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In the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA), dry eye disease (DED) is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. This review summarizes a series of conversations with ophthalmologists in the region around a variety of climatic, lifestyle, and iatrogenic factors that contribute to specific features of DED in the MENA region. These considerations are further classified by patient lifestyle and surgical choices. All statements are based on discussions and formal voting to achieve consensus over three meetings. Overall, a deeper understanding of the disease characteristics of DED specific to MENA can better guide local eyecare practitioners on appropriate management and follow-up care. Additionally, population-based studies and patient and physician education on ocular surface diseases, together with the use of culturally appropriate and language-specific questionnaires can help ease the public health burden of DED in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The out‐of‐sight groundwater and visible but much less extensive surface waters on land constitute a linked terrestrial water system around the planet. Research is crucial for our understanding of these terrestrial water system links and interactions with other geosystems and key challenges of Earth System change. This study uses a scoping review approach to discuss and identify topical, methodological and geographical gaps and priorities for research on these links and interactions of the coupled ground‐ and surface water (GSW) system at scales of whole‐catchments or greater. Results show that the large‐scale GSW system is considered in just a small part (0.4%–0.8%) of all studies (order of 105 for each topic) of either groundwater or surface water flow, storage, or quality at any scale. While relatively many of the large‐scale GSW studies consider links with the atmosphere or climate (8%–43%), considerably fewer address links with: (a) the cryosphere or coastal ocean as additional interacting geosystems (5%–9%); (b) change drivers/pressures of land‐use, water use, or the energy or food nexus (2%–12%); (c) change impacts related to health, biodiversity or ecosystem services (1%–4%). Methodologically, use of remote sensing data and participatory methods is small, while South America and Africa emerge as the least studied geographic regions. The paper discusses why these topical, methodological and geographical findings indicate important research gaps and priorities for the large‐scale coupled terrestrial GSW system and its roles in the future of the Earth System. Plain Language Summary: The water on the land surface (surface water) and that beneath it (groundwater), along with the water that is continuously and increasingly used and managed in human societies, are connected and constitute a coherent natural‐social water system around the world. Many unknowns and open questions remain for how the small‐scale variations add up to large‐scale variability and change of this water system on land, as an integral part of the whole Earth System. Relevant research is crucial for reducing the unknowns and answering the questions, and this study's scoping review aims to assess how they have been addressed in published research so far. The aim is to identify key research gaps and priorities for further research on how the integrated water system on land functions and evolves on large scales, from whole hydrological catchments and in multiple catchments around the world up to global scale. The scoping review results show key research gaps and priorities to be the coupling of surface water and groundwater on land, and the interactions of this coupled water system with other parts and major challenges of the Earth System. Geographically, the gaps and priorities emerge as particularly large and urgent for South America and Africa. Key Points: Coupling of the ground‐surface water system is a key gap in terrestrial water research, particularly at large scalesResearch on terrestrial water interactions with other geospheres and key challenges of Earth System change is rare but impactfulMajor geographic gaps in research on the large‐scale coupled terrestrial water system emerge for South America and Africa [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The call for the intellectualisation of African languages has become a topical agenda towards their use as languages of teaching and learning in institutions of higher learning in Africa. In their enunciation of language policies, South African universities are guided by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)'s Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions (LPFPHEI). The thrust of this paper is to interrogate how the language policy of one university in South Africa enables the intellectualisation of African languages. The study deploys Ruiz's notion of language as a resource to examine the potential embedded within the university's language policy to foster the intellectualisation of Sesotho and Setswana for use as LoTLs in a variety of disciplines. The university is one of the institutions of higher learning with the most recently revised language policy approved in 2022, hence its selection as the case study. The paper concludes that an enabling language policy that speaks to the linguistic realities, coupled with a variety of support structures within the university and also spelling out the implementation plan is what will result in the fruitful re-intellectualisation of African languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to scrutinize the nexus between development aid, economic growth, poverty, and inclusion in Africa in the short and long run. After compiling the theoretical and empirical foundation of aid effectiveness literature, the statistical analysis is conducted in three scenarios. First, a panel data analysis was conducted from 1977 to 2018 for 34 African countries to explore the interface between Official Development Assistance (ODA) and economic growth in the long run. The second scenario presents ODA's short-term and long-term marginal effects on poverty reduction. The last scenario examines the direct effect of ODA on inclusive development. The statistical results show that aid effectiveness varies across nations. In the short-run, out of the 34 countries, only five countries have a positive marginal efficiency of ODA in terms of economic growth. However, only in one country (Nigeria) is the marginal efficiency of ODA arguably found to be positive in the long-run. The poverty elasticity of ODA is found to be negative in all countries. Finally, the random effects regression shows that ODA arguably contributes negatively to inclusion. Multiple factors may cause statistically negative relationships and should not be ignored due to the suspicion of an endogeneity problem. This is the unique selling point of this paper, as it discusses the potential causes. Statistical findings may not fully explain aid effectiveness because benefits and drawbacks may differ from national interests and project to project. Furthermore, aid may have different long- and short-term consequences. Given all the limitations, the statistical analyses in this paper show that development aid should have strategic crosscutting focus areas inter alia human development, technology, environment, demographic change, good governance, trade, and economic equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on how Asante's idea of Afrocentricity could assist in the understanding of the main challenges and opportunities associated with curricula in Africa's post-colonial universities. In terms of methodology, the paper constitutes a conceptual treatise that draws from previous empirical research that focused on Afrocentricity and a plural programme - the extended curriculum programme within a university context where neoliberalism remains dominant. In this regard, the paper combines an extensive review of empirical cases and the authors' experiences of the extended curriculum programmes in diverse South African universities. Literature was reviewed from a wide range of sources that included Afrocentricity and curriculum transformation through plurality at individual and institutional pedagogic levels. The paper explores the complex nature of pedagogic transformation mainly due to the persistence of Western ideals under a resurgent neoliberal philosophy that shapes practices in contemporary university spaces. The paper thus highlights how Afrocentricity transcends simplistic notions of intellectual discussions as it highlights serious and practical realities that shape the identities, ideals, aspirations, and values of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. In the process, ways in which pedagogic educational aspirations of the students could be redefined through an Afrocentric approach together with constraints are discussed. The individualist-oriented complications posed by neoliberal ideals that tend to contradict and, in some instances, hinder the Afrocentric core principle of inclusivity have left African universities at a crossroads with little to show in terms of progress in the transformation agenda. The paper concludes that Afrocentricity and its basis in cultural reconfiguration aims to ensure that people recognise their agency and affirm their identity and ability to draw from their existing agency to holistically transform the various aspects of their lives by overcoming the socio-economic and intellectual constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Africa's population is expected to triple by 2050, owing to rapid urbanisation and overall demographic trends. The combined pressures of urbanisation and climate change impact the ecosystem and the services it provides. As a result, additional dangers such as increased flooding, and environmental disruption have risen. Therefore, devising adaptive solutions to mitigate flood risk impacts while also