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Child under-nutrition is a major public health concern in developing countries including Ethiopia. Poor quality diet is the major determinant factor contributing to child undernutrition. Pulse crop production and consumption can improve children's nutrient quality and dietary diversity. This study aimed to compare the nutritional status and child health, dietary intake, and wealth index of preschool children among pulse crop producer and non-producer families in Ethiopia. The study hypothesized that children living in families who grew pulses and consumed pulses (rather than selling their crop) would have better nutritional status due to availability of this protein-rich food source. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine demographic background, child feeding and caring practice and varieties and amount of pulse crop produced at the household level. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 432 children aged 24-59 months from central Ethiopia the Data was entered to SPSS v 20, WHO Anthro-plus software used to calculate the anthropometry indices, child dietary intake, level of chickpea production and consumption and wealth index, were computed using logistic regression. Chickpea (cicer arietinum L) was produced by 55.3% of the participants. Most (60.7%) of the children from chickpea producer families were high pulse consumers whereas only 15.5% of children from non-producers were high chickpea consumers (the difference in proportion is significant at p-value Key words: chickpea, preschool children, chickpea consumption, chickpea production, nutritional status, INTRODUCTION Nutrition plays an important role in growth and development of children, where a healthy diet enhances physical and mental abilities [1]. Malnutrition in children is the determinant factor for [...]

Cave carbonate minerals are an important terrestrial paleoclimate archive. A few studies have explored the potential for applying carbonate clumped isotope thermometry to speleothems as a tool for constraining past temperatures. To date, most papers utilizing this method have focused on mass-47 clumped isotope values (Δ47) at a single location and reported that cave carbonate minerals rarely achieve isotopic equilibrium, with kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) attributed to CO2 degassing. More recently, studies have shown that mass-47 and mass-48 CO2 from acid digested carbonate minerals (Δ47 and Δ48) can be used together to assess equilibrium and probe KIEs. Here, we examined 44 natural and synthetic modern cave carbonate mineral samples from 13 localities with varying environmental conditions (ventilation, water level, pCO2, temperature) for (dis)equilibrium using Δ47-Δ48 values, in concert with traditional stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope ratios. Data showed that 19 of 44 samples exhibited Δ47-Δ48 values indistinguishable from isotopic equilibrium, and 18 (95 %) of these samples yield Δ47-predicted temperatures within error of measured modern temperatures. Conversely, 25 samples exhibited isotopic disequilibria, 13 of which yield erroneous temperature estimates. Within some speleothem samples, we find Δ47-Δ48 values consistent with CO2 degassing effects, however, the majority of samples with KIEs are consistent with other processes being dominant. We hypothesize that these values reflect isotopic buffering effects on clumped isotopes that can be considerable and cannot be overlooked. Using a Raleigh Distillation Model, we examined carbon and oxygen isotope exchange trajectories and their relationships with dual clumped isotope disequilibria. Carbon isotope exchange is associated with depletion of both Δ47 and Δ48 relative to equilibrium, while oxygen isotope exchange is associated with enrichment of both Δ47 and Δ48 relative to equilibrium. Cave rafts collected from proximate locations in Mexico exhibit the largest average departures from equilibrium (ΔΔ47¯ = −0.032 ± 0.007, ΔΔ48¯ = −0.104 ± 0.035, where ΔΔi is the measured value – the equilibrium value). This study shows how the Δ47-Δ48 dual carbonate clumped isotope framework can be applied to a variety of tcave carbonate mineral samples, enabling identification of isotopic equilibria and therefore quantitative application of clumped isotope thermometry for paleoclimate reconstruction, or alternatively, constraining the mechanisms of kinetic effects.

