Pub Date : 2024-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02467
Isaac Addai, Benedict Barnes, Isaac Kwame Dontwi, Kwaku Forkuoh Darkwah
The literature revealed that the Fractional Power Series Method (FPSM), which uses the Mittag-Leffler function in one parameter, has been gainfully applied in obtaining the solutions of fractional partial differential equations (FPDEs) in one dimension. However, the solutions in the multi-dimensional space have not been explored by researchers across the globe. The solutions of the FPDEs are feasible with the involvement of parameter in the Mittag-Leffler function. However, the FPSM, which uses the Mittag-Leffler function in two parameters, has not been considered by researchers. Incorporating two parameters, and , in the Mittag-Leffler function of the FPSM is beyond reasonable doubt; it provides the continuum solution of the FPDEs and also yields more consistent and fast convergence of the solution in Holder’s spaces compared to the FPSM with the Mittag-Leffler function in one parameter. The FPSM is extended by replacing the Mittag-Leffler function in one parameter with the Mittag-Leffler function in two parameters. Also, the modified FPSM is applied to obtain the solutions of both heat and telegraph equations in multi-dimensions and one-dimension respectively. The solutions obtained by the FPSM with the Mittag-Leffler function in one parameter are compared with the modified FPSM using the Mittag-Leffler function in two parameters.
{"title":"Modified Fractional Power Series Method for solving fractional partial differential equations","authors":"Isaac Addai, Benedict Barnes, Isaac Kwame Dontwi, Kwaku Forkuoh Darkwah","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02467","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02467","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The literature revealed that the Fractional Power Series Method (FPSM), which uses the Mittag-Leffler function in one parameter, has been gainfully applied in obtaining the solutions of fractional partial differential equations (FPDEs) in one dimension. However, the solutions in the multi-dimensional space have not been explored by researchers across the globe. The solutions of the FPDEs are feasible with the involvement of parameter <span><math><mi>α</mi></math></span> in the Mittag-Leffler function. However, the FPSM, which uses the Mittag-Leffler function in two parameters, has not been considered by researchers. Incorporating two parameters, <span><math><mi>α</mi></math></span> and <span><math><mi>β</mi></math></span>, in the Mittag-Leffler function of the FPSM is beyond reasonable doubt; it provides the continuum solution of the FPDEs and also yields more consistent and fast convergence of the solution in Holder’s spaces compared to the FPSM with the Mittag-Leffler function in one parameter. The FPSM is extended by replacing the Mittag-Leffler function in one parameter with the Mittag-Leffler function in two parameters. Also, the modified FPSM is applied to obtain the solutions of both heat and telegraph equations in multi-dimensions and one-dimension respectively. The solutions obtained by the FPSM with the Mittag-Leffler function in one parameter are compared with the modified FPSM using the Mittag-Leffler function in two parameters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article e02467"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142697970","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-15DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02459
David Mfitumukiza , Ronald Twongyirwe , Gordon Y. Mwesigwa , Esther Kebirungi , Viola Nilah Nyakato , Consolata Kabonesa
Context specific evidence, including understanding of gender–differentiated responses to shocks and stresses, could bolster adaptation and resilience building amongst agricultural communities, amidst a changing climate. However, information derived from such a perspective is currently deficient in livestock production literature. In this study, we use a gendered lens to assess responses of male– and female-headed livestock dependent households to drought–induced water and forage shortages in south-western Uganda. The study specifically addresses four questions: (i) What are the gender differentiated characteristics, and typologies of households involved in livestock production? (ii) How do the gender disaggregated household characteristics influence the perceived extent of effects of water and forage shortage? (iii) How do gender disaggregated household characteristics influence coping strategies to water and forage shortages? (iv) What are the gender–based roles in coping with water and forage shortages? Data were collected from livestock-dependent households using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analysed and presented using various techniques including descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g., principal components and cluster analyses, and ordered probit modelling). Results show that livestock production is persistently male-dominated, with female-headed households poorer and more likely to earn less (p < 0.05) from livestock farming than their male-headed counterparts. Female heads of households were about 10 years older than their male-head counterparts, but they are more likely to be widows or single (p < 0.05). Marital status and number of male employees were the most important factors for divergent views on the extent of water and forage shortage. Yet, household size and income were most important for coping with water and forage shortages. Coping with drought effects exhibited a gendered trend, and traditional gender roles in livestock management are changing. Our findings provide a basis for gender–responsive policy and practice interventions – in the changing contexts – for enhanced involvement of women in livestock production-based livelihoods.
