aust progresses towards excellence in engineering education

Page 2
CNRS Funds AUST Research
Lecture on Corporate Social
Responsibility
AUST Saida Activity
AUST at First Engineering
Education Conference
Page 3
Artist Nadim Karam at AUST
AUST Participates in ACM/ACPC
RTV Students at MTV
Page 4
The Signing of Poetry Book
On Mothers’ Day
Common English Mistakes
Page 5
Up to Date
Page 6
Local Sports
Enjoy the Lighter Side
of Midweek
Wednesday, March 21 st , 2012
ISSUE #122 Three
AUST PROGRESSES TOWARDS EXCELLENCE IN
ENGINEERING EDUCATION
CCE Students recepients of the first project prize in the EXPO 2011. Eye-Tracking System: A research project in the Department of BME.
The American University of Science and Technology (AUST, Beirut,
Lebanon) is progressing towards excellence in engineering
education by pursuing and implementing local and international
accreditations standards. Two programs are the pillars of such an
endeavor, namely Computer and Communications Engineering and
Biomedical Engineering.
The Computer & Communications Engineering (CCE) program at
AUST represents a modern, world-class, competitive, and welldeveloped
curriculum in the field. The program was established on
August 7, 2000, based on decree number 3585 issued by the Ministry
of Higher Education upon the recommendation of the Council of
Higher Education. The program offers B.S. and M.S. degrees in
Computer and Communications Engineering.
On February 22, 2011, the Committee of Engineering Profession
Practice from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the
Ministry of Public Works, the Order of Engineers and Architects, and
the Lebanese University have convened and released the primary
decree numbered 12/2011, whereby AUST graduates from the
Computer & Communications Engineering program are bestowed the
right to practice the Engineering Profession on the Lebanese territory.
This hybrid program integrates computer engineering with
communication systems engineering with equal emphasis on
theoretical and applied education. A unique feature of the CCE
program is that it prepares the student to engage in research and
development projects in various areas of the field targeted at providing
strategic solutions to contemporary technological problems.
Depending on vocational needs, the CCE graduate may work with
electrical engineers, computer scientists, and professional in almost
any other related field. The applications are vast; they could be in i)
business communication, management of communications over
mobile, satellite, and optical networks, ii) digital sound and picture
processing for entertainment, iii) household appliances, iv) automotive
systems, v) manufacturing process control biomedical instrumentation,
vi) machine control; and vii) innumerable other domains.
The other pillar is the Biomedical Engineering (BME) program, which
represents a prototype of a modern, world-class, and well-developed
curriculum in the field. This program was established at AUST in
February 14, 2002, and has since been recognized as one of the
regional premier comprehensive curricula in Biomedical Engineering.
It is a hybrid program which integrates the engineering sciences with
the biomedical sciences with equal emphasis on theoretical and
applied education. A unique feature of this program is that it prepares
the student to engage in research and development projects in various
areas of Biomedical Engineering targeted at providing strategic
solutions to contemporary healthcare problems.
Bioengineers/biomedical engineers are employed in universities,
industry, hospitals, research facilities of educational and medical
institutions, and in government regulatory agencies. Although most
bioengineering/biomedical engineering graduates end up working in
these environments, others use their emergent education as a
springboard for building careers in fields such as medicine, law, and
healthcare management.
The following is a useful list of assignments and responsibility areas
in bioengineering/biomedical engineering jobs: i) product development
and design; ii) project assignments; iii) research; iv) sales and
marketing; v) data processing; vi) teaching and training; vii) technical
and general design; viii) general/business management; ix)
international trade assignments; x) consulting; xi) quality-related
assignments; xii) operation and maintenance; xiii) personnel
administration; xiv) financial administration; xv) purchasing and
materials assignments; xvi) patenting assignments; and xvii)
production planning and management.
To enhance its engineering education, AUST encompasses 14 stateof-the-art
engineering laboratory facilities distributed over more than
1000 m2. These laboratories are compatible with world standards and
furnish students with the needed tools to hone their applied skills in the
various areas of their studies. The laboratories are:
1. Quantitative Medical Physiology Laboratory (QMPL)
2. Biomedical Instrumentation & Controls Laboratory (BICL)
3. Biomechanics/Biomaterials & Human Performance Laboratory
(BBHPL)
4. Biology and Chemistry Laboratory (BCL)
5. Molecular Biology Laboratory (MBL)
6. Computer Laboratories (CL)
7. Communication Systems Laboratory (COMSYSLAB)
8. Control and Industrial Automation Laboratory (CIAL)
9. Digital and Microprocessors Laboratory (DML)
10. Circuits Analysis and Electronics Laboratory (CAEL)
11. Computer Networks Laboratory with CISCO systems (CNETL)
12. LabVIEW Facility (LabVIEW)
13. Senior Capstone Project Laboratory (SCPL)
14. Workshop
Moreover, the faculty members in both departments are engaged in
state-of-the-art research and development that are resonant in
acclaimed international publications and conferences.
The advancements of the above programs have been catalyzed by joint
affiliations with top notch international programs, such as the Politecnico
di Milano (POLIMI, Milan, Italy), New Jersey Institute of Technology
(NJIT, Newark, NJ, USA), Villanova University (VU, Villanova, PA, USA),
École Polytechnique de Montreal (EPM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada),
among others. Furthermore, while many graduates of these programs
have attained high ranked positions, locally and regionally, others have
decided to pursue their higher education at the M.S. and Ph.D. levels
in renowned institutions in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland,
USA, and even China. These individuals could be considered as
AUST’s ambassadors to the world.
