Country-specific Data Research Articles

Prevalence of sickle cell anemia in Africa: A protocol for a meta-analysis of existing studies

Background Sickle cell anemia (SCA) rank 11th among all causes of mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the region accounting for 75% of global cases. Inconsistent diagnostic methods and country-specific data gaps hinder current prevalence estimates. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide pooled prevalence estimates and examine geographic and temporal trends in SCA. Objectives This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to determine the pooled prevalence of SCA across Africa and analyze its geographic and temporal distribution patterns by synthesizing data from existing studies. Methods We will search four major databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, BASE, and Scopus, for studies on SCA prevalence in Africa published between 1994 and 2024. We will use Zotero to remove duplicates and screen titles and abstracts. We will assess the methodological quality with the JBI critical appraisal checklist for studies reporting prevalence data and extract data using a tested MS Excel form from studies with low to moderate bias. We will use random-effects meta-analysis to calculate pooled prevalence estimates and conduct subgroup analyses for heterogeneity. We will evaluate publication bias with funnel plots and Egger’s test, using trim-and-fill analysis if asymmetry is detected. The strength of evidence will be assessed using the AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews). Expected Results We expect to find significant variations in SCA prevalence across different regions and age groups, reflecting underlying environmental, diagnostic and methodological factors. We aim to identify any shifts in SCA prevalence and distribution patterns, which could inform future public health strategies and interventions Discussion Our analysis will reveal the pooled prevalence of SCA in Africa, influencing diagnostic, environmental, and methodological factors, guiding targeted public health interventions. Registration Our meta-analysis protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF) on 8th January, 2025. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/M8JXV

The burden of diseases and injury through the lens of Standard Expected Years of Life Lost: the lost productivity and the distribution of health attainment in countries of different health systems

Background The productivity loss attributable to the burden of diseases in different country contexts reflect the effectiveness of the context specific measures for population health development. So, this study provides insights of the productivity loss from the burden of diseases. Methods Using country specific subnational level data, we have quantified the burden of diseases and the consequential lost productivity in two lower middle-income countries i.e., India and Kyrgyzstan; three upper middle-income countries i.e., Belarus, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation; and one high income country, France. We have computed standard expect years of life lost (SEYLL) as the measure of disease burden, and quantified the present value of lost earnings (PVLE) using our 3P approach (population, participation and productivity). Results Our subnational level analysis finds an overall declining trend of SEYLL across regions in each country except in Belarus from 2017 onwards, and in France. We also find that the cumulative percentage loss of PVLE per SEYLL mostly exceeds cumulative GDP per capita growth of the country during the study years. Conclusion We have captured the value of earnings and quantified the avoidable loss for the society / country in different contexts and thus, this study demonstrates the potential contribution of population health development to the poverty alleviation programme in low – and middle -income countries.

Influential drivers of the cost-effectiveness of respiratory syncytial virus vaccination in European older adults: a multi-country analysis

BackgroundWe aimed to identify influential drivers of the cost-effectiveness of older adult respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination in Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands and Valencia-Spain.MethodsA static multi-cohort model was parameterised using country- and age-specific hospitalisations using three approaches: (A) the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-coded hospitalisations, (B) laboratory RSV-confirmed hospitalisations and (C) time-series modelling (TSM). Plausible hypothetical RSV vaccine characteristics were derived from two protein subunit vaccines for adults aged ≥60 years. A full incremental analysis was conducted by comparing three RSV vaccination strategies: (1) in adults aged ≥60 years (“60y+”); (2) in adults aged ≥65 years (“65y+”); (3) in adults aged ≥75 years (“75y+”) to “no intervention” and to each other. Both costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were discounted at country-specific discount rates and the analysis was conducted from both the healthcare payers’ and societal perspectives. Value of information, probabilistic sensitivity and scenario analyses identified influential drivers.ResultsBesides vaccine price, the hospitalisation estimates were most influential: (A) Using adjusted RSV-ICD-coded hospitalisations at a vaccine price of €150 per dose, no intervention was cost-effective up to willingness-to-pay (WTP) values of €150,000 per QALY gained in Denmark and the Netherlands, and up to €124,000 per QALY gained in Finland. (B) Using the adjusted RSV-confirmed dataset, the findings were consistent in Denmark and comparable in Finland. In Spain-Valencia, the 75y+ strategy became cost-effective at WTP >€55,000. (C) Using TSM-based estimates, the 75y+ strategy was cost-effective at WTP >€45,000, >€101,000, >€41,000 and >€114,000 in Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands and Spain-Valencia, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed that the (in-hospital) case fatality ratio and the specification of its age dependency were both influential. Duration of protection was found more influential than a variety of plausible waning patterns over the duration of protection.ConclusionsData gaps and uncertainties on the RSV-related burden in older adults persist and influence the cost-effectiveness of RSV vaccination. More refined age- and country-specific data on the RSV attributable burden are crucial to aid decision making.

