United Arab Emirates University Research Articles

Exploring perceptions of pre-clerkship students about workplace learning in the clinical learning environment at Gulf Medical University, UAE

BackgroundMedical students view clinical workplace placements as an inspiring and motivating learning environment where active student participation is pivotal to development of students’ identity. The progress from pre-clerkship to clerkship education harbors many challenges which consist of experiential learning, adjusting to the clinical environment, and understanding roles & responsibilities. Workplace learning is underpinned by various adult learning theories including social theories,constructivism, supported participation and legitimate peripheral participation. Workplace learning course was recently initiated for pre-clerkship students at a medical university in UAE, which will enable their smooth entry into the clerkship phase of the curriculum.ObjectivesThe research aims to explore students’ perceptions of various domains of their clinical learning environment (CLE), highlight the challenges they face, and extract valuable feedback to improve their environment.MethodsThis study was conducted qualitatively by using focus groups method in order to explore students’ perceptions of the clinical learning environment. Two focus group discussions were conducted (n = 8 +/-10) to determine the common challenges of workplace learning and its potential solutions. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The approach used to carry out this study was phenomenology, as it helps to understand the learning and behavior of these students who are undergoing this pre-clerkship training in order to transition smoothly to the clerkship phase.ResultThe focus groups helped to deeply explore the perceptions of students about their clinical learning environment. It helped to reveal the challenges encountered by the students including the significance of proper orientation of staff and students, language barrier, availability of learning opportunities, and supervision quality. The focus groups provided worthwhile suggestions to improve the learning opportunities in the clinical learning environment which include orientation of the staff and students what to expect, improved supervision, mentoring and providing learning opportunities to encourage participation.ConclusionThis study attempted to identify the pre-clerkship students’ perception of their clinical learning environment and the challenges they face over there. Possible suggestions by the students included a formal orientation for the staff and students to be carried out at the beginning. Efforts should be made by clerkship directors to provide students with learning opportunities by increasing patient exposure, encouraging participation, and providing high-quality supervision.

Effect of thermal environmental factors on female students during summer and spring season: promoting a sustainable campus initiative

PurposeThe present study was conducted at the female campus of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), with a specific emphasis on the outside environment. This study aims to explore the influence of external conditions, including AC (AC), Time of Day (TD) variations, and Landscape Sites (LS) differences, on changes in physiological temperatures. Specifically, the focus is on understanding the dynamics of skin and abaya temperature (AT) when exposed to transient thermal environments, considering factors such as AC, LS, and different TD. By investigating these parameters, the research aims to gain insights into the thermal dynamics experienced by female students at the UAEU campus which can further lead to evaluate the thermal comfort (TC).Design/methodology/approachThe study involved three college-aged female participants simulating a daily walk to class on a arid tropical university campus. Real-time thermal measures were captured at 10-min intervals using the FLIR Thermal Camera. Statistical analyses, including the Kruskal–Wallis test and Don Bonferroni pairwise comparisons, were employed to assess significant differences in thermal conditions based on AC, TD, and LS. These tests rigorously analyzed the data to identify statistically significant variations in thermal conditions among the specified factors. Additionally, temperature data from the ECMWF ERA5 dataset, covering global climate from January 1940 to the present, was utilized. The GRADS application on a Linux-based system was used for data visualization and map chart creation.FindingsThe study reveals a slight influence of AC on both Abaya temperatures (AT) and Skin temperatures (ST) during the summer, with more pronounced diurnal changes in the afternoon significantly affecting both metrics. Site characteristics minimally impact AT, but they have a noteworthy effect on ST. In the spring season, AT and ST remain unaffected by AC, while temporal fluctuations, particularly in the afternoon, exert a significant influence. LS variations show statistically insignificant impacts on both AT and ST. Additionally, temperature maps for specific 2023 dates provide distinctive trends in the UAE, offering insights into dynamic climatic conditions varying by season and TD.Originality/valueThe study aims to address a knowledge gap by investigating the influence of AC, TD, and LS variations on physiological temperature change, specifically focusing on skin and AT. This investigation is conducted in the context of individuals exposed to thermal environmental factors within a arid tropical university campus setting.Practical implicationsThis research contributes to the existing knowledge by providing specific data on thermal conditions within the campus, enabling informed decision-making for creating a more comfortable and conducive environment for the students, thereby contributing to the goal of a sustainable campus.

