Search

Heavy metals that are present in surface water and wastewater are becoming a severe environmental problem. Because of its toxicity, heavy metal removal has become the main priority for environmental concerns. Banana peels are low-cost agricultural waste that could be used for heavy metal adsorption in wastewater. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effective powdered banana peel for the removal of copper (II) from aqueous solutions and real wastewater. The banana peels were collected from domestic waste and ground to get a particle size of 150 µm. Powdered banana peel waste adsorbent (PBPWA) contained moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, and bulk density of 3.8%, 3.5%, 37.5%, and 0.02 g/cm3, respectively. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed that the alkyne, aldehyde, and amide functional groups were dominant in the powdered banana peel surface, and the scanning electron microscope showed the morphology of the adsorbent. Physicochemical characteristics of the raw wastewater revealed that the concentration of Cu (II), Pb (II), COD, BOD5, and Cd (II) were 2.75 mg/L, 2.02 mg/L, 612.16 mg/L, 185.35 mg/L, and 0.01 mg/L, respectively. At pH 5, adsorbent dose of 2g/100 mL, initial copper (II) concentration of 80 mg/L, and contact time of 90 min, the maximum removal efficiency of synthetic wastewater was 96.8% and textile wastewater was 69.0%. The adsorption isotherm fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model at R2 = 0.99. The kinetics of copper (II) adsorption followed the second-order kinetic model better. Finally, these studies showed that banana peel bio-adsorbent is a potential adsorbent for heavy metal removal from synthetic and textile wastewater.

Fusarium verticillioides is the most common fungal pathogen of maize in Ethiopia. Many strains of this pathogen produce fumonisin myotoxins that are harmful to human and animal health. This study was conducted to determine the fumonisin-producing ability of isolates of F. verticillioides isolated from maize kernels collected from different maize- growing areas of the country. Eighty F. verticillioides isolates were grown on autoclaved maize cultures for one month, and the fumonisin content was quantified using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). All the 80 isolates evaluated were able to produce detectable levels of total fumonisins in the maize culture with values ranging from 0.25 to 38.01 mg of the toxin per kg of culture material (fungal biomass and maize kernels). The mean levels of total fumonisins produced by the F. verticillioides isolates were not significantly (p>0.05) different among maize growing areas, however, the total fumonisins levels produced by isolates obtained from the same area as well as agroecological zones were wide-ranging. The results indicate that the majority (57.5%) of the F. verticillioides isolates associated with maize grains in Ethiopia produced total fumonisins >4 mg/kg, while 35% of the isolates produced total fumonisins

This research created hot-pressed composites of the AA6063 matrix with varying concentrations of ZrO2 (0.25, 0.5, and 1 wt %). At sliding speeds of 80, 120, and 150 mm/s, the wear performance of the specimen was studied at loads of 10 N, 15 N, 20 N, and 25 N. The authors analyzed the counter-face material, the wear debris, and the worn surfaces to learn about the wear mechanisms. Developing these three machine learning (ML) algorithms was to evaluate the ability to predict wear behavior using the same small dataset collected using varying test processes. A thorough examination of each model hyperparameter tuning phase was performed. The predictive performance was analyzed using several statistical tools. The most effective decision-making algorithms for this data collection were those based on trees. Predictions made by the decision tree algorithm for the test and validation measurements have an accuracy of 86% and 99.7%, respectively. The best model was picked out based on the results of the predictions.

Sweet potato is an important food crop in Eastern Ethiopia, including the West Hararghe Zone. However, the area is still far behind in attaining the required optimum productivity of Sweet potato, this is due to biotic and abiotic factors, inappropriate Agronomic practices and lack of improved variety, to tackle these problems; variety improvement research is the major one. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to estimate the magnitudes of genotype, environment, and genotype by environment interaction effects on Sweet potato genotypes and to identify the high yielder and stable genotypes for wide adaptability in West Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia. The experiment was carried out at two locations (Mechara on station and Habro district) in three consecutive years (2018–2020) on 20 Sweet potato genotypes using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Additive main effects and multiplicative interactions analysis (AMMI) indicated that the yield performances of genotypes were under the major environmental effects of genotype by environmental interactions. The first two principal component axes (PCA 1 and 2) were significant (p≤0.01) and cumulatively contributed to 73% of the total genotype by environment interaction. In GGE bi-plot analysis using genotypic and environmental scores of the first PCA 1 and lower PCA 2 scores gave high yields (stable genotypes), and genotypes with lower PCA 1 and larger PCA 2 scores had low yields (unstable genotypes), as in the sites tested. Besides, genotypes G3 and G5 were stable across tested locations and gave higher total root yields (43.94t ha-1 and 49.34 t ha-1), respectively). However, G5 was recommended for possible release for wide adaptability in West Hararghe Zone and similar agro-ecology in the country. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. 10(1): 43-52

