AIM:To assess the appropriateness of the indication and route of administration of proton-pump-inhibitors (PPIs) and their associated cost impact. METHODS:Data collection was performed prospec-tively during a 6-mo per...AIM:To assess the appropriateness of the indication and route of administration of proton-pump-inhibitors (PPIs) and their associated cost impact. METHODS:Data collection was performed prospec-tively during a 6-mo period on 340 patients who re-ceived omeprazole intravenously during their hospital stay in non-intensive care floors. Updated guidelines were used to assess the appropriateness of the indication and route of administration. RESULTS:Complete data collection was available for 286 patients which were used to assess intravenous (IV) PPIs utilization. Around 88% of patients were receiving PPIs for claimed stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) indication; of which,only 17% met the guideline criteria for SUP indication,14% met the criteria for non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs-induced ulcer prophylaxis,while the remaining 69% were identifi ed as having an unjustified indication for PPI use. Theinitiation of IV PPIs was appropriate in 55% of pa-tients. Half of these patients were candidates for switching to the oral dosage form during their hos-pitalization,while only 36.7% of these patients were actually switched. The inappropriate initiation of PPIs via the IV route was more likely to take place on the medical floor than the surgical floor (53% vs 36%,P = 0.003). The cost analysis associated with the appro-priateness of the indication for PPI use as well as the route of administration of PPI revealed a possible saving of up to $17 732.5 and $14 571,respectively. CONCLUSION:This study highlights the over-utili-zation of IV PPIs in non-intensive care unit patients. Restriction of IV PPI use for justified indications and route of administration is recommended.展开更多
AIM: To describe the bowel habits and the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) and to investigate the influence of health behavior and social factors on IBS prevalence in university students. METHODS: This cros...AIM: To describe the bowel habits and the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) and to investigate the influence of health behavior and social factors on IBS prevalence in university students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at five major universities in Greater Beirut and its suburbs, between February and June 2014. Using a convenience sample, a total of 813 students aged 18 years old and above participated in this study. Participants were asked to complete a comprehensive anonymous questionnaire which detailed characteristics on socio-demographic, health-related, and lifestyle factors, as well as IBS. The ROME Ⅲ criteria were used as a tool to ascertain IBS. A χ2 test was used to determine differences between categorical variables; stepwise logistic regression was used to measure the association between IBS and its risk factors.RESULTS: An overall prevalence of IBS of 20% was recorded among university students. The bivariate analysis showed that females were significantly more likely to report having IBS than males(29.1% vs 18.2%, P < 0.01). Those living at the school dormitory or in a private residence(39.5%) were more likely to have IBS than those living with their families(16.3%)(P < 0.01). The multivariate analysis showed that those who had a relatively high family income level(US$ > 2000) were almost 6 times more likely to report havingIBS than their counterparts.CONCLUSION: This is the first study to describe the nature of IBS among young adults in Lebanon. The prevalence of IBS among university students in our sample was higher than that reported in the West.展开更多
An amber-bearing lignitic layer of sandy clay from the Lower Cretaceous of Central Lebanon （Mderej-Hammana）yielded a well-preserved,moderately variegated palynoflora,which origin is mixed between land plants and mar...An amber-bearing lignitic layer of sandy clay from the Lower Cretaceous of Central Lebanon （Mderej-Hammana）yielded a well-preserved,moderately variegated palynoflora,which origin is mixed between land plants and marine microflora.Its detailed analysis led to fulfill its inventory,to propose a paleoenvironmental reconstruction,and to draw the paleoclimate which prevailed over the region：an estuarian area under a rather humid,temperate climate;a variety of ferns grew near the shore-side and in the inward land.A tiny piece of amber containing angiospermous pollen grains of stratigraphical interest allows a precise dating.The marine microflora,poorly diversified,includes chitinous foraminifer linings and dinoflagellate cysts,among which Early Aptian guide taxa are present;their occurrence slightly narrows the stratigraphical range indicated by some palynological taxa which are related to land plants.展开更多
AIM To assess the burden of norovirus(No V) and to determine the diversity of circulating strains among hospitalized children in Lebanon. METHODS Stool samples were collected from children presenting with acute gastro...AIM To assess the burden of norovirus(No V) and to determine the diversity of circulating strains among hospitalized children in Lebanon. METHODS Stool samples were collected from children presenting with acute gastroenteritis to six major hospitals in Lebanon. A total of 739 eligible stool samples, testing negative for diarrhea caused by rotavirus as a possible viral pathogen, were collected between January 2011 and June 2013. A standardized questionnaire including demographic, epidemiological and clinical observations was used at the time of hospitalization of children presenting with diarrhea. Viral RNA was extracted from stool samples followed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and nucleotide sequencing of a fragment of the viral protein 1 capsid gene. Multiple sequence alignments were carried out and phylogenetic trees were constructed using the MEGA 6 software.RESULTS Overall, 11.2% of stool samples collected from children aged < 5 years tested positive for No V genogroups Ⅰ(GⅠ) and Ⅱ(GⅡ). GⅡ accounted for 10.6% of the gastroenteritis cases with only five samples being positive for GⅠ(0.7%). The majority of hospitalized children showed symptoms of diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting and fever. Upon sequencing of positive samples and based on their clustering in the phylogenetic tree, 4/5 of GⅠ gastroenteritis cases were designated GⅠ.3 and one case as GⅠ.4. GⅡ.4 was predominantly detected in stool of our study participants(68%). We report a JB-15/KOR/2008 GⅡ.4 Apeldoorn 2008-like variant strain circulating in 2011; this strain was replaced between 2012 and 2013 by a variant sharing homology with the Sydney/NSW0514/2012/AUS GⅡ.4 Sydney 2012 and Sydney 2012/FRA GⅡ.4 strains. We also report the co-circulation of non-GⅡ.4 genotypes among hospitalized children. Our data show that No V gastroenteritis can occur throughout the year with the highest number of cases detected during the hot months.CONCLUSION The majority of No V-associated viral gastroenteritis cases among our participants are attributable to GⅡ.4, which is compatible with results reported worldwide.展开更多
AIMTo explore the role of killer immunoglobulin receptor (KIR) genes in responsiveness or non-responsiveness to vaccination against hepatitis B virus. METHODSWe recruited 101 voluntary participants between March 2010 ...AIMTo explore the role of killer immunoglobulin receptor (KIR) genes in responsiveness or non-responsiveness to vaccination against hepatitis B virus. METHODSWe recruited 101 voluntary participants between March 2010 and December 2011. Sera samples from vaccinated and non-vaccinated participants were tested for the presence of anti-HBs antibodies as a measure of protection against hepatitis B, hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B core antibody as indicators of infection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. KIR gene frequencies were determined by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTSSera samples from 99 participants were tested for the levels of anti-HBs as an indicator of protection (≥ 10 mIU/mL) following vaccination as defined by the World Health Organization international reference standard. Among the vaccinated participants, 47% (35/74) had anti-HBs titers above 100 mIU/mL, 22% (16/74) had anti-HBs ranging between 10-100 mIU/mL, and 20% (15/74) had values of less than 10 mIU/mL. We report the lack of significant association between