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Mandating Newborn Hearing Screening in Lebanon
Get PDFK2P Policy Briefs bring together global research evidence, local evidence and context-specific knowledge to inform deliberations about health policies and programmes. It is prepared by synthesizing and contextualizing the best available evidence about the problem and viable solutions through the involvement of content experts, policymakers and stakeholders.Text in English and Arabic.Includes bibliographical references (pages 35-37)Early detection of infant hearing loss is essential for prompt intervention, which can avert long-term social, scholastic, and developmental difficulties. It is estimated that late detection and treatment of hearing loss cost Lebanon $300 million a year (MOPH, 2018). Nevertheless, a large number of infants do not receive newborn hearing screening, which results in communicative difficulties and associated psychological problems. Four solutions to the problem are examined in this policy brief: (3) using data for prevalence studies to understand the scope of the problem; (2) increasing the role of audiologists in healthcare institutions for training and monitoring; (3) requiring newborn hearing screening with national guidelines to standardise practices; and (4) increasing awareness among parents and stakeholders. Ensuring follow-up for newborns who fail the screening, obtaining sufficient money, and inspiring stakeholders to take action regarding hearing loss—which is sometimes a hidden disability—are some of the major implementation obstacles. For implementation to be successful and for the results for kids with hearing loss to improve, these obstacles must be removed
Bridging Media, Academia and Business for Greater Impact on Women's Lives
No full textA'Amal “أمل ع “Lebanese Series: Major Plot: A'Amal is a Lebanese series that tells the story of Yassar, a young woman who suffers domestic violence and is presumed to be the victim of an honor killing by her family, who live in a village steeped in traditional customs. The series highlights how these cultural norms shape the lives of women in rural areas. As Yassar navigates the societal and legal challenges faced by women in such communities, A’Amal addresses critical issues like domestic abuse, honor killings, and the importance of women's education, portraying her fight against deeply ingrained beliefs while advocating for women's rights and empowerment.Includes bibliographical references (page 10)The Center for Women in Business at the Suliman S. School of Business (OSB) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) organized an informative panel on May 14, 2024 where panelists discussed the implications of the series “A’Amal” on women empowerment. The panel included four remarkable women who highlighted the need to advocate for and address the status of women in Lebanon and the region. Drawing on their diverse backgrounds, the speakers shared their expertise, culminating in a list of steps to advance women’s rights and empowering them. Ms. Maguy Abou Ghosn, an actress, shed light on the current status of violence against women by highlighting examples from the series and emphasized the need for immediate intervention. Ms. Nadine Jaber, a screenwriter, shared the inspiration behind the series “A’Amal” and her hope to create change through storytelling. Ms. Emilie Wahab Harb, Managing Director at L’Oréal Lebanon, presented the various efforts that L’Oréal took to foster a safe environment of growth and empowerment for its employees and the society. Additionally, Dr. Nada Khaddage-Soboh, Director of the Center for Women in Business at OSB AUB, highlighted the mission of the center and the active steps taking place to raise awareness on the importance of individual efforts in society. The panel was moderated by Dr. Imad Bou-Hamad, Associate Professor of Statistics and Data Analytics at OSB AUB and a dynamic TV host and program creator of “The Researcher”. He provided an overview on the impact of bridging media, academia, and business for greater impact on women’s lives
Developing MOF-Based Thermal Sensors and Self-Assembled Microstructures using Conjugated Polyelectrolytes
No full textIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in the development of new thermal sensor materials. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their broad range of applications, have garnered significant attention in the context of sensing. Their appeal as promising candidates arises from their high surface area, tunable porosity, and the ability to adjust the structure of their building blocks. Herein, we study the unique photophysical properties of UiO-66 MOFs, specifically UiO-66-NH2, a variant distinguished by its amine-functionalization, which exhibits a pronounced thermally induced fluorescence response. This MOF revealed enhanced fluorescence upon heating, a characteristic that was maintained even after cooling, indicating a distinct thermal memory. These findings were characterized and validated through various spectroscopic methods, including the use of a steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescent microscope, providing a comprehensive analysis of the MOF's unique thermal response. Progressing to the second project, the thesis broadens its scope to include a comparative analysis of three Zr-based MOFs incorporating naphthalene dicarboxylate linkers (e.g.: 1,4-NDC, 2,6-NDC, and NDC(OH)2). Each MOF, chosen for its unique structural and functional attributes, is shown to also exhibit unique thermal responses upon heating. This comparative study is designed to unravel the influence of specific functionalization and structures on the thermal properties of UiO-66 MOFs, offering a deeper understanding of MOF design for targeted thermal sensing applications. The closing chapter of this thesis introduces a pioneering new class of self-assembled materials: PolyMOF, a hybrid material that synergizes the optical properties of conjugated polyelectrolytes, exemplified here by poly (phenyl ethylene) (PPE-CO2), with the structural integrity of Zr-MOFs. This innovative combination aims to harness the unique attributes of both components to create a material with enhanced optical properties opening avenues for multifunctional applications
