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This paper describes the role of regional institutions in translating regional policy instruments into practical action using the experience of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in training teachers for refugee and host community secondary schools in three pilot member states: Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda. The paper raises questions about the regional organizations could be engaged in developing commonly shared commitments and at the same time implement these policies. Using a participant observation method combined with textual and contextual analysis, the study outlined the results in terms of process, products and lessons achieved in the course of the teacher training process. Regarding the process, the paper highlights consensus building, needs assessment, selection of sites, teachers and trainers as well as development of training modules as important outcomes. The product involves the skill-sets acquired or capacities developed cultural materials and media products. The training initiative brought home useful lessons including the importance of the participatory approach and joint decision-making, the role of partnership, enabling leadership, effective coordination and flexibility in managing joint, multi-stakeholder programs. The paper concludes by articulating the need for further studies and scaling-up the teacher training covering member states that are not involved in the pilot phase.

This paper argues that access to quality education and skills development programs for refugees, returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) is not only one of the fundamental human rights that states and non-state actors have obligations to fulfill; it is also an integral part of sustainable development efforts which will have significant contributions to socio-economic transformation in host countries, countries of origin and countries of destinations in the event that refugees become migrant, which is sometimes the case. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region, consisting of eight member states, namely, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda, host more than 13 million forcibly displaced people. This results from protracted and devastating conflicts; drought and famine and other natural or man-made calamities. Within the IGAD region, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan produce 80 to 90% of displacement due to protracted civil wars. However, almost all the member states have refugees, IDPs or migrants sheltered in their territories. Access to higher education among refugees, returnees and IDPs is very low at only 3% compared to 36% globally. The figure for Africa is still dismal, at less than 1%; and the same holds true for the IGAD region. In an effort to address this major challenge facing these population categories, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a high level regional (Ministerial Conference) on refugee education held in Djibouti, 12-14 December 2017. That Conference adopted what is now called the Djibouti declaration and Plan of Action for refugee education in the IGAD region. The major purpose of this paper was is to outline the refugee situations in general and the state of higher education in the region in particular.

This study aims to examine the effects of flipped learning on L2 students' overall academic achievements through meta-analysis. Forty studies (e.g., journal articles, M.A/Ph.D. theses and conference papers) on 'flipped classroom', 'flipped learning' and 'academic achievement' were included in this meta-analysis study. The data was analyzed by using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. The random effects model was used in analyzing the overall effect size and the heterogeneity of the studies included in this meta-analysis. The results revealed that flipped learning has statistically significant effect on L2 learners' academic achievements (g=1.303) compared to traditional learning approaches. This result does not differ according to publication type, educational level and four basic language skills and sub-skills, but it differs according to sample size of the selected studies.

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to report the findings of a synthesis of literature reviews and stakeholder interviews conducted in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The synthesis provides an overview of instructional leadership policy and practice in these six countries. Design/methodology/approach: This paper reports the findings of a systematic literature review, and participant interviews, in six sub-Sahara African countries. The research links to the British Council's initiative to develop instructional leadership in developing contexts, including the six countries featured in this submission. Findings: The findings show diverse policy and practice of instructional leadership in these African contexts. Three have no explicit policies on this important leadership construct, while the others have relevant policy statements but limited evidence of instructional leadership practice. Research limitations/implications: The research provides an overview of instructional leadership policy and practice in these six countries, but more school-based research is required to develop grounded evidence on whether and how this is practiced. The pandemic inhibited such school-based research in 2020. The study provides emerging evidence of the impact of instructional leadership on school and student outcomes, confirming what is known from international research. Practical implications: Developing awareness of how instructional leadership can improve student learning, linked to appropriate training, could lead to more effective schools. Social implications: The Sustainable Development Goals stress the importance of high quality education for economic and social development. Leadership is an important aspect of quality, and the research reported in this paper shows the potential for instructional leadership to enhance student learning. Originality/value: This is the first cross-national study of instructional leadership in sub-Saharan Africa.

This paper applies a critical lens to a Master's degree program in education in one University in Norway and its stated aim of promoting critical skills in students from the global south in particular. Two groups of students, one an international mix in Oslo, and the other, South Sudanese students studying in Hawassa, Ethiopia, were compared. The study employed tenets of action research, with the aim of boosting the continuing professional development of both students and course instructors. The findings reveal varying levels of challenges related to, among others, uncritical deference towards course instructors and literature and varying levels of language proficiency which, it is argued, undermines critical thinking. Despite the above, it is argued that the degree programme furnishes an important platform for culturally diverse students to interact and foster the kind of critical thinking skills valorized in the course aims.

This paper examines three interrelated factors outside of formal provision of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in sub-Saharan Africa that have undermined TVET systems. The first is the process, pace, and levels of industrialisation, which has had a direct effect on TVET provision: low numbers of well-paying jobs requiring technical expertise. This has an indirect effect, which is the second crucial factor: lack of economic development and change in labour markets. There are very few jobs that would be considered 'middle class' or 'mid-level' in wealthy countries. Most people are in survivalist work. An international consensus since the 2000s on palliative approaches to development which address the effects but not the causes of the lack of economic development in Africa has resulted in mass poor quality provision of education--the third factor. Education systems are rapidly expanding and achievement levels rising, in the context of very little possibility of labour market rewards for most people, and substantial labour market rewards confined mainly to graduates. This reinforces deeply embedded cultural preferences for general education, which originate in the type of education systems established by colonial powers, as well as the relationships between educational credentials and elite jobs.

Israeli teachers who teach Eritrean and Sudanese asylum-seeking children find themselves struggling to accommodate these children against the background of a polarized environment. The strategies teachers employ to cope with this tension are shaped by the broader socio-political context and the hostilities directed toward African asylum seekers in Israel. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 22 teachers in different schools in Israel, we observed that in the absence of any official educational policy for the integration, teachers employ strategies of avoidance and de-politicization of asylum seeking. We argue that when it comes to the controversies around asylum seekers, Israeli teachers adopt strategies that are similar to the ways they have coped with the long-term Israel-Palestinian conflict. Based on this observation, the paper suggests the local socio-political context is crucial in understanding teachers' attitudes, practices and responses towards asylum-seekers.

