Mekelle University Institutional Repository
Not a member yet
635 research outputs found
Sort by
ASSESING THE ROLE OF “GEREB’’CONFLICT RESOLUTION MECHANISM; OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN RAYA AZEBO, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA
No full textIn Ethiopia, a nation characterized by over 80 diverse ethnic groups, traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, such as the “Gereb’’ , play a crucial role in maintaining social harmony and stability. Unlike Western individualistic approaches, African communal living emphasizes collective responsibility in addressing conflicts. This study explores indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in Raya Azebo Woreda, focusing on the traditional institution known as Gereb. The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of Gereb in handling conflicts within the community. To achieve this, a qualitative research methodology was employed, collecting data from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were gathered through semistructured interviews and focus group discussions with key informants using open-ended questions. The research design used is case study. A purposive sampling technique was applied to ensure the collection of relevant and in-depth evidence.
The study analyzes conflicts through the lens of community experiences, opinions, attitudes, and relationships while identifying the underlying reasons behind these conflicts. The findings indicate that the Gereb institution plays a significant role in resolving local disputes and contributing to the advancement of modern institutions. It fosters social harmony, peace, and security by bringing conflicting parties together and facilitating reconciliation. Moreover, it is a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative compared to modern judicial systems.
To enhance its effectiveness, integrating Gereb with the formal court system is crucial, ensuring its decisions are legally recognized. However, challenges exist, including governmental mismanagement, generational shifts, and the influence of modernization, which threaten the institution's sustainability. Thus, policy interventions are needed to provide training, incentives, financial support, and formal recognition to strengthen this indigenous conflict resolution mechanism
Evaluation of potato (Solanum tuberosum L) genotypes for yield and agronomic traits under irrigation in southern Tigray, Ethiopia
No full textPotato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is most important food crop in Ethiopia, and understanding its genetic variability is crucial for improvement efforts. However, research evaluating genotypes for yield and agronomic traits under irrigation in specific regions remains limited. This study aimed to assess the performance of 15 potato genotypes across 16 quantitative traits under irrigated conditions in Maichew and Emba-Alaje woredas during the 2024/2025. Randomized Complete Block design, with three replications was employed, utilizing plots of 3m x 3m with a spacing of 75 cm between rows and 30 cm between plants. Significant interaction effect was observed among the genotypes for most traits. The highest total tuber yields were recorded for G12 CIP302498.72 (48.94 t ha-1), G3 CIP397029.21 (48.71 t ha-1) and G2 CIP312923.637 (48.49 t ha-1) at Maichew while the lowest yield was noted for G13 CIP312920.599 (14.27 t ha-1) at Emba Alaje. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between total tuber yield and Plant height (r=0.43), marketable tuber yield (r=0.99), unmarketable tuber number per hill (r=0.34), marketable tuber number per hill (r=0.68) and total tuber number per hill (r=0.58). Conversely, a negative correlation was observed with days to maturity (r= -0.47). Principal component analysis results revealed that the first three components accounted for 75.09% of the total variability (PC1:37.16%, PC2:23.98%, PC3:13.98%). Hierarchical clustering grouped the genotypes into five distinct clusters based on yield and quality traits. These findings highlight significant genetic variability among the evaluated potato genotypes. Given that the study was conducted over a single growing season at two locations, further research involving multiple seasons and locations is recommended to validate these results and assess factors such as late blight resistance in the southern zone of Tigray and similar agro-ecological areas
THE CHALLENGES OF CHEMISTRY LABORATORY PRACTICES AND THEIR SOLUTIONS IN THE CASE OF CISTERCIAN MONASTERY MARIAM TSION SECONDARY SCHOOL, BOLE SUB CITY, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
No full textChemistry laboratory practices are essential for reinforcing students' understanding of scientific concepts and developing critical practical skills. However, educational institutions in developing countries often encounter significant challenges in maintaining well-equipped and functional chemistry laboratories. This study investigates the challenges faced in chemistry laboratory practices at Cistercian Monastery Mariam Tsion Secondary School in Bole Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and explores feasible solutions to address these issues. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Surveys were conducted among chemistry teachers and students to assess their perceptions of the prevalent challenges. The findings indicate several key issues, including inadequate laboratory equipment and supplies, outdated or malfunctioning apparatus, limited laboratory space, and insufficient safety protocols. Additionally, challenges related to teacher training, student engagement, and overall laboratory management were identified. Based on these findings, the study proposes a multifaceted strategy to address these obstacles. Recommendations include securing funding for laboratory upgrades, implementing systematic equipment maintenance and replacement plans, providing extensive training for teachers and laboratory technicians, and improving student safety awareness and hands-on participation in laboratory activities. This study contributes to a broader understanding of the difficulties faced by secondary schools in developing countries in implementing effective chemistry laboratory practices. The proposed solutions offer valuable insights for policymakers, school administrators, and educational stakeholders in formulating strategies to enhance the quality of chemistry education and laboratory experiences for students
