Territorial Distribution Research Articles

Tracking ranavirus infections: an integrative review of epidemiological research on pathogen dynamics in anurans

Abstract. Emerging infectious diseases have contributed to the decline in amphibian species around the world. Among them, ranavirus infections have major importance, as they significantly impact biodiversity and frog rearing. This study aims to conduct an integrative review of the recent literature, including epidemiological data on the distribution, prevalence, and circulating species and strains, to identify gaps that may still exist and suggest potential directions for future research. We synthesized data collected from 68 articles found in two scientific databases (Scopus and PubMed), and we provide a situational update on ranavirus infections in anurans. We found relevant reports confirming the high prevalence of this pathogen and the risk it poses, including to endangered species. However, there is still information to be clarified regarding its distribution in different territories and the identification of the species involved in infections.

Unemployment as a Consequence of the Liquidation of State Agricultural Farms in 1991-2003

State Agricultural Farms (SAF) were liquidated on the basis of an act adopted in 1991. During the work on the act, the focus was exclusively on issues related to ownership and economic transformations, while the social consequences were not taken into account. SAF employees, especially agricultural workers, constituted a specific, historically shaped socio-professional group characterized by relatively low education and narrow professional qualifications. The aim of article is to identify the genesis of social problems in post-statehood areas, especially unemployment and its regional variation. The source base of the study is mainly the Reports of the Agricultural Property Agency of the State Treasury and sociological research reports carried out in post-statehood areas. The main finding of the research is that policy decisions to abolish state farms were made without taking into account their specific characteristics and territorial distribution. Their mentality was shaped by the nature of work and everyday life, which was entirely connected with the workplace. The workplace organized most of the living and social matters for employees and their families. After the liquidation of the State Agricultural Farms, employees were unable to find their place on the –labour market. Large-area farms established on the basis of the former SAFs radically limited employment, and the lack of appropriate skills and limited demand for labour outside agriculture worsened the situation of blue collar workers in particular. Regional differences were of particular importance for the scale of unemployment – where SAFs dominated, the unemployment problem persists even three decades after their liquidation, although it no longer concerns only former SAF employees, but all residents of former SAF areas.

Modeling of the intelligent interface of interaction between a pharmacy and a children's clinic

Introduction. Economic barriers, uneven territorial distribution of pharmacy organizations, and insufficient efficiency of drugs supply chains hinder the accessibility of drugs and the timely receipt of pharmaceutical care (PC) by patients worldwide. The digital transformation in healthcare, accelerated by the COVID-19 crisis, necessitates the adaptation of PC practices to meet modern patient needs. Objective of the study. To develop and validate a procedure for the interaction between a clinic and a pharmacy to facilitate data exchange through an interface, enabling the pharmacy to receive data for forming an assortment of drugs adapted to the characteristics and behavioral trends of the main target audience. Material and methods. The study utilized anonymized data on drugs prescriptions by physicians from the medical information system of a network of medical organizations in Moscow for the period from January 2018 to December 2023. Data preprocessing was conducted, followed by the training of a machine learning model using the LightGBM algorithm. The predictive performance of the model was assessed using MAE and RMSE metrics. Results. An analytical interface for the interaction between the clinic and the pharmacy was developed, incorporating a predictive model for forming the drugs assortment. The model effectively accounts for seasonal trends, patient demographic characteristics, and other key factors influencing drugs demand. The average MAE and RMSE values were 1.27 and 1.68, respectively, indicating high model accuracy. Conclusion. Implementing the developed interface allows the pharmacy to form drugs assortment tailored to the real needs of patients, contributing to optimized inventory management, reduced risk of shortages and overstocking, enhanced accessibility of PC for children, and increased economic efficiency of the pharmacy. The integration of big data technologies and machine learning opens new prospects for the personalization of medical and pharmaceutical care.