the number of vaccine dosages and the titer of antibodies among our vaccinated participants. The inhibitory KIR2DL1, KIR2DL4, KIR3DL1, KIR3DL2, and KIR3DL were detected in more than 95%, whereas KIR2DL2, KIR2DL3, KIR2DL5 (KR2DL5A and KIR2DL5B) were expressed in 56%, 84% and 42% (25% and 29%) of participants, respectively. The observed frequency of the activating KIR genes ranged between 35% and 55% except for KIR2DS4, detected in 95% of the study participants (40.6% 2DS4*001/002; 82.2% 2DS4*003/007). KIR2DP1 pseudogene was detected in 99% of our participants, whereas KIR3DP*001/02/04 and KIR3DP1*003 had frequencies of 17% and 100%, respectively. No association between the frequency of KIR genes and anti-HBs antibodies was detected. When we compared the frequency of KIR genes between vaccinated individuals with protective antibodies titers and those who lost their protective antibody levels, we did not detect a significant difference. KIR2DL5B was significantly different among different groups of vaccinated participants (group I > 100 mIU/mL, group II 10-100 mIU/mL, group III CONCLUSIONTo our knowledge, this is the first study screening for the possible role of KIR genes among individuals vaccinated against hepatitis B virus (HBV). Our results can be used to design larger studies to better understand the role of KIR genes in protection against or susceptibility to HBV post vaccination.展开更多
Primary and secondary organic aerosols in PM_(2.5)were investigated over a one-year campaign at Zouk Mikael and Fiaa,Lebanon.The n-alkanes concentrations were quite similar at both sites(26-29 ng/m^(3))and mainly expl...Primary and secondary organic aerosols in PM_(2.5)were investigated over a one-year campaign at Zouk Mikael and Fiaa,Lebanon.The n-alkanes concentrations were quite similar at both sites(26-29 ng/m^(3))and mainly explained by anthropogenic emissions rather than natural ones.The concentrations of total Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons(PAHs)were nearly three times higher at Zouk Mikael(2.56 ng/m^(3))compared to Fiaa(0.95 ng/m^(3)),especially for indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene linked to the presence of the power plant.A characteristic indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene/(indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene+benzo[g,h,i]perylene)ratio in the range0.8-1.0 was determined for heavy fuel oil combustion from the power plant.Fatty acids and hopanes were also investigated and were assigned to cooking activities and vehicular emissions respectively.Phthalates were identified for the first time in Lebanon with high concentrations at Zouk and Fiaa(106.88 and 97.68 ng/m^(3) respectively).Moreover,the biogenic secondary aerosols revealed higher concentrations in summer.The total terpene concentration varied between 131 ng/m^(3) at Zouk Mikael in winter to 469 ng/m3 at Fiaa in summer.Additionnally,the concentrations of the dicarboxylic acids especially for adipic and phthalic acids were more influenced by anthropogenic sources.The analysis of molecular markers and diagnostic ratios indicated that the sites were strongly affected by anthropogenic sources such as waste open burning,diesel private generators,cooking activities,road transport,power plant,and industrial emissions.Moreover,results showed different pattern during winter and summer seasons.Whereas,higher concentrations of biogenic markers were clearly encountered during the summer period.展开更多
A new genus and species of Rhachiberothidae, Raptorapax terribilissima gen. et sp. nov. from the Cretaceous amber of Lebanon is described. The new genus is assigned to the subfamily Paraberothinae. The new material co...A new genus and species of Rhachiberothidae, Raptorapax terribilissima gen. et sp. nov. from the Cretaceous amber of Lebanon is described. The new genus is assigned to the subfamily Paraberothinae. The new material confirms the great diversity of the group in the Cretaceous age and its decrease in diversity in recent times.展开更多
This research aims at estimating the temperature of the aquifer that supplies Assammaqieh well at the depth of 550 m, on the basis of chemical analyses and geothermometric techniques which are one of the methods used ...This research aims at estimating the temperature of the aquifer that supplies Assammaqieh well at the depth of 550 m, on the basis of chemical analyses and geothermometric techniques which are one of the methods used for searching for the renewable geothermal energy and conserving the environment. In this study, about twenty-two geothermometric indicators have been used. For verifying the results, these results have been compared with data and estimates of temperature of fluids of deep typical wells in New Zealand, and it has been noticed that the theoretical and actual results approach the limits of 95% in many indicators. The study has been restricted to the relations of Cations because they are the most reliable, and the least affected by dissolution and evaporation. Most of the indicators that are based on the four chemical elements: Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), have been adopted. The laboratory analysis data of Assammaqieh well confirmed that it was hot sulphurous water that acquired its chemical properties from complicated geochemical conditions, underground thermal conditions and volcanic rock nature. It also turned out that the underground heating process was basically due to thermal conductivity and rock adjacency, and that Assammaqieh well was supplied with water from adjacent groundwater tables whose source was the penetration of surface water. It also appeared that most of the equations used in the search for geothermal energy revealed the presence of an aquifer of hot and very hot water, and they were compatible with the high thermal gradient in volcanic rocks. It also tuned out that 86% of the used geothermometric equations estimated the aquifer temperature of Assammaqieh well as being hot and very hot with around 135.5 Celsius (±20). The study concluded with the hypothesis that Akkar possessed a huge geothermal energy, and benefiting from this energy might put an end to the chronic problem of electricity in Lebanon, and opened up many prospects and uses that could participate in a sustainable and comprehensive development of Akkar and Lebanon as a whole.展开更多
Water flows from rivers into the sea (plumes) is a common phenomenon in many coastal zones. The hydro-logic behavior of plumes differs from one river to another depending on rainfall rate and intensity, as well as it ...Water flows from rivers into the sea (plumes) is a common phenomenon in many coastal zones. The hydro-logic behavior of plumes differs from one river to another depending on rainfall rate and intensity, as well as it is influenced by the hydrologic characteristics of river basin. In order to investigate the precipitation re-gime in a drainage basin versus the flow into the sea, sequential data must be available. Remotely sensed data can fulfill this scope, thus it can provide climatic and hydrologic data. The scope of this study is to monitor the behavior of water input in the catchments versus the output from rivers in the Lebanese coastal zone using remote sensing data. For this purpose, TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Mapping Mission) data and MODIS satellite images were used. Hence, rainfall data from TRMM was compared with the areal extent of water plumes from rivers. This enables establishing interpolation between water input/output for each river basin. In addition, the lag time and residence time of plumes into the sea can be measured and compared between the issuing rivers. The extracted data from remote sensing was compared with terrain measures and shows its reliability and accordance. The used approach proved to be creditable, non-invasive and cost effec-tive and can be applied to other costal river basins.展开更多