{"title":"Typologies and determinants of coping responses to forage and water scarcity among livestock farmers in south-western Uganda: Does gender matter?","authors":"David Mfitumukiza , Ronald Twongyirwe , Gordon Y. Mwesigwa , Esther Kebirungi , Viola Nilah Nyakato , Consolata Kabonesa","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02459","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02459","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Context specific evidence, including understanding of gender–differentiated responses to shocks and stresses, could bolster adaptation and resilience building amongst agricultural communities, amidst a changing climate. However, information derived from such a perspective is currently deficient in livestock production literature. In this study, we use a gendered lens to assess responses of male– and female-headed livestock dependent households to drought–induced water and forage shortages in south-western Uganda. The study specifically addresses four questions: (i) What are the gender differentiated characteristics, and typologies of households involved in livestock production? (ii) How do the gender disaggregated household characteristics influence the perceived extent of effects of water and forage shortage? (iii) How do gender disaggregated household characteristics influence coping strategies to water and forage shortages? (iv) What are the gender–based roles in coping with water and forage shortages? Data were collected from livestock-dependent households using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analysed and presented using various techniques including descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g., principal components and cluster analyses, and ordered probit modelling). Results show that livestock production is persistently male-dominated, with female-headed households poorer and more likely to earn less (<em>p</em> < 0.05) from livestock farming than their male-headed counterparts. Female heads of households were about 10 years older than their male-head counterparts, but they are more likely to be widows or single (<em>p</em> < 0.05). Marital status and number of male employees were the most important factors for divergent views on the extent of water and forage shortage. Yet, household size and income were most important for coping with water and forage shortages. Coping with drought effects exhibited a gendered trend, and traditional gender roles in livestock management are changing. Our findings provide a basis for gender–responsive policy and practice interventions – in the changing contexts – for enhanced involvement of women in livestock production-based livelihoods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article e02459"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142697967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02460
Legesse Kassa Debusho, Leta Lencha Gemechu
Understanding the epidemiological patterns of tuberculosis-human immunodeficiency virus (TB-HIV) co-infection over space and time is crucial because it assists in identifying areas with high risks that need special control strategies. This article aimed to determine districts in Ethiopia that are most vulnerable to TB-HIV co-infection by examining the spatiotemporal patterns of the co-infection across four years, from 2015 to 2018. The study’s data came from Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health. The data was analysed by applying the Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal modelling. We considered four models with different space–time interaction structures via the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) in the R-INLA package. In addition, we have applied the Deviance Information Criterion to select the most suitable model. The mean raw annual TB-HIV relative risk (RR) continuously decreased from 2015 to 2018, and the raw RRs of co-infection varied over districts and years. The spatiotemporal model, which allows for space–time interaction with independent spatial random effect and dependent temporal random effect, was the preferred model for describing the variations in TB-HIV co-infection across different districts over time. The prior variance for the spatial structured random effect had a smaller precision mode than the spatial unstructured random effect. This difference reveals that the former accounted for more spatial autocorrelation than the latter, indicating an information-borrowing effect amongst districts. Furthermore, the findings exhibit that the relative risk of TB-HIV co-infection had significant spatiotemporal variation and clustering. Through this research, further information was obtained regarding the temporal evolution of the geographical spread of TB and HIV co-infection at the district level in the country. It also made it possible to determine districts that should receive priority for control actions because of their high risk of co-infection.
