Small Geographic Area Research Articles

Development of a Genotyping-in-Thousands by Sequencing (GT-Seq) Panel for Identifying Individuals and Estimating Relatedness Among Alaska Black Bears (Ursus americanus).

The management and conservation of large mammals, such as black bears (Ursus americanus), have long been informed by genetic estimates of population size and individual dispersal. Amplicon sequencing methods, also known as 'genotyping-in-thousands-by sequencing' (GT-seq), now enable the efficient and cost-effective genotyping of hundreds of loci and individuals in the same sequencing run. Here, we develop a GT-seq panel for individual identification and kinship inference in Alaska black bears. Using genomic data from restriction site-associated DNA sequencing of hunter-harvested bears from Southcentral Alaska (n = 85), we identified 170 microhaplotype and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci that were highly heterozygous in local populations. To enable sexing of individuals, we also included a previously published sex-linked locus in the GT-seq panel. We empirically validated the GT-seq panel using samples collected at different spatial scales. These samples included tissues (n = 82) obtained from bears within a small geographic area in Anchorage, Alaska, which were likely to be relatives as well as the hunter-harvested samples collected from geographically widespread locations throughout Southcentral Alaska. Empirical validation indicated high genotyping success and genotype reproducibility across replicate subsamples. Computer simulations demonstrated that the GT-seq panel had ample statistical power for distinguishing distinct individuals and first-order relatives (parent-offspring and full-sibling pairs) from unrelated individuals. As a final proof of concept, the panel was used to identify individual bears and close kin sampled from urban and wild habitats in Anchorage, Alaska. We anticipate that the GT-seq panel will be a useful genomic resource for the monitoring and management of Alaska black bear populations.

Analyzing Social Disorganization Theory of Crime in Barcelona: Micro-Level Insights from Census Sections

ABSTRACT This article explores the contemporary relevance of Shaw and McKay’s social disorganization theory, examining its applicability in the twenty-first century, while addressing controversial variables such as physical deterioration. Pioneering in Southern Europe, this study adopts a criminology of place perspective, focusing on small geographic areas (i.e. census sections) within Barcelona, Spain, to assess their influence on nonviolent property crime. The research validates the efficacy of social disorganization theory in crime prediction, supporting Wilson and Kelling’s notion that signs of physical disorder are legitimate crime predictors. These findings endorse the revitalized credibility of the broken windows theory in the twenty-first century, countering earlier criticisms and reestablishing it as a valid theoretical approach.

Impact of Industrial and Geographical Concentrations of Upstream Industries on Firm Performance During COVID-19

Using a large sample of supplier–firm relationships, we develop new measures to operationalize the industrial and geographical concentrations of firms’ upstream industries. The developed measures show an upstream industry might be competitive and contain many suppliers (low industrial concentration) and yet be concentrated in a few countries (high geopolitical concentration) or a small geographical area (high geographical concentration), thus leaving the downstream firm vulnerable to geographical or geopolitical disruptions. Using COVID-19 as an exogenous shock, we document that the firms whose upstream suppliers are operating in industries that have high concentration (either geographically or geopolitically), on average, experienced a reduction of 250 million US dollars in quarterly sales. Thus, competitive industries with ample suppliers may still impose significant risks on downstream firms if the upstream suppliers’ industries are concentrated mainly in a few countries or small geographical areas. Noteworthy, we find evidence that the link between upstream suppliers’ industry-level concentrations and downstream firms’ sales growth is heterogeneous. Specifically, firms can mitigate the negative relationship by adjusting their supply chain networks. The negative relationship is weaker for firms with a geopolitically diversified supply base and firms with more domestic suppliers. Our estimates are robust and consistently identified through several different empirical strategies. Our findings help policymakers and managers to systematically identify locations in supply networks that have the potential to create bottlenecks that may even threaten national security. Additionally, the proposed measures give policymakers insights into which industries to support for onshoring.

Niche comparisons reveal significant divergence despite narrow endemism in Leavenworthia, a genus of rare plants.

