Geographical Landscape Research Articles

Assessing the Fiscal Implications of Flood Disasters in India: Insights for General and Special Category States

Abstract This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the fiscal consequences arising from flood disasters in India, with a specific focus on the challenges encountered by General Category States (GCS) and Special Category States (SCS). Recognizing India's vulnerability to floods due to its diverse geographical and climatic landscape, the research emphasizes the need for a coordinated disaster response framework involving both central and state governments. Utilizing a panel vector autoregression (VAR) methodology alongside impulse response functions (IRFs), we reveal that flood disasters significantly impact fiscal variables over a medium-term horizon of 3–5 years. Our findings indicate that fiscal deficits widen for up to three years post-disaster, while expenditures on flood control surge in the following years. Notably, SCS face a disproportionate fiscal strain, exacerbated by their geographical disadvantages and heightened susceptibility to disasters, leading to a decline in non-tax revenue after flood shocks. The study advocates for tailored fiscal policies that enhance the resilience and recovery capacity of both GCS and SCS in addressing flood-induced fiscal challenges.

Unveiling the Gut Microbiome of Malaysia's Colobine Monkeys : Insights into Health and Evolution.

Colobines are primarily leaf-eating primates, depend on microbiota of gastrointestinal tracts for food digestion. However, the gut microbiota of Malaysia's colobines specifically langurs remains unstudied. Hence, we aim to analyze the fecal microbiomes of Malaysia's langurs using Presbytis femoralis, Presbytis robinsoni, Trachypithecus obscurus, and Trachypithecus cristatus from various landscapes as models. We collected samples from all four species across several areas in Peninsular Malaysia and performed 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing using the Illumina sequencing platform. Presbytis femoralis exhibited the highest bacterial diversity, followed by T. obscurus, T. cristatus, P. robinsoni and the lowest, P. siamensis. Over 11 million operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified across Malaysia's langurs spanning 26 phyla, 180 families, and 329 genera of microbes. The OTUs were dominated by Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. There are 11 genera of pathogenic bacteria were identified across all host species. Nine pathogenic bacterial genera inhabit both T. obscurus, indicating poor health due to low bacterial diversity and heightened pathogenicity. In contrast, P. robinsoni with the fewest pathogenic species is deemed the healthiest among Malaysia's langurs. This study demonstrates that alterations in diet, behavior, and habitat affect bacterial diversity in Malaysia's langurs' gut microbiota. Even though this is the first comprehensive analysis of langur microbiomes in Malaysia, it is important to note the limitations regarding the number of samples, populations sampled, and the geographical origins and landscapes of these populations. Our results suggest that Malaysia's langurs may harbor pathogenic bacteria, potentially posing a risk of transmission to humans. This highlights the critical need for the conservation and management of Malaysia's langurs, particularly considering their interactions with humans. This data can serve as a foundation for authorities to inform the public about the origins and significance of animal health and the management of zoonotic diseases.

Home in Han Suyin’s 'Till Morning Comes' from the Perspective of New Cultural Geography

Viewed through the lens of new cultural geography, a geographical landscape is a symbolic system showing the beliefs and values of society, as in the case of the home landscape. The article employs Mike Crang’s concepts of landscape and home to examine different homes in Han Suyin’s Till Morning Comes (1982). From leaving homes, searching for homes to returning homes, Stephanie, an American woman in diaspora, is exposed to different cultures, experiencing a sense of home in China, a sense of homelessness in both China and America, and a sense of being between worlds. In the process of searching for a home, Stephanie constructs her identity as a Chinese and eventually as a world citizen. The home in the novel is more than just a dwelling place; it is a place signifying cultural identity and a meaningful space that influences the identity transformation of a diasporic woman. The article therefore uses a textual analysis approach to explore how homes are represented and how a diasporic woman’s identity is affected by the home landscape she experiences in Till Morning Comes. This novel’s exploration of home illuminates the unique experience of a diasporic woman, highlighting the importance of re-evaluating Han’s work within the framework of contemporary cultural geography.

