This paper presents a multibeam dielectric rod antenna for mm-wave wireless power transfer (WPT) applications. The proposed solution utilizes its unique multibeam setup which allows the generation of adjustable beams simultaneously, without the need for an additional beamforming network. To enhance the compactness of the system, each Rexolite rod is fed through an annular slot etched on a Rogers RO4003. The generated beams are steered toward the desired directions by adjustment in the configuration of these rods. The final configuration consists of five rods that were fabricated and measured. In this configuration, a beam coverage between $-30^{\circ}$ and 30∘ can be obtained, while in the frequency of interest, a gain value above $12\,\mathrm{dBi}$ is achieved. With its adjustable configuration, the proposed solution can be adapted to different operating scenarios. Moreover, the low cost and flexibility of the solution make it a promising candidate for Radio Frequency Wireless Power Transfer (RF-WPT) Internet of things applications.

The current literature on the role of brain microbleeds (MB) on the neuropsychological outcomes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is heterogeneous. We therefore meta-analytically examined the neuropsychological literature pertaining to MBs in AD. Using a priori selected criteria, studies with cross-sectional neuropsychological assessment on MBs and AD were reviewed. Six of 122 studies met selection criteria and provided neuropsychological data on either AD with MB and without MB, or in contrast to healthy controls. The global neuropsychological difference between AD with MB and AD without MB based on random effect model was nonsignificant, heterogeneous, and small (Effect Size =−0.155; 95% confidence interval =−0.465 to 0.155; p value =0.326; Heterogenity: Q-value =12.744; degrees of freedom =5; p =0.026; I2 =61%). The contribution of MBs to cognitive deficits in AD remains unclear. Future studies of MB in AD should strive to use standardized neuroimaging techniques with high sensitivity for MB, a common standard for MB definition, and neuropsychological tests sensitive for detecting subtle cognitive impairment.

This study aimed to explore pregnant women's attitudes towards the inclusion of a lay companion as a source of social support during labour and delivery in rural central Ghana. Quantitative demographic and pregnancy-related data were collected from 50 pregnant women presenting for antenatal care at a rural district hospital and analysed using STATA/IC 11.1. Qualitative attitudinal questions were collected from the same women through semi-structured interviews; data were analysed using NVivo 9.0. Twenty-nine out of 50 women (58%) preferred to have a lay companion during facility-based labour and delivery, whereas 21 (42%) preferred to deliver alone with the nurses in a facility. Women desiring a companion were younger, had more antenatal care visits, had greater educational attainment and were likely to be experiencing their first delivery. Women varied in the type of companion they prefer (male partner vs female relative). What was expected in terms of social support differed based upon the type of companion. Male companions were expected to provide emotional support and to ‘witness her pain’. Female companions were expected to provide emotional support as well as instrumental, informational and appraisal support. Three qualitative themes were identified that run counter to the inclusion of a lay helper: fear of an evil-spirited companion, a companion not being necessary or helpful, and being ‘too shy’ of a companion. This research challenges the assumption of a unilateral desire for social support during labour and delivery, and suggests that women differ in the type of companion and type of support they prefer during facility deliveries. Future research is needed to determine the direction of the relationship – whether women desire certain types of support and thus choose companions they believe can meet those needs, or whether women desire a certain companion and adjust their expectations accordingly.