Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03152
Alfonso Chikuni , Patsani Gregory Kumambala , Michael Chasukwa , Blessings Chinsinga
This study investigates whether Project Steering Committees (PSCs) can effectively enhance accountability, transparency, and reduce corruption risk in large infrastructure projects in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It employs a comparative qualitative case study design focused on three high-value infrastructure projects in Malawi, combining primary interviews with secondary document analysis, and guided by the Conceptual Project Governance Framework (CPGF). The cases span three governance models: formally constituted PSCs supported by donors, embedded Project Implementation Units (PIUs), and informal coordination mechanisms. To interpret governance dynamics and explain inter-case variation, the study applies a combined theoretical lens integrating project governance theory, institutional analysis, and public choice theory. Findings indicate that inclusive, strategically mandated PSCs with legal authority substantially improve oversight and constrain discretionary abuse. In contrast, informal or politically influenced structures correlate with higher corruption vulnerability and opaque decision-making. By offering rare project-level, empirically grounded insights, the study advances scholarship on infrastructure governance in LMICs and provides actionable guidance for institutionalizing oversight mechanisms in complex project environments.
{"title":"Are steering committees the governance fix in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) infrastructure projects?","authors":"Alfonso Chikuni , Patsani Gregory Kumambala , Michael Chasukwa , Blessings Chinsinga","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03152","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03152","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates whether Project Steering Committees (PSCs) can effectively enhance accountability, transparency, and reduce corruption risk in large infrastructure projects in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It employs a comparative qualitative case study design focused on three high-value infrastructure projects in Malawi, combining primary interviews with secondary document analysis, and guided by the Conceptual Project Governance Framework (CPGF). The cases span three governance models: formally constituted PSCs supported by donors, embedded Project Implementation Units (PIUs), and informal coordination mechanisms. To interpret governance dynamics and explain inter-case variation, the study applies a combined theoretical lens integrating project governance theory, institutional analysis, and public choice theory. Findings indicate that inclusive, strategically mandated PSCs with legal authority substantially improve oversight and constrain discretionary abuse. In contrast, informal or politically influenced structures correlate with higher corruption vulnerability and opaque decision-making. By offering rare project-level, empirically grounded insights, the study advances scholarship on infrastructure governance in LMICs and provides actionable guidance for institutionalizing oversight mechanisms in complex project environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03152"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-09-09DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02960
Adedibu Sunny Akingboye , Andy Anderson Bery , Abimbola Chris Ogunyele , Joseph Gnapragasan , Taiwo Adewumi , Anthony Victor Oyeshomo , Obinna Chigoziem Akakuru , Oluwatimilehin Balogun
The Okpella region in southwestern Nigeria’s Precambrian Basement Complex holds significant gold (Au) mineralization potential but remains underexplored due to its complex lithostructural evolution. The terrain comprises diverse metasedimentary and granitoid rocks, including granite gneiss (GGN), garnet-biotite schist (GBS), calc-silicate gneiss (CGN), quartzite (Qs), banded iron formation (BIF), charnockite (Ch), granite (G), and minor pegmatite and basic dykes. This study presents a novel integration of geological, geochemical, and high-resolution aeromagnetic and radiometric data—including magnetic derivatives, optimized radiometric indices, potassium deviation analysis, Au prospectivity modeling, and magnetic depth-to-source estimations—to delineate lithological units, characterize hydrothermal alteration, identify Au-bearing zones, and estimate the depths of mineralized structures. The Ch-dominated southern domain shows low to moderate magneto-radiometric responses, while the central to northern zones (GGN, GBS, CGN, BIF, G) exhibit higher signals—with magnetic intensities reaching up to 105.6 nT—interspersed with localized lows. Enhanced magnetic derivatives, optimized radiometric indices, and Au prospectivity mapping refine auriferous targeting by highlighting structurally reactivated contacts, particularly GBS–G, CGN–G, GGN–CGN–G, and GBS–CGN–G, dominated by NE–SW and NW–SE structures. Three structurally controlled hydrothermal belts with exploitable depths from <37 to 125 m are delineated, while deeper magnetic models resolve reactivated crustal blocks down to ∼3.5 km. The resulting framework provides a transferable exploration strategy, integrating geophysical, geochemical, and geological insights to support sustainable mineral development and national resource-based economic growth.
