The Drive towards Development of Hydropower Dominated Energy Source and Its Socio-Economic and Environmental Implications in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is currently driving towards development of hydropower dominated energy source in order to meet the energy demand of its economic sectors. However, the domination of this modern source of energy is expected to be realized if it can substitute the currently dominant modern source of energy, i.e. imported fossil fuel. Besides, hydropower generation is said to have adverse socio-economic and environmental impacts. In cognizant of this, this term paper was prepared: to explore the pros and cons of hydropower generation and to investigate substitutability of this source of energy with fossil fuel. The paper was prepared using extensive review of literatures as well as quantitative regression analysis using time series data having 39 years of observation (from 1971 – 2009). Result of the review of literatures reveals that multiple benefits can be derived from hydropower generation; which may also accompany with various socio-economic and environmental risks. On the other hand, the quantitative regression analysis shows that, even if there is negative association between hydropower generation and the proportion of energy derived from imported fossil fuel, increase in hydropower generation overtime could not significantly reduce the proportion of energy derived from the fossil fuel, yet, due to the country’s huge demand for energy. Hence, it is recommended that huge expansion of hydropower generation is required for hydropower to be the dominant energy source, provided that hydropower can fit to the energy demand of most of the sectors. Moreover, sustainability of development of the economy relying on hydropower dominated energy source is expected to be realized only if the possible risks and costs are appropriately managed. Keywords: Hydropower generation, benefits, risks, fossil fuel, substitutabilit

Strong-Field Interaction With Bicircular and Elliptically Polarized Laser Pulses

Ultrafast physics, which encompasses phenomena occurring at the attosecond scale, provides the foundation for understanding electron dynamics in atoms, molecules, and materials. To explore this realm, ultrashort laser pulses are utilized as powerful tools for discerning dynamics and unraveling the underlying physics. By varying the laser polarization and employing pulse combinations, a wide range of intriguing ultrafast phenomena can be probed. In this thesis numerical simulations, specifically of the interaction of atoms with circularly and elliptically polarized pulses, are used to shed light on the fascinating dynamics exhibited by atoms when subjected to intense ultrafast laser irradiation. We first provide an overview of the dynamics that form the basis of the research conducted and the numerical methods employed to model the atom-laser interaction through the solution of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation. Building upon this foundation we then delve into the investigation of atoms interacting with bichromatic circularly polarized laser pulses. The distribution of population among various excited states is examined, and a new mechanism is proposed to explain the results. Next, we shift our focus to the analysis of photoelectron spectra generated by the ionization of atoms interacting with circularly and elliptically polarized pulses. The study specifically considers the effects of different initial magnetic states on the resulting spectra, shedding light on the underlying electron emission process. Lastly, we present two new numerical methods: A Monte Carlo simulation technique is introduced as a means to study electron dynamics and ionization in laser fields of long wavelengths. Second, an ab-initio solution for diatomic systems, based on the single-active-electron and Born-Oppenheimer approximations, is developed, applied, and tested.</p

Nutritional blindness in Tigrai Region, northern Ethiopia

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted in October, 1993 to determine the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in Agebe Woreda in Tigrai `Kellel' (Region) of Ethiopia. A total of 678 children aged between 6 months and 6 years were examined for signs of xerophthalmia. In 7.8% of the children a history of night blindness (XN) was reported. Bitot's spots were seen in 3.4% of the children with a higher prevalence rate in males than in females (P&lt;0.01). Anthropometric measurements were made on 662 of the children. There was a higher prevalence of stunting (42.6%) than wasting (8.0%) with an additional 11.3% of the children being both stunted and wasted. No association was observed between morbidity and occurrence of sign of xerophthalmia. The woreda is a mono-crop area and has been affected by recurrent drought. On the basis of the cut-off points set by WHO and the International Vitamin A Consultative Group, the problem of vitamin A deficiency in the Woreda is of public health significance. Urgent and continued intervention programmes (mainly supplementation with mega-dose of vitamin A and food diversification through intensive health education as well as horticultural development) are highly recommended. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1997;11(2):157-162

