Recent publications
The relentless devastating impacts of global warming and other climate change effects leading to incessant ecological damages have compelled governments across the globe to rethink the pattern of natural resource depletion. This has motivated policymakers, governments, international organizations, and research pundits alike to advocate for a transition to sustainable consumption and production of natural resources. Consequently, there is a growing call for sustainable production and consumption practices, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG‐12). This research probes how natural resource production and consumption facilitate or hinder environmental sustainability in G7 economies from 1996 to 2020. The empirical evidence incorporates green energy, green technology, green finance, environmental tax, financial development, economic growth, and population as control variables within the STIRPAT theoretical framework. Second‐generation estimating techniques are utilized for empirical verification. An outstanding contribution of this study among others is the estimation of the moderating effects of green energy in mitigating the ensuing impact of natural resources on environmental sustainability. The results indicate that both production and consumption of natural resources, particularly coal and oil negatively affect environmental sustainability. Furthermore, green technology, energy, and finance as well as environmental tax are found to play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability. Green technology plays significant part in subduing the deteriorating effects of natural resources on the ecosystem. The robustness analyses further buttress the main analyses. Policy recommendations are proposed based on the empirical results.
Global health has traditionally focused on the primary health development with disease-specific focus such as HIV, malaria and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As such, surgery has traditionally been neglected in global health as investment in them is often expensive, relative to these other priorities. Therefore, efforts to improve surgical care have remained on the periphery of initiatives in health system strengthening. However, today, many would argue that global health should focus on universal health coverage with primary health and surgery and perioperative care integrated as a part of this. In this article, we discuss the past developments and future-looking solutions on how surgery can contribute to the delivery of effective and equitable healthcare across the world. These include bidirectional integration of surgical and chronic disease pathways and better understanding financing initiatives. Specifically, we focus on access to safe elective and emergency surgery for NCDs and an integrated approach towards the rising multimorbidity from chronic disease in the population. Underpinning these, data-driven solutions from high-quality research from clinical trials and cohort studies through established surgical research networks are needed. Although challenges will remain around financing, we propose that development of surgical services will strengthen and improve performance of whole health systems and contribute to improvement in population health across the world.
Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant challenges in financing and quality, impacting the delivery of services to its growing population. This study investigates healthcare workers’ perceptions of these challenges and their implications for healthcare policy and practice. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 600 healthcare professionals from eight states across Nigeria, representing a variety of healthcare occupations. Participants completed a questionnaire that assessed their perceptions of healthcare financing, quality of care, job satisfaction, and motivation using a 5-point Likert scale, closed- and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test, and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that healthcare workers were generally not satisfied with the current state of healthcare financing and system quality in Nigeria. Poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient staffing, and limited access to essential resources were identified as major challenges. These challenges contributed to low job satisfaction, demotivation, and a desire to leave the profession. Socioeconomic factors, location State of practice, professional designation (clinical vs nonclinical), clinical designation (profession), and employment type (full-time vs part-time) were found to influence healthcare workers’ perceptions (p < 0.05). The findings indicated a need to improve healthcare workers’ satisfaction and retention, and quality of care in Nigeria, by increasing healthcare funding, transparent fund management protocols, investing in infrastructure and human resource development, and addressing regional healthcare disparities. By implementing these reforms, Nigeria can enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services and improve the health and well-being of its citizens.
When surgical systems fail, there is the major collateral impact on patients, society and economies. While short-term impact on patient outcomes during periods of high system stress is easy to measure, the long-term repercussions of global crises are harder to quantify and require modelling studies with inherent uncertainty. When external stressors such as high-threat infectious disease, forced migration or climate-change-related events occur, there is a resulting surge in healthcare demand. This, directly and indirectly, affects perioperative pathways, increasing pressure on emergency, critical and operative care areas. While different stressors have different effects on healthcare systems, they share the common feature of exposing the weakest areas, at which point care pathways breakdown. Surgery has been identified as a highly vulnerable area for early failure. Despite efforts by the WHO to improve preparedness in the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, measurement of healthcare investment and surgical preparedness metrics suggests that surgical care is not yet being prioritised by policy-makers. Investment in the ‘response’ phase of health system recovery without investment in the ‘readiness’ phase will not mitigate long-term health effects for patients as new stressors arise. This analysis aims to explore how surgical preparedness can be measured, identify emerging threats and explore their potential impact on surgical services. Finally, it aims to highlight the role of high-quality research in developing resilient surgical systems.
