Average Population Density Research Articles

Surat’s sustainable future: analyzing compact urban development and population density trends

Rapid urbanization is a challenge for the cities of developing countries like India. The share of an urban area is rapidly increasing in dynamically growing cities. Due to this, the land use is altered, causing sprawl and unplanned development. The consumption of resources is greater, and the impact on the surroundings is negative. The compact city concept is always more efficient and cost effective compared to unplanned organic growth. The compact city optimizes available land resources with its maximum possible capacity in accordance with other available natural resources. The primary study objective is to assess the growth trend of Surat city using satellite images, geographic information system techniques, and census data for the last few years. The analysis considers population density for different city wards from 1991 to 2020. Based on the land use land cover change carried out using the maximum likelihood method from the satellite images, the rate of spreading out, its direction, and causes are also found. In this study, population density is a crucial attribute of the compact city concept. The study shows that wardwise density is increasing in a specific direction and making that portion of the city a dense, compact development. This is observed in ward numbers 48, 42, and 35 in the east, north, and southeast directions from Central Business District, respectively. The average population density in persons per sq. km is continuously increasing from 5006 to 20329 at city level which also shows the compact city development for Surat. The governing authorities must incorporate the compact city concept into the planning policy for sustainable urban development. By this, policymakers can understand housing needs to promote affordable housing, invest in infrastructure development and public services, and identify areas where sustainable transportation options, such as public transit, walking, or cycling, need improvement.

Dune Hares: Population Indices, Home Range Size, and Habitat Selection of the European Hare on a Danish Island.

Population indices, such as transect counts of animals, can provide important information concerning population changes over time. Moreover, data concerning the home range size and habitat selection of individuals can provide valuable insight into spatial requirements of animals and how they can adapt to variable environments. Here, we describe the population development of European hares (Lepus europaeus) and investigated home range sizes and habitat selection of six radio-tagged individuals on the small (80 ha) Danish Wadden Sea island Langli. The average minimum hare population density from 1983 to 1997 was 64 ± 36 (mean ± SD) hares/km2, with hare numbers varying among years and seasons. The average home range size was 23.3 (CI: 18.9-28.7) ha, which is comparable to agricultural areas of high structural diversity. Moreover, hare habitat selection was generally bimodal, with hares moving over larger areas and selecting marsh habitat for foraging during nighttime, and dune and grassland habitat for resting during daytime, especially during winter. Combined, our results indicate that hare abundance and space use in the dunal landscape of Langli Island were similar to agricultural areas of comparatively high habitat quality. Thus, dunal marsh landscapes offer high-quality habitat for hares and might be of importance as population strongholds at a time when hare populations are declining in many agricultural areas across Europe.

Population Characteristics and Habitat Management of the Useful Seaweed Silvetia siliquosa

We aimed to analyze the natural population characteristics and habitat growth conditions of the valuable seaweed Silvetia siliquosa. Its population characteristics and habitat conditions were assessed monthly from May 2022 to April 2023 and April to August 2022, respectively, on selected habitats. The average population density, coverage, and frequency of S. siliquosa were 579 ± 94.18 ind./m2, 27.82 ± 6.92%/m2, and 78.37 ± 5.98/m2, respectively. The average thallus length and width were 47.53 ± 4.35 and 46.33 ± 4.17 mm, respectively, while the branch width, thickness, and frequency were 2.35 ± 0.03 mm, 0.59 ± 0.12 mm, and 2.8 ± 0.2 times, with a receptacle length and width of 24.13 ± 2.07 and 2.81 ± 0.19 mm, respectively. Among the 40 previously known natural habitats of S. siliquosa, growth was confirmed only in Sepo, Sebang, and Bangpo. The causes for the declining S. siliquosa populations could be attributed to habitat changes due to construction, coastal road maintenance projects, habitat disturbances, and increased pollutants. Habitat substrate disturbances and changes were the main causes of the decrease in S. siliquosa growth. Studies on environmental factors and habitat degradation, growth related to environmental factors, mass cultivation, and the marine ecosystem restoration of S. siliquosa are needed.