Financial Literacy and its Determinants among Households in Jimma Zone

Financial literacy become a topical issue in academics and policy circles, both in developed and developing countries, for the fact that low level of financial literacy prevailing across the world. The objective of the study calls for a quantitative research design and particularly a cross sectional survey research approach. The research focused on the urban area of Jimma Zone because of the fact that required financial literacy and financial behavior of rural and urban household operating at various level of financial decision making scenario is better to be studied separately since the main purpose is to provide input for designing a targeted financial literacy education. Generally, female encountered different problem in the society and did not aware about the financial services and products delivered by the financial institution. Therefore, female level of financial literacy is low compared to their male counter.The study indicated that literacy in general and household literacy in particular has a very close relationship to acquire financial literacy and financial knowledge. In general, as the academic level of household increase, their saving behavior showed improvement.Government has to take the major role in installing the saving culture through financial literacy and financial inclusion. In addition the government stabilization of inflation, implementing forced saving, modernization and accessible the saving institution, stabilization of the income level of household and reviewing the saving interest rate is vital to see adult financially literate and economically able in the near future

Financial Inclusion and its Determinants among Households in Jimma Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

In majority of the developing countries, access to finance is demanded more for the middle and low income community and considered as a public good, which is as important and basic as access to safe water, primary education, etc. The researcher used hybrid of qualitative and quantitative approach. Exploratory research design was used in exploring and developing financial literacy frame work to study in the Ethiopian context as there is no financial literacy framework developed previously. Descriptive research design was used in describing the existing level of financial literacy, financial inclusion, saving behavior, the relationships between financial literacy and saving habit, the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the study area. For the purpose of the study, the sample size taken for the study was 173 households. A descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to attain the objective of the research.  The probit regression model produced similar results as those obtained using the logit model showed that age, education, financial literacy, and income are positively related to financial inclusion and distance to the nearest provider of financial services negatively impact financial inclusion. It is possible to reduce determinates of financial inclusion with regulating well the financial system, creating healthy competition and building better enabling environment. Identifying and segregating the root causes and addressing it properly appear to be removing the distance, services charge and credit barriers. On the other hand, market for financial services failures and behavioral problems related to customer tend to be addressed through designing of appropriate financial products. Removing those challenges and expanding financial inclusion tend to be possible with the promise of latest technologies

A systematic review of studies on freshwater lakes of Ethiopia

Study Region: The study covers the freshwater lakes of Ethiopia, which constitute about 87 billion cubic meters of water volume. The lakes are facing continued ecosystem degradation threats. Study Focus: The aim of this study was to make an inventory of existing literature regarding the freshwater lakes of Ethiopia and identify gaps and priorities for future research directions. This was done through a systematic review of published scientific literature related to the lakes and characterizing each study based on different criteria. New Hydrological Insights for the Region: We found a total of 231 articles on freshwater lakes of Ethiopia published in peer-reviewed journals between 1930 and March 2021. Most studies were focused on hydrochemical and biological characteristics of lakes, with less attention to physical structure and processes (including siltation, lake morphometry and catchment biophysical characteristics). Furthermore, (a) less attention was given to the spatial and temporal dynamics of variables that affect the freshwater lakes, (b) there was limited linkage between landscape hy drological dynamics and freshwater lakes and (c) the smaller highland lakes were given limited attention. Future research should be oriented to the study of the relationship between catchment biophysical dynamics and lake hydrological characteristics

Challenges in implementing system thinking in agricultural sustainable intensification: A methodological note

System thinking is relevant to solve complex problems and deliver solutions for sustainable intensification of agricultural systems. Successful implementation of System Thinking in Sustainable Intensification of Agricultural Systems has faced conceptual hurdles that hinder its practical application. This methodological note addressed these challenges by emphasizing on the complexity and difficulty in conceptualizing STIBs and considering the absence of standardized approaches. These issues significantly impact the authentic integration of system thinking into agricultural systems. Key impediments include the identification of stakeholders and the determination of objective functions for STIBs implementation. Moreover, the spatial scale, spanning from the plot to the national level, poses a crucial consideration, as all issues across these scales contribute to effective system thinking. The temporal scale is equally important, encompassing events and phenomena over both short and extended periods. While efforts have been made to develop tools and approaches for guiding STIBs implementation within specific components or sectors, there is a notable gap in tools that facilitate a comprehensive system approach. Existing tools designed for this purpose are limited in their implementation and are not widely adopted. Alternatively, a critical approach involves selecting tools across scales and chaining them together to address these challenges. In this context, we designed an example of how tools at the plot, household (HH), landscape, and national scales can be strategically chained to tackle some of the aforementioned challenges, using Ethiopia as a case study. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations associated with coupling and utilizing these processes effectively. By exploring the integration of tools across different scales and systematically chaining them, there is potential to overcome the current challenges in STIBs implementation. This methodological exploration aims to contribute to the development of a more holistic and widely applicable framework for successful system thinking in the context of sustainable agricultural intensification

