Policy and regulatory challenges in decentralised renewable energy deployment: Case studies from Nigeria, Liberia, and Malawi

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as a persistent and pervasive class of synthetic chemicals, widely used in industrial and consumer applications for their unique water-, oil-, and stain-resistant properties. This comprehensive review synthesizes multidisciplinary research addressing the historical evolution, chemical properties, environmental fate, and contamination pathways of PFAS, alongside their significant human health and ecological impacts. Despite decades of application and subsequent phase-out of certain legacy PFAS compounds" specifically, such as by naming PFOS and PFOA, these “forever chemicals” continue to persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in wildlife, and pose complex health risks including endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. This review also critically examines current regulatory frameworks and policy challenges at international and national levels, highlighting substantial gaps that persist between scientific findings and legal standards. Moreover, it discusses the technological hurdles in detecting and remediating PFAS contamination and outlines future research directions aimed at improving analytical methodologies, refining toxicokinetic models, and developing innovative, cost-effective remediation strategies. Additionally, this review underscores the urgent need for coordinated scientific, regulatory, and industrial efforts to mitigate the multifaceted threats posed by PFAS to public health and the environment.

The development of graphene-enabled products in a variety of industrial sectors like medical devices, textiles, aerospace, or food contact materials has raised significant regulatory challenges with regards to risk assessment. The work performed under the Graphene Flagship Work Package SH11 termed SafeGraph, aimed to identify challenges while implementing regulation as well as to develop a regulatory roadmap addressing these issues. This study explores and discusses the regulatory gaps and safety assessment challenges associated with graphene-enabled products and based on regulatory requirements with a particular focus on risk assessment, exposure concerns, and potential environmental impacts. Through case studies involving skin sensors, drinking water filters, wearable electronics, and de-icing systems for aircrafts, we identified critical safety and compliance issues across various sectors. The work used four Graphene Flagship case studies as showcases to address the above markets (CHEMsens, GRAPHIL, WEARgraph and GICE). These case studies underscore the need for updated regulatory guidelines tailored to graphene’s unique properties. This study provides insights into current challenges of assessing risks and proposes steps to ensure safe and sustainable commercialisation of graphene-based products, advocating for harmonised regulatory frameworks.

Background/aimsCombination products are therapeutic and/or diagnostic products that can combine drugs and medical devices and which increasing complexity has raised new regulatory framework challenges. To reach the market, a combination product must be classified based on the principal mode of action (PMOA). However, research and technological progress has been leading to the development of novel combination products with no clearly defined PMOA, emphasizing the lack of a systematization process, thus challenging the correct classification of these products. To illustrate the regulatory challenge, two case studies are discussed: innovative combination products with PMOA that can change due to an external stimulus, specifically custom-made 3D-printed scaffolds with incorporated medicinal substances.MethodsData was collected through computational search engines, regulatory agencies and equally relevant associations. The analysis of the data resulted on this state-of-the-art review, a description of the decision-making process by the regulatory authorities, and case studies analysis that culminated in the proposal of a decision-tree scheme.FindingsCurrent regulations do not fully address complex combination products namely personalized 3D-printed scaffolds. Two merged regulatory approaches are suggested along with the schematization of the rational assisted by a decision-tree tool.ConclusionCombination products have become increasingly sophisticated, which has furthered the need to develop multidisciplinary collaborations within the health sector to adapt to these innovative healthcare solutions as well as with regulators to overcome the challenges posed for their classification.

The integration of drone technology in disease surveillance has revolutionized public health strategies by enabling rapid, cost-effective, and real-time data collection. This paper examines the historical evolution of disease surveillance, emphasizing how past pandemics have driven technological advancements. Recent engineering innovations, including AI-powered monitoring, improved sensors, and enhanced automation, have expanded the capabilities of drones in public health applications. Case studies from Africa and Latin America highlight the effectiveness of drones in disease monitoring, yet challenges such as regulatory barriers, logistical constraints, and ethical concerns persist. This study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between engineers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to maximize the benefits of drones in global health initiatives. Addressing regulatory, economic, and ethical challenges will be crucial in advancing sustainable and impactful drone-based disease surveillance programs. Keywords: Drones, Disease Surveillance, Public Health, Engineering Innovations, Artificial Intelligence, Remote Sensing, Regulatory Challenges.

