Population Density Index Research Articles

Investigating the asymmetry effects of crude oil price on renewable energy consumption in the United States.

The reduction in oil prices might make crude oil a cheaper alternative to renewable energy (RE). Given this, the present paper examines the effect of fluctuation of oil prices on the use of RE in the United States (US) during the period 1970 to 2018. We constructed two nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) models to examine the effect of the positive and negative oil price shocks on the use of RE in the US. The RE consumption is taken as the dependent variable and the gross domestic product (GDP), Brent crude prices, population density, trade openness, and price index as independent variables. The result revealed that the rise in crude oil price, GDP, and population density will increase RE use in the short run and in the long run as well. Moreover, the study finds that any decrease in oil prices will decrease RE use in the short run and its effect will eventually diminish in the long run. On the policy front, it is suggested that US should raise its energy security by reducing its dependency on imported crude oil and increase the role of RE through the imposition of taxes on oil and increase the base of production and consumption through a series of measures.

Zooplankton and meiobenthos diversity at the intertidal sandy shores of Jizan and Farasan coastal areas of Red Sea.

Distinctive studies were conducted for the identification of meiobenthos and zooplankton at Farasan Islands and Jizan sandy shores. The present work compares the meiobenthos and zooplankton communities at Alhsas sandy shore at Farasan Islands and As-Suways sandy shore at Jizan. Population density, species richness and Shannon-Weiner diversity index were determined for meiobenthos and zooplankton inhabiting both the studied sites. Water criteria; surface water temperature, pH and conductivity were determined for each investigated site. Eleven zooplankton species were defined at Alhsas sandy shore Farasan, nine species were identified at the littoral zone at As-Suways sandy shore, Jizan. Ten meiobenthos species were defined at Alhsas site, Farasan. Only eight meiobenthos species were defined at the intertidal zone of As-Suways site, Jizan. The results were discussed to highlight the effect of water criteria on the spatial distribution of zooplankton and meiobenthos at the investigated sites.

Driving Factors of Land Surface Temperature in Urban Agglomerations: A Case Study in the Pearl River Delta, China

Land surface temperature (LST) in urban agglomerations plays an important role for policymakers in urban planning. The Pearl River Delta (PRD) is one of the regions with the highest urban densities in the world. This study aims to explore the spatial patterns and the dominant drivers of LST in the PRD. MODIS LST (MYD11A2) data from 2005 and 2015 were used in this study. First, spatial analysis methods were applied in order to determine the spatial patterns of LST and to identity the hotspot areas (HSAs). Second, the hotspot ratio index (HRI), as a metric of thermal heterogeneity, was developed in order to identify the features of thermal environment across the nine cities in the PRD. Finally, the geo-detector (GD) metric was employed to explore the dominant drivers of LST, which included elevation, land use/land cover (LUCC), the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), impervious surface distribution density (ISDD), gross domestic product (GDP), population density (POP), and nighttime light index (NLI). The GD metric has the advantages of detecting the dominant drivers without assuming linear relationships and measuring the combined effects of the drivers. The results of Moran’s Index showed that the daytime and nighttime LST were close to the cluster pattern. Therefore, this process led to the identification of HSAs. The HSAs were concentrated in the central PRD and were distributed around the Pearl River estuary. The results of the HRI indicated that the spatial distribution of the HSAs was highly heterogeneous among the cities for both daytime and nighttime. The highest HRI values were recorded in the cities of Dongguan and Shenzhen during the daytime. The HRI values in the cities of Zhaoqing, Jiangmen, and Huizhou were relatively lower in both daytime and nighttime. The dominant drivers of LST varied from city to city. The influence of land cover and socio-economic factors on daytime LST was higher in the highly urbanized cities than in the cities with low urbanization rates. For the cities of Zhaoqing, Huizhou, and Jiangmen, elevation was the dominant driver of daytime LST during the study period, and for the other cities in the PRD, the main driver changed from land cover in 2005 to NLI in 2015. This study is expected to provide useful guidance for planning of the thermal environment in urban agglomerations.

