bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY AT CROSSROADS: THE ROAD MAP AND INCUBATING ROLE OF THE COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE, DIGITALISATION AND NEUROSCIENCES
Authors:   Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, Dinu Daniel Gabriel , Stoian-Karadeli Andreea ,   University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, USA, Doroiman Adrian ,   IBM Romania, Mihoreanu Larisa ,   Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania
Published: July 2022

The today human being is part of the technological and scientific development dominated by information as a both raw material and base of knowledge. The easy and open accesses to information thrust forward the frontiers of development and communication, enlarge the development's paths and generate amazing changes, faster than ever happened. The way that data bases increase its volume becomes the most actual and complex problem. The ability to extract and process the knowledge and the speed of its processing represent unknown and provocative challenges for business profit and the intelligent society success. Their extraction from the informational noise and the ability to react and rapidly communicate are also important to be accurately customized and harmonized with the social elements. This paper demonstrates the usefulness of neuroscience, neuro-technologies and cognitive computing in finding innovative and customized solutions for solving complex problems in business. The conclusion of our study is that, in order to have an advanced and competitive European Union, it is absolutely necessary to develop innovative solutions for Competitive Intelligence that would include the fundamental elements of neuro-technologies and advanced Artificial Intelligence as Cognitive Business profitable keys.
Field Test of Concrete Impermeability of Side Wall of Lakeside Highway Tunnel
Authors: Kong Yueyue
Published: July 2022

The impermeability of concrete of the exterior wall of the underground tunnel in water-rich stratum is a key concern of engineers. Taking the Aixihu highway tunnel in Nanchang city as an example, the impermeability of the concrete in the side wall of the highway tunnel is tested, through multiple tests, such as the embedded steel pipe, water injection, and field observation. The results show that, under the action of 2mpa of water pressure, no water flow permeates from the side wall of the concrete tunnel, indicating that the impermeable performance of concrete tunnel in this section meets the engineering requirements, and hoping that this research can be used as a reference for other similar projects.
The Phenomenon of Near-home Office and the Supported Space: Evidence from Shenzhen’s Employees
Authors: Xie Lin
Published: July 2022

At present, working near home has gradually become prominent. This paper uses a fieldwork approach to investigate the characteristics and motivations of near-home office, and introduce and evaluates the support of near-home office space in Shenzhen. Commonly, the near-home office workers have three behavioral characteristics; Activating in the community; Working flexibly; and Blending life with work. With the development of the office concept and mobile information technology, more people choose and prefer near-home office, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The near-home office space provides working environment and services; however, the near-home office space needs to be improved. This study indicates that near-home office may play an important role in the future, therefore more studies are required in the future focusing on this aspect.
batalla de Sanluri: un pretexto para una nueva interpretación nacionalista e identitaria de la historia medieval sarda
Authors: Gallinari Luciano
Published: July 2022

Este artículo analiza el actual uso e interpretación en términos nacionalistas e identitarios de los efectos políticos, económicos y socioculturales de la batalla de Sanluri entre aragoneses y sardos (30 de junio de 1409), que preparó el camino para la definitiva conquista ibérica de la isla. Uso e interpretación que confirman los principios de las Ciencias Sociales y de la persona, según los cuales la memoria y el pasado se reordenan y reconstruyen de acuerdo a las necesidades del presente de los que recuerdan y reconstruyen.
Palabras claves: Cerdeña aragonesa, Giudicato de Arborea, Batalla de Sanluri, siglos XIV-XV.
Abstract: This article analyses the current use and interpretation in nationalist and identitarian terms of the political, economic and socio-cultural effects of the battle of Sanluri between Aragonese and Sardinians (30 June 1409), which paved the way for the ultimate Iberian conquest of the island. Use and interpretation that confirm the principles of the Social and Personal Sciences, according to which memory and the past are reordered and reconstructed according to the needs of the present of those who remember and reconstruct.
Keywords: Aragonese Sardinia, Giudicato of Arborea, Battle of Sanluri, 14th - 1 5th centuries.
«Nós vivim e passam ab gran afany e misèria nostra vida e stat». Las dificultades económicas de una reina viuda. El caso de Margarita de Prades (v. 1410-1430). 2ª parte: El reinado de Alfonso el Magnánimo hasta la muerte de la reina (1416-1430)
Authors: Juncosa Bonet Eduard
Published: July 2022

