Scientific African最新文献

{"title":"Women’s Empowerment and Women’s Health in sub Saharan Africa","authors":"Taka A,&nbsp;Tandrayen-Ragoobur V","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03408","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03408","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The paper analyses the association between women’s empowerment and health in sub-Saharan Africa. Existing literature suggests that women’s empowerment influences reproductive health outcomes like fertility, birth interval and contraceptive use. The evidence, however, remains mixed and tends to be country-specific owing to the difficulties in measuring women’s empowerment and health. The study links different dimensions of women’s empowerment to women's health outcomes in sub-Saharan African countries by building a multidimensional Women Empowerment Index. Using the Demographic Health Surveys for 26 sub-Saharan African countries from 2008 to 2020, a composite index is computed based on four main dimensions namely economic, social, psychological and legal empowerment. Second, women’s health is analysed using different proxies for family planning and maternal health. These are access to health facilities which helps women to benefit from improved control over their health, the use of contraceptive methods which gives women reproductive autonomy and seeking medical help and health insurance which allow women to improve their health. Governments across Africa have not been practical in taking on board women’s health issues, though various agreements have been signed. Poorly empowered women have led to a lack of essential health services for women leading to rising prevalence in the women reproductive health problems. The results show that there is a bidirectional relationship between women’s empowerment and women’s health across the region where women’s empowerment leads to better women health or on the other hand, healthier women are more likely to be highly empowered in the four different spheres analysed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e03408"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184167","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}

{"title":"The generalized Gompertz-G family of distributions: Properties, estimation, and applications to milk production and phosphorous concentration data","authors":"Lucky Nyathi ,&nbsp;Regent Retrospect Musekwa ,&nbsp;Precious Mdlongwa","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03411","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03411","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper introduces an advanced framework for modeling heterogeneous lifetime data through the development of the generalized Gompertz-G (GGG) family of distributions. The proposed family combines the Gompertz-G family and a recently introduced generator called the alpha power transformation and this formulation enhances the new family the capacity to capture diverse hazard rate behaviors, including monotonic, bathtub-shaped, and inverted bathtub patterns. The mathematical properties of the GGG family are rigorously derived, encompassing order statistics, Shannon and Rényi entropies, and essential statistical measures such as moments. A comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation study is performed under varying initial parameter settings to evaluate the robustness and efficiency of different estimation techniques. The practical relevance of the proposed family is illustrated using two real datasets based on a special case, the generalized Gompertz Log–Logistic (GGLLoG) distribution. Empirical results reveal that the GGLLoG model consistently provides a superior goodness-of-fit compared to existing non-nested competing models available in literature, underscoring its potential in reliability analysis and survival data modeling. This study is limited to continuous data and suggests directions for future research, including the incorporation of covariates, the treatment of censored data, and the development of multivariate extensions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e03411"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184288","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}

{"title":"Assessment of uptake, translocation and accumulation of three selected veterinary antibiotics by cabbage plant using HPLC-DAD and LC-MS","authors":"Serkalem Abera,&nbsp;Estifanos Ele Yaya,&nbsp;Bhagwan Singh Chandravanshi","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03433","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03433","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plants absorb, translocate and accumulate antibiotic residues or their active metabolites via their roots. The buildup of these antibiotics or their active metabolites in the plant parts, soil, surface and groundwater put the human health and the ecosystem in danger. Nevertheless, there is still much to learn about the metabolism and removal routes of antibiotics by the plants. Consequently, this study aimed to assess the uptake, translocation and accumulation of three distinct classes of antibiotics namely, sulfamethoxazole, norfloxacin and doxycycline by the cabbage plants. The result confirmed that the cabbage plants absorbs, translocate and accumulate all the three antibiotics within half an hour and their accumulation grew throughout the experimental period (half an hour–72 hours). Sulfamethoxazole was the antibiotic that the cabbage plants absorb, distribute and accumulate the most, followed by doxycycline and norfloxacin, respectively. Sulfamethoxazole detected in the plant parts were 4.68–31.9 mg/kg in the roots, 2.05–24.5 mg/kg in the stems and 0.89–17.3 mg/kg in the leaves throughout the experimental period. Doxycycline was 2.03–13.1, 1.00–10.8 and 0.67–9.21 mg/kg in the roots, stems and leaves of the plant, respectively. Norfloxacin was 1.34–8.79, 0.48–5.18 and 0.29–4.26 mg/kg in the root stems and leaves of the plant, respectively.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e03433"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184070","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}

