Scientific African最新文献_第6页

The power of Ficus petiolaris: A deep dive into its phytochemistry, therapeutic benefits, and industrial applications 小叶榕的力量：深入探讨其植物化学，治疗效益和工业应用

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-08 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03129

Emilia Ababio , Deborah A. Kwartemaa , Priscilla Mensah , Kennedy A. Baah , Sampson K. Kyei

Traditional medical systems have long utilized various parts of Ficus petiolaris, including leaves, stem bark, aerial roots, fruits, buds, and latex, to prepare remedies for a wide range of ailments. Native primarily to Mexico, this species has been used in traditional medicine for managing intestinal parasites, rheumatism, fever, chest pain, fractures, herpes infections, wound healing, and female reproductive challenges. Ethnomedicinal applications have also been documented across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. Despite its extensive traditional use, the extracts remain largely uncharacterized, with only certain chemical classes, such as phenolic compounds, terpenoids and phytosterols, furanocoumarins and xanthotoxin, identified. Recent phytochemical studies show that 91 distinct secondary metabolites have been identified from the Ficus species covered in this review, with phenolic compounds being the most dominant group. This review consolidates existing knowledge on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) activities of F. petiolaris, highlighting its therapeutic potential in antioxidant, antibacterial, and other health-promoting activities. Secondary metabolites, including tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, also offer opportunities for value-added industrial applications. Importantly, the species lacks rigorously controlled clinical trials, underscoring the need for future research to validate safety and efficacy and to support the discovery of novel medicinal agents. This review emphasizes the significance of F. petiolaris as a promising medicinal plant and advocates for comprehensive scientific investigation to realize its therapeutic potential fully.

传统的医疗系统长期以来一直利用小叶榕的各个部分，包括叶子、茎皮、气根、果实、芽和乳胶，来准备治疗各种疾病的药物。该物种主要原产于墨西哥，在传统医学中用于治疗肠道寄生虫、风湿病、发烧、胸痛、骨折、疱疹感染、伤口愈合和女性生殖困难。在整个非洲，特别是在尼日利亚、喀麦隆、科特迪瓦、加纳和塞拉利昂，也记录了民族医药应用。尽管其传统用途广泛，但提取物在很大程度上仍未被表征，仅确定了某些化学类别，如酚类化合物、萜类和植物甾醇、呋喃香豆素和黄毒素。最近的植物化学研究表明，从本文所涵盖的榕树物种中鉴定出91种不同的次生代谢物，其中酚类化合物是最主要的一类。本文综述了小叶黄霉的民族药理学、植物化学和临床前（体内和体外）活性，强调了其在抗氧化、抗菌和其他健康促进方面的治疗潜力。次生代谢物，包括单宁、皂苷、类黄酮、生物碱和酚酸，也为增值工业应用提供了机会。重要的是，该物种缺乏严格控制的临床试验，强调需要未来的研究来验证安全性和有效性，并支持新药物的发现。本文强调了小叶羽翘作为一种极具潜力的药用植物的重要意义，并主张对其进行全面的科学研究，以充分发挥其治疗潜力。

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引用次数: 0

Intuitionistic fuzzy mathematical model for optimization of multi-objective cropland allocation problem in small scale irrigation system: A case-study in Sidama region, Ethiopia 小规模灌溉系统多目标耕地分配优化的直觉模糊数学模型——以埃塞俄比亚Sidama地区为例

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-08 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03127

Demmelash Mollalign Moges , Alemnesh Abebe Lema , Zerihun Kinfe Berhanu

In the developing country, the primary inquiry is, “How can the limited land resources for various crops be managed to achieve the minimum required consumption goals based on irrigated agriculture?” Therefore, to feed the growing population while using limited resources, it is imperative to discover a scientific method to model and solve the multi-objective cropland allocation problem (MOCLAP). Existing literature indicates that classical optimization methods are commonly employed for solving MOCLAPs. However, the deterministic nature of crop yield, production costs, and profits in classical optimization methods presents limitations in real-world scenarios due to the influence of various uncontrollable factors. Furthermore, managing uncertain boundary values poses a significant challenge for existing optimization techniques. Thus, this paper not only developed a novel scientific method to model and solve a MOCLAP by addressing these challenges but also analyzed its optimal results with farmer experiences in small-scale irrigation-based crop production. By incorporating uncertainties inherent in the crop production planning process through extended-membership functions, the study employs intuitionistic fuzzy compensatory techniques for multi-objective optimization. The results demonstrate significant improvements in net profit and effective utilization of irrigation land, with increases of 22% and 65%, respectively, compared to farmers’ previous experiences in the Sidama region, Ethiopia. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the obtained optimal results with those derived from existing optimization methods highlights the non-dominated nature of the proposed method. Sensitivity analysis has also been done on the compensation parameter.

