Address African conflicts with a stronger African union

Dr Suda Perera argues that the current political crisis in DR Congo demonstrates that the idea that a fairly-won election is necessary to create a certain and solid basis for democratic state-building is faulty

Electrical Percolation in Metal Nanowire Networks for Bulk Polymer Nanocomposites and Transparent Conductors, and Resistive Switching in Metal/Polymer Nano-Gap Devices

This dissertation describes the electrical properties of metal nanowire-polymer hybrid systems. The first part of the thesis discusses electrical percolation of metal nanowire networks in bulk polymer nanocomposites (3D) and nanowire films (quasi-2D). Specifically, we integrate simulations of rod networks and experiments of model metal nanowire systems to establish the dependence of their electrical properties on the nanowire aspect ratio (L/D) and network structure. For bulk polymer nanocomposites, we find that narrow Gaussian distributions in filler size do not impact the electrical percolation threshold, while mixing small fractions of high-L/D rods with modest-L/D rods significantly reduces the threshold. We also generalize the widely used excluded volume model of percolation, which was originally formulated for infinite-L/D, monodisperse rod networks, to account for both finite-L/D and arbitrary distribution in the rod dimensions. Next, we adapt our 3D simulation approach to model the electrical properties quasi-2D rod networks, which are relevant to nanowire films that are being pursued for flexible, transparent conductors. We present the first quantitative predictions of the dependence of the sheet resistance in nanowire films on the aspect ratio and areal density of mono- and poly-disperse nanowires. Moreover, by combining our simulations of sheet resistance and an empirical diameter-dependent expression for the optical transmittance, we produced a fully calculated plot of optical transmittance versus sheet resistance, the primary performance criteria for transparent conductors. Further, by fitting simulation results to experimental data, we obtain an effective average contact resistance, Rc_effective, between two nanowires. Rc_effective extracted using our integrated approach enables direct comparisons between nanowires of different compositions or networks fabricated by distinct means. We also report the critical area fraction of rods required to form a percolated network in nanowire films and provide a semi-empirical analytical expression for the critical area fraction as a function of L/D for mono- and poly-disperse rods. Our simulations of electrical percolation in quasi-2D and 3D rod networks, coupled with our extensions of existing analytical models, provide critical guidance for engineering bulk conducting nanocomposites and nanowire films with well-defined properties that are optimized for specific applications. In the second part of this thesis, we demonstrate reversible resistive switching in silver/polystyrene/silver nano-gap devices comprised of Ag nano-strips separated by a nanoscale gap and encapsulated in polystyrene (PS). These devices show highly reversible switching behavior with high on-off ratios during cyclic switching tests over many cycles. We also observe evolution of the gap after extensive testing, which is consistent with metal filament formation as the switching mechanism in Ag/PS/Ag nano-gap devices. The reversible electrical bistability demonstrated here was accomplished with an electrically inactive polymer, thereby extending the range of polymers suitable for organic digital memory applications

Nations torn asunder: The challenge of civil war

The question of what makes civil wars so attractive, in the context of the supposed change in the nature of warfare post-WWII, was lucidly discussed at the LSE Literary Festival event ‘Nations Torn Asunder’

Correlation of sonographic with intraoperative findings in laparoscopic managed ectopic pregnancies, a 10-year synopsis: a retrospective observational study

Background: Ectopic pregnancies (EP) are a common pregnancy complication that\u27s associated with significant morbidity and rarely mortality if not managed properly. Ultrasound examination forms the cornerstone of diagnosis of EP with some sonographic features occasionally not correlating with intraoperative findings. We set out to conduct an audit of EP managed surgically at our hospital for a 10-year period and discern the correlation and prediction of sonographic findings to intraoperative findings. Methods: This study was designed as a Retrospective Observational Study based at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Study population was all women admitted to AKUH with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy that was surgically managed between the period of January 1st 2011 to December 31st 2020. Analysis of data was done against a pre-set checklist. Descriptive statistics for continuous variables was calculated and tabulated in graphs and tables. SPSS version 22 was used for analysis of data. Results: A total of 337 patients in this study had ultrasound findings. 99.7% (n = 336) of these patients had an intraoperatively confirmed EP. The commonest ultrasound finding was an adnexal mass in 97.1% (n = 309) of patients. These were confirmed surgically in 290 patients at the following locations: 76.6% (n = 222) were ampullary in location; 10.7% (n = 31) were fimbrial in location; 8.6%(n = 25) were isthmic in location; 2.4%(n = 7) were interstitial in location; 1%(n = 3) were abdominal in location; while 0.3% were located in the ovary(n = 1) or round ligament(n = 1) each. Interstitial EP on ultrasound were all (100%) confirmed in the same location intraoperatively, with ampullary EP also correlating fairly well with intraoperative location (75%). The distribution of location in the minor hemoperitoneum (HP) versus major HP groups were similar except for interstitial EP that increased from 1.4% in the minor HP group to 9.5% in the major HP group. Conclusion: In conclusion, ultrasonography still represents the best imaging modality for EP. The most common finding is usually an adnexal mass with no specific location. Most (99.7%) of the patients with this sonographic finding usually have a confirmed EP. Interstitial EP are the most well localized with ultrasound followed by ampullary EP. Furthermore, the presence of major (\u3e 500mls) hemoperitoneum may act as an adjunct for diagnosis of an interstitial EP

