Average Population Density Research Articles

The prevalence and county-level socioeconomic correlates of visual impairment and glasses ownership among rural students in Western China.

Vision health has been a major issue in public health care. The vision problems of children in rural China are of particular concern. Effective policies for children's vision health should consider the heterogeneity of individual health levels and regional differences in healthcare services. This study systematically explored the relationship of student visual impairment and glasses ownership with county-level socioeconomic status (namely, county-level per capita GDP, population density and industrial structure) in rural China. The study sample included 99,670 students in grades 4-9 from 445 schools in 13 counties in Shaanxi Province. From 2014 to 2020, students took school-based vision screening tests and completed sociodemographic questionnaires. Multivariate regressions were used for empirical analysis. The prevalence of visual impairment was 30.4% in the total sample, and the rate of visual impairment in girls (34.3%) was higher than that in boys (27.0%). Among visually impaired students, the rate of glasses ownership was only 39.7%, with girls (40.6%) higher than boys (38.8%). The study also found that the visual impairment was significantly correlated with county-level average income, population density and industrial structure, and the glasses ownership was significantly correlated with population density and industrial structure (all p < 0.001). The study found that the county-level socioeconomic status was positively and significantly correlated with visual impairment and glasses ownership, respectively. The vision health management services for students should be jointly carried out by the education, medical and public health departments, and additional investment is needed to increase the accessibility and affordability of vision care services, with special focus on poor regions and disadvantaged groups, so as to narrow the gap in vision health services.

РЕВИЗИЯ ФАУНЫ ПТИЦ ДОЛИНЫ ГЕЙЗЕРОВ НА КАМЧАТКЕ: ВИДОВОЙ СОСТАВ, ОСОБЕННОСТИ ЭКОЛОГИИ

In this paper, the author presents revision of the investigations of birds from the Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka, which summarizes data obtained for the past 50 years. According to the latest revision, the avifauna of this region includes 91 species (53 nesting species). There are no region-specific species. The discovery and status of the Grey crowned Rosy finch (Leucosticte tephrocotis) requires a reliable verification. The high species diversity of birds in a small area (31.5 km2) may be explained by the biotope diversity in the area, which is associated with the geothermal activity at the border of forest and subalpine vegetation. The weighted average bird population density is 211.8 pairs/km2. Its appearance is subalpine with a small proportion of forest species. Twelve (12) species are listed in the Red Data Books of Russia and (or) Kamchatka. The most significant findings are the regular wintering of the Solitary Snipe (Gallinago solitaria), the possible reproduction of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), the background status of the Rustic Bunting (Ocyris rusticus). The mudflow that passed through the Geysernaya Valley on June 7, 2007 had a catastrophic impact on the natural appearance of the central part of the Valley of Geysers. Variants of its effects on birds are discussed. Geothermal activity determines the possibility of wintering of a number of species in subalpine harsh conditions, a shift in the timing of periodic events in the life of birds, including earlier reproduction, the possibility of nesting on extremely warm ground, behavioral characteristics during incubation and other features of bird ecology.

Population distribution and habitat analysis of Rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda) in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

The Rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda) belongs to family corvidae, order Passeriformes which includes about 100 species. The current study was conducted to gather information about the Population distribution and habitat analysis of D. vagabunda at District Abbottabad, Pakistan. The data were collected on monthly basis both morning and evening times (2018-2019). "The ''Point count Method" was used for population estimation and ''Quadrates Method" for habitat analysis of study area. The result shows an average month-wise population density of D. vagabunda was maximum at Jhangra 0.14±0.039/ha, whereas minimum at Havelian 0.11±0.022/ha. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) among monthly population densities of D. vagabunda, however, a significant difference (p<0.05) was found between morning and evening times population of the specie. The present study revealed that importance value index (IVI) of plants species at Sherwan, Bakot, Havelian, Langra and Jhangra were 59.6±12.6, 50.1±6.9, 53.4±6.3, 66.8±10 and 60.1±7.7. Likewise, the frequency of shrubs at Sherwan, Bakot, Havelian, Langra and Jhangra were 33.3±4.2, 45±9.4, 46.7±8.2, 55.6±22.2 and 37.5±8.5. Similarly, the frequency of herbs at Sherwan, Bakot, Havelian, Langra and Jhangra were 40.4±6.0, 37.5±5.6, 53.3±7.4, 48.5±5.2 and 46.9±7.4 respectively. Our results show the study area as suitable habitat for D. vagabunda.