在发展中国家，主要的问题是“如何管理各种作物的有限土地资源，以实现基于灌溉农业的最低要求消费目标？”因此，为了在有限的资源条件下养活不断增长的人口，寻找一种科学的方法来模拟和解决多目标耕地分配问题（MOCLAP）势在必行。现有文献表明，求解MOCLAPs通常采用经典的优化方法。然而，由于各种不可控因素的影响，经典优化方法中作物产量、生产成本和利润的确定性在现实场景中存在局限性。此外，管理不确定的边界值对现有的优化技术提出了重大挑战。因此，本文不仅通过解决这些挑战，开发了一种新的科学方法来建模和求解MOCLAP，而且结合农民在小规模灌溉作物生产中的经验分析了其最佳结果。通过扩展隶属函数将作物生产规划过程中固有的不确定性纳入研究，采用直觉模糊补偿技术进行多目标优化。结果表明，与埃塞俄比亚西达马地区农民以往的经验相比，该地区的纯利润和灌溉土地的有效利用分别显著提高了22%和65%。此外，将得到的最优结果与现有优化方法的结果进行对比分析，突出了所提方法的非支配性。对补偿参数进行了灵敏度分析。

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引用次数: 0

Determinants of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding campus sustainability: A field study at Cairo University 关于校园可持续性的知识、态度和实践的决定因素：开罗大学的一项实地研究

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-05 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03126

Mahmoud Hassan Said , Naglaa Mohamed Hamed , Doaa Haridy , Sherien Moustafa , Sultan Al-Ghtanyi , Diaa S. Metwally , Suzan Abdel-Rahman

Universities are increasingly seeking to transform into green institutions by implementing sustainability principles that promote environmental awareness. This study investigates the determinants of knowledge, attitudes, and practices to better understand the drivers of campus sustainability. A total of 829 faculty members and students from various faculties at Cairo University were interviewed between July 1 and August 31, 2024. The average age of participants was 29.57 years. Most participants were female, resided in urban areas, and studied in colleges of natural sciences. Regression analysis showed that age, rural residence, and academic background positively influenced campus sustainability knowledge. Faculty members reported higher knowledge levels than students, while students showed more positive attitudes, especially in their final academic years or postgraduate studies. Sustainable practices were more prevalent among males, students in practical colleges, and those majoring in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts. Findings also confirmed a strong relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Targeted interventions should focus on enhancing students' knowledge of sustainability, fostering positive attitudes among faculty members, and implementing gender-sensitive activities tailored to specific academic disciplines.

越来越多的大学通过实施可持续发展原则，提高环境意识，寻求转型为绿色机构。本研究调查了知识、态度和实践的决定因素，以更好地理解校园可持续发展的驱动因素。在2024年7月1日至8月31日期间，共采访了开罗大学各院系的829名教师和学生。参与者的平均年龄为29.57岁。大多数参与者是女性，居住在城市地区，在自然科学学院学习。回归分析显示，年龄、农村居住、学历对校园可持续发展知识有正向影响。教师的知识水平高于学生，而学生则表现出更积极的态度，尤其是在他们的最后学年或研究生学习中。可持续实践在男性、实用学院的学生以及人文、社会科学和艺术专业的学生中更为普遍。研究结果还证实了知识、态度和实践之间的密切关系。有针对性的干预措施应侧重于提高学生对可持续性的认识，培养教师的积极态度，并针对具体学科实施对性别问题敏感的活动。

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引用次数: 0

Assessing irrigation potential and its impact on crop productivity in the riparian zones of the Diamphwe River Basin, Malawi 评估马拉维Diamphwe河流域河岸地带的灌溉潜力及其对作物生产力的影响

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-04 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03125

Kenford Aeron Banda Luweya , Lameck Fiwa , Ke Zhang , Tadao Yamamoto , Sarvesh Maskey , Ayako Sekiyama , Hiromu Okazawa

