4 research outputs found
Translating research into policy: lessons learned from eclampsia treatment and malaria control in three southern African countries
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Little is known about the process of knowledge translation in low- and middle-income countries. We studied policymaking processes in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe to understand the factors affecting the use of research evidence in national policy development, with a particular focus on the findings from randomized control trials (RCTs). We examined two cases: the use of magnesium sulphate (MgSO<sub>4</sub>) in the treatment of eclampsia in pregnancy (a clinical case); and the use of insecticide treated bed nets and indoor residual household spraying for malaria vector control (a public health case).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We used a qualitative case-study methodology to explore the policy making process. We carried out key informants interviews with a range of research and policy stakeholders in each country, reviewed documents and developed timelines of key events. Using an iterative approach, we undertook a thematic analysis of the data.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Prior experience of particular interventions, local champions, stakeholders and international networks, and the involvement of researchers in policy development were important in knowledge translation for both case studies. Key differences across the two case studies included the nature of the evidence, with clear evidence of efficacy for MgSO<sub>4 </sub>and ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of bed nets compared with spraying; local researcher involvement in international evidence production, which was stronger for MgSO<sub>4 </sub>than for malaria vector control; and a long-standing culture of evidence-based health care within obstetrics. Other differences were the importance of bureaucratic processes for clinical regulatory approval of MgSO<sub>4</sub>, and regional networks and political interests for malaria control. In contrast to treatment policies for eclampsia, a diverse group of stakeholders with varied interests, differing in their use and interpretation of evidence, was involved in malaria policy decisions in the three countries.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Translating research knowledge into policy is a complex and context sensitive process. Researchers aiming to enhance knowledge translation need to be aware of factors influencing the demand for different types of research; interact and work closely with key policy stakeholders, networks and local champions; and acknowledge the roles of important interest groups.</p
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Radiation blistering of Nb implanted sequentially with helium ions of different energies (3-500 keV)
Cold rolled, polycrystalline niobium samples were irradiated at room temperature with He ions sequentially at 14 different energies over an energy range from 3 keV--500 keV in steps of 50 keV. The dose for each energy was chosen to give an approximately uniform concentration of helium between the implant depths corresponding to 3 keV and 500 keV. In one set of experiments the irradiations were started at the Kurchatov Institute with 3 keV He ions and extended up to 80 keV in several steps. Subsequently, the same target area was irradiated with He ions at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) starting at 100 keV and increased to 500 keV in steps of 50 keV. Another set of irradiations were started at ANL with 500 keV He ions and continued with decreasing ion energies to 100 keV. Subsequently, the same area was irradiated at the Kurchatov Institute starting at 80 keV and continued with decreasing ion energies to 3 keV. Both sets of irradiations were completed for two different total doses, 0.5 C cm and 1.0 C cm