Geographical Distribution Research Articles

Landscape ecological risk assessment and driving factor analysis in southwest china.

Landscape ecological risk assessment and ecological network construction are of great significance for optimizing territorial functions and reducing regional ecological risks. Based on the production-living-ecological space perspective, this study evaluated the spatiotemporal differentiation characteristics of landscape ecological risk and its driving mechanism in Southwest China and constructed a landscape ecological network. The results showed that the proportions of ecological space, production space and living space to the total space in 2020 were 74.35%, 24.55% and 1.10%, respectively. The industrial production space had the highest growth rate, increasing by 9.8 times from 2000 to 2020. During the study period, the average value of the ecological risk index ranged from 0.2 to 0.21 for the whole landscape. The geographical distribution of ecological risk zones showed significant differences, with risk zones showing a transition from high-risk and low-risk to medium-risk zones. A total of 105 ecological corridors and 156 ecological nodes have been constructed in the 2020 ecological network. The northeastern part of the study area needs better landscape connectivity and should be focused on ecological protection. Random Forest (RF) and Geodetector modeling showed that anthropogenic disturbance and land use levels have strong explanatory power for the evolution of ecological risk in the landscape. The interactions between anthropogenic disturbance, natural climate and regional economy are essential factors in the spatiotemporal differentiation of ecological risk. This study provides scientific references for ecological risk research and the promotion of high-quality development in Southwest China.

Assessing drinking water quality in Eloued, south-East Algeria, using the groundwater pollution index (GPI) and the synthetic pollution index (SPI) model.

Groundwater quality degradation is a significant environmental issue worldwide, with potentially severe economic consequences and harm to ecosystems and biodiversity. This can directly affect human health, particularly in developing countries where rapid and uncontrolled urbanization is on the rise. Groundwater is the primary resource for meeting the water needs of the Eloued region, located in southeastern Algeria. Water is considered unfit for human consumption if its physico-chemical elements exceed national or international standards or guidelines. We used the GPI and SPI indices to evaluate the quality of groundwater suited for drinking. Groundwater samples were obtained from 22 wells at depths of more than 250m. Standard analytical procedures were used to determine the physicochemical characteristics of the collected samples, which included pH, EC, TDS, Na+, Ca+2, Mg+2, K+, Cl-, HCO3-, SO4-2, NO3-, NO2-, NH4+ and PO4-3. Multivariate statistical analysis and GIS techniques were used to process the results. The results of the selected physicochemical parameters were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to determine the quality of drinking water. The findings indicate that the waters of the terminal complex aquifer are salty and contain medium to high quantities of main ions that surpass the established drinking water limits. The primary ions' relative abundance is Cl- > SO4-2 > HCO3- > NO3 for anions and Na+ > Ca+2 > Mg+2 > K+ for cations. Groundwater chemical types were dominated by Na+, Ca+2, Cl-, and SO4-2. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that alteration and dissolution of carbonates, evaporates, salts, partly silicates, and evaporation, are the main reasons affecting the chemical composition of water in Eloued. The GPI results show that 18.18%, 54.54%, and 27.27% of the water samples were classed as lightly polluted, moderately polluted, or substantially polluted for drinking purposes, respectively. According to the SPI study, 9.09%, 36.36%, 36.36%, and 18.18% were considered drinkable, mildly contaminated, moderately polluted, and seriously polluted for drinking purposes, respectively. According to the GPI and SPI models' geographical distribution maps, potable water is generally scarce and concentrated in the northeastern section of the research area, near the town of Ourmes.

Success and opportunities of the American Academy of Pediatrics Marshall Klaus research grant program in neonatal-perinatal medicine.

Physician-scientists are a crucial link between clinical practice and research. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) initiated the Marshall Klaus Perinatal Research Award to enhance the development of research skills among physicians training in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. In this study, we sought to identify trends in funding along with geographical and demographic variables of the applicants and mentees and assess the applicants' scholarly productivity and funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We reviewed the data of applicants and awardees from 2015-2024. We found that basic science applications had a higher funding likelihood than clinical/translational applications. The geographical distribution of awardees is skewed. There was a significant association between awardee status and K08 or K23 funding attainment. Future efforts should support more equitable award distribution and a diverse research landscape in neonatal-perinatal medicine.

