Region Of Cameroon Research Articles

Study of the mechanical behavior and multiscale simulation of the crack propagation in a bilinga wooden beam

The mechanical behavior of local wood species (Bilinga) in the south west region in Cameroon during rainy and dry seasons and the mechanical behavior of wooden beam under bend loading are studied. The three points flexural tests were used to determine the mechanical properties of the wood under study. ANSYS 2020 R1 finite element (FE) software is used for numerical simulations at a macroscopic level using one of the newer technologies called Smart crack growth, which was introduced in the 2019 version. The geometry was modeled in SolidWorks with an initial crack length of 4 and 8 mm introduced in each sample and then imported to ANSYS workbench for further analysis with ANSYS which has all the tools to perform linear fracture. The stress intensity factor (SIF) determines the fracture toughness of a material which is subjected to linear-elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) where a variable of the critical stress intensify is denoted as KIc. The fatigue crack growth was modeled using Paris’ law. The crack growth was simulated based on Mode I crack specimen with an initial crack length of 4 and 8 mm, respectively. The stochastic multiscale modeling of crack growth on meso- and microscale is used to compare the crack growth rate in the approach of a heterogeneous material and taking into account the microstructure and fracture mechanism of the Bilinga wood. The results of stochastic modeling of the crack growth in the array of cracks and pores of a characteristic size shows that the simulation is close to FE-modeling results. Therefore, the stochastic simulation of the crack growth in wood at meso- and microscale shows the lower local stress intensity factors and slower crack growth due to the existence of the scale-time hierarchy. The crack growth rate vcr at a macroscale ranges within 0.845 – 0.9 × 10–3 m/sec which corresponds to the macroscopic value of the fracture toughness KIc.

Understanding Maternal Nutrition Insights from Pregnant Women in Bamenda, Cameroon

The foundation for good physical health is good nutritional status. Nutritional status of pregnant women is directly affected by the foods they eat and their nutrient content. Nutritional knowledge is positively associated with diet quality. The aim of this study was to assess nutritional status and nutrition education knowledge of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Bamenda Health District (BHD). 
 Study Design: This study was carried conducted in BHD in the North West Region of Cameroon, with pregnant women aged 13 to 49 years recruited from public hospitals.
 Place and Duration of Study: BHD including (Bamenda Regional Hospital, Azire Integrated Health centre, Atuakom Integrated Health Centre, Ntambag Integrated Health Centre) between April 2022 to September 2022.
 Methodology: This was a cross sectional study carried out in four health facilities BHD. Random sampling technique was done to target the sample size of 354 pregnant women. A questionnaire was developed to collect socio-demographic information and clinical records of the pregnant women. Anthropometric parameters, biochemical and dietary assessments of the women were determined using standard techniques. Data collected was analysed by MS excel and SPSS Statistics version 20.0. Results were considered at significance level P ≤ 0.05. 
 Results: The mean age of the study population was 26.4±5.5years and the average intake of servings of meals per day was suboptimal in the consumption of vegetables (2±1.9), fruits (0.6± 1.3) and milk (0.4 ±0.6) food groups. Women consumed diets that met less than 50% of energy needs. There exists a significant difference in mean energy requirements 1828.8 ± 152.9 Kcal compared to mean energy intake 1192.0 ± 344.6 Kcal which is below the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) of 2400 kcal for pregnant women. Ignorance still existed in dietary knowledge and 18.1% of the women were anaemic. 
 Conclusion: There was an overall suboptimal approach to dietary intake among the pregnant women, inadequate food intake, poor food choices and limited healthy dietary knowledge. Thus pregnant women in BHD still need more access to information on dietary information.

Advancements in mapping landslide susceptibility in Bafoussam and its surroundings area using multi-criteria decision analysis, statistical methods, and machine learning models

Landslides pose a significant threat to lives and socio-economic stability globally. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) in the western region of Cameroon, focusing on Bafoussam and its surroundings. The integration of multi-criteria decision analysis models (AHP), statistical methods (Information Value IV, Shannon Entropy SE, Frequency Ratio FR), and machine learning algorithms (Naïve Bayes and Logistic Regression) provided a robust assessment of landslide risk. Our analysis, based on 54 recorded landslides, carefully selected Landslide Conditioning Factors (LCF), and influential parameters such as lithology, slope, altitude, and precipitation, resulted in susceptibility maps categorizing the area into five risk zones. The Spatial distribution shows the centre and northwestern regions as high-risk areas. Model sensitivity differences underscore the need for tailored LSM selection. Validation using the Area Under Curve/Receiver Operating Characteristics (AUC/ROC) method indicates the LR and NB methods have the highest accuracy (82.7% and 84.1%, respectively). Comparative analysis of landslide events in Gouaché, Sichuan, Souk Ahras, and Kekem reveals correlations between heavy rainfall and geological conditions. The study supplies valuable insights for decision-makers in landslide-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of integrating multiple methodologies for comprehensive risk assessment and management.