building community resilience is needed. Evidence suggests that Nature‐based Solutions (NbS) can potentially alleviate floods and mitigate climate change impacts while also delivering other societal benefits. Despite rising NbS popularity following its recognition in the last decade, studies on its recognition in Africa remain limited. For this reason, this paper reviewed NbS studies conducted in East Africa (EA) to evaluate opportunities and barriers surrounding NbS adoption in EA. Academic literature published from January 2012 to May 2022 was reviewed using a comprehensive search of the SCOPUS database. Results show 14 papers have been published during the period, with the majority being post‐2020. In addition, the majority of the articles focused on cities and peri‐urban settlements, while public awareness, clear guidelines on performance monitoring, stakeholder inclusion, and diverse demonstration projects were highlighted as potential success factors for the adoption of NbS in EA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context and background Umoja, is the Swahili philosophy of unity. Its principles underscore the significance of cooperation and communal solidarity. Umoja has historically been associated with various aspects of African social and political life, accentuating the influence of communal synergy in traditional land tenure systems. The Umoja philosophy encourages individuals to consider collective-wellbeing as being complementary to individual interests, thereby fostering a profound sense of social responsibility in traditional approaches to land holding. In contemporary African society, Umoja continues to wield substantial influence in facilitating social cohesion and the establishment of robust and supportive communities. Notwithstanding, the principles of Umoja remain relatively uncharted in the context of modern approaches to land reform policies. Goal and Objectives: The primary objective of this paper entails an in-depth examination of prevailing land tenure systems throughout the African continent, with a concurrent aspiration to formulate a novel land-holding system that harmoniously integrates with and encapsulates the diverse cultural and contextual intricacies inherent in Africa. At its core, this endeavor seeks to leverage the proposed land-holding framework as a catalyst, with the ultimate ambition of elevating substantial segments of the African populace from multidimensional poverty to a state of enduring prosperity. Methodology: The methodological approach employs a secondary analysis, focusing on African communal land and resource management case studies. The paper assesses their achievements and shortcomings, emphasizing the 'Gestion de Terroir' model in West Africa and the less successful Community Land Trust Experiment in Voi, Kenya. Drawing from successful and unsuccessful cases, the paper develops a comprehensive blueprint for effective communal land tenure systems, guided by Elinor Ostrom's principles for successful management of communal resources and the principle of Umoja, for equitable and sustainable land management in Africa. Results The findings from this study highlight critical issues within existing communal land systems across Africa. Specifically, the primary challenges identified are the absence of formalized communal land titles, as well as issues stemming from the inability of attempted communal land holding projects to align with local idiosyncrasies, capacities, and objectives. Consequently, this paper formulates a novel communal land tenure system for the African context, synthesizing these lessons to create a more sustainable approach that bridges the gap between formalization and local adaptability [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Africa-China or Sino-African relations continue to grow stronger. Africa sees China as a partner in development in the context of global South-South Cooperation. As a measure of friendship, China constructed the African Union headquarters at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for free. There has been cooperation between China and African countries. Moreover, China's role in Africa during the independence struggles is well noted and its development assistance to the continent has been phenomenal over the years. As Africa and China relations continue, several bottlenecks continue to mar the relationship. This paper highlights the bottlenecks of Africa-China relations by tracing the historical ties between China and African states. It delves into Africa-China relations in terms of South-South Cooperation and China's foreign policy of non-interference in internal matters of other states. It uses 2019 data to analyze China-Africa trade, investments and revenues accruing to both partners. The paper contributes to knowledge not just in terms of bilateral and multilateral relations but in terms of infrastructure trade and investment in Sino-African relations. It concludes that there is a need for China-African relations to achieve mutual benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transitioning to clean cooking fuels is not only part of achieving SDG7 but also makes a significant contribution to mitigating climate change by reducing carbon emissions. Research projects and pilots across a number of countries in Africa and South Asia have been exploring the suitability and energy performance of different cooking appliances and fuels. The paper presents the first statistical analysis across these multiple datasets to determine the range of energy required to cook dishes using different technologies and fuels. The paper draws out distinctions between African and Asian dishes, notably the impact of energy-intensive dishes prepared mostly in Africa. The paper demonstrates that the standard efficiency-based approaches to comparing the performance of stoves are not appropriate to modern electric cooking devices, so a novel alternative approach based on specific energy consumption and termed energy ratios is developed. Charcoal stoves are shown to use 15 times as much energy as electric pressure cookers (EPCs) to cook African dishes, and a detailed review of how the EPC works explains why this should be. Energy ratios provide a basis for estimating carbon emission reductions associated with transitioning to modern cooking fuels and also for estimating household cooking costs. Fuel and electricity prices from studies show that the cost of cooking with an EPC can be only 20% of the cost of cooking with charcoal, which highlights the potential for modern, energy-efficient electric cooking devices to defy the conventional wisdom of the energy ladder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes to income equality (IE) literature by examining four important issues. First, the study examines the effects of foreign bank presence (FBP) on IE. Second, the paper identifies the minimum threshold level of FBP which can lead to IE. Third, the effect of economic freedom on IE was investigated. Fourth, the paper determines whether economic freedom interacts with FBP to minimise IE. The findings are based on macro data for 33 African countries from 1995 to 2020. The findings from the two-stage system generalised method of moment indicate that unconditionally, FBP reduces income inequality. Also, results from the threshold effect reveal that whilst FBP reduces income inequality, if it exceeds 52%, it may contribute to it. Additionally, the study reveals that economic freedom dampens IIE. Furthermore, economic freedom conditions FBP to reduce IE. Based on these findings, policymakers are advised to exercise caution in attracting foreign banks and to promote local financial institutions. Policymakers are also advised to implement policies to promote economic freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Health research capacity strengthening (HRCS) has been deemed as a complex, multifaceted, and dynamic activity. Despite this, most studies that assess the effectiveness of health research capacity strengthening programmes have not employed complexity-aware approaches and therefore, evidence on how and why such programmes work across different contexts is underdeveloped. This realist study seeks to elicit the initial programme theories (IPTs) that describe how and why the 'Developing Excellence in Leadership, Training and Science Africa' (DELTAS Africa) programme – one of the flagship research capacity strengthening programmes in Africa – works to generate research capacity outcomes specifically in the participating African universities. Methods and Analysis : A realist review of the DELTAS Africa programme documents, and relevant published papers that report on similar research capacity interventions will be carried out. This will help to both identify the outcome pathways and underlying assumptions of the DELTAS Africa programme, as well as tacit theories as postulated by other researchers. The review evidence will inform the drafting of the initial programme theories (IPTs). Interviews with the DELTAS Africa programme designing team will be conducted using a realist interviewing technique to unearth ontologically deeper insights on context, mechanism, and outcomes. Using the realist context-mechanism-outcome configurational maps, we will identify how contexts (i.e., within the African universities) shape mechanisms (the processes, reasoning, or behaviours triggered by the HRCS activities) through which the programme brings about an outcome at institutional level. Conclusion: The initial programme theories will describe how and why health research capacity strengthening works, for whom and under what circumstances across the participating African universities. The programme theories will provide policy-relevant insights on the generative causal mechanisms of HRCS; evidence that is critically needed to inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of HRCS initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact and implications of ChatGPT and