DSpace at NDU: Recent submissions

  • Digital transformation: readiness of the Lebanese manufacturing industry 
    Salameh, Eliana (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2021)
    Purpose – The purpose of the present research is to analyze the barriers affecting the readiness of digital transformation implementation in the manufacturing enterprises in Lebanon. Design/methodology/approach – The research implemented a mixed approach using survey based questionnaires and interviews in order to understand the barriers that could impact the readiness of manufacturing organizations for digital transformation. The research implemented a deductive approach therefore it relied on previous studies and theories to validate the research hypotheses, and followed the positivism ...
  • The impact of banks' concentration on financial stability in the MENA region 
    Hamade, Hazar (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2021-04)
    Purpose - The banking sector in many MENA countries has recognized noticeable bank consolidation, which has dropped the number of banks and raised market concentration. This might raise questions about the impact of such increase in concentration on the soundness of the banking sector and consequently on the financial stability. Therefore, this study examines the impact of concentration on the financial stability of MENA banking sectors. Design/Methodology/Approach – the study adopts the FM-OLS panel method on 15 MENA banking sectors covering the period 1996-2016. Findings – ...
  • Service quality and its impact on students' satisfaction and loyality: the case of Notre Dame University-Louiaze 
    Baradhi, Dounia (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2021)
    The study purpose is to assess students’ satisfaction on services provided by higher education institutions (HEIs) and consequently their loyalty towards the institution. The research design followed a quantitative approach where a questionnaire was developed based on a seven-point Likert scale. Data was collected from 297 students at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) in Lebanon. The results elucidated that the affective component positively and strongly influences students’ satisfaction. Variables related to physical facilities did not outstand in the results so we were not able to conclude ...
  • Modeling of complex three dimensional objects with emphasis on boolean operations and a modification of the ray-casting method 
    Kokozaki, Michel R. (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2000)
    This thesis deals with the modeling of comlex three-dimensional objects, and emphasizes on the Boolean operations between objects. It discusses a modification of the ray-casting method, which offers an improved performance over the regular ray-casting method. A small simulation will be performed, on a personal computer, about how to draw three-dimentional primitives and shading them using the wire-frame technique, plus performing Boolean operations between two objects using the modified version of the ray-casting method. Data structures and the main drawing algorithms that were created for this ...
  • Narratives in urban environment : signatures of BDD 
    Hamdan, Ali (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2021-03)
    Beirut is a collage of urban styles due to the influence of Memluki, Ottoman, and the French mandate on its urban development. Beirut Digital District (BDD) is a unique cluster of innovation and entrepreneurship dedicated to creating a hub for the digital and creative community in Lebanon. The purpose of this study is to unravel the identity of BDD through a detailed reading and analysis of its multi-layered built environment. Flânerie and military urbanism theories are used to investigate the urban dress of BDD. Using the qualitative research method, in-depth interviews with 27 authors, ...
  • A proposed algorithm for the derivation of consumer profile from minimal transactional data 
    Mhanna, Françoise (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2006)
    The 80/20 rule says that 20% of the customers produce 80% of the sales; this rule indicates the existence of hidden sales potentials that must be revealed. Those hidden sales potentials can only be discovered by building acustomer profile. A smart customer profile finds the high potential targets, creates CRM strategies, and starts programs to sell the hidden targets. Shifting just a small percentage of the customers whom are not generating profit to the top group of customers generating profit adds significantly sales growth increase profits. Customer profile puts the full picture together to ...
  • On the solution and parameter estimation problem of a nonlinear intergrodifferential population balance 
    Mourani, Natacha (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2009)
    The prediction of crystal size distribution from a continuous crystallizer at steady state is important for the simulation, operation and design of crystallizers. In this research, we consider integrodifferential population balance equations (PBE) describing the crystal size distribution for a crystallizer with random growth dispersion and particle agglomeration. We first develop numerical schemes to solve the initial value problem after we establish the well-posedeness of this problem. We then test the performance of these schemes on examples with known solutions. The numerical results from ...