A Mixed-Method Approach to Post-Implementation Success of Technology Performance in UAE Universities: Assessing DeLone and McLean IS Success Model

Technology brings tremendous changes in education because it is a system that automates all educational institutions and academic performance. Therefore, the study examines the effect of technology’s system, information and service quality on faculty, operational and university performance. To explore the more contextual factors, this study empirically and theoretically tested a proposed model by the D&M theory of IS among UAE universities. The study employed mixed-method research using a sequential explanatory research design. Using a designed survey questionnaire, the study targeted 512 faculty members and conducted 10 semi-structured face-to-face interviews with faculty members of 27 UAE universities. The results reported that system, information, and service quality significantly influenced faculty performance. In addition, system quality strongly affects faculty performance, which is the most necessary part of successful technology implementation. Faculty performance significantly influences operational and university performance; surprisingly, it has the strongest influence on operational performance. In turn, operating performance has a significant impact on university performance. The study further identified four contextual factors, that is, external, individual, organizational, and technical. The study put the novel ideas by contributing performance-level measures that support Delone and Mclean’s IS success model to successfully operationalize the university’s actual performance. The research uniquely extends the D&M IS success model to assess technology implementation success at individual, operational, and organizational levels within UAE universities, touching previously unexplored areas of post-implementation evaluation. University management in the UAE should prioritize enhancing service, system, and information quality to bolster faculty performance, leading to improved operational and overall organizational outcomes.

Tech-Enhanced Learning

The current study uses the lens of Robert Gagne’s nine events of instruction and the flipped classroom approach to construct a proposed educational module to teach the instructional technology course for preservice teachers at Al Ain University in UAE. The content was broken down into small parts and presented to students through videos and interactive learning exercises. A quasi-experiment was conducted to study the designed module’s effectiveness. The sample involved two groups of 50 female postgraduates from different fields of specialization. The experimental group students were taught through the implementation of the flipped microlearning module, while the control group was taught the same way, except that the educational content was conveyed without chunking. The researcher collected data by administering an achievement test and using the UTAUT questionnaire to determine student acceptance of the module. The result of the ANCOVA test revealed the existence of a substantial difference between the two groups, as f reached 4.427 in favor of the experimental group, with a significance level of 0.038. The questionnaire findings indicated high student acceptance of the module. The findings are of great importance for educational policy and curriculum designers and highlight the advantages of this module in enhancing student performance in different specialist fields.

The Prevalence of Anxiety Among University Students in the United Arab Emirates Following the COVID-19 Lockdown.

The COVID-19 pandemic, with its consequential lifestyle changes, is anticipated to contribute to increased anxiety levels, particularly among university students who already contend with significant academic stress. We aim to assess the prevalence of anxiety among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the COVID-19 lockdown period. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among students enrolled in UAE universities. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to gather demographic data, assess anxiety levels using the generalized anxiety disorder-7 scale, explore potential factors associated with heightened anxiety, investigate the impact of increased anxiety on academic performance, and identify coping mechanisms employed post-lockdown. Of the 369 participating students, anxiety levels were minimal in 87 (23.6%), mild in 163 (44.2%), and moderate to severe in 119 (32.2%) subjects. Moreover, increased anxiety levels were significantly correlated with poor/fair sleep quality (p=0.002). Importantly, students with moderate to severe anxiety levels exhibited poorer performance in exams and assignments (p=0.001) and encountered difficulties in maintaining focus on studies (p<0.001). The predominant coping mechanisms employed by students included self-distraction, prayer, and maintaining a positive attitude. The majority of students in our study experienced mild to severe levels of anxiety following the COVID-19 lockdown period. We hope that our findings will prompt university and government officials to implement effective screening and preventive strategies to adequately support university students in future public health crises.

