Drug abuse represents a critical public health emergency and developmental challenge in Nigeria, with escalating prevalence rates and profound socioeconomic consequences. Recent epidemiological studies suggest Nigeria may be confronting one of Africa's most severe substance abuse crises, though a comprehensive analysis of its multidimensional impact remains inadequately documented in scholarly literature. This systematic review employed secondary data analysis methodology, synthesizing evidence from 45 peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and international databases published between 2015 and 2024. The syndemic nature of drug abuse in Nigeria appears deeply embedded within structural determinants, including poverty (42% prevalence), youth unemployment (53% among graduates), and inadequate mental health infrastructure (fewer than 150 psychiatrists nationwide). These findings suggest that effective interventions must integrate public health approaches with socioeconomic development strategies, addressing underlying determinants rather than merely treating manifestations. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs and economic impact assessments to better inform policy responses. Drug abuse in Nigeria constitutes a complex developmental challenge requiring multisectoral approaches that bridge public health, economic policy, and social welfare domains. Strategic responses should prioritize evidence-based prevention, treatment infrastructure expansion, and addressing structural determinants through poverty reduction and youth empowerment initiatives.

The article addresses the pressing issue of soil degradation and substantiates the necessity of applying biomelioration methods as a key tool for restoring soil fertility. The purpose of the study is to analyze and systematize data on the impact of biomelioration techniques based on fertility indicators of degraded soils. A comprehensive research approach was employed, which included the analysis of scientific publications as well as practical examples of biomelioration methods used to improve the fertility of degraded soils. Fertility is defined as a combination of three main properties: physical, chemical, and biological. The study highlights the influence of biomelioration methods on fertility restoration through the accumulation of organic matter, stimulation of biological activity, and improvement of soil structure. The main biomelioration techniques and their effects have been examined. Phytoremediation is considered as a measure aimed at reducing toxic elements in contaminated soils by cultivating special plants capable of removing or localizing toxic substances within the root zone or aerial parts. The role of organic farming as a biomelioration method has been determined. A schematic model illustrating the mechanism of biomelioration effects on soil fertility is presented, along with recommendations for implementing a complex system of biomelioration practices to effectively restore degraded soils in Ukraine. It is noted that further research should focus on the development of regionally adapted biomelioration systems and the assessment of the long-term economic impact of their implementation.

Purpose This study examines the net impact of the 2018 Winter Olympics on temporary housing prices in Gangneung, South Korea, from 2012 to 2023. Amid growing scrutiny of the Games' long-term economic sustainability, particularly in smaller, less urbanized regions, this study offers empirical evidence on localized housing market effects in a non-Western context and assesses the broader, often untested, economic and social benefits of the Olympics. Design/methodology/approach Employing the synthetic control method, this study compares rental prices in Gangneung with rental prices in non-host cities nationwide exhibiting similar economic and housing characteristics. Findings Contrary to expectations of economic gains from hosting the Games, the findings indicate no significant increase in monthly rent prices in Gangneung relative to other cities. In fact, rental prices showed limited change during the Olympics and in the immediate years following, challenging the notion that hosting such mega-events generates positive fiscal returns. Originality/value The findings offer important insights into the discourse on the intangible benefits of winter sport mega-events and provide lessons for planning sustainable future initiatives. They suggest that substantial public investment in the Winter Olympics may fall short of expected social and financial returns, especially after staging the events, underscoring the need for careful economic impact assessments in less developed communities.

An AI-based OSINT framework for fake news detection and economic impact assessment in cyber diplomacy

The goal of the current study was to document the financial losses incurred by cattle infected with babesiosis between January 2023 and December 2024 in Chittore district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Throughout the course of the study, the total average financial impact resulting from babesiosis was ₹31,60,464 and the average annual loss resulting from individual cattle was ₹15,049. When comparing the different variables causing the economic loss highest percent was due to mortality loss (39.87 percent), reproductive loss (37.79 percent), production loss (8.05 percent), treatment cost (7.64 percent) and for daily wages loss (6.65 percent).

