Book Reviews

Book Reviews

International Perspectives on Race (and Racism): Historical and Contemporary Considerations in Education and Society

“This is a very significant book on post-racist discourse, in the context of post-colonialism, globalization and localization. With contributions by authors from many diverse corners of the world, this book provides multiple perspectives on the issues of race and racism, and unveils the complexity of the issue. The various chapters show how the issues vary geographically and contextually, and how race issues can be conceived differently in relation to the unique histories of the various localities. Yet some universal values override the race issues, such as human rights and equality. Diane B Napier is the best possible editor of the book on this topic. She has profound knowledge of the field; with substantial experience of living in difference cultures. She is past-Secretary-General of the World Council of Comparative Education Societies. During her term of service, she visited many member societies to interact with peoples from different cultures. She facilitated the establishment of many new comparative education societies, particularly in Africa, and some of these eventually joined the World Council as member societies. She has genuine respect for different cultures and she possesses the depth of insight in analyzing cultural issues that will be useful for policymakers, academics and practitioners.” – Dr. Wing On Lee, Professor, Vice President, The Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Past-President, World Council of Comparative Education Societies (WCCES); Past Dean of Research, National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore; Member, Expert Panel of UNESCO’s Global Citizenship Project

“International Perspectives on Race (and Racism): Historical and Contemporary Considerations in Education and Society provides a most welcome and impressive addition to the literature on addressing racism through education. The comprehensive collection edited by an international scholar in the field, Diane Brook Napier with her vast experience in researching post-colonial educational reform and democratic transformation in Africa, Latin American and other areas around the world, brings together the work of scholars from all parts of the globe: North, South and Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. This volume makes an important contribution to the field of comparative and international education, and will no doubt become a valued text for university classes on anti-racist education.” – Dr. Suzanne Majhanovich, Emerita/Adjunct Research Professor, Western University, Ontario, Canada

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Terrorism in a Global Village: How Terrorism Affects Our Daily Lives

“Terrorism in a Global Village is a timely and much needed book nowadays when the public along with academics and policymakers are in dire need to understand terrorism and its impact on day-to-day decisions. It is uniquely designed to appeal to a wide-range of readers who can benefit from its multidimensional approach of tackling significant topics about terrorism.” – Mahmoud Eid, University of Ottawa, Canada

“This is a nice contribution to an area of terrorism studies that has gotten too little scholarly attention – the issue of how countries respond to terrorist attacks.” – Max Abrahms – Assistant Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, Northeastern University, USA

“Serious students of terrorism and state sponsored violence will grapple with the insights by international scholars about how everyday life and social institutions are affected by terrorist acts themselves, as well as the controlling and surveillance practices enacted to combat terrorism. Terrorism in the Global Village is a gem in the expanding study of conflict and social change.” – David Altheide – Regents Professor Emeritus. Arizona State University, USA

“Terrorism has become the defining form of political, ideological and religious conflict of our time. Decades of asymmetric struggle have honed the ability of radicalized factions to attack and destabilize much larger and richer societies, using fear as their primary weapon, while the need to protect these societies has led to an unprecedented extension of the role and reach of the security forces, thereby removing much of the privacy that previous generations could take for granted. The boundaries between organized crime and terrorist networks have become increasingly blurred, as the new generation of terrorists has learned how to reach out through families, personal contacts and the internet to recruit violent and disaffected youth around the world. The threats that we face are now everywhere, and many of them are almost invisible. This has become a struggle of faith, values and belief, and it remains to be seen which will prevail.” – Professor Anthony Clayton, MA, PhD, FCAS, FTWAS, CD – University of West Indies, Jamaica

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New Approaches in Biological Research

“The volume “New Approaches in Biological Research” edited by Prof. R.P. Sinha and Dr. Richa is a state-of-the-art and timely book covering major aspects of biotechnology in agriculture, industry and medicine published by Nova Science Publishers, New York in 2017 (ISBN: 978-1-53612-139-1). Its 10 chapters focus on bacteria, cyanobacteria, higher plants as well as soil aggregates and biotechnological problems such as the production of biomolecules and molecular genetics.