Impact of temperature and relative humidity on sowing date and commercial grain yield of wheat in southern Sonora, Mexico

This work aimed to analyze the variation in temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) in wheat seasons 2004-05 to 2023-24, and its impact with sowing dates on grain yield in southern Sonora, Mexico. The T and HR were recorded in hourly format from the meteorological stations in the region during November to April. Commercial fields were selected based on territorial distribution in the Yaqui (YV) and Mayo (MV) Valleys, covering sowing dates from November 1 to January 15, and grain yield was determined based on a 1 m 2 sample with six replications in each field. The daytime T in both valleys had a positive trend, in the YV it increased between 1.4 and 2.9 °C, while in the MV between 1.8 and 3.5 °C. The night T had mostly a negative trend in both valleys, the MV had a tendency with 1.6 °C less and the YV with 1 °C. RH during the day showed a decreasing tendency throughout most of the season in both valleys, in the YV the decrease ranged from -2.6 to 0.9 %, and from -4.9 to -2.5 % in the MV. Nighttime humidity had an increase tendency in the YV with a range of 1.1 to 8.0 %, whereas in the MV, it showed a tendency to decrease in November, January, February, and March. The night temperature was negatively correlated with grain yield in both valleys, while relative humidity was not. The grain yields (above 9.5 t ha -1 ) were obtained in wheat seasons characterized with more than 670 cold units, and grain yield over 6.5 t ha-1 was obtained highest in sowing dates from November 21 to December 20.

The Identification of Land Use Conflicts and Policy Implications for Donghai County Based on the “Production–Living–Ecological” Functions

The rapid development of urbanization has continuously encroached on people’s living space and ecological space, leading to an imbalance in territorial spatial functions. Identifying potential land use conflicts and optimizing land use structure are conducive to carrying out territorial spatial planning rationally. In this paper, we adopt the suitability assessment method to evaluate the suitability of land for production, living, and ecological functions and then use the land use conflict identification matrix to identify land use conflicts in Donghai County and make relevant suggestions according to the intensity of land use conflicts. The results of this study show the following: (1) the areas of suitable land use zones, strong conflict zones, medium conflict zones, and weak conflict zones in Donghai County are, respectively, 58.83%, 10.62%, 26.31%, and 4.24%. (2) The spatial distribution differences in the different conflict zones could determine the pertinence of conflict mitigation and spatial planning. In the process of the urbanization of Donghai County, ecological environmental protection is still the top priority. (3) It is necessary to economically and intensively use construction land, improving its fine management level. Land use efficiency should be maximized, and the spatial distribution of national territory should be reasonably optimized while strengthening the guiding role of planning. This study addresses land conflicts from the perspective of spatial planning rather than economic behavior. It also provides significant insight into land use layout at the county level, which is exactly what China is exploring in the new era.

A Set of Models for Device Positioning in Sixth Generation Networks. Part 2. Review of Algorithms and Accuracy Assessment

Relevance. This work is the second part of a series devoted to the study of a set of positioning models in sixth-generation terahertz networks and solves the problems of systematizing algorithms and assessing the accuracy of determining the location of a user device depending on the configuration and size of the antenna array at the base station.Purpose. Within the framework of the scientific problem of searching for means of achieving decimeter accuracy of coordinate estimates, outlined in the first part of the cycle, the analysis of accuracy assessment models, a review of algorithms and ways of their optimization, as well as a numerical experiment, performed in this study serve the purpose of justifying the configuration and dimensions of the antenna array used at the base station.The research method is an analytical review of the state of the problem based on current scientific publications, conceptual modeling, categorical approach, expert combination, comparative analysis, formalization, mathematical and simulation modeling.Solution / results. The paper presents models for assessing the accuracy of positioning in 6G terahertz networks, formalizes the relationship between primary measurements and coordinate estimates for multi-position and single-position positioning in the near and far zones. It provides an overview of algorithms for geometric positioning and positioning with training for cases of one-stage and two-stage processing; analyzes the specifics of implementing algorithms for simultaneous tracking and map construction. It provides an analysis of the features of optimizing algorithms in offline and online modes. Simulation modeling is used to assess the accuracy for a scenario of territorial distribution with direct visibility and ideal synchronization.Novelty. Using simulation modeling tools, the achievement of decimeter accuracy of coordinate and orientation estimates of 1° in the terahertz range for a far-field model using a 1 GHz band and a composite antenna array of more than half a thousand elements has been scientifically substantiated.The theoretical significance lies in establishing the dependence of the accuracy of coordinate and orientation estimates of the device on the configuration and dimensions of the antenna array at the base station.The practical significance of the developed simulation model lies in the numerical justification of the limits of device positioning accuracy in sixth-generation networks depending on the antenna array used at the base station for a given scenario.