Analyzing the 'Supply Creates its Own Demand' Phenomenon in the Context of Jammu and Kashmir's Economy

This paper examines the phenomenon of "supply creates its own demand" in the context of Jammu and Kashmir's economy. Originally posited by Jean-Baptiste Say, this economic principle asserts that the production of goods and services leads to the generation of income and demand for those same goods and services. In this study, we aim to explore how this phenomenon unfolds within the unique socio-political, geographical, and economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. By analyzing key sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism, we assess how production drives demand and evaluate factors inhibiting this dynamic, including political instability and infrastructural challenges. A regression analysis is used to provide empirical insights, followed by policy recommendations that could enhance the region's economic growth.

Vosviewer-Based Bibliometric Review of Transshipment Location Problem From 2000 to 2023

Objective: This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric review of the Transshipment Location Problem (TLP) by identifying key authors, countries, journals, and research areas. It also maps the evolution of TLP and explores methodologies and tools used for optimizing logistical and distribution systems. Theoretical Framework: TLP, a variant of the classical transshipment problem, has gained attention for its role in optimizing supply chain networks. It involves both proactive transshipment (planned inventory management) and reactive transshipment (responding to unexpected events or shortages). Method: This study applies a bibliometric analysis methodology using VOSviewer to analyze publications extracted from the Scopus database. The analysis focuses on key bibliometric indicators such as co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence. The dataset comprises 432 selected articles published between 2000 and 2023. Results and Discussion: The review reveals that optimization tools, particularly in transportation and inventory management, are widely applied in TLP studies The United States, China, and Germany are leading contributors to TLP research. Lateral transshipment strategies are increasingly employed to enhance supply chain flexibility. A small group of influential researchers drives the field through collaborations and citations. Research Implications: The review provides valuable insights for future research, highlighting gaps in applying optimization methods in emerging fields like healthcare. It offers a clear view of the geographical and institutional landscape of TLP research and suggests areas for future study, such as sustainability. Originality/Value: This review fills a gap in the literature by systematically mapping TLP research’s evolution and its growing relevance in logistical systems optimization across various industries.

Medical geographical zoning in part of Uzbekistan – A regional synthesis

This study delves into the nuanced realm of medical geography, focusing on the intricate interplay between geographical factors and public health outcomes in the Samarkand and Navoi regions of Uzbekistan. Over the decades, the field of medical geography has evolved, embracing a holistic perspective that integrates ecological, socioeconomic, and accessibility elements to elucidate the complex dynamics of disease distribution and healthcare provision. Utilizing a comprehensive methodology, this research employs a combination of GIS tools, statistical analysis, and expert input to delineate medical geographical zones within the study area. By synthesizing data from diverse sources including administrative records, environmental assessments, and demographic surveys, the study constructs a detailed picture of the region's health landscape. The analysis revealed five primary medical geographical zones and a sub-zone, each characterized by distinct natural features, economic activities, and health challenges. From the bustling urban centers of Samarkand and Navoi to the remote desert expanses of Uzguduk - Tomdi North, each zone presents unique opportunities and obstacles for healthcare delivery and environmental management. Key findings highlight the disproportionate distribution of healthcare resources, with densely populated areas in the southern part of the study area benefitting from greater accessibility to medical facilities compared to remote rural regions. Moreover, environmental factors such as air pollution, water contamination, and climatic variability emerge as significant determinants of public health, exacerbating respiratory ailments, cardiovascular diseases, and other health conditions. The study underscores the importance of spatial analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex health issues within diverse geographical landscapes. By mapping medical geographical zones and understanding their specific health concerns, policymakers and healthcare professionals can develop targeted interventions to improve healthcare access, mitigate environmental hazards, and promote community well-being. In conclusion, this research contributes valuable insights to the field of medical geography, shedding light on the multifaceted interactions between geography, environment, and health in the Samarkand and Navoi regions of Uzbekistan. Moving forward, further research and collaborative efforts are needed to address the underlying determinants of health disparities and foster sustainable development in the region.

