Predictors of breast-feeding in a developing country: results of a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Data on the prevalence and predictors of breast-feeding remain scarce in Lebanon. Moreover, no study has previously addressed the effect of the paediatrician's sex on breast-feeding. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of breast-feeding at 1 and 4 months of infant age while exploring the potential role of the sex of the paediatrician. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. Predictors of breast-feeding significant at the bivariate level were tested at 1 and 4 months through two stepwise regression models. SETTING: Infants were enrolled through the clinics and dispensaries of 117 paediatricians located in Beirut, Lebanon, and its suburbs. SUBJECTS: A total of 1,320 healthy newborn infants born between August 2001 and February 2002 were prospectively followed during the first year. FINDINGS: Breast-feeding rates at 1 and 4 months were 56.3 % and 24.7 %, respectively. Early discharge, high parity and religion were significantly associated with higher breast-feeding rates at 1 and 4 months of age. Maternal age proved significant only at 1 month, while maternal working status and sex of the paediatrician were significant at 4 months. A novel finding of our study was the positive effect of female paediatricians on breast-feeding continuation until 4 months of age (OR = 1.49; 95 % CI 1.03, 2.15). CONCLUSIONS: Breast-feeding rates are low at 1 and 4 months of infant age in Beirut. Further research to investigate the interactions between female physicians and lactating mothers in maintaining breast-feeding in other populations is warranted. The results constitute the basis for designing interventions targeting policy makers, health professionals and mothers

Comparison of two teaching methods for learning a computer-programming language

The purpose of this study was to determine, through experimentation, if a structured, conceptual method of instruction, combined with assigned structured supplementary examples of computer program routines would produce higher test scoies and better written programs than the traditional lecture and demonstration methods of instruction. A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest control group, design was used in the study. The population consisted of students enrolled in the BASIC computer-programming courses taught in Technological and Adult Education Department (TAB) at the University of Tennessee. The sample for the initial study was comprised of the 22 students attending the two sections of the course TAB 5150 during the Spring quarter, 1987. The study was replicated in the first session of the Summer quarter with a sample of 19 students attended the same course TAB 5150. Fifteen supplementary aid examples and four instruments were developed for this study; (a) the demographic survey, (b) the knowledge test, (c) the final exam, (d) and the program checklist. The data were collected and then analyzed using the t-test to determine if there had developed a significant difference in students\u27 achievement and programming skills between the experimental and control groups. The major findings of this study included: 1. In the initial study, students\u27 pretest-posttest mean-gain scores were significantly higher for the experimental group than that for the control group. However, in the replication study, no apparent significant difference was found between the two groups. 2. In the initial study, the students\u27 ability to read and trace the flow of a program was significantly better for the experimental group than that of the control group. However, the replication study did not produce the same result. 3. At the end of the study and its replication, there was no significant difference in programming skills between the experimental and the control group. It was concluded, that the lecture and demonstration method of computer-programming language instruction, supplemented with assigned structured aid examples, does not significantly enhance students\u27 achievement and programming skills any more than the traditional lecture and demonstration method alone

Inequalities for L_p Quasi Norm with Application in Number Theory

Some author used the number theory in functional analysis and estimated some upper bounds for functions in  and  spaces. Here we denoted our work to prove some multiplicative inequalities for functions in  quasi normed spaces, that we can considered that the    and  as special cases of our case. These inequalities in analysis and number theory

The Cultural Impact of Poetry and ‎Singing on Andalusia, Ziryab and Walda Bint Al-‎‎‎Mustakfi as a Model ‎

Objectives: The study sheds light on the role of poetry and singing on Andalusian civilization and its impact on Andalusian society.Methodology: To achieve the objectives of the study, I talked about the cultural impact of poetry and singing in Andalusia by analyzing the information contained in Andalusian sources that are related to this topic.Results: The study revealed the interest of Andalusians in poetry and singing as well as the other sciences. Poetry and singing developed clearly in Andalusia through the emergence of many poets and singers in Andalusian society, in addition to women in Andalusia occupying a great status and a great deal of education. This was demonstrated through the poet Walada Bint Al-Mustakfi and the singer Ziryab.Recommendations: It is necessary for researchers to focus on this topic in more detail because of its great importance and clear impact on the Arab civilization in Andalusia

‘Opt-out’ referrals after identifying pregnant smokers using exhaled air carbon monoxide: impact on engagement with smoking cessation support

