Scientific AfricanPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-17DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03581
Talatu Bello Buba, Yahaya Mohammed, Heidi W. Reynolds, Adam Attahiru, Damian Bernsah Lawong, Hyelshilni Waziri, Olawunmi Adeoye, Amal Oladimeji, Fiyidi Mikailu, Moreen Kamateeka, Ndadilnasiya Endie Waziri, Gustavo C. Corrêa, Nancy Vollmer, Patrick Nguku
{"title":"From diagnosis to action: A scoping review revealing the gap between identified gender barriers and implemented strategies for childhood immunization in Nigeria","authors":"Talatu Bello Buba, Yahaya Mohammed, Heidi W. Reynolds, Adam Attahiru, Damian Bernsah Lawong, Hyelshilni Waziri, Olawunmi Adeoye, Amal Oladimeji, Fiyidi Mikailu, Moreen Kamateeka, Ndadilnasiya Endie Waziri, Gustavo C. Corrêa, Nancy Vollmer, Patrick Nguku","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03581","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03581","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Unequal gender-based power relations are a critical driver of childhood immunization inequities in Nigeria; there is a notable scarcity of studies that test interventions to address these barriers. This limited focus on intervention research masks the extent of gender-related inequities and constrains the availability of robust evidence needed to inform and scale gender-responsive immunization programs.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To map gender-related barriers to childhood immunization in Nigeria and explore the available evidence on gender-responsive strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's framework and PRISMA-ScR guidance. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and African Journals Online for peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025 examining gender and childhood immunization in Nigeria. After screening. After screening, 53 studies were included and thematically analyzed across socio-ecological levels (household, community, and health system as well as other intersectional factors influencing immunization uptake) and strategies for addressing gender barriers to childhood immunization.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 53 studies included, the majority (69.8%) were published between 2020 and 2025, with evidence skewed toward Northern Nigeria (34.0%) based on 18 of 53 studies included in the review. We observed a striking dichotomy: while a robust body of evidence provides an in-depth diagnosis of gender-related barriers such as patriarchal decision-making, male child preference and women's limited autonomy, there is a significant gap in the implementation and evaluation of gender-responsive interventions. Only 8 (15.1%) studies tested a proactive intervention, and even among these, the gender analysis was often moderate, applying a limited gender lens. Where tested, interventions showed promise: SMS reminders improved coverage by 44%, volunteer community mobilizers raised full immunization from 33% to 57%, and community health funds significantly increased vaccination uptake (OR 2.87). Over 30 observational studies only identified barriers without testing solutions, and 20 studies adopted only a minimal gender lens. with less gender lens. The Nigeria Strategy for Immunization and PHC System Strengthening (NSIPSS), the blueprint for the implementation of Immunization activities, while comprehensive, showed limited explicit integration of these identified gender dynamics.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This review provides the first comprehensive mapping of the diagnosis-action gap in gender and childhood immunization in Nigeria. We found a critical evidence-to-action gap, despite extensive research diagnosing gender-based barriers, few interventions have been rigorously tested, and national policy frameworks like NSIPSS lack operational mechanisms to translate recognition into practice. T","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article e03581"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148854095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Scientific AfricanPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-19DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03574
Frank Adusah-Poku, John Bosco Dramani, Prince Boakye Frimpong, Francis Kemausuor
{"title":"Adoption and Use of Residential Solar PV Systems in Ghana: Insights from a Mixed-Methods Study","authors":"Frank Adusah-Poku, John Bosco Dramani, Prince Boakye Frimpong, Francis Kemausuor","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03574","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03574","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are increasingly promoted as a solution to unreliable electricity supply and rising energy costs in Ghana. However, despite growing adoption, limited evidence exists on the experiences of residential solar users, the challenges they face, and the long-term sustainability of these systems. This study addresses this gap by examining the adoption, use, and performance of residential solar PV systems and the policy factors shaping user experiences. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining survey data from 213 households across Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews. The findings indicate that unreliable grid electricity (81%) and expected cost savings (53%) are the primary drivers of solar adoption, while environmental concerns play a limited role. Most households (80%) use solar PV as a supplementary source of electricity rather than a complete substitute for grid power. Although 63% of users reported lower energy costs and 72% experienced improved energy management, approximately 11% had discontinued using their systems due to battery and inverter failures, high maintenance costs, and limited technical support. The results further show that larger system capacities significantly increase the likelihood of achieving cost savings. The study concludes that while residential solar PV delivers important economic and energy-security benefits, its long-term sustainability depends on improved system quality, affordable maintenance services, and supportive policy measures. These findings provide valuable evidence for policymakers, energy providers, and investors seeking to enhance solar adoption and advance Ghana’s renewable energy transition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article e03574"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148854096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Scientific AfricanPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-29DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03605
Doha Ben Rouane, Redouane Mghaiouini, Noura Azzi, Ahmed Ait Errouhi
{"title":"Optimization of potassium extraction from discontinuous evaporation brine using the Taguchi experimental design","authors":"Doha Ben Rouane, Redouane Mghaiouini, Noura Azzi, Ahmed Ait Errouhi","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03605","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03605","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study applies the Taguchi design of experiments (DOE) in optimizing the process of potassium extraction in discontinuous evaporation brine, particularly with regard to the evaporation temperature, initial K⁺ concentration, and evaporation time, which are the major factors in the process. An orthogonal array of L9 was used to reduce the number of experiments while maintaining statistical efficiency. The analysis of variance showed that evaporation temperature is the most significant factor, contributing approximately 72.5% of the total variation in Potassium Extraction Efficiency (PEE), followed by initial K⁺ concentration, which contributed 20.2%, and evaporation time, which contributed 5.6%. A predictive linear regression model was developed, and the results showed that all investigated factors positively influenced PEE within the studied experimental range, as confirmed by the R² value, which was greater than 98%. The optimal conditions were established to achieve the maximum PEE yield, and the results were: 90 °C, 40 g/L of initial K⁺ concentration, and 6 h of evaporation time. The optimized operating conditions established in this study provide a basis for future investigations on the integration of solar-assisted evaporation systems. These findings contribute to the valorization of desalination brine through improved potassium recovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article e03605"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148951696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Scientific AfricanPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-21DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03569
Mesfin Tadesse Asirate, Mohammed Yiha Dawed, Legesse Lemecha Obsu
{"title":"Mathematical model of malaria transmission dynamics including asymptomatic infection and seasonal effects of Dilla Town, Ethiopia","authors":"Mesfin Tadesse Asirate, Mohammed Yiha Dawed, Legesse Lemecha Obsu","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03569","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03569","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria remains a major public health challenge worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Despite ongoing control efforts, the disease continues to cause significant health and socioeconomic burdens, especially in areas where environmental and seasonal conditions favor mosquito breeding. This study investigates the transmission dynamics of malaria in Dilla town, Ethiopia, using a deterministic mathematical model that incorporates symptomatic and asymptomatic infectious individuals together with seasonal mosquito recruitment. The main objective of the study is to provide a more realistic understanding of malaria transmission and persistence in the study area. To achieve this, the proposed model is analyzed for important qualitative properties, including positivity, boundedness, existence, uniqueness, and stability of solutions. The stability analysis is investigated using the Routh–Hurwitz criteria and LaSalle’s invariance principle. The results show that the malaria-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable whenever <span><math><mrow><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>0</mn></mrow></msub><mo><</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></math></span>, implying that malaria transmission eventually dies out under this condition and that no backward bifurcation occurs. Conversely, when <span><math><mrow><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>0</mn></mrow></msub><mo>></mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></math></span>, the model exhibits a forward bifurcation, leading to the persistence of the disease at an endemic equilibrium state. To enhance practical relevance of the model, the transmission parameters are estimated by fitting the model to reported malaria case data from Dilla town. These parameters are then used to compute the basic reproduction number, forecast future disease dynamics, and identify the most influential drivers of transmission. Findings highlight the critical role of asymptomatic individuals in maintaining hidden transmission and the contribution of seasonal mosquito recruitment to fluctuations in malaria incidence. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that malaria is likely to persist endemically in the study area unless stronger interventions are implemented. Increasing mosquito mortality, reducing recruitment, and improving early detection and treatment of asymptomatic infections are identified as key strategies for effective malaria control and potential reduction of disease burden in the community.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article e03569"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148854092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Scientific AfricanPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-15DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03576
Mohamed Anouar, Soufiane Raihani, Asmaa Msaad, Imane Souhil, Adil EL Achhab, Gianluca Viscusi, Rachid Ouchn, Miloudi Bouzziri, Mounir Belbahloul
{"title":"Ultra-low-temperature activated sugarcane bagasse for rapid congo red adsorption: optimization and machine learning modeling","authors":"Mohamed Anouar, Soufiane Raihani, Asmaa Msaad, Imane Souhil, Adil EL Achhab, Gianluca Viscusi, Rachid Ouchn, Miloudi Bouzziri, Mounir Belbahloul","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03576","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03576","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study reports the synthesis of a sustainable activated carbon from sugarcane bagasse via a sulfuric acid activation process conducted at ambient temperature (20 °C), thereby eliminating the need for energy-intensive thermal treatment. The resulting adsorbent, denoted as AC–SCB, exhibited a moderate BET surface area of 159 ± 8 m<sup>2</sup>/g while showing ultrafast adsorption kinetics, achieving >95% Congo Red (CR) removal within 2 min. Surface characterization revealed the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups, including carboxylic and phenolic moieties, which may contribute to CR adsorption through electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and π–π interactions at the solid–liquid interface. Equilibrium adsorption data were well described by the Langmuir model, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 1084.6 mg/g, while both pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models adequately described the adsorption kinetics, showing only marginal differences in their statistical performance. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic. Process optimization using Box–Behnken design achieved a maximum dye removal efficiency of 98.7 ± 0.4% under optimal conditions (pH 2.0, adsorbent dosage of 0.508 g/L, and contact time of 14.8 min). Among the predictive models investigated, the optimized SVM model exhibited the highest predictive accuracy (R = 0.995, MSE = 0.192, and RMSE = 0.438), outperforming both the ANN and response surface methodology models. These findings demonstrate a green and low-energy pathway for converting agricultural waste into an efficient adsorbent. The adsorption performance is attributed to the combined effects of surface chemistry, porosity, and solution conditions rather than a single dominant factor.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article e03576"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148854093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Scientific AfricanPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-09-02DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03614
Mohamed El Yaqoubi, Mouad Lahyaoui, Hajar Lahyaoui, Awatif Chahboun, Fatima Zahra Ayyad, Brahim Hachlaf, Kawtar Fikri-Benbrahim, Kaddouri Morad, Joe Miantezila Basilua, Abdelaaty A. Shahat, Rashed N. Herqash, Youssef Kandri Rodi
{"title":"Design, synthesis, antibacterial evaluation, molecular docking, ADMET prediction, and DFT study of novel pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazine-based imine derivatives","authors":"Mohamed El Yaqoubi, Mouad Lahyaoui, Hajar Lahyaoui, Awatif Chahboun, Fatima Zahra Ayyad, Brahim Hachlaf, Kawtar Fikri-Benbrahim, Kaddouri Morad, Joe Miantezila Basilua, Abdelaaty A. Shahat, Rashed N. Herqash, Youssef Kandri Rodi","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03614","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03614","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A series of novel pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazine-based imine derivatives (2a–2c) were synthesized by condensation of 7-bromopyrido[2,3-b]pyrazine-2,3(1H,4H)‑dione with aliphatic primary amines and characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The antibacterial activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated against selected bacterial strains using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. The results demonstrated that all compounds exhibit antibacterial activity, with compound 2b showing the highest efficacy.</div><div>Molecular docking studies targeting the ATP-binding domain of DNA gyrase B revealed favorable binding interactions, supporting a potential mechanism of action based on enzyme inhibition. In addition, in silico drug-likeness and ADMET predictions indicated that the compounds possess suitable pharmacokinetic properties, including high intestinal absorption, compliance with Lipinski’s rule of five, and low predicted toxicity. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations further revealed that all compounds share similar electronic properties, with moderate HOMO–LUMO energy gaps and balanced reactivity.</div><div>Overall, the results highlight the potential of pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazine-based imine derivatives as promising antibacterial agents. Among them, compound 2b emerges as a lead candidate due to its optimal balance between biological activity, binding affinity, and pharmacokinetic properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article e03614"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148951666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Scientific AfricanPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-09-02DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03615
Phemo T. Sebobi, Babatunde Abiodun Obadele, Prasad Raghupatruni
{"title":"Investigating corrosion mechanisms and the electrochemical performance of ferrosilicon for dense medium separation operations in Botswana","authors":"Phemo T. Sebobi, Babatunde Abiodun Obadele, Prasad Raghupatruni","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03615","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03615","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ferrosilicon (FeSi) is widely used in dense medium separation (DMS) processes for mineral beneficiation, however, its degradation due to corrosion presents significant operational challenges. Despite its industrial importance, limited research has addressed the electrochemical behavior of FeSi under the conditions specific to Botswana’s mining operations. This study investigates the corrosion mechanisms and electrochemical performance of three milled FeSi grades (100D, 150D, and 270D) using open circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and surface characterization techniques (SEM-EDS, XRD, Raman Spectroscopy, and particle size distribution). The results reveal that 270D demonstrated the best overall corrosion resistance, exhibiting the highest charge transfer resistance (<em>R</em><sub>ct</sub> = 139,370 Ω·cm<sup>2</sup>), followed by 100D (<em>R</em><sub>ct</sub> = 139,700 Ω·cm<sup>2</sup>), and lastly 150D (<em>R</em><sub>ct</sub> = 51,020 Ω·cm<sup>2</sup>), which consistently exhibited the poorest corrosion resistance across all techniques. 150D showed the highest corrosion current density (I<sub>corr</sub> = 1.57 × 10<sup>−3</sup> A/cm<sup>2</sup>, while 100D; I<sub>corr</sub> = 1.94 × 10<sup>−4</sup> A/cm<sup>2</sup>, and 270D; I<sub>corr</sub> = 1.50 × 10<sup>−4</sup> A/cm<sup>2</sup>) and the most negative corrosion potential (E<sub>corr</sub>), indicating poorest corrosion resistance. OCP measurement confirmed that 150D exhibited more frequent electrochemical fluctuations, indicative of lower surface stability. Particle size distribution shifted from unimodal to bimodal in all corroded samples, suggesting corrosion-induced particle fragmentation and agglomeration. These finding contribute to material selection and process optimization for more cost-effective and sustainable DMS operations in Botswana.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article e03615"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148951697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Scientific AfricanPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-25DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03591
Michael Nyoagbe, Jonathan Arthur Quaye-Ballard, John Divine Wise Ayer, Yaw Mensah Asare, Tina Dzigbordi Wemegah
{"title":"Smart city–oriented GeoAI framework for urban flood early warning: Evidence from Weija Dam, Ghana","authors":"Michael Nyoagbe, Jonathan Arthur Quaye-Ballard, John Divine Wise Ayer, Yaw Mensah Asare, Tina Dzigbordi Wemegah","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03591","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03591","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Early warning systems are essential in reducing the effects of dam spillage, particularly during events like the opening of spillways at major dams such as the Weija Dam, which can lead to sudden flooding in downstream communities. This study presents a GeoAI-enabled Early Dam Spillage Warning System in support of the resilience of smart cities and urban water governance. The focus of this study is the Weija Dam in Accra, Ghana. A critical assessment and review of the existing Weija Dam Emergency Preparedness Plan informed the development of the GeoAI-enabled Early Dam Spill Warning System. A Lagged Feedback Random Forest model was employed to improve the traditional rule-based method, whilst spatial analysis was used to identify evacuation routes and at-risk downstream communities. The proposed system demonstrates improved predictive performance. This translates the model’s performance into operational intelligence for city authorities, residents, and the disaster management organisation. The results indicate that integrating local data, GeoAI, IoT, and Geographic Information System (GIS) enhanced the preparedness of smart cities and the resilience of urban infrastructure, and supports community-level risk communication regarding dam spill risks in African cities. The GeoAI-enabled early warning system can function as a collaborative platform-based core infrastructure for smart cities, bringing together various stakeholders for planning, targeted alerts, evacuation, and coordinated emergency response.