Abstract: This chapter explores the development of super-resolution biophotonics techniques for early cancer detection, highlighting the potential of light-based technologies to revolutionize medical diagnostics. Super-resolution techniques such as STED, SIM, and SMLM allow for imaging at the nanometer scale, enabling the detection of cancer at the cellular and molecular levels. The chapter also addresses the integration of portable biophotonic devices for point-of-care diagnostics, overcoming technical challenges like imaging depth and resolution. Case studies in skin, breast, and lung cancer detection are presented, along with future trends in quantum biophotonics, AI integration, and nano-biophotonics for enhanced diagnostic precision. The chapter concludes by discussing the regulatory, ethical, and accessibility challenges involved in deploying these technologies in clinical settings. Keywords: Super-resolution, biophotonics, cancer detection, STED, SIM, SMLM, portable devices, point-of-care diagnostics, imaging depth, quantum biophotonics, AI integration, nano-biophotonics, early detection, medical diagnostics, skin cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, regulatory challenges, ethical considerations.

As the global urban population continues to expand, the need for affordable and sustainable housing solutions becomes increasingly urgent. This review explores policy innovations and challenges in the realm of sustainable development for affordable housing. It aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how sustainable practices can be integrated into affordable housing policies and the obstacles faced in implementing these strategies. Sustainable development in affordable housing encompasses environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Environmentally, it involves the use of green building materials, energy-efficient designs, and sustainable construction practices that minimize carbon footprints. Economically, sustainable affordable housing seeks to reduce long-term costs for residents through energy savings and maintenance efficiencies. Socially, it aims to create healthy, inclusive, and resilient communities. Policy innovations in this field have shown promising results. Green building standards, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the Passive House standard, have been adapted to affordable housing projects, demonstrating that sustainability and affordability can coexist. Governments and organizations have introduced various incentives and financing mechanisms, such as grants, low-interest loans, and tax credits, to promote green affordable housing. Additionally, public-private partnerships have been instrumental in driving sustainable affordable housing developments, leveraging the strengths of both sectors. However, significant challenges remain. One of the primary obstacles is the higher initial cost associated with sustainable building practices, which can deter investment in affordable housing projects. There are also regulatory and policy barriers that can complicate the implementation of sustainable practices. Furthermore, a lack of awareness and technical expertise in sustainable construction among developers and builders poses another significant hurdle. Case studies from different regions highlight both the successes and challenges of integrating sustainability into affordable housing. For instance, projects in Europe have successfully combined affordability with high environmental standards, while initiatives in developing countries have faced more pronounced financial and regulatory challenges. The review concludes that while policy innovations have made strides in promoting sustainable development in affordable housing, addressing the existing challenges requires concerted efforts from governments, private sector stakeholders, and communities. Future directions should focus on enhancing financial models, streamlining regulatory frameworks, and building capacity for sustainable practices. This comprehensive approach will be crucial for achieving long-term sustainability and affordability in housing.

In this era of digitalization where concepts like e-mobility have started evolving lead to an increase of electricity consumption further and to keep climate change of our planet under control, the pressure on power generation using renewable energy (RE) sources will definitely increase. RE plays a very important role in achieving India’s optimum generation mix by 2029-30. As per Central Electricity Authority (CEA) about 25GW of solar energy has to be installed every year for optimum generation mix. The target to achieve 45% of RE mix in the power generation system will have huge technical, operational, planning, commercial and regulatory challenges concerning optimal utilization of infrastructure and keeping balance with other sources of energy. This paper discusses the issues concerning RE integration with existing conventional energy sources and deployment strategies. The paper also presents a case study for Chhattisgarh state (India) using available data points to rationalize how proper deployment strategy can enable the use of RE to meet the optimum generation mix and simultaneously reduce the financial burden on buying utility and consumers along with fulfilling the countries RE target.

This study delves into the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the field of health informatics and its transformative effect on public health outcomes in Africa. It will cover how AI-driven solutions are being implemented to overcome challenges in disease surveillance, healthcare delivery, and public health policy. The paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of current innovations, the effectiveness of these technological interventions, and their broader implications for health policy and management across the African continent. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into health informatics holds transformative potential for enhancing public health in Africa. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted applications, challenges, and opportunities associated with the convergence of AI and health informatics on the African continent. The review encompasses various domains, including disease surveillance, diagnostics, treatment optimization, and public health management. Key themes addressed in the review include the adoption of AI-driven technologies in healthcare, the impact on disease detection and monitoring, and the potential for improving healthcare accessibility in resource-constrained settings. Moreover, the ethical considerations, regulatory challenges, and disparities in technology adoption across diverse African regions are examined, providing insights into the complexities of implementing AI in the African public health landscape. Through an in-depth analysis of current initiatives, case studies, and emerging trends, this review aims to contribute a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating AI into health informatics for the advancement of public health in Africa. Ultimately, this exploration seeks to inform policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers on the critical role AI can play in addressing public health challenges on the continent and fostering sustainable healthcare solutions.
 Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Health Informatics, Health Management, Africa, Review, Disease Surveillance.

