Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing public and private healthcare utilisation in Uganda

Background In Uganda, health care utilisation remains very low despite a number of government reforms that have been implemented in the health sector since the 1990's such as decentralization and removal of user fees in public health facilities among others. Objective To examine the factors influencing public and private health care utilisation in Uganda. Methods The study used cross sectional data from the Uganda National Household Survey collected between July 2016 and June 2017. Anderson's conceptual framework was used to identify explanatory variables associated with choice of health care providers and a multinomial logistic regression model was estimated. Results Out of the 17,912 individuals who sought care, 36% used a government facility, 60% used private facility while 4% had self- care/treatment. The results show that out of pocket health expenditure, age, level of education, marital status, residence, and type of illness significantly influenced choice of public healthcare providers. Similarly, utilisation of private healthcare providers was associated with household welfare, level of education, residence, marital status, illness days, and type of illness. Conclusion The findings highlight the need for a national health insurance scheme to reduce out of pocket payments for health care and enable the poor and vulnerable patients visit the modern health facilities.
Basaltic fissure eruptions, plume heights, and atmospheric aerosols

Convective plumes that rise above Hawaiian-style fire fountains consist of volcanic gases, aerosols, fine ash, and entrained heated air. Plume theory has been applied to observational estimates of the rate of thermal energy release from large fire fountains. The theoretically predicted heights of maintained plumes agree very well with the heights found from actual observations. Predicted plume heights for both central-vent (point-source) and fissure (line-source) eruptions indicate a stratospheric penetration by plumes that form over vents with very high magma-production rates. Flood basalt fissure eruptions that produce individual lava flows with volumes > 100 km³ at very high mass eruption rates are capable of injecting large quantities of sulfate aerosols into the lower stratosphere, with potentially drastic short-term atmospheric consequences, like acid precipitation, darkening of the sky, and climatic cooling.
Elastic wave propagation in a fluid-filled borehole and synthetic acoustic logs

The propagation and dispersion characteristics of guided waves in a fluid‐filled borehole are studied using dispersion curves and modeling full‐wave acoustic logs by synthetic microseismograms. The dispersion characteristics of the pseudo‐Rayleigh (reflected) and Stoneley waves in a borehole with and without a tool in the center are compared. Effects of different tool properties are calculated. The effect of a rigid tool is to make the effective borehole radius smaller. As an approximation, dispersion characteristics of the guided waves in a borehole with a tool can be calculated as a purely fluid‐filled borehole with a smaller effective radius. Theoretical waveforms (microseismograms) of elastic waves propagating in a borehole are calculated using a discrete wavenumber integration. With an appropriate choice of parameters, our results look similar to the acoustic waveforms recorded in a limestone and a shale formation. Several factors affect the shape of an acoustic log microseismogram. The effective rad.
U/Th dating of fissure ridge travertines from the Kirsehir region (Central Anatolia Turkey): structural relations and implications for the Neotectonic development of the Anatolian block

Travertines exposed in several locations in Central Anatolia are the important lithological product for the interpretation of local neotectonics. The fissure-type travertines provide significant information about stress orientation during deposition. Two travertine masses cropping out in the Kirsehir region have been studied and dated by the U-series method to obtain new chronological constraints, determine dilation rates and contribute to studies on the recent tectonic evolution of the area. The Kusdili and Kayabasi travertine masses are located on the hanging wall of the Kirsehir Fault, similar to numerous fissure ridge banded travertine deposits which are inactive today in the region. While individual fissures of the Kusdili travertine mass (Late Pleistocene-Holocene) have been dilated at rates of between 0.303 and 0.386 mm yr–1 during deposition, the Kayabasi travertine mass (Late Pleistocene) produced measured dilation rates of between 0.136 and 0.187 mm yr–1. The central fissures, filled by banded travertine, roughly follow the ridge crests. While the ridge crest has a NNE-SSW trend in the Kayabasi travertine mass, the ridge crest of the Kusdili travertine mass shows a NE-SW trend. This difference may be related to the clockwise rotation of the stress tensors from Late Pleistocene to Late Pleistocene-Holocene in the region.
On the variability of Baltic Sea deepwater mixing

