Africa

Elsevier,

Green and Sustainable Synthesis of Iron Oxide-Based Nanomaterials for Energy and Environmental Applications, 2026, Pages 283-310

The phenomenon of rapid industrialization and the subsequent rise in energy consumption have led to the exploitation of natural resources, specifically fossil fuels, for the purpose of power generation. The observed phenomenon leads to introduction a substantial quantity of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a greenhouse gas into the surrounding environment. The effects of CO2 emissions are one of today’s most pressing problems for society. In this context, there has been a lot of interest in the most recent advancement made in a comprehensive CO2 capture strategy. There are many different methods for separating and capturing CO2, including liquid absorption, adsorption on solid surfaces, chemical looping, gas phase separation, and hybrid processes like adsorption-membrane systems. Due to CO2 relatively stable dynamic state, interacting with other substances is complex. Therefore, it is necessary to create specific catalysts that can dissolve the CO2 bond and be used as a feedstock to create highly economical materials. Recently, there has been a lot of interest in using metal oxide-based processes to convert CO2 into other compounds. Metal oxides are essential to CO2 hydrogenation because they offer extra benefits like selectivity and energy efficiency. This book chapter focuses on iron oxide based materials and their utilization in the context of CO2 capture applications. Here, a curated literature review on iron oxide-based materials for CO2 capture application has been presented, and the various strategies used by scientists and industry to reestablish the equilibrium of CO2 in the environment have been analyzed.

The scientific community worldwide has been interested in nanoscience over the past few decades due to its potential applications in the energy, pharmaceutical, agricultural, electronics, medical diagnostics, and chemical industries, as well as in space exploration. These distinctive features of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) can be explored for various additional applications, including medication delivery, biosensing, reusable catalysts, antibacterial and anticancer properties, MRI agents, and medical imaging. Therefore, it is essential to fabricate IONPs with the appropriate monodispersity, structure, size, and topology for the applications. The biofabrication of IONPs with the appropriate nature and structure utilizing microbial machinery is safer, faster, and more ecologically friendly than previous approaches. Many microorganisms have previously been investigated for their ability to fabricate IONPs. As a result, manufacturing IONPs using microorganisms is a novel approach that shows great promise. This chapter offers detailed information on several methods for producing IONPs utilizing microbial cells, as well as their multifunctional applications.

Background: Optimal nutrition for lactating mothers has remained at the top of the health policy agendas of many developing countries because of the consensus that it is an effective channel for achieving positive maternal and child health outcomes. Objectives: This study draws on the socio-ecological theory to explore barriers and enablers of healthy eating among lactating mothers in the Wa West District of Ghana.
Elsevier,

Future Smart Cities: A Blueprint for Inclusive and Sustainable Living, Volume , 1 January 2026

Waste-to-Energy (WTE) is a potential sustainable renewable energy source for Libya's Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management. The current waste management approach involves collecting and dumping waste in landfills. According to a research study, Libya is exploring the use of Waste Treatment Empowerment as a source of renewable energy to meet its electricity demand and offer an alternative to landfill-based waste management. The purpose of this study is to evaluate Benghazi City's WTE facility's ability to satisfy the city's power needs and offer an alternative to landfill-based waste management. Mass-burn incineration was used to create a situation for WTE use, revealing that Benghazi could produce about 20 MW of electricity through a WTE facility by 2030 using the incineration scenario.
Elsevier,

Future Smart Cities: A Blueprint for Inclusive and Sustainable Living, Volume , 1 January 2026

A key component of smart city frameworks, efficient waste management is necessary for sustainable urban development. Innovative approaches that combine waste management, the use of renewable energy, and increased energy efficiency are needed to address pressing concerns including resource optimization and environmental sustainability. A thorough approach makes it possible to synthesize interdisciplinary knowledge to address the intricate problems that smart cities face. Fair resource allocation, cutting-edge energy conversion technologies, the adoption of the circular economy, the integration of renewable energy systems, and larger societal issues must all be given top priority in research. Waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies offer a practical way to manage waste in cities and produce energy simultaneously. Utilizing renewable energy is also essential for lowering emissions of pollutants and promoting environmental progress. An overview of smart city concepts is given in this chapter, with particular attention paid to the significance of waste management, the potential of WTE systems, applications of renewable energy, digital advances for waste handling, governance structures, and the main obstacles related to urban waste management.
Energy security is closely related to national security, particularly in the realm of energy production and consumption as well as energy transformation capacity (e.g., refinement and storage capabilities). Similarly, environmental and climate and health security have been identified as key drivers of national security and associated national resilience indicators. We explore these dynamics with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region and present potential methods of reconciling competing priorities to ensure regional stability and security.

CRADLE-5 is the first pragmatic stepped-wedge trial of a Vital Signs Alert device in a low-income country, evaluating its effectiveness and scale-up across eight districts in Sierra Leone, where maternal mortality rates remain one of the highest globally. The study involved over 93,000 deliveries, trained 2,100+ health workers, and assessed outcome variations across districts and facilities.

Combustion of fossil fuels is one of the main sources of emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO2, CO, and NOx. In order to decrease the emissions of these harmful gases and alleviate their unfavorable consequences, it is crucial to shift toward clean and renewable energy technologies. Aside from the environmental importance, there are other reasons, such as fluctuations in the price of fossil fuels, restrictions in their resources, and the importance of energy diversification for shifting toward alternative and clean energy systems. In this chapter, some of the most conventional and developed renewable energy systems are introduced. Afterwards, the importance of shifting toward renewable energy sources and the development of clean energy technologies is discussed. Following that, the obstacles and challenges related to the development of renewable energy systems are provided. According to the provided data and designed plans by international organizations, it can be concluded that renewable energy systems would have a significant contribution in the future; however, there are some challenges, such as requirement for investment, lack of proper infrastructure, and absence of clear and effective policies in some countries and regions that can act as obstacles to the development of these clean systems.

This qualitative study explored challenges faced by upper primary mathematics teachers in Rwanda following the switch to English as the medium of instruction.

Elsevier,

Teaching and Teacher Education, Volume 166, November 2025

This study examines factors influencing preprimary teacher turnover in peri-urban Ghana, finding that 22% of teachers left their positions within a school year. Psychological well-being, including depression, anxiety, and job satisfaction, was the strongest predictor of turnover and mediated the impact of personal stressors. The findings emphasize the importance of holistic support addressing both personal and professional needs to improve teacher retention and education quality.

Pages