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Translation, validity, and reliability of the Arabic-language version of the 11-item Neglect and Abuse Scale (NAS) in community older adults
No full textInternational audienceObjectives: To validate the 11-item Neglect and Abuse Scale (NAS) in Arabic and establish its psychometric robustness within a sample of community older adult.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 539 Arabic-speaking older adults from Egypt. The total sample was divided randomly into two subsamples (1/3 for the EFA and 2/3 for the CFA).Results: The initial analysis of the unidimensional structure indicated poor fit. Consequently, an EFA using oblimin rotation was conducted, which revealed a clear two-factor structure, explaining 54% of the variance. The first factor captured neglect-related experiences (e.g. being deceived, neglected, or denied rights), while the second factor reflected more overt forms of abuse (e.g. physical or verbal assault, betrayal, sexual harassment). A CFA, conducted on the solution obtained in the EFA, demonstrated acceptable fit. Reliability assessments indicated a commendable level of internal consistency. Sex invariance results showed no significant differences between male and female participants in the measurement characteristics. Concurrent validity analysis indicated a moderate negative correlation between the NAS scores and resilience and quality of life scores.Conclusion: This research provides a reliable and valid instrument for identifying and assessing elder neglect and abuse among Arabic-speaking communities, thereby supporting effective prevention and intervention strategies
L’entrepreneuriat au risque de la subjectivité de l’entrepreneur
No full textInternational audienceThis research paper adopts a phenomenological and psychoanalytic approach to entrepreneurial intentionality, highlighting the role of subjectivity and unconscious motivations within the entrepreneurial process. The authors argue for a more nuanced understanding of the psychological dynamics that shape entrepreneurial behavior.L’article aborde l’intentionnalité de l’entrepreneur à travers une approche phénoménologique et psychanalytique, soulignant l’importance de la subjectivité et des motivations inconscientes dans le processus entrepreneurial. Les auteurs plaident pour une compréhension plus profonde des dynamiques psychologiques qui influencent l’entrepreneur
Sustainable biodiesel production from waste cooking oil: Process design and techno-economic comparison of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis
No full textInternational audienceThis study aims to design and model four different semi-continuous process scenarios for biodiesel production, using virgin oil (VO) as a reference feedstock and waste cooking oil (WCO) collected from restaurants in Beirut. Both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalyst configurations were assessed by a thorough techno-economic analysis to identify the most efficient and cost-effective approach. A total collectable quantity of 22,740 kg/week of WCO was processed for the biodiesel production, representing a collection rate of 45 %. The project was developed with a 15 years lifetime and a target payback period (PBP) of 5 years. CaO and Amberlyst 46 were chosen as heterogeneous catalysts for transesterification and esterification, respectively, while KOH and H₂SO₄ were identified as reference homogeneous catalysts. Technical evaluations revealed that heterogeneous configurations were simpler, requiring fewer treatment steps compared to homogeneous ones, which necessitate catalyst neutralization and extensive purification of biodiesel and glycerol. The economic impact of the catalyst regeneration section was analyzed, particularly for the heterogeneous configurations examined without the CaO regeneration section. The economic feasibility of each setup was evaluated with focus on production capacity and how it impacts the PBP, using a 5-year payback as the reference. Among all configurations, the heterogeneous process without CaO regeneration required the lowest feedstock input of 5600 kg/day to achieve the 5-year payback target. However, as production capacity increased, the economic difference between configurations with and without catalyst regeneration decreased, indicating that catalyst regeneration becomes economically advantageous at larger scales
Animal models of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Diversity and validity
No full textInternational audienceAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most widespread neurodevelopmental disorders globally, marked by chronic symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Its multifactorial origin and phenotypic heterogeneity make it a complex condition, and despite substantial research, the precise causes of ADHD remain poorly understood. A significant challenge in advancing ADHD research is the lack of a unified resource that consolidates animal models across different species and considers the diversity of ADHD subtypes and associated coexisting conditions. This lack of standardization of the models delays progress in developing a deeper understanding of the neuronal and molecular mechanisms behind the disorder, which is essential to advance its treatment. This review aims to bridge this gap by offering a comprehensive compilation of available animal models used in ADHD research, accompanied by an evaluation of their validity. It is essential for researchers to have access to a range of models, each selected based on the specific scientific objectives and hypotheses of their studies. The review highlights that an extensive approach to studying ADHD, including its various dimensions and associated conditions, requires the use of multiple animal models. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of assessing the mechanisms and broader effects of current pharmacological treatments while also exploring novel therapeutic possibilities. By providing a clearer and more structured resource, this work pursues to assist researchers in selecting the most appropriate models for their investigations. Additionally, it aims to contribute to the broader understanding of ADHD neurobiology, offering new perspectives for new models and the potential for more targeted therapeutic strategies. SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders globally, is marked by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. This review evaluates animal models for ADHD and its coexisting conditions, emphasizing the need for diverse models to reflect its complexity. It underscores the importance of selecting appropriate models to address specific research goals and investigates current and potential pharmacological treatments, providing a vital resource for advancing ADHD research and improving therapeutic approaches
An Overview of Biodiesel Production via Heterogeneous Catalysts: Synthesis, Current Advances, and Challenges
No full textInternational audienceBiodiesel, a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels, has attracted significant attention due to its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, high production costs and complex processing remain challenges. Heterogeneous catalysts have shown promise in overcoming these barriers by offering benefits, such as easy separation, reusability, low-cost raw materials, and the ability to reduce reaction times and energy consumption. This review evaluates key classes of heterogeneous catalysts, such as metal oxides, ion exchange resins, and zeolites, and their performance in transesterification and esterification processes. It highlights the importance of catalyst preparation methods, textural properties, including surface area, pore volume, and pore size, activation techniques, and critical operational parameters, like the methanol-to-oil ratio, temperature, time, catalyst loading, and reusability. The analysis reveals that catalysts supported on high surface area materials often achieve higher biodiesel yields, while metal oxides derived from natural sources provide cost-effective and sustainable options. Challenges, such as catalyst deactivation, sensitivity to feedstock composition, and variability in performance, are discussed. Overall, the findings underscore the potential of heterogeneous catalysts to enhance biodiesel production efficiency, although further optimization and standardized evaluation protocols are necessary for their broader industrial application.</div
Exploring theory of mind abilities in Lebanese chronic patients with schizophrenia: A cross-sectional study
No full textInternational audienceIntroduction: In recent decades, social cognition has become a central focus in schizophrenia research. Multiple previous studies reported impairments in multiple social cognitive domains. One particular domain of social cognition affected in schizophrenia is "Theory of Mind (TOM). The objective of this study was to examine the heterogeneity of ToM impairments within the schizophrenia population and compare TOM performance between individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and a matched healthy control group. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2024 and September 2024 at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross (HPC) in Lebanon that explored TOM abilities in 146, chronic Lebanese schizophrenia inpatients and 50 healthy controls, using the Arabic translation of the "TOM-15," a False Belief Task. Results: A significant difference between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls was found, with the patient group scoring poorer on both first-order, and second-order false belief and in the comprehension control task of the TOM-15. Furthermore, among the patient population, impairments in second-order false belief were more pronounced than first-order. Performance on the BACS scale for neuro-cognition showed moderate associations with performance on the TOM-15. Multivariable analysis revealed a negative association between depression and second-order tasks as well as females outperforming males in TOM-15, especially in the second-order task. Conclusion:The results revealed significant TOM impairments in patients with schizophrenia as compared to healthy controls, with greater difficulties observed in second-order false belief tasks.</div
Innovative resource management for strategic entrepreneurship and competitive advantage
No full textInternational audienceThis empirical investigation explores the integration of strategic entrepreneurship (SE) and the resource-based view (RBV) within Chinese manufacturing enterprises to identify mechanisms for sustained competitive advantage (SCA). Central to this study is the assessment of knowledge-based resources and their impact on core competencies and opportunity newness. The findings indicate that knowledge-based resources significantly enhance core competencies and contribute positively to the level of opportunity newness, which in turn influences the firm’s strategic and innovative capabilities. A crucial element of this study is the examination of resource bundling processes stabilising, enriching, and pioneering. These processes serve as moderators between core competencies and knowledge-based resources. Particularly, the enriching bundling process exhibits a stronger modulatory effect compared to its counterparts. This research underscores the dynamic interplay between opportunity recognition, resource management, and core competencies within the framework of SE, providing new insights into the strategic management of resources for achieving and sustaining competitive advantages. This study contributes to theoretical advancements by demonstrating the practical implications of SE in aligning strategic resources with entrepreneurial opportunities for enhanced organisational performance
Collaborative CSR strategies for very small business enterprises