Background. Anemia has up to 87% prevalence in high tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden settings of the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) including Ethiopia. It increases lost to follow-up (LTFU) rate, reduces quality of life, and shortens the survival of TB/HIV coinfected patients. However, there is limited information on severity level and determinants of anemia in TB/HIV coinfected adults in the study setting in particular. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess severity level and determinants of TB/HIV-associated anemia. Methods. A hospital based retrospective study was conducted among 305 TB/HIV coinfected adults who enrolled for antiretroviral therapy (ART) from January, 2009 to December, 2016 in two public hospital of Mekelle, Ethiopia, by reviewing ART register. A multiple logit model was fitted to identify the baseline determinants of anemia using 95% confidence level or 5% level of significance for adjusted odds ratio (AOR). Results. In the current study, the cumulative baseline prevalence of anemia was 59.0% (95% CI: 53.3%–64.6%). Considering severity level, the prevalence was 6.2%, 28.2%, and 24.6% for severe, moderate, and mild anemia, respectively. Being female (AOR = 0.380; 95% CI: 0.226–0.640), body mass index (AOR = 0.913; 95% CI: 0.836–0.998) reduces the odds of developing anemia whereas baseline ambulatory functional status (AOR = 2.139; 95% CI: 1.189–3.846), bedridden functional status (AOR = 2.208; 95% CI: 1.002–4.863), HIV clinical stage III (AOR = 2.565; 95% CI: 1.030–6.384), and HIV clinical stage IV (AOR = 2.590; 95% CI: 1.006–6.669) increased the odds of developing anemia for TB/HIV coinfected adults. Conclusions. In the current study, significant TB/HIV-associated severe anemia was assessed which accounted for nearly one-ninth of all anemia cases while nearly half were moderate anemia. Therefore, curious attention has to be given for the management of TB/HIV-associated severe anemia in particular and anemia in general to reducing anemia associated bad outcomes most importantly death.

Melkie Dagnaw Fenta,1 Ashenafi Assefa Gebremariam,1 Atsede Solomon Mebratu2 1Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Gondar College of Veterinary Medicine, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Melkie Dagnaw Fenta, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Gondar, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gondar, PO Box 196, Ethiopia, Tel +251904573289, Email melkiedagnaw3528@gmail.comBackground: Acidosis is one of the most common rumen diseases characterized by changes in the rumen environment and the circulatory system. Recent alternative trends in rearing small ruminants have led to the use of probiotics, rumenotorics and prebiotics to treat acidosis in animals.Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics and the combination of probiotics with prebiotics and probiotics with rumenotorics for the treatment of acidosis in sheep.Methods: This experimental study was conducted from September 2018 to May 2019. For the therapeutic study, 25 sheep were randomly divided into 5 equal groups. Acidosis was induced by an oral dose of 50 g/kg with wheat flour after a 24 hour fast. Four regimens of therapy were employed: PT probiotics, PPT probiotics with prebiotics; PRT probiotics with rumenotorics and standard ST treatment were adopted. Before and after therapy, laboratory analyses on rumen fluid, serum analysis, physical signs, and hematological changes were conducted.Results: When probiotics were combined with rumenotorics (PRT), the mean standard deviation of rumen pH at day zero was 4.96± 0.837 (PRT). Rumen pH improved from day one today three to 5.92± 0.54, 6.30± 041 and 6.75± 0.34, respectively. The change in rumen pH was statistically significant after treatment on day 3 (p=0.002). The therapeutic regimens of PRT had improved heart rate and respiratory rate after treatment and the change was statistically significant (p=0.006 and p=0.000) compared to the control group. The PCV of the PRT treated sheep was also improved.Conclusion: Probiotics with rumenotorics were the most successful therapeutic regimen for the treatment of ruminal acidosis in sheep. Therefore, the use of probiotics with rumenotorics is the promising alternative for the treatment of acidosis.Keywords: experiment, hematology, therapeutic, rumen, pH

Kebede Embaye Gezae,1 Kidanemariam Alem Berhie,1 Assefa Ayalew Gebresilassie,2 Mache Tsadik2 1Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; 2Department of Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Kebede Embaye Gezae, Email aredom14@gmail.comBackground: Though optimal antenatal care (ANC4+) use is absolutely critical, only 43% of women had ANC4+ in Ethiopia and nearly 64% in Tigray in 2019. Furthermore, only 20% of women had their first ANC visit during their first trimester in 2016. However, there is no literature on area based disparity of ANC4+ use in Tigray. Therefore, this study is aimed to generate evidence for ANC4+ use using the Kilite-Awlaelo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (KA-HDSS) database.Methods: A population-based longitudinal study was employed on 5,414 women from 12 kebelles included in the KA-HDSS site of Tigray. A pregnancy database was used as a source of data. A Line graph was used to depict the trend of ANC4+ use. A stratified robust Poisson model was fitted to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for women from rural and urban areas separately.Results: The ANC4+ coverage was 36.3% (95% CI=35.0– 37.6%) – 34.2% in rural versus 52.8% urban areas, with an increasing linear trend. Single marital status (IRR=1.29; 95% CI=1.17– 1.42); able to read and write (IRR=1.15; 95% CI=1.01– 1.32); primary education (IRR=1.22; 95% CI=1.11– 1.34); ANC follow-up (2015– 2018) (IRR=1.42; 95% CI=1.23– 1.64); previous pregnancy exposure (IRR=2.20; 95% CI=1.98– 2.45); and having 6+ children (IRR=1.11; 95% CI=1.01– 1.21) determined ANC4+ use for rural women. Marital status (Divorced/widowed/separated) (IRR=0.79; 95% CI=0.66– 0.95); primary education (IRR=1.44; 95% CI=1.16– 1.79); ANC follow-up (2015– 2018) (IRR=2.00; 95% CI=1.59– 2.50); previous pregnancy exposure (IRR=1.54; 95% CI=1.31– 1.80); and having 6+ children (IRR=1.18; 95% CI=1.07– 1.31) determined the ANC4+ use for urban women.Conclusion: The optimal ANC coverage is significantly low, with significant disparity by geographical area and increasing trend. However, further efforts have to be made to maximize the optimal use of ANC, particularly for women from rural areas.Keywords: determinants, optimal ANC, women, KA-HDSS, trend, Tigray