COVID-19 pandemic in BRICS countries and its association with socio-economic and demographic characteristics, health vulnerability, resources, and policy response

BackgroundLittle attention has been paid to the comparison of COVID-19 pandemic responses and related factors in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries. We aimed at evaluating the association of daily new COVID-19 cases with socio-economic and demographic factors, health vulnerability, resources, and policy response in BRICS countries.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using data on the COVID-19 pandemic and other indicators of BRICS countries from February 26, 2020 to April 30, 2021. We compared COVID-19 epidemic in BRICS countries and analyzed related factors by log-linear Generalized Additive Model (GAM) models.ResultsIn BRICS countries, India had the highest totally of confirmed cases with 18.76 million, followed by Brazil (14.45 million), Russia (4.81 million), and South Africa (1.58 million), while China (0.10 million) had the lowest figure. South Africa had the lowest rate of administered vaccine doses (0.18 million) among BRICS countries as of April 30, 2021. In the GAM model, a 1 unit increase in population density and policy stringency index was associated with a 5.17% and 1.95% growth in daily new COVID-19 cases (P < 0.001), respectively. Exposure–response curves for the effects of policy stringency index on daily new cases showed that there was a rapid surge in number of daily new COVID-19 cases when the index ranged from 0 to 45. The number of infections climbed slowly when the index ranged from 46 to 80, and decreased when the index was above 80 (P < 0.001). In addition, daily new COVID-19 cases (all P < 0.001) were also correlated with life expectancy at birth (-1.61%), extreme poverty (8.95%), human development index (-0.05%), GDP per capita (-0.18%), diabetes prevalence (0.66%), proportion of population aged 60 and above (2.23%), hospital beds per thousand people (-0.08%), proportion of people with access to improved drinking water (-7.40%), prevalence of open defecation (0.69%), and annual tourist/visitor arrivals (0.003%), after controlling other confounders. Different lag structures showed similar results in the sensitivity analysis.ConclusionsStrong policy response is crucial to control the pandemic, such as effective containment and case management. Our findings also highlighted the importance of reducing socio-economic inequalities and strengthening the resilience of health systems to better respond to public health emergencies globally.Graphic abstract

Macrofaune Restoration In Peat One Year After Burning

Macrofauna data on post-fire peat soils have been documented in many literatures, but assessments of soil macrofauna recovery in peatlands after one and a half years after fires are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recovery of soil macrofauna in peatlands after one and a half years after fires. This research was conducted on peat land in PT.SSS Kuala Panduk Teluk Meranti District, Pelalawan Regency. This research was conducted by survey method. Determination of the location using the purposive sampling method, especially on peatlands after one and a half years after the fire and unburned peatlands. Based on peatland cover, 6 samples were taken, and 6 samples were taken from unburned peatland. Determination of the sampling point using a systematic method. Macrofauna observations included number of families, number of individuals, population density, and diversity index. The study of macrofauna recovery was carried out by t-test on macrofauna data on peatland fires and unburned peatlands. The results shown in peatlands after a year and a half of fires are macrofauna recovery.

Evaluation of Spatial Matching between Urban Green Space and Population: Dynamics Analysis of Winter Population Data in Xi’an

From the perspective of city dynamics, the spatial matching relationships between urban green space (UGS) and population are of great significance to the construction of an eco-livable city. In this study, Xi’an was taken as an example based on the big data of Google images and a Baidu heat map. The spatial matching relationships between UGS and the population were explored by using the coupled coordination model through the service capability index and population density index. The results show that there is a higher coupling degree, a lower coordination degree, and a larger spatiotemporal heterogeneity in coordination type between UGS and population in Xi’an. The reason for this is that many factors including urban spatial structure, expansion mode, functional differentiation, distribution pattern of large-scale ruins and relic sites, and urban planning management and control each have significant impacts on the spatial matching between UGS and population. Therefore, for the dense urban habitat, it is necessary not only to consider the spatial differences of job-housing and urban location conditions but also to actively protect the existing UGS, improve its accessibility, and enhance its quality. The dynamic evaluation of spatial matching between UGS and population is based on big data, which can maximize the utility of UGS resources in the dense urban habitat and provide theoretical guidance for spatial optimization, planning, and design.