Abstract Background The maternal and child health continuum of care integrates services from pre-pregnancy through childhood to enhance maternal and child outcomes. It is crucial for reducing maternal and child mortality by focusing on comprehensive health interventions. Despite its significance, comprehensive studies on the continuum remain limited. This study aimed to assess the completion of the maternal and child health continuum of care and associated factors among mothers with index children aged 12–23 months in the West Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2023. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1–30, 2023, by interviewing mothers of 12-23-month-old children in West Gondar zone. A simple random sampling method was used to select 1,019 mothers. Data were collected via KoboCollect and analyzed in Stata version 14.0. Binary logistic regression was used to examine associations between independent variables and the continuum of care. Variables with a p value

Abstract Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 7 (USP7) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that mediates the stability and activity of numerous proteins. At basal expression levels, USP7 stabilizes p53 protein, even in the presence of excess MDM2. However, its overexpression leads to the deubiquitination of MDM2 at a rate faster than p53, leading to p53 degradation and pro-tumorigenic roles. Consequently, it is an attractive target for anticancer drug discovery via the modulation of its allosteric site from which the protein is activated. In this study, molecular modeling techniques and cheminformatics approaches were employed to unravel the potential of eighty compounds to serve as its allosteric site modulators. The compounds were initially subjected to virtual screening. Subsequently, the binding free energies of the top four compounds with the highest binding affinities were calculated, and their drug-likeness, and pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles were evaluated. Ultimately, the complexes of the protein and hit compounds were subjected to a 100 nanoseconds (ns) molecular dynamics simulation. The results of the study revealed eight compounds from the compound library with docking scores ranging from − 7.491 to -11.43 kcal/mol, compared to P217564, which exhibited a docking score of -5.671 kcal/mol. The top four compounds with the highest affinities possessed drug-like properties, and good pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles, and their predicted inhibitory potentials showed they will be effective at minimal concentration. Also, molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stability of the protein-ligand complexes. Conclusively, the compounds identified in this study are worthy of further evaluation for the development of allosteric site modulators of USP7.

Abstract Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) are being used in medical applications, particularly in theranostics. These Carbon Quantum Dots have been gaining more attention lately due to their potential as an effective replacement for hazardous synthetic organic dyes in a variety of biomedical applications, including live cell imaging and diagnostics. In this study, highly fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots by one pot microwave based green route with a size of less than 10 nm, was prepared from commercially available almond resin, Prunus dulcis and conjugated with honey as additional reagent for surface functionalization. They exhibit a deep blue emission on excitation at 350 nm with an elevated quantum yield at 61%. They possess atomic nature and basic features such as high photo-stability, varying fluorescence, greater biocompatibility, and better water solubility. These fluorescent labels exhibit faster cellular invagination without disturbing the cell stability. The CQDs present cell imaging capacity with multi-coloration for visualizing the fine architecture of the nucleus naming, the nuclear membrane and nucleolus, which is linked with their varied, surface structures such as amphiphilic property and higher positive charges. These characteristics with minimal invasion have made carbon quantum dots to become the spotlight in theranostics. They can be used as alternatives to synthetic dyes for fluorescence- related cell-imaging. The intriguing fact about this approach is that it opens the possibility of combining therapy and diagnostics into one unit, which can alter how some diseases are handled and, in turn, transform the field of healthcare.

Abstract Background The burden of sepsis worsens due to the continuation of emerging pathogens such as multidrug-resistant Pantoea species. Methods A multicenter study was conducted between October 2019 and September 2020 at four hospitals located in central, southern, and northern parts of Ethiopia. A total of 1416 sepsis patients were recruited and blood cultures were performed. At each study site, positive cultures were characterized by their colony characteristics, gram stain, and conventional biochemical tests. All Pantoea species were identified using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI TOF) and subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS) using Illumina HiSeq 2500. The phylogeny structure of Pantoea isolates was calculated using IQ-TREE v1.6.12 from single-nucleotide polymorphisms detected by Snippy v.4.6.0 and filtered by Gubbins v.2.3.4. Average nucleotide identity was estimated by using OrthoANI v.0.93.1 on Shovill v.1.1.0 assemblies. Antimicrobial resistance genes and plasmid replicons were detected using ARIBA v.2.14.6. Phylogenetic trees were visualized using iTOLv.6.5.2. Results Multiple Pantoea species include: P. dispersa (n = 19), P. septica (n = 1), and a novel Pantoea spp. (n = 1), were identified among sepsis patients. All P. dispersa isolates and the novel Pantoea species were isolated at Dessie Referral Hospital and displayed phylogenetic clonality, including the ubiquity of an IncM1 plasmid and identical antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene profiles, encoding bla CTX−M−15, bla TEM−1D, bla SCO−1, and aac(3)-lla. The novel Pantoea spp. isolate harboured bla CTX−M−9 and bla TEM−1D and carried an IncN3 plasmid replicon. The P. septica was isolated at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa and carried no detectable acquired AMR genes. Conclusion The emerging Pantoea spp. carrying multiple AMR genes were identified from sepsis patients. Implementation of strong infection prevention strategies and building surveillance capacity with advanced bacteriology laboratories capable of identifying multidrug-resistant emerging pathogens is strongly recommended.

