Development Index Research Articles

How has higher education developed in India? Evidence using a “benefit-of-the-doubt” based multidimensional index approach

PurposeThis study analyzes the disparities and growth of higher education by constructing a composite index of higher education development (HEDI) across 31 Indian states and union territories (UTs) for the period from 2012 to 2021.Design/methodology/approachWe develop an all-encompassing multidimensional index of higher education development (HEDI) by using a constrained “benefit-of-the-doubt” (BoD) model based on data envelopment analysis (DEA). The states and UTs are then ranked according to their respective HEDI scores.FindingsThe empirical findings reveal significant disparities in higher education development across states and UTs in India. States like Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, and Puducherry exhibit higher performance. In contrast, Bihar, Odisha, and Tripura relatively show underdevelopment and need greater focus. The dimensions of outcome and infrastructure and financial resources are the most neglected and require greater attention in higher education.Originality/valueThe study is perhaps a pioneer in proposing a composite index to map the development of higher education across the Indian states and UTs using an innovative approach of DEA-based BoD methodology. The index provides educationists and policymakers with the current state of the spatial development of higher education, enabling the government to make informed decisions.

Measurement and optimization paths of the multidimensional development levels of counties in the Yellow River Basin: based on the sustainable livelihoods framework

The Yellow River Basin (YRB) faces intense man-land conflicts. However, existing studies rarely focus on the comprehensive and multidimensional development levels in the YRB, and there is a lack of refined county-level studies, making it difficult to fully support the implementation of ecological protection and high-quality development strategy in the YRB. Under the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, the spatial distribution, differences, and correlation characteristics of the multidimensional development levels of counties in the YRB are disclosed. This is achieved by comprehensively utilizing geospatial, socio-economic, and other multi-source data in combination with methods such as the entropy weight method, the Theil index, and spatial analysis. Optimal development paths are proposed with a focus on the development types of counties. The findings are as follows: (1) Counties in the YRB have a low overall multidimensional development level, presenting a spatial distribution pattern of “high in the east and low in the west” overall. In terms of each dimension, the average value ranking of lower reach > middle reach > upper reach is observed in each dimension; the exception is the financial dimension (with the ranking of middle reach > lower reach > upper reach). (2) Differences between counties in the development indices vary across different dimensions. The differences in the multidimensional development indices and in the development indices of each dimension (except for the natural dimension) are mainly attributable to differences between counties within each reach. Differences between reaches are non-significant. (3) The multidimensional development levels of counties in the YRB and their development levels in each dimension show strong spatial correlation. And significant counties are mainly identified as LL-type (clusters of low value areas) and HH-type (clusters of high value areas). (4) Depending on the measurement results and advantageous factors of the county multidimensional development index, counties are classified into four development types: weak development type, single-dimension-led development type, potential coordinated development type, and multidimensional coordinated development type. Based on this classification, targeted optimal development paths are proposed with a focus on the specific characteristics of different development types. The research findings can provide effective scientific support for ecological protection and high-quality development in the YRB.

Incidence, risk factors, and epidemiological trends of tracheal cancer: a global analysis

BackgroundTracheal cancer is a rare malignancy with limited research but high mortality rates. This study aims to analyse recent data to understand the global burden, trends, and risk factors for tracheal cancer, facilitating improved prevention and treatment strategies.MethodsWe conducted a study on tracheal cancer using data from the Global Cancer Observatory and the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents databases. We collected information on the incidence of tracheal cancer, risk factors, and the Human Development Index (HDI) at the country level. The univariate linear regression was used to explore the relationship between tracheal cancer and the various risk factors. We utilised joinpoint regression analysis to calculate the Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) in tracheal cancer incidence.ResultsThe global age-standardised rate of incidence of tracheal cancer was 2.9 per 10 million (3,472 cases in total) in 2022, with the highest regional incidence observed in Central and Eastern Europe (ASR = 9.0) and the highest national incidence in Hungary (12.5). Higher incidence was found among the males (3.8) than females (2.0); among the older adults aged 50-74 (11.9) than the younger population aged 15-49 (1.2). A higher tracheal cancer incidence ratio was associated with higher levels of smoking, alcohol drinking, diabetes, lipid disorders, and HDI. Despite the overall decreasing trends for all population groups (highest decrease in Thailand; AAPC: -15.06, 95% CI: -21.76 to -7.78, p = 0.002), there was an increase in some female populations (highest increase in Colombia, AAPC: 19.28, 95% CI: 16.48 to 22.15, p < 0.001) and younger populations (highest increase in Ireland; AAPC: 29.84, 95% CI: 25.74 to 34.06, p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of tracheal cancer, focusing on risk factors and population-level trends. There has been an overall decreasing trend in the incidence of tracheal cancer, particularly among males and older adults, while the decline is less pronounced in females and younger individuals. Further research is needed to explore the underlying drivers of these epidemiological trends.