FACTORS INFLUENCING FASHION BRAND PREFERENCE (A Case Study of Consumers of clothing and footwear Products in Mekelle City)
No full textThis study investigates the factors influencing fashion brand preferences among consumers in Mekelle City, Ethiopia, addressing the gap in empirical research on emerging markets where cultural, economic, and social dynamics intersect with global trends. Employing a mixedmethods approach, the research integrates quantitative surveys (n = 384) and qualitative interviews to analyze demographic, product-related, brand-related, and socio-cultural determinants. The theoretical framework draws on Cognitive Dissonance Theory, Social Identity Theory, and Affective Decision-Making, contextualized within Ethiopia’s unique sociocultural landscape. Key findings reveal product quality (β = 0.41, p < 0.001) as the strongest driver of brand preference, followed by brand image (β = 0.24) and consumer experience (β = 0.15). Price negatively influenced preferences (β = -0.18), reflecting cost sensitivity. While cultural relevance and social influence were significant, their impact was modest, suggesting a balance between tradition and modernity. Demographics such as age, income, and education significantly shaped preferences, with younger, higher-income, and educated consumers showing stronger brand loyalty. Notably, gender had no significant effect, challenging assumptions about gendered fashion choices. The regression model explained 71% of variance (R² = 0.71), underscoring the robustness of these predictors. Qualitative insights highlighted demands for affordability, localized designs, and ethical practices. The study recommends fashion brands prioritize quality, adopt value-based pricing, and integrate cultural narratives into marketing. Policymakers are urged to support local artisans and sustainable practices. Limitations include the geographic focus on Mekelle and reliance on convenience sampling, suggesting future research across diverse Ethiopian regions and longitudinal analyses. By bridging gaps in global consumer behavior theories, this research offers actionable strategies for brands targeting Mekelle’s evolving market while contributing to academic discourse on emerging economie
Therapeutic Potential of Impatiens tinctoria Tuber Extract and Its Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles against Trichophyton mentagrophytes
No full textDermatophyte infections and antifungal resistance pose a global health challenge, particularly in developing countries, where existing treatments often fail and cause recurrence and side effects. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antifungal properties of Impatiens tinctoria tuber extract and its green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Tuber extracts were obtained using aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic solvents, and their phytochemical constituents were analyzed. AgNPs were synthesized using an aqueous extract under optimized conditions (pH 9, 0.1:1 extract-to-AgNO₃ ratio, 5 mM AgNO₃, 45-minute reaction time, and 60°C), with maximum UV-Vis absorbance at 419 nm and an SPR peak at 425 nm confirming formation. AgNPs were characterized via UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, and SEM, revealing a face-centered cubic crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of 9.28 nm and predominantly spherical morphology. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, with ethanol extract showing the highest capacity (IC50 = 48.18 ± 1.40 µg/mL), followed by methanol (125.66 ± 1.45 µg/mL) and aqueous (163.70 ± 1.02 µg/mL) extracts. Biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited dose-dependent activity (IC50 = 148.56 ± 0.74 µg/mL), surpassing the aqueous extract but remaining lower than ethanol and methanol extracts. Ethanol extract showed the strongest in vitro antidermatophytic activity against T. mentagrophytes, surpassing terbinafine (inhibition zone: 36.3 ± 1.15 mm at 100 mg/mL). Methanol extract exhibited significant inhibition, while aqueous extract had the lowest effect. AgNPs demonstrated antifungal efficacy, increasing with concentration but remaining less potent than terbinafine. A formulation combining ethanol extract and AgNPs (Formulation 2) significantly enhanced antidermatophytic activity in vitro, while in vivo studies on mice showed faster recovery and complete healing, outperforming individual treatments and proving comparable to terbinafine. Acute oral and dermal toxicity studies confirmed that the ethanol extract, AgNPs, and their formulation were non-toxic at 2000 mg/kg, with no observed toxicity or mortality. These findings suggest that I. tinctoria tuber extract and its green-synthesized AgNPs hold promising potential as alternative therapeutic agents for dermatophytosis treatmen
CLINICOPATHOLOGIC PATTERN AND TREATMENT OUTCOME OF COLORECTAL CANCER AT AYDER COMPREHENSIVE SPECALIZED HOSPITAL FROM 2017 to 2024.
No full textBackground - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a broad term and a major public health problem which includes tumors arising from colonic, rectum and anus. CRC is the most common cancer representing 13% of all malignant tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. In Ethiopia, colorectal cancer is among the leading causes of cancer morbidity and mortality in both sexes. Adenocarcinoma is the commonest histologic type with relatively better prognosis. Commonest presentation is abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. In CRC, the primary treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy (CT), targeted agents, and radiotherapy (RT). The predictors of mortality in CRC patients are Age, marital status, CEA level, cancer stage and comorbidities.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the clinicopathologic patterns and treatment outcomes of colorectal cancer patients at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from 2017 to 2024.