APSA Partners with Zayed University in UAE to Advance Quantitative Methods Training for Faculty of Social Sciences

APSA Partners with Zayed University in UAE to Advance Quantitative Methods Training for Faculty of Social Sciences

Effect of Academic-related and Teaching and Learning-Related Stressors on Eating Habits among Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction:: Stress occurs when people are faced with challenges and feel overwhelmed. Too much stress can cause negative effects on the body. Medical students especially feel a lot of stress due to their curriculum, which affects their eating habits and, in turn, their academic performance. Objective:: This study aimed to assess the effects of academic-related and teaching and learning-related stressors on the pattern of eating habits. Material and Methodology:: A cross-sectional study was carried out among students of private medical universities in UAE. MBBS and BDS students of and above the age of eighteen were included. A standardized questionnaire (Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire) was used to collect data. SPSS version 28 was used to analyze the data. Results:: We identified two main types of stressors: Academic Related Stressors (ARS) and Teaching and Learning Related Stressors (TLRS), resulting in high levels of stress causing them to eat more than usual or less than usual. Most students (82.6%) who ate less or much less than usual had experienced high or severe stress due to academic-related stressors of ‘strenuous task’ (P=0.007). Moreover, 81.5% of students who ate more than usual had experienced high or severe stress when they were nervous and stressed (P=0.004). When feeling “difficulties pile up” and during times when students “lacked confidence” due to teaching-related stressors, 71.7% and 66.3% of the participants experienced mild/moderate stress, respectively and ate less or much less than usual (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion:: We were able to determine the effect of academic-related stressors (ARS) and teaching and learning-related stressors (TLRS) on eating habits. This has led us to discover the importance of well-developed and improved intervention programs by universities to reduce stress and promote healthy eating habits among medical students.

E-learning's influence on organizational excellence in UAE universities: Exploring the moderat-ing role of demographic variables

This study employs a quantitative approach to investigate the relationship between E-learning and Organizational Excellence in UAE universities. The study focuses on 250 senior and middle administrators from public universities selected through a convenience sampling method. The advanced statistical tools SPSS and AMOS were used to analyze the research data through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings reveal the impact of e-learning dimensions–Technical Knowledge and Management Willingness—on Organizational Excellence. Additionally, the study delves into moderation effects, revealing that Gender, Age, Educational Level, and Experience play pivotal roles in influencing perceptions of e-learning among senior and middle administrators at UAE public universities. This research contributes to the understanding of how e-learning impacts Organizational Excellence within the UAE university landscape while also highlighting the crucial moderating roles of demographic variables. These findings offer valuable insights for educational institutions aiming to optimize e-learning strategies and enhance organizational performance.

Perspectives On Game-Based Learning Within The Higher Education Sector

This study investigates the perceptions of faculty members on the integration and implications of game-based learning (GBL) in higher education, specifically within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It aims to understand how GBL influences student motivation, engagement, and the achievement of learning outcomes, thereby offering a faculty-centric perspective on the effectiveness of GBL strategies in enhancing educational experiences at the tertiary level. The research methodology employed semi-structured interviews with 18 faculty members across various disciplines in UAE universities. These interviews were meticulously analysed through open coding, selective coding, and axial coding using NVivo software. The findings indicate a strong consensus among faculty members on the positive effects of GBL on student motivation and engagement. A crucial insight is the necessity for GBL tools to be directly relevant to subject matter and aligned with specific learning outcomes. Despite these benefits, challenges such as the need for game design to meet educational objectives were noted. The study highlights the potential of GBL to transform learning experiences in higher education by fostering an engaging, interactive, and motivational learning environment. It suggests that for GBL to be effectively integrated into higher education curricula, there must be a concerted effort to develop subject-specific games that are pedagogically sound and aligned with learning outcomes. This research contributes to the academic discourse by focusing on the relatively underexplored area of faculty perspectives on GBL in the higher education sector of the UAE. It extends the understanding of GBL's applicability beyond K-12 education, addressing a gap in the literature regarding its use and effectiveness in tertiary education. Through its faculty-centric lens, the study provides invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing GBL in higher education settings, thereby offering a foundational framework for future research and practice in this emerging field.

