Pub Date : 2025-10-11DOI: 10.1016/j.glt.2025.10.003
Hien Thi Nguyen , Charuai Suwanbamrung , Apichai Wattanapisit , Thang Nguyen , Warapone Satheannoppakao , Dung Tam Nguyen Huynh , Tam Thai Thanh Tran , Khanh Hoang Pham , Cua Ngoc Le
Introduction
Vietnam is undergoing a rapid demographic transition, with an increasingly aging population, posing new challenges for the healthcare system. Sarcopenia, an important contributor to frailty, functional decline, and disability in older adults, remains underdiagnosed due to the inconvenience of standardized assessment tools and the lack of validated anthropometric thresholds for specific populations.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 416 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥60 years in Can Tho, Vietnam. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS 2019) criteria. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify optimal cutoff values for body mass index (BMI), calf circumference (CC), arm circumference (AC), and waist circumference (WC), with the Youden index applied to determine the most accurate thresholds.
Results
The identified Vietnam-specific anthropometric thresholds for sarcopenia were: BMI ≤22.6 kg/m2 for men and ≤21.2 kg/m2 for women; CC ≤ 34.5 cm and ≤32.0 cm; AC ≤26.0 cm and ≤24.0 cm; WC ≤ 85.0 cm and ≤78.0 cm, respectively. These localized thresholds improved diagnostic accuracy, with BMI showing the strongest performance. CC and AC were less reliable among women, while WC offered high specificity but lower sensitivity.
Conclusion
Our results endorse Vietnam-specific anthropometric cutoffs, particularly BMI, as a practical, cost-effective sarcopenia screening tool for under-resourced primary care. Integrating these thresholds into national guidelines can accelerate universal health coverage and sustainable aging by enabling early detection and community-based interventions to avert functional decline in Vietnam's aging population.
{"title":"Transforming health systems in Vietnam's demographic transition: sarcopenia screening thresholds","authors":"Hien Thi Nguyen , Charuai Suwanbamrung , Apichai Wattanapisit , Thang Nguyen , Warapone Satheannoppakao , Dung Tam Nguyen Huynh , Tam Thai Thanh Tran , Khanh Hoang Pham , Cua Ngoc Le","doi":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Vietnam is undergoing a rapid demographic transition, with an increasingly aging population, posing new challenges for the healthcare system. Sarcopenia, an important contributor to frailty, functional decline, and disability in older adults, remains underdiagnosed due to the inconvenience of standardized assessment tools and the lack of validated anthropometric thresholds for specific populations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 416 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥60 years in Can Tho, Vietnam. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS 2019) criteria. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify optimal cutoff values for body mass index (BMI), calf circumference (CC), arm circumference (AC), and waist circumference (WC), with the Youden index applied to determine the most accurate thresholds.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The identified Vietnam-specific anthropometric thresholds for sarcopenia were: BMI ≤22.6 kg/m<sup>2</sup> for men and ≤21.2 kg/m<sup>2</sup> for women; CC ≤ 34.5 cm and ≤32.0 cm; AC ≤26.0 cm and ≤24.0 cm; WC ≤ 85.0 cm and ≤78.0 cm, respectively. These localized thresholds improved diagnostic accuracy, with BMI showing the strongest performance. CC and AC were less reliable among women, while WC offered high specificity but lower sensitivity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our results endorse Vietnam-specific anthropometric cutoffs, particularly BMI, as a practical, cost-effective sarcopenia screening tool for under-resourced primary care. Integrating these thresholds into national guidelines can accelerate universal health coverage and sustainable aging by enabling early detection and community-based interventions to avert functional decline in Vietnam's aging population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33615,"journal":{"name":"Global Transitions","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 120-128"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.glt.2025.10.001
Bruna Menegassi , Jesus Rivera-Navarro
Since the term "ultra-processed food" was introduced in the fields of nutrition and public health, numerous studies have demonstrated its detrimental effects on health. Despite resistance from food companies and researchers with potential conflicts of interest, the concept has gained broad acceptance in both academic and non-academic circles. This article extends the discussion beyond nutrition by examining the wider concept of "ultra-processed," its implications, and its application to other domains, including the metaphorical notions of "ultra-processed people" and an "ultra-processed world." In doing so, we aim to raise awareness of the phenomenon of "ultra-processing," highlighting its pervasive influence across food, society, and digital environments, and encouraging reflection on its consequences for everyday life. This expansive approach aligns with notable philosophical and sociological perspectives, yet our exploration of these trends offers an innovative angle.
