Spatial diffusion of COVID-19 in Algeria during the third wave

The differential geographic impact of the third wave of COVID-19 is unknown in Algeria. We thus analyze the spatiotemporal variations of cases and deaths of COVID-19 in Algeria, between January and mid-August 2021. Cases and deaths due to COVID-19 were aggregated at the wilaya (province) level. The space-time permutation scan statistic was applied retrospectively to identify spatial-temporal clusters of COVID-19 cases and deaths. We detected 14 spatio-temporal clusters of COVID-19 cases, with only one high risk cluster. Among the 13 low risk clusters, 7 clusters emerged before the start of the third wave and were mostly located in wilayas with lower population density compared to the clusters that emerged during the third wave. For deaths, the largest geographic low-risk cluster emerged in southern Algeria, between April and early July 2021. Northern and coastal wilayas should be prioritized when allocating resources and implementing various quarantine and isolation measures to slow viral transmission.

Predictive Role of Population Density and Use of Public Transport for Major Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Italian Population: An Ecological Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed at assessing how population density (PD), aging index (AI), use of public transport (URPT), and PM10 concentration (PI) modulated the trajectory of the main COVID-19 pandemic outcomes in Italy, also in the recrudescence phase of the epidemic.

STUDY DESIGN

Ecological study.

METHODS

For each region, we recovered data about cases, deaths, and case fatality rate (CFR) recorded since both the beginning of the epidemic and September 1, 2020. Data about total hospitalizations were included as well.

RESULTS

PD correlated with, and was the best predictor of, total and partial cases, total and partial deaths, and total hospitalizations. Moreover, URPT correlated with, and was the best predictor of, total CFR. Besides, PI correlated significantly with total and partial cases, total and partial deaths, and total hospitalizations.

CONCLUSION

PD explains COVID-19 morbidity, mortality, and severity while URPT is the best predictor of disease lethality. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the ecological fallacy.

Effectiveness of population density as natural social distancing in COVID19 spreading

Recently, many countries have decided to reopen gradually and some of them have thought that social distancing has not had a significant effect. In our study, a new view of the importance of social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus has been presented in terms of the relationship between peak day and peak period and population density of nine countries. Data for nine different countries in different coronavirus situations have been analyzed. The analysis process was applied by using three programs, namely; WebPlotDigitizer, WSxM and Origin. The results provide evidence of the effectiveness of social distancing by calculation of the effect of population density on coronavirus infection. That was applied by two stages, the first one by determination of two different groups of countries depending on the rate and range of coronavirus spread. These two groups were countries with developed and developing COVID19 which lead to calculate the peak day and the period times of developed groups. Then, analysis of that data with population density was evaluated to indicate there are significant effects of population density on peak day and peak period times which explain the importance of social distancing between people to manage and control that. The results showed that there are increasing in peak day and peak period times with increasing the population density.

Older Adult Lifespace Varies by Driving Status and Residential Population Density

Individual- and environmental-level factors may explain differential trajectories in lifespace mobility in older adults. The current study tested whether driving status was associated with lifespace, whether lifespace change varied by driving status, and whether residential context moderated the relationship between driving status and lifespace. Participants were older adults ages 65 to 94 (mean = 73.6 + 5.9) enrolled in the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly Study (N = 2,792). Lifespace and driving status were assessed at baseline and first, second, third, and fifth annual follow-up visits. Residential population density was measured as the population density for participants' enrollment site counties. Two sites were categorized as low density (< 600 per square mile) and four sites were categorized as high density (> 1,200 per square mile). Multilevel longitudinal models tested relationships between driving status, residential population density, and lifespace over five years. After controlling for potential confounders, results indicated that non-drivers had smaller mean lifespace than drivers across five years. Rates of lifespace declines did not differ between drivers and non-drivers. Non-drivers at baseline residing in low population density areas had smaller lifespace than non-drivers in high population density areas and all drivers regardless of population density. The findings suggest that residential context plays a role in older adults' travel behaviors and choices. Further research is needed to understand what residential characteristics support or hinder lifespace maintenance for older adult non-drivers, such as availability and usability of transportation and walkability.

Growth in overcrowded housing: a comparison of the states

"The present article reports on a research project that is seeking greater understanding of the prevalence of overcrowding [in the United States] and its causes. First we review the definition of overcrowding and describe differences between renters and owners. Next we document the state-by-state variation in crowding levels among renters. Then we explore some of the factors that may explain this variation."

[Land planning in Zaire through the spatial distribution of the population]

"Land planning in Zaire is examined through the analysis of population distribution by density and potential. The difference between these two techniques is that the calculation of population potential takes into account a genuinely geographical element, which is the distance between one given place and the other places within the area under consideration.... Taking potential as a criterion leads to developing an axis of communication from one end of the country to the other through densely populated, high-potential areas. Population density leads to a limited axis in each of the two regions with a high density of human occupation. In conclusion, the contribution of distance in land planning is to facilitate access for larger numbers of people and increase potential exchanges and contacts with other territories." (SUMMARY IN ENG)

Topography and spatial population dualism in the People's Republic of China (1933-1990)

"Looking at half a century of available data, a sharp spatial dualism is observed in the regional population distribution of the People's Republic of China. The vast share of the PRC's population is located in the Eastern and South-Eastern regions. Two topographical variables related to accessibility, distance from the eastern seaboard and elevation, seem to be at the core of this dualism. Their isolated and combined effects upon the spatial distribution of the PRC's population are examined for the period 1933-1990. It is documented that the population concentration in certain regions of the PRC is not so much because of their proximity to the seaboard, but because of their low elevation, especially in the eastern part of the nation. Also documented is a result indicating that in time the combined effects of these impedances on the regional population distribution in the PRC is linearly declining."