14129 research outputs found
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Comparative Electoral Systems in Post-Conflict Societies
No full textThis paper explores Lebanon’s post-war electoral system within the context of its consociational framework, highlighting how the 2017 proportional reform failed to break the dominance of sectarian elites. By comparing Lebanon’s system to those of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, and Northern Ireland, the study identifies key lessons and insights on how electoral design can either reinforce division or foster inclusion. While proportional representation can improve fairness, deeper reforms are needed - such as redistricting, implementing gender and minority quotas, and exploring alternatives like the Single Transferable Vote (STV). The research offers policy recommendations aimed at promoting inclusive governance and reducing sectarian fragmentation
Energy-Efficient VoI-Aware UAV-Assisted Data Collection in Wireless Sensor Networks
No full textOperating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for data collection is a promising
approach across various practical domains, offering flexibility in challenging environments
to facilitate data collection within sensor networks (SNs). However,
UAV-assisted data collection in SNs faces several challenges, primarily due to
energy constraints at both UAV and SN nodes and the inefficiencies caused by
collecting redundant data. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving the
efficiency of UAV-assisted data collection. Considering the value of information
(VoI) urges the collection of the newly generated data and gives less importance
for collecting old data values. Moreover, the collection of all data may lead to
collect data representing redundant information which may reduce the network efficiency.
This study aims to reduce redundant data collection while deploying the
minimum number of UAVs, minimizing energy consumption and maximizing VoI.
We first formulate the general problem and solve it as a multi-objective optimization
problem. We then decompose the problem into two sub-problems where wepropose real-time approaches including (1) data redundancy avoidance and VoI
evaluation, and (2) dynamic UAV deployment and position adaptation. In the
first problem, the proposed approach clusters SNs and prioritizes non-redundant
data by assigning VoI, while neglecting redundant data. In the second, we consider
optimized UAV position adaptation where we generated the problem as a
multi-objective optimization problem and solved it as a mixed-integer linear programming
problem with constraints related to UAV range, UAV steps, and time
constraints. To address these objectives, our proposed approach incorporates
deep reinforcement learning (RL-DQN) techniques to optimize UAV deployment,
minimizing the number of UAVs while maximizing the number of successfully
collected SNs with non-redundant data. The model considers VoI and energy
constraints of the SNs, enhancing both efficiency and sustainability. The proposed
approach outperforms other algorithms, demonstrating higher efficiency in
terms of UAV deployment, served SN, VoI and energy consumption
Neopatrimonialism and Democratization Politics in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: Assessing the Role of Tribal Networks
No full textPost 2005, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) has made continuous endeavors for autonomy, progress, and democratization. However, tribal networks, particularly those tied to the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), continue to shape its political dynamics. This study examines the central research question: To what extent do tribal networks hinder or facilitate democratization in the KRI? Employing a mixed-methods approach—including historical analysis, case studies, electoral data review, and document analysis of government records, laws, and party platforms—the paper investigates how tribal loyalties influence elections, political appointments, resource allocation, and economic development. Key findings reveal that the existing structural tribalism fosters a hybrid governance system, blending neopatrimonialism with formal institutions, which undermines democratic consolidation by perpetuating family rule, weak institutions, and clientelism. The study argues that a consensus democracy model, rather than majoritarian systems, could reconcile tribal structures with federal governance, enhancing stability in the KRI and its relations with Iraq and neighboring states. This research contributes to international relations by challenging common democratization frameworks, advocating for hybrid political orders in tribal societies, highlighting the interplay of identity politics and resource dependency in fragile states, and proposing consensus democracy as a viable pathway for regions with entrenched tribal networks
Exposure to Toxic Metals from the Consumption of Cornflakes in Lebanon
No full textThis first-of-its-kind study investigates the occurrence of toxic metals in cornflakes
marketed in Lebanon and the associated health risks from their consumption. Following a
market screening, 21 stock-keeping units (SKUs) of cornflakes from different
manufacturers and countries of origin were identified and collected across two production
periods (n = 42). The samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass
Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were quantified and compared against both international and Lebanese
