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Elf Learners‟ Attitude and Practice of Learning Listening Skills and Factors Affecting Their Learning Grade 8 Students Dureso Donke Primary School in Focus
No full textThe main purpose of the study was to EFL learners’ attitude and practice learning listening skill
and factors affecting their learning Dureso Donke primary school focus on grade eight. The
researcher employed descriptive survey design to gather quantitative and qualitative data from
respondents. The population of the study was 104 grade eight students and 4 EFL teachers. The
researcher selected 30 student samples using systematic random sampling. For students, the
researcher used comprehensive sampling for the questionnaires. For interview and observation,
three sample teachers were used. Observation, questionnaires and interview were the main data
gathering instruments for this study. The findings of the study reveal that EFL learners’ attitude
and practice learning listening skill and factors affecting their learning; however, they practiced
the listening lessons activities presented in grade eight EFL textbook rarely. In addition, their
practices of listening skill lessons were low. Moreover, teachers’ interview data showed that
students and material related factors were the major problems hindering the teaching learning
of listening skill lessons in grade 8 EFL classes. The focus of this study was EFL learners’
attitude, practices and factors affecting learning listening skills they encounter: Dureso Donke
primary school, grade Eight in focus. Listening problems related to listener originated from
student’s poor English proficiency such as limited English vocabulary, lack of back ground
knowledge of spoken text, poor knowledge of grammar
Assessing Soil and Water Conservation Practices and Factors Affecting its Adoption in Soro District, Hadiya Zone Central Ethiopia Region
No full textSoil is the most important natural resources which support all fauna and flora of the world. The
whole creation depends on the soil which is the ultimate foundation of life existence. Soil erosion
is a global environmental problem causing the loss of fertile topsoil and reducing the productive
capacity of the land or soil and there by raises the risk of the global food security. Soil erosion
by water is one of the principal causes of land degradation, food insecurity and largely remains
a major constraint to agricultural development in developing countries. Soil and water
conservation practices help to control runoff and prevent loss of soil by soil erosion. The aim of
this study was to assess soil and water conservation practices and factors influencing its
adoption among rural households in Soro district, Hadiya Zone, Central Ethiopia Region. Both
primary and secondary data were used in this study. Descriptive analysis and binary logit
regression model were used to analyze the collected data. Descriptive analysis showed contour
plough, soil bund, fanyajuu and waterways were important physical soil and water conservation
practices whereas crop rotation, planting trees and mixed cropping were used as main
biological soil and water conservation methods used among smallholder farmers in the study
area. Using trash for gulley control and planting local trees species were preferable indigenous
soil and water conservation practices which were highly implemented in the study area.
Moreover, sex, education level, land size, extension contact, training on soil and water
conservation practices and household total income were significantly (p<0.05) and positively
affected households’ adoption of soil and water conservation practices. Based on the findings we
suggest that governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations in broad
spectrum should need to focus on promoting agricultural production and land productivity,
decreasing land degradation and soil erosion by adoption of soil and water conservation
practices through provision and strengthening farmers’ education, training on soil and water
conservation practices, provision and strengthening extension service among small holder
farmers in the study area
Ethnobotanical Study of Wild Edible Plants in Mulo District, North Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Central Ethiopia.
