Resident Population Research Articles

A population-based study of severity of injuries in recreational mountain biking – Discontinued rise following efforts

BackgroundDuring the recent years, an increase in the number of people practicing recreational mountain biking has been observed. The high-risk sport can cause severe injuries. The most severe injuries involve paralysis and head traumas. These injuries occur to recreational bikers as well as professionals. The purpose of this study is to describe the development in severe injuries and the effort of increasing the safety of mountain biking for recreational bikers. MethodRegister-based study with the population of residents in the municipality of Odense who were injured in a mountain bike incident between 2005 and 2021. Data was obtained from the register of the emergency department, where all contacts are registered. The incidence risk for men and women has been calculated, as well as the distribution between age groups and the mechanism of the fall. ResultsA total of 303 severe injuries during the study period illustrates an increase in both the number of injuries and the number of severe injuries. Most of the injuries occur among men aged 40–49. The proportion of severe injuries rises to around 40 % after 2015. The incidence risk was 59 per 10.000 (95 % CI: 53–66) in total, for men 68 per 10.000 (95 % CI: 61–77), and for women 22,6 per 10.000 (95 % CI: 16–31,5). ConclusionThere has been an increase in the number of severe injuries, non-severe injuries, and the proportion of MTB injuries from 2005 to 2020. After 2020, there is a decrease in the number of severe injuries.

Sharp approximation and hitting times for stochastic invasion processes

We are interested in the invasion phase for stochastic processes with interactions. A single mutant with positive fitness arrives in a large resident population at equilibrium. By a now classical approach, the first stage of the invasion is well approximated by a branching process. The macroscopic phase, when the mutant population is of the same order as the resident population, is described by the limiting dynamical system. We capture the intermediate mesoscopic phase for the invasive population and obtain sharp approximations. It allows us to describe the fluctuations of the hitting times of thresholds, which inherit a large variance from the first stage. We apply our results to two models which are original motivations. In particular, we quantify the hitting times of critical values in cancer emergence and epidemics.

Development of a Bmi1+ Cardiac Mouse Progenitor Immortalized Model to Unravel the Relationship with Its Protective Vascular Endothelial Niche.

The adult mammalian heart has been demonstrated to be endowed with low but real turnover capacity, especially for cardiomyocytes, the key functional cell type. The source, however, of that turnover capacity remains controversial. In this regard, we have defined and characterized a resident multipotent cardiac mouse progenitor population, Bmi1+DR (for Bmi1+ Damage-Responsive cells). Bmi1+DR is one of the cell types with the lowest ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) levels in the adult heart, being particularly characterized by their close relationship with cardiac vessels, most probably involved in the regulation of proliferation/maintenance of Bmi1+DR. This was proposed to work as their endothelial niche. Due to the scarcity of Bmi1+DR cells in the adult mouse heart, we have generated an immortalization/dis-immortalization model using Simian Vacuolating Virus 40-Large Antigen T (SV40-T) to facilitate their in vitro characterization. We have obtained a heterogeneous population of immortalized Bmi1+DR cells (Bmi1+DRIMM) that was validated attending to different criteria, also showing a comparable sensitivity to strong oxidative damage. Then, we concluded that the Bmi1-DRIMM population is an appropriate model for primary Bmi1+DR in vitro studies. The co-culture of Bmi1+DRIMM cells with endothelial cells protects them against oxidative damage, showing a moderate depletion in non-canonical autophagy and also contributing with a modest metabolic regulation.

Research on the coupling measurement of medical education and health resource allocation under the background of healthy China

