Foundations for Innovation / Les Fondements pour l’innovation
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Item 1st annual rangelands congress 2015(2015-08-11) Jacqueline, Macharia; Lucy, WaruingiThe conference event built on the cooperation and coordination of organizers and other stakeholders with major interest in rangelands ecosystems and landscapes. It focused on the state of rangelands, trends that have taken place overtime, threats to their sustainability, and options for the future. A strategic plan clearly delineating objectives, goals and activities of the Rangelands Association of Kenya was developed and prepared for progressive implementation. This report provides reviews of presentations and discussions of this important conference, participants, and speakers.Item 2018 INGSA research associate grant summary : full report(2019-02-16) International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA); Mills, Grant; Cowen, LaraThe International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) provides a forum for policy makers, practitioners, national academies, and academics to share experience, build capacity and develop theoretical and practical approaches to the use of scientific evidence in informing policy at all levels of government. The report provides a summary of awards and activities related to the inaugural round of INGSA research grants in 2018. Grants were provided to scientists and researchers for supporting projects in their region on the thematic priority of: The role of Science Advice in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Item 3D-printed prosthesis to support female survivors of domestic violence, accidents or cancer treatment in Brazil(2023) Carleton University; Gendered Design in Steam (GDS)During development before birth and throughout life, the human body can be mutilated or amputated due to a variety of causes. This study investigates how 3D printing as an innovative technology can be utilized for prostheses production for women with visible disabilities caused by domestic violence, accidents, medical conditions, or cancer treatment. 3D printing offers a more sustainable alternative when compared to traditional prosthetics as it allows for higher levels of customization at lower production costs. This project used Design Science Research (DSR), which incorporates theory, artifact development, creativity, and innovation as a methodological approach. This project investigates the impacts of 3D printing technology on gendered design prosthesis to rehabilitate identity, confidence and independence of women in low- and middle-income countries.Item A 40-year evaluation of drivers of African rainforest change(Springer Nature, 2021-10-09) Chapman, Colin A.; Galán-Acedo, Carmen; Gogarten, Jan F.; Gogarten, Jan F.; Hou, Rong; Lawes, Michael J.Background: Tropical forests are repositories of much of the world’s biodiversity and are critical for mitigation of climate change. Yet, the drivers of forest dynamics are poorly understood. This is in large part due to the lack of long-term data on forest change and changes in drivers. Methodology: We quantify changes in tree abundance, diversity, and stand structure along transects first enumerated in 1978 and resampled 2019 in Kibale National Park, Uganda. We tested five predictions. First, based on the purported role of seed dispersal and herbivory and our quantification of changes in the abundance of frugivores and herbivores, we tested two predictions of how faunal change could have influenced forest composition. Second, based on an evaluation of life history strategies, we tested two predictions concerning how the forest could have changed following disturbance that happened prior to written history. Finally, based on a 50-year climate record, we evaluate the possible influence of climate change on forest dynamics. Results: More trees were present on the assessed transects in 2019 (508) than in 1978 (436), species richness remained similar, but diversity declined as the number of dominant species increased. Rainfall increased by only 3 mm over the 50 years but this had not significant effect on forest changes measured here. Annual average monthly maximum temperature increased significantly by 1.05 °C over 50 years. The abundance of frugivorous and folivorous primates and elephants increased over the 50 years of monitoring. Neither the prediction that an increase in abundance of seed dispersing frugivores increases the abundance of their preferred fruiting tree species, nor that as an increase in folivore abundance causes a decline in their preferred species were supported. As predicted, light-demanding species decreased in abundance while shade-tolerant species increased as expected from Kibale being disturbed prior to historical records. Finally, while temperature increased over the 50 years, we found no means to predict a priori how individual species would respond. Conclusions: Our study revealed subtle changes in the tree community over 40 years, sizable increases in primate numbers, a substantial increase in the elephant population and an increase in local temperature. Yet, a clear picture of what set of interactions impact the change in the tree community remains elusive. Our data on tree life-history strategies and frugivore/herbivore foraging preferences suggest that trees species are under opposing pressures.Item Accelerating climate research and action in cities through advanced science-policy-practice partnerships(Springer Nature, 2021-02-23) Solecki, William; Ramos, Gian Carlo Delgado; Roberts, Debra; Rosenzweig, Cynthia; Walsh, Brenna; Okem, A.; Barau, Aliyu; Prieur-Richard, Anne-Hélène; Rama, Bard; Lee, BoramWhile cities and urban areas have begun to be recognized within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a multi-level climate action is urgent with cities playing a central role in mobilization. This assessment defines some conceptual and