{"title":"Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal modelling of tuberculosis—Human immunodeficiency virus co-infection in Ethiopia","authors":"Legesse Kassa Debusho, Leta Lencha Gemechu","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02460","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02460","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the epidemiological patterns of tuberculosis-human immunodeficiency virus (TB-HIV) co-infection over space and time is crucial because it assists in identifying areas with high risks that need special control strategies. This article aimed to determine districts in Ethiopia that are most vulnerable to TB-HIV co-infection by examining the spatiotemporal patterns of the co-infection across four years, from 2015 to 2018. The study’s data came from Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health. The data was analysed by applying the Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal modelling. We considered four models with different space–time interaction structures via the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) in the R-INLA package. In addition, we have applied the Deviance Information Criterion to select the most suitable model. The mean raw annual TB-HIV relative risk (RR) continuously decreased from 2015 to 2018, and the raw RRs of co-infection varied over districts and years. The spatiotemporal model, which allows for space–time interaction with independent spatial random effect and dependent temporal random effect, was the preferred model for describing the variations in TB-HIV co-infection across different districts over time. The prior variance for the spatial structured random effect had a smaller precision mode than the spatial unstructured random effect. This difference reveals that the former accounted for more spatial autocorrelation than the latter, indicating an information-borrowing effect amongst districts. Furthermore, the findings exhibit that the relative risk of TB-HIV co-infection had significant spatiotemporal variation and clustering. Through this research, further information was obtained regarding the temporal evolution of the geographical spread of TB and HIV co-infection at the district level in the country. It also made it possible to determine districts that should receive priority for control actions because of their high risk of co-infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article e02460"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142697962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02476
Samuel Asante Gyamerah , Gifty Laar , Clement Asare
In today's fast-paced and unpredictable business landscape, companies need to embrace new strategies and innovations rooted in adaptable and flexible frameworks. This study examined how Internal Control Systems (ICS) and Information Technology influence the Corporate Performance of the listed banks on the Ghana Stock Exchange. The study followed a positivist approach and utilized quantitative methods to meet its objectives. Surveys were conducted using self-administered questionnaires, and data was collected through convenience and purposive sampling. Partial least squares regression with structural equation modelling was utilized to analyse the complex structural relationships between the variables. Additionally, the study explored the moderating role of Information Technology in enhancing the relationships between various dimensions of ICS and corporate performance. The results emphasize the importance of Information Technology and control activities within ICS, evidenced by their positive correlation with corporate performance. It also highlights the significance of monitoring activities in detecting and preventing fraudulent activities, errors, and inefficiencies. Our findings recommend policymakers, industry stakeholders, and entrepreneurs in the banking sector to prioritize and create a conducive regulatory environment for robust ICS implementation in listed banks in Ghana.
{"title":"Evaluating the impact of internal control systems on corporate performance of Ghanaian banks: The moderating role of information technology","authors":"Samuel Asante Gyamerah , Gifty Laar , Clement Asare","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02476","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02476","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In today's fast-paced and unpredictable business landscape, companies need to embrace new strategies and innovations rooted in adaptable and flexible frameworks. This study examined how Internal Control Systems (ICS) and Information Technology influence the Corporate Performance of the listed banks on the Ghana Stock Exchange. The study followed a positivist approach and utilized quantitative methods to meet its objectives. Surveys were conducted using self-administered questionnaires, and data was collected through convenience and purposive sampling. Partial least squares regression with structural equation modelling was utilized to analyse the complex structural relationships between the variables. Additionally, the study explored the moderating role of Information Technology in enhancing the relationships between various dimensions of ICS and corporate performance. The results emphasize the importance of Information Technology and control activities within ICS, evidenced by their positive correlation with corporate performance. It also highlights the significance of monitoring activities in detecting and preventing fraudulent activities, errors, and inefficiencies. Our findings recommend policymakers, industry stakeholders, and entrepreneurs in the banking sector to prioritize and create a conducive regulatory environment for robust ICS implementation in listed banks in Ghana.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article e02476"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142697960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02475
Dennis M.W. Ochieno
Endophytic Fusarium oxysporum strain V5w2 has been suggested to offer the ecosystem service of suppressing Cosmopolites sordidus and other pests that attack tissue culture banana plants in agroecosystems. The effects of endophytic F. oxysporum V5w2 and nutrient supply on C. sordidus in potted tissue culture banana plants were investigated. In the screenhouse, rhizome damage by C. sordidus larvae was lower in F. oxysporum V5w2-inoculated plants than in non-inoculated ones. Banana plants inoculated with F. oxysporum V5w2 were larger and suffered less rhizome damage but with low chlorophyll content. Weights of C. sordidus larvae were not different between those reared on F. oxysporum V5w2-inoculated banana plants and the non-inoculated ones. Larval C. sordidus from nutrient-treated plants had lower weight than those that fed on plants that did not receive nutrients. In the field, fewer adult C. sordidus were found on F. oxysporum V5w2-inoculated banana plants than on non-inoculated plants 12 h after insect release. The number of adult C. sordidus and their eggs did not vary between F. oxysporum V5w2-inoculated banana plants and controls at the end of the experiment. Adult C. sordidus did not discriminate between nutrient-treated banana plants and those without nutrient treatment. However, non-beneficial interactions between F. oxysporum V5w2 and plant-parasitic nematodes negate the chances of its application as an endophytic biological control agent. In conclusion, while F. oxysporum V5w2 is not quite viable for application as an endophytic biological control agent for C. sordidus and other banana pests, this fungus may still have some potential to offer alternative ecosystem services through the provisioning of pest-inhibitive organic compounds.
