Author(s) :

Tshilanda Dinangayi Dorrothée, Ngoyi Matshimba Etienne, Umba Phoba Divine, Kasiama Nkal Giresse, Kabengele Nkongolo Carlos, Bete Mvita Juvenal, Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua Jean-Paul, Mpiana Tshimankinda Pius, Tshibangu S.T. Damien.

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Plants, especially medicinal varieties, play a vital role in human health. This study aims to analyze the phytochemical properties and evaluate the antisickling activity of Vigna radiata, cultivated in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Results indicate the presence of various chemical compounds, including total polyphenols (239.84 ± 0.57 mg EQ/g), flavonoids (8.089 ± 0.046 mg EQ/g), anthocyanins (0.503 ± 0.003 mg/g), hydrolyzable tannins (0.084 ± 0.002%), and condensed tannins (0.041 ± 0.001%), along with a foam index of 150 for saponins. The mineral composition, determined through X-ray fluorescence, revealed significant levels of Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn. Extraction of V. radiata seeds was performed with solvents of increasing polarity, and the aqueous extract displayed notable antioxidant activity at 25 µg/mL, with an 81.923±8.9% inhibition rate. Furthermore, the DCM extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects at 3 mg/mL, inhibiting egg albumin denaturation by 22.72±2.4%. The aqueous extract exhibited antibacterial effects, inhibiting Escherichia coli (18±1.8 mm) and Salmonella SPS (22±3.1 mm), with Staphylococcus aureus showing intermediate sensitivity (10±1.5 mm), whereas Citrobacter diversus showed full resistance. Antisickling activity was significant in the aqueous extract, with normalization rates of 90%, 75%, and 60% at concentrations of 5 µg/mL, 2.5 µg/mL, and 1.25 µg/mL, respectively.

No. of Downloads :

69

Author(s) :

Banlipo DJAKAMBI, Madjouma KANDA, Abalo ATATO, Marra DOURMA, Bimare KOMBATE, Fousséni FOLEGA, Baholy Rahelivololoniaina ROBIJAONA, Atsu Kudzo GUELLY, Komlan BATAWILA, Koffi AKPAGANA.

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The aim of this study is to analyse the evolutionary trajectories of these agroforestry systems in order to identify the main drivers of change that influence their resilient and sustainable management in the Sudanian zone of Togo. Specifically, the aim is to: analyse the main changes that have occurred since 1960; characterise the evolutionary trajectories; and determine the drivers of change that could help to understand the evolution of these systems. The data were collected using a retrospective and prospective diagnostic survey of a sample of farmers, including resource persons, following the Historical-Sociological Investigation Method by means of semi-structured interviews. A Principal Component Analysis coupled with an Ascending Hierarchical Classification was used to study the main stages in the development of these systems. Despite having adopted various measures to promote their adaptability, profound changes have marked the evolution of these systems, testing their limits in the face of these challenges. In this context of adaptability, the results reveal two major transition models: a ‘model of transition from indigenous agricultural systems to extensive and sustainable systems’, dominant in ecological zone I with 47.44% of the systems surveyed, and an ‘agro-ecological transition model towards sustainable, innovative and resilient systems’, dominant in ecological zone II with 52.56% of the said systems. In this duality of agroforestry system management models, it is essential to analyse the evolutionary trajectories and drivers of change in order to draw up appropriate agricultural and environmental policies, with a view to the possible transplantation of these trajectories for sustainable and resilient agriculture both within and between ecological zones.

No. of Downloads :

42

Author(s) :

Landu Makesi Alpha-Sandul, Kafinga L. Emery, Omanyondo O. Marie-Claire.

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The aim of this study was to understand pregnant women's perceptions of vaccination against COVID-19. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach. Data was collected through individual interviews and focus groups. Data analysis consisted of a thematic analysis of the content of the interviews. The target population was made up of pregnant women who had attended the maternity units selected for the study in the Binza Ozone Health Zone. The main results showed that pregnant women's willingness to be vaccinated was hampered by fear and concern about serious adverse post-vaccinal events, congenital malformations in the unborn baby, premature deliveries and low birth weight babies. Vaccinating pregnant women against COVID-19 is one of the effective strategies that can be put in place to protect them from the fatal complications of COVID-19.

No. of Downloads :

93

Author(s) :

Mabola Tsinu Sébastien, Bapidia Nzengu Samuel, Ngimbi Ngimbi Jean, Onoya Wedi Josué, Ntoto Kunzi Bernard, Kafinga Luzolo Emeri.

