880 research outputs found
Sort by
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR AUTHENTICATION THROUGH MENTAL PROFILING TECHNIQUE
Full text linkA new approach to user authentication using mental profiling saw light, which is a technique that involves measuring an individual\u27s cognitive abilities and psychological traits to create a unique profile, using Artificial Intelligence techniques. These profiles can then be used to identify users securely and efficiently, even in the presence of sophisticated attacks, by harnessing AI-driven systems for mental profile creation and user authentication.
After reviewing the existing literature on authentication and mental profiling, it presents a new mental profiling test that is specifically designed for authentication purposes. The test was evaluated on a sample of 100 users, and results showed that it is able to accurately identify users with a high degree of confidence.
Mental profiling opens doors to deeper insights into the cognitive and psychological factors that make each individual unique, paving the way for interventions that can enhance human performance and well-being with the usage of Artificial Intelligence tools
CRYOTHERAPY IN THE FIELD OF ENDODONTICS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Full text linkCryotherapy is a recent approach in the field of endodontics. It is a remedy that subject tissue to low temperature. Low temperature induces vasoconstriction limiting inflammation, pain and edema and analgesia by reducing the nerve conduction velocity. The aim of this review is to point out the different and recent clinical applications of cryotherapy in the field of endodontics and to describe its physiology and its effect regarding postoperative pain and inflammation. A literature search from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and EBSCO databases and other resources using specific keywords results in articles to determine the effect of applying cryotherapy in the field of endodontics. Final irrigation by cold saline (2.5 °C) seemed to lower the root surface temperature inducing local anti-inflammation thus controlling the postoperative pain after root canal treatment. Recently it has been used for hemostasis in vital pulp therapy. Clinical and experimental studies are required to have a broad knowledge regarding the effect of cryotherapy in different points of endodontic treatments
THE REFLECTION OF POLITICAL IMMUNITIES ON THE PRINCIPLE OF LEGALITY
Full text linkThe Lebanese legislator has enshrined political immunity in accordance with several constitutional articles, including that granted to the President of the Republic, who enjoys immunity designed to provide him with double protection regarding his potential responsibility for any criminal offence; While it exempts him from any responsibility in some cases, on one hand, it opens the way, on the other hand, to the possibility of prosecution in other cases, but within special and complex procedures that are noted to prevent, in most cases, prosecution for any such act. However, the other side of political immunity relates to both the Prime Minister and the ministers, with the distinction of being of a temporary procedural nature; It does not completely exempt from criminal liability, but it specifies the steps that must be taken when there is a prosecution regarding a certain crime that falls into the scope of immunity.
However, in light of the above, the principle of immunity remains a gradual obstacle to the principle of legality and equal application of law, according to the scope of each type of immunities, while the political immunity, as the number of those who benefit from it is limited compared to others, yet its huge influence on the process of a criminal case leads to the need of determining its details in the best possible way, with which may allow reaching the best solutions or developed amendments
REVIVING CULTURAL HERITAGE IDENTITY IN HISTORICAL AREAS THROUGH LEFTOVER SPACES – APPLICATION OF A CULTURAL PARK IN ABU ALI RIVER REGION, TRIPOLI, LEBANON
Full text linkHeritage being an inheritance from the past that is transmitted successively from one generation to the other plays a significant role in molding the memory of a country and forging its identity. As an element of heritage, architectural products are an expression of the cultural identity of communities. However, modern developments in historical regions ignore the presence of heritage buildings. Furthermore, the unorganized expansion of those areas led to the formation of leftover spaces. Abu Ali river is a historical region located in the city of Tripoli in Lebanon. Not long ago, this zone was considered the beating heart of the city before becoming a neglected area suffering from different social, economic, and environmental issues. One of the major problems the zone is currently facing is the loss of its cultural identity. In addition, the lack of green public spaces is noted. This paper attempts to revive the cultural heritage identity of Abu-Ali River area through the application of a cultural park using leftover spaces generated in the region as a site. The paper starts with presenting the theoretical background related to the topic; Then related cases are compared to reach the optimum project elements; Next the selected area is analyzed through macro-analysis, community analysis, and micro-analysis to reach initial design decisions; Finally, the application is designed based on specific social and environmental simulation tools. The application is expected to breathe new life into the neglected historical area and revive its heritage