Dr. Sinha is a professor of Molecular Biology at the Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, where he received his PhD in Biotechnology. In addition to over 23 years of experience in research and teaching, he has visited numerous countries in South America, Europe and Asia. His expertise includes UV radiation in aquatic ecosystems, DNA damage and repair, UV-screening pigments such as mycosporine-like amino acids and scytonemin in cyanobacteria. In addition to being a member of several national and international scientific societies and editorial boards he has published more than 200 papers including original research papers, reviews and book chapters which have generated many citations in excellent scientific journals including Nature and Science.
Dr. Richa received her PhD from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi at Applied Microbiology. She has obtained several fellowships and is a member of various national and international societies. She is the author of numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. Her scientific work focuses on the synthesis and role of photoprotective compounds in cyanobacteria.

The volume discusses modern problems in the areas of molecular biology, stress biology, genomics, proteomics, ecology, plant pathology and focuses on biotechnological approaches used to study photosynthetic organisms from cyanobacteria to higher plants. It describes novel technological advances and instrumentation to solve some of the burning problems in biological sciences.

The first chapter discusses novel approaches in the production and biotechnological significance of phycobiliproteins found in cyanobacteria as well as cryptophytes and red macroalgae. These molecules are red- or blue-colored water soluble pigments consisting of an open chain tetrapyrrole attached to a protein and serve as antenna pigments for the photosynthetic apparatus. Furthermore, they have a growing biotechnological potential and commercial value as food colorants, in cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications. In addition to their fluorescent properties these molecules are used as anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-tumor and hepatoprotective agents. The chapter details advanced techniques for the production and extraction of the molecules as well as their potential use in diagnostics, biomedicals, nutrients, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications.

The following chapter discusses efflux pumps and their inhibitors in gram-negative bacteria which are some of the major sources for hospital-acquired infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections. The acquisition of multiple resistances by Gram-negative bacteria towards antibiotica is a major problem in modern hospitals. Therefore research has now focused on the development of synergistic antibiotic combinations in order to reduce the necessary drug doses. Efflux pump inhibitors are promising agents as they have antimicrobial activity as well as the ability to augment the activity of less effective antibiotics.

The chapter on DNA methylation dynamics in plants covers an important epigenetic mechanism that controls many indispensible biochemical functions. It is involved in the repression of gene expression, plays essential roles in plant development and is involved in the defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. The mechanism is carried out by DNA methyl transferase enzymes by RNA-directed methylation. The techniques to determine the methylation status in the genome are explained.

The history, the current status and future developments of bionanotechnology are the topic of the subsequent chapter. After a short characterization of nanotechnology and the various types of nanoparticles, methods of synthesis and applications in medicine, electronics, agriculture, defense, food technology, energy and pollution control are described. Potential applications in the future are discussed such as nano-medicine, carbon nanotubes, nano foods, liposomes, nano pores, nanotube quantum dots, nanoshells, nanobubbles, food packaging and food additives. The chapter also discusses the risks of bionanotechnology.

Chapter 5 deals with the biotechnological insights into plant protease inhibitors with an emphasis on their role in plant defense. These molecules are natural proteins which are instrumental in plant defense against insects and other predators. Insects and microorganisms use proteolysis for digestion which is impaired by the inhibitors. In addition, these protease inhibitors play a key role in medicine for the treatment of immunity-related diseases. Other functions are storage proteins, signaling molecules and the regulation of endogenous proteins. The chapter describes the different families of these inhibitors on the basis of their chemical structure, function and sequence and discusses their mode of action, regulation and application in the development of transgenic plants protected against insect and pest attack.
Soil aggregates are important for soil quality and plant growth. Soil organic carbon together with clay defines the form of soil aggregates. They can be classified according to their size and size distribution which are determined by dry or wet sieving. The formation of soil aggregates is governed by management practices as well as biotic and abiotic factors which determine soil fertility and sustainability. The aggregates facilitate carbon sequestration as well as preventing decomposition of organic substances by microorganisms.

Parasitic weeds such as witchweeds (Sriga spp.) and broomrapes (Orobanche spp. Phelipanche ramose) are pest plants which cause high losses in agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, around the Mediterranean and increasingly in Europe. After infection the seeds of these plants can hardly be removed from the soil but can be controlled by allelopathy. This phenomenon characterizes the effect of one organism on another by releasing chemicals into the environment. Selecting species and strains helps control weeds, insects, nematodes and other pathogens. This can be supported by applying crop rotation, intercropping and push-pull technology. Plant residues and extracts as well as mulches of plants rich in allelochemicals can be applied for parasitic weed management in crops.

