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Green synthesis of CaO nanoparticles from chicken eggshells: antibacterial, antifungal, and heavy metal (Pb2⁺, Cr2⁺, Cd2⁺ and Hg2⁺) adsorption properties
No full textInternational audienceBackground : Chicken eggshells, a common poultry byproduct, are rich in calcium and provide a sustainable source for producing calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO NPs). Their use in eco-friendly synthesis aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable materials for environmental and biomedical applications. Objectives: This study develops an eco-friendly method for synthesizing CaO NPs from chicken eggshells, characterizes their physicochemical properties, and evaluates their antibacterial and antifungal activities. It also tests their effectiveness in removing heavy metal ions (Pb 2 ⁺, Cr 2 ⁺, Cd 2 ⁺, and Hg 2 ⁺) from aqueous solutions. Methods : CaO NPs were synthesized by calcining chicken eggshells at 700°C for 7 h. Comprehensive characterization included analysis of crystalline structure, morphology, optical properties, bandgap energy, chemical composition, and thermal stability. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested using the well-agar diffusion method. Batch adsorption experiments evaluated heavy metal ion removal under varying conditions of pH, temperature, stirring time, and adsorbent concentration Results : The synthesis produced spherical, single-crystal CaO NPs with diameters ranging from 5 to 30 nm and a crystalline size of approximately 20 nm. The nanoparticles had a bandgap energy of about 4.7 eV. Significant antibacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus , Klebsiella pneumoniae , and Escherichia coli , with increasing inhibition zones correlating with nanoparticle concentration. The CaO NPs also effectively inhibited Candida albicans . For efficient metal ion removal, the optimal conditions were found to be 30 min at pH 6 with 40 mg of CaO NPs at 25°C, achieving recovery rates of 98% for Pb 2 ⁺, 97% for Cd 2 ⁺, 97% for Cr 2 ⁺, and 97% for Hg 2 ⁺. For near-complete removal, extending the process to 70 min at pH 6 with 40 mg of CaO NPs at 45°C achieved the highest recovery rates: 99% for Pb 2 ⁺, 98% for Cd 2 ⁺, 99% for Cr 2 ⁺, and 99% for Hg 2 ⁺, though this approach involves higher energy and cost. Conclusion : CaO NPs derived from chicken eggshells are effective antibacterial agents and adsorbents for heavy metal removal. These findings highlight their potential for sustainable applications in environmental and biomedical fields
The Lebanese Labour Market: The Bittersweet Reality
No full textInternational audiencePublic and private higher education institutions share the Lebanese market. The mass sector is considered to have the biggest share at all levels. Mismatch between educational choices and market needs continues to occur. Multiple crises hitting the country have aggravated the situation, leading to increased unemployment, poverty, underemployment, and migration trends of the educated. The labour market locked in service activities is not able to create enough jobs. Employers complain about the lack of employability skills creating different markets for graduates from different universities. This chapter proposes a discussion of the Lebanese case in line with the human capital theory and its criticism while reflecting not solely on the applicability for the Lebanese case of the glutting theory, but also the human capabilities theory, the importance of employability skills, and creating job opportunities. A qualitative research design is used with secondary data
Precipitation and Soil Moisture Datasets Show Severe Droughts in the MENA Region
No full textAbstract The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is facing the challenge of lingering droughts. Precipitation and soil moisture are two Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) that are relevant for drought monitoring. We assessed the discrepancies in drought monitoring using remote sensing data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative (ESA-CCI) and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis data (ERA5). A standardized index approach is applied to the four datasets. The indices are spatially and temporally consistent except for the ESA-CCI soil moisture (SM) dataset. The indices depict drought events over the North-West Africa region and show that the TRMM standardized precipitation index (SPI), ERA5 SPI and standardized soil moisture index (SMI) detect drought events in the Near East. A binary classification analysis showed that the indices can accurately and precisely identify drought events across the MENA region except for North East Africa. The indices show that the MENA region was recently under severe to extreme drought conditions, which are driving the exploitation of available water resources in an unsustainable manner. A focus on the Haouz Plain, Morocco, and Aleppo, Syria, shows the critical situation, while the conditions over Al Jazirah, Sudan, are less critical