  • The auditor change decision in UK : factors and market reaction 
    Chaanine, Melissa Challita (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2018)
    Purpose: This study examines the firm's characteristics and the corporate governance factors that influence the auditor change decisions, and observes the market reaction following the announcement of such decisions. Design/methodology/approach: The relation between the firm's characteristics and the corporate governance factors with the auditor change decision is addressed using a logistic regression. The market reaction to the auditor change announcement is tested using the event study methodology. Findings: The results show that the company's size is positively related to the auditor ...
  • Evaluation of heavy metals and phytochemical composition of commercial and homemade Lebanese pomegranate molasses 
    Abdelkhalek, Salwa A. (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2021)
    Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the oldest known edible fruits that grow in the Mediterranean region, Southeast Asia, and Himalayas .Pomegranate is believed to have a high antioxidant activity because of its richness in active secondary metabolites such as phenolic acids, tannins and flavonoids, including anthocyanins, flavanols, and flavonols. Pomegranate molasses is a traditional condiment that can be obtained by boiling of pomegranate juice without the further addition of sugar or other additives. It is commonly used to improve the taste and aroma characteristics of salads and ...
  • A meta- analysis of antibiotic resistance prevalence among hospital and community- acquired infections 
    Mahmoud, Hala Bassam (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2021)
    Antibiotic resistance and prevalence of hospital (HAI) and community-acquired (CAI) infections are significantly increasing in the world, though very few studies are addressing this topic in Lebanon. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to identify antibiotic (AB) resistance prevalence among hospital and community acquired infections. Literature databases were searched for antibiotic resistance, HAI, and CAI in Lebanon from 2010 to 2020. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data in Lebanon published between 2010 and 2020, antibiotic resistance in microorganisms responsible for either ...
  • Dynamics of bacterial contamination and antibiotic resistance in commercially or organically farmed chicken eggs 
    Daou, Yasmeen Salah (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2021)
    Eggs are one of nature’s most nutritious and economical foods. Besides their nutritional value, antioxidant, anti‐cancerous, antihypertensive activity, and immunomodulatory effects, chemical and microbial contamination of eggs pose a risk on human health. Chemical contamination is due to the abuse of antibiotics in poultry. Microbial contamination can be through horizontal or vertical transmission. Microbial contamination accompanies a high risk of spread of antibiotic resistance. Microbial contamination can be controlled by choosing the egg source wisely and by storing eggs carefully. A lot of ...
  • Synthesis and functionalization of d-PLL-PEG-FA coated gold nanoparticles for siRNA delivery in human prostate cancer 
    Minassian, Georges B. (2021)
    Herein, we describe, a simple method for the synthesis of dendrigraft poly-L-lysine (d-PLL) coated gold nanoparticles in water (AuNPs-d-PLL) as potential vehicles of siRNA delivery to prostate cancer cells, PC3-PSMA. AuNPs-d-PLL with diameters ranging between 50 ̶ 130 nm have been synthesized in aqueous solutions using d-PLL (7 KD) as a capping ligand and L-ascorbic acid as a reducing agent. The size of the resulting AuNPs was found to depend on several parameters, such as the concentrations of gold salt, reducing agent, and d-PLL. The obtained AuNPs-d-PLL were characterized using UV-visible ...
  • The effect of ICTs on small hospitality and tourism business in North Lebanon 
    Wansa, Etienne (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2010)
    The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of information communication technology (ICT) in small rural hospitality businesses. Although ICT is often presented as a means of reducing the impact of being rural, little is known about the extent or level of use of ICT. This paper addresses these issues. The paper employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather and analyze data. The study had two stages: an initial survey to determine the extent and pervasion of ICT; and a second interview stage to explore the role and applications of ICT. The majority of businesses use ICT ...