Systematic Review Of The Misdiagnosis Of Gifted Students With ADHD (2000-2023)
Get PDFGiven the complexities required in diagnosing a gifted child with ADHD, educators, physicians, psychologists, and parents often overlook or underestimate the relationship between ADHD and giftedness. Traditional identification approaches used by school professionals and clinicians, such as standardized testing and observational checklists, are ineffective in identifying gifted individuals who also have ADHD. As a result, the incidence of misdiagnosis has become a major concern. The purpose of the study, focusing on both diagnostic issues and research methodologies, is to synthesize and evaluate the available research evidence on the misdiagnosis of ADHD and giftedness based on peer-reviewed and internationally acclaimed academic journals published between 2000 and 2023 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A total of 6 articles were included using the study’s inclusion criteria. Some of the research conducted recently involve case studies, others are comparative studies, some are correlational in nature, and most are descriptive, focusing on participants’ characteristics and how they were identified. The results of this systematic review demonstrate a scarcity of research regarding the misdiagnosis of gifted students with ADHD. The study has uncovered a notable pattern of misclassification, indicating that gifted students often exhibit characteristics that overlap with ADHD symptoms. The analysis has unveiled the critical significance of discerning between these dual exceptionalities, recognizing that giftedness can mask or mimic ADHD traits and vice versa. The findings underscore the complexity of differentiating between ADHD symptoms and the characteristics of giftedness, urging a more individualized and careful approach in both educational and clinical settings. The study underscores the imperative need for specialized training and awareness among professionals who interact with this unique population
Morphological and Anatomical Classification of Neurobiotin-Filled Premotor Neurons in the Avian Motor Cortex
No full textUnderstanding neuronal morphologies is essential for unraveling the complexity of neural
networks and the intricate mechanisms underlying brain function. That’s because the
unique morphological signature of a neuron and its architecture dictate its function
through orchestrating the neuron’s intrinsic properties and synaptic connections that
paves the way to learning and behavior. The songbird’s brain circuitry serves as an
excellent model for investigating the neural basis of vocal learning and production, a
complex behavior that requires precise control over the vocal production system. The
High Vocal Center (HVC), a premotor nucleus in the avian forebrain analogous to layer
V in the motor cortex, is a crucial brain region involved in this process, as it is responsible
for the production of learned song. Among the several neuronal populations in HVC, the
premotor HVCRA neurons, which project to the robust nucleus of the arcopallium, play a
critical role in controlling the precise timing and sequence of the vocal output. These
neurons had been under long-sought investigations due to their significance in our
understanding of rhythmic pattern generators in the brain, as they are known to be part of
one of the most temporally precise neural sequences known in nature to date. Recent
electrophysiological studies have identified four subclasses of HVCRA neurons (Daou and
Margoliash, under review), yet their anatomical and morphological properties are still
unclear. To address this gap, we analyzed a large dataset of 3D confocal images of
HVCRA neurons collected by Daou et al. using intracellular neurobiotin injections that
were processed histologically post-hoc and imaged on a confocal microscope. Our results
show four unique subclasses of HVCRA neurons that show differences in soma sizes, spine
densities, number of primary dendrites, branching, Sholl analysis, and other dendritic
patterns and complexities. This study shed light on the morphological properties of
HVCRA neurons in zebra finches, and their possible implications for the neural
mechanisms underlying vocal learning and production. By identifying these differences
between the subclasses of HVCRA neurons, we can gain a better understanding of how
these neurons contribute to the precise control of vocal output, and ultimately, how the
various morphological variations orchestrate the underlying behavior
Assessment of The Efficiency of Two Constructed Wetlands for Greywater Treatment in an Arid/Semiarid Area
No full textDespite being considered water-abundant, Lebanon faces escalating challenges in the
water sector that can be attributed to various reasons such as population growth,
urbanization, and climate change. While billions of dollars invested in the last three
decades have yielded minimal improvement, urgent solutions are needed. With a few
wetlands being completed in different parts of Lebanon and showing promising results,
this experiment focuses on two newly completed constructed wetlands in the Bekaa
Valley, assessing their efficiency in treating greywater and evaluating the potential of
effluent reuse in irrigation or other non-potable applications. Influent and effluent
samples were analyzed for pH, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand
(COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), and Total Phosphorus (TP). Results
showed an 87-92% TSS removal, 65-68% COD removal, 47-53% BOD removal, and a
59-76% Phosphorus removal. The results of this experiment were later compared against
local and regional standards and case studies, which reveal mixed results that highlighted
the importance of further research over an extended period of time
Enhancing Thermal Comfort in Indoor and Outdoor Spaces in Hot Environments: Exploring a Spectrum of Micro- to Macro-Scale Cooling Interventions
No full textThis dissertation develops energy-efficient cooling interventions at both micro- and macro-climate scales to enhance thermal comfort (TC) in indoor and outdoor environments, with a focus on elderly populations indoors. For indoor environments, macroclimate solutions involve developing a control strategy to harness natural ventilation potential when adequate, utilize cost-effective alternatives for mechanical cooling systems, and optimize their use when necessary. The strategy activates and regulates the mode of available space conditioning systems to provide thermoneutral indoor conditions while using the least amount of energy. A multi-objective optimization process was then employed to identify building refurbishment parameters that minimize lifecycle costs and the risk of overheating during heatwaves, thereby optimizing energy efficiency and resilience. Elderly bioheat and thermal sensation (TS) models were employed in conjunction to a building energy model when developing these solutions. Microclimate interventions revolve around personal comfort systems (PCS), introducing a novel chair-based PCS design that creates a confined, uniform microclimate around seated users in hot environments. Unlike conventional space conditioning methods that condition entire spaces, this PCS focuses on the immediate vicinity of the user, optimizing energy efficiency and addressing individual differences in TS and TC. The PCS incorporates an air-cooling unit and supply units that utilize a colliding jet configuration for targeted upper body cooling and buoyancy-driven airflow for lower body cooling. Assessment metrics and design criteria are introduced to evaluate the performance of the PCS, followed by an iterative design procedure. A parametric analysis was then conducted to evaluate the effects of adjusting controllable parameters on the microclimate and user TS. To further enhance the system for extreme conditions, an add-on ventilated vest is integrated. This vest draws cool air from the cooled microclimate, providing higher heat dissipation and addressing a limitation of ventilated vest when operating in hot conditions. Computational tools—including computational fluid dynamics (CFD), bioheat models, and TS models—support the design, validated through climatic chamber experiments with human subjects and a thermal manikin. The elderly population has received special attention in this part of the research due to their prolonged periods of indoor occupancy and increased vulnerability to heat stress. A transient TS model that predicts elderly TS from physiological signals is developed and used to customize indoor interventions described for the elderly.
For outdoor environments, the work focuses on innovative solutions that counteract heat stress in both large-scale urban contexts and individual microclimates. At the macro-scale, the research addresses the urban heat island effect, a key contributor to outdoor heat stress in urban regions. Two interventions are explored: i. daytime radiative cooling roof panels with selective longwave emissivity/absorptivity and high shortwave reflectance, and ii. desiccant dehumidification systems integrated with conventional air conditioning, incorporating advanced desiccant materials. The impact of these interventions on city-wide thermal conditions, particularly at pedestrian level, was evaluated using urban simulation tools. Spatial and temporal analyses were conducted to compare the results to baseline scenarios and conventional solutions. At the microscale, the research introduces a novel technology that leverages principles of dynamic thermal perception in humans: fluctuating airflow cooled through misting. By exploiting temporal alliesthesia, this approach aims to induce a cyclic overshooting response in TC. From a fundamental heat and mass transfer perspective, this method offers additional advantages; the inherent increase in turbulence and mixing between water droplets and the surrounding air in fluctuating flows can lead to higher evaporation rates compared to constant flows with the same average velocity. The combination of enhanced TC levels and increased evaporation rates can result in fan energy savings, reduced water usage, and extended TC boundaries in outdoor environments. These concepts were investigated using a combination of experimental and numerical tools. Well-controlled, reduced-scale wind tunnel experiments validated the higher evaporation rates and validated a detailed CFD model. This model revealed underlying principles and aided in studying various fluctuations parameters—such as frequency, amplitude, and fluctuation profile—on evaporation enhancement. Subsequently, transient bioheat, TS, and TC models were employed to predict the TC state when the proposed system is used. Testing and optimization of all outdoor interventions were conducted, targeting the general adult population. This dissertation advances the field of TC by developing sustainable, energy-efficient interventions tailored to specific scales, populations, and environments. By providing scale-appropriate solutions for both indoor and outdoor settings and considering the unique requirements of different populations, the work aim to enhance the knowledge and practical implementation of cooling strategies, fostering human well-being in a warming world
