American University of Beirut

Transoral robotic versus laser surgery for cT1-T3 supraglottic laryngeal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative and non-comparative studies

Background To compare literature findings about functional, oncological and surgical outcomes of transoral robotic (TORS) versus transoral laser microsurgery (TOLM) for supraglottic cT1-T3 laryngeal cancers. Methods Three independent investigators conducted a PubMed, Scopus, and...

Protective anti-inflammatory effects of Vitis vinifera leaf extract against TNBS-induced colitis in mice

Abstract Background Vitis vinifera L. leaves have long been utilized in traditional medicine due to their rich phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic properties. However, their potential protective effects against intestinal inflammation have been insufficiently expl...

Generalized Snell’s Law and Maxwell Equations

Abstract. This paper examines the Maxwell system of electrodynamics within the framework of distributions. A primary objective is to establish general boundary conditions for fields at interfaces when the charge and current densities are measures localized on the interface. From...

Citric acid-modified loquat seed waste as biosorbent for methylene blue: kinetics, isotherm, thermodynamics, and machine learning-based prediction of adsorption performance

ABSTRACT Graphical abstract showing citric-acid modification of loquat seed powder and its application as a biosorbent for methylene blue removal. The material achieved a maximum adsorption capacity of 47.53 mg/g within 9 min, followed by the Freundlich and pseudo-second-order mo...

Embracing artificial intelligence in European auditing: the role of familiarity, motivation, organizational support and education in shaping perceived effectiveness

Purpose This study aims to examine how familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI), motivation and organizational support for AI, and demographic characteristics influence the perceived AI effectiveness among a sample of European auditors, as well as the moderating role of educ...

Determinants of the continuum of maternal healthcare service utilization in Nigeria: Evidence from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey

Background Maternal mortality remains a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with Sub-Saharan Africa bearing a disproportionate burden. Nigeria accounts for over one-quarter of all maternal deaths worldwide. This reflects gaps in access...

Low- vs. standard-dose rocuronium for tracheal intubation with remifentanil: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Optimal intubating conditions are achieved using standard doses of neuromuscular blocking agents, but these may prolong neuromuscular blockade, which is undesirable in selected clinical scenarios. Remifentanil has been proposed as an adjunct to reduce neuromuscular blocker requir...

Tailoring crystallinity, porosity, and thermal stability in silica-copper composite aerogels and xerogels through controlled co-gelation

A comprehensive investigation was performed to evaluate the influence of synthetic and processing parameters on the structural characteristics, thermal stability, and surface chemistry of silica-copper composite aerogels and xerogels. Annealing in air resulted in the correspondin...

Trends in bariatric and pharmacologic obesity management: an analysis using epic cosmos database

Traditionally, bariatric surgery has been the primary intervention for obesity management. However, the approval of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) in 2014 for weight management marked a change in the trend of obesity management. In this study we aim to analy...

Automated quality assurance of rigid brain CT/MR image registration using a 3D convolutional neural network

Abstract Background Accurate CT/MR registration is important in stereotactic brain radiotherapy, where small spatial errors may affect target localization and treatment planning. In many clinical settings, registration quality is still assessed primarily through manual visual ins...

When the system fails, the community leads: field insights from the self-efficacy and knowledge (SEEK) trial during Lebanon’s 2024 active conflict

Adolescent girls and young women affected by conflict experience persistent sexual and reproductive health challenges along with poorer mental health and wellbeing. Among Syrian adolescent girls and young women living in Lebanon, these challenges are exacerbated by displacement,...

DRY_NAM: A multifaceted annual drought feature dataset for the North American Monsoon region during 1960–2024 based on a daily soil water content model

The DRY_NAM dataset provides a comprehensive characterization of annual drought facets across the North American Monsoon (NAM) region from 1960 to 2024. The dataset is based on a new methodological analytical framework applied to daily soil water content time series. It includes...

Understanding the dynamics of decision-making in palliative care within collectivist contexts: integrative review

End-of-life decision-making in palliative care requires timely and compassionate communication to align care with patients’ goals and values. While shared decision-making is regarded as optimal for patient-centered care, its application in collectivist societies, where familial,...

Novice nurses’ preparedness for psychological first aid in conflict-affected Middle Eastern Countries: a cross-sectional survey

Frontline healthcare professionals, especially nurses, are often the main providers of psychological first aid in conflict settings, offering supportive communication, grief support, and trauma-informed care. However, despite its recognized importance in emergency response, PFA c...

AI Personas: Can LLMs Replace Fieldwork in Experiential Learning?

Given the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, endless potential is reshaping how students learn, exceeding the boundaries of time, place and the variety of learning modalities. This study explores the ability of AI personas to replicate or refine the benefit...

Predictors of 30-day pulmonary readmissions in patients with COPD: a case-control study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations account for substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure worldwide. Thirty-day readmission for respiratory causes represents a critical quality outcome that reflects the adequacy of acute management and po...

Improving Primary Healthcare: Applying Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) Principles to Lebanon’s Vision 2030

Background/Objectives: While Lebanon’s Vision 2030 prioritizes strengthening Lebanon’s chronically constrained, fragmented, and shocked primary healthcare system, implementation is hindered by weak sensing mechanisms, misaligned spatial distribution, and poorly integrated referra...

Chemical Profiling and In Vitro Bioactivities of Extracts from the Red Alga Jania rubens Collected from the Lebanese Coast

Jania rubens (J. rubens), a Mediterranean red seaweed, is rich in bioactive compounds with potential medicinal applications. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Lebanese J. rubens through in vitro evaluation of its anti-diabetic, anti-coagulant, anti-inflammatory...

Evaluating mental health and psychosocial support outcomes of the Self-Efficacy and Knowledge (SEEK) community-based randomized controlled trial in lebanon during active conflict

<title>Abstract</title> <bold>Background:</bold> Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) affected by forced displacement are at high risk of poorer mental health and psychosocial wellbeing due to intersecting stressors. In humanitarian contexts like Lebanon, mental health challen...

Postaward Contract Administration in an EPC Hydropower Project: Key Challenges, Disputes, and Lessons Learned

Abstract The use of the design-build (DB) and/or engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) project delivery method is rapidly increasing in the public sector. Whereas DB/EPC has been widely and successfully used to deliver infrastructure projects mainly in the United States an...