Genome-Wide Characterization and Development of Simple Sequence Repeat Markers for Molecular Diversity Analyses in Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge)

Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) is a valuable ornamental, medicinal, and woody oilseed species that is indigenous to China. The breeding improvement of yellowhorn has been hindered by a lack of suitable markers and sufficient information regarding the molecular diversity of this species. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the yellowhorn genome to characterize the simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci. A total of 4,007,201 SSRs were successfully identified. Among these markers, mono-nucleotide SSRs were most abundant in the genome, while the tri-nucleotide SSRs accounted for the highest proportion in coding sequences. The GO and KEGG function enrichment analysis revealed that most SSR loci in coding sequences were associated with potential biological functions. Additionally, we used 30 pairs of primers to amplify SSR markers to gain a better understanding of the genetic variation in yellowhorn germplasms. The average values of observed heterozygosity and polymorphism information content were 0.625 and 0.517, respectively. Population structure, phylogeny and principal component analyses identified two distinct subclusters. Furthermore, yellowhorn germplasms with the same geographical distribution tended to group together. Moreover, a total of 26 yellowhorn core collections, which accounted for approximately 14.94% of the total yellowhorn germplasms, effectively represented the genetic diversity of all original germplasms. Our findings not only unveiled the genetic diversity and population structure of yellowhorn germplasms but also investigated the yellowhorn core collection, which will serve as a strong basis for yellowhorn management and genetic improvement.

Geographical distribution and molecular identification of cyst nematodes in Bajaur, Pakistan

Summary A survey conducted along the Panjkora river in Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, identified seven isolates of nematode populations belonging to the Heteroderidae family among the 25 soil and root samples examined. Within these isolates, three were classified as Heterodera avenae, H. filipjevi and H. zeae, while the remaining four were identified as Globodera pallida. The identification of these cyst nematodes involved a combination of morphological and morphometric analyses, complemented by molecular techniques employing newly designed primers to amplify diagnostic regions from any cyst nematode. This study marks the first molecular characterisation of H. avenae, H. zeae and G. pallida in Pakistan and the initial report of H. filipjevi in the country. The mapping of crop-growing regions with sampling points highlights areas at high risk for further pathogen spread.

From landraces to haplotypes, exploiting a genomic and phenomic approach to identify heat tolerant genotypes within durum wheat landraces

Dry and hot climates severely impact wheat yields, necessitating the development of innovative solutions to accelerate the breeding and selection of more adaptable durum wheat genotypes. The aim of this study was to identify new wheat ecotypes that can bridge the gap between commercial varieties and adaptability to ongoing climate change. In this study, advanced genomic and phenomic techniques were combined to characterize a set of durum wheat landraces derived from single seed descent (SSD). This approach enabled the identification of novel variability in the TdHsp26-A1 and -B1 genes. As a result, 38 durum wheat genotypes were analyzed using targeted enrichment PCR, leading to the identification of 17 novel haplotype combinations with SNPs in the TdHsp26 genes. The response of these SSD haplotypes to heat stress was characterized at both the seedling and tillering growth stages. Phenotypic analysis of contrasting genotypes led to the selection of two distinct genotypes: SSD69 and SSD397. During heat stress, SSD69 exhibited altered accumulation of H2O2 and MDA content under both growth conditions, providing new insights into the oxidative response to heat stress. Additionally, this work identifies phenotypic traits that are suitable for detecting differences between variants. The geographic distribution of the different alleles aligned with the spread of durum wheat from its center of origin.

Vapor flux induced by temperature gradient is responsible for providing liquid water to hypoliths

Commonly comprised of cyanobacteria, algae, bacteria and fungi, hypolithic communities inhabit the underside of cobblestones and pebbles in diverse desert biomes. Notwithstanding their abundance and widespread geographic distribution and their growth in the driest regions on Earth, the source of water supporting these communities remains puzzling. Adding to the puzzle is the presence of cyanobacteria that require liquid water for net photosynthesis. Here we report results from six-year monitoring in the Negev Desert (with average annual precipitation of ~ 90 mm) during which periodical measurements of the water content of cobblestone undersides were carried out. We show that while no effective wetting took place following direct rain, dew or fog, high vapor flux, induced by a sharp temperature gradient, took place from the wet subsurface soil after rain, resulting in wet-dry cycles and wetting of the cobblestone undersides. Up to 12 wet-dry cycles were recorded following a single rain event, which resulted in vapor condensation on the undersides of the cobblestones, with the daily wet phase lasting for several hours during daylight. This ‘concealed mechanism’ expands the distribution of photoautotrophic organisms into hostile regions where the abiotic conditions limit their growth, and provides the driving force for important evolutionary processes not yet fully explored.

A Method for Quantifying Global Network Topology Based on a Mathematical Model

To facilitate a direct comparison of the differences in network resources among countries worldwide, this paper proposes a method for quantifying the relationship between autonomous systems and territorial networks from the perspective of network topology. Using global router-level network topology data as the foundational data for the network resources of various countries, we abstract the dual mapping information of router geographic distribution and operational ownership into a matrix-form mathematical model. By employing relevant indicators from both network scale and border connectivity, we compare matrix model data from different periods to quantitatively assess changes in the network structures of countries globally. The study results show that internet resources are concentrated in the United States, which owns 38.04% of the global routers, distributed across 87.88% of the countries, significantly impacting the global network. Compared to the average quantitative indicators of each country, 67.00% of the countries exhibit higher deployment consistency, 37.30% show higher border connection consistency, 23.81% perform prominently in terms of impact, and 46.20% have outstanding border node degrees. From a continental perspective, the analysis indicates that Asian and African countries have a closer relationship between AS and territorial networks, while Europe’s connections are relatively sparse. Over time, we observe a slight decline in deployment consistency in Asia, Africa, and Europe, a slight increase in border connection consistency in Asia, Africa, and North America, and enhanced impact in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. These trends suggest that the integration between AS and territorial networks is intensifying in most countries.

A systematic review of case reports on mortality, modes of infection, diagnostic tests, and treatments for Nipah virus infection

Background: First identified in Malaysia in 1998, the Nipah virus is a paramyxovirus related to the Hendra virus. The clinical manifestation can vary from a silent infection to a life-threatening encephalitis. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented 25 outbreaks in South Asia, resulting in 429 cases and 307 deaths to date. Currently, there are no approved treatments for the deadly Nipah virus infection, which is a serious threat to public health worldwide. Consequently, a review was conducted to examine the geographic distribution of the Nipah virus, mortality, transmission pathways, and available methods for diagnosis and treatment. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar servers were used to conduct a systematic search in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines. The results were tabulated and analyzed. Results: A total of 12 studies (7 case series and 5 case reports) were included in the final analysis, and 92 cases were analyzed. The most frequent symptoms were fever (80%), myalgia (47%), headache (47%), shortness of breath/acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 44.1%), altered sensorium (44.1%), and vomiting (42.6%). The most commonly used diagnostic test was RT-PCR (45.5%). The most common route of transmission reported is direct human contact with the infected patients. Treatment modalities include interventional procedures, antiviral drugs, and symptomatic treatment. The most common complications were seizures (39.2%) and altered sensorium (35.7%). The mortality rate was 73.9%. Conclusion: It is crucial to emphasize the importance of early Nipah virus infection diagnosis and treatment to prevent life-threatening consequences.

Recruitment of complete crAss-like phage genomes reveals their presence in chicken viromes, few human-specific phages, and lack of universal detection.

The order Crassvirales, which includes the prototypical crAssphage (p-crAssphage), is predominantly associated with humans, rendering it the most abundant and widely distributed group of DNA phages in the human gut. The reported human specificity and wide global distribution of p-crAssphage makes it a promising human fecal marker. However, the specificity for the human gut as well as the geographical distribution around the globe of other members of the order Crassvirales remains unknown. To determine this, a recruitment analysis using 91 complete, non-redundant genomes of crAss-like phages in human and animal viromes revealed that only 13 crAss-like phages among the 91 phages analyzed were highly specific to humans, and p-crAssphage was not in this group. Investigations to elucidate whether any characteristic of the phages was responsible for their prevalence in humans showed that the 13 human crAss-like phages do not share a core genome. Phylogenomic analysis placed them in three independent families, indicating that within the Crassvirales group, human specificity is likely not a feature of a common ancestor but rather was introduced on separate/independent occasions in their evolutionary history. The 13 human crAss-like phages showed variable geographical distribution across human metagenomes worldwide, with some being more prevalent in certain countries than in others, but none being universally identified. The varied geographical distribution and the absence of a phylogenetic relationship among the human crAss-like phages are attributed to the emergence and dissemination of their bacterial host, the symbiotic human strains of Bacteroides, across various human populations occupying diverse ecological niches worldwide.

Epidemiological Study of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and Its Outcomes: Insights from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database

Objective: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant tumor that mainly arises in the head and neck area. We aimed to compare the long-term survival of patients with ACC based on their geographic regions within the United States using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry data. Methods: We queried the SEER database to evaluate the geographic distribution of ACC patients based on inpatient admissions. The states included in the study were divided into four geographical regions (Midwest, Northeast, South, and West) based on the U.S. Census Bureau-designated regions and divisions. Demographic and clinical variables were compared between the groups. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression were used to assess late mortality. Results: A total of 5150 patients were included (4.2% from the Midwest, 17.2% from the Northeast, 22.5% from the South, and 56.1% from the West regions). The median follow-up was 12.3 (95% CI: 11.6–13.1 years). Median overall survival was 11.0 (95% CI: 9.2-NR years), 14.3 (95% CI: 12.4–16.4 years), 11.3 (95% CI: 9.7–14.8 years), and 12.0 (95% CI: 11.3–13.0 years) for Midwest, Northeast, South, and West regions, respectively. In multivariable analysis, older age, male sex, thoracic cancer, the presence of regional and distal disease, receiving chemotherapy, not undergoing surgical resection, and being treated in the West vs. Northeast region were found to be independent predictors of poor survival. We identified a significant survival difference between the different regions, with the West exhibiting the worst survival compared to the Northeast region. Conclusions: In addition to the well-known predictors of late mortality in ACC (tumor location, stage, and treatment modalities), our study identified a lack of social support (being unmarried) and geographic location (West region) as independent predictors of late mortality in multivariable analysis. Further research is needed to explore the causal relationships.

Predicting the geographical potential distribution of species Opisina arenosella Walker in China under different climate scenarios based on the MaxEnt model.

As global warming increases with the frequency of extreme weather, the distribution of species is inevitably affected. Among them, highly damaging invasive species are of particular concern. Being able to effectively predict the geographic distribution of invasive species and future distribution trends is a key entry point for their control. Opisina arenosella Walker is an invasive species, and its ability to live on the backs of foliage and generate canals to hide adds to the difficulty of control. In this paper, the current and future distributions of O. arenosella under three typical emission scenarios in 2050 and 2090 are projected based on the MaxEnt model combining 19 bioclimatic variables. Filter through the variables to find the four key environment variables: BIO 1, BIO 6, BIO 11 and BIO 4. The results show that O. arenosella is distributed only in the eight provinces of Tibet, Yunnan, Fujian, Guangxi, Taiwan, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Hainan in the southeastern region. Its high suitability area is concentrated in Taiwan and Hainan. In the long run, highly suitable areas will continue to increase in size, while moderately suitable areas and poorly suitable areas will decrease to varying degrees. This paper aims to provide theoretical references for the control of O. arenosella.

Genome-wide identification of the endonuclease family genes implicates potential roles of TaENDO23 in drought-stressed response and grain development in wheat

BackgroundEndonucleases play a crucial role in plant growth and stress response by breaking down nuclear DNA. However, the specific members and biological functions of the endonuclease encoding genes in wheat remain to be determined.ResultsIn this study, we identified a total of 26 TaENDO family genes at the wheat genome-wide level. These genes were located on chromosomes 2 A, 2B, 2D, 3 A, 3B, and 3D and classified into four groups, each sharing similar gene structures and conserved motifs. Furthermore, we identified diverse stress-response and growth-related cis-elements in the promoter of TaENDO genes, which were broadly expressed in different organs, and several TaENDO genes were significantly induced under drought and salt stresses. We further examined the biological function of TaENDO23 gene since it was rapidly induced under drought stress and exhibited high expression in spikes and grains. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that TaENDO23 was localized in the cytoplasm of wheat protoplasts. qRT-PCR results indicated that the expression of TaENDO23 increased under PEG6000 and abscisic acid treatments, but decreased under NaCl treatment. TaENDO23 mainly expressed in leaves and spikes. A kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker was developed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms in TaENDO23 gene in 256 wheat accessions. The alleles with TaENDO23-HapI haplotypes had higher grain weight and size compared to TaENDO23-HapII. The geographical and annual frequency distributions of the two TaENDO23 haplotypes revealed that the elite haplotype TaENDO23-HapI was positively selected in the wheat breeding process.ConclusionWe systematically analyzed the evolutionary relationships, gene structure characteristics, and expression patterns of TaENDO genes in wheat. The expression of TaENDO23, in particular, was induced under drought stress, mainly expressed in the leaves and grains. The KASP marker of TaENDO23 gene successfully distinguished between the wheat accessions, revealing TaENDO23-HapI as the elite haplotype associated with improved grain weight and size. These findings provide insights into the evolution and characteristics of TaENDO genes at the genome-wide level in wheat, laying the foundation for further biological analysis of TaENDO23 gene, especially in response to drought stress and grain development.

