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Befekadu Oyato,1 Husen Zakir,1 Dursa Hussein,2 Tasfaye Lemma,3 Mukemil Awol1 1Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Salale University, Fitche, Ethiopia; 2Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Salale University, Fitche, Ethiopia; 3Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Salale University, Fitche, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Befekadu Oyato, Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Salale University, Fitche, Ethiopia, Email befekadutes2016@gmail.comIntroduction: Three years ahead of the plan, Ethiopia has met Millennium Development Goal 4 of reducing under-five mortality. Additionally, the nation is on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of putting an end to preventable child mortality. Despite this, recent data from the nation showed that there were 43 infant deaths for every 1000 live births. Moreover, the country has fallen short of the 2015 Health Sector Transformation Plan goal, with an anticipated infant mortality rate of 35 deaths per 1000 live births in 2020. Thus, this study aims to identify the time to death and its predictors among Ethiopian infants.Methods: This study used the 2019 Mini-Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data set to conduct a retrospective study. The analysis used survival curves and descriptive statistics. Multilevel mixed-effects parametric survival analysis was applied to identify the predictors of infant mortality.Results: The estimated mean survival time of infants was 11.3 months (95% CI: 11.1, 11.4). Women’s current pregnancy status, family size, age of women, previous birth interval, place of delivery, and mode of delivery were significant individual-level predictors of infant mortality. Infants born with less than 24 months’ birth interval had a 2.29 times higher estimated risk of death (AHR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.05, 5.02). Infants born at home were 2.48 times more likely to die than those born in a health facility (AHR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.03, 5.98). At the community level, women’s education was the only statistically significant predictor of infant death.Conclusion: The risk of infant death was higher before the first month of life, typically shortly after birth. Healthcare programs should put a strong emphasis on efforts to space out births and make institutional delivery services more readily accessible to mothers in Ethiopia to address the infant mortality challenges.Keywords: predictors, infant mortality, multilevel-mixed effects, parametric survival analysis, Ethiopia

Abstract Here, the structural, optical, and adsorptive behaviors of Ni0.075‐xMnxAl0.025(OH)2(CO3)0.0125·yH2O (Ni‐Mn/Al) layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are investigated to capture fluoride from aqueous media. The 2D mesoporous plate‐like Ni‐Mn/Al LDHs are successfully prepared via a co‐precipitation method. The molar ratio of divalent to trivalent cations is maintained at 3:1 and the pH at 10. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm that the samples consist of pure LDH phases with a basal spacing of 7.66 to 7.72 Å, corresponding to the (003) planes at 2θ of 11.47o and the average crystallite sizes of 4.13 to 8.67 nm. The plate‐like Mn‐doped Ni‐Al LDH consists of many superimposed nanosheets with a size of 9.99 nm. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies confirm the incorporation of Mn2+ into the Ni‐Al LDH. UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy results indicate that incorporating Mn2+ into LDH enhances its interaction with light. The experimental data from the batch fluoride adsorption studies are subjected to kinetic models such as pseudo‐first order and pseudo‐second order. The kinetics of fluoride retention on Ni‐Mn/Al LDH obey the pseudo‐second‐order model. The Temkin equation well describes the equilibrium adsorption of fluoride. The results from the thermodynamic studies also indicate that fluoride adsorption is exothermic and spontaneous.

Mulualem Silesh,1 Tesfanesh Lemma,1 Belete Fenta,2 Tsegaw Biyazin2 1Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science and Medicine, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia; 2School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Mulualem SileshDepartment of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, EthiopiaTel +251920249873Email sileshmulualem22@gmail.comIntroduction: Congenital anomalies are a major public health problem which is defined as structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life which can be detected prenatally, at birth, or sometimes may only be detected later in infancy. The impact of congenital anomalies is severe in middle- and low-income countries than in other developed and developing countries.Objective: To assess the prevalence and trends of congenital anomalies among neonates admitted at Jimma Medical Center from 2017 to 2019.Methods: A facility-based retrospective, descriptive crossectional study was conducted among neonates admitted at Jimma Medical Center from 2017– 2019. Descriptive analysis (frequency and percentage) was calculated for the variables. The result was present in the table, text, and figure.Results: From a total of 3346 admitted neonates, 199 (5.95%) neonates were diagnosed with congenital anomalies; of which 120 (60.3%), 146 (73.4%), 144 (72.4%) and 30 (15.1%) of neonates were males, urban dwellers, delivered with normal birth weight and had multiple congenital anomalies, respectively. Central nervous system was the most commonly affected body system 56 (28.1%), followed by the gastrointestinal tract 41 (20.1%) and musculoskeletal system 32 (16.1%). The proportion of congenital anomalies was significantly increasing over time.Conclusion: The overall prevalence of congenital anomalies was high and increased from year to year. The proportions observed in the study indicated that a significant number of neonates were affected and suffered from the impacts of congenital anomalies which need immediate preventive actions such as iron folate supplementation during preconception and early pregnancy. Therefore, design strategies to create community awareness and prevention mechanism of congenital anomalies, and strengthening the care and rehabilitation services for affected patients are crucial.Keywords: congenital anomalies, Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia

Here, the structural, optical, and adsorptive behaviors of Ni0.075‐xMnxAl0.025(OH)2(CO3)0.0125·yH2O (Ni‐Mn/Al) layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are investigated to capture fluoride from aqueous media. The 2D mesoporous plate‐like Ni‐Mn/Al LDHs are successfully prepared via a co‐precipitation method. The molar ratio of divalent to trivalent cations is maintained at 3:1 and the pH at 10. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm that the samples consist of pure LDH phases with a basal spacing of 7.66 to 7.72 Å, corresponding to the (003) planes at 2θ of 11.47o and the average crystallite sizes of 4.13 to 8.67 nm. The plate‐like Mn‐doped Ni‐Al LDH consists of many superimposed nanosheets with a size of 9.99 nm. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies confirm the incorporation of Mn2+ into the Ni‐Al LDH. UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy results indicate that incorporating Mn2+ into LDH enhances its interaction with light. The experimental data from the batch fluoride adsorption studies are subjected to kinetic models such as pseudo‐first order and pseudo‐second order. The kinetics of fluoride retention on Ni‐Mn/Al LDH obey the pseudo‐second‐order model. The Temkin equation well describes the equilibrium adsorption of fluoride. The results from the thermodynamic studies also indicate that fluoride adsorption is exothermic and spontaneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Landslide hazards significantly threaten rural communities, impacting various aspects of livelihoods, including food security. The Gamo Highlands in southern Ethiopia is vulnerable to landslide hazards. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the effect of landslide hazards on rural households’ food security status in the Gacho Baba district, Gamo Highlands, southern Ethiopia. The study employed a mixed approach, to collect and analyze data collected from 289 households, community leaders, and early warning and food security experts. Purposive and multistage sampling techniques were deployed. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Food Consumption Score (FCS), and Reducing Coping Strategies Index (RCSI) were food in/security indicators used. The HFIAS reveals significant worries regarding stable access and availability of food, with 62% of sample households categorized as mildly, moderately, and severely food-insecure. FCS indicates prevalent challenges in achieving adequate food consumption levels among the surveyed households, with a significant portion falling into the poor consumption category (51.3%). while the investigation of coping strategies using RCSI categorized (53.3%) of study samples into high coping strategies. The study also reveals varying levels of awareness and preparedness among households, with a significant proportion expressing uncertainty about landslide occurrence and prevention mechanisms. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational and awareness initiatives, as well as comprehensive risk reduction strategies, to enhance household resilience and safeguard food security in landslide-prone areas.

Highlights Challenges in developing practical all-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) and recently devised concepts to address those critical challenges have been discussed. Recent developments in comprehending solid-state electrolytes, cathodes, and highperformance anodes, including key challenges associated with ion transport, electrochemical properties, and processing methods, have been discussed. Prospects of ASSLSBs for commercial use and guiding forthcoming research and development efforts in this area have been presented.

Maintaining forest biodiversity and carbon sequestration potential of forest resources enhances the provision capacity of forest ecosystem services. Experience from around the world and in Ethiopia has shown that shifting forest management from state-centred to community-centred arrangement can result in a better forest stock. Therefore, this study examined the status of woody species diversity, regeneration and total living biomass carbon stock of forests under participatory forest management (PFM) and the adjacent state managed non-participatory forest management (Non-PFM) in South eastern Ethiopia and implications to REDD+. Data were collected from 89 (44 PFM and 45 Non-PFM) nested circular plots from four PFM and three Non-PFM selected forest sites with transects laid systematically. Tree DBH and height were measured, the number of saplings, seedlings, mature trees were counted and species names were recorded. Woody species diversity was estimated using shannon, simpson, and evenness diversity indices. A total of 29 and 23 woody species were recorded in PFM and Non-PFM forests, respectively. Woody species diversity did not show significant difference between PFM and Non-PFM forests but it was relatively higher in PFM forest. The density per hectare of seedlings, sapling and mature trees were significantly greater in PFM forest than in Non-PFM forest. The mean aboveground biomass carbon stock of PFM forest (225.50±26.54) was significantly greater than that of the Non-PFM (156.24±15.72) forest. Hence, managing forests through participatory approaches contributes to the enhancement of sustainable management and climate change mitigation potentials through reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation.