{"title":"Beyond food: Ultra-processed people are living in an ultra-processed world","authors":"Bruna Menegassi , Jesus Rivera-Navarro","doi":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since the term \"ultra-processed food\" was introduced in the fields of nutrition and public health, numerous studies have demonstrated its detrimental effects on health. Despite resistance from food companies and researchers with potential conflicts of interest, the concept has gained broad acceptance in both academic and non-academic circles. This article extends the discussion beyond nutrition by examining the wider concept of \"ultra-processed,\" its implications, and its application to other domains, including the metaphorical notions of \"ultra-processed people\" and an \"ultra-processed world.\" In doing so, we aim to raise awareness of the phenomenon of \"ultra-processing,\" highlighting its pervasive influence across food, society, and digital environments, and encouraging reflection on its consequences for everyday life. This expansive approach aligns with notable philosophical and sociological perspectives, yet our exploration of these trends offers an innovative angle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33615,"journal":{"name":"Global Transitions","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 89-100"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-15DOI: 10.1016/j.glt.2025.09.004
Helen Andriani , Chairina Suci Andhisa , Paul LC. Chua , Miftahul Arsyi
Background
The rising global incidence of diabetes poses a major health challenge, with growing evidence linking diabetes mellitus (DM) and ambient temperature. Due to compromised heat stress responses, people with diabetes are more vulnerable to extreme weather, common comorbidities, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. This study examines the impact of ambient temperature on healthcare utilization among diabetes patients in Jakarta, Indonesia, using data from the National Health Insurance program.
Method
The study used 2015–2023 sample data from Indonesia's Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS Health), comprising 2,407,300 participants diagnosed with DM. Claims data were stratified by residence, DM type, and healthcare facility type (primary vs. referral care). These were linked with daily, weekly, and monthly temperature records obtained from the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG). Negative binomial regression model were applied to assess associations between temperature and DM-related healthcare visits, as the data indicated overdispersion in the count outcomes.
Results
Higher daily average temperatures were associated with increased healthcare visits, particularly in primary care. A 1 °C increase in the 7-day average temperature was associated with a 3 % rise in patient visits, while a 14-day average increase was linked to a 4 % rise. Lag structures reduced daily variability, highlighting consistent associations. Utilization patterns also showed peaks on Mondays and declines on weekends and public holidays.
Conclusions
Diabetic patients are vulnerable to elevated temperatures, potentially due to impaired thermoregulation and medication effects. As climate change exacerbates extreme temperatures, Jakarta's healthcare system may face increased demand. Interventions such as access to cool public spaces, enhanced patient monitoring, and resilient healthcare infrastructure are recommended.