An ensemble of Deep Learning, Machine Learning, and statistical methods stacked with meta-learning for forecasting net energy consumption in Multi-Carrier Energy Systems: Economic impact assessment

Environmental and economic impact assessment of single-use laboratory plastic waste: A case study

Purpose This paper presents an initial analysis of the USA’ 2025 tariff programme, announced under the second Trump administration. This study aims to conceptually evaluate the likely economic consequences of these measures, situate them within historical and theoretical trade policy frameworks and outline a forward-looking empirical research agenda. Design/methodology/approach The analysis draws on historical comparisons with the 2018–2019 trade war, economic theory and empirical literature on tariffs. It also incorporates early economic indicators from 2025 to examine impacts on prices, trade flows and investment. Findings The study finds that the 2025 tariffs are likely to increase inflationary pressures, disrupt global supply chains and challenge multilateral trade norms. The policy is evaluated as being driven more by political and strategic considerations than by economic optimisation. The authors highlight the importance of second-order effects and uncertainty, especially in firm-level and macroeconomic planning. Research limitations/implications As an early-stage assessment, the paper relies on projections and prior empirical evidence rather than post-implementation data. However, it identifies important research avenues on firm-level adjustment, inflation, global trade governance and geopolitical risk. Practical implications The paper offers research insights that can help policymakers evaluate the effectiveness and unintended costs of protectionist strategies. It also provides guidance for firms seeking to adapt to the strategic and operational risks introduced by tariff shocks and the resulting uncertainty. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first academic papers to evaluate the 2025 US tariff measures in a comparative and theoretical context. It contributes a forward-looking research agenda grounded in trade theory and empirical analysis of past episodes.

Research aim . The aim of the research is to identify and evaluate the distinctive competitive advantages of ski tourism within Kazakhstan’s Almaty Aountain Aluster (AMC), and determine how these advantages can be strategically leveraged to enhance sustainable regional tourism development. Research Methodology . The study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based spatial analysis, comparative benchmarking against established ski destinations (French Alps and Georgian ski clusters), and economic impact assessments based on secondary data from governmental and international sources. GIS methodologies included data extraction via Python from open-source geospatial databases (2GIS, OpenStreetMap), proximity analysis, and infrastructure density visualization. Value of the study . This research is significant as it provides a comprehensive comparative spatial and economic analysis of AMC, a strategically crucial yet relatively understudied ski tourism destination. The combination of advanced GIS analytical tools and comparative benchmarking delivers practical insights and robust strategic recommendations, uniquely tailored to the sustainable tourism development needs of Kazakhstan. Research findings . The study identified AMC’s core competitive strengths, including its accessibility, affordability, unique cultural and ecological assets, and governmental support. At the same time, the study reveals significant infrastructure scarcities in hospitality, gastronomic services, and complementary tourist facilities were evident. Comparative analysis with Georgian and French counterparts underscored AMC’s critical need to substantially expand its infrastructure, recommending the construction of 30-40 new accommodations, 60-70 restaurants, and approximately 20-30 complementary service facilities. Strategic infrastructure development aligned with sustainable tourism practices is projected to notably enhance AMC’s tourism capacity and its contribution to Kazakhstan’s GDP by an estimated 0.5%-1.5% annually by 2027.

Valorization of organic wastes to high-value biochemicals: Performance, economic and environmental impact assessment of free nitrous acid, heat, and sonication pretreatment strategies

This expanded systematic literature review examines big data technologies in rice production systems through comprehensive analysis of 111 peer-reviewed publications from multiple databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, SciSpace, ArXiv) spanning 2014-2025. The review synthesizes evidence on data integration approaches, machine learning methodologies, operational deployment patterns, and scaling challenges across diverse rice production contexts. Key findings demonstrate significant advances in yield prediction accuracy (85-95%), nutrient management efficiency (10-20% input reductions), and water use optimization (15-30% improvements) through multi-source data fusion and advanced analytics (Cao et al., 2021; Claude et al., 2024; Jeong et al., 2024; Akhter & Sofi, 2024). However, persistent gaps remain in large-scale operational validation, smallholder inclusion, data governance frameworks, and economic impact assessment. The expanded database coverage reveals emerging trends in digital twins, causal machine learning, and microservice architectures for agricultural IoT systems (Patel & Dusi, 2024; Guzman-Lopez et al., 2024; Ahmad et al., 2024), while highlighting insufficient evidence for federated learning implementations and reinforcement learning applications in operational farm settings.

