Prevalence Of Bacterial Vaginosis In Women With Vaginal Symptoms In South Province, Rwanda

This is a prospective study of 297 Consecutive High Vaginal Swab (HVS) specimen from patients with vaginal symptoms at the laboratory of Butare University Teaching Hospital, South Province, Rwanda. The aim of thestudy was to evaluate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and the role of some micro-organisms and laboratory indices associated with it. The age range was 16-57 years with a mean of 30.8 years. The overall prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 17.8% and the highest percentage of 52.8 % (28) found in the age group of 21-30 years compared with the lowest percentage of 1.9% (1) in the age group less than 20 years. Almost half of patients with trichomoniasis were found to have bacterial vaginosis (

The influence of dynamic capabilities on the performance of the small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector in Kenya

Global competition, technological advancements and changing consumer needs, simultaneous paradigms push companies to be simultaneous, successively in different dimensions such as product design and development, manufacturing and distribution, communication and marketing. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between dynamic capacity and the performance of the marine industry in Kenya. The specific objective was to determine how dynamic capabilities affect performance in the small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector in Kenya. The study used two theories namely resource-based and knowledge-based to strengthen its case for the relationship between dynamic capacity and performance. The target population was 60 manufacturing SMEs operating in Kenya. A modified Likert scale questionnaire was developed, divided into three parts. A pilot study was carried out to refine the instrument. Data analysis was performed on a computer using Statistical Package for Social Science SPSS for Windows. The analysis was carried out using numbers of frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations, regression, correlation and the information generated was presented in the form of graphs and tables. The analysis found a very strong positive correlation between the dynamism of organizational capacities and performance, as demonstrated by the Karl Pearson correlation model. The study concluded that there is a positive relationship between dynamism and performance. The study recommended that manufacturing SMEs should invest more in research, capital; Innovation such as a new technology and creating the new products and services as well as having a habit of setting short and long-term goal

Re-assessing Rwanda’s Exchange Rate and External Sector Competitiveness

This paper re-assesses Rwanda’s real exchange rate and external sector competitiveness using three complementaryapproaches proposed by the IMF’s consultative group on exchange rate issues (CGER). We use quarterly data, coveringthe period 2000Q1-2020Q4 and 5-year period medium term projections. In terms of estimation strategy, we employ atriangulation of methods, including ordinary least squares (OLS) to estimate current account determination model andthe estimation of trade semi-elasticities and for the reduced form equilibrium exchange rate (ERER) model, particularlythe behavioral equilibrium exchange rate (BEER) model, we use dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) along with itscomplementary estimators such as fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and Canonical cointegration regression(CCR) as robustness checks. For the external sustainability (ES) model, we rely on trade elasticities obtained from thefirst model together with a few assumptions relating to economy’s potential growth rate and inflation rate. The resultsindicate that the current account and the RER are influenced by economic fundamentals. The estimated exchange ratemisalignment levels from the three approaches point to the same direction. The current research obtains an averageexchange rate gap for the three models of 13.4 percent, implying that Rwandan currency is overvalued in real effectiveterms by 13.4 percent, pointing to adverse effects on the external competitiveness. The important policy implicationsarising out of these empirical findings include maintaining exchange rate flexibility to cushion adverse external shocks,but also effective monitoring of exchange rate developments remains vital to avoid higher levels of volatility which couldlead to poor performance of the country’s tradable sector

Teacher motivation and incentives in Rwanda: analysis of stakeholders' perceptions of the changes in teachers' motivation during 2008-13