{"title":"Time series analysis of the impact of ambient temperature influence on healthcare service utilization by diabetes patients in the Special Capital Region of Jakarta, Indonesia: A study using Indonesian National Health Insurance data","authors":"Helen Andriani , Chairina Suci Andhisa , Paul LC. Chua , Miftahul Arsyi","doi":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.09.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.09.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The rising global incidence of diabetes poses a major health challenge, with growing evidence linking diabetes mellitus (DM) and ambient temperature. Due to compromised heat stress responses, people with diabetes are more vulnerable to extreme weather, common comorbidities, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. This study examines the impact of ambient temperature on healthcare utilization among diabetes patients in Jakarta, Indonesia, using data from the National Health Insurance program.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>The study used 2015–2023 sample data from Indonesia's Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS Health), comprising 2,407,300 participants diagnosed with DM. Claims data were stratified by residence, DM type, and healthcare facility type (primary vs. referral care). These were linked with daily, weekly, and monthly temperature records obtained from the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG). Negative binomial regression model were applied to assess associations between temperature and DM-related healthcare visits, as the data indicated overdispersion in the count outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Higher daily average temperatures were associated with increased healthcare visits, particularly in primary care. A 1 °C increase in the 7-day average temperature was associated with a 3 % rise in patient visits, while a 14-day average increase was linked to a 4 % rise. Lag structures reduced daily variability, highlighting consistent associations. Utilization patterns also showed peaks on Mondays and declines on weekends and public holidays.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Diabetic patients are vulnerable to elevated temperatures, potentially due to impaired thermoregulation and medication effects. As climate change exacerbates extreme temperatures, Jakarta's healthcare system may face increased demand. Interventions such as access to cool public spaces, enhanced patient monitoring, and resilient healthcare infrastructure are recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33615,"journal":{"name":"Global Transitions","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 64-73"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rising carbon emissions and environmental degradation in ASEAN-4 economies underscore the urgent need for sustainable financial mechanisms and innovative technologies to address climate challenges. Despite growing interest in green initiatives, limited research exists on their distributional impacts and causal links with environmental outcomes in this regional context. This study examines the nexus between green finance (GFIN), green innovation (GTI), and environmental sustainability within the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand from 2000 to 2020. Employing advanced panel econometric techniques, Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR), Bootstrap Quantile Regression (BSQR), and Dumitrescu-Hurlin Granger causality tests, the analysis reveals that both GFIN and GTI significantly reduce CO2 emissions, with stronger effects at lower quantiles, indicating greater efficacy at early stages of environmental degradation. The EKC hypothesis is validated, as economic growth initially raises emissions but reduces them at higher income levels. Renewable energy (REN) consistently mitigates emissions, while non-renewable energy (NRE) worsens them across all quantiles, reinforcing the need for energy transition. Causality tests reveal a bidirectional relationship between CO2 and NRE, and unidirectional causality from CO2 to REN and GTI. These findings underscore critical policy imperatives: scaling up green finance, accelerating clean innovation, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and strengthening regional cooperation to decouple growth from emissions and advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
{"title":"Green finance, innovation, and environment: Testing the EKC in ASEAN-4 with MMQR approach","authors":"Md.Sazib Miyan , Calvin W.H. Cheong , Arshian Sharif , Sahar Afshan","doi":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.09.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rising carbon emissions and environmental degradation in ASEAN-4 economies underscore the urgent need for sustainable financial mechanisms and innovative technologies to address climate challenges. Despite growing interest in green initiatives, limited research exists on their distributional impacts and causal links with environmental outcomes in this regional context. This study examines the nexus between green finance (GFIN), green innovation (GTI), and environmental sustainability within the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand from 2000 to 2020. Employing advanced panel econometric techniques, Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR), Bootstrap Quantile Regression (BSQR), and Dumitrescu-Hurlin Granger causality tests, the analysis reveals that both GFIN and GTI significantly reduce CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, with stronger effects at lower quantiles, indicating greater efficacy at early stages of environmental degradation. The EKC hypothesis is validated, as economic growth initially raises emissions but reduces them at higher income levels. Renewable energy (REN) consistently mitigates emissions, while non-renewable energy (NRE) worsens them across all quantiles, reinforcing the need for energy transition. Causality tests reveal a bidirectional relationship between CO<sub>2</sub> and NRE, and unidirectional causality from CO<sub>2</sub> to REN and GTI. These findings underscore critical policy imperatives: scaling up green finance, accelerating clean innovation, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and strengthening regional cooperation to decouple growth from emissions and advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33615,"journal":{"name":"Global Transitions","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 74-88"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145266683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-03DOI: 10.1016/j.glt.2025.09.002
Madior Ndiaye, Raafat George Saade, Hao Liu
Digitalization has become ubiquitous; however, stakeholders have varying degrees of integration globally. Within the context of this study, a digitalization strategy has the potential for economic growth, enhanced health services, and ensuring national stability, thereby improving social well-being and facilitating a country's emergence as a developing nation. This study seeks to examine Senegal's digital landscape, with a particular focus on its impact on health and well-being, which are pivotal in the nation's progression towards becoming an emerging country. This study identifies key themes and factors contributing to Senegal's digital transformation and its potential to enhance overall quality of life. A systematic literature review (SLR) revealed a paucity of relevant research specific to the Senegalese context. Through thematic analysis, we identified research gaps (themes) that could assist Senegal in achieving its digitalization objectives: incremental transitioning facilitated by broadband improvements; digitalization of the economic, political, and human resources sectors; influence of trust and perceived risk on the adoption of emerging technologies; and integration of emerging technologies across all facets of life. Moreover, we conducted a pilot survey based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to obtain additional insights into digital healthcare adoption.