Historical oceanographic data from the period 1964-1997 from two deep subbasins (the Gotland Deep and the Landsort Deep) in the Baltic Sea have been analyzed, by using a budget method on stagnant periods, with respect to vertical diffusion and vertical energy flux density in the deep water. It was found that the rate of deepwater mixing varied with the seasons, with higher rates in fall and winter compared to spring and summer. Further, according to the analyzed data, the downward flux density of energy available for vertical diffusion decreased with increasing depth in the Gotland Deep. In the Landsort Deep, however, the flux density increased somewhat, probably because of topographic concentration of the energy, before decreasing toward the bottom. Moreover, the vertical energy flux densities were compared with the expected flux density from the local wind. It is proposed that in the Gotland Deep, which is outside the coastal boundary layer, the observed deepwater mixing is dominated by the energy input from the wind via inertial currents and internal waves. In the Landsort Deep, however, which is within the coastal boundary layer, the expected flux density of energy from the local wind cannot explain the observed rate of work against the buoyancy forces. It is proposed that the active coastal boundary layer plays a central role in the transfer of energy to mixing processes in the deep water.
Sedimentary Facies and Plate Tectonics of Equatorial Pacific

Facies patterns of post-Eocene equatorial Pacific pelagic sediments indicate northward motion of the Pacific plate of about 3 cm/year with respect to the earth's spin axis, whereas the age gradient of volcanoes in the Hawaiian chain indicates a northward component of motion of the plate with respect to a hot spot in the subjacent asthenosphere of about 6 cm/year. The discrepancy is ascribed to southward motion of the upper part of the asthenosphere with respect to the spin axis. To examine this possibility more closely, a theoretical isopach map is generated for post-Eocene equatorial sediments, to compare with thicknesses known from drilling and seismic studies. In the model, sediment accumulation rates at all depths are several times faster close to the equator than farther away. The sedimentation model is combined with a plate-motion model with the following elements: (a) Pacific plate moves westward away from the rise crest at 10 cm/year; (b) sea floor deepens gradually as it moves away from the rise, with constant crustal-age versus depth relation; (c) plate moves northward with respect to the earth's spin axis at 3 cm/year; and (d) hot spots in the asthenosphere, which give rise to chains of volcanoes, move southward with respect to the spin axis, with ame speed. The model isopachs correspond fairly well to the known sediment thicknesses. Details of pre-Oligocene motions of the plate versus the earth's spin axis are uncertain, but mid-Cretaceous volcanoes have been shifted about 30° north. Northwest motion of the plate over hot spots in the asthenosphere at about 5 cm/year generated seamount chains parallel with the Line Islands in the period between about 30 and 100 m.y. ago.
MACROINVERTEBRATE RESPONSE TO FLOW CHANGES IN A SUBALPINE STREAM: PREDICTIONS FROM TWO‐DIMENSIONAL HYDRODYNAMIC MODELS

Two‐dimensional hydrodynamic models are being used increasingly as alternatives to traditional one‐dimensional instream flow methodologies for assessing adequacy of flow and associated faunal habitat. Two‐dimensional modelling of habitat has focused primarily on fishes, but fish‐based assessments may not model benthic macroinvertebrate habitat effectively. We extend two‐dimensional techniques to a macroinvertebrate assemblage in a high‐elevation stream in the Sierra Nevada (Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA). This stream frequently flows at less than 0.03 m3 s−1 in late summer and is representative of a common water abstraction scenario: maximum water abstraction coinciding with seasonally low flows. We used two‐dimensional modelling to predict invertebrate responses to reduced flows that might result from increased abstraction. We collected site‐specific field data on the macroinvertebrate assemblage, bed topography and flow conditions and then coupled a two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model with macroinvertebrate indices to evaluate habitat across a range of low flows. Macroinvertebrate indices were calculated for the wetted area at each flow. A surrogate flow record based on an adjacent watershed was used to evaluate frequency and duration of low flow events. Using surrogate historical records, we estimated that flow should fall below 0.071 m3 s−1 at least 1 day in 82 of 95 years and below 0.028 m3 s−1 in 48 of 95 years. Invertebrate metric means indicated minor losses in response to modelled discharge reductions, but wetted area decreased substantially. Responses of invertebrates to water abstraction will likely be a function of changing habitat quantity rather than quality. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new method for the computation of global viscoelastic post‐seismic deformation in a realistic earth model (II)‐horizontal displacement

SUMMARY Post-seismic deformation caused by the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman Earthquake (M= 9.3) has been observed by space geodetic techniques such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). To estimate such deformation with a spatial scale exceeding 100 km, we can use theories of global post-seismic deformation in which the Earth is treated as a self-gravitating viscoelastic sphere. Previous theories have imposed limitations on employed earth models, such as neglecting compressibility and time variation of self-gravitation or simplifying the radial profile of the viscosity. This is because the normal mode method on which these theories are based cannot evaluate a denumerably infinite set of eigenmodes that will appear when those limitations are removed in the practical computation. To bypass this difficulty, in our previous paper, we showed that the numerical inverse Laplace integration with a rectangular path enabled us to obtain the vertical deformation without using those approximations. In this paper, we apply the same method to the horizontal deformation for a complete set of the fault mechanisms (strike-slip, dip-slip and vertical and horizontal tensile). Next, we reveal error sources in our approach. The largest error arises in different selections of the integration path. This error is less than 1 per cent in the lower-degree deformations (n∼ 10) and 0.1–0.5 per cent in the higher-degree ones (100 < n < 1000), relative to the result obtained with an independent method. Finally, we elucidate differences in far-field deformations obtained for the earth model employed in this study and those used in the previous studies for a large dip-slip event (Mw= 8.3). The result shows that (1) differences of 6–50 per cent are seen in the coseismic offset and (2) horizontal rate differences of 1–5 mm yr−1 (5–25 per cent of the rates) are observed at the epicentral distance of 100 km during the first thirty years after the event. These differences are detectable with GPS. Therefore, for theory to meet observational accuracy, effects of compressibility and stratification on global post-seismic deformation should be considered.
Discharge-Sediment Dynamics of the Lower Mississippi River