Social Support and Social Adjustment Among Chinese Secondary School Students: The Mediating Roles of Subjective Well-Being and Psychological Resilience.

Within the scope of secondary education, social adjustment among students signifies their ability to effectively engage in social activities and adapt to shifting social environments. Extensive research across diverse geographical and sociocultural landscapes has demonstrated a positive correlation between social support and social adjustment; nonetheless, the specific mechanisms that facilitate this correlation among secondary school students remain largely unexplored. This study examines the roles of subjective well-being and psychological resilience as potential mediators in the connection between social support and social adjustment. To achieve this, a descriptive correlation design was employed with four measures, including Social Support Scale, Social Adjustment Diagnosis Scale, Adolescent Students' Life Satisfaction Scale, and the Chinese version of Mental Toughness Inventory (MTI). A total of 1537 valid responses from secondary school students across Zhejiang province (China) were collected, of which 786 were boys (51.1%) and 751 girls (48.9%), with average age of 16.89 years (SD = 0.79). This research demonstrates that social support, along with subjective well-being and psychological resilience, significantly and positively influences social adjustment. It was observed that both subjective well-being and psychological resilience, whether occurring simultaneously or in succession, partially mediate the influence of social support on social adjustment. The implications of this research suggest that enhancing social adjustment among secondary school students can be achieved by increasing their levels of social support, thereby boosting subjective wellbeing and fortifying psychological resilience. Within the environment of secondary schools, augmenting social support leads to improved social adjustment; furthermore, enhancing subjective wellbeing and reinforcing psychological resilience are crucial for supporting students' positive adaptation to dynamic social environments. Teachers and educational policymakers could implement training programmes, provide psychological counselling, and bolster home-school collaboration as strategies to foster better social adjustment among students.

Strategic Management Practices in Multinational Corporations: A Comparative Study

This paper explores strategic management practices within multinational corporations (MNCs) through a comparative study of different regional and industrial contexts. The research aims to identify key strategies that drive success and sustainability in a globalized business environment. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the study combines quantitative analysis of financial performance metrics with qualitative insights from interviews with senior executives. The findings highlight the significance of adaptive strategies, cultural intelligence, and robust risk management frameworks. Additionally, the study uncovers regional variations in strategic priorities, emphasizing the need for MNCs to tailor their approaches to local market conditions. The paper concludes with recommendations for practitioners to enhance strategic alignment and operational effectiveness across diverse geographical landscapes.

Public management of scientists’ potential as a source of economic development: A bibliometric analysis

Particular hopes have always been placed on the potential of scientists because they can act as a driving force for effective government. Understanding the importance of scientists ensured progress and prosperity for leading civilizations. This study aims to identify an evolutionary-chronological, geographical, and contextual scientific landscape of the development and management of the potential of scientists through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Initially, 5619 publications in the Scopus database were selected from 1957 to 2023. The evolution of knowledge about the importance of public administration of scientific personnel began in 1957 and reached its peak in 2019. Authors from the USA, Great Britain, and Australia have published more about the significance of managing the potential of scientific personnel, and strong schools of knowledge about scientific personnel are concentrated in the USA, France, Canada, and Australia. The analysis of the research’s conceptual orientation shows that publications in environmental and social sciences dominate this sphere. In addition, the bibliometric analysis results show that public management of scientific personnel will bring benefits such as effective government policy decisions, increased innovation activity, commercialization, and improvement of the population’s social life. The results of this study lay the foundation for future research that should improve the management of scientific personnel’s potential. AcknowledgmentsThis study is supported by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (AP19579256 “Mechanisms for empowering women in scientific activity in the interests of the development of the innovative economy of Kazakhstan”, 2023–2025).