The continuous awareness campaigns about Colorectal Cancer (CRC) directed towards the Lebanese population in order to foster preventive medicine are on the rise. The impact has been positive and reported in previous r...The continuous awareness campaigns about Colorectal Cancer (CRC) directed towards the Lebanese population in order to foster preventive medicine are on the rise. The impact has been positive and reported in previous research, although the number of victims is still high. This paper aims to perform a recent cross-sectional study of Lebanese residents’ CRC awareness by comparing the findings of two studies carried out in the years 2016 and 2018. The samples of the current study include 1140 (2016) and 993 (2018) participants who completed a simple structured questionnaire directed to assess their knowledge of colon cancer and the behavioral intentions of obtaining CRC screening. Upon comparing results, the percentage of those who know about CRC has increased significantly from 40.4% in 2016 to 78.7% in 2018, the proportion of respondents who believed that family history is the major risk factor for CRC did increase significantly from 47.7% in 2016 to 90.8% in 2018. Likewise, the proportions of respondents who believed that overweight, age, and stress are among the major risk factors for CRC increased from 26.9%, 26.7% and 11.3% in 2016 to 86.2%, 52.1% and 21.51% in 2018, respectively. On the other hand, the proportions for the risk factors related to alcohol and smoking have dropped from 37.7% and 37.3% to 27.4% and 24.2%, respectively. Moreover, the most important source of information for CRC was friends (18.4% in 2016 versus 73.8% in 2018), followed by family (18.7% in 2016 versus 56.7% in 2018), and then physicians (18.9% in 2016 and 40.2% in 2018). In fact, the efforts of the non-governmental organization (NGO) SAID (118 different major activities in the span of 3 years) did make a significant difference in what relates to CRC awareness among the Lebanese population. These findings are used to encourage and support other NGOs to adopt targeted new awareness campaigns which have proven successful, and to present evidence based on facts to government officials in the Ministry of Health to support and possibly sponsor national awareness campaigns and preventive efforts to mitigate CRC levels.展开更多
Surveying and early detection of invasive weeds are essential for strategic management and monitoring. Accordingly, a weed mapping was conducted during July 2011, against native （Orobanche ramosa, Cuscuta spp., Sorgh...Surveying and early detection of invasive weeds are essential for strategic management and monitoring. Accordingly, a weed mapping was conducted during July 2011, against native （Orobanche ramosa, Cuscuta spp., Sorghum halepense and Xanthium strumarium） and non native （Abutilon theophrasti, Datura stramonium, Solanum elaeagnifolium and Verbesina encelioide） weeds of Lebanon. A global positioning system （Garmin 2006） was used for precise waypoint, elevation, navigation and distance. The result of interviewing and interacting with the residents in 95 villages distributed between the Beq＇aa and the North governorates of Lebanon, along with the observations made on the route, yielded the first detection of Abutilon theophrasti in both governorates. Solanum elaeagnifolium and Verbesina encelioide were not found in the agro-ecosystems of either governorates. This is the first report of the introduction ofAbutilon theophrasti in Lebanon and the establishment of a baseline data on weeds of Lebanon. The adoption of an integrated weed management program with a quarantine and control techniques and methods is needed to manage the spreading of weeds and to lessen their ability to adapt to a constantly changing system which uses several control practices.展开更多
AIM： To determine the incidence and the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral infections in patients on hemodialysis （HD） across Lebanon.METHODS： We reviewed the data registry at the Lebanese Ministry of Public He...AIM： To determine the incidence and the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral infections in patients on hemodialysis （HD） across Lebanon.METHODS： We reviewed the data registry at the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health where records of monthly hepatitis B surface antigen （HBsAg） and hepatitis C virus （HCV） serology are reported from 60 affiliated HD centers across Lebanon. All patients who were on HD or who started HD between October 2010 and July 2012 were included in the study. Patients from seven HD centers were excluded due to inadequate and incomplete results reporting. During the selected period, HBsAg and HCV serology were available for 3769 patients from 53 HD centers distributed at all Lebanese governorates. The prevalence was calculated by dividing the number of patients with positive HBsAg or HCV serology to the total number of patients. The Incidence was calculated by dividing the number of newly acquired infection to number of patients-years （p-y）. Incidence rates at different governorates were compared to each other using two tailed Z test and a P value of 〈 0.05 was considered signifcant.RESULTS： Sixty out of 3769 HD patients were found to have positive HBS Ag and 177 out of 3769 were positive for HCV Antibodies. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus （HBV） and HCV in HD patients across Lebanon was 1.6%, and 4.7%, respectively. The comparison of prevalence according to geographic distribution could not be done accurately due to the frequent shift of patients between dialysis centers at different governorates. The incidence rate was 0.27 per 100 p-y for HBV and 0.37 per 100 p-y for HCV. There was no signifcant difference concerning the incidence of HBV between HD centers at different governorates （all P values 〉 0.1）, but this difference was highly significant concerning the incidence rates of HCV which occurred predominantly in the southern centers （1.47 per 100 p-y） with a P value of 0.00068 and 0.00374 when compared to Mount Lebanon （0.21 per 100 p-y） and the Northern centers （0.19 per 100 p-y）, respectively.CONCLUSION： The incidence rate of HBV and HCV is very low in the Lebanese HD centers and their prevalence is decreasing over the last two decades.展开更多
Rain gages data represents limited spatial coverage, especially in rugged terrains like Lebanon. Other precipitation data sources are the developing satellite and radar technologies. In this study, Tropical Rain Measu...Rain gages data represents limited spatial coverage, especially in rugged terrains like Lebanon. Other precipitation data sources are the developing satellite and radar technologies. In this study, Tropical Rain Measurement Mission (TRMM) monthly rainfall data of 18 years (1998-2014 and 2017) was used to understand monthly and yearly precipitation spatial distribution overall Lebanon. Topographic effect of rainfall spatial distribution was investigated in comparison to Plassard’s map of 1971. The annual precipitation over the country ranged between 850 mm and 200 mm that differs than the existing historical map. The maximum rainfall rate decreased by about 700 mm between the derived TRMM rainfall map and Plassard’s one. Spatial distribution of maximum precipitation rates does not coincide between maps. TRMM map of elevated terrains did not show similar trends of rainfall distribution as Plassard’s. Pixels (Lebanon was divided into 27 pixels) of lower rainfall rates was found toward the eastern side of Lebanon, in contrast to Plassard’s results. Anti-Lebanon did not show an increase in precipitation in accordance to altitude. Spatial variability of precipitation was about 50 mm between pixels which reveals the importance of considering topography while implemented rain gages as observation points. TRMM and satellite rainfall data aid in investigating complete spatial distribution of rainfall over continuous periods. Accumulating knowledge of spatial rainfall distribution on timely basis will lead to better future modelling on floods and drought conditions in Lebanon.展开更多
Reports of amber predating the Lower Cretaceous are unusual and scarce; they mostly refer to amber pieces of millimetric dimension. In the present study, we report the discovery of 10 new outcrops of Jurassic amber in...Reports of amber predating the Lower Cretaceous are unusual and scarce; they mostly refer to amber pieces of millimetric dimension. In the present study, we report the discovery of 10 new outcrops of Jurassic amber in Lebanon. Some of these had large centimetric-sized pieces of amber. The new localities are described, amber is characterized, and its infrared spectra given. Although the new Jurassic amber yielded to date no more than fungal inclusions, this material is significant and promising. The discovery, of several Jurassic outcrops provides crucial information on the prevailing paleoenvironment of that time.展开更多
