ABSTRACT This study analyzes Paraguay demographic dynamics from 2002 to 2022, highlighting the demographic transition and rapid urbanization, and their connections with economic, social, and territorial aspects. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, which includes quantitative techniques such as correlation and regression analysis, and qualitative methods like documentary review, it examines the transformations in population and their implications for socioeconomic development. The study underscores the aging of the population and the unequal growth between urban and rural areas. Despite an increase in GDP per capita, significant levels of inequality persist. Investments in social spending have helped reduce poverty, though this trend was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the study addresses the growth of the indigenous population, which has increased its share of the total population but continues to face challenges in accessing basic services such as health, education, and employment. The migration of indigenous peoples to urban areas has risen, presenting new challenges for their inclusion in the urban agenda and the creation of public policies that respect their identity and culture. The conclusion posits that demographic planning must include targeted policies to mitigate inequalities and promote equitable territorial development, capitalizing on the opportunities presented by Paraguay's demographic bonus and reducing regional disparities.

RESUMEN El estudio analiza la dinámica demográfica de Paraguay entre 2002 y 2022, destacando la transición demográfica y la urbanización acelerada, y su relación con aspectos económicos, sociales y territoriales. A través de un enfoque mixto, que incluye métodos cuantitativos como análisis de correlación y regresión, y cualitativos como revisiones documentales, se examinan las transformaciones poblacionales y sus implicancias para el desarrollo socioeconómico. Se destaca el envejecimiento de la población y el crecimiento desigual entre áreas urbanas y rurales. A pesar del aumento del PIB per cápita, persisten altos niveles de desigualdad. Las inversiones en gastos sociales han contribuido a reducir la pobreza, aunque la pandemia de COVID-19 interrumpió esta tendencia. El estudio también aborda el crecimiento de la población indígena, que ha aumentado su proporción en la población total, pero que sigue enfrentando desafíos en términos de acceso a servicios básicos como salud, educación y empleo. La migración de indígenas hacia áreas urbanas ha aumentado, lo que plantea nuevos retos para la inclusión en la agenda urbana y la formulación de políticas públicas que respeten su identidad y cultura. Se concluye que la planificación demográfica debe incluir políticas específicas para mitigar las desigualdades y promover un desarrollo territorial equitativo, aprovechando las oportunidades del bono demográfico paraguayo y reduciendo las disparidades entre regiones.

ABSTRACT In this article we are going to talk about the discourses constructed on immigration and the Moroccan immigrant in contemporary Spanish narrative, given that the complexity and influence of the migratory phenomenon and its more general issues are powerful and intervene in the reproduction of racism and discrimination against foreigners. The purpose of this study is to explore the discourses that emerge around the immigration issue to determine the way of living in Spain. To carry out our task, we apply the method of critical discourse analysis, considered an appropriate approach to study migration phenomena.

RESUMEN En este artículo vamos a tratar los discursos construidos sobre la inmigración y el inmigrante marroquí en la narrativa española contemporánea, dado que la complejidad y la influencia del fenómeno migratorio y sus cuestiones más generales son poderosas e intervienen en la reproducción del racismo y de la discriminación de los extranjeros. El presente estudio tiene como finalidad explorar los discursos que se perfilan en torno al tema migratorio para determinar la manera de vivir en España. Para llevar a cabo nuestra tarea, aplicamos el método del análisis crítico del discurso considerado un enfoque adecuado para estudiar los fenómenos migratorios.

Abstract This article explores the trajectories of young Paraguayan families living in peripheral neighborhoods of Greater Buenos Aires, exploring their relationship with labor markets and with the city they live in. Thus, the object of study is constituted by migrants and by those who were born in Argentina but live in transnational households. A collaborative ethnography was carried out involving participant observation and interviews with young people and their families, peer groups, and community organizations. The results demonstrate that they are young people from lower classes and that they face exclusion from the labor market in segregated socio-urban spaces. Although the results make visible the particularities of these youth transitions, intersectional inequalities are evident regarding experiences of gender, ethnicity, race, and class, linked to the migratory conditions of their families. In conclusion, their insertion in precarious jobs associated with migrant labor niches generates identity in urban spaces and reproduces class inequalities among families. In turn, although the transitions of young women reflect greater inequalities due to gender and class stereotypes, they also show that through community care work they dispute their right to the city from a feminist perspective.

