Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Out-of-pocket expenditure on diabetes care in an urban population of Tamil Nadu: A community based study

Background: Diabetes is a life-long commitment both to the patient and to the provider. Healthcare cost of diabetes is high since it requires close monitoring to prevent dangerous complications that may further increase the healthcare cost. Aim:Toassesstheout-of-pocketexpenditureondiabetesamongdiabeticpatientsinurbanTamilNadu.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 diabetic patients in Thoothukudi Corporation. Study tool used was a semi-structured interview based questionnaire. Multistage sampling was used. Results: The median quarterly OOPE for the study population was ₹ 1710 with an interquartile range of ₹ 2958. Male gender, higher education and socio-economic status, economical dependency, presence of co-morbidities and complications and hospitalization were significantly associated with increased OOPE on diabetes. Conclusion: Effective intervention should be done at all levels to diagnose the disease early so that occurrence of complications is delayed, thus reducing the household financial burden.
Impacts of Central Pacific El Niño on Southern China Spring Precipitation Controlled by its Longitudinal Position

Here we investigate the response of boreal spring precipitation over southern China (SPSC) to central Pacific (CP) El Niño based on observational datasets. While there is enhanced precipitation over southern China during the decaying boreal spring of eastern Pacific (EP) El Niño events, so far no clear precipitation response has been detected during the same decaying stage for CP El Niño composites. Here we show that around half of the CP El Niño events coincide with enhanced SPSC (wet CP El Niño), while the other half are accompanied by reduced SPSC (dry CP El Niño). These two types of CP El Niño events bear dramatically different evolution features in their respective tropical sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) patterns. Wet CP El Niño events are characterized by an SSTA longitudinal position confined to the tropical central-eastern Pacific. In contrast, dry CP El Niño events exhibit a clear westward propagation of SSTAs during their evolution, with maximum SSTAs located to the west of the date line after their mature phase. These different longitudinal positions of positive SSTAs during their decaying phase result in distinct meridional structures of the tropical Pacific convection anomalies as well as the ENSO combination mode (C-mode) response. An anomalous low-level anticyclone is evident over the western North Pacific during wet CP El Niño events during their decaying phase, while an anomalous cyclonic circulation is found for dry CP El Niño events. We emphasize that the impacts of CP El Niño on the SPSC depend crucially on the simultaneous zonal location of warm SSTAs in the tropical Pacific.
Global Fire Forecasts Using Both Large‐Scale Climate Indices and Local Meteorological Parameters

Fire forecasts that predict dry‐season fire activities several months in advance are beneficial for fire management. On a global scale, however, the predictability of fires is limited because fires depend on multiple factors and lack a single dominant predictor to describe diverse fire characteristics across regions. Here, based on 33 local meteorological parameters (MPs) and 37 large‐scale climate indices (CIs), we establish four empirical model clusters to predict global interannual fire variability. We show that across various geographic locations, the models provide reliable fire forecasts at least three months prior to the peak fire months. Compared to MPs, CIs such as the Oceanic Niño Index are comparable or even superior predictors. Globally, as well as in most continents, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation is the major driving force, explaining 17% of interannual fire variability, with strong implications for fire carbon emissions and the global carbon cycle. Other important predictors include the Northern Atlantic sea surface temperature (9%), the Southern Atlantic sea surface temperature (5%), and the Pacific/North American Pattern (3%). The predictive models reveal a strong interaction between MPs and CIs, indicating potential climate‐induced modification of fire responses to meteorological conditions. We show that the newly developed predictive models can benefit future fire management in response to climate change.
Energy Sinks for Lee Waves in Shear Flow

Microstructure measurements in Drake Passage and on the flanks of Kerguelen Plateau find turbulent dissipation ratesεon average factors of 2–3 smaller than linear lee-wave generation predictions, as well as a factor of 3 smaller than the predictions of a well-established parameterization based on finescale shear and strain. Here, the possibility that these discrepancies are a result of conservation of wave actionE/ωL=E/|kU| is explored. Conservation of wave action will transfer a fraction of the lee-wave radiation back to the mean flow if the waves encounter weakening currentsU, where the intrinsic or Lagrangian frequencyωL= |kU| ↓ |f| andkthe along-stream horizontal wavenumber, wherekU≡k⋅V. The dissipative fraction of power that is lost to turbulence depends on the Doppler shift of the intrinsic frequency between generation and breaking, hence on the topographic height spectrum and bandwidthN/f. The partition between dissipation and loss to the mean flow is quantified for typical topographic height spectral shapes andN/fratios found in the abyssal ocean under the assumption that blocking is local in wavenumber. Although some fraction of lee-wave generation is always dissipated in a rotating fluid, lee waves are not as large a sink for balanced energy or as large a source for turbulence as previously suggested. The dissipative fraction is 0.44–0.56 for topographic spectral slopes and buoyancy frequencies typical of the deep Southern Ocean, insensitive to flow speedUand topographic splitting. Lee waves are also an important mechanism for redistributing balanced energy within their generating bottom current.
Omentopexy for correction of right abomasal displacement: results in 135 cows

