Country Level Research Articles

Underweight and associated factors among children under age of five in low and lower-middle income African countries: hierarchical analysis of demographic and health survey data.

Globally, nearly half of all deaths among children under the age of five are linked to undernutrition. These tragic outcomes are most prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. The far-reaching impact of malnutrition affects not only individuals but also their families, communities, and entire nations. By examining underweight, we gain valuable insights into the intricate network of factors influencing child health. Therefore, this study aims to assess underweight prevalence and its associated factors among under-five children in low and lower-middle-income African countries. We conducted a secondary analysis of standard demographic and health surveys in 30 low and lower-middle-income African countries spanning from 2012 to 2022. Our analysis included a total sample of 200,655 children under the age of 5 years. We employed a three-level hierarchical model to assess the determinants of underweight among children in this age group. Measures of association were evaluated using adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. Explanatory variables with a p-value less than the level of significance (0.05) were considered statistically significant. The pooled prevalence of underweight among children under the age of five in low and lower-middle income African countries was estimated at 17.60%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 17.44 to 17.77%. The hierarchical analysis identified several factors significantly associated with underweight, including male gender, birth size, maternal body mass index, maternal educational level, household wealth index, antenatal care (ANC) visits, community poverty level, and income level of countries. The high prevalence of underweight among children under the age of five in low and lower-middle income African countries underscores the need for targeted interventions. By addressing individual, community, and country-level factors, we can work toward improving child nutrition and well-being.

Effects of system-sanctioned framing on climate awareness and environmental action in the United States and beyond

Despite growing scientific alarm about anthropogenic climate change, the world is not on track to solve the crisis. Inaction may be partially explained by skepticism about climate change and resistance to proenvironmental policies from people who are motivated to maintain the status quo (i.e., conservative-rightists). Therefore, practical interventions are needed. In the present research program, we tested an experimental manipulation derived from system justification theory in which proenvironmental initiatives were framed as patriotic and necessary to maintain the American “way of life.” In a large, nationally representative U.S. sample, we found that the system-sanctioned change intervention successfully increased liberal-leftists’ as well as conservative-rightists’ belief in climate change; support for proenvironmental policies; and willingness to share climate information on social media. Similar messages were effective in an aggregated analysis involving 63 countries, although the overall effect sizes were small. More granular exploratory analyses at the country level revealed that while the intervention was moderately successful in some countries (e.g., Brazil, France, Israel), it backfired in others (Germany, Belgium, Russia). Across the three outcome variables, the effects of the intervention were consistent and pronounced in the United States, in support of the hypothesis that system justification motivation can be harnessed on behalf of social change. Potential explanations for divergent country-level effects are discussed. The system-sanctioned change intervention holds considerable promise for policymakers and communicators seeking to increase climate awareness and action.

Catalogue of the Uropodina species (Acari: Mesostigmata) described between 1993 and 2023

AbstractAll described Uropodina species (351) are listed from the last 30 years with the original occurrences. On continent level, the most of the described species are from Asia (121), from Central and South America (87) and from Africa (79). On country level, the most species were described from Ecuador (21), Vietnam (21), Kenya (18), Thailand (16), Costa Rica (15), China (14), Slovakia (14), Malaysia (14), Madagascar (14), Brazil (13), Indonesia (11), India (10) and Peru (10) and nine or fewer species were described from the other countries in the last 30 years. Trichouropoda pocsi Kontschán, 2004 (Comoro Islands) is a junior homonymous name of Trichouropoda pocsi Hirschmann & Wisniewski, 1987. The new replacement name for the T. pocsi Kontschán, 2004 is Trichouropoda pocstamasi nom. nov.

