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Comparative Evaluation of Digestion Methods for Heavy Metal Analysis in Soil, Water, and Plants from Tigray, Ethiopia
No full textHeavy metal contamination is a growing concern in Tigray, Ethiopia, due to mining activities, agricultural inputs, and potential risks to public health, yet no standardized local protocol exists for reliable, cost-effective, and accurate digestion methods essential for environmental monitoring. This study compared four wet digestion methods—Method A (HCl–HNO₃, 3:1), Method B (HCl–HNO₃–H₂SO₄), Method C (HCl–HNO₃–HClO₄), and Method D (HCl–HNO₃– HClO₄–HF)—for determining total concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Co, Cr, Cd, Mn, Fe, and Ni in soil, plant, and water samples from Ezana Mining Development PLC, Mekelle, Ethiopia, using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS). Performance evaluation based on accuracy (Z-scores and spiking recovery), precision (relative standard deviation), and costeffectiveness, supported by one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05), revealed significant differences among methods, with overall recoveries ranging from 88% to 102% across matrices. Methods A and D showed superior accuracy and precision compared to Methods B and C, with Method A offering comparable performance to Method D while being simpler, safer, and more economical, making it suitable for routine monitoring. Although Method D achieved slightly higher extraction efficiencies for refractory metals, it demands specialized infrastructure, HFhandling safety, and advanced technical expertise. The findings suggest Method A is best suited for general environmental assessments in resource-limited laboratories, while Method D is recommended for targeted analyses requiring maximum recovery, thereby enhancing environmental data quality, strengthening heavy metal monitoring programs, and supporting evidence-based policy decisions in Tigray
The Influence of Facebook Activists in the Context of the Tigray Political Crisis
No full textThis study explores the role of social media, particularly Facebook, as a platform for political activism in the context of the Tigray political crisis. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative content analysis of Facebook posts with qualitative in-depth interviews to examine how activists use the platform to mobilize support, influence public perception, and shape political narratives. The quantitative data highlight patterns of engagement, frequency of posts, and audience interaction, while the qualitative findings provide deeper insights into the intentions, strategies, and experiences of Facebook activists. The study reveals that Facebook has been a critical tool for both pro-Getachew and pro-Debretsion led TPLF factions‟ activists in disseminating political messages, reinforcing or contesting dominant narratives, and fostering political mobilization. However, it also uncovers potential negative consequences, including the spread of dis/misinformation and increased political polarization. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of digital activism in conflictaffected regions and offer implications for the ethical use of social media in political discours
Opportunities and Challenges of Micro and Small Enterprises in Hiwane Town, Tigray
No full textThe purpose of this study was to assess the opportunities and challenges of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Hiwane town. To accomplish this, the researcher employed a cross-sectional study method. The study was carried out using both simple random sampling and stratified proportional random sampling techniques. The total number of micro and small enterprises in the study area was 230. From this total, the researcher selected 120 participants from each sector, along with 5 MSE experts. The target population in this study consisted of individuals engaged in micro and small enterprises in Hiwane town. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and observation. To analyze the data, both quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques were used. The quantitative data were analyzed using tables, percentages, and correlation analysis, while the qualitative data were analyzed through descriptive narration. The findings of this research indicate that MSEs provide several benefits to society. Some of the opportunities and benefits include serving as sources of employment, supplying various products to the community at relatively low costs, receiving governmental and non-governmental support through loans and funding, providing training, and promoting women and youth empowerment. The major constraints faced by MSEs in the study area include financial problems, limited market access, security issues, inflation, shortages of raw materials, inadequate infrastructure, and political and economic instability. Therefore, it is recommended that both government and non-governmental organizations provide support to MSEs
MAGNITUDE OF UNINTENDED PREGNANCY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HIV POSITIVE PREGNANT AND LACTATING WOMENS ATTENDING PMTCT SERVICE IN MEKELLE PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITY MEKELLE TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA, 2025
No full textBackground:-Unintended pregnancy is a pregnancy that is untimely or unplanned at the time of conception but may be wanted later. The burden and negative consequences of unintended pregnancy can be severe, especially among women living with HIV. There is a lack of evidence regarding unintended pregnancy among HIV-positive women in the study area.
Objective: - To assess the magnitude of unintended pregnancy and associated factors among HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women attending PMTCT services in Mekelle public health facilities, Tigray, Ethiopia, in 2025.
Methods and materials: - An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1st to April 30th, 2025. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 278 eligible women. Data were collected using a structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and chart review. Data were entered into Kobo Toolbox, exported to Excel, and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Independent variables with p < 0.25 were included in the binary logistic regression analysis, and a multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with unintended pregnancy. Statistical significance was declared based on adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and a p-value ≤ 0.05. .