One of the main constraints for sustainable barley production is lack of information on the use of multi-nutrient fertilizers, involving the actual limiting nutrients for specific site. On farm experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons on two farmers’ field to evaluate the effect of NPS and NPSB, and to determine their optimum rates for barley production in Bulle woreda. The experiment consisted of nine treatments, including control (no fertilizer)(T1); four rates of NPS at 46 kg N. 23.5 kg P, 10 kg S/ha (T2), 69 kg N, 31 kg P, 13 kg S/ha(T3), 92 kg N, 39 kg P, 17 kg S/ha (T4), 92 kg N, 23.5 kg P, 10 kg S/ha (T5); and four rates of NPSB at 46 kg N, 23.5 kg P, 10 kg S, 1.07 kg B/ha(T6), 69 kg N, 31 kg P, 13 kg S, 1.4 kg B /ha (T7), 92 kg N, 39 kg P, 17 kg S, 1.7 kg B/ha(T8) 92 kg N, 23.5 kg P, 10 kg S, 1.07 kg B/ha (T9) were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Except the absolute control, all plots received 50 kg K/ha. Results of ANOVA indicated that application of NPS and NPBS significantly (P < 0.05) improved plant height, biomass and grain yield compared to control. NPS application at 92 kg N, 23.5 kg P and 10 kg S + 50 kg K/ha followed by NPSB at 69 kg N, 31 kg P, 13 kg S and 1.4 kg B + 50 kgK/ha recorded highest barley grain yield and resulted in 5271 and 5158 kg/ha, respectively, while the lowest yield was recorded for the unfertilized plot. In general, effects of NPS or NPSB were not significantly different, suggesting that farmers’ could invest in NPS for increased barley production. This treatment also gave higher net benefit with acceptable marginal rate of return even under projected (20%) input price increment.t Therefore, we could recommend the application of 92 kg N, 23.5 kg P and 10 kg S + 50 kg K/ha (142 kg NPS + 142 kg urea + 100 kg KCl kg/ha) for barley production in the study area. The response of barley to NPSB (inclusion of B in NPS) and NPS effect on barley with respect to RNP still needs to be widely investigated.

Currently, rapid development, increasing world population, and industrialization such as electroplating sectors have caused an increase in wastewater, heavy metals, and toxic metals in the environment that directly and indirectly affect human beings and other living things. This study compared the efficiency of electro-flotation and electrocoagulation wastewater treatment methods to treat effluents discharged from electroplating industries based on removal efficiency, energy consumption, electrode consumption, and environmental aspects. Electro-flotation uses an electric current to generate hydrogen and oxygen bubbles, which allow contaminants to flow to the top of the treatment unit. However, the electrocoagulation process involves the use of direct current to accelerate the oxidation of the metal sacrificial anode and to generate positively charged ions that act as destabilizing agents for the emulsion. The electroplating wastewater sample solution (500ml) containing heavy metal ions (Zinc, Chromium, Nickel, Cadmium, and Copper) with a 50g/l metal ion concentration of each and a pH range of 7-10, were investigated using the two methods. Accordingly, the metal ions' degree of removal, energy consumption for the treatments, and electrode consumption 95-99%, 0.25-3.0 kWh/m3, and 2.0 kg/m3 respectively, were obtained using the elector-flotation. Whereas, 90–95% of metal ions' degree of removal, 1.0-5.0 kWh/m3 of energy consumption, and 10kg/m3 of electrode consumption, were obtained via the elector coagulation. The Fe-Fe electrode combination had the highest removal efficiencies of the heavy metal ions of Fe-Al, Al-Fe, and Al-Al combinations. Additionally, the effects of pH, time, and direct current on the removal efficiency of metal ions were investigated.

