Residential Areas Research Articles

Revisiting polychlorinated biphenyls enriching in human and disrupting of thyroid hormone receptor β1

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants renowned for their bioaccumation and toxicity. Although PCBs production and use were banned worldwide decades ago, PCBs still pose a health risk due to their environmental persistence and unintentional production. In this report, PCB concentrations and temporal trends in serum from residents of urban areas in eastern China is investigated. The endocrine-disrupting potentials of PCBs are also investigated, particularly effects on thyroid hormone receptors. Through analysis of five years of data, results indicated that dioxin-like PCBs and congener PCB209 concentrations maintained low and had no marked temporal trends, but that the indicator PCBs and particularly PCB52, PCB153, and PCB180 concentrations increased. Furthermore, to evaluate binding of PCBs to the thyroid hormone receptor TRβ1, molecular docking simulations are performed. It is found that the PCBs of PCB28, PCB52, and PCB153 can interfere with triiodothyronine binding to TRβ1, which are comparable to the effects of the polybrominated biphenyl BB-153, a known thyroid function disruptor. What's more, the PCB180 binds to TRβ1 more strongly than that of BB-153. Our results indicated that a continuously monitoring of human exposures to PCB28, PCB52, PCB153, PCB180, and a detailed assessment of thyroid function interference is necessary.

Mobile health teleconsultation and telemedicine in operating outpatient departments during COVID-19 pandemic at a hospital in Eastern Nepal

ABSTRACT Background: Telemedicine provides a means to deliver healthcare across distances, enhancing efficiency and accessibility, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted its importance by reducing the risk of virus transmission while maintaining healthcare delivery. This study evaluates the telemedicine program implemented at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Nepal, which provided specialist services to remote districts via teleconsultation during the 2020 lockdown. The objectives were to identify the number of patients, the major complaints, and the follow-up departments during teleconsultation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on teleconsultation data from March 1 to August 31, 2020, across various outpatient departments at BPKIHS. Data from 10,901 patients were reviewed, with variables including age, gender, residence, and consultation medium. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS (version 22). Results: Most of the patients (55.46%) were female, and the majority (30.84%) aged 21–30 years. Most consultations were from the Sunsari district (54.8%) and Koshi state (88.9%). Voice calls were the primary medium (39.62%), followed by WhatsApp video calls (30.08%). Obstetrics and gynecology had the highest consultation rate (16.15%), followed by dermatology (14.4%) and psychiatry (10.37%). Nearly half of the patients (45.0%) had follow-up consultations, primarily for dermatological issues (17.85%). Conclusion: The findings underscore telemedicine’s role in facilitating healthcare access, particularly for women and residents of remote areas, by reducing travel and exposure risks. This study highlights the need for further integration of telehealth technologies to enhance healthcare delivery, suggesting that teleconsultation can efficiently meet healthcare demands in resource-limited settings during and beyond pandemics.

Exploring the supply-demand match and drivers of blue-green spaces cooling in Wuhan Metropolis

This study explores the spatial evolution and driving factors of cooling supply and demand matching in blue-green spaces (BGSs) to alleviate urban heat island effects. Using Wuhan Metropolis as a case study, the cooling supply index (CSI) and cooling demand index (CDI) were utilized to assess the BGSs' cooling supply capacity and demand levels in 2014, 2018 and 2022. The relationship between them was then examined applying spatial gradient analysis and constraint effect analysis. Subsequently, the coupled coordination degree (CCD) of cooling supply-demand and its built environment-driven explanatory power was investigated. Ultimately, areas with supply-demand mismatches were identified, and tailored cooling strategies were devised to rectify these discrepancies. The results indicated that: (1) Wuhan Metropolis experienced a decline in BGSs' cooling supply capacity and an increase in cooling demand level between 2014 and 2022. (2) There is a significant correlation between the cooling supply capacity and demand level of BGSs in Wuhan Metropolis, with a spatial gradient effect and a constraint effect (CSI values = 0–0.2). (3) The CCD of cooling supply-demand in Wuhan Metropolis decreased from 2014 to 2022, with building density being the dominant built environment factors (q-value = 0.83–0.86). (4) The number of mismatched cooling supply-demand units significantly increased in Wuhan Metropolis from 2014 to 2022, indicating an imperative need to alleviate urban high temperatures. To address this issue, the study proposes a mismatch mechanism-based regulatory strategy aimed at mitigating the heat from residential, transportation, and industrial areas.

