Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Habiba Ahut Daggash, Niall Mac Dowell
Summary: Sub-Saharan Africa faces challenges such as extreme poverty, economic downturn, energy poverty, and climate change. All countries in the region have committed to increasing the use of renewable energy sources to address these issues. Despite facing difficulties in implementation, transitioning the energy system can help achieve these goals and promote economic development and climate resilience.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Jonne Rodenburg, Kazuki Saito
Summary: This research provides an overview of the challenges faced by the rice production sector in sub-Saharan Africa and the historical efforts in agronomy research. It also presents six main recommendations for future research, including increasing focus on rainfed rice-based systems, developing integrated cropping and farming systems, and prioritizing sustainability.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sarah Ephrida Tione, Dorothy Nampanzira, Gloria Nalule, Olivier Kashongwe, Samson Pilanazo Katengeza
Summary: Compelling evidence in Sub-Saharan Africa shows that Climate-Smart Agriculture has a positive impact on agricultural productivity. However, the uptake of CSA remains low, which is related to human-related decisions about CSA and agricultural land use. This paper assesses households' decisions to allocate agricultural land to CSA technologies across space and over time. The results show that household decisions to use CSA and the extent of agricultural land allocation to CSA remain low with a negative trend over time. Owned land and accessing land through rental markets are positively associated with allocating land to CSA technologies.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Magda Moner-Girona, Georgia Kakoulaki, Giacomo Falchetta, Daniel J. Weiss, Nigel Taylor
Summary: The study identifies a significant gap in electrification of healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa and suggests decentralized photovoltaic systems as a clean, reliable, and cost-effective solution. The upfront investment cost to provide electricity to over 50,000 facilities without power is estimated at EUR 484 million, potentially reducing travel time to healthcare facilities for 281 million people in the region.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Roman Hoffmann, Charlotte Wiederkehr, Anna Dimitrova, Kathleen Hermans
Summary: Drylands in sub-Saharan Africa are greatly impacted by climate change, resulting in threats to food security, health, and water availability. Based on case studies, this study explores the relationship between environmental change, adaptation, and migration in rural areas, showing that households use a diverse range of strategies to respond to environmental hardships. Migration is commonly used as a complementary strategy, but its importance varies depending on community and situational needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Development Studies
Charissa Bosma, Lars Hein
Summary: Climate change and land use change are two global forces that have wide-ranging effects on socio-ecological systems. However, they are often considered separately in investment programs. This paper explores an integrated approach to consider their interactions in climate adaptation and ecosystem conservation investments. The analysis identifies forest conservation, protection of peatlands, climate-smart agriculture, and restoration of degraded lands as priorities for interventions. The paper also suggests a set of systemic investment principles to guide capital allocation for climate adaptation and conservation.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Francesca F. Norman, Marta Gonzalez-Sanz, Beatriz Gullon-Pena, Sandra Chamorro-Tojeiro, Marta Rosas, Clara Crespillo-Andujar, Begona Monge-Maillo, Belen Comeche, Maria-Dolores Corbacho-Loarte, Cristina Arcas, Ignacio Pena, Maria C. Tenorio, Rogelio Lopez-Velez, Jose A. Perez-Molina
Summary: A cohort study in recently arrived, mainly asymptomatic, young sub-Saharan Africans found a frequency of 15% for HbS or haemoglobin C trait using a simple point-of-care screening test. Screening enables early diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies in vulnerable populations, facilitating access to care, genetic counselling, and the implementation of treatment and prevention strategies.
JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
William Critchley, Nicole Harari, Eefke Mollee, Rima Mekdaschi-Studer, Joana Eichenberger
Summary: Sustainable land management is a crucial solution for both carbon dioxide mitigation and climate change adaptation. It is especially beneficial for rainfed agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. The Global SLM Database provides valuable insights into effective technologies and practices for climate change adaptation.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jeetendra Prakash Aryal, Dil Bahadur Rahut, Paswel Marenya
Summary: This study investigates the adoption of anticipatory and reactive strategies to manage drought in sub-Saharan Africa, based on data collected from 4351 farm households in five countries. The findings reveal that farmers commonly use measures such as drought-tolerant crop varieties, sustainable land management, alternative employment, savings, and food preservation as anticipatory strategies, and replanting, using drought-tolerant varieties, reducing food consumption, seeking alternative employment, and borrowing as reactive strategies. The study concludes that climate change adaptation policies should prioritize the dissemination of drought-tolerant crops and varieties, as well as strengthening farmers' physical and human capital resources.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elizabeth A. Mack, Erin Bunting, James Herndon, Richard A. Marcantonio, Amanda Ross, Andrew Zimmer
Summary: Researchers analyze the impact of rainfall deviations on conflict likelihood in Sub-Saharan Africa, finding significant seasonal and regional effects. Above average rainfall is associated with a higher probability of transitioning from peace to conflict, with specific months and regions showing significant influence on conflict dynamics.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Katherine A. Collett, Stephanie A. Hirmer, Holger Dalkmann, Constance Crozier, Yacob Mulugetta, Malcolm D. McCulloch
Summary: Transport demand in Sub-Saharan Africa is increasing due to population growth and economic development, leading to a rise in emissions. Despite the limited presence of electric vehicles in the region, they have the potential to offer benefits to governments, power systems, and vehicle owner-operators.
ENERGY STRATEGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Goedele van den Broeck, Talip Kilic, Janneke Pieters
Summary: The study examines the effects of structural transformation on gender equality, particularly equal pay, in Sub-Saharan Africa. It finds that women in urban areas earn 40 to 46 percent less than men, while the gender pay gap in rural areas ranges from 12 percent to 77 percent. The analysis reveals that differences in workers' characteristics explain a significant portion of the gender pay gap in rural areas, suggesting that equalizing characteristics would eliminate most of the gap. In urban areas, however, country differences are larger and characteristics account for a smaller portion of the pay gap, indicating the need for gender-sensitive policies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elias Nkiaka, Robert G. Bryant, Murat Okumah, Fortune Faith Gomo
Summary: This article comprehensively assesses the status of SDG6 in all 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and suggests that most countries in the region may not achieve water security by 2030. It highlights the complex challenges and factors impeding water security, emphasizing the urgent need for a holistic intervention involving various stakeholders from local, national, and international levels.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-WATER
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Samuel Kariuki, Kelvin Kering, Celestine Wairimu, Robert Onsare, Cecilia Mbae
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa is high, mainly due to poverty, resulting in a high burden of infectious diseases, poor regulation of antimicrobial use, and lack of effective alternatives. While most countries have adopted the global action plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance, fewer countries are able to fully implement country-specific action plans due to various challenges.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sisay Belay Bedeke
Summary: Climate change has severe impacts on sub-Saharan African economies, including increased temperatures, erratic rainfall, and droughts and floods. These effects negatively affect crop productivity and soil nutrient content, which threaten food security and farmers' income. Understanding vulnerability and adaptation strategies is crucial in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Assaf Hochman, Pinhas Alpert, Maya Negev, Ziad Abdeen, Abdul Mohsen Abdeen, Joaquim G. Pinto, Hagai Levine
Summary: The study reveals a significant correlation between the occurrence of Cyprus Lows and seasonal Influenza in Israel, with the weekly occurrence preceding the onset and peak of Influenza by about one to two weeks. This finding is validated through complementary analysis in the Palestinian Authority and Jordan.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maya Negev, Tamar Berman, Shula Goulden, Shay Reicher, Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki, Ruti Ardi, Yaniv Shammai, Miriam L. Diamond
Summary: The study found that the proportion of children's jewelry samples exceeding the ASTM lead standard decreased to 17% in 2018, with a lower average lead content. The swift implementation of the new standard was attributed to scientific and regulatory consensus. However, enforcement challenges may reduce the standard's impact.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Naama Teschner, Daniel E. Orenstein
Summary: The study found that the main obstacles to promoting transition practices in agroecosystems are farmers' perceptions of risks, but some frontrunners have promoted the transition process by adopting more sustainable agricultural practices. The research design integrated a transdisciplinary team of ecologists and social scientists on one hand, and actively promoted farmer participation in the social and ecological research process on the other hand, providing a platform for communication and trust-building among different stakeholders.
AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN VALUES
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maya Negev, Leonardo Zea-Reyes, Livio Caputo, Gudrun Weinmayr, Clive Potter, Audrey de Nazelle
Summary: Urban climate policy offers an important opportunity to improve public health, yet there is a lack of widespread integrated policies. The most studied sectors in this field are transportation, land use, and buildings. Research also highlights the need for stronger evidence base, political will, leadership, and application of systems thinking to integrate health cobenefits into decision making.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wiessam Abu Ahmad, Ronit Nirel, Rachel Golan, Maya Jolles, Itai Kloog, Ran Rotem, Maya Negev, Gideon Koren, Hagai Levine
Summary: This study uses multilevel models to assess the association between exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy and birth outcomes. The results show that an increase in PM2.5 is associated with lower birth weight and higher risk of small for gestational age. The association varies depending on the exposure period, infant's sex, birth order, and maternal pre-pregnancy BMI.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maya Negev, Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki, Tamar Berman, Shay Reicher, Naor Cohen, Ruti Ardi, Yaniv Shammai, Tamar Zohar, Miriam L. Diamond
Summary: The review of literature and regulations revealed potential health risks associated with synthetic surface materials containing toxic chemicals. Testing results showed that a majority of synthetic playground and grass surfaces exceeded relevant standards for trace metals, indicating potential risks of exposure for children.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Hanoch Kaphzan, Margaret Sarfati Noiman, Maya Negev
Summary: Although telepsychiatry has not grown as fast as expected due to the attitudes and perceptions of service providers, this study found that Israeli psychiatrists have relatively low intention to use telepsychiatry despite having positive attitudes and perceptions of themselves as capable of high performance with low effort. Experience in telepsychiatry and facilitating conditions were positively correlated with the intention to use telepsychiatry.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maya Negev, Motti Zohar, Shlomit Paz
Summary: Climate hazards and vulnerabilities in cities are multidimensional and influenced by natural and social features. This study used GIS technology and online surveys to examine multidimensional hazards, vulnerabilities, and resilience in the Mediterranean city of Haifa. The results highlight the variations and correlations of climate hazards and vulnerabilities within the city.
Article
Health Policy & Services
Tamar Zohar, Maya Negev, Maia Sirkin, Hagai Levine
Summary: This study shows that public health professionals in Israel exhibited moderate levels of trust in COVID-19 national public health policy during the first wave of the pandemic. However, trust levels varied among different government agencies. Professionals who were not involved in decision making expressed lower levels of trust in policy.
ISRAEL JOURNAL OF HEALTH POLICY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ela Romov, Na'ama Teschner
Summary: Studies show that landscape assessments (LA) lack common interpretations and rigorous methods during the design and siting of renewable energy facilities. The perceived impacts on landscape influence public acceptance of landscape changes, but the connection between LA procedures and public involvement in decision-making regarding renewable energy siting is not well-explored. This study examines the role of LAs in planning from the perspective of policymakers and experts and evaluates the effectiveness of current tools. The findings reveal the conflicts between financial and temporal efficiency, renewable energy targets, landscape protection, and public participation in a case study of a thermo-solar tower plant located near a small desert village. The study concludes that the assessment of landscape effects and public participation may not be well-connected due to the lack of mechanisms to evaluate post-project impacts. Additionally, landscape impacts of large-scale infrastructure projects can be minimized during site selection, where public input is limited.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Y. Teff-Seker, O. Berger-Tal, Y. Lehnardt, N. Teschner
Summary: The quest for cleaner energy has led to the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, including wind turbine farms, but wind turbines can pose a risk to wildlife. While research has focused on the potential harm caused to birds and bats from impact injuries, new evidence suggests that wind turbine noise (WTN) can also be detrimental to wildlife. However, planning guidelines in selected locations such as California, Germany, and Israel lack clear limitations or obligatory environmental impact assessment requirements for addressing the effects of WTN on wildlife. Nonetheless, there are some steps taken by planning authorities that show potential for improvement.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ehud Segal, Eran Feitelson, Shula Goulden, Eran Razin, Yonat Rein-Sapir, Elisa Joy Kagan, Maya Negev