Quantifying niche similarity among closely related species offers myriad insights into evolutionary history and ecology. In this study, our aim was to explore the interplay of geographic and niche space for rare, endemic plant species and determine if endemic habitats were environmentally similar or unique. We characterized the niche of all Leavenworthia species, a genus of rare plants endemic to rocky glades in the eastern United States, using WorldClim data, surface geology, elevation, and slope. We calculated the area of range overlap and estimated niche similarity between species in their total occupied niche space and the subset of niche space shared by both species. We used Linear Discriminant Analyses to determine which niche dimensions differed the most between species. We used niche dimensions with consistently high discriminatory power to perform a Random Forest classification analysis and Principal Component Analysis. Using a linear model, we related geographic distance to distance in niche space. Most species comparisons concluded that species' niches had diverged, with niche similarity increasing linearly with range overlap. Temperature variation, precipitation amount and seasonality, and surface geology were the most divergent niche dimensions among all species comparisons. Geographic distance explained 42% of the variation in niche space distance. Sites that were closer in niche space than expected were oriented east-west due to the strong correlation between latitude and PC1 scores. Despite being endemic to seemingly very similar habitat, niche similarity is low among Leavenworthia species. Low niche similarity, combined with low geographic overlap suggests that this lineage of rare plants potentially diversified in isolation but across a very small geographic area. The correlation between geographic space and niche space has received considerable attention, but our results suggest that geographic distance is a weak predictor of distance in niche space.

Institutional Unaccountability: American Megachurch Web Sites and the (Re)constitution of Neoliberal Values

ABSTRACT Drawing on the literature of American megachurches and neoliberalism, I show how the megachurch is a crucial site for understanding the identification regime of neoliberalism. Most Christians now attend a megachurch (Chaves & Anderson, 2014), so the discursive and material identification resources being offered on their Web sites are language and practices with which many Christians identify. By performing a discursive analysis of four megachurch Web sites in a small geographic area, I found that the identification resources they had in common reproduce neoliberal ideology through institutional unaccountability. Institutional unaccountability is the communicatively constructed expectation that organizations are not responsible actors toward individual members or broader society. Each megachurch Web sites also discursively displaced systemic social justice issues as taking place outside of organized Christianity and promoted individual hyper-responsibility to work on the self as an enterprise (McNay, 2009). Thus, megachurches are shaping the conditions of Christian identification around institutional unaccountability and individual hyper-responsibility.

Filling the gaps in the genetic diversity of Austropotamobius torrentium (Astacidae, Decapoda) from one of the few unexplored hot spots

Recent molecular analyses of the stone crayfish have revealed a high degree of genetic diversity. The greatest diversity is found in the western Balkans (Dinarides), where more than half of the known phylogroups exist in a relatively small geographical area, some of them having smaller distribution range than the others. While the Croatian and Slovenian parts of the Austropotamobius torrentium areal are well described, data from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA) are lacking. Here we provide data from 13 different localities in the northwestern parts of BA. We analysed two mtDNA markers and the results revealed high genetic diversity with a total of 12 MT-COI and nine MT-16SrRNA haplotypes, with the majority of novel haplotypes. Both genes confirmed the presence of two known phylogroups and the discovery of a new group named VOJ. The CSE phylogroup was the most widespread and restricted to the Vrbas basin. The first detection of the BAN phylogroup in BA indicates its wider distribution and connects previously isolated findings from Croatia. The discovery of 18 unique haplotypes as well as a new phylogroup is of particular interest, but further studies are needed to clarify their exact relationship to other lineages.