Assessment of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) among physiotherapists in Cameroon: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundEvidence-Based Practice (EBP) is reported to ease effective and adequate decision making for all works of life including health professionals. Investigating the level of implementation of EBP among physiotherapists helps to identify barriers and propose solutions for its extensive implementation. Despite available data on EBP elsewhere, it remains limited or non-existent in Cameroon. This study was designed to establish the current state of EBP among physiotherapists in Cameroon, by assessing knowledge, practice, and barriers to its implementation.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted online among French- and English-speaking physiotherapists in Cameroon over a period of six months from April to July 2023, using the EBP2 questionnaire. This enabled us to collect socio-demographic data from participants and information on their knowledge, understanding and practice of EBP and possible barriers to EBP according to 5 domains (Confidence, Relevance, Terminology, Practice, Compatibility) scored out of 100. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 25.0 software and Pearson correlations (95% CI) and significance (p < 0.05).ResultsA total of 110 physiotherapists practising in the 10 regions of Cameroon participated in the study. The majority were male (54.5%), the median age was 34 years (age range 20 to 50), the median year of graduation was 2019 (range 2004 to max 2022) with 72.7% never having knowledge or training in EBP. Participants scored below 50/100 for 3 domains (confidence, relevance, and compatibility) showing poor general knowledge and understanding of EBP, although they generally had a positive attitude towards EBP. The use of EBP in practice was low (26.3/100 SD. 6.5), despite that they appeared to have a good understanding of research terminology (55.4 SD. 17.2). Level of study of participants did not appear to significantly influence domain scores (P > 0.05). The main barriers to practice were lack of time (75.1%), workload (66%), cost of access to information resources like databases for seek informations about recent support protocols (60%), ease of access to computers (49%), and lack of resources or skills (49%).ConclusionPhysiotherapists in Cameroon have a poor knowledge of EBP and a low level of practice of EBP, despite an overall positive attitude towards it. These results could inform stakeholders of higher education on the need to improve training of physiotherapy students in the domain of EBP in Physiotherapy. Also, it will help in raising the level of scientific research and promoting the implementation of EBP in Cameroon.

Headache in the adult population of Cameroon: prevalence estimates and demographic associations from a cross-sectional nationwide population-based study

BackgroundKnowledge of headache prevalence, and the burdens attributable to headache disorders, remains incomplete in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): reliable studies have been conducted only in Zambia (southern SSA) and Ethiopia (eastern SSA). As part of the Global Campaign against Headache, we investigated the prevalence of headache in Cameroon, in Central SSA.MethodsWe used the same methodology as the studies in Zambia and Ethiopia, employing cluster-randomized sampling in four regions of Cameroon, selected to reflect the country’s geographic, ethnic and cultural diversities. We visited, unannounced, randomly selected households in each region, and randomly selected one adult member (aged 18–65 years) of each. Trained interviewers administered the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) structured questionnaire, developed by an international expert consensus group and translated into Central African French. Demographic enquiry was followed by diagnostic questions based on ICHD-3 criteria.ResultsHeadache was a near-universal experience in Cameroon (lifetime prevalence: 94.8%). Observed 1-year prevalence of headache was 77.1%. Age- and gender-adjusted estimates were 76.4% (95% confidence interval: 74.9–77.9) for any headache, 17.9% (16.6–19.3) for migraine (definite + probable), 44.4% (42.6–46.2) for tension-type headache (TTH; also definite + probable), 6.5% (5.7–7.4) for probable medication-overuse headache (pMOH) and 6.6% (5.8–7.6) for other headache on ≥ 15 days/month (H15 +). One-day prevalence (“headache yesterday”) was 15.3%. Gender differentials were as expected (more migraine and pMOH among females, and rather more TTH among males). pMOH increased in prevalence until age 55 years, then declined somewhat. Migraine and TTH were both associated with urban dwelling, pMOH, in contrast, with rural dwelling.ConclusionsHeadache disorders are prevalent in Cameroon. As in Zambia and Ethiopia, estimates for both migraine and TTH exceed global mean estimates. Attributable burden is yet to be reported, but these findings must lead to further research, and measures to develop and implement headache services in Cameroon, with appropriate management and preventative strategies.

