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Summary: HIV serological diagnosis has evolved during the last decade to give rise to rapid testing using biological materials, such as blood or oral mucosal transudate (OMT). However, blood collection is not always welcomed, justifying the evaluation of OMT-based devices. In a cross sectional study carried out in May 2011 aimed at evaluating the level of awareness about OMT based HIV tests, questionnaires were administered to participants who consented to take part in the study. Eighty-five percent (n = 1520) of participants reported a lack of awareness of HIV oral screening before the study, and surprisingly, no association was found between the awareness of participants and their educational level (p = 0.768). There was also no association (p = 0.743) found between having had previous screening tests and awareness of oral testing. The percentage of participants who accepted the oral test before being informed about it was 31.3% (n = 1520). After sensitization, 76.3% (n = 1520) preferred oral screening for future tests (p = 0). These results reveal that if the OMT based test is affordable, its implementation as a screening tool in the general population could greatly increase participation in screening campaigns and is welcomed by those who want to self-test in a non-invasive way. This will create a better estimation of the national HIV prevalence. Its use could then have a significant public health impact on HIV prevention and clinical management. Keywords: Awareness, Control programs, HIV, Oral test, Preference

The most important factors affecting students' mathematics achievement are affective-motivational factors. Grounded on self-determination theory, expectancy-value theory, and control-value theory, we examined the relationship between self-determined motivation (i.e., intrinsic motivation and career motivation) and mathematics anxiety (cognitive and affective components) with mathematics achievement. The authors examined the proposed relations using cross-sectional data of senior two (grade eight) students in Northern Rwanda. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the subscales adapted from the Science Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ and SMQ-II) confirmed a two-factor structure for mathematics anxiety and a two-factor structure for self-determined motivation. The adapted subscales showed good internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the adapted subscales can be used to assess intrinsic motivation, career motivation, and mathematics anxiety among Rwandan students in senior two. Based on the findings, mathematics anxiety is a two-dimensional construct comprising both cognitive and affective components, and these components differ in their relationship with mathematics achievement. Cognitive mathematics anxiety was negatively related to mathematics achievement more than affective mathematics anxiety; intrinsic motivation and career motivation were positively related to mathematics achievement. These findings suggest that teachers should promote more self-determined motivation among senior two students to improve their mathematics achievement. Additional longitudinal research is needed to determine whether the observed differential relationship patterns between mathematics anxiety components and mathematics achievement persist over time.

Since its recent introduction in West Africa, the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has severely damaged maize and other crops. Control efforts face many challenges as the knowledge on this invasive pest is still limited. In this study, we assessed the annual population dynamics by monitoring this species using pheromone traps and visual observations, so as to contribute to the development of an integrated management strategy. In addition, we also evaluated some life history traits of S. frugiperda on different local host plants to identify the most suitable hosts in Burkina Faso.Adult captures were recorded throughout the year, as a result of a favorable mean annual temperature (29°C). Two population peaks occured: one peak (15.5±3.1 adults per trap and per month) was recorded in December and January (dry season) while the second peak (17.5±2.5) occured in July and August (rainy season). These peaks were synchronized with the major maize production periods of the region, usually 1 to 2 months after planting, when the plants had 6 to 12 leaves. In addition, the proportion of infested maize fields and infested plants per field was higher in the dry season (94.0% and 44.9%) than in the rainy season (80.0% and 26.2%). Based on the larva to adult survival rate (65-80%), mean fecundity (700-1000 eggs per female) and short life span of 36-38 days, pearl millet, maize and groundnut were found the most suitable hosts for the insect development.To better manage this insect pest, we suggest monitoring efforts in all crops associated with maize, the use of short-cycle varieties and early planting. In addition, curative treatments are more effective when applied on young maize plants, as the early instars are the most susceptible.

Classroom observation has played a role in documenting classroom practices to improve teaching and learning outcomes. This dataset allows teachers, researchers, and educational policymakers to reanalyze it depending on the interest variables and understand Rwanda's current physics education. The data was collected among qualified teachers from selected schools in Kigali city and rural eastern province in Rwanda. Classroom observation data were collected using the Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol (RTOP) and Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (COPUS). This data article describes the collected data, research design undertaken, and methods used to collect and analyze them.” The data collected are valid and reliable due to standard instruments used and consistent agreement between classroom observers. A step-by-step procedure on collecting and analyzing COPUS data and checking interobserver reliability has been detailed and informed in supplementary materials.

