People In Africa Research Articles

A Critical Analysis of Cremation Burials Within Some of the South African Tribes: A Contextual Practical Theological View

The colonial erosion of African traditional and cultural practices continues to dislocate the African identity in different ways. The changes and shifts made to burial practices have simply paved a way for the colonial agenda to bring about more Western ways of doing things, burial rites included. It is important to note that cremation, as another way of burying the dead, is slowly becoming a norm for black people. This paper intends to not only unveil the causes and contestations around cremation burials, but to also seek an African theological response as a way to guide black African culture moving forward.

P-566 Addressing ethnic underrepresentation in carrier screening: prioritizing comprehensive variant curation over ClinVar-based automated analysis

Abstract Study question How does the use of a ClinVar-based approach in Carrier Genetic Screening (CGS) affect the efficiency and accuracy of carrier detection analysis? Summary answer For CGS, comprehensive variant curation, not automated analysis alone, addresses risk from under-representation of diverse populations in genetic databases. What is known already Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analyses in Carrier Screening (CS) yield numerous variants per patient requiring interpretation for pathogenicity assessment. Public variant databases aid in the curation process, clinical interpretation, and genomic data sharing, reducing error risks and diagnostic delays. Consequently, an increasing number of genetic laboratories are integrating these databases into their workflows. However, over-representation of certain ethnic groups persists due to genetic inequality, as these databases primarily contain variants previously reported in patients and manually recorded. This lack of ethnic diversity in human genomic studies and databases can lead to inaccurate risk assessment and inadequate interventions in under-studied populations. Study design, size, duration Retrospective analysis involved 3886 patients of various ethnicities examined between June 2021 and March 2023. They were grouped according to self-reported ethnicity: African(54), Asian(43), Mediterranean(689), European/Caucasian(2402), Latino(449) and not reported(249). Participants/materials, setting, methods Patients were categorized based on their self-reported ethnicity after undergoing analysis with a Carrier Screening (CS) panel of 300 genes, which included autosomal recessive and X-linked disorders, using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Complete variant curation (CCV) was conducted using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics(ACMG) and ClinGen guidelines for variant interpretation. The average number of variants per patient was calculated for both the automated process using only the ClinVar database and the CCV performed. Main results and the role of chance Upon evaluating the number of variants identified per patient,, 1.51 variants/patient (v/p) were observed when CCV, while 1.27 v/p would have been detected using only ClinVar (automated process). In summary, ClinVar accounted for 88% of all variants identified with CCV. Significant differences in variant detection were observed across ethnicities. The percentage of variants not detected by the automatic process were as follows: 21.95% in Asian ethnicity, 17.84% in African, 13.99% in Latino, 11.88% in Mediterranean, 10.97% in European/Caucasian and 10.70% in patients who did not report ethnicity. Among these, Asian and African ethnic groups had the lowest percentage of variants detected by ClinVar 78.05% and 82.16%, respectively. In the Asian group, 0.95 v/p were identified, while in the African group, 1.70 v/p were identified. Limitations, reasons for caution Data was collected based on self-reported ethnicity, which may not always accurately reflect true ancestry. Additionally, the sample size for certain ethnicities was relatively small. Variant classification relied on information available in databases or literature at the time of the study, potentially subject to updates or revisions in the future. Wider implications of the findings This study underscores the limitations of automated analysis in detecting all variants identified by CCV across ethnicities, highlighting genetic disparities present in mutation databases like ClinVar. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing CCV in Carrier Screening tests to effectively mitigate reproductive risks across diverse ethnic groups. Trial registration number not applicable

Time to SARS-CoV-2 clearance in African, Caucasian, and Asian ethnic groups.

COVID-19 may become a seasonal disease. SARS-CoV-2 active circulation coupled with vaccination efforts has undoubtedly modified the virus dynamic. It is therefore important investigate SARS-CoV-2 dynamic in different groups of population following the course of spatiotemporal variance and immunization. To investigate SARS-CoV-2 clearance in different ethnic groups and the impact of immunization, we recruited 777 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients (570 Africans, 156 Caucasians, and 51 Asians). Participants were followed and regularly tested for 2 months until they had two negative tests. The vaccination rate was 64.6%. African individuals were less symptomatic (2%), Caucasians (41%) and Asians (36.6%). On average, viral clearance occurred after 10.5days. Viral load at diagnosis was inversely correlated with viral clearance (p < 0.0001). The time of SARS-CoV-2 clearance was higher in Africans and Caucasians than in Asians (Dunn's test p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). On average, viral clearance occurred within 9.5days during the second semester (higher rate of vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 exposition), whereas it took 13.6days during the first semester (lower rate of vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 exposition) (Mann-Whitney t-test p < 0.0001). In conclusion, ethnicity and spatiotemporal changes including SARS-CoV-2 exposition and immunization affect SARS-CoV-2 clearance.