Dementia prevention in Africa is critically underexplored, despite the continent's high prevalence of modifiable risk factors. With a predominantly young and middle‐aged population, Africa presents a prime opportunity to implement evidence‐based strategies that could significantly reduce future dementia cases and mitigate its economic impact. The multinational Africa‐FINGERS program offers an innovative solution, pioneering culturally sensitive, multidomain interventions tailored to the unique challenges of the region. Leveraging insights from landmark global studies such as Worldwide‐FINGERS and Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, the program employs a multideterminant precision prevention framework, grounded in community based systems dynamics. Africa‐FINGERS further integrates cutting‐edge state‐of‐the‐art multimodal biomarker evaluations tailored to regional contexts, with the goal of advancing brain health and establishing a global standard for dementia prevention. This groundbreaking initiative highlights the potential for scalableand sustainable interventions, thus is poised to transform dementia risk reduction efforts across the continent.
Highlights
Dementia rates are escalating in Africa, largely due to longer life spans and increased prevalence of modifiable risk factors. Yet, few regional interventions have directly targeted lifestyle factors to reduce dementia risk.
The multinational Africa‐FINGERS study will address this gap by adapting the successful FINGERS lifestyle intervention to African populations.
Africa‐FINGERS will pioneer a culturally informed, multidomain dementia risk reduction intervention in the African region through feasibility dementia prevention trials in rural and urban sites across Kenya and Nigeria in the first instance, enrolling 600 at‐risk adults (≥ 50 years). The program adopts participatory research methods to develop culturally appropriate interventions and build infrastructure to evaluate dementia biomarkers from ante and post mortem samples. A cost‐effectiveness analysis will be conducted to guide the strategic implementation of Africa‐FINGERS into regional health systems.
The Africa‐FINGERS strategy aligns with the Worldwide‐FINGERS framework and integrates the global Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative approach, emphasizing multimodal analysis.
Periodontal diseases, a group of complex conditions marked by an excessive immune response and periodontal tissue destruction, are a global health concern. Since 1990, the incidence of these diseases has doubled, with Western sub‐Saharan Africa experiencing the highest burden. Accurate diagnosis and case identification are crucial for understanding the etiology, features of disease, research, treatment and prevention. Modern perspectives on periodontal disease classification are based on commonality among those affected. However, current literature is often plagued by methodological inconsistencies and focused on disease mechanisms in European populations. Health inequalities in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are exacerbated by these challenges, with sub‐Saharan Africa, and Nigeria specifically, facing unique difficulties such as clinical personnel shortages and limited research infrastructure. This review explored disparities in periodontal disease research, care and outcomes in African populations. We highlighted these disparities and identified the factors contributing to inequities in periodontal health outcomes. We further demonstrated the critical need for inclusive and equitable healthcare and research practices tailored to the unique challenges faced by diverse populations and regions with limited resources. Addressing these disparities is essential for ensuring that advancements in healthcare are accessible to all, thereby improving global oral health and general health.
This study compared the sexual reproductive health and rights related knowledge and attitudes towards inclusive gender norms among students in comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) exposed and naïve technical and vocational centers in Lagos state, Nigeria. It also explored the benefits of teaching and learning about CSE from exposed students and their instructors. A mixed-method research design was used. The study population comprised of students 15–24 years of age attending technical and vocational centers in Lagos State and instructors in CSE-exposed centres. Sample size of 450 per group was calculated. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire; focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used for data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed at p<0.05; coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data was followed by integration and of the findings; and interpreted using the information-motivation-behavioural skills model. Students in CSE-exposed schools had statistically significantly higher SRHR-related knowledge scores and positive attitudes towards inclusive gender norms. The CSE training improved the educational knowledge and teaching modalities of the instructors. The adolescents had increased knowledge, acquired behavioural skills, and changed certain behaviors. The SRHR-related benefits extended to their siblings and friends. This study contributes to the knowledge available on the benefits of CSE for young people in non-formal settings in Nigeria. It revealed that CSE training benefits not only the students but also their instructors, who reported acquisition of new teaching skills and improved parenting skills. The study findings suggest that the integration of CSE into non-formal educational settings could improve the SRHR- related knowledge among young people, promote inclusive gender norms and potentially contribute to improved SRH outcomes and related SDGs in Nigeria.