Abstract The purpose of the current work was to develop and characterize ethosomes of vitamin D3 gel that could more effectively work against psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Due to vitamin D3 role in proliferation and maturation of keratinocytes, it has become an important local therapeutic option in the treatment of psoriasis. In this research we have initiated worked on ethosomes gels containing vitamin D3 to treat psoriasis. Soya lecithin 1–8% (w/v), propylene glycol and ethanol were used to create the formulations, which were then tested for vesicle size, shape, surface morphology, entrapment effectiveness, and in vitro drug permeation. The drug encapsulation efficiency of ethosomes was 96.25% ± 0.3. The particle sizes of the optimized ethosomes was 148 and 657 nm, and the PDI value was 0.770 ± 0.12 along with negative charge − 14 ± 3. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) along with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies confirmed the absence of interactions between vitamin D3 and other ingredients. It was determined that the total amount of medication that penetrated the membrane was 95.34% ± 3. Percentage lysis was very negligible for all strengths which were found less than 15%. Based on our research, ethosomes appear to be safe for use. The vitamin D3 ethosomal gel order, description, pH, and viscosity were all within the specified ranges, according to the findings of a 6-month investigation into the stability profile of the completed system. In this research, we successfully prepared ethosomes loaded with vitamin D3 and then converted it into gel for patients’ easy applications.

Abstract Background and objectives Although the goal of translational research is to bring biomedical knowledge from the laboratory to clinical trial and therapeutic products for improving health, this goal has not been well achieved as often as desired because of many barriers documented in different countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the challenges and opportunities of translating animal research into human trials in Ethiopia. Methods A descriptive qualitative study, using in-depth interviews, was conducted in which preclinical and clinical trial researchers who have been involved in animal research or clinical trials as principal investigator were involved. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic process. Results Six themes were emerged for challenges: lack of financial and human capacity, inadequate infrastructure, operational obstacles and poor research governance, lack of collaboration, lack of reproducibility of results and prolonged ethical and regulatory approval processes. Furthermore, three themes were synthesized for opportunities: growing infrastructure and resources, improved human capacity and better administrative processes and initiatives for collaboration. Conclusion and recommendations The study found that the identified characteristics/features are of high importance either to hurdle or enable the practice of translating animal research into human trials. The study suggests that there should be adequate infrastructure and finance, human capacity building, good research governance, improved ethical and regulatory approval process, multidisciplinary collaboration, and incentives and recognition for researchers to overcome the identified challenges and allow translating of animal research into human trials to proceed more efficiently.

Introduction: Focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) has emerged as a valuable tool in emergency and critical care medicine, allowing for rapid assessment of cardiac function and structure at the bedside. This rapid diagnostic technique holds particular promise in resource-limited settings like Ethiopia, where access to standard echocardiography may be limited and delayed. However, the accuracy of FoCUS interpretation is highly dependent on the operator's skills and expertise. To inform the design of effective interventions, the study aimed to assess the accuracy of FoCUS interpretation and associated factors among senior Emergency Medicine residents at two large referral teaching hospitals in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2023 among 80 residents at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College. To assess diagnostic accuracy, 15 pre-selected cardiac ultrasound videos (normal and pathological cases) were selected from American College of Emergency Physicians website and the PoCUS Atlas, and accurate interpretation was defined as correctly answering at least 12 out of 15 readings. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify significant factors at the 5% level of significance, where significant results were interpreted using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Result: The overall accuracy in interpreting FoCUS findings was 47.5% (95% CI: 38.8–60.0%), with highest for collapsing Inferior Vena Cava (91.3%) and standstill (90.0%), and lowest for Regional Wall Motion Abnormality of Left Ventricle (46.3%). Residents who received training (AOR=4.14, 95%CI:1.32–13.04, p = 0.015), perceived themselves as skilled (AOR=4.81, 95%CI=1.06–21.82, p = 0.042), and felt confident in acquiring and interpretation (AOR=3.16, 95%CI=1.01–9.82, p = 0.047) demonstrated significantly higher accuracy. Conclusion: The study identified a low overall accuracy in FoCUS interpretation, with accuracy improving with training and better perceived skill and confidence. Training programs with simulation, continuous education, and mentorship are crucial to enhance these critical skills.