The role of species interactions in shaping the geographic pattern of ungulate abundance across African savannah

Macroecologists traditionally emphasized the role of environmental variables for predicting species distribution and abundance at large scale. While biotic factors have been increasingly recognized as important at macroecological scales, producing valuable biotic variables remains challenging and rarely tested. Capitalizing on the wealth of population density estimates available for African savannah ungulates, here we modeled species average population density at 100 × 100 km as a function of both environmental variables and proxies of biotic interactions (competition and predation) and estimated their relative contribution. We fitted a linear mixed effect model on 1043 population density estimates for 63 species of ungulates using Bayesian inference and estimated the percentage of total variance explained by environmental, anthropogenic, and biotic interactions variables. Environmental and anthropogenic variables were the main drivers of ungulate population density, with NDVI, Distance to permanent water bodies and Human population density showing the highest contribution to the variance. Nonetheless, biotic interactions altogether contributed to a quarter of the variance explained, with predation and competition having a negative effect on species density. Despite the limitations of modelling biotic interactions in macroecological studies, proxies of biotic interactions can enhance our understanding of biological patterns at broad spatial scales, uncovering novel predictors as well as enhancing the predictive power of large-scale models.

A Three–Year Comparison of Fluctuations in the Occurrence of the Giant Jellyfish (Nemopilema nomurai)

In this study, acoustic, sighting, trawl, and marine environmental surveys were used to determine the vertical distribution and density of giant jellyfish that have been observed in Korean waters over the past 3 years. From 2020 to 2022, annual surveys were conducted in May and July in the East China Sea and waters adjacent to South Korea. The acoustic data were processed by identifying and eliminating all signals considered as noise while excluding those suspected to be jellyfish signals. Subsequently, a single target detection method was employed. Giant jellyfish are distributed mostly in the middle and low layers. In May 2021, the average population density of giant jellyfish was recorded as 11.6 (ind./ha), which was the highest density. In July 2022, this value decreased to 1.7 (ind./ha), marking the lowest density. The sighting survey, which allows for the identification of jellyfish distributed in the surface layer, exhibited a difference of approximately 0.13 times compared to the acoustic survey conducted in the middle and low layers in 2020. In 2021 and 2022, this difference was approximately 0.11 times and 0.24 times, respectively. The average of this difference was 0.16 times or greater.

Difference of habitat suitability and the influencing variables between winter and summer of Procapra picticaudata in the Three-River-Source region, China.

Procapra picticaudata is an ungulate endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and is widely distributed in the Three-River-Source region. Predicting the seasonal variations in habitat suitability and understanding the effects of environmental variables on habitat use by this species will help formulate effective conservation strategies and clarify its niche characteristics. Based on point records of the occurrence collected during repeated field surveys in winter (January 2019) and summer (August 2019), we used MaxEnt model to predict the differences in habitat suitability and the distribution pattern of the P. picticaudata in the Three-River-Source region using eight preselected environmental variables. We further explored the influence of those variables on the P. picticaudata' distribution pattern using environmental response curves. The results showed that the average area under the receiving operator curve values in winter and summer was 0.901±0.023 and 0.882±0.024, respectively, with a good accuracy of fitness. The total area of suitable habitat for P. picticaudata in winter and summer was 6.83×104 and 9.78×104 km2, respectively. The area of suitable habitats in summer increased significantly compared with winter. There was a tendency for P. picticaudata to spread to the south of the Yangtze River Source Park and the Yellow River Source Park in summer. The spatial patterns of habitat suitability in both winter and summer took Three-River-Source National Park as the high-value center and decreased around it. The seasonal average temperature, altitude, population density, and slope were the main environmental variables affecting the distribution of P. picticaudata both in winter and summer. The higher temperatures in summer allowed the suitable P. picticaudata habitats to extend into areas above 5000 m in altitude, and to areas with slopes of less than 25°, compared with winter. The expansion of human activities in summer encroached on the suitable habitat of P. picticaudata.