Resumen En el artículo se exploran las trayectorias de jóvenes de familias paraguayas residentes en barrios periféricos del Gran Buenos Aires, indagando su relación con los mercados de trabajo a los que ingresan y con la ciudad que habitan. De esta forma, el objeto de estudio lo constituyen los y las migrantes y también quienes nacieron en Argentina pero viven en hogares transnacionales. Se desarrolló una etnografía colaborativa que implicó la observación participante y entrevistas a jóvenes en el entorno de sus familias, de los grupos de pares y de organizaciones comunitarias. Los resultados muestran que constituyen juventudes de clases populares y que enfrentan procesos de exclusión del mercado laboral en espacios sociourbanos segregados. Aunque también visibilizan las particularidades de sus transiciones juveniles, se perciben las desigualdades interseccionales de género, etnia, raza y clase que experimentan, ligadas a la condición migratoria de sus familias. En conclusión, su inserción en trabajos precarizados asociados a nichos laborales de migrantes, si bien genera identidad en el espacio urbano, también reproduce las desigualdades de clase en las familias. A su vez, aunque las transiciones de las jóvenes reflejan mayores desigualdades debido a los estereotipos de género y de clase, también evidencian que a través del trabajo de cuidados comunitarios disputan su derecho a una ciudad desde una perspectiva feminista.

Abstract Young men and women from migrant families of Bolivian origin settled in the horticultural belt of La Plata, in Argentina, access university degrees to shift away from activities characterized by precarious living and working conditions. This article examines the challenges faced by this population in their transition to higher education. Using a qualitative methodology and with the conceptual framework of endogenous education, encounter, and cultural recognition, we analyze the ways in which the Technical Degree in Agroecology at the National University of La Plata offers an alternative close to the reality of young people. The conclusions highlight the potential of this viable alternative that represents a training opportunity to advise family farmers and their organizations. It focuses on the active participation of students, especially in practical courses where they become protagonists by sharing their experiences. It can also be mentioned that, although these degrees offer collective spaces to question the conventional productive model, challenges still persist: the quality of lower-level training and the adaptation of schedules due to the need to combine study and work. In a context of crisis and transition, this type of proposal values local knowledge and empowers the autonomy of youth to transform their reality.

Resumen Los y las jóvenes de familias migrantes de origen boliviano establecidas en el cinturón hortícola platense, en Argentina, acceden a carreras universitarias para alejarse de una actividad caracterizada por las precarias condiciones de vida y de trabajo. En el presente artículo se examinan los desafíos que enfrenta esta población en su tránsito hacia estudios superiores. Mediante una metodología cualitativa y con el marco conceptual de la educación endógena, el encuentro y el reconocimiento cultural, se analiza la manera en que la Tecnicatura Universitaria en Agroecología de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata brinda una alternativa cercana a la realidad de los y las jóvenes. En las conclusiones se destacan las potencialidades de esta alternativa viable que representa una oportunidad de formación para asesorar a productores familiares y a sus organizaciones. Se enfoca en la participación activa de estudiantes, especialmente en cursos prácticos donde se convierten en sujetos protagonistas al compartir sus experiencias. También se puede mencionar que, aunque estas carreras ofrecen espacios colectivos para cuestionar el modelo productivo convencional, todavía persisten desafíos: el nivel de formación inicial y la adaptación de horarios por la necesidad de combinar el estudio y el trabajo. En un contexto de crisis y transición, este tipo de propuesta otorga valor a los saberes locales y potencia la autonomía de la juventud para transformar su realidad.

Resumo O derrame pleural fetal pode ter várias causas subjacentes. No entanto, independentemente da causa, o tratamento intrauterino é desafiante, por vezes exigindo a drenagem ecoguiada do derrame para reduzir o seu volume e prevenir atelectasia pulmonar. A colocação de shunts intrauterinos é um procedimento complexo que permite a drenagem do derrame. No entanto, não é isento de riscos fetais. Existem poucas descrições das complicações subjacentes ao procedimento na literatura. Descreve-se um caso clínico, ilustrado com imagens de ecografia, apresentando uma complicação rara associada a esta intervenção.