Thermal Analysis of AlainSat-1: A 3U Cubesat for Earth Observation

AlainSat-1 is a remote sensing CubeSat carrying earth observation payloads developed by student teams from three international universities. Planned for launch in 2023 it is a direct result from the collaborative effort between the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS) and the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) at UAE University. CubeSats are popular among the research and academic communities as a space platform from which to perform related research and academic work connected to space technologies due to their compact size, shorter development time, and relatively low cost. However, because most CubeSats are built using off-the-shelf components, their capacity to resist the harsh environments of space must be proven. Aside from ensuring that structural criteria are met, thermal analysis is critical for ensuring that components or payloads stay functioning in extreme hot or cold environments. The thermal analysis results of AlainSat-1’s finite element model (FEM) functioning under the projected thermal environment associated to its mission are presented in this study. Preliminary results from the analysis using SIEMENS NX show that temperature measurements are within an acceptable range. However, more modification of the simulated environment and FEM in terms of mesh sizes and radiative and conductive thermal couplings is needed before conclusive results may be obtained. The approved simulated results and parameters will be tested experimentally in a Thermal Vacuum Chamber. In addition, challenges identified throughout the analysis and their remedies are discussed.

Preface

It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest welcome to all participants of the 2023 4th International Conference on Power, Energy, and Electrical Engineering (PEEE 2023). This conference was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during November 9-11, 2023. It served as a platform for researchers, academics, and industry professionals to come together and exchange ideas, research findings, and best practices in the field of power, energy, and electrical engineering.This year we have around twenty participants from Malaysia, Spain, UAE, Germany, China, Korea, Canada, Australia, Egypt and Kuwait, whom we wish fruitful discussions. Conference program was highlighted by three keynote and invited speakers: Prof. Saad Mekhilef, University of Malaya; Prof. Jesús Toribio, University of Salamanca; Prof. Hussain Shareef, UAE University. With a lineup of renowned keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, and paper presentations, this conference promised to be a valuable opportunity for all attendees to gain insights, network with peers, and contribute to the advancement of the field.I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizing committee, sponsors, and all individuals involved in making PEEE 2023 a reality. Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in bringing together this esteemed gathering of experts and professionals.I am confident that PEEE 2023 was a rewarding and enriching experience for all involved, and I look forward to the continued growth and impact of this important conference in the years to come.Prof. Saad Mekhilef, University of Malaya, MalaysiaConference ChairList of Committee is available in this pdf.

The Relationship of PR Program Learning Outcomes and Labor Market Requirements in the UAE

Recently, technology has made public relations overlap with other fields. In the UAE labor market, the demand for technology has increased and government entities have moved to remote work. This study, therefore, examines the extent to which university public relations (PR) education outcomes meet the needs of the UAE labor market. It also investigates the extent to which UAE universities provide academic programs in PR that keep pace with the evolution of new media technologies. The study draws on systems theory because local universities, international universities, and the labor market form an interconnected system, and none of these components can work alone. Using the qualitative method, which relies primarily on benchmarks, UAE government entities can better understand whether PR graduates are receiving a tailored education and are well qualified to handle ever-changing tasks. The result shows that UAE universities are providing students in PR programs with the latest information and essential tools they need to enter the UAE labor market and keep pace with new technology. However, local universities need to improve students' technological skills, as there is a big difference compared to what international universities offer their students. 

UAE university breaks ties with nanoscientist

UAE university breaks ties with nanoscientist

Exploring the understanding, source of availability and level of access of cognitive enhancers among university students in the United Arab Emirates: A qualitative study.