{"title":"A scenario and stability-aware decision framework for reconditioned spare parts selection in circular maintenance systems","authors":"Abderrahman Mansouri ,&nbsp;Bellat Abdelouahad ,&nbsp;Idriss Bennis ,&nbsp;Ali siadat ,&nbsp;Fatiha Akef","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03410","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03410","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The transition toward circular maintenance systems requires decision-support tools capable of evaluating reconditioned spare parts across multiple and often conflicting technical, economic, and sustainability criteria. Although reconditioned components can reduce cost, resource consumption, and environmental burden, their industrial adoption remains limited due to uncertainty in quality, reliability, and long-term value, as well as the lack of transparent selection frameworks. This study proposes a scenario- and stability-aware decision framework for reconditioned spare parts selection in circular maintenance systems. The framework integrates six evaluation criteria (cost, reliability, environmental impact, circular economy contribution, quality, and future remanufacturing value) within a weighted composite objective optimized using a genetic algorithm. To support controlled validation and reproducibility, the framework is assessed through a simulated industrial case study based on an industry-inspired dataset of reconditioned spare parts. In addition to optimization, the study formalizes a scenario- and stability-oriented evaluation protocol to represent different stakeholder priorities and to assess outcome consistency under parameter variation. The study reports trade-off-oriented results through visualization and statistical analyses, including scatter plots, correlation analysis, and performance distributions. These elements provide a methodological basis for expanded comparative analysis in future studies. The findings are intended to support transparent and practical decision-making in circular maintenance planning while providing a reproducible basis for future integration with industrial datasets and digital maintenance systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e03410"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184169","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}

{"title":"Investigation of chemical evolution of groundwater through water stable isotopes and hydrochemical characteristics in Soubré and Gagnoa counties, Côte d'Ivoire","authors":"Boadou Adjéï Kouacou ,&nbsp;Armel Kouadio Kouame ,&nbsp;Yao Dakro Albert Gboko ,&nbsp;Bernard Adiaffi ,&nbsp;Abass Gibrilla ,&nbsp;Geophrey Anornu","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03418","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03418","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Groundwater is an important source of water for many people around the world, enabling them to meet their diverse needs. The main objectives of this study are to identify the sources and processes of groundwater mineralization, as well as the groundwater recharge mechanism. For that, the hydrogeochemical, statistical and isotopic approaches were investigated to get a thorough understanding of the many processes involved in mineralization. The results show that groundwater is acidic, fresh and good (TDS &lt; 1000 mg/l; 5.22 &lt; pH&lt; 6.84). Na⁺ and HCO₃^- are the dominant cation and anion, respectively. The high values of NO₃^-<img>N and SO₄^2- observed in some samples are the consequence of human influences. Piper diagram shows that hydrogen carbonate types are the most abundant in the area representing more than half of the samples. The simultaneous analysis of Gibbs and Modified-Gibbs diagrams indicate carbonate and silicate weathering as major processes involved in groundwater mineralisation. In addition to previous processes, there are also the presence of gypsum dissolution characterised by a significant correlation between Ca²⁺ and SO₄^2- (r = 0.81) and the cation exchange that dominates on groundwater samples with respect to the reverse one.</div><div>As for isotopic measurements, they are performed on ²H and ¹⁸O of the water molecule. From their <em>δ</em>²H-H₂O and <em>δ</em>¹⁸O-H₂O ratios, a good linear relationship is established (<em>δ</em>²H = 7.28<em>δ</em>¹⁸O + 8.58) representing the groundwater line (GwL). The comparison with the global and local lines would suggest as recharge mechanism in groundwater the precipitation process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e03418"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184173","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}