No full textAn ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants was conducted in Mulo District, North Shewa Zone,
Oromia Regional State, Central Ethiopia, from October 2024 to February 2025. This study aimed
to assess and document indigenous knowledge concerning wild edible plants and their uses within
the study area. Data were collected from 123 informants across 3 villages using semi-structured
interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks, and direct observation. A total of 22 wild
edible plant species from 18 genera and 17 families were identified in the study area. The results
revealed that these plant species serve multiple purposes, including food, medicine, fodder, and
construction. The majority of WEPs were eaten raw, while the remainders were eaten after being
cooked. 45.5% are trees, followed by shrubs (36.3%) and herbs (18.2%). The most consumed parts
of the wild edible plants in the study area were fruits (68.2%), followed by tuber/root (18.2%), leaf
and stem (4.55%), gum and bark (4.55%), and nectar (4.55%). The fruits of Syzgium guineense
sub sp afromontanum were the most preferred wild food fruit among the other documented wild
edible plants, according to preference ranking analysis. Syzgium guineenses sub sp macrocarpa,
Psidum guajava, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Rubus apetalus were following in order. However,
Wild Edible plants are threatened due to various human activities and natural causes. Therefore,
the conservation of these plant species and assessing as well as preserving indigenous knowledge
were the fundamental urgent issues
The Chemical Compsition Of Stars and Galaxies Based on SDSS Spectral Data
No full textThe objectives study of this thesis is the chemical composition of stars and galaxies based on
Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) spectral data. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) dataset
with its wealth of spectroscopic data offers valuable insights into the chemical composition
and stellar populations of galaxies and stars. The chemical composition of stats is largely
dominated by hydrogen and helium with trace amount of heavier elements that vary depending
on the star’s mass, age, and evolution as well as the overall chemical composition of galaxies
is determined by the stars, gas, dust, and interstellar material within them. Stellar population
models are curtail tools for understanding how these populations evolve over time, how they
influence galaxy formation, and how we can infer age, metallicity, and star formation of galaxy
Formulation and in vitro evalaution of solid dispersion tablets Containing dihydroarthemesinin
No full textDihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a semi synthetic derivative of artemisinin antimalarial drug. The
drug suffers from limited aqueous solubility, which hinders its bioavailability and clinical
effectiveness. Hence, improved solubility is crucial for enhancing drug absorption and
therapeutic efficacy. Solid dispersion is one of the promising approaches to enhance the
solubility of poorly soluble drugs. Therefore, this study aimed to prepare a solid dispersion to
enhance the solubility of DHA.
Methods: In this study, PEG-4000, PEG-6000, and PVP K30 were utilized as the dispersion
carriers to prepare solid dispersions by kneading and solvent evaporation methods. Drug
polymer ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:9 were investigated. FTIR spectroscopy was used to
characterize drug-polymer interactions, while XRD, DSC, and SEM were used to characterized
solid dispersions. Formulations were then evaluated for solubility and drug release.
Results: Interaction study revealed there might not be drug-polymer interaction. Comparing the
solid dispersion to the pure drug, XRD studies revealed a decrease in crystallinity. The SEM
images of the solid dispersion particles, when compared to pure DHA, showed an amorphous
morphology, as evidenced by their puffy appearance.
Formulations with a 1:9 drug-to-PVP 30k ratio, prepared using the solvent evaporation method,
exhibited the highest drug release, achieving 93.99% compared to 69.5% for the pure drug. The
study on the flow properties of the solid dispersions demonstrated good flowability, with Carr's
index ranging from 11.11±0.26 to 16.36±0.27, Hausner's ratio consistently below 1.25, and the
angle of repose between 23.2±0.02 and 28.26±0.75.
Tablets formulated from both physical mixtures and solid dispersions demonstrated good
mechanical properties, with hardness values exceeding 4 kp. The tensile strength of these tablets
also fell within the acceptable range, further confirming their structural integrity. Through
systematic optimization, it was found that solid dispersions prepared via the solvent evaporation
method, using a drug-to-polymer ratio of 1:9 with PVP as the polymer, yielded the most
effective formulation.
IV
Conclusions: In general, solid dispersion of DHA utilizing the PVP30K, PEG-6000, and PEG
4000 were the best formulation to improve the solubility and in vitro release of the drug. Among
the preparations of DHA solid dispersion, solid dispersion of DHA with PVP produces a
formulation with optimal drug release.