operational gaps faced by the science-policy-practice community; how partnerships are structured; the research and action agenda that underpins them; how this agenda is being articulated and implemented; and how climate change can be addressed in cities. The paper concludes with a series of strategies and recommendations for targeted policy adjustments that support actionable knowledge.Item Access to finance for SMEs in least developed countries : focus on technology-based firms and women-led SMEs(2021-04-25) Thorsteinsdottir, Halla; Bell, Jennifer Mary; Bandypadhyay, Nandinee; Setipa, JoshuaThe research used a mixed methods approach, combining bibliometric analysis of publications on small and medium enterprise (SME) development/entrepreneurship in least developed countries (LDCs), with qualitative case studies in four select LDCs. These examined policies and programs promoting SME development. The bibliometric analysis examined publications listed in the Scopus and EBSCO databases from 2010 to 2019. The focal case study countries were Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia and Senegal. There is limited access to finance; business environments are not well aligned to the needs of SMEs and start-ups; there is a lack of skilled human resources, and limited coordination and integration with entrepreneurship ecosystems.Item Actes de la conference economique internationale de Dakar (CEID) : ameliorer le ciblage des politiques publiques pour une economie solide, inclusive et generatrice d'emplois decents en Afrique - Universite Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar - Senegal, 2 et 3 mai 2023(2023) Académie des Sciences et Techniques du SénégalItem Adaptation to glacio-hydrological change in high mountains(2020-04) McDowell, GrahamThis dissertation develops an analytical framework for robust adaptation research in high mountain areas; critically evaluates existing mountain-focused adaptation research and actions; conducts a multi-sited, community-level assessment of lived experiences of glacio-hydrological changes in the Nepal Himalayas and Peruvian Andes; and evaluates prospects for meeting community-identified adaptation needs with adaptation support organized through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The paper outlines how responses to glacio-hydrological changes can proceed in ways that are both socially and ecologically tenable. Mountain communities are at the frontlines of climate change. A comprehensive bibliography is included.Item Addressing sea level rise through integrated coastal zone management : Semarang and Demak as case study(2018-11-16) Nurhidayah, LaelyIndonesia, as an archipelagic state, is extremely vulnerable to sea level rise (SLR), warming ocean temperatures, and ocean acidity. Images show the changing coastline over ten years (2003-2013). The presentation provides information regarding climate change vulnerabilities, arguing for government intervention and addressing gaps in legislation. Along with a lack of supportive legislation, other common constraints include limited financial and human resources, and cooperation between sectors. The presentation provides options for addressing legal and institutional deficits as well as practical applications: mangrove plantations, and sea wall and wetland engineering using local adaptive methods.Item Advancing knowledge : foundational and decision-relevant knowledge at each study area(2016-04-13) Scott, DanielThis presentation by ParCA to the International Research Initiative on Adaptation to Climate Change (IRIACC) focuses on the theme of “advancing knowledge.” It acknowledges that governance is vital to adaptation actions as institutional adaptation is part of adaptive capacity for climate change programming. Future action, activities and events that can shape policy and practice are discussed, as well as network partnerships. ParCA (the Partnership for Canada-Caribbean Community Climate Change Adaptation) is a five-year interdisciplinary project that integrates climate change science and local knowledge in four study sites across Canada and the Caribbean.Item Advocacy and storytelling workshop : an overview of the I-CAN partner’s training workshop(2022-04) Macharia, Jacqueline; Waruingi, Lucy; Oduor, Alvin; Deyah, PeterInstitutional Canopy of Conservation (I-CAN): Governance and Environmentality in East Africa addresses the challenge of combining protection of biodiversity with strengthened livelihoods, whether through recognizing local rights over resources, livelihood diversification, or stimulation of a new green, post oil economy, including tourism. The major goal of I-CAN is to identify the most effective designs for future Community-Based Conservation programs by examining the impacts of ongoing conservancy experiments on community livelihoods and members’ attitudes and practices towards natural resources. This booklet provides illustrations on some of the issues raised by the partners that require long term advocacy efforts and proper messaging (Innovatively using storytelling skills in order to achieve key milestones and success in the conservation field.Item Afghanistan economic outlook(2020-07-25) Biruni Institute; Joya, OmarThe journal reports on economic conditions in Afghanistan. This issue takes into consideration the impact of COVID-19 on the economy with predictive trends in the fiscal sector. The Institute of Public Policy and Administration is part of the Graduate School of Development, University of Central Asia (UCA), founded in 2000 as a secular and private university. This issue pre-dates the 2021 Taliban offensive and takeover of the country.Item African dreams : locating urban infrastructure in the 2030 sustainable developmental agenda(Taylor & Francis, 2018-02-01) Pieterse, Edgar; Parnell, Susan; Haysom, GarethThis paper examines African urban infrastructure and service delivery as an entry point for connecting African aspirations with the