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is sweeping the world, and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is no exception. Despite the environmental and sustainability narratives surrounding EVs, it is now undeniable that the transition to electric mobility is inevitable. Over the last couple of years, the region has made considerable advancements in transitioning towards electric transportation, with the government and private sector collaborating to make EVs more accessible to the public. Despite the progress made, the region still has the lowest transition rate globally. Moreover, the available information is limited to identifying critical challenges that require attention to ensure a reasonable decarbonization of passenger vehicle transport in the region. This review focuses on the current advancements, challenges, and opportunities of EV development in SSA and puts forward ways to hasten its transition in the region. The transition towards EVs in SSA still faces significant challenges that need to be addressed. Particularly, the absence of clear policies and regulations that outline EV targets for individual countries, the high purchase price of EVs, poor electricity networks, and the scarcity of public e-charging stations are the primary impediments that obstruct the EV transition in SSA. To expedite the transition, it is highly recommended to formulate new regional and national strategies rather than adopting developed nations' EV transition model blueprint.

Faisel Dula Sema,1 Abdisa Gemedi Jara,1 Admasu Teshome Demessie,2 Tsegagabriel Shawel Lemma,2 Saron Naji Gebremariam,1 Gizework Alemnew Mekonnen,1 Wudneh Simegn,3 Asmamaw Emagn Kasahun,4 Masho Tigabe Tekle1 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Schools of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 4Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Faisel Dula Sema, Email faiselye1203@gmail.comBackground: The education and training of health professions students in geriatric care is critical to their future clinical practice. However, the knowledge and attitude of health science students toward geriatric care are barely studied in Ethiopia.Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of graduating medical, pharmacy, and nursing (MPN) students towards geriatric care at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, North West Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 301 graduating MPN students using stratified random sampling from June 30, 2022, to July 30, 2022. The data was collected by using previously validated self-administered structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were done. A statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.Results: The majority of graduating MPN students had either neutral (70.76%) or positive (16.28%) attitudes towards older people; however, a greater amount (88%) of them had poor knowledge of geriatric care. The knowledge of female students was significantly less favorable than the knowledge of male students (p-value < 0.001). The knowledge and attitudes of pharmacy and nursing students were significantly lower than medical students (p-value < 0.001). The attitude mean rank score of students aged ≤ 25 years was significantly lower than students aged > 25 years (p-value < 0.001).Conclusion: The majority of graduating MPN students had poor knowledge despite having either a neutral or positive attitude toward geriatric care. Female students had lower knowledge scores than male students. Similarly, pharmacy and nursing students had lower knowledge and attitude scores than medical students, and the attitude score of students aged ≤ 25 years was lower than students aged > 25 years. Their respective departments should implement a strategy to improve the knowledge of MNP students.Keywords: knowledge, attitude, geriatric care, medical, pharmacy, nursing students

Abstract In Ethiopia, the adoption of improved forage technology is low despite the fact that improved technology adoption can play a pivotal role in boosting livestock production and productivity in general and the dairy sub-sector in particular, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and food and nutrition security. This low adoption of improved forage technology is constrained by various socioeconomic, institutional, and biophysical factors. We conducted a literature search on the reputable journal database by searching for “improved forage technology”, “determinants of forage technology”, “adoption”, “status of forage production in Ethiopia”, and “forage production limitations”. Moreover, we conducted a literature search on key national-level research institutions, the Ethiopian Society of Animal Production Proceedings, the Central Statistics Agency (CSA) of Ethiopia, and conference proceedings and abstracts of societies and other relevant databases related to our keywords. This review article, therefore, highlights important issues that potentially constrain farmers` improved forage technology adoption and implementation in Ethiopia. Previous empirical study findings, analyzing the determinants of forage production technology adoption underscored that economic, technological, sociocultural, demographic, and institutional factors are the most important determinants of improved forage technology adoption and diffusion. Generally, to intensify the likelihood of the adoption of improved forage technologies, policymakers and concerned stakeholders should focus on strengthening the research-extension-farmers (R-E-F) linkage, adult education, and capacity building, coaching farmers to access improved forage seeds, information on forage husbandry and feeding, strengthening extension systems as well as capabilities which can improve the livelihoods of smallholder dairy farmers. Finally, the technology developer should incorporate the needs and perceptions of farmers through technology design and development; and consider the key demand and supply side during technology development, which enhances the adoption of the technology more easily. Therefore, our empirical review highlights the importance of addressing the aforementioned technology adoption constraints to improve the adoption and diffusion of improved forage technologies. This in turn, would help to improve the livelihoods of rural smallholder dairy farmers.