内生镰孢菌 V5w2 菌株被认为可提供生态系统服务，抑制农业生态系统中危害组培香蕉植株的 Cosmopolites sordidus 和其他害虫。本研究调查了内生 F. oxysporum V5w2 和养分供应对盆栽香蕉组培植物中 Cosmopolites sordidus 的影响。在筛选室中，接种 F. oxysporum V5w2 的香蕉植株根茎被 C. sordidus 幼虫破坏的程度低于未接种植株。接种了 F. oxysporum V5w2 的香蕉植株较大，根茎受害程度较轻，但叶绿素含量较低。在接种了 F. oxysporum V5w2 的香蕉植株上饲养的 C. sordidus 幼虫与未接种的幼虫的体重没有差异。从营养液处理过的植株上孵化出的 C. sordidus 幼虫的体重低于从未接种营养液的植株上孵化出的幼虫的体重。在田间，释放昆虫 12 小时后，在接种了 F. oxysporum V5w2 的香蕉植株上发现的 C. sordidus 成虫数量少于未接种的植株。实验结束时，接种了 F. oxysporum V5w2 的香蕉植株和对照植株上的 C. sordidus 成虫及其卵的数量没有变化。成虫对营养液处理过的香蕉植株和未处理过的香蕉植株没有区别。然而，F. oxysporum V5w2 与植物寄生线虫之间的无益相互作用否定了其作为内生生物控制剂的应用机会。总之，虽然 F. oxysporum V5w2 不适合作为内生生物防治剂来防治 C. sordidus 和其他香蕉害虫，但这种真菌仍有可能通过提供抑制害虫的有机化合物来提供其他生态系统服务。
{"title":"Fusarium oxysporum and soil nutrient amendments provide short-term inhibition of Cosmopolites sordidus raising questions on biopesticide and plant nutrition potentials in tissue culture banana","authors":"Dennis M.W. Ochieno","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02475","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02475","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Endophytic <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> strain V5w2 has been suggested to offer the ecosystem service of suppressing <em>Cosmopolites sordidus</em> and other pests that attack tissue culture banana plants in agroecosystems. The effects of endophytic <em>F. oxysporum</em> V5w2 and nutrient supply on <em>C. sordidus</em> in potted tissue culture banana plants were investigated. In the screenhouse, rhizome damage by <em>C. sordidus</em> larvae was lower in <em>F. oxysporum</em> V5w2-inoculated plants than in non-inoculated ones. Banana plants inoculated with <em>F. oxysporum</em> V5w2 were larger and suffered less rhizome damage but with low chlorophyll content. Weights of <em>C. sordidus</em> larvae were not different between those reared on <em>F. oxysporum</em> V5w2-inoculated banana plants and the non-inoculated ones. Larval <em>C. sordidus</em> from nutrient-treated plants had lower weight than those that fed on plants that did not receive nutrients. In the field, fewer adult <em>C. sordidus</em> were found on <em>F. oxysporum</em> V5w2-inoculated banana plants than on non-inoculated plants 12 h after insect release. The number of adult <em>C. sordidus</em> and their eggs did not vary between <em>F. oxysporum</em> V5w2-inoculated banana plants and controls at the end of the experiment. Adult <em>C. sordidus</em> did not discriminate between nutrient-treated banana plants and those without nutrient treatment. However, non-beneficial interactions between <em>F. oxysporum</em> V5w2 and plant-parasitic nematodes negate the chances of its application as an endophytic biological control agent. In conclusion, while <em>F. oxysporum</em> V5w2 is not quite viable for application as an endophytic biological control agent for <em>C. sordidus</em> and other banana pests, this fungus may still have some potential to offer alternative ecosystem services through the provisioning of pest-inhibitive organic compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article e02475"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142653505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In recent years, bricolage, often considered an alternative approach to traditional methods of entrepreneurial action, has attracted increasing interest from researchers. This article aims to provide an in-depth overview of the current state of bricolage research and to illuminate the historical development of knowledge in this area. To achieve this objective, we analyzed the literature by adopting the SLNA (Systematic Literature Network Analysis) methodology which combines the systematic review approach with bibliographic network analysis. To enrich this analysis, we also integrated the TCCM approach, which evaluates the literature from the angles of Theory (T), Context (C), Characteristics (C), and Methodology (M). This combination provides an integrated and comprehensive view of the current literature on entrepreneurial bricolage, thereby facilitating an in-depth and structured understanding of this research area. The results of this analysis show that research on bricolage is fragmented across several strands of research, producing a great wealth of knowledge on this entrepreneurial approach. Furthermore, this study identifies existing gaps in the literature and offers a roadmap to guide future research on entrepreneurial bricolage.