First Isolation and Characterization of Feline Panleukopenia Virus From Wild Raccoon Dogs in the Residential Area of Shanghai, China.

Carnivore parvovirus is commonly detected in canines and felines and results in a range of symptoms, including diarrhoea, with a high lethality rate. In recent years, the gradual restoration of urban ecosystems coupled with a lack of natural predators means that wild raccoon dogs have gradually entered residential neighbourhoods in Shanghai, and the carnivore parvovirus carried by such canines may seriously affect their health and that of dogs and cats in these neighbourhoods. Therefore, it is essential to monitor wild raccoon dogs for carnivore parvovirus. The wild raccoon samples were collected from the residential area of Shanghai and screened for parvovirus, followed by virus isolation and sequence comparison analysis. In this study, three strains of parvovirus, YSH1-2022, YSH2-2022 and GSW1-2023, were isolated from anal and pharyngeal swab mixtures of 42 live raccoon dogs and two dead raccoon dogs in Shanghai, China. After alignment, it was found that the three strains of parvovirus were all located in the same branch as feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), and the three VP2 genes had 100% homology with FPV VP2 genes isolated from Shanghai and Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. The homology of the three NS1 genes with FPV NS1 isolated from Shanghai and other places was 99.9%-100%. This is the first report of FPV isolated from raccoon dogs. In this study, the host range and risk of infection of parvovirus were evaluated, providing data to support wildlife management and policy formulation in Shanghai.

Promoting cooperation in collective actions: Evidence from the reserve fund for maintenance in China

Cooperation among group members is the ultimate pursuit in any collective actions. Despite the presence of well-documented theories and experimental evidence in the collective action problem, the empirical evidence on promoting cooperation in the problem is scarce. We examine the collective tasks of using reserve funds for maintenance in urban residential areas using a unique administrative data that covers approximately 5,000 maintenance projects in Nanjing, China. Applying an instrumental variable approach, we show that a 1,000 yuan increase in extra cash payment increases the consent rates of implementing a maintenance plan by approximately 1 percentage point. Our results suggest that additional information revealed by uncovered maintenance costs could serve as a non-monetary tool to promote cooperation in making collective-action decisions. We confirm the conjecture by surveying 112 householders involved in the maintenance projects.

Is Centralisation of Cancer Services Associated With Under-Treatment of Patients With High-Risk Prostate Cancer?-A National Population-Based Study.

Centralising prostate cancer surgical and radiotherapy services, requires some patients to travel longer to access treatment, but its impact on actual treatment utilisation and outcomes is unknown. Using national cancer registry records linked to administrative hospital data, we identified all patients with high risk and locally advanced prostate cancer diagnosed between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020 in the English National Health Service (n = 15,971). Estimated travel times from the patient residential areas to the nearest hospital providing surgery or radiotherapy were estimated for journeys by car and by public transport. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model relationships between travel time and receipt of care with adjustment for patient characteristics. 10,693 (67%) men received radical surgery or radiotherapy (RT) within 12 months of diagnosis. Average travel time to the nearest hospital providing prostatectomy or RT was 23.2 min by private car and 58.2 min by public transport. We found no association between travel time, either by car or public transport and the likelihood of receiving curative treatment. Patients living in the most socially deprived areas, those aged over 70, those with two or more comorbidities, and those of black ethnic origin, were less likely to receive curative treatment (p& =& 0.001 for all associations). The current configuration of national prostate cancer services is not associated with the likelihood of receiving curative treatment. Further increases in capacity will unlikely improve utilisation rates beyond addressing sociodemographic barriers.