Heterogeneous effects of agricultural insurance on agricultural green development: evidence from Sub national economies of India

The current paper aims to assess the relative competitiveness of agricultural green development across 27 Indian states and explore the factors influencing this development. Given India's significant role as a global producer of various crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, and pulses, and with approximately 43.96 percent of the labour force engaged in agriculture, the sector's performance is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The green development index has been created through the entropy method by using seven variables, where Uttar Pradesh and Telangana demonstrate higher green competitiveness. Conversely, states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab exhibit lower levels of green competitiveness due to their elevated consumption of fertilizers and pesticides. To understand the determinants of agricultural green development competitiveness, Quantile regression has been employed. The findings highlight a positive relationship between (the endogenous variable) and Per capita income, Bank branches in rural areas, hectares of land insured and capital expenditure on agriculture whereas increased cropping intensity and power availability per capita has negative relationships. Furthermore, employing the Dumitrescu and Hurlin (2012) panel Granger causality test reveals that economic growth at the state level in India precedes and influences agricultural green development. This suggests a dynamic relationship wherein economic progress fosters advancements in agricultural sustainability.

Green development in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone: evolution and drivers from a “production-living-ecology” perspective

Green development is key to promoting regional sustainable development. We construct an evaluation index system for green development levels based on the “sansheng” dimensions—production, living, and ecology. We rely on the “sansheng” (production, living, and ecology) dimensions, combined with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the entropy weight method to analyze indicator weights, to construct an evaluation index system for green development levels. This system enables the identification of the evolution patterns of green development and the analysis of driving factors in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone from the “sansheng” perspective. The results indicate that: (1) The green development level in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone has been continuously rising, with the average index increasing from 0.197 to 0.254. Yuzhong District and Chengdu City have shown particularly high green development levels; in 2020, the green development level index for Yuzhong District reached 0.568, while Chengdu City’s index reached 0.522. (2) The spatial clustering of green development levels in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone exhibited a trend of first strengthening and then weakening, with the highest clustering degree observed in 2015. (3) National strategies have significantly promoted the improvement of regional green development levels. The average green development index during the pre-establishment, initial development, and rapid development stages of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone increased from 0.205 to 0.229, and then to 0.254. (4) The Theil index results show an increase in the disparity of green development levels among different regions within the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone.The results of the optimal scaling regression model show that the driving factors with a significant impact on the level of green development include the Number of physicians per million people, Public library book collections Per 100 people, Per capita regional GDP, and Number of secondary schools Per million people, each contributing over 15% to the impact. These findings provide valuable data support for formulating regional economic development strategies and are conducive to advancing sustainable development.

Dengue lethality and inequalities in the Region of the Americas between 2014 and 2023Letalidade da dengue e desigualdades na Região das Américas entre 2014 e 2023

Evaluate the differences in the dengue case fatality rate among the different subregions of the Americas in the period 2014-2023 and explore their relationship with the human development index (HDI) in each subregion. Longitudinal ecological study based on open-access data from each country, grouped into the corresponding subregions to calculate the different indicators. In addition, a linear regression was performed between the mean case fatality rate in each region and the weighted regional HDI. There are large differences in dengue lethality by subregion and considerable variability by year. These differences in lethality are not directly correlated with the incidence recorded in each region. The regional HDI shows a close relationship with lethality: a higher HDI is generally associated with a lower case fatality rate. The observed differences in lethality and their relationship with subregional development levels indicate that a broad and multifactorial perspective should be taken when designing a dengue control strategy.

The Coordination of Water Resources and Economic Development in a Water-Scarce Area: An Ecosystem Service Perspective

In water-scarce areas, there is a complex interrelationship between water resources and economic development. This paper studies the relationship between water resources and economic development from an ecosystem services perspective. This paper selected the value of river ecosystem service functions and the comprehensive index of economic development in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) from 2007 to 2018 as the research object, tested the synergy of ecosystem service functions in the basin, and introduced a coupling coordination model to evaluate the synergy of developmental factors. The research results showed that (1) the overall river ecosystem service value in YRB was on the rise, and its distribution was characterized by a high value in the lower reaches and a gradual decrease from the middle reaches to the upper reaches; (2) the synergy of river ecosystem service functions in YRB was mainly reflected in the supply and regulation functions, and the synergy of cultural functions should be improved; (3) the overall coupling and coordination degree showed an upward trend. However, judging from the characteristics of coupled and coordinated degrees, backward ecological development is a long-term problem. This article will help to put forward countermeasures and suggestions for the coordinated development of the river ecosystem service value and regional economy in YRB.

