African Aviation continues to fall short of serving the demands of the fast-growing African population. For major air transport in and out of the African continent, African travellers rely mainly on non-African Airlin...African Aviation continues to fall short of serving the demands of the fast-growing African population. For major air transport in and out of the African continent, African travellers rely mainly on non-African Airlines. There is, however, one successful airline on the continent at the writing of this paper: Ethiopian Airlines and the Ethiopian Aviation Group. Why are no further successful airlines possible on a continent of 1.4 billion people (25% of the world’s population) and only a 2%-share of global air transport? At the introduction of SAATM, which is anticipated as the start of the domestic African aviation boom, most African countries seem unprepared to build a success story like Ethiopia. Transportation infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa does not start with roads and rail but with runways and airlines. This research investigates the basic requirements needed to equip Africa with a competitive aviation industry that would contribute some 5% to the continent’s GDP and create hundreds of thousands of workplaces. Interviews with African SAATM leaders signal a slowdown in the effort to succeed. The research is also concerned about the lack of inclusion in the implementation of a NetZero CO2 emission scheme in Africa.展开更多
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the African Union(AU)Agenda 2063,Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse of the future.The adoption of the am...This year marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the African Union(AU)Agenda 2063,Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse of the future.The adoption of the ambitious blueprint is a key event that will steer pan-African development onto the right path,and put renewed focus on the pan-African vision of building an integrated,prosperous and peaceful Africa within a 50-year period from 2013 to 2063.展开更多
The signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA)in Kigali,Rwanda,on 21 March 2018 spurred a wave of optimism in street markets and corporate boardrooms alike.The 44 countries joining this single market p...The signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA)in Kigali,Rwanda,on 21 March 2018 spurred a wave of optimism in street markets and corporate boardrooms alike.The 44 countries joining this single market pledged to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods,knitting economies together in an unprecedented fashion.展开更多
African swine fever(ASF),caused by the African swine fever virus(ASFV),has brought enormous economic loss and represents a major threat to the global pig industry(Vergne et al.2017).ASFVs are divided into 24 genotypes...African swine fever(ASF),caused by the African swine fever virus(ASFV),has brought enormous economic loss and represents a major threat to the global pig industry(Vergne et al.2017).ASFVs are divided into 24 genotypes based on their B646L gene,with only genotypes Ⅰ and Ⅱ circulating globally(Dixon et al.2019).展开更多
Although African swine fever(ASF) has been prevalent for more than a century, it remains the number one swine disease that seriously endangers the global pig industry, and there is no effective means of prevention and...Although African swine fever(ASF) has been prevalent for more than a century, it remains the number one swine disease that seriously endangers the global pig industry, and there is no effective means of prevention and treatment(Wang et al. 2023). Due to its enormous economic and social impact, it is listed as a notifiable animal disease by the World Organization for Animal Health(Costard et al. 2013). Although ASF has been present in Sub-Saharan Africa since its first discovery in Kenya.展开更多
This study explores the epistemic imperative to decolonize African education systems by centering indigenous philosophies such as Ubuntu and introducing the Ubuntu Pedagogy as a pedagogical model.Ubuntu pedagogy trans...This study explores the epistemic imperative to decolonize African education systems by centering indigenous philosophies such as Ubuntu and introducing the Ubuntu Pedagogy as a pedagogical model.Ubuntu pedagogy transforms teacher-learner relationships,it provides a replicable model for relational learning,community partnerships,and reassert the dignity of indigenous epistemologies.The paper examines how language,knowledge production,and pedagogy can be restructured to reflect African epistemologies and educational sovereignty.This research also explores the relationship between mother tongue instruction and cognitive access to learning.Through a qualitative literature analysis of case studies and African scholarly discourse,this paper highlights the continued marginalization of indigenous knowledge systems and the need to embed culturally relevant teaching methodologies.The findings support the broader question of whether there exists an epistemological base for knowledge independence or production within African and Afro-Diasporic contexts,revealing culturally coherent frameworks of learning that resist colonial dominance and an exploration of reclaiming African indigenous knowledge systems for educational and cultural sovereignty.展开更多