Rabies control in Bangladesh and prediction of human rabies cases by 2030: a One Health approach

Bangladesh is making progress toward achieving zero dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030, a global goal set in2015. Drawing from multiple datasets, including patient immunisation record books and mass dog vaccination (MDV) databases, we conducted a comprehensive analysis between 2011 and 2023 to understand the effectiveness of rabies control programmes and predict human rabies cases in Bangladesh by 2030 using time-series forecasting models. We also compared rabies virus sequences from GenBank in Bangladesh and other South Asian countries. The estimated dog population in Bangladesh was determined to be 1,668,140, with an average dog population density of 12.83 dogs/km2 (95% CI 11.14-14.53) and a human-to-dog ratio of 86.70 (95% CI 76.60-96.80). The MDV campaign has led to the vaccination of an average of 21,295 dogs (95% CI 18,654-23,935) per district annually out of an estimated 26,065 dogs (95% CI 22,898-29,230). A declining trend in predicted and observed human rabies cases has been identified, suggesting that Bangladesh is poised to make substantial progress towards achieving the 'Zero by 30' goal, provided the current trajectory continues. The phylogenetic analysis shows that rabies viruses in Bangladesh belong to the Arctic-like-1 group, which differs from those in Bhutan despite sharing a common ancestor. Bangladesh's One Health approach demonstrated that an increase in MDV and anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) resulted in a decline in the relative risk of human rabies cases, indicating that eliminating dog-mediated human rabies could be achievable. The study was supported by the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) Division of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

The influence of forest site types on the distribution of moose Alces alces in north-eastern Poland

ABSTRACT Movements of moose are caused by variations in resource availability such as food, shelter and the energetic cost of foraging. These variables are important in forest and population management. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to estimate the influence of forest site types on the distribution of the non hunted moose population in February and March 2020 in the Augustów Forest, a 1102.0 km2 forest complex in north-eastern Poland. In the study area, 20 sampling plots were distributed over a total area of 91.4 km2, where six teams, each consisting of 30 people, observed moose to estimate population numbers. The average population density was 1.22 ± 0.19 moose per km2 and ranged from 0.21 to 3.40 animals/km2. The total population number estimated this way amounted to 1344 animals. Non-linear regression demonstrated a positive relationship between the percentage of hygric-wet forest site types in the sampling plot area and the moose population distribution (r = 0.735, n = 20, p = 0.0096). In winter, these habitats are a critical refuge for moose. For this reason, tree harvesting and hunting in hygric-wet forest site types should be limited during this period.

Analisis Spasial Indeks Kekeringan di Daerah Bandar Lampung

Drought is a routine case of natural disasters. Drought in a region can disrupt human activities. Drought occurs due to reduced rainfall, temperatures that are too high than normal, low soil moisture and insufficient surface water supply. The aim of this research is to obtain the distribution of rain and analyze the drought value index in the Bandar Lampung area. The cause of this drought is a step to predict the drought that will occur by analyzing the rain and temperature. This analysis is done by calculating the water balance and determining the drought level using drought index table by thorthwaite mather. The drought analysis is conducted in Bandar Lampung area, where the Bandar Lampung area is the capital city of Lampung province with an area of ± 160 km2 with an average population density of 8,316 people/km2. From the Drought Value Index, the level of drought in the Bandar Lampung area is predominantly low and the level of drought is moderate in the Peace District area. Keywords: Drought, Spatial Analysis, Water Balance

Local Variation in Feeding Ground Utilization of Dugongs (Dugong dugon) Across Two Intertidal Seagrass Beds in Talibong Island, Thailand

In this study, we describe the population characteristics and residency patterns of dugongs (Dugong dugon) across two intertidal seagrass beds in Talibong Island, Thailand: Site A, covering an area of 2.0 × 105 m2, and Site B, covering an area of 2.8 × 105 m2. Transect and individual identification surveys were conducted under clear water conditions using drones: 16 separate days over 11 months at Site A and 10 separate days over 3 months at Site B. Sixty-four individuals were identified from 180 videography sessions. The results confirmed at least two distinct patterns of seagrass habitat utilization among sites located approximately 5 km apart. Site A was characterized by a lower population density, higher year-round site fidelity, occupancy by relatively large individuals, and an absence of feeding aggregations. In contrast, Site B was characterized by a higher population density, lower site fidelity, occupancy by individuals with a wider range of body lengths, and the presence of feeding aggregations. The average population density at Site B was three to five times higher than that at Site A. Site A had a median nearest neighbor distance of 320 m with no significant bias in its distribution, whereas Site B had a median of 20 m with a significant bias. The mean site fidelity index for Site A (0.62 ± 0.08; n = 16) was significantly higher than that for Site B (0.39 ± 0.14; n = 10). Dugongs at Site A might have monopolized this site to some extent, while those at Site B might have benefited from increased opportunities for social interaction provided by aggregations. These findings highlight the importance of fine-scale monitoring of feeding ground utilization by dugongs, taking into consideration individual-specific details such as body lengths and resighting rates for a better understanding of their spatial distribution.