One hundred and thirty-five cows were surgically treated for correction of right displaced abomasum (RDA) using the right flank omentopexy technique. In 33 cows an abomasal dilatation was diagnosed. Abomasal volvulus was found in 99 animals and omaso-abomasal volvulus in three. In-hospital mortality was 15% (n = 20). None of the cows with abomaso-omasal torsion survived. Ninety-seven percent (n = 32) of the cows with abomasal dilatation and 84% (n = 83) of the cows with abomasal volvulus were discharged from the clinic. Six months after surgery, respectively 94% of the cows with abomasal dilatation had survived. This percentage fell to 88.5% after another half year. For cows with abomasal volvulus, these survival rates were 74% and 62%, respectively. Regardless of the type of abomasal dislocation, 77% of the total group of animals survived after six months and 66% after one year. Six months after surgery, good milk production was reported in 67% (n = 58) of the surviving cows; this figure rose to 91% of the surviving cows (n = 63) after 12 months.
The development of the IHL wave-current turbine to convert the ocean energy from both wave and current

Indonesia has abundant of renewable sources of energy, among others: geothermal, solar, water, wind and marine therefore the promotion of the utilization of the renewable and sustainable energy is urgent. Since 2006 Indonesian Hydrodynamic Laboratory (IHL) BPPT has conducted research and developed a technology converts the ocean energy resources into electricity, the kinetic energy of marine current and the potential energy of wave. The prototype of marine current turbine, 2 kW and 10 kW respectively, had been installed in Larantuka Strait in 2010 and 2011 (http://www.youtube.com/user/erw4ndi). Since mostly the maximum speed of the marine current of many straits in Indonesia are in order 1.0 - 2.0 m/s, we developed the turbine prototype that can convert not only the kinetic energy of marine current but also the potential energy of the wave, called as wave-current rotor turbine, in 2013. The current usually mixes with wave height with order 0.4 - 0.8 m. A 2 kW prototype was installed under Suramadu (Surabaya - Madura) Bridge close to pier no. 56. The prototype showed a good performance especially in converting the kinetic energy of marine current. The research was continued in 2014-2016 under Ministry of Research and Technology (INSINAS RISTEK) budget scheme. Some innovations have been done to improve the performance of turbines.
Unsteady numerical simulation of flap vibration for 30P30N three-element airfoil

The pitching motion of NACA0012 airfoil and the flap vibration of 30P30N multi-element airfoil are simulated by using commercial fluid dynamics simulation software Fluent. The influence of flap vibration on lift coefficient and pitch moment coefficient of multi-element airfoil is analyzed. The results show that the influence of flap vibration on pitching moment coefficient of multi-element airfoil is greater. With the increase of flap amplitude, the variation range of lift and moment coefficients gradually increases, while with the increase of frequency, the variation range of lift and moment coefficients gradually decreases, and the hysteresis loop gradually becomes “thin” and its shape tends to ellipse. With the increase of flap vibration frequency, the unsteady effect of flow field increases, and the hysteresis loop may change in reverse direction.
MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY EVALUATION OF WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS IN NORTH-EASTERN REGION OF THAILAND

This paper presents key findings of a comprehensive research aimed at evaluating the management efficiency of water resources and water supply systems in Thailand. The study was carried out in 4 North-Eastern provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Surin, and Buri Ram. Four management aspects were examined, namely water resource, water quality, health risk, and engineering. Twenty-seven village water supply systems (VWSSs) and ten city water supply systems (CWSSs) were systematically selected and investigated. The 2 groups represent small systems in rural areas and big systems in city areas, respectively. Water samples were collected once in the rainy season and another in the dry season. For VWSSs, results indicated that 7 reservoir-using systems would have insufficient raw water ranging from 6 - 12 months per year in the next 20 years. Treated water from both surface-water and groundwater VWSSs, in some cases, had color, fecal coliform, and total coliform values which exceed drinking water standards; and had less than 0.02 mg/L residual chlorine, indicating lack of disinfection protection. Multi-route risk assessment revealed several cases of total cancer risk values higher than 10-6, though the HI values seemed to indicate no risk of concern. Evaluation of the engineering aspect predicted that 44% of the plants would have inadequate treatment capacity in the long-run. For CWSSs, it was found that most of the raw water resources ? large reservoirs and major rivers ? can accommodate the future water needs in the next 20 years. Most plants also have the capability to reserve excess water for usage in the dry season and have adequate reservoir sizes. A few water quality parameters were not conforming with standard, e.g. color, iron, and residual chlorine, which could be due to inappropriate operating condition. The health risk study revealed that the THMs levels were within the drinking water standards but the health risk was high in certain cases. On the other hand, the heavy metals were within standards and acceptable risk level. Most of CWSSs have a successful and efficient operation due to the appropriate structure of the organization and knowledgeable plant operators. Some plants, however, have high electricity cost which leads to loss of money in the operation. Comparison of VWSSs and CWSSs results help to understand their current management situation and discrepancy. The research outcomes are beneficial to water supply plant operators and administrators in rural and urban areas and can support relevant parties in management improvement.
A review on green liquid fuels for the transportation sector: a prospect of microbial solutions to climate change