Global, Regional, and National Burden of Tracheal, Bronchus, and Lung Cancer in 2022: Evidence from the GLOBOCAN Study

Background: Tracheal Bronchus and Lung cancers (TBL) represent one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. This study aimed to examine the disease and economic burden of TBL cancers in 185 countries worldwide in 2022. Methods: The estimates of TBL cancer incidence and mortality (counts and age-standardized rates) were obtained from the GLOBOCAN 2022 data produced by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIR) were utilized as a proxy of 5-year survival rates. Multivariate regression was utilized to examine the association between TBL cancer burden and tobacco use prevalence. Results: Globally, there were 2.48 million incident cases and 1.82 million deaths due to TBL cancers in 2022. Males accounted for 63.4% of incident cases (1.57 million) and 67.85% of TBL deaths (1.23 million) in 2022. For both sexes combined, the age-standardized rate was 23.1 per 100,000, and the age-standardized mortality rate was 16.8/100,000. The Mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) at the global level stood at 0.71. Eastern Asia had the largest burden of TBL cancers among the 21 UN-defined regions, with around 51% of incident cases (1.24 million) and 46.9% of global deaths (851,876), followed by Northern America (incidence: 257,284; deaths: 150,675) and Eastern Europe (incidence: 158,141; deaths: 126,840). At the country level, human development index (HDI) and adult tobacco use prevalence could explain 67% and 64% variation in ASIR and ASMR, respectively. HDI was statistically significantly related to MIR, explaining a 48% variation in MIR. Conclusions: With 1.9 million deaths in 2022, TBL cancer is a significant global cause of mortality. Despite the knowledge and awareness of smoking and lung cancer, adult smoking rates remain high in many countries, including the United States and China. Renewed and sustained global efforts are needed to reduce smoking prevalence and PM2.5 levels, particularly in China and low- and middle-income countries.

Analisis Faktor-faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Tingkat Pertumbuhan Ekonomi di Provinsi Banten

The aim of this research is to evaluate the variables that have an influence on the level of economic growth in Banten province in 2022. Employment level, human development index, unemployment rate, poverty level and level of income inequality are some of the variables studied. Using descriptive methodology, secondary data using the SPSS multiple linear regression application method from BPS Banten province is used to describe economic phenomena realistically. It is hoped that the results of the study will broaden insight into various factors that influence economic growth in Banten province. Findings-according to this research, only the labor force participation rate has a meaningful influence on economic development, while the human resource development index, the level of welfare deprivation, the level of lack of employment opportunities, and the level of income inequality are statistically insignificant. Engagement-This research can provide valuable knowledge about the elements that influence economic growth, which can be used to make decisions in the future.

Pengaruh Pengangguran, Kemiskinan dan Indeks Pembangunan Manusia Terhadap Upah Minimum di Provinsi BantenTahun 2008-2023

During 2008-2023 , the Banten region experienced various social, monetary, and strategic changes that could affect the minimum wage level for the workforce. In this situation, it is important to distinguish the fundamental elements that affect the minium wage. such as unemployment, poverty, and Human Development Index (HDI).The purpose of this study is to determine how the influence of unemployment, poverty, and Human Development Index on the minimum wage in Banten province period 2008-2023. The Data used in this study is a time series data sourced from BPS Banten 2008-2023. This study uses the method of analysis of multiple linear regression using EVIEWS application. This study provides the results that unemployment (X1), poverty (X2) and Human Development Index (X3) simultaneously (together) significantly affect poverty (Y) in Banten province period 2008-2023.

Implementasi Regresi Linear Berganda Prediksi Faktor-faktor Indeks Pembangunan Manusia di Provinsi Jawa

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a key indicator for measuring the welfare and prosperity of a region, including West Java Province. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing HDI and predict its future trends. The analysis was conducted using a multiple linear regression method implemented with the Python programming language, with independent variables including Life Expectancy, Expected Years of Schooling, Mean Years of Schooling, and Adjusted Per Capita Expenditure. The results show that Expected Years of Schooling (X3) and Adjusted Per Capita Expenditure (X4) are the most significant factors influencing HDI in West Java, particularly due to the declining trends in these variables. Based on the model, the predicted HDI values for 2024, 2025, and 2026 are 73.19, 72.59, and 71.62, respectively, which fall under the medium HDI category. These findings provide valuable insights for strategic planning to improve HDI in West Java, particularly through interventions targeting the significant variables.

