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Groundwater vulnerability under climate change : a machine learning framework
Abu El-Magd, Sherif; Masoud, Ahmed M.; Brink, Hendrik Gideon; Hlawitschka, Mark W.; Maged, Ali (Springer, 2025)
Groundwater quality assessment is essential for sustainable water management but remains challenging owing to hydrogeological complexity, climate variability, and anthropogenic pressures. This study evaluates groundwater quality in the East Nile River region of Sohag, Egypt, by integrating hydrochemical parameters with machine learning (ML) approaches. The aim is to identify spatial contamination risks, assess water suitability, and explore the implications of environmental change. In total, 78 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for 15 hydrochemical and ion-derived parameters. Two ML algorithms, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were applied, with datasets divided into training (70%) and testing (30%) subsets. The models generated probability maps of groundwater vulnerability, highlighting central areas, particularly near agricultural zones with shallow water tables, as most at risk. ANN outperformed XGBoost (R² = 0.89 vs. 0.86), demonstrating higher predictive accuracy for groundwater quality assessment. Spatial variability was linked to hydrogeological processes and intensified urban and agricultural activities, while climate-related stressors are expected to exacerbate groundwater deterioration. The proposed ML framework provides a reliable, cost-effective tool for groundwater monitoring and early warning, supporting improved decision-making for water sustainability. These findings contribute to global efforts toward SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Towards effective indigenous environmental justice in Africa : challenges and pathways for reform
Olowa, Abimbola; Leonard, Llewellyn; Kibugi, Robert; Dié Ka Dia, Sokhna; Makaulule, Mphathleleni; Nzaca, Ndumiso (University of Pretoria, 2025-10-29)
This Policy Brief presents the key findings and recommendations from the webinar themed “Indigenous Environmental Justice: Challenges and Pathways for Reform in Africa,” convened by the Centre for Environmental Justice in Africa in collaboration with Natural Justice on 29 September 2025. These realities highlight the persistent gap between legal recognition of environmental rights and their practical realisation for Indigenous communities. This paper draws on key insights from a webinar hosted by the Centre for Environmental Justice in Africa in collaboration with Natural Justice. It offers recommendations for government, the judiciary, civil society and the African Union to strengthen Indigenous Environmental Justice in Africa.
Response to letter to the editor : Pregnant women's dietary patterns and knowledge of gestational weight gain : a cross-sectional study
Dikgale, Busisiwe; Dlakavu, Fuziwe; Masenge, Andries; De Gouveia, Slava; Adam, Sumaiya (Wiley, 2025)
No abstract available.
Improvement of colony management in insect mass-rearing for sterile insect technique applications
Abd-Alla, Adly M.M.; Geiger, Anne; Haymer, David; Herrero, Salvador; Jehle, Johannes A.; Khamis, Fathiya Mbarak; Liedo, Pablo; Malacrida, Anna R.; Njiokou, Flobert; Mastrangelo, Thiago; Pagabeleguem, Soumaila; Ramirez-Santos, Edwin M.; Ros, Vera I.D.; Segura, Diego F.; Tsiamis, George; Weiss, Brian L. (Wiley, 2025-10)
Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) applications against major insect pests and disease vectors rely on the cost-effective production of high-quality sterile males. This largely depends on the optimal management of target pest colonies by maximizing the benefits provided by a genetically rich and pathogen-free mother colony, the presence of symbiotic microorganisms, and efficient domestication, mass-rearing, irradiation, and release processes. At the same time microbial (bacteria, fungi, microsporidia, and viruses) pathogen outbreaks should be minimized or eliminated, and the use of hazardous chemicals restricted. The optimization of the colony management strategies for different SIT target insects will ensure a standardized high-quality mass-rearing process and the cost-effective production of sterile males with enhanced field performance and male mating competitiveness. The aims of the Coordinated Research Project (CRP) were to develop best practices for insect colony management for the cost-effective production of high-quality sterile males for SIT applications against major insect pests and disease vectors through a multidisciplinary approach involving entomologists, geneticists, ecologists, microbiologists, pathologists, virologists, and mass-rearing experts.
Framework for equitable and effective oral health research in Africa
El Tantawi, Maha; Folayan, Morenike Oluwatoyin; Bhayat, Ahmed (Wiley, 2025-12)
BACKGROUND : The current heightened attention to oral health underscores the need to address populations who have been historically marginalised in mainstream policy and research endeavours. African countries lack sufficient data on oral health problems and potential solutions to inform decision-making. AIM : This commentary addresses the shortcomings of oral health research in Africa and proposes a framework to foster fair and efficient research in this area. MATERIALS AND METHODS : We present an assessment of the current state of oral health research in Africa and outline key components of the framework. RESULTS : The framework includes: enhancing the capacities of African researchers, cultivating leadership, prioritising locally pertinent research, establishing equitable partnerships with international researchers, and translating research findings into actionable policies and practices. CONCLUSION : These pillars offer a roadmap for steering oral health research in Africa toward impactful outcomes that improve the oral health of African populations.