Finally, our active students have a major chunk in the
internationalization of these programs through the various annual
activities of the IEEE and EMBS Student Branch Chapters.
Dr. Ziad O. Abu-Faraj
Chairperson, BME and CCE Departments
1

Campus News
AUST Researcher Receives Funding from the National Center
for Scientific Research (CNRS)
AUST research efforts are reaching fruition in terms of
funding appreciation. The graduate program in
Biotechnology at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) has
received more than $13,000 in support of a research study
that aims to investigate the role of iron metabolism in
breast cancer development. Dr. Zouhair Attieh, the Lab
Science and Technology (LST) Chairperson, who
supervises the study has been working on cellular iron
trafficking in various body tissues for the last seventeen
years during his doctoral, postdoctoral work and AUST
tenure. Rasha Mismar, who obtained her MS degree from
the LST In November, looked at the expression of iron
On February 28, 2012, Dr. Adel Chit, Dr. Roger Achkar,
and Mr. Michel Owayjan representing the Department of
Computer and Communications at AUST attended the first
conference on Engineering Education in Lebanon that was
held at the Order of Engineers and Architects, Beirut,
2 www.aust.edu.lb
regulatory proteins in the development of ductal
carcinoma, the major type of breast cancer in women. Her
results constituted a key factor in the proposal submitted
for funding to the CNRS. Indeed, the proposal was
accepted, and financial support was allocated to it. Two
graduate students, Pamela Nabhan and Joseph
AbuMsallam will further investigate the role of iron
mobilization in mammalian tissue in breast carcinogenesis.
The study, in collaboration with the University of California
at Berkeley, is promising in elucidating the mechanisms
underlying breast cancer development; thus. Paving the
way to possible therapeutic strategies.
Intel Corporate Affairs Group’s Program Manager addresses
AUST Students on Corporate Social Responsibility
Dr. Hejase, Ms. Harb, Dr. Haddad, and Mr. Daw
AUST Participates in the First Conference
on Engineering Education in Lebanon
Lebanon. The conference was organized by the
Federation of Lebanese Engineers in collaboration with the
Engineering Scientific Committee in the Order of
Engineers and Architects – Beirut, and under the
patronage of His Excellency, Dr. Hassan Diab, Minister of
Education & Higher Education of Lebanon. The opening
session included talks by the Chair of the Engineering
Scientific Committee, Eng. Paul El Hage, the President of
the Order of Engineers and Architects – Beirut, Dr. Elie
Dr. Zouhair Attieh
On Tuesday, March 13, 2012, AUST’s instructor of “International Business” Mr. Dory Daw
invited Ms. Grace Harb to expound on Intel’s initiative toward developing young Lebanese
entrepreneurs on the realm of corporate social responsibility.
Students from two undergraduate and one graduate business classes, namely,
international business, quality management and financial management (MBA) were
among the attendees. Present were Dr. Ziad Haddad, Head of the Management
Department, and instructors Mr. Daw and Ms. Hassana Tabch.
Dr. Hejase, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, addressed the students
about the importance of social responsibility in business and how it impacts all business
sectors on all planning levels, including strategic, tactical, and operational levels. Then
he introduced the speaker.
Ms. Grace gave her presentation in an interactive style, covering the principles of
corporate social responsibility and how Intel, as a global corporation, is involved in foreign
countries in an attempt to build human capacity; a feat that is attained by encouraging
volunteering programs, entrepreneurship training and competitions, and through the
support of public and private institutions in their efforts to build their Information and
Communication Technology capabilities.
The meeting was friendly and easy going; the presentation was smooth, flexible, and
allowed excellent interaction with students. The presentation ended by offering the speaker
a commemorative medallion from AUST; it was presented by Dr. Haddad and Dean Hejase.
Bseibes, and the Minister of Education & Higher Education
in Lebanon, Dr. Hassan Diab. This was followed by five
sessions, covering the different engineering education
models in Lebanon, the quality of engineering education,
engineering education in the modern economy and in the
industry, promoting engineering education at universities
and the training of engineers, and a recommendation
session.
By Michel J. Owayjan
Department of Computer & Communications Engineering

Campus News
The Arts and Design Department at AUST hosted artist Nadim
Karam on March 2012. He exposed the arts and design
students to his art and the context that engulfs his work.
Born in Senegal in 1957, Nadim Karam is a
multidisciplinary artist known for landmark urban design
and cutting-edge painting and sculpture. A prominent
figure in the Lebanese art scene. He attended the
American University of Beirut and received graduate and
postgraduate degrees from the University of Tokyo, Japan.
In 1996, he established Atelier Hapsitus in Beirut; a studio
that the artist defines as “the satellite grouping of young
architects and designers around happenings and
situations.” Since then, Atelier Hapsitus has become a
vehicle for Karam’s oeuvre, boasting a number of works
and projects that blend architecture, design and art while
defying conventional modes of creativity and thought.
Individually, Karam has exhibited in galleries, institutions
and art fairs worldwide, contributing to such notable events
as the Liverpool Biennial, the Venice Biennale, the
Gwangju Biennale in South Korea and SCOPE Art Fair
(Basel). With a collector-base across the globe, his work is
housed in corporations and cultural foundations in the Arab
world, Europe and Asia. Gaining critical acclaim for his
urban art projects in Lebanon early on, he has been
commissioned to produce large-scale works in such places
as the UAE, the Czech Republic, Australia and Japan. The
former Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Art and Design
Artist Karam sharing his arts experience with students
at Lebanon’s Notre Dame University, his influence has also
been felt on an academic level.