{"title":"Magneto–radiometric and geochemical mapping of structurally controlled hydrothermal gold mineralization in the Okpella Neoproterozoic terrain, Igarra Schist Belt, SW Nigeria","authors":"Adedibu Sunny Akingboye , Andy Anderson Bery , Abimbola Chris Ogunyele , Joseph Gnapragasan , Taiwo Adewumi , Anthony Victor Oyeshomo , Obinna Chigoziem Akakuru , Oluwatimilehin Balogun","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02960","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02960","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Okpella region in southwestern Nigeria’s Precambrian Basement Complex holds significant gold (Au) mineralization potential but remains underexplored due to its complex lithostructural evolution. The terrain comprises diverse metasedimentary and granitoid rocks, including granite gneiss (GGN), garnet-biotite schist (GBS), calc-silicate gneiss (CGN), quartzite (Qs), banded iron formation (BIF), charnockite (Ch), granite (G), and minor pegmatite and basic dykes. This study presents a novel integration of geological, geochemical, and high-resolution aeromagnetic and radiometric data—including magnetic derivatives, optimized radiometric indices, potassium deviation analysis, Au prospectivity modeling, and magnetic depth-to-source estimations—to delineate lithological units, characterize hydrothermal alteration, identify Au-bearing zones, and estimate the depths of mineralized structures. The Ch-dominated southern domain shows low to moderate magneto-radiometric responses, while the central to northern zones (GGN, GBS, CGN, BIF, G) exhibit higher signals—with magnetic intensities reaching up to 105.6 nT—interspersed with localized lows. Enhanced magnetic derivatives, optimized radiometric indices, and Au prospectivity mapping refine auriferous targeting by highlighting structurally reactivated contacts, particularly GBS–G, CGN–G, GGN–CGN–G, and GBS–CGN–G, dominated by NE–SW and NW–SE structures. Three structurally controlled hydrothermal belts with exploitable depths from <37 to 125 m are delineated, while deeper magnetic models resolve reactivated crustal blocks down to ∼3.5 km. The resulting framework provides a transferable exploration strategy, integrating geophysical, geochemical, and geological insights to support sustainable mineral development and national resource-based economic growth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e02960"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Local adaptation studies provide a critical framework for understanding how environmental factors drive the evolution of plant traits, especially in the context of climate change. Despite the existing evidence on local adaptation of plant species to climate change (LAPCC), knowledge on the diversity of studied species, their life forms, and conservation status, as well as appropriateness of methods remains limited, thereby hindering the design of effective conservation strategies. This study aims to synthesize trends in scientific production on LAPCC with emphasis on the studied species and analytical methods, identify research gaps in LAPCC studies, and propose a roadmap to address these gaps. From an initial set of 2292 articles identified with relevant keywords in three databases, 213 were fully analyzed. A temporal analysis showed a rapid and significant increase in the number of articles between 2000 and 2024. Most studies were conducted in America (49.29 %), and a few originated from Africa (3.75 %). The studies have predominantly employed quantitative genetics (43.52 %), followed by landscape genomics (21.76 %) and population genomics (14.35 %). Most studies focused on trees (55.09 %) and herbaceous (34.75 %) plants, while research on shrubs (10.19 %) was underrepresented. LAPCC studies mainly considered well-known and low-risk species, thereby overlooking threatened species. Our findings highlight several gaps, including low contribution of Africa to the LAPCC literature, limited focus on endangered species, and lack of an integrated methodological framework. Consequently, we proposed a three-step roadmap for future LAPCC studies: (1) improving the representation of understudied species and geographical areas, (2) fostering the study of species with high conservation needs, and (3) adopting a more integrated analytical approach combining several methods. Overall, our review offers a framework for improving LAPCC research and guiding biodiversity conservation efforts globally and effectively.