Eshetu Erjino, Ermias Abera, Lire Lemma Tirore Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hossana, Sothern EthiopiaCorrespondence: Lire Lemma Tirore, Email ganetlemma@gmail.comBackground: Unsuppressed viral load count in patients on anti-retroviral therapy is linked to poorer survival and increased transmission of the virus. Despite efforts made in Ethiopia, the viral load suppression rate is still low.Objective: To estimate time to viral load suppression and predictors of viral load suppression among adults on anti-retroviral therapy in Nigist Elen Mohamed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, 2022.Materials and Methods: A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 297 adults on anti-retroviral therapy from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. The data were analyzed using STATA 14. Cox regression model was used. The adjusted hazard ratio with 95% CI was estimated.Results: A total of 296 records of patients on anti-retroviral therapy were included in this study. The incidence of viral load suppression was 9.68 per 100-person months. The median time for viral load suppression was 9 months. Patients with baseline CD4 ≥ 200 cell/mm3 (AHR: 1.87; 95% CI = 1.34, 2.63), who had no opportunistic infections (AHR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.34, 2.52), who were on WHO clinical stage-I or II (AHR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.18, 3.79) and who have taken tuberculosis preventive therapy (AHR = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.66, 3.02) had higher hazards of viral load suppression.Conclusion: The median time for viral load suppression was 9 months. Patients who had no opportunistic infection, with higher CD4 count, on WHO clinical stage-I or II, who have taken tuberculosis preventive therapy had higher hazards of viral load suppression. Careful monitoring and counseling of patients with CD4 levels lower than 200 cells/mm3 are necessary. Careful monitoring and counseling of patients in advanced WHO clinical stages, with lower CD4 count levels and with opportunistic infections is crucial. Strengthening the provision of tuberculosis preventive therapy is warranted.Keywords: anti-retroviral therapy, viral load suppression, predictor

Decarbonization of the global energy system requires a coordinated effort towards disruptive technology of renewable energy conversion and storage (ECS) that can be potential to secure and diversify energy systems by increasing efficiency of conversion and storage of intermittent energy sources. Porous nanostructures have been newly reported as a promising class of most effective materials for this purpose because of their unique advantages in terms of large surface‐to‐volume ratios, surface permeability, and void spaces. These offer abundant active sites for ultimate electrochemical activities by the shortening pathway of mass/charge transport. Particularly, Fe‐based mesoporous nanostructures (mp‐FeNSs) have been recently fascinating. Iron is a principal active center in nanocomposites and has high industrial suitability for next‐generation technology owing to its environment friendliness, abundance, and low cost. In this review, crucial technical advances related to mp‐FeNSs that have occurred during 2016–2020 are summarized in terms of synthesis, structural design strategy, and ECS applications such as water electrocatalysis, Li‐ion batteries, and supercapacitors. This review is supportive for potential readers to obtain general and professional information in this field since Fe‐based energy materials are exclusively introduced in the article including a fundamental understanding of electrochemistry and related technologies in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molybdenum sulfide–oxide (MoS2, MS) emerges as the prime electrocatalyst candidate demonstrating hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity comparable to platinum (Pt). This study presents a facile electrochemical approach for fabricating a hybrid copper (Cu)/MoS2 (CMS) nanostructure thin-film electrocatalyst directly onto nickel foam (NF) without a binder or template. The synthesized CMS nanostructures were characterized utilizing energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical methods. The XRD result revealed that the Cu metal coating on MS results in the creation of an extremely crystalline CMS nanostructure with a well-defined interface. The hybrid nanostructures demonstrated higher hydrogen production, attributed to the synergistic interplay of morphology and electron distribution at the interface. The nanostructures displayed a significantly low overpotential of −149 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 117 mV dec−1, indicating enhanced catalytic activity compared to pristine MoS2.This research underscores the significant enhancement of the HER performance and conductivity achieved by CMS, showcasing its potential applications in renewable energy.