Methods: A retrospective institution-based cross-sectional study was done on total of 304 CRC patient who visited ACSH from 2017 to 2024.Trained physicians/residents using an ODK tool collected secondary data from patient charts that was retrieved from archive. Data entered to SPSS, Patient demographics, clinical features, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, cumulative incidence, incidence density, median survival time, and adjusted hazard ratio were calculated to describe variables.
Result: A total of 304 patients were recorded in this study. The mean age of presentation was 51.1years (SD=15). The most common chief complaint was rectal bleeding (33.9%), followed by abdominal pain (23%). Metastatic symptoms were detected in 41(13.5%) of patients at presentation. The most common being back pain (6.3%), cough, vaginal bleeding (2%).112(36.8%) of patients had anemia .73.4% (47) had low albumin. CEA> 5 ng/ml value was seen in 44(48.9%) of patient.211 (69.4%) had pre op colonoscope and 145(68.7%) had ulcerative lesion. The most Common site was lower rectum found to be 95(46.6%) and lowest incidence was at transverse colon 7(3.4%) both with imaging US/CT and colonoscope. from the preoperative biopsy result adenocarcinoma 192(76.5%) and 14(5.6%) were poorly differentiated. 56 (35.2%) presented advanced. stage 4, 33(20.8%) stage 3C. 87 patients (28.6%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. With FOLFOX 53 (60.9%), CAPOX 14(16.1%). mean number of chemo cycle provided was 6(SD=4). nineteen (21.8%) had radiological, clinical, CEA response. out of 364 patients 168(55.3%) were operated, subsequently 98(32.2%) received adjuvant chemotherapy, 2 (0.7%) received radiotherapy and 74(24.3%) did not receive any treatment due financial, personal and social reasons. Of the total patients
XI
23(7.6%) died at discharge. Of the 168 patients operated 199 procedures done 67.3% were done on elective basis. Of which 44.8% Ro resections were done. Of all most common procedure done was colostomy 76(38.2%), followed by segmental resection 36(18.1%), APR (14.1%), right hemicolectomy (11.1%). Total of 18(9%) intraoperative accidents were recorded. The most common intraoperative complication was adjacent organ injury (61.1%) followed by tumor rupture and fecal spillage (16.7%). There was 1 intraoperative death recorded. There were 61 (30.7%) post operative complications, SSI was the most common complication (32.8%), anastomotic leak (13.1%). for which 15(7.5%) required surgical intervention /reoperations.30 days post operative mortality was 6%. At the 5yr follow up 70 out of 304 were deceased. Out of 168 operated 44 were deceased.
Conclusion: The clinical presentation of the CRC patients was similar to other studies conducted in Ethiopia and other LMICs with rectal bleeding being the most common chief complaint. Rectal cancer is more common than colon cancer. Most patients present at advanced stages, often from rural areas outside Mekelle, indicating limited access to early diagnostic services. One-fifth of the patients were younger. The most common histological type is well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, aligning with global CRC pathology trends. Assessing the clinic pathology pattern and treatment of study area is important to understand and initiate early detection, screening and treatment for better outcom
RUNAWAY CANDIDATE STARS OF THE LARGE MAGELLANIC CLOUD FROM GAIA EDR3 PROPER MOTION
No full textWe investigated the relative proper motions and their corresponding tangential velocities with respect to the field stars and the LMC. A 15 arcminiutes radius area was set around the target stars to identify the field stars of the LMC. A step wise Parallax, CMD, and PM selections were applied to minimize foreground contaminations. Astrometric excess noise information was used to filter the field stars from star like objects such as unresolved binaries. Radial distances and magellanic coordinates were calculated to confirm if our target stars were members of the LMC and whether they escape from the LMC. The relative proper motions of the target stars with respect to their field is found in the range of (0.204 ± 0.662)- (19.3 ± 0.64) masyr-1 with their corresponding relative tangential velocities of (48.5 ±157)- (4569.8±151.3) kms-1. Hence, eight of them are high velocity runaways and the two stars are not runaways. We also calculated the relative proper motions and tangential velocities of our target stars with respect to the LMC and we found proper motions with in the range (0.64 ± 0.13) - (19.77± 0.14) masyr-1 with their corresponding tangential velocities in the range of (150.5±30.30 ) -( (4687.3± 33.68) kms-1. We proposed the ejection scenarios of the target stars and finally concluded that eight of our target stars are runaways of the LMC but two target stars are not runaway
THE EFFECT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON COMPANY COMPETITIVENESS (THE CASE OF COMMERCIAL BANK OF ETHIOPIA MEKELLE DISTRICT