Be they urban art or architectural, Nadim Karam defines
his projects as being composed of the inspirations,
encounters and stories that generate moments. Moments
are indefinable, but they have the capacity to affect our
emotions, change our mood, and make us dream…
Through his work, he attempts to create fresh visual
moments born of their city’s stories and culture, placing
them in an unexpected urban context to inject fantasy
and vitality into city life.
One of his current urban art projects, still under
development, is The Dialogue of the Hills, a project for a
series of permanent urban art installations and community
gardens linking the seven hills of Amman. The Dialogue of
the Hills aims to capture the city’s energy and express it
through urban art works that involve communities, enrich
On Friday, 9th of March, the students of television
production 1 class went to MTV studios in Naccache on a
field trip. Their trip started with a tour in the Studio Vision
where most live to tape television programs for MTV and
Al Jadid television stations are shot. The tour ended in the
control room where the students witnessed the staff of the
program “ Heik Menghanni” rehearsing and preparing for
the shooting of the program. The producer of the show
explained to them the procedures inside the control room,
and the responsibility of each of the production staff during
production. The technical staff, in turn, talked about the
equipment they use in the control room.
The students then continued their trip to the set where an
episode of“ Heik Menghanni” was being shot. They were
part of the audience for a live to tape shooting of the
American University of Science and Technology
Fresh Moment through the Eyes of Artist Nadim Karam
the environment, and create a cultural story linking the
Amman hills.
Another creative architecture project which he spoke about
was “The Cloud of Dubai”; it is one of a series of Gulf
Region projects created by Nadim Karam and Atelier
Hapsitus. Inspired by the nomads, whose travels followed
the borderless movement of clouds; it is a horizontal
antithesis to the forest of exclusive high-rise towers
spreading all over the region. A public landscape-in-thesky,
it is an essentially sustainable project standing at a
height of approximately 300 meters, comprising of a lake,
gardens, rotating bridges, spiraling walkways and terraces,
a multi-purpose space and sky-sports platform.
His talk was graphic so much so that students didn’t find
it hard to go with him on the trip of different engineering
concepts. In summary, a lecture is not enough; we hope
to host him on many other occasions to benefit more of
his expertise.
AUST Participates in the 14 th ACM Arab Collegiate
Programming Contest
The Fourteenth ACM Arab Collegiate Programming
Contest was hosted by the Lebanese American University
in Beirut, Lebanon. The Arab Collegiate Programming
Contest (ACPC) is a qualifying round for the ACM
International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC).
ACPC is organized in the same spirit and is governed by
all applicable rules of the ICPC. Winners of an ACPC
contest qualify to the ICPC World Finals. A record breaking
56 teams from 40 Universities have participated in the
contest. Most Arab countries were represented: United
Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco,
Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunis, and the hosting
country Lebanon. Two teams participated from AUST:
1) Team 1: Born2Code (Beirut)
a. Rayyan Mourtada
b. Sleiman Jneidi
c. Hussein Zawawi
2) Team 2: C0d3 (Sidon)
a. Firas Shamieh
b. Kassem Abu Khana
c. Mohamad-Ali Mokhadder
Both teams were coached by Mr. Michel Owayjan. Both
teams were rewarded certificates for their good effort. The
contest was sponsored by Consolidated Contracting
Company (CCC), Facebook, Byblos Bank, Ayna Corp,
Zakhem Engineering, and Quantech, and organized under
the patronage of Dr. Hassan Diab, Minister of Education
and Higher Education.
By Michel J. Owayjan
Computer Science Department
Television Production Students Visit MTV
and Participate in One of its Shows
episode. The students learned from the floor manager how
to manage the audience, the guests, talents as well as the
technical staff during the shooting. The students observed
how sets, lights and cameras are designed in a television
production, reviewing the names of the camera mounts,
sound and light equipment used in the production.
A funny anecdote happened before shooting the episode,
the gorgeous Maya Diab, the presenter of the program,
appeared with a red shoe and a black shoe on; she asked
the audience to give her their opinion about which color of
shoes she is to wear. The audience shouted vigorously
“black”. Showing that she cared about the audience’s opinion
she shot the whole episode with the black pair of shoes.
The students cheered, applauded, sang and learned
during this trip to MTV studios.
For your comments email us at: austmidweek@aust.edu.lb
3

Campus News
AUST-Zahlé student Maria Haidar Ahmad studies Finance
but writes poems. She will soon present her senior project
to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking
and Finance. Yet this occasion coincided with the
publication of her first poetry book.
Faculty, students and several area dignitaries gathered to
celebrate the publication of her book “The Neigh of
Virgins”. The book is a collection of poems which range in
subjects from love and passion to Lebanese pride and
female liberation.
Everyone admits that his\her mother is God’s heaven on
Earth. She is the giving three whose productivity never
perishes. However, it is only when you observe a day in a
mother’s life that you realize that no gifts or words can be
equal to or can repay her gift to you. First, a mother is
4 www.aust.edu.lb
AUST-Zahlé Student Signs Her First Poetry Book
Poet Anis Khayat, who wrote the book’s preface,
congratulated Maria on her courage and imagination
during a panel discussion and urged her to continue with
the same literary spirit. Meanwhile, Zahlé Campus Director
Dr. Jamil Hammoud talked about Maria’s personality and
dedication and presented her with an encouragement prize
on behalf of AUST President Hiam Sakr.