Teaching Nature of Science Through the Different Contexts: History of Science, Scientific Inquiry, and Socioscientific Issues
No full textResearch underscores the importance of understanding Nature of Science (NOS) to
developing students’ scientific literacy. This report specifically addresses the gaps
identifies by McComas et al. (2020) who argued that the main contributor to inadequate
understanding of NOS aspects is due to scarcity of effective NOS-focused instructional
material. In response, this report focuses on designing six lesson plans tailored to facilitate
effective teaching of NOS. The framework for designing the lesson plans is guided by a
reflective, explicit, and contextualized approach that was extensively researched to be an
effective approach to enhance students understanding of NOS. Accordingly, the lesson
plans written were framed in different contexts: history of science (HOS); scientific
inquiry (SI); and socioscientific issues (SSI). Lastly, a conclusion and recommendations
that feed into a successful implementation of the lesson plans were discussed
Career Counseling for Gifted and Talented Students (1990-2022): A Systematic Review
Get PDFGifted and talented students may face difficulties and confusion when deciding about their careers. Different factors could affect their decision-making process, like perfectionism, multipotentiality, and underachievement. Career counseling and guidance interventions are essential to guide these students in their career life path. The purpose of this study is to review and evaluate the available research evidence for the use of career counseling in guiding gifted and talented students by identifying methodologically sound studies and classifying whether the practices were evidenced-based. To address the systematic review purpose and questions, the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) standards were used. Using career counseling and gifted keywords and terms, a systematic search through online databases was conducted. The databases used to search for the studies are Academic Search Ultimate, Education Research Complete, ERIC, APA PsycINFO, APA PsycArticles, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. Applying a systematic search strategy, the found references were screened for title and abstract and then full text according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fifteen experimental studies applying career counseling intervention on gifted school and college students between 1990 and 2022 were reviewed. The studies were both peer-reviewed journal articles and Ph.D. dissertations in English language studies. Findings revealed that none of the 15 studies was a high-quality study, and accordingly, evidence-based classification could not be drawn for this practice. It is recommended to conduct more experimental studies considering the CEC quality indicators
Advancing Diabetic Kidney Disease Research through Innovative Kidney Tubuloid Model
No full textIntroduction:
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a severe complication of diabetes that affects the kidney glomerulus as well as tubules due to hyperglycemia induced oxidative stress. Traditional animal models and cell lines fail to fully replicate DKD's genetic and cellular complexity, prompting a shift to advanced models like kidney organoids. Kidney tubuloids, a three-dimensional model mimicking native tubules, offer a physiologically relevant platform to study renal physiology, disease mechanisms, and drug responses, aiding in the development of personalized therapies. Herein, we aim to develop an in vitro 3D tubuloid model from control and diabetic murine origins to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying DKD.
Methods:
Mice were allocated into 2 groups FVB-NJ control group (C, n=3) and a non-obese type 2 diabetic MKR group (D, n=3). At 45 weeks of age, mice of both groups were euthanized, and kidneys isolated for further studying. The first murine kidney was used for adult stem cells (ASCs) isolation, that were cultured in 3D Matrigel to promote tubuloid formation. On the other hand, the second kidney was used for molecular and functional analysis.
Results:
Metabolic parameters showed no differences in body weight and kidney weight/body weight ratio between the C and D groups. However, blood glucose levels and HBA1C were significantly elevated in the D group. Kidney function tests shows elevation of BUN, UACR and proteinuria in the D group compared to the C group. H&E staining revealed significant glomerular hypertrophy in the D group, while PAS and MT staining demonstrated increased glycogen and collagen deposition, respectively, in the glomeruli as well as tubules. NOX1 and NOX4 expression were slightly elevated in the D group in comparison to C. Examining the established tubuloid model, tubuloids from both groups were uniform in size upon passaging and evolved from cystic to tubular structures, with higher organoid-forming efficiency observed in the D group. In addition, the formed organoids lacked podocyte markers nephrin and podocin, however, they expressed the tubular epithelial marker PAX8, proximal convoluted tubule marker SLC3A, loop of Henle marker UMOD, distal convoluted tubule marker SCNN1G, but not the collecting duct marker AQP2. No significant changes were found in KIM1 expression. Moreover, our established tubuloids were found to express NOX4 but not NOX1.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the successful generation of kidney tubuloids in our study present to be a promising model system for studying renal physiology, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic interventions. The established tubuloid model closely resembles tubular cells under physiological conditions. However, further molecular testing is required to evaluate the impact of in vivo DKD on established in vitro tubuloids