Bikeability: Assessing the Objectively Measured Environment in Relation to Recreation and Transportation Bicycling

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (8) ◽  
pp. 861-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna K. Porter ◽  
Harold W. Kohl ◽  
Adriana Pérez ◽  
Belinda Reininger ◽  
Kelley Pettee Gabriel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Variables ◽  
The United States ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Ozone Level ◽  
Incident Rate Ratio ◽  
Direct Association ◽  
Advance Research ◽  
Incident Rate ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Density Population

The objectives of this study were to examine the association between objectively measured environmental variables and transportation and recreation bicycling frequency, and to develop transportation and recreation bikeability indices. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the underlying essential structure of the environmental variables under consideration. Many environmental variables were found to be correlated with transportation bicycling frequency, but not recreation bicycling frequency. The final transportation bikeability index included the combined effect of bicycle lanes, residential density, population density, ozone level, distance to transit, parks, and tree canopy coverage, and was found to have a significant direct association with any past-year transportation bicycling (odds ratio [OR] = 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.35, 1.52]) and transportation bicycling frequency (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 1.14, 95% CI = [1.09, 1.19]). This work will help advance research on bicycling and public health by providing a tool that can be utilized to examine transportation bicycling and the objective environment in the context of the United States.

Influence of Stand Age And Structure on the Epiphytic Lichen Vegetation in the Middle-Boreal Forests of Finland

1992 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-180
Author(s):  
M. Hyvärinen ◽  
P. Halonen ◽  
M. Kauppi
Keyword(s):  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Competitive Ability ◽  
Lichen Species ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Ecological Strategy ◽  
Epiphytic Lichen ◽  
Vertical Location ◽  
Community Variation

Abstract The epiphytic lichen vegetation on the trunks of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies was studied and analysed by canonical correspondence analysis in relation to a number of environmental variables. The distribution and abundance of epiphytic lichen species proved to be dependent on the age of the stand, showing divergent responses in relation to phorophyte species and environmental variables such as acidity of the bark and vertical location on the trunk. The importance of stand age in the pattern of community variation is concluded to be an outcome of interaction between changes in the structure of the tree canopy, microclimate and properties of the bark. The responses of single lichen species to changes in the environment seem to vary considerably, indicating differences in competitive ability and ecological strategy between the species.

scholarly journals 1381. Rotavirus Gastroenteritis among older adults: discussion based on a systematic literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S700-S701
Author(s):  
Cristina Carias ◽  
Susanne Hartwig ◽  
M Nabi Kanibir ◽  
Ya-Ting Chen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Acute Gastroenteritis ◽  
Rate Ratio ◽  
Rotavirus Gastroenteritis ◽  
Incident Rate Ratio ◽  
The Us ◽  
Incident Rate ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Retrospective Database

Abstract Background While the burden of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis (RGE) is well recognized in young children, it is less so in older adults. However, older adults are also at high-risk of Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) severe outcomes. In this review, we thus aimed to comprehensively assess RGE burden and vaccination impact in older individuals. Methods We performed a systematic literature review with PubMed and Scopus, from 2000 to 2019, using MESH and free-range terms. We included only studies that reported the incidence, and/or RV vaccination impact, in adults aged 60 and above and using regional specific data-sources. Results We analyzed 11 manuscripts for individuals aged 60 and above (Figure 1). Studies spanned Australia, Sweden, Netherlands, Canada (2), Germany (2), UK (2), and the US (2). Yearly inpatient RV incidence varied between 1.6 per 100,000 in Australia for those 65+ (retrospective database analyses, pre-vaccine); and 26 per 100,000 for those 85+ in Canada (modeling estimates for 2006-10, pre-vaccine). The incidence rate ratio for inpatient RGE between the post and pre-vaccine periods for those 65+ was 0.57 [95% CI: 0.10 – 3.15] in Canada, but 2.24 [95%CI: 1.78-2.83] in Australia, which may be due to increased testing for RV in the elderly post-vaccine. Reductions in the post-vaccination burden of RV and AGE among 60+ were reported in the UK (2 studies), and the US (2 studies) via retrospective database analyses In the UK, post-vaccine reductions in AGE health care-utilization were reported in the Emergency Department (21%), and outpatient centers (walk-in centers: 47%; general practice consultations: 36%). Retrospective database analyses documenting the incident rate ratio (IRR) of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis (RGE) and Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) in older adults between the pre and post-vaccine period. Retrospective database analyses documenting the incident rate ratio (IRR) of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis (RGE) and Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) in older adults between the pre and post-vaccine period. Conclusion While the burden of RGE mainly falls on young children, it also affects older adults. Retrospective database analyses reveal that, likely due to indirect vaccination benefits, increases in RV vaccination coverage have had an impact on lowering RGE, and AGE cases and healthcare utilization in older adults, a group at high-risk of severe outcomes for AGE. Disclosures Cristina Carias, PhD, Merck (Employee, Shareholder) Susanne Hartwig, n/a, MSD Vaccins (Employee) M.Nabi Kanibir, MD, Merck/MSD (Employee, Shareholder) Ya-Ting Chen, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc. (Employee, Shareholder)