Recommendations: To advance solid dispersion technology, future research should focus on
developing novel carriers, in vivo performance, stability study, and leveraging strategies to
preserve product quality during scale up should be investigated. Interdisciplinary collaboration
between academia, industry, and regulators is critical to translate research into clinically
effective and commercially viable drug products
Effect of Dietary Supplementation and High-Intensity Motor Learning on Nutritional Status, Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Motor Skill-Related Physical Fitness in 5-7-Year-Old Children with Moderate Thinness in Ethiopia
No full textBackground: Despite global efforts, child malnutrition remains a persistent challenge, exacerbating
disparities and posing ongoing threats to children and adolescents in developing nations. Malnutrition
refers to an inadequate or imbalanced intake of essential nutrients, encompassing both
undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition is characterized by an inadequate intake of essential
nutrients, resulting in deficiencies. Thinness has been recognized as a more suitable indicator of
recent nutritional deprivation, such as insufficient dietary intake of energy, protein, or various
micronutrients.
Undernutrition is characterized by stunting and thinness. Stunting refers to being short relative to
one's age, while underweight is defined in terms of grades of thinness (grades 1–3) and is
characterized by rapid weight loss or an inability to gain body mass. Both conditions are linked to
poor school attendance and academic performance in mathematics, reading, and writing skills.
Additionally, sick or undernourished children often face difficulties with motor function, concentration,
problem-solving, and memory recall, all of which contribute to poor academic performance.
Undernutrition among schoolchildren in developing countries is a critical global health challenge with
far-reaching consequences for their well-being and future opportunities. Nutritional deficiencies
during early childhood can lead to poor brain development. Long-term undernutrition can negatively
impact academic performance, leading to chronic disorders, hindering cognitive development, and
even causing premature death.
Addressing both undernutrition and overnutrition among children aged 5–7 presents a significant
challenge for the food and nutrition policies in developing countries like Ethiopia. This age group
represents a critical developmental stage marked by key growth and developmental milestones and
the development of motor skills. Catch-up growth is particularly important for children with moderate
thinness (MT), as they may face developmental delays that could impact their long-term health and
well-being. This age is also critical for motor skill interventions as it coincides with significant brain
development that is closely linked to cognitive and behavioral growth during preschool years. In
Ethiopia, however, MT children aged 5-7 are often overlooked due to the absence of specific
treatment guidelines for MT. To address this, the management of acute malnutrition should focus on
preventing the progression of MT to severe thinness (ST). To effectively manage MT and prevent its
progression to ST, appropriate dietary interventions are essential. This includes providing nutrient
rich supplementary food or lipid-based Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) tailored to meet
the needs of children with MT. In addition to proper nutrition, motor skill training (high-intensity
motor learning (HiML)) interventions significantly enhance motor skill development in typically
developing children. HiML is very intensive as it is performed daily over an extended period, requiring
a minimum of 30–40 hours of training. The focus is on maximizing time spent on the task during
training, with a training/rest ratio of at least 70–30%. Active play, which involves repetitive muscle
movements that help build strength, speed, and agility, contributes to the development of both gross
and fine motor skills. Furthermore, existing literature on active play or goal-oriented play among
preschoolers and early school-aged children demonstrates its positive impact on motor skills.
Activities such as ball play, balancing exercises, walking, running, and jumping, or hopping have
been shown to improve coordination and physical abilities, reinforcing the importance of integrating
both nutrition and physical activity in early childhood development programs.
Therefore, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of RUSF with(out) HiML compared
to no intervention on various outcomes, including weight, height, body composition, muscle strength,
and motor skill-related physical fitness of children with MT age 5-7 living in Jimma, South-West
Ethiopia. A summary of each chapter of this dissertation is provided below.
Chapter 1 is an introduction providing an overview of malnutrition. It begins by defining
undernutrition and moderate thinness, discussing their common drivers and consequences. The
chapter also presents malnutrition's global, regional, and national status, highlighting its prevalence
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and public health significance. Additionally, the chapter identifies gaps or areas that previous studies
had not adequately addressed concerning moderate thinness. By providing this comprehensive
introduction, the first chapter gives a context for the subsequent chapters of the dissertation, which
will dive deeper into specific aspects of moderate thinness and its implications.