No full textThis study investigates the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on company competitiveness, focusing on Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Mekelle district. In an era where business success is increasingly measured not only by profit but also by social and environmental impact, CSR has emerged as a strategic tool for long term organizational growth. As Ethiopia’s largest financial institution, CBE has implemented various CSR initiatives ranging from community development and educational support to environmental conservation and financial literacy programs. However, the extent to which these initiatives contribute to the bank’s competitiveness, especially at the branch level, remains unclear. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both primary and secondary data. Questionnaire were distributed to 166 respondents, comprising customers and employees from four selected CBE branches. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS to assess the relationship between CSR practices and indicators of competitiveness such as customer loyalty, brand reputation, and employee engagement. Findings reveal a strong positive correlation between CSR activities not only to enhance the bank’s public image but also foster stakeholders trust and internal commitment. Despite these benefits challenges such as weak strategic alignment, limited monitoring mechanisms, and low stakeholder awareness hinder the full integration of CSR in to business strategy. The study concludes that CSR is a powerful driven of competitiveness when proactively and strategically implemented. It recommends that CBE strengthen CSR integration within its core operations, enhance stakeholder education, and establish systematic evaluation tools. The research contributes to the broader understanding of CSR’s strategic role in emerging markets and offers practical insights for policymakers, banking institutions, and CSR practitioners
Theme: Transforming Food Systems to Build Resilient Communities
No full textPreface
Since its inception, Mekelle University has hosted an annual Research Review Days, showcasing the research, community engagement, and technology transfer achievements of its various academic units from the previous year. Due to the war in Tigray, no Research Review Days were held in 2014, 2015, and 2016 E.C. This volume is the second compilation of abstracts, featuring outstanding research, community engagement, and technology transfer initiatives undertaken in the post-war. The abstracts included are from studies conducted in 2017 E.C. (2024/25 GC) that have successfully passed through rigorous review stages. The University's Research Affairs Directorate Office (RADO) and the PG and research councils at colleges/institutes/schools and academies have been involved in managing, implementing and regulating the activities starting from the call for research proposals to screening and approving the project proposals for funding
The book highlights key initiatives related to food systems, with each abstract detailing the authors' names, affiliations, and contact information. Each entry provides a concise overview of the research outcomes, showcasing innovative solutions and community engagement efforts aimed at addressing pressing challenges within food systems. We believe this compilation will offer valuable insights into various research endeavors and related activities, enriching the understanding of current trends and developments in food systems. Interested readers are encouraged to connect with the respective authors for further information, fostering collaboration and dialogue within the academic community.
Acknowledgements
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsor namely MU-HU-NMBU-ICP-V Project (financed by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ethiopia) for the generous support for this Annual Research Review Day under the theme of “Transforming food Systems to Build Resilient Communities.”. The commitment to advancing research and fostering collaboration has made this event possible. We appreciate this partnership and dedication for promoting knowledge and innovation in food systems and related thematic areas.
In addition, we would like to extend our gratitude to the organizers, facilitators, reviewers, editors, presenters and all those who contributed for the success of this Annual University Research Review Day.
The Office of Vice President for Research and Community Engagement of Mekelle University
09 December 2025.MU-HU-NMB
A RESEARCH THESIS ON THE STATUS AND DETERMINANTS OF READING SKILL DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF TWO GOVERNMENTAL SCHOOLS FOCUSING ON GRADE FIVE
No full textThis thesis was entitled as “the status and determinants of reading skill development: the case of two governmental schools focusing on grade five”. The schools was located at the outskirts of Wukro city, in a distance of 825 Kilometers north of Addis Ababa and 45 kilometers north of Mekelle, which the capital city of Ethiopia and Tigray Regional National State respectively. The main purpose of this thesis was to assess and examine the status and determinants of reading skill development: the case of two governmental schools focusing on grade five. The researcher employed both Qualitative and quantitative research approach. Here, the researcher again selects 39 respondents. During the study, the researcher has been used both primary and secondary data sources to collect relevant information related to the title. In addition, data collected techniques such as KIs, FGD, and self-observation as well as Questionnaires were employed. The finding of this study reveals that students’ reading skill status in the two governmental schools was impacted due to the three major factors. Those were student related factors, Demographic factors parent, home and environmental related factors. Due to the above listed factors the students’ reading skill status was very low. According to the finding result, about 85.4% of students of grad 5 that found in the two governmental elementary schools have low status of reading skill ability. For this reason, the students in the grade level that listed above fall on the prepared assessment test. Most of the students especially, those who learn in Kisamet elementary school) were fall to read capital and small letters in the assessment. to overcome those and others problems of the listed schools, directors (school leaders), teachers, parents, woreda educational offices, educational experts, educational cooperators and other stakeholders must involve on the change over all educational intelligence of the children and brings some provision for educational run in the schools