{"title":"Understanding the impact of digitalization transition of Senegal and its implication on human health and wellbeing","authors":"Madior Ndiaye, Raafat George Saade, Hao Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.09.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Digitalization has become ubiquitous; however, stakeholders have varying degrees of integration globally. Within the context of this study, a digitalization strategy has the potential for economic growth, enhanced health services, and ensuring national stability, thereby improving social well-being and facilitating a country's emergence as a developing nation. This study seeks to examine Senegal's digital landscape, with a particular focus on its impact on health and well-being, which are pivotal in the nation's progression towards becoming an emerging country. This study identifies key themes and factors contributing to Senegal's digital transformation and its potential to enhance overall quality of life. A systematic literature review (SLR) revealed a paucity of relevant research specific to the Senegalese context. Through thematic analysis, we identified research gaps (themes) that could assist Senegal in achieving its digitalization objectives: incremental transitioning facilitated by broadband improvements; digitalization of the economic, political, and human resources sectors; influence of trust and perceived risk on the adoption of emerging technologies; and integration of emerging technologies across all facets of life. Moreover, we conducted a pilot survey based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to obtain additional insights into digital healthcare adoption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33615,"journal":{"name":"Global Transitions","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 37-55"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.glt.2025.09.003
Jie Wang , Minmin Wang , Minghui Ren , Yinzi Jin
Background
The misalignment between cancer burden and drug innovation poses significant challenges for global health. However, the global scope, temporal trends, and underlying factors contributing to this mismatch remain underexplored. We aim to evaluate the extent, trends, and driving forces behind the disparity between early drug development and cancer burden.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study encompasses a total of 9473 early phase cancer drug trials from 1990 to 2023. Concentration curves and concentration indices (CIs) were employed to measure and track the mismatch over time. Residual analysis derived from a regression model identified cancers that may be either overlooked or overly focused upon. Decomposition of CIs was applied to ascertain the contributors to this mismatch and its evolution.
Results
The CI between early drug development and cancer burden exhibited an upward trend over time, rising from 0.105 (95 % CI: 0.015 to 0.225) in the 1990s to 0.208 (95 % CI: 0.092 to 0.326) in the 2020s. Early drug development activities had disproportionately favored high-burden cancers. Demand-side factors, such as disease burden (average contribution: 53.35 %) and market size (average contribution: 25.16 %), were the primary drivers of both the mismatch and its growth.
Conclusions
The primary drivers of early drug development are medical and market demands, which lead to disproportionate focus on more prevalent or commercially attractive cancers. To address these disparities, targeted initiatives and policy reforms are necessary to ensure that drug development aligns more closely with global health needs, especially for cancers that receive insufficient attention.
