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Understanding of stoichiometry by learners from Form Four to final year of general secondary education in Cameroon
Get PDFThe aim of the present research is to determine the conceptions of learners from Form Four to Upper Sixth (13-19 years) of general secondary education in Cameroon about the concept of stoichiometry. A preliminary analysis of the didactic transposition of the concept of chemical reaction in the Form Four textbook, combined with an epistemological study of the concept of stoichiometry, enabled us to design an 8-item paper-and-pencil questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to 239 learners ranging from four to Upper Sixth students of five general secondary schools. The data collected were analyzed using Dehon's (2018) significance level model. The results show that many students assign irrelevant meanings to the concepts within the conceptual network of stoichiometry. For instance, 54.4% of students conceive of the stoichiometric coefficient at the macroscopic level as a quantity of matter. Furthermore, only 20.4% of students correctly determine the number of molecules (or atoms) of one reactant needed to react completely with a known number of molecules (or atoms) of another reactant, and 36.8% correctly determine the quantity of matter of one reactant required to react completely with a precise quantity of another reactant. It appears that stoichiometry is better conceptualized by students at the macroscopic level than at the microscopic level
Étude ethnobotanique des plantes médicinales utilisées dans la gestion traditionnelle de COVID-19 et les Symptômes associés en Basse Guinée
Get PDFLa pandémie de COVID-19 a profondément bouleversé les systèmes de santé mondiaux, suscitant un recours accru aux ressources endogènes, notamment à la pharmacopée traditionnelle, dans plusieurs régions du monde. Cette étude ethnobotanique a été menée en Basse Guinée afin de documenter les plantes médicinales utilisées traditionnellement dans la gestion traditionnelle des symptômes associés à la maladie à Coronavirus (COVID-19). Elle a été réalisée entre mai 2020 et juin 2021 dans cinq préfectures (Boké, Boffa, Fria, Dubréka et Kindia), a permis d’interroger 302 Tradithérapeutes issus de la communauté locale. Les résultats révèlent une prédominance de la monothérapie dans les pratiques, suivie de la bithérapie. Au total, 94 espèces végétales ont été recensées et formellement identifiées. Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll.Arg. a été la plus fréquemment citée, et la famille des Rubiaceae la plus représentée. Les recettes étaient principalement administrées par voie orale (66,5 %), et les modes de préparation privilégiés incluaient la décoction, la macération et l’infusion. Le screening phytochimique réalisé sur les extraits alcooliques de feuilles a mis en évidence la présence de polyphénols (flavonoïdes, des tanins et des pro- anthocyanidines) reconnus pour leurs propriétés antivirales. Les fractionnements bio guidé des extraits polaires sont en cours afin d’isoler les molécules bioactives et d’évaluer leur potentiel thérapeutique contre le SARS-CoV-2. Cette étude met en lumière l’importance des savoirs traditionnels dans le contexte de la riposte à la COVID-19 et ouvre des perspectives prometteuses pour le développement de phytomédicaments.