Are individualistic employees tolerant of the benefit of others? A multilevel analysis of the relationship between witnessing coworkers i-deals and malicious envy

This study focuses on a third party (coworkers) perspective of idiosyncratic deals (i-deals). In more detail, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of witnessing others’ i-deals on coworker’s emotional response (malicious envy), and the moderating effect of individualistic values on that response at both individual and national level. In addition, this study examines the impact of two types of witnessing others’ i-deals which include not only the other’s i-deals that the coworker directly observes, but also the generalized others’ i-deals which is an aggregated perception as a result of frequent observation of idiosyncratic deals enjoyed by multiple others. Data were collected from 450 employees from 5 Asian countries at two points. We adopted a hierarchical linear model (HLM) because we assume two levels for both i-deals and individualism. The results show that witnessing other’s i-deals is positively related to malicious envy. In addion, individual-level individualism was found to moderate the relationship between witnessing coworkers’ i-deals and malicious envy. Interestingly, it is not individualism at the country level, but that at the individual level that moderates the relationship between witnessing i-deals and malicious envy. This study indicates that i-deals studies on coworkers’ reactions to others’ i-deals should focus more on the moderating effect of individual cultural values.

Promoting Geropsychology: A Memorandum for Research, Policies, Education Programs, and Practices for Healthy Aging.

This viewpoint paper reports the state of the art at a global level on research, practice and assessment, policies, and training in the clinical psychology of aging and, more specifically, in geropsychology. The main sources of information were as follows: (1) the most recent reviews of the literature available in the scientific literature; (2) the resources on the internet referable to professional and academic associations dealing with the topic; and (3) the laws, policy initiatives, and funded programs that are aimed at the diffusion and applications of mental health in aging. The present study aims to provide an updated and comprehensive memorandum highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental health in older adults. It seeks to promote health in general and disease prevention strategies, ensuring equitable access to mental health services integrated into primary care and designed for aging. This paper also aims to shed light on the slow development process and lack of consolidation in the adaptation of academic training at master's and doctoral levels in most developed countries, despite the long-declared importance of enhancing resources for the promotion of geropsychology. The results of the present study are patchy. Although the importance of enhancing resources for the promotion of geropsychology has long been declared, the development process seems very slow, and the adaptation of academic training at master's and doctoral levels in most developed countries-those that, for demographic reasons and attitudes, should be more sensitive to the issue, does not yet seem to have consolidated. Collaboration among diverse professionals is crucial for providing integrated and comprehensive care to older adults that addresses their physical, psychological, and social needs.

Global epidemiology of liver cancer 2022: An emphasis on geographic disparities.

Liver cancer remains the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, causing a heavy burden globally. An updated assessment of the global epidemiology of the liver cancer burden that addresses geographical disparities is necessary to better understand and promote healthcare delivery. Data were extracted from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database, including the number, crude, and age-standardized rates of incidence and mortality at the global, country, continent, and human development index (HDI) regional levels. Age-standardized rates (incidence and mortality) per 100,000 person-years were adjusted based on the Segi-Doll World standard population. The mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIR) for each region and country were calculated. The HDI and gross national income (GNI) for 2022 were obtained, and a Pearson correlation analysis was conducted with the incidence, mortality, and MIR. In 2022, approximately 866,136 new liver cancer cases and 758,725 related deaths were recorded worldwide, with a global MIR of 0.86. Males had a disproportionately higher burden than females across all levels, and the highest burden was observed in the elderly population. Geographically, the regions with the highest incidence rates included Micronesia, Eastern Asia, and Northern Africa, and the regions with the highest mortality rates included Northern Africa, Southeastern Asia, Eastern Asia, and Micronesia. Notably, Mongolia had a strikingly high burden compared to other countries. The highest MIR was observed in North America and the lowest in Africa. Negative associations of HDI and GNI with liver cancer mortality and MIR were identified, irrespective of sex. The current liver cancer burden underscores the presence of remarkable geographic heterogeneity, which is particularly evident across countries with varying HDI levels, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize health accessibility and availability to achieve health inequities.

Assessment and comparison of defense sufficiency levels of some countries of the world

The article explores the evolving concept of security and defense, emphasizing recent EU initiatives that address a wide range of threats and aim to enhance national and European security through integrated and innovative approaches. The purpose of the study is to calculate and evaluate the defense capability levels of individual countries, explain them using the proposed approach, assess them within permissible limits, and compare various national economic sectors affecting the needs of the security and defense sector (SDS). The main research methods are empirical methods (analysis and synthesis), deduction, and graphic analysis. The article provides a schematic algorithm for assessing defense capability levels, introduces the use of a “need coefficient” for SDS calculations, and includes sector-specific data (using US indicators) on material and non-material values. It also suggests using an efficiency ratio to compare current and optimal defense capabilities. The level of defense capability of the countries was assessed according to the scales defined by the authors. Using a system of indicators, rather than a single complex indicator, provides a comprehensive view of defense sufficiency and allows for a detailed evaluation of its components. Thus, an approach is provided not only to determine the current and optimal levels of the country’s defense capability, but also to assess the nature of the influence of individual branches of the national economy on ensuring the defense and security needs of the state (by area)

