Understanding Of Regional Variations Research Articles

To waste or not to waste: a multi-proxy analysis of human-waste interaction and rural waste management in Indus Era Gujarat

Waste management is paramount to town planning and ancient civilizations across the world have spent resources and mobilized labor for waste disposal and reuse. The study of waste management practices offers a unique window into the daily lives, social organization, and environmental interactions of ancient societies. In the Indus Valley Civilization, known for its urban planning, understanding waste disposal in rural settlements provides crucial insights into the broader socio-economic landscape. While extensive research has documented sophisticated waste management systems in urban Indus centers, little is known about practices in rural settlements. This gap limits our understanding of regional variations and rural-urban dynamics within the civilization. In this paper, using isotopic and microscopic proxies, we characterize the waste disposed of at the rural Indus settlement of Kotada Bhadli to reconstruct the sources of waste, including heated animal dung, and burned vegetation. We propose that rural agro-pastoral settlements in Gujarat during the Indus Era systematically discarded such waste in specific locations. By characterizing waste produced at Kotada Bhadli, we are also able to reconstruct the natural environment and how the natural and cultural landscape around the settlement was exploited by the residents of the settlement for their domestic and occupational needs. Our identification of the attention paid to waste disposal by the inhabitants of Kotada Bhadli adds significant data to our understanding of waste disposal as an insight into past lives.

Twenty-year temporal and regional trends in heart transplantation in Europe: results from the Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation (GODT)

Abstract Introduction Heart transplant (HT) remains the only cure for patients with advanced heart failure. However, limited supply of donors continues to be the main obstacle to growing transplant programs around the world. Since population changes are not uniform, describing temporal trends in availability of donors and in number of transplanted hearts will provide better understanding of regional variations in organ availability and allocation. Purpose We aim to evaluate temporal and regional trends in number of brain-dead donors (BDDs) and its association with the number of heart transplants (HTs) in Europe between 2000 and 2019. Methods Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation (GODT) represents the world's most comprehensive source of data on organ donation and transplantation. Available data were collected for all European countries for the years (2000–2019) except for the year 2005. Geographical classification (north, west, central, south) was made according to EuroVoc definition. Trends of HTs and BDDs were assessed using Joinpoint Software of the National Cancer Institute to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) and reported as per million population (PMP). The linear correlation coefficient was assessed using R studio. Results Over the past two decades, there was a 35% increase in HTs PMP rate in Europe from the year 2000 to 2019 with an APC of 1.4% (95% CI [1.1–1.7], P<.0001). This change was more pronounced in Central Europe, where HTs PMP rate increased from 0.65 in 2000 to 2.93 in 2019 (APC 9.9% (95% CI [8.1–11.8], P<.0001)) and in Northern Europe, where HTs PMP rate increased from 2.97 in 2000 to 5.18 in 2019 (APC 2.7% (95% CI [1.8–3.7], P<.0001)) (Figure 1). Despite the increase in BDDs in Europe between 2000–2019 (from 3.62 to 12.25 donors PMP) (Figure 2), the association between increased BDDs and HTs varied between regions, with a very strong association in Central Europe (r=0.95, P<0.0001) and strong correlation in Northern Europe (r=0.64, P=0.003). However, positive correlation between BDDs and HTs was not seen in Southern or Western Europe (r=−0.52, p-value=0.02, r=0.02, p-value=0.94, respectively). Conclusion The number of BDDs has increased in Europe in the past two decades with a concomitant increase in HT volumes. A regional variation in the relationship between the number of BDDs and HTs was observed among European subregions, such that it was most pronounced in Central Europe. Understanding the reasons underlying these disparities can potentially inform improvement in organ allocation systems throughout Europe. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Household Transportation Energy Affordability by Region and Socioeconomic Factors

