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Introduction: The Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a catastrophic emerging global health threat caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 has a wide range of complications and sequelae. It is devastating in developing countries, causing serious health and socioeconomic crises as a result of the increasingly overburdened healthcare system. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Ethiopia. Methods: Electronic databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Research Gate, Embase, and Scopus were thoroughly searched from March to April 2022 to identify relevant studies. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality scale for cross-sectional studies. STATA-12 was used for analysis. A random-effects model was used to compute the pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The heterogeneity was quantified by using the I2 value. Subgroup analysis was done for sex, age of study subjects, population type, diagnostic methods, and publication year. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger’s test. A sensitivity analysis was also done. Result: 11 studies consisting of 35,376 study participants (15,759 male and 19,838 female) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 8.83%. There was substantial heterogeneity, with an I2 value of 99.3%. The pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was higher in males (9.27%) than in females (8.8%). According to the publication year, a higher prevalence was obtained in 2021 (12.69%). Similarly, it was higher in the population of specific groups (16.65%) than in the general population (5.75%). Conclusion: the national pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Ethiopian population was 8.83%. This indicates that the burden of COVID-19 is still high, which urges routine screening and appropriate treatment.

A series of research was carried out to determine the correlation between ultrasonic welding process parameters and weld seam mechanical properties. However, multi-objective numerical optimization of coated hybrid textiles for weather protection has not been addressed. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of ultrasonic weld seams, the research investigates the optimal solution of the multi-objective function of ultrasonic welding process parameters and formulates a single criteria objective function. Lapped and superimposed types of seams were applied based on 33 factorial designs of experiments for 6 and 12 mm welding widths. Single-criteria objective functions instead of three independent problems were developed as a generalized utility function. A single-criteria optimization method was introduced through predetermined weight and normalization within the range of acceptable/unacceptable values. Numerical and graphical optimization methods were also applied to determine possible optimal solutions through generalized utility functions. The best optimal value of the generalized utility function (0.670425 and 0.944374) was attained at welding speed (2 and 2.01564 m/min), power (93.756 and 117.973 W), and pressure force (198.803 and 239.756 N) of 6 and 12 mm welding widths, respectively. The acceptable range of satisfactory values was determined for the roof and wall of awnings and camping tents through standard, in which seam performance level indicated. Nonlinear quadratic numerical models were formulated to estimate the generalized utility function, and their results were close to the regressed diagonal line against the actual points. The statistical analysis was shown a statistically significant effect of welding process parameters on the generalized utility function.

Modeling uncertainties and oscillatory dynamics are control challenges for flapping vehicles. Flapping-wing aerial vehicles are nonlinear time-varying oscillatory systems with flexible multibody dynamics. As such, accurate modeling of these complex systems considering unsteady aerodynamics is a formidable task. Though adaptive controllers can work well with uncertain approximate models, inherent oscillation of flapping systems can degrade their control performance and create undesired control actuations. This paper addresses improvements of neural adaptive dynamic inversion controller toward efficient performance for flapping flight via effective utility of actuator capacity. In this respect, first an assumptive model of a bird-mimetic flapping-wing is considered for simulation and analysis. It is shown that the usage of oscillatory feedback data produces additional error in trajectory tracking and unnecessary oscillatory control actuations. Subsequently, the control loop is modified by adding an adaptive notch filter for real-time estimation, tracking, and removal of dominant oscillatory modes from the feedback data and consequently from the controller output. As a result, the required control effort is effectively reduced and the controller performance is significantly improved. Simulations are provided to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme in presence of noise, variation of system frequency, disturbances, as well as delay in the control loop.