Type I (Hannis - Steinthal) Capitellar Fracture: Case Report

Capitellar fractures of the elbow present with pain and swelling of the elbow following a fall on an outstretched arm and are rare injuries comprising 0.5-1% of all elbow fractures (1). This is a case report of an adult female who sustained this injury following a fall on her outstretched arm. CT scans revealed a Type I capitellar fracture of the right elbow. Open reduction and internal fixation was done with a functionally good result. Because of the cartilaginous nature of the capitellum humeri these injuries are easily missed on radiography. One must have a high index of suspicion especially when elbow movement is noticeably restricted. These injuries are discussed and the literature reviewed. Although controversial, treatment is mainly operative. One should carefully review radiographs of patients who present with injuries of the elbow with pain, swelling and markedly restricted joint range of motion and whose mechanism of injury(fall on an outstretched arm) is consistent with capitellar fracture. CT scans often clinch the diagnosis. Type I fractures may be treated conservatively but Type II injuries require operative intervention

Planning in emergencies and disasters

No Abstract

Factors Influencing Depression in Men: A Qualitative Investigation

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study is to describe men’s experiences of depression in order to provide direction for future research of the screening, diagnosing, and treatment of men\u27s depression. Previous research indicates that men experience different depressive symptoms than women, and there is a possibility that men\u27s depression is not being adequately captured by current screening standards, which would theoretically lead to a large number of men with unrecognized, undiagnosed, and untreated depression. If this is the case, this may explain the disproportionately low number of men diagnosed with depression compared to women, in contrast to the disproportionately high number of men who complete suicides. There is a need in the literature for descriptions of depression experienced by men in order to determine the adequacy of current psychometric screening tools and approaches to treatment which are currently in practice. This qualitative study seeks to begin to fill in this gap in the literature. Key findings indicate that intentionally and unintentionally hide their feelings of depression, and that men experience anger as an early sign of depression. In addition, men often do not recognize their distress as depression until someone else suggests they seek professional help; and men use various methods of distraction to cope with their distress, including excessive working, sleeping, eating, TV watching, and alcohol consumption. Recommendations for further research are discussed

Taka Company Strategic Change & Implementation Measures on Bata Company

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have been an important element of corporate strategy to building and growing businesses. M&A offer firms an opportunity to leverage existing capabilities and increase market share. The study of M&A varies as the performance of targeted companies continues to draw attention given the high collapse rate of most M&A. This study looks at the measures undertaken by management in managing expectations and charting a way forward for the acquired company and sustaining the growth and development. It is critical that an organization employ a well-defined integration and implementation strategy for any acquired businesses. The study of Taka’s company strategic integration and implementation of Bata’s company was researched utilizing documentation review, interviews and surveys. The performance of Taka’s acquisition of Bata Company was analyzed by studying its financial performance but most importantly the effectiveness of harnessing the human factor. M&A do not only involve acquiring capital asset but also the most commonly overlooked human factor. For any M&A, strategy to succeed management’s ability to harness the synergies of both companies is vital. For the synergies to be exploited management has to integrate and implement policies that assimilate the cultures of both companies, which rest with the personnel. A sound strategy alone that overlooks the human factor is not enough, as employee resistance and rebellion will subvert any prospects of success. This study looks at the adjustments of the employees of the acquired Bata Company. It looks at how the strategic changes implemented affect them in discharging their duties. Critical to succeeding an M&A strategy is effective communication. When done effectively, it cast aside any aspersions of mistrust and doubt in management. The better communicated the employees are the less time they spent speculating on future direction of the company