability and flexural capacity of RC slabs. This paper examines the effectiveness

of using near surface mounted (NSM) carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites to improve

the flexural response of deficient continuous RC slab strips. The deficiency location and amount of

NSM-CFRP reinforcement were the test parameters in six two-span continuous RC specimens. The

enhancement in load capacity caused by strengthening was in the range of 29% to 45% for the

specimens having a deficiency in the sagging region, and 14% to 29% for the specimens with a

deficiency in the hogging region. The ductility of the strengthened specimens decreased with an

increase in the amount of NSM-CFRP strips.

MG1.4 10:50 Influence of Severe Irregularity on Seismic Response of Tall

Buildings

El Sayed Abou Khalifa (UAEU- Al Ain- UAE, UAE); Aman Mwafy (United Arab


This paper assesses the impacts of the severe vertical irregularity, particularly the discontinuity in

lateral force resisting system (LFRS), on the seismic behavior of high-rise buildings at various

performance levels. Two 50-story high-rise buildings are selected to represent a regular structure and

an irregular building. The reference buildings are designed using modern seismic design provisions.

Verified fiber based simulation models are developed and forty natural earthquake records

representing two seismic scenarios are selected to assess the seismic vulnerability of the severe

vertical irregularity. The results indicate that, although a proper overstrength factor is employed in the

design of the irregular building, it is significantly more vulnerable at different earthquake intensities

than the regular counterpart. The limit state exceedance probabilities reflect the substantial increase in

seismic losses with the discontinuity in LFRS. This confirms the need for mitigation actions to reduce

the seismic losses of structures exhibiting this severe irregularity.

MG1.5 11:10 Evaluation of the Period Elongation of Multi-story Buildings for

Seismic Design

Abdelrahman A. Ashri (UAE University, UAE); Aman Mwafy (United Arab Emirates

University, UAE)

The period elongation of modern multi-story buildings under seismic loads is assessed in this paper.

Ten reference structures of low, medium and high-rise buildings are selected and fully designed to

represent the contemporary buildings in the UAE. The selected structures vary in height from 2 to 100

stories with three different lateral force resisting systems, namely flat slab-columns (FSC), shear walls

(SW) and tube in tube (TIT) systems. The elastic and elongated periods are estimated using

eigenvalue and time history analyses. It is concluded that the average period elongation at the life

safety limit state is 2.2, 1.6 and 1.1 for the FSC, SW and TIT systems, respectively. At the collapse

prevention performance level, the period elongation for the above-mentioned systems is 2.8, 2.0 and

1.3, respectively. The study proposes an effective stiffness of 0.5EI, 0.8EI and 1.0EI for the vertical

members of the FSC, SW and TIT systems, respectively.

11:30 - 11:40


11:40 - 13:00

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Room: Saqr Ballroom

MA2.1 11:40 Adaptive Companding Techniques for Power Efficient OFDM

Systems

Rola Almahainy (Khalifa University, UAE); Nazar Ali (Khaifa University, UAE);

Saleh Al-Araji (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE);

Mohammed Elnaggar (Khalifa University, UAE)

High Peak-to-Average-Power Ratio (PAPR) of transmitted signals is the most commonly encountered

impediment in broadband telecommunication systems that use orthogonal frequency division

multiplexing (OFDM) modulation scheme. Companding techniques have been recently used to alleviate

the high PAPR of OFDM signal, which detrimentally affects the efficiency and linearity of power

amplifiers. The proposed research is meant to develop a smart fully adaptive Tx-Rx link for an OFDM

based system. Under this structure, a concurrent companding and bias control techniques are

introduced to enhance the efficiency of the power amplifier; particularly the overall DC/RF power

conversion. The companding algorithm is presented with an adaptive behavior at the baseband level to

reduce PAPR. PAPR/BER tradeoff optimization is required to improve the system efficiency and

complexity. In this paper, performance evaluation of most commonly companding schemes is

presented. The system performance is evaluated over two standard metrics; the CCDF of PAPR and

BER.

MA2.2 12:00 Miniaturized Low-Cost High-Performance Digital Radar

Lutfi Albasha (American University Of Sharjah, UAE); Mansour Taghadosi and

Hasan Mir (American University of Sharjah, UAE)

An S-band digital radar testbed implemented using discrete microwave components is presented. By

utilizing multiple receiver channels, digital array radars (DAR) are able to perform several functions

such as tracking a specific target in space, while rejecting jammers from a certain angular location,

which is of interest in high clutter environments. The proposed digital radar testbed possess the unique

attributes of having high (>50 dB) dynamic range over a wide (600 MHz) instantaneous bandwidth to

improve the radar's range resolution (0.25 m). The ultimate goal of this study is to produce DAR on

printed circuit boards (PCB), using commercial surface mount components, to reduce the cost and

physical size while maintaining the radar's specifications. The limitations and constraints of such design

transfer should be studied in order to achieve the best system performance in smaller scales.

MA2.3 12:20 Chip Level Implementation of a Digital Radar System

Yazan Al-Alem (American University of Sharjah, UAE); Lutfi Albasha (American

University Of Sharjah, UAE); Hasan Mir (American University of Sharjah, UAE)

In this work, an S-Band radar system based on stretch processing technique is developed at the chip

level. The novelty in this work lies in providing a compact and miniaturized radar system chipset. The

radar has many characteristics that ensure high performance: a wide bandwidth signal (600 MHz) that

provides high resolution to distinguish between close objects, stretch processing technique that

dramatically reduces the required sampling rates and relaxes the specifications of analog to digital

converters, high dynamic range that allows weak signals to be detected from targets masked by high

levels of clutter (such as snow and rain), multiple receiver channels that enable digital antenna

beamforming at the receiver to mitigate any strong interferer, and finally operation in the S-Band (2-4

GHz) that provides high immunity against clutter in long range surveillance applications.

MA2.4 12:40 Methodology for FPGA Based Energy-Efficient Adaptive

Beamforming

Owais Talaat Waheed and Ayman Shabra (iMicro, Masdar Institute of Science &

Technology, UAE); Ibrahim M Elfadel (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE)

In wireless communication systems, multipath and interference effects degrade the SNR and increase

the BER of received signals, which can be improved using beamforming algorithms. In the adaptive

beamforming where signal-path gains are changed in real time based on statistics of the received

signals, the SNR is improved and BER is decreased, but power dissipation undergoes unpredictable

transients during the gain adaptation process which are detrimental to battery-based power

management systems in mobile applications. In this paper, we propose an FPGA-based power analysis

methodology which can result in selection of energy-efficient adaptive beamforming algorithm. We

used simple four-channel Least-Mean-Squares (LMS) beamformer and prototyping it on Xilinx's Virtex

7 FPGA. Iterating through proposed methodology guarantees the selection of adaptive algorithm

design point which represents best tradeoff between parameter convergence, machine precision and

energy-efficiency for the embedded array signal processor.


Room: Al-Reem A

MB2.1 11:40 Regeneration of Potassium Glycinate Used for CO2 Absorption

Using Hollow Fiber Membrane Contactors

Abdul Rahim Nihmiya (United Arab Emirates University, UAE); Nayef Mohamed

Ghasem (UAE University, UAE)

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To improve the performance of CO2 absorption/stripping in gas liquid membrane contactor module a

relatively new idea, enhanced CO2 desorption (based on pH-shift) was studied. In this study the pH

values were changed by using asymmetric solutions of glycine and KOH (i.e. solutions containing

different molar amounts of amino acid and base). Lower pH decreases the CO2 solubility of the solvent

and promotes the hydrolysis of the carbamate species. Consequently at lower pH the CO2 reaction

equilibrium shifts towards the release of CO2 enhancing the partial pressure of CO2. Hence higher

molar ratios of glycine/KOH shows better stripping and reduced absorption performance. Subsequently

in continuous operation of absorption and followed up by stripping, the stripping performance was

controlled by reduced absorption performance because of resultant low initial CO2 concentrations. Thus

for the net effect the molar ratio has to be optimized to achieve both good absorption and subsequent

stripping performance.

MB2.2 12:00 Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Extended

Hasnaa Sadeq and John Graham (UAEU, UAE); Thies Thiemann (United Arab


9-Ethenylanthracenes and 9-phenyl-10-ethenylanthracenes have been prepared by solventless Wittig-

olefination and Suzuki coupling. The crystal structures of two ethyl (E)-3- [anthran-9-yl]propenoates

have been measured

MB2.3 12:20 Carbon Dioxide Utilization Using Sterically Hindered Amine and

Desalination Reject Brine

Abdallah Dindi, Dang Viet Quang and Mohammad Abu-Zahra (Masdar Institute of


This study extends an ongoing evaluation of a chemical process which uses desalination brine to

convert CO2 into useful Sodium bicarbonate while partially treating the brine in the process. The focus

of this present paper is a sensitivity analysis of the CO2 absorption step of the process. Important

process parameters such as temperature, brine concentration and amine concentration are varied to

see their impact on a key process performance index which is the percent sodium removal from the

brine. The results showed that the CO2 absorption step is significantly improved at lower

temperatures, high brine concentrations and moderate amine concentration. When the amine used in

the process is 2-Amino, 2-methyl, propanol (AMP), the optimum concentration was found to be 30

weight%.

MB2.4 12:40 Magnetic Field Scale Reduction - The Effect on Calcium Carbonate

Morphology

Adetunji Alabi (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Matteo Chiesa

(Masdar, UAE); Giovanni Palmisano (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE)

Magnetic water treatment has been a subject of dispute for quite some time now. This work attempts

to ascertain the effects of magnetic treatment on the precipitates formed from hard water. The crystals

formed were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared

Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The findings indicate that aragonite is preferentially

formed after magnetic field treatment, while calcite is the predominant form of calcium carbonate

precipitated when there was no magnetic treatment of the solution.


Room: Al-Reem B

MC2.1 11:40 Is There a Role for VALS Analysis in Identifying Different

Healthcare Customer Groups?

Joseph Muhammad (Zayed University, UAE); Ken Black (Clear Lake, University of

Hoston, UAE)

Many marketing strategies focus on the personal and psychological factors that support consumer

spending. One particular marketing strategy known as VALS (Values And Life Styles) based its

customer groupings initially according to an analysis of lifestyles but later shifted to the use of

psychological profiles. The current system has defined eight different groups. They are; innovators,

achievers, thinkers, believers, strivers, experiencers, makers and survivors. The purpose of this short

paper is to explore whether the application of VALS to the healthcare setting can assist healthcare

professionals not only in providing targeted focused care but also a way to identify the different types

of communication and financial needs of patients.

MC2.2 12:00 Understanding the Effect of CMS' Readmission Reductions Program

in Pneumonia Patients

Eric Johnson (University of Utah & Intermountain Healthcare, USA)

Understanding the effect of new CMS rules regarding hospital readmission in pneumonia patients: A

comprehensive review of the CMS Readmissions Reduction Program on Intermountain Healthcare's

Pneumonia patient population.

MC2.3 12:20 Project Management Office (PMO) Practices in the UAE

Tareq Al-Ameri (United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) & Abu Dhabi Educational

Council (ADEC), UAE)

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Many organizations in both public and private sectors are striving to find new tools and strategies to

streamline their project execution. Among such tools is the Project Management Office (PMO), which is

defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI, 2008) as "An organizational body or entity assigned

various responsibilities related to the centralized and coordinated management of those projects under

its domain".This study focuses on promoting the key roles of the PMO in the execution of the strategic

plans of organizations in the public sector, which are chosen as target cases for investigating the

potential practices of the existing PMO entities.

MC2.4 12:40 The Challenges of Transition to Innovation Based Economy in UAE

Fareed Al Amiri (UAE University, UAE)

This paper investigates the challenges of transition to innovation-based economy in UAE, from

strategic, innovation, and entrepreneurship perspectives. Based on global innovation index and

literature reviews conducted in UAE, we have examined the innovation`s stakeholders to understand

the country's status in term of innovation practices. Researchers revealed that generating innovation is

considered as the main challenge for this transition. In order to address transition challenges,

researchers proposed building innovation ecosystem that integrates all efforts of innovation`s

stakeholders and stimulate innovation practices. We argue that the country needs to develop

mechanisms, which should be grounded on industry analysis, priorities, and constraints. Additionally,

government organizations that are directly related to innovation should update their mandate and

operations in accordance with national innovation strategy. Finally, developing technical capabilities

and entrepreneurs towards the targeted economic sectors are crucial for economy transition. However,

valuable insights related to the study could be generated through empirical research.

MD2: Materials Science

Room: Baniyas A

MD2.1 11:40 Poly (Vinyl) Alcohol-Networked Cellulose Reverse Osmosis

Membranes

Shaheen Anis (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Raed Hashaikeh

(Masdar, UAE)

Poly (vinyl) Alcohol's (PVA) inherent hydrophilicity makes it a valuable membrane material to be used

for water treatment applications such as reverse osmosis (RO). However, the same property renders

PVA inapplicable to be used on its own as it tends to swell when in water. Recently, PVA's swelling was

controlled by networked cellulose (NC). PVA-NC membranes of 15, 20 and 30 wt.% NC showed

promising results and have also been reported with high salt rejection rates. In this work, our objective

was to make these aforementioned membranes on a thinner scale to see if they can retain the salt

rejection rates with higher flux. When tested for RO using thicknesses 90µm-100µm, salt rejection of

about 98.9% was obtained. These membranes open new doors to the membrane technology where a

considerable increase in flux, greater than the commercial ones may be achieved if they are fabricated

on a much thinner scale.

MD2.2 12:00 Mimicking the Human Touch Sense Using a Graphene Foam Based

Composite; Developed Via a Facile Technique

Yarjan Abdul Samad (Khalifa University of Science Research and Technology,

UAE); Yuanqing Li (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE);

Kin Liao (Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, UAE)

Graphene being semi-metallic to semiconducting in nature with a finite resistance, the 3D structures of

graphene change resistance when perturbed by an inside or outside stimuli. We have reported a facile

technique of creating graphene foams (GF) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) infused GF composites

for pressure and strain sensing application. GF were developed by a vacuum assisted dip-coating of

Nickel metal foam (Ni-F) with GO and subsequent reduction of GO to rGO and etching out of Nickel

completely from the GF scaffold resulting in a pure free-standing GF. The GF-PDMS composites were

tested for their ability to sense compressive strains and pressures in the form of change in resistance.

MD2.3 12:20 Enhanced Performance of Lithium Ion Batteries Cathodes: A

Survey

Lama Mahmoud and Boor Lalia (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE); Raed Hashaikeh (Masdar, UAE)

Olivine lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) exhibits a wide range of inherent merits making it a promising

cathode material for high power-density lithium ion batteries. Moreover, the theoretical capacity of

LiFePO4 is up to 170 mAh/g at the stable voltage plateau of 3.5V vs. Li/Li+. Nevertheless, its limited

commercial availability compared to other cathode materials is referred to its poor rate performance,

resulting from the low lithium ion diffusion rate and poor electronic conductivity. This work aims to – in

depth - investigate the properties of LiFePO4 as a potential cathode material. It also summarizes the

reported techniques in which its rate performance could be enhanced including elements coating,

carbon coating, and preparation of porous materials and composites. The advantages and

disadvantages of the above methods are also presented.

MD2.4 12:40 Cellulose-modified Carbon Nanostructure Membranes with

Controllable Properties

Farah Ahmed (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology & iWater, UAE); Boor

Lalia (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Raed Hashaikeh

(Masdar, UAE)

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The unique properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) such as their extraordinary mechanical strength,

low density, high electrical and thermal conductivity make them attractive for use in polymer matrices

and more recently, for developing conductive membranes. However, challenges in CNT dispersion and

health issues related to shedding of individual CNTs have caused much concern. Carbon

Nanostructures (CNS) constitute a highly entangled network of CNTs, which can be readily combined

with polymers to yield stable advanced membranes for many applications including batteries, filtration,

and medicine. In this work, we combined the properties of CNT with networked cellulose (NC) to yield

highly porous membranes with tunable morphology. We found that the addition of NC at 50 wt.%

enhances the mechanical properties and hydrophilicity of CNS membranes, without significantly

degrading their electrical conductivity.

ME2: Communication Engineering

Room: Baniyas B

ME2.1 11:40 Evaluation of Cooperative Localization Algorithm for WiFi System

Under Real Propagation Models

Ebtesam Almazrouei (Khalifa University, UAE); Nayef Alsindi (Etisalat-British

Telecommunications Innovation Centre (EBTIC), UAE); Saleh Al-Araji (Khalifa

University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE); Nazar Ali (Khaifa

University, UAE)

The main challenge facing Wi-Fi Cooperative Localization in indoor/urban environments is the

multipath and non-line of sight problems that can degrade received signal strength (RSS) and Time of

Arrival (TOA) based distance estimation techniques. The second major challenge is the design and

development of robust algorithms to combine inaccurate range/distance measurements to localize

Access Points (APs) in a network through centralized or distributed cooperative localization algorithms.

Cooperative localization research has been investigated for wireless sensor networks over the last

decade. However the study, implementation and analysis of cooperative localization algorithms for Wi-

Fi based networks has not received similar attention. The objective of this paper is to study existing

wireless sensor network cooperative localization algorithms and assess their performance under the

constraints of Wi-Fi signaling and indoor propagation environments.

ME2.2 12:00 Modeling Conditional Error Probability for Hybrid Decode-Amplify-

Forward Cooperative System

Rawan Alkurd (Khalifa University, UAE)

The error probability is one of the important metrics used to measure the performance of cooperative

relay-based systems. Conventionally, the error probability analysis assumes no information about the

condition of the Source-Relay link. In this paper, we show that this assumption could result in over or

under estimation of the error probability and therefore affects the accuracy of the analysis which is

essential to design optimum relay-based system. Therefore, we propose the mathematical model of

conditional error probability, in which relay decision information is considered in the performance

analysis of cooperative relay-based systems. The accuracy of the derived analytical expressions are

validated via Monte Carlo simulations. Results show that, there is substantial difference between the

conventional and the conditional error probability, which depends on relay decision information. Finally,

the derived expressions provide accurate analytical tool to analyze and design relay-based cooperative

systems for various Source- Relay channel conditions.

ME2.3 12:20 Asymptotic Analysis of Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Over

Generalized Fading Channels

Ahmed Al Hammadi (Khalifa University, UAE)

In this paper, we study the performance of cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) over generalized

fading channels, where each secondary user (SU) utilizes an energy detector in order to detect the

presence of the primary user (PU). We derive an asymptotic probability of energy detection over

generalized fading channels. Furthermore, we optimize the performance of the CSS under Bayesian

criterion by applying an optimal fusion rule. The results has shown that in high signal-to-noise ratio

(SNR) scenarios, and for different fading channels, the optimal fusion rule outperforms both AND rule

and OR rule.

ME2.4 12:40 Enhanced Approach for DSR Based Routing Protocol

Doaa Al-Terri (Khalifa University, UAE)

Routing in VANETs is very challenging due to the high mobility of the network. Therefore the existing

routing protocols should be improved in order to be compatible with the frequent change of the

network topology. In this paper, we improve the performance of the Dynamic Source Routing (DSR)

protocol by enhancing the reliability of the network. This can be achieved by taking into account the

QoS and the high speed constrains while selecting the paths. Thus, our solution is a new QoS-based

DSR protocol that can increase the stability and the reliability of the network. The simulation results

show that the proposed protocol succeeded in improving the packet delivery ratio and reducing the

probability of packet loss compared to the classical DSR protocol.

MF2: Health and Life Sciences

Room: Yas

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Israa AbuSaad (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)

Children's with chronic medical problems do not have the opportunity of real life studying, to

participate natural conditions, (to learn and study). Their medical case prevents them from the natural

terms of life like eating, drinking, moving, and study. These normal activities to normal children;

therefore we are trying to give these mishap children the full opportunity to pursue their life to learn

and try to gain experience, accepting their situation of hospitalization most of the time, we also try to

offer these children feeling secure within their environment. By managing and providing support &

supervision to ensure participation & socialization for this group of children. Here we offered them to

learn life skills that can help them prevent them of self Poisoning, how to avoid gaining weight and

drinking more water than they suppose to.