This thesis explored the impact of the teacher incentive policies which were designed and implemented in Rwanda between 2008 and 2013, with the aim to understand their impact on teacher motivation. Research evidence shows that, competence and commitment of teachers are among the main determinants of student learning outcomes (Bennell and Akyeampong, 2007). As such, governments have the responsibility to ensure that teachers are appropriately trained and motivated to teach. Yet, motivational and incentives issues among teachers have been inadequately researched in the African context to understand how teacher motivational issues might be addressed by governments and international donors to improve educational quality. Rather, as reported by the Voluntary Services Oversees (VSO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), educational policies have focused much more on teacher supply and demand issues in response to increased access to education (VSO, 2002; UNESCO, 2005). In countries where teacher motivation issues have been on the education agenda, these have been piecemeal interventions lacking long-term sustainability. As such, UNESCO’s 2013/14 Education For All-Global Monitoring Report (EFA-GMR) recommends the need for policy-makers to identify ways how teachers’ motivation can be improved so as to enable teachers to work in the service of improving learning for all (UNESCO, 2014). This study employed a mixed methods sequential explanatory research design, where quantitative data (from 276 teachers from 46 schools located in 10 districts) was collected first, followed by qualitative data (obtained from interviews with eighteen participants, selected from institutions involved in teacher incentives’ policy making, implementation, facilitation and the beneficiary level). This data was then integrated at the intermediate and final stages of the study and presented concurrently in this thesis. The study was framed around the content (or basic needs) theory of motivation (see Chapter 3). Findings indicate that, individual teacher characteristics are key in understanding how the incentives impact on teachers’ levels of motivation. As such, the Government of Rwanda (GoR), should take into consideration these characteristics, when designing the teacher incentive policies for the teaching profession. The study confirms earlier findings that, teachers’ pay is very low, both in absolute terms and in comparison to other professions, which is a major motivational challenge. The study further shows that, while most teacher incentives may achieve the purpose for which they are meant, others are likely to result into unintended implications, which should be factored and monitored while designing and implementing the teacher incentives (see Chapter 6, section 6.2.2). Furthermore, the study shows the “8-step monthly protocol on processing the teachers’ salaries”, as an example of incentives that are cost-effective and are likely to create an immediate positive motivation impact, and which can be ideal for resource-constrained contexts, such as Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries, including Rwanda. The study notes the key potential role of parental contributions to teachers’ pay (top-up), and that governments need to harmonise and regulate it, so as to eliminate the imbalance it causes, between primary and secondary teachers; and rural and urban schools. Most teachers responded that teacher training and professional development was the main intrinsic motivational factor. The study noted that, while the teacher’s union was viewed as potentially key in enhancing teachers’ status, solidarity and power, the teachers’ union was very weak and influenced by government, which is characteristic of most unions in the SSA. This is coupled with limited teachers’ participation in decision-making on issues that concern them (see DeJaeghere et al, 2006), which is likely to lead to their de-motivation. This study, therefore, has attempted to make a contribution to the development of the theoretical and substantive knowledge in terms of policy changes designed to improve teacher motivation in Rwanda (and possibly in the SSA region). It also contributes to a clarification of the methodology, which can be employed for future research on teacher motivation

Risk factors of preterm delivery of low birth weight (plbw) in an African population

More than 20 million infants in the world (15.5% of all births) are born with low birth weight. Ninety-five percent of them are in developing countries. The objective of this study was to examine different factors which may contribute to preterm delivery of low birth weight (PLBW) in a recent sample of Rwandan birth. The study sample included 200 randomly selected women admitted to the department of obstetrics-gynecology of the teaching hospital of Butare in Rwanda. Mothers were asked to complete a questionnaire and obstetrics records were used in order to identify factors which might pose a health risk to them and their infants. Maternal weight, height, history of previous preterm and healthy conditions of the children in the family showed a significant relationship with PLBW. Maternal level of education, number of pregnancies of the mother, urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted disease, antibiotic administration, diabetes, history of heart disease, alcohol consumption and smoking showed a relationship with PLBW but the relationship was not significant. More studies are required for a better understanding of the mechanism leading to preterm delivery of low birth infants.National Research Foundation of South Afric

Comparison of four serological assays for the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis in subfertile women