Овсянка-ремез Ocyrisrusticus на территории Вишерского и Норского заповедников

The Information about the state and the dynamics of the number of the local nesting population of the Rustic bunting in the Visherky strict nature reserve of the Perm Region is given. The average population density of Ocyris rusticuson the territory of the strict nature reserve in the nesting period, according to data until 2014, is: 1.5±1.2 pairs/km2in mountain taiga forests, and 1.4±1.1 pairs/km2in valley forests. A comparison is made with the Norsky strict nature reserve of the Amur Region, where the species occurs on migration, and the dynamics of the number of migratory birds is analyzed. The validity of including the species in the Red Books of the Russian Federation and regions is discussed.

Level Attacks of Slender Rice Bug (Leptocorisa Oratorius) in Tanah Miring District, Merauke Regency Papua

The slender rice bug ( Leptocorisa oratorius ) is an important pest in Merauke Regency because it can cause a decrease in rice production. Rice plants that are attacked by this pest will produce rice with poor quality, because the color becomes black spots and can calcify. This study aims to determine the level of attack and population density of L . oratorius in the Tanah Miring Merauke District, Papua Province. The method used in this research was purposive sampling. Determination of sampling locations by selecting a paddy field with a minimum size of 1250 m2 on one rice field per variety, then determining 9 sampling points. Sampling of the slender rice bug used an insect net with a diameter of 40 cm which was carried out in 1 double swing at each point measuring 1 x 1 m. The results showed that the average intensity of damage caused by stink bugs in Tanah Miring District was 13.78%. The highest average population density was in Waninggap Miraf village with 46.6 individuals, Yasamulya village, Isanombias village with 44.33 individuals, Yabamaru village with 38.66 individuals, Bersehati village with 38.33 and the lowest was Amunkay village with 30 individuals. While the population average in each observation was highest in the second observation or 55 HST of 46.4 individuals followed by the first observation or 45 HST of 37.4 individuals and the last observation or 65 HST of 29.8 individuals. The most preferred type of variety by the stink bug was Impari 32 (19.76%). Monitoring the development of the slender rice bug population is necessary to prevent the possibility of a population explosion so that it can be controlled earlier.

TINGKAT SERANGAN DAN PADAT POPULASI WALANG SANGIT (LEPTOCORISA ORATORIUS) DI DISTRIK TANAH MIRING KABUPATEN MERAUKE

This study aims to determine the attack rate and population density of the paddy bug (Leptocorisa sp). The method used in this research is purposive sampling. The results showed that the intensity of damage caused by paddy bugs in Tanah Miring District was 13.78%. The highest average population density was in Waninggap Miraf 46.6 individuals, Yasamulya and Isanombias villages 44.33, Yabamaru 38.6, Bersehati 38.3 and the lowest Ammunay 30. While the average population in each observation was the second observation or 55 DAP as many as 46.4 tails followed by observations 1 or 45 DAP as many as 37.4 and the last observation or 65 DAP at 29.8 individuals. The type of variety that was most favored by the paddy bug was impari 19.75% and the one that pandanus did not like.&#x0D; Keywords: &#x0D; Attack rate, population density, paddy bug, paddy

Anthropogenic Influence on Protected Areas: A Case Study of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR), Chhattisgarh, India

India’s broad network of protected areas, which encompasses 4.93% of the country’s geographical area, is exposed to immense anthropogenic pressures that can create an imbalance and also hinder the prime objective of wildlife conservation and protection. The present study assesses some of these problems in relation to the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR). The main anthropogenic influence in ATR is the presence of eighteen core villages, five buffer villages, and 49 fringe villages in the periphery of the reserve area. The population density of the core zone was higher (16.0 people/km2) as compared to the buffer zone (7.41 people/km2). Another important disturbance in the protected area is state highway 8 which bisects the entire core zone into two halves. This highway also connects the neighboring state of Madhya Pradesh and there is the continuous movement of traffic, which hampers the smooth movement of wild animals. ATR also has a wide network of tourist roads of 192 km passing through the core zone. The average population density of livestock in ATR is relatively high compared to the average population of wild ungulates. It creates competition between wild ungulates for food, and they are also under constant threat of infectious diseases. The livestock depredation by apex predators is one of the major reasons for man-wildlife conflict in ATR. The cattle kill incidences by both the apex predator (tiger and leopard) was 378 during the period of three years (2015 to 2018) and these incidences were recorded more in the core zone as compared to the buffer zone. In the present study, anthropogenic effects on ATR have been studied and evaluated. It concludes that for effective management and conservation of tigers in ATR, these aspects need to be considered. To restore the tiger population in ATR, there must be a proper balance between human (anthropogenic) approaches and conservation benefits for the effective sustainability of the protected areas.