Impact of foreign bank penetration on local firms’ export destination choices

Exporting is an information-intensive activity in exploring the foreign markets. We use firm-level destination country-specific exporting data and bank branch data to show that foreign banks present in China can significantly promote local firms’ export toward the destination country where the banks are originated from. Specifically, foreign banks promote local firms’ export more strongly in sectors in need of more information and when a destination country is culturally or institutionally more distant. The promotion is significant for ordinary export but has almost zero impact on processing with assembly. Taken together, foreign banks serve as information providers and affect companies’ strategic decisions on their export location choices.

Estimates and projections in the economic impacts of fifteen dietary risk factors for two hundred four countries and territories from 2020 to 2050: A health-augmented macroeconomic modeling study.

Estimates and projections in the economic impacts of fifteen dietary risk factors for two hundred four countries and territories from 2020 to 2050: A health-augmented macroeconomic modeling study.

Integrated spatial cost-benefit analysis of large-scale mangrove conservation and restoration in Indonesia

Economic development in Indonesia has resulted in reduced poverty but has also been accompanied by significant pressure on natural capital, including its mangrove forests. In recognition of the role of mangroves in providing coastal protection and the delivery of other ecosystem services, the Government of Indonesia has engaged in several policy actions, among others the use of nature based solutions and has set a target to restore or enhance the protection of 600,000 ha of mangroves by 2025. The objective of the analysis presented in this paper is to inform the design and development of a national-scale mangrove conservation and restoration policy for Indonesia through a spatially explicit cost-benefit analysis. The analytical framework involves the integration of maps, data and models to estimate the costs and benefits of mangrove restoration at a high spatial resolution. On the benefit side, we make use of meta-analytic value transfer methods to value changes in fisheries, raw materials, coastal protection, carbon sequestration and avoided emissions, and mangrove tourism. On the cost side, we assess the opportunity and implementation costs using country specific data. Through a spatial overlay of cost and benefit estimates, cost-benefit indicators are calculated per district for investing in additional mangrove restoration and conservation. Using a discount rate of 5.5% and a 30-year project lifetime, the benefit-cost ratios of mangrove conservation and restoration are found to be >1 in most districts indicating positive social returns on investment. We find that mangrove conservation generally has higher benefit-cost ratios than restoration due to both the higher cost of restoration implementation and the additional time that it takes for restored mangroves to deliver ecosystem services. The spatially explicit framework to estimate district-level costs and benefits reveals tradeoffs with agriculture and aquaculture and enables the evaluation of investment scenarios and the spatial prioritisation of investments in mangrove conservation and restoration across Indonesia. Strategic allocation of conservation and restoration investments across districts can potentially significantly increase the economic viability of this nature-based solution.