Agriculture is plagued by numerous diseases in many different countries. In addition to insects, fungi and bacteria these problems are often caused by various viruses. Papaya is an economically important fruit produced in many tropical and subtropical countries. The trees are seriously attacked by a variety of viruses such as Papaya Mosaic Virus, Begomoviruses, Papaya Leaf Curl Virus, Potyviruses, Papaya Ringspot Virus, Papaya Leaf Distortion Mosaic Virus, Papaya Lethal Yellowing Virus and Papaya Meleira Virus which can affect individual trees or even destroy whole orchards. The chapter lists comprehensively the various viral diseases according to the countries they are found. The symptoms of viral diseases, their transmission methods and possible control measures are also discussed.

Solar UV radiation is a mayor stress factor for microorganisms as well as lower and higher plants. Stratospheric ozone depletion worsened this problem for many photosynthetic organisms which are bound to be exposed to solar light. Cyanobacteria are major biomass producers in almost all terrestrial and aquatic habitats. UV impairs many physiological and biochemical processes, damages DNA and other important biomolecules which absorb in this wavelength band. However cyanobacteria have developed several defense mechanisms including avoidance, synthesis of antioxidants as well as UV-absorbing compounds including mycosporine-like amino acids and scytonemin. Other lines of defense include DNA repair, protein synthesis as well as apoptosis.

The final chapter in the book deals with a modification of the Allen Arnon medium by addition of Neem seed kernel water extract for biomass and biomolecules production and describes the effects on growth, biochemical composition and carbon fixation in several cyanobacteria at different concentrations. Application of the substance resulted in growth stimulation which is more pronounced in heterocystous, filamentous cyanobacteria than in unicellular organisms. E.g., a growth stimulation of more than 400 % could be achieved in Anabaena flos-aquae by an addition of 8 %. The results on carbon fixation, total protein, chlorophyll, carotenoids, phycocyanin, phycoerythrin and allophycocyanin in response to different concentrations of the additive are described.

In summary, the book contains a wide variety of topics in soil, microorganisms and plants. The chapters present state-of-the-art reviews and are written in an informative and educated style. Therefore the volume is highly recommended for students and scholars in the fields of botany, biotechnology, crop and soil sciences.” – Dr. Donat-P. Hӓder, Professor Emeritus, Friedrich-Alexander University, Department of Biology, Möhrendorf, Germany

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Terrorism and Violence in Islamic History and Theological Responses to the Arguments of Terrorists

“Having an excellent command of Arabic, Turkish and English, Islamic theologian Dr. Recep Dogan has used essential primary texts in these three languages and produced an excellently analytical but also encyclopedically detailed account of not only pre-modern and contemporary violent extremists who justify their inhumane ideologies by reference to Islamic sources but also Islamic scholars’ refutation of these radical ideologies. The book is a must-read for those who want to learn about how Islamist violent extremists abuse Islam and how they have been responded to by Islamic scholars.” – Professor Ihsan Yilmaz, Research Chair in Islamic Studies and Intercultural Dialogue, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia

“This book proves a comprehensive overview of the history of some of the main Muslim groups who have resorted to violence in the name of Islam. This book also makes a passionate plea and a thoughtful rebuttal of some of the most important theological arguments these groups have used to justify their actions in the religiously couched terms.” – Dr. Adis Duderija, Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia

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Energy Policies of Turkey During the Erdogan Era: Facts and Lies

This book was reviewed by the online platform Politurco.

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Physical Activity Effects on the Anthropological Status of Children, Youth and Adults

“In the book Physical Activity Effects on the Anthropological Status of Children, Youth and Adults, by Eminović Fadilj and Dopsaj Milivoj, the importance of body exercise in our life is stressed in a scientific way. All the authors are scientists that use the biomedical statistics in research to understand better the influence of physical activity in a wide range of social groups. The place of origin of the authors give a huge university to the contents of the book.” READ MORE…Professor Calogero Foti, MD, Tor Vergata University, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Rome, Italy

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Vitamin-Dependent Multienzyme Complexes of 2-Oxo Acid Dehydrogenases: Structure, Function, Regulation and Medical Implications

“Dr. Bunik has produced a comprehensive, detailed and authoritative account of the biochemistry, enzymology and regulation of this important family of multienzyme assemblies that control key steps in the major pathways of central metabolism. Their involvement in oxidative stress responses and disease states including cancer and neuropathological conditions linked to glutamate toxicity and acetylcholine synthesis is also discussed in detail. This book represents a distinctive and significant contribution to this important area of research, providing an ideal source of information for new or experienced researchers alike.” – John Gordon Lindsay, Ph.D., Professor of Medical Biochemistry (Honorary), University of Glasgow, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