This research explores the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to assess the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete made from a blend of Banana Peel-Ash (BPA) and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA), using a sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) ratio ranging from 1.5 to 3. Utilizing three AI methodologies—Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), and Gene Expression Programming (GEP)—the study aims to enhance prediction accuracy for the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete based on 104 datasets. By optimizing mix designs through varying proportions of BPA and SCBA, alkaline activator molarity, and aggregate-to-binder ratios, the research identified combinations that significantly enhance mechanical properties, demonstrating notable international relevance as it contributes to global efforts in sustainable construction by effectively utilizing industrial by-products. The experimental results demonstrated that increasing the molarity of the alkaline activator from 4 to 10 M significantly enhanced both the compressive and flexural strengths of the geopolymer concrete. Specifically, a mixture containing 52.5% SCBA and 47.5% BPA at a 10 M molarity achieved a maximum compressive strength of 33.17 MPa after 20 h of curing. In contrast, a mixture composed of 95% SCBA and 5% BPA at a 4 M molarity exhibited a substantially lower compressive strength of only 21.27 MPa. Additionally, the highest recorded flexural strength of 9.95 MPa (77.25% SCBA and 22.5 BPA) was observed at the 10 M molarity, while the flexural strength at 4 M was lowest, at 4.12 MPa (95% SCBA and 5% BPA). Microstructural analysis through Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (ED-SEM) revealed insights into the pore structure and elemental composition of the concrete, while Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) provided data on the material’s thermal stability and decomposition characteristics. Performance analysis of the AI models showed that the ANN model had an average MSE of 1.338, RMSE of 1.157, MAE of 3.104, and R² of 0.989, while the ANFIS model outperformed with an MSE of 0.345, RMSE of 0.587, MAE of 1.409, and R² of 0.998. The GEP model demonstrated an MSE of 1.233, RMSE of 1.110, MAE of 1.828, and R² of 0.992, confirming that ANFIS is the most accurate model for predicting the mechanical and rheological properties of geopolymer concrete. This study highlights the potential of integrating AI with experimental data to optimize the formulation and performance of geopolymer concrete, advancing sustainable construction practices by effectively utilizing industrial by-products.
This research study examines the impact of hands-on activities on students' level of interest. Specifically, we investigated whether students who have engaged in specific hands-on activities exhibit a greater interest in those activities compared to students who have not had such experiences. Additionally, we explored the relationship between the quality of hands-on experiences and the level of interest in the corresponding activities. We focused on 28 common hands-on activities in biology education, categorized as experimentation, dissection, work with microscopes, and classification. Questionnaires were completed by a total of 141 students from four trade (Catering Craft, Garment Making, Computer Craft and Graphics Art) courses in five technical colleges in Lagos state, addressing their interest in the hands-on activities, their prior experience with each activity, and the quality of their respective experiences. The results of our study indicate that engaging in hands-on activities generally tends to enhance students' interest in experimenting, working with microscopes, dissecting, and classifying. However, we observed that the influence of specific hands-on activities on students' interests varied. Among the hands-on activities considered, seven demonstrated a positive effect on interest when students had prior hands-on experience, while in one instance, practical work seemed to negatively affect students' interest. Nevertheless, for most hands-on activities, we did not find a significant impact of prior experience on interest. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between the quality of hands-on experiences and students' interest in the corresponding activities. Based on these findings, we argue in favour of designing biology lessons that incorporate hands-on activities aligned with students' interests. It is essential to investigate the effects of different hands-on activities in a nuanced and differentiated manner, as highlighted by our study's outcomes.
Context
Population-specific attributes typically determine the behavior of human genotypes and traits in individuals. Examining the genetic relationships between populations presents an opportunity to observe patterns of genetic changes over time. By comparing populations, it is possible to see factors that may have sparked the evolution of a trait or genotype as well as the genetic diversity of the populations. Genetic diversity in the groups in Nigeria is still largely undefined. This can be achieved with the use of genetic markers.
Aims
To determine the genetic relationships between Igbo, Ibibio, Yoruba, Tiv, and Hausa ethnic groups using nine short tandem repeat DNA markers.
Settings and Design
Observational studies of 250 consenting participants.
Methods and Material
Individuals of Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Ibibio, and Tiv were randomly sampled from their ethnic homes in Nigeria at participating institutions. DNA was extracted from blood samples using commercial DNA kits, and tested for nine autosomal short tandem repeat loci alleles using PCR and electrophoresis. The allele types and sizes were read and recorded for each locus for every individual.
Statistical Analysis Used
Allelic frequencies, population pairwise genetic distances (FST and RST, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), and principal component analysis (PCA) were calculated using GenAlEx v6.502.
