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The aim is to evaluate the nutritive value of vended machine items at university campuses in Lebanon and to explore the factors associated with the use of vending machines among students.

Campuses (n = 32) were screened for the presence of vending machines, and items sold in those machines (n = 21) were observed and assessed for their nutritive value. Also, a convenient sample of 603 students completed a web-based questionnaire investigating the association between the use of vending machines with the eating habits and body composition. Independent t-tests or chi-square, in addition to non-parametric test (Mann–Whitney) were conducted. Significance level of 0.05 was used.

Vending machine snacks sold in 20 out of 21 universities were high in sugar (32.1 g/100 g), fat (29 g/100 g) and saturated fat (10.5 g/100 g), while for beverages, 20% of the universities had them high in sugar (9.5 g/100 ml), fat (2.9 g/100 g) and saturated fat (1.7 g/100 g). The use of vending machines around campus was associated with significantly higher weekly consumption of crisps, savory snacks and milk. The majority of the participants were vending machine users (77.1%). Vending machine users had a higher weekly consumption of crisps and savory snacks (3.6 ± 4.3 vs 2.3 ± 3.3; p = 0.008) and a higher weekly consumption of milk (4.0 ± 4.2 vs 3.0 ± 3.6; p = 0.036).

No study has determined the nutritive value of vending machines in universities in Lebanon, nor investigated the associated factors with their use.

This study aims to develop a way to inhibit fungal attacks on paper manuscripts, as fungi are a major deterioration factor that causes aesthetic appearance and fragility degradation using fungal inhibitors including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs).

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs) doped with AgNPs (TiO₂NPs@AgNPs) were produced and combined with cellulose acetate solution before membrane production. Thus, two distinct cellulose acetate (CA) membranes were created: AgNPs-loaded CA membranes (CAAg) and TiO₂NPs@AgNPs-loaded CA membranes (CATAg). The fabricated membrane was applied to paper samples using cotton fibers containing ink or free of ink.

The findings revealed that these nanoparticles (AgNPs and TiO₂NPs@AgNPs) have a distinct shape, small size and high stability. Furthermore, once loaded onto the CA membrane, such nanoparticles might suppress fungal assault on the surface of paper samples. According to the analysis and the acquired results, the CAAg membrane was the best material to use without affecting the paper’s properties.

This paper provides a novel approach for inhibiting the fungal attacks on paper manuscripts without affecting the paper properties by using membranes from cellulose acetate loaded onto nanoparticles as inhibitors.

The purpose of this study to investigate the synthesis of new Cr(III), Fe(III), Ni(II) and Cu(II) Schiff base complexes by a simple technique (microwave technique). The evaluation of the prepared complexes as pigments as corrosion resistant was also explored.

The Schiff base complexes were prepared by using microwave method (green chemistry), and then, the physico-chemical requirements according to standards for the synthesised pigments were investigate.

The prepared complexes exhibit good physical, mechanical and corrosion properties as pigments in paint formulations.

The simple technique used for synthesis of metal complex pigments will significantly increase the cost saving for the manufacturing of such pigments category. Also, the used technique is considered a green method (eco-friendly), as there no organic solvent was used.

The evaluation of the prepared complex pigments as corrosion resistants was also studied.

It is a simple technique, green synthesis (no solvent used) is involved and high yield is obtained.

The main aim of this study is to study the effect of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride on removing stains, yellowness and harmful metal ions on historical printed paper, as well as the effect of this cleaner on optical and chemical properties of treated paper.

The assessments after and before treatment were carried out using digital microscopy, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), pH measurement, color change and finally scanning electron microscopy.

The results showed that the concentrations used under study (1% and 3%) cleaned the paper efficiently without any observed effect on the chemical composition of cellulose, which was confirmed by IR spectra. The most stains that completely disappeared were the soil spots, also the pH values had improved significantly after treatment, which confirms that the detergent is effective in neutralizing the acidity of cellulose. Moreover, the color change revealed an increase in the chromatic lightness of the paper after treatment, which agreed with the results of the scanning electron microscopy examination, as the paper appeared free of dirt, and the fibers and bundles became more cohesive.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is a unique study, as there is no previous literature that has indicated the use of the effect of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride washing treatments for printed historical paper, as it was limited only to making disinfection materials and water purification products.