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of ill health and one of the leading causes of death worldwide, caused by species of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), with Mycobacterium tuberculosis being the dominant pathogen in humans and Mycobacterium bovis in cattle. Zoonotic transmission of TB (zTB) to humans is frequent particularly where TB prevalence is high in cattle. In this study, we explored the prevalence of zTB in central Ethiopia, an area highly affected by bovine TB (bTB) in cattle.MethodA convenient sample of 385 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB, N = 287) and tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLN, N = 98) were included in this cross-sectional study in central Ethiopia. Sputum and fine needle aspirate (FNA) samples were obtained from patients with PTB and TBLN, respectively, and cultures were performed using BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960. All culture positive samples were subjected to quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, targeting IS1081, RD9 and RD4 genomic regions for detection of MTBC, M. tuberculosis and M. bovis, respectively.ResultsTwo hundred and fifty-five out of 385 sampled patients were culture positive and all were isolates identified as MTBC by being positive for the IS1081 assay. Among them, 249 (97.6%) samples had also a positive RD9 result (intact RD9 locus) and were consequently classified as M. tuberculosis. The remaining six (2.4%) isolates were RD4 deficient and thereby classified as M. bovis. Five out of these six M. bovis strains originated from PTB patients whereas one was isolated from a TBLN patient. Occupational risk and the widespread consumption of raw animal products were identified as potential sources of M. bovis infection in humans, and the isolation of M. bovis from PTB patients suggests the possibility of human-to-human transmission, particularly in patients with no known contact history with animals.ConclusionThe detected proportion of culture positive cases of 2.4% being M. bovis from this region was higher zTB rate than previously reported for the general population of Ethiopia. Patients with M. bovis infection are more likely to get less efficient TB treatment because M. bovis is inherently resistant to pyrazinamide. MTBC species identification should be performed where M. bovis is common in cattle, especially in patients who have a history of recurrence or treatment failure.

Lire Lemma Tirore,1 Selamu Abose Nadamo,2 Habtamu Tamrat Derilo,3 Desta Erkalo,1 Tagesse Sedore,1 Tegegn Tadesse,1 Dejene Ermias,1 Temesgen Yaekob4 1Department of Public Health, Wachemo University, Hossana, Ethiopia; 2Department of Midwifery, Wachemo University, Hossana, Ethiopia; 3Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Wachemo University, Hossana, Ethiopia; 4Department of Statistics, Wachemo University, Hossana, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Lire Lemma Tirore, P.O.BOX:667, Email ganetlemma@gmail.comBackground: The world is currently facing a pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19). It has caused significant morbidity and mortality. So far little is known about recovery time (prolonged hospital stay) from Covid-19 and its determinants in Ethiopia as well as in the study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine time to recovery from Covid-19, and identify predictors of time to recovery among patients admitted to treatment centers of Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR).Methods and Materials: A facility-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among Covid-19 patients admitted to care centers of SNNPR from May 30, 2020 to October 15, 2021. A sample of 845 patients was included in the study. Summarization of the data was done using mean (standard deviation) and median (inter quartile range). Kaplan–Meier Survival Curve was used to estimate recovery time from Covid-19 and the independent effects of covariates on recovery time was analyzed using multivariable Cox-proportional hazard model.Results: The incidence density of recovery was 8.24 per 100 person-days (95% CI: 7.67, 8.85). The overall median recovery time was 10 days (IQR: 8– 16 days). Critical stage of Covid-19 (aHR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.29), severe stage of Covid-19 (aHR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.56), mechanical ventilation (aHR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.073, 0.56) and treatment center (aHR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51, 0.90) were significant predictors of recovery rate among Covid-19 patients.Conclusion: The median time to recovery from Covid-19 was relatively short. The incidence density of recovery was 8.24 per 100 person-days. The hazard of recovery was lower for patients at higher levels of Covid-19 severity and for patients in need of mechanical ventilation. Early identification of severity levels of the patients is required at the time of admission. Special attention, critical follow–up and management is warranted for patients at higher levels of Covid-19 severity.Keywords: COVID-19, time to recovery, incidence density, Southern Ethiopia

