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STUDENTS’ LOYALTY: DOES VALUE CO-CREATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS MATTER?
Get PDFThis study investigates the influence for intrinsic and extrinsic motives on customers` participation in value co-creation activities (CPVCA), beside examining the direct and indirect impact for CPVCA on customers` loyalty. Quantitative research approach is used, while the study population encompasses all Lebanese private universities students. A questionnaire was developed to gather data from 403 universities` students who were chosen using the convenience sampling technique. PLS-SEM was adopted to examine the study proposed scale validity and the relationships between its latent variables. The current study results indicate a positive influence for both intrinsic and extrinsic motives on CPVCA. Also, the findings reveal a significant direct relationship among CPVCA and customer loyalty, as well as an indirect relationship via mediating brand experience
DIGITAL CRIMINAL EVIDENCE IN TRADITIONAL CRIME
Get PDFEvidence is that the crime was committed and attributed to the perpetrator and this is done through evidence that is examined and verified by the Public Prosecutor\u27s Office in preparation for submission to the courts. Originally, different kinds of crimes may be proved by all means of evidence, except by special provision. The law confers on the criminal judge extensive power to choose the methods leading to the disclosure of the truth and to assess the evidence in order to investigate whether or not the crimes are established. Evidentiary methods have been affected by the evolution resulting from the information and technology revolution the compatibility between the evidence nature and the crime nature from which the development of a new type of evidence in line with the nature of information technology offences was generated, This is known as digital evidence, because traditional physical evidence has fallen short of the requirements for detecting crimes created. This has driven the search for a new type of evidence that is compatible with cyberspace. And this has led many evidence to legislate electronic evidence. The latter joined the list of evidence materials to support it and supplement it as a criminal means of evidence. The Digital evidence is often adopted either to establish an informational crime, or for an offence for which information means have been adopted This study examines the position of Lebanese legislators on digital evidence, particularly through Law No. 81/2018 on electronic transactions and personal data, and compares it with the experience of Egyptian legislators in the light of Law No. 175 of 2018 on combating IT crimes, addressing the latest judicial decisions issued by the Court of Cassation in Egypt
VACCINATION FOR NEWLY EMERGED INFECTIOUS DISEASES AS A BLESSING OR CURSE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE LEBANESE POPULATION: A TWO-PHASE STUDY
Get PDFAlthough vaccination campaigns have been vital in mitigating the spread of many pandemics, false information about COVID-19 vaccine through social media might have a negative impact on its acceptance. In Lebanon, prior to the vaccination campaign, the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination did not exceed 20 %. In the current study, the acceptance of vaccination by Lebanese participants was studied following the launching of the vaccine. The aim of the work is to reveal the actual intention of the studied sample once the vaccine is available and investigate the change in the perception and acceptance rate of Lebanese citizens about vaccination as influenced by many factors over time. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in two separate phases (March 2021 and May 2021). In the first phase, the questionnaire included socio-demographic data and reasons for vaccine’s refusal. In the second phase, 2 sections were added, addressing the change in the attitude of participants towards vaccination, and the reasons behind this change. Data were analyzed using SPSS-version 20 and the results were considered statistically significant with p values ≤0.05. In both phases, the willingness to take the vaccine did not significantly change (p\u3e0.05). Although 80 % of participants consider vaccination important, only 50 % of the studied sample were willing to take the vaccine. Such findings confirm hesitancy that can be attributed to worries about long-term effects and incomplete information about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Therefore, awareness campaigns about false beliefs should be extensively conducted, with more emphasis on tailored education for special subpopulations, and other measures should be implemented more efficiently (e.g. restricted access to public places for unvaccinated individuals) to accelerate the vaccination rate
Beirut Arab University - Faculty of Architecture, Design & Built Environment Newsletter May, 2022
Get PDFhttps://digitalcommons.bau.edu.lb/archnewsletter/1000/thumbnail.jp
ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIOXIDANT, AND REPELLENCY POTENTIAL OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL FROM SPARTIUM JUNCEUM L. GROWN IN LEBANON