other generative AI technologies within the African context while looking at the ethical benefits and concerns that are particularly pertinent to the continent. Through a robust analysis of ChatGPT and other generative AI systems using established approaches for analysing the ethics of emerging technologies, this paper provides unique ethical benefits and concerns for these systems in the African context. This analysis combined approaches such as anticipatory technology ethics (ATE), ethical impact assessment (EIA), and ethical issues of emerging ICT applications with AI (ETICA) with specific issues from the literature. The findings show that ChatGPT and other generative AI systems raise unique ethical concerns such as bias, intergenerational justice, exploitation of labour and cultural diversity in Africa but also have significant ethical benefits. These ethical concerns and benefits are considered crucial in shaping the design and deployment of ChatGPT and similar technologies responsibly. It further explores the potential applications of ChatGPT in critical domain areas such as education, agriculture, and healthcare, thereby demonstrating the transformative possibilities that these technologies can have on Africa. This paper underscores the critical role of AI governance as Africa increasingly adopts ChatGPT and similar AI systems. It argues that a comprehensive understanding of AI governance is essential not only for maximising the benefits of generative AI systems but also for facilitating a global dialogue. This dialogue aims to foster shared knowledge and insights between the Global North and the Global South, which is important for the development and creation of inclusive and equitable AI policies and practices that can be beneficial for all regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced governments, multilateral public health organisations and research institutions to undertake research quickly to inform their responses to the pandemic. Most COVID-19-related studies required swift approval, creating ethical and practical challenges for regulatory authorities and researchers. In this paper, we examine the landscape of ethics review processes in Africa during public health emergencies (PHEs). Methods: We searched four electronic databases (Web of Science, PUBMED, MEDLINE Complete, and CINAHL) to identify articles describing ethics review processes during public health emergencies and/or pandemics. We selected and reviewed those articles that were focused on Africa. We charted the data from the retrieved articles including the authors and year of publication, title, country and disease(s) reference, broad areas of (ethical) consideration, paper type, and approach. Results: Of an initial 4536 records retrieved, we screened the titles and abstracts of 1491 articles, and identified 72 articles for full review. Nine articles were selected for inclusion. Of these nine articles, five referenced West African countries including Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, and experiences linked to the Ebola virus disease. Two articles focused on South Africa and Kenya, while the other two articles discussed more general experiences and pitfalls of ethics review during PHEs in Africa more broadly. We found no articles published on ethics review processes in Africa before the 2014 Ebola outbreak, and only a few before the COVID-19 outbreak. Although guidelines on protocol review and approval processes for PHEs were more frequently discussed after the 2014 Ebola outbreak, these did not focus on Africa specifically. Conclusions: There is a gap in the literature about ethics review processes and preparedness within Africa during PHEs. This paper underscores the importance of these processes to inform practices that facilitate timely, context-relevant research that adequately recognises and reinforces human dignity within the quest to advance scientific knowledge about diseases. This is important to improve fast responses to PHEs, reduce mortality and morbidity, and enhance the quality of care before, during, and after pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the recent developments in the delivery of teaching-learning processes when COVID-19 hit the world with a health crisis and pandemic, it is crucial to look into the quality of courses delivered via online means or through distance education modality. This paper examines implementation and application of quality assurance (QA) landscape in Distance Education (DE). A documentary review using bibliographic inquiry is used as a methodology approach to gather relevant information to address the study questions. Previous studies on QA in DE are examined and arranged into themes using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that most of the literature on QA in DE in Africa and Asia based on the reviewed Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions are basically dealing with frameworks, outcomes and performance, instructional design, student services and challenges as well as parity in terms of quality with the traditional institutions. Therefore, this paper concludes that more studies are needed for QA in DE to match the post-COVID-19 trends on improving QA. This implies that there is a need to expand research on QA in DE to include areas of artificial intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Climate change adversely affects Africa's agriculture which would worsen the widespread food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies. Vulnerable populations, especially female farmers, women, and children are disproportionately affected. Methods: The paper synthesizes available peer-reviewed and grey literature on the intersections of climate change, food insecurity, agriculture, gender disparities, health, child nutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies in Africa. It explores the economic ramifications of these factors, particularly their impact on public health and economic stability. The work aggregates insights into the current and future challenges of agricultural sustainability and the expected human capital development and economic costs of climate variations. Results: The prevalence of hunger and undernourishment in Africa is notably higher compared to other regions. Climate change directly threatens agriculture, with anticipated reductions in crop and livestock yields, compounded by the negative impact of greenhouse emissions on the nutritional quality of staple foods. Female farmers contribute notably to agriculture, but their labor share is less dominant than previously assumed. Exposure to high temperatures, especially for outdoor workers and pregnant women, presents significant health risks, further impacting agricultural and economic output. These interdependencies are presented in a framework along with suggested interventions that could be contextualized to address the climate drivers and interconnectivity across agriculture, health, and livelihoods. Conclusion: The interdependence between food, agriculture, health, nutrition, and human productivity, all of which are exacerbated by the impacts of climate change in Africa, form a complex challenge with profound health and economic implications. A multifaceted strategy is needed, encompassing climate-resilient farming practices, gender-sensitive interventions, health-focused measures like micronutrient supplementation, and comprehensive economic policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Truth and reconciliation commissions (TRCs) are understood to offer cheap justice, a justice not bound by the law. South African experience in the postapartheid era shows that they are significant tools for peacebuilding as well as statebuilding. The experience shows that the use of TRCs has created an authoritative record of what happened; enabled the victims to tell their stories without fear or embarrassment, and recommended legislative, structural and institutional reforms that avoided the repetition of past abuses. Successful peace and statebuilding are based on the above in order to achieve sustainable peace. TRCs promote rule of law, human rights protection, and ensure healing and freedom for all. However, the relapses of conflicts and political tensions, intercommunal hatred and divisions in African countries, create more questions than answers. These continuous issues show that TRCs have instead not resolved conflicts. The paper found that TRCs can only lead to successful peacebuilding and statebuilding if there is willingness on the side of the citizens as well as their political leaders. There is need to learn from the South African experience to ensure that TRCs lead to successful peacebuilding and statebuilding. The paper relied on historical research designed to study TRCs in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence and rapid spread of gram-negative bacteria resistant to carbapenems among newborns is concerning on a global scale. Nonetheless, the pooled estimate of gram-negative bacteria resistant to carbapenem that cause neonatal sepsis in developing nations remains unknown. Thus, this study aimed to determine the combined prevalence of gram-negative bacteria resistant to carbapenem in African newborns who were suspected of having sepsis. Methods: All studies published from January 1, 2010, up to December 30, 2023, from PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus electronic databases, and the Google Scholar search engine were researched. Isolates tested for carbapenem from neonates with sepsis, English language papers conducted in Africa, and cross-sectional and cohort studies papers were included. Using PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed studies that assessed the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria. The "Joanna Briggs Institute" was used critically to evaluate the quality of the included studies. The data analysis was carried out using STATA™ version 17. Heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated using Q and I 2 tests. The subgroup analysis was done and, funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to detect publication bias. A sensitivity analysis was conducted. Results: All 36 studies were included in the meta-analysis and systematic review. The pooled prevalence of carbapenem resistance in Africa was 30.34% (95% CI 22.03–38.64%). The pooled estimate of gram-negative bacteria resistant to imipenem, and meropenem was 35.57% (95% CI 0.67–70.54%) and 34.35% (95% CI 20.04% – 48.67%), respectively. A. baumannii and Pseudomonas spp. had pooled prevalence of 45.9% (95% CI 33.1–58.7%) and 43.0% (95% CI 23.0–62.4%), respectively. Similarly, Pseudomonas spp. and A. baumannii also exhibited strong meropenem resistance, with a pooled prevalence of 29.2% (95% CI 4.8–53.5%) and 36.7% (95% CI 20.1–53.3%), respectively. E. coli and K. pneumoniae were the two most common isolates. Conclusion: There should be urgent antimicrobial stewardship practices, strengthened surveillance systems and effective treatment for neonates with sepsis. There was remarkable variation in resistance across the continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the transformative potential of fourth industrial revolution (called Industry 4.0) technologies in the context of poverty elimination, with a particular focus on Africa. Given the multidimensional nature of poverty, which spans economic, social, and environmental aspects, there is a critical need for innovative and sustainable solutions. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review to identify how recent advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, blockchain, big data, and 5G can be harnessed to address various facets of poverty. Drawing on insights from existing research and expert opinions, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates these technologies with strategic policy interventions, infrastructure development, and capacity building. The paper proposes a framework that illustrates the prerequisite requirements before adopting Industry 4.0 technologies in poverty elimination efforts. This framework aims to ensure that the benefits of technological innovations are accessible to the most vulnerable populations, thereby contributing to the broader goals of socioeconomic development and poverty reduction. The work shows that while Industry 4.0 presents a critical opportunity for sustainable development and poverty elimination in Africa, it needs to have essential capacities to optimize the use of observations, visualizations, and mindset management before or when adopting the first stage of Industry 4.0 solutions for poverty elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farm biosecurity has gained increasing attention worldwide during the last decades because of its role in reducing the occurrence of diseases and improving animal performance. Recently, recommendations to reinforce the concept of farm biosecurity in lower- and middle-income countries have been advised. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive description of the methods and tools used to assess biosecurity compliance in livestock farms in Africa and formulate recommendations. The present review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews guidelines. Peer-reviewed studies reporting biosecurity assessment in poultry, cattle, pig, goat, or sheep farms in Africa were included. Five databases were searched with no date restrictions. A total of 41 studies across 17 countries were finally selected. Selected studies were all published after 2008, and an increasing trend in the number of papers published per year was noticed. In total, 41 different methods for biosecurity assessment were found to be used in African countries, meaning that even within the same country, the same animal species, and the same farming system, different methods were utilized. In many papers, the methods used for biosecurity evaluation were poorly described. In addition, during the biosecurity assessment, measures related to the purchase of laying hens, egg transport and management, calves, calving and dairy management, and nursery units were almost not considered. These measures should be contemplated in future studies since they are related to important risk factors for the introduction and dissemination of infectious diseases. Interestingly, some measures not considered in European biosecurity tools were identified in the selected studies. The observed high difference in methods used may be due to the lack of regulations on biosecurity in African countries; therefore, the authors recommend the development and implementation of a harmonized and contextualized method for the assessment of biosecurity in livestock farms in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the intellectual legacy of Patrice Lumumba, a Congolese independence leader and the first democratically elected Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The paper examines his contributions to the decolonisation and liberation of Africa through his political and leadership roles, ideas, and writings. The paper provides background information on Patrice Lumumba's life and political career, highlighting his key contributions to the decolonisation movement in the Congo and Africa more broadly. The paper then analyses the key ideas and themes from Lumumba's speeches and writings, particularly his ideas on decolonisation, Pan-Africanism, and African unity. Moreover, it also explores how Lumumba's ideas and legacy continue to shape contemporary scholarship and intellectual discourse on decolonisation and liberation in Africa. Furthermore, it examines his influence on later leaders and movements on the continent and in the African diaspora. The scope of this paper is limited to the historical context and dynamics of the time, drawing upon a wide range of scholarly works and academic sources that delve into the intellectual legacy of Patrice Lumumba and his significant contributions to the decolonisation and liberation movements in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African scholarship plays an important role in asserting the value of African epistemologies and those of the global South in the knowledge economy. This is pertinent to higher education in postcolonial Africa, whose indigenous knowledge systems and intellectual legacies have played peripheral roles because of coloniality and the global neoliberal trends. This paper presents a historical review of a generation of African scholarship that spans from the last half of the twentieth century to date. It does so with the view of exploring the developments, challenges and prospects experienced by African scholars in their pursuit of African knowledges and the decolonisation discourse in the higher education sector. The first part of the paper provides a backdrop through an analysis of some selected major research on the nature of African scholarship published in the last half of the twentieth century, and its contributions to the decolonisation discourse on the continent. The second part examines the nature of contribution of African scholarship to knowledge production in the twenty-first century. That section critically analyses the challenges and opportunities which have been encountered in reshaping the discourses of knowledge production and decolonisation in theory and practice. It is concluded that in its distinctiveness in asserting African and marginalised knowledge systems as valid and relevant, and operating in spaces of struggle, the African scholarship should continue to contribute to the interrogation of the objectivity of Eurocentric, neoliberal thought. The paper recommends the promotion of African scholarship in shaping the decolonisation of knowledge production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines China’s increasing security interests in Africa. It seeks to understand the nature and scope of Chinese engagement in peace and security issues on the continent based on its engagement in international and domestic (African) politics. Through literature analysis and logical reasoning, the author intends to define the implications of China’s new role as a security provider. The paper is based on desk research using primary and secondary data and statistical and comparative analysis of official documents, academic research, and media sources. The methods include literature analysis, logical reasoning, statistical research, comparative analysis, and the inductive method to build general theorems. The paper analyses aspects of China’s security engagement on the African continent: its participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, small arms exports, and Beijing’s sharing of technology with African partners. China’s engagement in Africa’s security helps to advance its vital economic and political interests, with limited impact on African security. Key lessons for African partners are offered. The last decades have seen an extraordinary increase in China’s economic and political ties with Africa. Security cooperation followed massive Chinese investments and thousands of Chinese nationals working on the continent. China’s security engagement in Africa protects Beijing’s interests regarding access to resources, markets, political influence, and social credibility. It has little to do with a benevolent will to help Africa deal with instability or economic underdevelopment. African partners must make necessary efforts to avoid further dependence on China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) This research paper aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing scientific literature on intentional dental modifications within the African population. By synthesizing and analysing studies, this paper aims to shed light on the prevalence, cultural significance, and forensic implications of intentional dental modifications. (2) A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA for Scoping Reviews and a search