Modern Technology Research Articles

Latest advancements and prospects in the next-generation of Internet of Things technologies

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a sophisticated network of objects embedded with electronic systems that enable devices to collect and exchange data. IoT is a recent trending leading technology and changing the way we live. However, it has several challenges especially efficiency, architecture, complexity, and network topology. The traditional technologies are not enough to provide support. It is evident from the literature that complex networks are used to study the topology and the structure of a network and are applied to modern technologies. Thus, the capability of powerful computational tools and the existence of theoretical frameworks enable complex networks to derive new approaches in analyzing IoT-based technologies in terms of improving efficiency, architecture, complexity, and topology. In this direction, limited research has been carried out. The integration aspect remains a key challenge. Therefore, in order to fill this gap. Herein, we design a comprehensive literature review. In this research effort, we explore a newly leading emerging technology named the Social Internet of Things (SIoT). It is developed to overcome the challenges in IoT. We discuss the importance and the key applications of SIoT. We first presented a conceptual view along with a recent technological roadmap. The big data play an important role in the modern world. We discuss big data and the 5 Vs along with suitable applications and examples. Then, we highlighted the key concepts in complex networks, scale-free, random networks, and small-world networks. We explored and presented various graph models and metrics aligned with social networks and the most recent trends. The novelty of this research is to propose a synergy of complex networks to the IoT, SIoT, and big data together. We discuss the advantages of integration in detail. We present a detailed discussion on complex networks emerging technologies and cyber-physical systems (CPS). Briefly, our literature review covers the most recent advancements and developments in 10 years. In addition, our critical analysis is based on up-to-date surveys and case studies. Finally, we outline the impact of recent emerging technologies on challenges applications, and solutions for the future. This paper provides a good reference for researchers and readers in the IoT domain.

CURRENT CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF LEGAL REGULATION OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OF THE SOCIAL SPHERE IN THE TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES OF UKRAINE

The article defines that public administration is a system of activities of state authorities aimed at optimizing the use of resources to achieve the priority goals of social policy. It is emphasized that the social sphere covers a wide range of services that ensure the well-being of citizens, including health care, education, social protection and other critically important elements. The study of the problems of public management of the social sphere in territorial communities reveals a number of challenges, such as insufficient financial support, the absence of a clear legal framework, and a low level of public involvement in decision-making processes. Analysis of modern approaches to legal regulation in this area showed that effective management of social policy requires the integration of innovative methods, in particular digitalization of processes, which will contribute to the transparency and accountability of local self-government bodies. As a result of the research, it was found that the public management of the social sphere in the territorial communities of Ukraine is a complex, multifaceted process that requires a comprehensive analysis and a comprehensive approach to its improvement. The development of recommendations for improving management mechanisms should become a priority for researchers and practitioners in this important field. Effective management of the social sphere requires systematic control over the implementation of state policy. This involves not only an internal audit of the activities of local self-government bodies, but also mechanisms of public control that would allow residents to actively participate in the processes of evaluating the effectiveness of social programs. The study showed that the key factors in the effectiveness of public management of the social sphere in territorial communities are: adaptability of management mechanisms; integration of modern technologies; formation of partnership relations; personnel training and development; community involvement in decision-making processes, etc. Legal regulation of public management of the social sphere in territorial communities of Ukraine is conditioned by the need to create effective management mechanisms that meet modern challenges. Among the prospects for the development of legal regulation of public management of the social sphere in the territorial communities of Ukraine, the need for: improvement of the legal framework was emphasized; strengthening of financial autonomy; development of professional training; integration of modern technologies; community involvement in decision-making processes; focus on inclusiveness; monitoring and evaluation of efficiency; cooperation with international organizations; adaptation to changes in the socio-economic environment; increasing the level of trust in the authorities, etc. It is emphasized that the successful implementation of public policy in the social sphere depends on the effective interaction of all interested parties, which in turn will ensure sustainable development and increase the quality of life of the population.