The panel discussion was followed by a small cocktail party
during which students and friends gathered around Maria,
waiting for her to sign their copy of the book.
God’s Heaven on Earth
God’s love in action. When everyone is still deep asleep,
a mother wakes up energetically and readily to cater for
her kids’ needs. In no more than a few minutes is breakfast
served. With her loving voice and gentle kiss, she wakes
up her kids, who kiss her back. As they are having their
breakfast, she is preparing their school lunchbox. Later,
she warmly dresses them up and tenderly kisses them
goodbye. As they are leaving to school, she looks at them
with her heart and feels them with her eyes. Later, she
steels a few minutes to grab her breakfast before she is
ready to do her daily household chores. Not a minute does
she stop thinking about her kids. When the clock strikes
two, her heart does too. It is time to welcome her kids back
with a hug as wide as the sea. All the family gathers
around the table to have lunch; this is a symbol of how a
mom is the cement that keeps her family together. While
eating, each discusses the ups and downs of his\her day.
Then, the hardest part of the day is about to arrive. One
kid is nagging, another is shouting and complaining, and a
third is reluctant to study. However, because a mother is
the bank where her kids deposit their worries and
undesirable feelings, the mother willingly understands and
accepts her children’s behavior, soothing one’s worries
and convincing another to study. Never admitting that she
is tired after a long-tiring day, the mother is still dynamic
enough to prepare a nutritious dinner for her kids. The day
is over, but the mother’s responsibilities never end. She
gives her kids a shower and finally sends them to bed,
kissing them goodnight. After organizing the mess the kids
have caused, she checks on them once before she goes
herself to sleep. She introspects: “I don’t look my best; I
don’t sleep when it is time to snooze; I don’t find time to eat
when I am hungry; I don’t rest when I am drained; I don’t
go out when I am bored to death; I should come across as
strong even if deep inside I feel feeble. Despite all these,
I cater for everyone’s needs. After all, I am a mother.”
A mother is a candle that melts to illuminate other’s
darkness. During that day, has she given a second for
herself? She caters for everyone’s needs, but who shall
cater for hers?
Lina Shami
Department of English and Translation
Do You Make These 7 Mistakes When You Write?
1. Loose vs. Lose
This one drives a lot of people crazy. In fact, it’s so prevalent! Here’s a hint:
If your pants are too loose, you might lose your pants.
2. Me, Myself, and I
One of the most common causes of grammatical pain is the choice between “me” and “I.”
Too often people use “I” when they should use “me,” because since “I” sounds stilted and
proper, it must be right, right? Nope.
The easy way to get this one right is to simply remove the other person from the sentence
and then do what sounds correct. You would never say “Give I a call,” so you also wouldn’t
say “Give Chris and I a call.” Don’t be afraid of me.
And whatever you do, don’t punt and say “myself” because you’re not sure whether “me”
or “I” is the correct choice. “Myself” is only proper in two contexts, both of which are
demonstrated below.
Many consider Chris a punk, but I myself tolerate him. Which brings me to ask
myself, why?
3. Different than vs. Different from
This one slips under the radar a lot, and I’ll bet most of us have screwed it up countless
times. It boils down to the fact that things are logically different from one another, and
using the word “than” after different is a grammatical mistake.
This vase is different from the one I have, but I think mine is better than this one.
4. Improper Use of the Apostrophe
Basically, you use an apostrophe in two cases:
-For contractions (don’t for do not)
-To show possession (Frank’s blog means the blog belongs to Frank)
If still in doubt, leave the apostrophe out. It causes more reader confusion to insert an
apostrophe where it doesn’t belong than it does to omit one. Plus, you can always plead
the typo defense if you leave an apostrophe out, but you look unavoidably dumb when
you stick one where it doesn’t belong.
5. Parallelism
One of the tips involves keeping each bullet item in parallel by beginning with the same
part of speech. For example, each item might similarly begin with a verb like so:
-deliver…
-prompt…
-cause…
-drive…
When writing a list of items in paragraph form, this is even more crucial, and failing to stay
in parallel can result in confusion for readers and scorn from English majors. Check out
this non-parallel list in a sentence:
Over the weekend, Kevin bought a new MacBook Pro online, two software programs,
and arranged for free shipping.
Do you see the problem? If not, break the list into bullet points and it becomes clear:
Over the weekend, Kevin:
-Bought a new MacBook Pro online
-Two software programs
-Arranged for free shipping
Stick the word “ordered” in front of “two software programs” and you’re in parallel. Your
readers will subconsciously thank you, and the Grammar Nazis won’t slam you.
6. i.e. vs. e.g.
As antiquated as they might seem, these two little Latin abbreviations are pretty handy
in modern writing, but only if you use them correctly.
The Latin phrase id est means “that is,” so i.e. is a way of saying “in other words.” It’s
designed to make something clearer by providing a definition or saying it in a more
common way.
Copyblogger has jumped the shark, i.e., gone downhill in quality, because Brian has
broken most of his New Year’s resolutions.
The Latin phrase exempli gratia means “for example”, so e.g. is used before giving
specific examples that support your assertion.
Copyblogger has jumped the shark because Brian has broken most of his New Year’s
resolutions, e.g., promising not to say “Web 2.0,” “linkbait,” or “jumped the shark” on the
blog in 2007.
7. Could of, Would of, Should of
Please don’t do this:
should of gone to the baseball game, and I could of, if Billy would of done his job.