Maize is one of the most economically important cereal crops produced by millions of farmers in Ethiopia. It is believed that practical information on the use of multi-nutrient fertilizer blends involving the actual limiting nutrients for specific site and crop may improve maize production and contribute to food security. Hence, an experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 cropping season to evaluate NPSB with and without Cu fertilizer and to determine the optimum rate for maize production in Halaba area. NPSB fertilizer with and without Cu was arranged in nine treatments. The treatments were:(1) no fertilizer (control), (2) NPSB: 69 kg N + 23.5 kg P + 10 kg S + 1.07 kg B/ha, (3) NPSB: 92 kg N + 31 kg P + 13 kg S + 1.4 kg B/ha, (4) NPSB: 115 kg N + 39 kg P + 17 kg S + 1.7 kg B/ha, (5) NPSB: 138 kg N + 15.7 kg P + 10 kg S + 1.07 kg B/ha, (6) NPSBCu: 69 kg N + 23.5 kg P + 10 kg S + 1.07 kg B + 0.625 kg Cu/ha, (7) NPSBCu: 92 kg N + 31 kg P + 13 kg S + 1.4 kg B + 0.625 kg Cu/ha, (8) NPSBCu: 115 kg N + 39 kg P + 17 kg S + 1.7 kg B + 0.625 kg Cu/ha and (9) NPSBCu: 138 kg N + 15.7 kg P + 10 kg S + 1.07 kg B + 0.625 kg Cu/ha. Two farms were used for the trial and the treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Different crop parameters were measured and analyzed using SAS 9.3 program. Economic analysis was also performed to investigate thefeasibility of fertilizer treatments for maize production. Based on statistical analysis, ttreatment 5 (NPSB: 138 kg N + 15.7 kg P + 10 kg S + 1.07 kg B/ha) gave significantly higher maize yield compared to all other fertilizer treatments and the control. The highest net benefit (33,329 ETB/ha) was also obtained from this treatmentwith acceptable marginal rate of return (557%) even under the projected 20% input price increment.

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria have multi-dimensional benefits in broad host range interaction, accessing nutrients, phytohormone induction, stress alleviation, biocontrol activity, and eco-friend approach. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PSB isolates coinoculated with compost, bone meal, and DAP fertilizer on tomato growth response. Tomato seeds were treated with 10 selected PSB isolates separately and grown for 20 days on seedbed, then transplanted to field that was treated with external P-sources and enriched by PSB inoculum. PSB isolates showed positive interaction and achieved significant plant assays including plant height, leaves, branches, flowers, and fruit development. Isolate K-10-41 significantly promoted tomato plant height, floral development, and fruit yield, Mk-20-7 enhanced height and fruit weight whereas K-10-27 induced tomato fruit numbers. Compost application promoted tomato-PSB interaction and induced tomato vegetative growth whereas bone meal was least promotor for most of tomato plant assays. Bone meal was however, one of the top fruit development inducers (harvested 20.94 fruits/plant weighing 881.97 gm). Mixing 50% of recommended compost and DAP fertilizer application enhanced tomato vegetative growth and fruit yield (21 fruits/plant harvested that weighed 872.46 gm). Based on the overwhelming performance, K-10-41 and Mk-20-7 application together with compost and fertilizer mixture were found effective. Therefore, the results of this study imply that application of competent PSB isolates together with nutrient supplements improved symbiotic effectiveness, sustainable production, and environmental health. Consequently, these promising isolates would be recommended for tomato production of higher yield and sustainability after verifying their efficacy at different agroecology and taxonomic identification. Screening potential strains and evaluating their competence under different conditions would be the future perspectives to develop efficient inoculants. Moreover, synergetic application of organic supplements (compost, farmyard, bone meal, or other biowastes), bioinoculants, and proper agrochemicals maximize production and environmental health and is feasible for the economic, social, and ecological sense of balance.

Multiple studies have validated the Emergency Surgery Score (ESS) as a tool which reliably predicts outcomes after emergency general surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of the ESS for lower-extremity endovascular procedures in nonelective setting (neLEE).The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was retrospectively analyzed for patients undergoing neLEE between 2015 and 2019. The performance of the ESS in predicting mortality in each procedure was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analyses.Four thousand five hundred and eighty three patients underwent neLEE with median age 68 (±12.3 SD), with 1802 females (39.3%). The ESS correlated with 30-day mortality (area under the curve [AUC] was 0.729), discharge to rehab (AUC 0.638), renal failure (AUC 0.667), postintervention ventilation requirement (AUC 0.680), and stroke (AUC 0.656). The predictive ability of the ESS decreased with increasing age, with the ESS performing best for patients between 60 and 69 y in age (AUC 0.735) and worst for patients above 80 y (AUC 0.650). A Cochran-Armitage test showed linear trend towards increased 30-day mortality among the quartiles with increasing ESS (P 0.001), with patients with ESS ≥10 having 10 times odds of increased 30-day mortality compared to reference quartile of patients with ESS ≤4 on multivariate analysis.The ESS score is associated with 30-day mortality and other complications after neLEE procedures. It can potentially be used as a predictive tool for preoperative risk stratification and can also be used for equitably evaluating standards and outcomes after lower extremity endovascular procedures.

PROBLEM ADDRESSED: Chronic noncancer pain is often excessively managed with medications (most notably opioids) instead of nonpharmacologic options or multidisciplinary care—the gold standards. OBJECTIVE OF PROGRAM: To offer an effective alternative to pharmacologic management of chronic noncancer pain in primary care. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Patients 18 years of age or older with chronic noncancer pain were referred by family physicians or nurse practitioners in a family health team (outpatient, multidisciplinary clinic) in Ottawa, Ont. A registered nurse used the Pain Explanation and Treatment Diagram with patients, taught self-management skills (related to habits [smoking, consumption of alcohol, diet], exercise, sleep, ergonomics, and psychosocial factors), and referred patients to relevant resources. CONCLUSION: A nurse-led chronic pain program, initiated without extra funding, was successfully integrated into a primary care setting. Among the participating patients in the pilot project, outcomes related to pain intensity, pain interference with daily living, and opioid use were encouraging. This program could serve as a model for improving chronic noncancer pain management in primary care.