МНОГОЛЕТНИЕ ЭПИДЕМИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ТРЕНДЫ ДИНАМИКИ АЛЛЕРГИЧЕСКОГО РИНИТА И АТОПИЧЕСКОГО ДЕРМАТИТА У ДЕТЕЙ

Background. Allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are common allergic diseases in children. Analysis of the incidence and trends of allergic diseases development is necessary for successful solving the problem of morbidity, helping the child population at the regional level, disease forecasting and control. Purpose of the study. To study the long-term dynamics of the main epidemiological indicators of the general and primary incidence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in the child population of the Grodno region. Material and methods. Retrospective analysis of indicators of general and primary incidence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in the child population of the Grodno region was performed. The study periods were 1999-2023 years (children aged 0-14 years old) and 2008-2023 years (children aged 15-17 years old). Results. The average long-term age-standardized overall morbidity rate of allergic rhinitis in children aged 0-14 years old was 266.89 (95% CI: 238.33-295.47), the primary morbidity rate was 67.67 (95% CI: 57.36-77.9) per 100,000 children of the corresponding age. The average long-term overall incidence rate of allergic rhinitis in children aged 15-17 years (2008-2023) was 791.97 (95% CI: 680.79-903.14), the primary incidence rate was 113.73 (95% CI: 92.84- 134.61) per 100,000 children of the same age. The average long-term age-standardized rate of overall incidence of atopic dermatitis in children aged 0-14 years old was 872.89 (95% CI: 825.27-919.782) per 100,000 children of the corresponding age, the primary incidence rate was 459.1 (95% CI: 399. 96-518.24) per 100,000 children of the same age. The average long-term overall incidence rate of atopic dermatitis in children aged 15-17 years was 415.68 (95% CI: 377.63-453.73), the primary incidence rate was 143.88 (95% CI: 120.53-167.23) per 100,000 child population of the corresponding age. The long-term epidemic dynamics of allergic rhinitis was characterized by a moderately pronounced tendency towards an increase in the overall incidence rate among children aged 0-14 years old (average growth (decrease) rate = +2.4%) and 15-17 years old (average growth (decrease) rate = +3.62 %) as well as stabilization of the primary morbidity rate in children aged 0-14 years old (average growth (decrease) rate = -0.67%) and 15-17 years old (average growth (decrease) rate = +0.72%). The long-term epidemic dynamics of atopic dermatitis was characterized by a moderately pronounced tendency towards a decrease in the overall morbidity rate for children aged 0-14 years old (average growth (decrease) rate = -1.57%) and an increase in the morbidity rate for children of 15-17 years old (average growth (decrease) rate = +2.1%). There also was a pronounced downward trend in the primary morbidity rate of children aged 0-14 years old (average growth (decrease) rate = -5.42%) and children aged 15-17 years old (average growth (decrease) rate = -5.89%). The cartograms of the territorial distribution of incidence rates of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in the child population of the Grodno region in the periods 1999-2023 (0-14 years old) and 2008-2023 (15-17 years old) are presented. Conclusions. The reasons for the established patterns of changes in the incidence of allergic diseases in children of different age groups, as well as those living in different territories, are most likely due to the influence of environmental and socio-economic factors. The presented cartograms make it possible to visualize the incidence rates of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in individual territorial and administrative regions of the region.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE POPULATION DENSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE KASHKADARYA REGION

This article analyzes the population density - territorial distribution of the Kashkadarya region and their causes. Along with the population density of the region, the influence of natural and economic factors affecting the location of the population, as well as the landscape features of the region, is described. Also, the problems that have arisen due to the differences in the number of population and the territorial location of the population between the region and its administrative units, as well as proposals and recommendations for their elimination are presented.