This study examined LST distribution in Ethiopia's agroforestry-dominated Gedeo Zone due to Land Use Land Cover change. For 2005, 2011, 2017, and 2022, 10 m Sentinel 2A and 30 m Landsat images were used to extract and map LST and LULC distribution. The DOS1 method corrected atmospheric errors in all satellite images. LULC change was detected using SVM image classification. The study result revealed that the Agroforestry and Built-up coverage has increased by 1520 sq. km and 2600 sq. km, respectively, from 2005 to 2022. The Bare Land and Farm Land coverage decreased by 1554 sq. km and 2565 sq. km, respectively, in the same period. The LST result has shown that there has been a remarkable variation in the spatial pattern of the LST between 2005 and 2022. The average LST in Agroforestry, Bare Land, Farm Land, and Built-up area has progressively increased over the years, from 19.6°C, 26.0°C, 20.2°C, and 25.58°C in 2005 to 25°C, 32.16°C, 28.23°C, and 30.62 °C in 2022, respectively. While in 2005, the maximum recorded LST did not exceed 37.3°C, by 2022, it had increased by close to 3°C, reaching 40.6°C. The overall result revealed that the average LST in °C has increased from 2005 to 2022. From the result, it was concluded that agroforestry had contributed a lot to LST distribution. LST may not depend on the local LULC change only; other factors like urbanization and global warming could play a significant role in changing LST locally and globally.

Background. Timing to get obstetric care is critical in preventing maternal death and disability. Maternal third delay, the delay in receiving care after reaching health facilities, involves factors related to organization, quality of care, patient referral, and availability of staff and equipment. However, data is limited on maternal third delay and its associated factors at higher health facilities in Ethiopia. Objective. This study is aimed at assessing the magnitude of maternal third delay and associated factors among women admitted for emergency obstetric care in public hospitals in Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia, 2021. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2021. Face-to-face interview with a structured questionnaire and data extraction from medical charts were carried out in selected 542 women (using systematic sampling method). The collected data were coded and entered using EpiData, and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done using SPSS version 25. Statistical significances were declared at p value less than 0.05. Results. Maternal third delay was identified among 29.3% ( 95 % CI = 25.2 − 33.5 ) of the respondents. Additionally, women who arrived with a referral from other health facilities ( AOR = 0.311 , 95 % CI = 0.181 − 0.534 ), well prepared for birth and its complications ( AOR = 2.418 , 95 % CI = 1.51 − 3.869 ), self-employed ( AOR = 0.223 , 95 % CI = 0.122 − 0.409 ), being a government employee ( AOR = 0.157 , 95 % CI = 0.063 − 0.396 ), having ANC follow-up ( AOR = 2.795 , 95 % CI = 1.318 − 5.928 ), and absence of health professional ( AOR = 4.63 , 95 % CI = 2.857 − 7.50 ) were significantly associated with maternal third delay. Conclusion. This study identified that maternal third delay was high, which indicates that women have not received emergency obstetric care in the recommended time range after they arrived at the health facilities.

Mohammed Seid,1 Mesafint Markos,1 Addis Aklilu,1 Aseer Manilal,1 Abdurezak Zakir,1 Teshome Kebede,2 Kebede Kulayta,3 Gessila Endashaw4 1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 2Arba Minch General Hospital, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 3Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Arba Minch College of Health Sciences, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 4Department of Nursing, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch College of Health Sciences, Arba Minch, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Mohammed Seid, Email mohamedseid2005@gmail.comBackground: Globally, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health issue among women. Investigating risk factors associated with culture-proven UTIs and the antimicrobial resistance profile of uropathogens would provide insight into planning prevention and control measures.Objective: To identify the risk factors associated with UTIs among sexually active women and determine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of uropathogenic bacterial isolates.Methods: A case-control study was conducted from February to June 2021, involving 296 women (62 case group and 234 control group in a ratio of 4:1). Cases were defined as culture-confirmed UTIs, and controls were non-UTIs. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic, clinical, and behavioral data. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was done by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify risk factors, and the strength of association was measured by adjusted odds ratios and a 95% confidence interval used at P-values < 0.05.Results: The results revealed that recent coitus and frequency of coitus more than three times per week (P=0.001) were independent predictors of UTIs. Swabbing from back to front, a history of UTI and a delay in voiding were also independent predictors (P < 0.05). On the other hand, a daily water intake of 1 to 2 litres reduced the risk of UTI (P= 0.001). The predominant uropathogenic isolate was Escherichia coli (35.48%). Over 60% of isolates were resistant to cotrimoxazole, penicillin, cephalosporin, and fluoroquinolones. The most effective antibiotics included piperacillin-tazobactam, aminoglycosides, carbapenem, and nitrofurantoin. 85% and 50% of isolates were MDR and ESBL producers, respectively.Conclusion: The finding indicates the importance of public intervention targeting the identified risk factors and the resistance phenotype to reduce the burden of UTIs with antimicrobial resistance in the study area.Keywords: risk factors, adolescents and young women, bacteriuria, symptomatic UTIs, uropathogens, antimicrobial resistance, ESBL producing, case-control, Ethiopia