Growth response of conifers is species-specific and depends on site and climate conditions.Studies on daily radial stem growth use different analytical approaches to determine species reactions to environmental condit...Growth response of conifers is species-specific and depends on site and climate conditions.Studies on daily radial stem growth use different analytical approaches to determine species reactions to environmental conditions.These results contribute to improve forecasts of tree growth under a changing climate.During 2013 and2014,radial stem growth of 33 mature Cedrus libani individuals growing under different climatic conditions in Turkey and Germany was monitored hourly using high precision point dendrometers.Stem radius increments(SRI)were extracted from dendrometer readings.The annual course of SRI showed site-specific patterns with mean daily values ranging between 9.9 and 29.3μm over the growing season.Correlation and principal component analyses indicated that humidity and low temperatures during the growing season favored SRI.Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that precipitation and relative air humidity were the most important factors influencing daily SRI.Climate-growth relationships were further evaluated using the regression tree method.Precipitation was the most significant factor on daily SRI for all sites.The close coupling of SRI to relative air humidity and precipitation underlines the importance of stem water status for radial stem growth of C.libani which is native to regions with summer drought.It further explains the superior growth of C.libani in Germany.展开更多
Fish is an important constituent of the Lebanese diet.However,very little attention in our area is given to bring awareness regarding the effect of the toxicity of mercury （Hg） mainly through fish consumption.This s...Fish is an important constituent of the Lebanese diet.However,very little attention in our area is given to bring awareness regarding the effect of the toxicity of mercury （Hg） mainly through fish consumption.This study aimed to report analytical data on total mercury levels in several fish species for the first time in thirty years and to also made individuals aware of the presence and danger from exposure to mercury through fish consumption.Fish samples were selected from local Lebanese markets and fisheries and included 94 samples of which were fresh,frozen,processed,and canned fish.All values were reported as microgram of mercury per gram of fish based on wet weight.The level of mercury ranged from 0.0190 to 0.5700 μg/g in fresh samples,0.0059 to 0.0665 μg/g in frozen samples,and 0.0305 to 0.1190 μg/g in canned samples.The data clearly showed that higher levels of mercury were detected in local fresh fish as opposed to other types thus placing consumers at higher risk from mercury exposure.Moreover,the data revealed that Mallifa （yellowstripe barracuda/Sphyraena chrysotaenia）,Sargous （white seabream/Diplodus sargus）,Ghobbos （bogue/Boops boops）,and shrimp （Penaeus sp.） were among the types containing the highest amounts of mercury.On the other hand,processed fish such as fish fillet,fish burger,small shrimp and crab are found to contain lower levels of mercury and are associated with lower exposure risks to mercury.Lebanese population should therefore,be aware to consume limited amounts of fresh local fish to minimize exposure to mercury.展开更多
Carbonate rocks are common in many parts of the world, including the Eastern Mediterranean, where they host significant groundwater supplies and are widely used as building and ornamental stones. The porosity of carbo...Carbonate rocks are common in many parts of the world, including the Eastern Mediterranean, where they host significant groundwater supplies and are widely used as building and ornamental stones. The porosity of carbonate rocks plays a critical role in fluid storage and retrieval. The pore structure connectivity, in particular, controls many properties of geological formations, as well as the relationships between the properties of individual minerals and the bulk properties of the rock. To study the relationships between porosity, rock properties, pore structure, pore size, and their impact on reservoir characteristics, 46 carbonate rock samples were collected from four stratigraphic sections exposed near Sidon, South Lebanon. The studied carbonate rocks are related to marine deposits of different ages(e.g., Upper Cretaceous, Eocene, and Upper Miocene). In order to understand the pore connectivity, the MICP(mercury injection capillary pressure) technique was conducted on ten representative samples. Results from the SEM analysis indicate the dominance of very fine and fine pore sizes, with various categories ranging in diameter from 0.1 to10 μm. The MICP data revealed that the pore throat radii vary widely from 0.001 to 1.4 μm, and that all samples are dominated by micropore throats. The grain size analysis indicated that the studied rocks have significant amounts of silt-and clay-size grains with respect to the coarser ‘sand-size’ particles, suggesting a high proportion of microporosity. Obtained results, such as the poorly-sorted nature of grains, high microporosity, and the high percentage of micropore throats, justify the observed low mean hydraulic radius, the high entry pressure, and the very low permeability of the studied samples. These results suggest that the carbonate rocks near Sidon(south of Lebanon) are possibly classified as non-reservoir facies.展开更多
Lebanon is known by the availability in water resources whether on surface or among the existing rock for-mations. However, the status-quo does not reflect this availability due to a number of physical factors, as wel...Lebanon is known by the availability in water resources whether on surface or among the existing rock for-mations. However, the status-quo does not reflect this availability due to a number of physical factors, as well as the mismanagement of these resources. Hence, the per capita has been reduced by about 50% in the last three decades. There are sixteen exposed rock formations in Lebanon, two of them are major aquifers and they are characterized by highly fractured and karstified carbonate rocks. Recently, challenges for groundwater in Lebanon have been developed. These are the: overexploitation, climate change and the acute geologic setting, which led to decline in rainfall rate, and thus exacerbated water demand. The existing chal-lenges resulted with a number of problems in ground water resources management, namely: quality deterio-ration, impact on springs and groundwater behavior, loss of groundwater o the sea, saltwater intrusion and exacerbated by the lack of data and mismanagement in water sector. In this respect, new technologies can be utilized as a helpful instrument in managing groundwater resources to treat the unfavorable situation. Space techniques and GIS have been recently raised in several topics on water resources management, including, mainly exploration and monitoring. They proved to be capable to extract hydrogeologic information and thus to manipulate this information in creditable approaches of analysis. This study introduced the present status on the Lebanese groundwater resources and the existing challenges and problems. Thus, it extends an appli-cation from Lebanon on the used new approaches for exploring groundwater.展开更多
Ensuring the environmental protection of the Lebanese coast requires a continues monitoring system. For this purpose, four heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu and Pb in the marine sediments along the Lebanese coast were selected...Ensuring the environmental protection of the Lebanese coast requires a continues monitoring system. For this purpose, four heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu and Pb in the marine sediments along the Lebanese coast were selected for analysis Sampling was carried out from two sites: Beirut and Batroun. Thus, 1g of dried sample is used for digestion by wet mineralization in order to determine the concentration of the four heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed that Beirut area is polluted, by Fe and Mn as well as the station Bat 2 of Batroun. For Cu and Pb, Batroun region is more polluted in the superficial layers. The analysis also showed significant difference between the sites except for Cu. A difference between depths and between particles size fractions are observed for all the parameters studied. There is no a significant difference in layer sequence except for the Pb, and neither between the repetitions of the same sample. Results showed that the values of the four metals studied do not exceed the maximum limits at both sites, but they showed increase in comparison with the analyses obtained before July 2006 conflict, which was caused by the release of large quantity of fuel-oil from Jiyeh Power Station.展开更多
