Gapless spin-excitations in the superconducting state of a quasi-one-dimensional spin-triplet superconductor

Majorana zero modes form as intrinsic defects in an odd-orbital one-dimensional superconductor thus motivating the search for such materials in the pursuit of Majorana physics. Here, we present combined experimental results and first principles calculations which suggest that quasi-one-dimensional K$_2$Cr$_3$As$_3$ may be such a superconductor. Using inelastic neutron scattering we probe the dynamic spin-susceptibilities of K$_2$Cr$_3$As$_3$ and K$_2$Mo$_3$As$_3$ and show the presence of antiferromagnetic spin-fluctuations in both compounds. Below the superconducting transition, these fluctuations gap in K$_2$Mo$_3$As$_3$ but not in K$_2$Cr$_3$As$_3$. Using first principles calculations, we show that these fluctuations likely arise from nesting on one dimensional features of the Fermi surface. Considering these results we propose that while K$_2$Mo$_3$As$_3$ is a conventional superconductor, K$_2$Cr$_3$As$_3$ is likely a spin-triplet, and consequently, topological superconductor.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure

Manipulation of ionized impurity scattering for achieving high thermoelectric performance in n-type Mg

Achieving higher carrier mobility plays a pivotal role for obtaining potentially high thermoelectric performance. In principle, the carrier mobility is governed by the band structure as well as by the carrier scattering mechanism. Here, we demonstrate that by manipulating the carrier scattering mechanism in n-type Mg[subscript 3]Sb[subscript 2 ]-based materials, a substantial improvement in carrier mobility, and hence the power factor, can be achieved. In this work, Fe, Co, Hf, and Ta are doped on the Mg site of Mg[subscript 3.2]Sb[subscript 1.5]Bi[subscript 0.49]Te [subscript 0.01], where the ionized impurity scattering crosses over to mixed ionized impurity and acoustic phonon scattering. A significant improvement in Hall mobility from ∼16 to ∼81 cm 2 ·V[superscript −1]·s[superscript − 1] is obtained, thus leading to a notably enhanced power factor of ∼13 μW·cm [superscript −1]·K [superscript −2] from ∼5 μW·cm[superscript −1]·K[superscript −2]. A simultaneous reduction in thermal conductivity is also achieved. Collectively, a figure of merit (ZT) of ∼1.7 is obtained at 773 K in Mg[subscript 3.1]Co[subscript 0.1]Sb[subscript 1.5]Bi[subscript 0.49]Te [subscript 0.01]. The concept of manipulating the carrier scattering mechanism to improve the mobility should also be applicable to other material systems. Keywords: thermoelectric; carrier scattering mechanism; ionized impurity scattering; n-type; Mg[subscript 3]Sb[subscript 2]; defect

EN-BIRTH Data Collector Training - Handbook and Manual

The EN-BIRTH study aims to validate selected newborn and maternal indicators for routine facility-based tracking of coverage and quality of care for use at district, national and global levels. The item contains the EN-BIRTH_Trainer's Manual (14 June 2017) and EN-BIRTH_Training Handbook (23 May 2017)

EN-BIRTH Data Collector Training - Supporting Annexes

The EN-BIRTH study aims to validate selected newborn and maternal indicators for routine facility-based tracking of coverage and quality of care for use at district, national and global levels. The item contains consent forms and participant information, in addition to standard operating procedures (SOP) for adverse clinical events, and managing distress in interviews. The full complement of annex files used during the training can be requested via this site if required

A Quantitative Ethnobotanical Study of Plants Used by the Locals in Camiguin Island, Calayan, Cagayan, Philippines