“As a life-long enzyme enthusiast and scholar of thiamine and redox biology, I am captivated by the novel insights that Victoria Bunik has narrated in her monograph on vitamin-dependent multienzyme complexes. This work presents new dimensions in the actions of the age-old B-vitamin, thiamine, and delineates the interdependent actions of the various catalytic functions of the 2-oxo acid dehydrogenases, characterizing rate-determining conformational changes in the macromolecular structure and distinguishing key progressive reactions from side reactions. Difficult mechanistic details of catalysis such as the role of thiyl radical intermediates are portrayed with skill. Besides regulation of gene expression, an in-depth consideration of various mechanisms of post-translational regulation of the enzyme complex provides a valuable resource for investigators entering this field of study. Finally, the functional importance of these enzyme complexes in health and disease is brought to the fore. This monograph by Bunik is a scholarly tour de force which will capture the interest and satisfy the creative imagination of investigators and students over a broad range of the biomedical sciences.” – John J. Mieyal, Ph.D., Professor and Vice-Chairman of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio USA

“Victoria Bunik, who worked successfully also here in Tuebingen, wrote this excellent book, comprehensive and always up to date in any respect. Never I read a better book in this important field. It is absolute worthwhile to read it!” – Peter Bohley, Professor of Biochemistry, Emeritus, Interfakultaeres Institut fuer Biochemie, Tuebingen, Germany

“This book is an important contribution by the world leader in this area. Interest in the 2-oxo acid dehydrogenases has exploded. New and powerful tools for studying their structure and function have stimulated new understanding. Roles for these enzymes beyond energy metabolism and ROS production including regulation of protein cross talk and transcription are now apparent. In addition, we now know these enzymes have a surprisingly key role in cancer, stem cell biology, neurodegeneration and many other areas. In combination, these new ideas have created a large literature that requires the kinds of syntheses that has been accomplished in this outstanding book.” – Gary E. Gibson, Ph.D., Professor, Brain and Mind Research Institute Weill Cornell Medicine, Burke Medical Research Institute, NY, USA

“In her concise book prof. Victoria Bunik summarizes comprehensive information on multienzyme complexes of the dehydrogenases of pyruvate, 2-oxoglutarate and branched-chain 2-oxo acids. Unique nature of the molecular conveyers, with their usage of multiple vitamin derivatives and precise regulation, is shown to be appropriate for metabolic checkpoints which the complexes occupy.” – Slawomir Strumilo, PhD, Dr.Sci., Professor of Biochemistry, University of Bialystok, Poland

“This book gives an excellent overview of a multitude of aspects of 2-oxoacid dehydrogenase multienzyme complexes. Originally, the attention was mainly directed to the structure, function and regulation of the bacterial complexes. The introduction of genetic methods resulted in expression of separate components, crystallization and NMR. A wealth of detailed insights how rigidity and mobility are combined in these large multienzyme complexes was revealed. This is well described in Chapter 2, 3 and 4.

Presently this knowledge is being used to understand their function in mammalian systems. These complexes play a central role in energy metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids. Because of this central function there is a strict regulation on a genetic level, by metabolites and by hormones. This is extensively discussed in Chapter 6. In Chapter 7 the role of these complexes is described with respect to homeostasis in normal physiology and under pathological conditions, e.g. cancer. Special attention is given to the role of these complexes in the metabolism of neurotransmitters in brain. For all of those who want to know about the present state of art of these intriguing multienzyme systems I can greatly recommend reading this review.” – Aart de Kok, PhD, former leader of the research on 2-oxo acid dehydrogenase complexes at the University of Wageningen, The Netherlands

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Cameroon in the 21st Century: Challenges and Prospects. Volume 1: Governance and Businesses

“Africa is coming of age, a new reality that is perfectly exemplified by this collection of 30 essays by Cameroonian scholars on important policy issues in Cameroon. Africans are looking at their own economic performance with lucidity and rigor, charting a course for the future. This is important. We need more work of this kind.” – Marcel Fafchamps, Professor, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, USA

