AUB ScholarWorks (American Univ. of Beirut)
Not a member yet
33634 research outputs found
Sort by
The Happy Zoo Crew
No full textA children's book, created by AUB students from the Education Department, for the course EDUC218 as a final project.The Happy Zoo Crew is a fun and engaging picture book for young readers aged 3-5 years. With playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, it takes children on a delightful journey through a fictional zoo, where they'll meet a diverse cast of animal friends. The book aims to inspire a lifelong love of animals and nature in children
Finite Element Modeling of Rammed Earth Constructions
No full textRammed earth has gained popularity due to its environmental impact compared to the traditional ways of construction. Using rammed earth, Soils will be poured into a formwork system and compacted using a hammer to build various systems of different architectural shapes. Once the formwork is totally removed, the system will be susceptible to many loading factors depending on the zoning where it is built (snow load, earthquake loads, wind loads, gravity loads etc.…). Also, they produce less emissions of carbon dioxide and therefore more eco-friendly. It is also known that well stabilized rammed earth constructions can be as strong and viable as a conventional structure namely concrete and/or steel materials. Several models including a ruler with concentrated mass load on its tip, a 2D elastic axisymmetric cylinder with top discrete rigid caps, and both elastic and elastoplastic 2D axisymmetric cylinder along with a 3D rammed earth wall of dimensions like those at the American University of Beirut (AUB) confirm that the finite element software ABAQUS is functioning properly. Moreover, rammed earth material is quasi-brittle that could be modeled using the Concrete Damage Plasticity model while assessing the effect of several sizes of square and circular openings at different locations on a typical wall. In addition, stiffener localized effect at the opening surface could work as a reinforcement to prevent sudden failure
Fabrication and Optimization of a Tubular Blood Brain Barrier Model from Polycaprolactone Electrospun Fibers
No full textThe blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the exchange of nutrients and molecules between the brain and the circulating blood. The control over the passage of molecules into and out of the brain is achieved through a layer of endothelial cells interconnected through tight junctions that protect the brain by allowing only certain substances to cross into the brain milieu. However, the BBB also impedes drug delivery to the brain making it harder to treat common brain diseases including but not limited to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In order to facilitate research in brain-related diseases, in vitro models that mimic the BBB are being developed, but the challenge is to create a barrier integrity similar to that of in vivo tissues. Previous studies have been conducted to create two-dimensional (2D) and ductular models that mimic the structure of the BBB, enhance cell attachment, and support the formation of tight junctions. However, these models have a number of biomimicry shortcomings such as the absence of dynamic blood flow conditions on cells, the lack of interaction between the duct lumen and the external environment and having rectangular ducts unlike the circular in vivo geometry all of which can alter the properties of the BBB. To address the above limitations, we engineered a BBB model by electrospinning a thin polycaprolactone (PCL) fibrous and porous circular duct that favors cell attachment in monolayers and enables exchange of media and nutrients between the inside and the outside of the duct. The biological and mechanical properties of the ducts were optimized for cell culture, specifically endothelial cells (ECV-304), to study the cells’ ability to cover the ducts and form tight junctions. It was found that 25 w/v% PCL solution, with 1 hr duration of electrospinning, and 20 x 10^6 cell/mL seeding density resulted in the highest cell coverage of 45.3% on day 7 compared to 5 x 10^6 cell/mL (p=0.0014) and reaching 85.5% cell coverage after 14 days. Fiber alignment was achieved longitudinally on thin wires after decreasing the flow rate to 0.25 mL/hr. These optimized conditions were used to evaluate the ability of the model to mimic the BBB functionality by measuring the trans-endothelial electric resistance (TEER) over 14 days in comparison to the Transwell® model. TEER significantly increased after 14 days from 23 Ω.cm^2 to 186 Ω.cm^2 compared to the Transwell® alternative that only reached 67 Ω.cm^2 after 14 days (p=0.0105). The developed model holds a promising potential for mimicking in vivo ductular tissues such as the BBB, breast ducts, and tissues or organs with a cylindrical architecture. Furthermore, it allows the incorporation of mimetic blood flow over cells to better mimic the in vivo conditions and increase extracellular matrix deposition by cells thus resulting in a more biomimetic barrier
Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) for Assessment of Hydration Status: A Comparison Between Endurance and Strength University Athletes
Get PDFBackground: Adequate hydration is essential for athletes specifically before and after training, during competitions and in extreme conditions. Hydration assessment is performed using a variety of tools, and the combination of several techniques is recommended to accurately measure water losses and gains that greatly impact athletes’ performance.
Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the validity of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) as a tool for measuring hydration status in endurance and strength athletes pre- and post- training by plotting vectors variation by gender and sport and comparing it to reference methods.
Methods: 148 athletes (n=64) endurance and (n=84) strength divided between (n=90) males: (n=54) strength, (n=36) endurance and (n=58) females: (n=29) strength, (n=29) endurance, were evaluated on one experimental day, pre and post training. Urine samples were collected in the morning, prior to and after training for analysis of color and specific gravity (USG). Body weight changes were measured, sweat rate was calculated, and bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed prior to and post training to track changes in bioelectrical variables (R = resistance; Xc = reactance; Z = impedance vector; and PA = phase angle). Reference ellipses were plotted using data of 200 healthy non-athletic individuals equally divided between males and females.
Results: A strong agreement was noted between raw bioelectrical values standardized for height: Xc/h, R/h and Z, PA with each of USG and sweat rate. (p>0.05) The sensitivity of classic BIVA in detecting minor changes in hydration status is confirmed both graphically and statistically. No significant difference was observed in urine specific gravity values at different timepoints. The distribution pattern of raw bioelectrical values before and after training did not significantly change in the studied groups of athletes. R/h and Z statistically significantly decreased post-training in both genders and sports types. Male athletes exhibited a specific BIA vector distribution in comparison with the reference population and were slightly more hydrated than female athletes.
Conclusion: Bioelectrical variables (R, Xc, Z, and PA) assessment is gaining significant attention for the purpose of monitoring hydration levels in both healthy and unwell individuals. The impact of hydration on sports performance is undeniable, necessitating the development of easy and practical monitoring methods to ensure athletes can consistently perform at their peak
Implementation of a Non-Pharmacological Approach to Enhance Adult Cancer Pain Management: The Comfort Kit
No full textBackground: Cancer pain is prevalent and often inadequately managed, leading to compromised quality of life and increased healthcare costs. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), offer potential to complement conventional pain management. However, their integration into clinical practice remains limited, particularly in Lebanon.
Objective: This project aimed to develop and implement a comfort kit incorporating CAM therapies to enhance pain management for Adult Oncology In patients at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC).
Methods: A literature review was conducted to examine evidence on non-pharmacological pain management strategies and comfort kits. A comfort kit was designed, and a nurse-led educational program was implemented to introduce and guide patients on its use.
Results: The comfort kit included various CAM therapies (e.g., acupuncture wristbands, aromatherapy, positioning pillows, sleep masks, stress-relief tools). Nurses played a pivotal role in educating patients about the kit's benefits and safe use.
Conclusion: Integrating CAM therapies through a comfort kit can complement conventional pain management, potentially improving quality of life, reducing reliance on pharmacological interventions, and empowering patients in their healing process. Nurses are crucial in educating and supporting patients' use of CAM therapies. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the comfort kit in larger patient populations and assess its impact on patient outcomes.
Keywords: Cancer pain, complementary and alternative medicine, comfort kit, integrative pain management, nursing education
Predictors of Physical and Psychological Quality of Life in Informal Caregivers of Patients Living with Chronic Illnesses
Get PDFBackground: About 700 million individuals aged 65 years or older currently populate the world and this number is expected to double to 1.5 million by 2050. Lebanon and the Middle East and North Africa region are expected no different with prevalence rates expected to reach 17.8% by 2050. Aging is coupled with a rise in chronic illnesses and hence the role of informal caregivers [ICs] becomes ever so important. This burden and a lack formal support for caregivers has led to an increased prevalence of caregiver burden, contributing to a decline in both physical and psychological quality of life [QOL].
Aim: The primary purpose of this secondary analysis is to determine predictors of physical and psychological QOL in ICs of patients living with chronic illnesses in Lebanon.
Methods: Guided by an integration of the Informal Caregiving Integrative Model and using data from a sequential exploratory mixed methods study design, we recruited dyads from a major tertiary medical center in Lebanon. QOL was measured using the Arabic translated version of World Health Organization QOL–BREF and was studied across several predictors.