scholarly journals Comparative 4-year risk and type of hospital admission among homeless and housed emergency department attendees: longitudinal study of hospital records in England 2013–2018

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e049811
Author(s):  
Charlie Moss ◽  
Matt Sutton ◽  
Sudeh Cheraghi-Sohi ◽  
Caroline Sanders ◽  
Thomas Allen
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Primary Diagnosis ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Emergency Admissions ◽  
Incident Rate Ratio ◽  
Chronic Angina ◽  
Access To Primary Care ◽  
Incident Rate ◽  
Preventable Admissions

ObjectivesPeople experiencing homelessness are frequent users of secondary care. Currently, there is no study of potentially preventable admissions for homeless patients in England. We aim to estimate the number of potentially preventable hospital admissions for homeless patients and compare to housed patients with similar characteristics.DesignRetrospective matched cohort study.SettingHospitals in England.Participants16 161 homeless patients and 74 780 housed patients aged 16–75 years who attended an emergency department (ED) in England in 2013/2014, matched on the basis of age, sex, ED attended and primary diagnosis.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAnnual counts of admissions, emergency admissions, ambulatory care-sensitive (ACS) emergency admissions, acute ACS emergency admissions and chronic ACS emergency admissions over the following 4 years (2014/2015–2017/2018). We additionally compare the prevalence of specific ACS conditions for homeless and housed patients.ResultsMean admissions per 1000 patients per year were 470 for homeless patients and 230 for housed patients. Adjusted for confounders, annual admissions were 1.79 times higher (incident rate ratio (IRR)=1.79; 95% CI 1.69 to 1.90), emergency admissions 2.08 times higher (IRR=2.08; 95% CI 1.95 to 2.21) and ACS admissions 1.65 times higher (IRR=1.65; 95% CI 1.51 to 1.80), compared with housed patients. The effect was greater for acute (IRR=1.78; 95% CI 1.64 to 1.93) than chronic (IRR=1.45; 95% CI 1.27 to 1.66) ACS conditions. ACS conditions that were relatively more common for homeless patients were cellulitis, convulsions/epilepsy and chronic angina.ConclusionsHomeless patients use hospital services at higher rates than housed patients, particularly emergency admissions. ACS admissions of homeless patients are higher which suggests some admissions may be potentially preventable with improved access to primary care. However, these admissions comprise a small share of total admissions.

Incorporating Additional Tree and Environmental Variables in a Lodgepole Pine Stem Profile Model

1993 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 86-90
Author(s):  
John C. Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Linear Equations ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Forest ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Tree Form ◽  
Northern Rocky Mountains ◽  
Profile Model

Abstract A new variable-form segmented stem profile model is developed for lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) trees from the northern Rocky Mountains of the United States. I improved estimates of stem diameter by predicting two of the model coefficients with linear equations using a measure of tree form, defined as a ratio of dbh and total height. Additional improvements were obtained by fitting this model to individual national forest data sets. Other tree and environmental variables tested but found of little use in improving stem profile estimates were crown ratio, habitat series, elevation, slope percent, and aspect. West. J. Appl. For. 8(3):86-90.

scholarly journals Spatial modeling of dengue and socio-environmental indicators in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 591-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Rodrigues de Araujo Teixeira ◽  
Oswaldo Gonçalves Cruz
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Gini Index ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Dengue Transmission ◽  
Direct Association ◽  
Conditional Autoregressive ◽  
Dengue Control