“This book is a masterpiece that combines very well theoretical and practical aspects on the role and consequences of institutions in Cameroon. In fact, institutions play a key role in the volume that assesses the effects of natural resources on governance and the effects of the economic policy on the business climate. Other current issues are also examined like the consequences of terrorism on trade between Cameroon and Nigeria. It leads to strong recommendations for economic policies, so that this country, called “Africa in miniature” with countless resources, finally reaches an optimal use of its potential. It also raises questions for those in charge of the economic policy and for any other citizen interested in economic issues encountered by Cameroon. The book enriches the reader on various subjects and it will certainly enlighten Cameroonian leaders, since it finally appears as a tool to help decision-making.” – Henri Atangana Ondoa, Professor of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon

“This is a timely book as improvements in governance (political, institutional and economic) and climate of doing business are crucial in addressing contemporary development challenges in Cameroon. The theoretical arguments and detailed empirical case studies present a comprehensive picture of policy directions. Policy insights into the book are centred on how the high growth potential of the country can be leveraged to address development challenges. The overarching concerns addressed by contributors to the book and corresponding policy implications are also relevant to other developing countries facing similar policy syndromes.” – Simplice Asongu, PhD, African Governance and Development Institute (AGDI), Cameroon

“Governance and Businesses is a thorough analysis of main issues and challenges faced by the Cameroon’s economy in terms of governance, business climate, globalization, and security. The analysis is carried out by Cameroonian scholars from various disciplines and offers de facto a diversity of points of view and perspectives. More importantly, the book provides clear policy recommendations to inform the decision-making process and shape the country’s economy on a sustainable growth path. I really enjoyed reading this book as it shed a new light on salient issues such as governance, the dependence on natural resources, the widespread of informality, and the threat of insecurity to trade.” – Urbain Thierry Yogo, PhD, University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon

“The case of Cameroon in this 30-chapter volume book entitled “Cameroon in the 21st Century: Challenges and Prospects” covering “Governance and Businesses” and “Environmental and People”, is a true reflection of key and specific issues among many countries in Africa. Each chapter covers the subject matter in style. These issues are some of the motivational factors behind the recent formation of the African Federation of Operations Research Societies (AFROS) as an OR regional umbrella body under auspices of the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS), which is the global body. As President of AFORS, I would like to recommend this book to academicians, researchers, policy makers and all stakeholders, interested in development of Cameroon and Africa at large.” – Charles Malack Oloo, PhD, First President, African Federation of Operations Research Societies (AFROS), Nairobi, Kenya

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Practical Manual of Laser Applications in Dermatology

“What a perfect opportunity to learn how lasers work in Dermatology! Nobody but a world expert in this continuously evolving, fascinating field of light technology could have done it. Ashraf Badawi was able to transform theoretically difficult concepts into simple and easily understandable explanations, without “losing definition”. All is clear and details are sharp! This is not another laser book to store on your shelf. We are talking about an extremely innovative learning experience which will be fun to read and consult. Practical tips on “how to” and “why to” will virtually transfer the reader in an advanced laser practice where all secrets are revealed. No more “clouds on the horizon” but a fantastic view on the very promising world of modern laser Dermatology. It is a “must have” for any Dermatologists and physicians who enjoy working with lasers. They will like working with light technology even more after reading this book.” – Leonardo Marini, M.D., FEADV, FAAD, Medical and Scientific Director, SDC – The Skin Doctors’ Center – Trieste, Italy. Founder President ESLD, Chair EADV Task Force for Laser Dermatology

“It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend this reference book. It clearly, concisely, and yet comprehensively presents the latest in the cutting edge field of cosmetic laser technology. Ashraf Badawi brings his expertise to a thorough and practically-oriented handbook. His passion towards lasers is evidenced through his teachings, and is as perceptible in this book as it is when he lectures on the topic in person. He is truly gifted in making even the most complex concepts clearly accessible to novices and experts alike. I believe this handbook should become required reading for anyone wishing to become well versed in laser applications.” – Nada Soueidan, MD, Consultant Dermatologist, Lebanon

“Ashraf Badawi’s Manual of Lasers is probably the most engaging, thoughtful and useful of any of the world’s major laser textbooks. Badawi’s writing is easy to read, easy to understand and, most importantly, it is easy to retain. The chapters on laser physics are magisterial in the beauty of their simplicity and the clarity of their presentation. No other explanation of laser physics have I found to be more accessible. No one has a better gift than he does for explaining the physics of lasers. The chapters on the practical applications of lasers include countless helpful practical tips, eloquent illustrations and illuminating before and after photographs. This authoritative and comprehensive book is fascinating and informative and it will be enormously useful to dermatologists, plastic surgeons and all professionals who work in the laser field. If you buy only one laser book, it should be this one.” – Dr. Christopher Rowland Payne, Past President of the European Society for Cosmetic & Aesthetic Dermatology, Founding Editor in Chief of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Consultant Dermatologist to The London Clinic, London