{"title":"Optimal control for a crossover cholera mathematical model using fractal (variable-fractional) Ψ-Caputo derivative with nonstandard kernel","authors":"Seham M. Al-Mekhlafi ,&nbsp;Ebenezer Bonyah","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03395","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03395","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cholera is still a major health concern worldwide, especially in areas where access to clean water and sanitation is limited. Although mathematical models are essential to grasp its dynamics, classical integer-order models hardly account for the memory effects and the heterogeneous nature of the transmission of the disease. This study proposes an innovative crossover optimal control strategy for a cholera mathematical model using in combination unique way, integer-order, fractal fractional-order and fractal variable-order <span><math><mrow><mstyle><mi>Ψ</mi></mstyle><mo>(</mo><mi>t</mi><mo>)</mo></mrow></math></span>-Caputo derivatives to three different time intervals. The utilization of the non-conventional kernel <span><math><mrow><mstyle><mi>Ψ</mi></mstyle><mo>(</mo><mi>t</mi><mo>)</mo></mrow></math></span> in this technique results in a more adaptable and realistic framework when addressing the complexity of epidemic trajectories. The equilibrium points of the model are studied comprehensively. Then the model is compared with the data regarding the cholera outbreak in Yemen in 2017–2018 and a very good agreement is observed. Next, an optimal-control problem is put forward in this crossover framework with the goal of determining the best method of water purification. By using this effort, the optimality system is calculated numerically through a dissociated, newly created discretized non-conventional <span><math><mstyle><mi>Ψ</mi></mstyle></math></span>-finite difference method. The stability and convergence of the proposed numerical scheme are rigorously analyzed. Numerical experiments and comparison studies convince that the suggested method is a feasible solution, and the approximation scheme is highly efficient. The primary outcome of this paper is the revelation that the crossover-controlled system is the most efficient way to alleviate and control the spread of cholera, and it is clearly superior to the models with only one derivative type.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e03395"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184287","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}

{"title":"Hexaaquamagnesium(II) hydrogenphosphite: Synthesis, crystal structure, vibrational study, Hirshfeld surface, DFT insights, and anti-corrosion efficacy","authors":"Majda Yamni ,&nbsp;Mohammed Zerrouk ,&nbsp;Mustapha Lamrani ,&nbsp;Mohammed Er-Rajy ,&nbsp;Asmae Ben Abdelhadi ,&nbsp;Mustapha Ait El Had ,&nbsp;Antonio Rodríguez-Diéguez ,&nbsp;Rachid Chahboun ,&nbsp;Abdeslam Mouadili ,&nbsp;Hanan Taybi ,&nbsp;Mohammed Lachkar ,&nbsp;Rachid Ouarsal","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03424","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03424","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work focused on the synthesis of Hexaaquamagnesium(II) hydrogenphosphite, Mg(H₂O)₆.HPO₃, 1. The structural analysis reveals that the crystalline framework, composed of Mg(H₂O)₆²⁺ cations and HPO₃^2- anions, features a magnesium ion in an octahedral arrangement, flanked by six oxygen atoms originating from water molecules and phosphite ions. The three-dimensional framework is stabilized by an extended set of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between hydrogen atoms on coordinated water molecules and oxygen atoms in the phosphite units. The functional groups were confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). TGA–DSC reveals a single endothermic dehydration step (∼48% mass loss) due to loss of six coordinated water molecules, yielding a stable anhydrous MgHPO₃ with no further thermal decomposition up to 350 °C. The reactivity and electronic properties were investigated using DFT calculations performed with the DMol3 code, including solvent effects modeled through the COSMO approach. In addition, the anticorrosion properties of Hexaaquamagnesium(II) hydrogenphosphite hexahydrate have been evaluated in an acid medium (HCl 1 M) on C38 steel, employing electrochemical techniques (Tafel polarization, EIS impedance). The inhibition efficiency reached 85.82% and 89.73% based on potentiodynamic polarization and EIS measurements, respectively, attributed to the formation of a protective film that suppresses both cathodic and anodic reactions. This sorption follows the Langmuir-isotherm model, which suggests an electrostatic interaction between phosphite anions and the metal substrate. Complementary theoretical studies have established a correlation between electronic reactivity and inhibitory activity, opening up prospects for the rational design of phosphite inhibitors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e03424"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184069","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}