Background. In the UK, free smoking cessation support is available to pregnant women; only a minority access this. ‘Opt-out’ referrals to stop smoking services (SSS) are recommended by UK guidelines. These involve identifying pregnant smokers using exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) and referring them for support unless they object. Methods. To assess impact of ‘opt-out’ referrals for pregnant smokers on SSS uptake and effectiveness, we conducted a ‘before-after’ service development evaluation. In a six-month ‘before’ period there was a routine ‘opt-in’ referral system for self-reported smokers at antenatal ‘booking’ appointments. In a six-month ‘after’ period, additional ‘opt-out’ referrals were introduced at 12 weeks ultrasound appointments; women with CO≥4ppm were referred to, and outcome data were collected from, local SSS. Results. Approximately 2300 women attended antenatal care in each period. Before the implementation 536 (23.4%) women reported smoking at ‘booking’ and 290 (12.7%) were referred to SSS. After the implementation 524 (22.9%) women reported smoking at ‘booking’, an additional 156 smokers (6.8%) were identified via the ‘opt-out’ referrals and, in total, 421 (18.4%) were referred to SSS. Over twice as many women set a quit date with the SSS after ‘opt-out’ referrals were implemented (121 (5.3%, 95%CI: 4.4%-6.3%) compared to 57 (2.5%, 95%CI: 1.9%-3.2%) before implementation) and reported being abstinent four weeks later (93 (4.1%, 95%CI: 3.3%-4.9%) compared to 46 (2.0%, 1.5%-2.7%) before implementation). Conclusions. In a hospital with an ‘opt-in’ referral system, adding CO screening with ‘opt-out’ referrals as women attended ultrasound examinations doubled numbers of pregnant smokers setting quit dates and reporting smoking cessation

Epidemiological study of clinical and subclinical mastitis in she- camel in Samawah desert / Al Muthanna governorate

She-camel mastitis is relatively not well studied in camel-rearing areas worldwide. In Iraq, few reports have been done on the camelids in general and on mastitis in particular in compare to other livestock such as cattle, sheep and goat. This study intends to determine the clinical and subclinical mastitis and its etiological agents in she- camels in Samawah desert / Al Muthanna governorate. Thirty milk samples were collected from apparently clinical normal she- camels from 3 camelids herds during December 2016 to March 2017. The milk samples were aseptically collected from each quarter after stimulation milking process in she-camel. Each milk sample was subjected to physical and bacteriological examination and mastitis screening tests including (somatic cell count) SCC and California mastitis test (CMT). The pH of fresh camel milk was varied from 6.1 to 6.5. All milk samples revealed a bright white color with upper thick creamy layer. No any signs of clinical mastitis were observed in all examined she-camels. Meanwhile, keratosis of the teats and udder due to severe tick infestation was observed in 83.33% percentage (25 out of 30). The subclinical mastitis was determined in 30% percentage (9 out of 30) lactating she-camels using SCC, CMT and revealed various bacterial growth. These bacteria were the Enterobacterium spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp moreover, the percentage of isolates was 55.55% (5 out of 9), 33.33% (3 out of 9) and 11.11% (1 out of 9) respectively. In conclusion, this study confirmed the correlation between SCC and CMT in diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in 30% of the examined she-camel. Moreover, it approved the absence of clinical mastitis due to the nature of the milk production. The authors recommend to perform another future studies that including large number of the animals, in addition to study the natural physiological phenomena of milk production in she- camels

Design and Analysis of Hybrid Power System for Rigolet, Labrador

This paper focuses on hybrid electricity generation systems as an alternative to solo dependency on diesel generators for remote location such as Rigolet island, Labrador. The potential of extracting PV (photovoltaic) and wind energy to generate electrical power along diesel generators is scrutinized in this study. This paper provides effective modeling, sizing, and system architecture to reduce carbon footprint and operational costs. To make the most economical and reliable system design, this paper employs the optimization feature of the HOMER Pro. This software is used for the steady state analysis of the systems. In addition, MATLAB Simulink is used to represent the hybrid system for dynamic simulations. The stability and power output of the system are analyzed under varying load conditions. Overall, this paper covers simulation results and comprehensive system details

