Assessment of capacity for health policy and systems research and analysis in seven African universities: results from the CHEPSAA project

The importance of health policy and systems research and analysis (HPSR+A) is widely recognized. Universities are central to strengthening and sustaining the HPSR+A capacity as they teach the next generation of decision-makers and health professionals. However, little is known about the capacity of universities, specifically, to develop the field. In this article, we report results of capacity self- assessments by seven universities within five African countries, conducted through the Consortium for Health Policy and Systems Analysis in Africa (CHEPSAA). The capacity assessments focused on both capacity ‘assets’ and ‘needs’, and covered the wider context, as well as organizational and individual capacity levels. Six thematic areas of capacity were examined: leadership and governance, organizations’ resources, scope of HPSR+A teaching and research, communication, networking and getting research into policy and practice (GRIPP), demand for HPRS+A and resource environment. The self-assessments by each university used combinations of document reviews, semi-structured interviews and staff surveys, followed by comparative analysis. A framework approach, guided by the six thematic areas, was used to analyse data. We found that HPSR+A is an international priority, and an existing activity in Africa, though still neglected field with challenges including its reliance on unpredictable international funding. All universities have capacity assets, such as ongoing HPSR+A teaching and research. There are, however, varying levels of assets (such as differences in staff numbers, group sizes and amount of HPSR+A teaching and research), which, combined with different capacity needs at all three levels (such as individual training, improvement in systems for quality assurance and fostering demand for HPSR+A work), can shape a future agenda for HPSR+A capacity strengthening. Capacity assets and needs at different levels appear related. Possible integrated strategies for strengthening universities’ capacity include: refining HPSR+A vision, mainstreaming the subject into under- and post-graduate teaching, developing emerging leaders and aligning HPSR+A capacity strengthening within the wider organizational development.Web of Scienc

Impact of Inactivated Extracellular Proteases on the Modified Flagellin Type III Secretion Pathway of Bacillus halodurans▿

The flagellin type III secretion pathway of Bacillus halodurans BhFC01 (Δhag) was modified by the inactivation of fliD. An in-frame flagellin gene fusion polypeptide construct was expressed, and the heterologous peptides were secreted as flagellin fusion monomers. The stability of the secreted monomers was significantly enhanced through gene-targeted inactivation of extracellular proteases

Nickel (II) complex [NiCl2(DMF)(2)L-2] bearing diaminobenzene and sulfonamide: Crystal structure and catalytic application in the reduction of nitrobenzenes

A new Bis[N-(2-aminophenyl)benzenesulfonamidej-di-chloro-Bis[O'-N,N-dimethyl-formamide]-nickel (II) complex [NiCl2(DMF)(2)L2] was synthesized in DMF solution in reflux media with NiCl2.2H(2)O and the pre-prepared N-(2-aminophenyl)benzenesulfonamide and the [NiCl2(DMF)(2)L-2] complex was crystallized in DMF/diethyl ether solution, for its single crystal. The complex characterized by FT-IR, elemental analysis, TG-DTA and UV Vis spectrophotometry methods, and its single crystal study were also performed by X-ray spectroscopy. Additionally, the catalytic efficiency of the fabricated [NiCl2(DMF)(2)L-2] complex was determined by UV Vis spectrophotometry in the reduction reaction of 2-nitroaniline (2-NA), 4-nitroaniline (4-NA) and nitrobenzene (NB) in presence of NaBH4 in water. The best conversion obtained as a result of the reduction of nitroarenes in the short time of 10 min. was 62.5 %, which was obtained at the 2-NA reduction. The conversion obtained from of the reduction of nitroarenes, are sequenced as 2-NA (62.5 %) > NB (56.5 %) > 4-NA (25.5%) in 10 min. In addition, the reaction products, both aqueous and short-term, are harmless to the environment, which will provide a significant reaction variety in terms of green chemistry. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved