Geographical Survey Research Articles

Evaluating Quoddy Region archaeological site vulnerability to sea-level rise and erosion through the integration of geographic information system modeling and surveys

Modeling archaeological site erosion often depends on regional site databases that record sites accurately but with variable precision. This study examines the impact of sea-level rise (SLR) on 10 archaeological sites in the Quoddy Region of Maine through comparing models and field observations. Sites were categorized as low, mid, or high priority for field excavation based on exposure to tides. These model results were compared to field reports of site condition to evaluate the accuracy of modeling SLR as an indicator of erosion and to evaluate the application of models in developing prioritization protocols for site investigations. Models for current sea level scenarios broadly underestimate the degree of erosion reported by field observations because not all site locations were recorded at the precision required for analysis. This study emphasizes the importance of field audits for sites recorded in databases to enable large-scale modeling for the prioritization of urgently threatened sites.

Investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nutritional status of infants and toddlers: insights from China

BackgroundA comprehensive understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on childhood nutrition is crucial for devising effective mitigation strategies. However, existing knowledge regarding the pandemic’s effect on childhood nutritional status remains limited. Furthermore, research focusing on young children aged 0–3 years is scarce.MethodsLeveraging the outbreak that originated in Wuhan in Dec 2019, the epicenter of China’s first and largest outbreak, and national survey and statistical yearbook data, this study conducted a natural experimental analysis with the consideration of geographical exposure, temporal exposure and survey cohort effects to investigate the pandemic’s impacts on varying nutritional indicators of infants and toddlers aged 0–36 months. A comprehensive set of sensitivity analyses, robustness checks and falsification tests were conducted. The potential heterogeneities across socioeconomic and age groups were also examined.ResultsThe pandemic was robustly predictive of a higher weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and length/height-for-age z-score (HAZ), and a lower likelihood of underweight. The effects of the pandemic on increasing WAZ and reducing underweight were more pronounced among children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or aged 0–12 months. Additionally, the increasing HAZ was primarily among children from households with lower family income. Moreover, the pandemic was negatively linked to the body mass index (BMI)-for-age z-score (BAZ) of children residing in more developed cities, and positively linked to overweight/obesity among children aged 13–24 months.ConclusionsThis study adds to a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on childhood nutrition. Notably, the findings highlight that weight gain attributable to the pandemic was predominantly among vulnerable children from disadvantaged backgrounds and younger age groups, who were already at a higher risk of overweight/obesity before the pandemic. Consequently, our findings imply the necessity of greater caution to the widened gap in childhood malnutrition post-pandemic. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of implementing adaptable strategies with the consideration of social justice to safeguard all children’s right to optimal growth from exogenous shocks and to achieve the children-related SDGs by 2030.

Identifying Damaged Areas Caused by the Noto Peninsula 2024 Earthquake Using Change Detection from Optical Satellite Images

Abstract. Strategic response during disasters requires the swiftness of the flow of data and information. Simple change detections can be used from Optical Satellite Images to achieve fast results that can be used for analysis and planning. In response to the earthquake that devastated the Noto Peninsula of Japan on New Year’s Day, news reports and early optical satellite images were utilized to identify areas that were damaged by the earthquake. The changes in the reflectance values and indicators, such as NDBI and NDVI were analyzed to identify the areas with damages such as collapsed buildings and landslides. From the after-event satellite images of PlanetScope and Sentinel-2, three areas were identified as severely affected based on news reports namely, Wajima City, Niemachi, and Noto Town. To verify the results of the analysis, aerial images provided by the Geographical Survey Institute of Japan, and Google Earth Street View Images were used. Through change detection methods, the locations of damaged areas were pinpointed using Optical Satellite Images after the earthquake incident.

Microalgae in the Mediterranean area: A geographical survey outlining the diversity and technological potential

Microalgal diversity enables the possibility to employ them in technological applications, as widely shown by the modern literature. While there exists an extensive body of literature concerning the technological applications of microalgae, the scientific knowledge of microalgal species remains relatively limited. Therefore, there is still potential for unlocking new opportunities through the study of the microalgal biodiversity, particularly in the Mediterranean region, which is unique because of its sub regional diversity. While some studies have assessed microalgae distribution in the Mediterranean area, and others have focused on specific aspects of their technical exploitation, this review seeks to offer a comprehensive overview of isolated microalgal species and their technological applications. Microalgae from the Mediterranean area share common characteristics, such as low half-saturation constants and acclimation to high light intensity, making them ideal for specific technological applications. While the search for new microalgae for technological purposes can help in biodiversity conservation, numerous species still remain underexplored, offering potential for innovative applications. However, the key finding from the critical analysis of the literature is that the diversity of microalgae in the Mediterranean region is its true richness, allowing for their versatile applications across various processes. The work focuses on the Mediterranean area, i.e., having coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea and on aquatic microalgae, coming from water with different salinity levels. This review offers an intrinsic ecological and technological perspective and provides a fresh outlook on the microalgal sector, promoting its expansion in the Mediterranean area and the development of sustainable bio-industries.

SPATIAL JUSTICE: GEOGRAPHICAL CONCEPTUALIZATION IN THE CONTEXT OF WAR IN UKRAINE

As a scientific category, spatial justice requires to be detailed and in-depth theoretical and methodological study, as well as empirical evaluation. Since representatives of different fields of knowledge offer their own definitions of spatial justice, it is impossible to have a systematic view of it, nor to place accents that are important for geo­graphers. The purpose of the study is to analyze and summarize approaches to the definition of “spatial justice”, to outline its main dimensions, and to clarify, through an online expert survey of geographers, the essence of the category and the focus of its study in the context of the military situation in Ukraine. The analysis of the literature and the results of an online survey of geographers on the nature of spatial justice in Ukraine revealed that justice is based on the principle of equal opportunities, which is worth striving for, given the objective geographical inequalities in living conditions, access to services, levels of mobility, etc. Even though the category of “spatial justice” has been defined by geographers in the past, it is not yet clear what the main dimensions of spatial justice are, and what the focus of its study should be. Although the category of spatial justice is most developed in Western countries, its implementation in war and post-war conditions in Ukraine is extremely necessary, especially since the injustice of war is exacerbated by its consequences. According to the majority of respondents, spatial justice can be interpreted as the achievement of a state in which the economic life of a given territory is subordinated to, or at least does not contradict, the interests of the local community, creating benefits and opportunities to meet production, cultural and other needs. In times of war, it is also a fair democratic process of sharing benefits and risks between territories. The definitions chosen by the majority of respondents can be the basis for the further development of theoretical, methodological, and practical tools for the formation of a platform for the implementation of the principles of spatial justice at different territorial levels.

Drainage Basin Analysis of the Sarayan River, Ganga Plain, India

The Sarayan River is a groundwater fed meandering river, originating near Gola Gokaran Nath Town in Lakhimpur Kheri District of Uttar Pradesh in the Ganga Plain. It flows around 170 km before joining the Gomti River at Kaintain hamlet, Sidhauli Tehsil, Sitapur District, Uttar Pradesh. The morphometric analysis of the Sarayan River Basin is explained in the present paper by using Geographical Information System (GIS) technique and Survey of India topographical sheets to integrate basic, shape and derived characteristics. It shows a dendritic drainage pattern, with a surface area of about 2535 km2. The basic parameters identified are, perimeter 383 km, length 112 km and slope 0.80 m/km. The derived parameters such as the relief–ratio (Rr) 0.30 m/km, bifurcation ratio (Rb) 8.82 and RHO coefficient 0.02, describe a gently undulating topography, influencing sediment transport and the formation of extensive alluvial plain. The form factor (Ff) 0.20, circularity index (Rc) 0.22, and elongation ratio (Re) 0.51 indicate the elongated shape of the basin. The Sarayan River Basin is a fourth order river basin with mature topography and dendritic behaviour of the drainage network.

Dynamic analysis of carbon emissions from construction and demolition activities in Japan: Revealed by high-resolution 4D-GIS modeling

To meet the 2050 decarbonization target of the global buildings and construction sector, more attention is needed to reduce carbon emissions from construction and demolition. However, current national carbon accounting studies for these activities remain limited in spatial granularity and localized applicability. This study developed a bottom-up spatiotemporal database of carbon emissions from building construction and demolition in Japan via integrating a geographic information system-based building stock model, statistical data, and survey information. Focusing on municipal-level emissions, the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index approach was used to decompose spatiotemporal variations and identify the contributing factors. Results indicate that carbon emissions from Japan's construction and demolition activities fell by more than 50% between 2005 and 2020, largely due to declining new/demolished-to-stock ratio, suggesting a transition to a stock-based society. Central cities' reliance on carbon-intensive buildings positively contributed to spatial variations in their construction emissions, underscoring the importance of sustainable materials and timber designs. Differences between prefectures in demolition emission intensity highlighted the strategic placement of recycling facilities in key regions to curb transportation-related emissions. Overall, these findings provided data reference for local governments to devise tailored policies for managing construction and demolition emissions.

Unveiling beekeepers’ use and preference of precision apiculture systems

Amid growing ecological concerns surrounding honey bee colony mortality, Precision Apiculture Systems (PAS) emerge as promising monitoring tools to safeguard bee health as well as to improve the beekeeping practices and economic sustainability of apiary operations. These systems offer critical insights into colony dynamics, aiding decision-making processes in beekeeping. Despite a surge in relevant academic research, knowledge of actual PAS usage and preference among beekeepers remains limited. To fill this gap, a standardized survey was conducted among beekeepers in France, Germany, and Greece. This focused geographical scope survey aimed to determine the extent of current and potential PAS adoption, the motivations behind usage or avoidance, and ascertain future preferences. Among the 538 respondents, 45% reported utilizing some form of PAS, with beekeeping scales being the most commonly used. The study revealed that the use of PAS positively correlates with both the number of hives managed and the distance of the apiary from the beekeeper’s residence. Overall, 90% of respondents expressed a certain degree of satisfaction with their use of PAS, although the high costs of these tools were identified as a primary obstacle to broader adoption. About 48% of the beekeepers preferred systems with external sensors, highlighting a clear demand for non-invasive health-related colony information. The advantages that foster PAS usage include decision-making support and improved efficiency in monitoring colony growth and honey productivity. These findings can assist in making PAS more accessible to beekeepers, with the aim to enhance colony performance and decision-making capabilities, thus addressing honey bee colony mortality.

Myco-Phycobiont Interactions within the "Ramalina farinacea Group": A Geographical Survey over Europe and Macaronesia.

Ramalina farinacea is a widely distributed epiphytic lichen from the Macaronesian archipelagos to Mediterranean and Boreal Europe. Previous studies have indicated a specific association between R. farinacea and Trebouxia microalgae species. Here, we examined the symbiotic interactions in this lichen and its closest allies (the so-called "R. farinacea group") across ten biogeographic subregions, spanning diverse macroclimates, analyzing the climatic niche of the primary phycobionts, and discussing the specificity of these associations across the studied area. The most common phycobionts in the "R. farinacea group" were T. jamesii and T. lynnae, which showed a preference for continentality and insularity, respectively. The Canarian endemic R. alisiosae associated exclusively with T. lynnae, while the other Ramalina mycobionts interacted with both microalgae. The two phycobionts exhibited extensive niche overlap in an area encompassing Mediterranean, temperate Europe, and Macaronesian localities. However, T. jamesii occurred in more diverse climate types, whereas T. lynnae preferred warmer and more humid climates, often close to the sea, which could be related to its tolerance to salinity. With the geographical perspective gained in this study, it was possible to show how the association with different phycobionts may shape the ecological adaptation of lichen symbioses.

The Unfinished Wheeler Atlas of the American West: Reassessing the Value of a Nineteenth-Century Mapping Project

ABSTRACT The U.S. government sent four major groups of explorers into the American West in the late nineteenth century. The United States Geographical Surveys West of the One Hundredth Meridian, more commonly known by the name of its director, George Montague Wheeler, was among these. This survey had the goal of mapping the West and producing an atlas of 143 sheets covering the United States west of the Mississippi River. Though 49 maps were completed, no final atlas was ever published and government surveyors criticised the work as obsolete and inadequate. Wheeler's mapping marked an important development in the mapping of the West, however, and provides a useful resource for understanding land use and settlement change in this region.

Espaciando el agua del interior para la ciudad de Argel (Argelia)

Of all the kinds of relationship, the one that links man with water is considered as profound and serious in geographical surveys. Yet in the past, the greatest threat to agriculture was a major problem, the attention of people is now captured by water in cities. The increasing need of water in Algiers is due to the growth of population and urbanism. On the other hand, there is a rise in water needs per capita. This problem didn't arise during the last decades, but today the situation is no longer the same. It's a considerable challenge for the capital Algiers, especially for the next generations. Using a geo-history method, which consists in studying the evolution of hinterland water space in time, we will direct our research towards the exposure of the influences exerted by the increase of water needs in the zone of study. The finality of the work is to identify the water resources around the Algiers City and that arises from the spacing of evolution hinterland water. We will obtain valuable information about the extension, the distance of the hinterland water supplier from the city of Algiers. The expected result of this work is to determine the hinterland which can be counted on to supply the city of Algiers with drinking water in the medium and long term. Finally, we can think of hydraulic planning and development based on the principles of sustainable development. This with the aim of proposing solutions to current problems and ensuring the needs of future generations.

Relative Sea Level Rise in the Winyah Bay-Waccamaw River Tidal System Over the Last Thirteen Years

Prediction of sea level rise (SLR) in response to climate change has been the focus of worldwide research, most focusing on the impact by human development. The research has been limited to estuaries and tidal rivers near harbors dealing with the hydrodynamics of reversing tidal flows. This article focuses on the Waccamaw River National Wildlife Refuge in coastal South Carolina where freshwater unidirectional flow is common. We examined the record of water levels in the Waccamaw and Pee Dee Rivers over the period 2007–2019 and the length of record of the United States Geographical Survey (USGS) gauge at Pawleys Island on the Waccamaw River. The Atlantic Ocean, off the southeastern coast of the US, has experienced accelerated SLR since 2000. National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) tide gauges from Fort Pulaski on Cockspur Island in Georgia to Beaufort, North Carolina, show significant increase in long-term SLR since then with an average since 2007 of approximately 10 mm y-1. Since the study period was less than the 18.6-year cycle of lunar precession, tidal ranges were expanding for much of the study period resulting in the rate of rise of Mean Higher High Water (MHHW; the average of the highest tide levels during each day) being greater than the rate of increase of Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW; the average of the lowest tide levels during each day) in all ocean stations. We examined water levels at NOAA and USGS gauges from Oyster Creek, in North Inlet to Conway on the Waccamaw River and Near Bucksport on the Pee Dee River. We found mean water levels increased more rapidly with distance from the ocean with an apparent SLR > 40 mm y-1 at Conway on the Waccamaw and Bucksport on the Pee Dee. In contrast to the ocean NOAA gauges, the estuary/river gauges showed more rapid increase of daily minimum water level (an approximation of MLLW) than daily maximum water level (an approximation of MHHW) with an extreme of apparent rise of minimum water levels of 58 mm y-1 at Bucksport on the Pee Dee. Nearly 50% of the increase in apparent SLR was due to an increase in the annual average freshwater flow of the Pee Dee and Waccamaw Rivers. Over the past 13 years the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge has experienced an apparent SLR that was more than double that observed at the edge of the ocean. The rise has been greater in the height of daily low water than in the height of daily high water. The increase was driven by both tidal hydrodynamics and an increase in the rate of flow in the Pee Dee and Waccamaw Rivers. These findings have important implications for land managers, policymakers, and homeowners in the region as people in the middle to upper estuaries need to plan for rates of relative SLR rise much greater than the frequently discussed rates in the ocean.

Золотоордынские караванные пути и караван-сараи на юге и юго-западе Западного Казахстана и юге Волго-Уральского междуречья в XIII–XVI вв.

Introduction. In West Kazakhstan and the Volga-Ural interfluve, it is Golden Horde cities, caravan routes, and caravanserais that remain as under- or uninvestigated. Particular attention be paid to the necessity of exploring caravan routes and caravanserais from Urgench to Saraychik (Saray-Jük), and from Saraychik to the Volga Golden Horde cities. Goals. The study seeks to systemize and analyze materials on caravan routes and caravanserais in the south and southwest of West Kazakhstan and in the south of the Volga-Ural interfluve. It also aims at reconstructing some functioning patterns of caravan trade routes from Saraychik to the Volga Golden Horde cities in the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries. So, the paper shall systemize and examine archaeological, ethnographic, archival data and sources on the Golden Horde cities, caravan routes, and caravanserais across the mentioned territories; describe some identified caravan routes and caravanserais. Materials and methods. The work focuses on materials from archaeological excavations in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan; considers outcomes of field (expeditionary) historical, geographical, and ethnographic surveys conducted across Mangystau and Atyrau Regions of Kazakhstan in 2019–2022; performs analyses of geographical maps. The research methodology includes general scientific, historical, and geographical tools and techniques. Results. The paper basically systemizes the efforts undertaken by scholars affiliated to Saraishyq State Reserve Museum of History and Culture (Kazakhstan). The field (expeditionary) surveys have identified more Golden Horde sites and settlements to yield an improved map of caravan routes. At large, the article provides a general territorial scheme of caravan routes and caravanserais from the Golden Horde period across the south and southwest of West Kazakhstan and the south of the Volga-Ural interfluve. Conclusions. Our insights attest to that the Golden Horde caravanserais and caravan routes were characterized by quite efficient territorial patterns in the examined regions that grew to shape a comprehensive transit-trade system for the transfer of people, goods, and knowledge along a northern branch of the Silk Road.

Species Delimitation in a Polyploid Group of Iberian Jasione (Campanulaceae) Unveils Coherence between Cryptic Speciation and Biogeographical Regionalization.

Groups with morphological stasis are an interesting framework to address putative cryptic species that may be hidden behind traditional taxonomic treatments, particularly when distribution ranges suggest disjunct and environmentally heterogeneous biogeographic patterns. New hypotheses of delimitation of evolutionary independent units can lead to the identification of different biogeographic processes, laying the foundation to investigate their historical and ecological significance. Jasione is a plant genus with a distribution centered in the Mediterranean basin, characterized by significant morphological stasis. Within the western Mediterranean J. gr. crispa species complex, J. sessiliflora s.l. and allied taxa form a distinct group, occupying environmentally diverse regions. At least two ploidy levels, diploid and tetraploid, are known to occur in the group. The internal variability is assessed with phylogenetic tools, viz. GMYC and ASAP, for species delimitation. The results are compared with other lines of evidence, including morphology and cytology. The fitting of distribution patterns of the inferred entities to chorological subprovinces is also used as a biogeographical and environmental framework to test the species hypothesis. Despite the scarcity of diagnostic morphological characters in the group, phylogenetic delimitation supports the description of at least one cryptic species, a narrow endemic in the NE Iberian Peninsula. Moreover, the results support the segregation of a thermophilic group of populations in eastern Iberia from J. sessiliflora. Ploidy variation from a wide geographical survey supports the systematic rearrangement suggested by species delimitation. Taxonomic reorganization in J. sessiliflora s.l. would allow ecological interpretations of distribution patterns in great accordance with biogeographical regionalization at the subprovince level, supporting geobotanical boundaries as a framework to interpret species ecological coherence of cryptic lineages. These results suggest that species differentiation, together with geographic isolation and polyploidization, is associated with adaptation to different environments, shifting from more to less thermophilic conditions. Thus, the recognition of concealed evolutionary entities is essential to correctly interpret biogeographical patterns in regions with a complex geologic and evolutionary history, such as the Mediterranean basin, and biogeographical units emerge as biologically sound frameworks to test the species hypothesis.

A reliability study of the Park Life public participatory geographic information system survey

AbstractPlanning policy for parks is typically guided by a standard approach that fails to account for how communities actually use parks. Moreover, few researchers know the exact parks people use, even though “use” is often hypothesised in the relationships being tested. Public participatory geographic information systems (PPGISs) present an opportunity to collect specific, spatially referenced information on park use and park‐based activities. However, the reliability of these instruments has not been studied. The Park Life PPGIS captured residential location, park location, and park‐based behavioural data from a sample of adults and was tested for reliability. Kappa scores and intra‐class correlations assessed the reliability of the items. Recall of individual items all showed acceptable reliability and mostly achieved “substantial” agreement or “near‐perfect” agreement. The Park Life PPGIS is a reliable instrument to capture park use and activities. Such information is essential for public health and physical activity researchers, urban planners, and park managers to develop informed planning and public health policies and programs that promote park use.

Geographical survey of the mycobiome and microbiome of Southern California glassy-winged sharpshooters.

The glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis Germar, is an invasive xylem-feeding leafhopper with a devastating economic impact on California agriculture through transmission of the plant pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa. While studies have focused on X. fastidiosa or known symbionts of H. vitripennis, little work has been done at the scale of the microbiome (the bacterial community) or mycobiome (the fungal community). Here, we characterize the mycobiome and the microbiome of H. vitripennis across Southern California and explore correlations with captivity and host insecticide resistance status. Using high-throughput sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 region and the 16S rRNA gene to profile the mycobiome and microbiome, respectively, we found that while the H. vitripennis mycobiome significantly varied across Southern California, the microbiome did not. We also observed a significant difference in both the mycobiome and microbiome between captive and wild H. vitripennis. Finally, we found that the mycobiome, but not the microbiome, was correlated with insecticide resistance status in wild H. vitripennis. This study serves as a foundational look at the H. vitripennis mycobiome and microbiome across Southern California. Future work should explore the putative link between microbes and insecticide resistance status and investigate whether microbial communities should be considered in H. vitripennis management practices. IMPORTANCE The glassy-winged sharpshooter is an invasive leafhopper that feeds on the xylem of plants and transmits the devastating pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, resulting in significant economic damage to California's agricultural system. While studies have focused on this pathogen or obligate symbionts of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, there is limited knowledge of the bacterial and fungal communities that make up its microbiome and mycobiome. To address this knowledge gap, we explored the composition of the mycobiome and the microbiome of the glassy-winged sharpshooter across Southern California and identified differences associated with geography, captivity, and host insecticide resistance status. Understanding sources of variation in the microbial communities associated with the glassy-winged sharpshooter is an important consideration for developing management strategies to control this invasive insect. This study is a first step toward understanding the role microbes may play in the glassy-winged sharpshooter's resistance to insecticides.