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly disrupted global health systems, leading to increased reliance on endogenous resources, particularly traditional pharmacopoeia, in several regions of the world. This ethnobotanical study was conducted in Lower Guinea to document medicinal plants traditionally used in the management of symptoms associated with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It was carried out between May 2020 and June 2021 in five prefectures (Boké, Boffa, Fria, Dubréka, and Kindia), and allowed 302 traditional therapists from the local community to be interviewed. The results reveal a predominance of monotherapy in practices, followed by dual therapy. In total, 94 plant species were recorded and formally identified. Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll.Arg. was the most frequently cited, and the Rubiaceae family was the most represented. Recipes were mainly administered orally (66.5%), and preferred preparation methods included decoction, maceration, and infusion. Phytochemical screening carried out on alcoholic leaf extracts revealed the presence of polyphenols (flavonoids, tannins, and proanthocyanidins) known for their antiviral properties. Bio-guided fractionation of polar extracts is underway to isolate bioactive molecules and evaluate their therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2.This study highlights the importance of traditional knowledge in the context of the response to COVID-19 and opens up promising prospects for the development of phytomedicines
Perceptions of the Declining Fertility Rate and Evolving Views on Motherhood: A Comparative Study among University Students in India and Sri Lanka
Get PDFThis study explores perceptions of declining fertility rates and evolving views on motherhood among female undergraduates in Sri Lanka and India, with attention to disciplinary and cultural variations. A mixed-methods approach was employed; the research combined a survey of 300 students from the University of Colombo and 234 students from the VET Institute of Arts and Science in Tamil Nadu with qualitative data from 20 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions. The findings indicate that students in both countries express moderate to high concern about fertility decline, with Indian students expressing slightly higher concern overall. In Sri Lanka, concern levels varied significantly by academic discipline, with Arts students showing greater awareness than their Science counterparts. Across both countries, delayed motherhood was primarily associated with higher education, career priorities, financial insecurity, and shifting societal norms. Nevertheless, cultural expectations continued to influence preferred childbearing ages of 25–30 years and the ideal family size of two children. These findings suggest a gradual shift towards more individualistic and diverse reproductive attitudes, while traditional values remain deeply embedded. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how generational perspectives on fertility and motherhood are shaped by the intersection of personal aspirations, academic environment, and socio-cultural context in both countries
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in a Hospital Setting in Chad: A Study of 85 Cases
Get PDFIntroduction: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic inflammatory rheumatism in children. It remains poorly studied in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary features of JIA in a rheumatology department in Chad. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study involving 85 cases of JIA collected from January 2020 to September 2024. Demographic, clinical, biological, therapeutic, and follow-up data were analyzed. Results: Among 111 systemic disease cases, 85 were JIA. The mean age at disease onset was 11.2 years with a female-to-male ratio of 2.4. The most common forms were enthesitis-related arthritis (30.6%), RF-negative polyarthritis (30.6%), and oligoarthritis (18.8%). The average diagnostic delay was 4.2 years. The most frequent extra-articular manifestations were uveitis (15.3%) and lymphadenopathy (5.9%). Treatment included NSAIDs, corticosteroids, methotrexate, and etanercept in four cases. Three deaths were recorded. Outcomes were favorable in most cases, as assessed by CHAQ and JADAS scores. Conclusion: JIA is the most frequent pediatric systemic disease in our setting. Diagnosis remains delayed and access to innovative therapies is limited. Early diagnosis and structured follow-up should be strengthened
Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness in Undergraduate Education through Curricular Reform: Post-COVID-19 Insights
Get PDFAims and Scope: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed widespread gaps in undergraduate biomedical and health sciences programs' ability to prepare future healthcare professionals for public health emergencies. This study aimed to identify key curricular indicators for strengthening pandemic preparedness in undergraduate education, using Georgia as a representative case study of a resource-constrained setting. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using virtual semi-structured interviews with 33 educators recruited through purposive sampling based on teaching experience and disciplinary background. Participants represented medicine, public health, nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy programs - 30 from Georgian institutions and 3 international experts for data triangulation. Data collected from May to August 2024 were analysed using inductive thematic analysis in MAXQDA, a qualitative analysis software. Ethical approval was obtained from The University of Georgia School of Health Sciences Ethics Committee (Approval Number: N:11-6461). Findings: Three key curricular indicators emerged for strengthening pandemic preparedness: (1) institutional readiness by embedding pandemic-focused content and simulation-based learning into core curricula; (2) public health communication, including vaccine advocacy, crisis response messaging, and risk communication; (3) research and collaboration capacity through interdisciplinary and international engagement to build a responsive academic workforce. Conclusion: Despite lessons from COVID-19, many undergraduate biomedical and health sciences programs continue to lack structured disaster preparedness instruction, leaving students unprepared for emergency response. The identified key indicators provide a foundation for undergraduate curricular reform. Using Georgia as an example, the findings present a scalable reform framework to strengthen pandemic preparedness, system resilience and better prepare future professionals for public health emergencies
Comparación de los recursos naturales de cuatro comunidades del municipio de Escárcega, Campeche
Get PDFEscárcega, municipio del estado mexicano de Campeche, conformado por nueve comunidades y dos juntas municipales; situado en el sur-sureste del Estado, rico en gastronomía, cultura y recursos naturales. Escárcega ha sido conocido como un lugar rico en especies maderables; también han sido sobreexplotados sus recursos y otros se han desaprovechado. Es fundamental conservar los mismos a través de prácticas sustentables. Por tanto, para realizar acciones en pro de los recursos naturales, es indispensable realizar diagnósticos en las comunidades más importantes que tengan influencia en el proyecto del Tren Maya, agrupar dichas actividades y construir alianzas entre los sectores que existen en Escárcega. Por lo anterior, para la realización de este proyecto, la muestra se definió de manera aleatoria, analizando variables de superficie, número de habitantes y recursos naturales que poseen cercanía con la ruta del Tren Maya, entre otros. Además, se consideraron las características de los recursos que pueden ser aprovechados para el turismo rural. Parte de la metodología fue el diseño y aplicación de cuestionarios de manera física para obtener la información agrupada en tres categorías: recursos naturales, sociales y áreas de oportunidad dirigidos a los representantes (comisarios y agentes municipales), vecinos y líderes naturales de cada comunidad. Los resultados obtenidos muestran la similitud tanto en recursos potencialmente favorables para el desarrollo del turismo rural como las áreas de oportunidad, tales como: Organización, comunicación asertiva grupal y capacitación en temas de turismo rural (diseño de rutas, mercadotecnia, entre otras).
Escárcega, a municipality in the Mexican state of Campeche, is made up of nine communities and two municipal councils. Located in the south-southeast of the state, it is rich in gastronomy, culture, and natural resources. Escárcega is known for its wealth of timber species; however, its resources have been overexploited and others have been wasted. The objective of this article is to conserve these resources through sustainable practices. Therefore, in order to take measures in favor of natural resources, it is essential to carry out assessments in the most important communities that influence the Maya Train project, group these activities, and create alliances between the sectors that exist in Escárcega. For this reason, to carry out this project, the sample was defined randomly, analyzing variables such as surface area, number of inhabitants, and natural resources located near the Maya Train route, among others. In addition, the characteristics of resources that can be exploited for rural tourism were considered. Part of the methodology consisted of designing and administering physical questionnaires to obtain information grouped into three categories: natural resources, social resources, and areas of opportunity, aimed at representatives (commissioners and municipal agents), residents, and natural leaders of each community. The results obtained show the similarity in both potentially favorable resources for the development of rural tourism and areas of opportunity, such as: Organization, assertive group communication, and training in rural tourism topics (route design, marketing, among others)
Gamification, Scaffolding and Integrative Background: Toward an Inclusive Education Model
Get PDFThis article investigates the theoretical interconnections among gamification, Bruner’s concept of scaffolding, and the Italian pedagogical method of the integrative background, examining their potential in fostering personalized and inclusive education. Based on a critical synthesis of theoretical and empirical contributions from recent literature, the study highlights how the convergence of these methodologies can enhance motivation, cognitive development, and active engagement in diverse educational settings. Gamification is analyzed as a tool that fosters engagement and persistence through playful learning dynamics, acting as motivational scaffolding. Scaffolding, as conceptualized by Bruner and enriched by Vygotsky’s contributions, is presented as a flexible support process that adapts to students’ evolving cognitive and emotional needs. The integrative background, sfondo integratore, as developed by Canevaro and Zanelli, is presented as a contextualized methodology that fosters shared meaning-making and reduces barriers to learning and creates inclusive learning environments. Based on these analyses, the paper proposes a theoretical model that integrates gamification, scaffolding, and the integrative background into a coherent educational framework. This model aims to support inclusive practices by promoting meaningful, differentiated learning pathways and improving participation and academic achievement for all learners. The study offers methodological insights for the design of inclusive teaching practices and reflects on the transformative potential of integrating game-based, scaffolded, and narrative-driven learning strategies across diverse educational contexts