Results: Our sample included 104 ICs [82.7% females; mean age 54.43 years]. QOL of ICs was moderate with means of 63.29 ± 20.34 for the physical, 65.14 ± 16.99 for the psychological, 58.25 ± 21.14 for the social, and 63.61 ± 17.66 for the environmental. A lower negative impact from caregiving [denoting lower personal feeling of being stressed in caregiving], a higher psychological and environmental QOL, and a lower family wellbeing explained about 62.4% of the variance in the IC physical QOL A higher IC physical and social QOL, better IC coping, and higher duration of caregiving explained about 55.5% of the variance in the IC’s psychological QOL.
Discussion: Our study provides insights into the QOL of ICs caring for patients with chronic illnesses in Lebanon, revealing a complex interplay of factors influencing their well-being. The findings underscore the need for tailored support interventions addressing caregiver burden, coping mechanisms, and the dynamics of caregiving relationships to enhance ICs' QOL and overall caregiving experience
Roundtable 2024
No full textThis discussion is the first of AUB-NCC’s 2024 series of roundtables, titled “The New Roadmap to A Green Transition: Exploring Today’s Climate Actors” Roundtable discussion organized on May 14th, 2024, at the Basile Antoine Meguerdiche Conference Hall – IFI.The series is co-designed with: Nature Conservation Center, UN-Habitat, Cewas, and Synaps.Panel: Hala Mounajed, Representative of the Lebanese Ministry of the Environment ; Diana Menhem, Managing Director of Kulluna Irada ; Assaad Zoughaib, Mayor of Zahle Municipality ; Mostafa Hijazi, Saida Municipality Council Member and Director of the Disaster Risk Management unit Saida Zahrani Union of Municipalities ; Anthony Jabbour, Managing Director of Cedar Oxygen. Moderator: Elie Mansour, Manager, Urban Planning, and Design Unit, UN-Habitat Lebanon. Opening remarks: Taina Christiansen, Head of UN-Habitat Lebanon Country Programme.This brief was published following the first roundtable of AUB-NCC's 2024 series, titled "The New Roadmap to A Green Transition: Exploring Today's Climate Actors". This roundtable discussion explored what role municipalities or ‘baladiyet’ can play in mitigating and adapting to climate change, regarding the importance of local climate action
Experimental Validation of a Solar Still with High Productivity Using Rotating Desalination Contactors
No full textSolar stills offer a simple and affordable way to produce potable water from saline or brackish sources, but their productivity is often low. In this experimental study on brackish water desalination, founded and originated by Dr. George Ayoub, three solar still units; one as a control unit and the other two as modified units; were constructed, where the addition of rotating contactors was investigated to boost productivity and
upgrade system performance, while maintaining the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the system. The control unit (U1) was used as a base to compare its distillate output with that of the first modified unit (U2) having rotating contactors (larger evaporation area), and that of the second modified unit (U3) having contactors and an expanded cover area (larger evaporation and condensation areas), so as to measure the enhancement in water productivity. In September 2023, U3 achieved a maximum yield of 5.25 kg/m2/day, showing a 210% improvement over the control unit, and an improvement ratio of 1.75 over the triangular drum solar still. Better performance was observed upon decreasing
the water depth from 9 cm to 3 cm and the rotational speed from 0.75 rpm to 0.25 rpm. It was also observed that U3 was more productive in the warmer months (September, April, May, June, July), while U2 was more productive in the colder/rainier months (October, November, December, February, March), as a result of their geometry. Moreover, a configuration of 30 contactors spaced equally at 3 cm exhibited better results than that of 15 contactors spaced equally at 6 cm. Furthermore, installation of the motor timer reduced the cooling effect during nighttime and minimized energy consumption by 58.33%. Also, natural disinfection by sunlight reduced fecal coliform in brackish water by 100%. In addition, economic analysis demonstrated that the modified units have lower lifecycle costs, freshwater costs, and payback period than that of RO over a period of 10 years, contributing to the system’s economic feasibility
Economic Feasibility of Alternative Green Technologies Deployed to Achieve the 2030 UNSDG Target
Get PDFIn the twenty-first century, the world is experiencing an essential increase in energy consumption. Factors contributing to this significant crisis are a rise in population, advancement of technology, and economic development. The current trend causes rapid depletion of the earth’s resources and increasing carbon dioxide emissions. Primary activities harming the environment are burning traditional energy resources like fossil fuels.
The main objective of this study is to examine and assess different scenarios for the energy composition in Lebanon, emphasizing their efficacy and economic viability. This will be accomplished through a thorough assessment and utilization of renewable energy sources to facilitate the shift towards sustainable energy in compliance with the UN 2030 SDGs Target.
