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TOWARD SUSTAINABLE WATER SECURITY: A NOVEL ASSESSMENT AND RECHARGE STRATEGY FOR NORTH BEKAA PLAIN
No full textThe demand for water in the northern Bekaa Plain is of utmost significance, especially given the substantial portion of land dedicated to irrigated agriculture. Additionally, the region experiences population growth, further exacerbating the water supply challenge. Understanding the groundwater potential zones and identifying appropriate recharge areas are crucial steps towards sustainable water resource management. The study focuses on reaching the best solutions for the study area, by utilizing advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, including overlying slope, rainfall, lithology, attitude, soil, fracture, and stream maps, a Groundwater Potential (GWP) map was generated using ArcGIS. This map serves as a valuable resource in identifying areas with high potential for groundwater recharge. The identified recharge techniques include recharge basins, recharge trenches, recharge dams, and investment in deep aquifers. Each technique offers distinct advantages and considerations, which were carefully evaluated to ensure the most suitable and effective approach for each region. The outcomes of this study will empower water resource planners and decision-makers to make informed choices regarding the implementation of suitable techniques for aquatic recharge in the northern Bekaa Plain. By adopting these strategies, the sustainable management and availability of water resources will be ensured, addressing the current and future water demands of the region. This research contributes to the broader goal of securing water resources for present and upcoming generations while fostering environmental sustainabilit
PREVALENCE OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AMONG NURSES AND NURSING STUDENTS IN A CULTURALLY CONSERVATIVE COUNTRY
No full textThe prevalence of sexual harassment among nurses and nursing students in Lebanon is an unidentified social concern. This study aims to identify this prevalence and assess the related factors. Using a self-administered questionnaire the sociodemographic characteristics, workplace variables, physical appearance, and the Sexual Experience Questionnaire (SEQ) were assessed, the data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. A total of 380 participated with 71.8% being female and 63.9% aged between 18 and 25. Sexual harassment was experienced by 91 participants (23.9%) and occurred mainly in the patients’ rooms and during procedures. Policies were absent or unannounced and reporting was shy due to perceived disregard from superiors. Factors possibly contributing to the incidence of sexual harassment were identified. They should be identified and targeted to diminish prevalence. Policies should be present and announced to workers to promote proper reporting and follow-up. Future research should target a larger population
EXPLORING ALKALINE PROTEASE ACTIVITY OF BACILLUS STRAIN ISOLATED FROM SIDON DUMPSITE LEBANON
No full textProteases are crucial hydrolytic enzymes present in all organisms, performing essential physiological and industrial tasks. This study was conducted to screen and isolate protease-producing bacteria from soil and water samples collected from Sidon dumpsite in Lebanon. Bacterial samples were cultured onto skim milk agar medium to identify the alkaline protease-producing ones. In this study, we report on the partial purification and characterization of one of the isolated alkaline protease-producing bacteria. The bacterium was identified as Bacillus subtilis Z3 based on 16S rRNA sequencing. The molecular weight of the partially purified protease was approximately 55 kDa, estimated by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Enzyme activity was determined under varying conditions of pH, incubation time, temperature, and carbon and nitrogen sources. The maximum protease activity was observed at 37 oC and pH 9.0, which was strongly activated by two metal ions, mainly Ca+2 and Mg+2. Phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride fully inhibited the enzyme activity, indicating that this protease is a member of the serine protease family. Furthermore, the enzyme exhibited significant stability upon being exposed to different surfactants and solvents. Inclusion of this protease in detergents enhanced their ability to remove blood stains as well as to degrade feathers. Therefore, this isolated bacterial protease could be a valuable option for the detergent industry
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE WITH ROVIBRATIONAL CALCULATION FOR THE MOLECULE AlI, INCLUDING THE SPIN-ORBIT COUPLING EFFECT
No full textThe adiabatic potential energy curves for the lowest singlet and triplet electronic states in the representations 2S+1Λ+/- and Ω(+/-) (with and without spin-orbit coupling) of the molecule AlI have been computed by using the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) with multireference configuration interaction (MRCI+Q) method. The spectroscopic constants ωe, Re, Be, and Te have been calculated. Using the canonical quantum mechanics approach, the rovibrational constants Ev, Bv, Dv, Rmin, and Rmax were calculated for the low-lying electronic states with and without spin-orbit coupling. A comparison between our calculated values and those available in the literature reveals excellent agreement
AI IN SOCIETY: A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR RESPONSIBLE INTEGRATION
No full textThis review paper studies the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) on society in various categories in detail. AI and ML have developed rapidly in the past two decades, thus changing our lifestyles. These developments have various positive and negative impacts on society. This paper explores the many societal impacts of AI and ML, in economics, social aspects, ethics, and policy, shedding light on the opportunities and challenges that arise. An interdisciplinary insight is capable of understanding the challenges society faces when it uses AI and ML, locking opportunities that lie ahead and identifying promising paths towards the use of AI and ML for the betterment of society
THE PROPHYLACTIC EFFECT OF AQUEOUS CHAMOMILE EXTRACT ON NITROGEN DIOXIDE EXPOSED MICE