Controlling with Mass Trapping and Determination of Damage Rates of Codling Moth, Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) at Good Agricultural Practices of Walnut Orchards in Hatay Province

The current study was carried out in 2018-2019 at good agricultural practices of walnut orchards to control with mass-trapping and determination of damage rates of codling moth, Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Hatay province of Turkey. The study was conducted at 312.43 decares good agricultural practices of walnut orchards containing 3,928 number of Chandler varieties tree, located at the Kışlak village of the Yayladağ district of Hatay province. Delta traps with codling moth pheromones were used. Traps were hanged 1.5 m high, pheromone capsules were replaced with new ones in every forty days. In the first year, a total of 235 codling moth adults were caught by the 50 delta traps during the sampling period. The average population density of adults caught by traps was determined to be 4.61. In the second year, a total of 70 codling moth adults were caught by the 50 delta traps during the sampling period. The average population density of adults caught by traps was determined to be 1.4. In the first year, a total of 38,400 walnut fruits were harvested and a 100 walnut fruit was harmed by the codling moth larvae. Thus, the damage rates of the codling moth were estimated as 0.26 percent. In the second year, a total of 443,100 walnut fruits were harvested and a 9,065 walnut fruit was harmed by the codling moth larvae. Thus, the damage rates of the codling moth were estimated as 2.04 percent.

PECULIARITIES OF ONTOGENY OF HERACLEUM MANTEGAZZIANUM SOMMIER &amp; LEVIER. ON THE TERRITORY OF KAMENETZ REGION

The article deals with the peculiarities of the ontogeny of plants of the Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier &amp; Levier species. The sequence of the ontogenetic cycle of plants is analyzed and characterized. The age spectra of H. mantegazzianum populations in the Kamianets region were studied. To study the ontogenetic structure of populations, 5 experimental plots of10 m2 were laid out. It was established that the ontogeny of H. mantegazzianum is represented by6 ontogenetic states: seedlings (p), juveniles (j), imatures (im), virgin (v), generative (g) and senescents (s). According to the ontogenetic structure, the cenopopulations of all plots are characterized as normal, full-membered. The maximum of the age spectrum falls on seedlings (73,7%, site 3). The age spectrum of all studied populations was determined as left-handed, probably due to the high seed productivity of the species. The average population density for each study site was determined. The analysis showed that the average density varies from 12 to 17 individuals per 1 m2. The highest number of plants was observed in plots 3 and 5, while in other plots the ratio of the number of plants is relatively the same.

Effect of cucumber varieties and some chemical pesticides on the population density of Bemisia tabaci

