In collaboration with national knowledge partners in India, South Africa, Vietnam and Turkey, the project elaborates country specific co-benefits of climate policies, with emphasis on the opportunities presented by renewable power generation. With its political partners in government departments and agencies COBENEFITS connects the social and economic opportunities of renewable energies to climate change mitigation strategies. The COBENEFITS project contributes to building strong alliances and lowering political barriers to revisit and effectively implement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change. COBENEFITS enables international mutual learning and capacity building among policy makers, knowledge partners and multipliers on seizing the social and economic co-benefits of climate change mitigation, through Country-specific assessment reports of social and economic co-benefits of renewable power generation Training materials, online courses and face-to-face trainings on seizing co-benefits of renewable power generation Policy dialogue sessions on enabling political environments and overcoming barriers to seize the co-benefits Strategies to connecting co-benefits of climate change mitigation with climate action plans, the Paris Ambition Mechanism and MRV schemes to support national NDC implementation.
The aesthetic use of plants is a unique feature of horticulture which is also distinguishing it from other agricultural activities. The need to bring the attention of people and governments to the importance of maintaining the biodiversity of planet Earth and also ensuring that the on-coming generations inherit a cleaner, greener, more ecologically sustainable world cannot be overemphasized, and horticulturist have worked towards this goal by enhancing the beauty and quality of our surroundings. The urbanized environment, where 95 % of the world population lives, is a place plagued with excessive traffic, air and water pollution and the lack of open space, have destroyed natural diversity and beauty and thus, demand for massive increase in greenery and beautification for environmental restoration and protection. The functional and aesthetic interaction of people, building and site, using plants and space as its main tools is very important in solving environmental problems. In Nigeria for example the role of horticulture as a feasible means of improving urban green space, aesthetics and improvement of the built environment can be attested to through the growth of the green industry, persistent campaigns for more green spaces in the built environment and desire of the concerned government and public for developing sustainable landscapes that: beautify the environment; increase the diversity of plant and animal species; conserve water; reduce runoff and generally enrich the environment and people's lives. This increased interest in green spaces in modern cities ensured that government and urban planners now not only perceive horticulture as a means to urban development and aesthetics of the environment, but as one of the strategies to achieving green revolution in man's environment, and in urban centres. Hence, there is a need for policies that supports horticulture as a tool in city building and development. This paper therefore examined the significance of horticulture in environmental aesthetics and management of the landscape.
AbstractThis study investigated the effect of government expenditure on real growth in ECOWAS countries. This paper used panel cointegration techniques to examine the impact of government expenditure on economic growth for a sample of 15 ECOWAS countries between 1999 and 2021. The study uses the POLS, FMOLS, and DOLS techniques for estimating four models. The study supports the view that government expenditure positively affects real economic growth in ECOWAS countries. However, we also found that higher control of corruption improves the effectiveness and efficiency of government expenditure in promoting economic growth. Furthermore, a higher incidence of conflict minimizes the effectiveness and efficiency of government expenditure in promoting economic growth. The finding suggests that a well-managed government can contribute positively to economic growth. The finding that government expenditure positively affects real growth in ECOWAS countries suggests that a well-managed government can contribute positively to economic growth. This finding is helpful for policymakers in ECOWAS countries interested in improving their countries' economic growth.
Abstract This study was conducted to examine the influence of female genital mutilation on women sexual activities in Oke-Ona community, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun-State, South-West Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria with respect to: sexual satisfaction, sexual desire and virginal penetration experience. In order to achieve its aim, the study raised three hypotheses, each on sexual satisfaction, sexual desire and virginal penetration experience. These hypotheses were tested through t-test statistical method via the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 23rd version. Results showed no positive interaction between genital mutilation and sexual satisfaction [t (109) = .560, P>.05]. It also revealed no significance in the mean difference frequency of sexual desire of genitally mutilated women compared to those not genitally mutilated [t (109) = - .640, P>.05]. Besides, the findings indicated no significant difference in the mean difference in the vaginal penetration experience between genitally mutilated women and those not genitally mutilated [t (109) = −1.523, P>.05]. Furtherance to the conclusions drawn, the implications of the findings were discussed and recommendations were made.