{"title":"A global synthesis of research on plant local adaptation to climate change: plant diversity, methodological approaches and future roadmap","authors":"Séverin Biaou , Florent Noulèkoun , Kolawolé Valère Salako , Thierry Dehouegnon Houehanou , Christine Ouinsavi , Gérard Nounagnon Gouwakinnou","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03139","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03139","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Local adaptation studies provide a critical framework for understanding how environmental factors drive the evolution of plant traits, especially in the context of climate change. Despite the existing evidence on local adaptation of plant species to climate change (LAPCC), knowledge on the diversity of studied species, their life forms, and conservation status, as well as appropriateness of methods remains limited, thereby hindering the design of effective conservation strategies. This study aims to synthesize trends in scientific production on LAPCC with emphasis on the studied species and analytical methods, identify research gaps in LAPCC studies, and propose a roadmap to address these gaps. From an initial set of 2292 articles identified with relevant keywords in three databases, 213 were fully analyzed. A temporal analysis showed a rapid and significant increase in the number of articles between 2000 and 2024. Most studies were conducted in America (49.29 %), and a few originated from Africa (3.75 %). The studies have predominantly employed quantitative genetics (43.52 %), followed by landscape genomics (21.76 %) and population genomics (14.35 %). Most studies focused on trees (55.09 %) and herbaceous (34.75 %) plants, while research on shrubs (10.19 %) was underrepresented. LAPCC studies mainly considered well-known and low-risk species, thereby overlooking threatened species. Our findings highlight several gaps, including low contribution of Africa to the LAPCC literature, limited focus on endangered species, and lack of an integrated methodological framework. Consequently, we proposed a three-step roadmap for future LAPCC studies: (1) improving the representation of understudied species and geographical areas, (2) fostering the study of species with high conservation needs, and (3) adopting a more integrated analytical approach combining several methods. Overall, our review offers a framework for improving LAPCC research and guiding biodiversity conservation efforts globally and effectively.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03139"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-04DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03177
Ifeyinwa G. Ibekwe , Ahmed H. Awad , Marawan Abdelwahed , Fatai O. Aramide , Mohamed A. Taha
This study investigates the processability of Al5356 wire using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) with Double Pulse (DP-GMAW) and Single Pulse (SP-GMAW) welding modes. The research aims to understand how varying heat input and pulsing strategies affect the WAAM-processed component morphology, microstructural evolution, and mechanical performance of the fabricated components. The results revealed that DP-GMAW could improve bead geometry, reduce porosity, and lead to refined grain structure through enhanced pool stirring compared to SP- GMAW. Moreover, hardness measurements of the vertical structures show a more uniform distribution along the vertical direction. The SP-GMAW process, although producing higher porosity (3.55%), showed higher tensile strength of 265 MPa compared to DP-GMAW. Both methods demonstrated mechanical properties surpassing those of cast Al5356 alloy. The findings provide insights into optimizing pulsed arc welding parameters for enhanced performance in aluminum WAAM applications.
{"title":"Effects of single and double- pulse GMAW on the WAAM fabrication of Al5356 wall on Al- 6082 substrate","authors":"Ifeyinwa G. Ibekwe , Ahmed H. Awad , Marawan Abdelwahed , Fatai O. Aramide , Mohamed A. Taha","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03177","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03177","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the processability of Al5356 wire using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) with Double Pulse (DP-GMAW) and Single Pulse (SP-GMAW) welding modes. The research aims to understand how varying heat input and pulsing strategies affect the WAAM-processed component morphology, microstructural evolution, and mechanical performance of the fabricated components. The results revealed that DP-GMAW could improve bead geometry, reduce porosity, and lead to refined grain structure through enhanced pool stirring compared to SP- GMAW. Moreover, hardness measurements of the vertical structures show a more uniform distribution along the vertical direction. The SP-GMAW process, although producing higher porosity (3.55%), showed higher tensile strength of 265 MPa compared to DP-GMAW. Both methods demonstrated mechanical properties surpassing those of cast Al5356 alloy. The findings provide insights into optimizing pulsed arc welding parameters for enhanced performance in aluminum WAAM applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03177"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03144
B.S. OJELADE , W.A. JAYEOBA , J.B.O. OGOLA