Role of Fas/Fas Ligand Pathway in a Sample of Iraqi Diabetic Foot Patients

Background: Diabetic foot (DF) is one of diabetes mellitus (DM) complication, it is delayed wound healing and may end with amputation of limbs. Involvement of Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) pathway in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications has been proposed. Apoptosis via Fas/FasL interactions has been proposed to be a major T-cell-mediated effector mechanism in autoimmune diabetes. Objectives: To investigate Fas/Fas Ligand, in patients with type 2 diabetes who have diabetic foot ulcerations. Methods: sFas, sFasL and high sensetive-CRP were measured with the ELISA method in thirty(30) normal controls (group I), twenty five patients with type 2 DM with no diabetic foot (group II) and twenty five diabetic foot patients with type 2 DM (group III). Besides, serum glucose (Fasting), lipid profile (total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL, LDL and VLDL), body mass index, Waist circumstance and age were determined.The study was carried out in National center of diabetes, Al-Mustansirya University, Baghdad, Iraq. Results: The patients with diabetic foot lesions were found to be poorly controlled and had significantly higher levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p10 yrs, age > 58 yrs, and BMI >25 Kg/m2.       A significant positive correlation was observed between sFas and (sFasLand hs-CRP) in diabetic foot patients. Also the same with sFas and (FBG, and lipids). Conclusion: We conclude that the apoptotic pathway in the development of diabetic foot increases by means of the Fas/FasL,and the development of new treatment against apoptosis may  play an important role in the management of diabetic foot lesion

Prevalence and Predictors of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Women in Kilimanjaro Region, Northern Tanzania: A Population Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a simple and cost-effective intervention to improve child health and survival. Effective EBF has been estimated to avert 13% - 15% of under-five mortality and contribute to reduce mother to child transmission of HIV. The prevalence of EBF for infant less than six months is low in most developing countries, including Tanzania (50%). While the Tanzania Demographic Health Survey collects information on overall EBF prevalence, it does not evaluate factors influencing EBF. The aim of this paper was to determine the prevalence and predictors of exclusive breastfeeding in urban and rural areas in Kilimanjaro region. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2010 to March 2011 among women with infants aged 6-12 months in Kilimanjaro. Multi-stage proportionate to size sampling was used to select participants from all the seven districts of the region. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, reproductive, alcohol intake, breastfeeding patterns and nutritional data during the interviews. Estimation on EBF was based on recall since birth. Multivariable logistic regression was used to obtain independent predictors of EBF. A total of 624 women participated, 77% (483) from rural areas. The prevalence of EBF up to six months in Kilimanjaro region was 20.7%, without significant differences in the prevalence of EBF up to six months between urban (22.7%) and rural areas (20.1%); (OR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5,1.4).In multivariable analysis, advice on breastfeeding after delivery (Adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.5, 4.6) was positively associated with EBF up to six months. Compared to married/cohabiting and those who do not take alcohol, single mothers (AOR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2, 0.9) and mothers who drank alcohol (AOR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.3, 0.7) had less odds to practice EBF up to six months. Prevalence of EBF up to six months is still low in Kilimanjaro, lower than the national coverage of 50%. Strengthening of EBF counseling in all reproductive and child health clinics especially during antenatal and postnatal periods may help to improve EBF rates

Cannabis and Brain: Disrupting Neural Circuits of Memory

Cannabis is a federally controlled substance, it’s very familiar to many but its neurobiological substrates are not well-characterized. In the brain, most areas prevalently having cannabinoid receptors have been associated with behavioral control and cognitive effects due to cannabinoids. Study over the last several decades suggested cannabinoids (CBs) exert copious oftentimes opposite effects on countless neuronal receptors and processes. In fact, owing to this plethora of effects, it’s still cryptic how CBs trigger neuronal circuits. Cannabis use has been revealed to cause cognitive deficits from basic motor coordination to more complex executive functions, for example, the aptitude to plan, organize, make choices, solve glitches, remember, and control emotions as well as behavior. Numerous factors like age of onset and duration of cannabis use regulate the severity of the difficulties. People with the cannabis-linked deficiency in executive functions have been found to have trouble learning and applying the skills requisite for fruitful recovery, setting them at amplified risk for deterioration to cannabis use. Exploring the impacts of cannabis on the brain is imperative. Therefore the intention of this study was to analyze the neuropsychological effects and the impact of CBs on the dynamics of neural circuits, and its potential as the drug of addiction