Abstract Fetal pleural effusion can have various underlying causes. However, regardless of the cause, intrauterine treatment poses significant challenges and sometimes requires ultrasound-guided drainage of the effusion to reduce its volume and prevent pulmonary atelectasis. The placement of intrauterine shunts is a complex procedure that allows for the drainage of the effusion, but it is associated with potential fetal risks. There are few descriptions of complications associated with the procedure in the literature. This intriguing clinical case, illustrated with ultrasound images, demonstrates a rare complication associated with this intervention.

Abstract This article presents the results of an ethnographic study on the experiences of gender-based violence of Aymara Bolivian women employed in agriculture or agricultural trade in the outskirts of Chilean territories of the Andean tri-border region. Our objective is to analyze the aggressions that women suffer in their family circles. We will analyze the narratives of 30 women to describe the aggressions perpetrated by the male figures in their families of origin (fathers, brothers, stepfathers), and their mothers. In addition, we will observe how these abuses are repeated in the relationships that they build with their partners and children. We will see a potential difference in violence between the Chilean and Bolivian border territories, and recognizing this difference motivates female cross-border mobility. The text seeks to contribute to the discussions on gender-based violence in border contexts.

Resumen Este artículo aborda los resultados de un estudio etnográfico sobre las experiencias de violencia de género de migrantes aymara bolivianas empleadas en la agricultura o en el comercio agrícola en la periferia de los territorios chilenos de la Triple-Frontera Andina. Nuestro objetivo es analizar las agresiones que sufren las mujeres en su ámbito familiar. Retomaremos las narrativas de 30 mujeres para describir las agresiones perpetradas por las figuras masculinas de sus familias de origen (padres, hermanos, padrastros), pero también por sus madres. Además, observaremos cómo estos abusos se repiten en las relaciones que construyen con sus propias parejas y con sus hijos. Veremos que existe una diferencia potencial en la violencia del lado chileno y boliviano de la frontera y que el reconocimiento de esta diferencia motiva la movilidad transfronteriza femenina. El texto busca aportar y discutir en torno a los debates sobre violencia de género en contextos fronterizos.

Résumé Cet article aborde les résultats d’une étude ethnographique sur les expériences de violence de genre vécues par les migrantes aymaras boliviennes employées dans l’agriculture ou le commerce agricole en périphérie des territoires chiliens de la Triple-frontière Andine. Notre objectif est d’analyser les agressions subies par les femmes dans leur cadre familial. Nous utiliserons les récits de 30 femmes pour décrire les agressions perpétrées par les figures masculines de leurs familles d’origine (pères, frères, beaux-pères), mais aussi par leurs mères. De plus, nous observerons comment ces abus se répètent dans les relations qu’elles construisent avec leurs propres partenaires et leurs enfants. Nous verrons qu’il existe une différence potentielle dans la violence du côté chilien et bolivien de la frontière, et que la reconnaissance de cette différence motive la mobilité transfrontalière féminine. Le texte vise à contribuer et à discuter des débats sur la violence de genre dans les contextes frontaliers.

Resumo Este artigo trata dos resultados de um estudo etnográfico sobre as experiências de violência de gênero de migrantes aimarás bolivianas empregadas na agricultura ou no comércio agrícola na periferia dos territórios chilenos da Tríplice Fronteira Andina. Nosso objetivo é analisar as agressões sofridas pelas mulheres em seu ambiente familiar. Analisaremos as narrativas de 30 mulheres para descrever as agressões perpetradas pelas figuras masculinas de suas famílias de origem (pais, irmãos, padrastos), e também pelas suas mães. Observaremos como esses abusos se repetem nas relações que estas migrantes constroem com seus próprios parceiros e com seus filhos. Veremos que há uma diferença potencial da violência nos territórios chilenos e bolivianos da fronteira e que o reconhecimento dessa diferença motiva a mobilidade transfronteiriça feminina. O texto busca contribuir aos debates sobre a violência de gênero em contextos de fronteira.