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND EXPERIENCE OF LEBANESE FEMALES TOWARD ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE USE
Full text linkFamily planning is a key to slow unsustainable population growth and the resulting negative impacts on the national development efforts. Birth control pills or oral contraceptives are commonly used among childbearing-age women for family planning. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and experience of oral contraceptive use among Lebanese women. A descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted in Beirut and suburbs in 2018. The questionnaire included sociodemographic information consisting of age, educational level, occupation, marital status, and past medical history. It also included four different sections describing the pattern of use of oral contraceptives, attitude, knowledge, and previous experience. Out of the 385 addressed, 367 participants completed the survey the age range from 20 to 44 years accounted for 77.11%. The most commonly used methods of contraception were withdrawal method (45%) and male condoms (20.7%) while the use of oral contraceptive pills accounted for 18.45%. The chief prescriber for pills was the physician (76.6%), whereas only 10% gave a role to the pharmacist. Side effects of oral contraceptives were a crucial cause that led two-thirds of pill users to stop them and use an alternative contraceptive method. Although the majority of women considered oral contraceptives effective and easy to use, only one-third preferred pills, and less than half thought that oral contraceptives were safe. Unfortunately, only 36% of the participants were aware that some medications could affect pill efficacy. Moreover, less than half of the women knew that missed doses should be retaken. Ineligibility for oral contraceptives was detected in a few participants. The results obtained revealed an inadequate level of knowledge of the Lebanese women regarding the use, safety, and efficacy of oral contraceptives, and this might have contributed to their negative attitude towards the use of pills
AN OBSERVATIONAL, RETROSPECTIVE, STUDY TO ASSESS SEHETNA WELLNESS PROGRAM IMPACT ON EMPLOYEES’ WELL-BEING AND HEALTH
Full text linkWellness is an ongoing process that leads to realizing one\u27s full potential, with studies showing reduced inpatient admissions, healthcare costs, and improved health-related quality of life through participation in large-scale wellness programs. SEHETNA program is a wellness initiative conducted with the Egyptian Group for Import and Export (EGMED) to enhance employees’ well-being. This study aimed to assess the SEHETNA wellness program impact on the general health of employees. This is a retrospective descriptive observational study including employees enrolled in wellness program for up to 12-months in 2021. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive analysis was done, categorical variables were reported by number and percentage, and continuous variables as mean and standard deviation. 54 employees were included in the analysis. Body measurements and composition such as waist-circumference, body-mass-index (BMI), body-shape-index (ABSI), and percentage muscle-mass showed significant changes. Blood and nutrition indicators also showed significant changes except for vitamin-D, potassium, and hemoglobin. As for the fitness exercise, a significant change in running and plank time, push-ups’ and squats’ number, and Resting-Heart-Rate (RHR) was observed. The physical health and environmental domain in the Quality-of-Life (QOL) assessment showed significant changes. Mindfulness measurements showed no significant change in the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and subscales scores overall. This study highlighted workplace wellness programs’ value, their impact on employees\u27 well-being, and the increased awareness need about wellness interventions. Also, it demonstrated the potential efficacy of the program; however, further research and longer follow-up are needed to demonstrate this effectiveness
EXPLORING CO-CREATION AND CO-DESTRUCTION IN THE LEBANESE BANKING SECTOR DURING THE FINANCIAL CRISIS
Full text linkThis paper aims to comprehend co-creation/co-destruction value by studying in details the misbehavior incident between Lebanese private banks customers and frontline staffs during the financial crisis. The collected data includes 45 interviews in total, 20 frontline bank employees and 25 customers by structured interviews. The qualitative approach applied the thematic analysis (TA) to answer the research queries and A NVivo 11 software is applied to analyze the data coding. Findings indicated that co-creation exist when there is an effective communication between bank customers and frontline employees and when clients are delighted and feel valued while meeting his service. Co-destruction came from rude employee behaviors, restrictions on withdrawals and implementation of other unexpected capital control measures, rigid system and consumers’ want for revenge. Practical implications suggest educating and training, staffs to be more helpful toward bank customers. Communication between banks and clients must boost client appreciation and happiness. This study is considered one of the few studies in applying a social platform perspective to discover front line employee and customer experiences of misbehavior incidents during banking service encounters in the financial crisis