The main objective of this study was to assess the level of metal contamination of the soils used in the cultivation of onions in the city of Abéché. Thus, 04 plots were carried out and monitored for a period of five years (05 years). Two traditional plots were chosen in the Arkou site; and two control plots were carried out in the Bagarine site. Soil samples were taken annually (2016 to 2020) after harvesting on a thickness of 0 and 20 cm. In each plot, thirteen (13) samples were taken. After quartering, one (01) representative sample from each plot was retained. The samples were analyzed by optical emission spectrometry at the Food Quality Control Center Laboratory (FQCCL) in Ndjamena. The determination of heavy metal concentrations revealed relatively low levels for Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr and Fe. These levels are generally lower than the reference values ​​for all the plots. Geoaccumulation indices (Igeo) and Contamination factor (Cf) revealed pollution indices. Pb and Cd show contaminations in traditional plots. The correlations (P < 0.05) observed in our study area are positive and significant. This study shows that the use of chemical inputs are sources of soil contamination by heavy metals. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 11(1): 42-53.

Background and Objective Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is an important public health issue requiring adequate screening and management to avoid such harmful consequences. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of EDS in the perinatal period.Methods Institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out in selected public health institutions of Ethiopia on systematic selected 362 women during perinatal period. We used a validated Epworth daytime sleepiness tool to collect data. Epi-InfoTM 7 and SPSS version 26 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associated factors.Results The prevalence of EDS was 16.6% (95% CI: 12.6–20.7). Excessive pregnancy-related concern (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.232, 95% CI: 0.087–0.621), having depression symptoms (AOR = 8.045, 95% CI: 3.375–19.174), anxiety symptoms (AOR = 4.905, 95% CI: 2.083– 11.550) and having a chronic medical illness (AOR = 5.441, 95% CI: 2.273–13.021) were the factors associated with EDS.Conclusions The results of the current study suggested that perinatal EDS among women in northern part of Ethiopia is a highly prevalent and associated with excessive pregnancy concern, depression, anxiety, and medical illness.

