Analysis of New Multi Cellular Vortex Model

A complete theoretical description of multi-celled vortices is complex. Nevertheless, a simplified approach like the one presented in this thesis can provide the most fundamental characteristics satisfactorily. In this model all velocity distributions are bounded. The solution is obtained using MATLAB and Maple 14 code. The main goal is to develop a numerical technique that will provide good fits to a variety of actual vortices of different types. The simulated results correlate well actual data of some naturally and experimentally occurring vortices. Two-celled vortices developed in the intakes of gas turbine engines operating near the ground, wing-tips, tornadoes and vortices generated under a liquid-air interfacial wave by wind action are examined here. The correlations provided in this thesis are biased towards two-cell vortices because a fair number of actual data for the velocity are readily available in the scientific literature. In addition, a simulated four-cell vortex model also described

Evaluation of the impact of the voucher program for improving maternal health behavior and status in Bangladesh

Vouchers, a demand-side financing (DSF) instrument for health-care services, were introduced in Bangladesh in 2006. The DSF program grants vouchers to pregnant women to receive free antenatal, delivery, and postpartum care services as well as free medicine, and financial assistance is provided for transportation. Deliveries with skilled service providers are financially incentivized and providers are reimbursed for their services from a special fund. After piloting DSF initially in 21 subdistricts (upazilas), the government expanded it to another 12 upazilas in 2007 (the second phase), and in its third phase in 2010 the program was expanded to another 11 upazilas. To measure DSF’s effect on improved access, quality, and reduced inequity for reproductive health services, during the third phase of the program the Population Council conducted a comprehensive evaluation with both baseline and endline surveys in 11 DSF upazilas and compared their outcomes with those from upazilas served by similar facilities not included in the DSF program. This final report contains key facility and policy program recommendations