Ecological and faunistic features of fleas in the Transcaucasian mounthill natural plague foci in Azerbaijan

Among all vectors of natural focal infections, fleas are the most active. In this respect, entomological and epizootological monitoring has always been of great importance. This article, based on the material collected from the Transcaucasian foothill natural plague focus, presents the results of a study of flea species diversity, the landscape and geographical area of their distribution. The goal of this work was to determine the diversity of flea species, their distribution and abundance based on the results of epizootological studies conducted in areas with different landscapes in the Transcaucasian foothill natural plague focus of Azerbaijan. The material for the study was obtained during epizootological studies and observations conducted in the spring and autumn seasons of 2020–2023. in the Transcaucasian foothill natural plague focus of Azerbaijan (Bozchol, Mil-Mugan, Eastern and Western Jeyranchel, Gobustan, Absheron, semi-deserts of Kilazi, Sitalchay). Collection, packaging, transportation, and marketing of the material were carried out on the basis of relevant biosafety rules and delivered for further study to the Special Dangerous İnfections Control Center. In total, 61,087 nest tracks were examined, and 7,939 fleas were collected and delivered. The material was processed and identified in the laboratory in accordance with the current regulatory and methodological document on the safety of working with pathogenic biological agents (PBA) of pathogenicity groups I–IV. As a result of sample identification, the species composition of fleas was determined and grouped by geographical areas and landscapes. Research was also carried out (using the PCR method) for the presence of the plague causative agent - Yersinia pestis. According to the results of the study, it was found that, regardless of the biocenotic and climatic characteristics of individual sectors of the Transcaucasian foothill natural plague focus of Azerbaijan, there may be enough carriers of infectious diseases and their growth increases over the years. The frequency of occurrence of the prevailing genera of fleas - Xenopsylla and Nosopsyllus- depends on the natural and climatic conditions of the focus being studied. The analysis for the presence of the plague causative agent among all fleas caught and studied did not give positive results. For the timely detection of epizootics among wild rodents and bloodsuckers, it is important to conduct regular epizootic surveys in enzootic areas for plague.

Regional R&I ventures to tackle climate change: A new geography of challenge-oriented innovation landscape

This paper analyses how EU regions have aligned their innovation and policy endeavours to tackle exposure to the effects of Climate Change at regional level. Scholars hailed the need to orienting efforts and resources to tackle societal challenges. However, we have little empirical evidence on the alignment of R&I ecosystems and policy endeavours towards tackling Climate Change. Using regression analysis, we assess the relationship between such directionality and the exposure to risk of disasters (i.e., coastal floods, river floods, and landslides) that each region faces in the short, medium, and long term due to Climate Change. Results show a positive relationship between risk projection and climate change preparedness. However, a more in-depth analysis demonstrates the complexity of such geographical "problem-solution convergence": investigating whether the EU regions most at risk of being affected by climate change are also the ones most ready to target climate change through an aligned combination of R&I and policy efforts. Findings show that more developed regions appear more ready to tackle climate change effects compared to transition and less developed regions. These findings suggest that more support is needed for less developed regions facing major Climate Change-related risks.

A Cartographic Landscape Analysis of the Geo-Ecological Condition of the Natural Reserve Object—Lake Doshne (Volyn Polissya, Ukraine)

The cartographic landscape analysis of Lake Doshne employs geographic landscape methods, GIS cartographic modeling, and geo-ecological analysis. This study includes hydrochemical analysis of the lake’s water mass, focusing on saline blocks, tropho-saprobiological indicators, and specific toxic action indicators. Three geological sections of anthropogenic and pre-Quaternary complexes, along with a geological–lithological transverse profile of the lake basin, were developed. Additionally, a geographical landscape model of the lake’s natural aquatic complex was presented, distinguishing littoral–sublittoral and profundal aquatic sub-tracts and five types of aquafacies with landscape metric assessments. This approach enables a comprehensive analysis and the creation of cartographic models that can serve as a basis for lake cadastre and optimization of the ecological and landscape conditions in local territories.