Assessing the influence of self and collective efficacy on volunteering following a natural disaster

Following hurricane Katrina, many New Orleanians evacuated to Baton Rouge. Despite a significant outpouring of assistance, not everyone engaged in pro-social behaviors during this time. Some felt an obligation to help yet failed to donate their time to assist those displaced by the storm. Prior studies have examined pro-social behavior following a natural disaster as a product of self or collective efficacy. Analyzing data from interviews with Baton Rouge area residents two months after Katrina, we explore the role of self and collective efficacy on helping activity and volunteering in shelters for evacuees. This study advances the extant literature by exploring an interactive model to provide a more accurate assessment of how self and collective efficacy work contemporaneously to influence different forms of pro-social behavior. Results suggest the likelihood of helping others or volunteering after a disaster are, in part, dependent on a nuanced combination of self and collective efficacy.

Malnutrition and Growth Failure in Cyanotic and Acyanotic Congenital Heart Diseases with and Without Pulmonary Hypertension

Objective: To determine the status of malnutrition and growth failure in cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart diseases with and without pulmonary hypertension. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatric Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Tando Muhammad Khan, Pakistan, from Jan 2020 to Oct 2021. Methodology: A total of 250 children, with echocardiography confirmed congenital heart disease, of both genders and aged below 5 years were included. All cases were divided into 4 groups, these being, acyanotic congenital heart disease with PH, acyanotic congenital heart disease without pulmonary hypertension, cyanotic congenital heart disease with pulmonary hypertension and cyanotic Congenital heart disease without pulmonary hypertension. Gender, age, body weight, height, area of residence and malnutrition status were determined in all cases and compared in between study groups. Results: There were 41(16.4%) patients with acyanotic PH, 115(46.0%) acyanotic without PH, 34(13.6%) cyanotic with pulmonary hypertension and 60(24.0%) cyanotic without pulmonary hypertension among a total of 250 cases. Significant differences were noted in terms of age, weight, and height among different study groups (p<0.001). Nutritional status as normal was noted in 51(20.4%) cases, mild malnutrition in 50(20.0%), moderate malnutrition in 65(26.0%) and 84(33.6%) with severe malnutrition. Children having cyanotic congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension were also found to have failure to thrive (p=0.009). Conclusion: Malnutrition and growth failure were found to be very prevalent among children with CHDs under the age of 5 years. Malnutrition was significantly more pronounced among children having cyanotic CHDs with PH.

Endogenous reactivation cases identified by whole genome sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Exploration of possible causes in Latvian tuberculosis patients

BackgroundThe recurrence of tuberculosis (TB) continues to place a significant burden on patients and TB programs worldwide. Repeated TB episodes can develop either due to endogenous reactivation of previously treated TB or exogenous reinfection with a distinct strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Determining the precise cause of the recurrent TB episodes and identifying reasons for endogenous reactivation of previously successfully treated patients is crucial for introducing effective TB control measures. MethodsHere, we aimed to provide a retrospective individual analysis of the clinical data of pulmonary TB patients with assumed endogenous infection reactivation based on WGS results to identify the reasons for reactivation. Patient medical files were reviewed to describe the provoking factors for endogenous reactivation. ResultsIn total, 25 patients with assumed endogenous TB reactivation were included in the study group, and 30 patients with one TB episode during the study period were included in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences identified between studied patient groups in patients age (t(53) = −1.53, p = 0.13), body mass index (t(53) = 0.82, p = 0.42), area of residency (χ2(1;55) = 0.015, p = 0.9), employment status (χ2(1;55) = 0.076, p = 0.78) and presence of comorbidities (χ2(1;55) = 3.67, p = 0.78). Study group patients had statistically significantly more frequently positive sputum smear microscopy results (χ2(1;55) = 8.72, p = 0.0031), longer time to sputum smear (t(31) = −2.2, p = 0.036) and sputum culture conversion (W (55) = 198.5, p = 0.0029). Smoking was statistically significantly (χ2(1;55) = 5.77, p = 0.016) more frequently represented among study group patients. The median treatment duration for drug susceptible TB was 6 months in both in the control group (IQR 6–6) and among study group patients (IQR 6–7.75). The median treatment duration for multidrug-resistant TB was 20 months (IQR 17–23) in the control group and 19 months (IQR 16–19) in the study group patients. ConclusionPositive SSM for acid-fast bacteria, delayed time to sputum smear and sputum culture conversion, smoking, and incomplete therapy in the study group patients with multidrug-resistant TB should be considered as potential reasons for reactivation in recurrent TB patient group in our study.