Analysis of Human Rights Needs of Internally Displaced Persons and the Role of Social Work Practice: The Case of the Northwest, Southwest, and Littoral Regions of Cameroon

The scourge of internal displacement has continued unabated despite efforts from the international community to address its root causes. Ironically, the so-called Anglophone crisis in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon has been widely ignored on the world stage despite the toll and misery it has caused the local people, many of whom have been internally displaced. The purpose of this ethnographic study was to explore the human rights situation of internally displaced victims of this violent insurgency and reflect on the role social work practice can play to alleviate the suffering of displaced people. A quantitative research approach was employed through the use of a questionnaire in collecting data from 529 respondents in the Northwest, Southwest, and Littoral regions of the country. The major finding of the study is that most of the internally displaced respondents live under immense fear of either losing a family member or being killed themselves. Moreover, they have been deprived of their basic freedoms and live in indignity as there is hardly water, food, or other means of subsistence. The greatest aspiration of most of the respondents is to reunite with their families and return to their livelihoods. An important implication from this study is the potential contribution that social work professionals can make in the rehabilitation of IDPs. This study contributes to literature on forced migration and human rights, and practical suggestions on how to improve the human rights situation of internally displaced persons.

Ethnobotanical study and vulnerability of medicinal plants used against the symptoms of COVID-19 in the Lomié subdivision, East Region of Cameroon

Science has advanced to the point that traditional medicine is now a useful instrument for treating a wide range of human ailments. Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) do not, however, have access to the contemporary healthcare system. As a result, they turn to biological resources, which are the only readily available and accessible means of treating diseases like COVID-19 and flu outbreaks. In response to worldwide illnesses, this study aligns with the perspectives of traditional knowledge of biological resources, particularly therapeutic plants. Therefore, this study was aimed to document the use of the potential of medicinal plants by IPLCs in the Lomié subdivision to manage COVID-19 symptoms. In four villages in the Lomié subdivision Ekom, Payo, Eschiambor, and Kongo, ethnobotanical surveys, including semi-structured interviews on traditional usage of plants against Covid-19 symptoms, were carried out with 80 participants in order to meet all of the study specific objectives. For every species, a vulnerability index was established in order to evaluate the species fragility. To analyze the data, both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. The findings show that the respondents are well aware of the symptoms of the COVID-19 and that gave them the ability to provide timely and efficient responses. The survey identified 43 species from 39 genera grouped in 28 families were used to treat COVID-19 symptoms, with bark being the most commonly used plant part (43.8%). Decoction was the most frequently used method of preparation (50%), and oral administration was the main route of administration (56.3%). Most of the plant species were harvested from secondary forests (44.2%), of which trees formed 48.8%. A total of 30 species were recorded to be vulnerable, with Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sprague) Sprague, Milicia excelsa (Welw.) Benth, Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv., and Trichoscypha aborea (A. Chev.) A. Chev being the most vulnerable, with vulnerability index of 2.4. The results showed a strong non-causal relationship between vulnerability and the continuous and discontinuous explanatory parameters. The susceptibility of medicinal plants used to treat COVID-19 symptoms and the explanatory parameters had a statistically significant causal association, according to the binomial logistic regression model. In light of novel diseases like COVID-19, this study finds that traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is still widely held, especially among the indigenous and local population. It can also be very beneficial in the development of new medications for a variety of illnesses.