Mitochondrial markers revealed genetic panmixia in the data-deficient yellowfin snapper, Lutjanus xanthopinnis (Actinopterygii: Eupercaria: Lutjanidae), from a hotspot of the southern region of the South China Sea

Understanding the genetic structure and diversity of marine fish is crucial for a sustainable management program. We examined the genetic diversity and historical demographics of the yellowfin snapper, Lutjanus xanthopinnis Iwatsuki, Tanaka et Allen, 2015, in the coastal waters of east Peninsular Malaysia which is bordered by the southern part of the South China Sea using the mitochondrial genes (mtDNA) D-loop and Cytochrome b (Cyt-b). A total of 99 (D-loop) and 78 (Cyt-b) specimens of L. xanthopinnis were successfully sequenced from six locations within the range of species distribution along the Malaysian South China Sea. In the presently reported study, the lack of genetic differentiation among populations can be attributed to historical demographic events, eggs and planktonic larvae’ ability to disperse, spawning patterns, and the absence of physical barriers in the geographical landscape. Maximum likelihood gene trees demonstrated that the populations under study had limited structuring and formed a panmictic population that lacks support for internal clades. The AMOVA (Analysis of Molecular Variance) and population pairwise ФST values indicated high genetic exchange between the study areas. A high level of haplotype diversity (D-loop: 0.948–1.000; Cyt-b: 0.542–0.928), low nucleotide diversity (D-loop: 0.0095–0.0159; Cyt-b: 0.0022–0.0049) and starlike haplotype network indicates a recent expansion of L. xanthopinnis populations in Malaysian South China Sea. However, neutrality and goodness of fit tests revealed non-significant values. Furthermore, the BSP (Bayesian skyline plot) analysis estimated population expansion events during the late Pleistocene. During this epoch, the fluctuation in sea level may have led to an increase in the abundance of resources and favorable habitats for the yellowfin snapper. The presently reported findings could initiate efficient management strategies for L. xanthopinnis along the coastal areas of the Malaysian South China Sea and other nearby nations that share the same waterways.

Gastric Carcinoma - The Indian Perspective

The overall incidence of gastric carcinoma has decreased worldwide. India’s diverse geographical and socioeconomic landscape contributes to the unique characteristics of this disease. Understanding the specific risk factors and epidemiological patterns is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies. This review examines the epidemiological trends, etiologic risk factors, types, and diagnostic approaches to gastric carcinoma in the Indian context.

Spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanism of Dongting Lake based on 2005–2020 multi-source remote sensing data

As one of the largest inland lakes in China, Dongting Lake has attracted widespread attention owing to its rich natural resources, unique geographical landscape, and important ecological functions. Recently, Dongting Lake has experienced phenomena such as an early dry season and backflow during the flood season. Multi-source remote sensing data and the normalised difference water index (NDWI) threshold method were used to systematically analyse the water area of the lake from 2005 to 2020. Additionally, it employed a centre of gravity migration model and a geographic detector model to investigate the lake's evolution patterns and driving mechanisms. The research identified notable fluctuations in Dongting Lake's water area during this period, with a particularly sharp decline in 2006—from 1509.74 km2 to 815 km2, marking a decrease of 694.74 km2 and a shrinkage rate of 46.01 %. Spatial analysis indicated that the centre of gravity of these water areas changed primarily between Nandashan Town, the Dongting Lake Management Committee, Wanzihu Township, and Qingtan Township, underscoring their significant influence on lake dynamics, including runoff, surface water availability, sediment deposition, and precipitation, all of which displayed strong positive correlations (Pearson coefficients of 0.57, 0.68, and 0.63, respectively), whereas population density showed a negative correlation (Pearson coefficient of −0.56). Furthermore, the study highlighted the substantial impact of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and its interaction with slope and aspect on Dongting Lake's evolution, with Q values of 0.537 and 0.543, respectively, emphasising their critical roles in shaping lake area changes and providing a crucial scientific basis for enhancing the understanding and effective management of water resources in the Dongting Lake Basin through comprehensive analysis of its spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanisms.