Yoghurt (Laban) is one of the most consumed food products in Lebanon. Thus its quality has given a concern. In this study, the sensory, chemical and rheological properties of commercial and traditional samples were in...Yoghurt (Laban) is one of the most consumed food products in Lebanon. Thus its quality has given a concern. In this study, the sensory, chemical and rheological properties of commercial and traditional samples were investigated in order to characterize this fermented milk. Hence, Laban samples were collected from 14 areas in Lebanon;especially from mountainous regions and from the capital Beirut. Forty-two samples were provided by processing industry whether at small, medium, or large scale. A statistical analysis was carried out, and thus sensory and physicochemical properties were subjected to two approaches of variance analysis. Pearson correlation coefficients between attributes were also calculated. Both, the analyses of variance and correlations were conducted using SPSS 3. The physicochemical analysis and the microbiological analysis exhibit a significant effect of the date, and the manufacturing process. Also, the instrumental data showed no significant correlation between physicochemical and microbiological parameters, which indicates that they are completely independent. Moreover, the general appreciation of descriptive sensory analysis of products display that this appreciation is not dependant on the production process. It is also noticed that some sensory characteristics can be dread by instrumental measures. This research endorses the essential role of quality control for the manufacturing of yoghurt in Lebanon.展开更多
文摘AIM:To assess the appropriateness of the indication and route of administration of proton-pump-inhibitors (PPIs) and their associated cost impact. METHODS:Data collection was performed prospec-tively during a 6-mo period on 340 patients who re-ceived omeprazole intravenously during their hospital stay in non-intensive care floors. Updated guidelines were used to assess the appropriateness of the indication and route of administration. RESULTS:Complete data collection was available for 286 patients which were used to assess intravenous (IV) PPIs utilization. Around 88% of patients were receiving PPIs for claimed stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) indication; of which,only 17% met the guideline criteria for SUP indication,14% met the criteria for non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs-induced ulcer prophylaxis,while the remaining 69% were identifi ed as having an unjustified indication for PPI use. Theinitiation of IV PPIs was appropriate in 55% of pa-tients. Half of these patients were candidates for switching to the oral dosage form during their hos-pitalization,while only 36.7% of these patients were actually switched. The inappropriate initiation of PPIs via the IV route was more likely to take place on the medical floor than the surgical floor (53% vs 36%,P = 0.003). The cost analysis associated with the appro-priateness of the indication for PPI use as well as the route of administration of PPI revealed a possible saving of up to $17 732.5 and $14 571,respectively. CONCLUSION:This study highlights the over-utili-zation of IV PPIs in non-intensive care unit patients. Restriction of IV PPI use for justified indications and route of administration is recommended.
基金Supported by Pathophysiology Research Unit at the Lebanese University
文摘AIM: To describe the bowel habits and the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) and to investigate the influence of health behavior and social factors on IBS prevalence in university students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at five major universities in Greater Beirut and its suburbs, between February and June 2014. Using a convenience sample, a total of 813 students aged 18 years old and above participated in this study. Participants were asked to complete a comprehensive anonymous questionnaire which detailed characteristics on socio-demographic, health-related, and lifestyle factors, as well as IBS. The ROME Ⅲ criteria were used as a tool to ascertain IBS. A χ2 test was used to determine differences between categorical variables; stepwise logistic regression was used to measure the association between IBS and its risk factors.RESULTS: An overall prevalence of IBS of 20% was recorded among university students. The bivariate analysis showed that females were significantly more likely to report having IBS than males(29.1% vs 18.2%, P < 0.01). Those living at the school dormitory or in a private residence(39.5%) were more likely to have IBS than those living with their families(16.3%)(P < 0.01). The multivariate analysis showed that those who had a relatively high family income level(US$ > 2000) were almost 6 times more likely to report havingIBS than their counterparts.CONCLUSION: This is the first study to describe the nature of IBS among young adults in Lebanon. The prevalence of IBS among university students in our sample was higher than that reported in the West.
基金a contribution to the scientific project "The Study of the Fossil Insects in Lebanon and their Outcrops:Geology of the Outcrops - Historical and Biodiversity Evolution" the team project:"Biodiversity:Origin,Structure, Evolution and Geology" financed by the Lebanese University to the first author(DA)
文摘An amber-bearing lignitic layer of sandy clay from the Lower Cretaceous of Central Lebanon （Mderej-Hammana）yielded a well-preserved,moderately variegated palynoflora,which origin is mixed between land plants and marine microflora.Its detailed analysis led to fulfill its inventory,to propose a paleoenvironmental reconstruction,and to draw the paleoclimate which prevailed over the region：an estuarian area under a rather humid,temperate climate;a variety of ferns grew near the shore-side and in the inward land.A tiny piece of amber containing angiospermous pollen grains of stratigraphical interest allows a precise dating.The marine microflora,poorly diversified,includes chitinous foraminifer linings and dinoflagellate cysts,among which Early Aptian guide taxa are present;their occurrence slightly narrows the stratigraphical range indicated by some palynological taxa which are related to land plants.
基金Supported by an investigator-initiated research grant from Merck Sharpe and Dohme(MSD)University Review Board Grant,American University of Beirut
文摘AIM To assess the burden of norovirus(No V) and to determine the diversity of circulating strains among hospitalized children in Lebanon. METHODS Stool samples were collected from children presenting with acute gastroenteritis to six major hospitals in Lebanon. A total of 739 eligible stool samples, testing negative for diarrhea caused by rotavirus as a possible viral pathogen, were collected between January 2011 and June 2013. A standardized questionnaire including demographic, epidemiological and clinical observations was used at the time of hospitalization of children presenting with diarrhea. Viral RNA was extracted from stool samples followed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and nucleotide sequencing of a fragment of the viral protein 1 capsid gene. Multiple sequence alignments were carried out and phylogenetic trees were constructed using the MEGA 6 software.RESULTS Overall, 11.2% of stool samples collected from children aged < 5 years tested positive for No V genogroups Ⅰ(GⅠ) and Ⅱ(GⅡ). GⅡ accounted for 10.6% of the gastroenteritis cases with only five samples being positive for GⅠ(0.7%). The majority of hospitalized children showed symptoms of diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting and fever. Upon sequencing of positive samples and based on their clustering in the phylogenetic tree, 4/5 of GⅠ gastroenteritis cases were designated GⅠ.3 and one case as GⅠ.4. GⅡ.4 was predominantly detected in stool of our study participants(68%). We report a JB-15/KOR/2008 GⅡ.4 Apeldoorn 2008-like variant strain circulating in 2011; this strain was replaced between 2012 and 2013 by a variant sharing homology with the Sydney/NSW0514/2012/AUS GⅡ.4 Sydney 2012 and Sydney 2012/FRA GⅡ.4 strains. We also report the co-circulation of non-GⅡ.4 genotypes among hospitalized children. Our data show that No V gastroenteritis can occur throughout the year with the highest number of cases detected during the hot months.CONCLUSION The majority of No V-associated viral gastroenteritis cases among our participants are attributable to GⅡ.4, which is compatible with results reported worldwide.
