Catholic University Institute of Buea

ABSTRACT Background Vaccination is a cost-effective intervention preventing causes of 48% of deaths among children Under-5 in sub-Saharan Africa. However, one in five African children still has not completed basic vaccination, and over six million children have not received a single dose of the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis vaccine, resulting in over half a million deaths annually. This study aims to understand the key factors influencing pediatrics health (vaccination) decision-making in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods A cross-sectional design using a multi-stage stratified sampling approach was used. Data were collected from 2,451 households with children Under-5 in three countries and analyzed using R. Correlation analysis was used to understand the associations between variables, while regression analysis was used to control for covariates and identify influences on one another. Results The findings show that beliefs in gender disparity, misinformation, and masculinity can undermine childhood vaccination outcomes. A child’s gender ( r = –0.33–0.40, p < 0.01) and misinformation ( r = –0.38–0.54, p < 0.01) impact vaccination intentions and behavior. Meanwhile, positive attitudes ( r = 0.36–0.49, p < 0.01), trust (r = 0.17–0.34, p < 0.01) and peer influence ( r = 0.27–0.33, p < 0.01) significantly improve uptake. However, regressions show that male caregivers had weaker attitudes (β = –0.31, p < 0.001), stronger beliefs about misinformation (β = 0.33, p < 0.001) and lower vaccination intentions (β = –0.12, p < 0.001). Country comparisons reveal that Kenyan and Malawian children are 3.6 (OR = 3.64, p < 0.001) and 13 (OR = 13.13, p < 0.001) times more likely to be vaccinated than Nigerian children, respectively. Furthermore, masculinity had a significant effect on men, Muslims and polygamous households. Conclusion To address low vaccination uptake in sub-Saharan Africa, context-sensitive strategies are required that incorporate gender norms, counter misinformation, and engage fathers.

Diabetes mellitus is referred to as a metabolic disorder in which there is high glucose level in the blood as a result of insulin deficiency, resistance or both. Globally, it has been deducted that the adult population with diabetes will rise by 69% for the year 2030. Thus, Bucholzia Coriacea (B. Coriacea) a perennial plant belonging to the family capparidaceae and genus Bucholzia is popularly known as wonderful kola. It’s also known as wonderful kola, its other name is called Garcinia kola .it has a long history of use in west Africa and central Africa, thus, the study on evaluation of potential in wonderful kola (buchiolizia coreica) seed extract on streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes in male wister rats. Material and Methods: Fresh seeds of B. coriacea were plucked and washed with distilled water, the filtrate was concentrated using rotary evaporator and water bath. The extract was then weighed and stored in a refrigerator. 100g of crude extract and 1000mg of metformin was properly dissolved in 10ml of distilled water. The rats were carefully selected and separated into cages. 7 albino rats were used for normal control while 4 rats were kept in each of the remaining cages, and 6 replications were obtained, the test was carried out carefully by injecting the alloxan into the rats intraperitoneally and infecting them with diabetes mellitus, the following sets were made: normal group, negative and positive control group, while three groups were for extracts dosage. With exception of the normal control, all the groups were induced with diabetes. The extract (stem bark of Mangifera indica) will be administered orally to the three set of groups separately (i.e., one extract to one set). Determination of Fasting Blood Glucose Level by Intestinal Glucose Absorption. Results: Treatment groups receiving methanol Wonder Kola seed extract showed varying degrees of improvement in these parameters compared to the negative control group. Notably, Group VI, receiving the highest dose of the extract, demonstrated the most significant reduction in urea levels, suggesting a potential protective effect on renal function. The study investigated the effects of Wonder Kola seed extract on serum electrolytes, urea, and creatinine levels in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. Notably, significant variations were observed in these biochemical parameters across the different treatment groups. The study assessed the effects of methanol Wonder Kola seed extract on liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and serum protein levels (total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin). Significant variations were observed in these parameters among the treatment groups compared to the normal and negative control groups. Treatment with the extract led to notable reductions in liver enzyme levels, indicating potential hepatoprotective effects. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate the potential pharmacological benefits of methanol Wonder Kola seed extract in managing diabetes mellitus and associated complications.