regulatory standards. All samples exceeded international limits for Cr, while the majority
also surpassed permissible levels for Pb (73.8%) and Hg (76.2%), and to a lesser extent
(19%), As. However, concentrations of all toxic metals remained below the Lebanese
national limits. Brand did not significantly affect metal concentrations (p ≥ 0.05) in
determining metal concentrations, whereas statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05)
were observed for Cr and Pb levels between Lebanese and imported products. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) calculations indicated no significant health risk for adults. Nevertheless, the frequent detection of contaminated samples and the
increasing consumption of ready-to-eat cereals raise concerns about cumulative exposure,
particularly among children. This research underscores the urgent need for updated
national food safety regulations, strengthened food surveillance systems, and immediate
public health interventions to reduce toxic metal exposure in the Lebanese population
Assessment of the Validity of the Modified Mediterranean Prime Screen in Estimating Micronutrient Intake in Adults in Lebanon
No full textBackground: Micronutrient deficiencies remain a public health concern globally and in the
Middle East, including Lebanon. The Modified Mediterranean Prime Screen (MMPS), adapted
to Lebanese diets, helps assess micronutrient intake. While validated in women of reproductive
age, its use in the general adult population is yet to be examined.
Objective: To evaluate the validity and reproducibility of the MMPS in assessing micronutrient
intake among Lebanese adults aged 18-64 years, using a validated semi-quantitative Food
Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) as the reference method.
Methods: A total of 214 participants were recruited from two medical and one educational
centers in Lebanon. Both the MMPS and the FFQ were administered at baseline to assess
micronutrient intake, with the MMPS repeated after 3 weeks to 6 months to assess
reproducibility. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to evaluate both testretest
reliability and agreement between tools. Nutrient intakes were also energy-adjusted, and
Bland-Altman analyses were conducted to assess agreement. Results: A total of 214 Lebanese adults participated (65.4% female; mean age 38.9 ± 13.4
years). The MMPS demonstrated moderate to good reproducibility, with adjusted ICCs ranging
from 0.317 (vitamin A) to 0.705 (niacin). Highest reproducibility was observed for niacin,
vitamin D, and riboflavin. Validity against the FFQ was moderate for calcium (ICC = 0.557) and
iron (ICC = 0.435), and lower for zinc, folate, sodium, and most vitamins, including A, D, and
B-complex. Bland-Altman plots supported moderate agreement for calcium, iron, folate, sodium,
and zinc, but poor agreement for vitamin A and riboflavin.
Conclusion: While the MMPS demonstrated moderate reproducibility and validity for select
micronutrients, its limited accuracy for others and structural constraints suggest it should be used
cautiously and only as a preliminary screening tool in time-limited settings. Further refinement
and validation are needed before wider application
Multifunctional Electronic Textiles for the Simultaneous Detection and Uptake of Hydrogen Sulfide
No full textThis paper describes the fabrication of multifunctional electronic textiles (e-textiles) capable of simultaneous detection and uptake of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Hydrothermal templation of the bismuth-based framework (Bi(HHTP)) onto the textile installs a conductive coating from the molecular building blocks of 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene (HHTP) and bismuth acetate. Electronic textile (e-textile) surfaces achieve average Bi(HHTP) loadings of 8 ± 2 mg cm−2, corresponding to 20% ± 4% of the e-textile being Bi(HHTP) by mass, and demonstrate average resistivities of 1.26 kΩ cm−1 with good stability to withstand mechanical stressors. The resulting e-textiles exhibit an analyte-selective, concentration-dependent chemiresistive response to H2S from 80 to 5 ppm, with good selectivity toward H2S over SO2, NO, NO2, NH3, and CO. The materials reach micro-breakthrough capacities of up to 16.8 and 14.8 mmol g−1 under exposure to 4.6% H2S, for e-textile and bulk powder, respectively. Spectroscopic analysis suggests that material–analyte interactions are characterized by the formation of polysulfide species. The resulting electronic textile represents a novel approach toward the development of smart membranes capable of simultaneous sensing and filtration of H2S.Publishe
Self-Leadership, Employee Engagement, and Job Satisfaction in the Arab World: A Comparative Study Across Four Nations
No full textThis paper investigates the unique integration of self-leadership, job satisfaction, and
employee engagement by examining the impact of self-leadership on job satisfaction and
employee engagement. This paper addresses gaps in the existing literature. It also
analyzes if the relationships change from one country to another as well as between
genders, especially focusing on the Arab region, specifically Lebanon, Egypt, the United
Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The conceptual model is grounded in two theoretical frameworks mainly: Social Exchange Theory (SET) and Role Identity Theory. The findings indicate that self-leadership, employee engagement, and job satisfaction are interrelated for both genders, although some differences were noted among the countries.
