Establishing a UAE Database using STR Loci

The analysis of DNA polymorphism has become an indispensable tool in forensic science and criminal cases. Today, the amplification of Short Tandem Repeat (STR) loci using PCR is the perfect method for typing biological evidence found at crime scenes. Forensic laboratories all over the world have been progressively expanding their databases for better discrimination among individuals and suspects of crimes. The objective of this thesis was to analyze the DNA profile of native and non-native populations, and to study the similarities and dissimilarities among them. Blood samples were collected from three non-natives (Egyptian, Indian and Pakistani) and native populations from two Emirates (Sharjah and Abu-Dhabi). Eight STR loci were used as genetic markers. These loci were amplified and typed for further analysis. Genotype and allelic frequencies of the eight loci were calculated from the observed genotypic frequencies using the gene count method for all studied population groups. Comparison of the two UAE native populations (Abu-Dhabi and Sharjah) gave no evidence of substructure among them. On the other hand, there was clear evidence of substructure when the Indian population was compared to the Egyptian population, based on both chi-square tests and allelic frequency. The results of the eight STR loci indicated that there were greater similarities between the three Arab groups studied in comparison to the Indian and Pakistani groups. This work demonstrated that the eight STR loci, that were analyzed with an ABI Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer, can be used for obtaining reliable STR typing results in forensic analysis and other human identification applications

Assessment of Various Dry Photovoltaic Cleaning Techniques and Frequencies on the Power Output of CdTe-Type Modules in Dusty Environments

This study presents the conditions and results of experimental investigations on various photovoltaic (PV) module cleaning methods and the effects on the performance of cadmium-telluride CdTe-type photovoltaic (PV) modules located in Doha, Qatar. The study aims to find the optimum cleaning technique and frequency based on cleaning performance and cost. PV modules are in a dusty and rocky area in the western part of Doha, Qatar within the north campus of Education City. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology is employed for five different PV modules. The results show that microfiber-based wiper along with microfiber & vacuum cleaner are the most effective cleaning methods with about 6% improvement for the weekly period compared to the control panel among the considered methods. However, due to the increased cost of adding a vacuum cleaner, the microfiber-based wiper is the most efficient method when both cost and improvement rates are considered. In addition, the most efficient cleaning frequency (among daily, weekly and monthly) is found to be the weekly cleaning under the tested climate conditions

Investigations on Entrepreneurship Needs, Challenges, and Models for Countries in Transition to Sustainable Development from Resource-Based Economy—Qatar as a Case

This paper presents a comprehensive and comparative investigation into the needs, challenges, and potential roles for entrepreneurship in transforming resource-rich countries into sustainable economies. It explores the role of entrepreneurship to help transition from a resource-based economy, mainly through increasing the number of entrepreneurs and enhancing private-enterprise-led and small and medium enterprises to achieve economic diversification. This study focuses on the case of Qatar, considering its current policies, mechanisms, and institutes, and how they are working together to help diversify the economy and ultimately transition from its current resource-based economy. It begins with a comprehensive review of the literature, including a discussion of the significance of economic diversification globally and examining the role of government and other actors in developing entrepreneurship and the private sector. The methodology and conditions are set out, followed by the findings of the qualitative interview study with key and representative stakeholders within the existing entrepreneurship arena, such as entrepreneurs (successful or failed), those wanting to be entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and supporting agencies. The interviews are thematically analyzed to identify apparent challenges, their root causes, and initial recommendations. Three barriers in the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar are identified: (1) lack of a conducive and transparent legal, regulatory, and governance environment, (2) lack of access to risk-based financing for entrepreneurs, and (3) lack of locally relevant entrepreneurial mentorship and guidance. Finally, the authors used the literature review and interview results to develop a progressive, locally tailored, dynamic preliminary framework for Qatar, and similar countries, to increase the number of entrepreneurs and small businesses to achieve economic growth and diversification