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article e03591"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148951700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hydrogeochemical characterisation and evaluation of groundwater suitability for domestic and agricultural use in the Ugumany watershed, Omo-Gibe Basin, Ethiopia","authors":"Dawit Ukumo , Demelash Wendemeneh , Daniel Reddythota , Ayano Hirbo","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03420","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03420","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Groundwater is a crucial freshwater resource for domestic and agricultural use in Ethiopia’s semi-arid regions, but limited baseline hydrogeochemical data impede effective quality assessment, sustainable management, and public health protection. This study presents a comprehensive hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater in the Ugumany watershed, Omo-Gibe Basin, Ethiopia, to determine its suitability for drinking and irrigation. Ten groundwater samples from springs, hand-dug wells, and pump wells were collected during the dry and wet seasons (2023–2024) and analysed for major ions and physicochemical parameters. Hydrochemical facies and controlling geochemical processes were evaluated using Piper and Gibbs diagrams, while irrigation suitability was assessed using SAR, RSC, MAR, RSBC, SSP, Kelly’s Index, and the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI). The results showed seasonal fluctuations in water chemistry, with higher TDS (up to 405 mg/L) and turbidity (up to 80 NTU) during the wet season due to enhanced mineral dissolution and runoff. Fluoride exceeded the WHO limit (1.5 mg/L) in 30% of samples, with a maximum concentration of 2.65 mg/L and indicating localised health risks. Gibbs diagrams show rock–water interaction as the dominant control on groundwater chemistry. Most irrigation indices indicate suitable groundwater for irrigation; however, elevated RSC (>13 meq/L) and MAR (>80%) in some dry-season samples suggest localised soil sodicity and salinisation risks under prolonged irrigation. Groundwater in the Ugumany watershed is generally fit for domestic and irrigation purposes, although fluoride enrichment and seasonal salinity-related risks require targeted monitoring, protection of shallow sources, and appropriate fluoride mitigation strategies to ensure sustainable water use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e03420"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184172","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}
Scientific AfricanPub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-05-25DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03423
Saif Ali Kadhim , Karrar A. Hammoodi , Dhuha Radhi Nayyef , Ali M. Ashour , Farhan Lafta Rashid , Abdallah Bouabidi , Shahin Shoeibi , Arman Ameen
{"title":"Thermal enhancement in double-tube heat exchanger: Review of transverse and longitudinal corrugated inner tubes case","authors":"Saif Ali Kadhim , Karrar A. Hammoodi , Dhuha Radhi Nayyef , Ali M. Ashour , Farhan Lafta Rashid , Abdallah Bouabidi , Shahin Shoeibi , Arman Ameen","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03423","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03423","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Double-tube heat exchangers are essential in industrial thermal systems, yet their efficiency is constrained by thermal boundary layer resistance. While individual studies have explored corrugated tubes, the literature lacks a centralized comparative analysis that synthesizes findings across configurations. This review advances the field by delivering the first comprehensive analysis of transverse and longitudinal corrugated inner tubes, synthesizing over 80 studies to establish clear correlations between geometric parameters and thermal-hydraulic performance. A key advance is identifying diminishing returns thresholds: optimal performance evaluation criterion values of 1.1–1.75 are achieved at moderate height-to-diameter ratios <0.06 rather than extreme geometries, a design principle not previously consolidated. The review quantifies for the first time the disproportionate relationship between Nusselt number enhancement (10–117%) and friction factor penalties (50–600%), explaining why smooth profiles (sinusoidal, circular) consistently outperform sharp-edged profiles. Another novel contribution is evaluating performance contradictions, revealing why corrugated tubes underperform smooth tubes in laminar flow and at high Reynolds numbers, insights absent from previous reviews. The review also identifies longitudinal corrugations as a critical research gap, providing a roadmap for future investigation. For practitioners, this work transforms scattered experimental data into actionable design guidelines: select smooth profiles with moderate heights, match geometry to the expected Reynolds number regime, and evaluate performance using performance evaluation criterion rather than Nusselt number alone. These advances establish this review as a foundational resource for researchers and engineers seeking to optimize corrugated tube heat exchangers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e03423"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184164","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}