A surrogate FRAX model for Mongolia

SummaryA surrogate FRAX® model for Mongolia has been constructed using age- and sex-specific hip fracture rates for mainland China and age- and sex-specific mortality rates from Mongolia.IntroductionFRAX models are frequently requested for countries with little or no data on the incidence of hip fracture. In such circumstances, the development of a surrogate FRAX model is recommended based on country-specific mortality data but using fracture data from a country, usually within the region, where fracture rates are considered to be representative of the index country.ObjectiveThis report describes the development and characteristics of a surrogate FRAX model for Mongolia.MethodsThe FRAX model used the ethnic-specific incidence of hip fracture in mainland China, combined with the death risk for Mongolia in 2015–2019. Intervention thresholds were developed based on fracture probabilities equivalent to women with a prior fragility fracture, and their impact was assessed in a referral cohort comprising men at age 50 and above and postmenopausal women. The number of hip fractures in 2015 and 2050 was estimated based on United Nations’ predicted changes in population demography.ResultsThe surrogate model gave similar hip fracture probabilities to estimates from China. Age-dependent intervention thresholds for a major osteoporotic fracture ranged from a 10-year probability of 2.4% at the age of 40 years to 13.7% at the age of 90 years. In the cohort of those eligible for assessment, 46% of men and 36% of women were eligible for treatment because of a prior fracture. Based on intervention thresholds, a further 0.5% of men and 7.0% of women would be eligible for treatment. It was estimated that 440 hip fractures arose in 2015 in individuals aged 50 years and older in Mongolia, with a predicted 4.3-fold increase expected by 2050, when 1896 hip fractures are expected nationally.ConclusionThe surrogate FRAX model for Mongolia provides an opportunity to determine fracture probability within the Mongolian population and help guide decisions about treatment.

How Renewable Energy, Environmental Policy Stringency, Trade Diversification Index, Impact Environmental Sustainability in G‐7 Nations

ABSTRACTEcological sustainability requires an understanding of the importance of natural resources (NAT), trade diversification (TRD), and the environment. We can develop methods to reduce the damaging environmental effects in developed and developing economies while promoting sustainable economic models. Therefore, this work analyzes the impact of TRD, NAT, renewable energy (RE), environmental stringent policy (EPS), and GDP on the load capacity factor (LCF) of G‐7 countries. For this purpose, the annual data of 1995–2022 is analyzed. The results of Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) show that NAT, RE, and TRD index are enhancing environmental quality, whereas EPS and GDP are harmful for the environment. MMQR is used to get coefficient values. On the other hand, TRD, the use of RE, and strict environmental laws lower the bad consequences of industrialization in the G‐7 countries. Evidently, whereas the influence of EPS is waning on the quantiles of LCF, the impact of TRD is rising. To verify the impacts of EPS on LCF, this work performs wavelet analysis on country specific data, and it is validated that EPS is arming the environmental quality. Policymakers should also impose strict measures gradually, giving firms time to adjust. This shift can be facilitated by offering green technology financial support and subsidies. The work offers practical solutions for maintaining the G‐7 region's environmental quality.

The global burden of chronic respiratory diseases attributable to tobacco from 1990 to 2021: a global burden of disease study 2021

BackgroundTobacco is a major risk factor for chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), yet the global distribution and trends of tobacco-related CRD burdens remain inadequately explored.MethodsThis study extracted data on mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) related to tobacco-attributable CRDs from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. Joinpoint regression was used to identify temporal trends in age-standardized rates (ASR), while autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) forecasting was applied to project future trends in ASMR and ASDR for tobacco-related CRDs.ResultsIn 2021, global tobacco-related CRD deaths and DALYs reached 1,545,686 (95% UI: 1,144,476-1,942,541) and 33,014,429 (95% UI: 24,275,462 − 40,930,821), representing increases of 25.43% and 15.64%, respectively, since 1990. Elderly individuals and males showed a higher disease burden. Between 1990 and 2021, ASMR [average annual percentage change (AAPC) = -2.009 (95% CI: -1.8915 to -2.1263)] and ASDR [AAPC = -2.1057 (95% CI: -2.0123 to -2.199)] for tobacco-related CRDs showed a declining trend globally, with autoregressive integrated moving average forecasting suggesting continued declines in ASMR and ASDR in the future. Regionally, South Asia, East Asia, and Oceania had the highest CRD burdens, while country-specific data indicated that Nepal, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea bore significant burdens. The ASMR and ASDR of tobacco-related CRDs were highest in regions and countries with Socio-Demographic Index values between 0.4 and 0.5.ConclusionAlthough global tobacco-related CRD deaths and DALYs have continued to increase, ASMR and ASDR are on the decline, with variations across geographic regions. Prevention and control strategies tailored to country-specific disease prevalence are essential to mitigate these burdens.

