Journal of Science and Inclusive Development (JSID)
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Higher education English as Foreign Language (EFL) instructors’ Code-switching (CS) practices in Ethiopia: patterns and functions in focus
Get PDFThis study was conducted to investigate higher education EFL instructors’ code-switching patterns and functions. The data were gathered through classroom observations, audio recordings, and semi-structured interviews. The study was conducted at Mekelle University, and the participants were instructors of the Department of English Language and Literature. A descriptive research design (case study) and a mixed research method were used. A total of 24 lessons lasting 2400 minutes were recorded, and six instructors participated in the interviews. This sample size was taken based on Singh’s sample size determination. The study shows that the instructors’ CS frequencies increased as the students’ class year that they were teaching increased. The instructors of all class years employed inter-sentential CS more dominantly. The inter-sentential pattern of CS that the instructors were employing in the different class years has many functions in the EFL classes. CS helps the teaching and learning of English if it is handled properly. However, the instructors’ use of CS had to decrease as the students’ class year went up and when the students’ EFL performance improved. The instructors’ overuse of CS diminishes students’ exposure to the target language and their practice of the English language in classes where English is a foreign language. Therefore, the instructors’ CS patterns and functions should vary depending on their students’ class years. In short, the instructors should re-evaluate their CS practices and employ them depending on their students’ CS desires and class years. Finally, it is recommended that instructors use CS as a teaching strategy in EFL classrooms, but they should regulate its deployment when teaching students in different class years
University students’ readiness for E-Learning adoption in Tanzania
Get PDFThe importance of e-learning as an education delivery solution in higher education is underscored. However, there is a substantial variation in digital infrastructures and teachers' and learners' perceptions. Hence, before implementing e-learning, it is critical to assess the readiness for e-learning to ensure successful delivery of education in digital environments. Thus, this study assessed students' readiness for e-learning adoption in Tanzanian higher education institutions, uncovering varied readiness levels and influencing factors. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data was gathered from undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Dodoma between November 2021 and February 2023 through surveys, content analysis, and observation. Findings indicate a moderately high level of e-learning readiness, with varying digital literacy levels. Students exhibited high technological capability and positive e-learning attitudes. Institutional support emerged as crucial, emphasizing the need for e-learning policies, software provision, training programs, and technical assistance to facilitate smooth transitions to digital learning environments. The study informs educational institutions and policymakers on the drivers of students' e-learning readiness, offering actionable insights and strategies for effective e-learning adoption
Maedi-Visna: Sero-prevalence and risk factors in sheep population of South Wollo and North Shewa Zones, Ethiopia
Get PDFMaedi-Visna (MV) is a chronic disease of adult sheep characterised by progressive interstitial pneumonia and other syndromes such as meningo-encephalitis, indurative mastitis, and arthritis. The study was conducted to determine the serological epidemiology and associated risk factors of Maedi-Visna in the highland of the North Shewa and South Wollo zones of the Amhara region, Ethiopia. A total of 807 serum samples were collected randomly from purposely selected areas and examined using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to screen specific antibodies against Maedi-Visna. The data were analysed using logistic regression. The overall seroprevalence of Maedi-Visna was 11.7%. The highest and lowest seroprevalence were in Basona-Werena (19.2) and Legambo (6.1%) districts, respectively. As per peasant associations, the highest and lowest seroprevalence were in the Agricultural Research Centre (63.5%) and Kormargefya (0.8 %), respectively. Despite the variation in prevalence level, the disease was insidiously disseminated to all the other study districts and peasant associations. The final multivariable logistic model identified age OR = 5.04 (95% CI: 1.19–21.43), production system OR = 6.96 (95% CI: 3.79–12.78) and body condition score OR = 10.12 (95% CI: 3.63–28.19) as the most important risk factors in relation to MV seroprevalence. This finding showed a higher prevalence of Maedi-Visna in research centre and ranches, which can be a source of Maedi-Visna virus infection in other parts of sheep producing areas. Therefore, strict and regular screening tests should be carried out during the introduction of new flocks and before the distribution of crossbreed rams, particularly from ranches and research centres to smallholder farmers
Inorganic phosphorous, lime and vermicompost induced changes on phosphorus fractions and other properties of acidic Soil of Cheha district, Ethiopia
