9 research outputs found
On negative higher-order Kerr effect and filamentation
As a contribution to the ongoing controversy about the role of higher-order
Kerr effect (HOKE) in laser filamentation, we first provide thorough details
about the protocol that has been employed to infer the HOKE indices from the
experiment. Next, we discuss potential sources of artifact in the experimental
measurements of these terms and show that neither the value of the observed
birefringence, nor its inversion, nor the intensity at which it is observed,
appear to be flawed. Furthermore, we argue that, independently on our values,
the principle of including HOKE is straightforward. Due to the different
temporal and spectral dynamics, the respective efficiency of defocusing by the
plasma and by the HOKE is expected to depend substantially on both incident
wavelength and pulse duration. The discussion should therefore focus on
defining the conditions where each filamentation regime dominates.Comment: 22 pages, 11 figures. Submitted to Laser physics as proceedings of
the Laser Physics 2010 conferenc
Makerere University College of Health Sciences’ role in addressing challenges in health service provision at Mulago National Referral Hospital
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH), Uganda’s primary tertiary and teaching hospital, and Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) have a close collaborative relationship. MakCHS students complete clinical rotations at MNRH, and MakCHS faculty partner with Mulago staff in clinical care and research. In 2009, as part of a strategic planning process, MakCHS undertook a qualitative study to examine care and service provision at MNRH, identify challenges, gaps, and solutions, and explore how MakCHS could contribute to improving care and service delivery at MNRH.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Key informant interviews (n=23) and focus group discussions (n=7) were conducted with nurses, doctors, administrators, clinical officers and other key stakeholders. Interviews and focus groups were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim, and findings were analyzed through collaborative thematic analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Challenges to care and service delivery at MNRH included resource constraints (staff, space, equipment, and supplies), staff inadequacies (knowledge, motivation, and professionalism), overcrowding, a poorly functioning referral system, limited quality assurance, and a cumbersome procurement system. There were also insufficiencies in the teaching of professionalism and communication skills to students, and patient care challenges that included lack of access to specialized services, risk of infections, and inappropriate medications.</p> <p>Suggestions for how MakCHS could contribute to addressing these challenges included strengthening referral systems and peripheral health center capacity, and establishing quality assurance mechanisms. The College could also strengthen the teaching of professionalism, communication and leadership skills to students, and monitor student training and develop courses that contribute to continuous professional development. Additionally, the College could provide in-service education for providers on professionalism, communication skills, strategies that promote evidence-based practice and managerial leadership skills.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Although there are numerous barriers to delivery of quality health services at MNRH, many barriers could be addressed by strengthening the relationship between the Hospital and MakCHS. Strategic partnerships and creative use of existing resources, both human and financial, could improve the quality of care and service delivery at MNRH. Improving services and providing more skills training could better prepare MakCHS graduates for leadership roles in other health care facilities, ultimately improving health outcomes throughout Uganda.</p
Prevalence of oral diseases/conditions in Uganda
Objective: The aim was to report the prevalence of oral
diseases/conditions among a Ugandan population. Methods: Subjects aged
12 (n=696) and 35-44 years (n=396) were chosen from randomly selected
urban and peri-urban areas of Arua, Mbale, Kampala and Mbarara
districts. They were clinically examined by 4 trained and calibrated
dentists for oral diseases/ conditions using criteria described by
World Health Organisation. Results: Dental caries (DMFT ≥1) was
recorded in 40% and 62.5% of the children and adults, respectively. The
overall mean DMFT score was 0.9 for children and 3.4 for adults. Caries
was significantly more severe in females as compared to males in
children (p<0.05), whereas in adults, there was no significant
gender difference. Kampala had a significantly higher mean DMFT score
compared to other districts in all age groups (p>0.05). Culculus
deposits were generally, more prevalent in adults as compare to
children except in Mbarara district. Gum bleeding was also
significantly more prevalent among children as compared to adults
(p<0.05). Significantly higher prevalence of gum bleeding in both
children and adults was recorded in Arua district as compared to other
areas (p<0.05). Each of the age groups had a prevalence of
malocclusion of 61%. However, the severity of malocclusion varied
between age groups and districts. The prevalence of dental fluorosis
was 3% and 4% for children and adults, respectively. All subjects in
Arua district were fluorosis-free. Tetracycline enamel staining was
less than 1% in both age groups. Enamel attrition was more prevalent in
adults as compared to children: 19% versus 1%. Conclusion: The
prevalence of oral diseases/conditions was generally low among the
study population. Caries experience was significantly higher in the
Kampala (urban) district as compared to rural districts in all age
groups; the D - component being the major contributor