The application and challenges of different face recognition technologies in the three major fields of security, social media, and medical care

Abstract. Face recognition technology is a very important part of modern technology, which can not only be used to ensure security, but also can be used in the field of information organization and content division. However, with the popularization and application of face recognition technology, many problems that need to be solved urgently have emerged: excessive computing resources are consumed in order to pursue high-precision recognition, which brings computing pressure; The basis for improving recall is the need for a lot of power and memory; If security is not guaranteed, it can cause problems such as data breaches. The demand for face recognition technology is different in different use fields, so the purpose of this study is to combine the scene requirements and technical advantages more reasonably. The research results are as follows: the high accuracy and recall rate of 3D convolutional neural networks (3DCNNs) ensure that it can be used safely in high-precision and high-security scenarios. Lightweight Convolutional Neural Network (MobileNetV2) is suitable for resource-constrained environments due to its low memory consumption and low communication cost. Edge computing real-time face recognition (EC-RFERNet) is the most suitable for large-scale popularization and application among the three because of its lowest power consumption and latency. This study deeply explores the advantages and disadvantages of different facial recognition technologies and finds solutions to their shortcomings. According to their unique advantages combined with the requirements of commonly used scenarios, it provides a scientific basis for the deployment of face recognition technology in different fields. However, due to limited information, this paper cannot cover all application scenarios and the latest technologies, so it is hoped that in the future, we can combine the advantages of different technologies to develop more comprehensive face recognition technology and make more reasonable technical planning.

A Commentary on 'Understanding the non-equivalency of bio-fluorescent particle counts versus the colony forming unit'.

In this publication, the authors offer explanations as to why there is no consistent correlation factor between the bio-fluorescent particle counts (BFPC), expressed in autofluorescence units or AFU and the traditional microbiological colony-forming unit (CFU) and why this non-correlation between AFU and CFU should not be a barrier to fully leveraging, implementing and using such modern technologies in routine monitoring due to what they describe as ″the fallacies and limitations with the CF″.

THE ROLE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY FOR THE FUTURE OF MUSIC EDUCATION

This study presents research on prospective primary school teachers engaged in music instruction in primary school settings. The research focuses on the development of skills in using and adapting educational content through modern technology. Specifically, it examines the competencies required to utilize an application for composing musical scores using elements of musical notation, a topic typically studied in grades one to four.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION POLICY IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR UNDER MARTIAL LAW

The article analyzes the main directions of public administration in the field of health care of Ukraine during martial law. The main focus is on the adaptation of the legislative framework and the modernization of management approaches, which allow to ensure the effective functioning of the health care system in crisis situations. The issue of creating mobile medical teams and hospitals, which are the main tool for providing medical care in front-line and de-occupied areas, was considered. The contribution of international organizations to the support of the Ukrainian medical system in terms of supplying medical equipment, medicines and providing financial assistance is analyzed. The key normative legal acts, which were adopted from 2022 and contributed to the adaptation of the medical system to new challenges, were studied. Features of the functioning of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 302, No. 683, No. 1078 and others are given. Particular attention is paid to the digitization of health care, the implementation of electronic medical records in order to ensure the prompt provision of medical services. The problems of medical institutions in the front-line zones, including the destruction of more than 700 hospitals, and ways to solve the logistical problems of the supply of medicines were considered. A conclusion was made regarding the further development of public administration in the field of health care based on the integration of international and national resources, improvement of digital technologies and modernization of medical infrastructure. Ensuring adequate funding of the health care system, which includes the health insurance program, emergency and specialized medical care, is revealed, which is a priority in the 2023 budget. The article examines the influence of international humanitarian organizations on the support of the Ukrainian health care system in the conditions of military operations. The basis for the development of long-term strategies for the recovery of medical facilities after destruction and their equipment with modern technologies is proposed. Aspects of integration of digital solutions to ensure the continuity of medical services in the most difficult conditions have been studied.

A Numerical Analysis of the Role of Pile Foundations in Shaft Sinking Using the Vertical Shaft Sinking Machine (VSM)

The use of the Vertical Shaft Sinking Machine (VSM) for shaft construction marks a significant advancement in modern technology and is recognized as one of the leading techniques in the field. However, much of the existing research focuses on mechanical and technical challenges, often overlooking the effects on surrounding soil and the structural integrity of shafts. This study demonstrates that increasing pile diameter by 20% improves load-bearing capacity by 15% and reduces soil settlement by 12%, though these improvements come with higher construction costs. Additionally, larger diameters improve lateral stability, but excessively long piles lead to diminishing returns. To address the limited research on reinforcement design in soft soils, a series of numerical models were employed to investigate the effects of pile spacing, length, and diameter on surrounding soil behavior. This in-depth analysis aims to provide a scientific foundation for optimizing VSM technology in caisson pile foundations, particularly in soft-soil conditions.