This paper investigated the bending moment of chair base joints. The ultimate bending moments (maximum moment), calculated on the base of the measured maximum applied loads (maximum force), were compared for the front leg and rear leg joints of a chair base. The joints had different angles between the stretcher and the leg (joint angle) as well different tenon lengths (30 mm and 32 mm). The results of the tests indicated that for different test specimen configurations but the same tenon-and-mortise geometry, the maximum force of joints with a smaller value of joint angle (front leg joints) was higher than the force values of joints with a larger angle (rear leg joints) for all tenon lengths. However, the results showed less difference among the calculated bending moments of the analysed sets of joints. A significant difference was not revealed between the bending moments of joints with a smaller value of joint angle and the bending moments of joints with a larger angle for all tenon lengths. A significant difference between the bending moments for the tenon length of 30 mm and tenon length of 32 mm was determined for rear leg joints but not for front leg joints. The presented approach of joint strength analysis through the testing of specimens with different shapes and dimensions are applicable to research and practice., U radu je proučavan moment savijanja spojeva na križnoj potkonstrukciji sjedala stolice. Krajnji momenti savijanja (najveći moment), izračunani na temelju izmjerenih najvećih opterećenja (najveća sila), uspoređeni su za spojeve prednjih i stražnjih nogu križne potkonstrukcije sjedala stolice. Spojevi su imali različite kutove između poveznika i noge (kut spoja), kao i različitu duljinu čepova (30 i 32 mm). Rezultati ispitivanja pokazali su da je za različitu konfiguraciju ispitnih uzoraka, ali za istu geometriju čepa i rupe, najveća sila bila veća za spojeve s manjim kutom (spojevi prednjih nogu) nego za spojeve s većim kutom (spojevi stražnjih nogu), i to za čepove obiju duljina. Rezultati su također pokazali manju razliku između izračunanih momenata savijanja analiziranih grupa spojeva. Nije utvrđena značajna razlika momenata savijanja spojeva s manjim i većim kutom za čepove obiju duljina. Značajna razlika između momenata savijanja za čepove dužine 30 i 32 mm utvrđena je za spojeve stražnjih nogu, ali ne i za spojeve prednjih nogu stolice. Prikazani pristup analize čvrstoće spojeva ispitivanjem uzoraka različitih oblika i dimenzija primjenjiv je u istraživanju i u praksi.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the compliance of foreign investment projects with local environmental standards in Ethiopia. It examines the cause and impact of the environmental problems created by such projects as well as the necessary policy response, especially by examining the role of the applicable bilateral investment treaties (BITs) in enforcing local standards. Design/methodology/approach The research approach is fundamentally an empirical study with some doctrinal analysis. The empirical data (qualitative) was collected through interviews, focus group discussions and observation tools. Findings The investment projects selected for the case studies were not complying with the local environmental standards, which resulted in several environmental problems. The major cause for the overall environmental problems was not a legal gap in the local standards, but the failure of enforcing such standards by the government bodies and foreign investors. The applicable BITs also played no role in environmental protection as they do not impose environmental obligations along with enforcement mechanisms. Non-compliance with local standards can be mitigated if the applicable BITs impose environmental obligations along with workable enforcement mechanisms – as a treaty obligation has more binding force. The author argues that, in general, foreign investments are not environmental-friendly unless otherwise strictly regulated by combining local environmental standards and a BIT that imposes environmental obligations (along with enforcement mechanisms) on the foreign investors, host state and home state. Originality/value The existing literature does not deal with the environmental problems, the enforcement constraints and the role of the applicable BITs together in a single publication. They separately address these issues, which do not give a comprehensive understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship. This paper fills this gap by presenting comprehensive findings that combine the environmental problems and the associated enforcement constraints as well as the role of the applicable BITs in this regard. It also contributes to the ongoing debate concerning whether foreign direct investment is good or bad for the environment by producing empirical evidence from Ethiopia, the African continent.

Hussen Ebrahim,1 Mihret Tilahun,1 Temesgen Fiseha,1 Habtu Debash,1 Habtye Bisetegn,1 Ermiyas Alemayehu,1 Mesfin Fiseha,1 Endris Ebrahim,1 Agumas Shibabaw,1 Abdurahaman Seid,1 Daniel Getacher Feleke,2 Ousman Mohammed1 1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 2Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Hussen Ebrahim, Po.Box:1145, Tel +251921332772, Email husshosam@gmail.comBackground: Thyroid nodules are the most common thyroid disease and its incidence has been rising throughout the world. Thus, this study aimed to assess the patterns of fine needle aspiration cytology-diagnosed thyroid nodules among clinically suspected patients.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2021 to March 2022 using 424 study participants who were referred to undergo fine needle aspiration cytology examination and were consecutively included. Moreover, two FNAC smears were prepared and stained using Wright and Giemsa staining solutions and then examined by an experienced licensed pathologist. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association of socio-demographic and clinical variables with nodules. P-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: The overall magnitude of benign and malignant nodules was 60.4% and 16.5% respectively. Moreover, the magnitude of atypical of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) and follicular neoplasm or suspicious of follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) was 3.54% and 1.42% respectively. The magnitude of malignant thyroid nodules was 5.9% for malignant secondary adenocarcinoma, 3.5% for papillary thyroid carcinoma, 2.6% for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 2.4% for medullary thyroid carcinoma, 1.4% of an undifferentiated malignant thyroid tumor and 0.7% of Hodgkin lymphoma respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age categories between 0 and 15 years and between 16 and 30 years, and nodule size > 2.5cm were significantly associated with malignant thyroid nodules.Conclusion: The magnitude of benign and malignant tumors was 60.4% and 16.5% respectively. Being younger and having nodule size > 2.5cm were significantly associated with malignant thyroid nodules. Therefore, fine needle aspiration cytology examination has a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of benign and malignant thyroid nodules.Keywords: benign, cytology, fine needle aspiration, malignant, thyroid tumors, thyroid gland, thyroid nodules, ultrasound, Ethiopia