{"title":"Entrepreneurial bricolage: A systematic literature network analysis and TCCM approach","authors":"Brahim Aaouid , Abdellah Elboussadi , Omar Boubker , Zakaria Nejjari","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02474","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02474","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, bricolage, often considered an alternative approach to traditional methods of entrepreneurial action, has attracted increasing interest from researchers. This article aims to provide an in-depth overview of the current state of bricolage research and to illuminate the historical development of knowledge in this area. To achieve this objective, we analyzed the literature by adopting the SLNA (Systematic Literature Network Analysis) methodology which combines the systematic review approach with bibliographic network analysis. To enrich this analysis, we also integrated the TCCM approach, which evaluates the literature from the angles of Theory (T), Context (C), Characteristics (C), and Methodology (M). This combination provides an integrated and comprehensive view of the current literature on entrepreneurial bricolage, thereby facilitating an in-depth and structured understanding of this research area. The results of this analysis show that research on bricolage is fragmented across several strands of research, producing a great wealth of knowledge on this entrepreneurial approach. Furthermore, this study identifies existing gaps in the literature and offers a roadmap to guide future research on entrepreneurial bricolage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article e02474"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142697961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-08DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02462
Amogne Asfaw Eshetu , Asart Mulat Asegie , Samuel Tadesse Addisalem , Faris Hailu , Tinsaye Tamerat
The introduction of Prosopis for environmental rehabilitation in Ethiopia's arid regions led to unanticipated consequences. To overcome these challenges, OXFAM introduced a new technology with multiple benefits. This paper examines the local community's perception, the current Prosopis management system, and potential strategies using exploratory research. Data were collected from 55 purposively selected respondents through key informants (09), focus group discussion (05), survey scheduled interviews (13), in-depth household interviews (28), and direct field observation. Data were analyzed thematically and using descriptive statistics. The result of the study revealed that Prosopis is expanding alarmingly in the area. Pastoralist communities in the study area have a negative attitude towards this alien species. The pilot project was found to be essential and supports the government's effort to decrease the Prosopis invasion and provide alternative income sources. The most critical problems that cooperative members faced included access to credit (PCI=39), lack of technical support after the project exits (PCI=32), and the high price of Prosopis pods extraction and charcoal-making machines (PCI=25). The success of the new technologies depends on their acceptance and adoption by the beneficiaries. Therefore, it is crucial to integrate the various efforts made by stakeholders towards sustainable management of Prosopis juliflora. Providing a supportive environment for new businesses during their critical early stages regarding startup capital, market linkage, technical-skill training, and information can help them survive and grow through the vulnerable period. Further projects and interventions should consider using Prosopis for human nutritious foods, medicinal uses, and honey production.