Hyperlocal Delivery: Leveraging Technology to Serve Local Communities

The Indian grocery retail market, valued at $608 billion, constitutes 70% of the total retail market. Key drivers of electronic retail growth include increased internet access, affordable data, and advancements in smartphone technology. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this growth by shifting consumer behaviour towards online grocery shopping, a change that has since become habitual. Kirana stores, modern retail formats, and online platforms underscore the evolving consumer preferences and the diverse choices available today. The Hyperlocal delivery model is an on-demand delivery service that focuses on delivering goods from local merchants to customers within a small geographical area. It typically involves using technology platforms, such as mobile apps and websites, to connect customers with nearby merchants and couriers for fast and efficient delivery. The hyperlocal model has revolutionised convenience by utilising a network of warehouses and delivery personnel to ensure efficient service. Despite its advantages, the hyperlocal model faces significant challenges, including economic viability, data privacy concerns, inadequate supply chain infrastructure, and last-mile delivery issues. The long-term sustainability of this model is questioned due to its reliance on deep discounts, which can affect profitability. This study aims to explore the opportunities and challenges faced by hyperlocal delivery firms and identify strategies to address these challenges. Findings suggest that strategic partnerships between hyperlocal delivery firms, modern trade entities, Kirana stores, and e-grocery platforms can create synergistic benefits, leading to a mutually advantageous scenario for all stakeholders.

Morphometric evaluation of diverse ripple structures in the Alwar Group at Jamwa Ramgarh in NE Rajasthan, North Delhi Fold Belt, NW India

In this study we describe a complex set of well-preserved ripple structures from the Alwar Group quartzites (quartz arenite) of Mesoproterozoic Delhi Supergroup in NW India. Exposed in a road section near Jamwa Ramarh (to the east of Jaipur city), a large abundance and diversity in ripple shape, size, wave amplitude and mode of occurrence is unique for a small geographic area. The studied ripples are predominantly symmetric in shape, showing bifurcations, sinuous types, pointed crest with rounded trough, etc. Occasional current and criss-cross, and mega ripples are also present. Their symmetric shape suggests a wave dominant environment. The Vertical Form Index (VFI) values or Ripple Index values below 15 further rule out any possibility of a wind origin for them. The criss-cross and interference ripples point toward the presence of a high energy river system in the vicinity. The statistical analysis of ripple morphological parameters indicates deposition of quartz arenite under shallow water conditions (< 3 m depth). Based on various morphometric analyses, we infer continental shelf with variable depth for the development of these wave ripples. Based on the crest-line criterion, the inferred paleocurrent direction was from the NW.

Effect of Sustainable Supply Chain and Management Practices on Supply Chain Performance: The Mediating Roles of Ethical Dilemmas and Leadership Quality

The objective of this study is to examine the influence of Sustainable Supply Chain (SSC) and Supply Chain Management Practices (SCMP) on Supply Chain Performance (SCP). It seeks to explain how organizations might utilize SSC and SCMP to improve performance by promoting ethical practices and good leadership. An empirical analysis was performed utilizing data gathered from 350 respondents from enterprises across several industries in Bangladesh through a quota sampling strategy. We used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the direct and indirect effects. Ethical Dilemma (ETD) and Leadership (LED) quality were used as mediating variables. The results indicate that SSC and SCMP have a beneficial effect on SCP, with LED quality as a significant mediator. However, less directly impactful, ETD creates an essential framework for ethical practices inside the supply chain. The Importance-Performance Map highlights LED quality and SCMP as critical elements to improving SCP, suggesting that firms must prioritize these areas for optimal performance. The study's weaknesses include its cross-sectional methodology and concentration on a small geographic area, which may impact generalization. Future research may investigate SSC's long-term effects on SCP and future technologies' influence on ethical decision-making in global supply chains. This work enhances SSC literature by highlighting the significance of LED quality and ETDs as mediators in the link between SSC, SCMP and SCP.

Does Variation in Hospital Density and Social Deprivation Across Small Geographic Areas Play a Role in Perceived Barriers to Care Among People With Traumatic Brain Injury?

To examine the role of area-level variables (hospital density and social deprivation) in the experience of health care access and quality among individuals with traumatic brain injury. Online questionnaire of community dwelling individuals Participants: 300 individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness. Cross-sectional observational survey. Barriers to Care Questionnaire, Social Deprivation Index, Hospital Density. In an unadjusted regression model, less social deprivation and higher hospital density were associated with better perceived health care access and quality. After adjusting for personal factors of race, ethnicity, age, injury severity, food insecurity, and housing insecurity, the effect of social deprivation was fully attenuated whereas the effect of hospital density on health care access and quality remained significant. A model containing only the personal factors demonstrated reduced health care access and quality among individuals identifying as Hispanic. However, this effect was non-significant with the inclusion of the area-level contextual factors in a fully adjusted model. Higher area-level hospital density is associated with a reduction in perceived barriers to care among individuals with TBI. In addition, contextual, area-level data accounted for the reduced health care access and quality among Hispanic participants. Area-level data can provide explanatory value in the study of health disparities for people with TBI from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