Three decades of Faidherbia albida agroforestry in Far North Region, Cameroon

Agroforestry plays a vital role in the economic and ecological sustainability of semi-arid and subhumid regions of Africa, particularly in combating climate change, land degradation, and meeting food and fuelwood needs. In the Sahelian climate, farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR) is a cost-effective agroforestry practice, that involves selecting, protecting and managing spontaneous tree regrowth, notably of Faidherbia albida, a legume species well-suited for FMNR in semi-arid areas. In the Far North Region of Cameroon, agroforestry parklands with Faidherbia albida have been supported by various projects for the last three decades. Farmers have been provided with subsidies to protect trees in their fields, resulting in the conservation of close to two million Faidherbia albida trees. These trees provide significant economic benefits to rural populations, contributing to increased crop yields, especially in nutrient-poor soils, and provide significant firewood savings and nitrogen rich animal fodder during the sparse dry season when livestock are most in need. They also provide ecological benefits, as they store carbon and conserve biodiversity, contributing to climate change mitigation. These benefits have motivated the expansion of FMNR even in the face of farmers no longer receiving subsidies. To ensure its sustainability, certain conditions must be met, including security of tenure, effective enforcement of sustainable management practices, continued project support, dissemination of convincing research results, regular incentives from government and international organisations, and low-cost labour and input methods. By adhering to these conditions, agroforestry can continue to play a crucial role in enhancing livelihoods and environmental resilience in the Sahel.

Integration of Internally Displaced Children in the Labour Market During a Period of Crisis Related to Cultural Depravity in the Mayo Tsanaga Division - Far North Region of Cameroon

Objective: This article takes a holistic look at the integration of internally displaced children, who have graduated or are in the final stages of a general education course, into the labour market in a crisis situation in the Department of Mayo Tsanaga. Method: This anthropological research is based on empirical data collected from students, MINEDUB/MINAS officials, NGOs and members of the host community. Before going into the field, an information note indicating the purpose of the study, the period of the study and the profile of the interviewer was sent to the administrative authorities. As in all qualitative research, the saturation point was reached after ten interviews, i.e. until it seemed that no new information could be obtained. The interviews were conducted individually in the locations requested by the respondents, and then recorded using a Dictaphone, and sometimes by Android telephone. Results: This article takes a holistic look at the integration of internally displaced children who have completed their schooling into the labour market. The analysis shows that no specific measures are being taken by the Cameroon government and its implementing partners in charge of education to recruit this vulnerable group who, despite the difficulties they face as a result of forced displacement, have nonetheless managed to complete their schooling. Discussion: The particularity of this article is that, in addition to being situated between forced displacement, terrorism and formal education, as UNESCO states, "in a crisis situation you have to save education". With cultural connectivity as its Ariadne's thread, this article mobilises the measures taken by stakeholders to encourage or compel parents to contribute to their children's education despite the hostilities, insecurity and armed conflicts that have arisen. Conclusion: The IDPs who are the subject of this study come from villages and communities in the Mayo Tsanaga department, with different cultures and d

Statistical Evaluation of Dugwell Construction and Placement Parameters on Groundwater Contamination in the Sandstone Phreatic Aquiferous Formations in Garoua, North Region Cameroon: Seasonal Variations

Statistical Evaluation of Dugwell Construction and Placement Parameters on Groundwater Contamination in the Sandstone Phreatic Aquiferous Formations in Garoua, North Region Cameroon: Seasonal Variations

PROCEDURAL JUSTICE AND THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF THE TEACHERS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BAMENDA, NOTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

This study was to investigate the effect of procedural justice on the psychological well-being of the teachers of the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Northwest Region of Cameroon. The study employed a sequential explanatory research design. The sample for the study comprised 270 teachers working in Catholic nursery, primary and secondary schools within the Mankon, Bayelle and Bambui Deaneries of the Archdiocese of Bamenda. Quantitative data were collected with the help of a questionnaire while Focus Group Discussions were conducted to generate qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using the linear regression technique. Qualitative data generated from Focused Group Discussions were analyzed using the technique of thematic analysis. Findings from Quantitative analysis of data revealed that 63% of teachers’ indicated that teachers were satisfied with procedural justice within the Bamenda Archdiocesan Catholic Education Agency and that procedural justice had a significant effect on the psychological well-being of teachers of the Archdiocese of Bamenda. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the government should effectively follow-up, monitor and audit the channels of paying subvention funds to beneficiary private sector teachers to ensure that the money reaches the intended beneficiaries uncompromised.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacity and Studies of the Anticonvulsant Properties of Hymenocardia acida

The work focuses on evaluating the antioxidant capacity and studying the anticonvulsant properties of the bark of Hymencardia acida (Euphorbiaceae), which is a tropical African plant traditionally used in the Centre Region of Cameroon in the treatment of many diseases such as migraines, diarrhoea, wounds, stomach ache and influenza. The various antioxidant tests carried out have highlighted the high antioxidant content of the bark of these plants. The results of the anticonvulsant activity showed that: The decoction of Hymencardia acida antagonized the convulsions induced by 100% pentylenetetrazole at doses of 22.5, 45 and 90 mg/kg. It also protected mice from convulsions induced by pilocarpine, 100% at doses 45 and 90 mg/kg and in the 4-aminopyridine convulsion induction test, it protected mice 100% at doses 45 and 90 mg/kg with a significant difference of (P ≤ 0.001) compared to the negative control. This study justify the use of H. acida in traditional medicine category 1, for the treatment of epilepsy in the community of the Centre Region of Cameroon.