Dynamics of living income for coffee farming households in agricultural area development policy: Socio-spatial integration

A decent income is an important part of overcoming economic disparities in agricultural development, especially in developing countries where most of the population are small farmers. As a developing country, Indonesia has also established a decent standard of living by setting a minimum wage as a reference for a decent income at the national and regional levels. However, this benchmark is not relevant to be applied uniformly at all levels of workers. This research determines the national coffee development area as the study center. We developed the Anker living wage methodology as a simple concept for determining living income for certain worker communities, especially for small farmers in rural areas who dominate the type of work in Indonesia. a socio-spatial approach is used to visualize the distribution of the dynamics of a decent life in various conditions of farming households. We found that 96.6% of coffee farming households in the national coffee development area had an inadequate living income, and only 3.4% were at an adequate level. We conclude that the current state of agricultural land management does not guarantee a decent income, even though efforts have been made to maximize agricultural crop productivity. The spatial description also shows that this condition is evenly distributed throughout residential areas. It is hoped that this approach can become an essential reference in implementing agricultural development programs that focus on welfare and equitable development as benchmarks for sustainable development goals in the future.

Cultivation of green environmental awareness towards cleanliness city in Malaysia

This paper aims to understand the local authorities’ reaction to green environment activities towards clean cities in Malaysia and how they respond to cleanliness awareness among the community. Four (4) cities, such as Melaka, Ipoh, and Muar dan Kuala Terengganu, were selected, and this study embarks on a qualitative research approach involving a semi-structured interview with top personnel from four local authorities. From the reaction point of view, some local authorities reacted positively towards the green environment and cleanliness of the city. Four (4) themes have been produced, such as awareness, which focuses on the daily routine of local authorities. Secondly, enforcement from the local government, with some warning and advice, really contributes to the changes in society’s attitude. Thirdly, support by local authority efforts, including awareness campaigns from electronic and printed media, does have a good impact. Lastly, active involvement from the local authorities regulated many communities in residential areas and had direct links with local communities and NGOs that annually organized green program activities. This study urged the Local Government Act 1976, which the local authorities are responsible for the enforcement activities such as the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) activities and so on. Local authorities, state governments, and local communities should also help monitor and maintain environmental issues towards a clean city in Malaysia.

Cluster Dimensions of the Space of a New Residential District of Ukrainian ‘Post-Socialist’ City

The article presents research material devoted to new dimensions of the spatial organization of residential areas of Ukrainian “post-socialist” city. He is currently faced with the challenges of military actions aimed at destroying the urban environment of Ukrainian cities. Residential areas of the micro-district type of the “post-socialist” city are mostly built on the basis of the postulates of functionalism. In the theory and practice of urban planning, they did not foresee the vulnerability of objects of necessary and social infrastructure. The criteria of centrality, as focus of concentration of functions of the spatial organization of the city, are currently being transformed into criteria of dispersion. Functional zoning acquires the multiplicative nature of multidimensional functional zoning. Fractal urbanism methodology assumes local freedom and global cohesion of individual urban planning elements. New exponential organizational structures with innovative digital technologies create “breakthrough” models of development. One of which is the urban planning cluster. The new residential area “Levada-2” in the city of Poltava (Ukraine) is presented, which demonstrates the latest approaches in the cluster organization of living space.

