Determination of the Ideal Plant Density of Tomato Solanum Lycopersicum under an aquaponic Production System with Tilapia Oreochromis Aureus under UAE Conditions

Aquaponics is an agricultural system that saves water and fertilization and offers a way of growing plants without soil pest infestation or pesticide residues. This system ensures the production of hazardous chemical free food for humans. This system also ensures sustainability by creating a natural relationship between fish and plants and makes gardening more productive and economical. Aquaponics system is a dynamic ecosystem that can be integrated to achieve food security through the production of fish and vegetables without the intervention of fertilizers. The focus of this study is optimizing planting density of tomato in an aquaponics system; with assess the production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in the aquaponic system with different fish density. The experiment implemented under greenhouse condition at the College of Food and Agriculture at Falaj Hazza Campus Al Ain, UAE. Three densities of tomato plants (2, 3 and 4 plants in foam) and three densities of tilapia (100, 120 and 140 kg/m3) were used. The evaluation of the production system was based on the flowering behavior, tomato yield production and its quality as well as fish growth rate. Tomato fruit samples were analyzed for the chemical quality which includes dry matter, moisture, crude protein, fat, crude fiber, ash%, macro and micro nutrients levels. The investigation also focus on optimum fish stocking density and total yield of tomato in the aquaponics system. Fish density affected the fish growth parameters and the most densiest group showed the best results in terms of fish growth. As for production of tomato, plant and its quality and chemical content recorded its best with using 2 plants in the dishes. So, under the same conditions of this experiment to improve the density of fish and obtain a higher density of tomato plant in the system of aquaponics can be achieved when the use of two plants in the dishes under the highest thickness of 140 kg/m3

Evaluation of the response capability of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the impact of natural hazards

A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of BedfordshireThe UAE is an Islamic state which has undergone dramatic urbanization in the last 30 years. It is situated near the eastern margin of the Arabian tectonic plate, close to the seismically active collision zone between the Arabian and Eurasian Plates, marked by the Zagros Mountain belt of Iran. In the UAE the population of Dibba in Fujairah has felt tremors as recently as November 26 2009 and an earthquake with a magnitude (M) of 5 occurred in Masafi, Fujairah, in March 2002. The most recent earthquake was M 4.3, and awareness of seismic hazard is increasing. In addition to earthquakes, rapid heavy rainfall in the arid environment of the UAE typically results in high level of discharge and flooding. Tropical storms have also struck the Indian Ocean coast of the UAE and have caused damage in coastal areas. The impact of natural hazard events in Fujairah since 1995 and the responses of the authorities and affected communities illustrates the issues faced by the country and is discussed in the thesis. The Federal Plan to face disasters in the UAE prepared by the Civil Defence sets out the role of the government structures in the UAE to manage disasters with particular reference to the Ministry of Interior, which is the responsible body. A survey of UAE ministries and the Civil Defence shows that in practice there is lack of clarity between the roles of government bodies and there are many areas of confusion regarding jurisdiction and responsibility between the federal and individual emirate institutions. It was a concern that some supporting ministries were unaware of their role as set out in the overall plan. There is lack of evidence of an integrated approach and no testing of effectiveness of emergency procedures through simulation exercises. It is recognized that, not only are school children particularly vulnerable to natural disasters but also that education is an important mitigation tool through raising awareness of hazard exposure amongst the population. A survey of schools in Fujairah showed that there was little preparation for natural disasters and no framework to address this issue or to ensure the structural integrity of school buildings. The survey revealed that there is a willingness to learn among the school children and this was followed up by a pilot scheme to raise awareness. This is important as the survey also revealed that traditional views about losses are still common amongst parents, particularly in rural areas. The vulnerability of the communities to natural hazards is strongly influenced by cultural and social factors. A survey was undertaken of the population in the UAE to investigate their awareness of natural hazards, their perception of risk and how this might be mitigated. The survey revealed a low level awareness and what the role of government agencies would be in the event of a disaster. A majority considered that disasters were Acts of God, a punishment, and the most effective way to mitigate risk was through religious observance. It is clear that even in a developed Islamic country an effective response to mitigate risk needs to recognize and address the cultural and religious contexts. Finally the thesis evaluates the response capability of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the impact of natural hazards. This analysis shows that though there is a Federal Plan for Disasters there is little specific focus on natural hazards. Ministries not directly involved with the Civil Defence were sometimes unclear regarding their roles. At an operational level there is lack of clarity regarding responsibilities and lines of authority between different bodies and between Federal and emirate structures. The Civil Defence was very much focused on response with little effort devoted to reducing vulnerability through awareness-raising, hazard assessment and monitoring. These need to be addressed to minimize the risk from natural disasters