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Poverty: Global Challenges, Role of Inequality and Reduction Strategies

“This volume, edited by leading Nigeria poverty researcher Chukwuma Agu, brings together a range of disciplines and perspectives to look at poverty and the role growth and other factors may play in reducing it. It comprises both conceptual chapters and country case studies; it focuses mostly on Africa but draws complementary insights from studies of indigenous populations in Australia and of a US programme seeking to minimise the impact of poverty on education achievement. Among other things it seeks to understand why growth is sometimes more and less effective at reducing poverty; it examines spatial patterns of poverty, inequality or polarisation; and it seeks to introduce psychological dimensions to the understanding of poverty and poverty reduction.” – Andy Mckay, Professor of Development Economics, University of Sussex

Poverty: Global Challenges, Role of Inequality and Reduction Strategies is intended to make a significant contribution to the debate on economic growth and its relationship with poverty alleviation. This volume, written by seasoned scholars of development, contains an extremely rigorous and informative analysis of the growth-poverty nexus, and makes critical suggestions for policies to deal effectively and fully with poverty, not only in Africa but also among indigenous groups in Australia. One important lesson that can be drawn from these contributors’ skillful analyses is that public programs to deal with poverty that do not take into consideration the specificities of each community are not likely to produce the desired results. For example, poverty reduction programs developed to deal with the urban poor cannot simply be applied to the country’s rural sectors-a significant level of policy-tailoring is critical. Hence, a participatory and inclusive approach to the design and implementation of anti-poverty programs is recommended. Professor Agu and his fellow contributors present a compelling and credible story for making effective poverty reduction the center of a country’s development policy. This is a refreshing, rigorous, informative and multidisciplinary analysis of poverty reduction, with special emphasis on Africa. Students of development studies in general, African political economy, in particular, as well as policymakers, and anyone interested in the plight of the poor, should find this study especially useful. – John Mukum Mbaku, Professor of Economics, Weber State University, Utah, USA

“Chukwuma Agu’s book on Poverty: Global Challenges, Role of Inequality and Reduction Strategies provides a detailed analysis of current growth and poverty trends in Africa. The book has a number of strong messages. The good news is that African countries are growing. The bad news is that high levels of poverty persist in many countries. Agu and co-authors provide compelling new evidence based on cross-country and case studies. If you want to find out how to create more prosperous and equitable societies in Africa, read this book!” – Anke Hoeffler

“This book brings together a fascinating set of perspectives on the dynamics of economic growth and poverty reduction. Its primary geographic focus is the major economies of West Africa – Nigeria and Cameroon – and its dominant methodological approach is economics. But what makes this a particularly interesting collection, and what serves to highlight the multi-dimensional and highly non-linear relationship between economic growth and poverty, is how the editor has combined insights from mainstream economics with those from the fields of psychology, health economics and education.” – Christopher Adam, Professor of Development Economics, University of Oxford, UK

“This book is an admirable collection of high quality works by experienced scholars and researchers who have examined the vexing issue of growth, poverty, inequality nexus from different perspectives. The first section of the book focusing on theoretical and empirical issues of growth poverty nexus should be of interest to scholars and students of development economics. The second section presenting country case studies of Nigeria, Cameroon, Australia and United States offers a rich analysis of various dimensions of the growth, poverty and inequality nexus at national, sub-national, rural and urban levels should be of interest to development policy analysis, practitioners and development community. I, therefore, recommend the book to a wide range of audience who are interested in understanding the vexing issue of growth, poverty and inequality paradox at theoretical and practical levels.” – Olu Ajakaiye, Executive Chairman, African Centre for Shared Development, Capacity Building, Ibadan, Nigeria, and President Nigerian Economic Society

“This book is courageous enough to tackle complex and seemingly impossible problems of poverty, growth and inequality. It offers a varied range of chapters touching on certain facets of these complex problems. The book not only gives evidence, and arguments as to why these problems persist but also offers some suggestions for a way forward. The contributions come from well known names in this field. This textbook is a must read for all academic and practitioners concerned with the problems of economic development and welfare issues.What is appealing about this book is that it combines theory and applications, some in the form of case studies, in the same text. This makes it applicable to a wide range of audience from practitioners to academics. It will also serve as a reference text for students interested in this area of economics.” – Margaret Chitiga

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