ABSTRACT Temporal and spatial variations of processes in the lower 315 mi of the Mississippi River were investigated. The data base consisted of several instantaneous measurements of discharge, suspended-sediment concentration, suspended-sediment load, and percentage of sand in the suspended load. The data were collected periodically by the Corps of Engineers at Tarbert Landing (n=460) between 1972 and 1985, at St. Francisville (n=84) between 1978 and 1986, and at Belle Chasse (n=93) between 1977 and 1986. Physical factors that contribute to seasonal and annual variations in sediment load and concentration include the magnitude, duration, number, and timing of floods and the background flow conditions. During high-flow years, sediment peaks precede discharge peaks by several months, and depletion occurs during and after the maximum discharge. During low-flow years, sediment peaks occur only shortly before or coincide with discharge peaks. Unexplained sediment peaks during both falling and rising stages may be caused by bank failures or turbulent fluctuations of stream velocity. Silt-clay and sand concentrations follow different functions with discharge and fit different exponents, with sand being steeper. The total suspended-sediment concentration is a composite of these components. At upstream stations, the silt-clay concentration was depleted and showed a strong nonlinear relationship with discharge, but the sand concentration showed a linear relationship with discharge. Downstream, the silt-clay and sand concentrations showed more linear relationships with discharge. Quadratic power functions produced better correlations than the linear power functions in most cases.
Magma Generation at a Large, Hyperactive Silicic Volcano (Taupo, New Zealand) Revealed by U–Th and U–Pb Systematics in Zircons

Young (<65 ka) explosive silicic volcanism at Taupo volcano, New Zealand, has involved the development and evacuation of several crustal magmatic systems. Up to and including the 26·5 ka 530 km3 Oruanui eruption, magmatic systems were contemporaneous but geographically separated. Subsequently they have been separated in time and have vented from geographically overlapping areas. Single-crystal (secondary ionization mass spectrometry) and multiple-crystal (thermal ionization mass spectrometry) zircon model-age data are presented from nine representative eruption deposits from 45 to 3·5 ka. Zircon yields vary by three orders of magnitude, correlating with the degrees of zircon saturation in the magmas, and influencing the spectra of model ages. Two adjacent magma systems active up to 26·5 ka show wholly contrasting model-age spectra. The smaller system shows a simple unimodal distribution. The larger system, using data from three eruptions, shows bimodal model-age spectra. An older 100 ka peak is interpreted to represent zircons (antecrysts) derived from older silicic mush or plutonic rocks, and a younger peak to represent zircons (phenocrysts) that grew in the magma body immediately prior to eruption. Post-26·5 ka magma batches show contrasting age spectra, consistent with a mixture of antecrysts, phenocrysts and, in two examples, xenocrysts from Quaternary plutonic and Mesozoic–Palaeozoic metasedimentary rocks. The model-age spectra, coupled with zircon-dissolution modelling, highlight contrasts between short-term silicic magma generation at Taupo, by bulk remobilization of crystal mush and assimilation of metasediment and/or silicic plutonic basement rocks, and the longer-term processes of fractionation from crustally contaminated mafic melts. Contrasts between adjacent or successive magma systems are attributed to differences in positions of the source and root zones within contrasting domains in the quartzo-feldspathic (<15 km deep) crust below the volcano.
Predictors of Engagement and Success in a Flipped EFL Classroom in China

The present study adopted a predictive-correlational design to explore whether self-reported motivated strategies for learning and language-learning strategies of Chinese EFL learners ( N = 97) were associated with the following: (a) engagement with a learning management system (LMS), (b) engagement with flipped-classroom materials, and (c) final grades in a flipped EFL course. The Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) and the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) were administered to sophomore-level English writing students in a cross-border higher education setting in the Henan province of China; predictor variables were then explored for association with end-of-term criterion variables operationalized by behavioral and performance data. Results indicated that the MSLQ and SILL failed to predict engagement or success with flipped classroom materials. Instead, the amount of time learners actually spent engaging with flipped materials was significantly, positively associated with student success measured by final grades.
Weathering of granite and granitic regolith in Corsica: short-term 10Be versus long-term thermochronological constraints