Estime de Soi et Persistance des Étudiantes en STIM à l’ENSAI de Ngaoundéré au Cameroun
Get PDFLa faible représentation des femmes dans les filières STIM (Sciences, Technologies, Ingénierie et Mathématiques) reste un enjeu majeur au Cameroun. À l’École Nationale Supérieure Agro – Industrielle (ENSAI) de l’Université de Ngaoundéré, cette réalité interroge la persistance des étudiantes dans ces parcours. Le phénomène de la sous – représentation des femmes dans les filières STIM, malgré diverses politiques incitatives, s’expliquerait par des facteurs psychosociaux, notamment l’auto – efficacité, la motivation intrinsèque et extrinsèque. Or, leur interaction et leur impact précis sur la persévérance restent peu mesurés empiriquement. Cette étude interroge, à travers l’estime de soi, l’influence de ces 3 facteurs sur cette persistance. Elle s’appuie sur un questionnaire administré aux 72 étudiantes issues de 14 filières, sélectionnées selon un échantillonnage par choix raisonné. Les résultats montrent que l’estime de soi concourt à la persistance des étudiantes en STIM. En effet, l’auto – efficacité permet aux étudiantes de croire en leurs capacités, de rester ambitieuses, persévérantes et résilientes face aux difficultés. La motivation intrinsèque, liée à l’autonomie, à l’autodétermination et à l’intérêt pour la filière, renforce leur engagement. Enfin, la motivation extrinsèque, soutenue par les encouragements des parents et des enseignants ainsi que par l’espoir d’un emploi bien rémunéré, renforce leur confiance et leurs choix. L’étude recommande la valorisation des modèles féminins de réussite pour encourager l’identification et la projection. Cette piste contribuerait à améliorer l’attractivité et la rétention des étudiantes dans les filières scientifiques et techniques de l’ENSAI et, plus largement, des grandes écoles scientifiques camerounaises.
The low representation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses remains a major issue in Cameroon. At the National Higher School of Agro–Industrial Sciences (NHSAS) of the University of Ngaoundéré, this reality raises questions about the persistence of female students in these courses. The under–representation of women in STEM subjects, despite various incentive policies, can be explained by psychosocial factors, in particular self–efficacy and intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. However, little empirical research has been done into the interaction between these factors and their precise impact on perseverance. This study examines the influence of these 3 factors on persistence through self–esteem. It is based on a questionnaire administered to 72 female students from 14 streams, selected on the basis of purposive sampling. The results show that self–esteem contributes to the persistence of female STEM students. Self–efficacy enables students to believe in their abilities and to remain ambitious, persevering, and resilient in the face of difficulties. Intrinsic motivation, linked to autonomy, self-determination, and interest in the course, strengthens their commitment. Finally, extrinsic motivation, supported by encouragement from parents and teachers and the hope of a well–paid job, strengthens their confidence and their choices. The study recommends promoting successful female role models to encourage identification and projection. This would help to improve the attractiveness and retention of female students in the scientific and technical streams at ENSAI and, more broadly, at Cameroon’s leading science colleges
La perception de l’évolution du climat et de la vulnérabilité aux épidémies de paludisme et de choléra liées au changement climatique dans les localités de Bol, Fianga, Moundou et N’Djaména (Tchad)
Get PDFL’étude examine la perception des populations de Bol, Fianga, Moundou et N’Djaména (Tchad) concernant l’évolution du climat et la vulnérabilité aux épidémies de paludisme et de choléra liées aux changements climatiques. En s’appuyant sur une enquête représentative menée en 2024 auprès de 1 536 individus, l’analyse combine des approches bivariées et multivariées pour identifier les déterminants démographiques, socioéconomiques, géographiques et climatiques des perceptions locales. Les analyses multivariées montrent que la perception d’une augmentation du paludisme est plus marquée chez les hommes (OR≈1,4), les jeunes adultes de 20‑35 ans (OR≈1,6) et les personnes ayant un niveau d’éducation secondaire ou supérieur (OR≈1,5), tandis que celle du choléra est particulièrement élevée chez les ménages à revenus plus élevés (OR≈1,7), les personnes mariées (OR≈1,3) et les habitants des zones exposées aux inondations (OR≈1,8). Les facteurs climatiques, tels que les sécheresses prolongées et les inondations fréquentes, restent également significativement associés à une perception accrue de ces maladies. Ces résultats multivariés mettent en évidence que la perception des risques sanitaires liés au climat varie selon des caractéristiques sociodémographiques et environnementales spécifiques, soulignant la nécessité de cibler ces facteurs dans les interventions de santé publique et les stratégies de résilience climatique.