Oil has played a determinant role in the economic development of Sudan and South Sudan before and after their separation. The introduction of oil into the Sudanese economy in 1999 has been associated with many challenges, especially those related to export diversification, and institutional quality. Oil dependency increased with the growth of oil share in total exports. Therefore, the secession of South Sudan in 2011 represents a great shock to both economies. This event creates a situation in which the new country experienced a sudden influx of oil revenues. At the same time, the parent country witnessed a sudden loss of 70% of its proven oil reserves. This makes the case of Sudan unique and provides a very rare opportunity for macroeconomists to address the impacts of this shock on both economies. This paper uses the recent secondary data of both counties to analyze and compare the impact of oil revenues transfer on Sudan and South Sudan's economies in the post-secession period. The conclusion of this paper shows that oil loss has created incentives for better economic performance in Sudan. Reciprocally, South Sudan experiences a premature oil dependence that led to export concentration, institutional degradation, and macroeconomic instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Academic Finance is the property of Academic Finance Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Anaquel de Estudios Árabes is the property of Universidad Complutense de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Most readers of this paper will likely have written a PhD thesis, will be in the throes of writing one, or perhaps will be aspiring to write one. There is a huge literature on the practice and experience of PhD research – on designing a thesis, on writing and research, on the student–supervisor relationship, on the doctoral student experience, and so on. In this paper, however, I reflect on a specific question less often asked: in what ways does a PhD thesis live on beyond the time when it can only be thought of as "work in progress"? I develop an answer to this question along four dimensions – the material, instrumental, epistemic, and personal afterlives of a PhD thesis. For this reflection I use my own PhD thesis, awarded in 1985, as the case study. While the paper is therefore autobiographic, it is intended to provoke more general considerations about the longevity of PhD theses and their formative role for their authors and their authors' subsequent careers. While a PhD thesis can be understood as having a variety of afterlives, those that matter the most are perhaps also those that are less easily recognised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of the latest violent crisis, which began in April 2023, Sudan has been suffering the consequences of an armed conflict, that is worsening the humanitarian crisis and sociopolitical instability. In this context, it is worth analysing how this conflict affects the neighbouring region and the influence of the nearby countries and regional and world powers. The aim of this paper is to present the consequences of this conflict for Sudan's neighbours and the degree of interference of the external powers in Sudan. In relation to this latter issue, it will be established if the foreign presence is a positive influence (a way towards peace) or a negative one (defense of the national interests in the region). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the National Islamic Front (NIF) regime came to power in Sudan in1989, the international community was alarmed. Among other things, the treatment of Sudan's minorities was a chief concern. For instance, in his ten-hour visit to Sudan in 1993, Pope John Paul II warned against imposing Islamic law on the country's large Christian population. The concerns about the NIF regime's treatment of minorities were due to its ideological background, since particular interpretations of Islamic law discriminate against minorities. The paper examines the regime's policies toward the largest ethnic minorities in Sudan. It illustrates that the regime's treatment of minorities lacked coherence toward both Christian and Muslim ethnic groups. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the regime's minority policies were the result of shifts in alliances that followed internal divisions within the regime. As the Islamist leadership fractured, the ruling faction sought to coopt new allies, including ethnic groups, to strengthen its position in the face of relentless opposition from ousted Islamists. The paper draws on material collected through fieldwork as well as secondary sources to make its claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the long-term history underpinning the tension between the "national" army and provincial "militias" that led to the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023. Sudan's British colonizers created the distinction between what would later become a professional military in the northern region of the country, and what were deemed as "tribal", irregular and ethnically defined forces elsewhere. The aspiring revolutionaries of the post-independence era hoped they could use the military as a short-cut to social change and modernization that would sweep away the neo-tribal system of "Native Administration" imposed by the British, but by aligning themselves to an unreformed colonial army and economic system, found that they forced violent reactions in marginalized regions. The reactions included Western Sudanese involvement in attempts to change the regime in Khartoum by force in 1971, 1975, 1976, and 2008, which this paper documents. These crises exposed the broader tensions within Sudanese nationalism, based as it was on the ideal of synergy between military and people. The paper draws on a wide range of Arabic and English sources, including newspapers and archival content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the dynamics of pastoralist herd mobility in West Darfur State, Sudan, a region affected by persistent conflict. The paper examines the annual cycle and seasonal trajectories of mobility for camels, cattle, and sheep, comparing mobility patterns by livelihood specialisation and reviewing the mobility of multi-species herds. Using social research tools and remote sensing livestock tracking technology, the study found diverse livestock mobility patterns within the region. Conflict and insecurity have reduced the freedom and flexibility of these movements. Persistent insecurity combined with climate shocks have led to adaptations, including changes in herd species composition and owner preference, and a shift from long to short-distance mobility closer to the home area. Ultimately these changes have undermined the resilience of the pastoral system. The paper considers the implications of these changes in pastoralist mobility for humanitarian needs, building livelihood resilience and promoting peaceful integration with other users of natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper examines the determinants of participation in non-farm activities in rural Sudan. It also investigates whether the factors that influence participation in non-farm activities vary across agriculture sub-sectors. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopts the multinomial logit and probit methods on labour supply participation theory using the Sudanese National Baseline Household Survey (2009). The analysis was applied across job types and agriculture sub-sectors. Findings: The results indicated that educational level, means of transportation, lack of land and access to formal agricultural credit are the most significant factors that push rural farmers to participate in non-farm activities. Surprisingly, the effect of household income was positive and significant, implying that individuals from rich households have higher opportunity to engage in non-farm activities compared to their poor counterparts. The results also revealed some variations in the factors that influence participation in non-farm activities according to the agricultural sub-sectors. Originality/value: The originality of this article lies in investigating the factors that influence participation in non-farm activities across irrigated and rainfed systems. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study identifying the determinants of participation in non-farm activities across agriculture sub-sectors. Therefore, the paper fills an important gap in the literature and helps in designing appropriate pro-poor policies to allocate infrastructures across irrigated and rainfed areas in Sudan. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2022-0092. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the Sudanese political economy from independence till after December 2018 revolution. The paper commences by examining the prominent aspects of Sudan's economic crisis, positing that its political and economic roots lie in Sudanese political economy since independence, characterized by three main elements: urban bias, accountant capitalism, and military dominance. The study analyzes unprecedented developments in Sudanese political economy after December 2018 revolution, which involve institutional bondage among these three elements. It concludes that these developments manifest in the institutional bondage between the Sudanese military and accountant capitalism, and in the formation of institutional bondage between rural elites, militias, and patterns of accountant capitalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to offer an overview of a unique and decade-long Ethiopian peacekeeping deployment in Abyei, where Ethiopian contingents comprise almost the entire force, where the deployment ended in an ungraceful manner because of disapproval from the government of Sudan. The paper reveals that the Tigray conflict which resulted in the desertion of the Ethiopian peacekeepers and Egyptian pressure on Sudan because of the GERD have contributed to the withdrawal of Ethiopian peacekeepers and the Ethiopia--Sudan border dispute brought a dark shadow on their relations in addition to the disruption of the peacekeeping deployment. The paper concludes that unless Ethiopia makes a progress on internal stability and reboots its relations with its neighbours, Ethiopia's role as a peace mediator and peacekeeper in the region becomes an ignominy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can reduce the energy demand from the grid and significantly increase the power available to it. However, rooftop solar PV has not yet been widely adopted in many sub-Saharan African countries, such as Sudan, although they are endowed with high solar radiation and in dire need of additional power. This paper investigates risks and policies to increase grid-connected rooftop solar PV adoption in Sudan. A simplified United Nations Development Program Derisking Renewable Energy Investment framework is adopted to investigate this over three stages. For Stage 1, a list of risks and barriers was produced based on a literature review of solar PV studies in Sudan and interviews with nine stakeholders. Affordability was the risk most often mentioned (eight times from nine interviewees), followed by concerns about poor utility grid infrastructure. For Stage 2, policy de-risking instruments and financial de-risking instruments were listed to overcome the barriers. These include the introduction of net metering, the use of a third-party organization to monitor policy implementation, upgrade of the grid infrastructure, public awareness campaigns and energy-saving schemes. For Stage 3, the levelized cost of electricity was estimated for a typical 2-kW rooftop PV system without policies (0.11 $/kWh) and with a net-metering policy (0.07 $/kWh). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its independence in 1956, Sudan faced major internal and external challenges that affect the national construction process. These challenges have cast its shadow not only over Sudan's past and present, but its future as well. The ongoing war in Sudan today is but a pivotal part of these challenges. This paper discusses the war in Sudan in terms of its nature and objectives, without tracing its operational paths and the militaristic conflict, as this may increase the distortion of the war, its objectives, and the stakeholders behind it. This paper focuses on understanding the nature of this war and its background, and Western hegemony over Sudan whether political and constitutional tools, or military tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovations are needed to address the global issue of access to high-quality education, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This paper shows quasi-experimental evidence that a digital game-based learning programme ('Can't Wait to Learn') led to significantly greater improvements in mathematics competency, Arabic literacy competency, and psychological wellbeing of children aged 7–9 in Sudan, compared to state-provided education for out-of-school children, 6 months after the start of the programme implementation (n = 221). These findings were corroborated and extended by qualitative data from 33 focus group discussions and key informant interviews with children, learning directors, caregivers, community leaders, and supervisory staff. We found no difference between groups on child-reported hope, and we found evidence for a significant negative intervention effect on child-reported self-esteem, though the psychometric properties of these instruments were not adequate. We report several considerations related to the experience of local facilitators, programme implementation challenges, and the importance of community acceptance and engagement for fidelity of implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has caused far-reaching humanitarian challenges. Amongst the emerging impacts of the pandemic is on the dynamics of human trafficking. This paper presents findings from a multi-methods study interrogating the impacts of COVID-19 on human trafficking in Sudan—a critical source, destination, and transit country. The analysis combines a systematic evidence review, semi-structured interviews, and a focus group with survivors, conducted between January and May of 2021. We find key risks have been exacerbated, and simultaneously, critical infrastructure for identifying victims, providing support, and ensuring accountability of perpetrators has been impeded. Centrally, the co-occurrence of the pandemic and the democratic transition undercut the institutional and governance capacity, limiting the anti-trafficking response and exposing already vulnerable groups to increased risks of human trafficking. Findings point to increased vulnerabilities for individuals with one or more of the following identities: migrants, refugees, females, and informal labourers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the use and function of interruption in Sudanese women's casual conversation. The main objective of the study was to uncover the way in which Sudanese used interruption in their casual conversation and examine the purpose for using it. Data was collected via recording of casual conversations among three groups of women in Sudan. The subjects were briefed about the purpose of recording and the use of the resulting data for research purposes, and their consent was taken before the recordings. A threehour recording was made, out of which about forty minutes of the recorded data was used for analysis. Results showed that interruption was used by Sudanese women for a number of purposes, including gaining solo speakership, commenting on a current topic, sharing a similar experience, and eliciting talk. The analysis indicates that the participants accept interruption as a strategy of cooperation, leading to continuation of speech rather than cutting a speaker off or dominating the conversation flow. Results implicate that further investigation of Sudanese women discourse may uncover interesting ways and strategies women use to fulfill their communication demands in both casual and formal conversations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the analysis of a religious text coming from the reused blocks in Amun temple B 700 at the capital of the Napatan Kingdom (713–290 BCE), in the Sudan. This is the first fragmented Osirian hymn attested in Kush, while its integral version was found in Thebes, in the inner walls of the chapel erected by the Divine Adoratrice Ankhnesneferibre at Karnak North. The article presents the content of this hymn and its commentary, investigating the possible origins of the cult of this solarised form of Osiris associated to a local deity such as Dedwen in Nubia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper relocates the study of contemporary Islamic law from state judiciaries and reformist polemics to the learning circles of late colonial Sudan. It focuses on the careers of two Mālikī jurists: ʿUthmān b. Ḥasanayn Barrī al-Jaʿalī (d. 1960) and Abū Ṭāhir Ḥasan Fāy al-Bijāwī (d. 1984). Hardly indifferent to