Occurrence and Distribution of Meloidogyne spp. in Fields Rotated with Sweetpotato and Host Range of a North Carolina Population of Meloidogyne enterolobii.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne spp.) are some of the most economically important and common plant parasitic nematodes in North Carolina (NC) cropping systems. Soil samples collected from fields planted with crops rotated with sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.) in 39 NC counties in 2015 to 2018 were processed at the NC Nematode Assay Laboratory. The occurrence of second-stage juvenile (J2) RKN populations was examined based on collection year, month, county, and previous planted crop. The highest number of RKN-positive samples originated from Cumberland (53%), Sampson (48%), and Johnston (48%) counties. The highest average RKN population density was detected in Sampson (147 J2/500 cm3 of soil) and Nash (135 J2/500 cm3 of soil) counties, while Wayne (7 J2/500 cm3 of soil) and Greene (11 J2/500 cm3 of soil) counties had the lowest average RKN population density. Meloidogyne enterolobii is a new invasive species that is impacting sweetpotato growers of NC. The host status of an NC population of M. enterolobii, the guava RKN, was determined by examining eggs per gram of fresh root (ER) and the final nematode egg population divided by the initial population egg count (reproductive factor, RF) in greenhouse experiments. This included 18 vegetable, field, and cover crops and weed species. The tomato 'Rutgers' was used as a susceptible control. Cabbage 'Stonehead', pepper 'Red Bull', and watermelon 'Charleston Gray' and 'Fascination' were hosts and had similar mean ER values to the positive control, ranging from 64 to 18,717. Among field crops, cotton, soybean 'P5018RX', and tobacco were hosts with ER values that ranged from 185 to 706. Members of the Poaceae family such as sweet corn (Zea mays) and sudangrass (Sorghum × drummondii) were nonhosts to M. enterolobii, and the mean ER values ranged from 1.85 to 7. The peanut 'Tifguard' and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) also had lower ER values than the vegetable hosts. Growers should consider planting less susceptible hosts or nonhosts such as peanut, sudangrass, sweet corn, and winter wheat in 2- to 3-year crop rotations to lower populations of this invasive nematode.

Spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors of green-blue space in High-Density Cities: Evidence from central Nanjing

Urban green–blue space (UGBS) plays a crucial role in Chinese cities, occupying more than half of the built-up areas. Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors of UGBS in central Nanjing during rapid urbanization is important for studying UGBS evolution in high-density urban-area environments, providing a fundamental basis for related research and policy formulation. This study utilized remote sensing images to estimate the extent of UGBS from 2000 to 2020 and analyzed the evolution using the intensity of area change, a land transfer matrix, the multi-order adjacency index, and a boosted regression tree model. This study revealed the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors of UGBSs in central Nanjing from 2000 to 2020: (1) between 2000 and 2020, there was a 4.0% net increase in the total area of UGBSs in central Nanjing. (2) UGBS primarily showed marginal-type expansion, accompanied by proximity-type expansion. Spatially, new green–blue patches tended to cluster around large pre-existing natural green–blue patches. Furthermore, the expansion of UGBS shifted from the urban periphery to the urban interior. (3) Natural factors exerted a greater influence (88.3%) than socioeconomic factors (11.7%) on the expansion of UGBS. Average annual radiation (43.4%), elevation (16.5%), slope (15%), aspect (13.4%), and population density (2.8%) were the primary driving factors. Our results contribute to understanding changes in UGBS and the driving factors behind these changes, thereby providing support for the future planning, protection, and sustainable development of UGBS.

Red fox skull size variability along the Ural’s meridian: Bergmann’s rule or the optimum rule?

Changes in the skull size of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes L.) along the eastern macroslope of the Ural Range from the forest-tundra to the steppe are analyzed. The sizes varied from minimum in the north to maximum in pre-forest-steppe pine-birch forests. Further south, the size of the skull decreased again. The average fox population density changed similarly. Based on these data, it was concluded that the sizes change in accordance with the optimum rule, and not with Bergman’s rule. Probably, microevolutionary adaptations to living conditions are influenced by general factors that influence both body size and the population density of the species.