  • The Effects of the Changing US Policies on Iraq & the Middle East 
    Jardak, Riwa Bahij (2021)
    Mesopotamia back then, Iraq and neighbors today were the Cradle of Civilizations, all the first firsts were born there, first concept of cities and villages, first law, philosophy, arts, ceramics, the concept of religion and construction of temples, concept of politics, sciences and technology, medicine and literature were also created first in Mesopotamia as well as the creations of the beer and the wheel. This Civilization exported all its creation to the world, philosophy, literature, science, technology, medicine, arts, education, industry, and manufacturing were all exported from Mesopotamia ...
  • Phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Cersis siliquastrum 
    Bahri, Hanaa (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2021)
    The genus Cercis (redbud) belongs to the subfamily Caesalpinioideae of the plant family Fabaceae (Leguminosae). It includes 10 recognized species scattered widely across the warm, north-temperate zones of North America and Eurasia. Cercis siliquastrum is native to Lebanon found in altitudes ranging between 0-800m. The flowers are edible, with sweet to sour taste, used as salad garnish, and can be drunk as tea to relief stomach aches. Flowers are known to be rich in phytochemicals that are strongly associated with reduced risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and ...
  • The effects of cartoons on Lebanese children aged between 3 and 10 
    Beaino, Tamara (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2021)
    The purpose of this study is to understand how cartoons affect children and to what extent is this effect detectable. The study explored mainly violent and aggressive behavior related to cartoons, the messages transmitted as well as the extent to which children imitate what they see. The data gathering process was possible through a survey that was filled by 222 mothers from all over Lebanon, having children aged between 3 and 10. Also, three focus groups, each consisting of 8 mothers, were conducted in order to get more accurate data and further insight. The results validated the hypothesis ...
  • Assessment of Lebanese celebrity politicians’ speeches from a dramaturgy perspective 
    Salame, Nour (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2021)
    This research paper explores the concept of celebrity politicians. Three case studies are selected according to the literature’s definition and characterization. They are Lebanese basketballer Fadi El Khatib, Member of Parliament Gebran Bassil, and Prime Minister and deputy Saad El Hariri. Three qualitative methods are adopted to obtain insightful results: discourse analysis of the celebrity politicians’ speeches during Lebanon’s 17 October revolution, focus groups with young adults aged between 21 and 26, as well as four in-depth interviews with two of the celebrity politicians selected as ...
  • Temporal difference method with hebbian plasticity rule as a learning algorithm in networks of chaotic spiking neurons 
    Aoun, Mario A. (Notre Dame University-Louaize., 2007)
    The aim of this thesis is to deluge the latest studies in chaotic dynamics and their relevance in neural computing, as also to inspect a new learning algorithm for a network of chaotic spiking neurons as it is recently proposed by Nigel Crook et al. [1]. The thesis will tackle the latest research in the field of information processing and chaotic neural networks, and will contribute to the recent work of Nigel Crook et al. [1] by finding a suitable learning algorithm for chaotic neurons. The learning algorithm based on biological realism will be implemented in a network of chaotic spiking ...
  • CASPER : cross-platform automated space planning engine for retailers 
    Tauk, Ziad (Notre Dame University-Louaize., 2009-12)
    Retail space planning is an accurate and complex process affecting the overall performance of a retail environment. Such task, confronting large retailers consisting of huge malls and hypermarkets, appears infinite in the absence of a complete automated process, starting from the store plan generation, passing by the optimal product assortment and finishing with the product-to-shelf allocation problem. Moreover, the ever-changing factors affecting the retail space planning process, such as merchandising rules, competitive strategies and consumer behavior require continuous follow-up and optimization ...
  • Establishing financial management tactics for school leaders in private secondary schools in the north west region of Cameroon 
    Tomla, Elvis Tardzenyuy (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2021)
    The study sought to examine and establish financial management tactics, for school leaders, in private secondary schools in the North West Region of Cameroon. It examined the background to the existing challenges from a global, Africa, regional and Cameroon perspective. A convenient sampling technique was used to select the schools. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data for the study. Three participants from each of the twenty private secondary schools were selected to obtain relevant information for the study. The population of 60 participants included: 20 principals, 20 ...