No full textNitrogen dioxide (NO₂) a gaseous air pollutant resulting from industrial activities. It has been associated to various diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation, including cardiovascular and nervous system disorders. Chamomile is mainly recognized for its high content of antioxidant flavonoids and is extensively utilized in herbal medicine for treating several disorders. The aim of this study is to examen the protective effects of chamomile extract against NO₂-induced damage in female mice. Balb/c mice were divided into four groups: control, chamomile extract, NO2 derivatives, and NO2 derivatives combined with chamomile extract. Upon completion of the study, Blood was collected to determine the complete blood count (CBC) and to measure the levels of serum liver enzymes (AST and ALT), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and glucose. Furthermore, the liver, brain, and lungs were examined histologically. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)and Catalase (CAT) activities were measured in the liver and brain tissue homogenates. NO2 induced liver injury as confirmed by increase in serum ALT (p \u3c 0.05) and AST levels (p \u3c 0.05), and the increased MDA content (p \u3c 0.05), decreased SOD (p \u3c 0.05) and CAT activities (p \u3c 0.05) in liver tissues, and the histological damage observed. Treatment with the chamomile extract significantly alleviated NO2-induced liver as evidenced by improvements in both histological and biochemical markers showing reduction in ALT (p \u3c 0.05), AST (p \u3c 0.05), and MDA levels (p \u3c 0.05) and partially enhancing CAT activity (p \u3c 0.05). Elevation in MDA levels (p \u3c 0.05) alongside a reduction in SOD (p \u3c 0.05) and CAT activity (p \u3c 0.05), with no histological changes observed in the brains of NO2 exposed mice. Treatment with chamomile extract led to decrease in MDA levels (p \u3c 0.05) and increased activities of SOD (p \u3c 0.05) and CAT (p \u3c 0.05) in brain homogenate. Histological examination of the lungs revealed pulmonary injury in the NO2 exposed mice. This injury was restored with chamomile extract treatment. Furthermore, specific CBC parameters were also affected. Our results prove that chamomile extract provided protective effect against NO2-induced damage in the liver and lungs, highlighting the importance of considering natural herbs in combating toxicity induced by air pollutants
NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF HEAT TRANSFER AND AERO-ACOUSTIC RESPONSE IN DEEP CAVITY FLOWS USING URANS SIMULATIONS
No full textThis paper presents a numerical study to investigate a deep cavity flow, in order to better understand the underlying mechanisms involved in it, such as flow dynamics, heat transfer, and aeroacoustics. A 2-D Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes model (URANS) was implemented using an SST k-ω turbulence closure simulated over a rectangular deep cavity. Previous experimental results were used to validate the numerical results, to confirm the accuracy of the flow field patterns reproduced. Both controlled and uncontrolled cases were analyzed. Heat transfer was also investigated on both configurations, showing the effect of cavity geometry and inlet conditions on heat transfer along heated cavity walls at 353.15K and 393.15K. An increase up to 7.9dB in sound pressure levels was detected due to walls heating, while analyzing the relation between heat and acoustics. Results were focusing on the effect of flow control and heat on the cavity flow behavior, offering new insights for optimizing aerodynamic performance and noise mitigation in various engineering applications
ASSESSMENT OF OUTDOOR THERMAL HUMAN COMFORT OVER HOUCHE AL-OUMARA, NORTH LEBANON
No full textThis study examined thermal discomfort in Houche Al-Oumara between 1994 and 2021 using several discomfort indices and analyzing temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall data. The results showed that July and August recorded markedly higher mean temperatures than all other months, with July having the highest temperature overall. In contrast, January was identified as the coldest month. The study found a steady rise in mean air temperature from January to July, followed by a steady decline from July to December. Relative humidity showed the same pattern but in the opposite direction. Fewer than half of the residents experienced thermal discomfort during July and August. The research highlighted the need to understand long-term thermal discomfort trends in light of global warming, urbanization, and population growth. Alongside thermal discomfort, the study also assessed the occurrence of heat waves in Houche Al-Oumara between 1994 and 2021. The analysis showed that heat waves were a recurring feature in the area, appearing almost every year. The analysis of rainfall data showed considerable year-to-year variation in annual averages, with no consistent long-term trend. The study identified periods marked by several consecutive years of above-average or below-average rainfall. These findings offer useful guidance for policymakers working to improve human thermal comfort in rural areas, as they highlight the roles of air temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall. The results can support the development of strategies to reduce heat-related health risks and inform sustainable development planning in North Lebanon
CONTINUOUS SORPTION OF IONIC DYES ONTO NANOPOROUS FAUJASITE ZEOLITE AND THE REGENERATION OF THE ADSORBENT
No full textThis study evaluates the efficiency of synthesized faujasite zeolite in the continuous removal of methylene blue from water and tests the reusability of the regenerated adsorbent. Faujasite Zeolite was synthesized from locally available aluminosilicate clay in Edo State using standard methods documented in the literature. XRF analysis affirmed the elemental composition, showing high levels of silica and alumina, which increased its adsorption capacity. SEM images depicted a crystal-clear structure with an octahedral shape and visible micro-pores on the surface. TGA showed effective thermal stability below 300 ºC, with a 10% weight loss between 28.59 ºC and 300 ºC. BET analysis demonstrated a high surface area of 161.8 m²/g, a pore size of 2.647 nm, and a pore volume of 1.276 cc/g. Results established that increased bed heights raise adsorption capacity and retarded saturation. Bed heights of 1.5 cm and 1 cm achieved improved removal efficiencies of 95.3% and 95.2% in the first hour, when compared to 65% at 0.5 cm. These effects show that increasing bed height improves zeolite\u27s adsorption capacity. The study discovered 1.5 cm as the optimum bed height. Moreover, the regenerated zeolite retained its stability and was applied for another adsorption cycle
ON THE EXISTENCE AND ASYMPTOTIC STABILITY OF LORD-SHULMAN SYSTEM WITH MICROTEMPERATURE
No full textIn this article, we consider the Lord-Shulman porous-elastic system with dissipation due to microtemperature effects. First, we show that the system is exponentially stable provided that the new stability number X=0. Otherwise, we prove the lack of exponential stability under the assumption X≠0. Furthermore, in the last case, we show that the solution decays polynomially