Results:- The magnitude of unintended pregnancy among HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women in Mekelle Town public health facilities was 57.2% (95% CI: 51.3–63.1). Factors significantly associated with unintended pregnancy included primary education (AOR = 12.57; 95% CI: 2.17–72.65), no desire for additional children (AOR = 3.27; 95% CI: 1.48–7.23), and non-disclosure of HIV status (AOR = 3.48; 95% CI: 1.56–12.93). Women with no prior history of unintended pregnancy were significantly less likely to experience it (AOR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03–0.50), suggesting that previous experience may enhance awareness and consistent contraceptive use.
Conclusion and Recommendations: - Unintended pregnancy remains a major concern among HIV-positive women in Mekelle, influenced by education, HIV disclosure, fertility intentions, and prior pregnancies. Strengthening education, promoting safe disclosure of HIV status, and improving access to family planning services are essential to reduce unintended pregnancies and improve maternal and child health outcomes in this population
A Thesis Submitted to the College of Veterinary Science, Mekelle University, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics
No full textReproductive disorders significantly impact the reproductive performance and economic efficiency of dairy cows. A cross-sectional study was conducted with the objectives to investigate major reproductive disorders and their impact on reproductive performance in dairy cows, to identify the reproductive performance of dairy cows in the study area, assessing the associated risk factors and investigating the seroprevalence of brucellosis in association with reproductive disorders in Enderta district from January 2024 to December 2024. Total of 384 dairy cows, 267 cross and 117 local, were sampled from randomly selected farms. The study found that 68.23% (n=262) of dairy cows were affected by reproductive disorders, with the most prevalent disorders being retained fetal membranes 26.82%, abortion 17.71%, repeat breeding 10.68%, and anestrus 7.03%. The reproductive performance revealed that the mean age at first service were 38.82±3.43 months and 26.57±2.07 months, the mean age at first calving were 47.71±4.49 months and 35.20±6.20 months, mean calving interval were 16.02±1.76 months and 14.15±1.45 months, the mean days open were 132.11±6.83 and 118.88±3.09 days, additionally, the number of services per conception of dairy cows were 1.85±0.55 and 1.70±0.71 for local and crossbreed respectively. Bovine brucellosis was tested using the Rose Bengal Plate Test on 384 serum samples, and the results were negative for brucellosis prevalence. The study also found reproductive disorders were significantly associated with the production system, age, body condition score, hygiene, and mating system (p<0.05). Furthermore, reproductive performance was significantly poor in cows affected by the reproductive disorders compared to the normal cows. This study showed that reproductive disorders significantly affected reproductive performance of cows. Finally, improved management practices, including better heat detection, veterinary care, balanced feeding, hygiene and awareness creation for dairy owners are crucial for enhancing reproductive health and performance
The Role of Institutions in Economic Growth in Ethiopia: An Empirical Analysis Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Model
No full textThe main goal of this research was to look at institution’s role in the performance of Ethiopian economy which is considered an underdeveloped economy. For this purpose the ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration proposed by Pesaran et al. (2001) and updated with Kripfganz and Schneider (2020) critical values and approximate p-values was used. The short-run and long-run correlations between institutional and other macroeconomic and control variables over the period 1982-2022 were investigated. It made use of secondary data obtained from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators (WDI) for the macroeconomic and control variables and it used Freedom House’s Political Freedom Index for the institutional variable. In case of variables where the WDI has gaps other supplementary sources were used such as the YCharts, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the National Bank of Ethiopia. The empirical result obtained for the Ethiopian economy suggests the institutional variable takes the lion’s share in its impact on the economy and implies that once the institutional dynamics is introduced in the model the other macroeconomic variables loss their predictive powers
Assessing the Causes and Impacts of Irregular Migration in Abi –Adi Town, Tigray Region, Ethiopia
No full textThe study was designed to assess the causes and impacts of irregular migration in Abi-Adi town which is found in Tigray region. The study has tried to identify the major cases of illegal migration, the overall impacts of migration in relation to the measures that should be taken to minimize the status of illegal migration in the study area. To achieve the stated objectives, the study has employed a descriptive survey design with a qualitative research approach. The data for the study was gathered from both primary and secondary sources. Primary source was gathered from returnee informants; while, secondary data was gathered from published and unpublished documents, articles and reports. The data for the study was gathered through indepth interview, key informant interview and focus group discussions with the informants. In the study, purposive or non-probable sampling technique was employed to select sample informants as sample size to the study. Accordingly, a total of 20 respondent informants were selected purposely so as to gather reliable information to the study. In this case, purposive or nonprobable sampling was employed since it is believed that purposive sampling is viable to select few informants who are believed to have a good knowledge of the issue being raised. In this regard, snowballing was also employed to contact in touch with returnee migrants, snowball sampling was possibly proved to be the most useful sampling technique. The study has found that the major causes of illegal migration in the study area were associated with associated with economic, social and political factors. Moreover, the study has revealed that illegal migration in the study area has been largely associated with various complex phenomena working in tandem such as poverty, low standard of living, unemployment, lack of job and employment opportunities in places of origin, low economic capability to sustain food security, false promise of brokers, the perception of the community and peer pressure in an attempt to accumulate wealth. Regarding the overall impacts, the study has found that illegal migration has physical; and health related problems as well as associated socio-economic and psychological impacts that lead both the migrants and families in economic problems, separation and psychological trauma. In addition to this, the study has also found that human trafficking and smuggling as well as exploitation and sexual violence were the common aspects of illegal migration that the migrants have face during their journey. Finally, the study has cited recommendation such as raising awareness towards irregular migration, strict government control on peace and security, maintaining the peace and security of the border areas and taking corrective measures on illegal brokers to minimize the level and impacts of irregular migration in the study area
Morphological Variation Of The Umbilical Cord and Its Clinical Significance Among Mothers Delivered at Korem General Hospital, Southern Tigray, Ethiopia: Institution-Based Descriptive CrossSectional Study
No full textThe umbilical cord is the vital connection between the fetus and the placenta. The umbilical cord plays a vital role in fetal development, supplying oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus. Different literatures show umbilical cord has morphological variations and it has an impact on birth outcome, despite it is not studied yet in our area which is the reason for the need of the study.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the morphological variation of the umbilical cord in terms of length, number of vessels, coiling pattern and other abnormalities like cord knot and cord entanglements.
