Development Index Research Articles

Index of development of transport infrastructure as a factor of sustainable development of the coastal zone of the Sea of Azov, Russia

As a zone of interaction between land and sea, coastal zones are becoming a strategic area for achieving a sustainable expansion of economic space. The object of study is the coastal zone of the Sea of Azov (Rostov Region and Krasnodar Territory). The subject of the study is an assessment of the dynamics of transport infrastructure development index as a factor in the sustainable development of the coastal zone of the Sea of Azov.Methodological approaches to assessing the sustainable development of the territory were based on a methodology based on methods of system analysis, mathematical modeling, and GIS technologies. An indicator has been formulated that considers the area of the territory, the population, the length of public roads of local importance, the shipment of goods of local production, the work and services performed on their own, in order to measure the ‘economic’ load on the transport infrastructure.The analysis of the state of the transport infrastructure of the regions of the coastal zone for the period from 2015 to 2021 was carried out. Based on an analysis of the transport infrastructure index, it was concluded that the attraction of municipalities to the Rostov agglomeration, together with the strengthening of social, trade and infrastructure contacts with megacities will lead to a further increase in the anthropogenic load on the territory. The areas studied of the Krasnodar Territory belong to the Northern Economic Zone – a territory with a diversified economy, characterised by cross‐border links with neighboring regions.Highways are the most important link in the transport and logistics system. The level of development and the technical condition of the road network have a significant and diverse impact on the economic and social development of both the state as a whole and it individual regions.

Global cancer statistics for adolescents and young adults: population based study.

Accurate and up-to-date estimates of the global cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (AYA) are scarce. This study aims to assess the global burden and trends of AYA cancer, with a focus on socioeconomic disparities, to inform global cancer control strategies. AYA cancer, defined as cancer occurring in individuals aged 15-39, was analyzed using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study and the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022 project. We examined the global burden by age, sex, geographic location, and Human Development Index (HDI), as well as its temporal trends. Primary outcomes included age-standardized incidence and mortality rates (ASIR, ASMR) and the average annual percent change (AAPC). In 2022, an estimated 1,300,196 incidental cases and 377,621 cancer-related deaths occurred among AYAs worldwide, with an ASIR of 40.3 per 100,000 and an ASMR of 11.8 per 100,000. The most common cancers were breast, thyroid, and cervical, while the leading causes of death were breast, cervical, and leukemia. The incidence and mortality were disproportionately higher among females (ASIR: 52.9 for females vs. 28.3 for males; ASMR: 13.1 for females vs. 10.6 for males). Countries with higher HDI experienced a higher incidence of AYA cancers (ASIR: 32.0 [low HDI] vs. 54.8 [very high HDI]), while countries with lower HDI faced a disproportionately higher mortality burden (ASMR: 17.2 [low HDI] vs. 8.4 [very high HDI]) despite their relatively low incidence. Disproportionality and regression measures highlighted significant HDI-related inequalities. AYA cancer incidence was stable from 2000 to 2011 (AAPC: - 0.04) but increased from 2012 to 2021 (AAPC: 0.53), driven by growing gonadal and colorectal cancers. Mortality decreased substantially from 2000 to 2011 (AAPC: - 1.64), but the decline slowed from 2012 (AAPC: - 0.32) probably due to increased deaths from gonadal cancers. These trends varied by sex, cancer type, geography, and HDI. AYA cancers present a significant and growing global burden, with marked disparities across sex, geographic locations, and HDI levels. Policymakers should prioritize equitable resource allocation and implement targeted interventions to reduce these inequalities, particularly in low-HDI regions and with regard to gonadal cancers.