Objective To analyze the coupling and coordination level of medical education and health resource allocation in China, and to provide scientific basis for promoting the high-quality development of medical education and the efficient allocation of health resources.MethodsBased on the panel data from 2011 to 2021, the coupling coordination degree model was used to measure the coupling coordination index of medical education and health resources in China. The spatial auto-correlation model was used to analyze the development status and distribution characteristics of the coupling coordination degree of the two systems. The kernel density estimation method was used to analyze the dynamic evolution trend of the coupling coordination of the two systems. The QR quantile regression model was used to explore the key factors affecting the coupling coordination degree of the two systems.ResultsDuring the observation period, the coupling coordination degree of the two systems increased from 0.393 to 0.465, with a growth rate of 18.3%. The coupling coordination degree between regions gradually decreased in the eastern-central and eastern-western regions, and there were still large differences between the central and western regions. The coupling coordination degree of the two systems in the region was significantly different in the eastern and western regions, and the central region was relatively similar. There is a positive spatial correlation between the provinces, and 25.81% of the provinces have transitions. Finally, the number of points in the first and third quadrants is higher than that in the second and fourth quadrants. In the process of dynamic distribution, the degree of polarization of the coupling coordination degree curve of the two systems is gradually weakened. Per capita GDP, residents ' income difference and population size are the positive and significant factors driving the coupling and coordinated development of the two systems.ConclusionThe coupling and coordination degree of the two systems of medical education and health resource allocation showed a stable upward trend during the observation period, and the global spatial positive correlation also gradually increased, showing the spatial agglomeration characteristics of ' high-high agglomeration ' and ' low-low agglomeration '. The spatial difference of coupling coordination degree shows a shrinking trend and develops towards equalization. The coupling coordination degree of the two systems is affected by social, economic and demographic factors to varying degrees. Therefore, it is necessary to innovate the coordinated development mechanism of the two systems, promote the two-way flow of medical education and health resource allocation in talents, technology and other elements, and then promote the coupling and coordinated development of the two systems.

Interactions between migration and immunity among oriental armyworm populations infected with the insect pathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana.

Migration and immunity are behavioral and physiological traits that protect organisms from environmental stressors or pathogen infection. Shifting from migration to residency has become more common in some wildlife populations owing to environmental changes. However, other biological shifts, such as interactions between migration and immunity among populations within a species are largely unexplored for many agricultural migratory pests. In the field, entomopathogenic fungi infection and transmission, particularly Beauveria bassiana, can cause reduced fitness and population declines across a broad range of insect species. Here, we investigated migration-immunity interactions between migrant and resident populations of the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata, infected with B. bassiana (the sole fungus used in this work). We found that migratory M. separata exerted stronger pathogen resistance, faster development and lower pupal weight than residents. High-dose infections (5.0 × 105 and 5.0 × 106 conidia mL-1) led to seriously decreased reproductive capacity in migrants and residents. Low-dose infections (1.0 × 104 and 5.0 × 104 conidia mL-1) led to significantly increased host flight capacities. Consecutive flight tests showed that five flight nights inhibited the reproduction of paternal infected M. separata populations. The flights also led to far-reaching transgenerational impairment of larval development and immune defense among offspring populations. By contrast, two flight nights enhanced the reproductive capacities of both M. separata populations and did not exert negative transgenerational effects on offspring populations, which may facilitate migration. This study provides insights into interactions between migration and immunity among M. separata populations. These insights will guide development of future monitoring and management technologies of this pest. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Where should we go - Estimating travel times for modelling accessibility to 24-hour emergency departments in Canada

Estimating travel time to 24-hour emergency services is an important component to modelling accessibility of health services, particularly for rural areas. However, methods used to estimate travel time vary significantly, are not representative of the residential population, and are not openly validated. This makes the assessment of travel-based accessibility metrics between studies incomparable. To address this issue and develop a standardized measurement of emergency service access, this study utilized small geographic units (Dissemination Areas – DA) and geographical boundaries representative of municipal equivalents (Census Subdivision – CSD). Estimated travel times between the centroid of an inhabited DA to each 24-hr emergency department was computed with population-weighted travel times generated for each CSD. This dataset provides a nationally consistent measurement of proximity to emergency services accounting for travel pathing and population distribution. This methodology can be extended to generate estimated shortest travel routes for other healthcare resources or develop actual travel routes based on individuals’ experiences with the healthcare system.

