Hand washing practices at critical times and their associated factors among mothers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

One of the most crucial preventive measures against the spread of infectious diseases is hand washing, a process of hand cleansing that dramatically lowers bacteria in the hands. There is no comprehensive study on hand-washing practices in Ethiopia. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of hand washing practice at a critical time and identifying associated factors among mothers in Ethiopia. Published articles from various electronic databases, such as Medline, Hinari, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science, were accessed. The search period was from November 1, 2022, to January 10,2023. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO with registration number CRD42023427409. All observational studies conducted among mothers in the English language were included in the review. Two reviewers independently assessed the articles before inclusion in the final review using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument for critical appraisal. The I-squared test was used to assess heterogeneity. Since the included studies exhibited high heterogeneity, a random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of hand washing practice at critical time movements. We found 3,546 studies in our search. Finally, 158 full-text studies were reviewed, and 18 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis. A total of 6,956 study respondents from 18 studies were included in the study. The results of our study revealed that the pooled prevalence of handwashing practice among mothers was 47.83%, with a 95% confidence interval of 37.27- 58.38. From the pooled estimation, there was a significant association between hand washing practice and educational level, knowledge, availability of water, and attitude of mothers. The pooled prevalence of hand washing practice at critical times among Ethiopian mothers was relatively low, and improving maternal literacy, the availability of water sources in the backyard, and the positive attitude of mothers are needed to maintain and enhance the practice

The effect of Genos emotional intelligence on project leader outcomes: A case of non-governmental organization project leadership in Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia

In this study, the impact of Genos Emotional Intelligence dimensions on leadership outcomes was investigated in non-governmental organizations, Wolaita zone. Structured MLQ questionnaires for project leader outcome and Genos Inventory Concise scales for emotional intelligence were used to gather data from 167 project leaders at all levels from a randomly chosen samples in order to evaluate the model. With a statistically significant correlation between the Non-Governmental Organization leadership practices, genos emotional intelligence, and leadership outcome, this study supports a direct and indirect impact of the Genos emotional intelligence scales on the financial performance of organizations (p < 0.05). The findings of the regression analysis for seven subscales revealed a significant link (p < 0.05) between the NGO leadership aspects of extra effort, effectiveness, staff satisfaction, and emotionally intelligent behavior. Genos emotional subscales explained 16.4% of the variance in overall leadership outcome: 6.1%, 17.7%, and 19.1% of the variance in extra effort, the effectiveness of leadership, and employee satisfaction, respectively. The research suggested that as Genos emotional intelligence practices at all levels of leadership improve in the direction of more effective and transformational leadership, as explained by the spectrum of emotionally intelligent scales, there is an opportunity for positive change in leadership outcomes

Mapping the essential soil nutrients status of smallholder farmers fields in the Wolaita area, southern Ethiopia

Soil properties can vary significantly within farmland or across landscapes due to a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes. It is essential to understand this spatial variation to effectively manage soil nutrients and enhance crop yield sustainably. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the spatial variability of essential plant nutrients in agricultural lands in Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia. A total of 789 soil samples were collected and analysed for macro- and micronutrients. Soil samples were analysed to determine the content of macronutrients [total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorous (P), sulphur (S), and calcium (Ca)] and micronutrients [boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn)]. The measured data were first subjected to descriptive statistics, and the digital soil map (DSM) that shows spatial variability was generated after geostatistical analysis. The result showed that there was low [S, Mn], moderate [TN], and high [P] variability in the nutrient concentrations among fields. The nutrient concentration varied between 0.02-0.47% (TN), 0.78-26.22 mg kg-1 (P), 6.45-17.50 mg kg-1 (S), 0.05-1.83 mg kg-1 (B), and 0.05-2.64 mg kg-1 (Cu). The contents of TN, P, S, B, and Cu were low. The DSM further exhibited the wide-ranging spatial variability structures in which, from the total area, 64.8% (TN), 100% (P), 100% (S), and 98% (both B and Cu) have indicated low status. In addition, Mg-induced K deficiency on 68% of studied area was suspected. Based on these findings, it is recommended that site-specific nutrient management practices be implemented on smallholder farms, and the nutrient requirements of major crops should be calibrated accordingly

Teachers’ level of understanding geometry concepts vis-à-vis van Hiele’s geometric thinking model