Analisis Potensi Unggulan Kabupaten Empat Lawang Menggunakan Alat Analisis Regional

Empat Lawang Regency, once classified as a disadvantaged region, has made significant progress in improving the welfare of its population. This is reflected in the declining poverty rate and increasing Human Development Index (HDI). However, the region's economic growth, as measured by GRDP and GRDP per capita, lags behind other regions in Sumatera Selatan. This research seeks to pinpoint the key economic sectors driving Empat Lawang Regency's development by employing a combined analysis of LQ, Shift Share, and Tipology Klassen. The analysis results indicate that no sector can be unequivocally classified as a leading sector in Empat Lawang Regency. Nonetheless, several sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, wholesale and retail trade, also the other sectors exhibit potential for further growth. These findings underscore the importance of targeted policies and investments to stimulate economic growth and enhance the livelihoods of the local population.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) mediates the associations between maternal metals and neurodevelopment in children: A prospective cohort study

Insufficient research has focused on the effects of metal mixtures on children's neurodevelopment and TSH's potential mediating effect. Plasma concentrations of ten metals were measured among 2887 pregnant women in a persistent Chinese birth cohort. At age two, children's neurodevelopment was assessed using mental development indexes (MDIs) and psychomotor development indexes (PDIs), defining neurodevelopmental delay as MDI≤ 79 (cognitive delay) or PDI≤ 79 (motor delay). The associations between single and mixed metals with neurodevelopment delay risk were examined using generalized linear regression complemented by weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression. To investigate the mediated effects of infant Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) on metal-associated neurodevelopment delay risk, mediation analyses were conducted. According to the single-metal model, V, Mn, and Pb levels are positively associated with neurodevelopment delay. The WQS model found consistent associations (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.55, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.23 to 1.95), highlighting V, Mn, and Pb as the main causes of cognitive delay. Further mediation analysis revealed that the association between metals (mainly V, Mn, and Pb) and neurodevelopment delay risk is mediated by TSH, with proportions ranging from 3.18 to 10.14% (all P < 0.05). Our findings highlighted prenatal exposure to metals was associated with higher risks of neurodevelopmental delay, with TSH possibly mediating this effect.

Relationship Between Land Use Transformation and Ecosystem Service Value in the Process of Urban–Rural Integration: An Empirical Study of 17 Prefecture-Level Cities in Henan Province, China

Urban–rural integration, which aims to balance economic growth with sustainable land use, is becoming an increasingly critical strategy for regional development. This study provides crucial insights into the relationship between land use changes and ecosystem service values (ESVs) in rapidly urbanizing areas by analyzing the urban–rural integration process in Henan Province, a typical agricultural province in China. This research investigated the relationship between land use transformation and ESVs in Henan Province, China, from 1990 to 2020. Utilizing land use data and employing the equivalent factor method and elasticity model, we analyzed shifts in land use and their impacts on ecosystem services across 17 prefecture-level cities. Results indicated a gradual improvement in the urban–rural integration development index of Henan Province, particularly after 2000, but with notable disparities among cities. Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, consistently demonstrated high urban–rural integration development index (URII) values, influencing the integration efforts of neighboring cities. Conversely, peripheral cities exhibited lower integration indices. Notable shifts in land use patterns characterized by diverse transfer dynamics distinctively influenced ESVs across regions. Urban sprawl initially exerted substantial impacts on ecosystem services and stabilized over time. Suburbanization impacts peaked in the early and middle stages, while agricultural intensification initially affected ecosystem services, but their effects diminished with increased efficiency. Ecological restoration efforts consistently enhanced ESVs. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interactions between land use transitions and ecosystem services in the context of urban–rural integration.

