AUB ScholarWorks (American Univ. of Beirut)
Not a member yet
33634 research outputs found
Sort by
Fallen from Grace: Financial Institutions as a Counterrevolutionary Force during the Lebanese October Protests
Get PDFThis thesis investigates the counterrevolutionary efforts of the Banque du Liban (BDL) and the Association of Banks in Lebanon (ABL) amidst the October 2019 Uprising. Building on Jamie Allinson's counterrevolutionary framework, the study examines how these institutions strategically demobilized challengers within the contours of the Lebanese consociational regime. Employing an inductive thematic analysis, data from local newspapers, ABL publications, and BDL circulars revealed four key counterrevolutionary strategies: appeasement, repression, cooptation, and counternarratives. The research sheds light on the nuanced interactions between financial institutions and the political landscape, challenging traditional notions of dependence and uncovering a symbiotic relationship within the broader counterrevolutionary framework. The study delves into the heterogeneous approaches of the BDL and ABL, indicating diverse priorities and power dynamics within the financial sector against popular mobilization. Evaluating the short and long-term impacts on popular mobilization, it uncovers a complex interplay of converging and diverging consequences. In conclusion, the study underscores the influential role of financial institutions and their collaboration with the political establishment in sustaining the Lebanese consociational regime. It emphasizes the need for both active challengers and researchers to engage with the economic model supporting ruling elites and encourages a collective reflection on the trajectory and goals of social movements
Plant-Based Remedies in The Fertile Crescent: A Scoping Review Analysis Using Artificial Intelligence
No full textThis paper aims to document the distribution and uses of medicinal plants in the Fertile Crescent region, particularly within the framework of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The study employs a scoping review methodology to collect and analyze all available documents in seven databases, with inclusion criteria limited to Arabic and English documents from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. The research questions include the documented medicinal plants in the region, the unique or threatened natural habitats of native medicinal plants, the extent of commercialization of medicinal plants, and the conservation status of these plants. The study also discusses the urgent need to document plant species due to the reliance on CAM in developing countries and the overharvesting and vanishing of medicinal plant species. A database will be established to document medicinal plants in the Fertile Crescent area. The paper concludes with discussions on the ecological status of medicinal plants, their conservation status, sustainable cultivation protocols, and the necessity for further research on cultivation and conservation efforts
Eat Like a Canaanite: Healthy Living in Sustainable Landscapes
No full textThe Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), historically referred to the Levant, faces the triple burden of malnutrition, culinary transition and environmental degradation. Current trends towards sustainable food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) highlight the need to transform food systems for improved human and planed health. The EAT-Lancet report provides global guidelines for healthy and sustainable diets, yet there is a gap in tailoring these guidelines to the local context of the region and its landscape.
This study aims to adapt the EAT-lancet reference diet to suit the specific needs of the Lebanese population and the sustainability of its landscape. The focus is on exploring and integrating indigenous crops connected to the Levant’s historical inhabitants and environment. Using Lebanon as a model, the research will develop FBDGs that address nutritional needs while promoting sustainability.
A systematized review was conducted to identify the historical components of the Canaanite diet starting from the Neolithic period, with a focus on the Bronze and Iron Ages, until the Islamic Golden Age. Food derivatives were then identified from selected books. Adjustments to the categories and quantities of the EAT-Lancet Canaanite Diet (ELCD) were made based on recent findings of micronutrient shortfalls of the EAT-Lancet diet. Canaanite dishes featuring these ingredients were identified from available cookbooks and google search. A 7-day menu plan was developed and analyzed using the Nutritionist Pro software. Values for each macronutrient and micronutrient were compared to the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR), Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and Adequate Intake (AI) for adults. Subsequently, the cost of the proposed menu plan was calculated. Prices were collected from four online sites of supermarkets in Lebanon: Spinneys, Carrefour, Metro and Toters from December 2023 to February 2024. If a specific ingredient was not available online, a local grocer was consulted for prices.
A comprehensive list of indigenous foods was compiled through an extensive review of the literature. The menu plan developed based on these indigenous foods met the IOM’s guidelines for the macronutrients, as well as most vitamins and minerals, with the exception of Vitamin E alpha-tocopherol. The estimation of the diet’s cost revealed that it amounted to approximately USD3.15 per person per day.