Discussion is offered regarding the impact of these results on theory and practice,
including on organizational and HR practices. Limitations and future studies are discussed
Navigating Health Care in Crises: Health Literacy and Treatment Adherence Among Hemodialysis Patients in Lebanon
Full text linkRationale & Objective
Chronic kidney disease is projected to become the fifth most prevalent chronic condition globally by 2040, with a current prevalence of 10%-15%. This study aimed to assess treatment adherence in relation to health literacy (HL) and digital healthy diet literacy (DDL) levels of patients receiving hemodialysis in Lebanon.
Study Design
A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted during 2021-2023.
Setting & Participants
It included patients in 18 dialysis centers based on nonprobability sampling. Patients were eligible if they were aged 18+ years and Arabic speakers. Severe illness, dementia, and confusion were exclusion criteria.
Exposure(s)
Sociodemographic factors (marital status, education, governorate, employment, financial means, and fear of coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) were assessed as predictors of adherence and HL.
Outcomes
The primary outcomes were HL scores (Health Literacy Scale- Short Form 12), DDL scores (Digital Healthy Diet Literacy Scale), and adherence to treatment scores (treatment adherence questionnaire).
Analytical Approach
Bivariate analysis identified associations between patient characteristics and scores on scales. Simple linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between scores and independent variables.
Results
Participants (N = 699, 64.5% male patients) showed below-average HL levels (18.96 ± 11.79) and DDL (15.95 ± 14.58), and moderate adherence behavior (995.82 ± 178.99). Single patients and those with higher educational and employment statuses had higher levels of HL. Regional disparities were observed. Individuals who did not experience financial difficulty in covering their treatment cost, and those who had less fear from COVID-19, showed higher DDL scores. Single individuals displayed lower treatment adherence.
Limitations
This study is limited by its cross-sectional design, and by contextual factors that affected patient attendance and researcher access to hemodialysis centers, along with overrepresentation of private facilities.
Conclusions
There is a need for educational programs and targeted interventions to enhance health literacy and adherence in this patient population, especially among those with lower education, financial instability, and higher fear of COVID-19.Publishe
Customer demandingness and salesperson’s performance: a meta-analytic examination
No full textCustomer demandingness is a critical concept in sales research, potentially influencing a salesperson’s performance in complex ways. One perspective suggests a negative impact, while another sees the potential for a positive effect. To clarify this paradox, a meta-analysis was conducted, synthesizing over 20 years of research on customer demandingness. This study proposes a model examining the effects of customer demandingness on job performance, mediated by felt stress and job engagement. The findings reveal a dual impact: customer demandingness affects job performance both directly and indirectly through mediating processes involving salesperson job engagement and felt stress. Customer demandingness is a challenging stressor because the positive indirect effect of customer demandingness on salesperson performance through job engagement is stronger than its negative indirect effect through felt stress.Publishe
اللّعبة
No full textمسرحية من إنتاج طلابي، الخميس، 13 شباط 2020، الساعة السابعة مساء على مسرح غلبنكيان، حرم الجامعة في بيروت؛ تأليف دنس ي. نوبل؛ إخراج كارلا بربارة