The use of prescription stimulants for cognitive enhancement by healthy university students, identified as the largest cohort of cognitive enhancer (CE) users, is of growing interest. The purpose of this study was to look at the understanding, perception, experience, and level of access of CEs among healthy university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study was conducted in six highly competitive university programmes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 university students to discuss their own experiences and those of their friends and peers regarding the use of prescription stimulants. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven teaching faculty staff members (registered pharmacists and medical doctors) to explore their views on the use of CEs in their university. Data were analysed thematically for the identification of themes and subthemes within the data using coding. It was found that, 'Adderall' was the most common prescribed CE drug and caffeine super strength pills were the most common non-prescribed CE drug, both reported to enhance concentration, motivation, and meet academic deadlines. It is expected that the findings of this study will be of interest to a wide range of services in UAE universities. This will enable them to raise awareness about the use of CEs among students.

Commitment to Sustainability: How Sustainability is Reflected in UAE Universities: An Exploratory Study

Vision, mission, and value statements are important elements in every organization in communicating the core values and practices the organization follows. In higher education institutions, they play an important role in the road map of the institution and how the institution is engaged with all its stakeholders. The aim of the research is to examine the visibility of information about sustainability on the websites of UAE universities. Universities are important players when it comes to communicating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as they have an important role in societal awareness about sustainable development. To what extent do the mission, vision, and value statements reflect the sustainability of the higher educational institutions that are investigated? The study employs a quantitative content analysis method to explore elements of SDGs by looking for keywords that are associated with the terms ‘sustainable’ or ‘sustainability’ and associated with the 17 SDGs. The sample includes 27 local universities across the UAE. The collected data from universities’ websites are analyzed using AntConc, a software for textual analysis. Only nine universities included a general term for sustainability in their documents. There was a mention of only six SDGs, and SDG9, followed by SDG4, were the most mentioned ones. The performance of the higher educational institutions in sustainability and how these are communicated should be focused strategically. The study will show the way to look at local practices when it comes to SDG communication and be the catalyst for comparative studies that can help establish best practices and guidelines for universities in the region.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly About Insta Shopping: A Qualitative Study

Instagram, as many social media platforms, has been increasingly used by users to shop for goods and products from business or other individuals. Recently, studies have shed lights on acceptance and usage of Insta shopping from users&#x2019; perspectives by following popular technology models, such as technology acceptance model (TAM) and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). However, more rich and in-depth insights about using Instagram for commercial purposes within a certain context are yet to be discovered. Therefore, this study aims at discovering experiences and interactions with Insta shopping, the factors and the drivers that impact users&#x2019; acceptance of Insta shopping, the weight of each factor (degree of consensus among participants), and their direction (positive, negative, or both). The study followed a qualitative approach, by creating four homogeneous focus groups (six participants each) of IT students in United Arab Emirates (UAE) universities. The data analysis approach considered is an axial coding technique as part of the grounded theory, which includes open coding, axial coding, and selective coding stages. The results revealed that the time factor, trust in Insta shops (and its drivers such as reviews, word of mouth, trading license, and others), distrust (and its drivers such as fake comments and reviews, extremely low prices, and others), and the associated risks (financial for losing money, security because of online payments, and some privacy issues) can impact users&#x2019; behaviors toward Insta shopping. Also, the study classified participants&#x2019; viewpoints and experiences&#x2019; themes into advantages, disadvantages, and issues that are associated with Insta shopping. The study indicated theoretical and practical implications and suggests future research directions.

Investigating determinants of pro-environmental behaviors amongst UAE university students through Q-methodology

Numerous high-tech advancements have established a healthy environment, reduced consumer consumption of non-renewable resources, and reduced the total ecological impact on the environment. Despite this technology, many people still do not have sustainable behavior ingrained in them. Environmental sustainability is threatened by human behaviors, and environmental choices made by individuals are correlated with pro-environmental behaviors. This research focuses on the relationship between people and the environment, the difficulties that have arisen as a result, and the factors that influence university students' pro-environmental behaviors. It explores the factors influencing university students in the United Arab Emirates to have positive environmental attitudes and behaviors using the Q methodology. The results elucidate several discourses, including connections between knowledge and attitude, the importance of formal and informal education, and necessary economic policies and incentives. The results of this research are consistent with those of other recent studies that place more emphasis on attitude than motivation when it comes to changing behavior towards the environment.