HISTORY AND PROSPECTS OF THE STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL METHOD IN ETHNOLOGY: IMPLEMENTATION IN FAMILY RITUALS, STREET ART AND ACTIVITIES OF LOCAL ARTISTIC COMMUNITIES

The purpose of the article is to establish which structures should be considered the most characteristic and typical for the founders of the structural and functional analysis in ethnology – C. Lévi-Strauss, A. Radcliffe-Brown, E. Leach, V. Turner, V. Propp. The researcher singles out the main structure for each of them and demonstrates its functional capabilities. For Radcliffe-Brown, in the author’s opinion, the structure of the tribe and family relations between its members in one of the areas of Western Australia is fundamental. From the scientific heritage of Lévi-Strauss, the structure of the division into components of the ancient Greek myth about Oedipus stands out. Characteristic for Leach is the structure of “condensation”, in which two interconnected functions give rise to a third one, usually based on symbols and metaphors. A structure characteristic of Turner is a diagram of the spatial symbolism of a certain ritual of one Central African tribe. As an example of Propp’s structuralism, the division of a folk tale according to the functions of the characters is given, where each of the functions has a conventional designation, and as a result, we get the formula of the fairy tale plot. The author concludes that the possibilities of the structural and functional method are far from exhausted. Thanks to the examples presented in the article, it was possible to establish that the method of structural and functional analysis, initiated in the middle of the last century, can be successfully used in the latest research, in particular, the study of Ukrainian national rites of the family cycle, as well as street art and activities of artistic communities.

Who Benefits from Free Trade?

How is wealth distributed when the economy grows? I study this question in the context of African countries and ethnic groups. If wealth is distributed proportional to population, larger ethnic groups should benefit more when economic activity increases. Using nighttime light and individual level data to geographically locate wealth, I find the exact opposite: Smaller ethnic groups, particularly those in political power, benefit more from increased economic activity than larger ones. The results indicate that political elites in power redistribute wealth from larger ethnic groups. As a result, people’s satisfaction with democracy and trust in institutions reduces, casting a shadow on the implementation of trade liberalization policies in developing countries. Instrumental variables estimating exploiting exogenous variation in trading activity confirm initial results.

Morphological variations of auditory bullae in otomyine rodents (Rodentia: Otomyini) in southern African biomes.

Mammalian middle ear cavities differ from those of other taxa as they comprise three ossicles and in rodents, can be encapsulated by an auditory bulla. In small mammals, the middle ear cavity (bulla) was found to be enlarged in the desert-dwelling species; however, differences in bullar size could have been due to ancestry. In this study, we sampled seven species from three genera (Myotomys, Otomys, and Parotomys) of the African murid tribe Otomyini (laminated-toothed rats), and compared the bullar volumes and shapes between the otomyine species and within the species Myotomys unisulcatus. Photographs of museum skull specimens were taken from ventral and lateral views, and the volumes of the bullae were estimated digitally from the photographs. No sexual dimorphism in bullar volumes was found in any of the species. Corrected bullar volumes were significantly different between species and larger bullae were seen in individuals inhabiting regions with lower annual rainfall. Bullar shape (estimated using geometric morphometrics) was significantly different between the genera and the species. Parotomys have tympanic meatuses that face more anteriorly compared to both, Otomys and Myotomys. When comparing bullae within M. unisulcatus, those inhabiting regions with lower annual rainfall had significantly larger bullar volumes, but no significant difference was found in bullar shape between the regions. This study shows that otomyine rodents in more xeric habitats have different auditory structures to those inhabiting wetter habitats.

Interventions connecting young people living in Africa to healthcare; a systematic review using the RE-AIM framework.