Reliability in mass alert system for dam emergencies: Case study of Vale S/A

AbstractIn its iron ore operations, Vale, the largest mining company in Brazil and the fourth largest mining company in the world by market value, has 77 dams considered with high potential damage in case of a failure in the stability controls. This classification follows the criteria of the sector regulatory agency in Brazil and determines that, for this class, a mass alert system is necessary for the resident population and workers immediately downstream of the dam within a region preset by legislation, considering a simulated flood area. For Vale, the mass alert system for dam emergencies is part of a critical mitigating control for a business risk analysis considering the hypothetical dam break as an unwanted material event. Therefore, both the probability of failure on demand, spurious failure, and availability of the assets of this protection barrier are important elements for this purpose, as well as the emergency response plan and the evacuation simulation of flood areas, which are part of a risk management system that require continuous verification and continuous improvement. Currently, Vale has 375 sirens, and it is planned to reach 420 sirens by the end of 2024. The purpose of this article is to present how the safety concepts applied to these systems were developed, the good practices applied from this study, and the lessons learned from the dam emergency management arising from the break of the Brumadinho dam in 2019. The reliability analyses of the systems involved and the main contributors to the Safety Critical Unavailability are presented, as well as the results of the reduction in the maintenance time and increase in system availability.

Determinant of Bronchoarterial Ratio in a Patient Undergoing Computed Tomography Chest

Background: Respiratory diseases pose a significant challenge in Nepali clinical settings due to elevated smoking rates and environmental risks. This study explores the structural changes in conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bronchiectasis, utilizing noninvasive multi-detector computed tomography to assess airway remodeling. Despite conflicting western literature on bronchoarterial ratios, this research emphasizes the importance of evaluating these ratios in the Nepalese context for predicting airway disease severity. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study conducted at Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital involved 129 participants aged over 20 undergoing chest computed tomography. It aimed to measure the bronchoarterial ratio and investigate its associations with age, gender, smoking history, and altitude of residence. Bronchoarterial ratios was calculated using averaged short-axis diameters of the right apical and right posterior basal segmental bronchi, excluding the left lung due to motion artifacts. Results: Analysis indicated a Mean Bronchoarterial Ratio of 0.823 (SD 0.151), with the apical and basal segment BARs at 0.832 (SD 0.148) and 0.814 (SD 0.153), respectively. Notably, individuals aged over 65 who were smokers exhibited a significant increase in BAR. Additionally, a higher altitude of residence demonstrated a significant correlation with the Bronchoarterial ratio in the apical lung segment. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the bronchoarterial ratio within the Nepalese population, considering age, gender, smoking history, and altitude of residence. The findings underscore the potential relevance of these ratios in conditions involving airway remodeling, contributing to the understanding of respiratory diseases in this specific demographic.

Revisiting the Spatial Cycle: Intra-Regional Development Patterns and Future Population Dynamics in Metropolitan Athens, Greece

Being intertwined with economic development, urbanization determines the present and future development path of regions and countries. The intimate relationship between urban expansion and economic development is of particular interest in the case of large regions with complex (and mostly non-linear) socio-demographic dynamics and a relevant primacy in the metropolitan system of a given country. Typical examples of advanced economies with settlement systems characterized by a high degree of city primacy are peripheral and disadvantaged European countries such as Portugal and Greece. For instance, the administrative region of Attica—centered on Athens, the Greek capital city—represents the largest metropolitan area of the country, hosting almost 3.8 million inhabitants in 2021 (36.2% of the Greek population). In this context, this study investigates the internal redistribution of the resident population in metropolitan Athens and the progressive development of satellite cities over a relatively longtime interval, testing the assumptions of the Spatial Cycle Theory (SCT) between 1951 and 2021 and predicting future development paths up to 2051. To investigate past, present, and future intra-regional population trends, we used data released from decadal (1951–2021) censuses and demographic forecasts for the years 2031, 2041, and 2051. Being in line with the SCT, the empirical results of our study document how demographic dynamics of individual centers influence largely—and independently—the long-term development of metropolitan regions, both with policy/planning regulation and in conditions of non-intervention (spontaneous urban growth).

Colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) as a gut microbiome dependent immune factor that alters molecular and behavioral responses to cocaine in male mice

Cocaine use disorder is a condition that leads to tremendous morbidity and mortality for which there are currently no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies. Previous research has demonstrated an important role for the resident population of bacteria of the large intestine, collectively dubbed the gut microbiome, in modulating brain and behavior in models of cocaine and other substance use disorders. Importantly, previous work has repeatedly shown that depletion of the gut microbiome leads to increased cocaine taking and seeking behaviors in multiple models. While the precise mechanism of these gut-brain signaling pathways in models of cocaine use is not fully clear, and intriguing possibility is through gut microbiome influences on innate immune system function. In this manuscript we identify the cytokine colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) as an immune factor that is increased by cocaine in a gut microbiome dependent manner. Peripherally injected CSF2 crosses the blood–brain barrier into the nucleus accumbens, a brain region central to behavioral responses to cocaine. Treatment with peripheral CSF2 reduces acute and sensitized locomotor responses to cocaine as well as reducing cocaine place preference at high doses. On a molecular level, we find that peripheral injections of CSF2 alter the transcriptional response to both acute and repeated cocaine in the nucleus accumbens. Finally, treatment of microbiome depleted mice with CSF2 reverses the behavioral effects of microbiome depletion on the conditioned place preference assay. Taken together, this work identifies an innate immune factor that represents a novel gut-brain signaling cascade in models of cocaine use and lays the foundations for further translational work targeting this pathway.

Summary Measure of Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Related Factors Based on the Chinese Version of the Core Healthy Days Measures: Cross-Sectional Study.

The core Healthy Days measures were used to track the population-level health status in the China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance; however, they were not easily combined to create a summary of the overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL), limiting this indicator's use. This study aims to develop a summary score based on the Chinese version of the core Healthy Days measures (HRQOL-5) and apply it to estimate HRQOL and its determinants in a Chinese population. From November 2018 to May 2019, a multistage stratified cluster survey was conducted to examine population health status and behavioral risk factors among the resident population older than 15 years in Weifang City, Shandong Province, China. Both exploratory factor analyses and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to reveal the underlying latent construct of HRQOL-5 and then to quantify the overall HRQOL by calculating its summary score. Tobit regression models were finally carried out to identify the influencing factors of the summary score. A total of 26,269 participants (male: n=13,571, 51.7%; mean age 55.9, SD 14.9 years) were included in this study. A total of 71% (n=18,663) of respondents reported that they had excellent or very good general health. One summary factor was extracted to capture overall HRQOL using exploratory factor analysis. The confirmatory factor analysis further confirmed this one-factor model (Tucker-Lewis index, comparative fit index, and goodness-of-fit index >0.90; root mean square error of approximation 0.02). Multivariate Tobit regression analysis showed that age (β=-0.06), educational attainments (primary school: β=0.72; junior middle school: β=1.46; senior middle school or more: β=2.58), average income (≥¥30,000 [US $4200]: β=0.69), physical activity (β=0.75), alcohol use (β=0.46), self-reported disease (β=-6.36), and self-reported injury (β=-5.00) were the major influencing factors on the summary score of the HRQOL-5. This study constructs a summary score from the HRQOL-5, providing a comprehensive representation of population-level HRQOL. Differences in summary scores of different subpopulations may help set priorities for health planning in China to improve population HRQOL.

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN AT A PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE: THE CASE OF THE NIAH CAVES IN SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

The Niah Caves are an important archaeological site that supports a resident population and is host to a large and growing number of visitors. Close monitoring, strict regulations, and careful management will be required in the long term to avoid pressures and threats from urban expansion, plantations, resource use, village growth, excessive tourist infrastructure and use, and service development. However, the absence of a formally written conservation and management plan prior to 2022 has left the heritage conservation and management of the Niah Cave site insufficient in addressing its management challenges. Hence, this paper analyses the conservation and management plan for the site through systematic observation, site analysis, and stakeholder interviews. The research focuses on documentation and recording, assessing the site’s importance, identifying all factors and issues, defining management policy, selecting management strategies, and monitoring and reviewing the plans for the site. The study aims to contribute to the conservation and preservation of the Niah Caves as a national park in Sarawak. Emphasis is placed on prioritising the preservation and management of archaeological sites and advocating for comprehensive planning and sustainable management practices for the conservation of cultural heritage.

Time series of proportional mortality due to stroke in the adult and resident population of the state of Piauí from 2000 to 2021.