Gender roles perceptions and ideal number of children: case study of Emirati youth

BackgroundThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a traditional society with patriarchal values. The country has been experiencing a decline in fertility rates, bringing the total fertility rate for the national population to 3.3 children per woman, the lowest since 1970s. Existing literature indicates that having gender-egalitarian attitudes is associated with lower fertility rates. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the perceptions of gender roles among the highly educated Emirati youth and examine whether these attitudes influence their desire to have children. By doing so, we aim to gain insights into the factors contributing to the country’s declining fertility rates.MethodsThis study utilized data from a cross-sectional quantitative survey. The survey was developed and administered in February–March 2019 to a purposive sample of 300 young Emirati males and females aged 18–30 years, studying at the UAE University. Both bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed to examine the levels of youths’ perception towards gender roles and desired fertility.ResultsThe data collected from Emirati youths revealed that 50% of them supported the traditional perspective on marriage, 30% considered motherhood is the most important thing for women, and a small percentage supported economic independence of women and husband participation in household chores/child-rearing. On average Emirati youth ideally wished to have 5.4 children in their future families, with a preference for sons over daughters. Youths who favoured women’s economic independence and equal participation in household work contribution by spouses desired a lower number of children which is in line with the modernization theory and cultural evolution.ConclusionThe UAE has been facing continuous decline in fertility rates. The study indicates that ideal number of children is much higher than the current fertility rates in the country. To bridge this gap, the government could implement family policies that create an environment conducive to fulfilling the ideal desires of young Emiratis regarding family size. Moreover, present findings indicate that perceptions of equal gender roles could be a contributing factor to the declining fertility rates among the young generation. Promoting gender equality attitudes and strengthening institutional support for childbearing could become key strategy to address these issues.

Exploring Students' Emotional Well-Being in the Ideal University Hostel Using the Qualitative Repertory Grid Technique.

One of the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it has lent urgency to ongoing discussions on mental well-being, particularly among university students. While standard techniques are available to diagnose mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress, ambiguity persists regarding the emotional aspect of well-being. Emotional well-being (EWB) is a recently developed concept that seeks to understand the contribution of emotions to one's well-being. Interactive approaches for such investigations are recommended to understand people's contextual experiences in the built environment. This study utilizes a qualitative approach, underpinned by personal construct theory (PCT) and the qualitative repertory grid technique (RGT), to understand how university hostel designs can contribute to students' emotional well-being. We interviewed fifteen students from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and obtained their perceptions of three built environments they experienced and an ideal place they imagined. The results unveiled design-related factors associated with students' emotional constructs and elucidated characteristics of an 'ideal' hostel in response to these emotional constructs. These findings enrich our knowledge of EWB within university hostels offering insights for the future design that consider the emotional aspect of well-being for residents.

Sustainable Development Goals from Theory to Practice Using Spatial Data Infrastructure: A Case Study of UAEU Undergraduate Students

The importance of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in influencing students’ understanding of and behavior toward sustainability cannot be overstated. However, prior studies have shown that students generally lack comprehension of how to apply geography instruction in relation to territories and their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although the relationship between the SDGs and academic institutions has been the subject of numerous research, it is still unknown how much knowledge students have on the subject. Therefore, this research aims to raise awareness about SDGs and evaluate the knowledge of undergraduate geography students regarding the SDGs. Additionally, it investigates the impact of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and quality education as pedagogical tools on students’ sustainability consciousness. A questionnaire was designed, validated, and administered to students at the United Arab Emirates University from both geography and non-geography cohorts to assess their knowledge. Statistical analysis indicated high reliability of the constructs. The results revealed significant insights through descriptive, ANOVA, and multiple comparisons analysis with the Tukey HSD test. Specifically, geography students who participated in an SDG Awareness and Knowledge Program within the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) model demonstrated statistically significant differences in various aspects of SDG awareness and knowledge, SDG awareness using SDI skills, and the importance of quality education and the integration of SDG knowledge in pedagogy, as compared to other geography and non-geography students who did not receive the SDG awareness program. This research is expected to provide valuable knowledge about SDGs through effective pedagogical skills, benefiting both student and educator community.