CLIMATE AND CATASTROPHE IN THE SHIPWRECKED OF THE DELUGE BY CHRISTIAN LABORI
Full text linkClimate change is one of the most pressing and complex challenges humanity faces today. Over the decades, our planet has undergone significant climate transformations, largely attributed to human activity. Massive emissions of greenhouse gases, unchecked deforestation, and other anthropogenic practices have disrupted the delicate balance of our climate, resulting in disastrous consequences on a global scale. Signs of climate change are increasingly evident, with extreme weather events, rising sea levels, changes in precipitation patterns, and alterations to ecosystems. These impacts affect all regions of the globe, threatening food security, biodiversity, water resources, and human health. Thus, the need to take decisive action to mitigate and adapt to these climate changes becomes imperative. In his novel The Shipwrecked of the Deluge, Christian Laborie depicts an apocalyptic story that transports us forty years into our time. Four decades sufficient to anticipate the climatic catastrophes that are befalling our planet battered by the pursuit of profit and the ignorance of citizens in the face of warnings issued long ago by whistleblowers. And that of a family trying to save themselves from the consequences of climate change approaching the deluge. How does Christian Laborie\u27s novel The Shipwrecked of the Deluge shed light on the disastrous consequences of climate change by anticipating future climatic catastrophes, while highlighting human causes such as the pursuit of profit and the ignorance of citizens in the face of warnings from whistleblowers? To address this issue, this study delves into Christian Laborie\u27s novel The Shipwrecked of the Deluge to explore how the author addresses the crucial theme of climate change, using the power of fiction to make the climate emergency tangible. The study will examine how the novel offers a unique perspective on the consequences of climate change, highlighting environmental and societal upheavals through fictional characters and scenarios, from its title to the choice of tense, alerting us that these cataclysms will cause the end of the world etc
CLIMATE CHANGE CRISIS AND MENTAL HEALTH: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Full text linkThe impact of climate change on mental health emerges as a significant global concern. This study conducts a comprehensive examination of existing resources and literature, aiming to elucidate ongoing research endeavors focused on comprehending the impact of climate change on mental health. By synthesizing findings from a variety of studies, we shed light on the intricate pathways through which climate change exacerbates psychosocial stressors, thereby contributing to challenges in mental health. Moreover, we delve into the methodological approaches utilized in current research and suggest potential directions for future investigation. Additionally, recent findings from studies conducted in different regions are presented, providing insight into the various ways in which climate-induced mental health issues manifest. Our paper underscores the urgent necessity of addressing this critical issue and emphasizes the crucial role of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing effective interventions and policies
HUMANITY FACING AN OVERPOWERING AND DEVASTATING NATURE: TOWARDS A NEW CONCEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN LAURENT GAUDÉ\u27S OURAGAN
Full text linkTraumatic disasters, in various forms, are an integral part of our daily lives. In 2005, New Orleans was severely affected by Hurricane Katrina, leaving indelible traces of destruction. Currently, climate change significantly increases the risk of hurricanes for New Orleans, and preparation for climate change remains insufficient, even within prosperous nations such as the United States. In this context, literature assumes crucial importance by providing a powerful means of raising awareness about environmental challenges. Ouragan , Laurent Gaudé\u27s polyphonic novel, addresses environmental issues through the portrayal of Hurricane Katrina. It explores social and climate injustices faced by the most vulnerable in the wake of a devastating catastrophe. According to Gaudé, writing about the disaster leaves an imprint on the world and the environment, contributing to forging a new covenant between humans and nature. To what extent does the writing of traumatic disasters question the relationship between humans and nature? How does a focus on life narratives illustrate the connections between social and ecological issues, highlighting injustices for potential rectification? Can literature play a significant role in promoting eco-responsibility and fostering a different environmental consciousness? These questions will be addressed in light of ecopoetics and its aesthetic and ethical challenges in Gaudé\u27s Ouragan. The ecopoetic approach examines the forms and writing processes that represent human relationships with nature. It also seeks to raise environmental awareness by denouncing political practices and, through literary means, advocating for concrete and collective action to preserve ecological balance