Road infrastructure is a key indicator of a country's development. Traditionally, hot dense asphalt mixtures (HMA) have been used due to their ability to withstand traffic loads and adverse weather conditions. However, a growing emphasis on sustainability in road construction drives the search for technologies that reduce environmental impact without compromising durability and safety. One solution is the incorporation of recycled rubber crumb (RRC) into asphalt mixtures, reusing tire waste and enhancing performance. This study evaluates the impact of RRC on HMA through an experimental process developed in four phases. In Phase 1, the materials used (aggregates, asphalt binder, and RRC) were collected and characterized according to INVIAS 2022 specifications. Tests were conducted on the aggregates to assess hardness, durability, cleanliness, and gradation; the asphalt binder was evaluated in terms of viscosity, penetration, and softening point. The RRC was characterized based on particle size distribution, and moisture, and fiber content. In Phase 2, conventional and RRC-modified asphalt mixture briquettes were designed and fabricated with RRC proportions of 1%, 2%, and 3% (dry process), compacted according to current regulations. Phase 3 involved the characterization of the briquettes testing rutting (INV E 756-13), moisture susceptibility (INV E 725-13), the resilient modulus (INV E 749-13), and fatigue resistance. Finally, in Phase 4, a technical and statistical analysis of the results was conducted, comparing the mechanical and functional performance of the mixtures in terms of durability, structural resistance, and behavior under environmental and load-related factors. The results indicate that the addition of 1% RRC significantly improves fatigue resistance, structural stability, and safety under wet conditions, surpassing the performance of conventional mixtures. The environmental and economic impact assessment demonstrates that the use of RRC not only extends pavement service life but also reduces tire waste and CO₂ emissions associated with virgin asphalt production, contributing to the circular economy and sustainable development. It is important to recognize some limitations in this study. The tests were carried out under controlled conditions which do not fully replicate the real conditions of the variables already mentioned. The granular material used was obtained from a quarry in the region of Tunja, Boyacá, which limits the applicability compared to material obtained from other regions with different climatic, geotechnical, or traffic characteristics. Other modification techniques besides RRC, which could offer variations in the mechanical and environmental performance of the mixtures, were not evaluated. This research did not directly quantify the environmental impact of the use of RRC through each stage of the life cycle of an asphalt pavement: it does not include an experimental or quantitative environmental evaluation. Finally, the sustainability component was developed through a referential review of updated scientific literature. This study provides scientific and applied evidence for the implementation of more sustainable technologies in road construction, establishing RRC as an effective and environmentally responsible modifier. Its alignment with international standards and its potential to optimize waste management position it as a viable strategy for modernizing flexible pavements on a global scale.

This research develops and applies the IoTRIM model to assess the economic and operational implications of IoT integration in postal and courier enterprises in Slovakia. Combining a multi-criteria evaluation framework with an extended Cobb–Douglas production function, the analysis captures both readiness levels and their translation into output performance. The IoTRIM assessment reveals heterogeneous distributions of strengths across four strategic and technical pillars, with notable disparities between connectivity, data analytics, and interoperability capacities. Monte Carlo simulations under pessimistic, realistic, and optimistic scenarios highlight divergent digital trajectories among enterprises, with some demonstrating accelerated gains from IoT readiness while others face structural bottlenecks in infrastructure and process integration. Hypothesis testing indicates that while a positive and statistically significant relationship between IoT readiness and output is observed in selected cases, this effect is not universal across all enterprises and scenarios. However, the inclusion of IoT readiness consistently improves the explanatory power of the production function models. The findings underline that digital transformation outcomes depend not only on investment scale but also on systemic absorption capacity, including interoperability, data governance, and organizational alignment. The proposed approach offers both a methodological contribution for measuring digital readiness impacts and practical insights for strategic planning in the postal and courier sector.