Many rural and remote Canadians continue to experience a digital divide. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating in these communities play a crucial role in connecting Canadians, yet they are understudied. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by focusing on policy, regulatory, and competitive challenges and issues facing small ISPs. Small ISPs face competitive pressures, but more importantly deal with regulatory challenges induced by the lack of a coherent national approach to rural broadband. Ten Canadian ISPs were interviewed as part of this study. The paper recommends the Government of Canada develop a national broadband strategy informed in part through consultation with small ISPs.

Many rural and remote Canadians continue to experience a digital divide. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating in these communities play a crucial role in connecting Canadians, yet they are understudied. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by focusing on policy, regulatory, and competitive challenges and issues facing small ISPs. Small ISPs face competitive pressures, but more importantly deal with regulatory challenges induced by the lack of a coherent national approach to rural broadband. Ten Canadian ISPs were interviewed as part of this study. The paper recommends the Government of Canada develop a national broadband strategy informed in part through consultation with small ISPs.

Background: Street food vending provides vital employment and nutrition in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but poor health and safety compliance pose significant public health and business risks. Despite growing policy recognition, the link between hygiene practices and vendor performance remains underexplored. Objective: This integrative review examines the influence of health and safety practices on the business performance of informal street food vendors, with a particular focus on both global and South African contexts. Methods: A total of 76 studies published between 2015 and 2025 were retrieved between June 2024 and May 2025 and analyzed using an integrative review methodology. Sources were identified through five major academic databases and grey literature repositories. Thematic synthesis followed PRISMA logic and was guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Balanced Scorecard (BSC) frameworks. Results: There was a marked increase in publications post-2019, peaking in 2023. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for the majority of studies, with South Africa (28%) and Ghana (14%) most represented. Among the 76 included studies, the most common designs were quantitative (38%), followed by qualitative (20%), case studies (14%), and mixed-methods (11%), reflecting a predominantly empirical and field-based evidence base. Thematic analysis showed that 26% of studies focused on food safety knowledge and practices, 14% focused on infrastructure gaps, and 13% focused on policy and regulatory challenges. Of the 76 studies included, 73% reported a positive relationship between hygiene compliance and improved business performance (such as customer trust, revenue, and operational resilience), based on vote-counting across qualitatively synthesized results and business outcomes. The review identifies a conceptual synergy between the HBM’s cues to action and the BSC’s customer dimension, highlighting how hygiene compliance simultaneously influences vendor behaviour and consumer trust. Conceptual saturation was observed in themes related to hygiene protocols, consumer trust indicators, and regulatory barriers. Conclusions: Health and safety practices function not only as compliance imperatives but also as strategic assets in the informal food economy. However, widespread adoption is impeded by structural barriers including limited infrastructure, education gaps, and uneven regulatory enforcement. The findings call for context-sensitive policy interventions and public health models that align with vendor realities and support sustainable, safe, and competitive informal food systems.