Transportation fuel is an important component of household budgets, as 3.3% of total household expenditures are for vehicle fuel nationwide and over 50% of annual household expenditures on energy are for transportation. These average values vary geographically, and higher energy cost burdens are faced by households with lower incomes. Defining transportation energy affordability burden as the percentage of annual household income spent on vehicle fuel, this study aims to quantify affordability as a function of household characteristics and geography. Through analysis at the census tract level, this study (i) projects annual household vehicle miles traveled (VMT) based on demographic factors using machine-learning techniques, (ii) estimates local differences in vehicle fuel economy and fuel price, and (iii) quantifies resulting transportation energy affordability by census tract. This study found that the average burden by tract varies from 0.15% to 8%. The variation in affordability can be largely explained by income level and vehicle fuel efficiency. Suburban and rural households spend more on transportation energy compared with urban households because of the usage of less fuel-efficient vehicle technologies and higher annual VMT. Lower-income groups have a wide distribution of the percentage of income spent on transportation energy, 1.2% to 8%, whereas the range for the highest income group ($125,000+) is from 0.15% to 3.9%. This detailed transportation energy affordability analysis provides a better understanding of regional variations in household travel behavior, helps to determine where fuel-efficient vehicle technologies are more likely to be used, and improves estimates of vehicle ownership costs.

Acanthamoeba keratitis: confirmation of the UK outbreak and a prospective case-control study identifying contributing risk factors

Background/aimsAcanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a chronic debilitating corneal infection principally affecting contact lens (CL) users. Studies were designed to test claims that the UK incidence may have increased in 2012–2014...

Marine terraces and rates of vertical tectonic motion: The importance of glacio-isostatic adjustment along the Pacific coast of central North America

Differences in marine terrace elevations across the Pacific coast of North America have long been assumed to be a result of differences in the rates of tectonic motion. However, other processes, particularly glacio-isostatic adjustment, lead to regional variations in sea levels. In this study, we compiled the elevations of marine isotope stage (MIS) 5e (ca. 119–129 ka), 5c (ca. 106 ka), and 5a (ca. 84 ka) terraces across the Pacific coast of central North America and compared these regional variations in elevation with model predictions of glacio-isostatic adjustment after correcting for tectonics. These predictions are generally consistent with the observed trends in the elevations of the terraces and show that this process created up to 20 m of coeval variation in local sea levels along the Pacific coast of central North America (between 20°N and 45°N) during MIS 5c and MIS 5a, but less, ~4 m, during MIS 5e. Accounting for glacio-isostatic adjustment reduces the variability in uplift rates calculated at individual locations using different-aged terraces as datums. Ignoring glacio-isostatic adjustment leads to overestimated uplift rates by an average of 40%, but up to 72%, across the Pacific coast of central North America. An understanding of regional variations in glacio-isostatic adjustment–corrected sea levels also contributes to the correct identification of marine terraces with mistaken ages.

Evolution of the Territorial Coverage of the Railway Network and its Influence on Population Growth: The Case of England and Wales, 1871–1931

The introduction of the railway network brought with it an unprecedented improvement in accessibility. In this work, the authors analyze the evolution of the territorial coverage of the railway network and its influence on the uneven distribution of population. To carry out this research, they used comparable data on total population obtained from census records relating to civil parishes of England and Wales, taken at 10-year intervals from 1871. The hypothesis that they wished to test was that good access to a railway station was related to significant increases in population. This exercise provides a better understanding of regional variations in population growth and allows the authors to identify current differences between urban and rural areas that have resulted from their historical evolution.

Computed Tomographic Analysis of Left Atrial Mass and Regional Variations of Posterior Wall in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with anatomical remodeling of the left atrium (LA). The study sought to explore the relationships between AF and the LA mass and regional difference of posterior wall. Methods: Forty-six patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF), 16 patients with Persistent (PeAF) and 28 controls without AF history were included. The LA wall mass, transmural thickness between the endocardial and epicardial surface and LA volume were evaluated with 64-slice multi-detector computed tomography. The entire LA body was divided into 18 segments for analysis of regional variability. Results: The LA wall mass was greater in AF patients (PeAF:PAF:control: 17.94±3.86 versus 13.19±358 versus 10.77±3.58 cm3, p<0.01). In addition, Patients with PeAF had larger LA volume than those with either PAF or control (p<0.01). The regional assessment showed the volume of posterior wall was less than that of anterior wall in AF patients (6.56±3.45 versus 7.86±2.91 cm3, p<0.01). Further analysis of posterior wall demonstrated that the middle segments were thickest and the inferior segments were thinner (p<0.01) than the other areas. Conclusions: The chronicity of AF is associated with the increased LA wall mass. The understanding of regional variations of LA segments could provide important information for catheter ablation.