Aims: There is a lack of comprehensive, evidence based studies that link transportation accessibility directly with tourism competitiveness and sustainable development in PIK. So this study thoroughly analyzes various perspectives from stakeholders regarding public transportation in the Pantai Indah Kapuk tourist area and offers targeted solutions that have a significant positive impact on tourism. Study Design: A combined qualitative and quantitative study design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Jakarta, specifically in the Pantai Indah Kapuk area, for 6 months (February-July 2025). Methodology: A mixed quantitative and qualitative method using two types of populations. The research population for the quantitative component focuses on transportation users, namely all public transportation users relevant to access to PIK (e.g., TransJakarta users, online transportation, or other transportation going to/through PIK). The population for the qualitative component in this case includes public transportation operators serving routes to PIK, PIK tourism destination management or operators, as well as representatives of local communities or businesses around PIK that are affected by tourist visits and transportation. The quantitative data collection technique uses a structured questionnaire with indicators of accessibility, vehicle capacity, smoothness and speed, and public transportation service quality (SERVQUAL) using a Likert scale. Results: This study assessed the effectiveness of public transportation in the Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) area, Jakarta. The main modes of transportation included Transjakarta, DAMRI, shuttle buses, tourist vehicles, and KRL access. A survey of 108 respondents showed that public services were effective, integrated, and supported tourist mobility, especially for those of productive age (28–43 years). Satisfaction with overall service. 52.8% agree and 19.4% strongly agree with the overall quality of PIK public transportation. With a total of more than 70% of respondents satisfied, it can be concluded that PIK public transportation is effective, although there is still room for improvement. The majority of users were satisfied with the quality of service, but there were obstacles such as traffic congestion, limited fleet, and access to bus stops. Qualitative analysis suggested strategic solutions such as adding routes and fleets, digitizing services, weather-friendly bus stops, and public education to improve transportation comfort and accessibility. Conclusion: The survey shows that the majority of PIK visitors have a positive assessment of integration, economic impact, staff service, and overall satisfaction with public transportation. Neutral responses emerged in terms of waiting time, capacity, and comfort. PIK 2 is considered effective in attracting tourists, but improvements are needed in terms of fleet, bus stops, and security. The findings imply that urban tourism and transportation planning in PIK should prioritize improving comfort, fleet capacity, stop facilities, and safety standards while strengthening integration across transport modes.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology has been applied to evaluate the impacts of trees outside woodlands and where improvements are needed. This review aims to discuss the primary limitations when using LCAs to assess trees outside woodlands, particularly in comparison to existing literature on their environmental, social, and economic implications. Methods Following the established STARR-LCA systematic review protocol, a total of 102 studies across 30 countries were identified. The selected studies used LCA frameworks to assess the impacts of five different trees outside woodland systems. Qualitative data relating to the tree system and LCA methodology were manually extracted from each study and summarised for analysis based on the four phases of an LCA: goal and scope, life cycle inventory, impact assessment, and interpretation. Results and discussion This review showed the selected studies were primarily located in Southern Europe, South America, and Asia. Orchards were the focus of 68% of the papers, followed by 13% assessing silvopastoral systems. No papers were found on hedgerows or Miyawaki forests, which were within the scope of this review. The most common functional units were based on mass, area, and economic measures, and 29% of studies used more than one functional unit to interpret their LCA results. Environmental impacts were considered in 98% of the selected studies, whereas 13% of studies integrated an economic impact assessment, and only 5% accounted for the social implications of trees outside woodlands. Similarly, even though trees outside woodlands can increase carbon sequestration and biodiversity levels, these measures were only incorporated into 25% and 10% of the LCA studies, respectively. Conclusions The environmental, economic, and social impacts of trees outside woodlands are dependent on the type of system and its intended purpose, climatic zone, and landscape. Process-based LCAs can be used to effectively assess the impacts of trees outside woodlands. However, the ability to holistically assess trees outside woodlands is limited by current LCA methodology, particularly when accounting for system multifunctionality or ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity. To address these limitations, four research recommendations have been made to improve future LCA studies. This could enhance the usefulness of LCAs in understanding sustainability trade-offs and facilitating decision-making across different tree system scenarios.