Medicinal practices that incorporate animal parts can strengthen the relationships between people and wildlife. Although this practice is recognised as a positive use of wildlife for healing, the demand for animal-based healing remedies poses a threat to biodiversity. This research examines the use of wildlife for medicinal purposes in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria. It details the species, parts used, affected ailments, the intensity of the trade, and the trade's conservation status. This study was accomplished using structured questionnaires and interviews focused on six central markets, and later evaluated the species against the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulations. Twenty-one species were noted, with 62 % of the trade mammals, 14.3 % birds, 14.3 % reptiles, 4.7 % fish, and 4.7 % amphibians. Python, Cane rat, and Black rat were the most frequently mentioned in the literature and in practical use. A high fidelity level of 100 % and an Informant Consensus Factor within the 0.95–1.00 range were strongly concordant with the positive, expected outcome of the remedies. Primary ethnomedicine was recorded as a trade motivator, accounting for 52 % of the justification for the trade, followed by religion at 9 % and food at 4 %. Overlapping factors were noted among all three motivators. Conservation evaluations revealed that 76 % of the assessed species were classified as Least Concern, 14 % as Near Threatened, and 5 % were classified as Vulnerable or Endangered. The study highlights the need for traditional medicine and the conservation of biodiversity. The study advocates for the need for sustainable management of resources, control and collaboration across disciplines, and education focused on reducing zoonoses and preserving wildlife, along with its cultural legacy.
{"title":"An empirical assessment of wild fauna species as critical ingredients for traditional curative therapy","authors":"B.S. OJELADE , W.A. JAYEOBA , J.B.O. OGOLA","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03144","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03144","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Medicinal practices that incorporate animal parts can strengthen the relationships between people and wildlife. Although this practice is recognised as a positive use of wildlife for healing, the demand for animal-based healing remedies poses a threat to biodiversity. This research examines the use of wildlife for medicinal purposes in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria. It details the species, parts used, affected ailments, the intensity of the trade, and the trade's conservation status. This study was accomplished using structured questionnaires and interviews focused on six central markets, and later evaluated the species against the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulations. Twenty-one species were noted, with 62 % of the trade mammals, 14.3 % birds, 14.3 % reptiles, 4.7 % fish, and 4.7 % amphibians. Python, Cane rat, and Black rat were the most frequently mentioned in the literature and in practical use. A high fidelity level of 100 % and an Informant Consensus Factor within the 0.95–1.00 range were strongly concordant with the positive, expected outcome of the remedies. Primary ethnomedicine was recorded as a trade motivator, accounting for 52 % of the justification for the trade, followed by religion at 9 % and food at 4 %. Overlapping factors were noted among all three motivators. Conservation evaluations revealed that 76 % of the assessed species were classified as Least Concern, 14 % as Near Threatened, and 5 % were classified as Vulnerable or Endangered. The study highlights the need for traditional medicine and the conservation of biodiversity. The study advocates for the need for sustainable management of resources, control and collaboration across disciplines, and education focused on reducing zoonoses and preserving wildlife, along with its cultural legacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03144"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Malawi continues to face a substantial HIV burden. However, little empirical evidence from a multi-institutional, nationally representative point of view exists on the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among university students, a population that is vulnerable and central to national HIV prevention goals. This study addressed the gap by assessing the levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge and associated factors among full-time undergraduate students across six public and private universities in Malawi. A cross-sectional survey involving 526 students was conducted using stratified random sampling and a self-administered questionnaire, with data analysed through descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and t-tests. Findings showed that students possessed a generally high level of HIV/AIDS knowledge (82.3 %), with significant differences observed by sex, programme of study, and year of study. Knowledge of behavioural prevention measures was strong, yet notable gaps remained, particularly regarding biomedical prevention methods such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and misconceptions about sterilised needle sharing and non-sexual transmission. These findings indicate that while progress has been made in HIV awareness, important knowledge deficits persist, especially in emerging HIV science. The study contributes new evidence that can inform the design of structured, standardised, and integrated HIV education within higher-learning institutions. Strengthening HIV knowledge among university students is essential for reducing vulnerability to new infections and directly contributes to national and global targets, including SDG 3.3 on ending AIDS by 2030 and Agenda 2063 aspirations for healthy and well-nourished citizens.
{"title":"Level of comprehensive knowledge about HIV & AIDS among university students in Malawi","authors":"Wezzie Munthali Tenthani , Fanuel Kapute , Ulemu Msiska , Shaibu Benard","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03111","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03111","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malawi continues to face a substantial HIV burden. However, little empirical evidence from a multi-institutional, nationally representative point of view exists on the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among university students, a population that is vulnerable and central to national HIV prevention goals. This study addressed the gap by assessing the levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge and associated factors among full-time undergraduate students across six public and private universities in Malawi. A cross-sectional survey involving 526 students was conducted using stratified random sampling and a self-administered questionnaire, with data analysed through descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and t-tests. Findings showed that students possessed a generally high level of HIV/AIDS knowledge (82.3 %), with significant differences observed by sex, programme of study, and year of study. Knowledge of behavioural prevention measures was strong, yet notable gaps remained, particularly regarding biomedical prevention methods such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and misconceptions about sterilised needle sharing and non-sexual transmission. These findings indicate that while progress has been made in HIV awareness, important knowledge deficits persist, especially in emerging HIV science. The study contributes new evidence that can inform the design of structured, standardised, and integrated HIV education within higher-learning institutions. Strengthening HIV knowledge among university students is essential for reducing vulnerability to new infections and directly contributes to national and global targets, including SDG 3.3 on ending AIDS by 2030 and Agenda 2063 aspirations for healthy and well-nourished citizens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03111"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145683113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-14DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03266
Thérèse N. Kindeke , Alexis B. Nienie , Crispin Mulaji , John W. Poté , Periyasamy Sivalingam
The Congo DR has diverse ecosystems and landscapes. Despite this, safe drinking water availability in the Congo DR has far-reaching consequences and adversely impacts public health. The lack of clean water access for the majority of the country's population is largely attributed to poor infrastructure, contamination, and regular droughts. Water from rivers, lakes, and springs is the primary source of drinking and domestic use in the Congo DR. However, the microbiological quality of these drinking water sources remains poorly understood. In this study, the seasonal variability of drinking water quality for microbiological contamination and nutrient levels from springs (n = 17) in the commune of Lukemi was assessed. We measured faecal indicator bacteria (FIB: total coliform (TC) and Escherichia coli (E. coli)) and physicochemical parameters in water samples during the dry and wet seasons. FIB contamination levels in water samples varied according to the seasons. We observed E. coli concentrations of 9.5 × 102 and 12.9 × 102 colony-forming units (cfu) per 100 mL (CFU/100 mL) in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The TC concentration was 3.4 × 102 CFU/100 mL during the dry season and 2.8 × 102 CFU/100 mL during the wet season. The levels of nutrients, such as NO3− concentrations, were significantly higher across all study sites and among seasons. Samples from the wet season exhibited higher pollution levels than those from the dry season. Notably, E. coli contamination was observed in 9 spring water samples collected during the dry season, while TC was detected at all sampling sites during both the wet and dry seasons. Based on the findings of this study, local communities can be guided and informed on ensuring water quality and implementing best management practices to protect drinking water sources in an area prone to persistent and recurring waterborne diseases.
{"title":"Microbiological and physicochemical analysis of spring drinking-water from the municipality of Lukemi, Kikwit City, Democratic Republic of the Congo","authors":"Thérèse N. Kindeke , Alexis B. Nienie , Crispin Mulaji , John W. Poté , Periyasamy Sivalingam","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Congo DR has diverse ecosystems and landscapes. Despite this, safe drinking water availability in the Congo DR has far-reaching consequences and adversely impacts public health. The lack of clean water access for the majority of the country's population is largely attributed to poor infrastructure, contamination, and regular droughts. Water from rivers, lakes, and springs is the primary source of drinking and domestic use in the Congo DR. However, the microbiological quality of these drinking water sources remains poorly understood. In this study, the seasonal variability of drinking water quality for microbiological contamination and nutrient levels from springs (<em>n</em> = 17) in the commune of Lukemi was assessed. We measured faecal indicator bacteria (FIB: total coliform (TC) and <em>Escherichia coli</em> (<em>E. coli</em>)) and physicochemical parameters in water samples during the dry and wet seasons. FIB contamination levels in water samples varied according to the seasons. We observed <em>E. coli</em> concentrations of 9.5 × 10<sup>2</sup> and 12.9 × 10<sup>2</sup> colony-forming units (cfu) per 100 mL (CFU/100 mL) in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The TC concentration was 3.4 × 10<sup>2</sup> CFU/100 mL during the dry season and 2.8 × 10<sup>2</sup> CFU/100 mL during the wet season. The levels of nutrients, such as NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> concentrations, were significantly higher across all study sites and among seasons. Samples from the wet season exhibited higher pollution levels than those from the dry season. Notably, <em>E. coli</em> contamination was observed in 9 spring water samples collected during the dry season, while TC was detected at all sampling sites during both the wet and dry seasons. Based on the findings of this study, local communities can be guided and informed on ensuring water quality and implementing best management practices to protect drinking water sources in an area prone to persistent and recurring waterborne diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03266"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147395300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-14DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03258
Anselme Bagoro , Anthony Benoist , Marie Sawadogo
Bioenergy valorization from agro-industrial biomass, particularly cashew nut shells, is increasingly adopted by agro-industries in West Africa as a strategy for waste management and energy supply. However, its long-term sustainability critically depends on social acceptability within local communities exposed to its environmental and economic impacts. Despite the rapid expansion of this practice, empirical evidence on its social acceptability in African agro-industrial contexts remains limited. This research investigates the key factors influencing acceptability among local populations, based on original field evidence from Burkina Faso. It combines a household survey (n = 320, margin of error = 4.20 %) with a multidimensional modelling framework. Social acceptability is first measured using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), to calculate an individual social acceptability score, then analysed through a fractional logit model to identify its main determinants. Results show that access to information about cashew nutshell energy valorization (p < 0.001), perception of smoke emissions (p < 0.001), and economic incentives (p < 0.001) are the main factors drivers of social acceptability. The type of combustion technology also has a significant effect (p < 0.05), while gender and site location (p < 0.10) moderately influence contextual factors on acceptability. By integrating social perceptions with econometric modelling of acceptability, this study provides new empirical evidence on how technological, environmental and institutional factors jointly shape community support for agro-industrial bioenergy in Africa. These findings highlight the need for energy policies that go beyond technical efficiency by prioritizing transparency, emissionreducing technologies and inclusive economic benefits to ensure socially sustainable bioenergy transitions.
{"title":"Social acceptability of bioenergy cashew nut shells in agro-industries: Evidence from Burkina Faso for sustainable energy policy in Africa","authors":"Anselme Bagoro , Anthony Benoist , Marie Sawadogo","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03258","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03258","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bioenergy valorization from agro-industrial biomass, particularly cashew nut shells, is increasingly adopted by agro-industries in West Africa as a strategy for waste management and energy supply. However, its long-term sustainability critically depends on social acceptability within local communities exposed to its environmental and economic impacts. Despite the rapid expansion of this practice, empirical evidence on its social acceptability in African agro-industrial contexts remains limited. This research investigates the key factors influencing acceptability