Eiji Nagasawa: The Journey of Academic Excellence and Achievement

Eiji Nagasawa is a prominent Japanese scientist in the fields of technology and engineering. He grew up in Japan in an environment that encouraged academic achievement and innovation. Since childhood, he showed remarkable excellence in scientific subjects such as mathematics and physics, which led him to enroll in a prestigious Japanese university to study electrical engineering. He continued his education, obtaining both a master's and a Ph.D., specializing in the development of electrical power systems and communication technologies. After completing his studies, Nagasawa became a university professor and conducted numerous innovative research projects that were published in prestigious scientific journals. His academic contributions have helped improve modern technology, making him an influential figure in his field.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Using Digital Technologies in Teaching 1st Year Medical Students

In the modern world, the amount of knowledge has increased significantly, and therefore, there is a constant need to acquire and update it. Medicine is a rapidly developing field, and it is important for the future and working doctor to constantly improve their professional skills using modern technologies. The purpose of this study is to determine the most effective modern information technologies and the level of their effectiveness in the study of the subject "Medical Biology," as well as the attitude of students to their use and the impact on the ability to perceive educational material. Methodology. The study employed a complex set of research methods, including theoretical (such as analysis of scientific sources, pedagogical and teaching materials, and comparison) and empirical (such as summarizing teaching experience and interviewing) methods. First-year students (130) of the medical university were involved in the survey. Results. From our experience, using problem lecture technology in the learning process is more appropriate. It is based on a problematic presentation of the material in the form of contradictions, certain contradictions, the discussion of which makes it possible to keep students active, encourage them to dialogue or even debate. Problem presentation of the material stimulates the mental abilities of students and develops critical thinking, scientific, and cognitive activity. For data visualization, in addition to presentations and videos, mind maps were created, which made it possible to direct students not to memorization, but to reflection and awareness of cause-and-effect relationships and connections. The most effective way to create a mental map is to use the "brainstorming" technology. Students offer several variants of ideas for solving a specific problem; everyone expresses their own opinion and then combines the information into one collective solution and depicts it in the form of a diagram. To combine theoretical training and practical skills (simulating biological processes), we used the Labster platform covering different topics in biology, such as genetics, ecology, and cell biology. When studying Medical Biology, the most popular platform used by students was edX (53.1%). Regarding the forms of education, 37.9% of respondents chose the form, 38.6% the mixed form, and the rest were undecided. Conclusions. Modern information technology has become an integral part of the learning process in medical higher education, improving the quality of students' preparation for the requirements of modern medicine. The most effective methods for teaching "Medical Biology" include problem-based lectures with presentations, electronic resources, videos, virtual labs, websites, and mind maps. A blended approach that combines multiple technologies enhances the learning process and helps develop essential professional skills in future doctors.

Enhancing regional sustainable industrialisation and poverty reduction post‐COVID. The case of the common market for the eastern and southern Africa region

AbstractIndustrialisation is important for attaining economic development in an economy as well as other macroeconomic objectives, such as economic growth and low levels of unemployment. This research aimed to examine how the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa can use industrialisation for effective poverty reduction. The research adopted the panel autoregressive distributed lag model. Data were sourced from the World Bank from 1994 to 2022. The results demonstrated that social security, remittances, industrial development and development aid are crucial factors that can be leveraged to reduce poverty in the COMESA region. It was established that if industrialisation increases by 1%, poverty will decrease by 19% in the long run. It was suggested that trade barriers be removed, and modern technology be harnessed to ensure the value‐benefit of the beneficiation of raw materials for effective poverty reduction.

Development of a method for protecting information resources in a corporate network by segmenting traffic

The object of the study is a corporate network with a dynamic structure and centralized management. The subject of the research is the processes of ensuring the protection of information resources in the corporate network. The goal is to develop a method of protecting information in the corporate network. The development is based on the Zero Trust Security strategy, according to which access to the network is allowed only after verification and identification of information. The task is to develop an effective method of protecting information resources and managing cyber security in the corporate network, taking into account the complex aspects of malicious influence. The following results were obtained. It is shown that the complex, diverse presentation of information in the network requires a comprehensive approach with the division of mixed content of information into segments according to the target orientation. Based on CISA's (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) Zero Trust Maturity Model, a method of targeted traffic segmentation is proposed. It allows detailed analysis of the interaction between applications, users and corporate network infrastructure, which increases the level of complex threats detection by 15 %. A method of protecting information resources of a socio-cyber-physical system is proposed, which, based on the principle of the Zero Trust Security strategy, improves the monitoring and management of cyber security of information resources by taking into account social aspects. This allows to detect and respond to threats in real time and adapt security policies according to the dynamics of user behavior and general security conditions. Integrating analytical methods and modern technologies into a security strategy creates a foundation for adaptive and resilient cyber defense.