Patterns and drivers of alien plant invasion in Uruguayan grasslands

AbstractQuestionUnderstanding the patterns of alien plant invasions and their underlying drivers is a key step in conserving the remaining native grasslands of Uruguay. We addressed the level of invasion by considering the four invasive alien plants of these ecosystems, Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis plana, Senecio madagascariensis and Ulex europaeus, throughout the country.LocationRemnant native grasslands of Uruguay, constituting part of the Río de la Plata grasslands.MethodsExtensive fieldwork was carried out over five years of data collection, including hierarchically randomized observations (around 2000) nested in 137 10 × 10‐km2 squares covering different geomorphological regions. For each invasive alien species, we constructed distribution maps to show their patterns; for the two most abundant, we fitted models to identify the main explanatory variables at different spatial scales.ResultsWe found that 77% of the squares were invaded by at least one target species. The level of invasion varied between regions and target plants. The most abundant invasive alien species were Cynodon dactylon and Senecio madagascariensis; while Eragrostis plana and Ulex europaeus were scarce. Cynodon dactylon cover was related to a set of variables at different spatial scales, including climate, topography and several local community descriptors. Senecio madagascariensis cover was positively associated with grassland fragmentation and anthropic disturbance at the landscape, and a few local descriptors.ConclusionsThe large sampling effort at the country level, with a randomized design, allowed for a reliable assessment of the level of invasion of Uruguayan grasslands and its possible drivers. This is an important step in the design of policies to conserve Uruguay's remaining native grasslands. We suggest that the prevention should focus on the Basaltic Cuestas region, while control and containment should prioritize the eastern and south‐central parts of the country, focusing mainly on Cynodon dactylon management.

Characteristics of Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Belgium and Current Treatment Patterns for the Management of Elevated LDL-C Levels.

Dyslipidemia remains the major cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Lipid management in patients with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk needs improvement across Europe, and data gaps are noticeable at the country level. We described the current treatment landscape in Belgium, hypothesizing that lipid management in patients with ASCVD remains inadequate and aiming to understand the reasons. Using data from an anonymized primary care database in Belgium derived from 494 750 individuals, we identified those with any CV risk factor between November 2019 and October 2022 and described the clinical features of patients with ASCVD. The main outcomes were the proportion of patients (i) receiving lipid-lowering therapies (LLTs), (ii) per low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) threshold, stratified per LLT, (iii) reaching the 2021 ESC recommended LDL-C goals, and (iv) LDL-C reduction per type of LLT was also determined. Among 40 888 patients with very high CV risk, 24 859 had established ASCVD. Most patients with ASCVD were either receiving monotherapy (59.6%) or had no documented LLT (25.1%). Further, 64.2% of those with no documented LLT exhibited LDL-C levels ≥ 100 mg/dL. Among common treatment options, one of the greatest improvements in LDL-C levels was achieved with combination therapy of statin and ezetimibe, reducing LDL-C levels by 41.5% (p < 0.0001). Yet, in this group, 24.8% of patients had still LDL-C levels ≥ 100 mg/dL and only 20.7% were at goal. Our study emphasizes the importance of developing strategies to help patients achieve their LDL-C goals, with a focus on supporting the implementation of combination LLT in routine clinical practice.