Population-Level Distribution, Risk Factors, and Burden of Mortality and Disability-Adjusted Life Years Attributable to Major Noncommunicable Diseases in Western Europe (1990-2021): Ecological Analysis.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and neoplasms are leading causes of mortality worldwide. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the mortality burden and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to CVDs and neoplasms in Western Europe, investigate associated risk factors, and identify regional disparities. Additionally, the study evaluates the effectiveness of the Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in promoting healthier lives in the region. The study collected data on mortality and DALYs due to CVDs and cancers from 24 Western European countries using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The analysis explored age, sex, and country-specific patterns, as well as risk factors contributing to these deaths. Additionally, the study examined time trends by calculating the annual percent change in mortality rates from 1990 to 2021 by region and cause. In 2021, CVDs and neoplasms accounted for 27.8% and 27.1% of total deaths in Western Europe, with age-standardized death rates of 106.8 and 125.8 per 100,000, respectively. The top two CVDs in this region were ischemic heart disease and stroke, with age-standardized death rates of 47.27 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 50.42-41.45) and 27.06 (95% UI 29.17-23.00), respectively. Similarly, the top two neoplasms were lung cancer and colorectal cancer, with age-standardized death rates of 26.4 (95% UI 27.69-24.47) and 15.1 (95% UI 16.25-13.53), respectively. Between 1990 and 2021, CVD mortality rates decreased by 61.9%, while cancer rates decreased by 28.27%. Finland had the highest CVD burden (39.5%), and Monaco had the highest rate of cancer-related deaths (34.8%). Gender differences were observed, with males experiencing a higher burden of both CVDs and cancer. Older individuals were also more at risk. Smoking had a stronger impact on CVD mortality and DALYs in males, while a higher Human Development Index was associated with increased cancer deaths and DALYs in females. The study findings highlight the substantial burden of NCDs, particularly CVDs and cancer, in Western Europe. This underscores the critical need for targeted interventions and effective implementation of the Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs to achieve the goal of ensuring healthy lives for all.

The effects of financial development on crop productivity: ARDL evidence from Indian agriculture

Purpose This work aims to empirically investigate the effects of financial development on crop productivity of India. Design/methodology/approach Time series data such as crop production index, International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) financial development index, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, arable land, rural population, trade openness and physical capital from 1980 to 2020 was used. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach of cointegration was used to determine the long-run equilibrium relationship between the selected time series. Also, ARDL long- and short-run coefficients were estimated to examine the effects of selected variables on crop productivity. Furthermore, to establish the robustness of results, long-run estimators such as fully modified least squares and the dynamic least squares were also used. Finally, using the vector error-correction model, causality between the selected time series was examined. Findings The ARDL cointegration test confirmed the existence of long-run equilibrium relationship among agricultural productivity, financial development, capital formation, GDP per capita, arable land, rural population and trade openness. The estimated long-run elasticities from all the three techniques and the short-run elasticities of ARDL have consistently suggested that the elasticity of financial development is higher (1.55% and 1.40%, respectively) in explaining the crop productivity of India. The short-run causality estimates indicated the presence of positive bidirectional causality between crop productivity and financial development and seven positive unidirectional causal relationships between the selected variables. Practical implications Agricultural credit being an important non-land input and essential for overall growth and sustenance of agricultural sector, the policymakers should ensure the overall development of its financial sector which will reduce the intermediation, informational and other transactional costs associated with agricultural credit. This will possibly result in timely availability and access to adequate and low-cost credit from institutional sources. Originality/value Though extensive research is available on the effects of financial development on economic growth, limited research is available concerning the impact of financial development on crop productivity, especially for an emerging economy like India. For India, predominantly studies have investigated the impact of farm credit on crop productivity but have not exclusively examined the effects of financial development on agricultural productivity. Therefore, this study not only adds to the empirical literature but also provides new evidence on the nexus between financial development and crop productivity by examining the effects of financial development on crop productivity using the composite financial development index developed by the IMF using the ARDL bounds test for cointegration and other econometric estimators.

The nonlinear impact of renewable energy, fossil energy and CO2 emissions on human development index for the eight developing countries

This study analyzes the impact of renewable energy, fossil energy, CO2 emissions, urbanization, international trade and industrialization on human development for the eight developing countries over the period 1990–2021 using Karavias and Tzavalis (2014) panel unit root test regarding structural breaks and cross-section dependence and feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) estimator technique. The countries of interest are Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS countries) plus Egypt, Iran and Turkey while human development index is used as a measure of human development. The findings reveal that there exists a U-shaped relationship between renewable energy consumption and HDI an inverted U-shaped relationship between fossil energy/CO2 emissions and HDI is relevant. Moreover, the positive impact of urbanization, international trade and industrialization on HDI is determined. As for policy implications, the policies oriented to renewable energy and to reduce fossil energy dependence and CO2 emissions should be adopted to improve human development in the developing countries. Additionally, policies promoting urbanization, international trade, and industrialization are necessary to achieve high levels of human development, provided that the negative effects of these policies are mitigated.