{"title":"Mapping the divide: Early development of global cancer drugs and its mismatch with cancer burden","authors":"Jie Wang , Minmin Wang , Minghui Ren , Yinzi Jin","doi":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.09.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.09.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The misalignment between cancer burden and drug innovation poses significant challenges for global health. However, the global scope, temporal trends, and underlying factors contributing to this mismatch remain underexplored. We aim to evaluate the extent, trends, and driving forces behind the disparity between early drug development and cancer burden.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective cohort study encompasses a total of 9473 early phase cancer drug trials from 1990 to 2023. Concentration curves and concentration indices (CIs) were employed to measure and track the mismatch over time. Residual analysis derived from a regression model identified cancers that may be either overlooked or overly focused upon. Decomposition of CIs was applied to ascertain the contributors to this mismatch and its evolution.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The CI between early drug development and cancer burden exhibited an upward trend over time, rising from 0.105 (95 % CI: 0.015 to 0.225) in the 1990s to 0.208 (95 % CI: 0.092 to 0.326) in the 2020s. Early drug development activities had disproportionately favored high-burden cancers. Demand-side factors, such as disease burden (average contribution: 53.35 %) and market size (average contribution: 25.16 %), were the primary drivers of both the mismatch and its growth.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The primary drivers of early drug development are medical and market demands, which lead to disproportionate focus on more prevalent or commercially attractive cancers. To address these disparities, targeted initiatives and policy reforms are necessary to ensure that drug development aligns more closely with global health needs, especially for cancers that receive insufficient attention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33615,"journal":{"name":"Global Transitions","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 56-63"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-18DOI: 10.1016/j.glt.2025.08.002
Abdul-Latif Alhassan , Mery Angeles Perez , Lakshman W. Galagedara
This study examines the intersection of climate change, agricultural innovation, and food security in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), a province characterized by a short growing season, poor and acidic soils, and a small agriculture sector highly vulnerable to climate change. Despite being one of Canada's most food-insecure provinces, there is a significant lack of comprehensive studies on the Water-Energy-Food-Climate Change (WEF-CC) nexus and agricultural innovation in NL. The study aimed to (1) inventory innovative agricultural practices that promote food security and climate resilience, (2) identify key stakeholders in agricultural innovation, (3) explore factors influencing innovation in the province, and (4) assess the use of by-products in agriculture. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using NVivo content analysis. The findings revealed two primary types of relevant agricultural innovation in NL: practice-based and technology-based. Six key stakeholders in agricultural innovation were identified. However, the lack of an independent third-party innovation enabler or connector was perceived as a barrier to progress. To address this gap, the study proposes the establishment of the Newfoundland and Labrador Agricultural Innovation Centre (NLAIC), a collaborative body designed to support agricultural innovation. Additionally, opportunities for utilizing agricultural and industrial by-products, including plant-based and animal-based innovations, were identified as emerging in the province. Tackling innovation barriers and promoting nexus thinking and collaboration among stakeholders and sectors could enhance climate resilience and food security in NL.
{"title":"Integrating climate change, food security, and innovative agriculture in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL): A Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus approach","authors":"Abdul-Latif Alhassan , Mery Angeles Perez , Lakshman W. Galagedara","doi":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines the intersection of climate change, agricultural innovation, and food security in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), a province characterized by a short growing season, poor and acidic soils, and a small agriculture sector highly vulnerable to climate change. Despite being one of Canada's most food-insecure provinces, there is a significant lack of comprehensive studies on the Water-Energy-Food-Climate Change (WEF-CC) nexus and agricultural innovation in NL. The study aimed to (1) inventory innovative agricultural practices that promote food security and climate resilience, (2) identify key stakeholders in agricultural innovation, (3) explore factors influencing innovation in the province, and (4) assess the use of by-products in agriculture. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using NVivo content analysis. The findings revealed two primary types of relevant agricultural innovation in NL: practice-based and technology-based. Six key stakeholders in agricultural innovation were identified. However, the lack of an independent third-party innovation enabler or connector was perceived as a barrier to progress. To address this gap, the study proposes the establishment of the Newfoundland and Labrador Agricultural Innovation Centre (NLAIC), a collaborative body designed to support agricultural innovation. Additionally, opportunities for utilizing agricultural and industrial by-products, including plant-based and animal-based innovations, were identified as emerging in the province. Tackling innovation barriers and promoting nexus thinking and collaboration among stakeholders and sectors could enhance climate resilience and food security in NL.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33615,"journal":{"name":"Global Transitions","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 22-36"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145027278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-18DOI: 10.1016/j.glt.2025.08.003
Mara Ipa , Asep Hermawan , Rais Yunarko , Tri Ramadhani , Muhammad Choirul Hidajat , Harimat Hendarwan , Triwibowo Ambar Garjito , Aneta Afelt , Supriyati Supriyati , Tri Wibawa
Background
Dengue Virus (DENV) infection remains a significant public health issue in Indonesia, with incidence rates differing between urban and rural areas. This study aimed to identify individual and household factors driving self-reported dengue infections in these settings.