<i>Mbuja </i>(<i>Bikalga; dawadawa botso; datou; Furundu</i>) is a food condiment obtained by a traditional uncontrolled fermentation of <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa </i>seeds in African countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Sudan). This condiment is known for its nutritive values and for its health properties. In spite of its nutritional and healthy properties the consumption of <i>mbuja </i>is less appreciated in urban areas. This is due to its strong smell, to its bad condition of manufacturing practices which leads to the rapid alteration of nutritive values. The main problem now is how to lead people to consume <i>mbuja </i>which nevertheless contains bioactive molecules, which can help in the treatment or in the prevention of some chronic diseases. In order to the valorisation of its nutraceutic property, a study on effect of<i> mbuja </i>oil consumption compare to palm olein and corn oils on renal and liver dysfunction factors in Rats was carried out. To overcome this, <i>mbuja </i>was purchased in Mokolo market (Far-North, Cameroon); oil extracted from it and nutraceutic aspect of oil was conducted after feeding male rats with different diets containing <i>mbuja</i>, corn and palm oils for 50 days. Renal and liver dysfunction factors was assessed by using classical methods. The results revealed that consumption of <i>mbuja</i> oil produces same effect as corn oil on renal and better effect on hepatic dysfunction factors. Consumption of <i>mbuja</i> oil improve kidney, heart and liver function. This confirms the hepatoprotective effect of <i>mbuja</i> and justify its use in traditional medicine to treat chronic diseases.

Aims: This study was conducted in order to evaluate the synergistic effect of the ethanolic extract and powder of cloves buds (Syzygium aromaticum) with vitamin E in delaying cotton seed oil oxidation during frying of plantain chips.&#x0D; Study design: Purchase of clove buds, cleaning, preparation of clove buds ethanolic extract and powder, supplementation of cotton seed oil enriched with vitamin E with the extract and powder at different concentrations and evaluation of oil stability during frying of plantain chips.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: General Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Catholic University Institute of Buea-Douala Campus, Littoral Region, Cameroon, from January to June 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: In refined cotton seed oil (2.5 L) containing vitamin E as preservative was respectively added 0.30, 0.60, 1.00 and 1.30% of Syzygium aromaticum (SA) buds ethanolic extract and 0.5, 1, 1.50% of buds powder. After ensuring the good dispersion of the antioxidants added, oil samples were used for the deep-frying of plantain chips for 10 and 20 min respectively. Oil sample without clove served as control. The stability of the various oil samples was evaluated through the determination of peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, iodine and acid acid (% oleic) values.&#x0D; Results: Results showed that the natural plant extract and powder increased the stability of the oil compared to the control. Oil samples supplemented with the extract at concentration 0.30 and 0.60% presented good stability compared to the control, while the same extract at higher concentrations (1.00 and 1.30%) tend to behave as prooxidant. Concerning the powder it exhibited better good preservative properties on the oil and at all levels.&#x0D; Conclusion: Clove ethanolic extract at concentration &lt; 0.60% and its powder at concentration 0.50-1.5% can be used to delay cotton seed oil alteration during frying of plantain chips.

The crisis of educational leadership has motivated so much debate and research in recent times in the field of educational administration. Most school leaders have not been trained in the art of educational management and leadership. It has been presumed that anyone who receives a bachelor’s degree in education or a postgraduate diploma in education through training can automatically become a head teacher or principal. That explains why in developing as well as developed countries, school managers and leaders face a lot of challenges. This article seeks to create a link between the career development of senior leadership and the different models proposed by scholars like Day and Bakioglu, Gronn, Wakins and Robbins. The researchers hope to develop strategies that can groom educational managers to assume senior leadership positions. The most influential agents of socialization by Lenka and Vandana, Gupta, Krishnan, Homan & Youngman and Ebot Ashu that enhance educational leadership development have been explored to give this work some serious focus. The primary agent of socialization considered here is the family which is the nucleus of society. The secondary agents of socialization include the schools, peer groups, the churches, work groups, communities, mass medium, social groups and the government. Focusing on Watkins’ seven seismic shifts that transit from specialist to generalist, analyst to the integrator, tactician to strategist, bricklayer to architect, problem solver to agenda setter, warrior to diplomat and supporting cast member to lead role, the researchers argue that school managers can transit to the level of senior leaders and continue to influence school administration in many positive ways. Educational leaders should take their ongoing career development seriously if they are to become relevant in contemporary society. The methodology used in this work is very apt. Based on the field experiences of school administrators, the researchers are able to arrive at findings that support the literature that has been gathered. They are able to explore the career life of educational leaders and identify factors which influence them to become senior leaders and move on as encompassed in the first three phases of Gronn’s and Ribbins’ models, with exceptional three new sub-phases within the accession phase. In all, the study agrees with the general principles of Ribbins’ model rather than the previous work of Day & Bakioglu’s and Gronn’s, who suggest disenchantment and divestiture as inevitable final phases in the career lives of senior leaders. Therefore, Ribbins’ theoretical frame-work of education leadership can be useful in interpreting the link between the career developments of contemporary senior leaders. This study concludes that socialization occurs throughout our life, but some of the most important socialization that occurs during that phase of our lives is the family, school, peers, church, mass media, community, workplace and social group. Therefore, Watkins’ contributions to administration, management and leadership can be used to educate contemporary educational managers and senior leaders in contemporary society.