Despite the importance of common bean to farmers and its contribution to the national economy, limited information is available on the use of inorganic fertilizers containing macro and micro nutrients for its production in Hawassa area. A trial was conduct to evaluate different fertilizer types containing macro and micro nutrients and to determine their optimum rates for common bean production in Hawassa zuria woreda during the main cropping seasons of 2016 and 2017.Three fertilizer types (NPS, NPSB and NPSBCu) were arranged in different levels and tested on two farms. The experiment consisted of a total of ten treatments: control (no fertilizer) and three levels of each NPS, NPSB and NPSBCu. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Besides crop parameters, economic analysis was also performed to investigate feasibility of the fertilizers for common bean production. In general, it was observed that application of inorganic fertilizers increased grain yield, where economically feasible treatments improved yield by 34% to 36% over the control plot. The highest net benefit was obtained from NPS at nutrient ratio of 23: 16.5: 7kg/ha with acceptable marginal rate of return of 120%, even under the projected input price, which was sufficient to justify the additional investment needed for this treatment. Similarly, NPSB with 23 kg N + 15.7 kg P + 6.7 kg S + 0.71 kg B/ha also gave the required economic return. Therefore, both treatments could be recommended for common bean production in Hawassa area.

Roza Getachew,1 Tamrat Assefa Tadesse,1 Bekele Alemayehu Shashu,2 Amsalu Degu,3 Getachew Alemkere1 1Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2Department of Internal Medicine School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 3Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, United States International University Africa, Nairobi, KenyaCorrespondence: Tamrat Assefa Tadesse, Email tamrat.assefa@aau.edu.etIntroduction: Anticoagulants are the cornerstone therapy for thromboembolism prevention and treatment. Warfarin is the frequently prescribed drug and remains the oral anticoagulant of choice in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. It is a narrow therapeutic index drug that needs high-quality anticoagulation monitoring with frequent international normalization ratio (INR) testing.Objective: The study aimed to assess anticoagulation management with warfarin among adult outpatients at two selected private cardiac centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study design that enrolled 374 patients receiving warfarin was employed at two private cardiac centres in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The time in the therapeutic range (TTR) was calculated using the Rosendaal method. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 25.Results: The mean age of the patients was 57 years, and 218 (58.3%) participants were females. Out of 3384 INR tests, 1562 (46.5%) were within the therapeutic range and the mean percentage of TTR was 47.24%. Only 25.67% of the patients spent their TTR ≥ 65%. The present study revealed that dose adjustments were required 1764 times. In non-therapeutic INR values of 1764 that required warfarin dose adjustment, 59.7% of the doses were adjusted. About 262 (70.1%) of co-prescribed medications had interaction with warfarin. Sixty-four patients (17.11%) experienced bleeding events.Conclusion: Anticoagulation management with warfarin was suboptimal in private cardiac Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, private cardiac centers. Warfarin adjustment practice for nontherapeutic INR values was not minimal, and many patients encountered bleeding during their course of therapy.Keywords: warfarin, anticoagulation, time in the therapeutic range, international normalization ratio, Ethiopia

Getasew Sisay Mihretie,1 Solomon Mekonnen Abebe,2 Mikyas Abera,3 Daniel Tadesse Assefa4 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Sociology, College of Social Sciences and the Humanities, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 4Monitoring Evaluation Research and Quality(MERQ) Consultancy PLC, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Solomon Mekonnen Abebe, University of Gondar, P.O.Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia, Email solomekonnen@yahoo.comBackground: Discontinuation of contraception for reasons other than wanting to become pregnant is a public health concern as it affects women’s autonomy in sexual and reproductive health decision making as well as gender equality. Studies identified various factors, including community perception and users’ dissatisfaction that limited the reach and impact of contraceptives, primarily LARCs, on women’s wellbeing. In Ethiopia, however, the reasons for early discontinuation of LARCCs are not adequately explored. Against this backdrop, this study explores the main reasons for the early discontinuation of LARCs among Ethiopian women in selected public health facilities.Methods: This study used an institution-based qualitative study design and covered selected university hospitals and health centers in Addis Ababa, Gondar, Mekelle, and Jimma. It involved in-depth interviews with 29 women aged 15– 49 to gather data and explore the decision-making processes involved in the early discontinuation of LARCs. It used description, narration and thematic interpretation as data analysis procedures.Results: Interviewees reported several reasons for early discontinuation of LARCs, including side effects (eg, weight gain/loss, heavy menses, tiredness, and reduced libido), desire to conceive, and husbands’ disapproval. This study found that women were sufficiently aware of alternative contraceptives, including LARCs. Many reported experimenting before deciding on an option. Conversely, others’ reports reveal the influences of gender roles and community misconceptions on women’s decisions to discontinue LARCs.Discussion and Implications: The common threads in interviewees’ narratives highlight the significance of traditional values, gender roles, community perception, and experience with side effects to women’s early discontinuation of LARCs. This study concludes with remarks on how to improve the effectiveness of family planning programming by adopting the gender transformative approach (GTA) in their design and implementation.Keywords: contraceptive, LARCs, early discontinuation, institution-based qualitative study