MF2.2 12:00 Barriers to the Successful Implementation of Informational

Technology in the Healthcare Sector: Not Only Do We Need to Speak the Same

Language We Need to Share the Same Vision

Joseph Muhammad and Justin Thomas (Zayed University, UAE)

The traditional role of informational technology (IT) in healthcare has focused on process

improvement. Automation of labor intensive procedures have resulted productivity and efficiency

gains. However, barriers to the full transformational role of IT in healthcare remain. They include; the

complex nature of healthcare, lack of opportunities for constructive engagement between IT and

healthcare professionals and a failure to recognize IT as a critical enabler in delivering improved

healthcare. In order to reflect on the transformations that IT has had on healthcare and those

challenges that still remain, hospital staff from different departments of a local government hospital

and abroad have been invited to discuss the impact IT has had on their work and what it means not

only in terms of reducing costs and enhancing future patient care but also potential loss in physician

autonomy. Case reports and a pertinent discussion of the issues raised will be presented.

MF2.3 12:20 Structural and Functional Feature Extraction for Machine Learning-

based Microbial Community-related Tasks

Mai Oudah and Andreas Henschel (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE)

As the relationship between microbial diversity and the surrounding environment, whether natural or

artificial, is still unclear, many studies in microbial communities aim at achieving a better

understanding of how microbial communities function in their environments. In this paper, we propose

an approach for extracting structural and functional features from 16S rRNA sequences, to enrich the

feature set in Machine Learning-based tasks, e.g. in health studies, predicting Breast Cancer, and in

bioreactor studies, detecting Glucose end metabolites. The introduced pipeline is composed of two

main phases, including estimating the taxonomic composition, and predicting the metabolic

capabilities. As a future work, we intend on evaluating the proposed approach using annotated

datasets, as well as, investigating the impact of structural and functional features on the performance

of learned models as microbial community features are generally the presented bacterial species, and

considering the predicted genes and metabolic pathways can equally have informative character.

MF2.4 12:40 Is There a Place for Both Transaction and Relationship Based

Market Approaches in Healthcare?

Joseph Muhammad (Zayed University, UAE); Ken Black (Clear Lake, University of

Hoston, UAE)

Marketing strategies differ not only according to the product or service being promoted but also the

customer segment being targeted. Relationship based marketing focuses on developing a long

sustainable relationship with customers whereas transaction based marketing has come to be viewed

as having an emphasis solely on completing the trade or item of service. The complexity of healthcare

delivery with patients being seen as customers with a differing needs can cloud the distinction between

transactional and relationship based approaches. The common denominator for both marketing

strategies is value which in healthcare is difficult to define. The purpose of this short paper is to

compare and contrast the roles that transaction based and relation based marketing have in the

delivery of health care in two different settings using six criteria which are as follows; goal orientation,

customer contact, organizational focus, customer responsiveness, quality concern and time

perspective.


Room: Saadiyat

MG2.1 11:40 Vulnerability Assessment of Pre-code Frame Building Retrofitted

Using Buckling Restrained Braces

Anas Issa and Aman Mwafy (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)

A systematic seismic vulnerability assessment of a benchmark 8-story structure representing pre-

seismic code frame buildings in a highly populated and seismically active area in the UAE is conducted

in this study. Detailed structural design and fiber-based modeling are carried out for the reference

structure. Forty earthquake records are selected to represent potential earthquake scenarios in the

study area. Over 1000 inelastic pushover analyses (IPAs) and incremental dynamic analyses (IDAs)

are performed to select the performance criteria and to derive fragility relationships for the reference

building. It is concluded that this category of pre-code structures is substantially vulnerable to seismic

loads. The derived fragility curves for the retrofitted reference structure using Buckling Restrained

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Braces (BRBs) proved that such technique is efficient in reducing the seismic losses of pre-code frame

structures and increasing public safety.

MG2.2 12:00 Micromechanical Modeling of Size Effect on Strength and Ductility

of Dual-Phase Steels

Najmul Abid and Rashid Abu Al-Rub (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE)

In this study, an attempt is made to capture the size effect of martensite phase in Dual Phase (DP)

steels on their mechanical properties. The method used for predicting such a phenomenon is the "core

and mantel" model which is calibrated through micro-pillar compression experiments. It is shown that

this method is successful in capturing size effect and might be favorable for its simplicity and low

simulation cost as compared to other advanced models.

MG2.3 12:20 Replacement of Portland Cement by Ceramic Waste Powder (CWP)

Dima Kanaan (United Arab Emirates University, UAE); Amr El-Dieb (United Arab

Emirates University & College of Engineering, UAE)

In this study, CWP will be investigated as an alternative ingredient in concrete-making. The first phase

will focus on studying the main properties and characteristics of the ceramic waste powder "CWP". In

the second phase, the ceramic waste powder will be used as supplementary cementing material (SCM)

with different dosages replacing cement. In this phase, the effect of CWP as SCM on the properties of

fresh and hardened concrete will be investigated. The expected outcomes of the study should shed

light on how CWP could be utilized effectively as an alternative ingredient of concrete and the optimum

dosage. The main outcome from this study is to provide guidelines on recycling and using a solid waste

which will help solving an environmental problem and at the same time contribute to making

sustainable concrete structures.

MG2.4 12:40 Flexural Performance of Continuous Concrete Slabs Internally-

Reinforced with Basalt Composite Bars

Mohammad Sohayeb Akiel and Tamer El-Maaddawy (United Arab Emirates

University, UAE); Ahmed El-Refai (Laval University, Quebec, Canada)

Continuous steel-reinforced concrete slabs in UAE are vulnerable to corrosion damage due to the

marine environment, high temperature, and saline ground water. Non-metallic basalt fiber-reinforced

polymer (BFRP) reinforcing bars have a great potential to overcome corrosion problems by replacing

steel bars in concrete structures. This paper examines the flexural response of continuous concrete

slabs internally-reinforced with BFRP bars. A total of six continuous concrete slabs, 200 x 500 x 5000

mm each, internally-reinforced with BFRP bars were constructed and tested. The main variables were

the BFRP reinforcement ratio in the sagging region (2.5 fb and 0.8 fb), where fb is the BFRP

balanced reinforcement ratio, and the hogging-to-sagging BFRP reinforcement ratio (0.5, 0.72, and 1).

The flexural response of the slabs with the BFRP rupture mode of failure was more sensitive to the

hogging-to-sagging BFRP reinforcement ratio than that of the slabs with the concrete crushing mode of

failure.

13:00 - 14:00


14:00 - 14:45

Keynote 4: Ultra-Low-Power Semiconductors for Wireless Patient Monitoring

Dr. Alison Burdett, Toumaz Group, UK

Room: Saqr Ballroom

Abstract: The majority of patients in hospital have measurements of their vital signs taken and recorded only

intermittently; typically at 6 or 8 hourly intervals. As a result, patient deterioration can occur to a point of

serious consequence before it is recognized by the clinical staff. It is neither practical nor desirable to attach

all patients to static monitors; such a solution would be very expensive, and would confine patients to

bed.This talk will outline recent advances in ultra-low power semiconductors which are enabling a new wave of

miniature, wearable and wireless healthcare devices. Such devices are already being deployed within hospitals

to increase patient safety by allowing near-continuous monitoring of a much wider patient population than

previously possible. The challenges of, and solutions to monitoring ambulatory patients will be described, and

future applications and ongoing research topics will also be discussed. Finally the talk will outline a vision

where these mobile healthcare devices could also be deployed outside hospital to enable a truly mobile and

personalised healthcare revolution.

About the Presenter: Alison has over 25 years of experience in semiconductor design, particularly in the

field of ultra-low power wireless communication. She joined Toumaz in 2001 as Technical Director, and is

currently Chief Technology Officer (CTO), responsible for delivering silicon and healthcare technology

programmes within the company. Prior to joining Toumaz, Alison spent time both in industry as an integrated

circuit designer, and also in academia (as Senior Lecturer in Analogue IC Design at Imperial College

London).Dr. Burdett is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (FIET)

and a Senior Member of the IEEE. She was European Regional Chair (2013-2015) of the Technical Programme

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Committee for the IEEE International Solid State Circuits Conference (ISSCC). She is a member of the UK

National Microelectronics Institute (NMI) Microelectronics Design Advisory Board, and a Visiting Researcher at

the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College.

14:50 - 16:10


Room: Saqr Ballroom

MA3.1 14:50 Adaptive ECG Interval Extraction

Temesghen Tekeste (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research,

UAE)

ECG intervals such as QRS, QT and PR provide significant information and are widely used as clinical

parameters for diagnosing cardiac diseases. This paper presents a novel QRS detection technique

based on Curve Length Transform (CLT) and a refined delineation of P-wave and T-wave using Discrete

Wavelet Transform (DWT). The proposed technique was verified using the PhysioNet database. The

QRS detection achieved a sensitivity of 98.59% and a positive predictivity of 97.86%. The QRS

duration, QT interval and PR interval had a mean error of -1.56+/-28.8ms, -5.39+/-42.4ms and

0.86+/-40.3ms respectively. The proposed algorithm is computationally efficient and is simpler to

implement in hardware, hence, will lead to a faster execution time, smaller design area and

consequently low power consumption.

MA3.2 15:10 A Simple Active Filter Architecture for High Frequency Applications

Rana Mahmoud (American University of Sharjah, UAE)

In this paper, second order notch filter is designed to eliminate the frequency components at 1.2 MHz

of the TV spectrum with Phase Alternate Line (PAL) signal. The proposed Notch filter design is selected

among 11 possible second-order single-MOS transistor Notch filters which are designed and simulated

using Cadence design tools in 65nm technology. Moreover, all single MOS transistor notch filters are LC

resonance-based filters which are designed using minimum number of passive components. From

simulation results, it is shown that all possible models of single-MOS transistors can only yield second

order filters [1]. However, higher order filters can be obtained from cascading several second-order

filters. Minimum number of components used in designing such filters allows its utilization in large

integrated circuits. Most filters are designed using highly linear building blocks [2] which makes single

transistor undesirable for active filters. Nevertheless, proper biasing for the transistor can solve the

problem.

MA3.3 15:30 Memristive Devices for Computing in Robotics Perception

Heba Abunahla, Jorge Dias, Baker Mohammad and Dirar Homouz (Khalifa

University, UAE)

Recently, memristive devices have potential to play important role in probabilistic computing. In this

paper, the non-linear mathematical model of memristor that exists in the literature is improved to

behave in probabilistic manner by adding Poisson randomness to the applied voltage. This is done

based on experimental results which show that memristor devices exhibit stochastic switching

behavior. Building autonomous Robots is a dream of artificial intelligence researchers. Sensors

limitations and environment complexity increase the difficulty to implement a software by which a

robot can behave similar to human autonomously. In this manner, probabilistic approaches are

proposed to help the robot having more accurate decisions depending on displaying information

through probabilistic densities. Intelligent Robots are the future hope to handle the jobs that are

difficult or dangerous to be performed by human.

MA3.4 15:50 Finite Element Simulation of Nanotips Using Cone Model

Ahmed Ali (Khalifa University, UAE)

A Nanotip is a sharp metal needle that terminates with an apex of a few nanometers radius. It is used

in Electron Microscopes to characterize materials at nano-scale, and also used in Scanning Probe

Microscopes to fabricate and manipulate nanostructures. Nanotip fabrication continues to advance

nowadays, and the tips produced currently can terminate with an apex of a single atom, thus called

Single Atom Tips (SAT) [1]. With this advance, tip characterization methods has to be improved as

well. In this paper, we show the characterization of Ultra sharp tips as a cone model using Finite

Element Simulation.


Room: Al-Reem A

MB3.1 14:50 CO2- MEA Process Based Post-Combustion Capture: Process

Simulation and Pilot Plant Validation

Muna Al Mehrezi (Masdar Institute, UAE)

This work focuses on the evaluation of the CO2 post-combustion capture process using pilot plant and

Aspen plus V8.5 simulation data. The results of the simulation demonstrated validity very good fit with

the data received from the pilot plant and confirmed the effectiveness of MEA process in capturing CO2

from the flue gases of coal-fired station. Using a 30 wt. % MEA solution; thermal energy requirement

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of 3.80 GJ/tonne CO2 was found at a MEA rich loading of 0.498 mole CO2/mole MEA and MEA lean

loading 0.26 mole CO2/mole MEA. In addition, similar mass flow rate of CO2 produced from the

stripper column is 759 tonne/year and of CO2 captured in the absorber is 1.6 kmol/ hr were achieved

in the simulation results and on line with the pilot plant data which are 742 tonne/ year and 1.8

kmol/hr respectively.

MB3.2 15:10 Determination of P-amino Hippuric Acid with beta-cyclodextrin

Sensitized Fluorescence Spectrometry

Rashed Alrumaithi (UAE University, UAE)

In this research, the aim is to develop a sensitive cyclodextrin induced spectrofluorimetric method for

determination of P-aminohippuric acid using Guest –Host superachemistry between PAH and beta-

cyclodextrin. Upon the addition of beta-CD to a low concentrated solution of PAH, fluorescence

enhancement was observed. The interaction between PAH and beta-CD and the formation of the

guest host complex has been investigated using UV/Vis absorption, Fluorescence, 1H-NMR, and ESI-

MS. A calibration curve was constructed in the PAH concentration range of 0.05 – 100 M.

MB3.3 15:30 Modelling Sulphate Reduction in Anaerobic Digestion: A Model

Complexity Comparative Study

Wasim Ahmed, Joao Uratani and Jorge Rodríguez (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE)

With the aim of assessing the minimum level of complexity required in a model, the current work

focuses on comparing between modified sulphate reduction models incorporated into the IWA

Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1. The models compared differ from each other in terms of the number

of sulphate reducing microbial groups considered. Model simulations for comparisons were based on a

literature case study under low sulphate loads. Simulations were performed using an Excel/MATLAB

model framework. Results indicated that four of the five considered models gave similar predictions of

steady state effluent quality. Hence, in case of the scenario under study, it could be concluded that the

model with consideration of single SRB group (acetate utilizing group) is sufficient.

MB3.4 15:50 CO2 Sequestration and Storage in Steel-Making Residues

Suhaib Hameedi (United Arab Emirates University, UAE); Muftah ElNaas (UAE

University, UAE); Maisa El-Gamal (Senior Researcher, UAE); Abdel-Mohsen

Mohamed (Associate Provost and Chief Academic Officer, UAE)

Emirates Steel is one of the major industries in the UAE and is considered different innovative projects

that aim to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions through capture, sequestration and storage within steel

plant. Significant quantities of slag and dust are produced as waste materials that generally contain

considerable amounts of metal oxides and silicates. The goal of this study is to use the steelmaking

residues known as Ladle Furnace (LF) slag, Baghouse (BH) and cyclone dust to sequester CO2.

Residues were pre-treated before reaction with CO2 through direct gas-solid carbonation reaction in a

fluidized bed reactor. Process variables were systematically varied and their effect on the carbonation

process are evaluated. Carbonation results indicated that CO2 could be sequestered by both slag and

dust residues. The maximum CO2 sequestration, based on the total calcium content in the residue, are

0.23, 0.72 and 0.17 kg CO2/kg of LF slag, BH and cyclone, respectively.


Room: Al-Reem B

MC3.1 14:50 Testing the Feasibility of a Collaborative GCC DNA Database Portal

to Counter Terrorism

Ahmed Zayed (Khalifa University, UAE)

DNA Profiling and DNA Databases are a powerful tool that can be used to identify individuals that have

committed crimes or terrorist attacks. The research will examine the feasibility of a collaboration

between GCC countries in efforts to combat terrorism through a DNA Database Portal to share and

exchange DNA Data.

MC3.2 15:10 How Does Nuclear Iran Affect GCC Regional Security Threats?

Ahmed Bisho (Khalifa University, UAE)

The Iran nuclear problem has long been a concern to the GCC as it threatens regional security. The

researcher is employing the Graham Allison's Rational Actor Model of national decision making to

answer the research questions of "How does nuclear Iran affect GCC regional security threats?". To

provide nuanced answers to this question, the researcher is using a qualitative approach based on

literature analysis and interviews.

MC3.3 15:30 Lessons From the History of the Peninsula Shield Military Force

Naseer Alotaibi (Khalifa University, UAE)

In 1982, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a political and economic union comprising Saudi Arabia,

United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain, initiated the creation of the Peninsula Shield.

The historical aim of the newly created union was to protect the GCC member countries from the

threat of Iran-Iraq war. Although the Peninsula Shield took an active part in the liberation of Kuwait

and other military interventions, in 2005 Saudi Crown Prince and Defense Minister Sultan bin Abdul

Aziz reported changes in the historical mission of the unit. The Peninsula Shield is now seem to

perform a "symbolic" function, which raises questions among many experts. My research examines two

question 1. What internal and external factors have constrained the military capability of the Peninsula

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Shield? 2. What lessons learnt would help the Peninsula Shield to meet the needs and expectations of

the GCC's members?

MC3.4 15:50 Nuclear Weapons and Stability in International Relations

Abdulaziz Alshamsi (Khalifa University, UAE)

This paper analyze current nuclear energy pattern in the modern world, production of nuclear weapons

and its implications on international stability. It also analyze production of nuclear energy, usages of

nuclear energy in civilian peaceful program and military program and connections between them. Most

importantly, this article will attempt to analyze international stability in relation to expansion on

nuclear weapons development and usage of nuclear weapons as an instruments of policy and strategy

development.


Room: Baniyas A

MD3.1 14:50 Two-Dimensional Simulation of Interdigitated Back Contacted

Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cell

Ayesha Al-Shouq (Masder Institute, UAE)

We investigate the role of intrinsic amorphous silicon layer as passivation layer. We simulated IBC-HJ

solar cell and varied the thickness of i-aSi layer.

MD3.2 15:10 Carbon Nanomaterials Scale Sensors for Oil and Gas Industry

Using Casting and Inkjet Printing Techniques

Hammad Younes (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology & Masdar, UAE);

Amal Al Ghaferi (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

In this paper, we discuss the fabrication and characterization of scale sensor using carbon nanotubes.

Two methods are used to fabricate the CNTs sensor; casting technique and inkjet printing technique.

The resistance of the casted CNTs sensor is found to be close to 30.00 kΩ whereas the resistance of

the inkjet printing technique CNTs sensor is found to be close to 3.00 kΩ. Adding one drop of brine

solution increases the resistance to 90.00 kΩ for the casting technique and 6.00 kΩ for the inkjet

technique. SEM, AFM and EDAX techniques are used to characterize the presence of the brine on the

surface of the sensor. The sensors are resetted by soaking them in DI-water. The resistance is

measure and found to be close to the virgin sample.

MD3.3 15:30 Benzyl Ethers as Potential Heat Transfer Fluids

Yosef Al Jasem (UAE University, UAE); Thies Thiemann (United Arab Emirates

University, UAE)

A number of oligobenzyl ethers have been synthesized. Their thermal stability and longtime stability at

room temperature were tested. The heat capacity and density of selected benzyl ethers over a

temperature range were measured.

MD3.4 15:50 The Effect of Urbach Energy on the Efficiency of Solar Cells: a

Simulation Approach

Chukwuka Madumelu (Masdar Institute of Science and Technolog, UAE)

The purpose of this study is to gain some understanding about the effect of Urbach energy on the

transport property of a‐Si/c‐Si and highlights how it affects the performance of the cell, using a

computer simulation approach.