Subnational mapping of HIV incidence and mortality among individuals aged 15–49 years in sub-Saharan Africa, 2000–18 : a modelling study

Background: High-resolution estimates of HIV burden across space and time provide an important tool for tracking and monitoring the progress of prevention and control efforts and assist with improving the precision and efficiency of targeting efforts. We aimed to assess HIV incidence and HIV mortality for all second-level administrative units across sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: In this modelling study, we developed a framework that used the geographically specific HIV prevalence data collected in seroprevalence surveys and antenatal care clinics to train a model that estimates HIV incidence and mortality among individuals aged 15–49 years. We used a model-based geostatistical framework to estimate HIV prevalence at the second administrative level in 44 countries in sub-Saharan Africa for 2000–18 and sought data on the number of individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) by second-level administrative unit. We then modified the Estimation and Projection Package (EPP) to use these HIV prevalence and treatment estimates to estimate HIV incidence and mortality by second-level administrative unit. Findings: The estimates suggest substantial variation in HIV incidence and mortality rates both between and within countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with 15 countries having a ten-times or greater difference in estimated HIV incidence between the second-level administrative units with the lowest and highest estimated incidence levels. Across all 44 countries in 2018, HIV incidence ranged from 2 ·8 (95% uncertainty interval 2·1–3·8) in Mauritania to 1585·9 (1369·4–1824·8) cases per 100 000 people in Lesotho and HIV mortality ranged from 0·8 (0·7–0·9) in Mauritania to 676· 5 (513· 6–888·0) deaths per 100 000 people in Lesotho. Variation in both incidence and mortality was substantially greater at the subnational level than at the national level and the highest estimated rates were accordingly higher. Among second-level administrative units, Guijá District, Gaza Province, Mozambique, had the highest estimated HIV incidence (4661·7 [2544·8–8120·3]) cases per 100000 people in 2018 and Inhassunge District, Zambezia Province, Mozambique, had the highest estimated HIV mortality rate (1163·0 [679·0–1866·8]) deaths per 100 000 people. Further, the rate of reduction in HIV incidence and mortality from 2000 to 2018, as well as the ratio of new infections to the number of people living with HIV was highly variable. Although most second-level administrative units had declines in the number of new cases (3316 [81· 1%] of 4087 units) and number of deaths (3325 [81·4%]), nearly all appeared well short of the targeted 75% reduction in new cases and deaths between 2010 and 2020. Interpretation: Our estimates suggest that most second-level administrative units in sub-Saharan Africa are falling short of the targeted 75% reduction in new cases and deaths by 2020, which is further compounded by substantial within-country variability. These estimates will help decision makers and programme implementers expand access to ART and better target health resources to higher burden subnational areas