among local populations, based on original field evidence from Burkina Faso. It combines a household survey (<em>n</em> = 320, margin of error = 4.20 %) with a multidimensional modelling framework. Social acceptability is first measured using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), to calculate an individual social acceptability score, then analysed through a fractional logit model to identify its main determinants. Results show that access to information about cashew nutshell energy valorization (<em>p</em> < 0.001), perception of smoke emissions (<em>p</em> < 0.001), and economic incentives (<em>p</em> < 0.001) are the main factors drivers of social acceptability. The type of combustion technology also has a significant effect (<em>p</em> < 0.05), while gender and site location (<em>p</em> < 0.10) moderately influence contextual factors on acceptability. By integrating social perceptions with econometric modelling of acceptability, this study provides new empirical evidence on how technological, environmental and institutional factors jointly shape community support for agro-industrial bioenergy in Africa. These findings highlight the need for energy policies that go beyond technical efficiency by prioritizing transparency, emissionreducing technologies and inclusive economic benefits to ensure socially sustainable bioenergy transitions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03258"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147395426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Subsurface heterogeneity characterization in tectonically active sedimentary basins presents substantial challenges for groundwater resource management, particularly where conventional deterministic interpolation methods inadequately represent complex three-dimensional facies architectures controlling flow and transport. This study applies transition probability geostatistical simulation (T-PROGS) to characterize the Al-Haouz-Mejjate aquifer system in central Morocco, utilizing 635 borehole lithological logs spanning 55 years of drilling campaigns. Lithofacies data were consolidated into three hydrostratigraphic units based on permeability ranges: high-permeability coarse clastics (HFU-1), moderate-permeability mixed sediments (HFU-2), and low-permeability aquitards (HFU-3). Markov chain transition probability analysis quantified vertical and lateral facies relationships, enabling conditional stochastic simulation of three-dimensional hydrofacies distributions. Results demonstrate systematic spatial gradation across the 150 km basin extent: the eastern sector exhibits greater HFU-1 abundance with minimal aquitard development indicating unconfined, high-transmissivity conditions; the western sector shows substantially increased HFU-3 abundance creating vertically compartmentalized, semi-confined architecture. Characterized horizontal-to-vertical anisotropy ratios of 10:1 reflect typical fluvial-alluvial depositional geometry. The model accurately reproduces observed hydrofacies proportions with errors below 0.15% (HFU-1: -0.13%, HFU-2: +0.05%, HFU-3: +0.08%), and independent validation using 13 strategically reserved boreholes distributed across eastern, central, and western subregions confirms accurate prediction of vertical facies sequences. The resulting heterogeneity framework provides essential input for numerical groundwater flow modeling, supporting improved predictions of aquifer behavior, well productivity variations, and contamination vulnerability across this hydrogeologically important basin.
{"title":"Geostatistical modeling of subsurface heterogeneity in the Al-Haouz-Mejjate aquifer system, morocco: A T-PROGS approach for enhanced hydrogeological characterization","authors":"Lhoussaine El Mezouary , Abderhman Elfarchouni , Abdessamad Hadri , Mohamed Hakim Kharrou , Younes Fakır , Lhoussaine Bouchaou , Abdelghani Chehbouni","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03163","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03163","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Subsurface heterogeneity characterization in tectonically active sedimentary basins presents substantial challenges for groundwater resource management, particularly where conventional deterministic interpolation methods inadequately represent complex three-dimensional facies architectures controlling flow and transport. This study applies transition probability geostatistical simulation (T-PROGS) to characterize the Al-Haouz-Mejjate aquifer system in central Morocco, utilizing 635 borehole lithological logs spanning 55 years of drilling campaigns. Lithofacies data were consolidated into three hydrostratigraphic units based on permeability ranges: high-permeability coarse clastics (HFU-1), moderate-permeability mixed sediments (HFU-2), and low-permeability aquitards (HFU-3). Markov chain transition probability analysis quantified vertical and lateral facies relationships, enabling conditional stochastic simulation of three-dimensional hydrofacies distributions. Results demonstrate systematic spatial gradation across the 150 km basin extent: the eastern sector exhibits greater HFU-1 abundance with minimal aquitard development indicating unconfined, high-transmissivity conditions; the western sector shows substantially increased HFU-3 abundance creating vertically compartmentalized, semi-confined architecture. Characterized horizontal-to-vertical anisotropy ratios of 10:1 reflect typical fluvial-alluvial depositional geometry. The model accurately reproduces observed hydrofacies proportions with errors below 0.15% (HFU-1: -0.13%, HFU-2: +0.05%, HFU-3: +0.08%), and independent validation using 13 strategically reserved boreholes distributed across eastern, central, and western subregions confirms accurate prediction of vertical facies sequences. The resulting heterogeneity framework provides essential input for numerical groundwater flow modeling, supporting improved predictions of aquifer behavior, well productivity variations, and contamination vulnerability across this hydrogeologically important basin.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03163"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03113