the pressures of modernity, each attempted to resuscitate a Mālikī school beset by colonial reforms from above and revisionist critiques from below. A Sufi, political advisor, and traditionalist, al-Jaʿalī composed an homage to the "slavish imitation" of Mālikī jurists (taqlīd) that nevertheless admitted the intervention and frequent rebuke of its author. al-Bijāwī did the opposite, employing his expertise in ḥadīth to recast demands for dissolving legal schools (madhhab s) in a clever justification of Mālikī doctrine. Together they highlight examples of internal reform, as well as the significance of Africa's jurists, that remain understudied in the contemporary history of Islamic law. Less the dissolution of the madhhab than its resilience, they attest to the ways in which Mālikī scholars continued to defend the classical legal tradition long after its presumed demise at the hands of modernity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on the writer's experience and knowledge and observation of the Sudanese context. Data has also been collected from key informants using the interviews with three o members occupying leading positions in: civil society Organizations including, The Nuba Women Organization, The southern Sudanese women Organization and The Sudanese Council of Churches. This paper provides brief classification of faith-based organization (FBO) in Sudan, with an introduction to the evolution activities they perform and factors that led to minimum links between the (FBO) and Sudanese Women Empowerment for Peace and Development Network (SWEPD) and the way forward for possible links and engagement are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Old Dongola, with a history reaching back to the 5th century AD, was originally the capital of Makuria, one of the three medieval Nubian kingdoms. After the collapse of Makuria, its capital city saw migratory movements and political changes that resulted in the emergence of new power relations. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city was the seat of a local ruler subordinate to the Funj Sultanate. New communities that emerged in this setting inhabited the city until the colonial era. This paper examines the ways in which Funj-period households, as fundamental social units in Old Dongola, were mutually constitutive with houses, engaging with their spatiality and materiality through social practices. The authors investigate domestic labour, which was an essential factor in the negotiation of social differences and identities within the household. Differences in building techniques are analysed to compare various ways in which dwellers engaged with houses and to assess their implications for social differentiation within the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Middle Eastern Studies / Ortadoğu Etütleri is the property of Turkmen Cooperation & Cultural Foundation Center for Middle Eastern Strategic Studies (ORSAM) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Christian Nubia was a region with intensive transcultural connections that are visible through the understudied overseas glass bead imports found there. This paper presents the results of an analysis of 20 glass beads from Banganarti, a Christian pilgrim site active during the Makuria kingdom (mid‐sixth to 14th centuries CE). Compositional analyses using laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) have identified glass belonging to a number of broad compositional groups. Two beads were made of mineral soda‐lime glass, dated before the mid‐ninth century CE. Numerous beads were made from plant ash‐soda‐lime glass associated with "Mesopotamian" production dated between the eighth and 10th centuries CE. Lead‐soda‐silica glass has parallels in the ninth–10th centuries glass found in Africa and Europe. One plant ash‐soda‐lime bead was of eastern Mediterranean origin dated after the 10th century CE. Results of this study provide new evidence for provenance and chronology of glass beads available in the mediaeval Northeast Africa as well as contribute new data to the research on the pilgrim and/or trade routes of that time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Middle Nile Valley offers exceptional environmental conditions that allow the preservation of organic materials, including textiles. This paper presents the results of the analysis of 17 samples collected from wool, cotton, and silk textiles excavated in the ancient capital of Old Dongola from layers dated to the 17th and 18th centuries CE. Chemical analysis using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) have identified both plant and animal dyes. Locally produced textiles, mostly from wool and decorated with blue, green, orange, and yellow hues, were dyed with woad (Isatis tinctoria), flavonoid plants, and madder‐type roots, which were already known and used by medieval dyers in that area. For the first time, kermes (Kermes vermilio) and lac‐dye (Kerria species) have been also identified as a dye source in samples from this group. Imported fabrics, of cotton and silk, were dyed blue with woad (I. tinctoria) but also with indigo (Indigofera tinctoria); dyer's broom (Genista tinctoria) and kermes (K. vermilio) were other dyes identified in this second group. The results of this study provide the first dye identification for textiles produced in the 17th–18th c. Sudan and contribute new data to the research on textile production and trade in post‐medieval Sudan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Statistics helps medical students understand research. Without understanding statistics, students can't choose the proper analysis in their research. We aimed to assess the attitude toward statistics, usage of statical software and associated factors for using statistical analysis software in Sudan. Method: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed among undergraduate medical students across ten Sudanese universities. The study aimed to measure their attitude towards statistics using Survey of Attitudes Toward Statistics (SATS-36) scale. Results: In total, 489 students were participated with a mean age of 21.94 ± 1.61 and a slight female preponderance (52%, n = 256). The overall attitude towards statistics was 4.64 ± 0.91. The mean attitude scores for the components of SATS-36 scale was higher for students who were using statistical analysis software demonstrating significant difference in affect (p = 0.002), cognitive competence (p = 0.002), value (p = 0.002), Interest (p = 0.004) and Effort (p = 0.029). Almost half of the students (47%) had attended a biostatistics workshop with only 26% of them reported using statistical analysis software. Of the latter group, 72% (n = 91) used SPSS while 50% (n = 64) used excel. Univariate logistic regression showed students who had previously used an statistical software were more likely to be studying in their sixth year compared with second year (OR: 12.652, CI 95% 4.803– 33.332; p < 0.001), older age (OR: 1.224, CI 95% 1.079– 1.388; p = 0.002), attended a course in research methodology (OR: 3.383, CI 95% 2.120– 5.398; p < 0.001) or biostatistics (OR: 1.886, CI 95% 1.252– 2.841; p = 0.002), initiated or participated in a research project (OR:4.349, CI 95% 2.839 – 6.661;p < 0.001) or published a paper (OR: 8.271, CI 95% 3.542 – 19.312; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study showed an average attitude towards statistics among medical students. Being at higher years, participating or publishing research and attending research workshop are associated with the usage of statistical software. Also, few students were using statistical software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research considered the strategic relations of Sudan with regional countries and beyond during the factions within the period of the Salvation government. It also showed that the political quarrels among the Islamic Movement on how to design the general scope and settings for Sudan's external policy, with its requirements at all levels. The research used a semi-empirical method and also a descriptive method to study the foreign policy of Sudan (2010-2018) including experiences and challenges. It basically explained the international relations which characterized the policy bargain between countries. The findings of the research are that, although Sudan during the period covered by the present study, Sudan's external relations confronted with several challenges especially so in then. Prevailing situation characterized by the diplomatic confrontations among