Trans-Global Biogeochemistry of Soil to Grain Transport of Arsenic and Cadmium

Previous studies have shown that arsenic and cadmium can accumulate in rice grain to levels that cause health concerns. Furthermore, geographical survey has shown that there is considerable variation (~ 100-fold) in accumulation of these carcinogens in rice grain. This variance must be due to heterogeneity in soil biogeochemistry and contrasting rice management regimens. Here we present the first systematic global study to investigate the impact of soil biogeochemistry on accumulation of these elements in rice grain. Matched grain, shoot, root and soil samples were collected across a latitudinal gradient from East Africa to Europe and soil, shoot, grain chemistry and soil microbial community (prokaryotes and fungi) assessed within the context of arsenic and cadmium biogeochemistry. European and Vietnamese grain sum of arsenic species (inorganic arsenic plus dimethylarsonic acid) concentration medians, ~ 0.1 mg/kg, were found to be around ten-fold higher compared to those in East Africa and Sri Lanka. Arsenic concentrations were linked to higher levels of soil arsenic, and to higher abundance of soil sulphur-oxidising and sulphate reducing bacteria and methanogenic archaea. For cadmium, Sri Lanka showed highest (median 0.0156 mg/kg) and Europe lowest (median of 0.001 mg/kg) levels in grain, with the other regions showing intermediate values. Interestingly, grain cadmium was unrelated to soil cadmium concentrations, with Europe having the highest levels of cadmium in soil. Instead, grain cadmium correlated with higher oxidation/reduction potential, lower -log[hydrogen ion], lower soil calcium, and to a higher abundance of aerobic bacteria and fungi (lowest abundance of these organisms in European soils).

EVALUATING AGE DIFFERENCES IN LEFTHANDERS AND RIGHT-HANDERS: A DATADRIVEN ANALYSIS

—This research project investigates whether there is a significant difference in the average age of death between left-handers and right-handers by analyzing age distribution data collected from a National Geographic survey. Utilizing Bayesian statistics and data visualization techniques, the study calculates the probability of being a specific age at death based on handedness. The results reveal that there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that left-handers experience an earlier average age of death, challenging a commonly held belief. This evidence-based analysis contributes valuable insights to the discussion on handedness and longevity, highlighting the importance of rigorous data-driven research in dispelling prevailing myths.

Ruggedness and child health outcomes: Evidence from Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Nigeria

AbstractThis paper examines the effect of terrain ruggedness on child stunting in Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Nigeria. Using a cross‐section analysis with data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and a measure that captures variation in the terrains of the countries, we find that the more difficult it is to traverse the terrain in Burundi, Cameroon and Nigeria, the higher the likelihood of child stunting. However, this association is not consistent for Ethiopia until we account for the Oromia region, which has the capital city Addis Ababa. These results remain robust with the inclusion of socio‐economic factors related to child health (e.g. maternal health, maternal education and household income), demographic factors (e.g. gender of child), other geographical factors (e.g. rainfall patterns and malaria prevalence) and survey and region effects. The results suggest that there are complementary factors to geography that may contribute to poor child health outcomes, such as the quality of infrastructure and the ability to access healthcare services. Given that child health is a key development outcome, understanding such spatial variations associated with child health inequalities can assist in designing effective intervention programmes and allocating resources where they are most needed.

Analisis Sebaran Konversi Lahan Pertanian di Kecamatan Muara Bangkahulu Kota Bengkulu

This study aims to determine the pattern of land use change and the pattern of distribution of land conversion that occurred in Muara Bangkahulu District in the period 2010-2022. This study uses a quantitative method with a spatial analysis approach that utilizes Geographic Information System technology and surveys to conduct ground checks in the field on the interpretation of land conversion results from satellite imagery data. The analysis used is nearest neighbor analysis and descriptive analysis. The results showed that there were only two patterns of land change that occurred in Muara Bangkahulu District, namely oil palm plantation areas turning into residential areas and agricultural areas turning into residential areas. The high rate of change of land use into residential areas is due to the subsidized housing program in Muara Bangkahulu District. The pattern of distribution of land conversion that occurs can be seen through the pattern of distribution of settlements in Muara Bangkahulu District which is included in the random category with a value of T = 1.064934 meaning that land conversion occurs in each village and the change tends to be permanent because it has changed its function to become built-up land or settlements.