A new generation of Primary Care Service Areas or general practice catchment areas

Primary Care is fundamental to a well‐functioning health system. Various geographical small areas including specialized geographies such as Primary Care Service Areas (PCSAs) are used to measure primary care relevant outcomes and services, or to target interventions. PCSAs are small areas, the majority of patients resident in which obtain their primary care services from within the geography. The extent of this self‐sufficiency of use is measured by the Localization Index (LI). PCSAs have been built in the US, Australia and Switzerland using an allocation algorithm, which, while simple and easy to implement, may require the use of various ad‐hoc parameters. In this article we propose an optimization based approach to creating PCSAs, ‐ an approach which has previously been used to generate labour flow regions in Ireland. The approach is data driven, thus requiring a minimal number of ad‐hoc parameters. We compared the resulting PCSAs (or `rPCSAs') with PCSAs generated using the traditional allocation algorithm. We found that rPCSAs were generally larger, offered greater LIs and reflected patient travel patterns better than traditional PCSAs. Accounting for the larger size of rPCSAs showed that rPCSAs offered better LIs than similar sized traditional PCSAs.     

Impact of the unpredictable changes in agricultural groundwater use on long-term sustainable exploitation: the case study of Bouhefna-Haffouz aquifer system,central Tunisia

Long-term exploitation schemes in many regions are often based solely on hydrodynamic factors, while the agricultural use of groundwater undergoes significant changes over time. The Bouhefna-Haffouz aquifer system in central Tunisia is one of those cases where an aquifer exploitation scheme was well designed hydrodynamically to address the political needs at the time. Fifty years later, a numerical groundwater model has been conducted to assess the sustainability of the scheme. Results show that the scheme aimed to lower the groundwater level to reduce overflow to Merguellil Wadi and maintain it at a level that benefits agricultural profitability. This caused loss of the Merguellil baseflow, forcing farmers to switch from traditional irrigation canals to deep wells and motor pumps, thereby disrupting the hydrological budget even further. The numerical model indicates that the flow to the wadi reached zero in 1978, the average flow by vertical leakage decreased from 8 hm³ in 1970 to 2 hm³ in 2020, and the horizontal percolation between the regional aquifer units increased from 1 hm³ in 1970 to 6 hm³ in 2020. Although the groundwater exploitation scheme was not previously considered a factor in local hydrological changes, the results of this study demonstrate the significant impact of societal behavior following the scheme’s implementation on the hydrological budget of Merguellil Wadi.

     

Simulation of the nucleation and growth of binary solid solutions in aqueous solutions

We present a model which, for the first time, accounts for nucleation, growth and/or resorption of particles of variable composition in aqueous solutions (AS). Devised for describing the precipitation of binary solid solutions, it yields the time evolution of all ion activities in the AS, together with the particle population characteristics: number, size and composition profile of particles as a function of time and of their time of nucleation. We apply this numerical approach to the prototypical case of (Ba,Sr)CO₃ solid solution precipitation. We demonstrate the great sensitivity of the composition profiles and particle sizes to the initial conditions under which the AS is prepared, and thus illustrate the possibility of engineering the particle characteristics into a chosen state. Finally, by comparing the precipitation of two solid solutions (Ba,Sr)CO₃ and (Ba,Sr)SO₄, we evidence the sensitivity of the particle composition profiles to the ratio of the end-member solubility products, which leads to the formation of core-shell particles in the case of (Ba,Sr)SO₄.     

Participatory groundwater management in Jordan: Development and analysis of options