This is correct:
should have gone to the baseball game, and could have, if Billy had done his job.
Why do people make this mistake?
They could’ve, should’ve, and would’ve been correct, except that the ending of those
contractions is slurred when spoken. This creates something similar to a homophone,
i.e., a word that is pronounced the same as another word but differs in meaning, e.g., of,
which results in the common grammatical mistake of substituting of for have.
For more on this visit http://www.copyblogger.com/grammar-writing-mistakes/

Up to Date
They’re All in the New 2012 Guinness
World Records Book; Book Launches
Don’t Get Crazier than this!
The longest fingernails on a pair of
female hands belong to Chris "The
Dutchess" Walton and measure in at 10
feet 2 inches for her left hand and 9 feet
7 inches for her right hand for a total of
19 feet 9 inches as measured in Las
Vegas, Nev., on Feb. 21, 2011
Largest collection of 'Do Not Disturb' signs:
Jean-François Vernetti (Switzerland) has
collected 11,111 different 'Do Not Disturb'
signs from hotels in 189 countries across
the world since 1985.
For the life of a college student there’s always a continuous
juggle of work, school and social lives that keeps one busy.
Anything to lessen the load would be a miracle. But what if that
miracle came from just an app?
Through the thousands of choices at your fingertips, many go
above and beyond to enhance the educational experience. Here
are the 10 best Smartphone/tablet apps to help you become a
better student:
1. Evernote: A digital note taking app that can record in text,
video, notes and photos, plus sorting the information in order of
date. It can also sync from a phone to computer. (For: iPhone,
iPad, Windows, Android and Blackberry)
2. myHomework: Tracks homework, classes, projects and tests
with ease while syncing information to myHomeworkapp.com for
review. Once your class schedule and assignments have been
entered, you’ll receive notifications of due dates regarding to
your work. (For: iPhone and iPad)
3. Amazon Student: Need affordable textbooks? Don’t we all?
Amazon Student includes a barcode scanning feature used to
compare prices to validate if a campus bookstore overcharges
you (most likely yes). This app has helped students tremendously
with saving money while being aware of competitive pricing in
order to get better deals. (For: iPhone and Android)
4. Mint: The life of a student revolves around money for many
reasons: cars, food, clothing, supplies and many more. This
personal finance app is a perfect guide to help students create a
budget and stretch their money too. With a budget set, inputting
Largest collection of cows: Denise
Tubangui (USA) had a collection of 2,429
cow-related items by March 2011. Denise
started collecting in 1990, when she saw a
cow figurine in her mother's kitchen. Her
favourite item is the life-sized calf that her
neighbours gave her as a present.
Lucky, a Maltese rescued by Wendy
Diamond has officially achieved the record
as the 'Animal Most Photographed with
Celebrities' with 363 photos!
Birgit Berends had amassed a collection of
11,062 different penguin-related items as of
March 14, 2011. From Germany, she
started her collection at the age of 18 when
she was inspired by the animated series
Pingu. Her very first penguin dates back to
her days in elementary school.
Largest shrimp cocktail in Mexico. Once all
the shrimp had been added to the cocktail
glass, all the dipping sauce had been mixed
in, and the glass rim lined meticulously with
more shrimp, the industrial scales is 538.5
kg of shrimp cocktail.
Top 10 Apps that Help Make Classes Manageable
a point-of-transactions will track your overall expenses. (For:
iPhone and Android)
5. EZ Read: Contains the literature sources of SparkNotes.com
providing plot overviews, quizzes, characters analysis, chapter
summaries and key facts for popular books. (For: iPhone and Android)
6. iTunes U: Available to various colleges, including Eastern
Michigan University, students have access to audio lectures,
videos, books and documents for class assignments. (For:
iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch)
7. Recordoid: Specifically for Android, this is a great app for
recording audio notes or lectures that can be sent via email and
is supported with an auto-backup.
8. Wi-Fi Finder: When you’re off campus but want to stay on top
of emails, assignments or contact fellow group members, free
internet is helpful. The GPS- monitor can locate Wi-Fi networks
nearby along with the location type, directions and contact
information. (For: iPhone and Android)
9. Dictionary.com: A popular app among college students, this
dictionary and thesaurus has nearly two million words to search
at ease. (For: iPhone, Android and Blackberry)
10. Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock: We’re all guilty of hitting the
snooze button or sleeping in lectures. But would you believe that
your smartphone can analyze your sleep cycle? Receiving five
stars from 148Apps.com, this accelerometer monitors sleep
movement and stages from drowsiness to REM (dream) sleep. It
wakes you during the lightest sleep phase, stage 2, resulting in
less grogginess throughout the day. (For: iPhone)
American University of Science and Technology
How Does Football
Relate to
Mathematics
Positive and Negative Numbers -- Yardage
Math is everywhere in football. In fact, every play
requires a calculation of a positive or negative number,
depending if the play was for a gain or loss. Obtain a
play-by-play summary of the game, and calculate the
total yardage for both teams. Don't forget the penalties;
this counts as negative yardage. This work will require
addition and subtraction with integer skills. It might be
helpful to create a number line with positive and
negative numbers. This works more as a visual tool
allowing individuals to see the gains and losses.
All the Stats in the Book
Every football player is evaluated on their statistics. To
determine how good a player is, we need a little math.
Examine the three high-profile positions of
quarterback, running back and wide receiver.