Chapter 2 outlines the general methods used in the study, including the study design, period,
setting, and population, inclusion and exclusion criteria for participant selection, the sampling
strategy, and the sample size calculations. Furthermore, it elaborates on the data collection methods
and procedures, the specific tools or instruments used, data management procedures including data
entry, storage, and quality control measures, and information on statistical tests or analytical
techniques used to examine the study variables and assess the outcomes of interest. It also
elaborates on the intervention packages implemented in the study, providing an overview of the
specific interventions or treatments administered to the participants and key measures or indicators
used to assess the outcomes under investigation. Ethical considerations are emphasized in this
chapter, highlighting the steps taken to ensure the protection of participants' rights and well-being.
Chapter 3 presents the findings of a school-based comparative cross-sectional study carried out in
Jimma Town. The study compared the body composition of 5-7-year-old children with MT to that of
their well-nourished (WN) peers and identified associated factors. Data were collected from 388
children (194 with MT and 194 with WN). The finding showed that, on average, moderately thin
children had significantly lower fat mass and fat-free mass compared to well-nourished children,
indicating malnutrition-related loss in both compartments. Body mass index (BMI) for age, age, and
sex were significantly associated with both fat-free mass and fat mass.
Chapter 4 presents the findings of a study that investigated the relationship between MT and muscle
strength in children aged 5-7 years in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia. Conducted as a school
based comparative cross-sectional study between June and July 2022, the study assessed children's
nutritional status (MT vs. WN) using BMI for age and sex. Muscle strength was evaluated by
measuring grip strength with a JAMAR device, and biceps, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius strength
were measured using Digital Handheld Dynamometry model (Hoggan MicroFET2™). The result
revealed that children with MT had significantly lower muscle strength compared to their WN peers,
highlighting the negative functional effect of wasting. These findings underscore the importance of
integrating strategies to improve muscle strength into routine health care for children with MT.
Chapter 5 presents the result of a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of RUSF
compared to other dietary interventions or no intervention on functioning at different levels of the
International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) among children with MT
between 2 -12 years old. Eight studies were included in the analysis. The use of RUSF intervention
shows promise in improving nutritional outcomes and recovery rates in children with MT compared
to other dietary interventions. However, the low level of evidence highlights the need for robust
randomized controlled trials in MT children to determine the true effect of RUSF.
Chapter 6 presents the findings of a cluster-randomized controlled trial that examined the effect of
Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF), with or without high-intensity motor learning (HiML), on
weight, height, body composition, and muscle strength in 5–7-year-old children with MT in Jimma
Town, Ethiopia. The study found that RUSF was effective on its own, but when combined with HiML,
it had an even greater impact. Both the RUSF and RUSF+HiML interventions led to improvements in
body composition, height, weight, and muscle strength of malnourished children. These findings
suggest that using RUSF and combining it with HiML could help mitigate the negative effects of
malnutrition in Ethiopia. The researchers recommend further exploration of these interventions in a
larger community-based study.
Chapter 7 presents the results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial that assessed the effect of
RUSF with or without HiML on motor skill-related physical fitness in children with MT. A 12-week
combination of RUSF + HiML was proven to be safe in children with MT and caused clear
improvements in skill-related physical fitness. When the children received RUSF with HiML training
Electronic and structural properties of Titanium dibo ride (Tib2) Using Density Functional theory
No full textIn this thesis the first principle calculation of Titanium Diboride (TiB2 ) is investigated with den
sity functional theory (DFT) using Quantum Espresso package. Our study is based on Density
Functional Theory (DFT) with the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (GGA-PBE) exchange-correlation
functional, Vanderbilt (ultra soft) pseudo-potentials and the plane wave basis set implemented
in the Quantum-ESPRESSO package. The calculation of the total minimum energy of TiB2 is
calculated as a function of cutoff energy and K-points sampling. The total minimum energy
per cell is monotonically decreasing with increasing cutoff energy due to variation principle.