METHODOLOGY: Descriptive study design was employed analyzing on 442 umbilical cords collected from Korem General hospital. The data was collected through direct observation and measurement . statistical measures such as mean, range, mode and standard deviation, and frequency distribution were used for analysis.
RESULT: The findings reveal that the average length of the umbilical cord was 50 cm, with a range of 35 cm to 78 cm. Most umbilical cord (99.5%) exhibits three vessel patterns, while 0.5% showed variations such as four vessel patterns with no two-vessel pattern. Majority (69%) of the umbilical cords had normal coiling pattern and 17% and 14% were hypocoiled and hypercoiled respectively. Additionally, 88% (392) of the umbilical cord had not had any cord knot whereas the 8% (36) and 3.2% (14) had cord knots and true cord entanglement respectively.
CONCLUSION: The study show umbilical cord varies morphologically in length, coiling vasculature, knot and entanglement and has an impact on birth outcome. So, it gives an input for clinical anatomy and embryology. In addition to this the medical students will benefit from this as it will help them in their medical intervention. Further research with a large sample size is recommended to explore the clinical significance of those variations
Investigating Challenges of Construction and Demolition Waste Management, in the Case of Mekelle, Tigray
No full textWith rapid urbanization and economic growth, All the activities, new construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings and structures generate huge amounts of waste, which require reduction in generation and proper management. Nevertheless, due to several barriers and constraints this could not be implemented. The purpose of this study was investigating challenges of construction and demolition waste management in Mekelle construction projects. Based on this objective, the factors that contribute waste, effects of C&DW, current construction waste management practice and major challenges of C&DW management have been investigated. The study used semi structured interview and questionnaire survey for data collecting techniques, and relative importance index for descriptive data analysis. The result of the study shown the improper material handling and storage, poor supervision, lack of skilled man power and late design changes are the most contributing factors to waste generation. Whereas, Project cost overrun, Environmental Pollution, Reduction in profit, Resources depletion and public health and safety risks are the main effect of C&DW. In the current construction waste management practices, the governing strategies i.e. waste reduction and proper management were not effectively implemented. Furthermore, the following main challenges were identified in this research. The challenges are; Improper planning & waste management practice, Ineffective waste management plan, Insufficient waste management training programs, Poor supervision practice, Lack enforcement of regulations, Absence of training on waste minimization strategies for construction firms, insufficient legislation & regulation, Lack of Government incentives, Low Concern for socio-economic and environmental effect of wastage, Resistance to change traditional management practices, Poor coordination among construction stakeholders, Believing waste not a problem on site, High cost with low quality of recycled materials, Lack of demand for recycled materials, and High cost of waste disposal. The study also recommends that Managing C &D
Waste needs a serious attention from all the stakeholders involved throughout the construction process
Drought and Sustainable Intensification Technologies Adoption in Ethiopia
No full textThe agricultural productivity of Ethiopia is highly influenced by rainfall variability. Understanding the relationship between drought and the adoption of multiple Sustainable Intensification Technologies (SITs) is important for informed decision-making. The SITs were well recognized for their important contribution in improving agricultural yield and improving resilience. To achieve the objectives, this study employs two waves of nationally representative data from the Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS). The socioeconomic data was integrated with the historical monthly rainfall data from 1981 to 2022, obtained from the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS). Using this historical rainfall data, it was constructed various drought indices and presented with multiple model specifications. While the primary focus was to examine the effect of drought on SIT adoption, it was also estimated that models that control for additional covariates identified in the literature as determinants of SIT adoption, using the Multivariate Probit (MVP) model. The findings of the study indicated that exposure to drought during survey year’s decreases the adoption of high-risk SITs, such as inorganic fertilizer, while increasing the adoption of risk-reducing SITs, such as manure and irrigation. Moreover, most of the correlation coefficients among the SITs were positive, indicating that smallholder farmers tend to adopt multiple SITs simultaneously. These results had significant implications for the adoption of SITs particularly under extreme climate conditions like drough