Impact of the climate change on the site suitability for solar farms: Case study of Cameroon

It is widely agreed that in the coming decade the Earth's climate will undergo significant changes, which will considerably affect the ecosystems and populations in various ways. In this study, the climate change impact on the suitability of the recommended sustainable locations for siting solar PV facilities in Cameroon is assessed based on the downscaled climate projections and the geographic information system integrated with a multi-criteria decision-making technique. Spatial tools are used to identify the potential locations by extracting the constraint areas. The analytical hierarchy process is applied to weigh the criteria (climate, orography and vegetation) and calculate a land suitability index (LSI) to evaluate potential sites. Based on the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment, the change in LSI towards the end of century is assessed considering two climate change scenarios, one optimistic and the other pessimistic. Results show that 13.7% of the study area is suitable for installing utility-size PV power plants with the highly suitable areas located mainly in the Extreme-North region of Cameroon. Under the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios, a very slight change in LSI (−5% ≤ LSI ≤ 5%) is projected for most of the potential sites across the country.

Physical integrity and bioefficacy of used long-lasting insecticidal nets in Makenene, Centre Region of Cameroon.

Long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) are the recommended tools against mosquito-borne diseases. However, their physical integrity and bioefficacy in the field could be affected by several factors. This study evaluated the physical integrity and bioefficacy of nets used in Makenene since 2016. Cross-sectional field surveys were carried out after 6 y. A questionnaire was first administered to the heads of households, and then the physical integrity of the LLINs was determined by calculating the proportional hole index (pHI). WHO cone bioassays were conducted to determine the bioefficacy of LLINs currently being used against wild strains of Anopheles gambiae s.l., Culex pipiens s.l., and laboratory-reared pyrethroid-susceptible strain of Anopheles coluzzii (Ngousso). Of the 167 LLINs examined in households, 39.5% were fairly good, 26.4% were acceptable, and 34.1% were damaged. The most torn faces of the nets were the sides used for entering and exiting. None of the 30 LLINs used for WHO cone bioassays was still effective against An. gambiae s.l. and Cx. pipiens s.l. while up to 85.7% of these LLINs were at least effective against the susceptible strain after 24 h, with a significant difference observed when comparing the mortality rates between wild and laboratory-susceptible strain of Anopheles (P-value < 0.01). Anopheles gambiae s.l. were all (100%) identified as An. gambiae s.s. by PCR. The LLINs distributed in Makenene since the 2016 campaign are only effective on susceptible strain and should be replaced for a better control of residual malaria transmission and the nuisance by Culex mosquitoes in the locality.

Estimating of radiation output of X-RAY tube using mathematical model: Case of high-frequency machines

PurposeDuring any radiological procedure, it is important to know the dose to be-administered to the patient and this can be done by estimating the output of the X-ray tube either with a dosimeter or with a mathematical equation or Monte Carlo simulations. The aim of this work is to develop a new mathematical model equation (NMME) for estimating the output of high-frequency X-ray tubes. MethodsTo achieve this, data collected from ten machines in many regions of Cameroon were used (for nine machines) to build an initial model that does not take into account the anode angle and the tenth machine was used to test the model. Using the SpekCalc software, some simulations were carried out to evaluate the influence of the anode angle. This allowed the NMME to be proposed. ResultsThe deviations frequencies between 0.65% and 19.61% were obtained by comparing the output values obtained using initial model with the measured values. The statistical hypothesis test showed that the estimated values using initial model and NMME are in agreement with those measured unlike the Kothan and Tungjai model. For the tenth machine, the percentage difference between estimated and measured values is less than 8 %. ConclusionThese results show that the proposed model performed better than the previous models. In the absence of a dosimeter, the NMME could be used to estimate the output of high frequency X-ray machines and therefore the radiation doses received by patients during diagnostic X-ray examinations.