Linear Regression Algorithm the Effect of Game Time on Students' Reading Interest

Education plays an important role in shaping an individual's character and abilities, with students' interest in reading as the main foundation for intellectual development and critical thinking skills. However, in today's digital age, there has been an alarming decline in students' interest in reading, who are more interested in spending their free time playing games than reading. The development of information technology and digital entertainment such as smartphones, tablets, and computers has changed students' habits in utilizing their free time. Playing games is the main choice, while reading interest is marginalized, which has a negative impact on students' literacy skills. The decline in reading interest has serious implications, especially in Indonesia, where the Human Development Index (HDI) in the field of education is still low compared to neighboring Malaysia. This low interest in reading is influenced by the lack of reading habits from an early age and unequal access to education. Good reading skills not only affect academic achievement but also the development of critical, analytical, and creative thinking skills. This study aims to understand the factors that affect students' interest in reading, especially the influence of game time. The Simple Linear Regression method was used to analyze the relationship between game play time and students' reading interest, which provided valuable insights for educators and parents in designing effective educational strategies. The study focused on SMP Negeri 7 Binjai and used a linear regression method to analyze data on students' reading and gaming habits. The results of the study show that excessive game playing time, an average of 9 to 10 hours per day, has an impact on increasing and decreasing students' interest in reading. This data was analyzed using the RapidMiner application, which showed a correlation between playing games and students' reading interest.

GEOGRAPHICALLY WEIGHTED MACHINE LEARNING MODEL FOR ADDRESSING SPATIAL HETEROGENEITY OF PUBLIC HEALTH DEVELOPMENT INDEX IN JAVA ISLAND

Random Forest (RF) machine learning models have emerged as a prominent algorithm, addressing problems arising from the sole use of decision trees, such as overfitting and instability. However, conventional RF has global coverage that may need to capture spatial variations better. Based on the analysis of the level of public health development, the relationship between the level of health development and risk factors can vary spatially. We use a modified RF algorithm called Geographically Weighted Random Forest (GW-RF) to address this challenge. GW-RF, as a tree-based non-parametric machine learning model, can help explore and visualize relationships between the Public Health Development Index (PHDI) as response variables and factors that are indicators at the district level. GW-RF output is compared with global output, which is RF in 2018 using the percentage of the population with access to clean/decent water (X1), consumption of eggs and milk per capita per week (X2), number of healthcare facilities per 1000 people (X3), number of doctors per 1000 people (X4), pure participation rate ratio female/male (X5), percentage of households that have hand washing facilities with soap and water (X6) as independent variables. Our results show that the non-parametric GW-RF model shows high potential for explaining spatial heterogeneity and predicting PHDI versus a global model when including six major risk factors. However, some of these predictions mean little. Findings of spatial heterogeneity using GW-RF show the need to consider local factors in approaches to increasing PHDI values. Spatial analysis of PHDI provides valuable information for determining geographic targets for areas whose PHDI values need to be improved.

HDI, Oil Prices, Government Expenditures in GCC: Evidence from a Cross Sectional ARDL Approach

This study explores the relationship between oil prices and the Human Development Index (HDI) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It investigates whether oil prices remain the primary driver of economic growth and development in the region. The analysis employs a Cross-Sectional Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) approach and Cointegrated Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CCEMG) methods, following unit root and stationarity tests. The findings reveal an insignificant correlation between oil prices and HDI in the overall GCC countries. However, significant relationships are observed at the individual country level. These results suggest that policymakers in the region should prioritize economic diversification and focus on sectors such as tourism in Dubai and the specific policies implemented in Saudi Arabia to foster sustainable development.