Using a food system approach, this paper makes an original contribution to understanding how a combination of factors such as dietary choices, cultural resonance, the natural and agricultural landscapes, and the import-export balance of food commodities can help define a sustainable and healthy dietary pattern. The ELCD, with its emphasis on indigenous ingredients and traditional culinary practices, offers a promising pathway towards healthier and more sustainable food systems in the region. However, challenges remain and further research is needed
Assessing the Perception of University Students and the Safety of Snack Bar Food in University Neighborhoods
Get PDFFood Safety is a global concern that heavily affects developed and developing countries. Snack bar food is considered one of the most popular consumed foods by young adults, mainly university students. This study aimed to assess, compare, and evaluate the safety of snack bar food catered to university students across two universities in Lebanon, the American University of Beirut (AUB) and Beirut Arab University (BAU), and study the student’s perception in those two universities. The study involved 30 food establishments distributed equally from Bliss Street and Tarik Al Jadedeh. Ninety samples were collected, and 401 surveys were conducted from the two target universities. The surveys showed that peer influence affects BAU students’ decisions while age affects AUB’s consumption decisions. In addition, the living status of students was shown to influence the choice of the students to consume snack bar food significantly in both universities. Regarding the frequency of consumption, only distance influenced AUB students. In contrast, price, safety certificate, quality, taste, reputation, and peer influence were shown to be the most significant factors affecting it. As for non-consumers, AUB students' main influencing factor was the concern for safety while BAU students’ main factor was the hours spent in university. Microbiological results showed that 42% of the samples were contaminated across the AUB (Bliss) area and 31.1% across the BAU (Tarik Al Jadedeh) area. These results show that snack bar food vendors need training to improve food safety practices and that adjusting for the significant factors can affect the students’ consumption. Further guidance and interventions are required to lower contamination levels to safe levels
Continuous Review Inventory Model with a Partial Delay in Payment
No full textIn the classical continuous review inventory model, it is assumed that the supplier is paid at the moment the order is received. However, often in practice, the supplier provides the purchaser (the retailer) a permissible delay in payment for the items supplied. In this research, we assume that the supplier allows a partial delay in payments, whereby a fraction of the order cost is paid upon receipt of the order, and the rest after a fixed period of time, and subject to interest. Under these conditions, we propose to determine the optimal ordering quantity and the reordering level. Furthermore, a comparison between the classical and partial delay in payment models is done to identify the ideal financing conditions that favor adopting a delay in payment for the retailer. Our analytical results showed that the retailer can either pay the full amount at the moment the items are received, or delay all the payment until the next replenishment order. Moreover, for a given fraction of upon-receipt payment, we can determine the optimal order quantity and reorder point
Assessing the Impact of Acute and Chronic Exposure to Cigarette and Waterpipe Smoke Extracts on Telomeres, Telomerase, and Cancer Progression in a Lung Cancer Cell Line
No full textIntroduction: Tobacco smoking imposes a worldwide health threat and is a major risk factor for many life-threatening diseases, which include cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and many types of cancers, including lung cancer. Telomeres and telomerase are pivotal factors influencing cancer initiation and progression. In fact, in cancer cells,
shortened telomeres contribute to genome instability and increased mutation rates, while telomerase, activated in more than 80% of cancer cells, maintains telomeres at a stable length, allowing the cells to gain an immortal phenotype and to proliferate indefinitely. Smoking on the other hand, is shown to contribute to telomere shortening in various types of human cells. Many studies have also shown that shorter telomeres and active telomerase in lung cancer are associated with poor patient prognosis, which includes a higher risk of mortality, recurrence, and a poor response to therapy. Aims: This study aims to assess the effects of acute and chronic exposure to cigarette (CSE) and waterpipe (WSE) smoke extracts on relative telomere length (RTL), telomerase expression and activity, and cancer progression in the A549 lung cancer cell line. Methods: MTT assay was used to estimate the IC20 and IC50 concentrations of WSE and CSE in A549 cells. Then, these concentrations were validated using trypan blue assay, cell cycle, and apoptosis. The cells were exposed for 24 hours to IC20 and IC50
concentrations, then for 12 weeks to IC20 concentrations of WSE and CSE. RTL and telomerase expression were measured at 24 hours and 6, 9, and 12 weeks, on isolated DNA by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and isolated cDNA by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) respectively. Telomerase activity was measured using the telomerase repeated amplification protocol (TRAP) after protein isolation at 12 weeks. The
migration ability of the cells was assessed using the migration assay and the expression of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) markers including E-cadherin, Snail 1, Snail 2, and vimentin, was measured by RT-PCR. Results: The results of this study showed that there was a significant decrease in cell viability after 24 hours exposure to IC20 and IC50 of WSE and CSE. This was associated with a significant increase in the percentage of cells in Sub G0 phase for
IC50 concentrations, and a significant increase of apoptosis for IC50 CSE. However, no cell cycle arrest was observed neither after 24 hours nor after 12 weeks of exposure. The qPCR results showed a significant decrease in RTL after 24 hours of exposure to 5 IC50 concentrations, as well as after 12 weeks of exposure to IC20 concentrations. Telomerase expression results showed significant decrease after 24 hours of exposure to both IC20 and IC50 concentrations for both extracts. However, after 9 weeks of exposure to IC20 concentrations, there was a significant increase in telomerase expression for waterpipe exposed cells, while a significant decrease was observed for cigarette exposed cells. Moreover, after 12 weeks of exposure, there was a significant