Genomic insights into the antimicrobial resistance and virulence of Helicobacter pylori isolates from gastritis patients in Pereira, Colombia

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori infects the stomach and/or small intestines in more than half of the human population. Infection with H. pylori is the most common cause of chronic gastritis, which can lead to more severe gastroduodenal pathologies such as peptic ulcer, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric cancer. H. pylori infection is particularly concerning in Colombia in South America, where > 80% of the population is estimated to be infected with H. pylori and the rate of stomach cancer is one of the highest in the continent.ResultsWe compared the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and short-read genome sequences of five H. pylori isolates obtained from patients diagnosed with gastritis of varying severity (chronic gastritis, antral erosive gastritis, superficial gastritis) in Pereira, Colombia sampled in 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed the isolates to be resistant to at least one of the five antimicrobials tested: four isolates were resistant to metronidazole, two to clarithromycin, two to levofloxacin, and one to rifampin. All isolates were susceptible to tetracycline and amoxicillin. Comparative genome analyses revealed the presence of genes associated with efflux pump, restriction modification systems, phages and insertion sequences, and virulence genes including the cytotoxin genes cagA and vacA. The five genomes represent three novel sequence types. In the context of the Colombian and global populations, the five H. pylori isolates from Pereira were phylogenetically distant to each other but were closely related to other lineages circulating in the country.ConclusionsH. pylori from gastritis of different severity varied in their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and genome content. This knowledge will be useful in implementing appropriate eradication treatment regimens for specific types of gastritis. Understanding the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity in H. pylori across the geographical landscape is critical in informing health policies for effective disease prevention and management that is most effective at local and country-wide scales. This is especially important in Colombia and other South American countries that are poorly represented in global genomic surveillance studies of bacterial pathogens.

Challenges and Solutions to the Recurrent Measles Outbreak in Somalia

This study aims to address the persistent challenge of recurrent measles outbreaks inSomalia by providing an analysis of underlying issues and proposing evidence-basedsolutions. Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, continues to pose significantthreat to public health worldwide, with Somalia facing unique challenges due to itscomplex geographical and sociopolitical landscape. The country’s history of conflict,fragile healthcare infrastructure, and limited access to basic healthcare services havehindered efforts to control preventable diseases like measles.These recurrent outbreaks do not only have immediate consequences on public healthbut also exacerbate an already precarious situation in Somalia, leading to substantialsocioeconomic impacts as families grapple with the dual burden of disease and strainon livelihoods. The primary objective of this communication is to analyze the challengescontributing to the persistence of measles outbreaks in Somalia and propose evidencebasedsolutions.To achieve this goal, the subsequent sections of this brief delve into the specificchallenges facing Somalia in its battle against recurrent measles outbreaks. Thesechallenges encompass issues such as vaccine access, vaccine hesitancy, coveragedisparities, fragility of healthcare infrastructure, obstacles in community engagement,and limitations in disease surveillance and response.Understanding these intricate factors is crucial for designing targeted interventionsthat not only mitigate the immediate impact of measles outbreaks but also establish afoundation for long-term prevention.

Az egyetemi oktatási rendszer megreformálásának szolgálatában. Beszélgetés Mezősi Gáborral = In the Service of Reforming the University Education System: Conversation with Gábor Mezősi

Gábor Mezősi was born on July 18, 1952, in Szeged and spent most of his life there. He graduated as a teacher in Mathematics and Geography in 1975. With a German state scholarship, he gained professional experience and, observing their education system, reformed the Hungarian geographer training. In 1991, he won the Academy Award, and as head of department, he helped to introduce geoinformatics training. In 1993, he became Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in geoinformatics and landscape geography. After the turn of the millennium, he played an important role as dean of the Faculty of Science of the University of Szeged. In 2021, he was awarded Professor Emeritus of the University of Szeged and in 2023 the Civil Section of the Middle Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary. In addition to his scientific work, Gábor Mezősi did a lot to reform geographer training as well. The conversation with the Professor gives an insight into the most important stages and experiences of his life.

