OPTICAL DISPERSION COMPENSATION USING DIFFERENT MODULATION FORMATS

Optical dispersion is the main impediment to optimal utilization of optical fiber backbone ability to satisfy the capacity need of today’s emerging telecommunication networks. In this paper, the investigation of post - and symmetrical dispersion compensation fibers (DCF) have been examined in a 16 and 32 channel 40Gbps dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) system using different modulation formats. Simulation results obtained show a significant improvement in the quality factor and bit error rate when DCF is used. The performance of the methods however shows dependency on the number of channels in the system, the modulation, and the channel condition

Paediatric schistosomiasis:What we know and what we need to know

Schistosomiasis affects over 200 million people worldwide, most of whom are children. Research and control strategies directed at preschool-aged children (PSAC), i.e., ≤5 years old, have lagged behind those in older children and adults. With the recent WHO revision of the schistosomiasis treatment guidelines to include PSAC, and the recognition of gaps in our current knowledge on the disease and its treatment in this age group, there is now a concerted effort to address these shortcomings. Global and national schistosome control strategies are yet to include PSAC in treatment schedules. Maximum impact of schistosome treatment programmes will be realised through effective treatment of PSAC. In this review, we (i) discuss the current knowledge on the dynamics and consequences of paediatric schistosomiasis and (ii) identify knowledge and policy gaps relevant to these areas and to the successful control of schistosome infection and disease in this age group. Herein, we highlight risk factors, immune mechanisms, pathology, and optimal timing for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of paediatric schistosomiasis. We also discuss the tools required for treating schistosomiasis in PSAC and strategies for accessing them for treatment

Regulator of G Protein Signaling 14 Disruption Affects the Gut Microbiota and Metabolome in Mice

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Preparing healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa for future outbreaks: insights from a multi-country digital self-assessment of COVID-19 preparedness

Abstract Background Despite previous experience with epidemics, African healthcare systems were inadequately prepared and substantially impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Limited information about the level of COVID-19 preparedness of healthcare facilities in Africa hampers policy decision-making to fight future outbreaks in the region, while maintaining essential healthcare services running. Methods Between May–November 2020, we performed a survey study with SafeCare4Covid − a free digital self-assessment application − to evaluate the COVID-19 preparedness of healthcare facilities in Africa following World Health Organization guidelines. The tool assessed (i) COVID-19-related capabilities with 31 questions; and (ii) availability of essential medical supplies with a 23-supplies checklist. Tailored quality improvement plans were provided after assessments. Information about facilities’ location, type, and ownership was also collected. Results Four hundred seventy-one facilities in 11 African countries completed the capability assessment; 412 also completed the supplies checklist. The average capability score on a scale of 0–100 (n=471) was 58.0 (interquartile range 40.0–76.0), and the average supplies score (n=412) was 61.6 (39.0–83.0). Both scores were significantly lower in rural (capability score, mean 53.6 [95%CI:50.3–57.0]/supplies score, 59.1 [55.5–62.8]) versus urban facilities (capability score, 65.2 [61.7–68.7]/supplies score, 70.7 [67.2–74.1]) (P<0.0001 for both comparisons). Likewise, lower scores were found for public versus private clinics, and for primary healthcare centres versus hospitals. Guidelines for triage and isolation, clinical management of COVID-19, staff mental support, and contact tracing forms were largely missing. Handwashing stations were partially equipped in 33% of facilities. The most missing medical supply was COVID-19 specimen collection material (71%), while 43% of facilities did not have N95/FFP2 respirators and 19% lacked medical masks. Conclusions A large proportion of public and private African facilities providing basic healthcare in rural areas, lacked fundamental COVID-19-related capabilities and life-saving personal protective equipment. Decentralization of epidemic preparedness efforts in these settings is warranted to protect healthcare workers and patients alike in future epidemics. Digital tools are of great value to timely measure and improve epidemic preparedness of healthcare facilities, inform decision-making, create a more stakeholder-broad approach and increase health-system resilience for future disease outbreaks

Additional file 1 of Preparing healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa for future outbreaks: insights from a multi-country digital self-assessment of COVID-19 preparedness

Supplementary Material 1