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Neonatal mortality disturbs the whole of humanity. Its frequency remains very high throughout the world, but more so in developing countries. The DRC is ranked among the countries with the highest number of neonatal deaths in the world with the ratio of 47 per 1000 live births, (Kalonji DC et al 2018). Indeed, the province of Kongo Central has not remained indifferent to this health problem. With a view to improving newborn health during the neonatal period, the present study is conducted and envisages identifying the determinants of neonatal mortality in Kongo Central Province. For this study, the general population consisted of all newborns in the Province of Kongo Central from 2021 to 2022. A random sample of 117 cases met the inclusion criteria, of which we matched 1 case to 2 controls. After data analysis, we found the following results: the overall neonatal mortality rate was 333 per thousand live births. The logistic regression model identified the following determinants of neonatal mortality: age (OR= 1.16562 IC95 [1.035635 -1.3163]. p=0.0105), age less than 2 years (OR= 2.01966 IC95 [1.021601-4.058]. p=0.0449) and acute fetal distress (OR=2.62027IC95 [1.179464-5.878]. p=0.0181). In order to improve neonatal health, pregnant women should be made aware of the importance of prenatal consultations for early detection and appropriate management of high-risk pregnancies. They should be present at the onset of labor and give birth in the presence of qualified personnel.

No. of Downloads :

8

Author(s) :

Mbongopasi Ekeni Bertine, Kunda Motema Charisme , Mamanya Tapasa Fernand, Makengo Sangu Eddy, Mazaba Mata Justin, Bolamba Ghelogo Edouard5.

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This study aims to assess and monitor factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among residents of the N’djili health zone. Using a methodological approach, we conducted survey among residents to collect data on their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about the vaccine. The results show that several factors influence vaccination acceptance, such as education level, access to information, trust in health authorities, and personal experiences related to COVID-19. Data analysis helps identify appropriate communication strategies to improve vaccine acceptance and mobeilize the population.

No. of Downloads :

33

Author(s) :

Nzuzi Nimi Marie Thérèse, Eloko Eya Matangelo Gérard, Kafinga Luzolo Emery.

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This study examines factors associated with maternal mortality from 01 January 2020 to 31 December 2023 at the general referral hospital and in health centres and maternity units in the Kisenso health zone in the Kinshasa provincial health division. We used advanced statistics, with survival analysis performed using the Kaplan Meier estimator. The Cox model helped us to identify the factors associated with maternal mortality, as it is suitable for this type of study. The results of the analysis of our data show that the factors associated with maternal mortality of pregnant women and women who have recently given birth are: factors related to pregnancy, factors related to management and factors related to gynaecological and obstetric characteristics. Taking these factors into account can contribute to the implementation of interventions aimed at significantly reducing maternal mortality at central, intermediate and operational levels.

No. of Downloads :

41

Author(s) :

Joséphine Ntumba Kankolongo, Lionel Mavula Damusa, Arsène Muabu Kayeye, Jeffrey Kamwiziku Mihala, Théodore Kashishi Kazadi, Taba Kalulu Muzele.

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This work involves the development of a bioplastic replacement for non-degradable plastics in packaging. The objective was to produce polylactic acid (PLA) from sugarcane molasses with locally produced Lactobacillus delbrucckii. Polylactic acid is a biosourced and biodegradable polymer, it can be plasticized. The lactic acid bacteria necessary for the synthesis were isolated and identified as Lactobacillus delbrucckii following their characteristics. The sugar cane molasses used came from the KwiluNgongo sugar mill with a concentration of 410.9 g/L of fermentable sugar. 1L of diluted molasses was fermented with the inoculum of Lactobacillus delbrucckii in a ratio of 10/1. This fermentation produced 98 g of lactic acid after purification (63.6%). Lactic acid was polymerized to polylactic acid (92%), via lactide (78.46%), by ring opening. Lactobacillus delbrucckii colonies were characterized by Gram staining, catalase test, morphology, appearance of the colony and mode of fermentation. The Brix degree, pH, density and fermentable sugar level were determined on the molasses. The polymer obtained had a brittle behavior when heated and its mixture with 5% glycerol gelled more weakly than in the presence of 10% glycerol.

No. of Downloads :

24

Author(s) :

Bompate Mbolotomo Jérémie, Idhi Rashid Aimé Jilbert, Chiza Munyerekana Maria, Lolinga Mowango Florent, Mushagalusa Chikanda Bienvenu, Kanuma Amisi Richard.

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This study is based on the entrepreneurial intentions of young Congolese who live in an economic environment that is very rich in natural resources but relatively poor in the spirit of entrepreneurship and capitalising on their country's natural resources. Few studies have been carried out into the entrepreneurial intentions of young people in the Congolese context. This is why we wanted to make a contribution in this field by using documentary techniques through an analysis of the literature and the inductive method to arrive at a synthesis. We concluded that the capitalisation of natural resources in the entrepreneurial intention of young Congolese remains an important step for the development of entrepreneurship in the country.

No. of Downloads :

7