基金Supported by The University Review Board at the American University of Beirut,No.A88507the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research,No.A522185
文摘AIMTo explore the role of killer immunoglobulin receptor (KIR) genes in responsiveness or non-responsiveness to vaccination against hepatitis B virus. METHODSWe recruited 101 voluntary participants between March 2010 and December 2011. Sera samples from vaccinated and non-vaccinated participants were tested for the presence of anti-HBs antibodies as a measure of protection against hepatitis B, hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B core antibody as indicators of infection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. KIR gene frequencies were determined by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTSSera samples from 99 participants were tested for the levels of anti-HBs as an indicator of protection (≥ 10 mIU/mL) following vaccination as defined by the World Health Organization international reference standard. Among the vaccinated participants, 47% (35/74) had anti-HBs titers above 100 mIU/mL, 22% (16/74) had anti-HBs ranging between 10-100 mIU/mL, and 20% (15/74) had values of less than 10 mIU/mL. We report the lack of significant association between the number of vaccine dosages and the titer of antibodies among our vaccinated participants. The inhibitory KIR2DL1, KIR2DL4, KIR3DL1, KIR3DL2, and KIR3DL were detected in more than 95%, whereas KIR2DL2, KIR2DL3, KIR2DL5 (KR2DL5A and KIR2DL5B) were expressed in 56%, 84% and 42% (25% and 29%) of participants, respectively. The observed frequency of the activating KIR genes ranged between 35% and 55% except for KIR2DS4, detected in 95% of the study participants (40.6% 2DS4*001/002; 82.2% 2DS4*003/007). KIR2DP1 pseudogene was detected in 99% of our participants, whereas KIR3DP*001/02/04 and KIR3DP1*003 had frequencies of 17% and 100%, respectively. No association between the frequency of KIR genes and anti-HBs antibodies was detected. When we compared the frequency of KIR genes between vaccinated individuals with protective antibodies titers and those who lost their protective antibody levels, we did not detect a significant difference. KIR2DL5B was significantly different among different groups of vaccinated participants (group I > 100 mIU/mL, group II 10-100 mIU/mL, group III CONCLUSIONTo our knowledge, this is the first study screening for the possible role of KIR genes among individuals vaccinated against hepatitis B virus (HBV). Our results can be used to design larger studies to better understand the role of KIR genes in protection against or susceptibility to HBV post vaccination.
基金funded by the Research Council and the Faculty of Sciences of Saint Joseph University of Beirut–LebanonThe“Unitéde Chimie Environnementale et Interactions sur le Vivant”(UCEIV-UR4492)participates in the CLIMIBIO project,which is financially supported by the Hauts-de-France Region Council,the French Ministry of Higher Education and Researchthe European Regional Development Funds。
文摘Primary and secondary organic aerosols in PM_(2.5)were investigated over a one-year campaign at Zouk Mikael and Fiaa,Lebanon.The n-alkanes concentrations were quite similar at both sites(26-29 ng/m^(3))and mainly explained by anthropogenic emissions rather than natural ones.The concentrations of total Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons(PAHs)were nearly three times higher at Zouk Mikael(2.56 ng/m^(3))compared to Fiaa(0.95 ng/m^(3)),especially for indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene linked to the presence of the power plant.A characteristic indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene/(indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene+benzo[g,h,i]perylene)ratio in the range0.8-1.0 was determined for heavy fuel oil combustion from the power plant.Fatty acids and hopanes were also investigated and were assigned to cooking activities and vehicular emissions respectively.Phthalates were identified for the first time in Lebanon with high concentrations at Zouk and Fiaa(106.88 and 97.68 ng/m^(3) respectively).Moreover,the biogenic secondary aerosols revealed higher concentrations in summer.The total terpene concentration varied between 131 ng/m^(3) at Zouk Mikael in winter to 469 ng/m3 at Fiaa in summer.Additionnally,the concentrations of the dicarboxylic acids especially for adipic and phthalic acids were more influenced by anthropogenic sources.The analysis of molecular markers and diagnostic ratios indicated that the sites were strongly affected by anthropogenic sources such as waste open burning,diesel private generators,cooking activities,road transport,power plant,and industrial emissions.Moreover,results showed different pattern during winter and summer seasons.Whereas,higher concentrations of biogenic markers were clearly encountered during the summer period.
基金a contribution to the ANR project: AMBRACE(BLAN 07-1-184190)the scientific project‘The Study of the Fossil Insects in Lebanon and their Outcrops: Geology of the Outcrops - Historical and Biodiversity Evolution' financed by the Lebanese University to DA.JFP thanks the National Research Council of Argentina(CONICET) for the funds provided for this research:grant PIP 6393,PIP 11420090100377 and BEJI
文摘A new genus and species of Rhachiberothidae, Raptorapax terribilissima gen. et sp. nov. from the Cretaceous amber of Lebanon is described. The new genus is assigned to the subfamily Paraberothinae. The new material confirms the great diversity of the group in the Cretaceous age and its decrease in diversity in recent times.
文摘This research aims at estimating the temperature of the aquifer that supplies Assammaqieh well at the depth of 550 m, on the basis of chemical analyses and geothermometric techniques which are one of the methods used for searching for the renewable geothermal energy and conserving the environment. In this study, about twenty-two geothermometric indicators have been used. For verifying the results, these results have been compared with data and estimates of temperature of fluids of deep typical wells in New Zealand, and it has been noticed that the theoretical and actual results approach the limits of 95% in many indicators. The study has been restricted to the relations of Cations because they are the most reliable, and the least affected by dissolution and evaporation. Most of the indicators that are based on the four chemical elements: Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), have been adopted. The laboratory analysis data of Assammaqieh well confirmed that it was hot sulphurous water that acquired its chemical properties from complicated geochemical conditions, underground thermal conditions and volcanic rock nature. It also turned out that the underground heating process was basically due to thermal conductivity and rock adjacency, and that Assammaqieh well was supplied with water from adjacent groundwater tables whose source was the penetration of surface water. It also appeared that most of the equations used in the search for geothermal energy revealed the presence of an aquifer of hot and very hot water, and they were compatible with the high thermal gradient in volcanic rocks. It also tuned out that 86% of the used geothermometric equations estimated the aquifer temperature of Assammaqieh well as being hot and very hot with around 135.5 Celsius (±20). The study concluded with the hypothesis that Akkar possessed a huge geothermal energy, and benefiting from this energy might put an end to the chronic problem of electricity in Lebanon, and opened up many prospects and uses that could participate in a sustainable and comprehensive development of Akkar and Lebanon as a whole.
文摘Water flows from rivers into the sea (plumes) is a common phenomenon in many coastal zones. The hydro-logic behavior of plumes differs from one river to another depending on rainfall rate and intensity, as well as it is influenced by the hydrologic characteristics of river basin. In order to investigate the precipitation re-gime in a drainage basin versus the flow into the sea, sequential data must be available. Remotely sensed data can fulfill this scope, thus it can provide climatic and hydrologic data. The scope of this study is to monitor the behavior of water input in the catchments versus the output from rivers in the Lebanese coastal zone using remote sensing data. For this purpose, TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Mapping Mission) data and MODIS satellite images were used. Hence, rainfall data from TRMM was compared with the areal extent of water plumes from rivers. This enables establishing interpolation between water input/output for each river basin. In addition, the lag time and residence time of plumes into the sea can be measured and compared between the issuing rivers. The extracted data from remote sensing was compared with terrain measures and shows its reliability and accordance. The used approach proved to be creditable, non-invasive and cost effec-tive and can be applied to other costal river basins.