There is increasing recognition of the importance of learning contexts in science education. However, learning contexts are rarely articulated in terms of what they constitute and are often framed by educators and textbooks with limited inputs from students. Unless properly articulated, contexts become anything and everything, thereby losing their relevance for practical aspects of science teaching and learning. In this study, we examined secondary school students' perceptions of learning contexts as they relate to their science learning and determined aspects of contextualising science education. We recruited 418 secondary school students (Grades 10 and 11) from eight schools in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, to respond to a survey that has both closed and open-ended items. We used exploratory factor analysis to analyse the quantitative element of the survey and determine aspects of contextualising science teaching and learning. We also used open-coding and constant comparison to analyse students' qualitative descriptions of learning contexts with the goal of determining students' understanding of the concept as it relates to their science learning. Results from the factor analysis revealed four factors--"agency and discourse, inquiry and processes, everyday life and community engagement" and "customising" as aspects of contextualisation from students' perspective. The results from the qualitative element reinforced those quantitative findings. Overall, results underscore the importance of contextualising as well as questioning the purpose of science education, especially, but not limited to, in low- and middle-income countries. The study has implications for learning design and fostering learner agency in science education.

Using a holistic, interpretive qualitative ethnographic approach, this study explored the pedagogical practices of traditional educational systems in Ethiopia and their implications for contemporary education practices. Qualitative data (ethnographic observations, informal interactions and semi structured interviews) were gathered over a 3-month period. Interview data from 17 participants and observations of classrooms were collected in three traditional Qene (poetry) church schools. Observations provided insight into the teaching and learning methods, assessment and evaluation practices, classroom organisation and management, teacher student interaction, school environment and daily life of students in Qene church schools. The data were analysed using thematic descriptive narration based on themes created by the basic questions of the study. Central findings indicated that Qene church schools have their own indigenous pedagogical practices such as Qene 'Qotera', 'Negera' and 'Zerefa' that involve various collaborative and independent learning strategies. The findings also indicated that the practices of cooperative learning, reflective learning, critical interpretation, argumentative oral defence, differentiated instruction, authentic formative oral assessment, and scaffolding are central to the Qene education system. We conclude that Qene schools' pedagogical practices provide valuable insights for the pedagogical practice.

This paper explores public university leaders' conceptual understanding of strategic management and its benefits as a tool to make strategic choices and decisions to gain competitive advantages toward pursuing excellence. The qualitative case study method was employed with an interpretive approach. The study examined the perspectives of eleven top-level leaders from three public universities, involving three presidents and eight vice presidents. The findings revealed that public university leaders conceptualize strategic management through the lens of different strategic management facets. They tended to emphasize specific fundamentals of strategic management, such as strategic planning, strategic leadership, transformational leadership, and total quality management. As a result, their understanding of strategic management is conceptually incomplete and practically limited. Moreover, the meaning they ascribe to strategic management is very narrow in scope and lacks consistency. Thus, an ambiguity of concepts may mislead to set an unrealistic vision and be accompanied by designing irrelevant strategies, which may affect institutional sustainability. Besides, strategic management initiatives benefitted leaders in setting goals, enhancing program expansion, conducting performance evaluation, introducing internationalization, mobilizing resources, and building leadership ability. The paper concludes with implications for higher education policy and recommendations for further research.

Abstract Slum areas in Ethiopia have high poverty status. In addition, they possess poor water and sanitation accesses such as unsafe drinking water, a lower number of sanitation facilities and poor hygienic conditions. These scenarios are important in the occurrence of diarrhea among under five children’s. However, there are many studies conducted on diarrhea among under five children in Ethiopia, unfortunately, the majority usually didn’t give enough coverage for the burden of diarrhea among under five children in slum areas. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diarrhea and associated factors among under five children in slum areas of Gondar City. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in slum areas of Gondar City among under five children from March 28 to April 28, 2023. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect a sample of 836 through interview-administered methods using a structured data collection tool. The collected data was manually checked for completeness, coded, and entered into EPI Info version 7.1.5.2 software. It was then exported to Stata version 14.1 software for descriptive analysis, as well as bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses, to identify factors associated with diarrhea among under five children. The prevalence of diarrhea among under five children at 95% confidence interval was 24.64% (CI 21.71–27.56). Mothers/caretakers age

