Characterization of the Percival detector with soft X-rays.

In this paper the back-side-illuminated Percival 2-Megapixel (P2M) detector is presented, along with its characterization by means of optical and X-ray photons. For the first time, the response of the system to soft X-rays (250 eV to 1 keV) is presented. The main performance parameters of the first detector are measured, assessing the capabilities in terms of noise, dynamic range and single-photon discrimination capability. Present limitations and coming improvements are discussed.

Hydrogen storage performance of the multi-principal-component CoFeMnTiVZr alloy in electrochemical and gas-solid reactions.

The single-phase multi-principal-component CoFeMnTiVZr alloy was obtained by rapid solidification and examined by a combination of electrochemical methods and gas-solid reactions. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses reveal a hexagonal Laves-phase structure (type C14). Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy investigations in the hydrogen absorption/desorption region give insight into the absorption/desorption kinetics and the change in the desorption charge in terms of the applied potential. The thickness of the hydrogen absorption layer obtained by the electrochemical reaction is estimated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical hydrogen storage capacity for a given applied voltage is calculated from a series of chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry measurements. The selected alloy exhibits good stability for reversible hydrogen absorption and demonstrates a maximum hydrogen capacity of ∼1.9 wt% at room temperature. The amount of hydrogen absorbed in the gas-solid reaction reaches 1.7 wt% at 298 K and 5 MPa, evidencing a good correlation with the electrochemical results.

Understanding the effect of decentralisation on health services: the Nepalese experience.

PURPOSE: Despite enormous progress in health globally, primary healthcare services in many developing countries are facing different challenges. Many studies have documented that decentralisation could be useful in supporting and developing health services closer to citizens. The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of decentralisation on health services, and to draw general lessons which might help to develop appropriate strategies to improve health services in Nepal. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A mixed method was used, consisting of reviews of current literatures relevant to decentralisation and health performance, engaging with health service inputs-outputs data between 2001 and 2007, and assessing the range of choices (management, finance and governance) available to local authorities using Bossert's "decision-space approach". FINDINGS: Decentralisation in many countries, including Nepal, suggests a new form of service delivery. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Review of the selected studies in triangulation with health services data has revealed that decentralisation in many cases has improved access to, utilisation of, and management of health services. The effects on other performance dimensions such as policy, equity, quality and service effectiveness are poorly investigated topics in the literature. The findings suggest that the successful implementation of decentralisation requires a broader context of institutional capacity building and resource management, and underlines the need for their consideration during implementation processes, and further investigation.

Decentralization and district health services in Nepal: understanding the views of service users and service providers.

BACKGROUND: Within the decentralization framework of Government, the Ministry of Health (MoH) Nepal initiated the decentralization of primary care services closer to citizens. This paper aims to examine and understand the effect of decentralization at the district health service from the perspectives of service users and providers. METHODS: Using non-probability purposive sampling, we conducted a series of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions in four primary health care institutions with service users, providers and other stakeholders. QSRNVivo7 software was used to analyse and categorize the data under emerging themes. RESULTS: Decentralization was positively associated with increased service access and utilization and improved service delivery. The study also revealed areas of concern and possible improvement and identified the barriers to implementing these improvements. Problems described included three main areas: functions, functionaries and funding. CONCLUSION: Both service users and providers convey a generally positive message about the health sector decentralization. The active involvement of service users, providers, policy-makers in the process of decentralization and clear national and local policy agendas may bring positive changes in district health services.