The current study was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of three varieties of water cucumber Syrian, Dutch, French and the effectiveness of three insecticides Joker, Harvest, Chase against the tobacco Bemisia tabaci Meza Tabachi in Hawija area - Kirkuk governorate. In the fall from August to December 2020, and the results showed that the Syrian variety made the varieties resistant to Bemisa tabaci, as it reduced the insect population density to 32.40 adult insects/10 leaves and 28.75 nymphs / 16. cm2 in. As for the French and Dutch cultivars 44.85, 44.38 adults / 10 leaves and 40.77 and 39.95 nymphs / 16 cm2 respectively with insecticidal effect on the insect, the results showed that the joker was the best. More effective in reducing insect populations, where the average density was 32.6 insects/10 leaves and 33.39 nymphs/16 cm2 compared with Shays and Harves, where the average population density was 41, 3 and 47.72. adult. /10 leaves and 36.39 and 39.69 nymph 6 cm2. The lowest population density of insects was recorded in the Syrian cultivar treated with Joker pesticide, with an average of 24.54 insects/10 leaves and 27.26 16 cm nymphs. All pesticides showed better efficiency in reducing insects. One day of spraying, then its efficiency began to decline after the third and seventh days of spraying, while the lowest population density of nymphs was recorded after the seventh day of spraying with pesticides, and the lowest population density was 24.52 insects/10. Leaves and 9.81 nymphs/16 cm2 after the second spray of pesticides compared to the previous period and the first spray with an average population density of 53.91, 33.45 adults/10 leaves and 48, 53 and 21.07 nymphs/16 cm2 respectively. The Joker was marked by low adult population density after 1 and 3 days for each of the first sprays, so what is it? On average, after 1 and 3 days of spraying 3.21, 4.77, 2.76, 3.76 insects/10 leaves, respectively, and for spraying days of nymphs 8.66, 4.88 and 3.88 nymphs were counted. / 16 cm2 each, respectively

Spatial analysis of the settlement system of Zaporizhia region

Formulation of the problem. In 2020, there were some radical changes that took place in the administrative and territorial structure of Zaporizhia region; as a result, 5 new administrative districts were created on its territory instead of 20 previous ones, which significantly affected the structure of the regional settlement system. Therefore, the question arises about the study of the settlement system of the region in the new socio-geographical realities. The purpose of the article. The purpose of the article consists in identification of the current state and spatial differences of the system of settlement of the territory of Zaporizhia region after the reform of the administrative and territorial structure. Methods. The study used methods for calculating quantitative and relative indicators of the state of urban and rural settlement systems, the comparative analysis of the assessment results, as well as methods for typing administrative districts according to the structure of the settlement system. Results. For each new district of the region, there were calculated the following indicators: the population density, population concentration index, the average population density of settlements, the average density of settlements, the average distance between them, the leadership index of the administrative centers of the districts, the level of urbanization of the territory by the share of the urban population, according to the hierarchical method of O. Tereshchenko and according to E. Arriaga’s approach. According to these indicators, the spatial differences in the settlement system of the administrative districts of the region were revealed. Differentiation of the system of urban settlements of the administrative districts of the region significantly exceeds the contrast of the average general indicators of the system of settlement of districts. This is especially evident when using hierarchical approaches to determine the level of urbanization. The district systems of rural settlements in Zaporizhia region have smoother differences in terms of similar indicators in comparison with the systems of urban settlement, which indicates the relative rationality of the new administrative-territorial structure. Based on the calculations, a typological grouping of the new administrative districts of Zaporizhia region according to the modern structure of settlement was carried out.As a result of this grouping, 2 types of districts were singled out: 1) districts with a monocentric settlement system; these include Zaporizhia, Melitopol and Berdyansk districts (they are clearly distinguished by the size, functions performed and the impact on the settlement system of multifunctional regional centers); 2) districts with a polycentric dispersed settlement system, these include Vasilievsky and Pologovsky districts (in these districts there are no centers with strongly marked leading positions both in terms of population and functions performed). Scientific novelty and practical significance. For the first time, there was carriedout an assessmentof the settlement system of the new administrative districts of Zaporizhia region; the spatial differencesof the settlement system were revealed according to various indicators. The data obtained can be used to optimize the territorial management of the region, to predict its further development and to work out strategies for socio-economic development.

Study of changes in the boundaries of the «Rosha» micro-district of Chernivtsi

The study of the planning structure of settlements is quite relevant at the current stage. After all, this type of research makes it possible to ensure the most comfortable living conditions for the population and prospects for the development of the settlement. However, this type of research mainly concerns urban settlements in general or their administrative districts. As for the micro-districts of these same cities, several problematic moments hold scientists back. Chief among them is the limitation in primary statistical information that provides quantitative perception. Therefore, we conducted a study of the micro-district with the help of open Internet resources. With their help from the «OPENROUTSERVICE» internet resource, we calculated the estimated population of the micro-district. In this way, we calculated that about 10 % of the city’s entire population lives in the studied micro-district. We investigated changes in the built-up area of the micro-district in 1985, 2005, 2010, and 2020 using archival satellite images of the «Google Earth Pro» GIS service. In this application, we were able to calculate the total area of the neighborhood and separately the area of the built-up area. This information came in handy when calculating population density and building density. The results showed that the area of built-up areas increased almost three times in 35 years. So, according to the results of the research, the approximate population is 25 000 people with an average population density of 22.5 people/hectarе. The population density is slightly higher only in built-up areas and amounts to 32.5 people/hectarе. The built-up density of the territory of the micro-district is 69.2 %. Operating with actual indicators, we analyzed problematic and promising directions in the development of this part of the city.

Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Traditional Villages and Influence Factors Thereof in Hilly and Gully Areas of Northern Shaanxi

In recent traditional village studies, spatial distribution characteristics have gained importance as a basis for rural revitalization and holistic protection; however, the total number of such studies remains small, and these studies do not account for the specific geographical area of China’s Loess Plateau. Contributing to recent efforts, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the spatial distribution characteristics of the traditional villages in the hilly and gully areas of northern Shaanxi and to link their distribution patterns to the conservation and development of the traditional villages. ArcGIS and GeoDetector software were used to analyze the correlation between the village distribution characteristics and the influencing factors, as well as the differences in the influence of each factor. The research results show the following: (1) The traditional villages in the hilly and gully areas of northern Shaanxi present an uneven agglomeration distribution. The Mizhi, Suide, and Jiaxian areas are the main core agglomeration areas, and Yanchuan is a secondary core agglomeration area. An outward radiation forms with the “dual-core” as a center. (2) The spatial distribution of the traditional villages is positively correlated with slope, average annual temperature, solar radiation, and population density and is negatively correlated with the distance from a river and the GDP per capita; it has a median distribution for elevation, aspect, terrain undulation, and rainfall, and the distribution of the urbanization rate fluctuates. (3) The factor detection results of GeoDetector showed that the socio-economic factors had the strongest influence, followed by the climatic factors. The influence of the geographical factors was weak; the interaction between the influencing factors was enhanced, and the interaction between the population density and the climatic factors was the most obvious. (4) In terms of the influence mechanism, this study supports the claim that “natural environmental factors are the basis for the formation of traditional villages, and socio-economic factors determine the direction of development”. However, it is worth noting that the unique natural and human characteristics of the hilly and gully areas of northern Shaanxi are the fundamental reasons for the differences in the spatial distribution compared to the other regions.

Seeking the Optimal Dimension of Local Administrative Units: A Reflection on Urban Concentration and Changes in Municipal Size

In the search for a better administrative functioning as a key dimension of economic performances, changes in municipal boundaries and the creation (or suppression) of local administrative units reflect a progressive adjustment to a spatially varying population size and density. With intense population growth, municipal size reflects the overall amount (and spatial concentration) of services and infrastructures, being functionally related with agglomeration economies, land availability for building, and specific sociodemographic attributes of local communities. Based on these premises, the intrinsic relationship between settlement expansion, population growth, and municipal size in a metropolitan region of Southern Europe (Attica, hosting the Greater Athens’ area in Central Greece) was investigated in this study over nearly one century as a contribution to a refined investigation of the (changing) organization of local administrative units under a complete metropolitan cycle from urbanization to reurbanization. Based on descriptive statistics, mapping, (parametric and nonparametric) correlation coefficients, and econometric techniques, a quantitative analysis of the relationship between population size and density and municipal area provides pivotal knowledge to policy and planning adjustments toward a more balanced spatial distribution of population and administered land among local government units. Together with a slight decrease in the average municipal size over time, the average population density per municipal unit increased systematically, with a considerable reduction in spatial heterogeneity of settlements. The observed goodness-of-fit of the linear model explaining municipal area with population density, increased significantly over time. Empirical results of our study indicate that municipal size has slowly adjusted to population density across metropolitan areas, determining an imbalanced spatial distribution of resident population and a supposedly less efficient government partition. The recent administrative reform of local authorities in Greece (the so-called ‘Kallikratis’ law) seems to consolidate–rather than rebalance this organizational structure over space, reflecting spatially polarized settlements. Such conditions represent a base for informed analysis of the spatial structure of local administrative units as a pivotal element of economic sustainability and may contribute to the debate on the optimal size of municipalities at both urban and metropolitan scales of governance.