This conceptual paper explores the innovative utilization of edible leftovers as a solution to the global issue of food waste and its intersection with food security. Food waste, particularly edible leftovers, presents a paradox where nutritious food is discarded while millions face food insecurity. Edible leftovers are an underutilized resource that can bridge the gap between excess food and hunger, benefiting both the environment and economy. The paper examines global food waste statistics, highlighting Malaysia as a case study. It emphasizes the environmental impact of decomposing food in landfills, which releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The paper reviews various strategies for repurposing edible leftovers, such as converting them into value-added products and redistributing them through food sharing platforms. Furthermore, the study discusses the economic benefits of reducing food waste for individuals, businesses, and society. The analysis also explores policy and regulatory challenges, noting the importance of clear guidelines to promote the redistribution of edible leftovers safely. Despite the potential benefits, barriers such as societal attitudes and logistical issues hinder widespread adoption. The paper underscores the need for innovative solutions and policy interventions to fully leverage edible leftovers in addressing food insecurity and reducing waste. By tapping into this underutilized resource, the paper advocates for a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Over half of Indians find gainful employment in agriculture, and this industry also makes a sizable contribution to the country's GDP. However, Indian farmers face several challenges that hinder their productivity and profitability, including low productivity and yield, dependence on monsoon rains, soil degradation, and nutrient depletion. Additionally, farmers in India face infrastructural and logistical challenges, market volatility, and limited access to credit and technology.
 In recent years, computer science has emerged as a crucial field that can help address some of the challenges facing Indian agriculture. This paper aims to explore the role of computer science in Indian agriculture, with a focus on precision farming and IoT-based solutions, the use of AI and machine learning in crop prediction and yield optimization, and the applications of data analytics in crop monitoring and disease detection.
 The paper begins with an overview of Indian agriculture and its challenges, providing a background and context for the problem. It then outlines the research questions and objectives, the study's objectives, as well as its scope and limits.
 The agricultural difficulties experienced by Indian farmers are the subject of the paper's second section. The section highlights low productivity and yield, dependence on monsoon rains, soil degradation and nutrient depletion, lack of access to credit and technology, market volatility, and infrastructural and logistical challenges. The section discusses the extent of these challenges and their impact on Indian agriculture.
 The following section of the paper focuses on the role of computer science in agriculture. It provides an overview of computer science applications in agriculture, including precision farming and IoT-based solutions, the use of AI and machine learning in crop prediction and yield optimization, and the applications of data analytics in crop monitoring and disease detection. The section highlights the potential benefits of these applications in Indian agriculture and discusses the opportunities for innovation and collaboration in this area.
 The paper then discusses the existing solutions and their limitations. The section presents an overview of existing solutions and interventions, including success stories and case studies. It also discusses the limitations and challenges of existing solutions, as well as policy and regulatory challenges in technology adoption in agriculture.
 The following section focuses on emerging technologies and their potential for Indian agriculture. It provides an overview of emerging technologies in agriculture, including case studies of successful implementation in India. This section covers the role of the government and the private sector in encouraging the use of emerging technology in Indian agriculture, highlighting the potential benefits and problems of doing so.
 The report then moves on to discuss data-driven strategies for Indian agriculture. This section explores the ways in which data analytics have been put to use in Indian agriculture, the opportunities for innovation and collaboration that have arisen as a result, and the limitations of data-driven techniques.
 The paper then discusses the role of digital platforms in connecting farmers to markets. It provides an overview of digital platforms in agribusiness, including case studies of successful digital platforms in India. The section discusses the potential benefits and challenges of digital platforms for Indian farmers and highlights the role of government and the private sector in promoting the adoption of digital platforms in agriculture.
 Finally, the paper concludes with a summary of the key findings and implications of the study. The section emphasizes the potential of computer science in addressing the challenges facing Indian agriculture and the need for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to collaborate to promote its adoption. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research in this area.

Abstract: This chapter explores the rapid growth of digital trade and e-commerce, emphasizing the crucial role of digital technologies in global commerce and the regulatory challenges that arise from their expansion. It examines the definitions and key components of digital trade, including digital goods, services, and data flows, and highlights global trends and statistics. The chapter reviews national regulatory frameworks and their divergent approaches, focusing on the European Union, the United States, and China. It addresses legal and regulatory challenges such as data privacy, intellectual property, cybersecurity, and taxation. The role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in shaping international rules for digital trade is analyzed, along with current discussions and dispute settlement mechanisms. The impact of digital technologies on trade facilitation and the benefits and challenges of digital platforms are discussed, supported by case studies. Emerging issues like the implications of 5G, IoT, and AI on digital trade are explored, followed by policy recommendations for harmonizing international rules and enhancing regulatory coherence. It concludes with an outlook on the future of digital trade and e-commerce, advocating for international cooperation and inclusive regulatory frameworks.

Abstract: This chapter explores the transformative potential of AquaTech innovations, focusing on the development and deployment of underwater data centers as a sustainable alternative to traditional data infrastructure. It examines the core technologies, including advanced submersible designs, natural seawater cooling systems, and AI-driven automation for maintenance. The chapter also highlights the environmental and economic benefits, such as reduced carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and cost savings. Additionally, it discusses real-world case studies, technical and regulatory challenges, and the integration of underwater data centers with the Blue Economy. The chapter concludes with a forward-looking vision for how these innovations can support a more sustainable digital future, emphasizing the importance of continued research and collaboration. Keywords: AquaTech, underwater data centers, sustainability, energy efficiency, seawater cooling, AI-driven automation, environmental impact, Blue Economy, submersible design, renewable energy, case studies, data infrastructure, regulatory challenges, future innovations.