14129 research outputs found
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COVID-19 risk perceptions among public transportation drivers and users in Lebanon: A cross-sectional study
No full textObjectives
This study evaluates the perceived severity of and susceptibility to COVID-19 among public transportation drivers and users after lifting COVID-19 restrictions in Lebanon.
Study design
Cross-sectional study.
Methods
Data was collected through face-to-face survey questionnaires. Proportionate sampling method was used to recruit 854 public transportation drivers and users between August and October of 2024 from various Lebanese governorates (Beirut, Mount Lebanon, North, South and Beqaa). An Arabic anonymous questionnaire was used to measure participants' characteristics, COVID-19 risk perceptions, and users' preferences, guided by the Health Belief Model and Oliver's Expectation Disconfirmation theory. Descriptive statistics, Students' t-test, Mann Whitney test, and linear regression analyses were performed (statistical significance was set at P < 0.025).
Results
The perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 scores were significantly higher among public transportation users (3.3/5) compared to drivers (3.1/5), P = 0.015. Public transportation users felt at higher risk of getting COVID-19 while using vans/buses (51.5 %, n = 201) compared to taxi cabs (39.4 %, n = 155). They preferred if drivers disinfect their vehicles (76.5 %), preferred sharing a ride with others who wear a face mask (71.4 %), preferred if drivers wear masks (69.7 %), preferred if the transport vehicle had a protective shield (65.5 %), and preferred drivers who get vaccinated against COVID-19 (58.8 %). They disagreed that there is a need for a mandate to vaccinate drivers against COVID-19 (59.6 %). Public transportation users not having a health insurance, those who wear a face mask during a ride, and being unemployed reported higher perceived severity to or susceptibility toward COVID-19. Among drivers, being married, receiving COVID-19 vaccine, wearing a face mask, and performing physical activities were associated with higher perceived severity to or susceptibility towards COVID-19.
Conclusions
Findings in this study aid in persuading public transportation drivers to better comply with precautionary measures against COVID-19, thus promoting a safer public transportation system.Publishe
Exploring Gendered Perspectives on Personality Traits and Entrepreneurial Performance in Lebanon during the COVID-19 Crisis
Full text linkWe investigate the impact of gendered personality traits on the entrepreneurial performance of male and female entrepreneurs in Lebanon during the COVID-19 crisis. Using the Big Five personality model and survey data from 500 entrepreneurs, the research examines how traits such as agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, extraversion, and openness to experience influence business outcomes in high-pressure environments. The findings reveal that agreeableness and neuroticism benefit female entrepreneurs more than males during crises, while conscientiousness significantly deteriorates the financial performance of female entrepreneurs. Extraversion and openness exhibit no differential effects on financial performance by gender. By examining the interplay between gendered personality traits and entrepreneurial performance within the unique context of Lebanon during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study contributes novel insights to the literature. It challenges traditional views on gendered advantages in entrepreneurship, particularly by highlighting the underexplored positive implications of neuroticism and the nuanced role of agreeableness. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and support organisations. Specifically, fostering relational skills such as agreeableness and leveraging neuroticism’s sensitivity for proactive crisis management can enhance entrepreneurial resilience. Additionally, training programmes aimed at addressing the rigidity associated with conscientiousness can help entrepreneurs adapt more effectively to volatile environments. By tailoring interventions to gender-specific personality dynamics, these insights can strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and improve resilience in times of uncertainty.Publishe
Economic development and the blue economy: insights from the NEXT 11 countries
No full textPurpose
This study aims to investigate the influence of the blue economy on the economic growth of the NEXT 11 countries − Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Turkey, South Korea and Vietnam − from 1995 to 2018.
Design/methodology/approach
The Solow model serves as the study’s theoretical framework, while econometric approaches such as panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE) and system-GMM are used to account for potential endogeneity and cross-sectional dependence. The important factors studied are gross domestic product, total fisheries output, value added from agriculture, forestry, and fishing, aquaculture production, labour, capital, interest rates, inflation rates and trade. A rigorous statistical analysis has been performed for estimation.
Findings
The findings show that fisheries and aquaculture provide a considerable contribution to economic growth, which has important implications for sustainability.
Practical implications
The findings underscore the necessity of enhancing fisheries management and promoting regional collaboration within the blue economy to maximize economic advantages and ensure sustainable growth in these nations.