Irrigation is vital for crop production, yet its potential is underutilised in many river basins. In Malawi, crop production is predominantly reliant on rainfall, making it vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters. The study evaluates the contribution of available irrigation resources (area) to crop production (yield) and assesses the extent of underutilisation. To achieve this, the irrigation potential (area) was mapped using Sentinel-2 land use and land cover analysis within 2 km buffer zones along the Diamphwe River. Additionally, 15 soil samples were analysed for HC, and government statistical data on maize yield and area were used to determine productivity, distinguishing the performance of rainfed and irrigated farming. Findings indicate that irrigated maize consistently outperformed rainfed maize in productivity, suggesting that harnessing irrigation could serve as a suitable alternative to the unreliable rainfed production in the basin, particularly within the 100–1000 m buffer zones that have greater irrigation potential. Kabwazi Extension Planning Area (EPA) accounted for 29 % and 33 % of the basin’s irrigable land in 2017 and 2024, respectively, due to its strategic positioning within the basin. The riparian zone displays medium hydraulic conductivity (HC), indicating suitable soils (luvisol) for infiltration, pollutant removal, and groundwater recharge, which are essential for sustaining river flow. Despite increased productivity, the impact of irrigation on maize remains minimal due to low participation by large-scale farmers and insufficient extension services, as evidenced by the underutilisation of potentially irrigable land (162.5 km² in 2017 and 145.4 km² in 2024). The study underscores the necessity for targeted policy interventions to optimise irrigation and enhance agricultural productivity and water resource management.

灌溉对作物生产至关重要，但在许多河流流域，灌溉的潜力没有得到充分利用。在马拉维，农作物生产主要依赖于降雨，这使得它很容易受到气候变化和自然灾害的影响。该研究评估了可用灌溉资源（面积）对作物生产（产量）的贡献，并评估了利用不足的程度。为了实现这一目标，利用Sentinel-2土地利用和土地覆盖分析，在Diamphwe河沿岸2公里缓冲区内绘制了灌溉潜力（面积）图。此外，对15个土壤样本进行了HC分析，并使用政府关于玉米产量和面积的统计数据来确定生产力，区分雨养和灌溉农业的表现。研究结果表明，灌溉玉米在生产力方面一直优于旱作玉米，这表明利用灌溉可以作为流域不可靠的旱作生产的合适替代方案，特别是在100-1000米缓冲区内，灌溉潜力更大。由于其在流域内的战略位置，2017年和2024年，Kabwazi扩展规划区（EPA）分别占流域可灌溉土地的29%和33%。河岸带显示中等水力导电性（HC），表明适合渗透、去除污染物和补给地下水的土壤（luvisol），这对维持河流流动至关重要。尽管生产力有所提高，但由于大规模农民参与度低和推广服务不足，灌溉对玉米的影响仍然很小，潜在可灌溉土地的利用不足（2017年为162.5平方公里，2024年为145.4平方公里）就是证明。该研究强调了有针对性的政策干预的必要性，以优化灌溉和提高农业生产力和水资源管理。

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引用次数: 0

Determinants of child survival in Ghana: A multi-level survival analysis of individual and contextual factors 加纳儿童生存的决定因素：个体和环境因素的多层次生存分析

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-03 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03124

Dieu Donne Yormekpe , Benedicta Osei

This study investigates child survival determinants in Ghana using a multi-level survival analysis of the 2006, 2011 and 2018 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (n=13,125). We employed Cox proportional hazards, parametric accelerated failure time (AFT) and gamma frailty models to assess individual and contextual factors influencing under-five mortality, accounting for unobserved heterogeneity. Key findings reveal a wealth-mortality relationship, with middle-wealth households showing lower mortality (HR=0.60, TR=1.44) compared to low-wealth, while rich households exhibited higher risks (HR=1.84, TR=0.64). Maternal education significantly reduces mortality risk (primary: HR=0.69, TR=1.28; secondary+: HR=0.86, TR=1.12). Institutional deliveries lower mortality by 29%–43% (TR=1.29–1.43). Northern regions (Upper West: HR=2.53, TR=0.50; Northern: HR=2.24, TR=0.56) face elevated risks, reflecting structural disparities. Gamma frailty models revealed a significant frailty variance (

θ > 0

), confirming substantial unobserved heterogeneity across regions and indicating that unmeasured, region-specific factors influence child mortality. The Weibull AFT model provided the best fit (AIC=21,999.45), highlighting early-life mortality risks. The policy implications are clear that interventions must be spatially targeted and move beyond simple wealth stratification, requiring specific environmental and infrastructural improvements tailored to high-risk and economically disparate areas of Ghana.

