Research by Jim Samuel et al. “Pandemic vulnerability index of US cities: A hybrid knowledge-based and data-driven approach”

April 19, 2023

Abstract

Cities become mission-critical zones during pandemics and it is vital to develop a better understanding of the factors that are associated with infection levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many cities severely; however, there is significant variance in its impact across cities. Pandemic infection levels are associated with inherent features of cities (e.g., population size, density, mobility patterns, socioeconomic condition, and health & environment), which need to be better understood. Intuitively, the infection levels are expected to be higher in big urban agglomerations, but the measurable influence of a specific urban feature is unclear. The present study examines 41 variables and their potential influence on the incidence of COVID-19 infection cases. The study uses a multi-method approach to study the influence of variables, classified as demographic, socioeconomic, mobility and connectivity, urban form and density, and health and environment dimensions. This study develops an index dubbed the pandemic vulnerability index at city level (PVI-CI) for classifying the pandemic vulnerability levels of cities, grouping them into five vulnerability classes, from very high to very low. Furthermore, clustering and outlier analysis provides insights on the spatial clustering of cities with high and low vulnerability scores. This study provides strategic insights into levels of influence of key variables upon the spread of infections, along with an objective ranking for the vulnerability of cities. Thus, it provides critical wisdom needed for urban healthcare policy and resource management. The calculation method for the pandemic vulnerability index and the associated analytical process present a blueprint for the development of similar indices for cities in other countries, leading to a better understanding and improved pandemic management for urban areas, and more resilient planning for future pandemics in cities across the world.

Keywords

Coronavirus, COVID-19, Pandemic vulnerability index, PVI, US cities, Resiliency

Citation

Md. Shahinoor Rahman, Kamal Chandra Paul, Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, Jim Samuel, Jean-Claude Thill, Md. Amjad Hossain, G. G. Md. Nawaz Ali, Pandemic vulnerability index of US cities: A hybrid knowledge-based and data-driven approach, Sustainable Cities and Society,
Volume 95, 2023, 104570, ISSN 2210-6707, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2023.104570.

Recent Posts

From Fear to Freedom and Hope: Rafael Escalante (UG PP ’26)

Pursuing a college education and the American dream, Rafael Escalante departed the embattled South American nation and made his way to New Jersey Rafael Escalante escaped politically motivated persecution as a teenager in Venezuela to find his place – and a brighter...

NJSPL: Mapping Corporate Landlords in New Jersey

by Eric Seymour As part of our ongoing research project supported by the New Jersey State Policy Lab, we are examining the growth of corporate ownership in the state’s small residential property market. Our focus is on 1- to 4-unit properties, which, in addition to...

Samuel and Colleagues Examine the Rise of AI Phobia

Abstract Contemporary public discourse surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) often exhibits a disproportionate level of fear and confusion relative to AI’s factually documented capabilities and implications. This study examines how the systematic use of alarmist...

Ralph, Johnson-Rodriguez Research ASE Perceptions

Do perceptions of speeding act as a barrier to automated speed enforcement in the United States? Highlights Many American adults do not believe speeding is particularly dangerous. Yet 65% of respondents believe their community should vote for automated speed...