Research on the Evolution of Population Distribution and Influencing Factors in Xi’an During the COVID-19 Epidemic Control Period: Based on a Perspective of Multi-source Spatio-Temporal Big Data

Under the “ultra-conventional” control measures of the COVID-19 period, urban population distribution is different from usual time. Studying its evolution laws has a certain reference effect for the judgment of urban population aggregations, the division of precise control zoning, and the differentiated management of places during the COVID-19 control period. Based on the data of Baidu heat maps and points of interest (POIs), this paper uses three models of the population density index (PDI), the exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) and the geological detector (Geodetector) to analyze the characteristics and the influencing factors of the evolution of population distribution of Xi’an in three stages which are closed control stage, unsealed control stage and slack control stage. The results show that: in the three stages, 1) The value of the PDI and the range of the PDI change in Xi’an continue to increase. The single-day PDI curve shows “low-high-low” changing characteristics from morning to night in and within the third ring zone, and “high-low-high” in the suburb. And, by comparison, it is found that the social vitality of the first and second ring zone is more strongly impacted because of COVID-19 control measures. 2) The overall population density in Xi’an is gradually increasing, this is represented by gradual increase of the very high- and the high-density areas, and continuous decrease of the low- and the very low-density areas. And the centripetal distribution of population density, which is high inside the city and low outside the city, is becoming more and more obvious. 3) The spatial distribution of population density represents obvious high-value clusters or low-value clusters in the three stages, ESDA shows a circle structure of inner heat and outer cold, and this trend continues to be reinforced. 4) The intensity order of influencing factors of the 7 types of facilities on population distribution is: residential communities > catering facilities > living service facilities > healthy facilities > commercial facilities > office places > green spaces and squares, and the influencing factor intensities show a continuous increasing or a continuous decreasing process in the three stages.

Case Study: Significant factors in hazard and vulnerability assessments in flood mitigation in Padang City

Flood disasters often occur in Padang City due to rainfalls with high intensity and frequency, and are exacerbated by the city located on a flatter coast up to the steep Bukit Barisan. The mountain of Bukit Barisan is parallel to the Padang shoreline, and the distance between them is relatively close, it’s just about 20 km. The present research focuses on the determination of the significant factors in the assessments of both hazard and vulnerability in flood mitigation in Padang City. The hazard assessment in the present study uses indicators of hydro-meteorological, elevation, slope, land use, and flood-frequency data. Whereas the vulnerability assessment uses indicators of Population density, Settlement density, sex ratio and age group ratio data. The results of the present study show that the most significant factors in flood-hazard assessment in Padang City are the land elevation factor from the sea level and the slope factor especially in the upper reaches of the river. Meanwhile, the factors of density levels of both the settlement and population are crucial in the assessment of flood vulnerability in Padang City.

Makrozoobhentos di Pesisir Pantai Kalaki Kec. Palibelo Kab. Bima Nusa Tenggara Barat

Sampling of macrozoobenthos was carried out in the coastal areas of Kalaki, Pallibelo sub-district, Bima, consisting of Station I (the coastal area near the salt ponds) and Station II (the coastal area far from the salt ponds). Determination of the station is done by purposive sampling method. This type of research is a quantitative exploratory survey. The type of data taken is 1) macrozoobhentos data, 2) habitat data (abiotic factors). Data analysis uses the shannon-wiener index (H '), the Population Density Index (KP), and the Krebs Uniformity Index (E). The results showed temperature (30-33 oC: 25-28 oC), Ph (6-6.5: 6-6.7), salinity (20-25%: 27-33%). Macrozoobenthos found consisted of actinopteri, malacostraca, bivalvia, and atinopterygii classes. The number of macrozoobenthos identified was 153 species consisting of a family of 84 species, 56 species of penaeidae, 4 types of chanidae, 3 types of Arcidae, Mytilidae, Veneridae, Anguillidae of 2 species each. Diversity index H '= 1.132: 0.952, Uniformity Index Value (E) = (0.582: 0.489), Population Density Value (KP) Scylla sp. 5,143-6,857 and 0.143 for the Pena viridis, Metrix metrix, Anguilla bicolor. 3. As a result of exploitation in the form of salt ponds, the abundance of macrozoobenthos in the coastal area of Kalaki, Palibelo Subdistrict, Bima Regency, has decreased significantly with marked sedimentation and turbidity levels. This allows damage to the coast ecosystem