Resumen: En los últimos años, se han incrementado considerablemente los estudios dedicados a las reinas medievales; sin embargo, se ha prestado una menor atención a lo que sucedía con aquellas que enviudaban. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar en profundidad el prolongado periodo de viudedad de Margarita de Prades (1410-1430), el cual contrasta con su efímero reinado de poco más de ocho meses y medio. Todo un elenco de fuentes, en gran parte inéditas, custodiadas en los archivos reales, papales, nobiliarios, notariales y municipales nos servirá para reconstruir una realidad marcada por las graves y recurrentes dificultades económicas a las que tuvo que hacer frente esta reina fugaz. Teniendo en cuenta la amplitud del corpus documental manejado y primando la exhaustividad por encima de una mera perspectiva de síntesis, el artículo se divide en dos partes, abordándose en esta segunda los años de reinado de Alfonso el Magnánimo hasta el fallecimiento de la reina viuda.
Palabras clave: Margarita de Prades, reginalidad, reina viuda, dificultades económicas, monja, Corona de Aragón, dinastía Trastámara, Alfonso el Magnánimo, Monasterio de Santa Maria de Valldonzella, Monasterio de Bonrepòs, siglo xv.
Abstract: Whereas we have come to find a substantial increase in the number of studies focusing on medieval queens in recent years, less attention has been paid to those who became widowed. This article’s aim is to conduct a detailed analysis of the prolonged period of time that Margarita de Prades remained a widow (1410-1430), a considerably long period when compared to her short reign which lasted for just over eight and a half months. A wide range of largely unpublished sources kept in royal, papal, nobility, notarial and municipal archives will provide us with the information needed to recreate a reality marked by the severe and recurring financial difficulties faced by this short-reigning queen. Considering the breadth of documents and prioritising thoroughness over a simple summary of viewpoints, a decision to split the article in two was made. This second instalment will deal specifically with the years of the reign of Alfonso the Magnanimous until the death of the queen dowager.
Keywords: Margarita de Prades, queenship, queen dowager, financial difficulties, nun, Crown of Aragon, Trastamara dynasty, Alfonso the Magnanimous, Monastery of Santa Maria de Valldonzella, Monastery of Bonrepòs, 15th century.
reglamento de la aljama de judíos de Tarazona a comienzos del siglo XV
Authors: Blasco Martínez Asunción
Published: July 2022

Resumen: Durante el siglo xiv y hasta 1409, la aljama de judíos de Tarazona se gobernó por la costumbre y mediante provisiones y mandatos reales que sus dirigentes, adelantados y clavarios aplicaban con mayor o menor fortuna. Hasta la fecha no se conocían ordenaciones generales para esa aljama, salvo las que en 1420 le concedió la reina María de Castilla, publicadas por Manuel Serrano y Sanz, parcialmente, en 1918. De ahí que sea oportuno dar a conocer y analizar las ordenaciones que en 1409 y 1413 otorgó a la aljama turiasonense la reina viuda Violante de Bar y profundizar en el estudio de las concedidas en 1420, apenas estudiadas.
Palabras clave: judíos, ordenaciones, tacanot, Tarazona, Aragón, Violante de Bar, María de Castilla, siglo xv.
Abstract: During the 14th century, and until 1409, the Jewish community in Tarazona was governed by custom, regulations and royal edicts, which its communal authorities, aldermen and economic officials, applied with greater or lesser success. Until now, general ordinances for this community were unknown, except for those granted by Queen Maria of Castile, some of which were published in 1918 by Serrano Sanz. For this reason, it is opportune to publish and analyse those ordinances which in 1409 and 1413 were granted by the widow Queen Violant of Bar, and to further examine those of 1420, to which relatively little attention has been paid.
Keywords: Jews, ordinances, tacanot, Tarazona, Aragon, Violant of Bar, María of Castile, 15th century.
laguna turolense de Tortajada y la Huerta de Valencia. Gestión política y financiación de una obra hidráulica (1456-1457)
Authors: Rubio Vela Agustín
Published: July 2022

Resumen: Este estudio, basado en fuentes valencianas, se centra en el análisis de las gestiones políticas del gobierno municipal de Valencia para realizar en 1457 un trasvase del agua de la laguna turolense de Tortajada. El objetivo de esta actuación era incrementar el nivel de las acequias de la Huerta, afectadas por una fuerte sequía. Se aborda, asimismo, la financiación de la empresa y los obstáculos que encontró.
Palabras clave: Valencia, Aragón, Teruel, regadío, ingeniería hidráulica, siglo xv.
Abstract: This study, based on Valencian sources, focuses on the political efforts of the Valencia municipal government, in 1457, to transfer water from the Tortajada lagoon in Teruel (Spain). The objective of this action was to increase the level of the irrigation canals of the Huerta, affected by a severe drought. The research also addresses the financing of this venture and the obstacles it faced.
Key words: Valencia, Aragón, Teruel, irrigation systems, water engineering, 15th century
Per via de càstich e correcció: violència domèstica i llicències de càstigs a la València baixmedieval.
Authors: Barber Blasco Alberto
Published: July 2022

Resumen: El present estudi analitza les llicències de càstigs particulars que foren expedides pel tribunal del Justícia Criminal, centrant-se en les persones que demanaren aquestes llicències i els grups socials que patiren aquests càstigs. Un estudi que posa de relleu els llibres de cèdules com a font d’estudi que ens permet endinsar-nos en la violència de caire més domèstica i conéixer els motius pels quals els particulars volgueren aplicar a ajudants, mossos, esclaus, familiars o insans del seu nucli social més directe o indirecte.
Palabras clave: València, Baja Edad Media, justicia criminal, castigo medieval, violencia doméstica.
Abstract: The present study analyzes the particular’s punishment licenses issued by the Criminal Justice court, paying attention in the people who ordered these licenses and the social groups who suffered these punishments. An study that highlights the llibres de cèdules as a research source that allows us to get into the domestic violence And to know the reasons why private individuals wanted to apply to assistants, servants, slaves, family members or insane people from their most direct or indirect social nucleus.
Keywords: Valencia, latter Middle Ages, criminal justice, punishment, domestic violence.
Tendencias de la investigación en la sociología de la comunicación de masas
Authors: García Madrigal Florencio
Published: July 2022