Population distribution within the human climate niche

Climate change may pose an acute threat to humanity due to physical and biological constraints on regional habitability. A recent study proposed that the human climate niche is a narrow segment of the Earth’s temperature range, with a mode of habitation around 13°C. Here, the human climate niche is recharacterized using a novel graphical technique, the size-intensity chart. Several measures of population distribution were compiled to test the idea that humans live preferentially in the temperate range (10–20°C) rather than the warm range (20–30°C). The temperate range has a higher average population density (people/km2), which suggests that it is more suitable for humans than the warm range. However, other population measures suggest the opposite. The warm range has a greater overall population; and regions with high population densities cover a greater land area and are home to more people in the warm range. Population density also depends on annual precipitation R; size intensity charts show that population density increases sharply with precipitation for 40 &lt; R &lt; 80 cm/yr. The warm temperature range has a greater surface area with desert conditions of R &lt; 10 cm/yr, but sparse habitation in dry regions does not explain the lower average population density of the warm range. Overall, human habitation patterns do not show a consistent preference for temperate over warm lands, and that precipitation may mediate, but not limit this relationship.

Comorbidities, sociodemographic factors, and determinants of health on COVID-19 fatalities in the United States.

Previous studies have evaluated comorbidities and sociodemographic factors individually or by type but not comprehensively. This study aims to analyze the influence of a wide variety of factors in a single study to better understand the big picture of their effects on case-fatalities. This cross-sectional study used county-level comorbidities, social determinants of health such as income and race, measures of preventive healthcare, age, education level, average household size, population density, and political voting patterns were all evaluated on a national and regional basis. Analysis was performed through Generalized Additive Models and adjusted by the COVID-19 Community Vulnerability Index (CCVI). Effect estimates of COVID-19 fatality rates for risk factors such as comorbidities, sociodemographic factors and determinant of health. Factors associated with reducing COVID-19 fatality rates were mostly sociodemographic factors such as age, education and income, and preventive health measures. Obesity, minimal leisurely activity, binge drinking, and higher rates of individuals taking high blood pressure medication were associated with increased case fatality rate in a county. Political leaning influenced case case-fatality rates. Regional trends showed contrasting effects where larger household size was protective in the Midwest, yet harmful in Northeast. Notably, higher rates of respiratory comorbidities such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosis were associated with reduced case-fatality rates in the Northeast. Increased rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) within counties were often the strongest predictor of increased case-fatality rates for several regions. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the full context when evaluating contributing factors to case-fatality rates. The spectrum of factors identified in this study must be analyzed in the context of one another and not in isolation.

Association between neighborhood socioeconomic status, built environment and SARS-CoV-2 infection among cancer patients treated at a Tertiary Cancer Center in New York City.

Racial and ethnic minority groups experience a disproportionate burden of SARS-CoV-2 illness and studies suggest that cancer patients are at a particular risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. The objective of this study was examine the association between neighborhood characteristics and SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients with cancer. We performed a cross-sectional study of New York City residents receiving treatment for cancer at a tertiary cancer center. Patients were linked by their address to data from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey and to real estate tax data from New York's Department of City Planning. Models were used to both to estimate odds ratios (ORs) per unit increase and to predict probabilities (and 95% CI) of SARS-CoV2 infection. We identified 2350 New York City residents with cancer receiving treatment. Overall, 214 (9.1%) were infected with SARS-CoV-2. In adjusted models, the percentage of Hispanic/Latino population (aOR=1.01; 95% CI, 1.005-1.02), unemployment rate (aOR=1.10; 95% CI, 1.05-1.16), poverty rates (aOR=1.02; 95% CI, 1.0002-1.03), rate of >1 person per room (aOR=1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07), average household size (aOR=1.79; 95% CI, 1.23-2.59) and population density (aOR=1.86; 95% CI, 1.27-2.72) were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among cancer patients in New York City receiving anti-cancer therapy, SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with neighborhood- and building-level markers of larger household membership, household crowding, and low socioeconomic status. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of residents of New York City receiving treatment for cancer in which we linked subjects to census and real estate date. This linkage is a novel way to examine the neighborhood characteristics that influence SARS-COV-2 infection. We found that among patients receiving anti-cancer therapy, SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with building and neighborhood-level markers of household crowding, larger household membership, and low socioeconomic status. With ongoing surges of SARS-CoV-2 infections, these data may help in the development of interventions to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 among cancer patients.

