196,339 research outputs found
Towards more effective testing of communications-critical large scale systems
No full textThis thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.A publication based on the research from this thesis has been published and can be cited as Nabulsi, MA and Hierons, RM (2014), A new test framework for communications-critical large scale systems, IEEE Software, In press. The published version can be accessed via the link below.None of today’s large scale systems could function without the reliable availability of a varied range of network communications capabilities. Whilst software, hardware and communications technologies have been advancing throughout the past two decades, the methods commonly used by industry for testing large scale systems which incorporate critical communications interfaces have not kept pace. This thesis argues for the need for a specifically tailored framework to achieve effective testing of communications-critical large scale systems (CCLSS). The thesis initially discusses how generic test approaches are leading to inefficient and costly test activities in industry. The thesis then presents the form and features of an alternative CCLSS domain-specific test framework, develops its ideas further into a detailed and structured test approach for one of its layers, and then provides a detailed example of how this framework can be applied using a real-life case study. The thesis concludes with a qualitative as well a simulation-based evaluation of the framework’s benefits observed during the case study and an evaluation by expert external participants considering whether similar benefits can be realised if the framework is adopted for the testing of other comparable systems. Requirements data from a second CCLSS is included in the evaluation by external participants as a second smaller case study
A complex breastfeeding promotion and support intervention in a developing country: Study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
No full textBackground: Breastfeeding has countless benefits to mothers, children and community at large, especially in developing countries. Studies from Lebanon report disappointingly low breastfeeding exclusivity and continuation rates. Evidence reveals that antenatal breastfeeding education, professional lactation support, and peer lay support are individually effective at increasing breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, particularly in low-income settings. Given the complex nature of the breastfeeding ecosystem and its barriers in Lebanon, we hypothesize that a complex breastfeeding support intervention, which is centered on the three components mentioned above, would significantly increase breastfeeding rates. Methods-Design. A multi-center randomized controlled trial. Study population: 443 healthy pregnant women in their first trimester will be randomized to control or intervention group. Intervention: A prenatal-postnatal professional and peer breastfeeding support package continuing till 6 months postpartum, guided by the Social Network and Social Support Theory. Control group will receive standard prenatal and postnatal care. Mothers will be followed up from early pregnancy till five years after delivery. Outcome measures: Total and exclusive breastfeeding rates, quality of life at 1, 3 and 6 months postpartum, maternal breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes at 6 months postpartum, maternal exclusive breastfeeding rates of future infants up to five years from baseline, cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses of the intervention. Statistical analysis: Descriptive and regression analysis will be conducted under the intention to treat basis using the most recent version of SPSS. Discussion. Exclusive breastfeeding is a cost-effective public health measure that has a significant impact on infant morbidity and mortality. In a country with limited healthcare resources like Lebanon, developing an effective breastfeeding promotion and support intervention that is easily replicated across various settings becomes a priority. If positive, the results of this study would provide a generalizable model to bolster breastfeeding promotion efforts and contribute to improved child health in Lebanon and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Trial registration. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN17875591. © 2014 Nabulsi et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Al-Sahab B, 2008, PUBLIC HEALTH NUTR, V11, P1350, DOI 10.1017-S1368980008003005; Batal Malek, 2005, J Pediatr Nurs, V20, P53, DOI 10.1016-j.pedn.2004.09.004; Batal M, 2006, PUBLIC HEALTH NUTR, V9, P313, DOI 10.1079-PHN2006860; Britton C, 2007, COCHRANE DB SYST REV, DOI 10.1002-14651858.CD001141.pub3; Chakar Rabay H, 1997, LMJ, V45, P84; Chung M, 2008, REPORT NO 09 05126 E, V66; D'Entremont K, 2007, MOTHER TO MOTHER CRE; De la Mora A, 1999, J APPL SOC PSYCHOL, V29, P2362; Dyson L, 2005, COCHRANE DB SYST REV, DOI 10.1002-14651858.CD001688.pub2; GROSSMAN LK, 1990, AM J DIS CHILD, V144, P471; Hall J, 2011, MIDWIFERY, V27, P497, DOI 10.1016-j.midw.2010.03.011; Heany CA, 1997, HEALTH BEHAVIOR AND; Hill Pamela D, 2006, J Nurs Meas, V14, P205, DOI 10.1891-jnm-v14i3a005; Ip S, 2007, EVID REP TECHNOL ASS, V153, P1; Jolly K, 2012, BMJ-BRIT MED J, V344, pd82; Jones G, 2003, LANCET, V362, P65, DOI 10.1016-S0140-6736(03)13811-1; Kramer MS, 2001, JAMA-J AM MED ASSOC, V285, P413, DOI 10.1001-jama.285.4.413; Kramer MS, 2010, EARLY HUM DEV, V86, P729, DOI 10.1016-j.earlhumdev.2010.08.005; Libbus M K, 2000, J Hum Lact, V16, P216, DOI 10.1177-089033440001600306; Libbus M K, 1992, J Hum Lact, V8, P199, DOI 10.1177-089033449200800419; Ministry of Social Affairs, 1996, PAP CHILD SURVEY; MOLBAK K, 1994, BRIT MED J, V308, P1403; Nabulsi Mona, 2011, BMC Pediatr, V11, P75, DOI 10.1186-1471-2431-11-75; Nommsen-Rivers LA, 2009, MATERN CHILD HLTH J, V13, P334, DOI 10.1007-s10995-008-0356-y; Renfrew M. J., 2012, COCHRANE DB SYST REV, V5; UNICEF Central Administration of Statistics Beirut Lebanon, 2009, INDICATOR CLUSTER SU; UNICEF Ministry of Public Health Lebanese Republic, 1999, NATIONAL PERINATAL S, P10; Wade Deborah, 2009, Community Pract, V82, P30; WHO Collaborative Study Team on the Role of Breastfeeding on the Prevention of Infant Mortality, 2001, LANCET, V355, P451; World Health Organization (WHO), GLOBAL DATA BANK ON0
Why are breastfeeding rates low in Lebanon? a qualitative study
No full textAbstract Background Breastfeeding is a cost-effective public health intervention that reduces infant morbidity and mortality in developing countries. In Lebanon, breastfeeding exclusivity and continuation rates are disappointingly low. This qualitative study aims at identifying barriers and promoters of breastfeeding in the Lebanese context by exploring mothers' perceptions and experiences in breastfeeding over a one year period. Methods We conducted focus group discussions in three hospitals in Beirut, Lebanon, and followed up 36 breastfeeding mothers with serial in-depth interviews for one year post-partum or until breastfeeding discontinuation. Results Themes generated from baseline interviews revealed several positive and negative perceptions of breastfeeding. Longitudinal follow up identified insufficient milk, fear of weight gain or breast sagging, pain, sleep deprivation, exhaustion, or maternal employment, as reasons for early breastfeeding discontinuation. Women who continued breastfeeding for one year were more determined to succeed and overcome any barrier, relying mostly on family support and proper time management. Conclusions Increasing awareness of future mothers about breast feeding difficulties, its benefits to children, mothers, and society at large may further promote breastfeeding, and improve exclusivity and continuation rates in Lebanon. A national strategy for early intervention during school years to increase young women's awareness may improve their self-confidence and determination to succeed in breastfeeding later. Moreover, prolonging maternity leave, having day-care facilities at work, creation of lactation peer support groups and hotlines, and training of doctors and nurses in proper lactation support may positively impact breastfeeding exclusivity and continuation rates. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of proposed interventions in the Lebanese context.</p
Jean-Baptiste Humbert, Alain Desreumaux (dir.), (coll. Thomas Bauzou, Pierre-Louis Gatier, Fawzi Zayadine, D. Couson, F.M. Donner, E.A. Knauf, A. Nabulsi, Ch. Poher, J. Sapin, M. Sartre, J.-M. de Tarragon) Fouilles de Khirbet es-Samra en Jordanie, I. La voie romaine. Le cimetière. Les documents épigraphiques
No full textThirard Catherine. Jean-Baptiste Humbert, Alain Desreumaux (dir.), (coll. Thomas Bauzou, Pierre-Louis Gatier, Fawzi Zayadine, D. Couson, F.M. Donner, E.A. Knauf, A. Nabulsi, Ch. Poher, J. Sapin, M. Sartre, J.-M. de Tarragon) Fouilles de Khirbet es-Samra en Jordanie, I. La voie romaine. Le cimetière. Les documents épigraphiques. In: Syria. Tome 77, 2000. pp. 344-347
Is combining or alternating antipyretic therapy more beneficial than monotherapy for febrile children?