Residence-based disparities of composite index of anthropometric failures in East African under five children; multivariate decomposition analysis

BackgroundUndernutrition remains a global challenge and public health concern, despite the presence of policies, programs and interventions. There is substantial evidence that the majority of the rural children under-5 years old have composite index of anthropometric failure than the urban counter parts. Hence, identifying the main contributors of these disparities will help health policy makers, program designers and implementers for the reduction of composite index of anthropometric failures in children under-5 years old in the study areas.MethodsThe most recent and nationally representative samples of demographic and health surveys of five East African countries data were used for the current study. To appreciate the residence-based differences of composite index of anthropometric failure in under-5 children, the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis and its extensions were employed to determine the effects of covariates and coefficients. The country specific survey data analysis was performed.ResultsThe current study revealed that the burden of composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) in under-5 children were 40.69%, 22.04%, 34.06%, 31.99%, and 33.27% in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania respectively. The residence-based differences in CIAF were 25.49%, 11.38%, 27%, 22.15%, and 20.55% in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania respectively. Results of the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis and its extensions revealed that 100% of the rural–urban children under-5 composite index of anthropometric failure disparity was explained by endowment characteristics (covariate effect). Wealth index, mother’s education, age of child, type of birth, sex of child and birth interval inequality between rural and urban households explains most of the composite index of anthropometric failure disparity in children under-5 years old.ConclusionsThe residence-based CIAF differences were high in all study countries. The rural–urban CIAF gap is ascribed by household, maternal and child characteristics. This result implies that rural children under-5 is disproportionally disadvantaged with respect to characteristics than their consequences. Through identification of the underlying factors behind the rural–urban CIAF disparities, the result of this study is important in planning effective intervention measures aiming at reducing residence-based inequalities and the population health outcomes. Therefore, should be given for rural children to reduce CIAF by improving house hold wealth index, women education and attentions to older children, and female children.

Influences of BIM-LOD and Geographic-Scale Environmental Impact Factors on embodied emissions: The Norwegian context

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), grounded in Building Information Modelling (BIM), plays a crucial role in minimizing emissions in the Architeture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. However, the accuracy of LCA outcomes is significantly influenced by BIM’s Level of Development (LOD) and Geographic-Scale Environmental Impact Factor (GS-EIF). Using a Norwegian Timber Building as a case study, this article explores the effects of BIM-LOD and GS-EIF on LCA embodied emissions of the life cycle stage from Cradle to Gate. The findings reveal that lower BIM-LOD levels, such as LOD 200, tend to underestimate environmental impacts compared to higher LOD levels, like LOD 350. For instance, Global Warming Potential (GWP) can increase by 142% when movingfrom LOD 200 to LOD 350. Conversely, transitioning from Global Generic Environmental Impact Data (GLD) to Site Specific Environmental Impact Data (SFD), GWP can fall by up to 95%. This underscores the critical role of using precise environmental impact data to enhance decision-making and improve a building’s environmental performance. The study recommends starting with BIM-LOD 300 and Country-specific Regional EIF data (CRD) during the design development stages to balance accuracy and practicality. Tracking the transition along the BIM-LCA progress further strengthens the robustness of theLCA results. However, it is essential to note that the findings of this study are specific to Norwegian timber buildings and may not apply universally to other building types or materials. Therefore, further research is needed to validate these findings across different building structural types, geographic regions and environmental contexts.