This study analyzed the spatial distribution of dengue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2006, and associations between the incidence per 100,000 inhabitants and socio-environmental variables. The study analyzed reported dengue cases among the city's inhabitants, rainfall, Breteau index (for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), Gini index, and social development index. We conducted mapping and used the global Moran index to measure the indicators' spatial autocorrelation, which was positive for all variables. The generalized linear model showed a direct association between dengue incidence and rainfall, one-month rainfall time lag, Gini index, and Breteau index for A. albopictus. The conditional autoregressive model (CAR) showed a direct association with rainfall for four months of the year, rain time lag in July, and Gini index in February. The results demonstrate the importance of socio-environmental variables in the dynamics of dengue transmission and the relevance for the development of dengue control strategies.

scholarly journals Subjective and Objective Measures of Streetscape Perceptions: Relationships with Property Value in Shanghai

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waishan Qiu ◽  
Wenjing Li ◽  
Ziye Zhang ◽  
Xiaojiang Li ◽  
Xun Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
House Prices ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Objective Measures ◽  
Percentage Increase ◽  
Hedonic Price ◽  
Design Quality ◽  
Canopy Area ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Physical Features ◽  
Street Environment

The relationship between the street environment and the health, education, mobility, and criminal behaviors of its citizens has long been investigated by economists, sociologists and urban planners. Home buyers were found to pay a premium for better street appearance. Prior studies considering streetscapes mainly focus on objective measures such as the number of nearby trees, the tree canopy area, or the view index of physical features such as greenery, sky or building. However, subjective perceptions may have complex or subtle relationships to physical features, individual physical features or simply summing them up do not capture people’s comprehensive perception. In contrast, this study proposed a new approach for the urban-scale application to quantify both subjectively and objectively measured streetscape scores for six important perception qualities, namely Greenness, Walkability, Safety, Imageability, Enclosure, and Complexity. Built on prior quantitative studies in urban design quality and emerging applications in deep learning and open source street view imagery for urban perceptions, we integrated existing frameworks to (1) effectively collect and evaluate both subjectively and objectively- measured perceptions; (2) investigate the coherence and divergence in ML-predicted subjective scores and formula-derived objective scores; and (3) compare their effects in affecting house prices taking Shanghai as a case study using a large-scale dataset on home transactions. The results implied: first, the percentage increase in sales price attributable to street scores is significant for both subjective and objective measurements. In general subjective scores explained more variance over structural attributes and objective scores in hedonic price model. Particularly, objective Greenness, subjective Safety and Imageability scores positively affected house prices. Second, for Greenness and Imageability scores, the subjective and objective measures exhibited opposite signs in affecting house prices, which implied that there might be mechanisms related to the psychological, social-demographical characteristics of street users that have not been fully incorporated by objective measures that taking view indices or recombination of them. In addition, certain objective measure might outperform subjective counterpart when the connotation of the perception is self-evident and not complicated, for example the Greenness. For those concepts were not familiar to the average person, subjective framework exhibits better performance. This is the first study comprehensively expanding hedonic price method with both subjectively and objectively measured streetscape qualities. It suggested that city authorities could levy a street environment tax to compensate the public budget invested in street environment where developers secured benefits from a price premium. This study enriches our understanding of the economic values of the subjective and objective measures street qualities. It sheds light on promising future study areas where the coherence and divergence of the two measurements should be further stressed.

scholarly journals Overrepresentation of Indigenous students in school suspension, exclusion, and enrolment cancellation in Queensland: is there a case for systemic inclusive school reform?

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda J. Graham ◽  
Callula Killingly ◽  
Kristin R. Laurens ◽  
Naomi Sweller
Keyword(s):  
School Reform ◽  
The United States ◽  
Systemic Reform ◽  
Exclusionary Discipline ◽  
Political Commitment ◽  
Government Schools ◽  
Indigenous Students ◽  
Inclusive School ◽  
In School Suspension ◽  
Incident Rate