Get PDFThe goal of our present study is to assess the pharmacological potential of essential oil extracted from Spartium junceum cultivated in Lebanon. This oil was obtained by hydrodistillation using the Clevenger apparatus. Then, an organoleptic characterization and an evaluation of its antioxidant, repellent/insecticidal, and antibacterial activities have been evaluated. The obtained results showed that this oil had an antioxidant activity reaching 82 % dependent on the dilution used. In addition, it showed an insecticidal effect and an antibacterial effect
THE METAVERSE: A VIRTUAL WORLD IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND
Get PDFThis paper explores the actual and future impact of the Metaverse as a virtual space. Thus, it focuses the probe on the technical challenges that face this everlasting emerging technology. Today, the Metaverse presents a digital environment to build collective architecture and historical heritage in a virtual space. In this digital world, the modeling and design methodology is based on individual archetypes that can puzzle new elements. Currently, traditional methods require change and adaptation in both the education and work market, especially due to the remote-work integration in the last few years. For example, many components are required to build a Virtual Reality (VR) laboratory or a VR museum. Virtual environments present us with novel opportunities to bring together the real world with a virtual extension or duplication. This technology will remove physical boundaries and design constraints and consequently will open a gate to a metaphysical world. Imagine a world with limitless space where gravity doesn’t exist, and water can float upward. There is no limit for art and architecture but even this magic has its limitation related to computer technology. Therefore, this paper surveys the state-of-the-art computational technologies and the ecosystems of the Metaverse. The paper covers the fields of Computer Vision, Human-Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, and future mobile networks. In application, the Metaverse will allow users to have a fantastic experience being part of worldwide entertainment and socio-economic network
ROLE OF PUBLIC SPACES IN RE-ACTIVATING THE CULTURAL IDENTITY
Get PDFCulture plays an important role in defining a society\u27s values and identity. Craftsmanship has remained an important aspect of Lebanese cultural identity and history, contributing to the shaping of many public and private spaces as well as supporting families and people\u27s livelihoods. Unfortunately, considering the significance of craftsmen cultural production in the country\u27s social and economic development, it is still a lost field nowadays. Therefore, as result, this tradition is diminishing, threatening Lebanon\u27s intangible cultural heritage. Therefore, this paper aims to develop convenient solutions to regenerate and to preserve the city\u27s social, historical, and cultural image and identity through creating public spaces and places that will improve the cultural resilience, production, and liveability of a neighbourhood. To achieve the main aim, the research study will begin with a literature review based on previous readings, book analysis and desk research, about the relation of the cultural identity with architecture. Through the analysis, the research will highlight through a case study the role architectural public spaces in recovering the cultural image and activities in Beirut city
ASSESSMENT OF THE LEBANESE COMMUNITY PHARMACIST KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICE AND BARRIERS REGARDING THE PREVENTION OF OSTEOPOROSIS
Get PDFOsteoporosis is a silent skeletal disease that is often recognized when fractures occur as a result of minimal trauma. Limited studies have assessed the degree of pharmacists’ involvement in osteoporosis prevention, risk-assessment/screening and physician referrals. To assess the Lebanese community pharmacists’ knowledge, practice and barriers regarding osteoporosis prevention. Secondary aim is to assess the pharmacists’ ability to identify high-risk patients who should be referred for bone mineral density (BMD) testing. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Beirut, Lebanon between September and October 2020 using self-administered questionnaire. Pharmacists completed a multi-component questionnaire that consisted of socio-demographic characteristics, practices, knowledge and barriers in relation to osteoporosis prevention and high-risk identification. Frequencies and proportions were used to describe the data. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were used to examine the determinants of knowledge in the study population. The majority of pharmacists were rarely/never involved in counseling patients on osteoporosis risk factors (57.5%) and healthy lifestyle habits (62.5%) as well as engaging in risk-assessment (63.1%), screening using Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) (0%) and physician referrals (sometimes-55.6%). In addition, pharmacists were also scarcely involved in reducing the risk of falls (55.1-59.4%). Pharmacists were knowledgeable about osteoporosis prevention however had important gaps in the diseases that increase osteoporosis risk as well as in FRAX tool, indications that require BMD testing and increased risk of fall medications. Significant predictors of knowledge were receiving postgraduate training on osteoporosis and earning the pharmacy degree from a university in Lebanon. Barriers to providing osteoporosis services included lack of time, staff, space, patients’ interest in prevention activities and limited inter-professional collaboration. The study findings provided important insights on the practices, knowledge and barriers of pharmacists regarding osteoporosis prevention and high-risk identification. Concerted efforts of multiple stakeholders are needed to promote the active role of community pharmacists in order to reduce the risk of morbidity, mortality and health-care costs associated with osteoporosis and related fractures