Global epidemiological profile in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a prediction study

ObjectivesThis study delineates the global nasopharyngeal carcinoma’s (NPC) incidence and mortality across 185 countries in 2020 and projects the disease’s burden by 2040.DesignA prediction study.SettingCountries within the 20 world regions.ParticipantsGlobal...

The Relationship Between Financial Development and Logistics Performance Index: A Panel ARDL Approach in Emerging Markets

The term "emerging markets" refers to countries that are undergoing economic and financial development. As financial development progresses in these nations, the capital available for international trade and the expansion of logistics infrastructure grows as well. This increased capital enables the financing of international trade activities and facilitates the execution of necessary logistics operations efficiently and effectively. Additionally, with enhanced financial development, it becomes easier to secure the capital required to improve logistics infrastructure and make it more functional. In this study, analyses are conducted using the Panel autoregressive distributed lag method in emerging market countries to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of financial development on logistics performance. The results reveal that increased access to financial institutions and markets positively affects logistics performance in both the short and long term. Among financial variables, the depth of financial institutions exhibits the strongest long-term influence, suggesting that a stable financial system is crucial for logistics efficiency. These insights provide valuable guidance for decision-makers aiming to strengthen logistics infrastructure and trade capabilities. By recognizing the role of financial development in supporting logistics performance, policymakers can craft strategies that support sustainable economic growth through improved logistics processes.

Human Development On The Educational Dimension in East Kutai Regency

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a key metric for measuring achievement in improving human well-being. Various factors, such as economic growth and household expenditure, can have an impact on education's human development dimension. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of economic expansion on household expenditure and human development in terms of schooling. The data analysis technique employs Multiple Regression with SmartPLS SEM (Partial Least Square - Structural Equation Modeling) software. According to the study's findings, economic growth has a significant effect on household spending, but not on human development in the educational dimension, household spending has a significant impact on economic development in the educational dimension, and household spending can mediate the influence of economic growth on human development in the educational dimension in East Kutai. Finally, it is vital to boost economic growth based on the agricultural sector, which can improve the welfare of the community, hence increasing human development in the educational dimension in East Kutai Regency.

Analysis of Economic Vitality and Development Equilibrium of China’s Three Major Urban Agglomerations Based on Nighttime Light Data

Eliminating poverty, reducing inequality, and achieving balanced development are one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Objectively and accurately measuring regional economic vitality and development equilibrium is a pressing scientific issue that needs to be addressed in order to achieve common prosperity. Nighttime light (NTL) remote sensing data have been proven to be a good proxy variable for socio-economic development, and are widely used due to their advantages of convenient access and wide spatial coverage. Based on multi-source data, this study constructs an Economic Development Index (EDI) that comprehensively reflects regional economic vitality from two aspects, economic quality and development potential, combines the Nighttime Light Development Index (NLDI) as the evaluation indicators to measure the economic vitality and development equilibrium, analyzes the economic vitality and development equilibrium of 300 district and county units in China’s three major urban agglomerations from 2000 to 2020 and their temporal and spatial variation characteristics, and discusses the connotation of EDI and its availability. The results show the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the average growth rate of EDI in China’s three major urban agglomerations reached 36.32%, while the average decrease rate of NLDI reached 38.75%; both economic vitality and the development equilibrium have been continuously enhanced. Among them, the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomeration experienced the fastest economic growth, while the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) exhibited the strongest economic strength. (2) Both economic vitality and the development equilibrium in these three urban agglomerations exhibited distinct spatial agglomeration characteristics, namely center-surrounding distribution, coastal–inland distribution, and radial belt–pole distribution, respectively. (3) Over the past two decades, the economic development of these three urban agglomerations has progressed towards the pattern of regional coordinated development, pole-driven development and urban–rural integrated development. The research results can provide new research perspectives and scientific support for promoting regional balanced development, achieving sustainable development goals, and reducing inequality.