The study examines the perceptions of the populations of Bol, Fianga, Moundou, and N'Djaména (Chad) concerning climate change and vulnerability to malaria and cholera epidemics linked to climate change. Based on a representative survey of 1,536 individuals conducted in 2024, the analysis combines bivariate and multivariate approaches to identify the demographic, socio-economic, geographical, and climatic determinants of local perceptions. The multivariate analyses show that the perception of an increase in malaria is more marked among men (OR≈1.4), young adults aged 20-35 (OR≈1.6) and people with secondary or higher education (OR≈1, 5), while that of cholera is particularly high among higher-income households (OR≈1.7), married people (OR≈1.3) and residents of flood-prone areas (OR≈1.8). Climatic factors, such as prolonged drought and frequent flooding, also remained significantly associated with an increased perception of these diseases. These multivariate results highlight that the perception of climate-related health risks varies according to specific socio-demographic and environmental characteristics, underlining the need to target these factors in public health interventions and climate resilience strategies
Impact de la démotivation des agents sur la performance organisationnelle du Service d’Assistance et d’Encadrement de l’Exploitation Minière Artisanale et à Petite Échelle (SAEMAPE)/Lubumbashi
Get PDFCet article vise à déterminer l’impact de la démotivation sur la performance organisationnelle. Elle couvre une période allant de 2023 à 2025, et cette étude a été menée au service d’assistance et d’encadrement de l’exploitation minière artisanale et à petite échelle (SAEMAPE)/Lubumbashi. Elle s’est servi des interviews directes réalisées sur un échantillon représentatif composé de 40 travailleurs. Après l’analyse et le traitement des données à travers le logiciel SPSS et le test statistique Anova. Les résultats montrent que la démotivation des agents impacte négativement sur la performance organisationnelle de SAEMAPE au Haut-Katanga. Comme l’évolution du chiffre d’affaire la démontre. Il sied de noter que selon la théorie des attentes, chaque individu aura tendance à entreprendre une action à partir du moment où il la perçoit comme susceptible de lui permettre d’atteindre les objectifs qu’il s’est fixés et notamment les récompenses qu’il attend. Ce qui fait que, selon cette théorie, la motivation des travailleurs dépend du niveau de satisfaction des besoins des travailleurs avec les ressources ou les récompenses que l’employeur leurs donne (salaire, promotion, prime,). Il y a lieu de confirmer nos hypothèses de travail selon lesquelles la démotivation des agents a un impact négatif sur la performance organisationnelle du service public. Elle pousse les agents à s’absenter ou venir en retard au service volontairement et crée le dysfonctionnement des services.
This article aims to determine the impact of demotivation on organizational performance. It covers the period from 2023 to 2024, and this study was conducted at the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Assistance and Support Service (SAEMAPE) in Lubumbashi. It used direct interviews with a represaentative sample of 40 workers. After analyzing and processing the data using SPSS software and the ANOVA statistical test, the results show that employee demotivation negatively impacts SAEMAPE's organizational performance in Haut-Katanga. This is demonstrated by the change in turnover. It should be noted that according to expectancy theory, each individual will tend to undertake an action when they perceive it as likely to enable them to achieve their objectives, particularly the rewards they expect. This means that, according to this theory, worker motivation depends on the level of satisfaction of workers' needs with the resources or rewards provided by the employer (salary, promotion, bonus, etc.). This confirms our working hypotheses, according to which employee demotivation has a negative impact on the organizational performance of public services. It pushes employees to be absent or arrive late for work voluntarily and creates service dysfunction