Quarterbacks own a pass completion percentage,
quarterback efficiency rating, yards per pass attempt,
yards per game and touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Running backs possess yards per carry and yards per
game. Wide receivers monitor catches per game,
yards per catch, yards per game, and yards after
contact. All of these stats can be determined with
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. For
example, let's examine the quarterback pass
completion percentage. Say a quarterback attempted
23 passes and completed 15. Simply divide 15 by 23,
and then multiply by 100 to find the percent. The result
will be 65.2 percent pass completion for the game.
Angles
Angles play an important role for wide receivers and
team defenses. Wide receivers must run sharp, crisp
routes, making precise cuts so the quarterback will
know where to throw the ball. Two popular wide
receiver routes include the slant and post routes.
During the slant, the wide receiver runs up field 5 to 6
yards, then cuts up field at a 45-degree angle. The
receiver wants to stay in front of the defender in order
to catch the ball. For a post route, the receiver runs 10
to 15 yards down the field, then makes a 45-degree
angle cut toward the middle of the field. Defensive
players face the task of figuring out the angle to take in
order to tackle a running back or wide receiver.
Create a Business
Besides the math on the football field, it's involved in
nearly every aspect of the business. Owners negotiate
player and coach salaries and bonuses over a certain
number of years. These owners pay the cost of running
the venue the day of the game and the staff it requires to
host a game, along with maintenance and upkeep.
However, team owners reap the benefits from concession
sales, souvenir and memorabilia sales, and advertising.
These math calculations are much more detailed, and
require an in-depth knowledge of business plans.
For your comments email us at: austmidweek@aust.edu.lb
5

Sports & Activities
6
www.aust.edu.lb
Friendly Karate Games
at AUST-Zahlé
The SAO at AUST Zahlé hosted friendly games in Karate between Iran team and
Bekaa clubs for females, on Wednesday, 15 th of March. AUST was represented
by student Reem Hilal.
After a 4-hour competition the results were:
Bekaa clubs won in 3 weights while Iran team won with one weight.
At the end, medals were distributed by the President of the Karate Union, Mr.
Moussa Fattouch and Sports Coordinator at AUST Zahlé, Mr. Joe Kassouf.
Congratulations!!!
AUST Yoga team is organizing
a trip to Qanat Bakish
Saturday March 24, 2012
Departure time: 8:30 A.M.
from AUST’s main parking lot
Trip will include Raqeut (Snow Tracking)
and relaxation on the Sannine Slopes.
For registration pass by SAO Block B-2
or contact Coach Naji Allam on the following number: 03/707462
AUST Bekaa Champions
in Basketball
SAO at AUST Zahlé organized the 2nd annual Bekaa Universities Tournament in
Basketball.
AUST won the tournament in the final game against USEK.
The final score was 64 to 59. Ranks: AUST champions
USEK 2nd place
LIU 3rd place
Charbel Frun, AUST student, was selected the MVP of the tournament.
Jad Massaad was nominated the Best Six Man.
A big thanks goes to our AUST basketball team:
Roy Kassouf (C), Christ Jabbour, Georges Francis, Charbel Frun, Eddy Bou Naoum, Jad
Massaad, Jad Azoun, Adib Maalouf, Bilal Arfan, Michel Arzomanian, and Georges
Dammous. Coach Joe Kassouf
AUST to the Quarter Finals
AUB, AUST LAU(J), LU, and MUT football teams have qualified to the quarter
finals in the 4 th Annual Lebanese Universities Football Championship 2012.
AUST won NDU 2-1
Best Scorers: AUST: Mohamad Maarouf
NDU: Jihad Abou Chacra, Hasan Kassir
While MVP was Abd Aashour
Ranking teams are as follows:
Communication Arts
Department Announcement

Bits & Pieces
Horoscope Announcements
ARIES March 21-April 19
Happy birthday, Aries! The radiant Sun enters your sign on
Tuesday. Get out the balloons, party hats, and noisemakers
and celebrate. You could have a brilliant idea on
Wednesday. Write down your brainstorm for future reference. An
exciting new opportunity might come your way on Thursday. Don't
hesitate to join the cause. Your intuition will be right on target on
Friday. Follow your sixth sense in all life scenarios.
TAURUS April 20-May 20
Say thank you to the Universe on Monday! A wish will finally
come true. A friend could be disagreeable on Tuesday. Don't
let this person's bad mood rub off on you. A project might be
delayed on Wednesday. The timing isn't right for the venture to
succeed. Issues from the past will need your attention on Friday.
Good vibrations will surround you when the Moon conjuncts Jupiter
in Taurus on Sunday.
GEMINI May 21-June 21
Your head will be in the clouds on Monday. Pay attention
to your surroundings or you'll hit the ground with a thud!
You'll radiate self-confidence when the Sun conjuncts your
ruler Mercury on Wednesday. It's time to take credit for your
accomplishments. A colleague might engage in office politics on
Friday. Try to stay one step ahead of this person. You'll overflow
with idealism on Saturday.
CANCER June 22-July 22
The urge to roam will be strong when the Moon enters your
travel zone on Monday. A change of scenery will recharge
your mental and emotional batteries. Pay attention to detail
on Tuesday. Carelessness will cost you time and money. Put your
best foot forward on the job on Thursday. A higher-up has his or her
eye turned in your direction. You'll be able to breathe a sigh of relief
on Sunday. A certain situation will work out in your favor.
LEO July 23-August 22
Get your priorities in order when the Moon opposes Mars in
your zone of values on Tuesday. Schedule time in your busy
agenda for the people you love. You'll get a second chance
regarding a certain matter on Wednesday. Don't miss the boat this
time. Tone down your forcefulness on Friday. Sweet words will give
you the results you desire. A lover will be full of pep on Saturday.