Abstract Background Self-efficacy is the ability to execute, and it is a critical predictor of health-related outcomes among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). Self-efficacy directly determines treatment outcome. However, there is no evidence on the self-efficacy of PLHIV for self-management in Ethiopia. Currently, HIV is considered a manageable chronic disease. However, the burden remains high despite all the taken measures. Objectives This study aimed to assess the self-efficacy of PLHIV for self-management at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UOGCSH), northwest Ethiopia, 2022. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on PLHIV selected by a systematic random sampling technique using an interviewer-administered questionnaire at the UOGCSH from August 10 to September 30, 2022. The data was entered and analyzed using the Statically Package for Social Science version 25.0. Categorical variables were summarized as frequency (percentage) of the total. Both descriptive and inferential statistics, such as the Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann-Whitney U test were performed to detect difference. P-value

Abstract Asymptomatic malaria can impact existing malaria control and elimination efforts around the world, particularly in Africa, where the majority of malaria cases and death occurs. This is a cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of asymptomatic malaria among migrant farmworkers from June to July 2020 in the Upper Awash Agro-industry, East Shewa zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 254 migrant farmworkers without signs and symptoms of malaria were enrolled. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and malaria prevention practices were obtained through a structured questionnaire. Venous blood samples were collected and diagnosed using microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data were coded, entered, and analyzed using SPSS version-21 statistical software. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associated factors. A p

Abstract Hybrid titanium metal matrix composites (HTMMCs) are advanced composite materials that can be tailored to a variety of applications. Because of their decreased fuel consumption and cost, they are popular in the transportation industry. Using multi-objective optimization and Taguchi-based Grey relational analysis (TGRA), this study investigates the impact of hybrid reinforced HTMMCs synthesized using powder metallurgy on their physic mechanical properties. The research investigates reinforcements such as B4C, SiC, ZrO2, and MoS2 at various compaction pressures, milling durations, and sintering temperatures. The best powder metallurgy control parameters for HTMMC synthesis, with a milling time of 5 h, a compaction pressure of 40 MPa, a sintering temperature of 1200 °C, and a sintering time of 1 h, and a compaction time of 40 min. According to validation results, HTMMC material with optimized process parameters had experimental densities, porosities, hardness, compressive strength, and wear rates of 4.29 gm/cm3, 0.1178%, 71.53RHN, 2782.36 MPa, and 0.1519 mm3 correspondingly. The material hardness was increased by 1.99% and compressive strength by 2.87%. The use of Taguchi and GRA techniques strongly verified that the impact of milling duration and sintering temperature was the greatest of all five factors. The novel synthesized hybrid reinforcing HTMMCs outperformed pure Ti grade 5 and single and double fortified HTMMCs in terms of physic mechanical characteristics. As a result, the newly developed tetra hybrid reinforced HTMMC material is expected to be used in heavy-duty vehicles, aerospace, automobiles, maritime, and other industries.

Abstract Under-five children’s diarrhea is a significant public health threat and the World Health Organization (WHO) reported it as the second leading cause of children’s death worldwide. In this study area, little is known about the spatiotemporal distribution of under-5 diarrhea incidence. This study was therefore, conducted among all districts in the Central Gondar zone to assess the spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal variation in diarrhea incidence among under-five children in the Central Gondar zone. The data for children under 5 years of age with diarrhea was obtained from Central Gondar Zone Health Department diarrhea reports from January 2019 to December 2022. All districts were included and geo-coded. The spatial data were created in ArcGIS 10.8.1. Global and local spatial autocorrelation were used to detect hot spots and cold spots. The Poisson model was generated by applying the Kulldorff method in SaTScan™9.6 to analyse the the purely temporal, spatial, and space-time clusters. The study revealed spatial variation of under-5 diarrhea where Gondar City, Gondar Zuria, East Dembia, and Lay Armacho districts were the high-rate spatial clusters during the study period. A year search window for temporal scan statistic identified 01 January 2020-30 December 2021 as risk periods across all districts. Spatiotemporal scan statistics detected high-rate clusters at Gondar City, Gondar Zuria, East Dembia, Lay Armacho, and Alefa between 2019 and 2022. In conclusion, there has been a spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal variability of under-5 children’s diarrhea in the Central Gondar Zone. Interventional and preventive strategies should be developed and given priority to the areas that has been detected as a hotspot in this study to reduce the mortality and morbidity of under 5 children.