Introduction: Stroke is defined as a neurological deficit resulting from a focal lesion in the Central Nervous System, caused by a failure in blood circulation. This includes cerebral infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. According to the *Global Burden of Disease* (GBD) Study 2019, there were 12.2 million new cases of stroke worldwide and 6.55 million deaths attributed to this condition. Objective: To analyze proportional mortality in the state of Piauí, from 2000 to 2021. Method: This is an ecological study using secondary data from 2000 to 2021 for the state of Piauí. Data were extracted from the Information Department of the Unified Health System. Joinpoint regression was used to identify the temporal trend. Results: From 2000 to 2021, there were 27,636 deaths due to stroke in adults aged 20 and above. The age groups of 70 to 79 years and 80 years or older accounted for 65.99% of the total deaths. In 2006, the Proportional Mortality (PM) for both sexes was the highest throughout the period. In all analyzed years, the number of deaths increased by age group. Higher values of proportional mortality occurred from the age group of 40 years onwards. There is a trend of decline in proportional mortality with an Average Annual Percentage Change of 2.4% in the time series. When stratified by sex, PM decreased for both women and men. The age group of 20 to 29 years remained stationary. Conclusion: The time series evidenced a decline in proportional mortality due to stroke in the state of Piauí, with a special emphasis on the female sex and the age group above 80 years.

Diverse and multifunctional roles for perlecan (HSPG2) in repair of the intervertebral disc.

Perlecan is a widely distributed, modular, and multifunctional heparan sulfate proteoglycan, which facilitates cellular communication with the extracellular environment to promote tissue development, tissue homeostasis, and optimization of biomechanical tissue functions. Perlecan-mediated osmotic mechanotransduction serves to regulate the metabolic activity of cells in tissues subjected to tension, compression, or shear. Perlecan interacts with a vast array of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins through which it stabilizes tissues and regulates the proliferation or differentiation of resident cell populations. Here we examine the roles of the HS-proteoglycan perlecan in the normal and destabilized intervertebral disc. The intervertebral disc cell has evolved to survive in a hostile weight bearing, acidic, low oxygen tension, and low nutrition environment, and perlecan provides cytoprotection, shields disc cells from excessive compressive forces, and sequesters a range of growth factors in the disc cell environment where they aid in cellular survival, proliferation, and differentiation. The cells in mechanically destabilized connective tissues attempt to re-establish optimal tissue composition and tissue functional properties by changing the properties of their ECM, in the process of chondroid metaplasia. We explore the possibility that perlecan assists in these cell-mediated tissue remodeling responses by regulating disc cell anabolism. Perlecan's mechano-osmotic transductive property may be of potential therapeutic application.

Repetitive Administration of Low-Dose Lipopolysaccharide Improves Repeated Social Defeat Stress-Induced Behavioral Abnormalities and Aberrant Immune Response.

Repetitive exposure of innate immune cells to a subthreshold dosage of endotoxin components may modulate inflammatory responses. However, the regulatory mechanisms in the interactions between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) preconditioning in repeated social defeat stress (RSDS)-induced abnormal immune responses and behavioral impairments. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms that underlie the protective effects of repeated administration of a subthreshold dose LPS on behavioral impairments using the RSDS paradigm. LPS preconditioning improved abnormal behaviors in RSDS-defeated mice, accompanied by decreased monoamine oxidases and increased glucocorticoid receptor expression in the hippocampus. In addition, pre-treated with LPS significantly decreased the recruited peripheral myeloid cells (CD11b+CD45hi), mainly circulating inflammatory monocytes (CD11b+CD45hiLy6ChiCCR2+) into the brain in response to RSDS challenge. Importantly, we found that LPS preconditioning exerts its protective properties by regulating lipocalin-2 (LCN2) expression in microglia, which subsequently induces expressions of chemokine CCL2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine. Subsequently, LPS-preconditioning lessened the resident microglia population (CD11b+CD45intCCL2+) in the brains of the RSDS-defeated mice. Moreover, RSDS-associated expressions of leukocytes (CD11b+CD45+CCR2+) and neutrophils (CD11b+CD45+Ly6G+) in the bone marrow, spleen, and blood were also attenuated by LPS-preconditioning. In particular, LPS preconditioning also promoted the expression of endogenous antioxidants and anti-inflammatory proteins in the hippocampus. Our results demonstrate that LPS preconditioning ameliorates lipocalin 2-associated microglial activation and aberrant immune response and promotes the expression of endogenous antioxidants and anti-inflammatory protein, thereby maintaining the homeostasis of pro-inflammation/anti-inflammation in both the brain and immune system, ultimately protecting the mice from RSDS-induced aberrant immune response and behavioral changes.