ME3: Earth & Environmental Engineering

Room: Baniyas B

ME3.1 14:50 Optimization of Metal Removal for Waste Sludge to Soil

Conditioner Applications

Amna Al Housani (Masdar Institute, UAE)

The study evaluates the converse to previously found parameters (higher potentials ,shorter time of

electrokinetic processes on the migration,transportation, electro osmosis and bonding states of various

heavy metals in municipal sludge for better mobility. EK experiments were carried out with different

operating conditions including different current densities 60 A/cm2 to 120 A/cm2 , treatment times (30

minutes to 16H ) and pH 11 to 3.0. Comparing the removal efficiency of copper and zinc in acidic

condition with neutral and basic conditions, results show better removal in acidic case. Removal

efficiencies of Copper and zinc in the acidic condition experiment were 40% and 57% respectively.

While an innovative green post treatment process can remove Zn by 90% and Ca 93% on longer time

16 H EK treatment, a waste to value product based quick sludge washing and subsequent meso scale

filtration.

ME3.2 15:10 Effects of Waste Water Reuse on the Water-Energy-Power Nexus

of the Abu Dhabi Emirate

Safa Al Sadi (Masdar Institute, UAE)

Desalination is a very expensive and energy demanding process. Using this source of water in non-

potable uses such as irrigation is neither economic nor environmental option. Water scarcity is

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common in arid regions such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE); especially with the limited natural

water resources and depleting groundwater. Abu Dhabi Emirate has one of the highest per capita

consumption in the world at about 550 Liters per Day. It is expected that the emirate will face a

challenge in meeting growing water demands with the population, economic, and industrial rapid

growth. Thus, the wastewater can be a precious source of water towards sustainable integrated water

resources in the emirate. A system dynamics model (SD) is developed to simulate the complex water

system of Abu Dhabi. The model will help policy makers to test various scenarios of water supply, and

decide on most effective and sustainable plans.

ME3.3 15:30 Water Budget in the UAE

Rocio Gonzalez, Taha Ouarda and Prashanth Marpu (Masdar Institute of Science

and Technology, UAE); Mariam Allam and Elfatih Eltahir (Massachussetts Institute

of Science and Technology, USA); Simon Pearson (EAD, UAE)

Population growth and economic development have impacted the capacity of water resources in the

UAE. The water budget approach balances inputs and outputs and its components were obtained from

remotely sensed data. GRACE and TRMM were used to obtain water storage and precipitation while

evapotranspiration was estimated from the water budget equation. GRACE measures changes in

gravity caused by monthly changes in the Earth's mass. In the UAE, the change in the mass is caused

by the change in the water storage and the extraction of oil, therefore, the effect of oil needs to be

subtracted from GRACE measurements. On the other hand, soil moisture and groundwater are the

main contributors to the water storage. Desalinated water is a critical factor in the UAE, therefore, it

should be considered as an input. This procedure is applicable to other Gulf countries where

desalination and oil extractions are significant.

ME3.4 15:50 The Effect of the Urbanization on Flooding in Al Ain City Watershed

Dawit Ghebreyesus (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Marouane

Temimi (Masdar Institute, Tunisia)

The Al Ain watershed contains significant mountainous area that are capable of generating huge

momentum for the flood to cause catastrophic events in the urban area and agricultural area

downstream. In this work a runoff model was developed using the Soil Conservation Service (SCS)

method with the help of HEC-HMS open source software. Precipitation was approximated from seven

rain gauge stations within and around the watershed using the Theissen polygon method of spatial

distribution and temporally distributed with the SCS design storm model for Type III. The CN value

was approximated according the soil type and land cover for the current situation. The run-off

hydrograph was created for the specific event and then propagated with the Muskingum-Cunge

method of floodrouting. The volume of the flood was estimated to increase by 33% in 2030. The peak

discharge also shown an increase of 28.8% and by 37.89% in urban and agricultural respectively.

14:50 - 15:50


Room: Yas

MF3.1 14:50 The Prevalence of Substances Used and Trends in Dependency in

the UAE

Hiba Alblooshi (The University of Western Australia & National Rehabilitation

Centre & Khalifa University, Australia); Guan Tay (University of Western Australia,

Australia); Gary Hulse (The University of Western Australia, Australia); Ahmed

ElKashef and Hanan Al Hashmi (UAE National Rehabilitation Centre, UAE);

Mansour Shawky (UAE National Rehabilitation Centre a, UAE); Habiba Al Safar

(Khalifa University, UAE)

This study compiled data to assess the prevalence as well as the pattern of abuse and dependency

among substance dependent patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Two hundred and fifty

patients from the UAE National Rehabilitation Centre were recruited. Data were collected using a

questionnaire at an interview with patients who provided consent to participate. The prevalence of

substance abuse and dependency correlated with factors such as age, martial status and education

level. Opioid and alcohol were the two most common substances of abuse and dependence, and most

susceptible age group was 18 to 29 year olds. The most vulnerable group in the community was young

adults. Considering the religious and cultural expectations of the society in the region, there is an

urgent need to measure the magnitude of the problem, estimate the burden of disease on the health

care system and evaluate the risk factors of substance dependency

MF3.2 15:10 Effects of Pioglitazone on Electrical Conduction in the Goto-

Kakizaki Type 2 Diabetic Rat Heart

Khawla Salem (UAE University & College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE);

Michael Jacobson (Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE); Mohamed Shafiullah (UAE

Uinversity, UAE); Murat Oz (UAE University, UAE); Ernest Adeghate (UAEU

University, UAE); Frank Howarth (UAE University, UAE)

Pioglitazone (PIO) is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. There is some evidence that it

may lead to improved ventricular function in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate

the effects of various concentration of PIO on electrical conduction in the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) type 2

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diabetic rat heart. Blood glucose was higher in GK rats compared to controls and was progressively

reduced in GK rats treated with increasing concentrations of PIO. Modest reductions in heart rate and

increases in heart rate variability in GK rats compared to controls were not additionally altered by PIO.

Prolonged PQ interval in GK rats compared to controls was not additionally altered by PIO.

MF3.3 15:30 A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Improvement of the Dental

Water Supply in a Community Hospital

Joseph Muhammad (Zayed University, UAE); Mujeeb Kandy (Al Rahba Hospital,

UAE); Francis Revere (University of Texas, USA); Justin Thomas (Zayed

University, UAE)

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the paper is emphasize the value of a multidisciplinary approach to

the improvement of the dental water supply in a community hospital. METHODOLOGY: Samples of

water were taken from specified sites within the dental clinic following standard operating procedures

and sent to the Rahba laboratory for microbiological study. RESULTS: The dental water reaching the

patient was found initially to have levels of contamination above acceptable levels. Through the

application of quality tools the team was able to identify areas for improvements. Following

implementation of these improvement initiatives, control charts were employed to measure variations

in the results and to assess if the initiatives produced sustainable improvement. CONCLUSION: A

multidisciplinary team approach to improving the quality of dental water contributed to better

understanding the multifactorial causes of dental water contamination. Opportunities for improvement

were captured and the latest innovations in the science of water treatment were introduced.

14:50 - 16:10


Room: Saadiyat

MG3.1 14:50 Assessment of the Influence of Washers on the Mechanical

Behavior of Anchored Hybrid Joints

Omnia AbouEl-Hamd (UAE University, UAE); Amr Sweedan (UAE University &

College of Engineering, UAE); Khaled El-Sawy (UAE University, UAE)

Fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) have been recently used for retrofitting and strengthening of existing

structures. The behavior of mechanically fastened FRP-steel joints under different fastening parameters

is still questionable. The current study is conducted experimentally considering nine hybrid FRP-steel

joints with variable number of washers-per-bolt. The experimental program focuses on exploring the

influence of the number of washers-per-bolt on the load carrying capacity and ductility of the

assembly. Experimental results show the significant effect of washers on the failure modes of the

tested joints. Results indicate that utilization of washers significantly enhances the load carrying

capacity of the hybrid joints. Economical evaluation is considered to identify the optimal number of

washers-per-bolt for practical applications.

MG3.2 15:10 Fracture Propagation in Rocks: Evaluation of an Elastoplastic-

Damage Model

Isa Kolo (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

A coupled plasticity-damage constitutive model (AK Model) is applied to predict fracture propagation in

rocks. The quasi-brittle material model captures anisotropic effects and the distinct behaviour of rocks

in tension and compression. Calibration is realized using experimental data for Carrara marble.

Favourable comparison between model predictions and experiments for single-flawed specimens reveal

that the AK model is reliable and accurate for modelling fracture propagation in rocks.

MG3.3 15:30 Fracture Propagation in Rocks: Integrating the Effects of

Heterogeneity

Isa Kolo (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

The Weibull distribution function is used to model heterogeneity effects in a coupled plasticity-damage

model (AK Model) suitable for predicting fracture propagation in rocks. This is implemented by spatial

variation of Young's modulus in Carrara marble. While the AK Model proves capable of capturing

heterogeneity effects, results for single-flawed specimens confirm that Carrara marble is a nearly

homogeneous material.

MG3.4 15:50 Shear Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams with CFRP

Abdul Saboor Karzad and Salah Al-Toubat (University of Sharjah, UAE)

The fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) contribution to the shear behaviour of reinforced concrete beams is

the subject under consideration of much recent and current research.This thesis proposal deals with

the shear retrofitting of large scale reinforced concrete (RC) beams already failed in shear which will be

repaired with externally bonded carbon fiber reinforced polymer (EB CFRP) laminates. The parameters

that affect the RC beams strengthened in shear with FRP will be examined, which includes the FRP

ratio and the interaction with internal shear reinforcement (stirrups). The shear strength recovery will

then be obtained by comparing the original strength of the beams to that of the repaired beams which

will help to estimate the shear contribution provide by the FRP. The results will be used to assess the

shear contribution provided by FRP as adopted by the current design guidelines such as the ACI and

the fib14.

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16:10 - 16:30


16:30 - 17:30


Room: Saqr Ballroom

MA4.1 16:30 Application of Modified Relay Feedback Test to Design a Model-

Based Control for an Artificial Gas Lift System in Oil Production

Huda Hussein (The Petroleum Institute, UAE); Ahmed Al-Durra and Igor Boiko

(Petrolum Institute, UAE)

One of the major problems encountered in artificial gas lifting is the stability of production from wells

were gas lift may show a highly oscillatory behavior, and hence production varies greatly with time.

This paper presents methodology of design of a gain scheduling strategy based on a new physical

model of artificial gas lift in oil wells. The model was preliminary validated by comparing the states

dynamics with other models from the literature which have been replicated. The Modified Relay-

Feedback-Test (MRFT) method was used to calculate the PI controller parameters, and the model

reached steady state for different operating points. Gain scheduling was then performed following the

MRFT results to provide a simple PI controller tuning parameters for the automatic control and

optimization of the production from the oil well, and to compensate for the casing-heading instability in

the system.

MA4.2 16:50 MRFT Based Identification of Process Dynamics Using the Locus of

Perturbed Relay System Method

Muhammad Haekal (Petroleum Institute, UAE); Igor Boiko (Petrolum Institute,

UAE)

The Modified relay feedback test (MRFT) was recently proposed for non-parametric tuning of PID

controllers. In the present research, the use of the MRFT for identification of process dynamics is

proposed and investigated. It is shown that the use of the MRFT allows one to ensure identification of

process linear dynamics in the frequency domain, with frequencies generated automatically in the

frequency range most important for a considered process. It is proposed that identification is done

through minimization of a specific cost function that characterizes matching of the frequency response

"theoretical phi function" obtained from the Locus of Perturbed Relay System (LPRS) analysis plot of

the model to the points of the locus of the process obtained experimentally via MRFT. The proposed

methodology is illustrated by an example of identification of dynamics of an experimental liquid level

control setup.

MA4.3 17:10 Sliding Mode Observer for an Artificial Gas Lift System

Mohammad Luai Hammadih and Khalifa Hasan Al Hosani (The Petroleum Institute,

UAE); Igor Boiko (Petrolum Institute, UAE)

Artificial gas lift system utilizes the fact that pressure differential exists in the reservoir's tubing leading

to enhanced oil recovery. Studies were conducted to control this process as it improves stability and

performance of gas lift. The current industrial practice depends on flow measurements as process

variable, yet, and does not depend on the down-hole measurement that are technically difficult to

approach due to the technology limitations. Proper knowledge of the model of this process along with

the states would leads to a better controller design for this system. This research sheds the lights on

the design of a sliding mode observer. The purpose of the observer is to acquire the states of a

nonlinear system representing the physical system of a gas lift process in oil wells. The proposed

design of an observer is based on measurements taken above the surface only. The presented work

considers sliding mode observers.


Room: Al-Reem A

MB4.1 16:30 Optimizing the Cleaning Operations in Gas Pipelines: Assessment

of Cleanliness and Time-Efficient Planning

Efstratios Svinterikos and Ioannis Zuburtikudis (United Arab Emirates University,

UAE)

The presence of internal debris in gas transmission pipelines reduces flow efficiency, threatens pipeline

integrity and undermines the quality of the delivered product. Precise planning is crucial for effective

pipeline cleaning. Our aim is to optimize the cleaning operations by assessing pipeline cleanliness and

estimating the optimal time for initiating a cleaning operation. In the initial stages of our research, we

have reviewed the origin and characteristics of debris and mapped the different approaches of facing

the cleanliness problem currently in use. Potential routes for an optimized, holistic solution to the

problem are here proposed. Our findings will be presented and discussed.

MB4.2 16:50 Investigation of the Natural Hydrolysis System in Camel Rumen

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Alya Altunaiji and Hector Hernandez (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE)

The camel is steeped the United Arab Emirates (UAE) history. As such, the camel holds both a social

and an economic status in the culture of the UAE people. Recently, there has been increased interest in

the camel as a source of biorenewable products to supplement the current petroleum based energy

and chemical sources. Initial work in the lab supports the hypothesis that camel gut microbes

decompose biomass into desired high value chemicals. To study this further, we have designed and

built the first artificial camel gut system. This system will allow for us to study these microbes in a

controlled environment, looking at which carbon sources work best for the production of valuable

chemicals. Our goal is to provide a regular supply of renewable energy molecules and chemicals

derived from a mix of organic household waste and agricultural waste to help the UAE become more

sustainable.

MB4.3 17:10 Utilization of Local Shale in Thermal Insulation Materials

Muzamil Hassan (UAE University, UAE)

The subject of energy conservation in buildings has become one of the most important threads at the

present time. Using effective and cheap thermal insulators in domestic and industrial constructions can

be categorized as a means of reducing energy losses. In this study, focus was made on the formulation

and development of polymer-filler composite as an insulating material using local natural Emiratie shall

as a filler. Unstaurated polyester resin was blended with the filler with a given polymer/filler ratio and

then transformed into solid upon thermo-set process. The solid samples produced were then subjected

to different physical, mechanical and chemical tests. The prepared samples showed superier

mechanical properties and low values of thermal conductivity. Sandwiching of composite in wall

structures by one-third of the total thickness will significantly reduce the overall heat transfer

coefficient in building walls and many industrial applications by at least 57%.

16:30 - 17:50


Room: Al-Reem B

MC4.1 16:30 The Lessons Learned From the Emergency Response to the

Tropical Cyclone Gonu

Maryam Al-Mazrouie (Khalifa University, UAE)

INTRODUCTION This research aims to take stock of lessons that have emerged from Police, Civil

Defense, Municipal agencies and National Crisis Emergency Management Agency (NCEMA) in the UAE

to the Tropical Cyclone Gonu in order to ensure greater success of such disaster management in the

future. This study seeks to answer what lessons were learned by Police, Civil Defense, Municipal

agencies and NCEMA from the disaster management to the Tropical Cyclone Gonu which struck UAE in

2007?

MC4.2 16:50 The US-UAE Security Bilateral Arrangements: Impact on the UAE

National Security

Mohammed AlShurafa, Ali (Khalifa University, UAE)

The US-UAE security bilateral relations have mutually beneficial implications for both of the countries.

The US is able to utilize the arrangements to enhance its influence in the Gulf region. Following the

9/11 terrorist attacks which occurred within the US, the country has been highly proactive in the global

initiative to combat the terrorist organizations. The most significant advantage for the UAE from the

security bilateral arrangements with the US, can be identified as the attainment of the latest military

technology and the equipment. The country also attained the strategic support from the US intelligence

services and the vast US military basis which have been developed in the region. This study has

critically analysed the dynamics of the US-UAE security bilateral arrangements, and its impact on the

current and the future national security objectives of UAE.

MC4.3 17:10 The Role of Hegemony

Mohamed Zanki (Khalifa University, UAE)

The Role of Hegemony in the 21st Century: Interacting Liberal Economy

MC4.4 17:30 Macbeth in Arabic: Principles and Obstacles of Dramatic

Translation

Wissal Al Allaq (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)

The objective of this dissertation is to conduct a comparative study of two translations of

Shakespeare's Macbeth into Arabic to determine the problematic aspects of translating dramatic texts

from English into Arabic and attempt to provide solutions to prevailing translation problems. The

dissertation will focus on two translations of Shakespeare's Macbeth, into Arabic conducted by Jabra

Ibrahim Jabra in 1980, and Salah Niazi in 2007. The two translators have been selected because both

of them are well established poets and literary translators. Also, Niazi's translation, comes as an

attempt to remedy the errors in Jabra's translation. Al Qinai's (2000) eclectic approach of translation

quality assessment will be used to assess the two translations and highlight areas of ambiguities.

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16:30 - 17:30


Room: Baniyas A

MD4.1 16:30 Study of Electro-Chemical Properties of ZnO Nanowires for Various

Applications

Meera Albloushi (Masdar Institute, UAE); Adel Gougam (Masdar Instiute of


The aim of this work is to develop ZnO nanowires and study its electrical and chemical properties for

energy harvesting applications. Aqueous chemical growth method (ACG) was used to grow ZnO NWs

on polished and non-polished silicon (100) and glass substrates. The X-ray diffractometery

measurements shows strong peaks at 2Ө =34.2 ᵒ of ZnO film of preferred c-axis wurtzite hexagonal

(002) orientation. The rms of the films was determined using atomic force microscopy the roughness is

estimated to be around 5 nm. The SEM images show a "forest" of ZnO nanowires grown vertically and

have lengths up to 2 micrometers and diameters of 20 to 300 nm. The SEM images prove that the role

of the seed layer is to enhance the vertical alignment of ZnO NWs. Electrical properties of the NWs will

be carried out using Electric Force Microscopy (EFM). Optical properties using Photoluminescence are in

progress.

MD4.2 16:50 Study of New Materials as Transparent Conductive Oxide for

Application in Optoelectronic Devices

Abdulla Shaikh Abdul Qader Bin Afif (Masdar Institute, UAE)

A comparative study between conventionally used transparent conductive oxides and new metal based

oxides is undertaken in this work. The optimization of the fabrication process for best electrical and

optical properties for the said thin films for optoelectronic applications is the aim. Zinc, Tungsten and

Tin metal based oxides are deposited on silicon wafer and glass substrates using RF Magnetron

sputtering. The structural, electrical, and optical properties are determined using tools such as: Veeco

Detak 150 Profileometer and SEM for thickness measurements and surface imaging. The electrical

resistance is measured using a four point probe system, whereas the carrier concentration and Hall

mobility are found using Hall Measurement system. The optical transmission measurements are done

using "a Lambda 1050 UV-Visible spectrophotometer". The structure and the grain size of the TCO

layer is found using XRD. Some depositions of the thin film layers are completed and characterization

is in progress.

MD4.3 17:10 Characterization of High-Temperature Concrete for Thermal

Energy Storage Systems

Uver Villalobos, Mathieu Martins and Thomas Delclos (Masdar Institute of Science

and Technology, UAE); Pal Bergan and Nils Hoivik (NEST AS, Norway); Samer Al

Martini (Abu Dhabi University, UAE); Nicolas Calvet (Masdar Institute of Science


Recent developments and studies show that concrete has the potential to become a very attractive

medium for thermal storage applications due to a relatively high specific heat capacity and thermal

conductivity as well as good mechanical properties. The recently performed thermal characterization

and testing results show very promising performance and are presented herein.