This paper proposes a procedure to mathematically model the counterweight of rotating links based on calculations according to design requirements. The main objective of the research is to introduce an effective method to design the counterweight using CAD drawing. A parameterized equation is formulated with the help of counterweight geometry derived from a typical crankshaft counterweight design. Using the law of moments and Center of gravity of links, the geometry of counterweight can be found using the formula that is parameterized with a single variable. The results were obtained by finding the roots of the final equation. The method was found to be effective in term of time consumption rather than implementing the iterative method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundPrisoners generally have a higher prevalence of HIV infection compared to the general population from which they come. Whether this higher prevalence reflects a higher HIV prevalence in those entering prisons or intramural transmission of HIV within prisons or both is unclear. Any of these possibilities would increase the prevalence found in resident prisoners above that in the general population. Moreover, comparisons of HIV prevalence in entrants and residents and in men and women in African prisons are not well documented. The purpose of this study was to estimate and compare the prevalence and risk factors for HIV infection amongst both male as well as female and entrant and resident prisoners in a large Ethiopian Federal Prison.MethodsWe studied consenting prisoners cross-sectionally from August 2014 through November 2016. Prison entrants were screened continuously for HIV infection and its associated risk factors and residents were screened in two waves one year apart. HIV was diagnosed at the prison hospital laboratory based on the Ethiopian national HIV rapid antibody testing protocol. An external, internationally-accredited reference laboratory confirmed results. Agreement of results between the laboratories were assessed.ResultsA total of 10,778 participants were screened for HIV. Most participants were young (median age of 26 years, IQR: 21-33), male (84%), single (61%), literate (89%), and urban residents (91%) without prior incarceration (96%). Prevalence of HIV was 3.4% overall. Rates of HIV (p = 0.80) were similar in residents and entrants in wave 1 and in entrants in both waves, but were 1.9-fold higher (5.4% vs 2.8%) in residents than entrants in wave 2 (both pConclusionsPrevalence of HIV in the residents at this large, central Ethiopian prison was higher than that estimated for the general population and lower than in many other studies from other smaller Ethiopian prisons. A higher prevalence in residents than in entrants were found only in our second wave of screening after one year of continuous screening and treatment, possibly representing increased willingness of residents at increased risk of HIV to participate in the second wave. Thus, this findings did not clearly support intramural transmission of HIV or the effectiveness of screening to reduce prevalence. Finally, the higher HIV prevalence in women than men requires that they be similarly screened and treated for HIV infection.

Malnutrition is one of the global issues of public health concern, and iron and zinc deficiencies are at the top of the list. Iron deficiency affects more than 2 billion people in the world and is a major cause of anemia. Potato has the potential to be an important source of iron and zinc. This study assessed the nature and magnitude of genetic variability in Fe and Zn concentrations, tuber yield, and quality traits among biofortified tetraploid potato clones and their relationships through correlation and path analysis. A total of 45 potato genotypes, including the variety Gudanie, were grown in field trials in a 9 × 5 alpha lattice design with three replications. Significant differences in mineral, tuber quality, and yield traits were observed among the genotypes, and high broad-sense heritability was obtained for most traits, suggesting that progress through breeding can be achieved. However, negative correlations and direct effects on most of the traits with Fe and Zn contents are found both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Therefore, attaining simultaneous genetic gain for yield and enhanced Fe and Zn concentrations will be challenging. Cluster analysis assembled them into five groups. Cluster II contained the most prominent genotypes, having better mean values compared to all other genotypes for micronutrient traits, viz., Fe (23.80 mg kg−1) and Zn (17.07 mg kg−1). The results of this study confirm the presence of sufficient genetic variation for iron and zinc mineral concentration and the possibility to make significant progress through breeding.

Wakuma Akafu Eseta,1 Teferi Daba Lemma,2 Edosa Tesfaye Geta3 1Ghimbi District Health Office, Ghimbi, Oromia, Ethiopia; 2Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia; 3School of Public Health, Institute of Health, Wollega University, Nekemte, Oromia, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Edosa Tesfaye Geta Nekemte 395, EthiopiaTel +251987055188Email edotesfa@yahoo.comBackground: Community-based health insurance (CBHI) is a prepayment method of financial contributions for healthcare which aims to risk pooling, avoidance of catastrophic and impoverishing health expenditure. However, a high dropout from the scheme remains the biggest challenge to effective and sustainable progress towards universal financial protection in low- and middle-income countries. While large literature had examined initial enrollment and factors associated with it, only a few studies dealt with dropout. So the study aimed to assess the magnitude and determinants of dropout from community-based health insurance among households in Manna district, Jimma zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from 634 household heads from March 1 to 30, 2020. A multistage sampling technique was carried out and interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, and variables with a P-value< 0.05 were considered as having a statistically significant association with the dropout from the CBHI.Results: Magnitude of dropout from CBHI was 31.9% with 95% confidence interval (CI)=28.2– 35.8% and relatively older age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% CI)=0.26 (0.10– 0.78)], educational level [AOR (95% CI)=0.16 (0.06– 0.41)], family size [AOR (95% CI)=0.36 (0.19– 0.66)], poor perceived quality of service [AOR (95% CI)=5.7 (2.8– 11.8)], trust in health facility [AOR (95% CI)=0.43 (0.3– 0.61)], trust in the scheme [AOR (95% CI)=0.61 (0.45– 0.84)], providers’ attitude [AOR (95% CI)=10 (4.0– 25.4)], and benefit package [AOR (95% CI)=4.9 (2.4– 9.9)] were statistically significant determinants associated with dropout.Conclusion: Dropout from CBHI in this study area was high. Household heads’ age, educational level, family size, perceived quality of service, providers’ attitude, a benefits package, trust in the contracted health facility, and the scheme were the significant predictors of dropout. We strongly recommend that greater efforts should be made toward the providers’ attitude, promised benefit package, and quality of services.Keywords: dropout, health insurance, determinants, Manna, Ethiopia