The relationship between transformational leadership, organizational culture and employees job performance of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company

Optimum job performance is often the primary result that organization seek to achieve. Available literatures have shown that leaders’ behavior shape organizational culture which lead to optimum job performance, thereby contributing to organizational success. However, despite compelling evidence on previous studies on the effects of transformational leadership and organizational culture and employees’ performance, there is an overwhelming lack of insights regarding the dynamics and interplay of transformational leadership and employees’ job performance in Middle Eastern countries such as UAE. Likewise, based on preliminary interview conducted, employees’ job performance at Abu Dhabi oil and gas companies is not satisfactory. Therefore, this research examined the effect of transformational leadership on job performance of employees at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, with the mediating role of organizational culture. In this quantitative research work, a structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale was used as the instrument for data collection from the total of 450 respondents from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. The validity and reliability of the measurement and structural models were ascertained. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. Findings of this research revealed a moderate level of transformational leadership, organizational culture and job performance. Furthermore, the result reveals that there was a substantial mediating effect of organizational culture on the relationship between transformational leadership style and job performance. The results add to the existing literature by incorporating variables that might improve job performance. It is recommended that UAE oil and gas companies to enhance their organizational culture by hiring managers with transformational leadership qualities. Through this, employees’ job performance can be improved, leading to a positive and significant effect on overall organizational performance. The research also addressed the implication of practices and future research

Investigating the nutritional potential and vegetation blueprint mapping of Acacia tortilis and Acacia ehrenbergiana from the origin of Fujairah, UAE, for Arabian Tahr as native fodder plants

Background: Acacia ehrenbergiana and Acacia tortilis are the native plant of the Emirates of Fujairah, UAE. The qualities of these plants of bearing harsh environmental conditions makes it prime focus for native fodder plants for Arabian tahr and the priority plants for the Higher authorities in Fujairah.Methods: The following study has assessed the comparative nutritional values of Acacia tortilis and Acacia ehrenbergiana. The analyses have been determined by international standard procedures using Gravimetry, Soxhlet extraction, HPLC, and ICP-OES(AOAC 962.09, AOAC 941.12). The vegetation mapping for the blooming period has been done by NVDI using data from Sentinel-2 satellite. The statistics of agricultural and non-agriculture areas in kilometer square (km2) have been found to confirm the findings of the NDVI using the satellite images.Results: The study has highlighted the importance of these native plants as a fodder plant for Arabian tahr as potential source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium and phosphorus. Furthermore, the native plant's mapping showed Emirates of Fujairah's vegetation during March to May 2022.Conclusion: Results shows that the A. ehrenbergiana is comparatively healthier diet for Arabian Tahr than Acacia tortilis. Tahr can get on average 400 mg/100g of four important minerals including K, Ca, P and Mg while Acacia tortilis could provide 174 mg/100g. Moreover, the native plant’s vegetation mapping can work as blueprint and will help identify plant dispersion and expansion planning.Keywords: Acacia ehrenbergiana; Acacia tortilis; priority plant; Fujairah; Arabian Tahr; Extinction, Gravimetry, Soxhlet extraction; HPLC; ICP-OES; blueprint mapping; NVDI; Sentinel-2   

Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and Islam

Structured Abstract: Purpose - This research examines the extent to which eruptions and earthquakes are explained using religious terms of reference within Islamic countries, and those where Moslems constitutes a significant minority. Is the notion that disasters represent divine punishment so pervasive that the only reaction for the devout believer is passive acceptance of suffering or, alternatively, is the innovation of policies of disaster reduction acceptable theologically? Design/methodology/approach - Information is derived from: bibliographic source materials; archives; questionnaires and interviews. Findings - a. There is a distinctive theological perception of natural disasters within Islamic thought. b. Although the inhabitants of Islamic countries may explain earthquake and eruption losses in religious terms, there is little evidence to suggest that this inhibits the introduction of programmes of planned loss reduction. c. Relief is a generally acceptable response for both aid donors and recipients. Research limitations/implications - The impacts of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes is not as well researched as those occurring in countries with a Christian ethos. Generalizations have had to be made from a more limited set of examples. More detailed research is required both within the countries affected and in the languages used in hazard exposed countries Islamic states (e.g. Arabic, Urdu and Farsi). Practical implications - Introduction of programmes of hazard reduction is generally possible in Islamic countries, but requires theological justification. Originality/value - In comparison with the study of earthquake and eruption impacts in countries with a Christian ethos, little has been published on disasters and Islam