ME4: Earth & Environmental Engineering

Room: Baniyas B

ME4.1 16:30 Assessment of the Consistency Among Precipitation Products Over

the UAE

Dawit Ghebreyesus (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Marouane

Temimi (Masdar Institute, Tunisia)

Global precipitation products from remote sensing observations or numerical models enable us to

understand hydrological processes, especially in remote and ungauged watersheds. However, previous

studies have shown that there is significant inconsistency among the products especially in arid and

semi-arid areas. GPCC, WM, and TRMM products where investigated over the UAE over a time period of

11 years using observation from 6 stations. WM products were found to be the least accurate product

over all with range of RSME 9.44 to 19.52mm. The most accurate product was found to be the GPCC

with RSME ranging from 3.82mm to 9.98mm. The result showed an overestimation of the observed

values across all products. However, the coefficient of correlation was found to be very high for TRMM

and GPCC ranging from 0.8450 - 0.9494. This indicates that they are potentially good sources when

applied with accurate correction factor.

ME4.2 16:50 Coupled Modelling of Membrane Desalination

Dana Suwwan and Isam Janajreh (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE); Raed Hashaikeh (Masdar, UAE)

Direct Contact Membrane Distillation has received much attention due to its total salt rejections and

low operational energy demand. There are however many parameters influencing the process

demanding a tedious effort to study each parameter individually. High fidelity numerical simulation is

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the applicable answer particularly when utilizing the advantages of the multiphasic and algorithm in the

field of CFD and the advancements in computer speed, memory and storage. In this work, a numerical

simulation of the conjugated heat transfer of the feed-membrane-permeate system is developed.

Following the initial evaluation of the temperature, pressure and mass flux, the associated latent heat

are coupled to compensate for the variability in heat addition or reduction at the feed and permeate

membrane surfaces. An updated temperature profile is produced, which endures a slight change from

the uncoupled profile. Results suggest the accuracy of conjugated heat model and its reliability in

carrying further parametrical studies.

ME4.3 17:10 Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of Transport Phenomena in

Membranes Under Vacuum Membrane Distillation Process Conditions

Pelin Yazgan Birgi (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Mohamed

Ali (Masdar, UAE); Hassan A. Arafat (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE)

Membrane distillation (MD) is a viable alternative to conventional desalination processes due to its mild

operating condition requirements, high fouling resistance and high efficiency in rejection of ions and

macromolecules from seawater. Even though MD has advantages over reverse osmosis and thermally

driven processes, membranes used in MD process suffer especially from membrane pore wetting and

low permeate flow rate issues. Moreover, once a membrane gets wet, it is not possible to achieve

desired performance and process would lose its reliability. The aim of this study is to investigate the

effects of pore geometry on liquid entry pressure (LEP) as well as wetting phenomena in membrane

pores under vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) conditions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

simulations were performed for water, membrane, and gas phases by using COMSOL Multiphysics.


Room: Yas

MF4.1 16:30 The Three Main Reasons to Focus on Essential Oil Bearing Plant

Species in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Suzan Shahin and Mohammed Salem (United Arab Emirates University (UAEU),

UAE)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a young country located in the arid region of the world. The limited

fresh water resources is one of the most burning issues in the country. However, this fact with the

harsh desert environmental conditions are the place of birth for the essential oil-bearing plant species.

The main purpose of this work is to highlight the main three reasons, that will attract the attention of

the decision makers and the whole community, to focus on the indigenous essential oils plant species

in the UAE. This will be done, based on representing the environmental, economical and social

perspectives.

MF4.2 16:50 Insights on Grafting Incompatibility Among Prosopis Species

Asha Christopher and Elke Neumann (UAEU, UAE)

Prosopis cineraria, a popular and useful ornamental tree of UAE is highly saline and drought tolerant.

For further enhancement of the saline and water deficit tolerance of P. cineraria, double rooted grafts

were attempted among P. cineraria, and P. cineraria vs P. juliflora. Approach grafting was performed in

vivo, using four month old, or one year old plants. In addition, in-vitro grafting was tested on

seedlings. Only two grafts were successful among the 50 in-vitro grafting approaches. All others failed

to produce true unions. Our results indicate a high level of graft incompatibility within Prosopis sp. and

the reasons have to be investigated.

MF4.3 17:10 Optimal Experimental Design for the Parameterization of Complex

and Dynamic Soil-Vegetation-Atmosphere Transport Models by Global

Sensitivity Analysis

Marie Roters (Technical University Dresden, Germany); Stefan Werisch

(Technische Universität Dresden, Germany); Franz Lennartz (United Arab


Dynamic soil-vegetation-atmosphere-transport (SVAT) models are important tools to assess the impact

of changes in agricultural management practices, irrigation scheduling and changing environmental

conditions. Inverse modeling is one approach to calibrate the numerous parameters of those complex

models, but dependents in its performance on informative calibration data (observations of the system

under study) to achieve a reliable model calibration. We combine global sensitivity analysis and SVAT

models to gain a-priori information about the most informative processes regarding the individual

model parameters and the required temporal resolutions of the measurements to achieve an optimal

design of the field experiments and selection of the environmental variables.


Room: Saadiyat

MG4.1 16:30 Green Self Consolidating Concrete Under Hot Weather

Mohammed Al-Khatib and Samer Al Martini (Abu Dhabi University, UAE)

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This study aims at optimizing self-consolidated concrete mixes (SCC) under hot weather conditions.

The ultimate goal of the research is to have the concrete with superior fresh and mechanical

properties, but yet greener. The experiments in this investigation were conducted at Abu Dhabi

University Construction materials lab outdoor during summer. The SCC mixtures were continuously

mixed for 2 hours at 35 oC to simulate concrete in a concrete truck during transportation to a

construction site. All SCC mixtures were mixed in a drum mixer. Polycarboxylate-based high-range

water-reducing admixture (PC) and fly ash were incorporated in SCC mixtures. The results showed that

both the compressive strength and durability were influenced by fly ash dosage.

MG4.2 16:50 Bio-cemented Sand: Microstructural Fabric Characteristics and

Mechanical Response

Dimitrios Terzis and Lyesse Laloui (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology,

Laboratory for Soil Mechanics, Switzerland)

Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation has been brought into focus as a natural cementation

mechanism for soils and it is studied for its potential to offer an alternative grouting technique,

providing sustainable solutions to geotechnical problems. In this study we focus on the fabric

characteristics of bio-cemented sand, obtained after applying a treatment process including multiple

injections of bacteria and chemical solutions inducing the formulation of calcium carbonate particles

that are responsible for endowing granular geo-materials with cohesion. The cemented sand samples

with an improved structure of varying calcite content are subjected to undrained triaxial shearing.

Results show an increase in peak strength up to five times with respect to that of the untreated

material. The main focus of this study is put on associating the prescribed Calcium Chloride

concentration with the yielded precipitation and finally on distinguishing some predominant

characteristics of the new structure based on the treatment method adopted.

MG4.3 17:10 Effect of Thermal Loads on Response of One-Story Frame Buildings

in UAE

Ikhlass Sydnaoui (Alhoan, UAE); Reem Sabouni (ALHOSN University, UAE)

In this paper the effect of temperature change on one-story reinforced concrete frame buildings

allocated in the UAE is studied. Thirty four finite element models with different story heights and slab

lengths were developed in ETAB to carry out this study. The effect of temperature change and the

variation of the story height and slab length on the top displacement and horizontal reactions were

identified in this paper.

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Tuesday, March 24

09:00 - 09:45

Keynote 5: Numerical Methods in Engineering: Current Developments and Future

Trends

Prof. Eugenio Oñate, Technical University of Catalonia, Spain

Room: Saqr Ballroom

Abstract: The lecture presents an overview of current developments and applications of the most popular

numerical methods for solving problems of interest in engineering. The state of the art in the finite element

method (FEM) and in a selected number of meshless techniques and particle-based methods, such as the

discrete element method (DEM) and the particle finite element method (PFEM) are described. Applications of

the numerical methods to problems in civil, mechanical, aerospace, naval, marine and oil and gas engineering

are presented. The future trends in the numerical methods for analysis of multidisciplinary problems in

engineering and applied sciences are highlighted.

About the Presenter: Prof. EUGENIO OÑATE, Civil Engineer by Technical University of Valencia, Spain

(1975) and PhD by University of Swansea, Wales, UK (1979), Professor of Structural and Continuum

Mechanics at Technical University of Catalonia (UPC), Director of the School of Civil Engineering of Barcelona

(UPC) (1983-89), founder and director of the International Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering

(CIMNE, www.cimne.com) (since 1987), founder and Honorary President of the Spanish Society of Numerical

Methods in Engineering (SEMNI) (since 2004), founder and Past-President of the European Community on

Computational Methods in Applied Sciences (ECCOMAS) (2000-2004) and Past-President of the International

for Association Computational Mechanics (IACM) (2002-2010). He has received a number of awards from

universities and scientific and technological organisations worldwide. He is editor of three international

journals and author of three text books and some 300 scientific papers on developments and applications of

finite element and particle-based methods for structural and geomechanical problems, fluid dynamics, fluid-

soil-structure interaction and industrial forming processes.For details see www.cimne.com/eo

09:50 - 11:30

TA1: Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Room: Saqr Ballroom

TA1.1 09:50 On-chip Silicon (De)Multiplexer Enabling Simultaneous Mode and

Wavelength-Division Multiplexing

Tadesse Mulugeta and Mahmoud Rasras (Masdar Institute of Technology, UAE)

Simultaneous mode and wavelength division multiplexing is proposed using integrated asymmetric

directional coupler and multimode interference waveguides. The device is compact (6µm x 100µm) and

exhibits low insertion loss of 1.2dB and a cross-talk of -18dB.

TA1.2 10:10 4H-SiC Integrated Circuits for High Temperature Applications

Hazem Elgabra and Shakti Singh (Khalifa University of Science Technology and

Research, UAE)

High speed and high temperature operation capabilities are desirable features of integrated circuits.

Due to their innate electrical and physical properties, silicon carbide based devices greatly outperform

silicon based devices in this regard. Unlike MOSFETs, SiC bipolar transistors do not have an oxide layer

under high electric field, and hence are not prone to reliability issues at high temperatures. This work

presents an optimized 4H-SiC BJT with high current gain that is capable of high speed operations at

elevated temperatures. Optimized emitter coupled logic circuits based on this device demonstrate

robust operation over wide range of temperatures.

TA1.3 10:30 Uncertainty Quantification of MEMS Devices and Systems

Wajih Syed and Ibrahim M Elfadel (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE)

This work aims at devising an uncertainty quantification strategy for MEMS that will allow a process-

guided variability-aware design process. A reference case of Monte Carlo simulations using MEMS+ will

first be set up followed by generalized polynomial chaos implementation of uncertainty quantification of

MEMS. Models of vibrational energy harvesters are used to show case the techniques which will be

validated against devices fabricated in collaboration with IME, Singapore.

TA1.4 10:50 Zero Current Detection Implementation Using Digital ASIC Design

Flow

Maisam Wahbah and Baker Mohammad (Khalifa University of Science, Technology

& Research, UAE); Hani Saleh (Khalifa University of Sciente, Technology &

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Research, UAE); Mohammed Elnaggar (Khalifa University of Science, Technology

& Research, UAE)

Energy can be harvested from ambient sources such as vibration, wireless, thermal and solar. Using

energy harvesting in running ultra-low power systems could potentially enable battery-free operation

in many applications, especially in wearable and implantable biomedical devices. A special energy

efficient interface circuit, which transfers harvested energy to be utilized by the load, is an essential

part in the overall harvesting system. Traditionally, power converters such as DC-DC converters were

entirely based on analog circuit design. This paper presents detailed implementation of a zero current

detection technique for the inductor-based DC-DC converter using digital ASIC design flow. The

proposed design was implemented using 65 nm Global Foundries Low Power CMOS process. It

occupied an area of 209.88 um^2 and consumed 8.07 uW. Furthermore, the proposed design

maximum frequency was 925.96 MHz. By using the ASIC design flow, the design is all-digital, portable

and technology independent.

TA1.5 11:10 Simulation Analysis of New Generation Nano Schottky Junctions

Towards Achieving Low Power Nano Electronic Devices

Khouloud Eledlebi and Mohammed Elnaggar (Khalifa University, UAE); Mohd

Rezeq (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE)

Nano metal-semiconductor contacts in sub 20 nm range have showed a deviation in the electrical

characteristics compared to conventional diode. New devices based on nano schottky junction have

been proposed to overcome the limitations of CMOS devices. We propose a new theoretical approach

to study the enhancements of the electric field at the interface, and then the total current along the

junction. The results revealed a dominant tunneling current at the reverse bias for a low n-dope

semiconductor substrates. Whereas thermionic current was dominant at forward bias, in the case of

high n-dope semiconductor substrates. We have used finite element simulation software (COMSOL), to

analyze and compare the electrical characteristics of nano schottky diode with the existing

experimental data.

09:50 - 11:10

TB1: Chemistry & Chemical Engineering

Room: Al-Reem A

TB1.1 09:50 Catalytic Olefin Polymerization Modelling of Single-Particle Growth

in Heterogeneous Reactors

Mohammed Alkatheri (Petroleum Institute, UAE); Costas Kyparissidis (Greek,

UAE)

Random pore polymeric flow model (RPPFM) is developed to describe the dynamic evolution (i.e.,

particle growth rate, average molecular properties, etc.) of supported Ziegler Natta (Z-N) catalysts in

gas-phase olefin co-polymerization. A multi-site kinetic scheme is considered to describe the olefin co-

polymerization over a Z-N catalyst. Moreover, a comprehensive diffusion-reaction model is employed

to calculate the transfer rate(s) of monomer(s) from the gas phase to the catalyst metal active sites

dispersed in the polymer particle. Based on the above model considerations, a detailed simulation

analysis is carried out to assess the effects of monomer/co-monomer concentrations, particle size,

catalyst metal concentration, initial catalyst morphology (i.e. porosity), etc. on the polymerization rate,

particle growth, spatial-temporal monomer(s) concentration(s) and temperature profiles, particle

overheating in a growing polymer particle. It is shown that larger particle sizes result in lower

polymerization rates but higher particle overheating.

TB1.2 10:10 Nanostructured Binary Transition Metal Oxides as Efficient

Catalysts for Total Oxidation of Volatile Organic Compound Pollutants

Said Al Mamari (UAEU, UAE); Abbas Khalil (UAE University, UAE)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered as major contributors to air pollution due to their

toxicity and their contribution to ozone depletion. Catalysts based on noble metal particles as well as

metal oxides have been widely studied for the oxidative degradation of (VOCs) as a promising method

for their emission control and removal. While supported noble metal catalysts exhibit, generally, higher

catalytic activities as compared with metal oxide catalysts, they have some disadvantages including:

(a) their higher costs, (b) deactivation due to their sensitivity to poisons, and (c) sintering at higher

temperatures [1]. On the other hand, transition metal oxide catalysts have several advantages

including ability to promote redox reactions, high thermal stability, low costs, and the possibility of

fabrication in high surface area porous powders. Therefore, transition metal oxides have been studied

extensively as appropriate catalysts for the total catalytic combustion of VOCs [2,3].

TB1.3 10:30 Decontamination of HSS and Heavy Metal Ions From Industrial

Lean Amine Using Alginate Hydrogel Spheres

Anjali Achazhiyath Edathil, Priyabrata Pal and Fawzi Banat (The Petroleum

Institute, UAE)

This study gauges the viability of using alginate (hydrogel sphere form) bio-sorbent in removing heat

stable salts (total organic acid; TOA anions) and heavy metal ions present in the industrial lean amine

(MDEA) solution used in the natural gas sweetening process. Their adsorption properties at varying

conditions of the middle-east were also investigated. The maximum adsorption capacities of hydrogel

sphere adsorbents for TOA anions ranged from 909.09 to 666.66 mg/g. Langmuir model fits well to the

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experimental data and revealed the surface heterogeneity of the adsorbents. The resulting alginate

hydrogel sphere adsorbents had selectivity to metal ions (Cr and Fe) along with TOA anions.

Regeneration studies were carried out using double distilled water for seven cycles of adsorption-

desorption. The high HSS and metal ion removal ability even at high temperature conditions and the

regeneration efficiency of this bio-sorbent suggest its applicability in natural gas industrial processes as

a promising adsorbent.

TB1.4 10:50 An Improved Time Lag Technique for Permeation Experiments

Shaihroz Khan (Petroleum Institute, UAE)

A improved lag method was proposed to study the permeation of gas mixtures or vapor-gas mixtures.

This technology, which is based on the difference in the boiling points of the components, can

simultaneously measure the mass transport properties of each component. The permeation of a binary

mixture of H2O(v)/CO2 was measured on a composite polymer membrane to demonstrate the

feasibility of the technology. The method is low-cost and convenient for the future study of the

permeation

TC1: Earth & Environmental Engineering

Room: Al-Reem B

TC1.1 09:50 Soft-sediment Deformation Structures (SSDS) in Lingshan Island,

Shandong Province, China: Characteristic and Discussion About the Trigger

Yuge Ge (Petroleum Institute, UAE)

In the Shipyard profile of Lingshan Island, soft-sediment deformation structures(SSDS) are well

exposed. The lithology unites consist mainly of sandstone and interbedded sandstone-shale.

Sandstones are recognized to be formed by sandy debris flow and turbidity current . Interbedded

sandstone and shale contain sole marks and graded bedding. Slump folds, syngenetic faults,

asymmetrical pillow structure and boudinage structure are the main SSDS. Along the direction of

shear, stretches of hinges of folds become parallel to the slump direction. Syngenetic faults consist of

both normal faults and reverse faults. Asymmetrical pillow structures are formed by sandy debris flow

moving along a slope. Boudinage structures are result of stretch stress between layers with different

competence. Three slump complexes are recognized based on space distribution of SSDS. Based on

soft-sediment deformation along a slope, massive sandstone, abundance of graded bedding and absent

of vertical liquefied structures, rapid sedimentation is suggested for SSDS.

TC1.2 10:10 The Use of NMR in Carbonate Reservoir Characterization – A Case

Study From Offshore Abu Dhabi

Salima Wahbah (The Petroleum Institute & ZADCO, UAE); Jorge Gomes (The


Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) measurements of selected core plugs from different carbonate

fabrics were obtained from an offshore Abu Dhabi oilfield to complement the previous reservoir rock

typing (RRT) scheme. Former RRT was done on a standard workflow integrating lithofacies description

from cores, petrographic analysis from thin sections, poro-perm from conventional core analysis

(CCAL) and capillary pressure and pore throat sizes from MICP data. In this study, we used NMR data

to validate the previous RRT grouping. NMR T2 distributions by depth and carbonate fabrics are

presented and compared with previous MICP and petrographic data and interpretations. The paper

aims to present the methodology and results of the NMR spectrometer laboratory measurements

conducted on water-saturated plugs retrieved from two offshore wells. The approach of plug selection

ensures that each previous RRT group was covered by a representative plug from each oil bearing

zone.

TC1.3 10:30 Reservoir Characterization of a Tight Lower Cretaceous Carbonate,

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Aala Mohamed (The Petroleum Institute, UAE)

This research aims to build a proper workflow to characterize tight carbonate reservoirs. The

characterization will be based on reservoir rock typing using petrography, Mercury Injection capillary

pressure (MICP), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Dual Energy Computed Tomography (DE CT)

on reservoir samples from Abu Dhabi field. MICP and NMR tests further enhanced our understanding

on the pore geometry and connectivity. As a result of these investigations, we were able to group the

rocks into different petrophysical groups (rock types - RRT). We observed that in tight carbonate

reservoirs, the correlation between porosity and permeability is quite better than in porous and

permeable carbonate systems. In this research we used 65 horizontal plugs from Thamama Group,

characterized by mudstones and wackestones where micritization is the dominant diagenetic process.