Pertussis on the territory of Serbia in 2024 - challenges and opportunities for the future

Abstract Introduction Surveillance of pertussis in Serbia is passive surveillance and every 3 to 4 years an increased number of positive cases are registered in the population. The last quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 are characterized by an increased number of pertussis cases. Methods Descriptive study of cases with confirmed pertussis in the territory of the Republic of Serbia based on the evidence by the Public Health Service System of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia Results According to data from the Public Health Service System in the Republic of Serbia, a total of 1348 confirmed cases of pertussis were registered by the end of April 2024 (incidence rate 20.2 per 100,000 inhabitants). Conclusions The largest number of cases was registered in the age groups of people older than 20 years, that is, aged 10 to 14 years, while the highest age-specific incidence rate was recorded in the age group of infants younger than 12 months and in children aged 10 to 14 years. Of the total number of reported cases, 120 (8.9%) were hospitalized, with the largest number of those hospitalized being in the age group younger than 12 months (85, ie 70.8% of hospitalized cases). As for the territorial distribution, the largest number of pertussis cases in relation to the place of residence was reported from the territory of two districts, Južnobački District and the City of Belgrade, where the highest incidence rates were also registered. The postponement of timely vaccination against pertussis and the impossibility of vaccinating newborns up to 2 months of age have influenced the increase in the number of infected persons. Also, advanced PCR diagnostics during Covid and the possibility of applying PCR diagnostics in pertussis helped the timely diagnosis of pertussis. The introduction of vaccination with another dose of acellular pertussis vaccine and vaccination of pregnant women would be a desirable public health intervention to prevent pertussis infection. Key messages • Protection of the target population before starting school and at the age of 14 will contribute to stopping the occurrence of new cases of pertussis. These are public health challenges. • PCR diagnosis of pertussis influenced the timely diagnosis of this infection and the possibility of its adequate and timely treatment.

Abundance, habitat distribution and content of reserve energy substances in shrews (Sorex caecutiens, Sorex isodon) within the Seymchan-Buyundinskaya Depression (Upper Kolyma River region)

This research examined the influence of interspecific interactions among shrew species on their territorial distribution and trophic conditions within larch and poplar-chosenia forests along the upper Kolyma River. The study specifically analyzed the biotopic characteristics associated with the relative abundance and energy reserve content, including fat tissue mass and glycogen levels in the liver, of Sorex caecutiens and S. isodon. Fieldwork was conducted in the Seymchan- Buyunda depression during July and August in 2003 and 2010. A total of 1,588 individuals from both species were captured using pitfall traps. The assessment of energy reserve content in S. caecutiens (n = 736) and S. isodon (n = 113) was carried out between 2006 and 2010. The abundance of S. caecutiens in the examined habitats exhibited consistent trends and a strong correlation (RS = 0.95, p < 0.01). Conversely, S. isodon displayed asynchronous fluctuations in abundance across various habitats, likely attributable to competition with Laxmann’s shrew, which tends to displace S. isodon from its preferred larch forest during periods of elevated population density. The interannual variations in energy reserve content for both shrew species were remarkably similar, with no significant differences observed between habitats. The nature of these variations suggested insufficient feeding conditions for the animals during years of high overall abundance, with the dominant species, S. caecutiens, contributing most significantly to this phenomenon in both habitats of the upper Kolyma. The results indicate that interspecific relationships play a crucial role in shaping both territorial distribution and food availability for these shrew species.

Involving unused land in the economic turnover of the agricultural sector of a region: institutional regulation and economic feasibility

The article shows the necessity of institutional regulation of the process of involving unused agricultural land into the economic turnover of the agrarian sphere of a region. It presents quantitative and qualitative characteristics of previously withdrawn agricultural lands, their territorial distribution by soil and climatic microzones and administrative districts of a region, unused period duration, residual fertility level (in terms of humus content), and land plots degradation degree. A calculation-analytical complex such as an algorithm representing a four-stage mechanism of analysis, preparation and decision-making on the choice of the land plots restoration method and their further use option has been developed and proposed for use. It is recommended to use three options for land plots restoration: direct return to economic turnover in case of a short period of non-use; carrying out cultural and technical measures with subsequent implementation into the turnover; transfer to another category of use in case of a high degree of degradation and low fertility level. The developed algorithm of unused agricultural land involvement is aimed at preserving the land potential of a region, strengthening the rational land use system. The presented stages provide not only theoretical and methodological, but also practical significance. Application scope is scientific organizations, agroindustrial complex management bodies at the municipal and regional levels, and agricultural producers.