As Africa marks a decade since the adoption of Agenda 2063,its bold and ambitious seven aspirations have positioned the continent as a strong,united,resilient,and influential global player and partner.Reaffirming its ...As Africa marks a decade since the adoption of Agenda 2063,its bold and ambitious seven aspirations have positioned the continent as a strong,united,resilient,and influential global player and partner.Reaffirming its Pan-Africanism and African renaissance plan,aspiration seven of Agenda 2063 underscores the importance of Africa’s unity and solidarity in the face of major challenges emanating from the changing nature of globalisation,climate change,and economic and political environment.展开更多
Walk the Earth By FEDERICO VERONESI Prestel This book is a powerful tribute to Africa’s last great elephants,o!ering an intimate look at these majestic animals in their wild habitats.Photographer Federico Veronesi,kn...Walk the Earth By FEDERICO VERONESI Prestel This book is a powerful tribute to Africa’s last great elephants,o!ering an intimate look at these majestic animals in their wild habitats.Photographer Federico Veronesi,known for his poetic wildlife portraits,captures both the grandeur and vulnerability of elephants with striking sensitivity.His full-spread images show tuskers roaming watering holes,lakebeds,and vast savannahs,often framed by glowing skies or distant mountains.In Amboseli,Liwonde,Mana Pools,and the Chyulu Hills,Veronesi waits patiently to record fleeting moments-a matriarch leading her herd,a lone bull beneath storm clouds,or a silhouette against the fading sun.展开更多
African leaders will gather again in Addis Ababa,the Ethiopian capital,for the 2025 African Union(AU)Summit on 17-18 February.This time it’s different,though.The meeting is taking place amid a different geopolitical ...African leaders will gather again in Addis Ababa,the Ethiopian capital,for the 2025 African Union(AU)Summit on 17-18 February.This time it’s different,though.The meeting is taking place amid a different geopolitical context,and challenging socio-economic and security conditions on the continent.展开更多
The just-concluded sessions of the National People’s Congress(NPC)and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC),known as Two Sessions,represent excellent opportunities t...The just-concluded sessions of the National People’s Congress(NPC)and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC),known as Two Sessions,represent excellent opportunities to observe how China functions.During the events,five African experts shared with ChinAfrica their perspectives on topics of their interest,excerpts of which follow.展开更多
There has been growing attention to transnational and trans-regional infrastructure cooperation in Africa in recent years.Given that development on the continent has long been plagued by poor infrastructure,trans-regi...There has been growing attention to transnational and trans-regional infrastructure cooperation in Africa in recent years.Given that development on the continent has long been plagued by poor infrastructure,trans-regional cooperation is viewed as both a driving force and a catalyst for African integration.To promote African integration and the construction of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA),the African Union(AU)has expedited the implementation of the second ten-year plan under its Agenda 2063,which includes advancing the Second Priority Action Plan(PAP II)under the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa(PIDA).To consolidate and enhance strategic interests and influence in Africa,Western countries represented by the European Union and the United States have proposed new infrastructure investment plans for Africa,including initiatives such as the Global Gateway and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment(PGII).These efforts focus on increasing strategic investments in development and strategically important corridors like the Lobito Corridor,intending to strengthen competition with China’s Belt and Road Initiative(BRI).展开更多
Africa’s Buildings:Architecture and the Displacement of Cultural Heritage By ITOHAN I.OSAYIMWESE Princeton University Press This book is a groundbreaking history that exposes the systematic looting of Africa’s archi...Africa’s Buildings:Architecture and the Displacement of Cultural Heritage By ITOHAN I.OSAYIMWESE Princeton University Press This book is a groundbreaking history that exposes the systematic looting of Africa’s architectural heritage by Western collectors,museums,and colonial officials.展开更多
Introduction: Obstetric Fistulas (OF) constitute a major public health problem in developing countries in general and in Central African Republic (CAR) in particular because of its numerous consequences. The objective...Introduction: Obstetric Fistulas (OF) constitute a major public health problem in developing countries in general and in Central African Republic (CAR) in particular because of its numerous consequences. The objective of this work is to contribute to the management of OF cases in CAR. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study, including data from several OF care services. The study included 245 cases of OF, operated on from 2009 to 2018. The parameters studied were maternal and obstetrical data, sociodemographic data, the specific characteristics of the fistulas as well as the modalities and outcome of surgical treatment. The data collected came from six (6) OF surgical repair campaigns organized by the Ministry of Health and Population with the support of UNFPA. Results: We recorded 245 patients, representing a prevalence of 0.77% of OF per year. Among these patients, almost half (45.3%) were treated at the Sino-Central African Friendship University Hospital Center (CHUASC). The average age of the patients was 30 years (range 14 to 78 years). They were unschooled (53.9%) and primigravidas (35%). The fistulas had an average duration of evolution of 7.58 years. They were vesicovaginal in 25.3%. Types V and I dominated in 17.4% and 9.2%, respectively. In 85.9% of cases, fistulorrhaphy was performed, half of which (50.2%) via the upper route. The cure rate was 83.3%. Note that our study reveals statistically significant links between the evolution after surgery with age (p = 0.04 Conclusion: OF mainly affected women of childbearing age, uneducated, primiparous. Vesicovaginal fistula was the frequently encountered type and was manifested by urine loss clinically with a positive methylene blue test.展开更多
This book offers a fascinating exploration of how African cinema engages with energy transitions,environmental justice,and the legacies of colonialism.By situating African film within the framework of energy humanitie...This book offers a fascinating exploration of how African cinema engages with energy transitions,environmental justice,and the legacies of colonialism.By situating African film within the framework of energy humanities,Carmela Garritano provides a unique perspective on how storytelling can challenge fossil fuel dependency and reimagine equitable green futures.展开更多
It’s that time of the year again when we find ourselves reflecting on the year that was and the year ahead.On the African continent,many countries are still recovering from the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic an...It’s that time of the year again when we find ourselves reflecting on the year that was and the year ahead.On the African continent,many countries are still recovering from the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and are doing so amid a fraught geopolitical environment.These tensions have,to some extent,created hurdles in the path of Africa’s recovery.The African Development Bank has attributed the economic slowdown on the continent toastronomical inflation caused by soaring food andenergy prices. These issues have been aggravatedby the current geopolitical chaos and climatechange. Nevertheless, the continent is projectedto grow at a steady rate of 4.3 percent in 2025.This means that Africa will retain its positionas the fastest-growing region after Asia. This isdriven by several positive factors.展开更多
Struik Nature The book celebrates the remarkable diversity and beauty of indigenous trees,o"ering an engaging exploration of their fascinating world.Divided into two sections,the book delves into both the intrica...Struik Nature The book celebrates the remarkable diversity and beauty of indigenous trees,o"ering an engaging exploration of their fascinating world.Divided into two sections,the book delves into both the intricate biology of trees and the unique characteristics of specific species,complemented by stunning photographs.展开更多
When We Ruled In this book,Black British historian and writer Paula Akpan brings to life the powerful,often overlooked histories of 12 African queens and warriors who shaped their nations and defied expectations.From ...When We Ruled In this book,Black British historian and writer Paula Akpan brings to life the powerful,often overlooked histories of 12 African queens and warriors who shaped their nations and defied expectations.From Njinga Mbande of Angola to Nana Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana,Ranavalona I of Madagascar to Makobo Modjadji VI of South Africa,these rulers led with strategy,courage,and resilience across centuries of African history.展开更多
This psychobiographical study on Bessie Head,a bi-racial writer from the South African apartheid period,explored early experiences that defined her identity,personality development and prominence in post-colonial Afri...This psychobiographical study on Bessie Head,a bi-racial writer from the South African apartheid period,explored early experiences that defined her identity,personality development and prominence in post-colonial African literature.For the case conceptual framing,we integrate Donald W.Winnicott’s object relations theory with intersectional feminism to explore her identity by the complex interactions between her psychological experiences and socio-political contexts.Our mixed-methodological approach that combines du Plessis’(2017)structured framework and Knight’s(2019)Phenomenological-hermeneutic Life-narrative Analysis.The analysis revealed three central findings.First,Bessie’s identity development was shaped by early abandonment and racial liminality,resulting in a fragmented sense of self.Second,her emotional and psychological instability was compounded by intersecting experiences of racism,sexism,and exile.Third,her writing and relationships functioned as coping mechanisms and transitional phenomena,offering potential spaces of psychological resilience.From this psychobiographical study framed on intersectional research,the evidence suggests that marginalized identities and a commitment to social justice are revealed by exploring the relationships between individual psychology and systemic influences.展开更多
