WKB Approximation to the Power Wall

We present a semiclassical analysis of the quantum propagator of a particle confined on one side by a steeply, monotonically rising potential. The models studied in detail have potentials proportional to $x^{\alpha}$ for $x>0$; the limit $\alpha\to\infty$ would reproduce a perfectly reflecting boundary, but at present we concentrate on the cases $\alpha =1$ and 2, for which exact solutions in terms of well known functions are available for comparison. We classify the classical paths in this system by their qualitative nature and calculate the contributions of the various classes to the leading-order semiclassical approximation: For each classical path we find the action $S$, the amplitude function $A$ and the Laplacian of $A$. (The Laplacian is of interest because it gives an estimate of the error in the approximation and is needed for computing higher-order approximations.) The resulting semiclassical propagator can be used to rewrite the exact problem as a Volterra integral equation, whose formal solution by iteration (Neumann series) is a semiclassical, not perturbative, expansion. We thereby test, in the context of a concrete problem, the validity of the two technical hypotheses in a previous proof of the convergence of such a Neumann series in the more abstract setting of an arbitrary smooth potential. Not surprisingly, we find that the hypotheses are violated when caustics develop in the classical dynamics; this opens up the interesting future project of extending the methods to momentum space.Comment: 30 pages, 8 figures. Minor corrections in v.

Prevalence of Postpartum Family Planning Service Coverage in Selected Referral Facilities of Nepal

Introduction: Nepal Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists jointly with the Nepalese government and with the support from the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology has implemented an initiative to institutionalize postpartum family planning services in selected major referral facilities of Nepal to address the gap of low uptake of postpartum family planning in Nepal. The aim of the study is to find the prevalence of the service coverage of postpartum contraception in the selected facilities. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in seven major referral facilities across Nepal. Data were collected from the hospital records of all women who delivered in these facilities between October 2018 and March 2019. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from Nepal Health Research Council. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 23. Results: Among the 29,072 deliveries from all the facilities, postpartum family planning counseling coverage was 27,301 (93.9%). The prevalence of uptake of Postpartum Intrauterine Device is 1581 (5.4%) and female sterilization is 1830 (6.3%). In total 11387 mothers (52.2%) had the intention to choose a postpartum family planning method. However, 36% of mothers neither used nor had the intention to choose a postpartum family planning method. Conclusions: The coverage of Postpartum Intrauterine Device counseling service coverage in Nepal is higher in 2018 as compared to 2016-2017 and in other countries implementing Postpartum Intrauterine Device initiatives. However, the prevalence of service coverage of immediate Postpartum Family Planning methods, mainly Postpartum Intrauterine Device in 2018 is lower in Nepal as compared to 2016-2017, and other countries implementing Postpartum Intrauterine Device initiative. More efforts are needed to encourage mothers delivering in the facilities to use the postpartum family planning method

Weak Equivalence Principle Test on a Sounding Rocket

SR-POEM, our principle of equivalence measurement on a sounding rocket, will compare the free fall rate of two substances yielding an uncertainty of E-16 in the estimate of \eta. During the past two years, the design concept has matured and we have been working on the required technology, including a laser gauge that is self aligning and able to reach 0.1 pm per root hertz for periods up to 40 s. We describe the status and plans for this project.Comment: Presented at the Fifth Meeting on CPT and Lorentz Symmetry, Bloomington, Indiana, June 28-July 2, 201

A systematic review of behavioral outcomes for leadership interventions among health professionals

Background: Healthcare requires effective leadership to improve patient outcomes, manage change, and achieve organizational goals. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate interventions aimed at improving leadership behavior in health professionals. Methods: A systematic literature review of key databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus) was performed in September 2018. Data were extracted and synthesized. Results: Thirty-three articles from 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. Self-reported leadership behavior showed a significant postprogram improvement. Objective observations were more likely to show improved leadership behavior than subjective observations. Face-to-face delivery of leadership development was more effective than online delivery. Interventions incorporating the elements of personal development planning, self-directed learning, workplace-based learning, and reflection were more likely to develop leadership behavior. Conclusions/implications for practice: Leadership interventions had a beneficial effect on the leadership behaviors of participants based on both subjective and objective changes in behavior. In addition to focusing on individual skill development, interventions that aim to develop leadership should consider the organizational, social, cultural, and political contexts in which behavioral change is expected. Workplace-based learning should be included in program development