A huge number of South Africans, including Christians, are emigrating to the Western world, which is experiencing a serious regression in Christianity. Unfortunately, the contribution made by South African Christian emigrants has not been sufficiently examined; hence there is no literature on this particular topic. Given this, the objective of this article was to provide a comprehensive discussion of the contemporary emigration situation in South Africa and assess how South African emigrants can evangelise the post-Christendom West, which is, fortunately, still Christian and Christian tolerant. The article dialogued with relevant literature to accomplish the proposed objective and provide an overview of the push and pull factors of why South Africans emigrate to the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States of America, New Zealand and many other countries, all of which used to send missionaries abroad, but they are now experiencing exponential growth in atheism. Further, the article discussed the unprecedented growth of Christianity in Africa, particularly South Africa, in contrast to the opposite trends in the Western world, thus, establishing how South African Christian emigrants can contribute towards evangelising the post-Christendom West, according to the biblical notion that God advances his kingdom through migration in centripetal and centrifugal ways. Thus, although the emigration of South African Christians to the West is associated with pain and sorrow, it is not an accident, but God uses it in his scheme to accomplish his redemptive purposes and plans for the world. In this case, emigration in South Africa is viewed as a missiological opportunity. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: The focus of the article is interdisciplinary, that is, it discusses the emigration phenomenon in South Africa (migration) and its contribution to the advancement of God's Kingdom to the West (missiology). The article challenges South African Christian emigrants to the Western world to perceive their migration as an evangelical and missiological opportunity.

ABSTRACT Transnational gentrification has been a documented phenomenon in Latin America for at least a decade. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of workers from high-income countries were able to work remotely from the Global South. This allowed for a strong international mobility phenomenon that introduced new actors and new destinations of transnational gentrification. Using mixed methods, this research explores the impact of foreigners, specifically digital nomads, in the central areas of Mexico City. The indicators used as part of this research include commercial specialization and the evolution of the real estate market. It was found that the neighborhoods analyzed have undergone a commercial, housing, and sociocultural change due to the presence of digital nomads. We conclude by suggesting that transnational gentrification driven by digital nomads accelerates established gentrification processes and accentuates socio-territorial exclusion.

RESUMEN La gentrificación transnacional es un fenómeno documentado en América Latina desde hace al menos una década. En el contexto de la emergencia sanitaria mundial ocasionada por la pandemia de Covid-19, un número importante de trabajadores de países de alto ingreso pudieron laborar de forma remota desde el sur global. Esto permitió una fuerte movilidad internacional que introdujo nuevos actores y nuevos destinos de gentrificación transnacional. Esta investigación mixta realiza una exploración del impacto de extranjeros denominados nómadas digitales en la zona central de la Ciudad de México (CDMX). Los indicadores del estudio han sido la especialización comercial y la evolución del mercado inmobiliario. Se encontró que las colonias analizadas han tenido una mutación comercial, de vivienda y sociocultural derivada de la presencia de extranjeros. La gentrificación transnacional conducida por nómadas digitales acelera procesos de gentrificación previos y acentúa la exclusión socioterritorial de la metrópoli.

Abstract Aim To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of ozonated sunflower oil (Oz) as an adjunctive of non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), on fibroblast cell viability and migration and the effectiveness of Oz on a Candida albicans (C. albicans) culture. Methodology In total, 32 sites in 16 DM2 with moderate to advanced periodontal disease with periodontal pocket depths ≥5mm were selected. The treatments were divided into two groups: control, saline solution (SS) as an adjunctive of scaling and root planing (SRP+SS), and test, Oz as an adjunctive of SRP (SRP+Oz). Hematological [fasting glucose level (FGL) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)] and microbiological samples were collected from the participants at baseline and three months after periodontal treatment and the microbiological samples were analyzed by PCR. C. albicans was previously tested by the agar diffusion test. The effect of Oz was tested on cell viability and fibroblast migration. Results The groups showed no statistically significant differences (paired t-test-p>0.05) regarding hematological parameters, FGL (median - baseline 171.41, 3 months 164mg/dL), and HbA1c (baseline 8%, 3 months 7.5%) (Kruskal-Wallis One-Way Nonparametric-p>0.05) after periodontal therapy. The groups showed statistical differences for periodontal parameters between baseline and three months (paired t-test-p<0.05). PCR analysis showed a reduction in the percentage of C. albicans in the SRP+Oz group after three months (McNemar’s test-p=0.002). Cell viability was lower in the high glucose Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (4500 mg/L) than in low glucose (1000 mg/L) (RM-ANOVA-p<0.0001). The wound healing test showed reduced fibroblast migration (one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s post-test-p<0.01). Oz showed high C. albicans antifungal inhibition (Kruskal-Wallis test-p=0.0001). Conclusions SRP+Oz effectively reduced C. albicans in-vitro and in-vivo but showed no clinical improvements compared to the control. Cell viability and wound healing of fibroblasts showed no improvements.