Motivation towards physical activities among Malaysian population by gender and age group

Sports culture among Malaysia Population still lacking and the percentage of inactive people still high and increase since year 2018. The aim of this study is to determine the level and influence of motivation towards physical activities based on gender and age groups. The researchers employed a survey design involving 7,015 respondents aged 13 years and above. Sampling selection across Malaysia was facilitated by Department of Statistic Malaysia based on block calculation and residence area from 13 states and 3 Federal Territories. The researcher employed the Multistage Cluster sampling random strategy by combining the cluster sampling procedure with stratified random sampling. A questionnaire designed by IYRES with high validity (r = 0.95) and reliability (r = .96) employed for data collection. A total of 190 trained enumerators collects the data manually. The findings of the analysis through an independent sample t-test showed that mean score for Males (M = 31.94, SD = 10.70) and for females (M = 29.84, SD = 10.82). p = .000, is significant. The results showed that there were significant differences in the mean of motivation towards physical activity participation between male and female respondents. Comparison by age group using One-way ANOVA showed that there were significant differences in the motivation of involvement in physical activity between the age groups, p = 0.000. Group pre-youth (M = 30.39, SD = 9.56), youth (M = 32.78, SD = 10.06), post youth (M = 30.72, SD = 11.06) and senior citizen 60 years and above (M = 26.76, SD = 10.72). This outcome proves that age does influence motivational factors in physical activity participation. The motivation level among youth is the highest and the elderly above 60 years old the lowest. Motivational factors are influenced by gender and age group in complex ways. Women tend to be more motivated by intrinsic factors such as job satisfaction, relationships, and personal growth, while men often lean towards extrinsic rewards. Younger individuals may be more driven by extrinsic rewards such as prizes, recognition, free gifts and performance achievements. Overall, psychological factors play a critical role in shaping individuals’ attitudes, beliefs, motivations, and behaviors regarding physical activity. By addressing psychological barriers and leveraging motivational strategies, interventions can effectively promote participation in exercise and support individuals in adopting healthier and more active lifestyles.

Perceptions of potential cycling infrastructure in a low-cycling context: Evidence from a medium-sized urban area

A key factor for the use of bicycles for transportation is the presence of safe and pleasant infrastructure. While research mostly focuses on large cities, cycling infrastructure and use are still incipient in many small and medium-sized cities. Because of their spatial context and very low and demographically uneven cycle use, it is key to understand how the potential of growing infrastructure is perceived among the general population, as well as how these perceptions differ based on personal characteristics. We focus on Camp de Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain), a polycentric urban area where bicycles are used for transportation for less than 1% of trips, and where local authorities have shown renewed interest in expanding and improving the current infrastructure to increase bicycle usage. We examine the perception of residents in the study area regarding various bicycle infrastructure scenarios through a visual preference analysis using photo evaluation. The representative survey was conducted with over 1,000 individuals in 2022, which demonstrates a widespread willingness to cycle as a means of transportation. However, this desire remains unmet due to inadequate infrastructure and an urban configuration that generally discourages cycling. The results show a need for recognizable, safe and segregated cycling infrastructure, though with differing perceptions between gender and age groups and between levels of urban density. The understanding of diverse sociodemographic nuances in the preferences of non-cyclists emerges as vital for promoting cycling as a feasible and socially inclusive transportation choice, highlighting the importance of tailored infrastructure to encourage cycling and enhance accessibility.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Severe Japanese Spotted Fever: A Retrospective Multicenter Study in Nagasaki Prefecture, Western Japan.