Environmental deterioration, global climate change, and consequent increases in pollution-related health problems among populations have been attributed to growing consumption of fossil fuels in particular by the transportation sector. Hence, replacing these energy carriers, also known as major contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, with biofuels have been regarded as a solution to mitigate the above-mentioned challenges. On the other hand, efforts have been put into limiting the utilization of edible feedstocks for biofuels production, i.e., first generation biofuels, by promoting higher generations of these eco-friendly alternatives. In light of that, the present review is aimed at comprehensively assessing the role and importance of microorganisms such as bacteria and yeasts as catalysts for sustainable production of liquid biofuels including bioethanol, biomethanol, biobutanol, bio-ammonia, biokerosene, and bioglycerol. Various aspects of these biofuels, i.e., background, chemical synthesis, microbial production (including exploitation of wild and metabolically-engineered species), and product recovery as well as the derivatives produced from these biofuels which are used as fuel additives are thoroughly covered and critically discussed. Furthermore, the industrial features of these green liquid fuels including the industrial practices reported in the literature and the challenges faced as well as possible approaches to enhance these practices are presented.
Does Scientific Evidence Support the Use of Non-Prescription Supplements for Treatment of Acute Menopausal Symptoms Such as Hot Flushes?

(Nutr Diet 2005;62:138–151) The objective of the present review was to critically evaluate the scientific evidence for efficacy of non-prescription supplements (NPS) available for treatment of acute menopausal symptoms; and where available, to identify constituents, specify dosage, propose mechanisms and indicate safety concerns. A Medline search identified 24 clinical trials assessing efficacy of seven NPS for treatment of hot flushes in symptomatic menopausal women; 19 were randomised placebo-controlled trials. Articles were located on black cohosh, dong quai, evening primrose oil, ginseng, isoflavonoid phytoestrogens (from red clover or soy) and sage. Evidence for each NPS was tabulated according to study design and menopausal outcomes. Findings from 13 randomised placebo-controlled trials, using isoflavonoids from red clover or soy, demonstrated significant efficacy for six studies (46%) with reductions in moderate to severe flushes by 10–44% compared with placebo; seven studies (54%) reported no significant improvements. In vitro studies indicate that isoflavonoids have significant oestrogenic activity, providing a supporting mechanism. One controlled trial reported that an extract of sage and alfalfa significantly reduced severe hot flushes by 60% compared with placebo. Two controlled trials reported that black cohosh improved overall menopause symptom scores; however, no data were available specifically on hot flushes. In conclusion, evidence from a small number of placebo-controlled trials suggested that further research is warranted to test efficacy of red clover, soy, sage and black cohosh for treatment of hot flushes in menopausal women. To date, controlled trials do not support use of dong quai, evening primrose oil and ginseng for treatment of hot flushes.
Further Improvement of Surface Flux Estimation in the Unstable Surface Layer Based on Large‐Eddy Simulation Data

The Monin‐Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) is widely used for the surface turbulence flux‐gradient relations in modeling and data analysis. Here we quantify multiscale turbulence processes by applying our newly developed analysis technique to large‐eddy simulation data, and find that in the unstable surface layer, large convective eddies (with the scaling of boundary layer depth) and local free convection exist in addition to small eddies. An empirical MOST function (considering the last two processes only) is found to underestimate the surface friction velocity and heat flux both by about 30%. Much better results can be obtained using a function that explicitly considers all three processes. Generally, the nondimensional wind shear exhibits larger scatter and deviates more from the MOST than the temperature gradient. Based on these results, we propose the revised Sorbjan (1986, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00120989) function (with coefficients determined from this study) for wind shear and MOST function for temperature gradient, for estimating surface fluxes in the unstable surface layer. The three‐dimensional multiscale analysis method we develop in this study is of general nature and can be of interest for problems of three‐dimensional multiscale process description in other disciplines.
Incorporating suction in to stability charts for unsaturated soil slopes

