A multisource database tracking the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the communities of Boston, MA, USA

Abstract

A pandemic, like other disasters, changes how systems work. In order to support research on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the dynamics of a single metropolitan area and the communities therein, we developed and made publicly available a “data-support system” for the city of Boston. We actively gathered data from multiple administrative (e.g., 911 and 311 dispatches, building permits) and internet sources (e.g., Yelp, Craigslist), capturing aspects of housing and land use, crime and disorder, and commercial activity and institutions. All the data were linked spatially through BARI’s Geographical Infrastructure, enabling conjoint analysis. We curated the base records and aggregated them to construct ecometric measures (i.e., descriptors of a place) at various geographic scales, all of which were also published as part of the database. The datasets were published in an open repository, each accompanied by a detailed documentation of methods and variables. We anticipate updating the database annually to maintain the tracking of the records and associated measures.

Typology of Iranian farmers' vulnerability to the COVID-19 outbreak

“…In this respect, research shows that farmers and producers in Europe are faced with growing problems and pressures due to the COVID-19 pandemic ( 15 ). In the US too, the pandemic has not only created a new type of crisis for the agricultural sector but it has also put American farmers in a tough situation ( 16 ). Iranian farmers have also been injured by the pandemic ( 17 , 18 ).…”

Policy analysis and data mining tools for controlling COVID-19 policies

“…Based on the scientific facts uncovered in this study, policymakers need to make the right decision on how to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, whether to update, strengthen, or mitigate policies. Ristea et al studied a database that tracked the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local communities (Ristea et al 2022 ).…”

Whence the Action? the Persistence and Aggravation of Violent Crime at Addresses, Streets, and Neighborhoods

“…Jean, 2007). A second perspective is that disorder does not so much invite crime as it acts as a precursor for it, as in O’Brien & Sampson’s (2015) social escalation theory (SET). This perspective emphasizes that most violent events are not the result of random, predatory encounters but are between people who know each other and often have pre-existing tensions.…”

“…When considering which geographical scale should be most pertinent for private disorder to lead to crime, there is less evidence from which to start. O’Brien and Sampson’s (2015) original study was conducted at the neighborhood level using a new methodology using administrative data to measure private disorder—otherwise difficult to observe—to test its role in driving violent crime. As such, there have been no other direct tests.…”

“…To do so, it leverages a six-year archive of records from the 311 and 911 systems in Boston, MA (2011–2016), which receive and compile requests for non-emergency (e.g., graffiti removal) and emergency (e.g., shooting) government services, respectively. Previous work with these data has developed groupings of case types that reflect particular dimensions of crime and disorder: two for physical disorder in private and public spaces; two for social disorder in private and public spaces; and two for violent crime with and without guns, respectively (O’Brien & Sampson, 2015; O’Brien, Sampson, & Winship, 2015). The measures of public disorder are those that would be most consistent with BWT and related theories, like ecological advantages.…”