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Prof. John Kinuthia, Director, Advanced Materials Testing Centre (AMTeC), School of Engineering, University of South Wales, United Kingdom.

Over a relatively short period, the BAU Journal of Science and Technology has evolved to become a captivating multi-disciplinary platform for in depth engagement and exchange of research that has relevance at regional, national, and international levels. The presentation of science and technology, including civil, structural, and geotechnical engineering has been augmented by other relevant numerical and experimental research, providing a wide range of stakeholder research interests. The current volume comprising of 10 research papers has maintained this tradition and standard.

The papers may be divided into three main categories. In the first category, the papers address large data training and testing. Paper ID 1014 looks at Arabic word classification and embedding in training and testing. On the other hand, paper ID 1027 looks at the application of artificial intelligence in the development of smart building energy models. Highly mathematical theories and modelling are presented in two papers, ranging from Poisson-Akash and other sophisticated mathematical models relevant to medicine and business as in paper ID 1028, to interesting and unexpected applications of mathematical theories in music, theatre, and literature as in paper ID 1057.

In the second category, the papers present Lebanese interests in the built environment. Paper ID 1058 looks at the technological relevance in the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the development of transport and communication. Paper ID 1064 looks at hazards in the oil and gas sectors, in enhancing the Lebanese government environmental systems. Two papers address interests in construction materials, by investigating encased composite beams (paper ID 1066) and lightweight aggregates for use in structural concrete (paper ID 1069).

The last category of papers looks at highly advanced materials systems. Paper ID 1065 looks at the inhibition of corrosion of metals – mainly aluminium, copper, and stainless steel – in biodiesel alternative fuels. Lastly, paper ID 1057 looks at the magnetic properties of Mn-Ni-ferrite phases. Ferro-fluids with such magnetic properties have advanced applications, as in cancer therapy and high-density information storage, among other sophisticated applications.

It is my sincere believe that this volume will be captivating to a wide range of research interests. Please enjoy.