This thesis aims to conduct a comprehensive study employing a multifaceted strategy, integrating extensive analysis and practical application. The assessment will evaluate many alternative technologies, including solar, wind, and hydropower, to establish their matching operations in the Lebanese context. The study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of implementing these technologies, considering installation capital costs (capex), operation and maintenance costs (opex), and energy production.
This thesis will assess Lebanon's transition to clean energy as an imperative step toward attaining the 2030 SDGs targets while promoting economic viability and correlating the most cost-effective energy mix. By assessing alternate technologies, the research aims to supply practical perceptivity that will lead the country toward a sustainable and economically feasible clean energy future
Iran's Arab Policies: Resurrecting Ancient Glory
Get PDFSince the establishment of the Persian civilization several thousand years ago, the Persian leadership has consistently striven to control the Gulf Peninsula and the Fertile Crescent. In addition, it always sought to establish a foothold in the Mediterranean Sea, while maintaining a sense of unique national identity. This applies equally well to the Elamites, the Medes, the Persians, the Achaemenes, the Parthians and the Sassanians.
Following a thousand years of decadence, starting with the Arab Muslim conquest of Iran in the seventh century and ending with the rise of the Safavids in the sixteenth century, with the exception of the Buyid interlude, the Iranians became Shiites under the rule of Shah Ismail I. It is essential to highlight this because the Islamic Republic of Iran is presently using Pan-Shiism as a means to achieve its imperialist ends in the Arab world. Concurrent with the mass conversion of Iranians to Shiism in the sixteenth century, the ulama in Iran in particular began to yield and accumulate an increasing amount of power from the time of the Safavids, to Khomeini’s revolution in 1979, passing through the Qajars and the Pahlavis. It is important to underscore this development because it directly facilitated the ascendance of clergymen as a central force in Iranian politics.
Since the toppling of the Shah’s regime and the unfolding of the Iranian Revolution in 1979 under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini, the Middle East has been facing the rising threat of Iran’s theocratic regime. The Islamic Republic’s ambitions for the region, which were centered on exporting the revolution of “Wilayat al-Faqih” beyond its borders and across the Middle East, were reined in by Saddam Hussein during the following vicious eight-year war between Iraq and Iran. Although the Mullah regime was not capable of penetrating the area as it saw fit during the war, it was nevertheless able to consolidate its grip on power internally. Throughout the same time period, the regime was simultaneously interfering in the course of the Palestine Question to establish a foothold in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. In fact, in 1982, it laid the groundwork of the embryonic Islamic Jihad which later became known as the Lebanese Hezbollah, and it allied itself with Baathist Alawite Syria. It is at this stage that the Mullah’s regime began to develop their Arab policies in the Middle East.
After the end of the Second Gulf War and the defeat of Saddam Hussein in 1991, Iran began promoting its “Axis of Resistance” front to counter United States’ influence, by culturally penetrating under-developed societies in Yemen, Iraq and Bahrain and presenting itself as a genuine and credible partner. Indeed, throughout the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Iranian regime was able to cultivate genuine relationships with the Iraqi dissidents to the Baathist regime in Baghdad, it was able to sponsor Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, and it succeeded in allying itself with the Houthis in Yemen. Notably, it is at this stage that the clergymen in Tehran were aptly capable of transforming Iran into a regional power.
In the aftermath of the so-called “Arab Spring” that erupted in 2011, the Iranian theocracy is exponentially expanding and enlarging its reach and scope of influence in the Fertile Crescent. This is demonstrated in its intervention in the Syrian Civil War, with the aim of protecting Bashar al Assad’s regime from collapsing at the hands of Syrian insurgents. With the official Russian intervention in the Syrian civil conflict in 2015, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps was able to turn the tide of the war to their advantage, thus erecting a land corridor from Tehran all the way to Beirut. Furthermore, the Iranian regime in Tehran is conducting a regional competition with its main rival in the Middle East, namely the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for supremacy and hegemony over the entire Arab and Muslim world. In fact, Saudi Arabia along with the other Gulf monarchies are the only countries which are capable of counterbalancing Iranian influence and power projection in the Middle East thus far. Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether the Islamic Republic of Iran will be able to transform itself into the undisputed hegemon of the Middle East in the upcoming few decades, taking into account that it is arming itself with its own arsenal of nuclear weapons with long range ballistic missiles