Some liquid chromatography (LC) troubleshooting topics never get old, because there are some problems that persist in the practice of LC, even as instrument technology improves over time. There are many ways for things to go wrong in an LC system that ultimately manifest as deviations from expected retention times. Lot-to-lot variability in column chemistry, effects of pressure on selectivity, and stationary phase loss are less frequently encountered causes of unexpected retention shifts, but ones that should be included in a comprehensive troubleshooting agenda.

The application of biomass models for quantifying forests’ above-ground biomass is essential for sustainable forest management. However, lack of knowledge in modelig biomass of individual tree growth hinders the sustainable management of Dry Afromontane forests. In this study, models to estimate above-ground biomass were developed for Rhus ruspolii, Ekebergia capensis, and Nuxia congesta. To develop the models, a total of 45 trees from different diameter classes were selected, felled, and divided into different biomass compartments. For the model’s development, diameter at breast height (DBH), total height (TH), diameter at stump height (DSH), and wood density (WD) were used as independent variables. Models’ performances were evaluated using RSE, adjusted coefficient of determination, and AIC. Also, model validations were done by using rRMSE, mean absolute deviation, bias, and coefficient of variation. Models 5 (Adj-R2 = 0.92), 6 (Adj-R2 = 0.97), and 8 (Adj-R22 = 0.82) were the best fitted models for Nuxia congesta, Ekebergia capensis, and Rhus ruspolii, respectively. The average wood densities of Ekebergia capensis, Nuxia congesta, and Rhus ruspolii were 0.59, 0.50, and 0.69, respectively. The variation between observed biomass and estimated biomass using new models was statistically not significant ( p > 0.05 ). Thus, the biomass models developed here can be important tools to accurately estimate above-ground biomass in the Menagesha Suba forest and can be integrated into decision support tools.

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

Most countries around the world have experienced water scarcity in recent decades as fresh water consumption has increased. However, untreated wastewater is routinely discharged into the environment, particularly in developing countries, where it causes widespread environmental and public health problems. The majority of wastewater treatment method publications are heavily focused on high-income country applications and, in most cases, cannot be transferred to low and middle-income countries. An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the performance efficiency of pilot-scale physicochemical and biological treatment methods for the treatment of household greywater in Jimma, Ethiopia. During the experiment, grab samples of greywater were taken from the combined treatment system’s influent and effluent every 7 days for 5 weeks and analyzed within 24–48 hours. Temperature, DO, EC, turbidity, TDS, and pH were measured on-site, while BOD, COD, TSS, TP, TN PO4−3-P, NO3-N, NH4-N, Cl−, and FC were determined in the laboratory. During the five-week pilot-scale combined treatment system monitoring period, the combined experimental and control system’s mean percentage reduction efficiencies were as follows: turbidity (97.2%, 92%), TSS (99.2%, 97.2%), BOD5 (94%, 57.4%), COD (91.6%, 54.7%), chloride (61%, 35%), TN (68.24, 42.7%), TP (71.6%, 38.7%), and FC (90%, 71.1%), respectively. Similarly, the combined experimental and control systems reduced PO4−3-P (12.5 ± 3 mg/L), NO3-N (4.5 ± 3 mg/L), and NH4-N (10.19 ± 2.6 mg/L) to PO4−3-P (3.5 ± 2.6 mg/L, 7.5 ± 1.6 mg/L), NO3-N (0.8 ± 0.5, 3.6 ± 2.3 mg/L), and NH4-N (7 ± 2.9 mg/L, 15.9 ± 3.9 mg/L), respectively. From the biofiltration and horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland combined systems, the experimental combined technology emerged as the best performing greywater treatment system, exhibiting remarkably higher pollutant removal efficiencies. In conclusion, the combined biofiltration and horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland treatment system can be the technology of choice in low-income countries, particularly those with tropical climates.