No full textInternational audienceThis study explores the impact of regulatory changes on the entrepreneurial practices of very small enterprises (VSEs) in the building trade, particularly focusing on the shift towards collaborative or grouped actions. With the increasing emphasis on energy performance due to regulations from the Grenelle Environment Round Table, craftspeople are compelled to adapt by forming strategic partnerships. The research identifies different profiles of craftsmen based on their motivations, priorities, and capacity for collaboration. By employing a co-construction methodological approach, the study reveals the challenges and opportunities that arise from grouped actions, such as navigating legal frameworks and fostering trust among collaborators. The findings highlight the diversity of entrepreneurial strategies and underscore the necessity of developing actionable tools to support effective group collaboration. The study concludes that while grouped action presents a promising pathway for addressing the evolving demands of the sector, it also requires a nuanced understanding of individual and collective dynamics. These insights provide valuable implications for both practitioners and policymakers aiming to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of small enterprises through collaborative efforts
Psychometric properties of the Arabic versions of the perceived social competence scale and the prosociality scale
No full textInternational audienceBackground: Prosocial behaviors refer to a variety of voluntary actions intended to benefit others and the society. They have consistently proven their capacity to promote individuals' well-being and personal development. Nevertheless, these constructs remain largely underexplored in the Arab world. Providing validated measures of prosocial behaviors in the Arabic language for the Lebanese population could direct research attention towards assessing these behaviors and their promoting factors, thereby enhancing positive psychology. In this regard, we aimed to psychometrically validate the Standard Arabic-translated versions of the Perceived Social Competence scale (PSCS) and Prosociality Scale (PS) among a sample of Lebanese adults.Methods: A total of 403 Lebanese adults (27% men and 73% women) completed an online questionnaire containing the PSCS and PS, as well as the Buss-Perry aggression questionnaire-short form, the Jong-Gierveld loneliness scale, and the depression anxiety stress scale.Results: Both of the PSCS and PS yielded a unidimensional factor structure and demonstrated high levels of composite reliability, with McDonald ω values of 0.83 and 0.95, respectively. The analysis also supported configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender for the two scales. Convergent validity was evidenced by a high correlation between the PSCS and PS, both measuring prosocial behaviors. In addition, weak and/or non-significant relations between prosocial behaviors and non-theoretically relevant variables (i.e., aggression, loneliness, and psychological distress) provided evidence for the divergent validity of both scales.Conclusion: Our study cautiously suggested that the Standard Arabic versions of the PSCS and PS are psychometrically valid for measuring prosocial behaviors. This study should prompt further research in the field of social competence/prosocial behaviors for the sake of promoting positive psychological interventions in Lebanon. Future research should prioritize the inclusion of more diverse samples, encompassing a wider range of sociodemographic characteristics, in order to enhance the generalizability of these findings to the broader Lebanese population
A Multinational Study on the Mediating Effect of TikTok Addiction Between Psychological Distress and Academic Self-Efficacy Among University Students
No full textInternational audienceWith the rapid rise in TikTok usage among youth, concerns regarding its addictive usage and impact on mental health and academic performance have emerged. The present study was undertaken to evaluate whether TikTok addiction mediates the relationship between psychological distress (depression and anxiety) and academic self-efficacy (ASE) of Arab university students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 3257 university students in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Oman. Students completed validated Arabic translations of measures of our variables of interest. Mediation analyses were carried out using the PROCESS macro in SPSS, after adjusting for relevant covariates. TikTok addiction significantly mediated the relationship between psychological distress and ASE. Specifically, it partially mediated the link of anxiety (indirect effect: Beta = - 0.28 (indicating a moderate negative association); Boot SE = 0.04; Boot 95% CI - 0.35, - 0.20) and depression (indirect effect: Beta = - 0.28 (indicating a moderate negative association); Boot SE = 0.04; Boot 95% CI - 0.35, - 0.20) to ASE. Higher depression and anxiety were significantly associated with higher TikTok addiction, and higher TikTok addiction was significantly associated with lower ASE. In addition, higher depression and anxiety were significantly and directly associated with lower ASE. Conversely, when TikTok addiction was modeled as the independent variable, both anxiety (indirect effect: Beta = - 0.05; Boot SE = 0.01; 95% CI - 0.08; - 0.03) and depression (indirect effect: Beta = - 0.05; Boot SE = 0.01; 95% CI - 0.08; - 0.03) mediated its negative association with ASE. Problematic TikTok use and psychological distress appear to reinforce one another in diminishing students' academic confidence. This reciprocal mediation highlights a harmful cycle in which TikTok addiction and internalizing symptoms jointly erode ASE. Interventions targeting social media addiction could enhance students' academic functioning and well-being in Arab university settings