Results
The fixation index (FST) was between 0.001 and 0.500 in the five populations. The estimated variation was 99.98% within individuals and 0.10% among populations. Four heterogeneous clusters were observed with three axes accounting for 32.86% variation.
Conclusions
The genetic relationships closely mirrored linguistic groupings showing that language may have shaped early interaction and ultimately gene transfer between these groups.
This study examines the relationship between democracy and foreign direct investment (FDI) in 40 African nations using a two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) analysis. It explores five varieties of democracy and fifteen democratic traits. The findings reveal that egalitarian and deliberative democracies significantly attract FDI, with deliberative democracy having a particularly strong effect. Unlike egalitarian and deliberative democracies, participative democracy has a reducing impact on FDI. Similarly, nine democratic traits were found to significantly attract FDI. Economic factors like per capita GDP and natural resource rents showed mixed effects on FDI inflows, suggesting that the quality of democratic governance is crucial. Policy implications include strengthening democratic institutions, improving legal frameworks, ensuring fair elections, and enhancing government accountability to create a favorable investment climate. Policymakers are encouraged to focus on these areas to boost FDI and promote economic growth and development across the continent.
Food safety has been a longstanding challenge, leading local governments, and international agencies to implement various policies to ensure food reaches consumers safely. To develop effective interventions that improve food safety in both formal and informal markets, it is essential to understand the rationales, mindsets, beliefs, and practices that influence consumer decisions. Such interventions should empower consumers to demand safer food. However, there is a notable gap in our understanding of consumer perceptions regarding food safety, which limits the effectiveness of these strategies. This chapter presents findings from a comprehensive study across multiple African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya, Cameroon, Gambia, South Africa, and Benin. By incorporating a diverse sample from these nations, the study captures the cultural, economic, and demographic variations within the continent, offering a holistic view of the factors shaping consumer attitudes towards food safety. The research investigates knowledge levels, prevailing attitudes, and common practices related to food safety among consumers. This multinational approach provides valuable insights into food safety perceptions in Africa, highlighting both commonalities and regional differences. The findings aim to inform policymakers, health professionals, and stakeholders involved in food safety initiatives to address the unique challenges and opportunities within African food systems.
Consumer awareness of food safety and nutrition plays a crucial role in shaping a health-conscious lifestyle and preventing disease. The first part of this chapter is about consumer perceptions in general and the relationship between consumer knowledge, perceived health risk, attitudes, and behaviour. The following central part analyses the similarities and differences between different age groups of consumers based on our previous research studies. Here the authors limit themselves to the area of food safety and the Slovenian population as an example. The threads interwoven in this central part are risk awareness, personal responsibility, and temperature control as a constant knowledge gap in all population groups studied. Special attention in the form of a separate sub-section is then given to sources of information and their influence on consumer perspectives. Before the authors give their reflections and future considerations, factors influencing the perception of food safety and nutrition in different age groups are also analysed.
Cultural and socioeconomic factors significantly influence consumer perceptions and behaviors towards food, dictating preferences, consumption patterns, and safety practices. This study examines the dynamic interplay between cultural values, beliefs, cultural traditions, dietary restrictions, and socioeconomic variables such as income, education, and occupation in determining consumer attitudes, preferences, and decision-making processes related to food. Through a comprehensive review and case studies to analyze the impacts of cultural beliefs, values, and economic status on consumer attitudes towards food. The findings reveal that cultural factors, including traditions and dietary restrictions, profoundly affect food preferences and practices, while socioeconomic status influences accessibility, affordability, and nutritional choices. These elements interact to determine consumer behavior, affecting food safety practices and perceptions of quality, acceptability and authenticity among different population. The study highlights the necessity for the food industry stakeholders, including policymakers, public health professionals, and marketers, to consider these complex relationships. This include tailoring strategies that accommodate the diverse needs of consumer segments, reflecting their cultural and economic realities, are essential for effective engagement. Furthermore, integrating a nuanced understanding of these dynamics into marketing initiatives, product development, and health interventions, stakeholders can promote healthier diets and sustainable consumption behaviors. This research underscores the importance of addressing both cultural and socioeconomic factors to cater to the varied preferences and improve the dietary landscape of diverse populations.