Africa's young people are among the least focused groups in healthcare linkage. The disproportionally high burden of youth-related health problems is a burden, especially in developing regions like Africa, which have a high population of young people. More information is needed about factors that impact linkages in healthcare and the sustainability of health interventions among young people in Africa. A systematic literature search was performed from October 2020 to May 2022 in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Global Health, and the Web of Science. Studies included in the review were conducted among young people aged 10-24 living in Africa, written in English, and published between 2011 and 2021. Results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Data was analyzed using narrative synthesis, synthesizing the details of the RE-AIM reporting component. Interventions were systematically compared using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool to evaluate the rigor of each intervention. A total of 2,383 potentially relevant citations were obtained after an initial database search. Retained in the final group were seventeen articles from electronic data searches; among these articles, 16 interventions were identified. Out of the seventeen studies, nine (53%) were randomized controlled trials, three (18%) were quasi-experimental designs, and five (29%) were observational studies. At the same time, the included interventions were reported on 20 (76.92%) of the 26 components of the RE-AIM dimensions. In eastern Africa, twelve (80%) interventions were conducted, and all the interventions addressed linkage to care for young people in preventing and treating HIV. The least reported RE-AIM dimensions were implementing and maintaining interventions connecting young people to care. Timely care remains critical to treating and preventing ailments. This review indicates that interventions created to link young people to care, especially HIV care, can help link them to health care and strengthen the programs. It is also clear that further research with more extended follow-up periods is needed to examine connections to care in all other aspects of health and to bridge the gap between research and practice in the care of young people in Africa. PROSPERO [CRD42022288227].

African Traditional Dances; Repertoire of African Migration Histories, Common Identities and Resistance Against Colonial Artificial Borders

African traditional dances of sub-Sahara Africa present important and unadulterated historical information that connect the histories of migration of certain African ethnic groups. The historical materials and facts of African traditional dances present the migration histories of certain African ethnic groups and defies colonial separation through artificial borders. African traditional dances and the costumes used in such dances continually connect ethnic groups which are found in different African countries together as people of a common stock. The researchers used desk information on dances performed in western and southern African countries that transcends the borders of one country in this scholarly work. African traditional dances especially from West and Southern Africa such as Agahu or Gahu and Agbadza are performed by the Ewe Ethnic group or nation found in Benin, Ghana, Togo and certain parts of Nigeria, the Sunu dance is performed by the Wolof in Senegal, Guinea, Gambia including parts of Mali and Mauritania, the Lamban traditional dance of the Mandinka people is also performed in seven countries in West Africa including Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso. West African traditional dances still have important impacts on the indigenous dances of African Americans found in the Americas through the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The Ndlamu dance found in Southern Africa is performed by the Nguni people including; Ndebele (Xhosa) of Zimbabwe, Swazi of Eswatini as well as the Zulu in South Africa and other Nguni tribes in Mozambique and Malawi. The performance of the Ndlamu dances by these different ethnic groups in the mentioned southern African countries also attest to the fact that all these ethnic groups are Nguni ethnic kinsmen of a common race or stock but are found in different countries due to migration or through colonial artificial borders. The researchers recommended that traditional African dances must be encouraged and tapped into as it can help to build and promote peace amongst African countries as certain ethnic groups within sub regions such as West and Southern Africa originated from a common stock and have the same or similar cultures.

Initial Presentation of SLE among the Different South African Ethnic Groups

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory multi-organ disease. It is characterized by a variety of clinical features including abnormalities of the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, blood and brain. In addition to gender, genetic, environmental, hormonal and chemical factors appear to play a role in disease activity. Previous studies in South Africa have shown an increasing trend of new diagnoses of SLE patients, with increasing target organ damage but there is an obvious distinction between different organs in terms of incidence. The primary aim of this study was to identify the major initial presentation of SLE patients among the three main South African ethnic groups: Black, Mixed ethnicity, and White. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytic study in which patients with SLE were compared among the three ethnic groups in South Africa. Data was obtained from patient’s records contained in the Enterprise Content Management System (ECM) and medical records. Results: A total of 198 patients were seen in the Rheumatology Division with SLE between March 1993 and November 1999. The study showed that the most affected group was the mixed ethnicity population (81.4%), followed by the black African group (11.6%), then the white group (7%). Arthritis was the most frequent disorders among the three-different ethnic groups. However, there appear to be some differences in the autoantibody profile.&#x0D; Conclusion:This study focused on the initial presenting symptoms. A long-term cohort on the development of the disease may yield further results on possible ethnic differences, and continued research into susceptibility loci and phenotypic associations in enriched multi-ethnic cohorts and looking for the causes of death among the three ethnic groups and related to the first presentation is suggested.