Paragliding Events & Festivals: Catalyzing Aero-Sports Tourism Development in India

India’s diverse geographical landscape and rich cultural history make it an ideal destination for paragliding events and festivals, highlighting its potential for aero sports tourism in the world. India has been the host of the Paragliding World Cup, and Paragliding Accuracy Pre-World Cup integrating with various cultural events and festivals. Paragliding destinations of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Kerala have gained popularity among the paragliding community worldwide by hosting paragliding “events & festivals”. This study has evaluated the potential of the paragliding destination of various states in India and the role of paragliding “events and festivals” in aero-sports tourism development in India. After analyzing the data from the secondary sources found the various challenges for aero sports tourism in India. Managerial implication has underlined the importance of strategic planning required by state tourism departments, paragliding associations, and local communities to incorporate music and dance festivals with paragliding events. Skill development and training programs for local youth, development of the infrastructure, sustainable environmental practices, and effective marketing and promotion will all contribute to the growth of paragliding tourism in India. Findings highlight the incorporation of local culture (dance music & food) into paragliding festivals, which promotes India’s rich heritage. Organizing events and festivals at Aero sports destinations attract tourists as well as benefits the local economy, resulting in job growth. Sustainable environment-friendly practices and community participation can reduce environmental damage and it will promote a sense of ownership among locals. The results underline the importance of empowering local communities to benefit from paragliding tourism development. Paragliding festivals not only paragliding pilots and tourists, but they also serve as an effective destination marketing tool, promoting lesser-known destinations and contributing to India's long-term Aero-sports tourism development goals.

Mapping pharmacy deserts in North Carolina: a geospatial analysis and its implications for University of North Carolina Health’s catchment population

BackgroundPharmacy deserts represent areas where residents face notable challenges to accessing pharmacies. North Carolina (NC) presents an intriguing case study due to its diverse geographic landscape yet lacks extensive research regarding its pharmacy deserts. ObjectivesThis study aims to map pharmacy deserts in NC using pharmacy location and social determinants of health (SDOH) data measured using the social vulnerability index (SVI) and descriptively characterize health care utilization statistics for University of North Carolina (UNC) Health’s catchment population. MethodsPharmacy location data was compiled from the NC Board of Pharmacy. Pharmacy deserts were defined based on SVI > 0.75 and distance thresholds aligned to United States Department of Agriculture standards. Residential characteristics were retrieved from PolicyMap and Social Explorer databases. UNC Health patient utilization data were collected by UNC Pharmacy Data Analytics group for 3 NC counties. ResultsTwo thousand and two NC pharmacies met inclusion criteria. 17.2% urban tracts (1.3M residents) and 4.25% rural tracts (0.14M residents) were identified as pharmacy deserts (adj. P < 0.001). Those residing in deserts had significantly less internet access, annual medical cost per capita, and access to homeless relief services as well as significantly higher food insecurity rates and Medicare cost per capita (adj. P < 0.001). UNC-specific health care utilization statistics for the 3 assessed counties were all poorer in deserts compared to nondeserts within the same counties (P > 0.05). ConclusionA geospatial map with the location of pharmacy deserts in NC was created to highlight differences in patient health care utilization, affecting rural and urban areas. By incorporating SDOH predictors, this study provides a more nuanced map of NC pharmacy deserts compared to reviewing distance to pharmacies alone. Higher rates of emergency department and inpatient visits in counties with more residents in pharmacy deserts suggests potential health outcomes associated with limited pharmacy access.