Menaseb Gebrehaweria Gebremeskel,1 Lire Lemma Tirore2 1Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Tigray Ethiopia; 2Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hossana, Southern Nations Nationalities and peoples, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Menaseb Gebrehaweria GebremeskelDepartment of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, PO Box: 50, Adigrat, Tigray, EthiopiaTel +251 3 48870000Fax +251909850754Email menasebgh@gmail.comBackground: Anemia is disproportionately borne among children in the African regions including Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, there is limited information on the prevalence and factors associated with anemia among children aged 6– 23 months. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify individual- and community-level factors associated with anemia among children 6– 23 months of age.Methods: The data were obtained from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey, conducted from January to June 2016. A sample of 2554 children aged 6– 23 months was included. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14. A multilevel ordinal logistic regression model was fitted and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was obtained.Results: The prevalence of anemia among children 6– 23 months of age was 72.3%; 27.5% mild, 41% moderate, and 3.8% severe anemia. child age 18– 23 months (AOR: 0.76; 95%CI: 0.61– 0.93), female sex (AOR: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.72– 0.98), maternal anemia (AOR: 1.53; 95%CI: 1.28– 1.82), exclusive breastfeeding (AOR: 0.73; 95%CI: 0.54– 0.98), child fever (AOR: 1.41; 95%CI: 1.03– 1.93), underweight children (AOR: 1.42; 95%CI: 1.17– 1.73) and exposure to either newspaper, radio or television (AOR: 0.78; 95%CI: 0.61– 0.99) were the individual-level factors associated with anemia. High community-poverty (AOR: 1.30; 95%CI: 1.01– 1.67), living in the regions of Somali (AOR: 2.08; 95%CI: 1.31– 3.29), Amhara (AOR: 0.65; 95%CI: 0.45– 0.94), Benishangul (AOR: 0.39; 95%CI: 0.25– 0.61) and Harari (AOR: 1.97; 95%CI: 1.18– 3.31) were the community-level factors associated with anemia.Conclusion: This study showed that childhood anemia is affected both by the individual- and community-level factors. The strategies of promoting exclusive breastfeeding, addressing maternal anemia, child fever, giving special attention for underweight children, and targeting regions identified to have a high risk of anemia should be strengthened to reduce childhood anemia.Keywords: anemia, individual- and community-level factors, feeding practices, ordinal logistic regression

Addisu Bogale Zawudie, 1 Teferi Daba Lemma, 2 Dawit Wolde Daka 2 1Pathfinder International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2Faculty of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Dawit Wolde DakaJimma University, P.O.Box=378, Jimma, EthiopiaTel +251-966763913 Email dave86520@gmail.comBackground: Hypertension is a common vascular disease and the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Since the incidence of hypertension is rising in Ethiopia, one may expect that the household’s cost of healthcare services related to the disease will increase in the near future. Yet the cost associated with the disease is not known. We aimed to estimate the total cost of hypertension illness and identify associated factors among patients attending hospitals in Southwest Shewa zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.Patients and Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed to conduct the study from 13 August to 2 September 2018. All hypertensive patients aged 18 years and older who were on follow-up were eligible for this study. The total cost of hypertension illness was estimated by summing the direct and indirect costs. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with hypertension costs of illnesses.Results: A total of 349 patients participated in the study. The mean monthly total cost of hypertension illness was US$ 22.3 (95% CI, 21.3– 23.3). Direct and indirect costs constitute 51% and 49% of the total cost, respectively. The mean direct cost of hypertension illness per patient per month was US US$ 11.39 (95% CI, 10.6– 12.1). Out of these, drugs comprised higher cost (31%), followed by food (25%). The mean indirect cost per patient per month was US$ 10.89 (95% CI,10.4– 11.4). In this study, the primary educational status, family size (4– 6 and > 6), distance from hospital (≥ 10 km), the presence of a companion and stage of hypertension (stage two) of patients were identified as the predictors of the cost of hypertension illnesses.Conclusion: The cost of hypertension illness was very high when compared to the monthly income of households, exposing patients to catastrophic costs. Hence, the government should give due attention to protect patients from catastrophic health expenditures. Keywords: cost of illness, direct cost, indirect cost, total cost, Ethiopia