Panorámica sumaria sobre el origen y formación de la sociología de la comunicación de masas, a través de la reseña de las distintas corrientes de investigación que son significativas en el ámbito internacional. Inaugurada en Norteamérica bajo los requerimientos del sistema, ha sido contestada por la sociología crítica, siendo también reorientada con otros fines alternativos en diversos países.
fomento sistemático de la desconfianza
Authors: Gastón Enrique
Published: July 2022

Dado que los niños reciben mensajes condicionadores antes de tener las facultades críticas formadas, se propone experimentar con un modelo de televisión que les permita desconfiar sistemáticamente de cuanto dicen los adultos, incluido su lenguaje.
Ocho crónicas sobre televisión española
Authors: Rey del Corral José Antonio
Published: July 2022

Alguna de las corrientes comunicológicas en boga aboga por la idea de que la historia del futuro quedará reducida a una imagen de televisión de la que se excluirá el acontecimiento. En realidad, los acontecimientos seguirán su propio curso sin que logren afectar nuestra visión, sin que la ocurrencia televisiva padezca en absoluto. Lo que aparezca en pantalla -la pantalla, nunca mejor dicho, actuará como una pantalla- será otra cosa. El viejo narrador -que mintiera o no, no importa- que solía decirnos cosas por el estilo de «yo estuve allí», o «lo vi con mis propios ojos» vendrá a ser sustituido por un actuario que dirá algo así como «yo desde esta pantalla, os voy a ocurrir lo que vais a ver, creadme» o «mirad, mirad con el ojo del asiento». Lo significativo no consistirá, por lo tanto, en que las historias sean firmadas, ni siquiera que aparezcan filmadas; lo significativo será que parezcan filmadas y que, existencias aparte, sean seguidas de algún debate en frecuencia modulada.
mercado político de las decisiones públicas
Authors: Pelet Redon Carmen
Published: July 2022

El intento de aplicar el análisis económico, en la pretensión de elaborar una teoría de la acción gubernamental, pasa por analizar las motivaciones y el comportamiento de los agentes que intervienen en el proceso de toma de decisiones públicas, dirigentes del gobierno, políticos, votantes y grupos de presión, durante el periodo electoral, dentro del funciona­ miento de un sistema democrático, así como los efectos que conlleva la acción política, en una sociedad como la que estamos inmersos, donde no existe información perfecta y donde, por lo tanto, este limitado conocimiento de los asuntos públicos es un factor necesario para explicar la eficiencia de los grupos de presión.
Flexibilidad del mercado de trabajo y creación de empleo
Authors: Solas Picó Mª Teresa
Published: July 2022

Análisis de la interrelación flexibilidad-empleo. Incidencia de los cambios tecnológicos en la polémica flexibilidad-"desarme normativo". Situación de problema en España y breve análisis de la flexibilidad de entrada en el mercado de trabajo europeo.
Acampada libre y legislación
Authors: Nasarre Sarmiento José María
Published: July 2022

La legislación ha tratado de proteger el medio ambiente prohibiendo la acampada, limitándola, controlándola o integrándola en otros conjuntos de medidas. Hoy día la legislación debe perseguir también la prevención y educación ambiental.
mundo sin fronteras
Authors: Rey del Corral José A.
Published: July 2022

Al principio era el paisaje hasta que apareció un tal K que más tarde sería llevado a la Literatura por el patético judío de Praga. Sucede que dicho K, cumpliendo verticales órdenes, loteó el paisaje, y es así como aparecieron parcelas y predios, punteados por líneas imaginarias que venían a coincidir, sospechosamente, con ese otro reparto de la Geografía en áreas de rapiña. La Geografía, una vez admitido el uso de la Geometría sobre su piel irregular, dejó de ser natural y se convirtió en mapa político. Severas conminaciones dividieron las aguas. La Antropología se partió en pedazos y hubo un proceso de concentración parcelaria que significó la desposesión de muchos bajo el mandato de unos pocos.
coaliciones distributivas dentro de una sociedad pluralista
Authors: Pelet Redón Carmen
Published: July 2022

Los grupos de interés, al operar en la esfera económica, se proponen en primer lugar fortalecer la posición de mercado de sus miembros mediante medidas adoptadas, en cierto modo, contra las fuerzas del mercado -por ejemplo, por vías de organización, regulación, legislación, etcétera-; y segundo, que a esos grupos de interés les preocupan en grado sumo una serie de cuestiones distributivas del tipo de «suma cero», en las que sólo se pueden proteger o favorecer los intereses de sus miembros en la medida en que se amenace o se perjudique a los de otros grupos.
respeto a la cultura de la diferenciación
Authors: Bañez Tello Tomasa
Published: July 2022

Análisis del proceso de exclusión social que se produce en nuestra sociedad a partir de las diferencias individuales, crítica a las intervenciones sociales actuales ante este tema y planteamiento del reto que supone para el Trabajo social, como profesión el respetar en sus actuaciones las diferencias individuales.
mujer
Authors: Tena Tena Gloria , Asin Mendoza María
Published: July 2022

La marginación de la mujer en los estudios históricos, se ha debido a que los historiadores han centrado sus investigaciones en los acontecimientos económico-político-ideológicos de la esfera pública, tradicionalmente dominada por el varón.