RESUMO A implementação de um biobanco no Caribe representa uma oportunidade vital para aprimorar a pesquisa biomédica e lidar com problemas de saúde na região. A extraordinária diversidade genética do Caribe, moldada pela migração e por fatores ambientais, ressalta o potencial impacto de biobancos bem gerenciados na saúde mundial, especialmente em grupos sub-representados. Este documento examina o potencial dos biobancos no Caribe, com destaque para medicina de precisão, melhorias na saúde pública e autossuficiência científica na região. Analisa, ainda, modelos bem-sucedidos — como o UK Biobank, o Programa de Pesquisa All of Us dos Institutos Nacionais de Saúde dos Estados Unidos e a iniciativa Hereditariedade e Saúde Humana na África (H3Africa, na sigla em inglês), sediada na Universidade da Cidade do Cabo —, identificando as principais lições em termos de compartilhamento de dados, governança ética e infraestrutura que poderiam ser aplicadas ao contexto do Caribe. O UK Biobank e a H3Africa são exemplos pertinentes devido às suas contribuições para dados em larga escala e pesquisa em saúde com populações diversas. O projeto UK Biobank é um estudo em grande escala que utiliza dados genéticos e fenotípicos aprofundados de cerca de 500 mil participantes do Reino Unido, oferecendo insights inéditos sobre dados de saúde por meio de extenso acompanhamento e coleta de dados de genótipo de todo o genoma. A iniciativa H3Africa se concentra na pesquisa genômica para abordar disparidades de saúde entre as populações africanas, com desafios semelhantes aos enfrentados no Caribe. A governança ética e o foco no envolvimento da comunidade são cruciais para o desenvolvimento de biobancos no Caribe. Este artigo destaca os desafios envolvidos na criação de biobancos, inclusive no que se refere à garantia de capacidade adequada de armazenamento de amostras, à segurança dos dados e à necessidade de uma governança robusta. Recomenda soluções que envolvem colaboração regional, participação das partes interessadas e maior investimento em infraestrutura. A implementação de um biobanco caribenho fundamentado em princípios equitativos de compartilhamento de dados pode aprimorar significativamente os conjuntos de dados genômicos mundiais e assegurar que os benefícios da medicina de precisão cheguem ao Caribe. Este estudo promove uma abordagem estratégica, ética e inclusiva da gestão de biobancos para que tenham sucesso em longo prazo.