increase in telomerase activity in waterpipe exposed cells compared to the control. The EMT expression results showed after 24 hours a significant increase in E-cadherin expression with IC50 WSE, and in Snail 2 expression with IC50 WSE and CSE. After 12 weeks of exposure to IC20 concentrations, there was a significant increase in Snail 1, Snail 2, and vimentin with CSE exposure, while no change was observed for WSE exposure. Finally, the migration assay showed no change in the migration ability of the cells neither after 24 hours nor after 12 weeks of exposure. Conclusion: This study is the first to investigate the in vitro effects of both acute and chronic exposure to cigarette and waterpipe smoke extracts on telomeres and telomerase. The results indicate that both acute and chronic exposure to both extracts lead to significant telomere shortening. It also shows that while acute exposure results
in a significant decrease in telomerase expression for both extracts, chronic exposure leads to increased telomerase activity, which was only significant for waterpipe. Moreover, the study found that chronic exposure to CSE may induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition. However, neither acute nor chronic exposure affected the cells'
migration ability
AC Network Planning of Microgrids with Storage and Renewable Energy
Get PDFThe goal of this research is to develop a methodology and computational tool that will help us design power systems that are more secure and reliable. In this thesis, we focus on identifying transmission line and reactive power resource reinforcements. Our study investigates both traditional networks and micro-grids that incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels and batteries. The methodology is based on carrying out a DC optimal power flow (DC-OPF) at the time of peak demand, first on the base-case when all lines are available and next on a series of line outages, one at a time, to test the ability of the system to transmit real power from sources to load centers. Throughout the analysis, fictitious generators are installed at load nodes to represent load-sheds that may be needed in case lines are at their limits and no feasible solution is obtained. When fictitious generators are used, this is either due to a shortage of generation or to a transmission line limitation. If generation is less than demand plus spinning reserve, then it is concluded that the system needs generation reinforcement, which then added at the candidate nodes with the highest local marginal price (LMP). However, if the system has enough generation, then it is concluded that line reinforcements are needed. The line that is selected for reinforcement is the one that is observed to be at its limits when using a fictitious generator. Once the network is deemed adequate in terms of active power transmission, we analyze its base-case, i.e. when all lines are available, using an AC-OPF system, again at peak demand time throughout representative weeks of the year to determine its ability to supply the reactive power demands. If reactive power sources are not sufficient, then static-var-compensation (SVC) systems are added at nodes in a way to minimize the cost of operation. Our methodology is also applicable for micro-grid systems that entail renewable energy sources (e.g. PV panels) and storage units (e.g. batteries). However, the analysis of micro-grids with renewable energy sources requires identifying the specific hour that is most crucial, which varies depending on the characteristics of the renewable sources and storage sizes. In this case we need to study the system over the different seasons at several hours of the day and select the time at which the system is mostly stressed. Here several options are available for renewable energy sources and storage placement and sizes. The transmission reinforcement study will be carried out on several alternatives and the design to be implemented is the one that leads to a minimum levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) that include capital and operating costs throughout one year of operation. The computational tool that we have developed uses MATPOWER to carry out DC-OPF and AC-OPF analyses and is illustrated on the IEEE 5-bus, 30-bus, and 118-bus systems. We made adjustments to the 30-bus and estimated the transmission lines and transformers’ ratings of the 118-bus systems. By implementing these simulations, we verify the accuracy and effectiveness of our methodology
War in Gaza: Where do we go from here?
Get PDFThis was originally published in French as an interview with Esprit Magazine in June 2024,
available here: https://esprit.presse.fr/article/joseph-bahout/la-guerre-a-gaza-jusqu-ou-45301The ongoing conflict in Gaza has seen numerous failed ceasefire attempts, with the latest negotiation in May 2024 ending in disappointment despite seemingly favorable conditions. The discord between Hamas and Israel over a proposed truce, alongside Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to agree, has exacerbated the situation and strained Israeli-American relations. The conflict's persistence is influenced by Netanyahu's political survival, the dynamics within his coalition, and the evolving regional and international landscape. Various scenarios, including a potential military escalation or forced displacement of Gazan civilians, highlight the complexities of the situation. The failure of the ceasefire and its impact on neighboring regions, including Lebanon and Egypt, suggest a protracted conflict with shifting political alliances and increasing human suffering. The potential outcomes are intertwined with upcoming U.S. elections and broader regional tensions involving Iran and other actors
Yes I Can!
No full textBook specialized for children with down syndrome.A children's book, created by AUB students from the Education Department, for the course EDUC218 as a final project.LDS
Analytic Disks and Mapping Problems for Real Hypersurfaces in Complex Spaces
Get PDFThe thesis will review the theory of certain invariant objects associated to CR submanifolds of C^n, especially families of attached analytic disks, and their implications for the study of the properties of holomorphic maps. Particular attention will be given to the dynamics of those invariants on the sphere in C^2