{"title":"Liberation day or the beginning of isolation? The fifth global trade war (Trump 2.0): An analysis using a dynamic multiregional computable general equilibrium (CGE) model","authors":"Yassine El Hajoui,&nbsp;Nabil El Baouchari","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03409","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03409","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article analyzes the macroeconomic consequences of the strategic trade war initiated by the United States on April 2, 2025, using a dynamic multi-regional computable general equilibrium model calibrated on the GTAP 11 database and the CEPII 2022 scenario. Three strategic configurations are examined: a bilateral U.S.–China confrontation with third-country neutrality, a U.S.-led economic isolation of China, and a Chinese-led trade coalition against the United States. Results show that bilateral confrontation generates losses for both parties, that U.S.-led isolation produces net gains for Washington and a sharp contraction in China, and that a Chinese coalition reverses this dynamic at the expense of the U.S. economy. These findings suggest that the decisive variable in this conflict is not tariff levels per se, but the capacity to isolate one's rival through strategic alliance mobilization - pointing to the emergence of a new form of economic cold war in which geoeconomic preeminence depends on the density and cohesion of trade partnerships.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e03409"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184171","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}

{"title":"Design and embedded real-time implementation of a fuzzy logic–based energy management system for a DC microgrid using a Raspberry Pi","authors":"Fatima Zahra Moughraoui ,&nbsp;Ahlame Mfikra ,&nbsp;Omar Kabouri ,&nbsp;Hafsa El Meskini ,&nbsp;Mohamed Azeroual ,&nbsp;Hassane EL Markhi","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03412","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03412","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents a real-time energy management system (EMS) for a DC microgrid integrating photovoltaic (PV), wind turbines (WT), and battery energy storage system (BESS). The EMS is implemented on a low-cost Raspberry Pi and interfaced with a MATLAB/Simulink-based microgrid via a Wi-Fi TCP/IP link, enabling realistic embedded operation. A fuzzy logic–based control strategy is used to regulate the DC-bus voltage by managing battery charge and discharge under varying renewable generation and load conditions. Several operating scenarios, including power deficits, surplus generation, and abrupt renewable source dropouts, are investigated. Experimental results show tight DC-bus voltage regulation with a maximum voltage error of approximately 0.15%. A comparative evaluation with a conventional PID controller, conducted under identical embedded and communication conditions, shows that the fuzzy logic–based EMS provides improved voltage regulation, smoother transient behavior, and greater robustness to renewable intermittency. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and confirm the suitability of low-cost embedded platforms for real-time energy management in renewable-based DC microgrids.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e03412"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184165","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}

{"title":"Fixed-switching-frequency passivity-based predictive control of DC–DC boost converters: Hardware-in-the-loop validation","authors":"Jawhara El Hmidi ,&nbsp;Anass Mansouri ,&nbsp;Ali Ahaitouf","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03427","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2026.e03427","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper employs a Fixed-Switching-Frequency Passivity-Based Model Predictive Control (FSF-PBMPC) strategy for DC/DC boost converters, combining the fast transient performance of predictive control with the robustness of passivity-based design. A Lyapunov-based analysis is provided to support local asymptotic stability around the operating equilibrium under the stated steady-state assumptions. The controller is implemented and validated through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing using an STM32F4 microcontroller, enabling realistic real-time evaluation. Experimental results demonstrate that the FSF-PBMPC maintains a fixed switching frequency of <span><math><mrow><mi>10</mi><mspace></mspace><mtext>kHz</mtext></mrow></math></span>, with output voltage ripple below <strong>0.8%</strong> and output current ripple within <strong>2.1%</strong> of nominal, even under significant parameter variations. Compared to conventional FSF-MPC, the used approach achieves up to <strong>35%</strong> reduction in overshoot and <strong>28%</strong> improvement in settling time during load and reference voltage changes. Stability is preserved despite input voltage fluctuations and passive component tolerances. These results confirm that the FSF-PBMPC strategy ensures predictable EMI behavior, improved efficiency, and strong robustness, making it a promising solution for demanding applications such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and aerospace converters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e03427"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184166","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}