Japanese spotted fever (JSF) is a tick-borne rickettsial disease prevalent in western Japan, with an increasing incidence and geographical distribution. This retrospective study aimed to describe the clinical features of JSF and identify factors associated with its severe form. We included adult patients with laboratory confirmed JSF in Nagasaki prefecture from 2010 to 2021. Severe JSF was defined by the presence of altered mental status, low blood pressure, or low oxygen saturation. In total, 65 JSF cases were diagnosed. Common symptoms were fever (87%), rash (48%), and fatigue (48%) with eschars detected in 50 (79.4%) of patients. Thirty-eight (60.3%) patients were initially diagnosed with non-JSF conditions. Twenty-one (33.3%) cases were categorized as severe JSF, including one death. Pre-hospital factors associated with severe JSF included age ≥75 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 37.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.03-465.38), male sex (aOR 26.5, 95% CI 4.23-166.00), and a treatment delay ≥4 days from onset (aOR 5.96, 95% CI 1.13-31.60). This study highlights diagnostic challenges of JSF due to its non-organ-specific clinical presentation. Delayed initial treatment, advanced age, and male sex significantly increase the risk of severity. It is crucial to further raise awareness of JSF among clinicians and residents in endemic areas.

Unveiling the spatially varied nonlinear effects of urban built environment on housing prices using an interpretable ensemble learning model

The relationship between urban built environment (UBE) and housing prices manifests as complex, exhibiting significant nonlinearities and spatial heterogeneity that remain inadequately understood. Taking Shanghai as a testbed, this study employs a novel ensemble learning approach, augmented by Bayesian optimization and Monte Carlo simulation, to decipher the intricate and nonlinear impacts of UBE factors on housing markets across diverse urban geographies. Our analysis unveils substantial spatial variations in how transit accessibility, amenities, residential density, and green/blue spaces influence real estate values. Proximity to metro stations and bike-sharing facilities exerts a more pronounced positive effect than bus stops. Moreover, residents in central areas demonstrate a higher willingness-to-pay for public service amenities, while those in outer suburbs prioritize access to public transportation infrastructure. Intriguingly, it invokes an optimal threshold range of urban density for properties in new cities, thereby increasing the vitality and dense socio-economic networks. Furthermore, the sprawling suburbs have identified an adverse economic impact of large conservation green/blue spaces. These insights can guide policymakers in crafting spatially-tailored strategies that harness localized built environment drivers to catalyse equitable and prosperous urban development. Tailored policies informed by this spatially explicit understanding of nonlinear built environment-housing interactions can foster more sustainable, liveable, and inclusive cities.

Survival Outcomes of U.S. Patients with CMML: A Two-Decade Analysis from the SEER Database.

Background: Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML) is a rare and aggressive form of leukemia with characteristics of both myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs). This study aims to explore the clinical features, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors in CMML patients over the past 20 years using a large sample. Methods: The study data from 4124 patients diagnosed with CMML between 2000 and 2017 were sourced from the SEER database. Demographic and clinical characteristics, along with overall and cancer-specific mortality, were examined. Factors with a p-value < 0.01 in univariate Cox regression were included in the multivariate Cox model to identify independent prognostic factors, with hazard ratios (HRs) greater than one indicating adverse outcomes. Results: The majority of the cohort were male (61.57%), and most diagnoses occurred between ages 60-79 (55.16%), with a small percentage under 40 (1.41%). Non-Hispanic whites represented the largest racial group (79.03%). Multivariate analysis showed higher mortality in males, those aged 80+, residents in metropolitan areas with populations between 250,000 and 1 million, single or widowed individuals, and those who underwent chemotherapy. Conversely, lower mortality was associated with an annual income of $75,000+. Conclusions: CMML remains a rare and highly aggressive hematologic disorder. This U.S.-based retrospective cohort study identified male gender, advanced age, single or widowed status, and chemotherapy as independent poor prognostic factors. While it is expected that older patients and those requiring chemotherapy would have a poorer prognosis, the higher mortality risk in single or widowed patients, as well as males, warrants further investigation. The early involvement of family and community support may help reduce mortality in these groups, suggesting a need for larger prospective studies to explore these associations further.