Originality/value
This report highlights the essential significance of the blue economy in fostering economic progress, providing an in-depth analysis of its importance to the NEXT 11 nations over a prolonged period.Publishe
Suboptimal dietary knowledge predicts lower diet quality for cancer prevention among university students in Beirut
Full text linkUniversity students are at a pivotal stage of shaping cancer risk factors. Little is known about their dietary behavior in Lebanon, a country heavily burdened by cancer. This cross-sectional study assessed the dietary knowledge of and adherence to cancer prevention guidelines among university students in Beirut, Lebanon. We hypothesized that students would exhibit low knowledge, poor diet quality, and that knowledge predicted diet quality. Dietary knowledge was explored using a dedicated questionnaire, with scores above the 60th percentile considered as Knowledgeable (Kn+), and those below as less knowledgeable (Kn-). Dietary adherence to cancer prevention guidelines and the predictors of the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)- a measure of diet quality calculated using the Modified Mediterranean Prime Screen, were also examined. The sample included 300 participants (55% females, mean age: 20 years). The mean knowledge score was 49.5%. Over 50% of students were aware of the association between red and processed meat, sodium, fruits and vegetables, obesity, and cancer. Kn+ group had a higher intake of vegetables and a lower intake of meats and sweetened beverages. Increased knowledge (B = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.18,1.37) and high physical activity (B = 4.62, 95%CI: 1.66,7.59) were associated with elevated AHEI scores. A significant positive interaction was observed between knowledge and enrollment in a health-related major. University students’ dietary knowledge of and adherence to cancer prevention guidelines are suboptimal. Although higher knowledge predicts high-quality diets, the association was weak. Further studies should investigate the food systems influencing university students’ dietary intake of university students in Lebanon and identify effective interventions to enhance health behavior.Publishe
Mind the gap: virtual fashion shows and generational disparities
No full textThe fashion industry has experienced a digital transition while embracing innovative technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, in order to improve the customer experience. Virtual fashion shows have been gaining importance due to their innovative approach in displaying and promoting new collections. This study aims to examine the challenges associated with virtual fashion shows and their effect on consumers, in addition to the generational disparities in consumer responses. An exploratory qualitative approach was adopted, whereby 22 experts in the Metaverse and fashion fields were interviewed. The findings suggest that virtual fashion shows boost exposure, engagement, and purchase, particularly among younger luxury consumers (Gen Y and Z) compared to older generations (Gen X) who face digital exclusion and struggle with adoption due to technological barriers and unfamiliarity. However, difficulties such as digital divisions, product intangibility, and idealised virtual representations may result in disillusionment across all generations, reducing consumer loyalty.Publishe
Investigating the Effect of Implementing STEM Training Programs on Teachers’ Perceptions: A Case Study in Turkey
No full textThis thesis examines the effect of implementing STEM training programs on the perceptions and readiness of in-service teachers to adopt STEM education in Turkey. Using a mixed-methods design, the study assessed how the teachers' awareness of integrated STEM concepts, perceived importance of STEM integration, self-efficacy, availability of resources, and perceptions of administrative support differed after participating in a particular STEM awareness workshop from that before participation. The findings show there were significant positive differences in all areas surveyed post-training. Teachers reported more familiarity with STEM, confidence in teaching STEM subjects, and perception of the advantages of STEM integration on learning for students. They also indicated more access to instructional resources to teach and administrative support perceptions. Qualitative feedback indicated heightened enthusiasm regarding the thesis and interdisciplinary instruction, but also showed persistent challenges such as time constraints, resource limitations, and the need for long-term professional development. The study concludes that formal STEM teacher training programs are successful in preparing Turkish teachers with integrated STEM methods, but long-term success will depend on long-term institutional commitment and investment in resources
Genomic Characterization and Antimicrobial Resistance Determinants of Clinical Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Isolates from Lebanon
No full textStenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen
associated with high morbidity in hospitalized patients. This study presents the
comprehensive genomic characterization of 57 clinical S. maltophilia isolates collected
from a tertiary care hospital in Lebanon. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and
bioinformatic analyses were conducted to determine antimicrobial resistance profiles,
virulence factors, and mobile genetic elements. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST)
revealed high genetic diversity, with isolates distributed across 12 known sequence types
(STs), and over half (56%) assigned to novel or untypeable STs. Five isolates (ST138) were
recovered from respiratory samples in critical care units, suggesting potential nosocomial
transmission. Resistance to key antimicrobials was observed: 28.1% of isolates were
resistant to levofloxacin, 3.5% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), and 71.9%
to colistin. While TMP-SMX resistance was limited, it was not always linked to common
resistance genes (e.g., sul1, sul2), suggesting alternative mechanisms. Similarly,
fluoroquinolone resistance was only partially associated with the presence of smeD,
pointing to multifactorial resistance pathways. Genomic screening showed that all isolates
harbored the efflux pump genes phoP, macA, macB, emrA, and emrB, which may
contribute to intrinsic resistance. Virulence-related genes such as fliC, smf-1, and katA were widely distributed, while biofilm assays revealed phenotypic heterogeneity despite
conserved genetic markers. Seventeen isolates carried Tn3-family transposons associated
with metal resistance genes, emphasizing the role of mobile genetic elements in adaptation
and survival. These findings reveal the complexity of S. maltophilia as a nosocomial
pathogen and highlight the need for further functional studies to elucidate resistance
mechanisms. Enhanced molecular surveillance and targeted infection control strategies are
critical to managing the spread of this highly adaptable organism in healthcare settings
Russia’s legal narratives for the war on Ukraine: a political analysis of motivations, geopolitical dynamics, and international responses
No full textThis thesis examines how Vladimir Putin and Russian political elites have intentionally reinterpreted and manipulated international legal norms to justify Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022. The main contribution of this study is to show that Russia’s legal narratives are not just rhetorical devices but part of a broader strategic maneuver, framing its actions as legitimate under the principles of self-defense, right to self-
determination and the protection of nationals. These narratives seek to both challenge the Western-dominated international legal order, and advancing Russia’s geopolitical goals at the same time, while maintaining regional influence, countering NATO expansion, and consolidating domestic power.