Tackling the global burden of stroke: the need for large-scale international studies

To be eff ective, global and regional strategies to reduce the incidence and prevalence of stroke require an understanding of the frequency and determinants of stroke in diverse geographical locations and diff erent ethnic groups. In this issue of The Lancet Neurology, Feigin and co-workers and Johnston and co-workers present important and related epidemiological observations on global stroke incidence. Feigin and co-workers report on the divergence in stroke incidence between low to middle income countries (100% increase) and highincome countries (42% reduction) over the past four decades, whereas Johnston and co-workers show that current approaches used to measure and monitor global determinants of stroke do not provide convincing explanations for these regional diff erences. Given the available information, both articles are exhaustive and complete. However, the data are limited, and were obtained in diff erent ways, and during diff erent periods. Therefore, our ability to compare and integrate information across these studies is restricted. These studies highlight the current defi cits in the study of the determinants of global stroke incidence, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, in which most strokes occur. Three types of clinical or epidemiological study are needed: large international standardised registries that document the characteristics, presentation, management, and outcomes after stroke, to understand the variations in practice patterns and outcomes in diff erent countries; large standardised case–control studies to clarify whether risk factors for stroke (and its subtypes) vary among regions, ethnic groups, or socioeconomic categories; and large surveillance programmes at sentinel sites in diff erent regions worldwide, to track secular changes in risk factors, key treatments, and stroke rates (eg, SinoMONICA). Despite the importance of stroke as a major publichealth problem, our understanding of the global epidemiology of stroke is incomplete and lags behind our knowledge of conditions such as coronary heart disease. Throughout the past decade, large international studies have advanced our understanding of regional variations in the incidence and risk factors for acute coronary syndromes (eg, INTERHEART) and their management and outcomes (eg, the GRACE and CREATE registries). Such studies have enabled us to tailor populationbased prevention and treatment strategies to such regional variation. Similar studies are now needed in best designs for clinical trials. Additionally, as Collinge and co-workers also note, earlier and improved diagnosis is a crucial advance that will add more power to future trials.

Regional variations of vertebral trabecular bone microstructure with age and gender

The vertebral trabecular bone has a complex three-dimensional (3D) microstructure, with inhomogeneous morphology. A thorough understanding of regional variations in the microstructural properties is crucial for evaluating age- and gender-related bone loss of the vertebra, and may help us to gain more insight into the mechanism of the occurrence of vertebral osteoporosis and the related fracture risks. The aim of this study was to identify regional differences in 3D microstructure of vertebral trabecular bone with age and gender, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We used 56 fourth lumbar vertebral bodies from 28 women and men (57-98 years of age) cadaver donors. The subjects were chosen to give an even age and gender distribution. Both women and men were divided into three age groups, 62-, 77- and 92-year-old groups. Five cubic specimens were prepared from anterosuperior, anteroinferior, central, posterosuperior and posteroinferior regions at sagittal section. Bone specimens were examined by using micro-CT and SEM. Reduced bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N) and connectivity density (Conn.D), and increased structure model index (SMI) were found between ages 62 and 77 years, and between ages 77 and 92 years. As compared with women, men had higher Tb.N in the 77-year-old group and higher Conn.D in the 62- and 77-year-old groups. The central and anterosuperior regions had lower BV/TV and Conn.D than their corresponding posteroinferior region. Increased resorbing surfaces, perforated or disconnected trabeculae and microcallus formations were found with age. Vertebral trabeculae are microstructurally heterogeneous. Decreases in BV/TV and Conn.D with age are similar in women and men. Significant differences between women and men are observed at some microstructural parameters. Age-related vertebral trabecular bone loss may be caused by increased activity of resorption. These findings illustrate potential mechanisms underlying vertebral fractures.