Keeping up with your honey could prove difficult!
VIRGO August 23-September 22
Don't worry - you have the resources to overcome all
obstacles. An estranged friend might ask you to reconcile
on Thursday. Reflect on the consequences before inviting
this person back into your life. You'll undergo a huge energy shift on
Friday. Your heart could lead your head when your ruler Mercury
backtracks into Pisces. Consider going to a financial expert for
advice.
LIBRA September 23-October 22
Be very discreet on Tuesday. Only confide in folks who have
proven they can be trusted. Diligence is your key to success
when the Moon is quincunx Saturn in Libra on Thursday.
Don't cut corners, especially while on the job. Issues of power and
control could occur in a partnership on Saturday. You might need to
establish new boundaries in the relationship. You'll be eager to break
out of your regular routine on Sunday.
SCORPIO October 23-November 21
Channel your artistic side when the Moon conjuncts
Neptune in your creative zone on Monday. You'll produce a
masterpiece! Your vitality will increase on Tuesday. Put your
energy to good use by starting an exercise program. A friend might
ask you for a favor on Thursday. Remember, it's OK to refuse if
you're pressed for time. You might become dissatisfied with your job
on Friday. Consider training for a new occupation.
SAGITTARIUS November 22-December 21
You'll be under pressure on Tuesday. Look for a way to soothe
your mind, body, and soul. A hot stone massage could be the
answer! Be mindful of your actions if you're playing sports on
Thursday. Wear a helmet if you go biking. Romantic complications
could occur when the Moon in your romance sector squares Pluto on
Friday. A lover's actions could bring out your jealousy. Don't compare
yourself to others on Sunday. Dance to your own tune!
CAPRICORN December 22-January 19
Don't be coy with a potential lover on Monday. If you're
interested in someone special, let him or her know it! You
might have the chance to relocate when the New Moon
takes place in your home zone on Thursday. Get ready for alterations
in your living situation. Tiptoe around the boss on Friday. It isn't wise
to argue with your employer! You might be tempted to push yourself
too hard on Saturday. Take time to rest and relax.
AQUARIUS January 20-February 18
Call on your leadership skills on Monday. It's time to take
charge in a certain matter. You could have a prophetic dream
on Tuesday. Think carefully before cosigning a friend's loan
on Friday. You'll have to make the payments if he or she reneges.
You'll be charismatic when the Sun conjuncts your ruler Uranus on
Saturday. You'll sparkle with a luminous glow! Don't listen to
naysayers on Sunday. Have faith that you're on the right life path.
PISCES February 19-March 20
Your spiritual side will activate on Monday. Love will be lovely
when the Moon in Pisces sextiles Venus on Wednesday. If
you're single, it's a great time to mix and mingle. Your brain
will teem with insights on Friday. You'll be able to resolve a dilemma
easily. An old school friend might contact you on Saturday. This
person wants to walk down memory lane. You'll have the magic touch
on Sunday. Get ready to spin gold out of straw!
American University of Science and Technology
ATTENTION!
English Courses, Withdrawal, and Plagiarism
The AUST community must be reminded that it is the president’s earnest desire that
students registered in any of the English language classes offered at the university not
drop their class, irrespective of the reasons. Therefore, instructors of English will both
discourage and impede attempts on the part of students at withdrawing from their English
courses. This hardline approach to curtailing withdrawal must be understood in the light
of the university’s president’s philosophy of education, which stresses interactive learning
and gradual progress, particularly in language classes, whose benefit outweighs any
compelling reasons to withdraw.
Students and major advisors alike must further remember that they have to include an
English course in the load they take every semester, until they complete Composition and
Rhetoric II, ENG 202.
Moreover, it stands to reason to reiterate the university’s commitment to honest academic
work, as made manifest in a student’s independent writing of a senior project, unmarred
by plagiarism. It is only normal for a student committing plagiarism in his or her senior
project to expect a failing mark, deservedly given as a penalty for claiming other people’s
work or ideas to be one’s own. Let the student community raise its awareness to the farreaching
repercussions of such academic dishonesty, which, if condoned, might ripple
far beyond, to the detriment of both the university’s image and the plagiarizing student’s
credibility and trustworthiness. Fadi El-Hakim - Chairperson of the English and Translation Department
Department of Computer Science
To all Computer Science, Computer & Communications Engineering, and Management
Information Systems students – Ashrafieh Campus
Kindly be informed that the CISCO Certificates for the Fall semester 2011/2012 will be
distributed on Friday, March 30th, 2012 at 05:00 pm, Block B, 7th Floor, Conference Hall.
See you there!!! Aziz M. Barbar, Ph.D.
Chairperson, Department of Computer Science
THE COMPUTER SOCIETY CHAPTER OF THE IEEE LEBANON SECTION
THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AT
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
& THE AUST-IEEE STUDENT BRANCH
CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO THE SEMINAR ENTITLED:
Reducing Data Sparsity in the Context of Arabic Text Mining as Applied to the Automatic
Classification of Arabic Documents
Speaker: Saeed Raheel, Ph.D.