This paper presents charts derived from stability analyses of curvilinear slopes in non-homogeneous unsaturated soils. The charts enable quick and inexpensive stability analyses to be conducted in practice. The soils are assumed to obey the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. Suction effects are captured using the effective stress concept. Cohesion and the contribution of suction to the effective stress are linear functions of depth. It is shown that a stable curvilinear slope profile is uniquely governed by dimensionless parameters. The charts are presented using these dimensionless parameters and may be used in the preliminary design of stable curvilinear slopes. In general, suction has a similar influence to cohesion, and as the contribution of suction to effective stress increases, steeper curvilinear slopes become stable. An example of application is included showing the design of a curvilinear slope.
Paleodust Insights into Dust Impacts on Climate

Mineral dust acts both as a tracer and a forcing agent of climate change. Past dust variability, imprinted in paleodust records from natural archives, offers the unique opportunity to reconstruct the global dust cycle within a range of possibilities that plausibly encompass future variations in response to climate change and land-cover and land-use changes. Dust itself has direct and indirect feedbacks on the climate system, through impacts on the atmosphere radiative budget and the carbon cycle. Starting from well-constrained reconstructions of the present and past dust cycle, we focus on quantifying dust direct impacts on the atmospheric radiation. We discuss the intrinsic effects of dust onto climate, and how changes in the global dust budget and surface conditions modulate the effective impacts on surface temperatures and precipitation. Most notably, the presence of dust tends to enhance the West African monsoon and warm the Arctic. We also highlight how different choices in terms of dust optical properties and size distributions may yield opposite results, and what are the observational constraints we can use to make an informed choice of model parameters. Finally, we discuss how dust variability might have influenced ongoing climate transitions in the past. In particular we found that a reduction in dust load, along with a reduced cryosphere cover, acted to offset Arctic warming during the deglaciation, potentially playing a role in shaping the Northern Hemisphere deglacial dynamics.
Evaluation on transmutation of minor actinides discharged from PWR spent fuel in the RSG-GAS research reactor

The evaluation of RSG-GAS research reactor for transmutation reactor was proposed to study its effectiveness to transmute minor actinides (MA), specifically Am-241, to support geologic storage/disposal. The Am-241 radionuclide was assumed to be discharged from 1000MWe PWR’s spent fuel. The mass of Am-241 discharged from within a year operation of 1000MWe PWR was 1.65E+03 gram, while the optimum Am-241 mass which can be transmuted in RSG-GAS - and still meet the safety requirements of reactivity - was 8.0E+03 gram. This was equivalent to about cumulative Am-241 discharged from 5 units of 1000MWe PWR. In 10 cycles of RSG-GAS operation (about 2 years), the remaining of Am-241 is only about 100 grams. The ratio of Am-241 transmuted (8.0E+03 gram) and Am-241 produced in the RSG-GAS core (1.98E-02 gram) within 1-year operation shows the effectiveness of RSG-GAS as a transmutation reactor.
Characterization and Impact of Cattle Manure Particle Size on Physical Properties of Sandy Soils

Sandy soils have poor physical properties, which cause them to drain quickly and not hold water well; however, with the addition of cattle manure, sandy soil can be improved. Therefore, experiments were conducted to investigate the characterization and impact of different particle sizes of cattle manure (CMS) on improving some physical properties of sandy soil and thus the yield of lettuce. Cattle manure was ground to powder and was sieved with three different Particle sizes 4.76-2 (CMS1), 2-0.8 (CMS2), 0.8-0.4 (CMS3) mm. Some physical properties were measured for different Particle sizes of manure. A batch of sorption experiments was carried out to study the role of different Particle sizes of manure on adsorption of N, P and K from aqueous solution. Two experiments were carried out on sandy soil (pots and field) to study the impact of adding CMS (5 ton/fed) to enhance some physical properties of sandy soil. The results indicated that the physical properties of cattle manure changed based on particle size fractionation, where Bulk density and saturated water holding capacity increased as particle size decreased, while porosity reduced as particle size decreased. The results of the sorption parameters of N, P and K on different particle sizes of manure indicated that maximum sorption occurred on CMS 3 for both P and K according to Langmuir and Freundlich sorption models. Two experiments showed that CMS had affected significantly the total porosity (TP), bulk density (Bd), slowly drainable pores (SDP), water holding pores and (WHP) available water (AW) in comparison to control. The CMS had a slight effect on Quickly-drainable pores (QDP) and fine capillary pores (FCP) as compared to the control in both experiments. Fresh weight, dry weight and number of leaf lettuce increased significantly with decreasing particle sizes of cattle manure as compared to control.