Country-level dynamic capabilities and inward FDI: a framework on future policy adaptations applied to post-Brexit UK

The purpose of this paper is to establish a policy framework for those responsible for maximising the opportunities of inward foreign direct investment (FDI). Our proposed framework intellectualises the need for dynamic capabilities at the country level (national and local) to sense and seize new opportunities from inward FDI, use this knowledge to mobilise resources and, over time, make changes to reconfigure the UK’s location-specific advantages in a post-Brexit marketplace. Using the backdrop of the UK’s decision to exit the European Union in May 2016 (Brexit) alongside other global challenges (the COVID-19-induced supply chain crisis, political unrest, wars, new trade deals), we explore the changing nature of FDI entering the UK. We explain why an adaptive investment promotion strategy means greater and more widespread benefits of inward FDI for the economy. Then, we propose a policy-oriented dynamic framework for how the benefits of FDI can be maximised during political upheaval. In our analysis and discussion, we highlight how changes in foreign firms’ FDI motives can alter the UK’s value proposition, and over time, the nature of a country’s specific advantages.

Population dietary-metabolic characteristics and mortality from major cardiovascular disease subtypes: the Seven Contries Study 60-year follow-up

Background and aimDuring the last few years, the Seven Countries Study of Cardiovascular Diseases (SCS) produced some new analyses dealing with the relationships of a dietary score, the pool of dietary fatty acids and serum cholesterol with major types of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in 10 cohorts of 6 countries made of middle-aged men followed-up for 60 years until extinction. This sparse evidence is condensed here to provide a coherent view. Methods and resultsThe Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MAI, a dietary score whose high levels depict the characteristics of the Mediterranean Diet), was highly and significantly associated in an inverse way, at country levels, with the Atherogenicity (ATI) and the Thrombogenicity (THI) indexes that included a series of dietary fatty acids. These indexes were highly and significantly associated in a direct way with country baseline serum cholesterol levels. Countries with high serum cholesterol had largely higher death rates from coronary heart disease (CHD) and lower rates from other heart diseases of uncertain etiology and stroke. The reverse was observed in countries with low serum cholesterol. ConclusionThe chain of diet, dietary fatty acids and serum cholesterol seems to be responsible in various ways for the different distribution of major CVD mortality subtypes in extincted cohorts.

The top 100 most-cited articles in dentistry by authors with Italian affiliation.

Analyzing highly-cited articles can provide a retrospective assessment of research evolution and predict future developments. The aim of this study was to carry out a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited articles in dentistry by authors with an Italian affiliation. All the articles published in journals indexed under the Scopus category "Dentistry" and with at least one author affiliated to any Italian institution were searched in September 2022. The 100 most-cited articles were selected and relevant data were extracted and summarized. The analysis of co-authorship at country level and co-occurrence of keywords was carried out. The 100 most-cited articles were published between 1976 and 2020. The number of citations ranged from 235 to 1683, with a mean of 361. The series included 25 citation classics (>400 citations). The majority of articles were classified as expert opinion/narrative reviews (N.=47). Almost half of the articles refer to three predominant disciplines which were implantology, periodontology and restorative dentistry. Only two articles were single-authored. In 30 articles, all the authors had an Italian affiliation and the US was the most frequent country for non-Italian authors. Only one article was published in journals owned by a non-Italian publisher. The present series of highly-cited articles confirms the important role of Italy in dental research. We found an absence of correlation between the level of evidence and the number of citations and a non-homogeneous distribution of highly-cited papers in the different dental disciplines. The majority of articles included in the series shared international co-authorship and were published in high-impact journals.

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals from application of sewage sludge on agricultural soils in Europe

AbstractThe present European Union (EU) Sewage Sludge Directive (86/278/EEC) is undergoing modifications aimed at enhancing its applicability in the agricultural sector. The Directive's existing limit values for heavy metal concentrations in soils are in the process of being revised. However, to comprehensively understand their effects on EU agricultural lands, additional evaluations are necessary. This is particularly important given that ecological risk assessments are often performed on a site‐specific basis, potentially overlooking broader regional implications. The main objective of the current work is to introduce a methodological approach to quantify the impact of sewage sludge (SS) application on agricultural soils in the EU and the United Kingdom. Concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) (Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) in agricultural land from Land Use/Land Cover Area Frame Survey (LUCAS) 2009 topsoil database were used as a baseline. Maximum quantities of SS that can be safely applied to agricultural lands were obtained by a modeling procedure was used to determine the maximum safe quantities of SS that can be applied to agricultural lands for each country within the European Member States and the United Kingdom. Accumulation of HMs in soils was modelled by using a representative SS composition, distributed over 10 successive years at 5 Mg ha−1 year−1 rate. Ecological risk impact was assessed by using both the single ecological risk index (Er) and the integrated potential ecological risk index (RI). Maximum quantities of SS applied on agricultural soils in EU + UK were estimated to be 45 Mg ha−1 at the country level. We found that 19% of agricultural land (around 28,471,900 ha) in the EU + UK shows a higher RI than moderate risk after long time application of the representative SS. We show that the combination of the HM concentrations from the LUCAS topsoil survey and assumptions on the SS composition and soil HM partitioning can be used to define the actual and potential soil pollution rate in EU + UK. We demonstrate that the proposed methodology can be used by policymakers, farmers, regional authorities and other stakeholders, with possible adaptions based on local in‐depth soil and SS knowledge.