A Study of Heat Recovery and Hydrogen Generation Systems for Methanol Engines

Biofuels are the most essential types of alternative fuels, which currently have significant potential to reduce CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels. Methanol is a more efficient fuel than petrol due to its physicochemical properties, such as a higher latent heat of vaporization, research octane number, and heat of combustion of the fuel–air mixture. Also, biomethanol is cheaper than traditional petrol and diesel fuel for agricultural countries. The authors have proposed a new approach to improve the characteristics and efficiency of methanol diesel engines by using biomethanol mixed with hydrogen instead of pure biomethanol. Using a hydrogen–biomethanol mixture in modern engines is an effective method because hydrogen is a carbon-free, low-ignition, highest-flame-rate, high-octane fuel. A small quantity of hydrogen added to biomethanol and its combustion in an engine with a heat exchanger increases the combustion temperature and heat release, increases engine power, and reduces fuel consumption. This article presents experimental results of methanol combustion and a hydrogen-in-methanol mixture if hydrogen was retained due to the utilization of the heat of the exhaust gases. The tests were carried on a single-cylinder experimental engine with an injection of liquid methanol and gaseous hydrogen mixtures. The experiments showed that green hydrogen generated onboard the car due to the utilization of heat significantly reduced fuel costs of engines of vehicles and technological installations. It was established a hydrogen gaseous mixture addition of up to 5% by mass to methanol requires a corresponding change in the coefficient of excess air to λ = 1.25. Also, using an additional hydrogen mixture requires adjustment at the ignition moment in the direction of its decrease by 4–5 degrees of the engine crankshaft. Hydrogen gas mixture addition reduced methanol consumption, reaching a maximum reduction of 24%. The maximum increase in power was 30.5% based on experimental data. The reduction in the specified fuel consumption, obtained after experimental tests of the methanol research engine on the stand, can be implemented on the vehicle engines and technological installations equipped with an onboard heat recovery system. Such a system, due to the utilization of heat and the supply of additional hydrogen, can be implemented for engines that work on any alternative or traditional fuels.

Analysis of the Spatial Constraints of Urban Underpass Channels Based on BIM

The construction of urban underpasses faces various spatial constraints, which will lead to deformation or failure of the structures if not satisfied. The introduction of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and other modern information technology to achieve rapid and accurate spatial constraint analysis of the design scheme is of great significance to ensure the quality and safety of the underpass and adjacent structures. Firstly, through extensive literature collection and survey, the key spatial constraint indicators of underpasses in dense urban spaces and the evaluation rules of each indicator are determined. Then, an SQL (Structured Query Language)-based database of spatial constraint rules for underpasses in dense urban space areas is constructed, and the spatial constraint analysis process for underpasses in dense urban space areas is proposed. Finally, based on Building Information Modeling, programming support, and a development environment provided by C# and Visual Studio, a spatial constraint analysis system for underpasses in dense urban space areas is developed to realize complex spatial constraint analysis functions. The application practice of the system is carried out by taking a city underpass project as an example. The results show that in the design of urban underpass engineering, the spatial constraint analysis system designed in this paper and the calculation method adopted can simplify the model transmission process, save on labor costs, and reduce the error of the calculation results.

İBTİDAİ SİNİF ŞAGİRDLƏRİNİN ÖYRƏNMƏ MOTİVASİYASININ ARTIRILMASINDA KOMPÜTER TEXNOLOGİYALARININ ROLU

The article discusses the problem of using modern computer technologies to develop learn¬ing motivation of young schoolchildren. This direction is considered one of the most promising directions in the development of education. Lessons using ICT are especially relevant in primary schools. Students in grades 1-4 are visual-practical thinkers, so it is important to structure their learning using the highest quality illustrative materials possible. It involves not only vision but also hearing, emotions and imagination in the process of perception. It is known that the main task of primary education is to train the student to continue his education and prepare him for life. Thus, the information technologies used in the learning process in primary classes create conditions for the formation of students' imaginations and perceptions, create conditions for a more complete and meaningful assimilation of lessons. By creating conditions for a more interesting organization of lessons, it also leads to an increase in the learning motivation of students.