本研究利用2006年、2011年和2018年多指标类集调查（n=13,125）的多层次生存分析，调查了加纳儿童生存的决定因素。我们采用Cox比例风险、参数加速失效时间（AFT）和γ脆弱性模型来评估影响5岁以下儿童死亡率的个体和环境因素，并解释未观察到的异质性。主要发现揭示了财富与死亡率之间的关系，与低财富家庭相比，中等财富家庭的死亡率较低（HR=0.60， TR=1.44），而富裕家庭的风险较高（HR=1.84， TR=0.64）。孕产妇教育显著降低了死亡风险（初等教育：风险比=0.69，TR=1.28；中等教育：风险比=0.86，TR=1.12）。在医院分娩可使死亡率降低29%-43% （TR= 1.29-1.43）。北部地区（上西部：HR=2.53， TR=0.50；北部：HR=2.24， TR=0.56）风险较高，反映出结构性差异。Gamma脆弱性模型显示出显著的脆弱性方差（θ>0），证实了各地区之间存在大量未观察到的异质性，并表明未测量的区域特异性因素影响儿童死亡率。Weibull AFT模型提供了最佳拟合（AIC=21,999.45），突出了生命早期死亡风险。政策影响很明显，干预措施必须有空间针对性，不能只是简单的财富分层，需要针对加纳高风险和经济差异大的地区进行具体的环境和基础设施改善。

{"title":"Determinants of child survival in Ghana: A multi-level survival analysis of individual and contextual factors","authors":"Dieu Donne Yormekpe , Benedicta Osei","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates child survival determinants in Ghana using a multi-level survival analysis of the 2006, 2011 and 2018 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (n=13,125). We employed Cox proportional hazards, parametric accelerated failure time (AFT) and gamma frailty models to assess individual and contextual factors influencing under-five mortality, accounting for unobserved heterogeneity. Key findings reveal a wealth-mortality relationship, with middle-wealth households showing lower mortality (HR=0.60, TR=1.44) compared to low-wealth, while rich households exhibited higher risks (HR=1.84, TR=0.64). Maternal education significantly reduces mortality risk (primary: HR=0.69, TR=1.28; secondary+: HR=0.86, TR=1.12). Institutional deliveries lower mortality by 29%–43% (TR=1.29–1.43). Northern regions (Upper West: HR=2.53, TR=0.50; Northern: HR=2.24, TR=0.56) face elevated risks, reflecting structural disparities. Gamma frailty models revealed a significant frailty variance (<span><math><mrow><mi>θ</mi><mo>></mo><mn>0</mn></mrow></math></span>), confirming substantial unobserved heterogeneity across regions and indicating that unmeasured, region-specific factors influence child mortality. The Weibull AFT model provided the best fit (AIC=21,999.45), highlighting early-life mortality risks. The policy implications are clear that interventions must be spatially targeted and move beyond simple wealth stratification, requiring specific environmental and infrastructural improvements tailored to high-risk and economically disparate areas of Ghana.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e03124"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145683114","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}

引用次数: 0

Drivers of collective action among smallholder vegetable farmers in Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali 贝宁、布基纳法索和马里小农菜农集体行动的驱动因素

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-03 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03121

Modeste D. Dohou , Ogoudele S. Codjo , Zakou Amadou , Pepijn Schreinemachers , Lucres Imelda Ke-Tindagbeme Dossa , Mwasilwa Ambali , Jacob A. Yabi

Collective action is a vital strategy for smallholder farmers in developing countries to enhance their bargaining power, reduce transaction costs, and remain competitive in rapidly evolving agricultural markets. Previous studies have examined collective input purchasing and collective output selling separately. This study analyzes farmers’ collective engagement in input and output markets simultaneously and the interdependence between them. We employed a recursive bivariate probit model with primary data coming from a random sample of 719 vegetable producers in Benin, 693 in Burkina Faso, and 663 in Mali, all of whom were members of cooperatives. The analysis considered socio-economic, institutional, seasonal, and transaction cost-related factors. Results indicate that participation in collective input buying has a positive and significant effect on collective output selling. Male producers are less likely than female producers to participate in both forms of collective action, whereas education and family labor are positively associated. Institutional factors, such as access to credit, agricultural extension services, and training, significantly increase the likelihood of participating in collective input buying. Seasonal effects suggest that exclusive rainy-season production has a negative impact on collective output selling, whereas crop diversification promotes both types of collective action. Access to information communication technology reduces transaction costs and facilitates collective action. These findings provide valuable insights for designing policies that promote collective action and enhance the competitiveness of smallholder farmers.