No obstante, la mujer no ha estado confinada en la esfera privada ya que ha participado desde siempre en el mundo laboral. Es esta participación y su evolución la que se ha analizado, diferenciando, a lo largo de la historia, tres etapas que tienen características propias.
Aproximación a la polémica sobre "la literatura de mujeres"
Authors: Vicente Serrano Pilar
Published: July 2022

Diversos estudios han intentado demostrar cómo existen rasgos estilísticos y temáticos específicos de la literatura escrita por mujeres. Estos estudios coinciden en señalar que estas características específicas se deben a la marginalidad sociocultural en la que ha sido mantenida la mujer a lo largo de la historia. Entre estos rasgos comunes a todas las autoras estaría la búsqueda del yo, la narración de la historia de una forma cercana e intimista, y la escritura de una literatura de compromiso y complicidad con las demás mujeres.
Distinciones ante el derecho de constitución de sindicatos
Authors: Nasarre Sarmiento José María
Published: July 2022

La legislación sindical española no se limita a legalizar los sindicatos sino que les otorga una protección muy privilegiada. Por esta causa, el legislador selecciona a las personas que pueden fundar sindicatos dando lugar a diversas situaciones.
Implicaciones sociales, mercadotecnia y opinión publica, en la aplicación de ingresos de inserción
Authors: García Madrigal Florencio
Published: July 2022

En una época en que los conflictos sociales emergen con nuevas formas, se plantea la conveniencia de asumir principios de mercadotecnia social y opinión pública, en la aplicación de programas sociales controvertidos.
Futuros líderes: estudio comparativo con una muestra de estudiantes españoles y franceses
Authors: De Luis M.ª Pilar
Published: July 2022

La competitividad de las empresas aragonesas en la nueva Europa, depende en gran medida de la capacidad directiva de nuestros líderes. Las actitudes de los jóvenes aragoneses, nos inclinan a pensar que los líderes autoritarios continuarán siendo mayoría en la empresa española en los próximos años.
Conductas asociales y características en la personalidad en menores de 10 a 14 años
Authors: Navarro Soto Ana L.
Published: July 2022

Estudio de 151 menores (10 a 14 años), 60 de ellos presentan conductas disociales y absentismo escolar, que no mejora con los apoyos prestados a las familias, aún con una evolución positiva de las mismas. Un servicio de protección y atención a las familias, no es suficiente para resolver los conflictos sociales y psicológicos que sufren y provocan estos menores.
cambio del movimiento estudiantil de la revolución a la apatía
Authors: Navarrete Lorenzo Montserrat
Published: July 2022

Veinticinco años después del Mayo francés, el movimiento estudiantil parece haber desaparecido del mapa no ya del de la sociedad sino incluso del de la universidad. ¿Por qué? Este cambio no puede entenderse por la existencia de un solo factor, sino que se debería a la interrelación entre la acción de los poderes públicos y los fracasos históricos del movimiento estudiantil.
trabajo a tiempo parcial, aspectos sociales y organizacionales
Authors: García Arregui Margarita
Published: July 2022

El trabajo a Tiempo Parcial comprende cerca de 1/5 de la fuerza de trabajo en U.S.A., constituyendo en 1990 más del 18% de la población activa. El 90% del empleo a Tiempo Parcial tiene lugar en el sector servicios. Los modelos de trabajo alternativo han cambiado las políticas organizacionales tradicionales, teniendo repercusiones sociales importantes en todos aquellos trabajadores que conforman el mercado de trabajo contingente.
¿Tiene el medio ambiente un contenido económico?
Authors: Arbués Gracia Fernando
Published: July 2022

El creciente interés que la ciencia económica presta desde hace unos cuantos años a los temas relacionados con el medio ambiente y los recursos naturales, es contemplado con cierto recelo por parte de los científicos que tradicionalmente han monopolizado el estudio del entorno natural. Esto se debe en muchos casos a un desconocimiento de lo que realmente la economía, como ciencia, puede aportar en este campo de estudio. En este artículo el objetivo básico será ofrecer una primera aproximación al contenido económico del medio ambiente, junto a las posibilidades y limitaciones que ofrece el estudio del mismo desde una perspectiva netamente económica.
Notas sobre participación y flexibilidad en la relación laboral
Authors: Lasierra Esteban José Manuel
Published: July 2022