Realities, perceptions, and strategies for implementation of an ethical population management program for dogs and cats on university campuses.

Stray dogs and cats pose significant challenges for public health and animal welfare due to their potential involvement in zoonotic disease transmission, accidents, and aggressions. Large urban centers exacerbated challenges due to the presence of these animals in public areas with high human density. Ethical Population Management Programs (EPMP), rooted in the One Health approach, are crucial for addressing this issue comprehensively. This study aimed to demonstrate the approach on cats and dogs EPMP and evaluate the perceptions of academic community regarding EPMP implementation on a campus situated in urban territory. The study was conducted at the Pampulha campus of UFMG in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. In response to issues of animal abandonment and conflicts, the Permanent Commission for Animal Policies (CPPA-UFMG) was established in 2019 to manage the campus's dog, cat, and wildlife populations. The commission implemented the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method, along with health assessments and vaccinations for animals. Interviews were conducted with campus staff to gauge their perception of animal management strategies. Retrospective and prospective analyses of the commission's actions were carried out to assess implementation processes and challenges. The animal population survey conducted on campus between July 2018 and September 2021 revealed a total of 266 animals recorded. Among these animals, 195 were cats (73.3%) and 71 were dogs (26.7%), with the majority being adults. Subsequent surveys in 2019 and 2021 showed a slight increase in the animal population, with measures such as sterilization contributing to population control. Perception analysis among campus users indicated strategies such as TNR were widely endorsed for population control. The employees perception questionnaire was applied to 115 individuals, representing 42 units/departments and five gates. Associations were found between these beliefs and support for institutional actions. The majority favored sterilization (92.17%) and agreed that TNR is an appropriate approach to population control. Overall, the study reflects a community concerned about animal welfare and supportive of measures to address population management and cruelty prevention. The continuous efforts of the university's CPPA have led to stability in the resident animal population, indicating success in achieving population control objectives.

Antibody Levels and Infection Status of Pertussis in the Population under Pertussis Resurgence in Guangxi in 2018: A Cross-Sectional Survey

ObjectivePertussis cases have increased markedly since 2018 in Guangxi. The aim of this study was to evaluate antibody levels and the infection status of pertussis in the resident population. MethodA total of 10,215 serum samples from residents were collected from August–November 2018 and tested for anti-pertussis IgG and toxin IgG using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsOf the collected samples, 1,833 (17.94%) tested positive for anti-pertussis IgG, with the median concentration of 16.06 IU/mL. Antibody level < 10 IU/mL accounted for more than 60% in children under 4 years of age, but declined with age, whereas the percentages of the other three levels (10–40, 40–50, and ≥ 50 IU/mL) increased almost with age (P < 0.001). Moreover, 7,924 samples were selected for anti-pertussis toxin IgG, of which 653 (8.24%) tested positive (≥ 40 IU/mL) with the median concentration of 5.89 IU/mL, and 204 participants (2.56%) had recent pertussis infection (≥ 100 IU/mL). Among the different age groups, the highest rates of positivity and recent infection were observed at 11–20 years of age, the lowest positivity rate at 5 years of age, and the lowest recent infection rate at 4 years of age (P < 0.001, P = 0.005, respectively). ConclusionThe survey results showed that all age groups in Guangxi lacked immunity against pertussis, which was one of the main factors contributing to the resurgence of pertussis in 2018. In addition, the prevalence of pertussis is relatively high in Guangxi, and its incidence is seriously underestimated, especially in adolescents and adults.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Total Retail Sales of Consumer Goods in Hainan Province, China

The total retail sales of social consumer goods is a comprehensive reflection of a country's consumption capacity, consumption structure and living standard, which is of great significance for evaluating a country's economic vitality and social development level. In recent years, with the continuous expansion of the consumer market and the improvement of consumers' purchasing power, the total retail sales of social consumer goods has continued to grow, and its role in the national economy has gradually increased. However, there are many factors that affect the total retail sales of social consumer goods, including economic environment, policies and regulations, consumer behavior and so on. Under this background, this paper takes Hainan Province as the empirical research object, and selects per capita disposable income, rural residents' per capita disposable income, gross domestic product, resident population at the end of the year and local government's general budget expenditure as explanatory variables to analyze the factors affecting the total retail sales of social consumer goods. The results show that the average disposable income of rural residents and the general budget expenditure of local governments are significant factors affecting the total retail sales of social consumer goods in Hainan Province. Finally, the model is analyzed economically, and some conclusions are drawn, and some policy suggestions are put forward.