Summary: Seismic retrofitting is the most effective way to reduce casualties from earthquakes, but it faces many obstacles in retrofitting vulnerable residential structures. Considering the variability of seismic threats in different locales, it is necessary to select the most suitable policy package according to local conditions. This study proposes an asymmetric decentralization approach combined with seismic vulnerability assessment to prioritize the national allocation of retrofitting funds.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wiessam Abu Ahmad, Ronit Nirel, Rachel Golan, Itai Kloog, Ran Rotem, Maya Negev, Gideon Koren, Hagai Levine
Summary: Exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of preterm birth, with the effect being modified by ambient temperature. Lower temperatures amplify the risk, while higher temperatures reduce the risk.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Ayelet Oreg, Maya Negev
Summary: This study aimed to uncover the phenomenon of peer-to-peer human milk-sharing in Israel and assess the knowledge and practices of donors in safe milk handling and storage. The results showed that most participants followed safe sharing practices and had good awareness of the health risks associated with milk-sharing. Religion was found to be somewhat associated with lower hygiene practices. The study recommends the adoption of guidelines by the Israeli Ministry of Health to improve knowledge and awareness of safe milk-sharing practices.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN LACTATION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Maya Negev, Tamir Magal, Hanoch Kaphzan
Summary: This study investigated the attitudes of Israeli public health psychiatrists towards telepsychiatry. The results showed a consensus among the psychiatrists regarding the economic and temporal advantages of telepsychiatry, but there were disagreements regarding the quality of diagnosis and treatment and the usage of telepsychiatry in normal circumstances. The study also found that prior experience and organizational affiliation had a significant impact on the attitudes of psychiatrists.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dewan Muhammad Shoaib, Tanvir Ahmed, Kazy Farhat Tabassum, Mehedi Hasan, Fazle Sharior, Mahbubur Rahman, Makfie Farah, Md Azizur Rahman, Alauddin Ahmed, James B. Tidwell, Mahbub-Ul Alam
Summary: An intervention was implemented in Bangladesh during COVID-19 to reduce occupational health risks for waste and sanitation workers. The intervention involved training and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE). The study found that the intervention improved workers' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding PPE usage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Andreas Kortenkamp, Olwenn Martin, Eleni Iacovidou, Martin Scholze
Summary: The European Food Safety Authority's downward revision of the Health-based Guidance Value for bisphenol A (BPA) has led to disagreements with other regulatory agencies, particularly the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. The differing views between EFSA and BfR are driven by their respective selection of endpoints and study evaluation systems, as well as their acceptance or refusal of immunotoxic effects as a basis for establishing a Health-based Guidance Value.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shizhen He, Bjorn Lundberg, Jenny Hallberg, Susanna Klevebro, Goran Pershagen, Kristina Eneroth, Erik Melen, Matteo Bottai, Olena Gruzieva
Summary: Early life air pollution exposure and abnormal inflammation-related protein profiles may interact synergistically towards lower lung function in infants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Paulien Cleys, Emilie Hardy, Yu Ait Bamai, Giulia Poma, Adam Cseresznye, Govindan Malarvannan, Paul T. J. Scheepers, Susana Viegas, Simo P. Porras, Tiina Santonen, Lode Godderis, Jelle Verdonck, Katrien Poels, Carla Martins, Maria Joao Silva, Henriqueta Louro, Inese Martinsone, Lasma Akulova, An van Nieuwenhuyse, Martien Graumans, Selma Mahiout, Radu Corneliu Duca, Adrian Covaci
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the exposure of e-waste workers to phthalates and alternative plasticizers. The results showed that e-waste workers had higher urinary concentrations of phthalates and metabolites compared to non-occupationally exposed controls. However, no significant differences were found between pre-and post-shift concentrations in the e-waste workers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Karolina Bralewska
Summary: This review study examines the concentrations of various air pollutants in fire stations, identifies the limitations and strengths of existing research, identifies research gaps and challenges, and suggests potential solutions for reducing firefighter exposure to air pollution at fire stations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2024)