Aims: Annona comprises many species but four are known as bearers of edible fruits, namely, A. reticulata, A. squamosal, A. cherimola and A. muricata. Soursop is not quite exploited in Cameroon. This work was aimed at determining the nutritional and phytochemical properties of soursop pulp and formulated juices.&#x0D; Methodology: The proximate composition, mineral and phytochemical contents of the pulp and formulated juice with food additives were determined using standard methods. The sensory evaluation of the juice was conducted using a 9- point hedonic scale.&#x0D; Results: Overall acceptability of the juices ranged from 3.87- 6.38. The qualitative phytochemical screening of the juices showed major secondary metabolites (alkaloids, saponins, tannins except steroids and glycosides). Quantitatively, total phenolic content ranged from 0.26-0.89mg GAE/ mL. Proximate composition of the pulp and juice also varied showing; protein (0.58-7.45%), lipid (0.10-0.74%), fibre (1.26-24.23%), ash (1.29 to 2.22%), carbohydrate (8.63-21.0%) and moisture (45.0-88.23%).The minerals in the pulp and juice were; K (7.70-10.06mg/g), Fe (0.19-0.42mg/g), Ca (0.96-2.16mg/g), Mg (0.19-0.68mg/g), Zn (0.04-0.08mg/g), P (0.05-1.23) and Na (0.73-0.81mg/g). Inclusion of additives to the juice generally increased the acceptability of consumers.&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded that soursop pulp and juice contain appreciable amounts of nutrients and phytochemicals which can be exploited to improve nutrition and health. This may contribute to an increase in itsconsumption, a reduction in postharvest losses and an increase in domestication of soursop plant.

In this era of technological abundance, it is difficult to imagine cyber education outside the cyberspace. The purpose of this paper is to extend the growing body of research on cyber education, by reporting the experiences of a Cybersecurity department cu toff from Internet access. The value of Cyber education is expressed even beyond the cyberspace. This qualitative exploratory study uses semistructured interviews and content analysis to collect a wide variety of rich data in order to demonstrate the need and possibility of cyber education, even without Internet access. Willingness to learn and the hope of a fulfilled career were found to be the most significant factors for students' continual motivation. The presence of an eminent “force majeure” was seen more as an opportunity for novel explorations. In contrast to customary thinking, the constructs of information security and assurance were fully fledged outside the cyberspace.

This study assessed the influence of media communication on environmental behavior in Buea, Cameroon. Effective media communication has the potential of motivating friendly environmental habits. However, media communication approaches to influence effective conscious environmental behavior is still a challenge. This study was conducted in Buea, South West Region. Mixed methodology including household questionnaires, in-depth interviews and field observations were used. The main findings revealed that media communication on environmental issues is still conducted merely as a public obligation rather as a tool to influence behavorial change towards the environment. Moreover, media communication was revealed to be very expensive for individuals and institutions that are willing to promote environmental education through the media. Despite the increase in media presence in the study area, media communication has not been able to capture and utilize approaches that can lead to interactive communication, and influence positive environmental habits. There is therefore an urgent need to explore detail strategies that conform to local ethics and has the potential to initiate interactive environmental communication.