Methods
A secondary analysis of the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) included 877,531 respondents from urban (n = 469,549) and rural (n = 407,982) areas. The study focused on individuals of all ages who had been diagnosed with dengue fever by a physician within the past year. Disparities in self-reported dengue infection were assessed using standardized questionnaires that covered individual factors (age, sex, education, occupation, and preventive measures) and household factors (health facility awareness, travel time, transport affordability, wealth, water source, and preventive behavior). Data collected from August to October 2023 were analyzed using weighted logistic regression models in STATA 17.0 MP to account for the complex sampling design.
Results
Self-reported dengue incidence was higher in urban areas (0.73 %) than rural areas (0.52 %). In urban settings, higher odds of dengue infection were associated with having school-aged children, living in crowded households, belonging to the wealthiest quintile, using bottled water, and neglecting regular cleaning of water storage containers. In rural areas, adults using refill water had increased odds of infection, while those working in the informal sector and practicing mosquito bite prevention showed reduced odds.
Conclusions
Our study highlights social determinants of dengue infection in Indonesia, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions that address educational disparities, economical access to healthcare, and effective preventive practices.
{"title":"Urban-rural disparities in self-reported dengue infection: A comprehensive analysis of the 2023 Indonesian health survey","authors":"Mara Ipa , Asep Hermawan , Rais Yunarko , Tri Ramadhani , Muhammad Choirul Hidajat , Harimat Hendarwan , Triwibowo Ambar Garjito , Aneta Afelt , Supriyati Supriyati , Tri Wibawa","doi":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.08.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.08.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Dengue Virus (DENV) infection remains a significant public health issue in Indonesia, with incidence rates differing between urban and rural areas. This study aimed to identify individual and household factors driving self-reported dengue infections in these settings.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A secondary analysis of the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) included 877,531 respondents from urban (n = 469,549) and rural (n = 407,982) areas. The study focused on individuals of all ages who had been diagnosed with dengue fever by a physician within the past year. Disparities in self-reported dengue infection were assessed using standardized questionnaires that covered individual factors (age, sex, education, occupation, and preventive measures) and household factors (health facility awareness, travel time, transport affordability, wealth, water source, and preventive behavior). Data collected from August to October 2023 were analyzed using weighted logistic regression models in STATA 17.0 MP to account for the complex sampling design.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Self-reported dengue incidence was higher in urban areas (0.73 %) than rural areas (0.52 %). In urban settings, higher odds of dengue infection were associated with having school-aged children, living in crowded households, belonging to the wealthiest quintile, using bottled water, and neglecting regular cleaning of water storage containers. In rural areas, adults using refill water had increased odds of infection, while those working in the informal sector and practicing mosquito bite prevention showed reduced odds.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our study highlights social determinants of dengue infection in Indonesia, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions that address educational disparities, economical access to healthcare, and effective preventive practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33615,"journal":{"name":"Global Transitions","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 10-21"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145019979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-07DOI: 10.1016/j.glt.2025.08.001
Guangwen Liu , Chenlu Hong , Yujie Huang , Boyuan Guan , Yating Liu , Zhaorui Liu , Yanan Luo