Zero‐Flow Dynamics for Headwater Streams in a Humid Forested Landscape

ABSTRACTMuch of our understanding on temporary headwater streams is from arid and sub‐humid environments. We know less about zero‐flow periods in humid headwater catchments that experience seasonal snow cover. Our study characterised the temporal and spatial patterns of zero‐flow periods for forested headwater streams in a snow‐dominated landscape. We used 36 years of streamflow data from 13 headwater catchments within the Turkey Lakes Watershed located on the Canadian Shield in Ontario, Canada, near the eastern shores of Lake Superior. These headwater catchments differ substantially in their number of May–November zero‐flow days (0–166 days per year) despite being clustered in a small geographical area with similar geology, physiography and vegetation cover. The catchments also experience similar continental climatic conditions with relatively even precipitation inputs throughout the year (mean annual precipitation of 1210 mm/year). Inter‐annual variability in the number of zero‐flow days was primarily associated with May–November precipitation and evapotranspiration. Despite the large seasonal snowpacks that form in this region, the amount of snow did not appear to influence the extent of zero‐flow periods. We found that between‐catchment variability in zero‐flow occurrences was related to differences in catchment area and catchment properties typically associated with greater groundwater influence. Our study suggests that occurrences of zero‐flows in headwater streams can be highly variable even over small geographical regions and that flow permanence may be more sensitive to spring to fall weather conditions than the influence of snow due partly to the shallow soils typically found on the Canadian Shield.

Wild yeast isolation by middle-school students reveals features of populations residing on North American oaks.

Features of the natural life cycle of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were crucial to its domestication as a laboratory experimental model, especially the ability to maintain stable haploid clones and cross them at will to combine alleles via meiosis. Stable haploidy results from mutations in HO, which encodes an endonuclease required for haploid-specific mating-type switching. Previous studies found an unexpected diversity of HO alleles among natural isolates within a small geographic area. We developed a hands-on field and laboratory activity for middle-school students in Denver, CO, USA, to isolate wild yeast from oak bark, identify species via DNA sequencing, and sequence HO from S. cerevisiae isolates. We find limited HO diversity in North American oak isolates, pointing to efficient, continuous dispersal across the continent. In contrast, we isolated the "dairy yeast," Kluyveromyces lactis, from a tree <10 m away and found that it represents a new population distinct from an oak population in an adjacent state. The outreach activity partnered middle-school, high-school, and university students in making scientific discoveries and can be adapted to other locations and natural yeast habitats. Indeed, a pilot sampling activity in southeast Texas yielded S. cerevisiae oak isolates with a new allele of HO and, from a nearby prickly pear cactus, a heat-tolerant isolate of Saccharomyces paradoxus.

Evaluating Usability and Feasibility of Implementing a Novel Cancer Mapping Tool.

Cancer registries are often asked to present cancer data for small geographic areas to inform and facilitate targeted interventions and prevention programs. However, it is challenging to compute and visualize reliable cancer estimates for areas with small case counts and populations to support cancer control planning. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model that borrows strength from neighboring areas and over time to produce cancer estimates for small areas. We developed a visual analytics platform to present these estimates in interactive graphics that demonstrate risk in small areas. In a user-centered design process, development of the tool was informed by cancer registry and public health professionals through focus groups and surveys. The Cancer Analytics and Maps for Small Areas tool (CAMSA) provides age-adjusted cancer incidence and mortality rates and risk probabilities for eight cancers at the county and ZIP-code tabulation area (ZCTA) levels. It allows the user to identify cancer hotpots, including among sub-groups defined by sex and race/ethnicity. Potential end users were enthusiastic about the opportunity to implement CAMSA within their practice, emphasizing the tool's potential for increasing collaborative opportunities at local and state levels. Suggestions for improvement included adding map overlays such as additional cancer risk variables and incorporating functionalities like exportable data tables. CAMSA presents cancer rate and risk estimates for small geographic areas where they may have previously been suppressed. Through our user-informed design process, we developed statistical models and data visualizations to support the needs of an array of potential end users.