Estimation of enteric methane emissions and mitigation opportunities for Ethiopian milk production systems and breeds

ABSTRACT The paper reports research to quantify enteric methane (CH4) emissions and mitigation opportunities from milk production systems (MPSs) and cattle breeds. Data were collected from a total of 24 dairy producers. A questionnaire survey was used to collect primary inputs and outputs. CH4 emissions were estimated using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 approach. The CH4 estimates per mature crossbred cow were significantly greater for the large-scale MPS (72.76) (p < 0.05) than for the (peri-)urban (64.04) and rural MPSs (56.62 kg CH4 head−1·yr−1). No significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the rural and (peri-) urban MPSs. The large-scale MPS had lower CH4 emissions per kg of milk than the other two MPSs. This study uses country-specific data and indicates that cattle breed management was more important than MPSs for reducing CH4 emissions.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Decarbonization Potential of Global Fired Clay Brick Production.

Fired clay bricks (FCBs) are a dominant building material globally due to their low cost and simplicity of production, especially in low- and middle-income countries. With a projected rising housing demand, commensurate growth in brick demand is anticipated, the production of which could result in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Robust models are needed to estimate brick demand and emissions to systematically address decarbonization pathways. Few sources report production values; hence, we present two novel proxy models: (i) a consumption prediction model, relying on country-specific clay extraction data, dynamic building stock modeling, and average material intensity use allowing for projections to 2050; and (ii) a GHG emissions model, using literature-based data and production technology-specific inputs. Based on these models, the current global FCB consumption is estimated as 2.18 Gt annually, resulting in approximately 500 million tCO2e (1% of current global GHG emissions). If unaddressed, this fraction could increase to 3.5-5% in 2050 considering a moderate SSP 2-4.5 climate change mitigation scenario. Consequently, we explored three potential decarbonization pathways: (i) improving energy efficiency; (ii) shifting production to best practices; and (iii) replacing half of FCB demand with hollow concrete blocks, resulting in 27%, 49%, and 51% reduction in GHG emissions, respectively.

Environmental impact of Norwegian food and beverages: compilation of a life cycle assessment food database.

Food production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Climate and environmental impacts from food production vary across geographical areas. To estimate these impacts of food and diets, country-specific data are needed. This project aimed to compile an environmental impact food database, including the impact categories (ICs) global warming potential, soil acidification, freshwater and saltwater eutrophication, water use and land use, representative of the Norwegian diet. The compilation was based on literature searches for original life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on foods, including domestic and imported foods, which constitute the habitual diet in Norway. Food items of importance in the average Norwegian diet were identified based on the national dietary survey Norkost 3. The study's generic system boundaries included impacts from farm to fork: production, processing, packaging, transportation, storage and food preparation at home. Conversion factors for edible portions were applied when relevant. When LCA data of a certain food were missing, data from foods with similar cultivation conditions and nutritional composition were used as proxies. Data from other LCA food databases were also used if original LCA studies were not identified, or the LCA studies found were evaluated as being of poor quality. The compiled database is tailored specifically for and covers main animal- and plant-based foods in the Norwegian diet. Limitations of the compilation project include the fact that most LCA studies identified in the present project covered ICs up to the farm gate and used varying methodology. Also, proxy values were used when data for specific food items were missing. These methodological issues introduce variability and complicate direct comparisons. The strength of the present study is the thorough work in compiling and filling data gaps for the IC values of foods in the Norwegian diet. The Norwegian LCA food database enables simultaneous estimation of food and nutrient intakes and estimation of climate and environmental impacts of Norwegian diets.