Paul Mukasa , Patrick Engeu Ogwang , Christopher Adaku , Moses Andima , Samuel Baker Obakiro , Julius Bunny Lejju , Ibrahim Ntulume , Denis Byamugisha , Emmanuel Ntambi , Yuhao Ren , Richard Oriko Owor
Dog bites often result into polymicrobial wound contamination, which pose several health risks including bacterial infections. In Uganda, Rhoicissus tridentata is traditionally used to manage dog bites, yet its secondary metabolite profile, antibacterial efficacy, and in-vivo toxicity had remained unexplored. Thus, the metabolites and the scientific evidence to validate the antibacterial activity and safety of the plant was limited. Identification of potent antibacterial agents could be crucial to manage dog-bite-related bacterial infections. The root extracts were analyzed using UHPLCHRMS/MS—qTOF, followed by MZmine processing, and the metabolites characterized with GNPS Feature-Based Molecular Networking. For the first time, the high-resolution metabolomic approach resulted into annotation of 15 bioactive polyphenols like flavonoids, tannins. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was evaluated against standard strains of the zoonotic oral bacteria commonly associated with dog bites, namely: Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29,212), Streptococcus aureus (ATCC 25,932), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25,175), Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 25,933), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 700,603), and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25,922). The extracts exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against all the strains. The MIC and MBC ranged from (0.78 to 6.25) and (1.56 to 12.5) mg/mL respectively. The MBC/MIC ratios were between 1.9 and 2, signifying bactericidal extracts. In vivo acute toxicity testing, the extract showed no adverse signs of toxicity at doses up to 5000 mg/kg (LD50 > 5000 mg/kg), suggesting a favorable safety margin. These findings support the ethnopharmacological use of R. tridentata in managing dog-bite-related bacterial infections and merit further investigations on its bioactive constituents identified for future antibacterial discovery.
{"title":"Phytochemical profile, antibacterial activity and acute toxicity of Rhoicissus tridentata used to manage dog bites","authors":"Paul Mukasa , Patrick Engeu Ogwang , Christopher Adaku , Moses Andima , Samuel Baker Obakiro , Julius Bunny Lejju , Ibrahim Ntulume , Denis Byamugisha , Emmanuel Ntambi , Yuhao Ren , Richard Oriko Owor","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dog bites often result into polymicrobial wound contamination, which pose several health risks including bacterial infections. In Uganda, <em>Rhoicissus tridentata</em> is traditionally used to manage dog bites, yet its secondary metabolite profile, antibacterial efficacy, and <em>in-vivo</em> toxicity had remained unexplored. Thus, the metabolites and the scientific evidence to validate the antibacterial activity and safety of the plant was limited. Identification of potent antibacterial agents could be crucial to manage dog-bite-related bacterial infections. The root extracts were analyzed using UHPLC<img>HRMS/MS—qTOF, followed by MZmine processing, and the metabolites characterized with GNPS Feature-Based Molecular Networking. For the first time, the high-resolution metabolomic approach resulted into annotation of 15 bioactive polyphenols like flavonoids, tannins. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was evaluated against standard strains of the zoonotic oral bacteria commonly associated with dog bites, namely: <em>Enterococcus faecalis</em> (ATCC 29,212), <em>Streptococcus aureus</em> (ATCC 25,932), <em>Streptococcus mutans</em> (ATCC 25,175)<em>, Proteus mirabilis</em> (ATCC 25,933), <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em> (ATCC 700,603), and <em>Escherichia coli</em> (ATCC 25,922). The extracts exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against all the strains. The MIC and MBC ranged from (0.78 to 6.25) and (1.56 to 12.5) mg/mL respectively. The MBC/MIC ratios were between 1.9 and 2, signifying bactericidal extracts. In <em>vivo</em> acute toxicity testing, the extract showed no adverse signs of toxicity at doses up to 5000 mg/kg (LD<sub>50</sub> > 5000 mg/kg), suggesting a favorable safety margin. These findings support the ethnopharmacological use of <em>R. tridentata</em> in managing dog-bite-related bacterial infections and merit further investigations on its bioactive constituents identified for future antibacterial discovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03113"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号