Estimation of the Unemployment Rate in Indonesia Using Nonparametric Spline Regression

The COVID-19 pandemic impact is not only on health but on all aspects of life, one of the socio-economic aspects is unemployment. The linear regression be used as a method in modeling the unemployment rate frequently. Whereas linear regression is inappropriate for data that have trends or irregular relationship patterns such as unemployment rate data. Therefore, this research used of the nonparametric spline regression method. It can produce more flexible curves according to the flatline of data based on optimum knots at the optimum value of the cross validation. There are several factors suggested that affect the Unemployment Rate (TPT ), including the number of positive COVID cases, labor force participation rate, economic growth and human development index. The purpose of this study is to find out if there is a difference between the open unemployment rate (TPT) in Indonesia before and during the pandemic. The Data used are secondary data obtained from Badan Pusat Statistika (BPS). The calculations results show that there are differences between the models of the unemployment rate before and during the pandemic. Generally there are three significant variables in the before the pandemic model: variables of economic growth (PE) and the human development index (IPM), while during the pandemic the significant variable are the labor force participation rate (TPAK) and economic growth (PE).

DETERMINAN PERTUMBUHAN EKONOMI KABUPATEN/KOTA DI JAWA TIMUR TAHUN 2019-2021

Economic growth is an illustration of economic development in an area, therefore the government always strives to ensure that economic growth continues to increase from year to year which will in turn improve people's welfare. This research aims to determine the influence of labor (X1), human development index (X2), government expenditure (X3), exports (X4) and the Covid-19 pandemic (DV) on economic growth (Y) in 38 districts and cities in Java East in 2019-2021. This research uses quantitative methods. Data processing uses the Eviews 10 application (2023). The results of this research can be concluded that labor (X1) has a positive and significant effect on economic growth (Y), the human development index (X2) has a positive and significant effect on economic growth (Y), government spending (X3) has no significant effect on economic growth (Y), exports (X4) has a positive and significant effect on economic growth (Y) and the covid-19 pandemic (DV) has a negative and significant effect on economic growth (Y).

Innovative development indices for the national economies: on the way to the “ideal” assessment of innovation processes in the countries of the world

Purpose: is to develop recommendations for the construction of new indices of innovative development designed for cross-country comparisons.Methods: the conventional general scientific methods were used in the article, such as the ones of description, comparison, system analysis and historical comparison. The study was based on the documents describing calculation methods of the economic indices and scientific publications covering the history, specifics and problems of the practical application of those indices.Results: it is shown that since the 1930s, when the creation of economic indices drew attention of economic science, indices have evolved from the relatively simple statistical indicators to the complex tools with sophisticated calculation methods. Using several of the most famous or remarkable indices as an example, the principal methods currently used in assessing the level of innovative development are revealed. Basing on the conducted research, the major requirements for composing innovative development indices are stipulated.Conclusions and Relevance: it has been found out that in order to achieve the maximum objectivity in compiling indices of innovative development, the widest possible range of significant indicators should be used and a pool of experts should be engaged in their selection. It is also advisable to engage the pool in compiling the index formula, in particular the indicators weights. Data normalization should be used to ensure comparability of incommensurable indicators, and statistical outliers are advised to be neutralized through standardization techniques. It is also necessary to take into account the goals of the index compiled. At the same time, in the future it is necessary to take into account relationships between the actors of national innovation systems and between different innovation systems, effects of scale and, when possible, sectoral specialization of countries and other national specifics.

DETERMINANTS OF INCOME INEQUALITY IN THE SELECTED GROUP OF EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: A PANEL DATA ANALYSIS

The paper focuses on providing basic characteristics of income inequality in a group of selected European countries in the period from 2000 to 2019. After presenting stylized facts and brief literature review, the paper proceeds to empirical analysis of income inequality in the observed countries by panel data techniques. Fixed and random effects models are estimated. After Hausman test approved the usage of fixed effects model, it was tested for serial correlation and robust standard errors were calculated. The empirical analysis of the determinants of income inequality shows that GDP growth, share of population in upper 10% of income percentile, Human Development Index and unemployment rate increase income inequality measured by Gini index, while share of workforce and share of population with tertiary education decrease income inequality. The results of the empirical analysis provide insight into determinants of income inequality, which may be useful for economic policy decision makers in their efforts to decrease the income inequality.