Enhancing Controlled Environment Agriculture in Desert Ecosystems with AC/DC Hybrid Solar Technology

Received: 29 March 2023. Accepted: 26 May 2023.Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable farming practices within the challenging climate of the Arabian Peninsula. Traditional CEAs, however, are confronted with excessive water and electricity consumption due to the region's elevated temperatures and humidity levels. To address these challenges, an innovative project was carried out at the Al Dhaid Research Station, United Arab Emirates, integrating solar-powered cooling and irrigation, closed hydroponic systems, net-house structures, root zone cooling, and ultra-low-energy drippers. The study employed a cooled greenhouse alongside two net houses, one of which was equipped with a solar-powered cooling and irrigation system. Cucumber crops were cultivated within each structure, demonstrating that the combined technologies could prolong production periods despite increasing temperatures, while simultaneously reducing energy consumption by 95% and water usage by 80%, without compromising crop yield. The findings of this study suggest that the implementation of this novel approach holds significant potential for boosting crop productivity and water efficiency in desert agriculture systems.This publication showcases a collaborative effort between ICARDA and NARS in the countries of the Arabian Peninsula. The contributions and efforts of the NARS, particularly in the UAE where this study was conducted, are highly acknowledged and appreciated. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) and The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) for their invaluable financial support to ICARDA-APRP. Their generous contributions have played a crucial role in facilitating the research and implementation of this project

The effect on work presenteeism of job retention vocational rehabilitation compared to a written self-help work advice pack for employed people with inflammatory arthritis: protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (the WORKWELL trial)

Abstract: Background: Work problems are common in people with inflammatory arthritis. Up to 50% stop work within 10 years due to their condition and up to 67% report presenteeism (i.e. reduced work productivity), even amongst those with low disease activity. Job retention vocational rehabilitation (JRVR) may help prevent or postpone job loss and reduce presenteeism through work assessment, work-related rehabilitation and enabling job accommodations. This aims to create a better match between the person’s abilities and their job demands. The objectives of the Workwell trial are to test the overall effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of JRVR (WORKWELL) provided by additionally trained National Health Service (NHS) occupational therapists compared to a control group who receive self-help information both in addition to usual care. Methods: Based on the learning from a feasibility trial (the WORK-IA trial: ISRCTN76777720), the WORKWELL trial is a multi-centre, pragmatic, individually-randomised parallel group superiority trial, including economic evaluation, contextual factors analysis and process evaluation. Two hundred forty employed adults with rheumatoid arthritis, undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis or psoriatic arthritis (in secondary care), aged 18 years or older with work instability will be randomised to one of two groups: a self-help written work advice pack plus usual care (control intervention); or WORKWELL JRVR plus a self-help written work advice pack and usual care. WORKWELL will be delivered by occupational therapists provided with additional JRVR training from the research team. The primary outcome is presenteeism as measured using the Work Limitations Questionnaire-25. A comprehensive range of secondary outcomes of work, health, contextual factors and health resource use are included. Outcomes are measured at 6- and 12- months (with 12-months as the primary end-point). A multi-perspective within-trial cost-effectiveness analyses will also be conducted. Discussion: This trial will contribute to the evidence base for provision of JRVR to people with inflammatory arthritis. If JRVR is found to be effective in enabling people to keep working, the findings will support decision-making about provision of JRVR by rheumatology teams, therapy services and healthcare commissioners, and providing evidence of the effectiveness of JRVR and the economic impact of its implementation. Trial registration: Clinical Trials.Gov: NCT03942783. Registered 08/05/2019 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03942783); ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN61762297. Registered:13/05/2019 (http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN61762297). Retrospectively registered

Lu-Lu: A framework for collaborative decision making games

This paper proposes Lu-Lu as an add-on architecture to open MMOGs and social network games, which has been developed to utilise a key set of ingredients that underline collaborative decision making games as reported within the research literature: personalisation, team matching, non-optimal decision making, leading, decisiveness index, scoring, levelling, and multiple stages. The implementation of Lu-Lu is demonstrated as an add-on to the classic supply chain beer game, including customisation of Lu-Lu to facilitate information exchange through the Facebook games platform, e.g., Graph API and Scores API. Performance assessment of Lu-Lu using Behaviour-Driven Development suggests a successful integration of all key ingredients within Lu-Lu's architecture, yielding autonomous behaviour that improves both player enjoyment and decision making