Takaful has substantial prospects to obtain mutual protection, financial inclusion and sustainability of life and wealth. Structuring takaful with tabarrù triggers controversies and impedes achieving desired takaful outcomes. This study aims to investigate tabarrù-based takaful models and determine tàawun as the underlying notion of takaful.

The study employs a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews to obtain primary data. Nineteen one-to-one interviews have been conducted with Sharìah and operational experts in the takaful industry. A thematic analysis method is utilised to investigate qualitative data.

The study finds that tabarrù contradicts the spirit of takaful. Donations cannot be subject to any form of refund, and receiving benefits from donations turns the arrangement into an exchange contract. Takaful participants never intend to make a pure donation while paying contributions. Moreover, tabarrù is not feasible for practicing any form of surplus sharing with participants. The study identifies that tàawun helps to overcome these issues and attain the potential of takaful. Tàawun facilitates benefit and surplus sharing with participants and others, eventually contributing to financial inclusion, solidarity and sustainability of the financial system.

Reflecting tàawun as the underlying notion, benefits of takaful can be shared with participants. Also, as a broader application of tàawun, subsidising different takaful operators by underwriting surplus can be practiced. Besides, tàawun allows surplus sharing with any charitable purpose, contributing to financial inclusion and public welfare.

The study contributes to Islamic insurance knowledge. It helps formulate policies and develop takaful products by integrating tàawun into takaful. Additionally, the study supports the idea of cross-subsidisation of underwriting surplus among diverse takaful operators.

The usage and preference of western imported food in a Muslim-majority state signifies its importance and relevance in a specific culture. However, the inclination and preference toward imported food products must be backed by a strong motivation, when the religion of Islam does not permit overspending yet the amount spent on such imported food products is overwhelming. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the motivation behind this behavior.

This is a qualitative study, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 90 participants comprising professionals, housewives and university students from eight cities in Pakistan, which represented different regions and demographic variables. These were Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Hyderabad, Faisalabad and Larkana. The technique used to analyze the qualitative interview findings was thematic content analysis. To confirm the results, Leximancer software Version 4.5 was used to reanalyze and validate them. Moreover, the purposive sampling method has been used in this research.

The findings from the qualitative-focused interviews revealed that the product attributes of packaging with attractive colors, design, size, overall quality material, taste and labeling with maximum product information influenced their purchase behavior. The vast majority reported that food products coming from the west needed to be halal, and this is an important deciding factor for purchase. Also, the level of religiosity related to western imported food buying behavior varies from city to city, which itself an interesting finding from a Muslim-majority population. Brand trust, loyalty, satisfaction, subjective norms were influential factors for Muslim consumers’ purchase behavior.

This paper is qualitative in nature, and therefore, the generalizability of the study results is limited. Also, this study only focused on Muslim consumer buying behavior from a Muslim-dominated country.

This study is instrumental for western food producers and exporters, providing valuable information about the motives behind the purchase of western imported food products in Pakistan, and by extension, potentially in Muslim countries in general. The study’s findings would add value to the field of consumer behavior, in which little research has been conducted on the relationship between consumer motives in context with Muslims’ consumer behavior toward western imported food products.

The presence of western imported food products may give better options for consumers so that they can pick a quality product for their own and family usage. The placement of the halal logo and extra care of halal ingredients also assures the religious and cultural requirements, enabling the western imported food products to penetrate quickly.

The findings of the qualitative-focused interviews revealed that the level of religiosity varies from city to city. Even though the core religion is Islam, the level of religious commitment varies in different cities when it comes to the purchase of western imported food products. The interview findings discovered some reasons behind this behavior such as consumer demographic profile, cultural background, income level, education, lifestyle, family background and social class. This means that demographic variation plays an important role in religious commitment and especially across cites that possess different cultural and behavioral patterns.

The purpose of this study is to examine the level of Shariah governance disclosure among Islamic banks in Malaysia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (i.e. Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia). On top of that, the effect of Shariah governance disclosure on Islamic banks financial performance is investigated.

Data underwent quantitative content analysis and a mean comparison of the Shariah governance disclosure mechanisms as well as multiple regression analysis. Shariah governance information is obtained from the Islamic banks' official websites and the Bursa Malaysia Exchange.