Nanomaterial-based catalytic conversion of hazardous organic pollutants into benign substances is one of the green methods employed for wastewater treatment. This study demonstrates the fabrication of (rGO-ZnO)/CuO nanocomposites (NCs) via a microwave (MW)-assisted method for (photo)catalytic application. The crystal structure, optical, morphological, and electrochemical characteristics were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical techniques. The analysis indicated that rod-like (rGO-ZnO)/CuO NCs having a nanoscale diameter with enhanced light absorption and well-matched band positions between rGO-ZnO and CuO were formed. Furthermore, the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) tests showed remarkable results with rate constants of 0.468 min−1 for 4-NP reduction within 8 min and 0.02213 min−1 for MB degradation within 105 min. Thus, the artful decoration of ZnO nanorods (NRs) with CuO into the (rGO-ZnO)/CuO NCs interface is an effective strategy for fabricating highly efficient photocatalysts.

Abstract Background Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is prevalent in dairy cattle in Ethiopia. Currently used diagnostic tools such as the single intradermal comparative tuberculin test (SICTT) are time consuming and labor intensive. A rapid, easy-to-use and cost-effective diagnostic test would greatly contribute to the control of bTB in developing countries like Ethiopia. In the present study, two point-of-care diagnostic tests were evaluated for the detection of bTB: LIONEX® Animal TB Rapid test, a membrane-based test for the detection of antibodies to Mycobacterium bovis in blood and ALERE® Determine TB Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) Ag, an immunoassay for the detection of lipoarabinomannan (LAM) antigen (Ag) of mycobacteria in urine. A combination of the SICTT and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) test was used as the gold standard for the validation of these point-of-care tests, as it was not feasible to slaughter the study animals to carry out the historical gold standard of mycobacterial culture. A total of 175 heads of cattle having three different bTB infection categories (positive SICTT, negative SICTT, and unknown SICTT status) were used for this study. Result The sensitivity and specificity of TB LAM Ag were 72.2% (95% CI = 62.2, 80.4) and 98.8% (95% CI = 93.6, 99.7), respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of the LIONEX Animal TB rapid test assay were 54% (95% CI = 44.1 64.3) and 98.8% (95% CI = 93.6, 99.7) respectively. The agreement between TB LAM Ag and SICTT was higher (κ = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.65–0.94) than between TB LAM Ag and IFN-γ (κ = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.52–0.81). The agreement between LIONEX Animals TB Rapid blood test and SICTT was substantial, (κ = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.49–0.77) while the agreement between LIONEX Animal TB rapid blood test and IFN-γ test was moderate (κ = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.40–0.67). Analysis of receiver operating curve (ROC) indicated that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for TB LAM Ag was 0.85 (95% CI = 0.79–0.91) while it was 0.76 (95% CI; =0.69–0.83) for LIONEX Animal TB rapid test assay. Conclusion This study showed that TB LAM Ag had a better diagnostic performance and could potentially be used as ancillary either to SICTT or IFN-γ test for diagnosis of bTB.

Water splitting driven by renewable energy sources is considered a sustainable way of hydrogen production, an ideal fuel to overcome the energy issue and its environmental challenges. The rational design of electrocatalysts serves as a critical point to achieve efficient water splitting. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with two-dimensionally (2D) layered structures hold great potential in electrocatalysis owing to their ease of preparation, structural flexibility, and tenability. However, their application in catalysis is limited due to their low activity attributed to structural stacking with irrational electronic structures, and their sluggish mass transfers. To overcome this challenge, attempts have been made toward adjusting the morphological and electronic structure using appropriate design strategies. This review highlights the current progress made on design strategies of transition metal-based LDHs (TM-LDHs) and their application as novel catalysts for oxygen evolution reactions (OERs) in alkaline conditions. We describe various strategies employed to regulate the electronic structure and composition of TM-LDHs and we discuss their influence on OER performance. Finally, significant challenges and potential research directions are put forward to promote the possible future development of these novel TM-LDHs catalysts.