Date & Time: Friday March 30 2012 from 04:00-05:00 pm
Location: AUST – Block A, 8 th floor, Lab 802
For your comments email us at: austmidweek@aust.edu.lb
7

8
On The Lighter Side
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Company: Naked Pizza – Achrafieh; Job Title1: Operators; Job Title2: Kitchen taff;
Type: Full-Time Or Part-Time ; Qualifications1& 2: Undergraduates;
Experience: 0 Year of experience in same fields; Skills: Dynamic;
Ref: CLD-Department Block B Mezanine
Company: CMCCO; Job Title: Telemarketers; Type: Full-Time; Qualifications:
Graduated in Business Marketing; Experience: 0-1 Year of Experience; Skills: Excellent
Communication Skills; Email: services@cmcco.com
Company: High-end Beauty Center; Job Title: Female Manager; Type: Full-Time;
Qualifications: Undergraduate in Business Management ; Experience: 0 Year;
Skills: Creating and Managing Social Media pages, promotion, PR;
Email: awadawissam@hotmail.com
Company: The Pulse; Job Title: Web and App Developer; Type: Full-Time and Part Time;
Qualifications: Undergraduate Computer Science – Senior; Experience: 0-1 Year of
experience in same field; Email: thepulselb@gmail.com
Company: Strategic Outsourcing Services; Job Title: Help Desk Specialist;
Qualifications: B.S. in Computer Science; Type: Full Time; Gender: Female;
Experience: in Windows 7, Office 10, HP Laptops, LAN issues;
Email:cv@strategicoutsourcing.co
Company: Remiel Chocolatier; Job Title: Indoor Sales; Gender: Female; Type: Full-
Time; Qualifications: Undergraduate; Skills: Good communication skills, presentable
Email: info@remielchocolat.com
Company: Transmed; Job Title: IT-Support Officer; Type: Full-Time; Qualifications:
B.S. in Computer Science; Experience: Error Free Set Up, Hardware and Software
Maintenance & Licenses; Email: rita.nemnom@transmed.com
Company: Sconet s.a.r.l; Job Title: Human Resources Assistant; Type: Full-Time;
Qualifications: B.S. in Business Management; Experience: 1-2 Years of experience in
management; Skills: Efficient and punctual; Email: recruit@sconet.com
8 www.aust.edu.lb
Announcements
JOB VACANCIES
9.
10.
Crossword
ACROSS
1. Duplicate
6. False god
10. Auspices
14. Bees live in them
15. Exploded star
16. Not a single one
17. Notions
18. Biblical garden
19. Respiratory organ
of aquatic animals
20. Exchange messages
22. A Freudian stage
23. Excluding
24. Hazy
26. Bequest
30. Pig
32. Mountain crest
33. Deadlock
37. Widespread
38. Go bad
39. God of love
40. Space traveller
42. Negatively
charged particle
43. Nautical for stop
44. What's left behind
45. Summary
47. Chart
Company: Netways s.a.r.l; Job Title1: Graphic Designer; Type1: Full-Time;
Qualifications1: B.A. in Graphic Design; Experience1: Min 2 Years of experience in
Web Design and Online Marketing; Skills1: Advanced Knowledge in Photoshop,
Illustrator, Flash, and DreamWeaver, After Effect 3D, Ajax CSS, HTML, Flash Action
Script, JavaScript & PHP; Job Title2: .NET Developer; Type2: Full-Time
Qualifications2: B.S. in Computer Science; Experience2: Min 2 Years of experience,
ASP.NET, C#, OOP, ADO.NET,XML, XPath,XSL,Web Service and .Net
Remoting,HTML, DHTML, Microsoft SharePoint, BizTalk; Job Title3: Fresh Graduates in
CSI; Type3: Full-Time; Qualifications3: B.S. in Computer Science; Experience3: Min 2
Years of experience, ASP.NET, C#, OOP, ADO.NET,XML, XPath,XSL,Web Service
and .Net Remoting,HTML, DHTML Programming is a plus; Email: cv@netways.com
Company: Elissa s.a.l; Job Title 1: Marketing Manager; Type1: Full-Time;
Qualifications 1: B.S. in Business Marketing; Experience 1: Min 3 Years of experience
in Marketing; Skills 1: Excellent communication skills; Job Title 2: Administrative
Manager; Type2: Full-Time; Qualifications 2: B.S. in Business Management;
Experience 2: Min 3 Years of experience in Management; Skills 2: Organized and
Punctual; Job Title3: Outdoor Sales; Type3: Full-Time; Qualifications3: B.S. in
Business Marketing; Experience3: Min 2 years of experience in same field
Skills3: Excellent communication and negotiation skills, presentable
Email: elissa@cyberia..net.lb
48. Fur
49. Enticements
56. 53 in Roman
numerals
57. Yowl
58. Bog hemp
59. Savvy about
60. Chocolate cookie
61. Seasoning
62. Adolescent
63. Small slender gull
64. Banana oil, e.g.
DOWN
1. Fashionable
2. Adriatic resort
3. Not under
4. Close
5. Gist
6. Bumbling
7. Extinct flightless bird
8. Baking appliance
9. Garbage dump
10. Betrothal
11. Coming and _____
12. Dental filling
13. Peddle
21. ___ sauce
25. Half of a pair
26. Magma
27. Historical periods
28. A feat
29. Allure
30. Stalwart
31. Pause
33. Resorts
34. Diva's solo
35. Horn sound
36. Feudal worker
38. Photograph
41. Egg cells
Solution for issue #121
42. Bad-mouth
44. Consume
45. French for "Queen"
46. High society
47. Cantaloupe
for example
48. Conspiracy
50. Be dressed in
51. Pitcher
52. Short sleeps
53. Send forth
54. Type of cereal grass
55. Clairvoyant