<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study aimed to explore the association between epigenetic age acceleration and the transition between different cognitive status during dementia process. We also verified the racial disparities in the above relationships.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data was from the US Health and Retirement Study, involving 3593 participants (50+) with a 4-year follow-up. Normal cognition (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia was evaluated by the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Epigenetic age was determined by epigenetic clocks based on DNA methylation patterns and dichotomized into acceleration and deceleration according to residual from the regression of epigenetic age on chronological age. Cox regression models were conducted to examine the association between epigenetic age acceleration and risk of transition between NC, MCI and dementia. Subgroup analysis was conducted to verify racial disparities.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among those with NC at baseline (n = 2671), 1053 (39.42 %) were male, 1618 (60.58 %) were female, 2057 (77.01 %) were Whites, and 614 (22.99 %) were Non-Whites. A total of 278 participants developed the transition from NC to MCI and 42 participants developed the transition from NC to dementia during the median follow-up of 3.92 years (interquartile range: 1.17–4.83 years). Accelerated epigenetic aging measured by GrimAge clock was associated with higher risk of MCI incidence (HR = 1.56, 95 % CI: 1.15–2.11) whereas epigenetic age acceleration measured by all the seven epigenetic clocks and the risk of transition from NC to dementia was not associated. Among those with MCI at baseline (n = 922), 408 (44.25 %) were male, 514 (55.75 %) were female, 633 (68.66 %) were Whites, and 289 (31.34 %) were Non-Whites. A total of 132 participants experienced transition from MCI to dementia during the median follow-up of 3.58 years (interquartile range: 1.17–4.67 years). Participants with age acceleration measured by Horvath's skin&blood clock had a higher risk of transition from MCI to dementia (HR = 1.62, 95 % CI: 1.09–2.40). Heterogeneity of race was found in the relationship of epigenetic aging with transition between cognitive status and the observed associations only existed among non-Whites. Specifically, associations between GrimAge AccelAge and higher risk of transition from NC to MCI (HR = 2.04, 95 % CI: 1.10–3.79, <em>P</em> for interaction = 0.039) as well as transition from NC to dementia (HR = 3.71, 95 % CI: 1.03–13.34, <em>P</em> for interaction = 0.040) were only found among Non-White participants. In addition, significant association between epigenetic age acceleration measured by Hannum (HR = 2.16, 95 % CI: 1.10–4.24, <em>P</em> for interaction = 0.048), Horvath's skin&blood (HR = 4.33, 95 % CI: 2.04–9.20, <em>P</em> for interaction = 0.046), and Zhang's clock (HR = 1.94, 95 % CI: 1.07–3.51, <em>P</em> for interaction = 0.046), and the higher
{"title":"Racial disparities in the association of epigenetic age acceleration with the transition between normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment and dementia","authors":"Guangwen Liu , Chenlu Hong , Yujie Huang , Boyuan Guan , Yating Liu , Zhaorui Liu , Yanan Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glt.2025.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study aimed to explore the association between epigenetic age acceleration and the transition between different cognitive status during dementia process. We also verified the racial disparities in the above relationships.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data was from the US Health and Retirement Study, involving 3593 participants (50+) with a 4-year follow-up. Normal cognition (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia was evaluated by the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Epigenetic age was determined by epigenetic clocks based on DNA methylation patterns and dichotomized into acceleration and deceleration according to residual from the regression of epigenetic age on chronological age. Cox regression models were conducted to examine the association between epigenetic age acceleration and risk of transition between NC, MCI and dementia. Subgroup analysis was conducted to verify racial disparities.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among those with NC at baseline (n = 2671), 1053 (39.42 %) were male, 1618 (60.58 %) were female, 2057 (77.01 %) were Whites, and 614 (22.99 %) were Non-Whites. A total of 278 participants developed the transition from NC to MCI and 42 participants developed the transition from NC to dementia during the median follow-up of 3.92 years (interquartile range: 1.17–4.83 years). Accelerated epigenetic aging measured by GrimAge clock was associated with higher risk of MCI incidence (HR = 1.56, 95 % CI: 1.15–2.11) whereas epigenetic age acceleration measured by all the seven epigenetic clocks and the risk of transition from NC to dementia was not associated. Among those with MCI at baseline (n = 922), 408 (44.25 %) were male, 514 (55.75 %) were female, 633 (68.66 %) were Whites, and 289 (31.34 %) were Non-Whites. A total of 132 participants experienced transition from MCI to dementia during the median follow-up of 3.58 years (interquartile range: 1.17–4.67 years). Participants with age acceleration measured by Horvath's skin&blood clock had a higher risk of transition from MCI to dementia (HR = 1.62, 95 % CI: 