However, this trend can not be predicted from increasing the k-points sampling. Moreover,
the equilibrium lattice constant is calculated using results obtained from energy convergence
test (i.e., 60 Ry and 12 × 12 × 10 ). The computational value of the equilibrium lattice con
stant is 5.725527Bohr. This result is in good agreement with experimental value which is
5.735527Bohr . Finally, discussing band structure and density of state of TiB2 , the electrical
property of TiB2 was determined based on energy band gap and it is a conductive material,
often showing metallic behavior
Epidemiology of malaria in pregnancy in majang zone of Gambella region, southwest Ethiopia
No full textMalaria in pregnancy (MiP) is among the leading global public health problems,
mainly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It is associated with various adverse pregnancy outcomes involving
the mother, the fetus, the newborn, and beyond. In malaria-endemic settings, it often remains asymptomatic
partly due to partially acquired immunity and parasite sequestration in the placenta. Effective mitigation of
MiP needs reliable data, which are scarce in the Majang Zone, where malaria burden is rising. Hence, this
study aimed at investigating the magnitude, associated factors, adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs), and
detectability of MiP in the Majang Zone of Gambella Region, Southwest Ethiopia. It also aimed at
determining pooled prevalence, associated factors, and APOs of PM in SSA through a systematic review
and meta-analysis (SRMA) of studies published in the last 100 year
ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF CLIENTS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PERFORMANCE (A CASE OF LEGA TAFO TOWN)
No full textThe construction industry is inherently complex, involving multiple actors (clients, contractors, and consultants) whose coordinated efforts determine project success. While contractors and consultants have received considerable attention, the influence of clients on project performance remains underexplored, particularly in developing countries. This study assessed the role of clients and their impact on the performance of building construction projects in Lega Tafo Town, Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire with 58 items was distributed to 50 respondents, of which 40 were returned (80% response rate). Data were analyzed using SPSS v.20, applying both descriptive and inferential statistics. Respondents ranked clients’ financial attributes, clear definition of project scope and objectives, and resource availability as the top three client-related factors influencing project outcomes. Finance emerged as the most critical factor, reflecting the reality that delayed disbursements or inadequate funding often result in stalled works, contractual disputes, and time overruns. Similarly, unclear scope was identified as a recurring source of rework and cost escalation, while resource availability determined the efficiency of execution. Analysis of clients’ involvement across project phases revealed that participation is highest during the planning phase, where strategic decisions on budget, design, and scope are made, but much lower during operation and maintenance, which weakens long-term project sustainability. Regarding impacts, the three most significant client-related effects were time extensions due to delays in decision-making, reworks from design changes, and budget increases, all of which directly link to clients’ managerial capacity and early planning practices. Correlation and regression analyses showed strong positive relationships between client-related factors, level of involvement, and overall project performance. Importantly, client involvement level was found to be the most influential predictor of performance. This underscores that in contexts like Lega Tafo, where institutional and financial capacities are often limited, active and informed client participation across all phases is crucial for improving construction outcomes and ensuring lifecycle sustainability
Parasitic Nematodes and Fusarium Wilt Of Hot Peppers (Capsicum Spp.) And Their Management Using Endospore Forming Rhizobacteria in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
No full textHot pepper is a popular crop in Ethiopia, widely cultivated for consumption and as a significant
source of income for smallholder farmers. It also contributes to the overall economy of the
country. Among vegetables and spices, pepper ranks first in terms of area under cultivation and
production. However, the crop's production and productivity are often constrained by wilt
causing pathogens such as Fusarium wilt and root-knot nematode (RKN), particularly during
certain seasons. These issues significantly limit Ethiopia's contribution to global markets.