集体行动是发展中国家小农提高议价能力、降低交易成本并在迅速变化的农业市场上保持竞争力的一项重要战略。以往的研究分别考察了集体投入采购和集体产出销售。本研究分析了农民集体同时参与投入市场和产出市场，以及两者之间的相互依存关系。我们采用了递归双变量概率模型，其主要数据来自贝宁719名蔬菜生产者、布基纳法索693名蔬菜生产者和马里663名蔬菜生产者的随机样本，他们都是合作社的成员。分析考虑了社会经济、制度、季节和交易成本相关因素。结果表明，参与集体投入购买对集体产出销售具有显著的正向影响。男性生产者比女性生产者更不可能参与这两种形式的集体行动，而教育和家庭劳动则呈正相关。体制因素，如获得信贷、农业推广服务和培训，大大增加了参与集体投入购买的可能性。季节性影响表明，仅在雨季生产对集体产出销售有负面影响，而作物多样化则促进了这两种集体行动。信息通信技术的使用降低了交易成本，促进了集体行动。这些发现为制定促进集体行动和提高小农竞争力的政策提供了宝贵的见解。

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引用次数: 0

Embodied energy in buildings: Two decades of research trends, evolution, and implications for climate change mitigation 建筑蕴含能源：二十年的研究趋势、演变及其对减缓气候变化的影响

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-03 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03122

Flavio Odoi-Yorke , Theophilus Adu Frimpong , Emmanuel Bamfo-Agyei , Mohammed Deen-Halis Zebilila , Agnes Naa Abeley Abbey , James Anthony Oppon , Aaron Tony Turkson , Lawrence Atepor

This study assessed the global research trends on embodied energy in buildings over the past two decades (2003–2023), emphasising its role in climate change mitigation. The core problem addressed is the continued overlook of embodied energy and carbon in the built environment, despite their increasing share in total life cycle emissions as buildings become more operationally efficient. This issue is critical since the construction sector contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, mostly in urbanising and climate-vulnerable regions like Africa. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method, 303 relevant publications were identified from the Scopus database and analysed with the R Studio-based Bibliometrix software package. The findings revealed a surge in publications post-2016, demonstrating keen global attention to sustainability frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goal targets. Key themes identified include life cycle assessment, circular economy, and carbon mitigation, with embodied carbon emerging as a dominant concept. The study revealed a disproportionate concentration of research in developed countries, with limited contributions from Africa, highlighting a pressing need for localised studies and context-sensitive policy interventions. In addition, the study identified innovative strategies such as bio-based materials, prefabrication, and retrofitting as viable pathways for reducing embodied energy. These findings are significant for informing global climate policy, building standards, and the African Union Agenda 2063 aspiration for sustainable infrastructure. Moreover, the findings could serve as a roadmap for future research, capacity building, and policymaking to decarbonise the building sector globally and regionally.

本研究评估了过去二十年（2003-2023年）建筑隐含能源的全球研究趋势，强调了其在减缓气候变化方面的作用。解决的核心问题是建筑环境中隐含的能源和碳的持续忽视，尽管随着建筑的运营效率越来越高，它们在总生命周期排放中的份额越来越大。这个问题至关重要，因为建筑业对全球温室气体排放有贡献，主要是在城市化和非洲等气候脆弱地区。使用首选报告项目进行系统评价和荟萃分析方法，从Scopus数据库中识别出303份相关出版物，并使用基于R studio的Bibliometrix软件包进行分析。调查结果显示，2016年后出版物激增，表明全球对《巴黎协定》和可持续发展目标等可持续发展框架的高度关注。确定的关键主题包括生命周期评估、循环经济和碳减排，具体碳正在成为一个主导概念。这项研究揭示了发达国家的研究不成比例地集中，非洲的贡献有限，这突出了对本地化研究和对环境敏感的政策干预的迫切需要。此外，该研究还确定了创新策略，如生物基材料、预制和改造，作为减少隐含能量的可行途径。这些发现对全球气候政策、建筑标准以及非洲联盟《2063年议程》可持续基础设施的愿景具有重要意义。此外，研究结果可以作为未来研究、能力建设和政策制定的路线图，以实现全球和地区建筑行业的脱碳。