Moose resources in the Republic of Karelia

For a comprehensive assessment of the state of hunting resources in general and moose in particular, it is necessary to know several basic indicators, such as: the number of animals, their population density, and the biological productivity of hunting acreages. The purpose of the research was to analyze the state of moose resources in the Republic of Karelia. The object of research was the wild moose population in the Republic of Karelia. The number of moose in the republic as a whole and in the context of administrative districts has been analyzed in the work. The number of animals is one of the most important indicators for analyzing the ecological and economic state of biological resources. On the number of moose base the density of the moose population was calculated and analyzed. The districts of the Republic of Karelia with high, medium and low densities of moose were identifi ed. The biological productivity of hunting acreages for moose and the cost of moose resources were calculated. So, for the period 2018–2022 the number of moose in the Republic of Karelia has tended to increase from 19 454 heads in 2018 up to 21 250 heads in 2022, i.e. by 1796 heads or 9,2 %. The highest average long-term number of animals was recorded in the Loukhsky district, where it amounted to 2127 heads and the lowest in the Sortavalsky district with 382 heads. The average long-term population density of moose per 1000 hectares of characteristic acreages was less than 2 heads per 1000 hectares, which corresponds to land quality 5 for this type of animal. The average long-term biological productivity of hunting acreages for moose was 0,22 kg/ha, and the average long-term value of moose resources was 6,27 billion rubles.

An ANN-based method for population Dasymetric mapping to avoid the scale heterogeneity: A case study in Hong Kong, 2016–2021

A comprehensive understanding of population distribution is critical for assessing socio-economic issues. However, the widely used dasymetric mapping method relies on models built at a coarse administrative scale and estimates population at a fine-gridded scale. This difference in scale between the training and estimating domains results in significant heterogeneity in data distribution. To address this issue, we proposed a scale heterogeneity-avoided method based on artificial neural networks that can take population density as an independent variable and gridded properties, including remote sensing images, digital terrain models, road networks, building footprints, and land use, as dependent variables. Our experiments in Hong Kong in 2016 and 2021 showed significant advantages of the proposed method. Compared to commonly used methods, our approach demonstrated a 19.4% improvement in the root mean square error. Furthermore, the advantages of our method became more apparent at larger census units, and the accuracy of the pre-trained model for directly estimating population in other temporal phases was satisfactory. Among the geospatial data variables, land use was the most significant in accurately estimating population. Replacing land use data with random numbers led to a decrease in accuracy by over 89.0%, while other properties only resulted in decreases of 2.7% to 13.9%. We further investigated spatiotemporal changes in population distribution from 2016 to 2021, finding that population growth mainly occurred in new built-up areas, while larger population decreases occurred in old towns. Throughout the study period, the population tended to concentrate more, as the average population density increased while the median population density decreased.

Сравнительный анализ уровней человеческого развития северных регионов в мировой экономике

The northern regions of Russia play a significant role in the life of the country. First of all, this is due to the large area of the northern regions. The northern regions of Russia are a center for the production of rare earth metals, including nickel and cobalt, diamonds, etc. The main problem of the Russian northern regions is demography and economic development. In terms of key indicators, the northern regions of Russia lag behind the leaders among the countries of the northern region - the Scandinavian countries. The average population density is 14 times lower compared to the Scandinavian countries, and the total GRP indicator of the Russian northern regions is more than three times lower than the corresponding indicators of the Scandinavian countries. This makes it urgent to develop directions for the socio-economic development of the northern regions of Russia on the basis of benchmarking. To carry out benchmarking, a grouping of Nordic countries and regions was carried out. Based on the grouping and benchmarking carried out, development indicators for the northern regions of Russia were obtained for each group.