Assessment of urban sprawl characteristics in Indian cities using remote sensing: case studies of Patna, Ranchi, and Srinagar

The rapid urban growth in mid-sized cities of developing nations has induced conflict between development and the environment, often leading to urban sprawl. However, studies focusing on the assessment of urban sprawl in mid-sized cities are comparatively rare. Therefore, this paper assesses the spatio-temporal urban sprawl characteristics of three typical mid-sized Indian cities, such as Patna Urban Agglomeration (UA), Ranchi UA, and Srinagar UA, from 1991 to 2018 using Landsat images. The population density, landscape metrics, and urban expansion index were employed to detect and assess urban sprawl characteristics. A multivariable integrated urban sprawl index was computed using Z-score to examine the intensity of urban sprawl. The results revealed robust evidence of the built-up growth in all three cities. The rise in built-up was observed due to the conversion of fallow and agriculture land covers in Patna UA and Ranchi UA, while water body and fallow land covers in Srinagar UA. Despite an increase in the total population and built-up, population density declined in all three cities. The analysis using landscape metrics exhibited continuous outward expansion with an increase in shape irregularity of built-up patches. The urban expansion index indicated the prevalence of edge expansion typology of urban sprawl. Patna UA exhibited the highest intensity of urban sprawl as per the multivariable integrated urban sprawl index. The obtained results will benefit the urban planners and officials to promote urban sustenance by preparing relevant strategies under the Smart City Mission. This study demonstrated an effective utilization of scientific approaches to assess urban sprawl characteristics in mid-sized cities.

Linear regression model as an approach to analyze spatio temporal data to know the influence factors of the number of crimes in North Sumatera

Crimes in Indonesia tend to increase every year, both in variation and in number. Crimes in this study include murder, torture, rape, theft, fraud, and other cases that make people feel insecure. This study aims to know what factors affect the number of criminal acts in the Province of North Sumatera and determine the influence of time and location in 33 districts/cities in North Sumatra. This study uses secondary data collected by POLRI, BPS, and Dinsos in North Sumatera Province in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The independent variables used are the number of unemployed people (X1), the number of poor people (X2), population density (X3), human development index (X4), the number of places of worship (X5), the economic growth rate (X6) and the number of families with a social psychological problem (X7). The linear regression model is used as an approach to analyze. The results of this study show that the independent variables significantly influence the number of crimes acts in North Sumatera Province. The independent variables are unemployment (X1), the number of poor (X2), population density (X3), and human development index (X4). There is a significant location influence on the occurrence of the number of criminal acts in 33 districts/cities of North Sumatera Province. Based on the descriptive statistics, Sibolga, Tebing Tinggi, Padangsidempuan, Tanjungbalai, Samosir, and Gunungsitoli are the six districts with the highest proportions in criminal actions, where those districts are all cities.

Environmental Risk Assessment in the Masrik River Basin

The purpose of this study is to assess the environmental risks of water pollutionin the Masrik River catchment area. The risk assessment studies are based on the results of thehydrochemical monitoring of the Masrik River Basin water quality in 2012‒2014. The main riskfactors for pollution of the river basin area are mining, agriculture, uncontrolled utility flows.Zoning was performed and areas of zones were calculated using a digital elevation model (DEM)in the ArcGIS software environment and taking into account sampling points and river basins. Atthe same time, the territory was ranked by population density. Then a geodatabase (GDB) wascompiled. GDB presents the point assessments of the state of river waters according to the level ofthe pollutant concentration factor and population density. The thematic layers based on the resultsof the indicators in the ArcGIS program were compiled. A map was obtained according to a pointassessment of environmental risk. An integrated assessment of river water pollution was carriedout in different parts of the basin. The population density and total risk index were calculated. Thethree risk zones were identified in the river basin: high, medium and low. In addition to presentingtheoretical value, the conclusions are also of practical importance and can be used in the developmentof river basin risk management programs, measures for quality management and control ofpollution sources in the aread.