This study explores the internal structure of relative clauses in Yemsa, an area yet to be examined in existing literature. The research aims to address this gap by answering the following questions: What is the internal structure of the Yemsa relative clause? What kind of relative clause types occur in Yemsa, and what morphological markers are involved in the relativization process? What are the strategies in relative clause formation? What are the relativized noun phrase (NP) positions in Yemsa? Empirical data were collected through the elicitation technique through informant interviews about the structure of relative clauses in Yemsa. A descriptive approach was employed for analysis, independent of any theoretical framework. The findings reveal that headed relative clauses in Yemsa are prenominal, allowing for the relativization of subject, direct object, indirect object, oblique, and possessor NPs. The relativization strategy for the subject, direct or indirect object, is pro in situ. The oblique NP position employs a gap strategy. The relativization of possessor NP has a possessive person suffix in the possessed noun. The indicative verb is relativized in its perfective and imperfective forms. The relative verbs do not have a relativizer. The headless relative clause appears without an overt nominal head. The relativized noun phrase can be a subject, an object, or an oblique noun phrase in the headless relative clause. The role of the noun phrase within the relative clause is recoverable from the agreement suffixes attached to the relative verb. The negative relative clause is formed through the suffixation of a negative morpheme. The negative morpheme neutralizes aspects and person markers. This study contributes syntactic data to the comparative syntactic analysis of Omotic languages, enhancing our understanding of this linguistic group.

The study assessed the influences of science teachers' sex and teaching experiences on their gender-responsive pedagogy (GRP) practices of general secondary schools of North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. It used a case study design and considered science department heads and school principals, and students as data sources comprehensively and purposively, respectively. The researchers collected data via interview and focus group discussion (FGD) and analyzed them thematically. According to the findings, teachers' sex and teaching experiences did not affect their GRP practicing status. So, it is vital to engage teachers in gender-sensitive teaching that both address students' different learning styles and preferences.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of teachers' engagement in action research and identify their challenges and opportunities to undertake such projects in primary schools of Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. The study was conducted as part of a collaborative action research project that aimed at improving practice. For this purpose, a mixed-methods research approach was employed. Data were collected from 251 primary school teachers and six educational experts of the city administration through questionnaires and focus group discussions respectively. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that teachers' engagement in action research in the primary schools of the city was low. It was also engulfed by many challenges. However, some opportunities which reinforce the practice were identified. Based on the findings, areas of intervention that could help to increase teachers' engagement in action research in the primary schools of the city were suggested.

In this paper, we show that for one sign of the deformation coupling single-trace TT‾ deformation moves the holographic screen in Gödel universe radially inward. For the other sign of the coupling it moves the holographic screen radially outward. We (thus) argue, on general grounds, that in holography (single-trace) TT‾ deformation can be generally thought of as either moving the holographic boundary into the bulk or washing it away to infinity. We explain in what sense. In Anti-de Sitter this breaks the spacetime conformal symmetry. We further note that moving timelike holographic boundary into bulk creates (at onset) a curvature singularity. In the boundary the singularity is understood by states with imaginary energies. To define or make the bulk theory sensible we introduce an ultraviolet cutoff and thereby move the boundary into the bulk. However, it is not clear whether suitable boundary conditions that lead to a consistent string theory exist. In this paper we first obtain the Penrose limit of the single-trace TT‾ deformed string background and then perform T-duality along a space-like isometry to obtain a class of deformed Gödel universes. The string background we consider is AdS3×S3×M4. The single-trace TT‾ deformation is a particular example of the more general O(d,d) transformations.

