880 research outputs found
Sort by
PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF MICROMERIA BARBATA LEAF AND STEM EXTRACTS AGAINST PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA: INSIGHTS FROM MOLECULAR DOCKING AND IN VITRO ASSAYS
Full text linkThe present study provides the characterization of the phytochemical content and the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts from the leaves (LM) and stems (SM) of Micromeria barbata (M.barbata) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Important functional groups were determined by analyzing the FTIR spectra of LM and SM. The phytochemical profiles were analyzed by GC-MS, and these characterized the chemicals according to retention periods and peak regions. The binding affinities of discovered compounds with the P. aeruginosa LasR and PqsD proteins were evaluated using molecular docking approach. Assays for biofilm formation, MIC, MBC, and agar well diffusion were used to assess the antimicrobial activity. From the FTIR spectra, alkanes, amides, and aromatic constituents were identified. Sixteen distinct substances were obtained from GC-MS analysis;, including piperitenone , citronellene , and oleic acid in SM, and menthone, Pulegone, Verbenone and caryophellene in LM. LM and SM compounds both showed Stronger binding affinities with the PqsD protein were obtained from molecular docking with ∆G values ranged from -10.3 to -13.12 were higher compared to LasR simulations results . Antimicrobial findings showed that SM and LM exhibited an antimicrobial effect against P. aeruginosa with 16 and 18 mm respectively as inhibition zones. MIC values for LM and SM were 25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml, respectively. With LM showing greater effectiveness, both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent reduction of biofilm formation and bactericidal activity. Extracts of M. barbata, notably the leaves, have significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus, suggesting potential applications in the developing of novel antibacterial treatments
TOWARDS THE DEMOCRATIC AND EQUITABLE INTERNATIONAL ORDER
Full text linkThe concept of the democratic and equitable order is considered one of the modern and revolutionary concepts in the field of international relations. The emergence of this concept was mainly linked to the edgy international reality and the increasing need to move towards a just and balanced international order. This study presents the concept of the democratic and equitable international order as a new vision of the international order that achieves justice and fairness among all countries of the world and their peoples, and contributes to establishing international peace and security. It also acknowledges the most important and appropriate ways and mechanisms to achieve the aforementioned order
THE RIGHT TO OBTAIN ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE IN AN “ILLEGAL” OR “DISLOYAL” MANNER VERSUS THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY
Full text linkThis study addresses the problem of reconciling the right to obtain electronic evidence, even through illegal or disloyal means, with the right to privacy in this digital age. To this end, the study first highlights the most prominent definitions given to electronic evidence in jurisprudence and legislation, most of which appear to liken it to data, a reductive analogy that can be analyzed. Subsequently, the study sheds light on the position of European and French jurisprudence on the issue of producing electronic evidence through illegal or disloyal . Apparently, there is a shift in jurisprudence toward accepting such evidence and not automatically excluding it from discussions. However, this shift is under strict conditions, namely that the right to proof cannot justify the production of evidence that violates privacy, unless such production is necessary to exercise this right and the violation is proportionate to the desired objective
FUTURE CITIES: EXPLORING CIRCULARITY FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN CITIES
Full text linkIn an era marked by rapid urbanization, the imperative of sustainability looms large for future cities. The growing global urban population portends increased resource demand, environmental stress, and socio-economic challenges, compelling a shift towards circularity. Circular principles, aimed at minimizing waste and optimizing resource use, embody a regenerative vision for urban spaces. While this concept gains traction worldwide, comprehensive studies simplifying its application are scarce. This research examines and diagnoses how Circularity can revolutionize urban sustainability, with objectives to evaluate circular economy models and analyses case studies and benefits. Employing an exploratory research design, this study drew data from secondary sources including case studies, literature reviews, and governmental documents. A systematic data collection process involved source identification, data extraction, and thematic analysis. Qualitative analysis yielded insights into circularity in sustainable urban cities. This study found that Circular economy concepts permeate urban planning, encompassing circular mobility, sustainable energy systems and circular design and architecture also, that Circular cities adopt principles like an enclosed circuit, diminished emissions, modular architecture, locality-focused logistics, and enhancement of natural systems to reshape their urban fabric. Also, Circular cities reap societal, economic, and environmental/health gains through improved living conditions, resource efficiency, job generation, reduced pollution, active transportation, and access to green spaces. This research presented in this paper contributes to understanding the transformative potential of circularity in future cities. Circular principles promise sustainable urban environments, bridging social, economic, and environmental dimensions to create thriving, resilient urban spaces
DEVELOPMENT OF A RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A CASE STUDY OF LEBANON
Full text linkThe complexity of construction projects and their dependence on a wide range of factors make the integration of risk management into project management essential for achieving successful project outcomes. This research aims to develop a risk management system for public works projects, primarily in Lebanon. To achieve this, the main risks affecting the Lebanese construction industry were investigated, and their impact on the “golden triangle” of time, cost, and quality was analyzed. A questionnaire survey was conducted with a randomly selected sample of 55 engineers working in the Lebanese construction market. The questionnaire included 52 risk factors categorized into seven main groups. The Relative Importance Index (RII) method was used to rank the risks, while the Frequency of Occurrence (FO) method was applied to evaluate their impact. Risk identification and classification were first conducted for all participants. Subsequently, identification and classification were performed based on the engineer’s role in the project, the type of company and working sector, the type of project, and its location. Based on the obtained results, the Spider WEB model was developed as a guiding framework for risk management. Following the Spider WEB model will enhance stakeholders\u27 construction management knowledge, particularly in developing countries like Lebanon. This approach enables the timely implementation of remedial actions, significantly reducing unforeseen costs, improving quality, and increasing the likelihood of adhering to project schedules
IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF MULTIPOINT VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS ON SATELLITE SIGNAL RECEPTION
Full text linkThis work analyzes the potential interference impact on Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites stemming from Multipoint Video Distribution System (MVDS) transmissions, specifically examining side lobe radiation within Lebanon. Through simulations and analysis of antenna emission patterns, the study measures how varying MVDS power outputs affect the carrier-to-noise (C/N) ratio at the satellite receiver. Results reveal a significant impairment of signal quality, showing the C/N falling to -2.3 dB with an MVDS power level of 0 dBW under current system parameters. To counter this interference, a potential two-phase mitigation strategy is presented and its effectiveness considered. The study contributes to improving the prospects for compatible operation between MVDS and GEO satellite services within the Ku-band, considering the Lebanese context
FORENSIC AUDIT: ENHANCING CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNIQUES
Full text linkForensic accounting was developed after the widespread corruption in the world of business today. It is now considered a fundamental branch of accounting since it revolves around disputes and issues in the law that require accounting and legal knowledge and practices to be resolved. This study examines the impact of two forensic accounting domains – the expert witness and litigation support – on financial corruption in Lebanon by using AI The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in enhancing forensic audit . The study adopts the analytical descriptive approach utilizing an empirical study. A well-structured style questionnaire was devised as the study tool and was distributed among a sample of 220 of the total population that consists of all certified public accountants (CPAs) in Lebanon, tax controllers, senior tax controllers, and heads of the departments and divisions in the Lebanese Ministry of Finance, and auditors at the Lebanese Audit Bureau. The study reached important findings, AI can enhance the domains that forensic accounting provides, covering all illegal financial and administrative practices. Forensic accounting, bolstered by AI, works on collecting, analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting evidence relative to financial cases explicitly and presents it to parties of interest. This integration of AI can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of forensic accounting in combating financial corruption
EVALUATING THE LANDSCAPE DESIGN FEATURES OF THE LEBANESE EDUCATIONAL SPACES THROUGH KID’S WELLBEING MODEL
Full text linkEducators perceive the worth of a school\u27s encompassing open-air spaces as an essential feature in light of the present ecological worries and the growing of curricular requests of teaching within the rapid development world. This study provides an outline of evaluation model that assists the effect of landscape design features in educational outdoor spaces for kids in Lebanese’s schools. kids mental health and wellbeing are affected by the instructive landscape and inspects the unavoidable mentalities and practices that have prompted the underestimating of the schoolyard environment, as well as explicit strides to assess fruitful instructive landscape that give experiences to all the more completely using similar sounding words the schoolyard in school culture and instructional method, and examines how to support instructive landscape programs in light of youngsters\u27 necessities
THE LEGAL REGULATION OF E-COMMERCE IN LEBANON
Full text linkIn the digital age, the economy and commerce sectors in Lebanon, as well as globally, have embraced advancements, leading to the emergence of e-commerce with its multifaceted models, thereby establishing the electronic commercial entity. These advancements necessitate a profound technological transformation, which, in turn, introduces critical legal challenges. These challenges threaten the stability and growth of such entities within traditional legal frameworks that are insufficiently equipped to address the complexities of the digital environment and the noticeable absence of specialized regulations. This study highlights the inadequacy and disjointed nature of the Lebanese legal framework governing electronic commercial entities. The current legal system is spread across different general laws, decrees, and resolutions, and exhibits pronounced deficiencies in adapting to technological innovations that have transformed the physical and conceptual aspects of these institutions, moving away from traditional concepts.
It is important that Lebanese legislators do not remain inactive in the face of these legal challenges. Instead, they should take inspiration from their Arab and European counterparts by creating a comprehensive law specifically for electronic commercial entities. This law should acknowledge the digital nature of these entities and ensure effective legal protection and strict oversight of their operations
READING OF A WALKABLE UNIVERSITY LANDSCAPE IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA
Full text linkWalkable landscapes are tied to people’s perception of their environment. Walking also constitutes the most equitable means of transport because it is available to all. Studies have shown that walking has inherent benefits to the environment as well as the health benefits to the partaker. Most University campuses are characterized by large landscapes within which movements are made to connect facilities located far apart from each other. It is therefore important to understand the constituents of what makes a university campus walkable. This study therefore examined the character of a walkable campus landscape through the lens of qualitative research paradigm. Interviews were conducted (n-86) and transcribed interviews were content analyzed. The result revealed that students have a convergent view of the character of walkable university campus landscape which includes security, engaging landscape and integration of social environmental attributes along walking routes. Environmental elements like maintained walkways, greenery, and rest spots motivate walking, alongside the social aspect of companionship or solitude. A holistic approach to campus planning, integrating well-lit paths, green spaces, and social considerations, not only encourages physical activity but also addresses safety and diverse student preferences, fostering a vibrant and accommodating university environment. The findings of this research can also be applied in the planning of university landscapes