Influence of territorial distribution on verbal-visual advertisements

The study of verbal-visual cognitive styles of advertising of consumers is a new scientific study that aims to prove that cognitive affiliation is a determinant of successful advertising communication. The present scientific work aims to distribute the consumers of advertising according to the scale of Kirby et al. (1988), as well as according to their territorial distribution. Consumers from Asian countries are formed as high verbalizers and consumers from European countries as high visualizers. Users from the Balkan countries have high values on the Dreams subscale. Through correlation dependences, it is established that high verbalization is positively related to short verbal structures, and high visualization - to color brightness in advertising. These generalizations confirmed the empirical evidence from other studies, because the verbal orientation of Asian-type consumers facilitates the understanding of advertising messages reflecting their cultural values, and the visual structures in advertising facilitate the perception of European-type consumers. The scientific findings would be useful for advertisers, marketers and advertising researchers.

Spatial patterns of electoral support in the 2023 general election in Poland

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: This article focuses on identifying the spatial patterns of electoral support for the main political actors, and searching for adequate determinants that explain this distribution of support, based on the results of the 2023 general election in Poland. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: Is there a relationship between the basic morphological features of the voting space in Poland and the hierarchy of the settlement structure, along with the arrangement of regions associated with the country’s historical and political heritage? The methods used in the study include analysis of descriptive statistics, estimation of spatial autocorrelation, discriminant analysis, and cartographic methods. PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The research process involves a two-stage procedure: 1) identifying a general picture of spatial variation in electoral support for selected groupings, and basic clustering patterns of electoral support; and 2) estimating links between the observed patterns of support and their presumed determinants; that is, the country’s settlement hierarchy and historical-political divisions. RESEARCH RESULTS: The spatial variability of the support indicators is characterised by a distinctive territorial distribution, based on the units of the settlement system and the boundaries of former historical divisions. The nature of this linkage indicates the changing layout of the voting space, associated with the increasing polarisation of citizens’ political preferences. CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The current pattern of urban-rural differentiation is related to the different preferences of metropolitan (over 20,000 inhabitants) and rural or small-town (up to 20,000 inhabitants) communities. The east-west heterogeneity of Poland’s voting space is increasing due to similarities of preferences among the inhabitants of former Austrian and Russian Poland, on the one hand, and Prussian Poland and the Recovered Territories, on the other.

Polycentric Urban System, Territorial Development and Resilience of the Rural Population (Extremadura, Spain)

Over the last several decades, cities have seen concentrated development and population increase. It is a global process, still unfinished, that has simultaneously generated strong territorial imbalances because of socioeconomic backwardness and depopulation of rural areas. The alternative proposed by all institutions is a polycentric urban system, so that cities contribute to decentralizing this development towards their respective areas of influence, thus stabilizing the populations in them. Extremadura is a paradigmatic example, since it has a polycentric system of small cities that have been able to retain half of the population in rural areas. The objective of this article, first, is to define the urban structure and, based on this, typify the range, the hierarchy of the system and its territorial distribution, for which a multivariate analysis is applied. Secondly, a series of isochrones and displacement ranges are defined to analyze urban accessibility, which is key to determining the degree of decentralization of development and population stability. However, a wide peripheral and remote strip remains in the region, for which a concrete proposal is finally made for discussion.