文摘The continuous awareness campaigns about Colorectal Cancer (CRC) directed towards the Lebanese population in order to foster preventive medicine are on the rise. The impact has been positive and reported in previous research, although the number of victims is still high. This paper aims to perform a recent cross-sectional study of Lebanese residents’ CRC awareness by comparing the findings of two studies carried out in the years 2016 and 2018. The samples of the current study include 1140 (2016) and 993 (2018) participants who completed a simple structured questionnaire directed to assess their knowledge of colon cancer and the behavioral intentions of obtaining CRC screening. Upon comparing results, the percentage of those who know about CRC has increased significantly from 40.4% in 2016 to 78.7% in 2018, the proportion of respondents who believed that family history is the major risk factor for CRC did increase significantly from 47.7% in 2016 to 90.8% in 2018. Likewise, the proportions of respondents who believed that overweight, age, and stress are among the major risk factors for CRC increased from 26.9%, 26.7% and 11.3% in 2016 to 86.2%, 52.1% and 21.51% in 2018, respectively. On the other hand, the proportions for the risk factors related to alcohol and smoking have dropped from 37.7% and 37.3% to 27.4% and 24.2%, respectively. Moreover, the most important source of information for CRC was friends (18.4% in 2016 versus 73.8% in 2018), followed by family (18.7% in 2016 versus 56.7% in 2018), and then physicians (18.9% in 2016 and 40.2% in 2018). In fact, the efforts of the non-governmental organization (NGO) SAID (118 different major activities in the span of 3 years) did make a significant difference in what relates to CRC awareness among the Lebanese population. These findings are used to encourage and support other NGOs to adopt targeted new awareness campaigns which have proven successful, and to present evidence based on facts to government officials in the Ministry of Health to support and possibly sponsor national awareness campaigns and preventive efforts to mitigate CRC levels.
文摘Surveying and early detection of invasive weeds are essential for strategic management and monitoring. Accordingly, a weed mapping was conducted during July 2011, against native （Orobanche ramosa, Cuscuta spp., Sorghum halepense and Xanthium strumarium） and non native （Abutilon theophrasti, Datura stramonium, Solanum elaeagnifolium and Verbesina encelioide） weeds of Lebanon. A global positioning system （Garmin 2006） was used for precise waypoint, elevation, navigation and distance. The result of interviewing and interacting with the residents in 95 villages distributed between the Beq＇aa and the North governorates of Lebanon, along with the observations made on the route, yielded the first detection of Abutilon theophrasti in both governorates. Solanum elaeagnifolium and Verbesina encelioide were not found in the agro-ecosystems of either governorates. This is the first report of the introduction ofAbutilon theophrasti in Lebanon and the establishment of a baseline data on weeds of Lebanon. The adoption of an integrated weed management program with a quarantine and control techniques and methods is needed to manage the spreading of weeds and to lessen their ability to adapt to a constantly changing system which uses several control practices.
文摘AIM： To determine the incidence and the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral infections in patients on hemodialysis （HD） across Lebanon.METHODS： We reviewed the data registry at the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health where records of monthly hepatitis B surface antigen （HBsAg） and hepatitis C virus （HCV） serology are reported from 60 affiliated HD centers across Lebanon. All patients who were on HD or who started HD between October 2010 and July 2012 were included in the study. Patients from seven HD centers were excluded due to inadequate and incomplete results reporting. During the selected period, HBsAg and HCV serology were available for 3769 patients from 53 HD centers distributed at all Lebanese governorates. The prevalence was calculated by dividing the number of patients with positive HBsAg or HCV serology to the total number of patients. The Incidence was calculated by dividing the number of newly acquired infection to number of patients-years （p-y）. Incidence rates at different governorates were compared to each other using two tailed Z test and a P value of 〈 0.05 was considered signifcant.RESULTS： Sixty out of 3769 HD patients were found to have positive HBS Ag and 177 out of 3769 were positive for HCV Antibodies. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus （HBV） and HCV in HD patients across Lebanon was 1.6%, and 4.7%, respectively. The comparison of prevalence according to geographic distribution could not be done accurately due to the frequent shift of patients between dialysis centers at different governorates. The incidence rate was 0.27 per 100 p-y for HBV and 0.37 per 100 p-y for HCV. There was no signifcant difference concerning the incidence of HBV between HD centers at different governorates （all P values 〉 0.1）, but this difference was highly significant concerning the incidence rates of HCV which occurred predominantly in the southern centers （1.47 per 100 p-y） with a P value of 0.00068 and 0.00374 when compared to Mount Lebanon （0.21 per 100 p-y） and the Northern centers （0.19 per 100 p-y）, respectively.CONCLUSION： The incidence rate of HBV and HCV is very low in the Lebanese HD centers and their prevalence is decreasing over the last two decades.
文摘Rain gages data represents limited spatial coverage, especially in rugged terrains like Lebanon. Other precipitation data sources are the developing satellite and radar technologies. In this study, Tropical Rain Measurement Mission (TRMM) monthly rainfall data of 18 years (1998-2014 and 2017) was used to understand monthly and yearly precipitation spatial distribution overall Lebanon. Topographic effect of rainfall spatial distribution was investigated in comparison to Plassard’s map of 1971. The annual precipitation over the country ranged between 850 mm and 200 mm that differs than the existing historical map. The maximum rainfall rate decreased by about 700 mm between the derived TRMM rainfall map and Plassard’s one. Spatial distribution of maximum precipitation rates does not coincide between maps. TRMM map of elevated terrains did not show similar trends of rainfall distribution as Plassard’s. Pixels (Lebanon was divided into 27 pixels) of lower rainfall rates was found toward the eastern side of Lebanon, in contrast to Plassard’s results. Anti-Lebanon did not show an increase in precipitation in accordance to altitude. Spatial variability of precipitation was about 50 mm between pixels which reveals the importance of considering topography while implemented rain gages as observation points. TRMM and satellite rainfall data aid in investigating complete spatial distribution of rainfall over continuous periods. Accumulating knowledge of spatial rainfall distribution on timely basis will lead to better future modelling on floods and drought conditions in Lebanon.
基金the project"The Study of the Fossil Insects and their Outcrops in Lebanon:Geology of the Outcrops-Historical and Biodiversity Evolution",which received a grant by the Lebanese University(to DA and RG)
文摘Reports of amber predating the Lower Cretaceous are unusual and scarce; they mostly refer to amber pieces of millimetric dimension. In the present study, we report the discovery of 10 new outcrops of Jurassic amber in Lebanon. Some of these had large centimetric-sized pieces of amber. The new localities are described, amber is characterized, and its infrared spectra given. Although the new Jurassic amber yielded to date no more than fungal inclusions, this material is significant and promising. The discovery, of several Jurassic outcrops provides crucial information on the prevailing paleoenvironment of that time.
基金Field studies were carried out within the project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research(01DL12041)in cooperation with the Southwest Anatolian Forest Research Institute(SAFRI)in Antalya and the Ecological Botanical Gardens(EBG)in Bayreuth.