Prevalence and determinants of goitre among children of South Kordofan state, Sudan, 2021: an urgent need for effective implementation of universal salt iodisation.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of goitre among children aged 6-12 years at South Kordofan state. This was a cross-sectional facility-based study. The study was conducted in twenty villages of South Kordofan state during a medical mission. All 575 school-age children (6-12 years) who attended the medical day were examined for clinical assessment of goitre. The prevalence of goitre among children of South Kordofan was 42·8 % (grade 1: 15·7 %, grade 2: 27·1 %). Only 24·2 % of caregivers reported using iodised salt. Mothers working as farmers (OR: 3·209, CI 95 % 1·437, 7·167; P = 0·004) and children of Darforian tribes (OR: 21·799, CI 95 % 2·566, 185·226; P = 0·005) were found to be significantly associated with higher prevalence of goitre among children. This contrasts with children of African tribes, where they were found to have less goitre prevalence (OR: 0·432, CI 95 % 0·213, 0·875; P = 0·02). Iodised salt utilisation (OR = 0·523, CI 95 % 0·320, 0·854; P = 0·01) was found associated with a lower prevalence of goitre. Even though National Iodine Deficiency Disorders control programs were initiated in Sudan more than 25 years ago, the prevalence of goitre among children in South Kordofan state was alarming (42·8 %). Efforts to improve access to iodised salt, increase utilisation and raise awareness are urgently needed.

Assessment of ethnic inequalities in diagnostic coding of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH): A cross-sectional database study in Lambeth, South London

Background and aimsDifferences in the perceived prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) by ethnicity are unclear. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence, determinants and management of diagnostically-coded FH in an ethnically diverse population in South London. MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of 40 practices in 332,357 adult patients in Lambeth was undertaken. Factors affecting a (clinically coded) diagnosis of FH were investigated by multi-level logistic regression adjusted for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, co-morbidities, and medications. ResultsThe age-adjusted FH % prevalence rate (OR, 95%CI) ranged from 0.10 to 1.11, 0.00–1.31. Lower rates of FH coding were associated with age (0.96, 0.96–0.97) and male gender (0.75, 0.65–0.87), p < 0.001. Compared to a White British reference group, a higher likelihood of coded FH was noted in Other Asians (1.33, 1.01–1.76), p = 0.05, with lower rates in Black Africans (0.50, 0.37–0.68), p < 0.001, Indians (0.55, 0.34–0.89) p = 0.02, and in Black Caribbeans (0.60, 0.44–0.81), p = 0.001. The overall prevalence using Simon Broome criteria was 0.1%; we were unable to provide ethnic specific estimates due to low numbers.Lower likelihoods of FH coding (OR, 95%CI) were seen in non-native English speakers (0.66, 0.53–0.81), most deprived income quintile (0.68, 0.52–0.88), smokers (0.68,0.55–0.85), hypertension (0.62, 0.52–0.74), chronic kidney disease (0.64, 0.41–0.99), obesity (0.80, 0.67–0.95), diabetes (0.31, 0.25–0.39) and CVD (0.47, 0.36–0.63). 20% of FH coded patients were not prescribed lipid-lowering medications, p < 0.001. ConclusionsInequalities in diagnostic coding of FH patients exist. Lower likelihoods of diagnosed FH were seen in Black African, Black Caribbean and Indian ethnic groups, in contrast to higher diagnoses in White and Other Asian ethnic groups. Hypercholesterolaemia requiring statin therapy was associated with FH diagnosis, however, the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors lowered the diagnosis rate for FH.

Traditional institutions in Africa: past and present

AbstractTo what degree and why are traditional institutions persistent? Following up the literature on the long-term effects of precolonial institutions in Africa, we investigate whether and where today's traditional institutions mirror their precolonial predecessors. We do so by linking data on contemporary traditional institutions of African ethnic groups with Murdock's historical Ethnographic Atlas. We find a robust association between past and present levels of institutional complexity, differentiating between institutions’ political centralization and functional differentiation. However, this persistence originates almost exclusively from former British colonies governed with more reliance on precolonial institutions than other colonies, in particular French ones. These findings contribute to research on the development and effects of traditional institutions, highlighting the need to account for varying persistence of traditional institutions.