Analysis of the Existing Forms and Practices of Interaction between Russian and Chinese Educational Organizations at Different Levels in the Framework of Promoting Education in Russian (the Example of the Siberian Federal District)

Introduction. The research problem is caused by the need to study the features of Russian-Chinese educational cooperation in order to more effectively scale the best practices for the promotion of the Russian language and Russian education in China. The purpose of the article is to analyze the established forms and practices of interaction between Russian and Chinese educational organizations at different levels in the field of teaching Russian as a foreign language and promoting Russian education on the example of the Siberian Federal District. Methodology. A summary review of research on forms of international cooperation in the field of education on the example of certain regions of the Russian Federation and the Peopleʼs Republic of China, an analysis of the official websites of educational organizations in Russia in terms of their participation in the processes of internationalization of education. Results. The authors have compiled a database of Siberian and Chinese partner universities, which has enabled a clear demonstration of the degree of presence of Siberian Federal District universities in the educational space of the Peopleʼs Republic of China. Additionally, the article analyses the formats of cooperation between the two countries: educational network programs, academic mobility, preparation of students for admission to Russian universities, summer and winter schools, centers for open education in Russian and Russian language teaching, scientific and technical relations and joint research projects. Conclusions. The analysis has revealed that, despite the existence of a large number of bilateral agreements between educational organizations, interaction is uneven (both in terms of territorial distribution and from a substantive point of view). Furthermore, it would appear that not all Russian universities in the Siberian Federal District are as active as they could be in carrying out international cooperation with Chinese educational organizations.

REVIEW OF ACTUAL RISKS ON AGGRAVATING INFECTIOUS DISEASES EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION IN THE INDO-WEST-PACIFIC REGION IMPORTANT FOR SANITARY PROTECTION OF THE TERRITORY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Here, we review summarized epidemiological data and analyze the situation on infectious diseases in the countries of the Indo-West-Pacific region that require measures for sanitary protection of the territory of the Russian Federation. The main source of relevant information was the official websites and periodicals of the WHO, Ministries of Health of the respective countries. The data from other international organizations (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Organization for Animal Health), electronic aggregators of operational information (ProMED-mail, EpiSouth, arbo-zoonet, etc.), data from articles published in peer-reviewed journals covering epidemiological issues were used. In recent years, due to a set of reasons, the risk of infectious diseases entering Russia from the Indo-West-Pacific region has increased manifold: actively developing tourism to Asian countries, higher number of trade and economic ties, increased number of direct flights with the countries of the region. The paper systematizes data on morbidity and territorial distribution of diseases in the Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions by assessing potential risks for persons visiting it. During the analysis, it has been established that the epidemiological situation currently developing in the Indo-Pacific region poses a significant threat to the sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population primarily due to the increasing risks for spread of dangerous infectious diseases into the territory of the Russian Federation. The most probable is the risk of spreading of infectious diseases such as cholera, malaria and dengue fever, the unfavorable epidemiological situation on which has developed in recent years in the region. At the same time, the presence of direct transportation links between Russian regions and a number of countries in the region (Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Maldives, India, Mongolia, China, Myanmar) multiplies the risk of spreading for such diseases. According to the previously developed methodology for calculating the risk of infectious diseases entering the territory of the Russian Federation, it was established that there is a high risk of dengue fever entry from Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand and the Philippines.

БРОНХИАЛЬНАЯ АСТМА У ДЕТЕЙ ГРОДНЕНСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ. РАСПРОСТРАНЕННОСЬ, ЗАБОЛЕВАЕМОСТЬ, МНОГОЛЕТНИЕ ЭПИДЕМИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ТРЕНДЫ ДИНАМИКИ