文摘Growth response of conifers is species-specific and depends on site and climate conditions.Studies on daily radial stem growth use different analytical approaches to determine species reactions to environmental conditions.These results contribute to improve forecasts of tree growth under a changing climate.During 2013 and2014,radial stem growth of 33 mature Cedrus libani individuals growing under different climatic conditions in Turkey and Germany was monitored hourly using high precision point dendrometers.Stem radius increments(SRI)were extracted from dendrometer readings.The annual course of SRI showed site-specific patterns with mean daily values ranging between 9.9 and 29.3μm over the growing season.Correlation and principal component analyses indicated that humidity and low temperatures during the growing season favored SRI.Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that precipitation and relative air humidity were the most important factors influencing daily SRI.Climate-growth relationships were further evaluated using the regression tree method.Precipitation was the most significant factor on daily SRI for all sites.The close coupling of SRI to relative air humidity and precipitation underlines the importance of stem water status for radial stem growth of C.libani which is native to regions with summer drought.It further explains the superior growth of C.libani in Germany.
基金supported by the research Council at the University of Balamand (No.BIRG 11/2006)
文摘Fish is an important constituent of the Lebanese diet.However,very little attention in our area is given to bring awareness regarding the effect of the toxicity of mercury （Hg） mainly through fish consumption.This study aimed to report analytical data on total mercury levels in several fish species for the first time in thirty years and to also made individuals aware of the presence and danger from exposure to mercury through fish consumption.Fish samples were selected from local Lebanese markets and fisheries and included 94 samples of which were fresh,frozen,processed,and canned fish.All values were reported as microgram of mercury per gram of fish based on wet weight.The level of mercury ranged from 0.0190 to 0.5700 μg/g in fresh samples,0.0059 to 0.0665 μg/g in frozen samples,and 0.0305 to 0.1190 μg/g in canned samples.The data clearly showed that higher levels of mercury were detected in local fresh fish as opposed to other types thus placing consumers at higher risk from mercury exposure.Moreover,the data revealed that Mallifa （yellowstripe barracuda/Sphyraena chrysotaenia）,Sargous （white seabream/Diplodus sargus）,Ghobbos （bogue/Boops boops）,and shrimp （Penaeus sp.） were among the types containing the highest amounts of mercury.On the other hand,processed fish such as fish fillet,fish burger,small shrimp and crab are found to contain lower levels of mercury and are associated with lower exposure risks to mercury.Lebanese population should therefore,be aware to consume limited amounts of fresh local fish to minimize exposure to mercury.
基金supported by a grant from the University Research Board (URB) of the American University of Beirut (AUB) (Nos. 103603, 24687)。
文摘Carbonate rocks are common in many parts of the world, including the Eastern Mediterranean, where they host significant groundwater supplies and are widely used as building and ornamental stones. The porosity of carbonate rocks plays a critical role in fluid storage and retrieval. The pore structure connectivity, in particular, controls many properties of geological formations, as well as the relationships between the properties of individual minerals and the bulk properties of the rock. To study the relationships between porosity, rock properties, pore structure, pore size, and their impact on reservoir characteristics, 46 carbonate rock samples were collected from four stratigraphic sections exposed near Sidon, South Lebanon. The studied carbonate rocks are related to marine deposits of different ages(e.g., Upper Cretaceous, Eocene, and Upper Miocene). In order to understand the pore connectivity, the MICP(mercury injection capillary pressure) technique was conducted on ten representative samples. Results from the SEM analysis indicate the dominance of very fine and fine pore sizes, with various categories ranging in diameter from 0.1 to10 μm. The MICP data revealed that the pore throat radii vary widely from 0.001 to 1.4 μm, and that all samples are dominated by micropore throats. The grain size analysis indicated that the studied rocks have significant amounts of silt-and clay-size grains with respect to the coarser ‘sand-size’ particles, suggesting a high proportion of microporosity. Obtained results, such as the poorly-sorted nature of grains, high microporosity, and the high percentage of micropore throats, justify the observed low mean hydraulic radius, the high entry pressure, and the very low permeability of the studied samples. These results suggest that the carbonate rocks near Sidon(south of Lebanon) are possibly classified as non-reservoir facies.
文摘Lebanon is known by the availability in water resources whether on surface or among the existing rock for-mations. However, the status-quo does not reflect this availability due to a number of physical factors, as well as the mismanagement of these resources. Hence, the per capita has been reduced by about 50% in the last three decades. There are sixteen exposed rock formations in Lebanon, two of them are major aquifers and they are characterized by highly fractured and karstified carbonate rocks. Recently, challenges for groundwater in Lebanon have been developed. These are the: overexploitation, climate change and the acute geologic setting, which led to decline in rainfall rate, and thus exacerbated water demand. The existing chal-lenges resulted with a number of problems in ground water resources management, namely: quality deterio-ration, impact on springs and groundwater behavior, loss of groundwater o the sea, saltwater intrusion and exacerbated by the lack of data and mismanagement in water sector. In this respect, new technologies can be utilized as a helpful instrument in managing groundwater resources to treat the unfavorable situation. Space techniques and GIS have been recently raised in several topics on water resources management, including, mainly exploration and monitoring. They proved to be capable to extract hydrogeologic information and thus to manipulate this information in creditable approaches of analysis. This study introduced the present status on the Lebanese groundwater resources and the existing challenges and problems. Thus, it extends an appli-cation from Lebanon on the used new approaches for exploring groundwater.
文摘Ensuring the environmental protection of the Lebanese coast requires a continues monitoring system. For this purpose, four heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu and Pb in the marine sediments along the Lebanese coast were selected for analysis Sampling was carried out from two sites: Beirut and Batroun. Thus, 1g of dried sample is used for digestion by wet mineralization in order to determine the concentration of the four heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed that Beirut area is polluted, by Fe and Mn as well as the station Bat 2 of Batroun. For Cu and Pb, Batroun region is more polluted in the superficial layers. The analysis also showed significant difference between the sites except for Cu. A difference between depths and between particles size fractions are observed for all the parameters studied. There is no a significant difference in layer sequence except for the Pb, and neither between the repetitions of the same sample. Results showed that the values of the four metals studied do not exceed the maximum limits at both sites, but they showed increase in comparison with the analyses obtained before July 2006 conflict, which was caused by the release of large quantity of fuel-oil from Jiyeh Power Station.
文摘Yoghurt (Laban) is one of the most consumed food products in Lebanon. Thus its quality has given a concern. In this study, the sensory, chemical and rheological properties of commercial and traditional samples were investigated in order to characterize this fermented milk. Hence, Laban samples were collected from 14 areas in Lebanon;especially from mountainous regions and from the capital Beirut. Forty-two samples were provided by processing industry whether at small, medium, or large scale. A statistical analysis was carried out, and thus sensory and physicochemical properties were subjected to two approaches of variance analysis. Pearson correlation coefficients between attributes were also calculated. Both, the analyses of variance and correlations were conducted using SPSS 3. The physicochemical analysis and the microbiological analysis exhibit a significant effect of the date, and the manufacturing process. Also, the instrumental data showed no significant correlation between physicochemical and microbiological parameters, which indicates that they are completely independent. Moreover, the general appreciation of descriptive sensory analysis of products display that this appreciation is not dependant on the production process. It is also noticed that some sensory characteristics can be dread by instrumental measures. This research endorses the essential role of quality control for the manufacturing of yoghurt in Lebanon.