Analysis on the Evolution Characteristics of Rural Tourism Public Service System from the Perspective of Digitalization—Empirical Evidence from the Silk Road Economic Belt

The integration of digitalization with public tourism services has emerged as a new model for the development of the rural tourism public services. The Silk Road Economic Belt is a crucial area for the future development of the tourism industry. Exploring the coupling of the digitalization and the development trends of the rural tourism public services is significant for advancing rural tourism in this region. This study applies Complex Adaptive Systems theory and Synergy theory to the development of the digitization of rural tourism public services, clarifying the structure of the digitization of the rural tourism public service system. Based on this, a collaborative development evaluation system for the digitization of rural tourism public services is constructed, focusing on the Silk Road Economic Belt. By using the SMI-P evaluation model, ArcGIS spatial visualization, Gini coefficient, and kernel density methods, the collaborative development of the digitization of the rural tourism public service system was measured and analyzed in this paper. The findings reveal the following: (1) The collaborative development of the digitization of the rural tourism public service system in the Silk Road Economic Belt shows a gradual upward trend, yet the overall level of the collaboration is transitioning from a state of imbalance. (2) Compared to the Southwest, the Northwest exhibits a lower overall level of collaboration, with growing disparities in collaborative development indices among provinces, although there is a trend toward higher levels of aggregation. (3) The development of the rural tourism public services is trending toward a favorable state of multi-dimensional collaboration, characterized by significant regional features, including multi-polarization and unbalanced development. Finally, optimization paths for the digital development of the rural tourism public services were proposed in this study, which can provide guidance for improving the construction of the digitization of the rural tourism public service system and exploring clear development pathways.

Опыт применения шкал развития MPR в диагностике детей раннего возраста с риском РАС

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives. &lt;/strong&gt;Early diagnosis of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) allows parents to assess the validity of their concerns, develop individual support programs, and begin working with the child as early as possible, which will lead to greater success in educational support. To achieve these goals, a comprehensive assessment is needed, including the use of standardized tools for assessing the level of current development and identifying special characteristics of children&amp;rsquo;s functioning. In order to determine the level of development, the possibilities of using the Merril-Palmer Revised (MPR) Development Scales in assessment of children with ASD were studied.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;The pilot study involved eight children (5 toddlers and 3 preschoolers; 6 males, 2 females; Mage=2.8, SD=0.8). Children were divided into &amp;ldquo;risk of ASD&amp;rdquo; and &amp;ldquo;autism&amp;rdquo; diagnostic groups according to their ADOS-2 results. All participants were also tested using the MPR. Statistical analysis was conducted in IBM SPSS Statistics 23, using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis with Pearson and Spearman criteria.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;According to the data obtained, the development index of all children is below the age norm (M=52, SD=26), ranging from &amp;ldquo;significant developmental delay&amp;rdquo; to &amp;ldquo;below average developmental level&amp;rdquo; and does not depend on the severity of autistic symptoms. It was found that scores in the cognitive sphere correlate positively with scores obtained in fine motor skills (r=0,93, p=0,01); visual-motor coordination (r=0,95, p=0,01); speech comprehension (r=0,87, p=0,01). The results on the scale assessing protest behavior during the examination cor relate negatively with the level of development of the socio-emotional sphere (r=&amp;ndash;0,75, p=0,05) and self-care skills (r=&amp;ndash;0,79, p=0,05).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;Experience using the MPR Scales in evaluation of toddlers and preschoolers with ASD has shown that the tool is informative and allows a comprehensive assessment of developmental indicators in children with this nosology, which suggests its use in developing effective interventions. The limitation of the study is the small sample size, and the results obtained are planned to be verified with a larger number of participants.&lt;/p&gt;