Regionálne nerovnosti v zdravotnej a sociálnej starostlivosti o seniorov na Slovensku

Slovakia's regional health and social care inequities in old age. This study aims to find and analyse inequity between regions in access to health and social care. Focusing on two age groups above 65 and 80, we investigate a possibility that in some regions health and social care deteriorates towards substandard level. We use a static regression test in spatial Durbin specification for the relationships between distribution of demand for health and social care in senior population, and distribution of service providers' network: general practitioners and medical specialists in the first domain, residential social care facilities in the second domain. Significant regression parameters reveal that health and social care correlate in a complex pattern, including indices of population density, settlement hierarchy and competition. Difference between public and private subjects suggests existence of cost effectiveness driving capacities into suburban area. Current intensity of population aging and related growth in cohort size in senior age encourage a novel attitude and reassessment of wellbeing, housing, security, formal and informal support. Increasing longevity creates a simultaneous participation of three or four generations in the family networks at the same time. Social and economic problems arise on basis of inter-generational responsibility. Social care for senior population is one of the most important components of state's institutional sphere. Despite long history and adaptive capacity of public social sector, on background of different socioeconomic contexts, their scope, structure, and spatial accessibility signal inequities. Regional qualities seem structurally linked with healthcare facilities, part of which evolves in a commercial regime. Supply side may avoid the burden of healthcare in old age when health and mobility decline. We pay attention to relationships between healthcare and social care capacities and suggest practical identification of regions and their parts at the municipality scale, in which inaccessibility aggregates. These regions need future spatially well-focused interventions correcting increasing commercial motive shaping distribution of service providers.

СЕЛЬСКИЙ COVID-19: ЗАКОНОМЕРНОСТИ И РИСКИ (НА МАТЕРИАЛАХ СЕЛЬСКИХ АДМИНИСТРАТИВНЫХ РАЙОНОВ САРАТОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ)

The globally observed outbreaks of the group of diseases caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the spread of new waves of the coronavirus COVID-19 after a short-term retreat of infection in Russia, makes it necessary to expand the object of study of the patterns of its spread, including in the field of study the identification and scientific substantiation of the factors determining the spread COVID-19 in rural areas of Russia. The purpose of the article is to identify and scientifically substantiate the factors that naturally affect the change in the registered rates of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population in the administrative districts of the Saratov region. The article summarizes the theoretical scien- tific positions formulated within the framework of ideas about the structural complexity, diversity and specificity of the problems of rural development, suggesting the use of non-standard approaches to their resolution, which have received recognition in the domestic and international scientific community. On the basis of general theoretical provisions, a methodology was developed and applied, which made it possible, by comparing the basic indicators of patients with a new coronavirus infection per 100,000 population in the administrative districts of the Saratov region with the numerical values of factors that can affect the change in the numerical value of the basic indicator, to identify special factors that significantly affect the change in the numerical values baseline indicator. These factors are recognized to be closely related to the indicators of the sick, stable, permanent. Based on a comparison of the baseline indicators of patients with a new coronavirus infection per 100,000 population, groups of rural administrative districts of the Saratov region with the maximum and mi- nimum rates of patients with a new coronavirus infection were identified. The absence of significant differences between the numerical values of the population density indicators, the provision of medical personnel, hospital beds in the groups of districts with the maximum and minimum rates of cases of new coronavirus infection per 100,000 of the population led to the conclusion that there are special factors that determine the presence of maximum and minimum rates of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population in rural administrative areas. It was found that in the group of rural administrative districts of the Saratov region with the maximum rates of registered COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population, a natural negative factor that significantly affects the increase in the numerical values of baseline cases is the border position of this group of districts. The practical result of the study, which can be used to develop management decisions in the process of suppressing the spread of a group of diseases based on the SARS-CoV-2 virus in rural administrative districts of the Saratov region, are the measures proposed in the article to reduce the influence of negative factors in the group of districts with maximum indicators patients with coronavirus infection.

