ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF AFFORESTATION ON SOIL QUALITY AND SOIL ORGANIC CARBON: A CASE STUDY IN RASHAYA DISTRICT, LEBANON

Afforestation is a promising strategy for improving soil quality and enhancing carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. This study assessed the impact of afforestation on soil parameters in two afforested areas and one natural forest, compared with adjacent non-forested sites in Rashaya al-Wadi, Lebanon. Soil samples (0–30 cm depth) were analyzed for texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), organic nitrogen (ON), mineral nitrogen (MN), and available phosphorus (AP) using ISO and standardized protocols at the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI). The findings indicate that afforestation significantly increased SOM, SOC, and ON, with enhancements ranging from 151% (p \u3c 0.001) to 215% (p = 0.03), and substantially elevated AP levels, with increases up to 682% (p \u3c 0.001). Soil texture was affected, with a significant rise in sand content (p \u3c 0.001) and a decrease in clay content (p \u3c 0.001). Afforestation also led to a notable reduction in soil pH (p \u3c 0.001), while changes in EC were not statistically significant. The natural forest exhibited significantly higher SOM (p = 0.002) and AP (p = 0.011) compared to non-forested areas. These results confirm that afforestation is an effective nature-based approach for enhancing soil properties and fostering carbon sequestration, underscoring its role in climate change mitigation

THE LEGAL REGULATION OF E-COMMERCE IN LEBANON

In the digital age, the economy and commerce sectors in Lebanon, as well as globally, have embraced advancements, leading to the emergence of e-commerce with its multifaceted models, thereby establishing the electronic commercial entity. These advancements necessitate a profound technological transformation, which, in turn, introduces critical legal challenges. These challenges threaten the stability and growth of such entities within traditional legal frameworks that are insufficiently equipped to address the complexities of the digital environment and the noticeable absence of specialized regulations. This study highlights the inadequacy and disjointed nature of the Lebanese legal framework governing electronic commercial entities. The current legal system is spread across different general laws, decrees, and resolutions, and exhibits pronounced deficiencies in adapting to technological innovations that have transformed the physical and conceptual aspects of these institutions, moving away from traditional concepts. It is important that Lebanese legislators do not remain inactive in the face of these legal challenges. Instead, they should take inspiration from their Arab and European counterparts by creating a comprehensive law specifically for electronic commercial entities. This law should acknowledge the digital nature of these entities and ensure effective legal protection and strict oversight of their operations

CREATING WALKABILITY WITH WAYFINDING TECHNIQUES THROUGH ADAPTIVE REUSE FOR HISTORICAL SITE

Wayfinding refers to information systems that guide pedestrians through a physical location, enhancing their understanding and experience of the space. Wayfinding is especially crucial in complex urban environments, healthcare and educational campuses, and transportation systems. An effective wayfinding system ensures that such situations remain less stressful and allows individuals to feel safe and secure. Adaptive reuse, also called building reuse, is basically a process in architecture where old structures get refitted for different uses. Adaptive reuse renews old buildings, making them assets to the local community, be it low-income housing, student housing, community centers, or mixed-use creative venues. The process of turning a historical site into a functional site makes one enable new applications and benefits, creativity in making existing structures more efficient and sustainable. This also generates fresh job opportunities in the local community, driving economic growth while keeping the need for additional building materials to a minimum, saving costs and focusing on repair and revitalization. Now, this paper will focus on two problems in the historical site, particularly the old area of El-Mina district in Tripoli, North Lebanon. First, the problem is how to improve and revive pedestrian flow into the deserted narrow passageways around Khan Al Tamathily, which lacks integration and connectivity. Space syntax tools are employed to assess the current state of the region and present the results of proposed solutions generated during the design phase, ultimately identifying the best one. Additionally, the paper explores the potential for adaptive reuse, focusing on historical buildings, particularly those of high value along the proposed pathway. This new approach to urban planning seeks to promote pedestrian movement in areas where accessibility and wayfinding continuity are lacking. It is presumed that the presence or absence of activity can influence pedestrian flow and walkability in a specific zone. Thus, this study utilizes Space Syntax analysis to examine the chosen case study and understand how pedestrian movement can be enhanced through user segregation. DepthMapX is used to analyze the current human flow pattern in the study region. In response to the identified low connectivity, a new suggested pathway is proposed to reinvigorate pedestrian flow in this historical region. Post-design simulations are conducted to assess the impact of these proposals on the region

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BETWEEN CRIMINAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE DIFFICULTY OF ATTRIBUTION (MEDICAL ROBOT AS A CASE STUDY)

AI entities, particularly medical robots, face a fundamental challenge in criminal accountability: the difficulty of attributing criminal error to a specific entity when harm occurs to a patient. When AI algorithms make an incorrect treatment decision that leads to health complications or death, it is difficult to easily determine whether the error was the result of a programming error, poor device maintenance, or even human misuse. The criminal liability of AI entities, particularly medical robots, hinges on the issue of whether these entities have legal personality. This remains controversial in jurisprudence, given the absence of legislation. In this context, the human agent theory has emerged, according to which criminal liability is distributed among the manufacturer, programmer, and user of AI entities

TOWARDS THE DEMOCRATIC AND EQUITABLE INTERNATIONAL ORDER

The concept of the democratic and equitable order is considered one of the modern and revolutionary concepts in the field of international relations. The emergence of this concept was mainly linked to the edgy international reality and the increasing need to move towards a just and balanced international order. This study presents the concept of the democratic and equitable international order as a new vision of the international order that achieves justice and fairness among all countries of the world and their peoples, and contributes to establishing international peace and security. It also acknowledges the most important and appropriate ways and mechanisms to achieve the aforementioned order