The Digital Revolution in Education: The Role of AI from the Perspective of Future Teachers

We are currently witnessing rapid technological advancement and modernisation of society, with digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), increasingly asserting its dominance. This study focuses on understanding the attitudes and expectations of future teachers towards AI, which has an impact on all areas of society, especially on the education and preparation of future teachers. Through a questionnaire survey, the study seeks to gain a more detailed insight into how future educators perceive AI and their attitudes towards it. The questionnaire, which was specifically designed for this research, focuses on different aspects of perceptions of AI in education. Respondents from both primary and secondary school teacher education programmes expressed their views on the use of AI in the pedagogical process, its impact on teacher-student interaction and indicated possible implications for the future of education. The main objectives of the research were to determine the views of prospective teachers on the use of AI in teaching, to identify positive, negative or neutral attitudes towards the integration of AI into the educational process, to identify the future role of AI in education, to determine how prospective teachers envision the use of AI in the pedagogical environment in the long term, to identify areas where teaching with AI could be most effectively integrated, and to identify areas where AI could be most appropriately used to improve educational outcomes and processes. The data presented through this paper is part of the "Perceptions of AI by current and future teachers" project. The results of this study could provide valuable information for educational institutions, policy makers of educational strategies and frameworks, and AI developers to better understand the needs and expectations of future teachers in the context of the increasing digitalisation of education. Our intention is to fill the knowledge gap on the perception of AI in educational contexts and thus provide important information for the future development of pedagogical strategies and technologies in education.

Understanding Remembrance and Stimulus Novelty Using BEOS and Virtual Reality Eye-Tracking Systems

ABSTRACT Incorporating modern technology to combat crime can enhance law enforcement capabilities. Therefore, the study explored the application of Virtual Reality (VR) in investigative procedures. First, it examined the use of VR in improving strength of remembrance which was assessed by BEOS. Second, it explored effectiveness of virtual reality eye-tracking for repeated versus novel stimuli. Sixty participants were divided into three groups to either perform a mock crime, or view it in VR, or both. Results indicate the potential effectiveness of VR in collaboration with BEOS, by confirming that VR significantly bolstered strength of remembrance and revealed distinct eye movement patterns.

Limitations in the Contemporary Technical Education System and Ways to Improve them

Ancient India had a "GuruKula" system in which a guru (“the dispeller of darkness”) trained his disciples who emanated from different walks of life. The guru knew the strengths and the weaknesses of each of his disciples. For example, the mythological Dronacharya (of the “Mahabharata” fame) made “Arjuna” the master of archery but shaped “Duryodhana” as the ace in mace-fighting. This arcane system has transformed into a commoditized and commercialized present-day education system (thanks to money) that we are witnessing. Technical education (Engineering in particular) still has the charm. Yet, in the ever-changing world of demand versus supply, it is an absolute necessity for us, educators, to prepare our students for the future of the new India and for the benefit of mankind. The students should be industry-ready by the time they graduate from college, regardless of the course they are pursuing. Unfortunately, what we witness today seems largely an “outdated school of thinking” where an instructor is complacent about his/her craft – mainly because he/she has been teaching the same subject usually the same way, for several years. This system has serious flaws. Life is all about new ways of learning and learning new ways - forever and continuously - to keep oneself intellectually motivated and satisfied. The moment we as teachers feel adequate or self-sufficient, we are heading for a slow but sure disaster and make ourselves outdated in the process, like an expired drug. So, better late than never. We, as instructors need to be emotionally closer to the students (many students still see their parents in their teachers) than we currently are, as the expectations from the new generation have changed which wants guidance, mentoring, coaching, and hand-holding. Education has been the only industry in the world where the student – your customer - pays large sums of money and never complains about the quality of the service received. Even this, is changing. We, teachers, learn from our students all the time. The students are more savvy in using modern tools and technology and new ways of thinking. It is the time we align ourselves. Keywords: Complacent; Engineering; Gurukula; Intellectual Motivation; Outdated; Modern Tools and Technology