performed in June 2023 on the three electronic databases Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. (3) The search resulted in 30 studies and showed that intentional dental modifications, also referred to as nontherapeutic dental modifications, are prevalent across the African population for reasons linked to traditional medicine, ethnic affiliation, and individualism, with the highest-reported modification being infant oral mutilation at 53%, followed by tooth filing at 10%, and others such as lip plates, diastema piercings, dental avulsion, dental tattooing, crowns, and oral piercings. (4) The quality and quantity of the available literature on intentional dental modifications in the African population is limited due to bias in reporting, as most studies are those of individuals with severe health complications. The data gathered from this study could further aid in the analysis and identification of nontherapeutic dental modifications, be used in profiling, and assist in the estimation of population affiliation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital currencies are likely to modify the way businesses, people and governments transact in Africa. Nonetheless, several factors need to be assessed before the wide adoption of digital currencies in the continent. These factors include the regulatory environment for fintech, the condition of digital infrastructure and the degree of financial inclusion. This paper assesses the readiness of African countries for the issuance of digital currencies. The paper gives an overview of the African countries that have implemented or are considering implementing digital countries. It discusses the issues to be considered for a conducive environment to launch digital currencies. It explores the opportunities and challenges of developing and issuing digital currencies in Africa. The paper finds that although the developed mobile money network infrastructure, high mobile money penetration, the growth of the digital economy and high degrees of financial exclusion position Africa well for the adoption of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), several challenges need to be addressed. These encompass lower levels of financial inclusion, digital exclusion, the digital divide, poor digital infrastructure and regulatory uncertainty. The paper provides recommendations for improving the prospects of digital currencies in Africa. These include the creation of a legal and regulatory framework for digital currencies, investing in digital infrastructure, improving internet connectivity and educating citizens on digital currencies. Digital currencies can lead to improved economic growth, increase cross border payments, promote financial inclusion and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context and background: Multi-stakeholder platforms (MSP) for inclusive people-centred land governance are increasingly recognized as central mechanisms for countries to find sustainable solutions to complex land tenure issues. MSPs create an inclusive forum where actors can discuss problems and propose solutions to improve governance of tenure and provide better access to natural resources. The establishment of MSPs to address land tenure issues are also key recommendations expressed in normative frameworks on land tenure at regional, continental or international levels. These include the Framework and Guidelines on Land Policy in Africa (F&G) adopted in 2009, and the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security (VGGT) adopted in 2012. Over the past decade, several countries in the continent have successfully adopted new land legislation. Goal and Objectives: The goal of this paper is to demonstrate how MSPs can contribute to inclusive and participatory land reforms processes in view of securing tenure rights especially for the most vulnerable. It also contributes to address the challenges faced by these platforms in engaging key actors including the government, private sector and the most vulnerable constituencies at community level, towards addressing land issues systemically and achieve transformative change. Methodology: This paper is the result of a light qualitative ex-post evaluation of the approaches developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Land Coalition (ILC) and other partners in the field of land governance over the last 15 years. The paper also builds on desk/literature review that helped gathering needed information on land policy issues and processes. Results: MSPs have contributed to the adoption and implementation of ground-breaking policies and laws, including the National Land Policy of DRC (2021), the Community Land Rights Act (2022) and the National Land Commission Act (2022) in Sierra Leone; the Land Code (2018) in Togo, the Land Rights Act in Liberia (2018). MSPs provide a constructive space for dialogue, coordination, capacity building and collective action to link up efforts from grassroots to national level. They also contribute to addressing power imbalances and strengthening capacities and accountability of government and private actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonialism established a system of racial oppression, both mentally and physically, by impeding pre-colonial African education, which was originally intended to reflect the realities of pre-colonial African societies. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this paper argues that before the colonial administration, Africans were already developed people with different educations for different age groups, making them functional and inclusive within the larger political sphere. Decolonisation only reflects a shift in political power and the withdrawal of colonialists from African territories, but it has not resulted in any fundamental shift in the mentality of political leaders and nation-building in the decolonised nations. Through the adoption of game theory, this paper argues that the education curriculum left behind by colonial governments was designed to make African nations economically and technologically dependent on developed nations. Such a pattern of education was not geared toward African technological development, but rather conditioned African nations to be consumers rather than producers, with the resulting loss of initiative among the Africans. The curriculum is insidious in terms of principles and implementation across all levels of educational institutions, slowly destroying the economies of African nations that were once ahead of European nations during the pre-colonial epoch. Game theory was adopted for the understanding of the complex dynamics of decolonisation and downshift in knowledge reproduction in Africa. Instead of accelerating the socioeconomic development of decolonised African nations, the curriculum based on Western principles and ideas further subjugates African economies to imperialist influence and hegemony through the instrumentality of international financial institutions, which frequently dictate exploitative asymmetric relationships between the developed and developing African nations. African nations must therefore look inward for an African-oriented and culturally appropriate educational curriculum to meet the demand for socioeconomic advancement and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of China in the liberation of Africa from colonial rule cannot be down played as I laid a foundation to Africa today. Most African countries were aided by China militarily and ideologically in the fight against Western colonial rule. Though some scholars would suggest that China's contribution was as a result of the hostility that was there in the times of the cold war between the self-acclaimed democrats of the Western bloc and the Communist Eastern bloc. Philosophers like Marx Engel, Karl Marx, Lenin and Mao Zedong had a major influence on the liberation of Africa. The purpose of this paper is to show how the relationship that started as sincere has become a curse for the poor and unconnected Africans. In recent years the Chinese has overtaken the Briton hood Institutes of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank as the major lenders of loans to African States. Kwame Nkrumah warned us of the danger of Africa being recolonised in what he termed neo colonialism where the colonisers will come as investors. Neo colonialism is no longer a theory but has become a reality as will be exposed in this article using empirical, qualitative and quantitative research methods to show how a friendship with China has benefited the elite politicians at the cost of citizens affairs. Africa is endowed with natural resources yet it has the poorest population per Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. The paper will show how it is easy for a Chinese to own a business in Africa compared to the native Africans using the case of Shurugwi in Zimbabwe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Clinical Data Repository (CDR) is a dynamic database capable of real-time updates with patients' data, organized to facilitate rapid and easy retrieval. CDRs offer numerous benefits, ranging from preserving patients' medical records for follow-up care and prescriptions to enabling the development of intelligent models that can predict, and potentially mitigate serious health conditions. While several research works have attempted to provide state-of-the-art reviews on CDR design and implementation, reviews from 2013 to 2023 cover CDR regulations, guidelines, standards, and challenges in CDR implementation without providing a holistic overview of CDRs. Additionally, these reviews need to adequately address critical aspects of CDR; development and utilization, CDR architecture and metadata, CDR management tools, CDR security, use cases, and artificial intelligence (AI) in CDR design and implementation. The collective knowledge gaps in these works underscore the imperative for a comprehensive overview of the diverse spectrum of CDR as presented