This study was conducted to examine the influence of female genital mutilation on women sexual activities in Oke-Ona community, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun-State, South-West Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria with respect to: sexual satisfaction, sexual desire and virginal penetration experience. In order to achieve its aim, the study raised three hypotheses, each on sexual satisfaction, sexual desire and virginal penetration experience. These hypotheses were tested through t-test statistical method via the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 23rd version. Results showed no positive interaction between genital mutilation and sexual satisfaction [t (109) = .560, P>.05]. It also revealed no significance in the mean difference frequency of sexual desire of genitally mutilated women compared to those not genitally mutilated [t (109) = - .640, P>.05]. Besides, the findings indicated no significant difference in the mean difference in the vaginal penetration experience between genitally mutilated women and those not genitally mutilated [t (109) = -1.523, P>.05]. Furtherance to the conclusions drawn, the implications of the findings were discussed and recommendations were made.
Background Surgery is the main modality of cure for solid cancers and was prioritised to continue during COVID-19 outbreaks. This study aimed to identify immediate areas for system strengthening by comparing the delivery of elective cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in periods of lockdown versus light restriction. Methods This international, prospective, cohort study enrolled 20 006 adult (≥18 years) patients from 466 hospitals in 61 countries with 15 cancer types, who had a decision for curative surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic and were followed up until the point of surgery or cessation of follow-up (Aug 31, 2020). Average national Oxford COVID-19 Stringency Index scores were calculated to define the government response to COVID-19 for each patient for the period they awaited surgery, and classified into light restrictions (index 60). The primary outcome was the non-operation rate (defined as the proportion of patients who did not undergo planned surgery). Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to explore the associations between lockdowns and non-operation. Intervals from diagnosis to surgery were compared across COVID-19 government response index groups. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04384926. Findings Of eligible patients awaiting surgery, 2003 (10·0%) of 20 006 did not receive surgery after a median follow-up of 23 weeks (IQR 16–30), all of whom had a COVID-19-related reason given for non-operation. Light restrictions were associated with a 0·6% non-operation rate (26 of 4521), moderate lockdowns with a 5·5% rate (201 of 3646; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0·81, 95% CI 0·77–0·84; p<0·0001), and full lockdowns with a 15·0% rate (1775 of 11 827; HR 0·51, 0·50–0·53; p<0·0001). In sensitivity analyses, including adjustment for SARS-CoV-2 case notification rates, moderate lockdowns (HR 0·84, 95% CI 0·80–0·88; p<0·001), and full lockdowns (0·57, 0·54–0·60; p<0·001), remained independently associated with non-operation. Surgery beyond 12 weeks from diagnosis in patients without neoadjuvant therapy increased during lockdowns (374 [9·1%] of 4521 in light restrictions, 317 [10·4%] of 3646 in moderate lockdowns, 2001 [23·8%] of 11 827 in full lockdowns), although there were no differences in resectability rates observed with longer delays. Interpretation Cancer surgery systems worldwide were fragile to lockdowns, with one in seven patients who were in regions with full lockdowns not undergoing planned surgery and experiencing longer preoperative delays. Although short-term oncological outcomes were not compromised in those selected for surgery, delays and non-operations might lead to long-term reductions in survival. During current and future periods of societal restriction, the resilience of elective surgery systems requires strengthening, which might include protected elective surgical pathways and long-term investment in surge capacity for acute care during public health emergencies to protect elective staff and services. Funding National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit, Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, Medtronic, Sarcoma UK, The Urology Foundation, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Background Surgery is the main modality of cure for solid cancers and was prioritised to continue during COVID-19 outbreaks. This study aimed to identify immediate areas for system strengthening by comparing the delivery of elective cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in periods of lockdown versus light restriction. Methods This international, prospective, cohort study enrolled 20 006 adult (≥18 years) patients from 466 hospitals in 61 countries with 15 cancer types, who had a decision for curative surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic and were followed up until the point of surgery or cessation of follow-up (Aug 31, 2020). Average national Oxford COVID-19 Stringency Index scores were calculated to define the government response to COVID-19 for each patient for the period they awaited surgery, and classified into light restrictions (index 60). The primary outcome was the non-operation rate (defined as the proportion of patients who did not undergo planned surgery). Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to explore the associations between lockdowns and non-operation. Intervals from diagnosis to surgery were compared across COVID-19 government response index groups. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04384926. Findings Of eligible patients awaiting surgery, 2003 (10·0%) of 20 006 did not receive surgery after a median follow-up of 23 weeks (IQR 16–30), all of whom had a COVID-19-related reason given for non-operation. Light restrictions were associated with a 0·6% non-operation rate (26 of 4521), moderate lockdowns with a 5·5% rate (201 of 3646; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0·81, 95% CI 0·77–0·84; p<0·0001), and full lockdowns with a 15·0% rate (1775 of 11 827; HR 0·51, 0·50–0·53; p<0·0001). In sensitivity analyses, including adjustment for SARS-CoV-2 case notification rates, moderate lockdowns (HR 0·84, 95% CI 0·80–0·88; p<0·001), and full lockdowns (0·57, 0·54–0·60; p<0·001), remained independently associated with non-operation. Surgery beyond 12 weeks from diagnosis in patients without neoadjuvant therapy increased during lockdowns (374 [9·1%] of 4521 in light restrictions, 317 [10·4%] of 3646 in moderate lockdowns, 2001 [23·8%] of 11827 in full lockdowns), although there were no differences in resectability rates observed with longer delays. Interpretation Cancer surgery systems worldwide were fragile to lockdowns, with one in seven patients who were in regions with full lockdowns not undergoing planned surgery and experiencing longer preoperative delays. Although short-term oncological outcomes were not compromised in those selected for surgery, delays and non-operations might lead to long-term reductions in survival. During current and future periods of societal restriction, the resilience of elective surgery systems requires strengthening, which might include protected elective surgical pathways and long- term investment in surge capacity for acute care during public health emergencies to protect elective staff and services. Funding National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit, Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, Medtronic, Sarcoma UK, The Urology Foundation, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Background: Surgery is the main modality of cure for solid cancers and was prioritised to continue during COVID-19 outbreaks. This study aimed to identify immediate areas for system strengthening by comparing the delivery of elective cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in periods of lockdown versus light restriction. Methods: This international, prospective, cohort study enrolled 20 006 adult (≥18 years) patients from 466 hospitals in 61 countries with 15 cancer types, who had a decision for curative surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic and were followed up until the point of surgery or cessation of follow-up (Aug 31, 2020). Average national Oxford COVID-19 Stringency Index scores were calculated to define the government response to COVID-19 for each patient for the period they awaited surgery, and classified into light restrictions (index 60). The primary outcome was the non-operation rate (defined as the proportion of patients who did not undergo planned surgery). Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to explore the associations between lockdowns and non-operation. Intervals from diagnosis to surgery were compared across COVID-19 government response index groups. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04384926. Findings: Of eligible patients awaiting surgery, 2003 (10·0%) of 20 006 did not receive surgery after a median follow-up of 23 weeks (IQR 16-30), all of whom had a COVID-19-related reason given for non-operation. Light restrictions were associated with a 0·6% non-operation rate (26 of 4521), moderate lockdowns with a 5·5% rate (201 of 3646; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0·81, 95% CI 0·77-0·84; p<0·0001), and full lockdowns with a 15·0% rate (1775 of 11 827; HR 0·51, 0·50-0·53; p<0·0001). In sensitivity analyses, including adjustment for SARS-CoV-2 case notification rates, moderate lockdowns (HR 0·84, 95% CI 0·80-0·88; p<0·001), and full lockdowns (0·57, 0·54-0·60; p<0·001), remained independently associated with non-operation. Surgery beyond 12 weeks from diagnosis in patients without neoadjuvant therapy increased during lockdowns (374 [9·1%] of 4521 in light restrictions, 317 [10·4%] of 3646 in moderate lockdowns, 2001 [23·8%] of 11 827 in full lockdowns), although there were no differences in resectability rates observed with longer delays. Interpretation: Cancer surgery systems worldwide were fragile to lockdowns, with one in seven patients who were in regions with full lockdowns not undergoing planned surgery and experiencing longer preoperative delays. Although short-term oncological outcomes were not compromised in those selected for surgery, delays and non-operations might lead to long-term reductions in survival. During current and future periods of societal restriction, the resilience of elective surgery systems requires strengthening, which might include protected elective surgical pathways and long-term investment in surge capacity for acute care during public health emergencies to protect elective staff and services.