AbstractWell-established evidence of the ill-effects of exclusionary school discipline, its disproportionate use on students of colour, and association with the “school-to-prison pipeline” has, in the last decade, led to systemic reforms in the United States, which are successfully reducing exclusion and improving outcomes. Few studies, however, have similarly investigated overrepresentation in Australia, with little attention to systemic reform as a result. In this study, we analysed suspension, exclusion, and enrolment cancellation rates in Queensland (QLD) government schools between 2013 and 2019 and found Indigenous students were consistently overrepresented. Suspension incidents proportionate to enrolments increased for all students, but this increase was faster for Indigenous than non-Indigenous students and driven primarily by steep rises in short suspensions during primary school (Preparatory-6). Exclusions increased—again disproportionately—for Indigenous students, chiefly in secondary school (7–12). During 2019, Physical Misconduct had the highest incident rate for both groups; however, Indigenous students were most overrepresented in suspensions for Disruptive/Disengaged behaviours. Further, while Indigenous students were overrepresented in all QLD regions, one region’s Indigenous suspension rate was higher than all others despite no difference in the distribution of Indigenous/non-Indigenous enrolments across regions. The scale and nature of Indigenous overrepresentation in exclusionary discipline incidents in QLD indicate clear need for further research to secure political commitment to systemic inclusive school reform, as well as to produce high-quality evidence capable of guiding that reform.

scholarly journals Model Based Study of Crop Evapotranspiration under Canopy Shading

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Yu ◽  
Krishna Shah ◽  
Dong Wang ◽  
Yanbao Ma ◽  
Zhifeng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
The United States ◽  
Crop Evapotranspiration ◽  
Central Idea ◽  
Promising Strategy ◽  
Crop Field ◽  
Agricultural Regions ◽  
New Strategies

California has some of the key agricultural regions in the United States. One of these key regions, San Joaquin Valley, frequently experiences severe droughts leading to shortage of irrigation water. This has a significant impact on the agricultural based economy of the region. It is imperative to develop new strategies to reduce overall water consumption in agriculture without affecting crop yield. A large fraction of irrigation water is lost due to the evapotranspiration (ET) process in the crops and the soil. The classical Penman-Monteith model has been used in the present work to analyze the effect of different environmental variables and water saving strategies on the ET. Some of the scenarios considered show potential for significant water savings without much reduction in the amount of sunlight available to facilitate crop growth. The central idea considered in this study is the use of canopy shading to cover the crop field resulting in reduction in the ET. Among the strategies considered, the most promising strategy is to partially cover the crop field for a certain part of the day by employing a partially covering retractable canopy. Based on numerical calculations, total reduction in ET is calculated to be 37% from June to August for the partially covering retractable canopy.

scholarly journals Hospitalization Rates in Older Adults With Albuminuria: The Cardiovascular Health Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (12) ◽  
pp. 2426-2433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua I Barzilay ◽  
Petra Buzkova ◽  
Michael G Shlipak ◽  
Nisha Bansal ◽  
Pranav Garimella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rate Ratio ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Cardiovascular Health Study ◽  
Hospitalization Rates ◽  
Incident Rate Ratio ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Incident Rate

Abstract Background Albuminuria is highly prevalent among older adults, especially those with diabetes. It is associated with several chronic diseases, but its overall impact on the health of older adults, as measured by hospitalization, has not been quantified. Method We followed up 3,110 adults, mean age 78 years, for a median 9.75 years, of whom 654 (21%) had albuminuria (≥30 mg albumin/gram creatinine) at baseline. Poisson regression models, adjusted for cardiovascular, renal, and demographic factors, were used to evaluate the association of albuminuria with all-cause and cause-specific hospitalizations, as defined by ICD, version 9, categories. Results The rates of hospitalization per 100 patient-years were 65.85 for participants with albuminuria and 37.55 for participants without albuminuria. After adjustment for covariates, participants with albuminuria were more likely to be hospitalized for any cause than participants without albuminuria (incident rate ratio, 1.39 [95% confidence intervals, 1.27. 1.53]) and to experience more days in hospital (incident rate ratio 1.56 [1.37, 1.76]). The association of albuminuria with hospitalization was similar among participants with and without diabetes (adjusted incident rate ratio for albuminuria versus no albuminuria: diabetes 1.37 [1.11, 1.70], no diabetes 1.40 [1.26, 1.55]; p interaction nonsignificant). Albuminuria was significantly associated with hospitalization for circulatory, endocrine, genitourinary, respiratory, and injury categories. Conclusions Albuminuria in older adults is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for a broad range of illnesses. Albuminuria in the presence or absence of diabetes appears to mark a generalized vulnerability to diseases of aging among older adults.

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