in the current study. Existing reviews conducted over the past decade, from 2013 to 2023 have yet to comprehensively cover the critical aspects of CDR development, which are essential for uncovering trends and potential future research directions in Africa and beyond. These aspects include architecture and metadata, security and privacy concerns, tools employed, and more. To bridge this gap, in particular, this study conducts a comprehensive systematic review of CDR, considering critical facets such as architecture and metadata, security and privacy issues, regulations guiding development, practical use cases, tools employed, the role of AI and machine learning (ML) in CDR development, existing CDRs, and challenges faced during CDR development and deployment in Africa and beyond. Specifically, the study extracts valuable discussions and analyses of the different aspects of CDR. Key findings revealed that most architectural models for CDR are still in the theoretical phase, with low awareness and adoption of CDR in healthcare environments, susceptibility to several security threats, and the need to integrate federated learning in CDR systems. Overall, this paper would serve as a valuable reference for designing and implementing cutting-edge clinical data repositories in Africa and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender equality is a prevailing global discourse and is particularly critical for Africa a continent drowned in patriarchy. Attempts are continually being made especially by gender inequality-conscious leadership in Africa to adopt international policies and implement national policies to promote gender parity. While African countries attained different levels of progress towards gender parity with these policies, the coronavirus pandemic that began in 2019 introduced another dimension to the gender equality debate globally. This study using the qualitative research method through pieces of literature analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on gender equality in Africa. It explored the potential for attaining gender equality in Africa by the years 2030 and 2063, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063, respectively It examined how COVID-19 exacerbated the inequalities amongst genders in comparison with the state of gender equality before COVID-19. The study further evaluated the role of COVID-19 in the state of affairs of gender roles, especially in attaining gender equality. The paper went ahead to discuss how gender equality can be improved during a crisis. The paper argued that the pandemic had magnified and exacerbated gender disparities in Africa, affecting various aspects of women's lives. Furthermore, it was discovered that this effect has caused setbacks in the advancement towards SDGs 2030 and Agenda 2063. Issues such as gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, and maternal mortality rates have experienced a notable increase. Therefore, in addressing these disparities, the paper recommends countries build equitable healthcare systems, create gender-disaggregated data production, implement policies to support women in the formal sector in managing remote work while balancing their domestic responsibilities and adopt gender budgeting practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jurnal Ilmu Ekonomi Terapan is the property of Universitas Airlangga 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 Janus.Net: e-Journal of International Relations is the property of Universidade Autonoma de Lisboa, Observare / Observatorio de Relacoes Exteriores 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.)

Background: Women in Africa are experiencing a rising burden of endometrial cancer. Research and investment to improve treatment and outcomes are critically needed. We systematically reviewed and characterized endometrial cancer-related research within a clinically relevant context to help organize and assess existing endometrial cancer research in Africa. Methods: According to PRISMA guidelines, we searched online databases for published endometrial cancer articles from African countries from January 1, 2011, to July 20, 2021. Based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria, independent reviewers documented the study design, country/region, human development index, focus of research, type of interventions performed, and histologic and molecular type to illustrate the breadth of research coverage in each region. Results: A total of 18 research articles were included. With an average Human Development Index (HDI) in Africa of 0.536, the average HDI of the represented countries in this study was 0.709. The majority (88.9%) of prospective endometrial cancer research articles in Africa were from North Africa, with Egypt encompassing 83.3% of the papers. Most of these studies focused on endometrial cancer diagnosis. Research on the treatment of endometrial cancer is still emerging (33% of papers). Of all included articles, only 11.1% represented Sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority population of black Africans reside. Conclusions: Endometrial cancer research in Africa is extremely limited, with the majority being concentrated in African countries with higher HDIs. As the incidence of endometrial cancer rises in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a pressing need for more prospective clinical research to tackle the growing disease burden and improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper explores some of the recent developments and transformations in Africa's higher education. Design/methodology/approach -- It employs an extensive review of literature based on some dominant thematic areas characterizing the main trends and developments in Africa's higher education. Findings -- The paper mainly highlights the impacts of academic partnerships on these transformations, with a focus on research, postgraduate training, mobility and some new intra-African initiatives. Following the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, digitalization comes out as an important turning point for Africa's higher education, which should be exploited for more opportunities. The paper calls for collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing Africa's higher education for the repositioning of Africa as a meaningful player in the unfolding global knowledge society. Practical implications -- The outcomes could be useful to researchers focused on international education, policymakers and higher education leaders and international development partners working on higher education in Africa. It could also be useful for structuring future collaborations between Africa and other regions of the world. Social implications -- The paper calls for enhanced and mutually beneficial collaborations and disruption of the imbalances that have characterised North--South collaborations. It proposes some possible approaches and alternatives that could be used for redress. Originality/value -- The paper is original and relies on some of the new developments in Africa, including the impacts of COVID-19 and digitalization on the future of higher education collaborations with Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022 triggered a conflict that has transformed international relations through drastic impacts on policymaking, energy politics, and alliances. Such impacts have produced severe multi-dimensional consequences for African countries that have yet to be sufficiently interrogated in the literature. In response to this gap, this paper examined the security implications of the conflict for African countries to offer a comprehensive analysis that considers the intersection of the conflict with contemporary economic, human, social, and political issues confronting Africa. In discourse using a qualitative approach and rooted in a theoretical perspective drawn from the Copenhagen School, the paper underlined the security implications as evident in the areas of food security and governance, buttressing that the proxy conflicts and power struggles associated with this war have exacerbated existing challenges related to food availability and interfered with the consolidation of democracy in Africa. The paper concluded that the war's multi-dimensional impact potentially compounds political instability vectors. It generates dynamics capable of eroding social cohesion and fomenting social unrest in Africa, meriting its designation as an issue of great concern to African policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Economic Research & Business Administration is the property of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University 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.)