Our aim was to analyse, interpret and integrate all data in a consistent manner so that proper rock-

typing could be established.

TC1.4 10:50 3D Printing Berea Sandstone Porosity Models From Multiscale

Petrophysical Data

Sergey Ishutov, Franciszek Hasiuk, Joseph Gray and Chris Harding (Iowa State

University, USA)

While reservoir characterization has advanced to the micron-scale with the use of tomographic,

petrographic, and SEM imaging, properties computed on digital pore networks do not always

correspond to experimental data from the same rock. This mismatch is due to data scale difference,

errors in statistical algorithms, and complicated nature of pore networks. 3D printing is a new

technology that is capable of transforming digital models into physical samples, on which pore network

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properties (porosity, surface area, and pore size distribution) and flow properties (permeability) can be

analyzed experimentally. In this study, we compare methods for producing 3D printed models from

thin section photomicrographs and from computed tomography data. The results include two types of

3D printed samples: normal – with replicated pores as void spaces and inverted – with pores as solid.

Mercury injection tests performed on core plug and normal samples helped identify the accuracy of 3D

printed copies.

TD1: Materials Science

Room: Baniyas A

TD1.1 09:50 Correlation Between Macro- And Nanoscopic Measurements of the

Elastic Modulus of Carbon Nanostructured Paper

Yamila Omar and Sergio Santos (Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, UAE);

Matteo Chiesa (Masdar, UAE); Amal Al Ghaferi (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE)

Many materials exhibit isotropic mechanical properties in the macro-scale but are known to be

composed of anisotropic building blocks. In this work, the elastic modulus of a carbon nanostructured

free-standing paper-like material is determined from force curves obtained with tapping mode atomic

force microscopy and compared with the value obtained from traditional macroscopic tensile testing.

Results show agreement between macro- and nanoscale values of the elastic modulus.

TD1.2 10:10 Drug Delivery Micro-Containers Fabricated by Three-Dimensional

Printing Technology and Functionalization with Ferromagnetic Nanowires

Waqas Amin Gill, Boo Hyun An and Lina Orabi (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE); Young Soo Choi and Young Keun Kim (Korea University,

Korea); Daniel Choi (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

Three-dimensional printing technology has brought a revolution in the field of device fabrication. The

devices with complex internal structures and shapes can fabricated very easily and in very quick time.

There are numerous micro-fabrication and self-assembly processes have been adopted for the

manufacturing of the micro-devices for medical applications. However, these fabrication techniques

require excessive processing steps and expertise. In this study, we present a feasible method to

fabricate the micro-containers for drug delivery system. There are different shapes and sizes of micro-

containers ranges from 200 µm to 1 mm fabricated by three-dimensional printing technology. Magnetic

nanowires or nanoparticles are attractive candidates for magnetic transportation in drug delivery

system. The micro-containers are polymer based and they functionalized by thiol group with the

successful attachment of the ferromagnetic nanowires on their surfaces to become magnetic drug

delivery micro-containers.

TD1.3 10:30 Optical Fiber Chemical Sensors

Raquel Flores, Ricardo Janeiro, Marcus Dahlem and Jaime Viegas (Masdar Institute

of Science and Technology, UAE)

An optical fiber chemical sensor based on a focused ion beam processed optical fiber is presented here.

The sensor is based on a cavity formed onto a fiber by chemical etching, on which side channels are

drilled by ion beam milling. The encapsulation of the cavity is achieved by fusion splicing onto a

standard single or multimode fiber. The cavity is a Fabry-Pérot resonator for gas or liquid sensing.

Increased reflectivity of the formed cavity mirrors can be achieved with atomic layer deposition (ALD)

of alternating metal oxides. The sensor was tested with various chemicals to proof its functionality.

TD1.4 10:50 Micro Lensed Optical Fiber Tip

Ricardo Janeiro (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Raquel Flores

(Masdar Institute, UAE); Jaime Viegas (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE)

Focused ion beam (FIB) patterning of 3D topography on optical fiber tips and optical beam profile

engineering are reported. We demonstrate a Fresnel zone plate configuration based on FIB patterning.

Measured experimental field profiles of fabricated optical fiber tips are reported.

09:50 - 10:50

TE1: Computer & Information Science

Room: Baniyas B

TE1.1 09:50 Detection of Blood Vessels in Retinal Images Using Cognitive

Graph-based Segmentation

Rasha Alshehhi and Prashanth Marpu (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE)

Detection of blood vessel is an important computational problem while using the fundus images of the

eye in the (semi-) automatic diagnosis of many serious eye diseases. We present a methodology to

detect vessels based on a graph-based. It is based on two main steps: feature engineering and

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cognitive multi-scale segmentation. Feature engineering includes a variety of intra-scale and inter-

scale features by concentrating on color, shape and context information. We built coarse graph

segmentation based on color feature. We exploited a diverse of morphology operators to determine the

structure of vessels to construct morphological layer. To build higher levels, we integrated cognitive

grouping principles such as similarity, continuity and proximity to merge neighbor components.

Therefore, we investigated different shape features to merge components from morphology layer. We

exploited different graph algorithms. Extensive experiments were conducted to obtain high accuracy

and the final accuracy of our segmentation was 88%.

TE1.2 10:10 Using Relative Importance in Forensic Investigations

Mohammed Alzaabi (Khalifa University, UAE)

We propose in this paper a forensic analysis system called CISRI that helps forensic investigators

determine the most influential members of a criminal group, who are related to known members of the

group, for investigation purposes. In the framework of CISRI, we describe the structural relationships

between the members of a criminal group in terms of a graph. In such a graph, a node represents a

member of a criminal group, an edge connecting two nodes represents the relationship between two

members of the group, and the weight of an edge represents the degree of the relationship between

two members.

TE1.3 10:30 Combining NFC Security with LTE Network

Ebrahim AL Alkeem and Chan Yeob Yeun (Khalifa University, UAE)

NFC (Near Field Communication) has a good adaptable structure that it can be easily combined with

any wireless network. Since NFC can be used to communicate without using a proper wire, all the

transactions can be done remotely without any physical connections. In this paper, we propose a new

authentication protocol based on LTE network to secure the NFC. Our protocol enhances the security

level provided by the LTE. Our approach is new in a sense that it covers LTE in contrast to old

networks like GSM & 3G substantially treated in the literature.

09:50 - 11:30

TF1: Information Security

Room: Yas

TF1.1 09:50 Data Security in Cloud:A Survey of Existing Techniques

Bushra AlBelooshi (Khalifa University, UAE); Khaled Salah (Khalifa University of

Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR), UAE); Thomas Martin (Khalifa

University, UAE)

Data security in the cloud is one of the main concerns organizations have when implementing cloud

technology. Shifting users' sensitive data to a third party provider rise many questions on who will be

responsible for data security. In this paper we will explore the existing data security solutions in

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud platform. We grouped the existing solutions into three main

categories which are data encryption, data isolation and data erasure solutions.

TF1.2 10:10 Evidence Reasoning in Cloud Crimes Using Bayesian Network and

Causal Models

Sameera A. Al mulla (KUSTAR, UAE)

In this paper, we discuss an evidence reasoning model that support digital forensics of cloud

computing. Unlike previous work, we aim to encapsulate the science of Probabilistic Graphical Model

(PGM) to conclude highly accurate set of events using Bayesian theorem and Causal models. Our

contribution is to achieve the highly accurate set of events without the need to set multiple hypothesis.

TF1.3 10:30 Survey on Trust and Reputation in Highly Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks

Abdelrahman AlMahmoud (Khalifa University, EBTIC, UAE)

Trust and reputation is an emerging topic in high velocity ad-hoc networks. However, very few

techniques in the literature specialise in building trust in a highly dynamic network as older approaches

suffer from efficiency and speed limitations. This paper explores some of the most notable specialised

trust and reputation techniques for highly mobile ad-hoc networks and the implications of using them

in high velocity mobile ad- hoc networks.

TF1.4 10:50 Mobile Phishing Attack for Android Platform

Nour Abura’ed (Khalifa University, UAE); Nour Abura'ed (Khalifa University of

Science, Technology, and Research, UAE)

In this paper, we address the problem of mobile phishing via the implementation of a Trojan that

commits phishing through the mobile's pre-installed applications, which are naturally trusted. It utilizes

task interception along with lack of identity indicators, and it overrides the default behavior of some

functions to succeed with the attack. We also study the impact of this Trojan on the device's

performance. Finally, we propose some security enhancements that do not rely on the human factor,

such as identity indicators and comparing running processes.

TF1.5 11:10 Software Implementation of SGCA Stream Cipher Algorithm on

8-bits AVR Microcontroller

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Mouza AL shemaili (Khalifah University, UAE); Chan Yeob Yeun, Mohamed Jamal

Zemerly and Khalid Mubarak (Khalifa University, UAE)

As ubiquitous computing becomes pervasive, low computation devices are deployed in critical activities

in our daily life such as the used of smart card for bank transaction. Since these devices contain

sensitive information related to it is owner the confidentiality and the integrity of these devices must

be considered during the designing phase. Thus, recently we have seen a lot of new proposed ciphers

that are design for low computation devices. The aim of theses ciphers is to provide a sufficient

security level with less computation power. Thus, we implement our proposed solution on 8 bits AVR

microcontroller in order to study the required memory and speed. Also, the paper study and implement

new proposed stream ciphers which are Grain and Trivium for comparison purpose. Our proposed

SGCA algorithm proves to have less memory and time consuming than the other two.

TG1: Earth & Environmental Engineering

Room: Saadiyat

TG1.1 09:50 Structure and Optical Properties of Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Over Dusty Hot Deserts

Bushra Chalermthai, Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Ghouse Basha, Peter Armstrong, Taha

Ouarda and Annalisa Molini (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

Desert atmospheric boundary layers present extremely complex local structures that have been

scarcely addressed in the literature, and whose understanding is essential in modeling processes for

various environmental, economic and societal applications. In this study, we explore the potential of

the joint usage of Lidar ceilometer backscattering profiles and sun-photometer optical depth retrievals

to quantitatively determine the vertical aerosol profile over dusty hot desert regions. At this goal, we

analyze a continuous record of observations of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) height from a

single lens Lidar ceilometer operated at Masdar Institute Field Station (Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.) and the

concurrent measurements of aerosol optical depth derived independently from the Masdar Institute

AERONET sun-photometer. The main features of the desert ABL are obtained from the ceilometer

range corrected backscattering profiles and therefore calibrated to obtain a full diurnal cycle

climatology of the aerosol optical depth and aerosol profiles.

TG1.2 10:10 Parametric Investigation of SCR of NOx

Oghare Ogidiama (Masdar Institute, Masdar City, UAE)

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx is currently a well-used method of NOx reduction from

industrial plants. It entails the application of reducing agents to convert harmful NOx to harmless

gases in the presence of a catalyst. SCR for NOx reduction is currently seen as the most promising

technology for the reduction of NOx from chemical and power plants. However, there is a need to

study these systems to improve their performance to meet the continuously stricter NOx regulations.

In this work, a 3-dimensional CFD model of the single channel SCR system was used to study the

effect of key parameters such as inlet gas temperature, NH3/NOx ratio and NO2/NOx ratios on the

performance of the system. The results showed that as the NO2/NOx is increased, the NOx reduction is

increased until a ratio of unity. Further increase in the NO2 concentration results in a decline in NOx

reduction.

TG1.3 10:30 Time Series Analysis of Remotely Sensed Water Quality Parametrs

in the Arabian Gulf

Maryam Al Shehhi (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Abdullah

Kaya (Masdar Institiute of Science and Technology, UAE); Imen Gherboudj

(Masdar Institute, UAE); Hosni Ghedira (Masdar Institute & Earth Observation and

Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory, UAE)

Since 2001, the Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) occur frequently over the Arabian Gulf mainly during

winter seasons. These HABs cause death, poison the fish and birds and affect the desalination plants.

Tracking those algae batches is mandatory to protect the desalination plants since it provides a

significant amount of fresh water to the Gulf countries. Time series modeling is one of the forecasting

approaches that can be used to predict the remotely sensed water quality parameters such as

chlorophyll concentration, SST and FLH. In this study, three times series models were used to estimate

and forecast the satellite water quality parameters measured during 10 years from 2003 to 2012.

These models are univariate model (SARIMA), multivariate model (regression) and neural network. It

is found that SARIMA model performs well in forecasting the SST and FLH. However, neural network

(NAR) and regression are the best that fit the Chl data set.

TG1.4 10:50 Dust Mapping and Monitoring in the UAE Using Ground and

Satellite Data

Iyasu Eibedingil (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Marouane

Temimi (Masdar Institute, Tunisia); Annalisa Molini (Masdar Institute of Science


The dynamics of dust in combination to land and atmospheric forcing has a major influence on land-

atmosphere interactions by modulating the radiative balance of our planet, reducing visibility, affecting

human health, and boosting marine life in seas and oceans. Therefore, to understand the regional dust

transport pathways and estimate the impact of regional dust on climate, economy, and human life, it is

crucial to identify the sources, location, extent, magnitude, and geomorphological characteristics.

Given this premise, this research deploys an enhanced automated dust mapping and monitoring tool

for the MENA region using Meteosat Second Generation Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager

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(MSG-SEVIRI). This tool used for routine detection and mapping of Sand and Dust Strom in the region.

Historic MSG-SEVIRI data will be analyzed to develop time series of dust storm extent and magnitude.

The maps will be compared with AOD, MODIS, and situ observations from Masdar Institute.

TG1.5 11:10 Understanding the Ecoydrology of Mangroves: A Simple SPAC

Model for Avicennia Marina

Saverio Perri (University of Palermo, Italy); Francesco Viola (University of

Palermo, UAE); Leonardo Noto (University of Palermo, Italy); Annalisa Molini


Mangroves represent one of the most carbon-rich ecosystems in the Tropics, noticeably impacting

ecosystem services and the economy of these regions. Whether the ability of mangroves to exclude

and tolerate salt has been extensively investigated in the literature, eco-hydrological characteristics of

these ecosystems remains largely understudied, despite the crucial link with efficient carbon-storage,

biomass productivity and water-energy fluxes. Here, we develop a Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum

(SPAC) model for Avicennia Marina, a mangrove able to adapt to hyper-arid intertidal zones. Among

mangroves, Avicennia marina is one of the most tolerant to salinity and arid climatic conditions. Our

model takes into account the specific characteristics of the mangrove ecosystem and in particular, the

effects of salt-stress. Mangrove transpiration is hence obtained by solving the plant and leaf water

balance and the leaf energy balance, taking explicitly into account the role of osmotic water potential

and salinity in governing plant resistance to water fluxes.

11:30 - 11:40


11:40 - 13:00


Room: Saqr Ballroom

TA2.1 11:40 An Improved DC Modeling of HEMT Transistor Based on Fager

Model

Yahya Al-Khawam (American University of Sharjah, UAE); Lutfi Albasha (American

University Of Sharjah, UAE)

The purpose of this paper is to present the research work on HEMT/FET device modeling using

measurement-based behavioral modeling techniques. The target of this research is to obtain more

accurate transistor model to have better AC and DC simulations. Also, the accurate proposed model

will be transformed into a geometrically scalable one using two-step optimization technique based on

Genetic Algorithm. Finally, future work will be presented.

TA2.2 12:00 Intelligent Frequency Control Using Optimal Tuning and Demand

Response in an AC Microgrid

Hajer Alyammahi (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Amer Al-

Hinai (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology & Institute Center for Energy,

UAE)

Future smart microgrids need increased flexibility and intelligence in control and optimization to

maintain a generation-load balance. This concern becomes more significant today because of lack of

conventional Automatic Generation Control (AGC) and spinning reserves which introduce new issues

for providing ancillary services. Moreover, due to increasing renewable energy penetration in power

systems, conventional controllers may be unable to maintain the system stability. In response to this

issue, this paper presents an intelligent control algorithm using fuzzy logic and particle swarm

optimization (PSO). Furthermore, the effect of Demand Response (DR) in continuously balancing

generation and demand, when the output from wind and photovoltaic (PV) varies naturally, is

proposed. Simulation results are examined on an islanded microgrid case study. The performance of

the proposed controller is compared with conventional control design and the effect of DR in fast power

compensation is proved.

TA2.3 12:20 Effective Codification for Distribution Network Restoration Using

Genetic Algorithm

Ines Garcia Vega (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Amer Al-

Hinai (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology & Institute Center for Energy,

UAE)

This paper proposes a new genetic algorithm codification for distribution network restoration.

Restoration is a multi-constraint combinatorial non-linear optimization problem for which conventional

mathematical programming techniques become computationally very costly. Heuristic approaches have

been used to tackle this problem. A codification previously used in the literature for distribution

network reconfiguration is modified in order to be applied to power system restoration. To check its

validity it is tested on a 33 bus test system. The outcomes are compared to those of previous

optimization approaches proving to be computationally efficient and showing good results.

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TA2.4 12:40 TE-Pass Polarizer Using Metal Vias

Humaira Zafar, Soha Yousuf and Anatol Khilo (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE)

A TE-pass polarizer that uses metal vias for absorption of TM light is proposed. A 100-micron device

can achieve 20dB extinction ratio with 0.23dB insertion loss. The polarizer is compatible with standard

silicon-on-insulator foundry processes.

TB2: Robotics & Automation

Room: Al-Reem A

TB2.1 11:40 Decentralized Multi-agent POMDPs Framework for Coordinating

Human-Robots Teamwork in Search and Rescue

Hend Al Tair (Khalifa University for Science, Technology and Research, UAE);

Tarek Taha and Jorge Dias (Khalifa University, UAE)

Despite the fact that robots have reached a high level of autonomy in recent years, the need for

human presence in certain situations is still essential especially in search and rescue operations. The

human extends the robots capabilities using current technologies. While current robotic devices are

able to navigate, locate, and map search and rescue areas, some interventions require high degree of

dexterity and information exchange that implies cooperation between the agents intervening in the

area - human and/or robots. This paper presents a framework for modelling the coordination between

human responders and robots in search and rescue scenarios using Decentralised Multi-agent Partially

Observable Markov Decision Processes (Dec-MPOMDP). In this framework the human is treated as an

intelligent agent with separate observations and actions that are communicated with the remain team

(human and robots) to reach the level of synergy required to accomplish joined tasks.

TB2.2 12:00 Haptic Based Bilateral Shared Control and Interaction of MAVs with

Uncertain Environments

Reem Ashour and Shafiqul Islam (Khalifa University, UAE); Lakmal Seneviratne

(KURI, UAE); Jorge Dias (Khalifa University, UAE)

In this paper, we develop haptic interface system for bilateral shared autonomous systems for

unmanned vehicles over open communication networks. The proposed bilateral shared interface

system allows human user to control, navigate and interact with dynamic remote environments

without using vision systems in remote robot systems. The design combines shared control algorithms

with virtual impedance force field. The design reflects interaction forces mapped by virtual impedance

force field to the human operator by haptic device. Experiment results on laboratory illustrate the

effectiveness of the proposed method for real-time applications. The key feature of the proposed haptic

interface is that the interaction model only uses laser technology equipped with the slave MAVs

TB2.3 12:20 Vision/Inertial-Based Image Mapping for Capsule Endoscopy

Yasmeen Abu-Kheil (Khalifa University, UAE); Gastone Ciuti and Marco Mura

(Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy); Jorge Dias (Khalifa University, UAE); Paolo

Dario (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy); Lakmal Seneviratne (KURI, UAE)

In this paper, we propose a method for mapping images from a capsule-based endoscope in a way that

is more informative to physicians: the technique uses visual/inertial-based data fusion to obtain a 3D

map of the lumen from capsule images, also paving the way for the implementation of a path planning

and autonomous locomotion and inspection. Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive procedure for

gastrointestinal diagnosis. It does not require sedation and it is comfortable and well-tolerated by

patient. However, the problem with such procedure is that a huge number of images is collected, which

require time to investigate and diagnose; furthermore, the capsule movement is not controlled leading,

in some cases, to inaccurate diagnosis. In this context, a mapping of the lumen is required to

guarantee a higher reliability of the inspection, enabling the medical doctor to evaluate all the parts of

the lumen for a better diagnosis.