The use of agricultural residues in biocomposite production has gained increasing attention,driven by several benefits.Converting agricultural by-products into bio-based materials within a circular economy represents ...The use of agricultural residues in biocomposite production has gained increasing attention,driven by several benefits.Converting agricultural by-products into bio-based materials within a circular economy represents a sustainable strategy to mitigate lignocellulosic waste,reduce reliance on fossil resources,and lower environmental pollution.This approach also creates economic opportunities for rural African communities by generating diverse income sources for workers in collection,processing,and manufacturing.As a result,the integration of agricultural residues into biocomposites production not only addresses environmental concerns but also fosters economic growth and supports rural development.In this review,five biomasses from West Africa are examined,focusing on their production,chemical composition,physical and mechanical properties,and potential applications in biocomposites.The five biomasses listed are cocoa pod husks,oil palm empty fruit bunches,rice husks,millet stalks,and typha stalks.Key parameters,such as the type of binder,fiber dimensions,fiber-to-binder ratio,and the strength of fiber-binder adhesion,are systematically studied to assess their influence on the overall performance of the resulting composites.Special attention is given to understanding how these factors affect mechanical properties(e.g.,strength and flexibility),thermal behavior(e.g.,insulation capacity and heat resistance),and physico-chemical characteristics(e.g.,moisture absorption,density,and chemical stability).This comprehensive analysis provides insights into optimizing composite formulations for enhanced functionality and sustainability.This study is essential to optimize the use of agricultural residues inWest Africa for biocomposites,tackling waste issues,promoting sustainability,and filling research gaps on their properties.展开更多
文摘African Aviation continues to fall short of serving the demands of the fast-growing African population. For major air transport in and out of the African continent, African travellers rely mainly on non-African Airlines. There is, however, one successful airline on the continent at the writing of this paper: Ethiopian Airlines and the Ethiopian Aviation Group. Why are no further successful airlines possible on a continent of 1.4 billion people (25% of the world’s population) and only a 2%-share of global air transport? At the introduction of SAATM, which is anticipated as the start of the domestic African aviation boom, most African countries seem unprepared to build a success story like Ethiopia. Transportation infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa does not start with roads and rail but with runways and airlines. This research investigates the basic requirements needed to equip Africa with a competitive aviation industry that would contribute some 5% to the continent’s GDP and create hundreds of thousands of workplaces. Interviews with African SAATM leaders signal a slowdown in the effort to succeed. The research is also concerned about the lack of inclusion in the implementation of a NetZero CO2 emission scheme in Africa.
文摘This year marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the African Union(AU)Agenda 2063,Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse of the future.The adoption of the ambitious blueprint is a key event that will steer pan-African development onto the right path,and put renewed focus on the pan-African vision of building an integrated,prosperous and peaceful Africa within a 50-year period from 2013 to 2063.
文摘The signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA)in Kigali,Rwanda,on 21 March 2018 spurred a wave of optimism in street markets and corporate boardrooms alike.The 44 countries joining this single market pledged to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods,knitting economies together in an unprecedented fashion.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of China(31925036 and 32025034)the Shandong Provincial Key R&D Program,China(2021LZGC001)+3 种基金the Biological Breeding-Major Projects,Institute of Zoology,Chinese Academy of Sciences and Institute of Animal Science,Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(2023ZD04074 and 2023ZD0404604)the Special Project of Longhu Laboratory,China(LHLab_ZD20230012)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32230100,32330099 and 32201257)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2020YFA0509503,2022YFF0710703,2021YFA0805902 and 2022XAGG0121,2022YFF1002803).
文摘African swine fever(ASF),caused by the African swine fever virus(ASFV),has brought enormous economic loss and represents a major threat to the global pig industry(Vergne et al.2017).ASFVs are divided into 24 genotypes based on their B646L gene,with only genotypes Ⅰ and Ⅱ circulating globally(Dixon et al.2019).
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFD1800100)the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System (CARS-35)。
文摘Although African swine fever(ASF) has been prevalent for more than a century, it remains the number one swine disease that seriously endangers the global pig industry, and there is no effective means of prevention and treatment(Wang et al. 2023). Due to its enormous economic and social impact, it is listed as a notifiable animal disease by the World Organization for Animal Health(Costard et al. 2013). Although ASF has been present in Sub-Saharan Africa since its first discovery in Kenya.
