Dual description of U(1) charged fields in (2+1) dimensions

We show that the functional bosonization procedure can be generalized in such a way that, to any field theory with a conserved Abelian charge in (2+1) dimensions, there corresponds a dual Abelian gauge field theory. The properties of this mapping and of the dual theory are discussed in detail, presenting different explicit examples. In particular, the meaning and effect of the coefficient of the Chern-Simons term in the dual action is interpreted in terms of the spin and statistics connection.Comment: 25 page

A World-Volume Perspective on the Recombination of Intersecting Branes

We study brane recombination for supersymmetric configurations of intersecting branes in terms of the world-volume field theory. This field theory contains an impurity, corresponding to the degrees of freedom localized at the intersection. The Higgs branch, on which the impurity fields condense, consists of vacua for which the intersection is deformed into a smooth calibrated manifold. We show this explicitly using a superspace formalism for which the calibration equations arise naturally from F- and D-flatness.Comment: References adde

Quantitative analyses and modelling to support achievement of the 2020 goals for nine neglected tropical diseases

Quantitative analysis and mathematical models are useful tools in informing strategies to control or eliminate disease. Currently, there is an urgent need to develop these tools to inform policy to achieve the 2020 goals for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). In this paper we give an overview of a collection of novel model-based analyses which aim to address key questions on the dynamics of transmission and control of nine NTDs: Chagas disease, visceral leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis, leprosy, soil-transmitted helminths, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis and trachoma. Several common themes resonate throughout these analyses, including: the importance of epidemiological setting on the success of interventions; targeting groups who are at highest risk of infection or re-infection; and reaching populations who are not accessing interventions and may act as a reservoir for infection,. The results also highlight the challenge of maintaining elimination 'as a public health problem' when true elimination is not reached. The models elucidate the factors that may be contributing most to persistence of disease and discuss the requirements for eventually achieving true elimination, if that is possible. Overall this collection presents new analyses to inform current control initiatives. These papers form a base from which further development of the models and more rigorous validation against a variety of datasets can help to give more detailed advice. At the moment, the models' predictions are being considered as the world prepares for a final push towards control or elimination of neglected tropical diseases by 2020

Inadequate treatment for sexually transmitted diseases in the South African private health sector

Correct management of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is important for their control, and to reduce HIV transmission. Guidelines on syndromic management of STDs were introduced by the provincial Department of Health in KwaZulu/Natal (KZN) in South Africa in 1995. The drug treatment provided for STDs by the 11 private general practitioners in one rural district was assessed and compared with provincial guidelines. Information was gathered through semi-structured interviews which asked the 11 doctors, who all dispense prescribed drugs as part of the consultation fee, how they would treat 3 hypothetical cases of STD syndromes. In all 33 prescriptions, the treatment did not correspond exactly with provincial recommendations and only 3 (9%) were adequate. All other prescriptions were inadequate because dose or duration was incorrect in 6 (18%), or because incorrect drugs were prescribed in 24 (73%) of cases. Eight of the 11 doctors did not provide adequate treatment for any of their cases. A continuing medical education programme for the doctors and their staff was devised to improve the STD treatment in the private sector in this South African district. The correct management of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) can help to control and reduce the spread of HIV infection. To that end, guidelines upon the syndromic management of STDs were introduced by the provincial Department of Health in KwaZulu/Natal (KZN) in South Africa in 1995. Drug treatment provided for STDs by 11 private general practitioners in 1 rural district was investigated and compared with provincial guidelines. Study data were collected through semi-structured interviews in which the doctors were asked how they would treat 3 hypothetical cases of STD. In all of the 33 prescriptions written by the physicians, the treatment failed to correspond exactly with provincial recommendations and only 3 were adequate. The other prescriptions were inadequate because either the dose or regimen duration was incorrect in 6 cases, and because the wrong drugs were prescribed in 24 cases. 8 of the physicians did not provide adequate treatment for any of their cases. A continuing medical education program for the doctors and their staff was subsequently created to improve the private sector treatment of STDs in KZN

Boiling water reactor uranium utilization improvement potential

This report documents the results of design and operational simulation studies to assess the potential for reduction of BWR uranium requirements. The impact of the improvements on separative work requirements and other fuel cycle requirements also were evaluated. The emphasis was on analysis of the improvement potential for once-through cycles, although plutonium recycle also was evaluated. The improvement potential was analyzed for several design alternatives including axial and radial natural uranium blankets, low-leakage refueling patterns, initial core enrichment distribution optimization, reinsert of initial core discharge fuel, preplanned end-of-cycle power coastdown and feedwater temperature reduction, increased discharge burnup, high enrichment discharge fuel rod reassembly and reinsert, lattice and fuel bundle design optimization, coolant density spectral shift with flow control, reduced burnable absorber residual, boric acid for cold shutdown, six-month subcycle refueling, and applications of a once-through thorium cycle design and plutonium recycle