El debate sobre la flexibilidad en el empleo nace en el ámbito macroeconómico, por los problemas derivados de las elevadas tasas de desempleo, para recalar en el ámbito microeconómico, en la empresa. Aquí se van a analizar diversas cuestiones que permiten apuntar posibles soluciones que atienden tanto a los problemas de eficiencia de las empresas como, elevándonos otra vez al ámbito macroeconómico, a cuestiones de equidad. La participación es una forma de generar flexibilidad para mejorar la eficiencia de la empresa en un entorno económico cambiante, pero puede ser igualmente un sistema que contribuya a la equidad, porque permite obtener flexibilidad a menores costes tanto en el plano individual como en el agregado.
medio ambiente y la contabilidad
Authors: Sanz Santolaria Carlos Javier
Published: July 2022

El deterioro del medio ambiente es uno de los problemas que más preocupa a la sociedad moderna. Cada vez resulta más evidente la importancia que tiene la implantación en las distintas unidades económicas de un sistema de información y control relativo a la gestión medioambiental que permita reflejar los resultados habidos en este ámbito. La Contabilidad medioambiental o Contabilidad verde suministra información a terceros sobre el impacto ecológico de la actividad económica de una determinada empresa.
Realidades demográficas actuales
Authors: Urbez Garcia Jesús Manuel
Published: July 2022

Las evoluciones demográficas son continuamente objeto de reflexiones, estudios y reuniones a nivel internacional como la Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre Población y Desarrollo, celebrada en El Cairo en Septiembre de 1994. Este artículo propone aportar elementos de reflexión sobre las realidades específicas en el campo de la población.
¿Crisis del estado de bienestar?
Authors: Grau Morancho Ramiro
Published: July 2022

El estado de bienestar hace aguas, en España y en todos los países donde existe. Los gastos sociales se incrementan constantemente, mientras que la recaudación fiscal permanece estable, cuando no decrece...

El "modelo" español, por otra parte, está muy politizado e instrumentalizado electoralmente: pensiones no contributivas, plan de empleo rural, etc.

Se hace necesario, incluso imprescindible, recortar los gastos sociales. Económicamente el actual estado de bienestar -o de beneficencia, según se mire-, es imposible de mantener.
extensión del modelo de participación de los sindicatos
Authors: Nasarre Sarmiento José María
Published: July 2022

Los sindicatos cuentan con un modelo muy completo de participación en las tareas públicas que puede servir de guía para articular la colaboración de los poderes públicos con otros diferentes grupos sociales organizados.
Trabajo Social y los Servicios Sociales
Authors: Mesa Raya Carmen , Gracia Ibáñez Jorge , Fernández-Campo Alba Mª
Published: July 2022

El trabajo que se presenta tiene su origen en la investigación social aplicada publicada en junio del 2020 titulada: “¿Cómo implementar un sistema de mediación familiar en Aragón?”. Partiendo de la descripción de las luces y las sombras del sistema de mediación familiar actual, se explica la importancia del trabajo social y de los servicios sociales para avanzar hacia un renovado sistema que fomente y promueva la mediación extrajudical desde los servicios sociales, fortaleciendo así la dimensión preventiva de la intervención en los conflictos familiares y dotando a la mediación familiar de la posibilidad de ser ejercida como técnica puntual dentro de la intervención familiar o como una metodología o servicio específico que se despliega, dependiendo de cada caso,desde diferentes modelos teóricos.En este contexto, cobra especial relevancia el trabajo social como disciplina y como profesión por su capacitación para el ejercicio no sólo de la mediación familiar sino de otras técnicas o metodologías de intervención familiar que se complementan con ella.
La producción y el consumo de energía eléctrica en España
Authors: Molina Ibáñez Mercedes
Published: July 2022

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La localización de espacios agrícolas en el Pirineo Alto-Aragonés: Tendencias actuales de su utilización
Authors: Valenzuela Fuertes María Carmen
Published: July 2022

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Mercado de trabajo y desempleo en la región aragonesa
Authors: Bono Francisco
Published: July 2022

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Unidades de análisis y densidades urbanas: Zaragoza
Authors: Calvo Palacios José Luis
Published: July 2022

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Papel del geógrafo en las investigaciones del espacio urbano
Authors: Straszeswicz Ludwik
Published: July 2022

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Malva pseudolavatera Leaf Extract Promotes ROS Induction Leading to Apoptosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells in Vitro. (2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, El Khoury Marianne
Published: July 2022

Malva pseudolavatera Webb & Berthel. is a plant from the Malvaceae family that has long been included in the human diet due to its various curative effects. Many plant leaf extracts from the various species of Malva genus have been reported to possess anti-cancer properties, however, studies on M. pseudolavatera leaves have documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects with no emphasis on their possible anti-cancer potential. The present study explores the anti-cancer properties of M. pseudolavatera leaf extract on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines in vitro and deciphers the underlying molecular mechanism. Treatment of AML cell lines with M. pseudolavatera methanolic leaf extract showed a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of proliferation and a dose-dependent increase in apoptotic hallmarks such as an increase in phosphatidylserine on the outer membrane leaflet and membrane leakage in addition to DNA fragmentation. The pro-apoptotic effect was induced by reactive oxygen species as well as an upregulation of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and release of cytochrome-c from the mitochondria. Major compounds of the extract included methyl linolenate, phytol, γ-sitosterol, and stigmasterol as revealed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. This study shows that M. pseudolavatera methanolic leaf extract exhibits promising anti-cancerous effects on AML cell lines.
Circuit-Averaged Modeling of Non-Ideal Low-Power DC-AC Inverters. (c2021)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Ghizzawi Farouk
Published: July 2022