State, population characteristics of Tulipa biebersteiniana Schult &amp; Schult Fil. on the territory of the left bank of Transnistria and features of its reproduction in vivo and in vitro

The ontogenetic states of T. biebersteiniana in the broad interpretation which grows in Transdnistria was refined. In the tract of Kalagur-Stroentsy four age states were defined, on limestone faults along the valley of the Dniester - five. A comparative study of the main demographic indicators of mesophilic and xerophilous ecological groups of T. biebersteiniana has been conducted. The morphometric indicators of the populations of both ecogroups have been identified and analyzed: total population density, ontogenetic spectrum, projective cover, and age and efficathy indices. The method of propagation of mesophilic and xerophilous ecogroups representatives has been clarified. Mesophilic plants propagated vegetatively, the forming bulbs have a sporophyte origin, and the mature mesophilic populations are renewed homophasically. Xerophilous plants reproduce mainly sexually; the reproduction of developing populations is mainly heterophasic. Both ecogroups were rejuvenated, so their resistance as the survival in phytocenosis was unified by the comparable reproduction and replacement indices. The surveyed mesophilic and xerophilous populations were classified as young, left-handed, normal, and incomplete. Populations of both ecogroups, being young, with high reproduction and replacement indices, were not affected by the tulip breaking virus, and were relatively resistant and adapted to their biotope. Prospects for their continued existence now are quite favorable in the absence of sudden and sharp effects on them of possible biotic and abiotic stressors. There is a low net reproduction in the plants of the mesophilic group in natural populations. The inducing of additional micro bulbs in the culture of in vitro based on indirect somatic embryogenesis is promising to increase T. biebersteiniana propagation rate.

Japanese travel behavior trends and change under COVID-19 state-of-emergency declaration: Nationwide observation by mobile phone location data

In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japan government could not impose strong restrictions such as lockdowns. Since there has been no such nation-wide behavioral analysis, we calculated indicators of nation-wide behavioral change using data based on mobile phone network.This study shows empirical facts and findings on behavioral changes under COVID-19 “state-of-emergency” declarations in Japan that are obtained by using mobile terminal network operational data. Results show that a significant reduction in trips and inter-prefectural travel was achieved without strong restrictions by the government. In addition, the population density index decreased by 20% and people avoided traveling to densely populated areas. This analysis shows that once people’s behavior is changed by the declaration of a state of emergency, it does not return to normal immediately after the lifting of the declaration; rather, it recovers slowly.

Urban green infrastructure features influence the type and chemical composition of soil dissolved organic matter

In urban areas, green infrastructure (GI) has been widely developed utilizing different types of engineered soil to enhance ecosystem functions to interact with soil dissolved organic matter (DOM). However, there remains a lack of urban studies that have examined the link between GI features and soil DOM. This study, which was conducted in a typical heavily industrialized and urbanized area (Ningbo City, East China), aimed to characterize the chemical variation and composition of DOM in the engineered soil of four GI types (enhanced tree tips, ETP; street-side infiltration swales, SSIS; vegetated swales, VS; urban forests, UF). The results showed that soil organic carbon varies among the four GI types with significantly lower content in SSIS and ETP compared to VS and UF. Smaller variation was observed in the water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) content, with UF having significantly higher content than ETP. Three humic-like substances and one protein-like substance were derived using the parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) model. These fluorescent compositions and their spectral parameters displayed specific distributions among GI features with VS having the highest proportion of humic-like substances (C1) and the lowest proportion of protein-like substances (C4). The distribution of spectral indices indicated terrigenous sources of DOM in these GI engineered soils. Significant positive correlations were found between protein-like substances and the population density and nightlight index, while negative correlations were found between humic-like substances (C1) and these two indices. These results demonstrate significant human disturbance of the chemical composition and characteristics of GI features. Our findings suggest that the overall design and management of GI features have a fundamental influence on soil DOM that is vital for carbon cycling in urban ecosystems.