A survey of ocular pathology in Warmblood horses in South Africa.

Warmblood horses are a popular breed around the world for equestrian sports. Previous studies have investigated ocular findings in other breeds of horses; however, no studies exist for the Warmblood breed. To determine the prevalence of ocular abnormalities in a convenience sample of Warmblood horses in South Africa and to determine if the prevalence of lens and chorioretinal lesions increase with age. Descriptive, observational study. Warmblood horses underwent a full ophthalmic examination which included a Schirmer tear test (STT), tonometry, fluorescein dye testing, slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Age was categorised into three groups namely <8 years old, 8-13 years old and 14+ years old for statistical analysis. Prevalence of lens and chorioretinal lesions were compared between age categories. One hundred and four horses (208 eyes) were examined. The age range was 5 months to 30 years (mean 11 years, standard deviation [SD] 6 years). Ocular pathology was noted in 125 eyes (60.1%) and 79 horses (76%). The highest number of lesions were noted in the choroid and retina, iris and lens. Chorioretinal lesions were seen in 100 eyes (48.1%) and in 65 horses (62.5%). Iridial lesions were seen in 19 eyes (9.1%) and 12 horses (11.5%). Cataracts were seen in 19 eyes (9.1%) and in 13 horses (12.5%). The presence of total chorioretinal lesions (eye level [p = 0.002]; horse level [p = 0.004]), focal chorioretinal lesions (eye level [p = 0.004]; horse level [p = 0.008]) and cataract (eye [p = 0.03]; horse level [p = 0.02]) were all shown to statistically increase with age. A small sample size and limited geographic area. There was a high prevalence of ocular pathology in this population of Warmblood horses in South Africa. This reiterates the importance of an ocular examination as a part of routine health checks, as well as during prepurchase examinations.

Inclusive practice: a study exploring community pharmacists' perspectives, knowledge, and training of Neurodiversity (ND) and the effects on their practice

Abstract Introduction An estimated 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent, a term encompassing conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other learning differences.1 Neurodivergent individuals have poorer health outcomes, increased risk of premature mortality and reduced access to healthcare.2 The Oliver McGowan case highlighted the need for raising awareness of neurodiversity and mandatory training.2 CPs are uniquely positioned to implement simple adjustments, e.g., adapting communication methods and inclusive pharmacy spaces, consequently reducing health inequalities. CPs’ knowledge, cultural perspectives and current accommodations in their practice for neurodiverse patients must be determined. Aim To explore community pharmacists' perspectives, knowledge and training of neurodiversity and the effects on their practice. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used following ethical approval from Kingston University Ethics Committee. After a pilot study, using random sampling, paper questionnaires comprising 26 mixed-style questions were distributed and collected in person to community pharmacists in East London boroughs within a two-month period. Survey participants were invited for an optional in-person or remote semi-structured interview, conducted using a validated interview guide. The minimum sample size was 129 pharmacists (Raosoft online calculator; 95% confidence interval). Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, using Microsoft Excel alongside thematic analysis for interview responses. Results Response rate was 80% (n=103/129) and 6 pharmacists participated in interviews. 53% (n=55) were Asian, 21% (n=22) Black, and 19% (n=20) White ethnicity. 52% (n=54) identified as male and 47% (n=48) as female. There was a statistically significant correlation between ethnicity and perception of neurodiversity, with conditions taken less seriously in Asian and Black cultures compared to White culture (p&amp;lt;0.001). White participants were statistically more likely to rate their knowledge as good or above in comparison to Asian or Black participants (p=0.01), with 70% (n=14/20) White participants rating their knowledge as good in comparison to 18% (n=4/22) Black and 29% (n=16/55) Asian participants. 100% (n=103/103) and 94% (n=97/103) participants were able to identify autism and ADHD respectively as neurodiverse conditions but only 20% (n=21/103) and 21% (n=22/103) respectively identified dyspraxia and dyscalculia. 94% (n=97/103) stated no changes were made to accommodate neurodiverse patients with only 3% (n=3/103) offering large-print labels or poster formats and 2% (n=2/103) offering quiet areas. Thematic analysis demonstrated the absence of interventions and awareness was commonly due to systemic barriers and lack of specific training. Participants described diverse cultural attitudes and attached stigma to neurodiversity. Discussion/Conclusion There are significant gaps in knowledge about neurodiversity, possibly linked to a lack of formal training opportunities for CPs. Consequently, minimal adjustments are made to accommodate neurodiverse patients. Changes to pharmacy education and training are needed to develop general understanding, with tools that can be incorporated in pharmacies to aid neurodiverse patients and improve health literacy.2 Simple measures such as ‘quiet hours’ or large-text labels can greatly impact a person’s healthcare experience. However, improvements are required in infrastructure and resources within pharmacies, as well as shifts in cultural attitudes to encourage patients to share their status.3 Study limitations included time constraints and a small but diverse geographical area.