Simple SummaryProstate cancer is the second most common malignancy among men, and the number of new cases is projected to increase substantially in the coming years. To assess the current state of knowledge on the economic burden of this disease, we conducted a literature review that included 31 studies. Our analysis focused on estimates of direct costs—such as treatment, adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies, and supportive and palliative care—as well as indirect costs. However, the vast majority of studies addressed direct costs only, highlighting a clear gap in the literature. This accentuates the need for further comprehensive reviews and the development of standardized methodologies to enable reliable comparisons across studies.Background: Prostate cancer is the second most common malignant cancer among men, and according to the predictions, the estimated number of new cases will substantially grow in the coming years. Therefore, the costs of the disease will increase as well. Methods: We conducted a literature review of the state of knowledge about the costs of treatment and the economic burden of prostate cancer. The vast majority of studies were focused on direct costs only, which clearly shows the literature gap. Results: We focused on the estimates of direct costs, i.e., treatment of prostate cancer, adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment, and supportive and palliative care, and indirect costs. Cost-effectiveness analyses indicated that docetaxel combined with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was the most cost-effective strategy for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER): USD 13,647). In contrast, novel therapies such as PARP inhibitors and whole-genome-sequencing-guided treatments were not cost-effective unless drug prices were reduced by 47–70%. In the United States, 5-year cumulative treatment costs ranged from USD 48,000 for conservative management to over USD 91,000 for radiotherapy, while out-of-pocket expenses averaged AUD 1172 in Australia. Indirect costs were also considerable, with Slovakia reporting an increase in sick leave costs from EUR 1.2 million in 2014 to EUR 2.1 million in 2022. Conclusions: Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer were the most frequent categories for various treatment cost evaluations. A few specific combinations of drugs were cost-effective only under the condition of dropping the unit prices of a medication. Further summarizing, reviewing, and developing a methodology for standardized comparisons are needed.

Abstract The Belgian National Burden of Disease Study (BeBOD) was initiated in 2016 by Sciensano, the Belgian institute for health. Initial methodological efforts focused on calculating Years of Life Lost (YLL) for all causes of death-leveraging a redistribution approach for multiple cause-of-death data-and Years Lived with Disability (YLD) for all cancers and a growing set of non-communicable diseases. In 2022, BeBOD published its first comprehensive results for the reference year 2018. Subsequent annual iterations expanded the study's scope and temporal coverage, with time series estimates available from 2013 onwards. The 2020 update introduced COVID-19 into the disease burden estimates, reflecting its significant health impact. To enhance the utility and relevance of the estimates, BeBOD has undergone several methodological extensions. The 2024 release included economic impact assessments for diseases and risk factors, the first national estimates for major risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol, and projections of non-fatal disease burden through 2040. Ongoing work is addressing social inequalities in health, drawing on the Belgian Index of Multiple Deprivation, and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive health impact assessment (HIA) framework. Knowledge translation (KT) is a central pillar of the BeBOD initiative. Results are made available via interactive dashboards and the Zenodo repository. Key findings are also synthesized in the Belgian Health Status Report. A proactive communication strategy-including press releases and social media engagement-ensures wide dissemination. Crucially, BeBOD results are increasingly embedded in policy frameworks, supporting national health objectives and informing discussions on unmet health needs. Looking ahead, BeBOD will continue to innovate in both methodology and impact to remain relevant for the next generation of public health challenges. Sustained international collaboration will be key to achieving this goal.

This project will be based on blockchain, with supply chain financing as the research object, and with the goal of improving financing efficiency, reducing transaction costs and optimizing risk management, to establish a supply chain financing effect evaluation model. Through experiments and simulations, an empirical study was conducted on typical supply chain financing scenarios in China. Empirical studies have shown that the financing cost has dropped by 18.7% after the application of blockchain technology; in terms of transaction efficiency, the transaction completion time and system processing delay have been 22.3% and 30.1% respectively; from the perspective of risk management, the credit risk has dropped by 15.4%. Experiments have shown that this method can effectively improve the efficiency, transparency and security of supply chain finance. The research results of this project will lay a theoretical foundation for the application of blockchain technology in supply chain finance, and provide a feasible economic evaluation model for its promotion in practical applications.

Integrated flood risk management for urban resilience: A multi-method framework combining hazard mapping, hydrodynamic modelling, and economic impact assessment

Reconsidering airport economic impact assessments: A bottom-up comparative analysis of Belgian airports