With the growing demand for electrical DC storage and sources, DC-AC conversion has become an indispensable component for not only high and medium, but also low-power applications. In this thesis, we introduce an efficient and accurate multi-harmonic circuit-averaged modeling technique for non-ideal pulse-width modulated DC-AC inverters for low-power applications. The proposed model significantly reduces simulation times by using circuit-averaging and accurately anticipates the AC signal response by modeling the circuit behavior at different harmonics. The proposed model deploys the inductor current in the filter at the inverter output as a state variable, and accurately records circuit dynamics while accounting for switching losses associated with non-ideal devices. We show that the developed index-0 and index-1 circuits compare well with transistor-level simulations under a variety of operating conditions.
Comparative Genome Analysis and Characterization of Salmonella enterica using Whole-Genome Sequencing Approach. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Hdayed Dana
Published: July 2022

Salmonella spp. are facultative rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria and are a leading cause of worldwide foodborne gastroenteritis. We used in this study whole-genome sequencing and conventional approaches to characterize Salmonella enterica spp. clinical isolates recovered from Lebanon. Pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT) were used to type the isolates and determine plasmid types and distribution. blaTEM1B and aac(6’)-Iaa genes mediating resistance to ampicillin and aminoglycosides were among the detected resistance determinants. IncFIB and IncFII were the two most common incompatibility groups, with the IncX1 plasmid harboring the blaTEM1B. We also found six multi-locus sequence types (MLST) with ST11 being the most prevalent. Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPI) encode for virulence determinants linked to survival, invasion, and ability of the organism to spread outside the intestines. SPI-1 to 5 were commonly detected across the different serovars in this study. The SPI-13 is conserved in the main serovars and is replaced in the same genomic locus by SPI-8, and this was evident in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The question of whether the isolates were part of an outbreak or not was raised. We used Outbreaker workflow to follow and determine if they were close enough to be classified as originating from a common source. The constructed Gengraph, showed that the number of observed mutations was in the range of 1 to 50, thus ruling out the possibility of the isolates being linked to an epidemiologically defined outbreak. Our study provided a detailed whole genome molecular characterization of S. enterica isolates collected from Lebanon. The approach we used helped in having a more accurate overview, and SNP-based analysis proved to give a better insight into the genetic diversity than the traditionally used approaches. Our findings, accordingly, supported the notion of shifting towards the implementation of WGS as the best approach for outbreak detection being it in the food industry or hospital settings.
E-Court. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Naser Eldeen Yara
Published: July 2022

E-Court systems have transformed justice from being traditional to being virtual, through the employment of advanced technologies. These systems are keys for systematic, efficient, unbiased justice, and case tardiness, which in return mirror the dignity of the judiciary system, and foster esteem for the rule of law, thus granting citizen’s rights and faith in their governments. Helping governments recognize the importance and the magnificent impact of ECourt systems in evolving the justice and solving its problems, in my point of view deserves undertaking. Yet, the concept and techniques of E-Court systems are still relatively new for many countries including Lebanon. Throughout this paper, an analysis of the whole procedure is held, and real life examples of countries are provided. Therefore, this thesis aims at generating and outlining this concept and helps in introducing its six main E-Justice systems in order to assist the legal audience to take the approach and introduce such concept in their judiciaries, because it is the means for the successful reform.
Work-life Balance and Turnover Intentions. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Abi Antoun Tonya
Published: July 2022

Reducing turnover is one of the hottest topics in human resource management, as it represents significant costs to the organization. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between work-life balance and employees’ turnover intentions. It also explores the roles of employee loyalty and organizational identification as mediators between work–life balance and turnover intentions. The survey sampled 222 employees from different industries within Lebanon. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the relationship. Significant sequential mediation was identified which provides insights to both practitioners and academicians. Also, future research is addressed.
Syrians in Beirut post-2011. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Shmaitilly Sarah
Published: July 2022

With more than a million Syrians arriving to Lebanon since 2011, most studies have been focusing on refugees in encampment or on the precarious lives working-class Syrians lead. This thesis aims to fill a gap in the literature which overlooks a group of Syrians who now are part and parcel of the social and cultural life in Beirut; the middle and upper-class. Drawing primarily on the theoretical concepts of Pierre Bourdieu and data collected from semi-structured, in-depth interviews, the thesis explores these non-refugees’ economic, social, and cultural capitals and how they were utilized to settle and informally integrate in the city. It illustrates how the working-class Syrians are at the receiving end of discrimination by the Lebanese state and people, while the rich enjoy various privileges like access to citizenship, higher education, well-paying jobs, more respect, and an overall better experience of settlement in a new setting.
A Production Model with Continuous Demand for Imperfect Finished Items Resulting from the Quality of Raw Material. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Nasr El Dine Mohammad
Published: July 2022