Clinico-epidemiological pattern of pityriasis versicolor in Sudanese patients at Khartoum dermatology and venerology hospital, Khartoum State, Sudan, 2012-2013

Background: Pityriasis versicolor is a fungal skin disease, chronic and superficial in the course, characterized by skin pigmentary changes that psychologically impact the patient's quality of life. This paper intended to determine the clinico-epidemiological pattern of the Pityriasis versicolor in patients who attended the outpatient clinic of Khartoum dermatology teaching hospital (KDTH) from June 2012 to February 2013. Method: This descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional hospital-based study used a quantitative method. A total convenient sample technique enrolled 110 patients during the study period. Results: The 30.9% of the participants were between 11 and 20 years old, 67.3% were males, and 37.1% were of low socioeconomic status, 47.2% had a family history of the disease, 68.1% had first-degree relatives, 56.4% and 60% had a history of a similar condition in the summer, respectively. 57.3% were originally from a pure Arab tribe, compared to 0.9% from purely African tribes. There were significant associations between being male with a positive family history, the onset of the disease, color of the lesions, and having disease (p=0.02, 0.05, 0.04, respectively). Also, between the age with a history of similar condition and the associated symptoms (p=0.00 and 0.03 respectively). Conclusions: Most participants were young males who had the disease in the summer with a high recurrence rate. There were multiple significant associations between gender and age with some clinical and epidemiological patterns. Determining any genetic association with pityriasis versicolor, improving counselling, and raising awareness to understand age the predisposing factors were recommended in this paper.

State versus tribal borders: Problems of irredentism in modern Libyan state-building process

This article sets out to examine the tensions that exist in post-Gaddafi Libya with respect to the establishment of central government and one of the sub-state actors, namely tribes. The study finds that, as a result of its colonial past, Libya as a state was created by negotiations between British, French and Italian colonial powers without regard to the indigenous populations such as the North African tribes with their natural tribal heartlands. This has led to an incoherence between identity and territory and in turn has created problems of irredentism and national security issues. After a detailed examination of Libya’s extensive East, West and Southern borders, the article finds that as a state, Libya is unable to control its borders and so cannot qualify as a fully functioning nation-state according to Western definitions of the phenomenon. The article then discusses the complex issue of the differences between state-building and nationhood and finds that according to the definitions of the 14th century Maghreb sociologist Ibn Khaldun, while the state and the nation are two different concepts, one cannot exist without the other. This stands in contrast to the modern, global emphasis on linear as opposed to cyclical development and reflects the values of donor states and not the complex needs of emerging and fragile democratic states. The article therefore recommends the need for understanding, trust and compromise from all parties involved. For example, while tribes contribute the much-needed values of nationhood, they must in turn respect the values of democracy such as the rule of law. Conversely, external players should respect the concept of national identity with its emphasis on the value of social cohesion.

Role of Traditional Leaders in Zimbabwe in Consolidating Peace

The study endeavours to examine the role of chiefs, headmen, and Sabhuku in managing political conflict for national peacebuilding in Zimbabwe. Traditionally, conflicts were resolved by a council of chiefs, Sabhuku, and headmen. Chiefs, Headmen, and Sabhuku have long been active in mediation by balancing the process of mediation and tribal disputes, and in some cases have led in restoring peace and reconciliation endeavors. Traditional leaders have historically played significant roles in Zimbabwean society and their involvement in consolidating peace has been crucial. Traditional leaders in African indigenous tribes especially in Zimbabwe have been involved in dispute resolution for many decades. However, compared to work in the field of formal conflict resolution, their contributions to conflict resolution have not been as well documented. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. 20 key informants were purposefully sampled using a qualitative approach. A case study approach was employed with the use of interviews. Secondary data sources and desk reviews were also used in the study in order to supplement primary data from interviews. The qualitative method of data analysis called the thematic approach was used in this research. The findings also suggest that traditional leaders settled the majority of the issues by sitting down with the opposing parties and conversing with them to find a resolution to the conflicts. The study's findings indicate traditional leaders' impact on political conflict resolution and peacebuilding procedures. The majority of the participants in this study had experience with local conflicts and have understanding of traditional practices. The study concludes that Chiefs, Headmans, and Sabhukus shape the processes of political conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Zimbabwe.

Reincarnation Beliefs and Suicidality: Social, Individual and Theological Factors.