TB2.4 12:40 Autonomously Mapping and Navigating an Unknown Environment

Using Triangulation-based RRT

Amna AlDahak (Khalifa University of Science, Technology & Research (KUSTAR),

UAE); Lakmal Seneviratne (KURI, UAE); Jorge Dias (Khalifa University, UAE)

This paper presents a practical algorithm for navigating through an unknown environment while

compactly mapping it in a triangulation-based data structure. The novelty in this work comes from

coupling the well-known motion planning algorithm, the RRT, with a new mapping data structure, the

Dynamic Triangulation Tree DTT. This composition is implemented to optimize the navigation of the

robot used during the mapping process of the unknown environment. The performance is evaluated

through simulations to show that the proposed planner is practical and easy to implement.

TD2: Materials Science

Room: Baniyas A

TD2.1 11:40 Effect of Annealing Time During LPCVD Growth of Single-Walled

Carbon Nanotubes

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Md Mahfuzur Rahman (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

Carbon nanotubes were synthesized by Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (LPCVD) method at

700°C. Here acetylene gas was used as precursor gas with the annealed (at 500°C) Fe catalyst was

prepared by coating with magnetron sputtering on Si substrate. Vertically aligned CNTs grew with the

catalyst annealing time in the range of 3 to 15 min. Reactions conditions such as catalyst annealing

time and precursor gas pressure were altered in order to study their effect on the resulting CNTs.

Raman spectra confirmed the presence of SWCNTs in the synthesized CNTs. Catalyst annealing time of

15 min gave rise to the formation of more SWCNTs than in the case of the lower annealing time. The

study revealed that the increase in the catalyst annealing time causes an increase on the SWCNTs

growth.

TD2.2 12:00 Comparison of Stress Response of Graphene Versus Silicon Based

Strain Sensor

Hesham Helal (The Petroleum Institute, UAE); Abdellatif Bouchalkha (The

Petroleum Institute & Art and Science College, UAE); Khalid Alhammadi (The


This paper investigates the effect of stress on graphene and silicon based strain sensors. Graphene is a

one atom thick layer of carbon atoms that shows unique electrical and mechanical properties due to its

small thickness. We have conducted a detailed study of the design of a strain sensor based on

graphene. We present the results of our simulation model developed on COMSOL multiphysics. A

comparison showed that the sensitivity of graphene to stress is about five times more than that of

silicon.

TD2.3 12:20 Carbon Nano-composite Based TSVs for Dual Function of Sensing

and Vertical Interconnect

Samuel Sofela (Masdar Institute Science and Technology, UAE); Hammad Younes

(Masdar Institute of Science and Technology & Masdar, UAE); Irfan Saadat

(Faculty - Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Amal Al Ghaferi


We discuss fabrication and characterization of TSVs filled with carbon nano-materials (CNM) for dual

function of sensing and vertical interconnect for hostile environment applications (Corrosive High

Temperature and Pressure). Nano-composites, made by functionalization of CNTs were integrated

using dispersion in epoxy resin to fill up the TSVs and provide sensing surface. The results reveal

ability for the nano-composite to fill vias with electrical conductivity path and sensing established

through the wafer backside.

TD2.4 12:40 Optical Metrology of AlN Piezomachined Ultrasonic Transducer

Arrays and Piezopumps

Mateusz Madzik and Inas Taha (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE); Raquel Flores (Masdar Institute, UAE); Ricardo Janeiro and Jaime Viegas


Piezomachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) arrays are commonly found in applications in the field of

ultrasonography and gesture recognition systems. Their application for bio and chemical sample

preparation is another possibility, based on their beam steering and acoustic field manipulation

capabilities. Post-fabrication non-destructive measurement of key device temporal and spatial

parameters is required in order to adjust either simulation models or tune fabrication steps. In this

work we report an optical testing setup for measuring the acoustic spectrum of PMUT devices and

arrays, characterize maximum deflection of PMUTs and piezopumps and investigate the load effect of

electrical contacts on the spatial and temporal oscillation behavior of these piezoelectric structures.

Spatial parameters are evaluated with digital holography. We employ this testing setup to measure our

own designed PMUT structures which were fabricated at IME-Singapore, evaluating the relative merits

of the PMUT design parameters.


Room: Baniyas B

TE2.1 11:40 Forensic Analysis of WSN Storage Content

Omar Alfandi (University of Goettingen & Zayed University, Germany); Farkhund

Iqbal (Zayed University, UAE); Samer Yousuf (College of Technological Innovation

- Zayed University - UAE, UAE)

WSN devices forensics as a field within forensic science is at an early stage when compared to

traditional computer forensics. The increase and proliferation of WSN has noted the urgent need for

the creation of new analysis tools and techniques. This experimental research implements an approach

to capture Flash storage sensor node. The storage data log is extracted from multiple sensor nodes to

identify any change on the log storage. Our major contribution is a mechanism for the extraction,

analysis of forensic data for IRIS WSN deployments by a tool which can capture storage flash dumps

from devices running TinyOS. Two parts of software were used; one installed on the mote itself to

extract the storage data then send it to the PC serial port, the second part is resides on the PC that

captures data received from serial port.

TE2.2 12:00 Junior High Game

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Rafael Harutyunyan and Jacob Crandall (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE)

It is common to analyze and evaluate people's strategies in very isolated situations in which the

strategy space is not rich and consequently - not realistic. In this paper we present Junior High Game -

a game that has the following attributes which, when combined, make the game unique (and we argue

more realistic) than other games analyzed in the literature: * A large number of people and machine

agents interact with each other repeatedly. * Interactions are personal: individual-to-individual. *

Interactions include opportunities to cooperate, defect, and punish. * Each person and machine has

limited resources and unequal capabilities. We conducted a series of user studies from which we

observe and evaluate the strategies used by people in this game and we present results that give

notion of the possible successful and unsuccessful strategies in Junior High Game.

TE2.3 12:20 Ensemble Learning Using Random-Forest for Classification of

Images with Extraction of {rgb} Feature Along Edges

Prajowal Manandhar, Zeyar Aung, Wei Lee Woon and Prashanth Marpu (Masdar

Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

The essence of object classification lies in the attributes of an object. State-of-the-art object detectors

typically use shape information as a low level feature representation to capture the local structure of

an object. This paper presents the concept of merging the edge and color information, which could lead

to significant improvement in performance for object detection. In real life scenarios, often, we need to

recognize objects that are at captured at different angles. In this paper, we have identified the color

along the edge as the importance features for object recognition which we have used with the provided

video sequence of an objects. Our approach of extracting these features along the edge of an object

with the help of edge detection algorithm can be seen as a simple but important features, as we are

able to prove with good results using Random Forest ensemble learning approach.

TE2.4 12:40 Probabilistic Forecasting of Solar Power Generation

Azhar Mohammed, Waheeb Yaqub and Zeyar Aung (Masdar Institute of Science


Probabilistic forecasts account for the uncertainty in the prediction helping the decision makers take

optimal decisions. With the emergence of renewable technologies and the uncertainties involved with

the power generated through them, probabilistic forecasts can come to the rescue. Solar power is an

emerging technology and as the technology matures there will be a need for forecasting the power

generated days ahead. In this study, an ensemble approach for probabilistic forecasting is used with

different machine learning algorithms and different initial settings assuming normal distribution for the

forecasts. It is observed that having multiple models with different initial settings gives exceedingly

better results when compared to individual models.


Room: Yas

TF2.1 11:40 Security Requirements Analysis for Token Based Payment Protocol:

Bitcoin Case Study

Nurzhan Z Aitzhan and Majid AlShehry (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE)

It is expected that financial infrastructure of smart grids would involve smart meter integrated token

based payment system. Therefore it is important to identify security requirements of such systems. In

this paper, we identified security requirements for token based payment system, the Bitcoin. The

requirements are elicited using SQUARE method and evaluated. The security analysis has been

conducted.

TF2.2 12:00 File Carving of Fragmented Video Files

Khawla Alghafli (Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, UAE);

Thomas Martin (Khalifa University, UAE)

File carving is a type of digital forensics recovery technique which focuses on recovering files from

digital media without using file system metadata. This technique can be used in several situations such

as recovering deleted files or recovering files from storage media with corrupted or unknown file

systems. The aim of this research is to develop a file carving technique that is capable of recovering

fragmented video files without using file system metadata.

TF2.3 12:20 Log Analytics for Abnormality Detection in SCADA Networks

Abdalla Alzaabi (Khalifa University, UAE); Chan Yeob Yeun (Information and

Communications University, Korea); Khaled Salah (Khalifa University of Science,

Technology and Research (KUSTAR), UAE)

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are process control systems which monitor

and control the physical processes in industrial facilities such as factories, power generation and

distribution systems, oil and gas facilities and nuclear power plants. SCADA collects data about the

physical status and sends the commands to control the physical processes in a feedback control

network. In this paper we present SCADA log analysis approach by which we detect any malicious

behavior if exist in SCADA network. The collection of the log files from a real SCADA system is

currently impossible due to the sensitivity nature of such systems, an alternative good sources were

Honeynet log from an open source and logs from a small PLC based SCADA system which was built in

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another project. We performe in-depth analysis process using Splunk which provides very good

capabilities for log and unstructured data analysis.

TF2.4 12:40 PLC Monitoring and Protection for SCADA Framework

Ahmed Alshemeili (Khalifa University, UAE)

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a set of systems which are used to monitor and

control remote equipment that can be found in general power plants, nuclear power plants, and any

other critical infrastructure entities. As the technology changes the needs came to connect the SCADA

into the internet; which means increasing the chances of exposing the critical infrastructure into cyber-

attacks. In this paper, we present a new approach to monitor Programmable Logical Controllers (PLC)

that is focused on analyzing packets from PLC and open sources to understand the normal behavior of

the equipment and reflect it into analyst monitoring dashboard. As a proof of concept, we will build

small PLC temperature sensor to proof the benefits of our approach in protecting PLC from cyber-

attacks.

11:40 - 12:40

TG2: Earth & Environmental Engineering

Room: Saadiyat

TG2.1 11:40 Modeling Wind Speed Time Series in the United Arab Emirates

Hye Yeon Kim (Masdar Institute, UAE)

There has been a growing interest in wind resources in the Gulf region, not only for evaluating wind

energy potential, but also for understanding and forecasting changes in wind. In this study, the

seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models with different combinations of

parameters are applied to the observed monthly average of wind speed time series in the United Arab

Emirates (UAE), measured from the international airport of Abu Dhabi. This model deals with apparent

seasonality in the data to help understand the characteristics of original and modified wind speed time

series, and forecast the future wind speed. The best SARIMA model is selected based on the root mean

square(RMSE) and relative RMSE of each model. Results indicate that the SARIMA models provide a

good fit to wind data in the UAE.

TG2.2 12:00 Achieving Efficient Nitrogen Removal in High Temperature and

Salinity Wastewater Treatment A Microbial Process Modelling Approach

Kulthoum Ismail (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Félix Ayllón

(Vebes O&M CO, UAE); Jorge Rodríguez (Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology, UAE)

In this work we aim at developing a comprehensive rigorous mathematical model to study the

interactions between the microbial metabolisms involved in the nitrogen cycle and the impact of high

temperature and salinity on their performance. The model will include a detailed chemical speciation,

function of pH, together with full thermodynamic data and bioenergetic calculations for the nitrogen

related metabolisms as well as those potentially interacting with them. Microbial activities such as

sulphate or iron reduction oxidation will be incorporated together with the more recently discovered

anaerobic ammonium oxidation bacteria (anammox). The modelling work proposed will be combined

with privileged access to detailed operation data at two large scale WWT plants in Abu Dhabi. We aim

at both developing high impact novel knowledge on the biological nitrogen removal process at high

temperatures while also potentially enhancing the WWTP operation in terms of energy footprint,

operational costs and effluent quality

TG2.3 12:20 Numerical Study of Dispersion of Hazardous Pollutants Under UAE

Environmental Conditions

Fatima Alnoamani and Yacine Addad (Khalifa University of Science, Technology,

and Research, UAE)

The main purpose of this study is to conduct numerical predictions using a commercial CFD code for

atmospheric dispersion of radioactive material under UAE environmental conditions. Validation of

Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approach with the k-ɛ turbulence model has been performed

by comparing the numerical predictions with experimental data of Fackerll and Robins for both;

velocity profiles, and for the passive scalar concentration and dispersion. In the three-dimension

hypothetical accidental scenario case under UAE environmental characteristics, the pollutant transport,

dispersion, and deposition in the area surrounding the power plant was found to be highly asymmetric

and largely affected by the presence of different buildings.

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13:00 - 14:00


14:00 - 15:40


Room: Saqr Ballroom

TA3.1 14:00 VLSI Implementation of PID Controller

Rupesh Karn (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology & Mubadala Company,

UAE); Ibrahim M Elfadel (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE)

A feedback loop is a common and powerful tool for designing a control system to choose optimum

value of control variable. A proportional controller is simple form of controller and PID is advanced

version and is widely used in feedback control of many processes. Traditionally, in many control

system, analog controllers are used and digital controllers are only implemented by programming the

analog controller algorithm on microprocessor in discrete time domain by quantizing bits in a limited

number of levels. It has limitations as complexity in interfacing with digital world, large chip area and

high power consumption. To exploit the use of on chip ALU, multiplexer and registers, digital PID

controller is implemented. It has many superior qualities over analog version as high speed, improved

sensitivity, better reliability and less effect due to noise and disturbance.

TA3.2 14:20 Enhanced Frequency Support From DFIGs in Areas with Low X/R

Ratio

Alexandros Tsoupos (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, UAE); Vinod

Khadkikar (Masdar Institute, UAE)

As penetration of wind generation increases, frequency support from wind energy conversion schemes

(WECS) is becoming a necessity in order to maintain frequency levels within the acceptable limits. As

far as doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs) are concerned, operation under maximum power-point

tracking algorithms does not allow for active power regulation during frequency disturbances.

Furthermore, the back-to-back converters connected to the rotor circuit decouple the system

frequency from the rotor speed render the machine unable to provide any inertial response. In order to

address this issue, various methods providing frequency response, based on maintaining an active

power reserve, are presented in literature. In this project, a control strategy that provides frequency

support utilizing the ability of the DFIG to regulate both active and reactive power is proposed. The

effectiveness of the method becomes substantial in networks with low X/R ratios.

TA3.3 14:40 Influence of Generation Scheduling on Power System Protection

and Stability

Lukasz Huchel (Masd, UAE); Hatem Zeineldin (Masdar Institute of Science &

Technology, UAE); Amer Al-Hinai (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology &

Institute Center for Energy, UAE)

Steady state analysis for protection coordination studies are widely presented in the literature.

However, the influence of the performance of protection devices on stability of synchronous generators

has to be verified. This paper tends to verify the existing approaches to the protection coordination

problem and incorporate the limits given by the stability of generating units. The analysis are

performed for modified IEEE 14-bus system supplied by three synchronous generators.

TA3.4 15:00 Optimization of a Grid-Connected VSC Disturbance Rejection for

HVDC Applications

Wesam Taha (The Petroleum Institute, UAE); Abdul Rahiman Beig (The Petroleum

Institute, Abu Dhabi, UAE); Igor Boiko (Petrolum Institute, UAE)

Voltage Source Converter (VSC) plays a major role in the AC/DC interconnection. Hence, its control

stands as a significant issue as it determines the stability of the system. Therefore, utilization of a

control algorithm that can robustly reject disturbances is highly appreciated. In this paper, a decoupled

dq-vector control approach is used as a control structure due to its validity and feasibility, which has

been shown in the literature. Furthermore, the tuning of the PI controllers is achieved using a new

optimization algorithm. The VSC station connected to ac system is subject, mainly, to two types of

disturbances: source and load disturbance. At first, the system is optimized for each individually based

on the integral time absolute error (ITAE) criterion. Then, both disturbances are weightily summed in

order to provide the optimum disturbance rejection. Simulation results demonstrate the validity and

robustness of such an approach.

TA3.5 15:20 Design of Sliding Mode Controller for A Three Phase AC Motor

Yousif Eldigair, Igor Boiko and Abdul Rahiman Beig (The Petroleum Institute, UAE)

The use of Sliding Mode Controllers (SMC) has of been considered a good solution for the successful

control of system with major uncertainties and disturbances. These controllers maintain healthy

system behavior even in the presence of un-modelled dynamics. However, the chattering problem

which results from the use of these controllers remains a huge downfall of SMCs. Ideally, SMCs must

undergo switching with infinite frequency during the sliding phase but this inhibit by the existence of

parasitic dynamics which effectively increase the input relative degree of the system. Accordingly, the

responsiveness and performance of SMCs is much dictated by the switching frequency outcome.

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Frequently, to control the speed of induction motor, SMC is implemented in the external speed loop

which restricts the switching frequency of the robust controller. We consider the application of SMC in

the inner loop as an alternative which in theory should lead to ideal sliding.

14:00 - 15:20

TB3: Robotics & Automation

Room: Al-Reem A

TB3.1 14:00 Optimized Planar 3PRR Mechanism for 5 Degrees-of-Freedom

Hybrid Kinematics Manipulator

Abdur Rosyid, Bashar El-Khasawneh and Anas Alazzam (Khalifa University, UAE)

Hybrid kinematics mechanisms combine the advantages of purely serial and purely parallel kinematics

mechanisms. This paper proposes a novel hybrid planar 3PRR mechanism which can be utilized for

machine tool. As the main drawback of parallel mechanism is small workspace, the workspace of the

proposed mechanism has been optimized by using constrained nonlinear optimization. It is shown that

the optimization gives significant improvement of the workspace area and shape.

TB3.2 14:20 Task Allocation in Multi-Robot Systems

Nourhan Elsayed (The Petroleum Institute, UAE); Khaled Al-Wahedi (The Petrolum

Institute, UAE)

Task partitioning in multi-robot systems involves breaking down tasks or partitioning them into smaller

tasks tackled by different robots in the system. Some of the benefits of this approach is less

interference between the individual agents as they are more segregated, an improved scalability, and

an improved transport efficiency. This approach allows for a better overall group performance, leads to

specialization and aids in parallel task execution. In this paper, a new problem tackling self-organized

task allocation method in the context of swarm robotics is investigated by using task partitioning. The

method does not use any sort of global communication; instead, indirect communication is achieved

through the concept of stigmergy.

TB3.3 14:40 Parametric Risk Field for Haptic Teleoperation of Unmanned

Ground Vehicle

Mohammad Awad (Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, UAE);

Reem Ashour (Khalida University of Science Technology and Research, UAE);

Shafiqul Islam and Jorge Dias (Khalifa University, UAE)

In this paper, the algorithm of the Parametric Risk Field (PRF) concept is applied for haptic

teleoperation of Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV). PRF is a type of the Artificial Force Fields (AFF)

which maps 2D environmental constraint into repulsive forces. AFF is applied in haptic feedback to

allow operators to interpret the repulsive forces as impedance to their control deflections when a

potential for collision exists. PRF consists of many user-defined parameters, some are independent,

and others are dependent on the UGV's velocity and obstacle displacement. The algorithm was tested

on a UGV Teleoperated by robotic arm. The results has shown alignment between PRF values and

experimental mapped force. The future plans for this work is to develop the PRF to map 3D

environmental constraint in order to be applied on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's)

TB3.4 15:00 UAVs Cloud Computing

Sara Mahmoud (UAE University, UAE); Nader Mohamed (UAEU, UAE)

Most UAVs use radio frequency transmission to communicate with the ground station to receive

commands and to send data. However, this model of communication restricts the user from being in

specific locations and limits the missions to narrow areas. This paper proposes a cloud computing (CC)

integration where the UAVs become part of the cloud and can be accessed ubiquitously. This allows

UAVs to utilize the web client-server architectures by using the three tier architecture, the application,

the service and the data storage. In this architecture, the application layer where the client has a

friendly user interface, while the service layer is the UAV server that becomes part of the cloud. UAVs

provide their services through uniform interfaces using RESTful HTTP architecture. Finally, the data

layer is the layer that not only stores the information of UAVs but also keeps track of their status and

changes through the mission timeline.