Occurrence, residency, and habitat characterization of leopard seals in Chile

Leopard seals have traditionally been considered Antarctic predators with a Southern Ocean distribution. Historically, sightings north of the Antarctic Polar Front were considered extralimital. However, recent studies suggest a significant presence of leopard seals in subantarctic regions. Here, we assess the spatial occurrence, residency status, and temporal trends of leopard seals in Chile using historical records, stranding reports, standardized monitoring data, photo-identification (photo ID) catalogs, and sightings from four research expeditions. We also characterize glaciers where sightings are concentrated, identifying glaciological and geomorphic attributes that prolong iceberg residency time, which is linked to high leopard seal concentrations. Based on these attributes, we evaluated other potential suitable glacial habitats in Patagonia. We obtained 438 sighting records of leopard seals from 1927 to 2023. Over the last 15 years, we documented a 4-18% annual increase in stranding events reported to national authorities. Most sightings (75%) were concentrated in two hotspots: National Park San Rafael Lagoon, located in Northern Patagonia, and Parry Fjord in Tierra del Fuego. Using photo ID catalogs, we identified 19 resident leopard seals, including 16 multi-year residents observed between 2010-2023 (10 in San Rafael, 6 in Tierra del Fuego) and 3 potential residents (observed multiple months in the same year in Tierra del Fuego). San Rafael monitoring data showed no inter-annual trend, but seasonal trends were observed. We also provide evidence of breeding in Chile, with records of at least 14 pups born and at least two females giving birth in multiple years. Our habitat characterization suggests that calving flux, fjord sinuosity, and fjord width variation are crucial for prolonging iceberg residency in hotspot areas. Based on these attributes, we identified 13 additional fjords in Patagonia as “very likely” suitable for leopard seals. Our study confirms that Patagonia is part of the species’ breeding distribution, shifting the paradigm that leopard seals are merely visitors north of the Antarctic Polar Front. Given the limited number of suitable glaciers in Chile and the potential impacts of climate change, our assessment highlights glacial retreat as a major threat for the ecosystem of this pagophilic marine apex predator in South America.

Analysis of the Phenomenon of Food Deserts in Urban-Rural Complex Cities Due to Local Extinction for Elderly Residential Areas

Analysis of the Phenomenon of Food Deserts in Urban-Rural Complex Cities Due to Local Extinction for Elderly Residential Areas

Distribution of air quality data across stratified areas of Port Harcourt metropolis

Distribution of Air Quality Data across seven stratified areas of Port Harcourt Metropolis was carried out. The study utilized a total of 18 parameters from four different air quality datasets obtained from 24 sampling points during field data collection. The sampling points were structured and stratified into residential, industrial, commercial, recreational, transport, dumpsite and abattoir areas. Air quality data were acquired using a multi-digital potable tool, Aerosol Gas Monitor and TESTO Gas Analyser for meteorological data, particulate matters (PM), gaseous emissions and heavy metals. Results showed that the concentrations of air quality data were not evenly distributed across the seven stratified areas, an indication of the influence of location-based activities on the distribution of air quality parameters. The minimum and maximum values of wind speed, temperature and relative humidity were obtained within Residential and Transport Areas, Abattoir and Dumpsite Areas, and, Industrial and Recreational Areas with numerical values of 1.1ms-1 and 3.7ms-1, 27.20C and 350C, and, 67.8% and 923% for wind speed, temperature and relative humidity respectively. The values of TSP, PM2.5 and PM10 ranged from 53 to 255 μg/m3, 13 to 90 μg/m3 and 40 to 169μg/m3 for TSP, PM2.5 and PM10 respectively with the lowest and highest values obtained within Residential and Dumpsite Areas respectively. The concentrations of NO2 and SO2 exceeded the standards of WHO, NAAQS and FMEnv in Industrial, Dumpsite and Abattoir Areas. Lead ( Pb) showed very high values within Dumpsite Area (0.954mg/kg), Industrial Area (0.372mg/kg) and Transport Area (0.077mg/kg).