harsh developmental imperatives of urban management, creating a dialogue between scholarly knowledge and sustainable development policy aspirations. We note a shift to multimodal urban governance and highlight the significance of the synthesis of social, economic and ecological values in a normative vision of what an African metropolis might aspire to by 2030. The sustainable development vision provides a useful stimulus for Africa’s urban poly-crisis, demanding fresh interdisciplinary and normatively explicit thinking, grounded in a practical and realistic understanding of Africa’s infrastructure and governance challenges.Item Annual cycles dominate reproductive phenology of African tropical trees(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2018-05-16) Adamescu, Gabriela S.; Plumptre, Andrew J.; Abernethy, Katharine A.; Polansky, Leo; Bush, Emma R.; Chapman. Colin A.; Shoo, Luke P.; Fayolle, Adeline; Janmaat, Karline R. L.; Robbins, Martha M.; Ndangalasi, Henry J.; Cordeiro, Norbert J.; Gilby, Ian C.; Wittig, Roman M.; Breuer, Thomas; Breuer-Ndoundou Hockemba, Mireille; Sanz, Crickette M.; Morgan, David B.; Pusey, Anne E.; Mugerwa, Badru; Gilagiza, Baraka; Tutin, Caroline; Ewango, Corneille E.N.; Sheil, Douglas; Dimoto, Edmond; Bujo, Flortl; Ssali, Fredrick; Dikangadissi, Jean-Thoussaint; Jeffery, Kathryn; Valenta, Kim; White, Lee; Masozera, Michel; Wilson, Michael L.; Bitariho, Robert; Ndolo Ebika, Sydney T.; Gourlet-Fleury, Sylvie; Beale, Colin M.Phenological complementarity between plants and animals is crucial for ecosystem organisation. The paper presents the first cross continental comparison of the flowering and fruiting phenology of tropical forests across Africa. The research validates the 12-months flowering and fruiting frequencies of Afro-tropical forests. It reveals Afro-tropical forest trees show annual cycles, found in both temperate and other tropical forests in Central and South America, as well as South East Asia. The timing of cyclical biological events (phenophases) such as leafing, flowering and fruiting, is essential for the reproductive efforts of plants, and equally important for animals that rely on plant resources to survive and reproduce.Item Approaching sustainable urban development in China through a food system planning lens(Hungry Cities Partnership (HCP), 2018-10) Si, Zhenzhong; Scott, StephanieChina’s food policy is largely fragmented in terms of its multiple regulatory agencies and diverse policy goals. This discussion paper argues for the integration of food issues into urban planning in Chinese cities. Drawing on survey data and specific observations from Nanjing, it shows that China’s urban planning has inadvertently addressed a number of important aspects of sustainable food systems. The paper provides a preliminary analysis of various priorities for food system planning and identifies strengths and challenges in terms of achieving sustainability goals in Chinese cities.Item Approximate quasiorthogonality of operator algebras and relative quantum privacy(2020-04-03) Kribs, David W.; Levick, Jeremy; Nelson, Mike; Pereira, Rajesh; Rahaman, MizanurThe paper shows the approximate quasiorthogonality of two operator algebras. The analysis is based on a characterization of the measure of orthogonality in terms of Choi matrices and Kraus operators for completely positive maps. Examples are drawn from different areas of quantum information. In mathematics, orthogonality is the generalization of the notion of perpendicularity to the linear algebra of bilinear forms. In the context of quantum information theory, the operators {Vi} are called the Kraus operators.Item Arabic speech to Moroccan sign language translator ‘Learning for Deaf’(2020-04) Mahmoudi, AbdelhakThe presentation depicts a framework for establishing a database speech-to-text for those with impaired hearing in Morocco. There is a lack of data resources about the Arabic sign language. The researchers dedicated much energy to collecting datasets of ~100 initial sign phrases. The dataset is composed of subtitled videos. The presentation includes some information on coding as well as video representation.Item Artificial intelligence capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa : compendium report(AI4D Africa, 2021-03-29) Butcher, Neil; Wilson-Strydom, Merridy; Baijnath, Mohini; Orlic, Davor; Smith, Matthew; Neupane, Bhanu; Shawe-Taylor, JohnArtificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) Africa supported research on three key stakeholders involved in AI capacity building in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Centres of Higher Education and Training; Governments; and the broader AI community in the region. A comprehensive desktop literature review was also conducted. Taking available data into account together with the desktop review of literature and the findings from the UNESCO report, this detailed paper provides takeaways from the research. In line with the recommendations presented here, the key to creating a vibrant AI ecosystem is committed stakeholder engagement that pushes individual countries forward by building capacity in key areas.Item Artificial intelligence needs assessment survey in Africa(United Nations Educational, Scientifc and Cultural Organization, 2021) Sibal, Prateek; Naupane, BhanuKey results of the survey are presented in this report. The findings aim to bridge the information gap concerning strategic priorities, policy measures, developmental challenges, human and institutional capacity needs, and legal frameworks concerning AI in African countries. This needs assessment publication is in line with UNESCO’s operational strategy for the implementation of its Global Priority Africa, in particular the flagship programme Number 3 “Harnessing STI and knowledge for the sustainable socio-economic development of Africa.” Potential benefits and risks of technology are not equally distributed across regions of the world.