Rapid response strategies to sanitary and epidemiological emergencies in Russian Federation regions considering particular epidemiological scenarios (in case of cholera outbreaks)

Relevance. Currently, cholera poses a serious external infection risk for the Russia. Any region of Russia is at risk of cholera infestation/importation, while importation events shall be considered as a real threat to the sanitary and epidemiological wellbeing of the population. Every Russian region is characterized by a set of individual factors and conditions affecting cholera infection risks, as well as preparedness of medical and testing lab capacities. In such environment, every region of Russia is in critical need of region-specific stochastic epidemiological forecasting is critically demanded in the case of cholera infestation importation. Ability to select a most efficient rapid response strategy in every forecasted scenario is no less relevant.The study objective is to use the developed epidemiological risk assessment score for cholera infestation/importation in individual regions of Russia to eventually establish the probability for each of the three potential epidemiological scenarios, as well as to guide scenario-specific rapid response strategies.Methodology. Epidemic risk assessment score for cholera infestation/importation in Russia was developed based on region-specific quantitative evaluation of the potential epidemiological risk at public mass events and the overall epidemiological capacity in case of cholera exposure. Modifications included ranking the sets of assessment score indicators by cholera epidemiological risk exposure with a few extra sets of indicators, such as region-specific product output, economic factors, emergency incidence rate and scope of consequences. Stochastic scenarios are based on retrospective data analyzing the links between the initial epidemiological risk factors, preparedness of medical and laboratory services, and real country specific data regarding the development of the epidemiological situation amid cholera outbreaks.Results and discussion. The study develops a region-specific epidemiological risk assessment score for cholera infestation/importation for Russian Federation regions to provide an insight into the impacts of epidemiological risk factors and counter-epidemic preparedness capacities of every region, considering the implementation of each of the three potential epidemiological situation scenarios (negative, limited spreading, and favorable). The paper elaborates strategies and solutions to provide efficient rapid response in case of either scenario.Conclusion. The developed epidemiological risk assessment score for cholera infestation/importation in individual regions of Russia allows to evaluate the probability for each of the three epidemiological scenarios in a particular region depending on the total score, as well as to select most efficient scenario-specific rapid response strategies.

Comparative Analysis of the Effects of European Union Environmental Policies on the Textile and Clothing Sector of Turkey and Bangladesh: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Objectives: This study investigates the impact of European Union (EU) environmental policies on Bangladesh's and Turkey's textile industries. It aims to identify the challenges both nations face in implementing these regulations and explore opportunities for sustainable development by comparing their approaches. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in environmental governance and industrial sustainability principles, emphasizing the interplay between regulatory frameworks and economic practices in developing countries. Method: A mixed-methods approach combines an extensive literature review with analyzing country-specific data from existing studies. This method provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies employed by both nations. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal that compliance with EU regulations is challenging for Bangladesh and Turkey due to their reliance on textile exports. With its diversified economy, Turkey faces high financial requirements, while Bangladesh struggles with rapid population growth and unplanned industrialization. Common issues such as air and water pollution, along with inadequate waste management systems, are prevalent in both contexts. Differences emerge in regulatory frameworks and resource management, influencing their respective adaptation strategies. Research Implications: The study highlights the need for customized policy interventions and international collaboration to support compliance efforts in both countries. Enhanced environmental practices can foster the achievement of Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) while ensuring economic growth. Originality/Value: This research offers a comparative analysis of two major textile-exporting nations, providing fresh insights into balancing economic development with environmental responsibilities in the global textile sector.

Assessing the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Potential of Harvested Wood Products in Romania and Their Contribution to Achieving Climate Neutrality

Forests mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by capturing CO₂ and storing it as carbon in various forms, including living biomass, dead wood, soil, and forest litter. Importantly, when trees are harvested, a portion of the above-ground biomass is converted into harvested wood products (HWPs), which can retain carbon for decades. With approximately 7 million hectares of forest (30% of its land area), Romania significantly contributes to the country’s carbon budget through the HWP pool. Using country-specific data from 1961 to 2022 and an IPCC method, we tracked HWP carbon storage and projected future scenarios to evaluate the category’s significance in achieving the 2050 climate target. During this period, the carbon stored in Romanian HWPs more than doubled from 28.20 TgC to 60.76 TgC, with sawnwood products as major contributors. Fluctuations were influenced by domestic policies, market dynamics, and industry changes, notably after the 1990s. Annual carbon inflow dipped to 0.65 TgC in 1994 and peaked at 2.54 TgC in 2013. By analyzing the scenarios, we demonstrated that a moderate growth trajectory in carbon inflow, combined with a focus on producing long-lived wood products, could double carbon stock changes by 2050 to 4.4 TgC—roughly 4% of the country’s current total emissions excluding the LULUCF sector. Additionally, based on sustainable forest management practices in Romania, this approach would significantly enhance the carbon pool and its importance in achieving the country’s climate policies.