{"title":"Beyond eradication: Unveiling local voices and proactive management strategies for Prosopis juliflora in eastern Ethiopia's arid landscape","authors":"Amogne Asfaw Eshetu , Asart Mulat Asegie , Samuel Tadesse Addisalem , Faris Hailu , Tinsaye Tamerat","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The introduction of Prosopis for environmental rehabilitation in Ethiopia's arid regions led to unanticipated consequences. To overcome these challenges, OXFAM introduced a new technology with multiple benefits. This paper examines the local community's perception, the current Prosopis management system, and potential strategies using exploratory research. Data were collected from 55 purposively selected respondents through key informants (09), focus group discussion (05), survey scheduled interviews (13), in-depth household interviews (28), and direct field observation. Data were analyzed thematically and using descriptive statistics. The result of the study revealed that Prosopis is expanding alarmingly in the area. Pastoralist communities in the study area have a negative attitude towards this alien species. The pilot project was found to be essential and supports the government's effort to decrease the Prosopis invasion and provide alternative income sources. The most critical problems that cooperative members faced included access to credit (PCI=39), lack of technical support after the project exits (PCI=32), and the high price of Prosopis pods extraction and charcoal-making machines (PCI=25). The success of the new technologies depends on their acceptance and adoption by the beneficiaries. Therefore, it is crucial to integrate the various efforts made by stakeholders towards sustainable management of Prosopis juliflora. Providing a supportive environment for new businesses during their critical early stages regarding startup capital, market linkage, technical-skill training, and information can help them survive and grow through the vulnerable period. Further projects and interventions should consider using Prosopis for human nutritious foods, medicinal uses, and honey production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article e02462"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142653497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-06DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02458
Olayinka O. Ajani , Mfonobong L. Ekpene , Gbolahan O. Oduselu , Olayinka O. Tolu-Bolaji , Oluwaseun Ejilude
Benzodiazepines' chemistry and synthesis as heterocyclic compounds have recently attracted a lot of attention, due to their extensive biological diversity in drug design and potential for usage in agrochemicals. Eco-friendly and highly efficient method was herein reported for the synthesis of a new series of Schiff base of benzodiazepine derivatives 3a-l using microwave-assisted approach. Firstly, 2,2,4-trimethy1–2,3-dihydro-lH-benzo[b][l,4]diazepine (1) was synthesized by AgNO3-catalyzed reaction of o-phenylenediamine with excess of acetone. Coupling of benzodiazepine 1 with 4-chloroaniline afforded intermediate benzodiazepine 2 which was subsequently reacted with benzaldehyde derivatives via microwave irradiation technique to access twelve final targeted benzodiazepine Schiff bases, 3a-l. The chemical structures of the scaffolds 3a-l were authenticated using analytical and spectroscopic data. Benzodiazepine Schiff bases 3a-l were investigated for their in vitro antimicrobial activities using Agar diffusion technique and screened for their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using microtube dilution technique. Ten pathogenic organisms comprising of seven bacterial and three fungal isolates were utilized for the screening. Ciprofloxacin was the positive control for antibacterial screening while fluconazole was engaged as the positive control for the antifungal screening. The most efficacious antimicrobial agent among the series was (E)-l-(2-Chloropheny1)-N-(4-(2,2,4-trimethyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-benzo[b][l,4] diazepinlyl)phenyl)methanimi ne (3b) with a MIC value of 3.13 µg/mL and MBC of 6.25 µg/mL among all the synthesized compounds synthesized and screening for antimicrobial assessment. Compound 3b also emerged as the best anti-tubercular agent IC50 of 40 µg/mL against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis and H37Rv