This thesis aims to investigate the production process having different qualities of a single type of raw material which is utilized in the production process of the finished good. From preceding studies, researchers usually discarded the idea of including imperfect quality items in production. This thesis, however, regards the case in which the two types of raw material, the perfect and the imperfect qualities items, are not discarded but rather used in to produce the finished product. This consequently results in the production of two types of finished product, perfect and imperfect qualities, respectively. That being said, it is also assumed that the two types of finished products have continuous. It must be noted that this modeling approach still has not been researched. The development of two models that are subject to the inventory cycle length of each type of raw material is done in this thesis. For that, and to better illustrate how optimal production quantity is determined, numerical examples are provided. In this thesis, we present theoretical implications with recommendations being provided in the end.
The Effect of a Maternal Dairy-Free Lebanese Mediterranean Diet on Colic and Allergy Symptoms in Exclusively Breastfed Infants. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Hanna Marya
Published: July 2022

The origins of infantile colic are yet to be confirmed, however, multiple mechanisms have been proposed including cow’s milk protein allergy and presence of gut inflammation. The Mediterranean diet has numerous protective roles in multiple diseases, including its protective role observed in inflammatory and allergic diseases. In this study, we compared healthy exclusively breastfed infants whose mothers were either on their own typical diet (n=10) or on a dairy free Lebanese Mediterranean diet (LMD) (n=7). Mothers were recruited during pregnancy and assessed at weeks 2, 4 and 7 postpartum. Infant allergy and colic symptoms and behavior, including crying duration, were assessed using a questionnaire. Infant fecal sample were collected, and concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and pH were determined. Differences between the two groups were analyzed using the two sample independent t test and Mann-Whitney test depending on distribution of the variable while fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate the difference in categorical variables. Mothers in the intervention group scored higher on the dairy free LMD index (p=0.05). Daily consumption of dairy was lower for mothers on a dairy free LMD (p=0.01) while that of the remaining food groups was not statistically different. Infant fecal profile (ECP, p=0.971; pH, p=0.665), allergy and colic symptoms (p=0.447) were not statistically different between the two groups, but a trend towards lower crying duration in the second week was observed (p= 0.174). Although adherence to a dairy free LMD in exclusively breastfeeding mothers did not show substantial effects on infant allergy or colic symptoms, it is difficult to draw conclusions due to our small sample size. Further investigating the effects of maternal adherence to a LMD in exclusively breastfed infants is needed.
Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Recovered from Hospitalized Patients in Lebanon. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, El Khoury Maria
Published: July 2022

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats to public health. Carbapenems are among the few useful antibiotics against multidrug resistant Enterobacteriaceae. This study aimed at characterizing the plasmid content and resistome of clinical carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae recovered in the period between 2016-2019 from hospitalized patients in Lebanon. The studied population included: 27 Escherichia coli, 24 Klebsiella pneumoniae, one K. quasipneumoniae, three Morganella morganii, three Citrobacter freundii, five Enterobacter hormaechei, and two Serratia marcescens. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the disk diffusion assay, carbapenemase confirmatory testing, and in silico whole-genome based analysis revealed that the majority of the isolates (87.7%; n=57) were carbapenem resistant harboring a broad range of carbapenemases. blaOXA-48 (33.8%; n=22) and blaOXA-48-like genes were among the detected resistance determinants, with two isolates additionally co-harboring the blaNDM-5. All OXA-48 producing isolates were ESBL and/or AmpC producers and were additionally resistant to non-β-lactam antibiotics. Carbapenem resistance determinants related to blaNDM were also detected including blaNDM-1 (16.9%; n=11), blaNDM-5 (9.2%; n=6), blaNDM-7 (9.2%; n=6), and blaNDM-19 (4.6%; n=3). A wide variety of ESBLs (OXA, SHV, TEM, CTX-M) and AmpC β-lactamases (CMY, DHA, ACT) were among the detected resistance determinants and of which blaCTX-M-15 (58.5%; n=38) and blaOXA-1 (53.8%; n=35) were the most common. Our study revealed a wide variety of incompatibility groups to be associated with carbapenem resistance with the IncFIB(K) (43.1%; n=28) being the most prevalent, followed by IncFIA (40.0%), IncL (35.4%), IncX3 (32.3%), IncI1 (32.3%), IncFIIK (29.2%). It was also the largest genome-based study in the region, revealing the tremendous heterogeneity, plasmid content, and various resistance determinants circulating in the country. High-risk carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae clones pose a significant threat to patients and healthcare systems in Lebanon. The observed plethora of plasmid-encoded resistance genes shed light on implementing corrective measures to mitigate the spread of carbapenem resistance.
Processing Effects on the Oxytetracycline and Tylosin Antibiotic Residues in Middle Eastern Dairy Products. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Saidy Liz
Published: July 2022