FOOD SAFETY PRACTICES AMONG FOOD CARTS IN -NORTH LEBANON
Get PDFStreet food carts serve different types of popular and traditional foods; it is a common economic sector worldwide. In North Lebanon, food carts are mobile or centered in specific places serving common and well known RTE meals. In addition, the increasing incidence of foodborne illnesses associated with street foods sheds light on the importance of inspecting the practices of street vendors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the food safety in 30 food carts using an observational checklist and to perform microbiological analysis for the detection of foodborne pathogens namely; yeast, mold, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Enterohemorrhagic E.coli, B-glucuronidase E.coli, Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium perfringens in 10 samples of orange juice, 10 samples of cheese caek and 10 samples of meat shawarma; moreover to investigate the prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in RTE foods and street vendor’s hands. Out of 30 vendors, 100% were males, 80% with an age between 25-44, 80% of them had less than high school level and 66.7% had fixed stalls. When vendors were observed for food safety practices, 70% and 86.7% of them did not store raw materials separately nor in suitable form respectively, 43.5% cleaned their carts monthly, 96% shared utensils between many types of food, 70% did not clean the counter top surface before starting food preparation; moreover 96%, 76 % and 83% of vendors were not wearing net, gloves nor an appropriate uniform, respectively. Results showed that all tested samples were contaminated with at least one of the tested foodborne pathogens, unsatisfactory levels of yeast and mold were recorded in 10 and 9 orange juice samples, respectively. On the other hand, B-glucuronides E.coli exceeded standard limit in two samples of RTE food, one shawarma sample did not meet standard with respect to C. perfringens, Remarkably, unsatisfactory levels of S. aureus were detected in 55 % of RTE samples and in 30 % of vendor’s hands. S. aureus strains were susceptible to at least one of the used antibiotics, accordingly one isolated from vendor’s hand is considered as MRSA. Therefore, the unsatisfactory levels of yeast, mold and S. aureus in tested samples were induced by vendor’s violation of food safety practices. Consequently, the current proposes to improve the legislation needs to provide safe food for the end consumer
FROM WASTE TO ENERGY: REUSE OF LANDFILLS TO CREATE ECO-FRIENDLY SPACES
Get PDFWaste to Energy (W to E) minimize the amount of waste sent to landfill, which also reduces negative impacts on the environment. This problem has been a common occurrence since the beginning of time. Waste to Energy will assist in the creation of a low-carbon society. Currently, the challenge behind reaching Eco-friendly space is a result of the continuity of incineration and landfill uncontrolled Municipal Solid waste on slopes and seashore. This environmental disaster as worldwide landfill is oversaturated and can collapse at any moment and cause dangerous damage to the environment. The average trash production increased phenomenally worldwide, resulting in numerous environmental and health concerns. The landfill\u27s greatest height point reached 30 meters, which is much above the minimum-engineered height. Renewable Energy refers to a variety of treatment technologies that convert waste into sustainable development like electricity, heat, fuel or other usable material, as well as a variety of waste. Renewable Energy is divided into four categories: thermal, mechanical, thermochemical and biochemical. Therefore, this research aims to establish guidelines to Reuse the Landfills and create Eco-Friendly Spaces, explore the potential of landfills in reused as new recreational Eco-friendly spaces and to establish Renewable energy.
To achieve this aim, the paper will follow a scientific methodology, starting with a literature review highlighting the definition of Waste to Energy, understanding its causes and types, then focus on different methods applying for this disaster and its relation to the city. As focused case study, this paper summarizes the methodology for applying Renewable Energy and transforming the mountain of garbage into entertainment and amusement park. As a conclusion, this research will analyze the effectiveness of Waste to Energy and how it functions strategically in order to improve the quality of life