1.09–2.40). Heterogeneity of race was found in the relationship of epigenetic aging with transition between cognitive status and the observed associations only existed among non-Whites. Specifically, associations between GrimAge AccelAge and higher risk of transition from NC to MCI (HR = 2.04, 95 % CI: 1.10–3.79, <em>P</em> for interaction = 0.039) as well as transition from NC to dementia (HR = 3.71, 95 % CI: 1.03–13.34, <em>P</em> for interaction = 0.040) were only found among Non-White participants. In addition, significant association between epigenetic age acceleration measured by Hannum (HR = 2.16, 95 % CI: 1.10–4.24, <em>P</em> for interaction = 0.048), Horvath's skin&blood (HR = 4.33, 95 % CI: 2.04–9.20, <em>P</em> for interaction = 0.046), and Zhang's clock (HR = 1.94, 95 % CI: 1.07–3.51, <em>P</em> for interaction = 0.046), and the higher","PeriodicalId":33615,"journal":{"name":"Global Transitions","volume":"8 1","pages":"Pages 1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144902428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The transport sector is one of the primary contributors to climate change since greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have grown by about 80 % from 1990 to 2019. Energy use by this sector has increased over the years, now accounting for up to one-fifth of global energy use. This research, based on the necessity to improve sustainability in the transport sector in terms of increasing environmental impacts, and limitations in frameworks developed, seeks to integrate better and more effective assessments with mitigation measures. Despite the advances made in environmental sustainability, both scientists and policymakers recognize significant gaps in existing methods for measuring and reducing transport emissions. This study presents an integrated framework combining elements of Integrated Environmental Assessment (IEA) with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data, thus enhancing policy effectiveness in the sector. The study relies on sound data from LCAs in guiding the formulation of Policy Instruments and Policy Mixes. The methodology involves statistical analysis of surveys and LCA data within a policy context, focusing on sustainability assessment of transport systems. Important findings in key results show that embedding LCA into policy frameworks effectively helps minimize impacts on the environment and enhances sustainability within transport systems. Such important implications have been seen as valuable to policymakers and industries by proposing integration of LCA into environmental policies as a way of minimizing further burdens on the environment in addition to propelling climate change mitigation efforts.
{"title":"Environmental science, policy, and industry nexus: Integrating Frameworks for better transport sustainability","authors":"Nahed Bahman , Naser Naser , Ezzat Khan , Tariq Mahmood","doi":"10.1016/j.glt.2024.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.glt.2024.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The transport sector is one of the primary contributors to climate change since greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have grown by about 80 % from 1990 to 2019. Energy use by this sector has increased over the years, now accounting for up to one-fifth of global energy use. This research, based on the necessity to improve sustainability in the transport sector in terms of increasing environmental impacts, and limitations in frameworks developed, seeks to integrate better and more effective assessments with mitigation measures. Despite the advances made in environmental sustainability, both scientists and policymakers recognize significant gaps in existing methods for measuring and reducing transport emissions. This study presents an integrated framework combining elements of Integrated Environmental Assessment (IEA) with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data, thus enhancing policy effectiveness in the sector. The study relies on sound data from LCAs in guiding the formulation of Policy Instruments and Policy Mixes. The methodology involves statistical analysis of surveys and LCA data within a policy context, focusing on sustainability assessment of transport systems. Important findings in key results show that embedding LCA into policy frameworks effectively helps minimize impacts on the environment and enhances sustainability within transport systems. Such important implications have been seen as valuable to policymakers and industries by proposing integration of LCA into environmental policies as a way of minimizing further burdens on the environment in addition to propelling climate change mitigation efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33615,"journal":{"name":"Global Transitions","volume":"7 ","pages":"Pages 29-40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143130066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号