Death Risk Response of High-Altitude Resident Populations to COVID-19 Vaccine: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Vásquez-Velásquez, Cinthya, Diego Fano-Sizgorich, and Gustavo F Gonzales. Death risk response of high-altitude resident populations to COVID-19 vaccine: Retrospective cohort study. High Alt Med Biol. 00:00-00, 2024. Background: Peru had one of the highest mortality rates caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide. Vaccination significantly reduces mortality. However, the effectiveness of vaccination might differ at different altitudinal levels. The study aimed to evaluate the effect modification of altitude on the association between vaccination and COVID-19 mortality in Peru. Methodology: A retrospective cohort, using open access databases of deaths, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and vaccination was obtained from the Peruvian Ministry of Health. Deaths due to COVID-19 were evaluated in vaccinated and nonvaccinated patients. Crude (RR) and adjusted relative risks (aRR) were calculated using generalized linear models of Poisson family with robust variances. Models were adjusted for age, sex, pandemic wave, and Human Development Index. To evaluate the interaction by altitude, a stratified analysis by this variable was performed. The variable altitude was categorized as, 0-499 m (828,298 cases), 500-1,499 m (64,735 cases), 1,500-2,499 m (106,572 cases), and ≥2,500 m (179,004 cases). The final sample studied included 1,362,350 cases. Results: The vaccine showed a considerable reduction of death risk with the second (aRR: 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38-0.44) and third doses (aRR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.20-0.23). In the adjusted and interaction model, it can be observed that medium and high altitude present a higher risk of death compared to sea level (aRR: 2.58 and 2.03, respectively). Likewise, the two doses' group presents an aRR:1.22 for medium altitude (1,500-2,499 m) and 1.6 for high altitude (≥2,500 m), compared with low-altitude population, suggesting that the action of vaccination at high altitude is altered by the effect of the altitude itself. Conclusions: Altitude might modify the protective effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine against COVID-19 death.

Priority Intervention Evaluation of Community Regeneration in Megacities Based on the Business Improvement District (BID) Model: A Case Study of Tianjin, China

This study aims to start from the macroscale of the megacity, explore a top-down operational technical path from the identification of community regeneration units as the evaluation objects to the BID priority intervention evaluation, and then propose differentiated community regeneration strategies based on the BID model. In the post-epidemic era, it is necessary for global megacities to take new measures in urban regeneration to respond to worldwide changes and challenges. As an innovative tool to promote central city revitalization, the BID model has played an important role in community transformation. In the context of the continuous decentralization of population and industry in China’s megacities, it is urgent to explore the technical path to apply the BID model to local community regeneration. Given the shortcomings of existing studies in the method to identify the scope of BID implementation and evaluate intervention priorities, this study takes Tianjin, a megacity in China, as an example and uses DBSCAN (density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise) and service area analysis to define the community regeneration units with commercial agglomeration characteristics as the objects. Then, the BID priority intervention evaluation system is constructed from the two measurement aspects of the intervention potential and the necessity of community regeneration to classify the BID intervention priorities of community regeneration units. The main conclusions are as follows: 1. When the DBSCAN analysis parameters take the minimum number of elements as 30 and the search distance as 120 m, the result is most suitable for identifying community units with commercial agglomeration of the study area; 2. Population vitality, especially working and residential population density, is the key factor affecting BID intervention potential, while road network density is an important indicator for determining the necessity of community regeneration; 3. Community regeneration units with high BID priority levels need to develop differentiated regeneration strategies combining their BID intervention potential, regeneration necessity characteristics, and location attributes. These conclusions can provide references for the governments of megacities to screen and establish BIDs.