Nexus approach and environmental resource governance in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is replete with significant environmental resources including forests, water, land, and energy; although its transition to a bio-resource economy is yet to be actualized. Consequently, there are limited socio-economic gains from resource valorization. These challenges which stall progress towards the attainment of several interlinked sustainable development goals, are rooted, among others in resource governance defects. Furthermore, the persistence of knowledge fragmentation on resource governance shades possibilities for an in-depth theorizing of the nexus approach. In this light, two questions beg for answers: (i) To what extent are governance indicators captured in empirical studies on the nexus approach in SSA? (ii) What questions and approaches should inform future research on the nexus approach in SSA? To answer these questions, this paper systematically reviews 100 peer-reviewed articles (with 154 cases) that address governance questions in nexus studies within the broad framework of bioeconomy transitioning in SSA. Using the PROFOR analytical framework, our analysis reveals the following: (1) Although sub-regional variations exist in the application of nexus thinking, the overall emphasis in SSA is on first-level resource transformation. (2) With only 5% of studies explicitly mentioning the nexus approach, there is a strong indication for nexus thinking to be prioritized in future research. (3) While efficiency is the most recurrent in the literature (69%), its assurance in resource nexus and transformation is insignificant. (4) Interlinked questions of equity, participation, transparency, and conflict management have not been sufficiently addressed in studies on the nexus approach. The paper suggests an urgent need for in-depth, multi-country, and interdisciplinary research on these governance parameters in the nexus approach, as prerequisite to advancing the science–policy intercourse in nexus thinking in SSA.

Effect of Resource Economy on the Standard of Living in the Kemerovo Region

This review article introduces a comparative analysis of the standard of living in the Kemerovo region aka Kuzbass in 2005–2019. The research objective was to identify the reasons behind the decline in the living standards and the growing negative migration. Considering that Kuzbass is a coal region, the analysis was performed in the context of resource economy. It featured Russian and foreign studies on the theory of living standards and welfare, resource economy, and fair economy. The authors defined the concept of the standard of living as elements of human existence that depend on the socio-economic development of society and one's personal income. The standard of living in the Kemerovo region, which has enormous natural resources, is deteriorating from year to year, despite its increasing coal production and GRP. Most indicators appeared to be lower than Russia's average; in fact, the gap may reach 50–60 %. Poor living standards are an urgent problem for many resource regions. Regional strategies and programs seem unable to improve the situation, which requires state decisions to change the mechanisms of distribution of the gross regional product in favor of resource regions. By changing tax and budget legislation, the state should redirect financial flows from big resource companies to local problem areas.

Extractivisms

This chapter discusses the rise of extractivisms in the material resource economy, and as a critical discourse in both activism and academe. Drawing on fieldwork in the Brazilian Amazon, it situates the extractivist turn of the global economy within national and local contexts. Likewise, by analyzing developments in these settings, it offers lessons for transitioning away from economic practices that take more from these ecosystems than they could ever possibly return.

Review of Loropetalum chinense as an Industrial, Aesthetic, and Genetic Resource in China

Loropetalum chinense, one of three species in its genus in China, is distributed primarily in Hunan and Jiangxi Provinces. By establishing a Loropetalum gene bank and reviewing research on its varieties, genetic traits, and genetic diversity, we hope to promote the full yet sustainable use of this valuable, regionally varied natural resource. Our results will help promote the development of a broader resource economy.

Photoredox catalysis in nickel-catalyzed C–H functionalization

Catalytic C‒H functionalization has become a powerful strategy in organic synthesis due to the improved atom-, step- and resource economy in comparison with cross-coupling or classical organic functional group transformations. Despite the significant advances in the metal-catalyzed C‒H activations, recent developments in the field of metallaphotoredox catalysis enabled C‒H functionalizations with unique reaction pathways under mild reaction conditions. Given the relative earth-abundance and cost-effective nature, nickel catalysts for photoredox C‒H functionalization have received significant attention. In this review, we highlight the developments in the field of photoredox nickel-catalyzed C‒H functionalization reactions with a range of applications until summer 2021.

Baseline chest radiographic findings among HIV positive adults in a poor resource economy

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection has been known to pose one of the most formidable challenges to progress and development. It is a public health burden associated with high morbidity. Chest radiograph is an important tool in manifesting some of the findings associated with HIV. Aims and Objectives: To determine the baseline chest radiographic findings among HIV positive adults in a poor resource economy. Materials and Methods: 140 Newly diagnosed adult HIV positive, HAART naïve, participants were recruited in the Radiology Department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto and had their chest radiograph done using Silhoutte VR System GE diagnostic x-ray equipment. The processed radiographs were viewed using an illuminated viewing box and then reported by the investigator and cross-checked by another consultant Radiologist. Data collated was analysed using SPSS version 23. Results: The study showed female to male ratio of 2.2: 1. Normal chest radiographic finding was found in 67(47.9%) participants. Pulmonary consolidation 32 (22.9%) constituted the highest abnormal chest finding. The least of the abnormal radiographic findings were emphysematous bullae 1(0.7%) and plate atelectasis 1(0.7%). Majority of the lesions were in the upper zone, 43(30.7%) and on the right side. Conclusion: The study provides baseline data on the chest radiographic patterns among the HAART naïve HIV positive adult patients in a poor resource economy.

East and resources: from Antiquity to the Present [Review on:] Alexander M. Etkind. The Nature of evil. Raw materials and the state. Moscow: New Literary Review; 2020. 504 p.

The focal point of the book under review is Europe as well as its interaction on the level of supply of resources with other regions of the world, primarily with the East. The author expands the usual notion of the “East”. He extends its boundaries to the regions, which supplied Europe with resources, starting with the actual East and extending it to the European North and even America. The author identifies a change in the main types of resources supply, from the wood and other commodities followed by luxury goods and energy carriers. The author shows a special interest in the influence of resource exchange on social processes in Europe and the East, as well as the formation of European academic economic thought. He also pays special attention to environmental problems related to the resource economy.

Do differences in work disability duration by interjurisdictional claim status vary by industry and jurisdictional context?

ObjectivesTo examine whether differences in work disability duration between out-of-province and within-province workers differed by industry and jurisdictional context.MethodsWorkers’ compensation data were used to identify comparable lost time, work-related injury and musculoskeletal disorder claims accepted in six Canadian jurisdictions between 2006 and 2015. Out-of-province workers were identified as workers who filed claims in a different provincial jurisdiction to their province of residence. Coarsened exact matching was used to match out-of-province workers with within-province workers based on observable characteristics. Quantile regression models were used to estimate differences in cumulative disability days paid between out-of-province workers and within-province workers at different percentiles in the disability distribution, adjusting for confounders.ResultsCompared with within-province workers, out-of-province workers were paid more disability days even after matching and adjusting on observable characteristics. Differences between the two groups of workers were observed for short-duration, medium-duration and long-duration claims (differences of 1.57, 6.39, 21.42, 46.43 days at the 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentiles, respectively). Industry-specific models showed that differences were largest in construction, transportation and warehousing, and mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction. Jurisdiction-specific models showed that differences were largest in the western provinces where out-of-province workers were concentrated in those sectors.ConclusionsOut-of-province workers are a vulnerable group with respect to risk of longer work disability duration. Workers’ compensation systems, employers and healthcare providers may need to tailor specific interventions for these types of workers, particularly those employed in resource economy-dependent regions that are far from their regions of residence.