RESUMEN El establecimiento de un biobanco en el Caribe representa una importante oportunidad para mejorar la investigación biomédica y abordar los problemas de salud en esa subregión. La diversidad genética particular del Caribe, moldeada por la migración y los factores ambientales, pone de relieve el impacto que puede tener un biobanco bien administrado en la salud mundial, en especial para los grupos subrepresentados. En este artículo se examina el potencial que ofrecen los biobancos en el Caribe, haciendo hincapié en la medicina de precisión, las mejoras en la salud pública y la autonomía científica regional. Se analizan algunos modelos exitosos, como el Biobanco del Reino Unido, el Programa de Investigación All of Us en los Institutos Nacionales de Salud de Estados Unidos, y Herencia y Salud Humana en África (H3Africa, por su sigla en inglés, alojado en la Universidad de Ciudad del Cabo), y se indican algunas enseñanzas clave sobre el intercambio de datos, la gobernanza ética y la infraestructura que podrían aplicarse en el contexto del Caribe. El Biobanco del Reino Unido y H3Africa son ejemplos relevantes debido a sus contribuciones a los datos a gran escala y la investigación en materia de salud en diversos grupos poblacionales. El proyecto del Biobanco del Reino Unido es un estudio a gran escala con datos genéticos y fenotípicos profundos de aproximadamente 500 000 participantes en el Reino Unido, que ofrece una perspectiva sin precedentes sobre los datos de salud mediante la recopilación y el seguimiento amplios de datos genotípicos sobre secuenciación pangenómica. H3Africa se centra en la investigación genómica que aborda las inequidades de salud entre las poblaciones africanas, similares a los desafíos que se enfrentan en el Caribe. La gobernanza ética y la participación comunitaria son cruciales para el desarrollo de los biobancos en el Caribe. En este artículo se destacan los retos del desarrollo de los biobancos, incluida la garantía de que el almacenamiento de muestras y la seguridad de los datos sean suficientes, así como la necesidad de una gobernanza sólida. Se recomiendan algunas soluciones como la colaboración regional, la participación de las partes interesadas y una mayor inversión en infraestructura. El establecimiento de un biobanco en el Caribe con principios equitativos de intercambio de datos puede mejorar de manera considerable los conjuntos de datos genómicos mundiales y garantizar que los beneficios de la medicina de precisión lleguen al Caribe. En este estudio se promueve un enfoque estratégico, ético e inclusivo de los biobancos para el éxito a largo plazo.

ABSTRACT The establishment of a biobank in the Caribbean represents a vital opportunity to enhance biomedical research and tackle health issues in the area. The Caribbean’s unique genetic diversity, shaped by migration and environmental factors, underscores a well-managed biobank’s potential impact on global health, especially for underrepresented groups. This paper examines biobanking’s potential in the Caribbean, focusing on precision medicine, public health improvements and regional scientific self-sufficiency. It analyzes successful models such as the UK Biobank, the All of Us Research Program at the United States’ National Institutes of Health, and Human Heredity and Health in Africa (known as H3Africa), hosted at the University of Cape Town, pinpointing key lessons on data-sharing, ethical governance and infrastructure that could be applied to the Caribbean context. The UK Biobank and H3Africa are relevant examples due to their contributions to large-scale data and health research in diverse populations. The UK Biobank project is a large-scale study with deep genetic and phenotypic data from about 500 000 participants in the United Kingdom. It offers unprecedented insights into health data through extensive follow up and collection of genome-wide genotype data. H3Africa focuses on genomics research that addresses health disparities among African populations, which parallels the Caribbean’s challenges. Its ethical governance and community engagement focus are crucial for Caribbean biobank development. This article highlights the challenges of developing biobanks, including ensuring sufficient sample storage and data security, and the need for strong governance. It recommends solutions that involve regional collaboration, stakeholder engagement and increased investment in infrastructure. Establishing a Caribbean biobank with equitable data-sharing principles can significantly enhance global genomic data sets and ensure that the benefits of precision medicine reach the Caribbean. This study promotes a strategic, ethical and inclusive approach to biobanking for long-term success.

The legacies of colonialism on both the colonised and coloniser is one thing that our world cannot escape in contemporary times. In most of the places, colonialism came with its own form of Christianity. This colonial Christianity was based on the idea of exclusion, homogenisation and conquering the other. Thus, the combination of the ideals of colonialism and Christianity brought about a type of nationalism, which was monologic. This monologic nationalism as an ideology not only creates refugees but also generates a monological 'unity' among the people in the country of arrival against these refugees. This poses a danger to humanity as a whole. Thus, it is important for scholars of religion and theology to deconstruct ideas on the line of monologic nationalism and embrace a form of nationalism that is dialogical in nature. In this regard, this article using Mikhail Bakhtin's idea of dialogism as its framework attempts to construct a dialogic theology of missions as a response to the global refugee phenomenon. The article argues that there must be a shift from colonial missions, which are monologic in nature to a dialogic theology of missions grounded in World Christianity. CONTRIBUTION: This article attempts to point out a key legacy of colonialism and colonial Christianity: the creation of refugees, which often has not been looked at by many scholars. The problem lies not with 'Christianity' as a religion, but the type of Christianity being practised. Addressing this practice demands a shift from colonial Christianity to World Christianity, which is embedded within its solutions to the global refugee crisis that the world is currently facing