14:00 - 15:00

TC3: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Room: Al-Reem B

TC3.1 14:00 Task-Based Teaching and Its Influence on IELTS Writing Task 2

Sobia Afzal (American University of Sharjah & Al Ruya Institute, Sharjah, UAE)

This research paper examines the effects of the task-based teaching (TBT) methodology on IELTS

students' writing skills in the United Arab Emirates, in particular task 2 of the IELTS writing test. The

IELTS writing task 2 is evaluated on the basis of IELTS writing task 2 band descriptors, set by

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Cambridge, which are task-achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical range and grammatical range

and accuracy. The procedure used involves collection of students' writing samples before and after the

implementation of TBT, and making comparison of the effects of TBT on the IELTS band descriptors in

students' writing scripts. The results of the study revealed that TBT has a positive influence on IELTS

students' writing skills in terms of the criteria set by Cambridge, especially in the criteria of task

achievement and coherence and cohesion. However, only 2 participants showed improvement in the

area of grammatical range and accuracy post TBT methodology.

TC3.2 14:20 Untranslatability

Aya Adnan Khantomani (University of Sharjah, UAE)

There are some words or phrases that the translator can't translate into the Target Language according

to some differences between the two languages, we call this case Untranslatability. In fact in

translation there's nothing that can't be translated, we face difficulties, however; we search for the

appropriate strategy to translate the untranslatable word to the nearest meaning.

TC3.3 14:40 The Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Human

Capital Development: The Mediating Effect of Knowledge Management,

Organizational Culture

Mona Al Mansouri (UAE University, UAE)

Human capital development is one of the most important enablers for any organization to achieving a

sustainable competitive advantage. Therefore, organizations are interested in adopting various

initiatives and mechanisms to support the development of human capital such as transformational

leadership style, knowledge management practices and building organizational culture to achieve the

development of the companies' human capital. Thus, this research intends to examine the mediating

effect of knowledge management and organizational culture on the relationships between

transformational leadership and human capital development in the Abu Dhabi emirate.

14:00 - 15:20

TD3: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Room: Baniyas A

TD3.1 14:00 Traditional Governance of a Modern Nation: Links Between the

Sheikhs Majlis, Political Stability and National Loyalty in the UAE

Mohammad Hamad (Khalifa University, UAE)

The UAE's top leadership, in particular 'sheikhs', conduct regular meetings called the Sheikhs' Majlis on

a weekly basis during which direct interaction between the people and their rulers is established. The

tribal system, long established within the United Arab Emirates, allows for direct contact between

leaders and their people on both an individual and collective basis. With an ever increasing population,

and level of cultural diversity within the region, the types of individual problems, needs and

requirements are changing dramatically. This fact, when considered in conjunction with the growth of

the sheikhs' responsibilities within a developing governmental system, situated in very close proximity

to less stable nations, poses very difficult questions for the nations rulers; What is the relationship

between the operation of the Sheikhs' Majlis and the levels of political stability and national loyalty of

Emiratis.

TD3.2 14:20 Efforts of the United Arab Emirates in Improving Food Security:

Creating Foreign Acquisition Land Policies

Hind Al Shamsi (Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE)

The major topic of concern in this paper is what foreign land acquisition policy the United Arab

Emirates can adopt to reduce the long-term risk of food shortage. The purpose of this project proposal

is to identify ways in which the United Arab Emirates can improve food security. Regardless of its

wealth and advanced technology, it needs to make sure that food shortage is not a problem in the

country. The issue at hand is how the agricultural land can be put to good use to solve this puzzling

circumstance. Qualitative research methods will be used to carry out our investigation about factors

that will give support to the implementation of foreign land acquisition policy in UAE.

TD3.3 14:40 The Integrated Ballistic Missile Defense and the Regional Security

Saleh AlHadrami (Khalifa University, UAE)

The demand for a reliable missile defense system against the pre-emptive threats from adversarial

states in addition to vague non‐state actors has become very essential in the Middle East region in

general and the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC states in particular. Therefore, the significance of

developing a missile defense shield has been in priority with the rise of the proliferation of the missiles

in the region. However, the two main questions on the development such a defense system are

whether it will have cost‐effective or will it lead to consequences when the system developed in the

GCC and the effectiveness of the integration the system with the likely to face obstacles linked to these

states reluctant to integrate military.

TD3.4 15:00 Implications of the New "National Service" Policy for Emirati

National Security Interests

Shaikha Al Attas (Khalifa University, UAE)

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The aim of this paper is to address the implications of military National Service for Emirati national

security interests.

14:00 - 15:00


Room: Baniyas B

TE3.1 14:00 High Performance Computational Differentiation Algorithms for

Generalized Optimization Applications

Mohammad Alhulayil, Ahmad Bani Younes and James Daniel Turner (Khalifa

University, UAE)

Many applications in science and engineering require the calculations of derivative models.

Computational differentiation is a specialized topic in the applied mathematics and computer science

for developing software tools for numerically evaluating the sensitivity derivative models which can be

used in the stability and optimizations studies. The sensitivity analysis is commonly used to identify the

effects of confusion parameters on the model output. Many studies were carried to generate the

sensitivity models for engineering applications. One of the main problems that faced these studies was

the memory limitation when working with high orders models. The sensitivity models for high order

models present a high nonlinear memory scaling, which significantly affect the memory and the

performance of the application. To handle these effects, the proposed research includes significant

modification on the OCEA (Object Oriented Coordinate Embedding Algorithm) by taking into account

the symmetry and sparsity aspects of high order systems.

TE3.2 14:20 A Participatory Sensing Approach for Green Telematics

Chien-Ming Tseng and Chi-Kin Chau (Masdar Institute, UAE)

Participatory sensing is an emerging concept that integrates crowd-sourced data collection and

knowledge discovery of collective behavior. We develop a participatory sensing based system and its

methodologies for driving energy efficiency applications. Distance-to-empty (DTE) is the distance an

electric or internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicle can reach before its energy/fuel is exhausted,

which is determined by a variety of uncertain factors, ex: driving behavior, types of road, traffic, and

vehicle specification. Green telematics aims to optimize the route selection with lower energy

consumption. We explore an effective approach that integrates the vehicle data gathered from

participatory sensing to provide more accurate personalized DTE prediction and green telematics. Our

approach relies on extracting the driver/vehicle/route dependent features and discovering correlations

from collective driving data. We present case studies of our results, such as (1) DTE prediction for EVs

based on the data of ICE vehicles, (2) route-level energy consumption geo-fencing and planning.

TE3.3 14:40 Twitter's Tweets Analysis on Crimean Crisis

Amalfi Darusman and Wei Lee Woon (Masdar Institute of Science and Technology,

UAE)

Information originated from formal media tend to be not a hundred percent objective, since a lot of

"influences" from certain "players" might skew the information. Our study focused on gathering

information from tweets to answer this issue since they tend to be "purer". Twitter, as one of the most

emerging social media since 2006, has shown to be appealing in the term of data analytic. We

conducted text mining, sentiment analysis in particular, on tweets from February to May 2014 to get

information on how people react to certain event, the Crimean crisis in Ukraine in particular. We found

that most of the people tend to show negative attitude towards the Crimean crisis, whether regarding

the policies, the action taken, or the event itself. In a more general perspective, we found that changes

in total tweets in particular time affect the average user polarity, i.e. declining in our case.

14:00 - 15:40


Room: Yas

TF3.1 14:00 Multimedia File Signature Analysis in Smartphones

Dua’a Abu Hamdi, Farkhund Iqbal and Omar Al Fandi (Zayed University, UAE)

File signature analysis is one of the important phase during digital forensic process, in which we can

identify if the collected multimedia file was on-device created or obtained from application or

elsewhere. The increased usage of the Smartphones due to computing capabilities, connecting to the

internet which can transfer huge amount of multimedia files, make from the Smartphones rich source

of evidence. This paper focused on analysis of multimedia files through investigating file signatures and

related metadata created on the most popular Smartphones iPhone 5, Blackberry Z10 Samsung Galaxy

Note 3 and Lenovo A536, in order to defined on-device multimedia files or downloaded from

application, furthermore the paper identified whether multimedia files original or edited through device

for iPhone 5 Blackberry Z10 and Lenovo A536.

TF3.2 14:20 Investigating Malware Behavior Using Passive DNS Data

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Huwida E Said, Ahmed Omar, Khalid Matar and Lubna Zuhair (Zayed University,

UAE); Omar Alfandi (University of Goettingen & Zayed University, Germany);

Farkhund Iqbal (Zayed University, UAE)

The recent alarming situation emerged as a result of the tragic cyber-attacks has threatened the

security of most nation countries. Some of the dangerous malware, such as stuxnet, mariposa and

Zeus have infected millions of computers in more than 192 countries. Malware analysis and

fingerprinting for the purpose of detecting and mitigating malicious activities have been focused in

most studies. This study investigates and analyzes malware behavior using passive DNS data collected

from honeypot, installed at a local internet service provider. The presented approach is designed to

help system administrators and security analyst in filtering DNS data, analyzing domains and IPs,

government entities as well as other stakeholders for the purpose of mitigating cyber-threats. The

experiments on real-life network traffic indicate the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed

approach.

TF3.3 14:40 Analysis of Linear and Differential Properties for Randomly

Generated Substitution Boxes

Yousuf AlSalami, Thomas Martin and Chan Yeob Yeun (Khalifa University, UAE)

Cryptographers use Substitution Boxes (SBoxes) in order to provide non-linearity in their designs of

cryptographic primitives such as Block Ciphers and Hash Functions. Some cryptographic primitives use

bijective SBoxes as in the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and some uses surjective SBoxes as in

the Data Encryption Standard (DES). Thus, their SBoxes have inputs and outputs of the same length;

8 bits as in the case in AES or alternatively their input length is larger than its output length; 6 input

bits to 4 output bits as in the case of DES. In this paper, we analyze the Linear and Differential

properties of such commonly used SBoxes which are randomly generated. This shows that the most

probable type of SBoxes can have certain Linear and Differential properties. It also shows that certain

types of SBoxes with specific Linear and Differential Properties are impossible to obtain.

TF3.4 15:00 Android Games: Permissions and Threats

Eiman Alothali, Fatna Belqasmi, Omar Al Fandi and Farkhund Iqbal (Zayed

University, UAE)

A plethora of games exist nowadays for a variety of Android open source devices and the number of

their users is increasing day after day. The majority of these users are unaware of the security threats

these games may have. In this work, we study the security risks associated to the permissions the

Android games require at the installation time (e.g. access to WiFi, contact list, camera). We focus on

Android Free game applications' offered in Google Play. Our study covers a sample of 600 games, for

which we investigate the percentage of most requested permissions. Our preliminary findings indicate

that "full internet access" is the most requested permission from all the six game categories we

examined. Moreover, 60% of the requested permissions are high risk permissions. These results

clearly call for more attention in managing permissions' usage in android games and applications, to

secure these applications from malicious intents.

TF3.5 15:20 WhatsApp Forensics on Android and iOS Platforms

Nuha Al Naqbi, Sumaya Sumaya Al Mansoori, Shamma Al Qubaisi and Farkhund

Iqbal (Zayed University, UAE)

WhatsApp messengers is a gold mine for forensics examiners given the information obtained when

analyzing its database. The authors of this paper aim to demonstrate an aspect of Mobile Forensic and

show how to acquire the entire messages, images and videos from two different platforms (Android

and iOS). Using this data, a brief profiling of the smartphone owner was conducted to illustrate how

the information obtained can be utilized in an investigation.

14:00 - 15:20

TG3: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Room: Saadiyat

TG3.1 14:00 GCC'S Perspective on Regional Security

Noura Alomaira (Khalifa University, UAE)

The Gulf Cooperation Council was established on May 26, 1981. Until recently the Council has been

criticized for its lack of cooperation and failed initiatives when it comes to security matters. This paper

looks into the Gulf Cooperation Council's purpose, its role as a security organization, analyze the roles

it has undertaken during since the formation of the Council, the current state of the Council and where

it is expected the GCC's path will lead.

TG3.2 14:20 Critical Infrastructure and National Security

Abdulla Aljallaf (Khalifa University, UAE)

his paper will assess the relationship between the critical infrastructure and the national security and to

understand the key criteria to identify and protect this infrastructure. Its also summaries the findings

and recommendations based on literature review.

TG3.3 14:40 Stability Instability of Nuclear Weapons

Waleed Almarzooqi (Khalifa University, UAE)

92

PAG

E.91

Nuclear power or "acquiring the bomb" is an important aspect of contemporary international relations.

Waltz, one of the leading neorealists believes that a bipolar system maintained a world peace for the

longest period, because each super power will fear retaliation and consequences of going into direct

conflict with the opponent. Thus, this will maintain stability and peace. It is widely believed that their

nuclear weapon race played a big role in maintaining this stability.instability explained basically by the

drop of the bombs over Japan had devastating effect. The aftermath of Japan bombing clearly shows

the dangers and destructions that come out of nuclear weapons. This research will argue weather

stability would be achieved by acquiring nuclear weapons or prohibiting them.

TG3.4 15:00 What Determines the Cost of Energy Security?

Ahmed Alneyadi (Khalifa University, UAE)

Increasing requests for the world growing populations, civil disturbance, terrorist attacks, human

errors, natural disasters ... all these issues pose additional consequences for the future is full of desires

in relation to the energy industry.