О формировании городской популяции вяхиря (Columba palumbus L.) в г. Орле

To date, the Woodpigeon has formed specialized urban populations in many European cities and towns. A steady trend towards synanthropization is also observed for this species in some Russian urban areas. In the city of Oryol, no dedicated studies of the local urban Woodpigeon population have been carried out until recently. This paper aims to evaluate the status of the urban Woodpigeon population in Oryol. The field observations were made in the city of Oryol (52°58′ N, 36°05′ E) located in the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation and having an area of 121.2 km2 , with a population of 303.7 thousand and distance from Moscow of 368 km. The studies began in 2006, at the moment when the urban population of the Woodpigeon started to form within the Oryol administrative borders, and ended in 2021. In June 2019 and July 2021, counts of singing individuals and nest search activities were carried out in forest and recreational parks, squares, cemeteries, on specially selected plots among individual houses, and in green residential areas with predominantly five-storied apartment buildings. In total, 26 census plots with an aggregate area of about 228.9 ha were surveyed. Associated observations were also made, including Woodpigeon nest search in all administrative districts of the city. The degree of introduction of the Woodpigeon into the Oryol urban landscapes was evaluated by the use of five synanthropization stages (from 0 to 4). The paper shows that the urban population of the Woodpigeon in Oryol, as it was the case in other European urban areas, started from the birds which began to nest at the urban periphery, in less transformed habitats, and is dated back to 2006. Afterwards the birds were reported breeding in the built-up part of the city, including the city center, with the first breeding case in the built-up part reported in 2016. The number of nests found in the built-up part of the city grew in the following years. Now the birds nest across the entire city, including its central part, where their nests are found both along highways with intense traffic and in yards in residential areas with predominantly fivestoried apartment buildings. The species is registered as breeding in forest and recreational parks, cemeteries, among individual houses and in green residential areas. The average population density in the said habitats ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 pairs/10 ha, with the average for the entire city being 0.8 pairs/10 ha. The highest population density is registered in cemeteries (1.5 pairs/10 ha) and forest parks (1.1 pairs/10 ha). The population density in green residential areas with predominantly five-storied apartment buildings is 0.9 pairs/10 ha (see Table 1). In general, the Woodpigeon population in Oryol is much smaller than in many other urban areas in Europe and in Northwest Africa (see Table 2), which is attributed to the longer history of urban populations there. All nests found were located on trees and bushes, with none found on man-made structures. The high numbers of the Hooded Crow are among the factors hindering colonization of urban habitats by the Woodpigeon in European cities and towns. At the same time, the Hooded Crow is an uncommon breeder in Oryol. The Magpie, another nest predator, is a rather common breeder in the city: its breeding density was 2.2 nests/10 ha in green residential areas and 1.5 nests/10 ha among individual houses. Urban-breeding Woodpigeon aggregations generally make long-distance foraging movements to nearby farmlands where the birds obtain additional food. The agroclimatic conditions of Orlovsky District, which surrounds the city, are characterized as the most attractive for crop cultivation. Thus, the low numbers of the Hooded Crow and presence of large areas occupied by grain crops around the city make up favorable conditions for the establishment of an urban population of the Woodpigeon in Oryol. The urban Woodpigeon population in Oryol is at the stage 3 – breeding in urban parks in a high density and regular breeding in residential areas (on residential streets). The population under study has not yet reached the synanthropization stage 4, when the species breeds in a high density in urban parks and residential areas, with individual pairs transitioning to breeding on man-made structures.

Influence of weather conditions and plant growth on populations of the solenopsis mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley) infesting maize plants.

The cotton or solenopsis mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley, 1898) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), infests various host plants in Egypt. A study was conducted to observe the incidence of mealybugs and the possible influences of meteorological variables and plant age on the insect population of maize (single-hybrid 168 yellow maize cultivar) plants in Esna district, Luxor governorate, Egypt, in two consecutive seasons (2021 and 2022). P. solenopsis infested maize plants from the 3rd week of June to harvest, and had three peaks of seasonal incidence/season namely; in the 1st week of June in the 3rd/4th week of July, and the 2nd week of August. Similarly, there were three peaks in the percent of infestations per season. In the first season, the average population density of P. solenopsis per sample was 174.04 ± 16.93 individuals, and in the second season, 156.72 ± 14.28 individuals. The most favorable climate for P. solenopsis population increase and infestation occurred in August in the first season and in September in the second season, while June was less suitable in both growing seasons (as estimated by weekly surveys). The combined effects of weather conditions and plant age are significantly related to the estimates of P. solenopsis populations, with an explained variance (E.V.) of 93.18 and 93.86%, respectively, in the two seasons. In addition, their influences explained differences in infestation percentages of 93.30 and 95.54%, respectively, in the two seasons. Maize plant age was the most effective factor in determining changes in P. solenopsis population densities in each season. The mean daily minimum temperature in the first season and mean daily dew point in the second season were the most important factors affecting the percent changes in infestation. However, in both seasons, the mean daily maximum temperature was the least effective variable in population and infestation variation. This study paves the way for monitoring and early detection of mealybugs in maize; as well as the optimal climatic conditions for its development.