The results of the content analysis revealed that the level of Shariah governance disclosure among Malaysian Islamic banks has been more pronounced than in the GCC countries. Additionally, the multiple regression analysis results specified that of the five Shariah governance disclosure mechanisms, the Shariah committee emerged as the strongest determinant in the financial performance of the Islamic banks, followed by transparency and disclosure.

Islamic banks should emphasise publishing Shariah governance information in annual reports to reflect superior accounting practices as assessed by certified Shariah auditors with an effective monitoring system.

The empirical findings are vital for serving as a guideline for Islamic banks in Malaysia and the GCC countries to disclose their practice of Shariah governance and gain empirical insights into its effect on firms’ financial performance. Following that, Islamic banks would improve their accounting practices while adhering to Shariah principles, strengthen internal controls and boost their brand reputation.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the synthesis of calcium-based group of mixed metal oxide (MMO) pigments. The evaluation of these pigments as heat and corrosion resistant was also explored.

Two simple synthesis techniques, namely, co-precipitation and solid-state calcination method, were used to synthesise nanosized MMO pigments. And then the physico-chemical requirements according to standards for the synthesised pigments are investigated.

The prepared MMO pigments were mainly in the single phase double oxide forms. The prepared oxides exhibited good heat (up to 600°C) and corrosion resistance properties (in 5 per cent NaCl for 500 h).

This paper investigates the physico-chemical properties of synthesised calcium-based group of MMO pigments. And then evaluate it as heat and corrosion resistant paints. The simple techniques used for synthesis of nanosized MMO pigments will significantly improve the research and development of pigments’ structure and performance.

Calcium-based MMO pigments can be used as heat and corrosion resistant pigments. The easy synthesis of the mixed oxide pigments will open the door for further vital special industrial uses and applications.

Low cost, simple techniques and using naturally abundant material can be used for mass production of some other low-cost nanosized materials.

The objective of this study is to construct a theoretical framework concerning wage determination, grounded in principles and supplemented by conventional theories. It discusses the Islamic perspectives on minimum wage and examines contemporary challenges and intricacies in its application.

This study uses thematic analysis to create the conceptual framework, drawing upon a review of pertinent literature such as academic papers, books and articles published up to 2023.

The framework encompasses various categories, namely, employee characteristics, job characteristics, market factors, compensation practices and Islamic principles. Each category consists of multiple variables. The resulting framework offers a holistic and ethically grounded methodology for wage determination, aligning with both Islamic and conventional perspectives. This study notes the absence of a universally agreed-upon minimum wage. Islamic economics faces challenges due to the unclear application of principles, limited awareness, legal constraints and a lack of empirical evidence on wage systems, along with complexities in their implementation.

The paper’s limited scope focuses solely on the Islamic perspective on wage determination, without comparing it to the conventional viewpoint. This may have implications for future research.

The insights on Islamic principles and wage determination guide scholars and policymakers interested in promoting just and equitable wages.

This study is distinct in its integration of various factors to propose an all-encompassing framework for wage determination, rooted in the Quran and principles, while also reinforcing the framework with conventional theories. Additionally, it adds to the growing body of literature by investigating the Quran’s stance and principles on minimum wage, as well as discusses the challenges involved in implementing an Islamic approach to wage determination, which has received limited attention in Islamic literature.

This study aims to evaluate the knowledge structure of halal certification in food and beverages. The growth of the Muslim population and the expanding economic activities among the Muslim community have necessitated extensive and comprehensive halal certification, particularly in food and beverage products.

Through a science mapping approach, this study explores the knowledge structure based on past publications in food and beverages and its association with halal certification, logos and brands. Applying bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis, the present and future trends of halal certification in food and beverages are explored by presenting a network visualization to present the underlying themes and research streams.

The main finding from recent and emerging themes shows that the pivotal perspective is increasing consumers’ knowledge and awareness of halal-certified food products. Future trends stemming from the co-word analysis suggest the importance of exploring consumer halal food product determinants.

This study is relevant to stakeholders, scholars and practitioners, particularly in disseminating information and voice on the importance of halal-certified food products that are recognized as having better quality and contributing to environmental sustainability.