Understanding geometry has an impact on both the subsequent academic track and the real-life application of the learners. However, students’ performance and attitude in mathematics are declining. Thus, this study examined secondary school mathematics teachers’ levels of understanding of geometry based on van Hieles’ geometric thinking model. The van Hiele geometry test (VHGT) result was administered to 72 teachers who joined Wolaita Sodo University in Ethiopia for the PGDT program in the summer season. The test has used 25 multiple-choice items; five items for each level of the model were adopted. A content analysis of the Ethiopian mathematics syllabus was made to check the alignment of the material with the study context. It was proven that all the concepts covered by the test items are available in the syllabus. The study revealed that teachers lack the level of understanding that is relevant to teaching geometric concepts incorporated into the secondary school curriculum. In particular, participants’ mean score is 10.51 and STDEV 1.92. While the maximum score is 15, the minimum is 6, with a range of 9. While 2.8% of participant performance is below the levels, 97.2%, 59.7%, and 13.9% are able to attain the first, second, and third levels, respectively. No respondent was able to reach the fourth and fifth levels. Thus, intervention to enhance teachers’ level of understanding of geometry needs immediate attention. The problem needs special attention to break the vicious circle that today’s students are tomorrow’s teachers, who lack the skills to scaffold their students to benefit from the education system

Urban development and associated cultural heritage management practices: Evidence from the World Heritage Site of Lalibela, Ethiopia

The recent urban development policy discourse highlights the integration of urban development features and the cultural heritage management approach. Further, there is limited study on the existing serious concerns regarding proper heritage management and urban development matters. Therefore, this study was aimed at examining urban development and associated cultural heritage management practises using evidence from the World Heritage Site of Lalibela, Ethiopia. Both quantitative and qualitative exploratory research designs were used to conduct the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire from 126 heritage stakeholders. Data were also supplemented through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with 69 heritage stakeholders. Moreover, 47 years of land use- land cover change detection data were used to analyse urban development patterns. The finding revealed that the World Heritage Site is affected by the rapid population growth and urban expansion that have been observed in the last four decades and above. The processes also contribute to and aggravate the physical deterioration of the cultural heritage. Therefore, failure to monitor the urban expansion directly affects cultural heritage management practises. The implication of the result confirmed that urban development features and the cultural heritage management approach need urgent concern so as not to put the values and properties of the world heritage site at risk

Response of haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to row spacing and weeding frequencies in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

The 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

An analysis of causal relationship between economic growth, exports, and imports in Ethiopia: Toda Yamamoto Approaches

There has been economic growth associated with the increase in exports. Even though figures show a correlation between exports and economic growth in Ethiopia, they cannot guarantee that the export sector has been supporting the Ethiopian economy's double-digit growth rate. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify whether there is a short-run or longrun causal relationship between imports, exports, and economic growth. A multivariate Granger causal framework and time series data (1988–2021) were employed. The Johansen Cointegration test is used to determine the presence of a co-integrating vector in the variables. Accordingly, there is a long-run relationship between economic growth, exports, and imports. In the study, the Granger Causality and Toda Ymamoto tests revealed that there is a long run bidirectional causal relationship between imports and economic growth (GDP), as well as a unidirectional causal relationship between economic growth (GDP) and exports in the long-run. This indicates that exports and imports cause economic growth both individually and jointly, lending support to export or import growth. Individual granger economic growth causes imports in both directions. That means GDP granger causes imports, and import granger causes GDP. As a result, the researchers conclude that in Ethiopia, there is a dynamic relationship between imports, exports, and economic growth. To boost Ethiopia's economic growth and development, the government should develop export-led policies and ensure a higher level of exports

Determination of fluoride levels and other selected physico-chemical properties in drinking water from the Duguna Fango district of Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, most people use rivers, wells, and springs for drinking and other related purposes without any form of treatment. This study aimed to determine the levels of fluoride and other selected physico-chemical properties of drinking water sources in the Duguna Fango district, southern Ethiopia. Thirteen water samples were collected from different sites in Duguna Fango. The determination of the fluoride level was done by a fluoride ion-selective electrode. All other selected physico-chemical properties were measured by the standard method. Then, the results were compared with those of the specified standardized limits prescribed by appropriate organizations such as WHO (World Health Organization) and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). The fluoride content was found to be between 1.14 and 4.71 mg/L, confirming that its level was exceeding the permissible limit. The average values of pH (6.32, 6.77, and 7.29); total solids (121.6, 123, and 137.89 mg/L); total hardness (186.27, 248.07, and 215.11 mg/L); and total suspended solids (103, 92.6, and 115.11 mg/L) for spring, tap, and well water samples, respectively, were found to be within the acceptable range. On the other hand, measured values of temperature (28.6, 25.3, and 31.8 0C), turbidity (30.89, 11.15, and 17.18 NTU), electrical conductivity (2280.33, 1799.53, and 2763.33 μS/cm), total dissolved solids (989.33, 735.53, and 1933.56mg/L) and total alkalinity (230.93, 221.93, and 269.67 mg/L) in spring, tap, and well water samples, respectively. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that water in the study area is not potable without removing impurities

Diversity, relative abundance and distribution of medium and large-sized mammals in Mago National Park, southern Ethiopia

 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

Spectroscopic analysis of heavy metals distribution in selected traditional medicinal plants and soil in Raya Azebo district, Northern Ethiopia

The 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