Regional Risk Factors of Pancreatic Disorders

Introduction: Establishing geographical features of health effects of socio-economic factors and characteristics of adaptation of certain population groups to new living conditions is important for taking appropriate preventive measures to improve the situation and for strategic planning in the sphere of health care and social development of territories. The purpose of the research was to determine priority regional risk factors for pancreatic disorders in the population of Primorsky Krai. Materials and methods: We conducted a hygienic and statistical analysis of the impact of selected socio-economic factors on the incidence rates of pancreatic diseases in children, adolescents, and adults. The database on the registered non-communicable disease incidence included the indices registered by the Primorsky Regional Medical Information and Analytical Center. The study of socio-economic factors included a quantitative assessment of data on three groups of indicators including living conditions, material well-being, and medical density over a 17-year observation period extracted from the regional yearbooks of the Department of the Federal State Statistics Service for Primorsky Krai. Results: We established an inverse relationship between pancreatic disease rates and the indices of population density, per capita income, and solvency ratio and a direct relationship with the proportion of living space in houses without utilities. Conclusion: Our findings enabled us to establish the relationship between adverse effects of socio-economic factors and pancreatic diseases in the regional population and to make a significant contribution to substantiating appropriate measures of primary prevention at the population level.

Macroeconomic, demographic and human developmental correlates of physical activity and sitting time among South American adults

BackgroundOur aim was to investigate the association of macroeconomic, human development, and demographic factors with different domains of physical activity and sitting time among South American adults.MethodsWe used data from nationally representative samples in Argentina (n = 26,932), Brazil (n = 52,490), Chile (n = 3866), Colombia (n = 14,208), Ecuador (n = 19,883), Peru (n = 8820), and Uruguay (n = 2403). Our outcomes included leisure time (≥150 min/week), transport (≥10 min/week), occupational (≥10 min/week), and total (≥150 min/week) physical activity, as well as sitting time (≥4 h/day), which were collected through self-reported questionnaires. As exposures, gross domestic product, total population, population density, and human development index indicators from the most updated national census of each country were used. Age and education were used as covariates. Multilevel logistic regressions with harmonized random effect meta-analyses were conducted, comparing highest vs. lowest (reference) tertiles.ResultsHigher odds for transport physical activity were observed among the highest tertiles of total population (ORmen: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.23–1.62), ORwomen: 1.51; 95% CI:1.32–1.73), population density (ORmen: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.18–1.57, ORwomen: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.30–1.70), and gross domestic product (ORmen: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.00–1.35, ORwomen: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.20–1.61). For leisure physical activity, women living in departments with higher human development index presented 18% higher odds for being active, and for total physical activity a similar estimate in both sexes was observed among those who live in more populated areas. No consistent associations were found for occupational physical activity and sitting time.ConclusionMacroeconomic, demographic and human development indicators are associated with different domains of physical activity in the South American context, which can in turn guide policies to promote physical activity in the region.

Distribution of lichen thalli Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf along Pinus sylvestris trunk in different types of pine forests with different relief positions

The research of the Pseudevernia furfuracea population was carried out in the Mari El Republic on the territory of the Mari Chodra National Park. The lichen-mossy and cowberry pine forests were studied with different relief positions: uplands and lowlands. The paper discusses the use of two indicators of population density: D₁ is a number of thalli on the tree; D₂ is a number of thalli in the substrate area. The distribution of thalli along the trunk of Pinus sylvestris depends on the characteristics of the stand, characteristics of the tree and the position of the trees in the relief. In a well-lightened lichen-mossy pine forest the distribution of the number of thallus is equal at different exposures, but it is different due to the heights of the trunk. The maximum number of thalli is typical for a height of 0,51 m. The most number of thallus grows at the southern and western expositions in less lightened cowberry pine forests. There is a shift in the height of the number of thallus to a height of 11,5 m. There is a dependence of the upper boundary of the thallus distribution along the trunk on the height of the lamellar bark. The highest upper limit of thallus growth (a height of 4,8 m) is typical for the lowering of the lichen-mossy pine forest, where the lamellar bark rises to a height of 7,2 m. The lower boundary of the thallus settlement depends on microclimatic factors. Among them the decisive factor is light. The smallest lower boundary of a thallus settlement (a height of 0,2 m) is typical for an elevation in a lichen-mossy pine forest. This habitat has the highest population density of P. furfuracea.