Inequalities in healthy life expectancy and risk factors for poor health in small geographic areas

Abstract Background Reducing inequality in healthy life expectancy (HLE) is a UK government ambition and requires more detailed knowledge of interrelated morbidity and mortality risks at smaller areas than is routinely available. We assessed HLE and risk factors in small areas. Methods We used publicly available data to estimate HLE in 2011 and 2021 at birth and age 65 for males and females for 128 Middle layer Super Output Areas (MSOA) in Norfolk and Waveney, described the distribution using geospatial mapping, and analysed associations with risk factors using linear regression. Results Mean HLE at birth was 66.5 years (standard deviation 4.3; range 52.0 to 73.0) for men and 67.5 (3.9; 56.0 to 74.0) for women, and at age 65 was 10.9 years (1.8; 6.0 to 16.0) and 12.2 (1.9; 5.0 to 15.0) respectively in 2021. The range in HLE increased between 2011 and 2021 by 2.8 years for men and 1.6 years for women. HLE was usually lower and risks higher in urban and coastal areas. Lower HLE at area level was associated with lower weekly income, physical inactivity, air pollution, alcohol admissions, living alone as an older person and diet not meeting ‘5 a Day’. HLE at age 65 in 2021 increased by: 0.2 (95% CI 0.1,0.2) years for men and 0.2 (0.2,0.3) for women for each £10 rise in weekly net income after housing expenditure; 0.1 (0.1,0.2) years for men for each 10 fewer alcohol attributable hospital admissions per 100,000 admissions; 0.66 (0.31,1.00) years for men and 0.53 (0.15,0.91) years for women per 1 μg/m3 less 2.5 mm particulate matter concentration in air pollution; 0.6 (0.2,1.0) years for men and 0.6 (0.1,1.0) years for women for each 10% fewer people being physically inactive (multiple regression). Conclusions This innovative approach can be used to monitor risks and inform targeted public health interventions at a local level more relevant to local policy makers. Stronger public health surveillance systems are needed to accurately monitor a wider variety of local data on risks. Key messages • Healthy life expectancy at age 65 varies by over 10 years for men and women between different small geographic areas in an English county, alongside local variation in risk factors for poor health. • Lower HLE at area level was associated with lower weekly income, physical inactivity, air pollution, alcohol admissions, living alone as an older person and diet not meeting ‘5 a Day’.