Risk Factors for Pediatric Facial Trauma in an Appalachian Region: An Epidemiological Review at a Single Institution

Rural and low-income pediatric populations are at higher risk for trauma. Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma in this population has not been studied. This study's purpose was to determine if rural populations or low-income populations are at higher risk for pediatric CMF trauma than urban or high-income populations, respectively, and to determine differences in mechanism of injury (MOI). A retrospective cohort study of CMF trauma patients younger than 17 years-old, living in the region served by one institution in Tennessee, and requiring oral and maxillofacial surgery consultation between January 2011 and December 2022 was performed. Exclusion criteria were incomplete medical records. The primary predictor variable was geographic residence of the patient grouped into two categories: rural or urban defined by the state of Tennessee. Secondary variables were postal code (PC) average median household income (MHI) and PC population density. The main outcome variable was pediatric CMF injury rate per 100,000 people. MOI is a secondary outcome variable. Covariates included sex, age, and race. Frequencies and percentages, Fisher's exact test, and Poisson regression models were utilized. Statistical significance was assumed at P-value <.05. Rural or urban county designation was not associated with differing trauma rates (incident risk ratio (IRR)=0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 1.05; P=.18) by itself. One standard deviation increase in MHI decreased CMF trauma rates in rural designation counties by 24% (IRR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.88) and 6% in urban designation counties (IRR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.02). Lower rates of CMF trauma were associated with residence in higher income PCs (IRR=0.91; 95% (CI) 0.86 to 0.97; P=.004), and higher population density (IRR=0.87; 95% CI 0.79 to 0.94; P<.001). Dog bites and falls were more common in infancy and early childhood. Interpersonal violence was more common in older patients. Patients in PCs with lower population density or incomes were at highest risk for CMF injuries. MOI differences by age were similar to findings in other studies. Tennessee's urban/rural county designation has complex interactions with MHI and pediatric CMF trauma rates.

Population of Collembola of bog ecosystems of the ukrainian part of the International Biosphere Reserve «Roztochia»

A comparative analysis of the taxonomic and ecological structure of bog collembolan taxocenes of IBR "Roztochia" was carried out. 67 species of Сollembola belonging to 43 genera and 12 families were found on the studied territory. The representation of the rare element of collembolofauna (its uniqueness) is 14.9%. Three species are new to the collembolofauna of Ukraine (Cryptonura kühnelti, Heteromurus sexoculatus, Isotomurus fucicolus) and one new species is from the continental part of Ukraine (Tetracanthella proxima). From 1 to 13 species of Сollembola were found at the level of point alpha diversity, and 5–29 species of coenotic alpha diversity, which indicates a small capacity of the soil environment for Сollembola in bog ecosystems, сompared to forest and meadow ecosystems. The investigated bog Collembola taxocenes are characterized by small and average population density indicators, from 0.25 to 9.1 thousand spec./m2. It was found that the structure of dominance, spectra of life forms and biotope groups of the studied taxocenes have their own specificity, due to local edaphic conditions. The analysis of the ecological structure showed that, in terms of species richness, complexes of hygro-mesophilic (31.3% of the total species richness), mesophilic (22.4%) and xeroresistant forms (20.9%) prevail in bog taxocenes of collembola. The studied taxocenes include nine biotope groups of species. The biotope groups of forest species (28,9%) and species that differentiate the bog type of ecosystems (bog, near-water, meadow- and forest-bog species) prevails. The share of representatives of the second group in the studied taxocenes is 14.9% of the total species diversity and 29.5% of the total abundance. It was established that a mixed collembolan taxocene is formed in bog ecosystems, where none of the biotope groups reaches 40% of the total abundance.