Spatial, temporal, and demographic patterns in prevalence of chewing tobacco use in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019 : a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Interpretation Chewing tobacco remains a substantial public health problem in several regions of the world, and predominantly in south Asia. We found little change in the prevalence of chewing tobacco use between 1990 and 2019, and that control efforts have had much larger effects on the prevalence of smoking tobacco use than on chewing tobacco use in some countries. Mitigating the health effects of chewing tobacco requires stronger regulations and policies that specifically target use of chewing tobacco, especially in countries with high prevalence. Findings In 2019, 273 center dot 9 million (95% uncertainty interval 258 center dot 5 to 290 center dot 9) people aged 15 years and older used chewing tobacco, and the global age-standardised prevalence of chewing tobacco use was 4 center dot 72% (4 center dot 46 to 5 center dot 01). 228 center dot 2 million (213 center dot 6 to 244 center dot 7; 83 center dot 29% [82 center dot 15 to 84 center dot 42]) chewing tobacco users lived in the south Asia region. Prevalence among young people aged 15-19 years was over 10% in seven locations in 2019. Although global agestandardised prevalence of smoking tobacco use decreased significantly between 1990 and 2019 (annualised rate of change: -1 center dot 21% [-1 center dot 26 to -1 center dot 16]), similar progress was not observed for chewing tobacco (0 center dot 46% [0 center dot 13 to 0 center dot 79]). Among the 12 highest prevalence countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, Sri Lanka, and Yemen), only Yemen had a significant decrease in the prevalence of chewing tobacco use, which was among males between 1990 and 2019 (-0 center dot 94% [-1 center dot 72 to -0 center dot 14]), compared with nine of 12 countries that had significant decreases in the prevalence of smoking tobacco. Among females, none of these 12 countries had significant decreases in prevalence of chewing tobacco use, whereas seven of 12 countries had a significant decrease in the prevalence of tobacco smoking use for the period. Summary Background Chewing tobacco and other types of smokeless tobacco use have had less attention from the global health community than smoked tobacco use. However, the practice is popular in many parts of the world and has been linked to several adverse health outcomes. Understanding trends in prevalence with age, over time, and by location and sex is important for policy setting and in relation to monitoring and assessing commitment to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Methods We estimated prevalence of chewing tobacco use as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 using a modelling strategy that used information on multiple types of smokeless tobacco products. We generated a time series of prevalence of chewing tobacco use among individuals aged 15 years and older from 1990 to 2019 in 204 countries and territories, including age-sex specific estimates. We also compared these trends to those of smoked tobacco over the same time period. Findings In 2019, 273 & middot;9 million (95% uncertainty interval 258 & middot;5 to 290 & middot;9) people aged 15 years and older used chewing tobacco, and the global age-standardised prevalence of chewing tobacco use was 4 & middot;72% (4 & middot;46 to 5 & middot;01). 228 & middot;2 million (213 & middot;6 to 244 & middot;7; 83 & middot;29% [82 & middot;15 to 84 & middot;42]) chewing tobacco users lived in the south Asia region. Prevalence among young people aged 15-19 years was over 10% in seven locations in 2019. Although global age standardised prevalence of smoking tobacco use decreased significantly between 1990 and 2019 (annualised rate of change: -1 & middot;21% [-1 & middot;26 to -1 & middot;16]), similar progress was not observed for chewing tobacco (0 & middot;46% [0 & middot;13 to 0 & middot;79]). Among the 12 highest prevalence countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, Sri Lanka, and Yemen), only Yemen had a significant decrease in the prevalence of chewing tobacco use, which was among males between 1990 and 2019 (-0 & middot;94% [-1 & middot;72 to -0 & middot;14]), compared with nine of 12 countries that had significant decreases in the prevalence of smoking tobacco. Among females, none of these 12 countries had significant decreases in prevalence of chewing tobacco use, whereas seven of 12 countries had a significant decrease in the prevalence of tobacco smoking use for the period. Interpretation Chewing tobacco remains a substantial public health problem in several regions of the world, and predominantly in south Asia. We found little change in the prevalence of chewing tobacco use between 1990 and 2019, and that control efforts have had much larger effects on the prevalence of smoking tobacco use than on chewing tobacco use in some countries. Mitigating the health effects of chewing tobacco requires stronger regulations and policies that specifically target use of chewing tobacco, especially in countries with high prevalence. Copyright (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe

Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived With Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years for 29 Cancer Groups From 2010 to 2019: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019) provided systematic estimates of incidence, morbidity, and mortality to inform local and international efforts toward reducing cancer burden. To estimate cancer burden and trends globally for 204 countries and territories and by Sociodemographic Index (SDI) quintiles from 2010 to 2019. The GBD 2019 estimation methods were used to describe cancer incidence, mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2019 and over the past decade. Estimates are also provided by quintiles of the SDI, a composite measure of educational attainment, income per capita, and total fertility rate for those younger than 25 years. Estimates include 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). In 2019, there were an estimated 23.6 million (95% UI, 22.2-24.9 million) new cancer cases (17.2 million when excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer) and 10.0 million (95% UI, 9.36-10.6 million) cancer deaths globally, with an estimated 250 million (235-264 million) DALYs due to cancer. Since 2010, these represented a 26.3% (95% UI, 20.3%-32.3%) increase in new cases, a 20.9% (95% UI, 14.2%-27.6%) increase in deaths, and a 16.0% (95% UI, 9.3%-22.8%) increase in DALYs. Among 22 groups of diseases and injuries in the GBD 2019 study, cancer was second only to cardiovascular diseases for the number of deaths, years of life lost, and DALYs globally in 2019. Cancer burden differed across SDI quintiles. The proportion of years lived with disability that contributed to DALYs increased with SDI, ranging from 1.4% (1.1%-1.8%) in the low SDI quintile to 5.7% (4.2%-7.1%) in the high SDI quintile. While the high SDI quintile had the highest number of new cases in 2019, the middle SDI quintile had the highest number of cancer deaths and DALYs. From 2010 to 2019, the largest percentage increase in the numbers of cases and deaths occurred in the low and low-middle SDI quintiles. The results of this systematic analysis suggest that the global burden of cancer is substantial and growing, with burden differing by SDI. These results provide comprehensive and comparable estimates that can potentially inform efforts toward equitable cancer control around the world.Funding/Support: The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities. Dr Aljunid acknowledges the Department of Health Policy and Management of Kuwait University and the International Centre for Casemix and Clinical Coding, National University of Malaysia for the approval and support to participate in this research project. Dr Bhaskar acknowledges institutional support from the NSW Ministry of Health and NSW Health Pathology. Dr Bärnighausen was supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation through the Alexander von Humboldt Professor award, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Dr Braithwaite acknowledges funding from the National Institutes of Health/ National Cancer Institute. Dr Conde acknowledges financial support from the European Research Council ERC Starting Grant agreement No 848325. Dr Costa acknowledges her grant (SFRH/BHD/110001/2015), received by Portuguese national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, IP under the Norma Transitória grant DL57/2016/CP1334/CT0006. Dr Ghith acknowledges support from a grant from Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF16OC0021856). Dr Glasbey is supported by a National Institute of Health Research Doctoral Research Fellowship. Dr Vivek Kumar Gupta acknowledges funding support from National Health and Medical Research Council Australia. Dr Haque thanks Jazan University, Saudi Arabia for providing access to the Saudi Digital Library for this research study. Drs Herteliu, Pana, and Ausloos are partially supported by a grant of the Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research and Innovation, CNDS-UEFISCDI, project number PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0084. Dr Hugo received support from the Higher Education Improvement Coordination of the Brazilian Ministry of Education for a sabbatical period at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, between September 2019 and August 2020. Dr Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam acknowledges funding by a National Heart Foundation of Australia Fellowship and National Health and Medical Research Council Emerging Leadership Fellowship. Dr Jakovljevic acknowledges support through grant OI 175014 of the Ministry of Education Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia. Dr Katikireddi acknowledges funding from a NHS Research Scotland Senior Clinical Fellowship (SCAF/15/02), the Medical Research Council (MC_UU_00022/2), and the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office (SPHSU17). Dr Md Nuruzzaman Khan acknowledges the support of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Bangladesh. Dr Yun Jin Kim was supported by the Research Management Centre, Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUMRF/2020-C6/ITCM/0004). Dr Koulmane Laxminarayana acknowledges institutional support from Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Dr Landires is a member of the Sistema Nacional de Investigación, which is supported by Panama’s Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación. Dr Loureiro was supported by national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia under the Scientific Employment Stimulus–Institutional Call (CEECINST/00049/2018). Dr Molokhia is supported by the National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Center at Guy’s and St Thomas’ National Health Service Foundation Trust and King’s College London. Dr Moosavi appreciates NIGEB's support. Dr Pati acknowledges support from the SIAN Institute, Association for Biodiversity Conservation & Research. Dr Rakovac acknowledges a grant from the government of the Russian Federation in the context of World Health Organization Noncommunicable Diseases Office. Dr Samy was supported by a fellowship from the Egyptian Fulbright Mission Program. Dr Sheikh acknowledges support from Health Data Research UK. Drs Adithi Shetty and Unnikrishnan acknowledge support given by Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Dr Pavanchand H. Shetty acknowledges Manipal Academy of Higher Education for their research support. Dr Diego Augusto Santos Silva was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil Finance Code 001 and is supported in part by CNPq (302028/2018-8). Dr Zhu acknowledges the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas grant RP210042