Digital Convergence and Divergence in EU and ASEAN Economies

Abstract This study examines the evolving digital economy in terms of convergence and divergence in European Union (EU) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries over the period from 2010 to 2024, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research uses a range of digital economy indices, including the ICT Development Index, E-Government Development Index, Online Service Index, Telecommunication Infrastructure Index, and Human Capital Index. It aims to identify and compare the patterns of convergence or divergence in digital indicators within and between the EU and ASEAN regions. The study employs beta convergence analysis, sigma convergence analysis, and difference-in-difference analysis to compare digital performance and assess the impact of the pandemic on the digital economy. By contrasting the digital development paths of the EU and ASEAN, the study provides insights into the digital gap and offers policy recommendations to promote more equitable digital development in both regions. The findings indicate that while the EU demonstrates more consistent convergence across digital indices, ASEAN exhibits both convergence and divergence, particularly during the post-pandemic period. The results reveal the urgent need for policy interventions aimed at reducing regional digital gaps, especially by enhancing digital infrastructure and improving human capital. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers in both regions, providing actionable strategies to foster inclusive digital development, enhance resilience in the face of global crises, and bridge the digital divide in an increasingly interconnected world.

Polygenic Selection and Environmental Influence on Adult Body Height: Genetic and Living Standard Contributions Across Diverse Populations.

We analyzed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from 51 populations and combined WGS and array data from 89 populations. Multiple types of polygenic scores (PGS) were employed, derived from multi-ancestry, between-family genome-wide association study (GWAS; MIX-Height), European-ancestry, between-family GWAS (EUR-Height), and European-ancestry siblings GWAS (SIB-Height). Our findings demonstrate that both genetic and environmental factors significantly influence adult body height between populations. Models that included both genetic and environmental predictors best explained population differences in adult body height, with the MIX-Height PGS and environmental factors (Human Development Index [HDI] + per capita caloric intake) achieving an R2 of .83. Our findings shed light on Deaton's 'African paradox', which noted the relatively tall stature of African populations despite poor nutrition and childhood health. Contrary to Deaton's hypotheses, we demonstrate that both genetic differences and environmental factors significantly influence body height in countries with high infant mortality rates. This suggests that the observed tall stature in African populations can be attributed, in part, to a high genetic predisposition for body height. Furthermore, tests of divergent selection based on the QST (i.e., standardized measure of the genetic differentiation of a quantitative trait among populations) and FST (neutral marker loci) measures exceeded neutral expectations, reaching statistical significance (p < .01) with the MIX-Height PGS but not with the SIB-Height PGS. This result indicates potential selective pressures on body height-related genetic variants across populations.

Digital Transformation in Civil Service Management: Implementing the SmartASN Platform

Digital transformation is a critical need for modern governments to address the growing demands for fast, transparent, and efficient public services. This study examines the implementation of the SmartASN platform in driving the digital transformation of State Civil Apparatus (ASN) management. Employing a qualitative research approach with a narrative review methodology, the study systematically reviews and synthesizes secondary data collected from 2016 to 2022 on the digital transformation of ASN management. The Agile Governance theory guides the analysis. It focuses on three key aspects: 1) SmartASN Platform Governance, 2) Systematic and Adaptive Approaches in ASN Management, and 3) ASN Management in the Digital Age. The findings demonstrate that the SmartASN platform is instrumental in advancing ASN’s digital transformation, supporting Indonesia’s broader goals of creating a world-class bureaucracy. This is evidenced by Indonesia’s significant improvement in the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), which rose from 116 in 2016 to 77 in 2022. The study contributes to the academic understanding of digital governance by providing actionable recommendations to optimize the SmartASN platform and develop policies that support agile digital transformation. These insights highlight the potential of digital platforms in fostering innovation and enhancing adaptability in the public sector.

The spatio-temporal evolution and influencing factors of the coupling coordination degree between tourism supply and demand in the Yangtze river economic belt

The imbalance between supply and demand is a pressing issue in the development of the tourism industry. Understanding the coupling coordination relationship and impact mechanism of supply-demand in the tourism system can help achieve high-quality tourism development. This study focuses on the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) as the research area, quantifies the tourism supply index (TSI) and tourism demand index (TDI) from 2011 to 2020 using the tourism development index model, calculates the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of TSI and TDI based on the coupling coordination model, and explores the factors influencing the CCD using the geographic detector. The findings indicate that: (1) The TSI and TDI in various provinces show fluctuation but exhibit an overall upward trend. (2) There were apparent spatial disparities of the CCD, with a distribution characteristic of high in the east and low in other regions. The CCD gradually improved, with its gravity center slowly shifting toward the southwest. All provinces entered the intermediate stage of tourism development since 2014. (3) Basic service guarantee, consumption drive, and innovation drive are identified as the dominant factors influencing the CCD. The study can provide valuable insights for tourism coordination and sustainable development.

The Effect of Human Development Index (HDI), Inequality and Consumption on Poverty Levels in All Provinces in Indonesia

The Effect of Human Development Index (HDI), Inequality and Consumption on Poverty Levels in All Provinces in Indonesia