Global Trends and Inequalities of Liver Complications Related to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: An Analysis From 1990 to 2021.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is a significant driver of the increasing global burden of chronic liver disease. This study aimed to describe the temporal trends and inequalities of liver complications related to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (LC-MASLD) by geographical region, age and sex during 1990-2021. Global Burden of Diseases Study 2021 data were analysed to assess LC-MASLD incidence, prevalence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Temporal trends during 1990-2021 were measured by 'estimated annual percentage change' (EAPC). Inequalities of LC-MASLD burden across countries were evaluated by the slope index of inequality (SII) and the relative concentration index (RCI). During 1990-2021, LC-MASLD rose annually by 0.73% in incidence and prevalence, 0.19% in mortality and 0.16% in DALYs. In 2021, the Middle East and North Africa had the highest incidence and prevalence and Andean and Central Latin America had the highest mortality and DALY rates. While LC-MASLD incidence was earliest in the 15-19 age group, both prevalence and DALY rates peaked at 75-79 years for both sexes. Inequalities in mortality and DALYs by countries' socioeconomic development index increased during 1990-2021, demonstrated by a decline in SII from -0.09 to -0.56 per 100 000 for mortality and from 1.41 to -7.74 per 100 000 for DALYs. RCI demonstrated similar findings. The LC-MASLD burden is increasing globally, especially in economically disadvantaged countries, with widening disease inequalities during 1990-2021. Effective prevention and subregional interventions are crucial, with a specific focus on resource optimisation for disadvantaged populations.

The Impact of Maqashid Syariah on the Human Development Index (HDI): The Case of Indonesia

This study investigates how the Maqashid al-Shariah framework, encompassing the protection of religion (Hifzu al-Din), life (Hifzu al-Nafs), intellect (Hifzu al-Aql), progeny (Hifzu al-Nasl), and property (Hifzu al-Mal), influences Indonesia's Human Development Index (HDI). This study utilises qualitative research methods and incorporates Eviews-12 software for data analysis, notably using panel data regression techniques with selected Common Effect Model (CEM). The research sample included eight provinces, namely: Papua, West Papua, East Nusa Tenggara, West Sulawesi, West Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara, North Maluku, and Gorontalo for the timeframe of 2019-2022. The analysis revealed that protecting religion (Hifzu al-Din) and protecting the mind (Hifzu al-Aql) significantly influence Indonesia's HDI. Interestingly, protecting life (Hifzu al-Nafs), offspring (Hifzu al-Nasl), and property (Hifzu al-Mal) did not show a statistically significant direct impact on HDI in this study. One limitation of the study is the reliance on data from only eight provinces, which may not be representative of the whole territory of Indonesia. The novelty of the research lies in its utilization of the maqashid sharia approach to analyze human development indicators in specific provinces of Indonesia, providing a unique perspective on the factors influencing development in Islamic contexts.

Coupling relationship and development patterns of agricultural emission reduction, carbon sequestration, and food security

In-depth exploration of the coupling relationship between agricultural emission reduction and carbon sequestration (ERCS) and food security provides an important basis for promoting sustainable low-carbon development in agriculture. This research investigates the coupling mechanisms and the current state of coordinated development of agricultural ERCS and food security using provincial panel data from 2001 to 2022 in China. The agricultural ERCS level shows an upward trend, with higher levels in the north and lower in the south; externalities are positive in the north but negative in the south. Significant dynamic interactions and spatial correlations between the agricultural ERCS and food security exist, with a local spatial agglomeration pattern of “north–south opposition”. Areas of high-high agglomeration are mainly concentrated in the north, while low-low agglomeration areas are primarily in the south. High-high agglomeration areas drive growth in transitional and low-growth areas through diffusion effects. The average coupling coordination degree of provinces increased from 0.432 to 0.473, indicating more coordinated development, and with a decreasing polarization trend. The spatial distributions of the coupling coordination degree and the relative development index are higher in the north and lower in the south, with many areas showing high adjustment, low adjustment, and high antagonism, particularly in the south where the number of high antagonistic areas has decreased. Implementing differentiated development strategies between the north and the south, using spatial agglomeration characteristics to optimize regional policies, focusing on the diffusion effects of high-coupling coordination areas to drive the development of low-growth and transitional areas, and enhancing the lagged terms can promote sustainable coordinated agricultural development.