Late Ediacaran post–collisional granite in Babouri–Figuil (Northwest Cameroon): Implication for crustal–mantle contributions in an extensional setting

The Babouri–Figuil Magmatic Complex (BFMC, adjacent to the central-south Chad domain) is located on the southern flank of the Saharan Metacraton. It is amongst the least geologically studied regions in Cameroon; only a few key research papers on geochronology and isotopes have been completed. The emplacement of granitic bodies is poorly constrained between the early and late–Neoproterozoic with inherited zircons of older Paleoproterozoic–Neoproterozoic ages. In this study, undeformed biotite granite massifs (Lombel and Badesi) were studied, and their geochronologic, geochemical and mineral chemical data, including Nd–Sr–Hf isotopes, are presented. The massifs are enriched in pink K-feldspar (orthoclase and microcline; 60–65 wt%) and plagioclase (8–10 wt%) anastomosing to intergranular quartz (18–20 wt%) and biotite (3–5 wt%) crystals. The Lombel massif yielded a Concordia age of 566 ± 2.5 Ma (MSWD = 1.6, zircon U–Pb), slightly older than the Concordia age of 556 ± 2.7 Ma (MSWD = 2.1, zircon U–Pb) obtained for the Badesi massif. These are interpreted as emplacement ages, which post–date arc magmatism by ∼ 45 Ma. The geochemistry of the massifs showed sub- to mid–alkaline, high–K alkali–calcic, and weakly peraluminous compositional characteristics. The calculated biotite temperatures ranged from 613 to 647 °C, pressures from 100 to 300 MPa, and H2O from 3.0 to 3.5 wt%. Whole–rock composition geothermobarometry revealed low pressure of 100–500 MPa, depths of 3.5–18 km and low oxygen fugacity (ΔQFM = −0.6), indicating reducing crystallization conditions. The estimated radiogenic isotopic values are similar for both massifs, falling in the range from initial εHf(t) = +2.6 to +8.4 and initial εNd(t) = +1.3 to +2.1, with a corresponding average initial Sr of 0.70212–0.70458. These radiogenic isotope values suggest a mantle–derived origin for this granite or the melting of a juvenile mafic crustal protolith, as confirmed by the two–stage model age obtained (TDM2 = ∼ 1.2 Ga). Given that biotite is interstitial in alkali feldspar and plagioclase in both massifs, this suggests that biotite chemistry records conditions of magma evolution. Overall, these results confirm that the studied massifs are post–collisional products emplaced at shallow crustal levels under evolved magmatic conditions. They are coeval with a few post–magmatic intrusions in the central–south Chad and emplaced after the Sao–Francisco Congo Craton collided with the Saharan Metacraton. The ages obtained enabled a possible correlation with several Neoproterozoic post–collisional granites in Cameroon, south-central Chad, Central African Republic and Borborema Province of Brazil. The ages also revealed that continental assembly coupled with regional late–magmatism occurred during the Proterozoic.

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in situ&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Activity of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cymbopogon citratus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Essential Oil Against &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Alternaria alternata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Phomopsis carica-papayae&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, Causal Agents of Papaya Leaf Diseases

Papaya cultivation is considered to be one of the most important fruit-growing activities in Cameroon, and plays a vital role in improving the livelihoods of local producers. However, leaf diseases caused by devastating fungi are a real obstacle to the development of this crop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal potential of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cymbopogon citratus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; essential oil against &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Alternaria alternata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Phomopsis carica-papayae&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, fungal agents associated with the deterioration of papaya leaves in the Moungo region of Cameroon. The essential oil of fresh &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;C. citratus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; leaves was extracted by hydrodistillation. Analysis of the chemical composition by GC then GC/MS revealed Geranial (45.24%), Neral (35.57%) and Myrcene (7.21%) as the majority compounds. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; antifungal tests on mycelial growth by incorporation into agar gave MICs of 900 ppm and 700 ppm against &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;A. alternata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and P&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;. carica-papayae &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;respectively. The MIC of 700 ppm proved fungicidal on &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;P. carica papayae&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, while for &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;A. alternata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; the fungicidal effect was obtained at a concentration of 900 ppm. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In situ&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, the essential oil proved significantly active in inhibiting necrosis caused by the conidial complex of the two pathogens on papaya leaves, with a percentage inhibition of 85.93% at a concentration of 6000 ppm. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;C. citratus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; EO could therefore be used as an alternative to chemical fungicides in the fight against papaya leaf disease pathogens.