Traditional knowledge concerning plant utilization in the Philippines is common but is largely underappreciated. Assessment of plant resources by groups of people helps promote valorization of cultural heritage. However, particularly in the Camiguin Is-landof the North, Cagayan (not to be confused with the island province of Camiguin in Mindanao), the use of terrestrial plants remains unknown. As a response, this study aims to identify island terrestrial plants withethnobotanical importance through semi-structured interviews. The data collected were then analyzed using quantitative ethnobotanical methods. A total of 70 species belonging to 65 genera and 44 families were surveyed from the 33 informants. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between male and female informants in ethnobotan-ical knowledge. Lamiaceae was the most represented plant family with five species recorded. Leaves were the most used plant part (51%), congruent to previous ethno-botanical studies in the Philippines. Most medicinal preparations were done through decoctions (41.03%). Much of the medicinal plants surveyed were administered through topical medication (54.90%), and this is because the occupation of the peo-ple of Camiguin island mostly involves heavy physical activities. Thus, the proba-bility of being wounded in the area is very high. It was found that Vitex negundowas the most used plant in Camiguin island with the used value of 0.15.Furthermore, five ailment/disease categories obtained a 100% fidelity level. This result indicates that the plants used for that disease category are considered the most preferred spe-cies. Respiratory diseases obtained the highest FIC value of 0.40, indicating species within that category are the best candidates to search for bioactive compounds. This documentation provides the first checklist of useful plants in Camiguin island and will serve as a basis for future ethnobotanical studies in the Philippines

Optimal and continuous anaemia control in a cohort of dialysis patients in Switzerland

BACKGROUND: Guidelines for the management of anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) recommend a minimal haemoglobin (Hb) target of 11 g/dL. Recent surveys indicate that this requirement is not met in many patients in Europe. In most studies, Hb is only assessed over a short-term period. The aim of this study was to examine the control of anaemia over a continuous long-term period in Switzerland. METHODS: A prospective multi-centre observational study was conducted in dialysed patients treated with recombinant human epoetin (EPO) beta, over a one-year follow-up period, with monthly assessments of anaemia parameters. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty patients from 27 centres, representing 14% of the dialysis population in Switzerland, were included. Mean Hb was 11.9 +/- 1.0 g/dL, and remained stable over time. Eighty-five % of the patients achieved mean Hb >or= 11 g/dL. Mean EPO dose was 155 +/- 118 IU/kg/week, being delivered mostly by subcutaneous route (64-71%). Mean serum ferritin and transferrin saturation were 435 +/- 253 microg/L and 30 +/- 11%, respectively. At month 12, adequate iron stores were found in 72.5% of patients, whereas absolute and functional iron deficiencies were observed in only 5.1% and 17.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that diabetes unexpectedly influenced Hb towards higher levels (12.1 +/- 0.9 g/dL; p = 0.02). One year survival was significantly higher in patients with Hb >or= 11 g/dL than in those with Hb <11 g/dL (19.7% vs 7.3%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: In comparison to European studies of reference, this survey shows a remarkable and continuous control of anaemia in Swiss dialysis centres. These results were reached through moderately high EPO doses, mostly given subcutaneously, and careful iron therapy management

EN-BIRTH Data Collector Training – Training Module material

The EN-BIRTH study aims to validate selected newborn and maternal indicators for routine facility-based tracking of coverage and quality of care for use at district, national and global levels. The item contains PowerPoint slides used for the nine modules of the Data Collector's Training Programme delivered during May and June 2017. Module 1 (introduction) provides an overview of the training syllabus; Module 2 (Registration) helps tracking officers to understand their roles and responsibilities in the project and how to best execute them; Module 3 (Observation: Labour & Delivery) is intended to help Labour & Delivery observers to conduct themselves, and their work, in accordance with project guidelines and training handbook; Module 4 (Observation: Resuscitation - Nepal) covers the function of CCTV cameras and the value of collecting extra observation data from filmed clinical events; Module 5 (Observation: KMC) outlines expectations and practices to be applied by KMC (kangaroo mother care) observers; Module 6 (Data Extraction & Verification) outlines how data collectors should extract and verify register data and record information in the app extraction form in the L&D ward and KMC ward; Module 7 (Maternal Pre-discharge Recall Survey) outlines how to conduct high-quality interviews and administer the maternal pre-discharge recall survey; Module 8 (Supervision) equips supervisors with the skills to be good team managers, ensure team effectiveness and happiness, respond to incidents in the health facility, and monitor data quality; and finally Module 9 (Training Summary) provides a recap of key information taught over the week

EN-BIRTH Data Collection Tools

The EN-BIRTH study aims to validate selected newborn and maternal indicators for routine facility-based tracking of coverage and quality of care for use at district, national and global levels. The item contains the following data collection tools: Register data extraction, Observation checklist (labour and delivery ward), Observation checklist (kangaroo mother care), Patient record verification tools for antenatal corticosteroid administration, Patient record verification tools for antibiotic administration, and the Maternal recall survey