文摘This study explores the epistemic imperative to decolonize African education systems by centering indigenous philosophies such as Ubuntu and introducing the Ubuntu Pedagogy as a pedagogical model.Ubuntu pedagogy transforms teacher-learner relationships,it provides a replicable model for relational learning,community partnerships,and reassert the dignity of indigenous epistemologies.The paper examines how language,knowledge production,and pedagogy can be restructured to reflect African epistemologies and educational sovereignty.This research also explores the relationship between mother tongue instruction and cognitive access to learning.Through a qualitative literature analysis of case studies and African scholarly discourse,this paper highlights the continued marginalization of indigenous knowledge systems and the need to embed culturally relevant teaching methodologies.The findings support the broader question of whether there exists an epistemological base for knowledge independence or production within African and Afro-Diasporic contexts,revealing culturally coherent frameworks of learning that resist colonial dominance and an exploration of reclaiming African indigenous knowledge systems for educational and cultural sovereignty.
文摘As Africa marks a decade since the adoption of Agenda 2063,its bold and ambitious seven aspirations have positioned the continent as a strong,united,resilient,and influential global player and partner.Reaffirming its Pan-Africanism and African renaissance plan,aspiration seven of Agenda 2063 underscores the importance of Africa’s unity and solidarity in the face of major challenges emanating from the changing nature of globalisation,climate change,and economic and political environment.
文摘Walk the Earth By FEDERICO VERONESI Prestel This book is a powerful tribute to Africa’s last great elephants,o!ering an intimate look at these majestic animals in their wild habitats.Photographer Federico Veronesi,known for his poetic wildlife portraits,captures both the grandeur and vulnerability of elephants with striking sensitivity.His full-spread images show tuskers roaming watering holes,lakebeds,and vast savannahs,often framed by glowing skies or distant mountains.In Amboseli,Liwonde,Mana Pools,and the Chyulu Hills,Veronesi waits patiently to record fleeting moments-a matriarch leading her herd,a lone bull beneath storm clouds,or a silhouette against the fading sun.
文摘The Double Take column looks at a single topic from an African and Chinese perspective.This month,we explore our gains and losses from digitalisation.
文摘African leaders will gather again in Addis Ababa,the Ethiopian capital,for the 2025 African Union(AU)Summit on 17-18 February.This time it’s different,though.The meeting is taking place amid a different geopolitical context,and challenging socio-economic and security conditions on the continent.
文摘The just-concluded sessions of the National People’s Congress(NPC)and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC),known as Two Sessions,represent excellent opportunities to observe how China functions.During the events,five African experts shared with ChinAfrica their perspectives on topics of their interest,excerpts of which follow.
文摘There has been growing attention to transnational and trans-regional infrastructure cooperation in Africa in recent years.Given that development on the continent has long been plagued by poor infrastructure,trans-regional cooperation is viewed as both a driving force and a catalyst for African integration.To promote African integration and the construction of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA),the African Union(AU)has expedited the implementation of the second ten-year plan under its Agenda 2063,which includes advancing the Second Priority Action Plan(PAP II)under the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa(PIDA).To consolidate and enhance strategic interests and influence in Africa,Western countries represented by the European Union and the United States have proposed new infrastructure investment plans for Africa,including initiatives such as the Global Gateway and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment(PGII).These efforts focus on increasing strategic investments in development and strategically important corridors like the Lobito Corridor,intending to strengthen competition with China’s Belt and Road Initiative(BRI).
文摘Africa’s Buildings:Architecture and the Displacement of Cultural Heritage By ITOHAN I.OSAYIMWESE Princeton University Press This book is a groundbreaking history that exposes the systematic looting of Africa’s architectural heritage by Western collectors,museums,and colonial officials.
文摘Introduction: Obstetric Fistulas (OF) constitute a major public health problem in developing countries in general and in Central African Republic (CAR) in particular because of its numerous consequences. The objective of this work is to contribute to the management of OF cases in CAR. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study, including data from several OF care services. The study included 245 cases of OF, operated on from 2009 to 2018. The parameters studied were maternal and obstetrical data, sociodemographic data, the specific characteristics of the fistulas as well as the modalities and outcome of surgical treatment. The data collected came from six (6) OF surgical repair campaigns organized by the Ministry of Health and Population with the support of UNFPA. Results: We recorded 245 patients, representing a prevalence of 0.77% of OF per year. Among these patients, almost half (45.3%) were treated at the Sino-Central African Friendship University Hospital Center (CHUASC). The average age of the patients was 30 years (range 14 to 78 years). They were unschooled (53.9%) and primigravidas (35%). The fistulas had an average duration of evolution of 7.58 years. They were vesicovaginal in 25.3%. Types V and I dominated in 17.4% and 9.2%, respectively. In 85.9% of cases, fistulorrhaphy was performed, half of which (50.2%) via the upper route. The cure rate was 83.3%. Note that our study reveals statistically significant links between the evolution after surgery with age (p = 0.04 Conclusion: OF mainly affected women of childbearing age, uneducated, primiparous. Vesicovaginal fistula was the frequently encountered type and was manifested by urine loss clinically with a positive methylene blue test.