Comprehensive review on hybridization approach in anti-malarial research

Malaria endures a major health problem worldwide. Over the past few decades, the issue posed by multidrug resistance has reached an alarming level in many countries. The use of most anti-malarial agents is limited not only by the rapid development of drug resistance but also by the measured pipeline of effective pharmaceuticals available against resistant strains. Hybrid molecules, which contain multiple pharmacophoric units covalently linked together through metabolically stable linkage (conjugate), fusion, and merging of two functionalities into single molecule have the prospects to conquer drug resistance, overcome toxicity, and enhancement of efficacy. This review attempted to shed light on the hybridization approach by compiling past to recent studies conducted by researchers on aminoquinoline antimalarial hybrids.. KEYWORDS :Antimalarial drugs, Chloroquine resistance, Plasmodium falciparum, 4-aminoquinolines, Hybrids.

Atención de urgencia por ideación suicida en Chile, periodo 2020 al 2022

IntroductionSuicidal ideation is a common risk factor associated with suicide and an important indicator for its prevention. The objective of this study is to describe the rate of emergency care for suicidal ideation in the population served in the Chilean public health network during the years 2020 to 2022. MethodsDescriptive study, based on records from the Department of Statistics and Health Information, of beneficiaries with emergency care for suicidal ideation. The rate of emergency care for suicidal ideation was estimated at the country and geographic region level, as well as with regards to the proportion of care by age group, type of health facility and month of occurrence. Pearson's Chi2 test was applied in STATA version 14. ResultsThere were 15,325 emergency visits for suicidal ideation in the period studied. In 2020, the rate was 0.03×10,000 and 5.8×10,000 in 2022, higher in the central zone. Care predominated in the 15 to 64 year-old group and in hospital settings (p<0.001). ConclusionsAn increase in the rate of emergency care for suicidal ideation is observed, with differences by age group and type of health facility. However, given the limited study time, these figures should be analyzed with caution.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN LABOUR RELATIONS: A THREAT TO HUMAN RIGHTS OR NEW OPPORTUNITIES?

This article explores the possibility of using artificial intelligence in the field of labour relations. Modern technologies provide new opportunities, but at the same time, they give rise to a number of complex issues, solving new approaches to the realization of the right to work and proper social security by able-bodied citizens, which is important today, when Ukraine is defending its sovereignty and independence from military aggression by the Russian Federation. The use of machine learning algorithms and systems can lead to significant improvements related to the professional training of labour resources, management of production processes, labour protection and other aspects of labour relations.We came to the conclusion that the modernization of labour law involves expanding the circle of participants in labour relations and revising the meaning of the term "employee". Thus, the presence or absence of access to technology will create new forms of inequality in the interaction between "employee-to-employee" and "worker-robot (AI)".A proactive approach is proposed to mitigate the consequences of possible threats to the use of artificial intelligence in labour relations through an in-depth study of all possible threats arising in connection with the use of modern technologies. A proposal is made to take as a basis the international experience of using AI in the social structure of the state and adapt it to the life of the state, which, in turn, will contribute to the promotion of important theses on the quality and accessibility of data at the country level, and in cities in particular, promoting participation in data exchange schemes at the level of the private and public sectors.