Introduction: Chlamydia antibody testing (CAT) in serum has been introduced as a screening method in the infertility workup. We evaluated the test characteristics of two ELISA tests compared to micro-immunofluorescence tests (MIFs). MIFs are considered the gold standard in the C. trachomatis IgG antibodies detection. We also compared the accuracy of all CAT tests in predicting tubal subfertility, using laparoscopy as a reference. Methodology: Four commercial serological methods were used to analyse 101 serum samples for the presence of C. trachomatis IgG antibodies from patients at the Infertility Clinic of Ghent University Hospital. The diagnostic utility for prediction of tubal infertility of serological methods was evaluated based on patients' medical records. Results: A comparison of the serological assays showed little difference in the major performance characteristics: the sensitivities of all MIFs and ELISAs were 100% for all assays (except the ELISA Vircell, with a sensitivity of 90%), and the specificities ranged from 92% for MIF Ani Labsystems to 98% for the MIF Focus and ELISA Vircell. As compared to laparoscopy data, CAT positivity in subfertile women with tubal damage (n=40) did not significantly differ from that of subfertile women without tubal damage (n=61): Positive predictive values (PPV) of CAT ranged from 53% to 60% and negative predictive values (NPV) ranged from 62% to 64%. Conclusion: evaluated ELISAs are comparable to MIFs in the detection of C. trachomatis IgG antibodies and should be preferred for large serological studies, especially in resource poor settings

Characterization and Domestication of Wild Edible Mushrooms from Selected Indigenous Forests in Burundi

In Burundi, minimum work has been done to comprehensively identify and commercialize high yielding local mushrooms. The previous studies carried out on mushroom cultivation have focused on exotic strains. This is the first study undertaken on domestication of wild edible mushrooms from Burundi indigenous forests. Nine samples were collected from four protected areas and characterized using phenotypic and molecular markers. Germoplasm isolation through tissue culture techniques, spawn production and cultivation studies were also undertaken. Mushroom samples were identified as Pleurotus citrinopileatus, Lentinus squarrosulus, Hypholoma fasciculare, Laetiporus sulfureus, Macrolepiota dolichaula, Trametes polyzona, Amanita zambiana, Lactarius delicious and Amanita verna. Spawn production was successful in six of the nine collected species. Fruiting body production was successful for Pleurotus citrinopileatus, Lentinus squarrosulus, Hypholoma fasciculare and Trametes polyzona. Mushroom yield and biological efficiency of domesticated species varied among species and ranged from 15.3 to 30.6% and 41.2% to 81%, respectively. Macrolepiota dolichaula and Laetiporus sulfureus remained at the secondary mycelium stage while Amanita zambiana, Lactarius delicious and Amanita verna did not develop even the mother spawn. Burundi indigenous forests harbour wild edible mushrooms with potential for domestication. More research should be conducted to domesticate them for food and nutritional security. Keywords: Domestication; wild edible mushrooms; germplasm; spawn; Burundi indigenou

Nutritional intake in acute care surgery patients in Kigali, Rwanda- A single institution descriptive analysis

INTRODUCTION: Nutrition is essential for health and healing, especially in the perioperative period. However, little is known about the nutritional intake of hospitalized patients in low and middle-income countries.This paper aimed to characterize the composition and quantity of food in acute care surgery patients at a tertiary referral hospital in Rwanda. METHODS: Acute care surgery patients were queried about nutritional intake during hospitalization from May 21, 2018, to June 3, 2018, for 100 patient days. Calorie and protein intake were estimated and compared to standards for an average Rwandan adult.RESULTS: Median daily calorie intake was 1472 kcal/day (Interquartile range (IQR): 662, 2116). The median daily protein intake was 45.99 g (IQR: 24.38, 70.22). Assuming a calorie need of 25 kcal/kg/day and a protein need of 1g/kg/day, this is 98.1% of the estimated daily calorie needs and 76.7% of estimated daily protein needs. Estimating higher energy needs for a surgical patient, the daily intake is 70.0-81.9% of calorie needs and 51.1-63.9% of protein needs. CONCLUSION: Overall, the calorie and protein intake for the average Rwandan acute care surgery patient were low compared to the needs of a 60 kg surgical patient. More education and accessibility to high-quality foods are needed to ensure adequate nutrition in the postoperative period to optimize clinical outcomes