Through an extensive analysis of Russia’s legal arguments and their structural employment, the thesis demonstrates how Russia exploits ambiguities within international law to establish new realities, especially with the recognition of breakaway regions like the Donetsk and Luhansk. It also explores the international reception of these narratives highlighting the division between Western states that rejects Russia’s claims, and some countries in the global South that adopt neutral positions. The findings of this thesis show that Russia’s manipulation of international law risks destroying key legal principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-intervention, which, in turn fragment global governance norms.
Ultimately, this thesis argues that the strategic use of legal narratives by Russia indicates a broader shift toward a multipolar interpretation of international law. This evolution challenges the unity and resilience of the international legal order while raising critical questions about its capacity to limit big power behavior in a contested world
Exploring Teachers’ Perspectives on Co-Educational Schools: The Case of an UNRWA Secondary School in Northern Lebanon
No full textPalestinian refugee students in Lebanon are typically enrolled in single-sex UNRWA schools during their elementary and middle school years and are later admitted into co-educational secondary schools. This research examines teachers’ perspectives about students’ transition from single-sex education to a co-educational secondary school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in northern Lebanon. It asks how teachers understand this transition to affect classroom practices and academic performance. Semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations were carried out with a sample of male and female secondary school teachers. The thesis draws on social constructivism and thematic analysis to examine how cultural and social norms affect the ways in which teachers' respond to these changes. This research sheds light on the challenges these educators face as well as pointing to opportunities to improve teaching practices and policies in UNRWA schools
What Drives the Crowd? Exploring Decision-Making Styles and Motivational Drivers in Entrepreneurship Crowdfunding
No full textCrowdfunding is increasingly being considered an innovative platform providing financial solutions for entrepreneurs, businesses, and not-for profit organizations that are facing difficulties in their ventures. While various types of crowdfunding have emerged in literature (e.g., donation-based, equity-based), little is still known on how contributors’ decision-making cognitive styles influence the selection of a particular crowdfunding type. Crowdfunding campaigns, being made, are not effectively leading to the expected results because of poor market segmentation and lack of understanding of crowdfunding decision-making behavior. As a result, entrepreneurs, organizations, and not-for-profit are looking for alternative financial sources to support their campaigns. This study explores how various decision-making styles (rational, intuitive, spontaneous, dependent, avoidant) influence the four crowdfunding types (equity, lending, reward, donation) and the role of motivation behavior in this process. Using a quantitative method approach, a sample of 257 contributors and potential crowdfunders were asked to complete a 47-item questionnaire that measures the various types of decision-making, motivation behaviors, and crowdfunding platforms. The results of the study show rational decision making as mostly associated with different crowdfunding types (except for lending). In addition, both intuitive and dependent decision-making styles are positively associated with each of reward and donation crowdfunding. In contrast, spontaneous and avoidant decision-making styles show no significant association with crowdfunding, where in particular, lending crowdfunding is not considered an option for the contributors with any decision-making style. Findings also demonstrate that rational and dependent decision-making styles exhibit a stronger influence on equity and lending crowdfunding through performance expectancy (extrinsic motivation), while rational and intuitive decision-making styles exhibit a stronger effect on reward and donation crowdfunding through sense of self-worth (intrinsic motivation). This study can help entrepreneurs and organizations to strategically modify their campaigns based on the targeted crowdfunders. Understanding how crowdfunders decide on a type of crowdfunding, shape entrepreneurs to choose strategically what platform to use when raising funds. Identifying the factors behind these decisions can help campaigners coordinate financing methods with their business targets. It also allows crowdfunding platforms to better support users through targeted services and tools. Moreover, policymakers and educators in the field of entrepreneurship can utilize these insights to strengthen educational programs and guide entrepreneurs to make better business financing decisions. By addressing this gap, the study advances entrepreneurship theory, showing crowdfunding as a strategic choice shaped by decision-making