the major countries. Although Sudan's government kept carefully monitoring that situation to maintain careful steering amid those challenges, yet the country couldn't quite successfully develop an external policy with an effective strategic dimension both regionally as well as internationally. The most notable recommendations in the paper also refer to the fact that Sudan should have adopted a more balanced policy so as to maintain the country's own political stability, and to share benefits with its external partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The signing of the Juba Peace Agreement in 2020 presents a unique opportunity to address longstanding security challenges affecting the civilian population in Darfur. The provisions on permanent ceasefire and final security arrangements set ambitious goals of implementing a comprehensive disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration program, facilitating security sector reform, and promoting peace and security in Darfur. However, although the complicated and protracted endeavor of signing the Juba Peace Agreement marked an important step toward peace and democratic transition in Sudan, its implementation may prove to be even more challenging if the key stakeholders fail to adhere to the agreement and continue to promote their, often conflicting, political agendas. This briefing paper examines the final security arrangements of the Juba Peace Agreement, analyzes challenges and opportunities, and offers options and recommendations for tangible and sustainable implementation of the JPA provisions on security in Darfur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to translate and validate an Arabic version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Head and Neck Scale (FACT-H&N, v-4) for use among Sudanese oral cancer patients. Methods: The instrument underwent translation and validation following the standard FACT translation methodology. The translated instrument was pre-tested for face validity and content validity using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with ten oral cancer patients to assess acceptability. The questionnaire was pilot tested with 60 patients; reliability was tested for internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha while construct validity was tested using 'known-group validity'. Results: The pre-test study revealed no major issues, apart from a reluctance to answer questions on sexual satisfaction. The FACT-H&N demonstrated good internal consistency, it considered five particular constructs: PWB, SWB, EWB, FWB and FACT-H&N, their Cronbach's α values were positive and close to 1 with values of 0.85, 0.788, 0.86, 0.895 and 0.703 respectively, indicating that the questionnaire was valid and the responses consistent. Sixty patients were asked the global health-related quality of life item, 36.3% rated their QOL as very good or good (36.3%), while 41.7% rated it as average, and 21.7% as poor or very poor. Then FACT subscale mean scores were tabulated against three categories; patients with very poor/poor recorded significantly lower scores indicating construct validity. Some psychometric properties were consistent with other FACT-H&N translations such as the Chinese, French, Pakistani and Malaysian. Conclusions: This study validates the Arabic version of the FACT-H&N. It is a reliable tool and, will assist further QoL research in other Arabic-speaking countries. Plain English Summary: While survival rates are routinely used to evaluate treatment outcomes in oral cancer, increased understanding of the human cost of this disease highlights the need to also consider the impact of the disease and therapy on patients' quality of life (QoL). Measurement of quality of life outcomes requires a validated QoL questionnaire with proven applicability in that specific context. Little research has been undertaken on the QoL of cancer patients in Sudan and no published research exists to date on the QoL of Sudanese oral cancer patients. While an Arabic version of the FACT-G general questionnaire exists, the FACT-H&N module was not previously available in Arabic. This paper describes the translation of the FACT-H&N from English into Arabic to suit Sudanese patients and other Arabic-speaking patients, with a detailed pre-test review by 10 patients, a pilot study with 60 patients and further validation with 130 patients. This study represents the first QoL research undertaken in oral cancer patients in Sudan and provides some insight into the impact of oral cancer on their lives. Findings from this study indicate that the Arabic version of the FACT-H&N questionnaire is a valid, reliable and acceptable method for assessing health related QoL in Arabic-speaking Sudanese oral cancer patients. This work will benefit future researchers working with Arabic-speaking oral cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Egyptian Empire conquered and colonized Nubia, what is today northern Sudan, on multiple occasions. The colonization strategy employed was highly variable through time, ranging from the construction of militarized fortresses (Middle Kingdom 2050–1650 BCE) to an amicable co‐existence approach (New Kingdom 1550–1050 BCE). Egyptian tactics also varied spatially, depending on several factors including a colonized community's utility to the empire and the potential for revolt. Using a large dataset (n = 341), this paper compares osteoarthritis between seven Nubian communities to (1) evaluate whether imperial strategy impacted osteoarthritis severity and (2) assess whether rates of osteoarthritis differed between colonized communities. Age‐controlled analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) suggests there was significant variation in the frequency and severity of osteoarthritis throughout the empire. The Middle Kingdom C‐Group, an indigenous Nubian population that lived outside the Egyptian‐built and ‐occupied fortresses, displayed the highest rates of osteoarthritis for nearly all joint systems. Osteoarthritis then decreased during the postcolonial Second Intermediate Period (1650–1550 BCE) and again increased during the recolonization of the New Kingdom. However, there is significant variation of osteoarthritis at three New Kingdom sites, each of which experienced a differing colonization approach. This study suggests that the varying imperial strategies utilized by the Egyptian Empire may have impacted the physical activities and daily lives of Nubians and that these tactics were not equal throughout Nubia but were tailored to communities. It is therefore difficult to discuss a singular outcome of colonization; rather, these interpretations need to be nuanced with community‐level archaeological context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the potential and economic validity of wind and solar energy at 17 selected locations in the Red Sea state, Sudan, for the first time. To this aim, the NASA database was utilized. The results demonstrated that vertical axis wind turbines would be a good solution for electricity generation for building in the selected locations. Additionally, it is found that the chosen areas are suitable for installing photovoltaic (PV) systems due to the high-value solar radiation. Moreover, the economic viability of small-scale wind and PV systems for rooftop buildings in the selected regions is investigated. For a financial analysis of wind turbines, the performance of different characteristics of vertical axis winds was evaluated based on the determination of capacity factor and energy production cost. For the economic validity of installing PV systems, RETScreen Expert software was used. The results indicate that the annual production energy from wind turbines and solar power is within the range of 158.50–29,063.93kWh and 6648–15,533 kWh, respectively. This amount of energy output would reduce the effect of global warming and enhance the sustainable technological development of the country. Moreover, the results indicate that model#9 (Vertical Axis Wind Generator-V) with a capacity of 5 kW has the lowest cost value (0.08703–0.01025 $/kWh) compared to the other selected turbines for the studied locations. Besides, the average energy production cost is within the range of 0.036–0.049 $/kWh for PV systems. In the end, it is concluded that using small-scale renewable energy systems will help reduce the electricity bills and the dependency on fossil fuels, the effect of global warming, and enhance the country's sustainable technological development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this paper is to investigate the influence of oral dipping of Tombak Smokeless Tobacco (SLT) on prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), international normalized ratio(INR) values, and platelet counts (PLTs), in Sudanese Tombak users. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Kosti health insurance hospital, Sudan, in 2019. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 100 adult users of oral Tombak for three or more years were chosen randomly as a study group. Another 100 matched healthy individuals who never used Tombak were randomly selected as a comparative group. Venous blood specimens were collected in ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) containers for the PLT counts using the automated haematology analyser (Sysmex, Tokyo, Japan XK-21SYSMEX) and in trisodium citrate anti-coagulant containers for coagulation tests using a co-agulometer machine analyser. Our findings show a significant decrease in PLT count mean values in the Tombak users group (212.1 × 103/mm³±74.3 × 103/mm³) compared with the non-taking Tombak group mean values (243.2 × 10³/mm3±83.0 × 103/mm3), (p < 0.006). Both PT and APTT were significantly prolonged in Tombak users (16.03±1.22 s vs. 14.44±0.557 s), p < 0.001 for PT, and (41.62±7.28 s vs. 34.99±4.02 s), (p < 0.001) for APTT. INR mean values were significantly longer in Tombak users (1.11±0.096) vs. (1.07±0.66; p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis findings show a significant impact of the four investigated variables, including duration of taking Tombak, age, and frequency of taking Tombak per day (p < 0.001). In conclusion, using Tombak a Smokeless Tobacco (SLT) for a long period significantly affect Platelet counts and coagulation profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marginalized and oppressed women in Sudan, alongside the subaltern women living on the margin, are depicted in the current work. "The Ostrich" by Laila Aboulela shows the protagonist's life of Sumra both in Khartoum, Sudan, and London in the UK. Sumra represents Sudanese women struggling hard to find their place in a patriarchal society. The structure of this article can be articulated in two arguments; the empowerment of patriarchal supremacy and the power of tradition implanted in Sudan and most thirdworld countries to marginalize and silence the role of women so that they can never be heard. Although women have got their studies at universities, they are still marginalized and have no full right to decide for themselves. Appropriating the analytical descriptive approach, the current study aims to demonstrate the marginalization and oppression of women in Sudan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter comments on the article "Emergence of the invasive malaria vector Anopheles stephensi in Khartoum State, Central Sudan" published in Parasites and Vectors 2021, 14:511. Here we aim of provide a response to this paper in the broader context of the invasion and spread of An. stephensi in the Horn of Africa, and the required response to it. We agree with the authors that the arrival of this invasive vector in Khartoum State is of high public health concern. Equally concerning, however, we found that the detection of the vector by the authors in 2018 seemingly took 3 years to communicate to the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO), and was reliant on an academic journal. We consider that this short report sets a poor example of how public health threats should be reported. Suitable communication alternatives to alert public health authorities to such threats have been put in place by the WHO and its Member States, and are well known to at least some of the authors of the short report. We would like to encourage all readers not to follow the example of Ahmed et al. but instead act as responsible public health professionals by drawing on the established reporting mechanisms and escalate potential threats as soon as they are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the varieties of civilian praetorianism or the different ways in which civilians enable and support military coups. It specifically argues that by shaping their access to different sets of resources, civilians' proximity to the political establishment and their level of social capital influence their method of support. Civilians linked to the political establishment wield resources better suited for enabling praetorianism through tactics like initiating or plotting coup conspiracies with military officers. Conversely, civilians with high levels of social capital hold resources valuable for consolidating praetorianism through tactics like providing post-coup support and neutralizing anti-coup opposition. Qualitative evidence from three coup episodes in Sudan demonstrates the argument's plausibility. By explaining the important variation in civilian capabilities and resources, this study advances research on civilian coup involvement, which—although understudied—is critical to understanding coup politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic disease in eastern Sudan, particularly in Al Gadarif State, causing significant morbidity and fatality rates. This disease is induced by Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum. Several studies have suggested that dogs (Canis familiaris), which are known for being the primary reservoir hosts of L. infantum (causing canine leishmaniasis), may play a vital role in transmitting human VL caused by L. donovani. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of leishmaniasis in general and L. donovani, particularly in dogs, and to investigate the potential risk factors associated with the disease in Al Gadarif State. Blood samples were collected from 151 dogs from five localities and examined using Giemsa-stained blood smears and PCR. The overall prevalence was 44.4% based on microscopic examination. Significant variation in the prevalence of leishmaniasis was observed among the localities (p = 0.000), where the highest prevalence was reported in Algurreisha (85%) and the lowest was observed in Alhawata (4.2%). Dog type was another risk factor that was shown to be significantly associated with infection (p = 0.041). The highest prevalence was reported in household dogs (47.7%) compared to stray dogs (23.8%). The analysis revealed that factors such as the use of dogs, sex, and age were not statistically linked to the disease. However, among household dogs, the highest prevalence was reported in pet dogs (59.7%), males (49.1%) compared to females (32.6%), and young dogs (50%) compared to older dogs (40.9%). All blood samples tested negative for L. donovani by PCR, thus requiring further investigation to identify the causative species in dogs and their possible roles in the epidemiology of zoonotic leishmaniasis in Sudan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the impact of banking sector development (BSD), renewable energy consumption (REC) and economic growth (EG) on environmental quality (EQ), using the load capacity factor (LCF) in Sudan. Utilizing time series data from 1990 to 2018 and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method, this research aims to explore both short-term and long-term dynamics, and cointegration, to provide a detailed understanding of these relationships. The study's primary objective is to elucidate the effects of BSD, REC, and EG on Sudan's EQ through the LCF metric and to test the Load Capacity Curve (LCC) hypothesis. The results indicate that the squared values of per capita GDP (long-term) and REC (short- and long-term) contribute to an increase in Sudan's LCF, thereby enhancing EQ,while BSD and per capita GDP negatively affect EQ, thus confirming the LCC hypothesis. Sudan authorities are urged to prioritize environmentally friendly economic policies, sustainable urban development, and the transition to renewable energy sources. However, the revelation that BSD diminishes environmental sustainability suggests a reevaluation of the financial sector's role. Encouraging green technologies could amplify the LCF and mitigate environmental degradation, enabling Sudan to create a sustainable environment by promoting renewable energy investments and long-term GDP per capita growth while curbing financial expansion. This research provides a critical framework for policymakers to create strategies that balance economic development with ecological preservation, ensuring Sudan's long-term sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of herbal medicine has a long history in Sudan and is widely practiced among the general population. However, there is a lack of studies examining the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of herbal medicine usage in Sudan. Thus, this study was conducted to bridge this gap. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January and February 2021. It included Sudanese adults residing in Omdurman, Sudan, using systematic and simple random sampling methods. Data were collected using a structured, adapted questionnaire comprising: the socio-demographic characteristics and the knowledge of herbal medicine and its usage. Moreover, it investigated the commonly used herbal remedies and the participants' sources of information and procurement of such products. Additionally, we examined the correlation between socio-demographic factors, cultural beliefs, and the use of herbal medicine. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and categorical data were presented as frequencies and percentages. Associations were assessed using chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, and binary logistic regression (p < 0.05). Results: This study included 381 participants, of which 48.1% were females and 31.4% were aged 20-30. The majority of participants were aware of the practice of herbal medicine and the prevalence of its usage was 85.9%. Peppermint, acacia, hibiscus, ginger, and fenugreek were the most commonly used remedies. Chi-square and Fisher's exact testing revealed that the participants' gender and beliefs in the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines were significantly associated with herbal medicine usage (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that only the perception of herbal medicine's safety was an independent predictor of its usage (p-value 0.038). Conclusion: This study reported a very high prevalence of herbal medicine usage, highlighting the acceptability of Sudanese adults towards herbal medicine usage. This prompts further studies to explore their safety, efficacy, and the possibility of their integration into mainstream healthcare practices and policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Snakebite envenomation (SBE) and scorpion sting envenomation (SSE) are significant neglected tropical diseases that primarily affect impoverished communities in rural areas of developing nations. A lack of understanding about snake and scorpion species and their distribution exacerbates the disabilities and fatalities caused by SBE and SSE. In Sudan, particularly in regions affected by ongoing conflicts where healthcare resources are scarce, social media platforms offer a cost-effective approach to addressing public health challenges. Our aim in this study is to highlight the benefits of using social media for data collection and health promotion in such environments. Methods: We present a cost-effective communication and data collection strategy implemented at the Toxic Organisms Research Centre (TORC) of the University of Khartoum, focusing on a Facebook group, "Scorpions and Snakes of Sudan", as our primary social media platform. Additionally, we discuss the lessons learned and the initial impact of this strategy on enhancing population health literacy. Results: The group community is composed of ~ 5000 members from 14 countries. During the period from January 2023 to January 2024, we received 417 enquiries about snakes and scorpions belonging to 11 families and composed of 55 species. In addition, 53 other enquiries covered a range of organisms and their tracks (e.g., spiders, skinks, chameleons, foxes, sun spiders, centipedes, lizards, moth larvae, and insect tracks). The first photographic evidence of Malpolon monspessulanus in Sudan was via the group activities. The rare species Telescopus gezirae, the Blue Nile cat snake, is also documented via the group member's queries. Recognizing the evolving nature of social media use in public health, we also address the current limitations and evidence gaps that need to be addressed to effectively translate best practices into policy. Conclusion: In conclusion, utilizing Facebook as an institutional platform to share scientific information in simple Arabic language underscores the proactive roles that citizens, scientists, and public health stakeholders can play in leveraging social media for eHealth, eAwareness, and public health initiatives. This approach highlights the potential for collaborative efforts, particularly during crises, to maximize the benefits of social media in advancing public health. Author Summary: Snakebite envenomation (SBE) and scorpion sting envenomation (SSE) are significant public health issues worldwide, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children and agricultural workers. SBE alone affects millions of people annually, resulting in thousands of deaths and permanent disabilities. SSE is also a serious concern, with thousands of deaths reported annually but with a dangerous lack of information and in registered incidences, especially in countries such as Sudan. In Sudan, both SBE and SSE are prevalent, with specific regions experiencing higher incidences. To address these challenges, the Toxic Organisms Research Centre (TORC) at the University of Khartoum established a Facebook group, "Scorpions and Snakes of Sudan", to raise community awareness and collect data on venomous and nonvenomous organisms. The group has attracted nearly 5000 participants, mostly from Sudan, and has received enquiries from nine countries. The data collected through this platform provides valuable insights into the distribution and diversity of snakes and scorpions, aiding in public health interventions and education efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the case of the Darfur conflict (2001-) and the Chad-Sudan proxy war (2005-2010), this study will demonstrate that conflict in Chad and Sudan cannot be fully understood without taking into account how heads of state and rebel leaders in both countries manipulated tribal identities to retain and enhance power. It shows how Idriss Déby, a Zaghawa leader, held onto his tenuous position as President of Chad by leveraging tribal customs and symbols, while the Darfur conflict and the Chad-Sudan proxy war destabilized his rule. It also sheds light on the ways in which Darfuri and Chadian rebel leaders maneuvered within the tribal political system and manipulated patron-client relationships to maximize their independence vis-à-vis the state, to maximize their own power within their respective tribes, and to maximize their influence within their tribal alliances. This study makes use of newspapers, interviews, geospatial data, secondary sources and theoretical insights from anthropological studies of tribes to analyze the politicization of tribal identity and how it impacted Chad-Sudan relations from 2001 to 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the labour and capital productivity of Gum Arabic Producers Associations (GAPAs) based on the performance of GAPAs in North and West Kordofan States, where 14 GAPAs were selected for a case study. More specifically, the study aimed to: i) estimate the productivity of gum gardens per hour worked (hrs/ha/yr) and per dollar invested ($/ha/yr), as well as their capital productivity ($/$), and ii) analyze the relationship between productivity and gum arabic revenue and gum production. To achieve these specific objectives, the following questions were highlighted: i) What is the productivity of gum gardens and how can it be estimated? ii) How can productivity influence gum arabic revenue and gum production? Primary and secondary quantitative and qualitative data were collected to answer these questions. The primary data were collected using face-to-face interviews with a random sample of 338 household heads, group discussions, and 38 interviews with key informants. Data analysis relied on mathematical equations for labour and capital productivity, and regression analyses of the relationship between productivity and gum revenue were employed. The results revealed that capital productivity is low in Alkhowi (9.3) compared to Shiekan (18.5) and Umrawaba (24.1) Localities. Labour productivity per hour worked and labour productivity per dollar were low in Shiekan compared to the other localities. The regression findings show that labour productivity per working hour and per dollar significantly influenced gum revenue. The main conclusion is that labour and capital productivity play an essential role in assessing the performance of