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF MULTIPOINT VIDEO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS ON SATELLITE SIGNAL RECEPTION

This work analyzes the potential interference impact on Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites stemming from Multipoint Video Distribution System (MVDS) transmissions, specifically examining side lobe radiation within Lebanon. Through simulations and analysis of antenna emission patterns, the study measures how varying MVDS power outputs affect the carrier-to-noise (C/N) ratio at the satellite receiver. Results reveal a significant impairment of signal quality, showing the C/N falling to -2.3 dB with an MVDS power level of 0 dBW under current system parameters. To counter this interference, a potential two-phase mitigation strategy is presented and its effectiveness considered. The study contributes to improving the prospects for compatible operation between MVDS and GEO satellite services within the Ku-band, considering the Lebanese context

THE LEGITIMACY OF THE USE OF FORCE IN WARS OF LIBERATION: THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE\u27S STRUGGLE AS A CASE STUDY

This research addresses and analyzes the legality of the use of force in liberation wars waged by peoples suffering under the rule of colonialism, regimes of racial discrimination or foreign domination. This use is one of the four exceptions to the principle of prohibiting the use of force enshrined in Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the United Nations Charter which legalize the use of force in International Law. The first exception is the Security Council taking measures using force according to Article 42 of the Charter, the second exception is the right of self-defense according to Article 51 of the Charter and the third exception is the General Assembly taking measures using force according to the provisions of the General Assembly resolution Uniting for Peace . The fourth exception, which is the focus of this research, is the right of liberation and independence movements to use force to achieve their right to self-determination, freedom, and independence which is enshrined in several declarations and resolutions issued by the United Nations General Assembly since 1960. The use of force in wars of liberation is legalized in International Law; this is what this research focuses on and confirms, in addition, applies this right to the Palestinian people in their war against the racist Zionist entity, the occupier of the Palestinian land, who deprives the Palestinian people of exercising its right to self-determination, freedom and establishing its independent state

READING OF A WALKABLE UNIVERSITY LANDSCAPE IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Walkable landscapes are tied to people’s perception of their environment. Walking also constitutes the most equitable means of transport because it is available to all. Studies have shown that walking has inherent benefits to the environment as well as the health benefits to the partaker. Most University campuses are characterized by large landscapes within which movements are made to connect facilities located far apart from each other. It is therefore important to understand the constituents of what makes a university campus walkable. This study therefore examined the character of a walkable campus landscape through the lens of qualitative research paradigm. Interviews were conducted (n-86) and transcribed interviews were content analyzed. The result revealed that students have a convergent view of the character of walkable university campus landscape which includes security, engaging landscape and integration of social environmental attributes along walking routes. Environmental elements like maintained walkways, greenery, and rest spots motivate walking, alongside the social aspect of companionship or solitude. A holistic approach to campus planning, integrating well-lit paths, green spaces, and social considerations, not only encourages physical activity but also addresses safety and diverse student preferences, fostering a vibrant and accommodating university environment. The findings of this research can also be applied in the planning of university landscapes

URBAN MORPHOLOGY AND ADAPTIVE RE-USE: BALANCING HERITAGE AND MODERNITY IN CAIRO’S AL-GAMALEYA DISTRICT

Understanding the urban morphology of cities is crucial for comprehending how their physical structures can evolve in response to various needs. This study focuses on the historic urban spaces of Gamaleya in Cairo, exploring the evolution of urban morphology and how adaptive reuse can provide a development approach that preserves the character of historic areas. This is particularly important in light of the changes brought about by the accumulation of urban morphological layers over the years. Al-Gamaleya known for its rich culture, heritage and traditional architecture, is a unique case study to examine the influence of urban morphology on urban spaces. In the paper we analyze how the area\u27s street pattern, plots and traditional building forms affect community life, cultural aspects and urban heritage preservation. Our findings reveal that that the historical urban morphological development is a result of cultural traditions, social needs and infrastructure needs. creating a vibrant social fabric within the Al-Gamaleya area. where those factors shaping the characteristics of the area highlight the challenges for modern urban development, including integration the contemporary urban amenities. this exploration studies the relation between preserving historical urban forms and applying urban needs. The study suggests adaptive-re-use to abandoned spaces like old market near Al-Hussein and Infront of the gate of Bab-Al-Qadi, named Khan Al-Gaffar by the researchers as it is adjacent to Khan Al- Gaffar historical place. it is suggested to be repurposed as cultural hub, integration modern amenities meanwhile preserving historical character. Such approach does not only enhance the functionality of this urban space but also maintain cultural significance. the proposal includes having open spaces for social gatherings, attracting vendors, therefore developing the district while respecting the heritage. Overall, this research paper contributes to the understanding of urban morphology in historical contexts and try to find sustainable urban development strategies which balance preservation with contemporary use. The implications of this research extend to urban planners, policymakers, and conservationists working in historical urban spaces, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that ensures sustainable urban growth and development without compromising cultural heritage

THE RIGHT TO OBTAIN ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE IN AN “ILLEGAL” OR “DISLOYAL” MANNER VERSUS THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY

This study addresses the problem of reconciling the right to obtain electronic evidence, even through illegal or disloyal means, with the right to privacy in this digital age. To this end, the study first highlights the most prominent definitions given to electronic evidence in jurisprudence and legislation, most of which appear to liken it to data, a reductive analogy that can be analyzed. Subsequently, the study sheds light on the position of European and French jurisprudence on the issue of producing electronic evidence through illegal or disloyal . Apparently, there is a shift in jurisprudence toward accepting such evidence and not automatically excluding it from discussions. However, this shift is under strict conditions, namely that the right to proof cannot justify the production of evidence that violates privacy, unless such production is necessary to exercise this right and the violation is proportionate to the desired objective