{"title":"Structure-based design and synthesis of (E)-l-(s-pheny1)-N-(4-(2,2,4-trimethy1–2,3-dihydro-lH-benzo[b][l,4]diazepin-l-yl)phenyl)methanimine motifs as antimicrobial and anti-tubercular agents","authors":"Olayinka O. Ajani , Mfonobong L. Ekpene , Gbolahan O. Oduselu , Olayinka O. Tolu-Bolaji , Oluwaseun Ejilude","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02458","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02458","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Benzodiazepines' chemistry and synthesis as heterocyclic compounds have recently attracted a lot of attention, due to their extensive biological diversity in drug design and potential for usage in agrochemicals. Eco-friendly and highly efficient method was herein reported for the synthesis of a new series of Schiff base of benzodiazepine derivatives <strong>3a-l</strong> using microwave-assisted approach. Firstly, 2,2,4-trimethy1–2,3-dihydro-lH-benzo[b][l,4]diazepine <strong>(1)</strong> was synthesized by AgNO<sub>3</sub>-catalyzed reaction of <em>o</em>-phenylenediamine with excess of acetone. Coupling of benzodiazepine <strong>1</strong> with 4-chloroaniline afforded intermediate benzodiazepine <strong>2</strong> which was subsequently reacted with benzaldehyde derivatives via microwave irradiation technique to access twelve final targeted benzodiazepine Schiff bases, <strong>3a-l.</strong> The chemical structures of the scaffolds <strong>3a-l</strong> were authenticated using analytical and spectroscopic data. Benzodiazepine Schiff bases <strong>3a-l</strong> were investigated for their <em>in vitro</em> antimicrobial activities using Agar diffusion technique and screened for their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using microtube dilution technique. Ten pathogenic organisms comprising of seven bacterial and three fungal isolates were utilized for the screening. Ciprofloxacin was the positive control for antibacterial screening while fluconazole was engaged as the positive control for the antifungal screening. The most efficacious antimicrobial agent among the series was (<em>E</em>)-<span>l</span>-(2-Chloropheny1)-<em>N</em>-(4-(2,2,4-trimethyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-benzo[<em>b</em>][l,4] diazepinlyl)phenyl)methanimi ne (<strong>3b</strong>) with a MIC value of 3.13 µg/mL and MBC of 6.25 µg/mL among all the synthesized compounds synthesized and screening for antimicrobial assessment. Compound <strong>3b</strong> also emerged as the best anti-tubercular agent IC<sub>50</sub> of 40 µg/mL against <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis</em> and H37Rv</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article e02458"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142653639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-06DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02461
Victor Agyei , Mac E. Nutsuakor , Papa Kofi Amissah-Reynolds , Aisha Ali , Pascal P. Agro , Emmanuel Danquah
Law enforcement is central to the objectives of managing Protected Areas for the benefit of resident species. The study sought to appraise park patrol performance against variables needed for monitoring of the species, according to the ideologies of occupancy modelling in the Kalakpa Resource Reserve (KRR), by estimating patrol effort and comparing to estimates of survey effort needed for a precise occupancy estimation. Patrol indices were obtained from ranger patrol data and used to estimate patrol effort for rangers in the KRR. The survey effort was estimated using the values provided by the occupancy analysis of key ungulate species in KRR, for all encountered ungulates treated as a single group and four species directly sighted/heard on patrols. Encounter rates were low for ungulate species during the study period. The number of species and illegal activities observed were significantly affected by the number of staff on patrol, duration of patrols, and distance patrolled. The patrolling camp had no significant effect on the observations of species and illegal activities. Patrol effort was 190 survey occasions, with the estimated survey effort ranging from 377 to 1068 survey occasions. The estimated survey effort was significantly higher than the patrol effort and necessitated an increase in the number of patrols per unit time to improve the protection of the species in the KRR.
