Gd2O3-modulated borate glass for the enhancement of near-infrared emission via energy transfer from Gd3+ to Nd3.

(Li2O)0.20(SrO)0.30(Nd2O3)0.01(B2O3)0.49-x(Gd2O3)x, where x = 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 mol%, glass was melt-quenched to test it as a laser source in the near-infrared (NIR) region. The structural modification, absorption spectra, Judd-Ofelt (J-O) parameters, luminescence spectra, radiative laser parameters, lifetimes, XRD, and FTIR spectra were studied. Luminescence spectra excited at λexc = 584 nm revealed the highest intensity peak at 1073 nm due to the transition of 4F3/2 → 4I11/2. An important phenomenon of concentration quenching was observed and optimized luminescence was achieved with the sample having the concentration x = 07 mol%. The lifetimes of the donor and acceptor and energy transfer from gadolinium to neodymium were obtained from the luminescence decay kinetics. The findings show that Nd-doped Gd2O3-modified glass materials have potential as NIR laser sources.

Gender perspectives on knowledge and practices regarding tuberculosis in urban and rural areas in Pakistan

We investigated gender differences in knowledge of and attitude towards tuberculosis [TB] in urban and rural communities in Sindh province, Pakistan. Knowledge of symptoms was generally deficient, particularly in rural females. Regarding TB prevention, 22.4% of rural and 14.4% of urban males said completing treatment was important; only 9.8% of rural and 7.1% of urban females agreed. Doctors were an important source of information in rural areas and 60.9% of rural males said they would only stop treatment on a doctor's advice. In contrast, > 65% of respondents in urban areas said they would stop treatment when symptoms ended. Our study highlights the need to increase population awareness about TB in Sindh

Do private doctors follow national guidelines for managing pulmonary tuberculosis in Pakistan?

As private medical practitioners play a major role of in providing care to pulmonary tuberculosis [TB] patients, a survey was made of knowledge and practice in 2 cities in Pakistan. Only 1 of the 245 physicians was aware that cough > 3 weeks alone is the main symptom suggesting pulmonary TB. The majority diagnosed [80%] and treated [83%] cases themselves without referral. Less than 1% relied on sputum microscopy alone for diagnosis. None of the practitioners were following National TB Control guidelines for prescribing drugs and none ensured compliance with anti-TB treatment under supervision of a doctor/health worker. Only 3% kept records of pulmonary TB patients. None of the physicians assessed the effectiveness of treatment with sputum microscopy alone; the majority [76%] used only clinical assessment