15:40 - 16:00


16:00 - 16:30

Closing Ceremoney

Room: Saqr Ballroom

Closing Remarks

Best Paper Awards

93

PAG

E.92

AUTHOR-SESSION INDEX

PAG

E.93

Author-Session Index

Author Session

A

Abdul Samad, Yarjan MD2.2

Abdulla, Alla SF1.6

Abid, Najmul MG2.2

Aboo Ayyan, Shaimaa SD3.3

Abou Khalifa, El Sayed MG1.4

Abou Ouf, Mostafa MD1.2

AbouEl-Hamd, Omnia MG3.1

Abu Al-Rub, Rashid SD2.2

SD2.3

SD2.4

MG2.2

Abu Hamdi, Dua’a TF3.1

Abu Matar, Mohammad SE3.5

Abu Zarqa, Wafa SG3.1

Abu-Kheil, Yasmeen TB2.3

Abu-Zahra, Mohammad SB1.1

MB2.3

Abueidda, Diab SD2.2

SD2.4

Abuhamda, Hassan MG1.1

AbuMarzok, Samah SC2.4

Abunahla, Heba MA3.3

Abura'ed, Nour TF1.4

Abura’ed, Nour TF1.4

AbuSaad, Israa MF2.1

Achazhiyath Edathil,

Anjali

TB1.3

Addad, Yacine TG2.3

Adeghate, Ernest MF3.2

Adem, Abdu SF1.5

Adrian, Thomas SF1.3

SF2.2

Author Session

Afzal, Sobia TC3.1

Ahmed, Amina SF2.3

Ahmed, Farah MD2.4

Ahmed, Wasim MB3.3

Ahmedb, Rizwan SD3.5

Ait El Hadj, Soufiyane SD1.3

Aitzhan, Nurzhan TF2.1

Akiel, Mohammad

Sohayeb

MG2.4

Al Ahmad, Mahmoud SA1.5

Al Ali, Abdulla SD1.4

AL Alkeem, Ebrahim TE1.4

Al Allaq, Wissal MC4.4

Al Amiri, Fareed MC2.4

Al Ateibi, Hessa SC1.1

Al Attas, Shaikha TD3.4

Al Badaai, Muna SC1.3

Al Delail, Buti SE3.3

Al Dhaheri, Rashed SG1.2

SG1.3

SG1.4

Al Fandi, Omar TF3.1

TF3.4

Al Farra, Nabil SG2.5

Al Ghaferi, Amal MD3.2

TD1.1

TD2.3

Al Ghaithi, Ahmed SC3.1

Al Haddad, Amal SF2.2

Al Hammadi, Ahmed ME2.3

Al Hammadi, Rasheed SF2.3

Al Hashmi, Hanan MF3.1

Al Hemeiri, Nehal SC3.3

95

PAG

E.94

Author Session

Al Housani, Amna ME3.1

Al Hussein, Ghada MF1.2

Al Jabri, Mansoor SG1.2

SG1.3

SG1.4

Al Jasem, Yosef MD3.3

Al Kaabi, Sara SC2.5

Al Katheerib, Ashjan SD3.5

Al Maeeni, Sara ME1.5

Al Mamari, Said TB1.2

Al Mannaee, Nadia SC2.1

Al Mansouri, Mona TC3.3

Al Martini, Samer MD4.3

MG4.1

Al Marzooqi, Hamad SA1.1

Al Marzooqi, Mohamed TG1.1

Al Mehrezi, Muna MB3.1

Al Menhali, Ali SB2.3

Al Meqbali, Mariam SF2.3

Al mulla, Sameera TF1.2

Al Naimi, Kholoud SB2.5

Al Naimi, Moza SG1.1

Al Naqbi, Ali SA1.5

Al Naqbi, Nuha TF3.5

Al Neyadi, Aysha SF3.1

Al Obaid, Maryam MC1.5

Al Qubaisi, Shamma TF3.5

Al Romaithi, Kaltham SG1.5

Al Sadi, Safa ME3.2

Al Safar, Habiba MF3.1

Al Shamsi, Hind TD3.2

Al Shehhi, Maryam TG1.3

AL shemaili, Mouza TF1.5

Al Srihin, Mohammed SG3.3

Al Tair, Hend TB2.1

Author Session

Al-Alem, Yazan MA2.3

Al-Ameri, Tareq MC2.3

Al-Araji, Saleh ME1.5

MA2.1

ME2.1

Al-Azani, Mariam MB1.4

Al-Dhaheri, Mariam SD1.3

Al-Durra, Ahmed MA4.1

Al-Dweik, Arafat ME1.3

Al-Gazali, Lihadh SF1.1

SF2.1

Al-Hamadi, Hussam SE2.2

Al-Hinai, Amer SA2.1

TA2.2

TA2.3

TA3.3

Al-Jaibeji, Hayat SF1.1

Al-Jarrah, Omar SE3.1

Al-Khateeb, Ashraf SD3.2

Al-Khatib, Mohammed MG4.1

Al-Khawam, Yahya TA2.1

Al-Kuwaiti, Maryam SD3.1

Al-Mazrouei,

Mohammed

SC3.4

Al-Mazrouie, Maryam MC4.1

Al-Menhali, Asma SF2.3

Al-Rawashdeh, Ahmed SG2.1

Al-Refai, Mohammed SG2.1

SG3.3

Al-Shawish, Fatima SA2.3

Al-Shehhi, Maryam SE2.1

Al-Shouq, Ayesha MD3.1

Al-Terri, Doaa ME2.4

Al-Toubat, Salah SB2.4

MG3.4

96

PAG

E.95Author Session

Al-Wahedi, Khaled TB3.2

Al-Zuhair, Sulaiman SA1.5

Alabi, Adetunji MB2.4

AlAli, Sultan SD1.4

AlAmeri, Ahmed SA2.4

Alawadhi, Fatima SG3.2

Alazzam, Anas TB3.1

Albasha, Lutfi MA1.2

MA2.2

MA2.3

TA2.1

AlBelooshi, Bushra TF1.1

Alblooshi, Hiba MF3.1

Albloushi, Meera MD4.1

AlDahak, Amna TB2.4

AlDhaheri, Mariam MC1.1

Aldomaity, Aly MD1.2

Alfandi, Omar TE2.1

TF3.2

Alghafli, Khawla TF2.2

AlHadrami, Saleh TD3.3

Alhammadi, Khalid SA3.3

TD2.2

Alhammadi, Safa SF2.5

Alhawari, Mohammad SA1.4

Alhulayil, Mohammad TE3.1

Alhussein, Hussam SD1.5

Ali, Ahmed MA3.4

Ali, Bassam SF1.1

SF2.1

Ali, Mahmoud SF2.2

Ali, Mohamed SD1.4

SG1.1

SB2.3

SD2.1

Author Session

ME4.3

Ali, Nazar MA2.1

ME2.1

Aljallaf, Abdulla TG3.2

Alkatheeri, Hilal MC1.3

Alkatheri, Mohammed TB1.1

Alkhafili, Saif SC3.2

Alkhalil, Jwan MG1.3

Alkhidir, Tamador MA1.3

Alkhodari, Amani SG1.2

SG1.3

SG1.4

Alkurd, Rawan ME2.2

Allam, Mariam ME3.3

Almahainy, Rola MA2.1

AlMahmoud,

Abdelrahman

TF1.3

Almansoori, Ali SB2.1

Almarzooqi, Waleed TG3.3

Almazrouei, Ebtesam ME2.1

Almazrouei, Najlaa MF1.4

AlMenhali, Naeima SC3.5

Almulla, Ali MC1.2

Alneyadi, Ahmed TG3.4

Alnoamani, Fatima TG2.3

Alnoamani, Zainab SB3.3

Alnuaimi, Saeed SA3.4

Alomaira, Noura TG3.1

Alotaibi, Naseer MC3.3

Alothali, Eiman TF3.4

Alqassem, Israa SE2.4

Alqaydi, Fatima SE2.3

Alrumaithi, Rashed MB3.2

Alsakaji, Hebatalah SG3.4

AlSalami, Yousuf TF3.3

97

PAG

E.96

Author Session

Alsayyed, Basel SG1.2

SG1.3

SG1.4

Alshamsi, Abdulaziz MC3.4

Alshamsi, Reem SC1.2

AlShebli, Bedoor SE3.4

Alsheghri, Ammar SD2.3

Alshehhi, Abdulla SD2.1

Alshehhi, Ahmed SD3.5

Alshehhi, Rasha TE1.1

AlShehry, Majid TF2.1

Alshemeili, Ahmed TF2.4

AlShurafa, Mohammed MC4.2

Alsindi, Nayef ME2.1

Alsuwaidi, Jamila MF1.4

Altunaiji, Alya MB4.2

Alyammahi, Hajer TA2.2

Alzaabi, Abdalla TF2.3

AlZaabi, Mariam SC2.2

Alzaabi, Mohammed TE1.3

Amin, Amr SF3.2

An, Boo Hyun TD1.2

Andy, Sumayya SC2.3

Anis, Shaheen MD2.1

Ansari, Arsalan SB1.3

Arafat, Hassan ME4.3

Arink, Thomas SD3.5

Armstrong, Peter TG1.1

Ashour, Reem TB2.2

Ashour, Reem TB3.3

Ashraf, Syed SF3.1

Ashri, Abdelrahman MG1.5

Atia, Dina SE1.5

Aung, Zeyar TE2.3

TE2.4

Author Session

Awad, Mohammad TB3.3

Awani, Oluwafunmilayo MG1.2

Ayllón, Félix TG2.2

Aziz, Alia Ruzanna MD1.5

B

Baabdulla, Arwa SG2.1

Banat, Fawzi TB1.3

Bani Younes, Ahmad SD2.5

TE3.1

Bariah, Lina ME1.2

Baroudi, Sandra SC1.5

Basaeed, Essa SA3.1

Basha, Ghouse TG1.1

Bayasi, Nourhan MA1.1

Beig, Abdul TA3.5

Beig, Abdul Rahiman TA3.4

Belqasmi, Fatna TF3.4

Bergan, Pal MD4.3

Bernabe Pascual,

Francisco

MD1.4

Bhaskar, Harish SA1.6

Bin Afif, Abdulla Shaikh

Abdul Qader

MD4.2

Bisho, Ahmed MC3.2

Black, Ken MC2.1

MF2.4

Boiko, Igor MA4.1

MA4.2

MA4.3

TA3.4

TA3.5

Bouchalkha, Abdellatif SA3.3

TD2.2

Bugenhagen, Bernhard MB1.4

C

Cai, Guowei SD2.5

98

PAG

E.97Author Session

Calvet, Nicolas SB2.2

SB2.4

MD4.3

Chalermthai, Bushra TG1.1

Chalissery, Jisha SF3.4

Chaqfeh, Moumena SE1.3

Chau, Chi-Kin SE1.2

TE3.2

Chevalier, Sylvie SB3.2

Chiesa, Matteo MB2.4

TD1.1

Choi, Daniel TD1.2

Choi, Young Soo TD1.2

Christopher, Asha MF4.2

Christopoulou, Patroula SD2.1

Cisse, Cheikh SD1.2

Ciuti, Gastone TB2.3

Costa Gomes, Jorge SB1.4

Crandall, Jacob TE2.2

Crespo Iniesta, Alberto SB2.2

SB2.4

D

Dahlem, Marcus TD1.3

Dalaq, Ahmed SD2.2

SD2.4

Dario, Paolo TB2.3

Darusman, Amalfi TE3.3

Delclos, Thomas SB2.2

SB2.4

MD4.3

Diabat, Ali SG1.1

Diago, Miguel SB2.2

SB2.4

Dias, Jorge SD2.5

MA3.3

Author Session

TB2.1

TB2.2

TB2.3

TB2.4

TB3.3

Dindi, Abdallah MB2.3

E

Eibedingil, Iyasu TG1.4

El Abadlah, Haba SF1.4

El Hadri, Nabil MB1.5

El Kharrag, Rkia SF3.2

El Samad, Tala SD2.1

MD1.1

El-Dieb, Amr MG2.3

El-Gamal, Maisa MB3.4

El-Khasawneh, Bashar TB3.1

El-Khatib, Youssef SG2.5

SG3.1

El-Maaddawy, Tamer MG1.2

MG1.3

MG2.4

El-Refai, Ahmed MG1.2

MG2.4

El-Sawy, Khaled MG3.1

Elayan, Ibtisam SC2.3

Elbassioni, Khaled SE1.2

Eldigair, Yousif TA3.5

Eledlebi, Khouloud TA1.5

Elfadel, Ibrahim MA1.5

MA2.4

TA1.3

TA3.1

Elgabra, Hazem TA1.2

Elghanam, Eiman MA1.2

ElKashef, Ahmed MF3.1

99

PAG

E.98

Author Session

ElNaas, Muftah MB3.4

Elnaggar, Mohammed SA1.4

SA3.2

MA2.1

TA1.5

TA1.4

Elsawi, Mohamed SB3.3

ElSayed, Khaled SG1.2

SG1.3

SG1.4

Elsayed, Nourhan TB3.2

Eltahir, Elfatih ME3.3

F

Faisal, Titly SB3.2

Fardoun, Abbas SA2.4

SA2.5

Farhat, Ilyas SA2.2

Farraj, Abdul Rahman SD3.2

Ferdous, Zannatul SF1.2

Flores, Raquel TD1.3

TD1.4

TD2.4

G

Gale, Ella SA2.2

Garcia Vega, Ines TA2.3

Gawanmeh, Amjad SE2.2

Ge, Yuge TC1.1

Ghasem, Nayef MB2.1

Ghebreyesus, Dawit ME3.4

ME4.1

Ghedira, Hosni TG1.3

Gherboudj, Imen TG1.3

Gill, Waqas Amin TD1.2

Gomes, Jorge SB1.5

TC1.2

Author Session

Gonzalez, Rocio ME3.3

Gougam, Adel MD4.1

Graham, John MB2.2

Gray, Joseph TC1.4

Greish, Yaser SF3.2

SF3.3

Guo, Yi SB3.5

H

Haekal, Muhammad MA4.2

Hajji, Mohamed SG3.2

Halawani, Yasmin SA1.3

Hamad, Mohammad TD3.1

Hameedi, Suhaib MB3.4

Hammadih, Mohammad

Luai

MA4.3

Harding, Chris TC1.4

Haris, Sabeera MB1.1

Haroun, Mohammed SB1.3

Harutyunyan, Rafael TE2.2

Hasan, Shadi SB1.1

Hasan Al Hosani, Khalifa MA4.3

Hashaikeh, Raed MD2.1

MD2.3

MD2.4

ME4.2

Hashish, Adel MF1.4

Hasiuk, Franciszek TC1.4

Hassan, Ahmad SD3.3

Hassan, Ahmed SF3.4

Hassan, Muzamil MB4.3

Hejase, Hassan SD3.3

Helal, Hesham TD2.2

Henschel, Andreas MF2.3

Hernandez, Hector MB4.2

Hirsch, Benjamin SE2.1

100

PAG

E.99Author Session

Hisaindee, Soleiman SF3.2

Hoffman, Rick MC1.4

Hoivik, Nils MD4.3

Homouz, Dirar MA3.3

Howarth, Chris SF1.3

Howarth, Frank SF1.2

MF3.2

Huchel, Lukasz TA3.3

Hulse, Gary MF3.1

Hussain, Mohammed MD1.1

Hussain, Nadia SF1.3

Hussain Farzanah,

Rashed

MB1.2

Hussein, Ala SA2.4

Hussein, Huda MA4.1

I

Ibrahim, Ali SC1.4

Ibrahim, Khalid MA1.2

Iqbal, Farkhund TE2.1

TF3.1

TF3.2

TF3.4

TF3.5

Iraqi, Youssef SE1.1

Isakovic, Abdel SE1.5

SA2.2

Ishutov, Sergey TC1.4

Islam, Amina SB3.2

Islam, Shafiqul TB2.2

TB3.3

Ismail, Kulthoum TG2.2

Issa, Anas MG2.1

J

Jaafar, Ruaa SB1.5

Jacobson, Michael MF3.2

Author Session

Jagannath, Anoop SB2.1

Jalal, Deena SF3.4

Janajreh, Isam SD3.5

MD1.1

ME4.2

Janeiro, Ricardo TD1.3

TD1.4

TD2.4

Janem, Ghada SG2.2

Johnson, Eric MC2.2

Jouiad, Mustapha SB3.2

Jouini, Mohamed SB3.2

K

Kalbat, Fatma ME1.3

Kalloush, Rawan SF2.4

Kanaan, Dima MG2.3

Kandy, Mujeeb MF3.3

Karagiannidis, George ME1.3

ME1.5

Karakatsanis, Ioannis SE3.2

Karam, Sherif SF3.2

SF3.3

Karapetyan, Areg SE1.2

Karn, Rupesh TA3.1

Karzad, Abdul Saboor MG3.4

Kaya, Abdullah TG1.3

Khadkikar, Vinod TA3.2

Khalil, Abbas TB1.2

Khan, Mohammed

Nazeer ul Hasan

SD3.4

Khan, Shaihroz TB1.4

Khantomani, Aya TC3.2

Khilo, Anatol TA2.4

Khonji, Mahmoud SE1.1

Khonji, Majid SE1.2

101

PAG

E.100

Author Session

Kim, Hye Yeon TG2.1

Kim, Young Keun TD1.2

Klimontowicz,

Maksymilian

SA2.1

Kolo, Isa MG3.2

MG3.3

Kong, Peng-Yong SG1.5

Kyparissidis, Costas TB1.1

Kyritsis, Dimitrios SD3.2

L

Lakas, Abderrahmane SE1.3

Lalia, Boor MD2.3

MD2.4

Laloui, Lyesse MG4.2

Lee, Tonghun MD1.3

Leida, Marcello SE2.1

Lennartz, Franz MF4.3

Li, Yuanqing MD2.2

Liao, Kin MD2.2

Lin, Rongzhi SB3.5

Liu, Lulu SB1.2

Lovas, Sandor SF2.2

M

Madumelu, Chukwuka MD3.4

Madzik, Mateusz TD2.4

Mahmoud, Lama MD2.3

Mahmoud, Rana MA3.2

Mahmoud, Sara SE2.5

TB3.4

Mahmoud, Shereen SC1.4

Makhmasi, Sohailah SA3.5

Manandhar, Prajowal TE2.3

Marpu, Prashanth ME3.3

TE1.1

TE2.3

Author Session

Marshoud, Hanaa ME1.1

Martin, Thomas TF1.1

TF2.2

TF3.3

Martins, Mathieu MD4.3

Masaud-Wahaishi,

AbdulMutalib

SE2.5

Matar, Khalid TF3.2

Mensah-Brown, Eric SF1.3

SF1.5

Milhem, Reham SF2.1

Mir, Hasan MA2.2

MA2.3

Mitsingas, Constandinos MD1.3

Mizouni, Rabeb SE3.5

Mohamed, Aala TC1.3

Mohamed, Abdel-

Mohsen

MB3.4

Mohamed, Fatma SE3.5

Mohamed, Nader TB3.4

Mohammad, Baker SA1.4

SA3.2

MA3.3

TA1.4

Mohammed, Azhar TE2.4

Mohanraj, Rajesh SF1.5

Molini, Annalisa TG1.1

TG1.4

TG1.5

Morrison, John SF1.3

Motiur Rahman,

Mohammed

SB1.3

Mourad, Abdel-Hamid SD1.3

SD3.1

SF3.3

MD1.2

102

PAG

E.101Author Session

Mubarak, Khalid TF1.5

Muhaidat, Sami ME1.5

Muhammad, Joseph MC2.1

MF2.2

MF2.4

MF3.3

Mulugeta, Tadesse TA1.1

Mura, Marco TB2.3

Mustafa, Ibrahim SB2.3

Muzaffar, Shahzad MA1.5

Mwafy, Aman MG1.4

MG1.5

MG2.1

N

Nazzal, Tasnim MA1.4

Neumann, Elke MF4.2

Nihmiya, Abdul Rahim MB2.1

Noto, Leonardo TG1.5

Noura, Hassan SA2.5

O

Ogidiama, Oghare TG1.2

Olanrewaju, Akinola SB1.1

Omar, Ahmed TF3.2

Omar, Maher SB2.4

Omar, Yamila TD1.1

Omar Salih, Badria SG2.3

Omer, Zahi SA2.4

Orabi, Lina TD1.2

Ouali, Anis SE1.5

SG1.5

Ouarda, Taha ME3.3

TG1.1

Oudah, Mai MF2.3

Oz, Murat MF3.2

Author Session

P

Pal, Priyabrata TB1.3

Palmisano, Giovanni MB2.4

Pantos, Themistoclis MC1.2

Parekh, Khatija SF1.3

Parvin, Maliha MB1.3

Pearson, Simon ME3.3

Peng, Jimmy SA2.1

Perri, Saverio TG1.5

Poddar, Tuhin SB2.1

Poon, Kin SE1.5

SG1.5

Pulikkot, Sunitha SF3.3

Q

Qaddoumi, Nasser MA1.2

Qasem, Maryam SB3.4

Quadri, Syed Mohamid

Raza

SB3.1

Quang, Dang Viet MB2.3

Qureshi, Mohammed SF1.2

R

Rabbani, Shahid SD1.1

Rahman, Md Mahfuzur TD2.1

Rajasegar, Rajavasanth SD3.2

MD1.3

Rasras, Mahmoud TA1.1

Raza, Haider SF1.2

Rehman, Sami SA1.2

Revere, Francis MF3.3

Rezeq, Mohd TA1.5

Rodríguez, Jorge MB3.3

TG2.2

Rosyid, Abdur TB3.1

Roters, Marie MF4.3

Ruta, Dymitr SE1.5

103

PAG

E.102

Author Session

Ryan, Alan MF1.3

S

Saadat, Irfan TD2.3

Sabouni, Reem MG4.3

Sadeq, Hasnaa MB2.2

Saeed, Adnan SD2.5

Said, Huwida TF3.2

Salah, Khaled SE2.3

TF1.1

TF2.3

Salahat, Ehab SA3.2

Saleh, Hani SA1.4

SA3.2

TA1.4

Salem, Khawla MF3.2

Salem, Mohammed MF4.1

Salim, Reem SA2.5

Santos, Sergio TD1.1

Saqer, Leena SA1.5

Sassi, Mohamed SD1.1

SB3.2

Satpathy, Sanket SG3.5

Sayadi, Mohamed Amine SF3.5

Selim, Bassant ME1.4

Seneviratne, Lakmal SD2.5

TB2.2

TB2.3

TB2.4

Shabra, Ayman SA1.2

MA1.5

MA2.4

Shafiullah, Mohamed MF3.2

Shahin, Suzan MF4.1

Shamim, Tariq SB2.2

SB2.4

Author Session

SD3.4

Sharadga, Mwaffag SG2.4

Sharif, Bayan ME1.3

Sharkawi, Sara SF1.5

Shawky, Mansour MF3.1

Shehada, Dina SE1.4

Shoaib, Mohamad SB3.1

Singh, Shakti TA1.2

Sluzek, Andrzej SA3.2

Sodiq, Ahmed MB1.5

Sofela, Samuel TD2.3

Soopee, Asif SB2.3

Sowwan, Solaiman SA3.3

Strong, Emily SC1.6

Sumaya Al Mansoori,

Sumaya

TF3.5

Suwwan, Dana ME4.2

Svinterikos, Efstratios MB4.1

Sweedan, Amr MG3.1

Sydnaoui, Ikhlass MG4.3

Syed, Wajih TA1.3

T

Taghadosi, Mansour MA2.2

Taha, Inas TD2.4

Taha, Kamal SE2.1

Taha, Tarek TB2.1

Taha, Wesam TA3.4

Taher, Hanifa SA1.5

Tay, Guan MF3.1

Tekeste, Temesghen MA3.1

Temimi, Marouane ME3.4

ME4.1

TG1.4

Terzis, Dimitrios MG4.2

Thiemann, Thies MB1.4

104

PAG

E.103Author Session

MB2.2

MD3.3

Thomas, Justin MF2.2

MF3.3

Timraz, Sara MF1.1

Tridane, Abdessamad SG3.2

Tseng, Chien-Ming TE3.2

Tsoupos, Alexandros TA3.2

Turner, James TE3.1

U

Umer, Rehan SD1.5

Uratani, Joao MB3.3

V

van Liempt, Frank SD1.3

Viegas, Jaime TD1.3

TD1.4

TD2.4

Villalobos, Uver MD4.3

Viola, Francesco TG1.5

W

Wahbah, Maisam TA1.4

Wahbah, Salima TC1.2

Waheed, Owais Talaat MA2.4

Werisch, Stefan MF4.3

Woon, Wei Lee SE3.4

TE2.3

TE3.3

Y

Yapici, Murat Kaya MA1.3

Yaqub, Waheeb TE2.4

Yazgan Birgi, Pelin ME4.3

Yeun, Chan TF2.3

Yeun, Chan Yeob TE1.4

TF1.5

Author Session

TF3.3

Yoo, Paul SE2.1

Younes, Hammad MD3.2

TD2.3

Yousuf, Samer TE2.1

Yousuf, Soha TA2.4

Z

Zafar, Humaira TA2.4

Zanki, Mohamed MC4.3

Zayed, Ahmed MC3.1

Zeid, Salma MA1.2

Zeineldin, Hatem SE1.2

TA3.3

Zemerly, Jamal SE2.3

Zemerly, Mohamed

Jamal

TF1.5

Zitouni, M. Sami SA1.6

SA3.2

Zuburtikudis, Ioannis MB4.1

Zuhair, Lubna TF3.2

105

PAG

E.104

Notes

PAG

E.105

Notes

PAG

E.106

Notes

PAG

E.107

Notes

PAG

E.108

www.uaegsrc.ae

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PAGE. 1 · 2017. 3. 23. · PAGE. 10 Message from the Executive Chair On behalf of the Conference Organizing and Technical Committees, I would like to welcome you all to the 2015