Dévoilement du patrimoine viticole de Rachaya, Liban : profilage génétique et chimique des variétés de raisins locales
No full textInternational audienceLocated in the Western Bekaa region of Lebanon, Rachaya is renowned for its long history of viticulture and ideal Mediterranean climate for grapevine cultivation. Despite the region's significance in grape production, knowledge about the local grape varieties remains limited, making it essential to characterize these indigenous cultivars for a better understanding of the area's viticultural landscape. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of five local grapevine varieties: 'Obeidy', 'Kassoufi', 'Fodde', 'Halawani', and 'Souri', which were compared to a set of two international varieties. Our study encompassed genetic analysis using 22 SSR markers, morphological assessment based on 15 OIV descriptors related to leaves, bunches, and berries, and chemical profiling of various polyphenol classes in wine, with untargeted chemical discrimination carried out through a High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry-based metabolomics workflow. This detailed evaluation of the local grapevine gene pool revealed substantial diversity, showing that Lebanese grape varieties are genetically unique, with two out of the five genetic profiles previously undocumented in international databases. Additionally, these varieties exhibited distinct chemical traits. These findings are crucial for valorizing and promoting the sustainable use of these grape varieties, particularly as Lebanon's wine production sector continues to expand.Ubicada en la región occidental de bekaa en líbano, rachaya es conocida por su extensa historia de viticultura y las condiciones mediterráneas ideales para el cultivo de la vid. A pesar de la importancia de la zona en la producción de vid, hay un conocimiento limitado sobre las variedades de uva locales cultivadas allí. En este trabajo, realizamos un análisis detallado de cinco variedades locales de vid en la zona: obeidy, kassoufi, foddeh, aswadi y maryami, de las cuales se conoce poco actualmente, en comparación con un conjunto de variedades internacionales. Nuestro estudio incluyó un análisis genético utilizando 25 marcadores ssr, evaluación morfológica con 15 descriptores oiv relacionados con la hoja, el racimo y la baya, y seguimiento de la madurez físico-química de la baya. Los hallazgos revelaron una diversidad sustancial del pool genético de la vid de rachaya con perfiles genéticos, morfológicos y químicos distintivos. Esta información es valiosa para valorizar y promover la utilización sostenible de estas variedades de uva, especialmente para la producción de vino.Située dans la région de la bekaa occidentale du liban, rachaya est connue pour son histoire viticole étendue et ses conditions méditerranéennes idéales pour la culture de la vigne. Malgré l’importance de la région dans la production de raisins, les connaissances sur les variétés locales de raisins qui y sont cultivées sont limitées. Dans ce travail, nous avons mené une analyse détaillée de cinq variétés locales de raisins de la région, obeidy, kassoufi, foddeh, aswadi et maryami, dont on connaît peu de choses actuellement, en comparaison avec un ensemble de variétés internationales. Notre étude a inclus une analyse génétique utilisant 25 marqueurs ssr, une évaluation morphologique avec 15 descripteurs oiv liés à la feuille, à la grappe et à la baie, ainsi que le suivi de la maturité physico-chimique de la baie. Les résultats ont révélé une diversité substantielle du pool génétique de la vigne de rachaya avec des profils génétiques, morphologiques et chimiques distincts. Ces informations sont précieuses pour valoriser et promouvoir l’utilisation durable de ces variétés de raisin, notamment pour la production de vin
Enhancing Simulation Capabilities Through the Integration of Discrete Event Simulation and Virtual Reality
No full textInternational audienceThis paper explores the integration of Discrete Event Simulation (DES) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies, focusing onJaamSim and Unity. By combining the strengths of both, we aim to enhance simulation capabilities across various domains. Theintegration leverages the High-Level Architecture (HLA) IEEE standard to address interoperability and synchronizationchallenges. This approach mitigates resource consumption issues seen in traditional methods that rely on extensive datatransfers, which are dependent on network and server performance. Our integrated system provides an immersive and interactiveenvironment that improves user engagement and decision-making. It allows trainees to better understand complex processesthrough hands-on VR experiences and enables decision-makers to visualize the impacts of different strategies in real-time. Thisapproach maintains a constant rate of messages per client cycle, irrespective of the simulation length, unlike previous methodsthat heavily depended on the process duration
Lebanese Higher Education and the Labor Market: A Marriage or a Divorce?