GAPAs and are influenced by many factors. The study recommends that government and NGOs provide production inputs and ease marketing services to enhance capital and labour productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonadherence to national standards for malaria diagnosis and treatment has been reported in Sudan. In this study, qualitative research examined the clinical domains of nonadherence, factors influencing nonadherent practices and health workers' views on how to improve adherence. Methods: In September 2023, five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were undertaken with 104 health workers from 42 health facilities in Sudan's Northern State. The participants included medical assistants, doctors, nurses, laboratory personnel, pharmacists and public health officers. The FGDs followed a semi-structured guide reflecting the national malaria case management protocol. Qualitative thematic analysis was performed. Results: Nonadherent practices included disregarding parasitological test results, suboptimal paediatric artemether–lumefantrine (AL) dosing, lack of counselling, use of prohibited artemether injections for uncomplicated and severe malaria, artesunate dose approximations and suboptimal preparations, lack of AL follow on treatment for severe malaria; and rare use of primaquine for radical Plasmodium vivax treatment and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine as the second-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. Factors influencing nonadherence included stock-outs of anti-malarials and RDTs; staff shortages; lack of training, job aids and supervision; malpractice by specialists; distrust of malaria microscopy and RDTs; and patient pressure for diagnosis and treatment. Health workers recommended strengthening the supply chain; hiring personnel; providing in-service protocol training including specialists; establishing external quality assurance for malaria diagnosis; and providing onsite supportive supervision and public health campaigns. Conclusions: This study revealed a broad spectrum of behavioural and systemic challenges in malaria management among frontline health workers in Northern Sudan, including nonadherence to protocols due to resource shortages, training gaps, a lack of supportive supervision and patient pressure. These insights, including health workers' views about improvements, will inform evidence-based interventions by Sudan's National Malaria Control Programme to improve health systems readiness and the quality of malaria case management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to electricity is vital in rural regions of Africa. There is substantial potential to utilise wind energy, yet investment in renewable energy projects is trivial because it has been insufficiently endorsed. As a result, most people living in remote regions of Africa rely entirely on diesel-powered generators, which expel pollutants in substantial amounts. These adversely affect the health of people and the environment. Sudan – one of Africa's largest countries – has a range of resources from which renewable energy could be generated, including favourable wind power generating conditions. This paper represents the first effort in literature to use a strategic perspective to explore how viable wind energy systems are in Sudan. It reports a study using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) across 21 diverse sites in Sudan. It identifies the optimal wind turbine system and best locations and analyses the costs involved and how much pollution could be prevented by implementing wind farms instead of diesel systems. The results establish that the optimal type of wind turbine across the investigated locations is the Enercon E−138 EP3. Wind farm use is expected to avoid almost 49 million kg/year of pollutants and reduce energy cost by US$0.91317/kWh. The optimal sites for utilising wind energy were Wawa, Dongola, Karima, Wadi Halfa and Al-Goled in order of suitability and their low costs of electricity and high wind speed records. Wind turbine pricing is predicted to reduce over time, so the study varied the cost of wind turbines to understand the impact on project economics. A reduction in wind turbine costs by 10 % lowered energy cost to between US$0.03681/kWh and US$0.04052/kWh. A further 25 % price drop reduced the cost of energy to between US$0.03067/kWh and US$0.03376/kWh. This study reveals the significant potential of integrating renewable energy into the energy mix of Sudan and provides an essential reference for wind farms in the energy sector across other developing countries. • Finding the ideal wind turbine system and sites for exploiting wind energy in Sudan. • Exploring the costs and evaded emissions using wind farms over diesel generators. • Investigating the impact of wind turbine price on the project economics. • The optimal wind turbine was determined to be Enercon E−138 EP3. • The best locations for harvesting wind energy are Wawa Dongola, Karima and Wadi Halfa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Military coups are not uncommon occurrences, particularly in developing nations where political systems might be less firmly entrenched or still evolving. Developments of this nature can often have profound implications for the affected nation's healthcare systems, both in the immediate aftermath and over the longer term. This paper narrates some notable consequences of political instability on the national health system, particularly placing them in the context of the military coup in October 2021 - emphasizing the context behind the political turbulence, its acute and direct consequences, and the possible long-term legacies of political shocks on the already overwhelmed health system. As a descriptive piece, this narrative does not only look at the impact of the military coup on hospitals, but further considers the different dimensions of the healthcare system as defined by the WHO, therefore reflecting the wider implications on health funding from multi-laterals, service delivery, human resource availability, and medical and vaccine supply chains in Sudan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child Early and Forced Marriage is a major concern, both globally and in Sudan. Sudan still has staggeringly high rate of this practice. It is increasingly evident that a greater understanding of the social norms drivers that perpetuate violence against women and girls (VAWG) such as Child Early and Forced Marriages (CEFM) in different settings, is needed in order to effectively drive positive social norm change. The overall objective of this paper is to assess and establish how communities frame, interpret and transmit social norms that drive and sustain early and forced child marriages, including sanctions and rewards associated with the practice. Qualitative data was collected in three states (White Nile state, Kassala and North Darfur) using a structured interview guide to obtain information from key informants, and in-depth interviews with individual participants. Data was analysed through thematic identification, mapping and coding. Major findings confirmed that family decision is one of main factors that sustain the Child Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) practice. Factors that may drive the practice include inadequate access to education, protection from rape and delinquency, ethnicity, population and family movement among nomads, those who migrate due to conflict or for seeking better livelihood opportunities. Others, include health consequences of early child bearing, complications in sexual relation, delayed menstruation, complications in delivery and maternal mortality due to late marriage and child bearing were also mentioned. Decisions on the girls’ marriage are done by older males of the family, particularly the paternal uncles. Families whose daughters stay unmarried till later age are usually shamed and socially bullied. Control of the girl’s sexuality to prevent potential sexual relations before marriage, protection from rape, and population movement were among the common drivers for CEFM. Reference groups and influential individuals are instrumental in both the sustainability and abandonment of the practice. Access to girls’ only schools rather than mixed with boys and that are closer in distance to homes are considered better since they pose less risks for the girls in terms of premarital sexual relations or exposure to rape as perceived by their families in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]