Assessing Africa’s position in the development of AI-enabled ECG devices

Background The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in electrocardiographic (ECG) devices has become a pivotal area of research, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. These technologies are essential for enhancing cardiac diagnosis and monitoring. Methods This study assesses current trends, key contributors, and collaborative networks in the field of AI-enhanced ECG devices. We utilized a comprehensive analysis, using the Biblioshiny library from Bibliometrix for data exploration of data extracted from the Scopus database and VOSViewer for creating and visualizing maps. These tools were played an important role in conducting an in-depth analysis of the relationships and developments within the field. Results The analysis shows a significant increase in publications related to AI-enhanced ECG devices, with a marked surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the growing interest and technological advancements, the study exposes a notable disparity in the geographical distribution of research contributions, highlighting substantial under-representation of African researchers. This gap is attributed to infrastructural, financial constraints, and limited collaborative networks within the continent. Conclusion The rapid evolution and increasing importance of AI in ECG devices underscore the need for more inclusive research practices. There is a critical need to integrate and promote contributions from under-represented regions, particularly Africa, to ensure a globally diverse perspective in tackling health challenges. This study calls for enhanced participation and support for African researchers to bridge the existing research gap and foster global health equity.

Ceratophryid frogs in the late Miocene of central Andes of Argentina: insights on the paleoenvironment of Palo Pintado Formation

ABSTRACT Ceratophryid frogs inhabit the lowlands of South America and exhibit greater diversity in the semiarid Gran Chaco. The presence of Ceratophryidae dates back to the late Miocene on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Argentina. Herein, we describe the remains of Ceratophrys from late Miocene of Palo Pintado Formation (Salta, Argentina). Fragmentary bones were recovered from the base of the unit in beds dated between 8 and 7.7 million years ago. The specimen IBIGEO-P141 exhibits the fusion of dentary and mentomeckelian bones forming a fang, a sharp-edged lower jaw, and sculptured bones as Ceratophryidae. The granular pattern of sculpturation, differences between pars facialis and pars dentalis of maxillary, and the shape of lower jaw, support its assignment to the genus Ceratophrys. Combined bioclimatic data and geographic distribution of living Ceratophrys indicate a strong influence of precipitation variables in the distribution of these frogs with adaptations to survive long dry periods. These facts suggest a seasonal rainfall with a well-defined dry season during the deposition of lower levels of Palo Pintado Formation. The palaeoclimatic conditions resemble those occurring in the actual semiarid Chaco, and reveal that the historical geographic distribution of Ceratophryidae was retracted eastward due to the Andean uplift.

State of Geographic Access to Cancer Treatment Trials in the United States: Are Studies Located Where Patients Live?

In this study, we describe the geographic distribution of US cancer treatment trials to identify disparities and opportunities for targeted improvements in access to research for people with cancer. US-based phase I-III cancer treatment trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov were tabulated for the years they were open to enrollment (2017-2022), overall and by county, and supplemented with data from the US Census Bureau, National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and US Department of Agriculture. We evaluated geographic differences in trial availability. We assessed 5-year trends in trials per capita and mapped 1-hour drive time areas around sites. A total of 6,710 trials were open to enrollment in 2022 across 1,836 sites. Trials increased by 4%, whereas sites decreased by 3% annually per capita from 2017. Seventy percent of US counties had no reported active trials in 2022 (2,211/3,143), representing 19% of people age ≥55 years. Eighty-six percent of nonmetropolitan counties had no trials versus 44% of metropolitan counties. Trial availability varied by county-level cancer mortality and social vulnerability (an index derived from demographic and socioeconomic data from the US Census). Eighteen percent of counties without trials had oncologist care sites (n = 618). Notably, 26% of people age ≥55 years lived beyond an hour drive of a site with ≥100 trials. Most US counties have limited to no trial offerings, a disparity magnified in counties that are nonmetropolitan, with high social vulnerability, and with high cancer mortality. Effort to facilitate diverse site participation is needed to promote equitable access to trials and to ensure patients participating in trials match the characteristics of patients who will receive interventions once approved. Counties with oncology care sites but no trials provide potential expansion areas.