A new species of the zoarcid genus Pyrolycus Machida & Hashimoto, 2002, Pyrolycus jaco sp. nov., is described from a hydrothermal seep environment named Jacó Scar in the eastern Pacific of Costa Rica. Four specimens were collected in 2018 between 1746–1795 m among tubeworm colonies around the seep. The new species is differentiated from its two western Pacific congeners by having a shorter head, snout, jaw, and pectoral fins. It is further diagnosed by having three postorbital pores and two occipital pores. Molecular sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene are provided and are the first for the genus. The character states indicating miniaturization in this species are discussed. This is the first vertebrate species known from this composite reducing ecosystem and is the fourth hydrothermally-associated zoarcid from the eastern Pacific.

Background. Medication nonadherence, being one of the best predictors of hospitalization, increases the mortality rate and hospital readmission and reduces the quality of life of heart failure (HF) patients. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing medication nonadherence and associated factors among HF patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 adult patients with HF from June to August 2017. The data were collected by using the medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5) and then entered and analyzed using SPSS® (IBM Corporation) version 24. Summary statistics were presented using frequency, proportion, and mean. Binary logistic regression analysis was done for identifying factors associated with medication nonadherence with a 95% confidence level and p value of less than 0.05. Results. Among 245 patients with HF, about a quarter (23.7%) of them were medication nonadherent. More than one-third (37%) of HF patients had a history of at least one HF medication discontinuation. Refilling problems (48%) and getting better from the illness (27%) were the most commonly reported reasons for nonadherence. Presence of comorbidity ( AOR = 2.761 ; 95 % CI = 1.364 , 5.589), taking three or more types of medication ( AOR = 2.805 ; 95 % CI = 1.404 , 5.60), and being unmarried ( AOR = 2.638 , 95 % CI = 1.279 , 5.443) was significantly associated with medication nonadherence. Conclusion. The self-reported medication nonadherence among HF patients was considerably high. Refilling problems and getting better from the illness were the most commonly reported reasons for nonadherence. The presence of comorbid illness, taking three or more types of medication, and being unmarried was significantly associated factors of medication nonadherence. Awareness creation among patients on the importance of medication adherence and targeted efforts to assess and mitigate reasons for medication nonadherence may be helpful.

The climate crisis is impacting agroecosystems and threatening food security of millions of smallholder farmers. Understanding the potential for current and future climatic adaptation of local crop agrobiodiversity may guide breeding efforts and support resilience of agriculture. Here, we combine a genomic and climatic characterization of a large collection of traditional barley varieties from Ethiopia, a staple for local smallholder farmers cropping in challenging environments. We find that the genomic diversity of barley landraces can be partially traced back to geographic and environmental diversity of the landscape. We employ a machine learning approach to model Ethiopian barley adaptation to current climate and to identify areas where its existing diversity may not be well adapted in future climate scenarios. We use this information to identify optimal trajectories of assisted migration compensating to detrimental effects of climate change, finding that Ethiopian barley diversity bears opportunities for adaptation to the climate crisis. We then characterize phenology traits in the collection in two common garden experiments in Ethiopia, using genome-wide association approaches to identify genomic loci associated with timing of flowering and maturity of the spike. We combine this information with genotype-environment associations finding that loci involved in flowering time may also explain environmental adaptation. Our data show that integrated genomic, climatic, and phenotypic characterizations of agrobiodiversity may provide breeding with actionable information to improve local adaptation in smallholder farming systems.