The book of Genesis has copious narratives on migration. This article studies the migration stories of Abram's and Jacob's families vis-à-vis migration among Nigerian youths. A study of these biblical narratives reveals that severe famine precipitated the movement of these patriarchs and their families. Abram's and Sarai's migration to Egypt, according to Genesis 12:10, was a result of famine. Genesis 46 and 47 record that Jacob's family migrated to Egypt due to the severe famine in Canaan. Similarly, many Nigerian youths migrate to other countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, Austria, Ireland, Germany, et cetera to escape financial hardship and pursue greener pastures. To this end, the slang 'Japa' has become a household term among Nigerian youths. Japa is a new word for leaving one's country for better living conditions. With narrative and descriptive analysis, this article studies relevant texts in Genesis and the Japa phenomenon among Nigerian youths. A comparative study reveals that bad living conditions are hugely associated with migration in the Old Testament and contemporary times. The high rate of unemployment, underemployment, and a lack of opportunities faced by Nigerian youths are hugely responsible for the mass migration. The study recommends that the Nigerian government create an enabling environment that promotes the financial stability of youths through better job opportunities and career growth. CONTRIBUTION: Migration is a long-standing human activity that is generally attributed to the quest for better living conditions. In the Old Testament, famine was hugely responsible for movement from one biblical residence to another. Nigerian society has witnessed a mass migration of its youths to other countries to escape the present economic situation in the country. A comparative study shows that many people migrate because of uncomfortable situations in their residence locations; there are challenges associated with migration, and migration usually leads to improved living conditions.

BACKGROUND: The loss of healthcare professionals because of migration remains a challenge for low- and middle-income countries. South African Emergency Care Practitioners (ECPs) are no exception with many choosing to leave South Africa (SA) to work in the Middle East (ME). AIM: To investigate and describe the push and pull factors that are influencing ECPs to leave SA and work in the ME. SETTING: The study took place in the ME in an online setting. METHODS: A prospective mixed-method sequential design was adopted that made use of a purposively designed, pre-piloted, online questionnaire followed by a number of one-on-one interviews with a purposefully selected sample of participants to explore push and pull factors that influenced their decision to leave SA to work in the ME. RESULTS: The increased cost of living, low salaries, poor and unsafe working environments, and being undervalued by management in SA were the main push factors that emerged. Better pay, improved safety and security and a better quality of life in the ME were identified as core pull factors that are drawing South African ECPs to the ME. CONCLUSION: To stem the ongoing exodus of ECPs, significant work has to be done to improve local salaries, working conditions and the overall job satisfaction experienced by operational ECPs in SA. CONTRIBUTION: Understanding why ECPs are leaving the country, and in particular why they choose the ME as their employment destination can assist Emergency Medical Services (EMS) managers to implement measures that aid in the retention of these highly skilled healthcare professionals.

The migration of Zimbabweans in search of better opportunities has spurred the growth and spread of Zimbabwean Churches within diaspora communities. Currently, many Zimbabwean churches like other African Churches have crossed continental borders, setting up branches in Europe and North America. This phenomenon of African Churches engaging with diasporic communities has been described by scholars as a 'Reverse Mission'. A critical question that emerges is: To what degree is the establishment of African churches in other nations and continent an indicative of a reverse mission? The case study focuses on two Zimbabwean churches that have established branches in South Africa and other countries both within and beyond the African continent. The selection of the two churches is based on their origins that trace back to South Africa, rendering them pertinent examples for discussion in the context of reverse mission. The research identified 'missiological gaps' leading to a 'missionary trap' in the context of reverse mission, as the two Zimbabwean Churches face new frontiers. The article discusses how Zimbabwean churches, along with other African churches in the diaspora, created obstacles that impeded the dissemination of the gospel because of their insufficient cross-cultural training and experience. The researcher utilised descriptive phenomenological and interpretive phenomenological approaches for data collection and analysis, respectively. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY: The article is framed within the context of reverse mission, missiology, and the history of African Christianity. It contends that the African church should reassess its evangelistic strategies as it transcends national and international borders