Reta Dewau,1 Elsabeth Addisu,2 Tilahun Dessie,3 Tesfaye Birhane,2 Sisay Eshete Tadesse,4 Amare Muche,2 Yitbarek Wasihun Feleke,5 Baye Akele,6 Melaku Yalew,2 Kemal Ahmed Seid,7 Yitayish Damtie,2 Bereket Kefale,2 Zinet Abegaz Asfaw,2 Bezawit Adane,1 Wondwosen Mebratu,1 Ayechew Ademas,8 Niguss Cherie,2 Assefa Andargie,1 Muluken Genetu Chanie,9 Asnakew Molla,9 Metadel Adane8 1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 2Department of Reproductive health, School of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 3Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 4Department of Public Health Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 5Department of Health Education, School of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 6Department of Clinical Laboratory, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 7Department of Infectious Disease, School of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 8Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 9Department of Health Service Management, School of public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Elsabeth Addisu, Email elsabethko@gmail.comBackground: Vaccines are a powerful choice to stop disease outbreaks, including covid-19. However, people are hesitant to take vaccinations due to uncertainty about side effects. So, this study aimed to assess covid-19 vaccine side-effect and its associated factors among healthcare workers in Dessie comprehensive specialized hospital, in Ethiopia.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Dessie Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital among 351 vaccinated healthcare workers from April 25 to May 25, 2021. Self-administrated questionnaires were used by consented health workers. Variance inflation factor (VIF) was used to assess the multicollinearity of independent variables. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to identify significant factors of vaccine side effects. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported as the effect size. Statistical significance was considered at p-value < 0.05.Results: Overall, of vaccinated healthcare workers, 56.98% (95% CI, 50.86– 61.26%) experienced at least one side effect. The majority of the side effects were fever (44.44%), headache (39.03%), fatigue (27.35%), injection site pain (25.93%), and nausea (24.22%). Healthcare workers with (≥ 10 years) of work experience (AOR: 3.74, 95% CI, 1.32– 10.59), Hesitancy to take the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine (AOR: 3.01, 95% CI, 1.82– 4.99), underlying chronic disease (AOR: 14.41, 95% CI, (5.07– 40.92)), being on antihypertensive medication (AOR: 0.15; 95% CI (0.02– 0.93)), and unsafe perception of vaccine safety (AOR:3.50; 95% CI, 1.43– 8.57) were independent factors of Covax vaccine side effect development.Conclusion: Overall, common vaccine side effects were identified in healthcare workers who have taken the Covax vaccine. Healthcare workers with (≥ 10 years) of work experience, Hesitancy to take the first dose, unsafe perception of vaccine safety, and underlined chronic disease were predictors of vaccine side effect occurrence. So, providing vaccine-related information to the community to be vaccinated is mandatory to reduce hesitancy and flaws regarding vaccine safety.Keywords: Covid-19, vaccine side effects, associated factors, health care workers, Ethiopia

This study aimed at investigating LULC detection and the role of community leader in the conflict transformation among the adjacent Afar and Oromo ethnic groups in Afar and Amhara National Regional States. Supervised classification with maximum likelihood techniques were used for image classification and Multi-stage purposive sampling procedure was used for the selection of both study district and kebeles. Both primary and secondary data were used. The primary data was gathered through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, case studies and personal observations. A total of 12 focus group discussions and 42 key informant interviews were held in six adjacent kebeles of the two districts. The period of 2009 to 2018 bare land is increased by 161.21 km2 where as bushed grass land is decreased by 160.15 km2. This may be resulted from population and livestock pressure on land. The major causes of conflict identified were attached resource competition on farm land, grazing land and theft. Institutions applied in conflict transformation in the study area are mostly by customary institutions with some degree of cooperation with the formal one. The result also shows some challenges attached to the law and local judges’ viz. limited legal permissive stance, urbanization, community trust issue against clan elders in the process of integrating the two law sources. This paper recommends full recognition of the joint roles of Makaabon’s and Aba Gada’s through creating reporting systems of local tribunal activities for the state and capacity building for them by the state and NGOs. In order to legitimize the role of the leader and incorporate customary laws into the formal system, the customary law laws of both ethnic groups should be studied and written further, potential points of adjustment and cooperation must be identified, broader policy and legislative options has to be set, and laws contradict the country’s constitution.

Background. In 2017, approximately, 810 women died every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth around the world. Obstetric hemorrhage, specifically postpartum hemorrhage, is the leading cause of preventable maternal mortality in the world. New strategies and technologies are needed to reduce the global public health epidemic of maternal mortality. However, nonpneumatic antishock garments were recently introduced and incorporated into teaching curriculums as a management modality for postpartum hemorrhage in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, utilization and associated factors of nonpneumatic antishock garment among maternity ward healthcare professionals in the selected South Wollo zone health facilities, North West Ethiopia. Methods. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from February 1 to April 30, 2021. A consecutive sampling technique was employed to collect the data. A self-administered semistructured English version questionnaire was used to collect the data. EPI-Info and SPSS were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the association of nonpneumatic antishock garment utilization with independent variables. Results. A total of 244 maternity ward health care professionals participated. One hundred forty-six (59.8%) had a good knowledge of nonpneumatic antishock garments. About 110 (45.1%) of the participants have ever used it for the management of postpartum hemorrhage. Those having one nonpneumatic antishock garment (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3, 5.5), two or more nonpneumatic antishock garments (AOR = 14.1, 5.7, 35.0), good knowledge (AOR = 5.2, 2.5, 10.7), and positive attitude (AOR = 2.5, 1.1, 5.7) and those who were receiving training (AOR = 2.2, 1.1, 4.4) at 95% CI were significantly associated with utilization of nonpneumatic antishock garments. Conclusion. The knowledge and utilization of nonpneumatic antishock garments for the management of postpartum hemorrhage were low. Those having more nonpneumatic antishock garments, good knowledge, and a positive attitude and those who received training were found to be significantly associated with nonpneumatic antishock garment utilization. The provision of training and availability of nonpneumatic antishock garments are the key actions to be taken to increase the utilization of nonpneumatic antishock garments.