Floristic Diversity and Carbon Stock of Woody Stands in Some Sacred Forests in the West Cameroon Region

The vegetation of West Cameroon has been almost entirely destroyed, and the only remaining forests are mostly so-called "sacred" forests, which play a role in regulating the climate. The aim of this study was to assess the wood diversity and carbon stored by sacred forests in the Ndé division. The inventories were carried out on 34 plots of 900 m2 each. To do this, all woody individuals with a diameter ≥ 10 cm at 1.30 m above ground level were counted. Floristic diversity was assessed using diversity indices. Allometric equations were used to estimate biomass in order to deduce the carbon stored by these forests. At the end of the surveys, 77 species belonging to 57 genera and 32 families were recorded. Dracaena arborea and Cola sp. were the most common species (64.71% and 94.12% respectively). The density of individuals varied from 299 stems/ha to 341 stems/ha in the forests studied. Basal area varied from 42.19 m²/ha to 53.28 m²/ha. Shannon index values are low in both forests (around 2±0.38 bit), indicating low specific diversity at the sites studied. Carbon values ranged from 286.89 tC/ha to 215.67 tC/ha in these sacred forests. Cola sp. and Dracaena arborea recorded the highest carbon values. Of the species recorded, 03 are vulnerable. This study reveals the importance of sacred forests for the conservation of biodiversity and their capacity to store carbon in order to contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gases.

Effect of some local plant extracts on lipid stability, organoleptic properties and nutritional value of fish (Alestes baremoze) during sun and smoke drying in Far-North Cameroon

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of some local plant extracts on lipid stability, organoleptic properties and the nutritional value of fish (Alestes baremoze) during sun and smoke drying in Far-North region of Cameroon. Three local plants (Xylopia aethiopica fruits, Moringa oleifera leaves and Allium cepa leaves were collected in Maroua town. The fish (Alestes baremoze) was collected in Maga Lake. The eviscerated fish was treated as follows: fish + distilled water (negative control), fish + butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at 0.2 g/L (positive control), fish + hydro-ethanolic extracts of each plant at concentrations of 3, 6, 9 and 12 g/L; fish + aqueous extracts of each plant at concentrations of 10, 20, 30 and 40 g/L. After 15 min in the treatment medium, the fish was subjected to smoking or sun drying. Acid, iodine, peroxide, p-anisidine, TOTOX and TBA values of extract oils were determined. Sensory evaluation of smoked and sun-dried fish was determined. The nutritive value of the most preferred smoked and sun-dried treated fish was determined by standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Results showed that compared to the control, the plant extracts significantly (P < 0.05) protect fish lipid against oxidative and are reflected by: limiting the increase of the acid, peroxide, p-anisidine, TOTOX, TBA values maintaining the high level of the iodine value. Treatment with these extracts significantly increase (P ˂ 0.05), the colour, taste and overall acceptability of treated fish. These plant extracts could also significantly increase (P ˂ 0.05) the proximate and mineral compositions of treated fish.

Impact of the Severe Malaria "Champions Program" on the Management of Severe Malaria Cases in 12 Hospitals of the North and Far North Regions of Cameroon.

Malaria remains a main cause of morbidity and mortality in Cameroon. Since 2021, the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative Impact Malaria Project has supported the National Malaria Control Program to develop the Champions program in two northern regions. We assessed this program's preliminary effectiveness on the performance of hospitals in the management of severe malaria and reduction of malaria-related deaths. We conducted a secondary analysis of Outreach Training and Supportive Supervision (OTSS) data from four rounds (one round pre-Champions program and three rounds post-Champions program and 2020-2022 malaria-related mortality data for 12 hospitals). Using linear regressions, we measured changes in hospital readiness and competency of health workers in the management of severe malaria between baseline and subsequent rounds. There were statistically significant improvements in overall management of severe malaria scores in post-Champions OTSS rounds, with post-Champions round 3 exhibiting an increase of +14% (P = 0.013) over baseline. Overall health facility readiness scores exhibited an increase of +7% (P = 0.006) from baseline to post-Champions round 3. There were no statistically significant findings associated with providing the right treatment, as nearly all patients hospitalized with severe malaria were treated with a recommended severe malaria treatment. Reported inpatient malaria deaths and case fatality rates trended downward from 2020 to 2022, but these differences were not statistically significant. The Champions program resulted in significant improvements in quality of inpatient care for severe malaria. The downward trends in malaria deaths and case fatality rate will require further monitoring to determine whether the Champions program is having the desired impact of reducing inpatient deaths from malaria.