No full text[No abstract available]
The effect of substituting NaCl with KCl on Nabulsi cheese: Chemical composition, total viable count, and texture profile
No full textThe effect of substituting NaCl with KCl on Nabulsi cheese characteristics was investigated. Nabulsi cheese was made and stored in 4 different brine solutions at 18%, including NaCl only (A; control); 3NaCl:1KCl (wt/wt; B); 1NaCl:1KCl (wt/wt; C); and 1NaCl:3KCl (wt/wt; D). Chemical composition, proteolysis, total viable count, and texture profile analysis were assessed at monthly intervals for 5 mo. No significant effect was found among experimental cheeses in terms of chemical composition or texture profile. Proteolytic activities were higher in cheeses kept in brine solutions that contained higher KCl (B, C, and D) compared with the control. At the end of the storage period, water-soluble nitrogen in Nabulsi cheeses stored in B, C, and D was higher than that in the control cheese (A). In addition, total viable count increased significantly after 1 mo of storage for all salt treatments. Hardness and gumminess generally decreased significantly during storage within the same salt treatment. © 2011 American Dairy Science Association.link_to_subscribed_fulltex
Impact of C-reactive protein test results on evidence-based decision-making in cases of bacterial infection
No full textAbstract Background C-reactive protein (CRP) is widely used to detect bacterial infection in children. We investigated the impact of CRP test results on decision-making and summarized the evidence base (EB) of CRP testing. Methods We collected information from the hospital records of 91 neonates with suspected sepsis and of 152 febrile children with suspected infection on the number of ordered CRP tests, the number of EB-CRP tests, and the impact of the test results on decision-making. CRP diagnostic accuracy studies focusing on pediatric infections were reviewed critically. The main outcomes were the proportion of CRP tests that were EB and the proportion of tests that affected decision-making. A secondary outcome was the overall one-year expenditure on CRP testing. Results The current EB for CRP testing in pediatric infections is weak and suggests that CRP is of low diagnostic value. Approximately 54.8% of tests performed for suspected neonatal sepsis and 28% of tests performed for other infections were EB; however, the results of only 12.9% of neonatal sepsis tests and of 29.9% of tests on children with other infections informed decision-making. The one-year overall cost for CRP testing and related health care was $26,715.9. Conclusions The routine ordering of CRP for children with infections is based on weak evidence. The impact of the CRP test results on decision-making is rather small, and CRP ordering may contribute to unnecessary health care expenditures. Better quality research is needed to definitively determine the diagnostic accuracy of CRP levels in children with infections.</p
(Appendix Table 3) Distribution of live benthic foraminifera in surface sediments
No full textSamples SO136-004MUC, SO136-043BX, SO136-147BX investigated by Nabulsi. The data of B. aculeata and B. elongata may be inverted, the author's species description mention one dead specimen of B. elongata in 1552 m water depth. B. aculeata occures live in six samples (41 specimens) and dead in seven samples (183 specimens
sj-docx-1-whe-10.1177_17455057231171486 – Supplemental material for Perceived facilitators and barriers to the provision of sexual and reproductive health services in response to the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon
No full textSupplemental material, sj-docx-1-whe-10.1177_17455057231171486 for Perceived facilitators and barriers to the provision of sexual and reproductive health services in response to the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon by Fouad M Fouad, Mahmoud Hashoush, Jasmin Lilian Diab, Dana Nabulsi, Sarah Bahr, Sarah Ibrahim, Theresa Farhat and Loulou Kobeissi in Women's Health</p
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