A time-calibrated phylogeny of the diversification of Holoadeninae frogs

The phylogeny of the major lineages of Amphibia has received significant attention in recent years, although evolutionary relationships within families remain largely neglected. One such overlooked group is the subfamily Holoadeninae, comprising 73 species across nine genera and characterized by a disjunct geographical distribution. The lack of a fossil record for this subfamily hampers the formulation of a comprehensive evolutionary hypothesis for their diversification. Aiming to fill this gap, we inferred the phylogenetic relationships and divergence times for Holoadeninae using molecular data and calibration information derived from the fossil record of Neobatrachia. Our inferred phylogeny confirmed most genus-level associations, and molecular dating analysis placed the origin of Holoadeninae in the Eocene, with subsequent splits also occurring during this period. The climatic and geological events that occurred during the Oligocene-Miocene transition were crucial to the dynamic biogeographical history of the subfamily. However, the wide highest posterior density intervals in our divergence time estimates are primarily attributed to the absence of Holoadeninae fossil information and, secondarily, to the limited number of sampled nucleotide sites.

Host drivers of canine dirofilariosis in an arid environment of western Argentina

Canine dirofilariosis is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease largely caused by Dirofilaria immitis. Mainly present in temperate, semitropical, and tropical areas, its worldwide emergence and spread are causing concern. In Argentina, most cases have been reported in humid regions of the center and northeast of the country. The occurrence of canine dirofilariosis in an arid environment of western Argentina was investigated by blood smears, microhematocrit tube test, and Knott’s technique. Association and odds ratio were determined in relation to dog characteristics. Thirty-three dogs (51.6%) had microfilariae, morphologically identified as D. immitis. Knott’s test was more sensitive in detecting the positive animals. The odds of harboring microfilariae were 12, 29, and 66 if the dog was male, adult (three to 6 years old), or older (> 7 years old), respectively. The prevalence of canine dirofilariosis herein reported outstands among the highest in Argentina and extends to the west its geographic distribution in the country. Far from being an exception, this epidemiological situation might reflect similar circumstances in several arid locations in the west and center of Argentina. Being this a disease of recent appearance in the region, both veterinarians and physicians should be aware of its potential to cause disease in animals and humans.

A nationwide analysis of the spatial patterns and correlates of heart disease and sleep deficiency in the United States

In the United States, heart disease stands as the primary cause of mortality across genders and various racial and ethnic groups. A health-related behavioral factor that could potentially contribute to the regional differences in heart disease is the lack of adequate sleep. We employed hierarchical regression and a complex sample general linear model (CSGLM) statistics to enhance our understanding of the factors influencing heart disease, with a particular emphasis on exploring these factors from a spatial viewpoint. Utilizing the Getis-Ord G* hot-spot analysis, we identified a clustering of contiguous hotspots in the southeast regions for both the death rate associated with heart disease and the prevalence of sleep deficiency, as observed in their geographic distribution. Furthermore, within the hierarchical regression model, a substantial correlation between heart disease and deficient sleep persisted, even after adjusting for confounding factors and addressing multicollinearity. This implies that the mortality risk associated with heart disease tends to rise with an increasing prevalence of deficient sleep (R 2 = 0.548). Within the CSGLM framework, an R 2 value of 0.627 underscored the robust indication that mortality due to heart disease was notably linked to sleep deficiency. This association persisted even after considering complex sample designs and incorporating adjustments for weighting. This geographic relationship has not been previously documented in existing literature. These discoveries suggest a requirement for additional exploration into regional variations in heart disease and sleep deficiency, offering new insights into our comprehension of the origins of heart disease.

THEMATIC ANALYSIS OF TURKISH SHORT FILMS RELEASED ON MUBI

49 Turkish short films published on the MUBI platform were analysed and it was determined that the majority of them were in the fiction genre (78%) and a few were in the documentary genre (22%). In the analysed films, the problem of gender equality in the directing position was observed and it was revealed that the majority of the directors were male. In terms of language use, it was determined that Turkish was dominant (59.18%) and some films did not contain any dialogue (22.45%). In the gender distribution of the main characters, it was observed that female and male characters were used with similar frequency. It was observed that the majority of the films were shot in the Marmara Region and the geographical diversity of Turkey was reflected in the cinema. In the thematic analysis, social and psychological problems came to the forefront, and it was determined that social issues such as migration and women's rights were intensively handled (58.16%) and psychological themes such as melancholy and loneliness (18.36%). In conclusion, it has been observed that Turkish short films published on MUBI bring together various aspects of Turkish cinema with the audience through their language diversity, gender representation, geographical distribution and rich thematic content.