Analyzing Spatio-Temporal Change in Ecosystem Quality and Its Driving Mechanism in Henan Province, China, from 2010 to 2020

Henan Province is an important ecological barrier in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. It is of great significance to study its ecosystem quality and the driving mechanisms behind this in order to realize ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin. In this study, from the perspective of physical elements, socioeconomic elements, and policy adjustments, multi-source data on land use, population density, forestry engineering, and other indicators were selected to construct an index system of the driving factors of ecosystem quality in Henan Province. The characteristics of spatio-temporal change and the formation mechanism of ecosystem quality in Henan Province from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed by comprehensively using the gravity center analysis method and a geo-detector tool. The results showed the following: (1) The ecosystem quality of Henan Province in 2020 has increased by 27.7% compared with that in 2010, and the center of gravity of ecosystem quality continued to move to the northwest of Henan Province. The quality of ecosystems in the hilly region of Western Henan, Tongbai, and Nanyang was better than that in the northern Loess Platform Hilly Area and the Yellow River Plain, and it presented a spatial pattern in which the quality of the south was higher than that of the north, while the east and west were equal; (2) From 2010 to 2020, the average GDP and population density in Henan Province were the most important factors affecting the quality of its ecosystem. The effect of land-use diversity on ecosystem quality in the hilly region of Henan Province was stronger than that in the central and eastern plains; and (3) The interactions among the driving factors were mainly nonlinear enhancement and double factor enhancement, in which the interaction between socio-economic elements and natural environmental elements was the dominant interaction mode and could enhance the impact on the quality of the regional ecological environment. The results of this study indicate that attention should be paid to generating targeted industrial economy layout and land use policies in different natural domains. Moreover, forestry protection engineering policies should be further strengthened to improve the resilience of ecosystem quality to human activities.

Estimating abundance in unmarked populations of Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Abstract Estimates of species abundance are of key importance in population and ecosystem level research but can be hard to obtain. Study designs using camera traps are increasingly being used for large‐scale monitoring of species that are elusive and/or occur naturally at low densities. Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one such species, and we investigate whether existing large‐scale monitoring programs using baited camera traps can be used to estimate the abundance of golden eagles, as an alternative to traditional labour‐intensive searches for active territories and nest sites during the breeding period. The camera‐trap data allowed two measures of abundance to be estimated within each of four main study areas in mid and northern Norway; occupancy was measured as the probability of camera site use, and population size was measured as the number of individuals using camera sites within a study area. Spatial and temporal patterns in occupancy and population size were explored and evaluated against independent estimates of breeding pair density in the study areas. Annual estimates of golden eagle occupancy showed low precision, while estimates of population size were more precise in relation to both estimated and anticipated abundance fluctuations. Estimates of population size may therefore be suitable for monitoring within‐study area temporal abundance trends, while estimates of occupancy seem unsuitable for such for golden eagles. Across study areas, patterns in both average occupancy and average population density estimated from population size were consistent with the spatial pattern in average breeding pair densities (r = 0.99, and r = 0.89, respectively). This suggests that camera‐trap‐based estimates of occupancy and population density, both reflect territory density at large spatial scales. In conclusion, our results suggest that baited camera traps can be a cost‐effective strategy for monitoring the abundance of golden eagles.

A Fractal Theory of Urban Growth

This paper presents an analytical framework for the physical environment of cities using fractal theory. The strength of the approach lies in its simplicity and precision. The equations presented in this article comprise: the number of occupied sites in an area; the population and the length of roads of a city; its fractal dimension; its number of average and maximum levels (floors per building); the average density of population and roads; what are the limits to growth as well as an analysis on some of the city’s scaling laws. These equations describe to a high level of precision the real values measured in the system of the United Kingdom, for every city above 5,000 people, which amounts to a sample size of 1,031 cities. This work will allow further research into the nature of cities, since it enables the creation of synthetic cities, and further analytical derivations that can arise from these building blocks. The paper shows as well how the same set of equations can be used to characterise the internal distribution of cities from the perspective of its growth as a possible example of an application of the framework.