South Australian Salt Mapping and Management Support Project – An example of the Considered Application of Airborne Geophysics in Natural Resource Management

The South Australian Salinity Mapping and Management Support Project (SA-SMMSP) developed a strategy for the application of geophysics from an understanding of regional variations in landscape, hydrogeology, the scale and nature of land use and the requirements of particular communities across the state. There was a clear appreciation that airborne geophysics by itself was not likely to define salinity management strategies, rather its value lay in better defining the biophysical attributes of the landscape thereby giving greater confidence in planning and designing remedial activities. Data from a combination of airborne electromagnetic, magnetic and radiometric (magspec) systems were acquired to improve our understanding of five catchments/areas. Recognition was given to benefits of acquisition by particular systems at particular scales, given cognisance of the targets and resource needs of the decision makers. Preliminary data suggest that airborne geophysics will add value to existing regional-scaled datasets, allowing catchment planning to be based on biophysical data at more appropriate scales. Nevertheless, the economics involved remains to be determined.

Distribution and regional strength of trabecular bone in the porcine lumbar spine

Objective. The regional strength and distribution of trabecular bone in the porcine lumbar spine were examined to understand the mechanical responses in quadrupedal vertebrae. Design. The cancellous bone columns prepared from different regions of porcine lumbar vertebrae were subjected to axial compression to investigate the regional strength related to disc structure. Some vertebrae were also serially sectioned sagittally and transversely to observe the trabecular patterns. Background. Animal spines were often used in biomechanical testing and the results were said to be similar to those of humans. However, none of them are truly like human bipedal locomotion. The understanding of regional variations in compressive properties may help us to explain the similarity and interpret the data of animal experiments. Methods. The dried, defatted cancellous bone columns were subjected to uniaxial compression of different regions at a deformation rate of 5 mm/min. The mechanical properties in different regions were compared. The main trabecular orientation was also observed using a zoom stereo microscope. Results. The ultimate strength of the posterior column tended to be larger than that of the anterior column. The ratio of bony strength overlying the nucleus pulposus to that overlying the annulus fibrosis was constant and averaged 1.16. The main trabecular struts were noted to be parallel to the spinal canal and cross-bridged by thinner trabeculae. Conclusions. The trabecular morphology and regional mechanical properties of the porcine spine were comparable to those of other similar studies on the human spine. Its significance needed further study.

Crime Trends in Southern and Nonsouthern Cities: A Twenty-Year Perspective

Using annual data from 1951-70, for 467 U.S. cities, this study reexamines the extent to which reported crime offenses between the South and non-South continue to manifest regional differences. Alternative structuralist and normative hypotheses are evaluated with respect to both property and personal crimes. The data generally support a structural interpretation of converging crime trends with some lag among selected person crime categories. The effects of census regions and states are also examined, and here the data tentatively indicate a small but potentially increasing state effect. One of the lingering beliefs about the South as a distinct region concerns its allegedly high crime rates. Crime differentials between the South and the non-South were first noted in a group of early studies by Hoffman (1925), Brearley (1932), and Porterfield (1949), and more recently corroborated by Hackney (1969) and Gastil (1971). Likewise, Reed (1972) has amusingly entitled one of his chapters, To Live and Die in Dixie; an obvious clue to his thesis that the traditional pattern of violence in the South has persisted into more modern times. Yet in spite of this evidence, there are compelling reasons for believing that crime differentials between the South and the non-South should be and have been converging over time. The principal basis for this contention lies in the work of Porterfield and Talbert (1954), McKinney and Thompson (1965), and McKinney and Bourque (1971). These investigations argue that rapid social change in the South in recent years has had, and will continue to have the effect of dissolving hitherto existing interregional differences-e.g., crime patterns. Our purpose in this paper, therefore, is to examine in greater detail the timedependent comparisons between the South and non-South in levels of crime. In contrast to previous work whose evidence is inconclusive owing to the cross-sectional nature of their analyses, we instead employ a data set of municipal crime reports extending from 1951-70. Moreover, unlike Hackney (1969) and Gastil (1971), our attention goes beyond concern for differential homicide rates to include variations in most major criminal offenses reported to the FBI. Finally, the analysis attempts to refine our understanding of regional variations by employing a nested design of analysis of variance. *Revised version of a paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern Sociological Society, April 1974. The research reported here was supported by funds from the Faculty Research Council of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Council of Urban Studies Program of the University of North Carolina. I also wish to acknowledge the computer programming assistance provided by Dick Hoskins.