文摘This book offers a fascinating exploration of how African cinema engages with energy transitions,environmental justice,and the legacies of colonialism.By situating African film within the framework of energy humanities,Carmela Garritano provides a unique perspective on how storytelling can challenge fossil fuel dependency and reimagine equitable green futures.
文摘It’s that time of the year again when we find ourselves reflecting on the year that was and the year ahead.On the African continent,many countries are still recovering from the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and are doing so amid a fraught geopolitical environment.These tensions have,to some extent,created hurdles in the path of Africa’s recovery.The African Development Bank has attributed the economic slowdown on the continent toastronomical inflation caused by soaring food andenergy prices. These issues have been aggravatedby the current geopolitical chaos and climatechange. Nevertheless, the continent is projectedto grow at a steady rate of 4.3 percent in 2025.This means that Africa will retain its positionas the fastest-growing region after Asia. This isdriven by several positive factors.
文摘Struik Nature The book celebrates the remarkable diversity and beauty of indigenous trees,o"ering an engaging exploration of their fascinating world.Divided into two sections,the book delves into both the intricate biology of trees and the unique characteristics of specific species,complemented by stunning photographs.
文摘When We Ruled In this book,Black British historian and writer Paula Akpan brings to life the powerful,often overlooked histories of 12 African queens and warriors who shaped their nations and defied expectations.From Njinga Mbande of Angola to Nana Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana,Ranavalona I of Madagascar to Makobo Modjadji VI of South Africa,these rulers led with strategy,courage,and resilience across centuries of African history.
文摘This psychobiographical study on Bessie Head,a bi-racial writer from the South African apartheid period,explored early experiences that defined her identity,personality development and prominence in post-colonial African literature.For the case conceptual framing,we integrate Donald W.Winnicott’s object relations theory with intersectional feminism to explore her identity by the complex interactions between her psychological experiences and socio-political contexts.Our mixed-methodological approach that combines du Plessis’(2017)structured framework and Knight’s(2019)Phenomenological-hermeneutic Life-narrative Analysis.The analysis revealed three central findings.First,Bessie’s identity development was shaped by early abandonment and racial liminality,resulting in a fragmented sense of self.Second,her emotional and psychological instability was compounded by intersecting experiences of racism,sexism,and exile.Third,her writing and relationships functioned as coping mechanisms and transitional phenomena,offering potential spaces of psychological resilience.From this psychobiographical study framed on intersectional research,the evidence suggests that marginalized identities and a commitment to social justice are revealed by exploring the relationships between individual psychology and systemic influences.
基金BIO4Africa Project which is funded by the European Union(Horizon 2020-No.101000762).
文摘The use of agricultural residues in biocomposite production has gained increasing attention,driven by several benefits.Converting agricultural by-products into bio-based materials within a circular economy represents a sustainable strategy to mitigate lignocellulosic waste,reduce reliance on fossil resources,and lower environmental pollution.This approach also creates economic opportunities for rural African communities by generating diverse income sources for workers in collection,processing,and manufacturing.As a result,the integration of agricultural residues into biocomposites production not only addresses environmental concerns but also fosters economic growth and supports rural development.In this review,five biomasses from West Africa are examined,focusing on their production,chemical composition,physical and mechanical properties,and potential applications in biocomposites.The five biomasses listed are cocoa pod husks,oil palm empty fruit bunches,rice husks,millet stalks,and typha stalks.Key parameters,such as the type of binder,fiber dimensions,fiber-to-binder ratio,and the strength of fiber-binder adhesion,are systematically studied to assess their influence on the overall performance of the resulting composites.Special attention is given to understanding how these factors affect mechanical properties(e.g.,strength and flexibility),thermal behavior(e.g.,insulation capacity and heat resistance),and physico-chemical characteristics(e.g.,moisture absorption,density,and chemical stability).This comprehensive analysis provides insights into optimizing composite formulations for enhanced functionality and sustainability.This study is essential to optimize the use of agricultural residues inWest Africa for biocomposites,tackling waste issues,promoting sustainability,and filling research gaps on their properties.