Between 2017 and 2022, a comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the occurrence and
distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes infecting hot peppers. The study also evaluated the
population dynamics and damage threshold of Meloidogyne incognita, assessed the reactions of
hot pepper varieties to Fusarium oxysporum and M. incognita, and examined the effectiveness of
endospore-forming bacteria from the pepper rhizosphere in controlling these pathogens under
both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Soil and plant samples were collected from four major
pepper-growing districts in the Jimma Zone. Microbial characterization was performed in the
Research and Postgraduate Laboratory of the Department of Biology, while nematode
processing, soil physicochemical analyses, and pot experiments were conducted at the College of
Agricultural and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University. Molecular analyses of Meloidogyne
isolates were conducted at Ghent University, while those of Fusarium and bacterial isolates were
performed at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Data collected during the study
were analyzed using Minitab® version 19, R-4.2.1, SAS version 9.3, and Origin Pro 202. Over
83% of surveyed pepper fields were found to be infested with parasitic nematodes, and 13
nematode types were identified. Among these, Meloidogyne, Scutellonema, Rotylenchulus,
Helicotylenchus, Pratylenchus, and Rotylenchus were the most prevalent, with Meloidogyne
(identified as M. incognita through Nad5 gene analysis) being the most common. This represents
the first report of M. incognita on pepper crops in Ethiopia. The damage potential of M.
incognita was investigated through greenhouse experiments, using 13 initial population densities
(Pi). The "Dinsire" variety showed a tolerance limit for total fresh weight and fruit number at
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0.30 and 0.18 M. incognita (g soil)-1, respectively. Results indicated a negative correlation
between Pi and both plant growth and the final nematode population density (Pf). The study
estimated the maximum multiplication rate (a) and maximum population density (M) of M.
incognita at 8813.2 and 3420.1 M. incognita (g soil)-1, espectively. The "Dinsire" variety
performed well at a Pi of fewer than 8 second-stage juveniles (J2) (g soil)−1, exceeding the field
average of 6 nematodes (g soil)−1. Fusarium isolates from infected pepper samples were
identified as F. oxysporum using ITS region analysis. Among these, the isolate FI1 was highly
pathogenic, significantly affecting the "Mareko Fana" variety under greenhouse conditions. Of
the 11 varieties tested, "Melka Dera" was resistant to FI1, while "Melka Zala" was highly
susceptible, experiencing a 66% reduction in fresh root weight and a 61% reduction in fresh
shoot weight. Most pepper varieties currently under production are susceptible to Fusarium wilt,
underscoring the need for further screening of genotypes and the development of effective
management strategies. From 48 soil samples taken from healthy pepper rhizospheres, 35
endospore-forming bacteria were identified, exhibiting multiple plant growth-promoting traits.
These included phosphate solubilization (indices ranging from 2.8 to 10), indole acetic acid
production (27.31–59.16 µg/ml), and chitin hydrolysis (chitinolytic indices of 1–7.5 in 20
isolates). Of these, 21 bacterial isolates reduced pathogenic Fusarium growth by 39.4–79.2%,
while 12 inhibited M. incognita egg hatching by 51–96.4% and increased nematode J2 mortality
by 45–98.7%. Molecular analyses identified these bacteria as Bacillus siamensis, B. velezensis,
B. cereus, and Paenibacillus polymyxa. Bacillus cereus (JUBC7) and B. siamensis (JUBC12)
demonstrated strong potential for producing plant growth-promoting substances and
antagonizing F. oxysporum and M. incognita in vitro. Greenhouse evaluations of 12 pepper
genotypes found that the "Dinsire" variety suppressed M. incognita populations, while "Bako
Local" and "Dame" were highly susceptible. Co-inoculation of B. cereus and B. siamensis
reduced co-infection by M. incognita and F. oxysporum by 92.6%, with B. cereus alone
suppressing Fusarium infection by 90.1%. Based on these findings, the "Dinsire" variety, in
combination with B. cereus and B. siamensis, is recommended as an integrated pest management
strategy for fields infested with Fusarium wilt and M. incognita, pending further validation under
field conditions