No full textLebanon suffers from political stagnation, social discontent, and economic collapse. Mismatch between educational choices and labor market needs persists, causing brain drain and high unemployment among university graduates. With a service-oriented market, primarily small and medium enterprises with low job creation prospects, and employer dissatisfaction with university graduates’ skills, the situation for graduates is difficult. This article aims to assess the link between higher education and the labor market amid political and economic instability
Programmes entrepreneuriaux : besoin vital ou tendance
No full textInternational audienceIn contexts of high unemployment, the ecosystem has seen an increase in the number of entrepreneurial programs (ILO 2021). Particularly in developing countries, these programs aim to address the lack in training and introduce students to the concept of entrepreneurship (Cho et Honorati 2013). However, a critical approach to entrepreneurship reveals that traditional models can reproduce socio-economic inequalities (Verduyn et al. 2017). A legitimate question hence emerges: how can incubators optimize their role to promote a more equitable entrepreneurship? The article proposes a qualitative study considering three entrepreneurial programmes in a university incubator in Lebanon. The aim is to better understand the objectives and challenges of entrepreneurial programmes and question the myth of entrepreneurship as a solution to all problems (Keim and al. 2024)
Perception of culinary heritage and innovative food: A case study atEuropean and Mediterranean universities
No full textInternational audienceBackground: The food system is deeply rooted in social and cultural traditions, which are evident across homes, streets, and restaurants in rural and urban areas. Contemporary trends aim to revive and innovate these traditions for different purposes. The food engineering/science curriculum prepares graduates to address societal needs, navigate food transitions, develop sustainablepractices, and innovate within these constraints. Yet, a gap exists between the curriculum and market demands for graduates proficient in culinary sciences for new product development, necessitating adaptations in education to innovate sustainably based on food heritage, culture, and territory.Aims: This study aimed to analyze the perceptions and behaviors related to tradition and innovation in food among students and researchers/educators and examine how these concepts are integrated into food-related study curricula within six faculties involved in the Tradinnovations Erasmus+ project.Methods: An online survey with quantitative and qualitative questions in 1ka platform was disseminated to partner faculties from six countries and yielded 300 respondents. The panel was a mix of students, educators, and researchers, primarily females, reflecting the larger representation of young women in the population of life science university students.Results: The results indicate that traditional foods are more commonly consumed than innovative foods, particularly at home and in settings like traditional markets, regional festivals, and family gatherings. Respondents have a strong emotional attachment to traditional foods, with many recalling childhood memories and family recipes. They prioritize the need to learn about foodhistory, culinary techniques, and cultural contexts of food traditions through practical experiences. Conversely, innovative foods tend to be consumed in restaurants and professional or educational contexts related to food development and retail. Curiosity appears to be a stronger motivator for exploring innovative foods than trendiness. Plant-based foods are the most frequently tastedinnovative products. There is an emphasis on sustainability and a focus on alternative proteins, and the use of algae and seaweed. Conclusions: The findings suggest a need for a multidisciplinary approach in the curriculum to align with student interest in traditional and innovative foods, including culinary techniques food culture, and history. Sustainability and environmental concerns are crucial in food innovation, focusing on local ingredients, packaging, and waste reduction. Many respondents lacked exposure to innovative foods, indicating a need to incorporate hands-on experiences. Addressing curricular gaps and fostering interdisciplinary research can enhance the integration of tradition and innovation in food education, better preparing students for industry challenge
Développement et validation du Test transdiagnostique de symptômes (2TS)
No full textInternational audienceIntroduction: The categorical approach in psychiatry has received many criticisms. Modern research tends to develop a transdiagnostic approach. However, transdiagnostic works lack an overall understanding and focus mainly on anxiety and depression. The aim of the present study was to develop an easy to use tool to evaluate multiple dimensions opening the way for further research in the transdiagnostic approach. This will allow researchers to quickly assess the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions on multiple psychopathological dimensions.Method: First, we identified the main symptoms of psychopathology in a sample of mental healthcare workers. Second, we developed the Symptomatic Transdiagnostic Test (S2T) to assess the main symptoms of psychopathology. Third, we evaluated its psychometric properties (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency) in three non-clinical samples and one clinical sample.Results: The 66-item S2T included eleven factors referring to: i) negative thoughts and mood; ii) psycho-traumatic and maladaptive symptoms; iii) addiction symptoms; iv) disturbed eating behavior; v) disturbed perception and behavior; vi) panic and agoraphobia; vii) emotional lability; viii) dejection; ix) neurodevelopmental manifestations; x) anxiety and xi) psychic hyperactivity. We found a high internal consistency for the general scale (α=0.96) and the subscales. We found a good concurrent validity. As expected, we found higher levels of symptoms within the clinical population as compared to the non-clinical samples, except for addiction symptoms and disrupted eating behavior. We found negative associations between the symptomatic dimensions and psychological skills.Conclusion: The S2T is a relevant tool for clinicians and researchers to assess the psychopathological profile. The main psychopathological symptoms are negatively related to the psychological skills
Development of a new kombucha from grape pomace: the impact of fermentation conditions on composition and biological activities
No full textInternational audienceWinemaking is one of the oldest biotechnology techniques in the world. The wine industry generates 20 million tons of by-products, such as wastewater, stalk, lees, pomace, and stems, each year. The objective of this research project is to valorize wine industry by-products by producing a functional beverage via the fermentation of grape pomace with the kombucha consortium. In this study, grape pomace kombucha was produced under different conditions, and the concentration of the added sucrose in addition to the fermentation duration and temperature were varied. Overall, fermentation was characterized by the consumption of sugars and the production of organic acids and ethanol. An improvement in the concentrations of the total polyphenols and anthocyanins was observed in the developed product (i.e., up to 100%). Moreover, an enhancement of the antioxidant potential by 100%, as well as increases of 50 to 75% in the anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities, was noted