Investigating the Pass-Through Effect of Global Oil Price Shock on Domestic Inflation in Selected African Countries

The large-scale war between Russia and Ukraine has increased global oil prices, signaling a new era of macroeconomic shock management for both developed and developing countries. Consequently, this study investigates the passthrough effect of oil prices on domestic inflation in selected African countries in a single estimation framework using the global vector autoregressive (GVAR) estimation technique. To achieve the objective of this study, country-specific data were gathered from twenty-one African countries and four foreign countries selected based on trade relations. The results from our estimation demonstrate that the domestic general price level in African countries responds to global oil price shocks. Also, like any other part of the world, a disparity-like response is observable for African countries. This is tightly connected to whether the country is a metal-resource-rich, non-rich resource, or oil-rich country. The study thus concludes that positive shocks in the global price of crude oil will worsen the delicate position of the domestic general price level in non-oil-producing African countries. Efforts to minimize the impact of international oil shocks in these countries should center around investment in renewable energy and stabilization of the economy’s supply side through proactive and effective macroeconomic management.

Proposed variant of Myers' Index

This paper extends the Alternative Myers’ index Pal et al. (2014) as a common measure of the quality of age reporting in addition to Pal et al. (2014) past development using the data of selected Asian countries. The most recent wave of country-specific demographic and health survey data is used for the present study. Three different versions of the Myers’ index are proposed. The proposed versions are calculated by replacing the original population with a person-year approach. When proposed variants are compared with the alternative version, the proposed modified variants seem to be appropriate as they fall closer to the original Myer index values. In contrast, alternative index values are distant from the standard Myers’ index values. Moreover, the results of the analysis extended to compare the proposed variants and alternative index across the place of residence and the education status of the respondents. Finally, in all these comparisons the results revealed to be in the same direction that the modified variants are better in terms of distance than an alternative index with the standard Myers’ index values.

The Protective Role of Ambient Ultraviolet Radiation Against Dementia: An Ecological Analysis of Global Data.

This study investigates the global impact of ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on dementia incidence, addressing its controversial association with dementia risk. UVR, through both vitamin D-dependent and independent mechanisms, influences physiological processes essential for brain health, such as reducing neuroinflammation, improving sleep regulation, and enhancing neuroplasticity. This study aims to clarify the relationship between UVR and dementia incidence and evaluate its role in public health strategies for dementia prevention. An ecological analysis across 204 countries was conducted using country-specific data on UVR levels and dementia incidence rates. Bivariate analysis, partial correlation, and multiple linear regression models were employed to assess the relationship between UVR and dementia incidence. Confounding factors, including aging, economic affluence, genetic predisposition, and urbanization, were controlled to ensure robust results. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore differences across income classifications, regional groupings, and developmental statuses, based on World Bank and United Nations criteria. A significant inverse correlation between UVR and dementia incidence was identified (r = -0.764, p < 0.001), which persisted after adjusting for confounding factors. UVR emerged as the strongest predictor of dementia incidence, explaining a substantial portion of the variance, followed by aging as the second strongest predictor. Subgroup analyses revealed that the protective effects of UVR were particularly pronounced in developing countries, where limited access to vitamin D supplementation, combined with greater exposure tonatural sunlight may enhance its influence. Lower ambient UVR levels are associated with higher dementia incidence rates worldwide, suggesting a critical role for UVR in mitigating dementia risk. Public health strategies should consider environmental factors like UVR, particularly in regions with limited sunlight. Incorporating interventions to optimize UVR exposure could offer a cost-effective approach to reducing the global dementia burden and improving brain health outcomes.