Get PDFoai:ojs2.jsid.edu.et:article/6In acid soils, soluble inorganic phosphorus is fixed by aluminum and iron, so that phosphorous availability to plants would be inhibited. Thus, an incubation study was conducted to evaluate the effects of lime, vermicompost, and mineral P fertilizer on the distribution of P fractions, oxalate, dithionite extractable aluminum, and iron. The treatments consisted of three rates of phosphorous (0, 74.51, and 149.01 kg P ha-1), three rates of vermicompost (0, 5, and 10 ton VC ha-1), and four rates of lime (0, 5.70, 9.20, and 11.50 ton CaCO3 ha-1). The experiment was laid out as a complete randomized design in a factorial arrangement. The results revealed that the combined application of lime, vermicompost, and mineral P significantly (p<0.05) increased labile phosphorus fractions and decreased the potential sorption capacities of the soil. As soil pH increased, exchangeable acidity and oxalate extractable Fe and Al decreased. The integrated applications of these amendments fixed aluminum and iron instead of phosphorus, thus rendering phosphorus available by keeping the inorganic phosphorus in a bioavailable, labile phosphorus pool compared to the sole application of the amendments. The combined applications of lime, vermicompost, and inorganic P to acidic soils at the Goha sampling site in Cheha district could convey an enhanced amount of available P and ensure the maintenance of higher levels of labile P. It might also contribute towards meeting crop P requirements
Response of haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to row spacing and weeding frequencies in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Get PDFThe common bean is the most important legume in Ethiopia for export and as a source of protein. Weed infestation and lack of appropriate row spacing are major factors affecting its growth and yield. However, limited research exists to determine proper weed management and optimum row spacing for improving the yield performance of haricot beans. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in the Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia, to evaluate the influences of variable row spacing and hand-weeding frequencies on the growth and yield of common bean. Treatments consisting of three-row spacing and five weeding frequencies were laid out in a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications. Data on phenology, growth, yield components, seed yield, and weed parameters were collected and analyzed procedurally. The result showed that weeding frequencies had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on days to flowering, days to physiological maturity, plant height, leaf area, leaf area index, pod number, seed number, hundred seed weight, total above-ground biomass, grain yield, weed population, weed dry weight, weed control efficiency, and yield loss, while row spacing had a significant effect on leaf area, leaf area index, pod and seed number, grain yield, total aboveground biomass yield, and yield loss. On the other hand, the interaction effect was shown to be significantly different in the weed population only. Three times of hand weeding and the recommended row spacing of 40 cm resulted in the highest grain yields of 2549.6 kg ha-1, 2056 kg ha-1, respectively. The highest net benefit (15415.56 ETB ha-1) was recorded from hand weeding done three times, and the highest marginal rate of return (209.99) was obtained from hand weeding done two times. As a result, for greater economic benefit from haricot bean production in the studied area, twice-hand weeding after two and four weeks of crop emergence with a row spacing of 40cm could be recommended
Diversity, relative abundance and distribution of medium and large-sized mammals in Mago National Park, southern Ethiopia
Get PDF Most medium- and large-sized mammals have declined in Ethiopia, even within protected areas. However, there is still a lack of information to determine their status. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the diversity, relative abundance, and distribution of medium- and largesized mammals in Mago National Park, Southern Ethiopia. A stratified systematic sampling design was used to establish line transects along the three main habitat types, namely: Woodland, Acacia savanna, and Riverine forest. A total of 45 line transects were established throughout the whole habitat, with transect lengths varying from 1.5 to 5 km, depending on the size and topography of the habitat. The data were analysed via EstimateS (EstimateS v. 9.1) and species diversity indexes in R version 3.6.2. Twenty-eight medium- and large-sized mammalian species, including six globally threatened species:the endangered Loxodanta african and Lycaon pictus, and the vulnerable Panthera pardus, Acinonyx jubatus, Nanger soemmerringii, and Panthera leo, were recorded in the area, belonging to eight families and five orders. During both the dry and wet seasons, the highest species diversity (H' = 2.81 and H' = 2.96), respectively, was recorded in Woodland habitat, whereas species diversity was the lowest ( H' = 2.5 and H'= 2.67), respectively, in Riverine forest. In terms of abundance, Tragelaphus imberbis (1773 ± 86, 12%) was the most abundant species, while Vulpes chama was the least abundant species (104 ± 13), representing only less than 1% of the total population. Therefore, Mago National Park harbours a high species diversity of medium- and largesized mammals and could provide baseline information for the responsible bodies of the Park and for researchers who wish to conduct related ecological studies in the area
Determinants of entrepreneurial engagement intensity in rural settings: evidences from Haramaya district, Ethiopia