Groundwater over-exploitation has been on the rise in Jordan. Competing demands have grown in the face of perennial water shortages, a situation which has been exacerbated by drought conditions in the past decade. This paper reports findings of a project in which management options to address over-exploitation were developed for one of Jordans principal aquifer systems, the Amman-Zarqa Basin. Options for addressing the situation were developed through a participatory approach that involved government officials and various public and private sector interest groups. Particular efforts were made to involve well irrigators, who are likely to be heavily impacted by the changes required to reduce groundwater pumping to a sustainable level. With information obtained from a rapid appraisal survey as well as from interviews with farmers, community groups, government officials, and technical experts, an extensive set of options was identified for evaluation. Based on integrated hydrogeologic, social, and economic analysis, five complementary management options were recommended for implementation. These included the establishment of an Irrigation Advisory Service, buying out farm wells, placing firm limits on well abstraction and irrigated crop areas, exchanging treated wastewater for groundwater, and measures to increase the efficiency of municipal and industrial water use. Various combinations and levels of these options were grouped in scenarios, representing possible implementation strategies. The scenarios were designed to assist decision makers, well owners and other stakeholders in moving gradually towards a sustainable abstraction regime. Social and economic aspects of each option and scenario were analyzed and presented to stakeholders, together with a summary of legal, institutional and environmental ramifications. Combining scientific analysis with a participatory approach in the Amman Zarqa Basin groundwater management was devised as a prototype to be used in the management of other groundwater basins in Jordan. This participatory management approach would also be useful in other parts of the world that are experiencing similar groundwater over-exploitation problems.Résumé La surexploitation des eaux souterraines prend de limportance en Jordanie. Les demandes en concurrence ont augmenté face à des déficits permanents deau, situation qui a été exacerbée par la sécheresse de la dernière décennie. Cet article rend compte de laboutissement dun projet dans lequel des options de gestion portant sur la surexploitation ont été développées pour lun des principaux systèmes aquifères de Jordanie, le bassin dAmman Zarqa. Des options pour aborder cette situation ont été développées grâce à une approche participative qui implique des fonctionnaires du gouvernement et des groupes dintérêts variés des secteurs public et privé. Des efforts particuliers ont été faits pour impliquer les irrigants utilisant des puits, qui sont probablement ceux qui ont le plus fort impact sur les changements attendus permettant de remettre le système en équilibre. À partir des informations obtenues de campagnes rapides dévaluation, telles que des réunions de communautés et des entrevues avec des experts techniques du gouvernement, un large jeu doptions a été identifié pour lévaluation. Basées sur une analyse hydrogéologique, sociale et économique, cinq options complémentaires de gestion ont été recommandées pour la réalisation. Ce sont la création dun Service Consultatif dIrrigation, achetant les puits agricoles, fixant des limites fermes aux prélèvements des puits et aux zones irriguées, échangeant les eaux usées traitées avec des eaux souterraines, et la mise en place de mesures pour accroître lefficacité des usages collectifs et industriels. Des combinaisons et des niveaux variés de ces options ont été regroupés en scénarios, présentant les stratégies possibles de mise en uvre. Les scénarios ont été mis au point pour assister les décideurs, les propriétaires de puits et les autres acteurs pour atteindre progressivement un régime de prélèvement durable. Les aspects sociaux et économiques de chaque option et de chaque scénario ont été analysés et présentés aux acteurs, en même temps quun résumé des ramifications légales, institutionnelles et environnementales. En combinant une analyse scientifique à une approche participative du bassin dAmman Zarqa, la gestion des eaux souterraines a été imaginée comme un prototype pouvant être utilisé pour la gestion dautres bassins aquifères de Jordanie. Il peut également être utile à dautres régions du monde qui sont concernées par des problèmes similaires de surexploitation des eaux souterraines.Resumen La sobreexplotación de las aguas subterráneas ha ido en aumento en Jordania, donde las demandas en competición han crecido frente a una escasez perenne de agua, situación que ha sido agravada por el estado de sequía de la última década. Este artículo presenta los hallazgos de un proyecto en el que se han desarrollado opciones de gestión para hacer frente a la sobreexplotación en uno de los principales sistemas acuíferos de Jordania: la cuenca de Ammán-Zarga. Se ha elaborado opciones para afrontar la situación mediante un enfoque participativo que incluye a personal del gobierno y a diversos grupos de interés de los sectores público y privado. En particular, se ha intentado involucrar a los regantes que se sirven de aguas subterráneas, quienes tienen más probabilidad de ser directamente afectados por los cambios requeridos para devolver el sistema a un balance equilibrado. A partir de la información obtenida en rápidas campañas de valoración, así como de encuentros con la comunidad y entrevistas con los expertos técnicos del gobierno, se ha identificado un amplio conjunto de opciones para su evaluación. Basándose en un análisis integrado de los aspectos hidrogeológicos, sociales y económicos, se ha recomendado la implementación de cinco opciones complementarias de gestión: establecimiento de un Servicio Asesor de Riego; adquisición de pozos de granjas; imposición de límites estrictos en las extracciones de pozos y superficies de riego; substitución de las aguas subterráneas con aguas residuales depuradas; y medidas para incrementar la eficiencia de los usos municipales e industriales del agua. Se ha agrupado varias combinaciones y niveles de dichas opciones en escenarios, representando estrategias posibles de implementación. Los escenarios han sido diseñados para ayudar a los gestores en la toma de decisiones, a los propietarios de pozos y a otros agentes para que se vaya consiguiendo de forma gradual un régimen de extracciones sustentable. Se ha analizado los aspectos sociales y económicos de cada opción y de cada escenario, presentándolos a los diversos agentes, además de generar un resumen de ramificaciones legales, institucionales y medioambientales. Se ha concebido la combinación de un análisis científico con un enfoque participativo en la cuenca de Ammán-Zarga como un prototipo de gestión de las aguas subterráneas que puede ser aplicado a la gestión de otras cuencas en Jordania. También sería útil en otros lugares del mundo que estén experimentando problemas similares de sobreexplotación de los recursos hídricos subterráneos.Abbreviations and acronyms AED Academy for Educational Development - ARD Associates in Rural Development - AZB Amman–Zarqa Basin - ECC Economic Consultative Council - GMCC Groundwater Management Consultative Committee - GMF Groundwater Management Fund - GIS Geographic Information System - HDH Hashmiya–Dulayl–Hallabat - IAS Irrigation Advisory Service - JICA Japanese International Cooperation Agency - M&I Municipal and Industrial - MOA Ministry of Agriculture - MWI Ministry of Water and Irrigation - NCARTT National Center for Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer - NGO Non-governmental Organization - O&M Operations and Maintenance - RA Rapid Appraisal - RS Remote Sensing - UFW Unaccounted for Water - USAID United States Agency for International Development - WAJ Water Authority of Jordan - WEPIA Water Education & Public Information Activity - WRPS Water Resource Policy Support     