Challenges in the Quality of Malaria Case Management in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Review

Malaria continues to be a parasitic disease that poses a persistent public health concern in countries of the Southern region. Despite the deployment of strategies aimed at its elimination by 2030, significant gaps still impede the achievement of this goal. A critical gap is the quality of case management. This article presents a narrative review specifically focusing on the quality of malaria case management in SubSaharan African countries. It delves into the complex challenges associated with managing this disease, encompassing aspects such as healthcare service organization, diagnosis, treatment, and patient follow-up. The article highlights underlying factors that hinder progress, including insufficient resources, inadequate skills, limited monitoring and evaluation capacities, lack of motivation and commitment among stakeholders, and challenges related to implementation and governance. It explores various initiatives to strengthen and enhance the quality of care, including continuous training programs, epidemiological and operational research endeavors, fostering a culture of quality, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of sustainable approaches at the country level to contribute to effective malaria elimination. It underscores the need for further exploration and implementation of strategies to achieve this crucial goal.

Worldwide predictors of science literacy in lower-secondary students: a TIMSS 2019 analysis

ABSTRACT In today's technologically advanced and environmentally challenging landscape, enhancing global scientific literacy is increasingly imperative. A solid grasp of scientific principles is vital for fostering innovation and achieving sustainable development worldwide. Utilizing data from the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), this study inquiries into various factors impacting grade eight students' science literacy in the TIMSS 2019 assessment. Exploring student socioeconomic status, cultural background, attitudes towards science, school organisation, teacher experiences, and country-level variables, we aimed to identify predictive associations with science literacy. Additionally, we correlated TIMSS 2019 results with the United Nations Development Program's Human Development Index (HDI). Employing three-level Hierarchical Linear Modeling, we assessed which student, teacher, and country-level variables were linked to grade 8 science literacy. Results indicate that the students' socioeconomic resources and motivation/confidence in science positively influence science literacy. Conversely, a higher percentage of science items covered in national curricula was weakly associated with lower science literacy scores. Teachers reporting greater teaching limitations due to student needs showed negative correlations with science scores. At the country level, the HDI emerged as the strongest correlate with grade 8 science literacy. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of science literacy and its interplay with various socio-cultural and educational factors on a global scale.

Project-Based Learning in Fostering Creative Thinking and Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills: Evidence from Primary Education in Indonesia

The interdependence between the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) Model and the growth and enhancement of Creative Thinking and Mathematical Problem Solving Skills in Elementary Schools is unquestionable nowadays. Prior studies have yet to discover concrete evidence regarding the interdependence being discussed. This study highlighted cognitive abilities related to creative thinking and mathematics problem-solving by implementing the Project-Based Learning Model. This research was a quasi-experiment with a pretest-posttest control group design involving 43 students in the sixth grade of two elementary schools; data was collected through test and classroom observation, and then the data was analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). Conversely, students exposed to project-based learning models exhibit higher skill levels in creative thinking and problem-solving than those instructed using conventional learning models. The project-based learning model significantly impacted elementary school children’s creative thinking and mathematics problem-solving skills. These findings suggest that the Project-Based Learning Model is acceptable for instructors seeking to foster creativity in teaching mathematics at the primary school level in Indonesia or other countries with comparable settings.

From funds to footprints: Unravelling the asymmetric association between nuclear energy technology and environmental quality

Innovation and investment in research and development (R&D) for renewable energy are critical in improving environmental quality and creating a more sustainable energy landscape. This research delves into the asymmetric correlation between nuclear energy technology budget and environmental quality in the top 10 economies with the largest nuclear energy R&D budgets (Germany, South Korea, Japan, the UK, France, Russia, China, USA, India, and Canada). Earlier investigations have used panel data methodologies that submit usual outcomes related to the link between these variables, although some countries did not show a similar relationship independently. Moreover, previous studies analyzed the overall impact, while our investigation focuses on examining the asymmetric impact on an individual country level. On the other hand, we apply the Quantile-on-Quantile tool to probe the time-series dependence in every country, bestowing worldwide yet country-specific evidence for the variables' interconnection. The findings suggest that budgets related to nuclear energy technology positively impact environmental quality by reducing ecological footprint in most economies, especially at the specific distribution of data points. In addition, this research highlights that the degree of asymmetry between the variables deviates across economies, heightening the importance of carefully implementing policies related to nuclear energy technology and environmental quality.