The study sought to establish the influence of students’ learning experiences on involvement inalma mater. The cross-sectional survey design was employed for the study. The sample size was 1011 respondents comprising 382 from Kenyatta University, 277 from University of Rwanda-College of Education and 352 from University of Cape Coast. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using Logistic Regression. The study found that academic services and non-academic learning experiences positively affect students’ willingness to further education in attended institution or participate in further university activities after graduation (p ​

Perineal hernias can occur primarily or secondary to a pelvic operation. Among primary perineal hernias, the congenital type is very rare, with less than 10 cases reported in the literature. This is a case report of a healthy female child presenting with a congenital posterior perineal hernia who underwent successful delayed operative repair using a perineal approach. Level of evidence: Level V – case report. Keywords: Perineal hernia, Pelvic hernia, Congenital, Rare hernia, Rectal hernia

HIV serological diagnosis has evolved during the last decade to give rise to rapid testing using biological materials, such as blood or oral mucosal transudate (OMT). However, blood collection is not always welcomed, justifying the evaluation of OMT-based devices. In a cross sectional study carried out in May 2011 aimed at evaluating the level of awareness about OMT based HIV tests, questionnaires were administered to participants who consented to take part in the study. Eighty-five percent (n = 1520) of participants reported a lack of awareness of HIV oral screening before the study, and surprisingly, no association was found between the awareness of participants and their educational level (p = 0.768). There was also no association (p = 0.743) found between having had previous screening tests and awareness of oral testing. The percentage of participants who accepted the oral test before being informed about it was 31.3% (n = 1520). After sensitization, 76.3% (n = 1520)preferred oral screening for future tests (p = 0). These results reveal that if the OMT based test is affordable, its implementation as a screening tool in the general population could greatly increase participation in screening campaigns and is welcomed by those who want to self-test in a non-invasive way. This will create a better estimation of the national HIV prevalence. Its use could then have a significant public health impact on HIV prevention and clinical management.

The population attempting pregnancy and having babies is ageing. Gynaecological and obstetric complications worsen with age. Maternity services are struggling. Increasing rates of infertility and complications are not matched by the marvels in the laboratory. This paper argues that assisted reproduction treatment has had a damaging social impact. Despite its public acclaim, it helps few and fails many more. The assisted reproduction industry could take a new and revolutionary direction towards empowering men to experience pregnancy, producing babies from artificial gametes, with a final goal being the liberation of both women and men from the burdens and dangers of pregnancy through the development of artificial wombs., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Purpose: Against a background of a lack of systematic epidemiological research in Ireland in the area, this study set out to determine prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders, suicidal ideation and intent, and parasuicide in a population of Irish adolescents aged 12-15 years in a defined geographical area., Method: All 12-15-year olds attending eight secondary schools were eligible for inclusion. A two-stage procedure was used involving a screening and an interview phase. Those scoring in the clinical range on the screening measures were interviewed, along with a comparison group matched for gender, school and school year., Results: 19.4% of the 723 screened were identified as being 'at risk'. This 'at risk' group was interviewed along with a comparison sample. 15.6% of the total study population met the criteria for a current psychiatric disorder, including 4.5% with an affective disorder, 3.7% with an anxiety disorder and 3.7% with ADHD. Significant past suicidal ideation was experienced by 1.9%, and 1.5% had a history of parasuicide. Binge drinking was associated with both affective and behaviour disorders., Conclusions: Rates of psychiatric disorders and suicidal behaviours are similar in young Irish adolescents to those in other Western cultures. Mental health promotion should be given priority in schools.

Suicide rates in young Irish males have risen markedly in the past 10 years, and suicide is now the leading cause of death in young men in the 15-24-year-old age range. This is the first large-scale study in Ireland that set out to identify young people at risk of psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorders, and suicidal ideation. Seven hundred and twenty three school-going adolescents aged 12-15 years were screened using the Children's Depression Inventory and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. 19.4% were identified as being 'at risk' of having a mental health disorder. Of this 'at risk' group, 12.1% expressed possible suicidal intent and 45.7% expressed suicidal ideation. Of the 583 adolescents identified as being 'not at risk', 13% expressed suicidal ideation while none expressed suicidal intent. Being 'at risk' was not related to gender or to socio-economic status. Those living with two parents were significantly more likely to be in the 'not at risk' group. Girls attending co-educational schools were twice as likely to be in 'at risk' group compared with those attending all girls schools, while school type was not a risk factor for boys. This study shows that, as in other western countries, there are large numbers of young Irish people at risk of mental health disorders and suicidal ideation in the community, and raises the question of the importance of mental health promotion in our education system.