Magetoresistance of RuO_2-based resistance thermometers below 0.3 K

We have determined the magnetoresistance of RuO_2-based resistors (Scientific Instruments RO-600) between 0.05 K and 0.3 K in magnetic fields up to 8 T. The magnetoresistance is negative around 0.5 T and then becomes positive at larger fields. The magnitude of the negative magnetoresistance increases rapidly as the temperature is lowered, while that of the positive magnetoresistance has smaller temperature dependence. We have also examined the temperature dependence of the resistance below 50 mK in zero magnetic field. It is described in the context of variable-range-hopping conduction down to 15 mK. Hence, the resistors can be used as thermometers down to at least 15 mK.Comment: 6 pages with 7 embedded figures. Published version (very minor changes

Gauge factor of thick film resistors: outcomes of the variable range hopping model

Despite a large amount of data and numerous theoretical proposals, the microscopic mechanism of transport in thick film resistors remains unclear. However, recent low temperature measurements point toward a possible variable range hopping mechanism of transport. Here we examine how such a mechanism affects the gauge factor of thick film resistors. We find that at sufficiently low temperatures $T$, for which the resistivity follows the Mott's law $R(T)\sim \exp(T_0/T)^{1/4}$, the gauge factor GF is proportional to $(T_0/T)^{1/4}$. Moreover, the inclusion of Coulomb gap effects leads to ${\rm GF}\sim (T_0'/T)^{1/2}$ at lower temperatures. In addition, we study a simple model which generalizes the variable range hopping mechanism by taking into account the finite mean inter-grain spacing. Our results suggest a possible experimental verification of the validity of the variable range hopping in thick film resistors.Comment: 7 pages, 3 eps figures, submitted to Journal of Applied Physic

Patterns and Risk Factors of Helminthiasis and Anemia in a Rural and a Peri-urban Community in Zanzibar, in the Context of Helminth Control Programs

In many parts of the developing world, parasitic worms and anemia are of considerable public health and economic importance. We studied the patterns and risk factors of parasitic worm infections in a rural and a peri-urban community on Zanzibar Island, Tanzania, in the context of national deworming programs. We invited 658 individuals aged between 5 and 100 years and examined their stool and urine for the presence of parasitic worm eggs. Additionally, we obtained a finger-prick blood sample to estimate the level of anemia and to assess for specific immune reactions against parasitic worm infections. We found that, despite large-scale deworming efforts in Zanzibar over the past 15 years, three-quarter of the rural participants and half of the peri-urban residents were infected with parasitic worms. Every second participant was anemic. Risk factors for a parasitic worm infection were age, sex, consumption of raw vegetables or salad, recent travel history, and socio-economic status. For a sustainable control of parasitic worm infections and prevention of anemia, access to safe and efficacious drugs, complemented with health education and improvements in water supply and adequate sanitation are necessary