Long COVID, also called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) affects millions of people in the world. The neurologic manifestations of PASC (Neuro-PASC) are among the most debilitating but they are largely unreported in Africa. We sought to compare the demographics, symptoms and cognitive profile of post-hospitalization Neuro-PASC (PNP) and non-hospitalized Neuro-PASC (NNP) patients in Nigeria. In this cross-sectional study performed at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, 106/2319 (4.6%) SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals contacted via telephone reported Neuro-PASC symptoms with a higher frequency in PNP than in NNP individuals ((23/200 (11.5%) vs. 83/2119 (3.9%), p = < 0.0001). The predominant neurologic symptoms at any time during the disease course were difficulty remembering / brain fog (63/106; 59.4%), fatigue (59/106; 55.7%), sleep problems (34/106; 32%), headache (33/106; 31%), paresthesia (12/106; 11.3%), and myalgia (10/106; 9.4%). Of 66 participants with Neuro-PASC who underwent in-person neurological evaluation and cognitive screening, all had normal scores on the Intervention for Dementia in Elderly Africans cognition screen, while 11/65 (16.9%) that completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment had results consistent with mild cognitive impairment (3/16 PNP (18.8%) and 8/49 NNP (16.3%); p = 1.0). Finally, 47/66 (71.2%) had digit span test scores consistent with mild cognitive dysfunction (12/16 PNP (75%) and 35/50 (70%) NNP; p = 1.0). Our findings reveal the previously unrecognized occurrence of Neuro-PASC among COVID-19 survivors in Nigeria and highlight the need for improved screening and diagnosis of Neuro-PASC in our population. Development of cognitive support services for persons suffering from Neuro-PASC in Nigeria is warranted.
This article investigates the impact of macroeconomic volatility on terrorism in 38 African economies spanning the period from 1980 to 2012, using available data. It examines four categories of terrorism markers: domestic, transnational, uncertain, and total, and their correlation with the volatility of four macroeconomic indicators—inflation, output growth, domestic credit to the private sector, and government expenditures. The study employs the negative binomial regression estimator on both the conditional variance structures of the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) and exponential GARCH (EGARCH) and the unconditional measure of a 3‐year interval time varying of measuring macroeconomic variables' volatilities on other regressors. I find, first, that inflation volatility is a significant predictor of all terrorism markers, except for transnational terrorism. This implies that high inflation volatility is linked to increased domestic terrorism. Second, the role of domestic credit to the private sector in mitigating transnational terrorist activities highlights the importance of stable private sector access to credit in reducing such incidents. Third, government consumption expenditure volatility has a dual effect on terrorism: it amplifies domestic terrorism but serves as a mitigating factor for total terrorism. This indicates that stable government expenditure can reduce overall terrorism, but might increase domestic terrorism. Last, other variables—such as population, ethnicity, conflicts, surface areas, and lagged terrorism values—are also found to influence the examined terrorism measures. For robustness, I employ alternative statistical techniques, including Poisson Pseudo‐maximum likelihood (PPML) estimation with multiple high‐dimensional fixed effects (HDFE). In summary, this study emphasizes the critical role of addressing inflation volatility in macroeconomic policies as a primary measure to counter terrorism. Stable economic conditions, particularly in relation to inflation, can significantly contribute to reducing terrorism in African economies.
Background
Most studies done on Vitamin D deficiency in migraine focused more on headache frequency than intensity and severity of the condition. This study is aimed at determining the relationship between serum Vitamin D levels and severity of migraine in a Nigerian setting.
Materials and Methods
Using a cross-sectional analytical study design, adult patients with migraine consecutively attending the neurology clinic at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, were recruited on fulfilling the study criteria. Their age- and sex-matched healthy headache-free controls were also recruited. Demographic information and clinical parameters were obtained with an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Headache severity and pain intensity were documented using incorporated headache disability index (HDI) and numerical rating scale (NRS) tools, respectively. Serum levels of Vitamin D, calcium and albumin were assayed for all study participants.
Results
The participants comprised 35 migraine and 50 control subjects. The migraine subjects comprised 10 males and 25 females, with mean ages of 29.4 ± 9.3 and 40.0 ± 11.1 years respectively ( P = 0.01). The mean serum Vitamin D levels among migraine and control participants were 43.45 ng/ml ± 16.84 and 48.78 ng/ml ± 23.33, respectively ( P = 0.31). The mean NRS was 7.3 ± 1.2 while the mean HDI was 44.7 ± 19.1 among migraine patients. There was no significant correlation between serum Vitamin D levels and pain intensity ( r = 0.29, P = 0.9), and no correlation with HDI ( r = 0.004, P = 0.96).
Conclusion
The serum Vitamin D levels among migraine and control participants were not significantly different. No significant relationship was found between serum Vitamin D level and headache severity index or pain intensity in migraine patients.
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Vice Chancellor: Prof Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe
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