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引用次数: 0

Exploring the impact of silver nanoparticles on the structure, optical properties, and dielectric response of PVA–PVP blends 探讨银纳米粒子对PVA-PVP共混体系结构、光学性质和介电响应的影响

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-02 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03120

F.A. Al-Marhaby , Ahmed Abdelkarim , Roshdi Seoudi

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were chemically synthesized and incorporated into a polyvinyl alcohol–polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVA–PVP) polymer blend using a solution casting method to create PVA–PVP/AgNPs nanocomposite films. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed uniformly dispersed spherical AgNPs with diameters ranging from 10 to 30 nm, which strongly depend on precursor concentration. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the semi-crystalline structure of the (PVA–PVP) blend, while Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) indicated specific interactions between the silver species and the (PVA–PVP) matrices. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band between 380 and 400 nm, confirming the successful incorporation of nanoparticles. The position and width of this band correlated with particle size and dispersion. The optical band gap, estimated from Tauc plots, decreased from 5.28 eV for the pure PVA–PVP matrix to 5.18 eV upon AgNPs addition, suggesting improved electronic transition characteristics. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy (0.1 Hz–20 MHz) indicated enhanced dielectric constant and loss at low-frequency attributable to interfacial and space-charge polarization effects. PVA–PVP/AgNPs interfaces introduced varying properties, while the conductivity spectra revealed frequency-dependent hopping processes.

采用溶液浇铸法合成银纳米粒子（AgNPs），并将其掺入聚乙烯醇-聚乙烯吡罗烷酮（PVA-PVP）聚合物共混物中，制备了PVA-PVP /AgNPs纳米复合膜。透射电子显微镜（TEM）显示均匀分散的球形AgNPs，直径在10 ~ 30 nm之间，与前驱体浓度密切相关。x射线衍射（XRD）证实了（PVA-PVP）共混物的半晶结构，而傅里叶变换红外（FTIR）则表明银与（PVA-PVP）基质之间存在特定的相互作用。紫外可见光谱显示表面等离子体共振（SPR）波段在380 ~ 400 nm之间，证实了纳米颗粒的成功掺入。该带的位置和宽度与颗粒大小和分散度有关。从tac图估计，加入AgNPs后，光带隙从纯PVA-PVP矩阵的5.28 eV减小到5.18 eV，表明电子跃迁特性得到改善。宽带介电光谱（0.1 Hz-20 MHz）表明，界面极化效应和空间电荷极化效应增加了介电常数和低频损耗。PVA-PVP /AgNPs界面引入了不同的性能，而电导率谱显示了频率相关的跳变过程。

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引用次数: 0

Carbon stock dynamics in Sheka forest biosphere reserve, Ethiopia: A 60-year trajectory (1990–2050) and its implications for ecosystem services and conservation 埃塞俄比亚Sheka森林生物圈保护区碳储量动态：60年轨迹（1990-2050）及其对生态系统服务和保护的影响

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03104

Yericho Berhanu , Gemedo Dalle , Dejene W. Sintayehu , Girma Kelboro , Abebe Nigussie , Ginjo Gitima

Biosphere reserves are intended to conserve ecosystems and enhance carbon sequestration, yet their long-term effectiveness remains understudied. This study aimed to evaluate carbon stock changes in Ethiopia’s Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve from 1990 to 2050, along with their implications for ecosystem services and conservation. Forty-nine plots were established along three transects to evaluate vegetation structure and soil characteristics. Woody species diversity was measured using the Shannon–Wiener diversity index, and carbon stocks were estimated via allometric equations and the Walkley-Black method. Future land use and carbon stock changes were projected using the CA-Markov and InVEST model, respectively. Results show that live trees held the highest carbon stock (295.48±43.24 tons C ha⁻¹), followed by soil organic carbon (279.48±8.73 tons C ha⁻¹), with lesser contributions from litter, stumps, and deadwood. Carbon stock was positively correlated with woody species diversity and varied significantly by topography and land use type. From 1999 to 2020, total carbon stock declined by 2.5 tons C ha⁻¹ per year, with projections suggesting an increased annual loss of 3.1 tons C ha⁻¹ through 2050. Carbon stock continues to decline despite the designation of biosphere reserves, even though forests are essential for carbon storage, biodiversity, and ecosystem functions. Enhanced conservation measures such as halting deforestation, promoting community-based forest management, and encouraging sustainable resource use are critical to reversing this trend and sustaining ecosystem services.

