Clayey soils have long been utilized as construction materials due to their low environmental impact and inherent thermal insulation capabilities. However, their mechanical limitations and variability in performance have hindered broader application in modern sustainable construction. This study explores the novel use of red and green clays, either individually or in combination with supplementary cementitious materials, as geopolymer precursors to develop optimized, low-carbon unfired earth blocks. An innovative stabilization strategy is proposed by partially replacing natural clay with metakaolin (5–20
The long-term behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) structures under sustained loading is strongly affected by creep and cracking, particularly under service conditions where tension stiffening and curvature changes are significant. This study investigates the flexural response of cracked RC beams through combined numerical and experimental analyses. A new 1D finite element model is proposed, integrating nonlinear material behavior, damage mechanics, and time-dependent effects, including creep in both compression and tension. The model relies on a layered fiber section approach and uses a Newton-Raphson iterative procedure to solve equilibrium, allowing accurate prediction of strain, curvature, and internal force evolution over time. The model shows excellent agreement with experimental observations and ABAQUS simulations, accurately capturing deflection trends and crack development. Its performance is further validated using a database of 55 RC beams, including specimens with recycled aggregates and fiber reinforcement. Across this dataset, 84.5% of predicted deflections fall within +/- 1 mm of measured values, with an R2 of 0.960, demonstrating strong reliability. A Sobol-based sensitivity analysis identifies load ratio as the most influential parameter on long-term deflection, followed by concrete strength and humidity. Overall, the model offers an efficient and robust tool for long-term deflection prediction, bridging simplified design rules and complex 3D simulations.
Sustainable territorial development seeks to balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental preservation across spatial contexts. In fragile and resource-constrained regions, achieving this balance remains particularly challenging. With the growing diffusion of artificial intelligence (AI), digital tools are increasingly presented as potential enablers of sustainability-driven territorial strategies. This study explores the role of AI in supporting sustainable territorial development across rural and urban areas of North Lebanon, a region characterized by infrastructural deficits, governance constraints, and socio-economic vulnerability. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with five key stakeholders from the public sector, civil society, business, and sustainability expertise, complemented by an illustrative case study of the proposed AI-enabled redevelopment of Klayaat (Ren & eacute; Mouawad) Airport. The findings reveal that while stakeholders recognize AI's potential to enhance resource optimization, smart agriculture, urban mobility, and disaster preparedness, its effective adoption remains constrained by limited digital infrastructure, insufficient policy frameworks, funding shortages, and gaps in digital literacy. Interpreted through the lenses of the Triple Bottom Line and Diffusion of Innovation theories, the results show that AI-driven sustainability outcomes in fragile territorial contexts are highly conditional on institutional readiness, governance capacity, and contextual alignment. The study contributes to the literature by providing context-specific insights into AI-enabled sustainable development in a developing and crisis-affected region, highlighting the need to complement technological innovation with policy reform, capacity building, and inclusive territorial governance.
Non-adherence to diabetes medication is associated with poor glycemic control and suboptimal benefits from prescribed medication, leading to worsening of the medical condition, comorbidities, reduced quality of life, higher healthcare costs, and increased mortality. This study aimed to assess the harmful effects of medication shortages and their association with medication adherence among patients with diabetes in the context of multiple crises in Lebanon. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 type 1 and type 2 Lebanese diabetic patients attending primary healthcare centers, pharmacies, and private clinics. Participants were 18 years and older; non-Lebanese patients were excluded. Adherence to diabetes medications was measured using the Lebanese Medication Adherence Scale (LMAS-14) and the Harmful Impact of Medication Shortage (HIMS) score. All participants completed a self-report questionnaire, including sociodemographic and clinical profile variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out using SPSS version 28. Patients with lower education (8 years or less) were less adherent to medications than those with a university degree (21.00 vs. 17.00). Manual workers had less adherence to medication than non-manual workers (23.00 vs. 19.00). In addition, patients residing in Baalbeck, Beqaa, or Akkar, those who did not follow a diabetes-specific diet, smokers, and those not regularly testing their glycemia were less adherent to treatment. Most importantly, 36.3
Anastomotic leak after one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) remains a serious postoperative complication with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite multiple available strategies, no standardized approach exists for managing gastrojejunostomy leaks. This study presents a simple, minimally invasive technique designed to control leakage and promote tract closure. This single-centre case series included five consecutive patients who developed gastrojejunostomy leaks following OAGB between 2020 and 2025. All patients were managed using a novel minimally invasive technique involving placement of a Foley catheter through the leak site to achieve internal sealing, combined with controlled external drainage. Clinical data, postoperative course, and outcomes were recorded. Five patients (mean age 44.4 years; mean BMI 55.4 kg/m²) were treated using this technique. All leaks were identified at the gastrojejunostomy, with onset ranging from 2 to 7 days postoperatively. Oral fluid intake was initiated on the second day following clinical improvement. Median postoperative hospital stay was 4 days. The Foley catheter was maintained for a mean duration of 23.8 days before removal. All patients were followed up, with a mean follow-up duration of 4 months. This minimally invasive salvage technique appears feasible and safe for managing gastrojejunostomy leaks after OAGB. It offers a straightforward alternative that supports controlled external drainage and facilitates leak closure. Larger studies are needed to validate its reproducibility and broader applicability. There is no universally accepted standardized approach for the management of gastrojejunostomy leaks following OAGB. Minimally invasive strategies that combine leak control, external drainage, and preservation of nutrition are increasingly favored. The minimally invasive salvage technique demonstrated promising preliminary outcomes, achieving drainage, leak closure, and early recovery in our series.