Background: In silico predictions are now being utilized in drug discovery and design to assess the physicochemical, pharmacokinetics, and safety properties of compounds at the beginning of the drug discovery process. This early evaluation of the physicochemical, pharmacokinetics, and safety properties of compounds helps the researchers to invest their time and resources only in the best prospective lead compounds by eliminating compounds with a low chance of success. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore a promising lead compound designed from 1-piperazine indole hybrid with nicotinic amide and nicotinic acid analogs targeted on Trypanosoma brucei phosphofructokinase for Trypanosomiasis activity by using in silico predictions strategy. Results: The physicochemical, safety, pharmacokinetic, and biological activity properties of those molecules were predicted by using ADMETlab 2.0, ACD labs Chem Sketch software version 14.0, Molinspiration software, and MolPredictX online tool. Our results indicate that several promising candidates exhibit favorable characteristics. Based on Molinspiration software both nicotinic acid and nicotinic amide derivatives showed higher kinase inhibitor activity and all nicotinic acid derivatives revealed enzyme inhibitors and GPCR ligand activity. According to the MolPredictX online tool, the most biologically active derivatives were NA-4, NA-11, and NAD-11. Conclusion: Overall, our findings offer valuable insights into the potential efficacy and safety of these compounds. It appears that almost all of the compounds have successfully passed the pharmacokinetic evaluations and integration of nicotinic acid into indole appears to be more beneficial than nicotinic amide regarding certain biological activities.

BackgroundAntibiotic resistance, fueled by irrational prescribing, is a global threat associated with health, social, and economic consequences. Understanding antibiotic prescribing behavior and associated factors is important to promote good prescribing practice. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the factors affecting antibiotic prescribing behaviors of physicians based on the theory of planned behavior in hospitals in northwest Ethiopia in 2022. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to October 2022. A total of 185 health professionals were included, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A structural equation model based on the modified theory of planned behavior was used to determine factors affecting antibiotic prescribing behavior. The percentages of physicians’ estimated prescriptions for patients with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and during weekly outpatient visits were used to predict antibiotic prescribing behavior and finally linked with behavioral constructs. A P value

IntroductionDiseases have a negative impact on production and profitability of small ruminants. A good herd health program can decrease the number of sick animals and improve herd performance.MethodsIn a longitudinal study, small ruminant herd health interventions such as community-based strategic gastrointestinal (GI) parasite control, prevention and control of major respiratory diseases and capacity development activities were implemented. In four districts of Ethiopia, where the Community Based Breeding Program (CBBP) is implemented, morbidity and mortality data were collected from January 2018 to July 2021 in 1047 smallholder farms with the objective of evaluating the impact of herd health interventions. A total of 2,643 sick animals and 516 deaths of small ruminants were recorded during the study period. The disease cases were categorized into eight groups: gastrointestinal, neurological, reproductive, respiratory, skin, systemic, other diseases (eye disease, foot disease etc) and unknown diseases. Chi-square and proportions were used to analyze morbidity and mortality by district, agro-ecological zone and age of the animal.ResultsThe data showed that the general trend in the occurrence of cases and morbidity rate were decreasing from 2018 to 2021 in intervention villages. Overall, the morbidity rate in young animals (7.36%) was highier than in adults (3.49%) and the mortality rate difference between young and adult animals was also statistically significant (p

IntroductionYam is an important crop for food security in East and West Africa due to its high market value and customer demand. High tuber quality with yield and disease resistance are the main traits for acceptability of yam cultivars across the tropical zone. There has been limited progress in enhancing the production and quality traits of yams, despite the significant socio-economic significance of this crop.MethodTo expedite the development of high-quality yam cultivars in Uganda, traits association study was conducted to identify genomic regions associated with key traits such as disease resistance, high yields, and dry matter content. The association mapping was conducted with multi-random mixed linear model (mrMLM) to compute the associations using five genetic models.ResultsA total of 16 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers were identified to be associated with the traits studied. Gene identification analysis revealed the presence of key putative genes such as Vicilin-like seed storage protein At2g28490 (ARATH)and Growth-regulating factor 1 involved in a variety of functions ranging from storage and gene regulation for disease resistance.DiscussionThe results obtained from this work have significant implications for the in-depth analysis of the genetic structure underlying key traits in yam. Additionally, this study emphasizes the identification of SNP variants and genes that may be utilized for genomic-informed selection in order to enhance yield and disease resistance in yams.