Dietary effects of A zolla pinnata combined with exogenous digestive enzyme(Digestin~(TM)) on growth and nutrients utilization of freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii(de Man 1879)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of either individual or combined wheat bran(WB) replacement with Azolla pinnata supplemented with Digestin~(TM) in the diet of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii Postlarvae(PL) on growth performance, nutrient utilization, chemical body composition and survival(%). Experimental diets were a wheat bran-soybean based diet with no Azolla and Digestin~(TM)(control, T_1), and diets containing 17% Azolla supplemented with Digestin~(TM) 0%(T_2), 1%(T_3), 2%(T_4) and 3%(T 5). Each experimental diet was allocated into three tanks(6 m~3/tank) fed for 12 wks. Each tank was subdivided into three equal pens by nets(2 m~3) and stoked with 84 PL/m~2. The experimental diets were readily consumed by prawns PLs where both high growth and good feed efficiency were achieved for all diets. The results showed that the diets containing A. pinnata supplemented with Digestin? at the level up to 3% have the higher growth and better nutrient utilization than the control diet. No differences were observed for moisture and protein content among the experimental diets. However, the highest protein content was observed on prawns fed on diets T_1 and T 5 respectively, while the lowest value was recorded for T_4 diet. The results also show that prawn PLs fed the diets contain A. pinnata and supplemented with Digestin~(TM) recorded the highest values of body lipid content compared to the control diet. Feed efficiency and economic conversion rate(ECR) values show that economic performance and the cost-effectiveness of the A. pinnata supplemented with up to 3% Digestin~(TM) recorded the highest net return, and therefore it is recommended for prawn, M. rosenbergii PL's. These results are clearly indicating that A. pinnata have a good potential for use in prawn diets at reasonable levels than other conventional diets.     

Interpretation of magnetic fabrics in the Dalma volcanic rocks and associated meta-sediments of the Singhbhum Mobile Belt

The present work deals with the generations of Fe–Ti oxides and the variation in magnetic fabrics of the Dalma lavas and associated meta-sediments of the Singhbhum Mobile Belt (SMB) in relation to tectonics. Generations of the Fe–Ti oxides are different in meta-sediments and volcanics, the former preserving upliftment related oxidised grains, whereas the latter contains fresh grains prompting towards their upliftment due to plume upwelling before the volcanic eruption. In the meta-sediments, the magnetic fabric has close accordance with \(\hbox {D}_{2}/\hbox {F}_{2}\) event revealing synchronous development with \(\hbox {D}_{2}\). The Dalma thrust developed a sudden break in the homogeneity of the magnetic fabrics of the rocks where the magnetic foliations are all parallel to the Dalma thrust. This also causes \(P_{j}\) to be highest in this sector. The magnetic fabrics of volcanic rocks are different from the meta-sediments and record no signature of deformation. The pattern of distribution of susceptibility axes are in accordance with the subaerial lava flows. However, their \(\hbox {K}_{1}\) and \(\hbox {K}_{2}\) dispersed throughout the periphery with \(\hbox {K}_{3}\) clustering at the centre. This infers towards the fact that although the volcanism took place in a subaerial environment, calm aqueous environment was locally present where the oblate grains settled on the eruption surface with their \(\hbox {K}_{3}\) vertical.     

Electromagnetic field and dynamics of tilted Lemaitre-Tolman-Bondi spacetimes

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of Lemaitre-Tolman-Bondi spacetimes with imperfect fluid in the presence of electromagnetic field. We study the effects of charge with respect to an observer moving radially relative to the fluid, that is, a tilted observer. The relationship between various quantities in the tilted and non-tilted congruences is developed using the Einstein-Maxwell field equations. We explore various factors affecting the inhomogeneities in the energy density of the fluid and also discuss the stability of the non-tilted congruence.     

On the Late Neoproterozoic-Early Cambrian Transition Events in Parts of East Gondwanaland

The East Gondwanaland evolved as a result of break up of the Rodinia supercontinent. The late Neoproterozoic-Early Cambrian geochemical events documented in the rocks of the East Gondwanaland, and Siberia suggest variations in the C, S, and Sr isotopic compositions of the contemporary seawater, and systematic distribution of phosphorite, and evaporite deposits. The geochemical records in the Peninsular India, Himalaya, South China, Iran, and Oman regions have been discussed, and used for establishing late Neoproterozoic links of these widely separated sedimentary basins.