University of Balamand

Artificial Intelligence for Engineering-Grade Parametric CAD: A Critical Review of Representations, Large Language Models, and Agentic Design Systems

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding computer-aided design (CAD) from shape generation toward generative, conversational, and agentic engineering. However, most AI–CAD evaluations remain dominated by geometric similarity and execution success, while industrial CAD de...

A qualitative typology of teachers’ orientations toward artificial intelligence integration in Lebanese schools

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly reshaping educational practices, requiring teachers to develop new competencies while navigating complex ethical considerations. This qualitative study explores the perceptions, practices, and orientations of 28 Lebanese schoo...

EchoSort: Intelligent Waste Management Through Acoustic Detection

Effective recycling requires sorting at the point of disposal, yet existing systems fail to combine multi-class material identification, physical sorting actuation, and low hardware cost within a single unit while remaining sensitive to real-world acoustic noise. This paper prese...

Use of Recycled Fine Aggregate in Wet-Mix Shotcrete Mortar Applications: The Role of Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Latex

Abstract This study investigates the feasibility of wet-mix shotcrete (WMS) mortars incorporating recycled fine aggregate (RFA), with a particular focus on the role of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) latex in mitigating the adverse effects of RFA on shootability and mechanical pro...

Minimally Invasive Breast Augmentation: A Comparative Analysis of Satisfaction, Recovery, and Sensory Outcomes

Background: With the emergence of a minimally invasive breast augmentation, designed to preserve tissue integrity, there is a growing interest in how this approach compares to conventional methods. This study aims to evaluate patient-reported outcomes, including satisfaction, rec...

Evidence Admission in Spatial Decision Models: Gating Layers Before Fusion in Municipal Seismic Screening

Seismic geospatial decision models can produce misleading outputs without rigorous input validation. Fusion conceals the defect: weight-sensitivity testing on an inadmissible layer reports stability rather than validity. This paper presents Evidence-Gated Screening (EGS), a four-...

Artificial Intelligence and Leadership Practices: Enhancing Engagement and Productivity

This research investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and change leadership on educator engagement and productivity within the Lebanese educational sector. This study is grounded in both social cognitive theory (SCT) and dynamic capabilities theory (DCT), and it e...

Pumped Hydropower versus Battery Storage Systems in Neom Mountains: A TOPSIS Analysis Approach

This study presents a comparative analysis between hydropower storage systems (HPSS) and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for large-scale energy storage in NEOM Mountain. The study is significant for engineering practices by bridging a literature gap in comparing two energy storage s...

Macrophage Differentiation Selectively Downregulates RPS15A While Preserving RPL13A and RPL17 Expression in THP-1-Derived Macrophages

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that is considered a major contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Atherosclerosis is linked to multiple risk factors, including dyslipidemia, particularly elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which can infiltr...

A case report of managing large bowel obstruction from colorectal cancer in the presence of multiorgan hydatid disease: a multidisciplinary challenge

Large bowel obstruction may represent a surgical emergency due to the risk of sepsis and hemodynamic instability, particularly given the underlying etiologies such as colorectal malignancies. Hydatid cyst mainly occurs in the liver and may migrate to other organs, particularly th...

Duodenal NET with Synchronous Liver Metastases: A Case Report

Abstract Introduction Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare, comprising only 2–3% of gastrointestinal NETs, and often grow silently until distant metastasis occurs. Case description We present a 69-year-old previously healthy man who presented with two weeks of weight lo...

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...

Acute fulminant cerebellitis in children: a case series and literature review on diagnostic challenges and management strategies

Background: Acute cerebellitis (AC) in children is often benign; however, a fulminant variant featuring rapid cerebellar edema, hydrocephalus, and brainstem compression can be life-threatening. Case summary: We present a three-case series of pediatric patients with fulminant cere...

Development and quality evaluation of apple-enriched fermented whey beverage from dairy whey

Six fermented apple-whey beverage formulations were initially evaluated sensorially for formulation selection. The formulation containing 60% fermented whey and 40% apple concentrate was selected for further characterization and storage studies. The selected formulation was inocu...

Christian Marriage in Lebanon’s Inter-Confessional Context: Challenges and Opportunities

Christian marriage has traditionally been understood in Orthodox theology as an ecclesial mystery grounded in the unity of faith and shared participation in the Church’s sacramental life. In contemporary Lebanon, increasing interaction among Christians of different traditions has...

Individualized statin associated type 2 diabetes risk estimation with a deep causal model

Statin therapy reduces cardiovascular risk, but recorded statin exposure is associated with subsequent type 2 diabetes (T2D) in some populations. Individualized risk estimation and separation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-mediated from non-LDL components remain c...