Among African tribes, Inuit, the Druze, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, a diversity of attitudes toward suicide exists. The meaning of suicide appears to be largely a reflection of the impact of the death on friends, family, and the broader community; the circumstances of the individual within their community; and the specific religious implications of suicide. The interpersonal impact is seen as consisting of the material impact of suicide; the spiritual and emotional burden endured by the community; and norms related to suicide. Individual factors include the degree of social integration; the social impact of suicide before death; and how the individual anticipates suicide affecting their afterlife. Taken together, the commonly repeated notion that reincarnation beliefs lend themselves to suicidal behavior finds little support, and instead it appears that social and pragmatic issues shape the meaning and interpretation of religious beliefs which in turn buffer or facilitate suicidal behavior.

African bovid tribe classification using transfer learning and computer vision.

Objective analytical identification methods are still a minority in the praxis of paleobiological sciences. Subjective interpretation of fossils and their modifications remains a nonreplicable expert endeavor. Identification of African bovids is a crucial element in the reconstruction of paleo-landscapes, ungulate paleoecology, and, eventually, hominin adaptation and ecosystemic reconstruction. Recent analytical efforts drawing on Fourier functional analysis and discrimination methods applied to occlusal surfaces of teeth have provided a highly accurate framework to correctly classify African bovid tribes and taxa. Artificial intelligence tools, like computer vision, have also shown their potential to be objectively more accurate in the identification of taphonomic agency than human experts. For this reason, here we implement some of the most successful computer vision methods, using transfer learning and ensemble analysis, to classify bidimensional images of African bovid teeth and show that 92% of the large testing set of images of African bovid tribes analyzed could be correctly classified. This brings an objective tool to paleoecological interpretation, where bovid identification and paleoecological interpretation can be more confidently carried out.

Cancer incidence in the Somali population of Olmsted County: A Rochester epidemiology project study.

Somali immigrants and refugees constitute one of the largest African ethnic groups immigrating to the United States over the past three decades with the majority resettling in the state of Minnesota. Previous studies have documented significant cancer screening disparities between the Somali population and the general population. However, little is known about cancer incidence among Somali groups living in the United States. We determined the incidence of 18 types or sites of malignancy using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes and compared them between Somali and non-Somali populations in Olmsted County, Minnesota utilizing the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records-linkage infrastructure for the years 2000-2020. Poisson regression models were used to model the rates for each malignancy. There was a higher incidence and relative risk of liver malignancies among the Somali population versus non-Somali population, but lower relative risk and incidence of the following malignancies: breast, cervical, and melanoma. After direct age-sex adjustment to the United States 2000 Census population, liver was the most common cancer in Somali men, while breast cancer was the most common malignancy in women. Malignancies related to infectious agents such as viral hepatitis have a higher incidence in the Somali immigrant population of Olmsted County. There is a lower incidence of malignancies related to lifestyle factors in this Somali population. Findings of this study may help inform cancer prevention and screening strategies among Somali communities in the United States.

Truongsonia (Arecaceae: Arecoideae: Truongsonieae)—a new palm genus and tribe from Vietnam

A genus and species of palm from the Truong Son Range in Vietnam, Truongsonia lecongkietii, is described as new to science. Phylogenomic analysis strongly supports the placement of the new taxon in subfamily Arecoideae as sister to the African endemic tribe Podococceae, which comprises a single genus Podococcus. A new tribe Truongsonieae is also described to accommodate Truongsonia in the current phylogenetic classification of palms. Truongsonia is a dwarf, acaulescent, clump-forming palm bearing entire, bifid leaves with a fibre-like extension of the rachis through the sinus of the two lobes of the leaf. The interfoliar inflorescence is exserted on a long peduncle with 3­–4 tightly sheathing peduncular bracts and rachillae presented at the apex only. The ovary is triovulate-tricarpellate, but fruits are single-seeded. Truongsonia is Critically Endangered, with surveys locating only 10–15 plants in the wild. Swift conservation action is required to secure the future of this remarkable and phylogenetically isolated lineage of palms.

Regime Stability and the Persistence of Traditional Practices

Abstract I examine why the harmful tradition of female genital mutilation (FGM) persists in certain countries but in others it has been eradicated. People are more willing to abandon their traditions if they are confident that the government is durable enough to set up long-term replacements for them. Using a country-ethnicity panel data set spanning 23 countries from 1970 to 2013 and artificial partition of African ethnic groups by national borders, I show that a one-standard-deviation larger increase in political regime durability leads to a 0.1-standard-deviation larger decline in the share of newly circumcised women, conditional on the presence of an anti-FGM government policy.