Artificial intelligence to predict estimates of physical activity in small geographic areas

Abstract Background Artificial intelligence (AI) predictive models have been used to estimate the risk of a certain outcome occurring, using all available variables. Methods Using AI methods we have developed a small area estimation (SAE) technique to estimate the prevalence of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), or who practices 150 minutes of LTPA per week, in small areas, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, between 2009 and 2018, by the usage of k-means clustering. The VIGITEL, national telephone survey of Risk Factors for non-communicable diseases, was the main source. We applied available data to estimate prevalence of LTPA in 3300 census tracts, aggregated in 150 Primary Health Care (PHC) areas. The prevalence of PA was analyzed between two time periods, due to the low number of census tract interviews. With the available data, we estimate vulnerability clusters, derived from a Health Vulnerability Index (IVS), for the city of Belo Horizonte, according to socioeconomic, sanitation and health indicators, which measure the percentage of the population living in areas of vulnerability in the city. The index main purpose is to support public policy implementation. Results Nine clusters were identified according to the Silhouette coefficient analysis, i.e.: low (LO-0, LO-1), medium (ME-0, ME-1), high (HI-0, HI-1, HI-2) and very high) vulnerability (VH-0, VH-1. The prevalence of physical activity ranged from 23.7% (worst prevalence), in area of high vulnerability cluster (VH-1) to 45.5% in a low-risk cluster (LO-1) in period from 2009 to 2014. The prevalence of physical activity increased to 31.4% (high vulnerability cluster) to 52.81% (low-risk cluster) from 2014 to 2018. Conclusions The use of AI to estimate the prevalence of physical activity in small areas proved to be effective and highlighted important differences in the city. Thus, national surveys, with a small number of interviews per census sector, can be used to predict risks and health outcomes for small areas. Key messages • The study highlights the importance of using artificial intelligence to predict estimates of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases in small geographic areas. • The study showed less physical activity (PA) in areas of greater vulnerability. This can support health promotion policies and programs that encourage PA.

Retailer experiences with tobacco sales bans: lessons from two early adopter jurisdictions

BackgroundBeverly Hills and Manhattan Beach, California, are the first two US cities to prohibit the sale of tobacco products, passing ordinances that went into effect on 1 January 2021. We...

A novel approach to assessing food insecurity for small geographic areas using household living budgets

The USDA Economic Research Service has monitored food insecurity at national and state levels since 1995 using the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement. But if a food insecurity measure is to inform action and target interventions, it must be constructed for smaller geographic levels that consider geographic price differences. This article constructs a novel measure of food insecurity using an alternative approach based on financial needs of households, known as the household living budget (HLB). The HLB is defined as the income required to satisfy a household's essential needs, enabling it to maintain a modest yet sufficient standard of living while covering federal and state income taxes. The HLB is constructed at the census tract level and incorporates three key determinants of food insecurity: household size and composition, household income, and food costs. We demonstrate how the HLB along with publicly available data can be used to construct a food insecurity measure using a residual income approach to assess if households are able to afford paying for food expenditures and assess the qualification thresholds of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Food insecurity estimates are obtained for households in Washington, D.C. and benchmarked to regional results provided by a survey sponsored by the Capital Area Foodbank.

Spatial Analysis of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology (CKDu) Prevalence in Badulupura Village, Sri Lanka

This study investigated spatial patterns of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) patients in Badulupura village. The analysis utilized published locational data for all households, including households affected by CKDu, and all wells used by CKDu-affected patients (CPA wells). The study employed Average Nearest Neighbour (ANN) and Hot Spot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*) tools to assess the spatial clustering of CKDu households and CPA wells. The study also explored the impact of topographical factors such as elevation, slope, and distance to watershed boundaries on the spatial distribution of CKDu patients. The ANN analysis revealed a dispersed pattern for all wells, and a random distribution for all households. However, both CKDu households and CPI wells exhibited a clustered pattern, suggesting a location-specific cause for the spatial distribution of the disease. Additionally, overlaying CKDu-affected households on the digital elevation model revealed a concentration of CKDu hot spots in high-elevation areas, while cold spots were observed in low-elevation regions. Furthermore, the t-test was employed to investigate the significance of elevation, slope, and distance to the watershed boundaries in relation to CKDu distribution. The results indicated a significant (p&lt;0.05) prevalence of CKDu in high-elevation areas, while no significant association was found with slope or distance to watershed boundaries. The study revealed the presence of localized CKDu hot spots and cold spots within a small geographical area, highlighting the importance of considering topographical factors and conducting comprehensive hydrogeological and geological studies to gain valuable insights into the spatial distribution of CKDu.