Abstract In situ10 Be concentrations in granites on Corsica (Mediterranean), exposed to subalpine climate, yield weathering rates of between 9 and 20 mm ka−1, when averaged over the last 30–100 ka. Weathering rates rise with increasing precipitation and brittle deformation. Thermal history modelling of apatite fission-track (AFT) data confirms that average denudation rates of 5–20 mm ka−1 were typical during the Neogene. Short- and long-term denudation rates are in the same range and indicate that a late Neogene global increase in denudation rates has probably not affected geomorphically stable uplifted palaeosurfaces of hilly to low mountainous local relief. A Southwards decrease in short- and long-term denudation rates indicate a linear relationship with decreasing precipitation. Post-glacial downwearing of moraine matrix, as constrained by soil-derived humic etching of dated glacial boulders, yields 40–140 mm ka−1, which indicates a poor preservation potential of moraines older than the last glaciation. This weathering rate is of the order of 3 times faster than that found for long-term regolith formation from granites based on of geomorphic evidence.
People, pixels and weights in Vanderburgh County, Indiana: toward a new urban geography of human–environment interactions

This research examines the social-spatial dynamics of human–environment interactions in Evansville, Indiana, USA as well as the surrounding Vanderburgh County. Employing geographically weighted regression, this paper models the observed relationship between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and key sociodemographic parameters (housing value, median household income, percent of residents in poverty, population density and percent of population white). Further, this paper demonstrates that geographically weighted regression utilized within a GISci framework can be effectively used to visualize urban human–environment interactions and that the spatial distribution of environmental resources co-varies with socioeconomic conditions. Finally, the paper demonstrates that greenness indicators derived from remote sensing data can be used as proxy measures for observed sociodemographic variables.
Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Neurological Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

Cannabidiol (CBD), derived from Cannabis sativa, has gained remarkable attention for its potential therapeutic applications. This thorough analysis explores the increasing significance of CBD in treating neurological conditions including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, which present major healthcare concerns on a worldwide scale. Despite the lack of available therapies, CBD has been shown to possess a variety of pharmacological effects in preclinical and clinical studies, making it an intriguing competitor. This review brings together the most recent findings on the endocannabinoid and neurotransmitter systems, as well as anti-inflammatory pathways, that underlie CBD's modes of action. Synthesized efficacy and safety assessments for a range of neurological illnesses are included, covering human trials, in vitro studies, and animal models. The investigation includes how CBD could protect neurons, control neuroinflammation, fend off oxidative stress, and manage neuronal excitability. This study emphasizes existing clinical studies and future possibilities in CBD research, addressing research issues such as regulatory complications and contradicting results, and advocates for further investigation of therapeutic efficacy and ideal dose methodologies. By emphasizing CBD's potential to improve patient well-being, this investigation presents a revised viewpoint on its suitability as a therapeutic intervention for neurological illnesses.
Towards the time dependent modeling of sediment core data on a global basis

The procedure for the simulation of a time dependent sediment stratigraphy for 4 different sediment species with a global biogeochemical ocean general circulation model is presented. In this feasibility study, a sediment column for the last 131 kyr was accumulated through use of a variable ocean velocity field (mixed from preindustrial and glacial ocean time slices in a kinematic approach). The biogenic components of sediment are entirely a model product. Artificial sediment cores were “recovered” from the simulated stratigraphy. The approach is the foundation for a systematic comparison of paleoclimate simulations with the sediment record. Through use of adjoint model codes the direct 4‐dimensional data assimilation of paleoclimate observations will become possible in the long range.
Cumulative cultural effects and reasonably foreseeable future developments in the Upper Thelon Basin, Canada

Four environmental assessments of small uranium exploration projects in Canada's Northwest Territories resulted in recommendations to reject the projects. This result was based on potential cultural impacts of a cumulative nature, due largely to the spiritual significance of the setting in which the projects were proposed. A broad weighing of evidence with respect to reasonably foreseeable future developments played a role in these rejections. Four lessons of broad applicability to EIA practitioners are offered. One of these is: It is the scale of the issues, not the scale of the project, which may matter most.
Insight into inflammation involvement in varicocele: A narrative review

Varicocele is one of the main causes of male infertility. Although the pathophysiology mechanism of varicocele is very well described and understood, there are some unanswered questions that remains unknown. Some studies have previously described the state of testicular inflammation and sperm in animal models, especially the mouse model, and the seminal plasma of men with varicocele, with or without changes in semen parameters.