Background. Bronchial asthma is the most widespread chronic nonspecific lung disease in children. Monitoring the prevalence of asthma is an important part of a set of measures aimed at preventing and effectively treating the disease. Purpose of the study. To study the long-term dynamics of the main epidemiological indicators of the overall and primary incidence of asthma in the child population of the Grodno region. Material and methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of the indicators of the overall and primary incidence of bronchial asthma in children of the Grodno region. The study period was 1999-2023 years for children aged 0-14 years and 2008-2023 years for children of 15-17 years old. Results. The long-term average standardized indicator of the overall incidence of bronchial asthma in children aged 0-14 years (1999-2023) was 597.13 (95% CI: 562.88-631.37), that of primary incidence – 79.94 (95% CI: 67.52-92.37) per 100,000 children of the corresponding age. The long-term average incidence of bronchial asthma in children aged 15-17 years (2008-2023) was 1157.69 (95% CI: 1070.69-1244.71), that of primary incidence – 44.29 (95% CI: 33.52-55.05) per 100,000 children of this age. In the age group of 0-14 years, the overall incidence of bronchial asthma was dominated by children aged 10-14 years, the primary incidence – by children of 5-9 years old. The long-term epidemic dynamics were characterized by a moderately pronounced tendency towards an increase in the standardized indicator of the overall incidence in children aged 0-14 years (average growth rate =+1.32%) and those aged 15-17 years (average growth rate =+2.87%), stabilization of the indicator of primary morbidity in children of 0-14 years old (average rate of decline = -0.49%) and a downward trend in the rate of primary morbidity (average rate of decline = -3.48%) in children aged 15-17 years. The levels and average long-term trends in the dynamics of indicators in individual territorial and administrative districts of the region have been established. The trends in the dynamics of asthma incidence rates in the administrative territories of the region during the analyzed period were multidirectional and had varying degrees of stability. The cartograms of the territorial distribution of bronchial asthma incidence rates in children of the Grodno region in the periods 1999-2023 (0-14 years) and 2008-2023 (15-17 years) are presented. Conclusions. The reasons for the established patterns in changes in the incidence of bronchial asthma in children of different age groups and those living in different territories require further study.

The characteristic of medical personnel resources in the state health care system of the Region

The indicator of provision with medical personnel under primary health care support significantly varies in Subjects of the Russian Federation. This indicator is affected by such territorial characteristics as long distance of territory, poor transport accessibility, low population density, migration processes. The purpose of the study is to analyze indicators of medical personnel resources in state health care system of the Transbaikal Krai. The sources of information were data from forms of Federal statistical monitoring № 30 "Information on the medical organization" of the Krai medical organizations in 2018-2022. The span diagram was made for levels of provision with physicians over 5 year period in regions of the Krai. The cluster analysis was applied to classify municipalities according to level and dynamics of indicators of provision with physicians. It is established that indicators of provision of district therapists and district pediatricians in the Transbaikal Krai remain below similar ones in the Far Eastern Federal Okrug and the Russian Federation. The making of span diagram demonstrated significant difference in indicators of provision with mentioned specialists in municipalities of the Krai over 5 year period that testifies instability of medical personnel situation in districts of the Krai. The maximal indicators of provision in certain regions are conditioned by higher wages and location of medical organizations in the Krai center. The shortage in medical personnel of primary health care is marked in the Krai. In order to implement tasks of overcoming medical personnel shortage, disproportions in structure of medical personnel, uneven territorial distribution of medical specialists in the Krai it is necessary to improve mechanisms of human resources planning.

The Demographic Profile of The Population in Small, Medium and Large-Sized Cities in Romania

The present study analyzes the demographic profile of the population by categories of urban localities, categories established according to the number of inhabitants, respectively very small, small, medium and large-sized cities. The main conclusions from this study would be that approximately 40% of the Romanian population lives in medium and large cities, the average age of the population in very small and small towns is lower than that in larger cities, the share of the population whose domicile coincides with residence is higher in smaller cities compared to larger ones, and the distribution of the main ethnicities highlights a slightly asymmetric territorial distribution within the Hungarian ethnic group (there are localities with very high percentages of this ethnic group) and a symmetrical distribution for the Romany ethnic group.

Territory and Self-Determination

This article focuses on discussions of territorial rights and self-determination in the last 15–20 years. Theories of territorial jurisdiction typically combine two elements. First, they offer an account of foundational title: What gives a particular set of people a claim to be located in an area, including the right to form political institutions to govern that space? Second, they offer an account of legitimate jurisdiction: What is the moral basis of a state's right to govern the area and its population? This article begins by reconstructing prominent accounts of foundational title and legitimate jurisdiction. After canvassing these views, I highlight three areas where further work is needed, particularly as the territorial states system begins to be challenged by climate change: the appropriate balance of sovereignty and international authority in a world of global interdependence, how to rectify imperial and colonial legacies in the states system, and the just distribution of territory.