This study examined the effect of gender and school types on developmental assets and hedonic well-being, encompassing positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction. The sample consisted of 614 randomly selected students from private, public, rural, and urban secondary schools. Data were collected using adapted items from life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, and developmental asset profile scales. The analysis employed Pearson correlation, two-way ANOVA, one-way ANCOVA, and two-way MANOVA. The results indicated no significant correlation between academic achievement and internal assets or life satisfaction. However, the interaction and main effect of gender and school type on internal asset experiences was significant. Additionally, the scores for internal and external asset profile scores varied significantly as a function of gender and private, public rural and public urban schools. The MANOVA result further revealed significant differences in positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction concerning gender and school type. It is concluded that students in the rural context have significantly better experience of internal and external asset profiles than students in private and public urban schools. This suggests the need for a thorough investigation of Context-based assets of rural areas, and their adaptation for application in urban settings.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health concern worldwide. Diabetes patients are increasingly using herbal medicine (HM) without seeking advice from their healthcare providers. However, its impact on glycemic control is not documented in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess herbal medicine use and its effect on glycemic control among diabetes patients at governmental hospitals in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 430 diabetic patients was conducted at two different hospitals in Debre Berhan town from January 1 to March 30, 2024. Data were gathered using a guided self-administered questionnaire to collect data including glycemic control assessed via hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression model was used to assess the predictors of herbal medicine usage, while an independent samples t-test was conducted to compare the mean HbA1c levels between herbal medicine users and non-users among diabetes patients. Results: Of the 430 participants, 72.6 % were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The study revealed 48.1 % (95 % CI: 43.3–53) participants used herbal medicine. Moringa stenopetala (33.5 %), Trigonella foenumgraecum (27.4 %), and Thymus schimperi (17.9 %) were the predominant herbs utilized by diabetic patients. The use of herbal medicine was associated with the patients’ diabetic knowledge (AOR: 1.59; 95 % CI: 1.01–2.49), occupation (AOR: 3.7; 95 % CI: 1.36–10.23), income (AOR: 3.58; 95 % CI: 1.22–10.55), and family history of diabetes (AOR: 1.9; 95 % CI: 1.19–3.18). Glycemic status was not controlled for 86 % of herbal users compared to 66.8 % of non-users. Participants who used herbal medicine had significantly higher mean HbA1c by a mean difference of 0.41 (95%CI: 0.04–0.78). Conclusions: Herbal medicine use was common among diabetes patients in this study. Poor knowledge about diabetes, a family history of diabetes, lower income, and a farming occupation were identified as strong predictors of HM use. Patients who used herbal medicine had significantly higher mean HbA1c levels compared to non-users. Healthcare providers should engage patients in discussions about herbal medicine use, emphasizing the potential risks to glycemic management. Future research should explore specific herbs used, their mechanisms of action, and strategies to integrate herbal medicine safely into diabetes management protocols.

The directly dated RRMarch2021 age model (Roberts et al., 2021) for the ∼293 m long composite core from Chew Bahir, southern Ethiopia, has provided a valuable chronology for long-term climate changes in northeastern Africa. However, the age model has limitations on shorter time scales (less than 1–2 precession cycles), especially in the time range

In 2017, a hemimandible (MW5-B208), corresponding to the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), was found in a stratigraphically-controlled and radio-isotopically-dated sequence of the Melka Wakena paleoanthropological site-complex, on the Southeastern Ethiopian Highlands, ~ 2300 m above sea level. The specimen is the first and unique Pleistocene fossil of this species. Our data provide an unambiguous minimum age of 1.6-1.4 Ma for the species' presence in Africa and constitutes the first empirical evidence that supports molecular interpretations. Currently, C. simensis is one of the most endangered carnivore species of Africa. Bioclimate niche modeling applied to the time frame indicated by the fossil suggests that the lineage of the Ethiopian wolf faced severe survival challenges in the past, with consecutive drastic geographic range contractions during warmer periods. These models help to describe future scenarios for the survival of the species. Projections ranging from most pessimistic to most optimistic future climatic scenarios indicate significant reduction of the already-deteriorating territories suitable for the Ethiopian Wolf, increasing the threat to the specie's future survival. Additionally, the recovery of the Melka Wakena fossil underscores the importance of work outside the East African Rift System in research of early human origins and associated biodiversity on the African continent.