This study focused on an assessment of pre-service physics teachers’ conceptual understanding of physics in the domain of electricity and magnetism concepts. The study employed a descriptive survey method of research. The study sample consisted of 100 pre-service physics teachers from five teacher education colleges during the academic year 2021/21. The study used preliminary data from a PhD dissertation that was gathered by administering a conceptual understanding test on electricity and magnetism, which contained 32 items adapted from standardized tests. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one sample t-tests, independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. The results of the one sample t-test showed that the conceptual understanding test scores for electricity and magnetism were considerably below 50 and 70 which are the national standard pass mark points and the baseline for certification of competency to the teaching profession, respectively. ANOVA analysis revealed that there was a statistically significant mean difference among the pre-service physics teachers in the colleges. The post hoc test analysis showed that there was a statistically significant mean difference between pre-service teachers from two colleges. The independent samples t-test revealed that there was statistically significant mean difference between test scores of males and females in favor of male pre-service physics teachers. In addition, the participation of female candidates was too low compared to their male counterparts. In conclusion, the achievement of pre-service physics teachers was below the expected values; differences among colleges were detected; and there was an achievement and participation imbalance in relation to gender, though consecutive measures were taken. Based on the conclusions, recommendations are given that could be applicable.

Background. Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are parasitic worms that are widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions. In Ethiopia, one of the tropical countries, STH infections are high and cause a huge burden. Several STH species show a pattern of household clustering with regard to prevalence and intensity. However, there is a scarcity of data on the status of STH infection among family contacts of STH-infected individuals in Ethiopia in general and in the study area in particular. Objective. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and associated factors among STH-infected household contacts in Burie Zuria district, northwest Ethiopia. Method. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 study participants from March to May 2021. Study participants were traced to their residences by following STH-infected patients. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. The stool samples were processed using duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears and a modified Ritchie’s technique. The data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 26 of the software package. A P value 5 ( AOR = 1.74 ; 95% CI: 1.15–2.60; P = 0.008 ) and lack of latrine facility ( AOR = 1.86 ; 95% CI: 1.17–2.90; P = 0.02 ) were significantly associated with STH infections. Conclusion. A high prevalence of hookworms was found in the study area, where the majority of the study participants were adults. This finding may provide a basis for revising the school-based deworming programs that exclude the adult population. Public health interventions like accessing latrines, health education, and deworming programs should be regularly implemented for all age groups in the areas.

Teshome Belachew,1 Muluneh Assefa,1 Zelalem Tefera,2 Andualem Fenta,3 Sirak Biset1 1Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Kemissie General Hospital, Kemise, Ethiopia; 3Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Sirak Biset, Tel +251-911-598-568, Email serbis33@gmail.comBackground: Although commensal Neisseria species inhabiting mucosal surfaces in the upper respiratory tract (URT) are rarely associated with infections, their presence in the area has been linked to the development of immunity against N. meningitidis and the source of antibiotic resistance determinants in pathogenic species. M. catarrhalis in the oropharynx of children is also a predisposing factor for otitis media. As a result, determining the oropharyngeal carriage rate of these commensal species and associated factors among healthy schoolchildren is substantial.Materials and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, from January to April 2019. A multi-stage and simple random sampling technique were used to select schools and participants, respectively. A total of 524 oropharyngeal swabs were collected using cotton swabs. Modified Thayer-Martin media was used for primary bacterial isolation, and battery of biochemical tests was performed to identify species. For frequencies, descriptive statistics were computed and the logistic regression model was used to see the relationship between dependent and independent variables.Results: A total of 524 healthy schoolchildren with a mean age of 12.2 ± 2.74 years participated in this study. The overall oropharyngeal carriage rate was 21.8% (114/524). Of these, N. meningitidis, N. lactamica, N. sicca, and M. catarrhalis were identified in 53 (46.5%), 14 (12.3%), 11 (9.6%), and 36 (31.6%) children, respectively. The culture positivity rate was higher at a younger age, which was 8.1%, 11.3%, and 14.9% in ages between 15– 18, 11– 14, and 7– 10, respectively. The oropharyngeal carriage was significantly associated with the number of students per class (> 40).Conclusion: There is a higher proportion of carriers of commensal N. lactamica and M. catarrhalis in Gondar town schoolchildren. The oropharyngeal carriage rate was associated with a crowded classroom. The characterization of non-pathogenic Neisseria species and M. catarrhalis in the study area can support the diagnosis of patients suspected of having N. meningitis infections.Keywords: N. lactamica, N. sicca, Moraxella catarrhalis, schoolchildren, Gondar