Ports play a significant role in facilitating international trade and economic development, serving as vital gateways for the movement of goods across the continent and beyond. As global trade volumes continue to rise, efficient port operations hold the potential to not only enhance economic growth but also contribute significantly to job creation across various sectors of the economy. This paper examines the impact of container port throughput on employment in Africa and further tests whether causality runs from employment to container port throughput. To do so, we use a sample of 27 African countries with seaport and data spanning the period from 2010 to 2020 for the analysis. The system- Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) estimation technique is used as the estimation strategy. We use service, industrial, and total employment percentages of the total population as proxies for employment while annual container throughput measured in Twenty foots Equivalent Units (TEUs) is used as an indicator for port throughput. Based on the empirical results, we establish a positive significant effect of port throughput on employment in Africa. We further show that bidirectional causality exists between port throughput and employment in Africa. Following these findings, we recommend policies that increase port throughput in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nigeria has a relatively large scientific community that produces an adequate research output among African countries. Not many studies have analysed the research output in orthopaedics and sports medicine from Nigeria and Africa. Hence, we aimed to analyze the research output in orthopaedics and sports medicine from Nigeria and Africa. Methodology: We used the SCOPUS data from the Scimago Journal & Country Rank website. It allows us to draw various journal metrics for research. Results: Between 1996 and 2022, Nigerian research publications in orthopaedics and sports medicine had grown from 4 in 1996 to 39 in 2022 (a 10-fold growth) but overall is 62nd in the world representing 0.07% of publications in the period. In the same period, Africa published 8297 papers in orthopaedics and sports medicine representing only 1.24% of the global publications in this field. Conclusion: There is low research output in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine from Nigeria and, the whole African continent. However, there has been a growth in the publications from Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the influence of international trade, labor flow not only exists in the waves of international labor migration but is also embodied in international products and services. This paper focused on members of the China–Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC). We computed and analyzed the sectoral embodied labor transfer between China and Africa from 2000 to 2015 based on the Multiregional Input-Output Method. Our results are as follows: (1) Both China and Africa play roles as labor suppliers in the global supply chain. By ameliorating the trade structure, both China and Africa can better utilize their labor surplus. (2) China and Africa share complementarity in sectoral labor allocation. In short, the embodied labor transfer via international trade between China and Africa has, to some extent, relieved the labor shortage on both sides. (3) Africa has transformed into a net exporter of industrial labor since 2011. By analyzing the embodied labor flow from the global perspective, this paper beats a new path in depicting the effect of international trade on labor allocation, enriches the evaluation of embodied labor transfer between China and Africa, and also provides a beneficial supplement to Multiregional Input-Output analysis in the field of factor flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical research and epidemiological studies have shown that many women experience physical and behavioral symptoms that begin during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and terminate around the onset of menses; this is called premenstrual syndrome. The reviews stated that the pooled prevalence of premenstrual syndrome was around 50 percent. However, there has been no review done on premenstrual syndrome in Africa. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the most recent data evidence on the pooled prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its pooled effect of associated factors in Africa. Method: We used an appropriate guideline for systematic reviews and metaanalyses reports, which is the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). This review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023414021). The publications were identified from PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus databases, and other grey searches. The included papers were the original data that reported the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and associated factors published, in English, and papers available online from January 1, 2000, to May 30, 2023. The data was extracted in Microsoft Excel, and then it would be imported into STATA 11.0 for analysis. Results: We have included 16 studies conducted in African countries with 6530 study participants. In this meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of premenstrual syndrome among the reproductive-age participants in Africa was 46.98 (95% CI: 28.9-65.06%). Further, in subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence of premenstrual syndrome was 57.32% in Nigeria, 43.8% in Ethiopia, and 38.6% among university students and 66.04% among secondary school students. Among associated factors, the early age of menarche was significantly related to premenstrual syndrome. Conclusion: In this review, the pooled prevalence of premenstrual syndrome in Africa was high. Among factors, the early age of menarche was a risk factor for premenstrual syndrome. This finding might help the stakeholders (mental health policy makers, administrators, and mental health professionals) to address prevention, early screening, and management of PMS among reproductive-age women, and to give attention to more vulnerable bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between economic growth and environmental degradation is well documented. However, the link between business climate and ecological footprint remains an open question. This paper therefore explores the extent of the influence of business climate on environmental degradation in Africa. The impacts of business climate are estimated in a panel of 35 African countries observed over the period 2006–2018, using ecological footprint to account for environmental degradation. Panel spatial consistent correlation estimation technique, system generalized method of moments and method of moment panel quantile regression are used to estimate the model. The results show that business climate contributes to environmental degradation in developing economies. A 1% increase in business climate distorts environmental quality by 17.8%. The study reveals that although many development experts often encourage the ease of doing business policy, it does not come without its own potential damaging repercussion for the ecological environment. The paper contributes to the empirics by suggesting a new model that integrates the quantitative impacts of business climate on ecological footprint. Policymakers need to understudy how business firms can incorporate a better responsiveness toward the ecosystem. An improvement in business activities monitoring can help to mitigate the ecological footprint issues in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context and background Multidimensional Poverty (MP) considers poverty in multiple dimensions of deprivations such as health, education, energy, the standard of living and access to basic services. MP remains a major challenge in Africa, with a large proportion of the population living in MP. According to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Africa has shown the highest Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) having over 40% of its population living in MP. Goal and Objectives: This paper is a review, aimed at assessing the potential of the integration of satellite and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mapping MP, with a specific focus on Africa. Methodology: Based on the reviews of past studies, the combination of satellite data such as nighttime light, daytime satellite imagery and high-resolution settlement data in combination with techniques such as field surveys, statistical correlation models (transfer learning) and AI (deep learning) has been applied in mapping MP. Results: The findings from studies show that the combination of satellite data and AI has the capability of providing more accurate and granular MP maps, compared to the traditional approach. Again, this paper explains the concept of MP with a specific focus on Africa and presents a map depicting the current MPI in African countries. Finally, pitfalls especially in the accuracy, granularity and frequency of MP data were identified. Consequently, the satellite and AI approaches are recommended for more accurate, frequent, cost-effective and granular data, required in mapping poverty and design of interventions that effectively address the needs of the vulnerable populations in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context and background A global land rush -driven by a variety of factors-is driving transformative change in African rural communities that depend on land for their livelihoods. This increased demand has resulted in the acquisition of large areas of land on the continent. While the pace and scale of land acquisition may be levelling off,1 in many cases, some or all of the land acquired by investors stands idle.2 Land return- in which a private company legally transfers all or part of its land holdings back to a community or government-is an emerging phenomenon that may be on the rise as companies seek to limit their exposure to risk, governments redesignate lands and communities push for the return of their land. Land return holds promise as a way to correct for overzealous and misguided land acquisition and historical injustices amidst a growing understanding of the value of land to communities. Goal and Objective Yet land return presents challenges, many of which may be unexpected. Though existing frameworks and guidelines regarding responsible investments require effective community consultation, there is less clarity and limited guidance on what risks, mitigation strategies, and tools are needed to safeguard the rights of communities in the context of land return. Methodology This paper brings forward experience from a recent land return process in Tanzania in which Landesa and its partners worked to identify and put into practice standards and approaches that protect community rights while supporting a company's efforts to comply with best practices, national and international requirements and expectations for responsible corporate practice. The tools and processes tested and shared through this project align with efforts to support implementation of the Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Areas (AfCFTA) and achieve the aspiration of the Africa We Want (Agenda 2063). Results: This paper highlights the importance of inclusive and transparent land governance practices by presenting a case study of Landesa's experience working with a forestry company to engage with communities and local land administration to understand needs and expectations around the companys intention to return approximately 14,000 hectares of land. The case study will highlight land return-related risks, present a model for community benefit sharing arrangements, and will share lessons learned, highlighting potential best practices that companies holding idle land might consider and employ to reallocate to landscarce communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context and background The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into businesses has become increasingly widespread in recent years, particularly in developed countries, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation. AI presents numerous opportunities for small businesses, including those involved in cross-border trade. It has the potential to transform various aspects of business operations, such as customer interactions, marketing research, understanding consumer behavior, optimizing routes, and forecasting sales and marketing trends. Additionally, AI can contribute to the formalization of business processes, and assist these businesses in adapting more effectively to the ever-changing dynamics of the market. However, the successful implementation of AI necessitates a meticulous assessment of AI applications to ensure alignment with the objectives and resources of each individual small business. Goal and Objectives: The primary focus of this paper is to explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing Africa's cross-border trade. The paper will address the following research questions: What are the effective applications of artificial intelligence in cross-border informal trade in Africa, and what are the limitations? What does the future hold for African countries in terms of utilizing artificial intelligence for cross-border trade? How can African informal cross-border traders and their stakeholders benefit from incorporating artificial intelligence in their activities? Methodology: The research is purely empirical research based on observation and measurement of phenomena, as directly experienced by the researcher. Results: AI can be effectively applied by Informal Cross-Border Traders (ICBT) to enhance their businesses and enhance competitiveness. There are several AI applications accessible to ICBT within their operational context. Although the adoption and utilization of AI in Africa are still in their infancy, there is considerable promise for the future. Africans must address the challenges hindering the adoption and utilization of AI, as technology is advancing rapidly, and opportunities await those who embrace it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin cancer in African countries results primarily from exposure to high ambient ultraviolet radiation. It is an emerging public health issue with limited improvement in management services. Mohs surgery, a renowned surgical procedure in the treatment of skin cancer, involves exact tumor excision along with horizontal frozen tissue examination. It is known to minimize the defect size and improve patient outcomes. Therefore, Mohs surgery is highly effective for almost all nonmelanoma skin cancers. Despite its proven potential, the implementation of Mohs surgery in Africa faces various limitations. This commentary seeks to provide insights into the current threats and opportunities surrounding the execution of Mohs surgery in African healthcare systems. The role of governments, healthcare professionals, and international organizations is also highlighted in this paper. Methods: A literature search was conducted by retrieving articles from PubMed and Google Scholar. Previous articles that discuss skin cancer, Mohs surgery, and cancer in Africa were analysed to understand the implementation aspects of Mohs surgery in Africa. Results: The implementation of Mohs surgery in Africa is very limited due to challenges such as inadequately trained healthcare professionals, costs associated with the surgery, and cultural beliefs and misconceptions. Nevertheless, telemedicine has been used in surgical consultations regarding the postoperative management of patients who undergo Mohs surgery. Conclusion: Despite advances in medicine, African dermatological health care remains underdeveloped. Therefore, increased investment in healthcare training, infrastructure development, and more African-based skin cancer studies are necessary and paramount factors for the expansion and accessibility of Mohs surgery in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic waste has recently become a major global environmental concern and one of the biggest challenges has been seeking for alternative management options. Several studies have revealed the potential of several coleopteran species to degrade plastics, and this is the first research paper on plastic-degradation potential by lesser mealworms from Africa. This study evaluated the whole mitogenomic profile of the lesser mealworm to further identify the insect. The ability of the mealworm to consume Polystyrene (PS) was also evaluated alongside its associated gut microbiota diversity. Our results showed a complete circular mitochondrial genome which clustered closely to the Alphitobius genus but also suggested that our insect might be a new subspecies which require further identification. During the PS feeding trials, overall survival rates of the larvae decreased when fed a sole PS diet while PS intake was observed to increase over a 30-day period. The predominant bacteria observed in larvae fed PS diets were Kluyvera, Lactococcus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Enterococcus, while Stenotrophomonas dominated the control diet. These findings demonstrated that the newly identified lesser mealworm can survive on a PS diet and has a consortium of important bacteria strongly associated with PS degradation. This work provides a better understanding of bioremediation applications, paving the way for further research into the metabolic pathways of plastic-degrading microbes and bringing hope to solving plastic waste pollution while providing high-value insect protein towards a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examined the imaginaries of viable and assertive nationhood in the face of fragmented, oppressive and tyrannical regimes that pervert post-independence and postcolonial African states. To do justice to this paper, the qualitative approach and critical textual analysis using postcolonial theoretical framework was adopted for this study. In the plays under review, Onukaba and Idada, conscript two contemporary revolutionary visionary leaders in the post-independence/postcolomial African politics; namely, Ken Saro-Wiwa and Thomas Sankara, to deliberate on the decadence that pervert African political consciousness, creating lessons for all. The two visionary leaders in context are metaphorically summoned to the court of history to reflect on socio-political reality of Africa's politics and governance. The two real-life personalities whose audacious stance against neocolonial African state created great political tension and struggles and thus they suffered martyrdom in their different efforts at national self-retrieval and struggle for true independent African nationhood. The two playwrights creatively endowed their protagonists with true heroic, democratic, nationalistic and populist revolutionary temperaments. The study while teaching a lesson to African politicians and people, concludes that postcolonial Africa is in dire need of revolutionary transformation from the neocolonialist and imperialist vestiges, despite the setbacks that have been experienced over the years. The paper further postulates that a radical temperament such as depicted by the texts under review, remains relevant for birthing a viable African nationhood that will free Africa from the dungeon of slavery, and concludes that attention must be given to the pitfalls of those who have made such moves in the past and failed for the sake of correction and fresh paradigms in such patriotic pursuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the past two decades, intervention strategies to improve the use of the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) services have been implemented for several reasons. The reasons include elimination of HIV infections during pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, prevention of HIV, prevention of unintended pregnancies, and safer conception. Poor utilization of EMTCT services has been proven to put the child at risk of acquiring HIV, which could have been avoided. Objective: This study aims to explore and describe interventions to promote the elimination of mother-to-child transmission services among pregnant and nursing mothers in Africa. Method: A scoping literature review technique was undertaken on research papers published in English that focused on EMTCT, barriers, interventions, and methods to address challenges to EMTCT utilization. These were screened independently and coded. Results: The analysis comprised 14 out of approximately 9029 literature sources. Intervention strategies to improve EMTCT service utilization, according to the findings, include accessibility and affordability, healthcare worker training, integrating the elimination of mother-to-child transmission into maternal and child health services, community-based interventions, family-centred approaches, and the use of technology. Conclusions: Interventions that increase women's use of EMTCT services will contribute to the aim of HIV-free generation by reducing new HIV infections in children and saving lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]