{"title":"Estimated versus actual: variation in patrol effort and estimates of number of surveys needed for efficient law enforcement in protected areas","authors":"Victor Agyei , Mac E. Nutsuakor , Papa Kofi Amissah-Reynolds , Aisha Ali , Pascal P. Agro , Emmanuel Danquah","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02461","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02461","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Law enforcement is central to the objectives of managing Protected Areas for the benefit of resident species. The study sought to appraise park patrol performance against variables needed for monitoring of the species, according to the ideologies of occupancy modelling in the Kalakpa Resource Reserve (KRR), by estimating patrol effort and comparing to estimates of survey effort needed for a precise occupancy estimation. Patrol indices were obtained from ranger patrol data and used to estimate patrol effort for rangers in the KRR. The survey effort was estimated using the values provided by the occupancy analysis of key ungulate species in KRR, for all encountered ungulates treated as a single group and four species directly sighted/heard on patrols. Encounter rates were low for ungulate species during the study period. The number of species and illegal activities observed were significantly affected by the number of staff on patrol, duration of patrols, and distance patrolled. The patrolling camp had no significant effect on the observations of species and illegal activities. Patrol effort was 190 survey occasions, with the estimated survey effort ranging from 377 to 1068 survey occasions. The estimated survey effort was significantly higher than the patrol effort and necessitated an increase in the number of patrols per unit time to improve the protection of the species in the KRR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article e02461"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142653498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-05DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02463
Peggy Mutheu Ngila , Bello Adamu Danmallam , Iniunam Aniefiok Iniunam , Anthony Kuria , Rosie Trevelyan
Forests provide vital ecosystem services and support a significant proportion of Earth's terrestrial biodiversity. Despite their ecological importance, global deforestation has accelerated in recent decades, posing a grave threat to biodiversity. Birds within these ecosystems are particularly important for conservation efforts, as they serve as indicators of forest health and overall biodiversity. In this study, we examined the relationship between species richness and functional metrics of forest-dependent birds in Kenya, focusing on the impact of habitat degradation and deforestation. Our objective was to determine how forest loss influences species richness and functional diversity indices, potentially leading to increased functional biotic homogenization. Using citizen science data from the Kenya Bird Map, we classified birds into three categories: forest specialists, forest generalists, and forest visitors. Our findings revealed a decline in both taxonomic richness and functional diversity, alongside an increase in functional evenness in response to forest loss, supporting the hypothesis that deforestation drives biotic homogenization. Forest visitors displayed a heightened sensitivity to forest loss, likely due to the reduction of edge habitats and increased human disturbances, underscoring the need for targeted conservation strategies. Our results underscore the critical role that policies like the Kenyan Forest Policy Act can play in mitigating anthropogenic pressures on forests. By highlighting the importance of preserving mature forests and maintaining forested lands, our study emphasizes how such policies could support biodiversity conservation and sustain essential ecosystem functions within Kenya's diverse forest ecosystems.
{"title":"Impact of forest cover loss on forest dependent avian species in Kenya","authors":"Peggy Mutheu Ngila , Bello Adamu Danmallam , Iniunam Aniefiok Iniunam , Anthony Kuria , Rosie Trevelyan","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02463","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02463","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forests provide vital ecosystem services and support a significant proportion of Earth's terrestrial biodiversity. Despite their ecological importance, global deforestation has accelerated in recent decades, posing a grave threat to biodiversity. Birds within these ecosystems are particularly important for conservation efforts, as they serve as indicators of forest health and overall biodiversity. In this study, we examined the relationship between species richness and functional metrics of forest-dependent birds in Kenya, focusing on the impact of habitat degradation and deforestation. Our objective was to determine how forest loss influences species richness and functional diversity indices, potentially leading to increased functional biotic homogenization. Using citizen science data from the Kenya Bird Map, we classified birds into three categories: forest specialists, forest generalists, and forest visitors. Our findings revealed a decline in both taxonomic richness and functional diversity, alongside an increase in functional evenness in response to forest loss, supporting the hypothesis that deforestation drives biotic homogenization. Forest visitors displayed a heightened sensitivity to forest loss, likely due to the reduction of edge habitats and increased human disturbances, underscoring the need for targeted conservation strategies. Our results underscore the critical role that policies like the Kenyan Forest Policy Act can play in mitigating anthropogenic pressures on forests. By highlighting the importance of preserving mature forests and maintaining forested lands, our study emphasizes how such policies could support biodiversity conservation and sustain essential ecosystem functions within Kenya's diverse forest ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article e02463"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142653496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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