Abraha Hailu,1 Kibreab Gidey,1 Mohamedawel Mohamedniguss Ebrahim,2 Yonas Berhane,1 Teklay Gebrehawaria,1 Tesfay Hailemariam,1 Atakelti Negash,1 Habtamu Mesele,1 Tekleab Desta,1 Haylsh Tsegay,1 Mulubirhan Assefa Alemayohu,3 Alemayehu Bayray3 1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Mekelle University - College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; 2Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mekelle University - College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; 3Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Mekelle University - College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Tigray, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Abraha Hailu Weldegerima, Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology Unit, Mekelle University College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, Tel +251-91-141-3363, Email abrahahailu7@gmail.comBackground: Previous works show that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise in developing nations, including Ethiopia, in the background of preexisting communicable diseases (CDs). Data on hospital admission in sub-Saharan Africa are scarce, particularly prospectively collected, and hence this study was done to close the gap in acquiring accurate diagnosis usually faced with retrospective data. We aimed to describe medical admission patterns, their outcomes and determinants at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (ACSH) in Tigray, Ethiopia.Methods: Data were collected prospectively from November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018 for all medical admissions. Sociodemographic profiles, final diagnosis, outcome of hospitalization, and complications were recorded using a data-abstraction checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.Results: There were 2084 medical admissions over 1 year. Median age was 45 years (IQR 31). A majority (1107, 53.1%) were male. The age-group 25– 34 years had the most admissions (19.0%). NCDs constituted 68.2% of admissions. According to the International Classification of Diseases, patients were admitted most frequently due to disease of the circulatory system (36.7%) followed by infectious or parasitic diseases (24.1%). Of NCDs, cardiovascular diseases contributed to 53.9%, followed by cancers (8.6%). Of CDs, HIV/AIDS contributed to 31.3%, followed by tuberculosis (22.8%). A total of 1375 (66%) were discharged improved, while 311 (14.9%) died. On multivariate analysis, the in-hospital mortality was significantly higher (18.7%) for CDs than NCDs (13.2%, AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4– 2.3; P< 0.001). Bed occupancy of ACSH medical wards and ICU was 54%.Conclusion: NCDs were leading causes of medical admissions in ACSH. The presence of CDs and the development of complications were associated with higher risk of death. Attention should be given by policy-makers to curb the higher morbidity from NCDs and mortality from CDs.Keywords: medical admissions, mortality, Ayder, Ethiopia

Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) has paramount significance to reduce HIV replication, warding off viral resistance, and decrease HIV – related morbidity and mortality. HIV patients have been challenged to attain the optimal level of adherence to ART owing to a variety of social, psychological, spiritual, and medical reasons.To examine factors associated with adherence among HIV patients taking antiretroviral treatment at five government hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.A survey was conducted in ART clinics of five randomly selected hospitals in Addis Ababa from January 21, 2018 to February 25, 2018. Data collected using six standardized scales were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize socio-demographic information, estimate the prevalence of alcohol use, depression, and adherence to antiretroviral treatment. ANOVA and t tests were used to examine mean differences, and multiple regression was used to identify the contribution of the independent variables on the dependent variables at95% confidence Interval and a statistical significance p< .001. Adult HIV patients consisting of 64% were fully adhered to ART, 52% reported current use of alcohol, and 55.6% reported having some degree of depressive symptoms. Alcohol use (𝛽= -.059), depressive symptoms (𝛽= -.022) and HIV disclosure stigma (𝛽= -.034) were associated with adherence. In conclusion, ART adherence was significantly associated with alcohol use, depressive symptoms and HIV disclosure stigma. Addressing psychosocial factors related to ART adherence would help Adult HIV patients to improve their level of adherence.

Tandem hydrodechlorination/Friedel–Crafts alkylation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is achieved using silylium ion catalysts to prepare new styrenic copolymers of polyethylene.

Microbes are an integral component of the soil ecosystem but degraded soil has few native beneficial microbes. This necessitates the characterization of phytobeneficial bacteria having numerous features. The study was initiated to evaluate rhizobacteria enhancing Acacia (Acacia abyssinica) seed germination. Isolates were selected based primarily on phosphate solubilization activity and other traits hydrogen cyanide (hcn), phytohormone, hydrolytic enzyme, siderophore, ammonia. Among isolates, 45% each was categorized as high and medium phosphate solubilizers and the amount was found to range from 195 to 373 µg/mL. The highest solubilization index (SI) 7 was recorded for Acinetobacter BS-27 and 6 for Pantoea BS-38. The maximum P and iaa were produced by Pseudomonas FB-49 (373 and 659.07µg/mL), respectively. Isolates with multiple traits were chosen for seed germination. Accordingly, Agrobacterium RS-79 and Pseudomonas BS-26 showed 100% activity. A 100% seed germination and vigor index (343.33 and 306.67) were observed in Pseudomonas BS-26 and FB-49. Degraded soil is considered a source for phosphate solubilizing and other beneficial bacteria with many traits to be used for seed germination assay.