生物圈保护区旨在保护生态系统和加强碳固存，但其长期有效性仍未得到充分研究。本研究旨在评估1990 - 2050年埃塞俄比亚Sheka森林生物圈保护区的碳储量变化及其对生态系统服务和保护的影响。在3个样带上建立49个样地，评价植被结构和土壤特征。采用Shannon-Wiener多样性指数测定木本物种多样性，采用异速生长方程和Walkley-Black方法估算碳储量。利用CA-Markov模型和InVEST模型分别预测了未来土地利用和碳储量的变化。结果显示，活树的碳储量最高（295.48±43.24吨碳-⁻¹），其次是土壤有机碳（279.48±8.73吨碳-⁻¹），枯枝、树桩和枯木的碳储量较少。碳储量与木本物种多样性呈正相关，且因地形和土地利用类型的不同而有显著差异。从1999年到2020年，总碳储量每年减少2.5吨（⁻¹），预计到2050年每年将增加3.1吨（⁻¹）。尽管指定了生物圈保护区，但碳储量继续下降，尽管森林对碳储存、生物多样性和生态系统功能至关重要。加强保护措施，如停止砍伐森林、促进社区森林管理和鼓励可持续资源利用，对于扭转这一趋势和维持生态系统服务至关重要。

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引用次数: 0

Advances in nanoparticles as drug delivery systems: A review 纳米颗粒作为药物传递系统的研究进展

IF 3.3 Q2 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Scientific African

Pub Date : 2025-12-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e03101

Oluwatobi Abayomi Akomolafe, Anuoluwa Abimbola Akinsiku

The use of nanoparticles in the pharmaceutical sector as drug carriers is rapidly growing, with many benefits over conventional drug delivery procedures. These nanoscale carriers are composed of biodegradable biocompatible materials, delivering therapeutic agents to the target with precise control and mitigating unwanted side effects. Despite numerous reports, many research gaps remain; thus, opportunities to improve the specificity and effectiveness of nanoparticle-based drug delivery for various illnesses, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, are identified. The advances in nanoparticle-based drug delivery and their tremendous potential for revolutionising how drugs are delivered to treat disease are discussed. This review provides an overview of the various types of nanoparticles, including lipid-based, polymeric, natural polymers, and inorganic nanoparticles, which are being developed with their unique physical and chemical characteristics. It also reveals the strategies employed to enhance the targeting efficacy and stability of these nanoscale carriers in nanomedicine. The advantages, mechanisms, future direction, and drawbacks of each nanoparticle-based drug delivery system in target therapy and personalised medicine are well reviewed. Thus, addressing the identified gaps will be crucial for the clinical translation of nanoparticle-based therapeutics.

纳米粒子在制药部门作为药物载体的使用正在迅速增长，与传统的药物输送程序相比有许多好处。这些纳米级载体由可生物降解的生物相容性材料组成，可以精确控制将治疗剂输送到目标并减轻不必要的副作用。尽管有许多报告，但许多研究差距仍然存在；因此，有机会提高基于纳米颗粒的药物递送的特异性和有效性，以治疗各种疾病，如癌症、心血管疾病、传染病和中枢神经系统（CNS）疾病。讨论了基于纳米颗粒的药物递送的进展及其在药物递送治疗疾病方面的巨大潜力。本文综述了各种类型的纳米颗粒，包括脂基纳米颗粒、聚合物纳米颗粒、天然聚合物纳米颗粒和无机纳米颗粒，它们具有独特的物理和化学特性。揭示了在纳米医学中提高这些纳米载体的靶向效力和稳定性所采用的策略。本文综述了基于纳米粒子的给药系统在靶向治疗和个体化治疗中的优势、机制、未来发展方向和不足。因此，解决已确定的空白对于基于纳米颗粒的治疗方法的临床转化至关重要。

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