High-resolution transmission spectroscopy of the hot-Saturn HD 149026b

Advances in modern technology have enabled the characterization of exoplanetary atmospheres, which can be achieved by exploitation of the transmission spectroscopy technique. We performed visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) high-resolution spectroscopic observations of one transit of HD 149026b, a close-in orbit sub-Saturn exoplanet by using the GIARPS configuration at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG). We first analyzed the radial-velocity data, refining the value of the projected spin-orbit obliquity (lambda ). We then performed transmission spectroscopy, looking for absorption signals from the planetary atmosphere. We find no evidence for Halpha \, D2$-$D1 or in the VIS and metastable helium triplet in the NIR using a line-by-line approach. The non-detection of HeI is also supported by theoretical simulations. With the use of the cross-correlation technique (CCF), we do not detect or VO in the visible, or indeed CH$_4$, CO$_2$, H$_2$O, HCN, NH$_3$, or VO in the NIR. Our non-detection of in the planetary atmosphere is in contrast with a previous detection. We performed injection-retrieval tests, finding that our dataset is sensitive to our \, model. The non-detection supports the \, cold-trap theory, which is valid for planets with eq <$ 2200 K, such as HD 149026b. Although we do not attribute it directly to the planet, we find a possibly significant \, signal that is highly redshifted (simeq +20 with respect to the planetary rest frame. Redshifted signals are also found in the \, and \, maps. While we can exclude an eccentric orbit as the cause of this redshifted \, signal, we investigated the possibility of material accretion falling onto the star --- which is possibly supported by the presence of strong \, in the stellar spectrum --- but obtained inconclusive results. The analysis of multiple transits datasets could shed more light on this target.

A Relationship between Physical Infrastructure and Patient Satisfaction: A Case Study of Kantipur Dental Hospital

This study investigates the impact of physical infrastructure on patient satisfaction at Kantipur Dental Hospital, a prominent dental care facility in Nepal. With the increasing demand for high-quality healthcare services, understanding the factors influencing patient satisfaction is crucial for healthcare providers. The research aims to explore how various aspects of the hospital’s infrastructure—specifically, the use of state-of-the-art equipment, cleanliness and hygiene, sterilization practices, and convenient location—affect patients' perceptions of care quality. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to 117 patients who had received treatment at Kantipur Dental Hospital within the last six months. The questionnaire measured patients' perceptions of the clinic's infrastructure and their overall satisfaction, with a focus on two key dimensions: confidence after treatment and the acceptability of service fees. Data analysis was conducted using Spearman’s rho correlation to assess the relationships between the perceived infrastructure variables and patient satisfaction outcomes. The findings reveal significant positive correlations between perceptions of the hospital's physical infrastructure and patient satisfaction. Specifically, the use of modern equipment and a clean, hygienic environment were strongly associated with increased patient confidence post-treatment. Furthermore, the accessibility of the hospital location was also found to influence perceptions of service fee acceptability. Notably, while sterilization practices contributed positively to patient confidence, they did not significantly impact fee perceptions, suggesting that patients prioritize cleanliness and modernity in their overall evaluation of care. These results underscore the critical role of physical infrastructure in enhancing patient satisfaction at Kantipur Dental Hospital. The study recommends that healthcare facilities continue to invest in modern technology and maintain high standards of cleanliness to foster patient confidence and satisfaction. This research provides valuable insights for clinic management and policy-makers, emphasizing that improving physical infrastructure is essential for delivering quality healthcare services and ensuring positive patient experiences.

Gender role in food rights and sovereignty in West Africa: A rapid review

Recognizing the critical role gender plays in food systems within West Africa, this review paper explores the contributions women make throughout the food value chain and the challenges they face in achieving food and nutrition security. A search across the databases; Hinari, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science targeted peer-reviewed articles reporting on studies published between 2000 and 2023 in English or French and focused on women in West Africa. Data were extracted using a predefined form in Covidence and a narrative synthesis was used to summarize women’s roles and challenges within food systems. Thematic analysis of 69 peer-reviewed articles out of a total of 9,789 screened revealed West African women as central figures in regional food systems. Beyond their well-documented roles in land preparation, planting, and harvesting, women actively engage in processing, distribution, marketing and household consumption of diverse food crops (fruits, vegetables, grains and tubers) across rural and urban agri-food systems. This multifaceted engagement extends far beyond production, demonstrably impacting key socio-economic and nutrition metrics including food security, food sovereignty, and sustainable livelihoods of countless communities across the region. Nonetheless, women are disproportionately affected by challenges such as unequal access to resources, limited decision-making power, and restrictive cultural norms and education. These factors hinder their participation in different activities within the food system. To address these gendered disparities and promote equitable food systems, targeted interventions are crucial. These interventions must prioritize education and training to equip women with knowledge, skills, and modern technology. Additionally, policy changes are necessary to promote equitable access to resources, financing and land ownership. Furthermore, dismantling discriminatory cultural norms and promoting gender equality are essential steps along with implementing infrastructure and technologies that address women's specific needs. By prioritizing women's empowerment through a combination of education, policy changes, technological upgrades, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders, West Africa can strive towards a more sustainable and equitable food system for all. Key words: food sovereignty, food rights, food systems, gender dynamics, West Africa