Antibiotics are used extensively in healthcare and veterinary fields to treat or prevent certain diseases caused by infectious agents. Their presence in food supply poses a human health threat and thus, can negatively affect the food industry. The main objective of our first-of-its-kind study in the Middle East was to assess the effect of different processes (skimming, pasteurization, curding, pressing, salting, cheese boiling, and whey acidification and heating) on two widely used antibiotics in Lebanon, Oxytetracycline (OTC) and Tylosin (TYL), in making commonly consumed Middle Eastern cheeses (Baladi, Double Crème, Halloum and Akkawi). This was done by spiking 450 Kgs of full-fat bovine milk with 25 ppm/kg of OTC and 8 ppm/kg of TYL, then skimming and pasteurizing using the two common pasteurization methods (Holder and High Temperature Short Time (HTST)), and processing the milk to different cheeses. Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS), the gold standard for the quantification of antibiotics, was used. OTC and TYL were not homogenously distributed between the dairy products. Skimming decreased significantly (p=0.015) TYL concentration by 68.6%. OTC degradation during Holder proved to be significant (p=0.015) and ranged from 40 to 48%, while that during HTST processing (18%) was not significant. As for TYL, HTST had a significant (p=0.012) effect with 32% degradation, while holder pasteurization did not cause a significant degradation (26%). Curding step had a significant (p=0.028) effect on OTC only with the concentration increasing by almost 1.5 folds. Acidification and heating of whey to produce Double Cream decreased significantly (p=0.037) OTC concentration by 14.7 to 46.3%, while TYL concentration increased significantly (p=0.000) by 300%. Pressing and salting did not have any significant effect on OTC and TYL, while cheese boiling in making Halloum significantly decreased the concentration of both antibiotics. The highest concentrations of OTC were measured in curd-based cheeses that did not undergo boiling (Baladi and Akkawi), making them of higher risk in this regard. As for TYL, the highest transfer level was for the whey-based Double Cream, making this cheese of higher concern for this antibiotic.
Personal Data and Online Marketing. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Ayoub Jouana
Published: July 2022

Advertisements following users from one screen to another have become common nowadays. Companies process users’ personal data to target users and create personalized advertisements, the thing that raises concerns about the privacy of personal information. This has triggered the enactment of regulations that cover data protection and processing for advertising and commercial purposes. In this research, we study the GDPR, which is considered the world’s standard regulation of data protection, and similar laws from UK and the US. In addition, we evaluate the current E-Transactions law and Consumer Protection Law in Lebanon. We identify the factors effecting the regulatory activity and the risks imposed by data processing. An approach to Amazon’s activity is studied, and finally we suggest multiple recommendations to ensure the best practice and safety of users.
“Assessment of Malnutrition Care Practices and Knowledge in Lebanese Hospitals". (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Kawtharani Fatima
Published: July 2022

Undernutrition is a debilitating and highly common condition in the acute hospital setting and it is associated with devastating adverse health and economic outcomes. Several guidelines aim to standardize and optimize hospital malnutrition care practices; however such practices are still insufficient in certain areas due to several barriers especially in developing countries like Lebanon. Data on the current situation of malnutrition care practices in Lebanese hospitals is still unavailable. Therefore, this study aims to describe the quality of malnutrition care in Lebanese hospitals and explore barriers and facilitators to these practices in order to ultimately implement potential strategies to achieve optimal practice. The study is of an observational cross-sectional design where data was collected online through validated questionnaires by the Malnutrition Quality Improvement Initiative MQii addressing actual malnutrition practices, malnutrition knowledge and awareness, as well as the hospitals’ readiness to implement initiatives pertinent to malnutrition care. In addition, semi-structured interviews were held with eight dietitians to acquire qualitative data mainly on the barriers and facilitators of proper malnutrition care. Fifty-eight out of 95 hospitals completed the practice questionnaire. Results showed that private hospitals scored better than governmental hospitals for the malnutrition practice questionnaire (80.4% of private hospitals scored in the “Good Practice” category versus 37.5% for governmental hospitals: P-value= 0.009) and that the presence of a documented malnutrition care protocol was significantly associated with this practice score (P-value = 0.045). Moreover, for malnutrition knowledge and awareness score, the mean average was 8.56 ± 3.22 out of 17 and it was significantly associated with the hospital academic affiliation (P-value = 0.016), location (P-value = 0.006), and size (P-value = 0.036). In addition, the most common barriers identified from the interviews were related to human and financial resources and potential facilitators were mostly related to inter-professional communication and protocol standardization. In conclusion, practice gaps and areas of development were identified in this study in order to serve as a first step for hospitals eager to apply a quality improvement initiative for their malnutrition management systems.
Syrians in Beirut post-2011. (c2020)
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University, Khoury Elie
Published: July 2022

The Syrian crisis had a profound political, social, legal, and economic impact on Lebanon. The country has been historically part of a circular migration with Syria and a receptor of the Syrian labour for its largely informal labour market. With the ongoing Syrian crisis, the dynamics related to circular migration changed, and new dynamics related to forced migration were introduced. The aim of this research is to understand how the Syrian crisis impacted informal labour in Lebanon through understanding of the structural aspect of the informal sector, and the experiences of informal Syrian workers. This study takes informal Syrian workers in Beirut as a case study to answer the thesis’s basic question: How did the Syrian crisis impact the labour informality in Lebanon in the restaurant industry?