The proximate compositions and elemental contents of sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds and the underlying soil from different cultivation areas of Tsegede, Ethiopia, were investigated. The ash, protein, fiber, fat, and carbohydrate contents of the sesame seeds were determined following standard methods. Essential major (Ca and Mg) and trace metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ni) in the sesame seeds and the underlying soil were determined by using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. The sesame seeds contained high levels of fat (52.9 ± 1.5%), followed by protein (23.5 ± 0.9%). The seeds contained 525 ± 1 and 453 ± 38 mg/kg of Mg and Ca, respectively. Iron was the most abundant (37.8 ± 1.4 mg/kg) of the trace metals, followed by Zn (14.6 ± 2.2 mg/kg) and Cu (7.26 ± 0.84). Manganese and Ni were found only in minute amounts. The concentrations of the trace metals varied significantly across the different cultivation areas. Similar to the sesame seeds, iron was found in higher amounts (212.6 ± 2.6 mg/kg) in the underlying soil followed by Zn and Cu, which were both 28.8 mg/kg. The amounts of the trace elements, Fe, Cu, and Zn found in the soils were about 2 to 6 times higher than that found in the sesame seeds. Whereas, the concentrations of Mg and Ca present in the seeds were comparable with that determined in the soils. Correlation analysis indicated that the Fe and Cu contents of the sesame seeds are negatively influenced by the amounts of Mg and Ca present in the soil. Ca in the seeds was also negatively associated with the Mg levels in soil.

This paper explores the possibilities of applying physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) in topology optimization (TO) by introducing a fully self-supervised TO framework that is based on PINNs. This framework solves the forward elasticity problem by the deep energy method (DEM). Instead of training a separate neural network to update the density distribution, we leverage the fact that the compliance minimization problem is self-adjoint to express the element sensitivity directly in terms of the displacement field from the DEM model, and thus no additional neural network is needed for the inverse problem. The method of moving asymptotes is used as the optimizer for updating density distribution. The implementation of Neumann, Dirichlet, and periodic boundary conditions are described in the context of the DEM model. Three numerical examples are presented to demonstrate framework capabilities: (1) Compliance minimization in 2D under different geometries and loading, (2) Compliance minimization in 3D, and (3) Maximization of homogenized shear modulus to design 2D meta material unit cells. The results show that the optimized designs from the DEM-based framework are very comparable to those generated by the finite element method, and shed light on a new way of integrating PINN-based simulation methods into classical computational mechanics problems.

Objective: Reproductive health (RH) rights are the rights of all persons, regardless of age, sex, or other traits, and they have the freedom to make decisions about their sexuality and RH. However, there is limited information about Ethiopians’ understanding of RH rights. Because little is known about the degree of knowledge and relevant predictors in the study area, this study was carried out to fill in the gaps. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 3 January to 25 January 2021 G.C to determine the knowledge level of RH rights and its associated factors among Wolkite University undergraduate medical students. The minimum estimated sample size was computed by using the simple population proportion formula of 95% confidence interval (CI), with 5% of marginal error, which was 318 students. The students were stratified based on their academic year and department. Each student was selected from each department by using the simple random sampling method based on their ID numbers. Data were collected by using a pre-tested, structured self-administered questionnaire. Epi Info version 3.5.1 was used for data coding, entering, and cleaning, and then the data were exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 for advanced analysis. The associated factors were identified by performing analysis for bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: More than half (56.33%) of the participants were knowledgeable about reproductive and sexual rights and participated in RH clubs (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.46, 5.91). The paternal educational level (AOR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.34, 5.65) had an association with the knowledge of reproductive health rights. Conclusions: The students’ knowledge regarding reproductive and sexual rights was found to be little. The Ethiopia Ministry of Education has to include reproductive and sexual rights in the curriculum of high school and higher institution studies.

The paper explores the possibility of using the novel Deep Operator Networks (DeepONet) for forward analysis of numerically intensive and challenging multiphysics designs and optimizations of advanced materials and processes. As an important step towards that goal, DeepONet networks were devised and trained on GPUs to solve the Poisson equation (heat-conduction equation) with the spatially variable heat source and highly nonlinear stress distributions under plastic deformation with variable loads and material properties. Since DeepONet can learn the parametric solution of various phenomena and processes in science and engineering, it was found that a properly trained DeepONet can instantly and accurately inference thermal and mechanical solutions for new parametric inputs without re-training and transfer learning and several orders of magnitude faster than classical numerical methods.