Get PDFEmpirical research studies on entrepreneurial work intensity and its determinants in Ethiopia are negligible. Thus, the study examined the applicability of work intensity in rural entrepreneurship Haramaya district. The study was based on the Theory of Time Allocation. To this end, data were gathered via a cross-sectional survey of 381 rural households and were analyzed using the Tobit model. The findings revealed that ownership of the business site, location of the enterprise, contract work, the distance of residents from the main road, ecological settings, childhood experience of the household head as an orphan and the reason or motivation for starting an enterprise are found to be the most significant determinants of entrepreneurial intensity. The study underlined the prominence of household, spatial, and motivational factors in shaping the intensity of entrepreneurial engagement. Finally, the importance of placing emphasis on the vitality of improving household-level resources and capabilities to create as many devoted rural entrepreneurs as possible was recommended
Phytochemical investigation and structural elucidation on seed extracts of Datura Stramonium
Get PDFDatura Stramonium is found in the family Solanaceaeand and it is available throughout the world. It grows like a weed on loam soil in an Ethiopian context. It is used as a traditional medicine for toothache, skin diseases, and asthma in southern Ethiopia, especially in the Halaba zone. However, there was no research conducted in the study area in this regard. This study aims to isolate and purify alkaloids from Datura Stramonium seeds. Alkaloids are the biologically active substances in this species. Hence, in this study, alkaloid extraction methods were used. Substances besides alkaloids were removed by exhaustive liquid-liquid extraction with diethyl and petroleum ether. The final chloroform extract was tested for alkaloid by Dragendorff's spray reagent. It gave a positive result for alkaloids. The fractionation was done using column chromatography. Chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol and methanol were used as eluents. It was done by increasing the polarity of solvents. A total of 26 fractions were obtained. The purity of each sample fraction was checked by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The fractions that showed the same color and the same Rf value were mixed. The pure fractions with sufficient amounts were studied by 1H NMR, 13 C NMR and DEPT-135 for structural elucidation. In this study, the structures of two compounds, DSA-15 and DSA-21, were identified using IR 1HNMR, 13C NMR, and DEPT-135. Both of them are alkaloids. From this study, it was found out that both DSA-15 and DSA-21 are new compounds
Spectroscopic analysis of heavy metals distribution in selected traditional medicinal plants and soil in Raya Azebo district, Northern Ethiopia
Get PDFThe use of traditional medicine is increasing dramatically worldwide. In Ethiopia, people largely depend on the use of traditional medicinal plants as herbal remedies. However, the effectiveness of medicinal plants is affected by the presence of heavy metals. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the distribution of heavy metals in selected medicinal plant roots and the soils in which they were grown. A total of five root and soil samples in triplicate were used for analysis. A wet digestion procedure involving the use of a mixture of strong acids was used for the analysis of plant and soil samples. Based on the results, the concentrations of Zn (21.82mg/kg) and Fe (7.78mg/kg) were higher in Solanum incanum and Carissa spinarum plant samples, respectively, than in the other plants. The concentrations of Mn, Cu, and Pb ranged from 1.70 ˗ 4.22mg/kg, 1.34 ˗ 3.43mg/kg, and 0.14 ˗ 0.34 mg/kg, respectively, but Cd was detected only in Carissa spinarum (0.15 mg/kg) and in Solanum incunm (0.21mg/kg). Regarding the contents of the metals in the soil samples, Zn (15.45 ˗ 44.3 mg/kg) is the most dominant metal, followed by Mn (9.54 - 23.07mg/kg), Fe (7.58 ˗ 12.68 mg/kg), Cu (3.16 - 12.55 mg/kg), and Pb (0.14 - 2.85 mg/kg) whereas Cd was detected only in Boyegararsa soil (0.21 mg/kg) and Warabaye (0.65 mg/kg) soil samples. The results indicated that the contents of the metals studied did not exceed the permissible limit for medicinal plants set by WHO/FAO. Further studies should be carried out on the bioavailability of toxic heavy metals in traditional herbal medicines
A comparative study on modelling and performances of modular converter based three phase inverters for smart transformer application
Get PDFIn this paper, the performance evaluation of a three-phase back-end converter (BEC) of a smart transformer using different modular converters and interleaved multi-carrier phase shift modulation techniques was made. The modular backend converter of the smart transformer feeding a 0.415 kV low voltage distribution system and having a capacity of 50 kVA was designed, modelled, and simulated. Different scenarios were used for critically evaluating the performances of the system and included changes in the modulation index (Mi), changes in frequency, load demand changes, and losses. Performance indicators such as the output voltage and current distortions (THD), the maximum current through and voltage across the submodules, changes in the output voltage and current magnitude, and converter efficiency are used for the evaluation of different BEC topologies. The Piecewise Linear Electrical Circuit Simulation (PLECS) platform is used to model and simulate the circuits in question. When comparing MMC and CHB-based back-end converters having the same number of converter cells, load type, modulation index, output voltage, and current, the results show that the MMC performs better with respect to THD and efficiency. Regarding efficiency, the converter made from SiC MOSFET with part number SCT3017AL yields a higher efficiency (96.63%) than the second SiC MOSFET with part number C3M0015065D. According to semiconductor loss analysis, switching loss outweighs conduction loss. The sub-module in a CHB-based modular converter is exposed to higher current stress in comparison with that used in an MMC topology due to the current division in the upper and lower sub-modules in the case of MMC. As the load demand changes, the device current value also changes, while the voltage remains constant