Theoretical analyses of superconductivity in iron based superconductor Ba1−xKxFe2As2

This paper focuses on the theoretical analysis of superconductivity in iron based superconductor Ba1−xKxFe2As2. After reviewing the current findings on this system, we suggest that phononexciton combined mechanism gives a right order of  superconducting transition temperature (TC) for Ba1−xKxFe2As2 . By developing a model Hamiltonian for the system under consideration, using double time  temperature dependent Green’s function formalism and a suitable decoupling approximation technique, we have analyzed theoretically the superconductivity of iron-based superconductor Ba1−xKxFe2As2. Furthermore, by using the  experimental and plausible theoretical values of the parameters in the obtained expressions, phase diagrams of superconducting transition temperature (TC) versus electron coupling constant (λe) and superconducting transition temperature (TC) versus superconducting gap parameter (Δhave been plotted. Our findings demonstrate that, as the electron coupling constant (λe) increases the superconducting transition temperature (TC) increases and vice versa and also as the temperature increases the superconducting order parameter decreases and vanishes at the transition temperature (TC) for Ba1−xKxFe2As2. Our findings are in a broad agreement with the experimental observations.Keywords: Iron based Superconductors, Green’s Function formalism,   Superconducting order parameter, Ba1−xKxFe2As2

Infection prevention practices and associated factors among healthcare workers in governmental healthcare facilities in Addis Ababa

Background: Failure to follow proper infection prevention practices puts healthcare workers, patients and communities at risk. Despite the increases of highly contagious infections, infection prevention practices among healthcare workers is unknown in many developing countries. The need to understand infection prevention practices is important for prevention and control of nosocomial infections. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess infection prevention practices and associated factors among healthcare workers in governmental healthcare facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted from February to March 2016, in Addis Ababa among 629 healthcare workers who were selected by multistage sampling technique from 30 governmental healthcare facilities. Data were collected using pre-tested interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi -data 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with infection prevention practices.. Findings were presented using odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals., A p-value less than 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance.Results: Six hundred five (96.2%) healthcare workers participated in the study. Four hundred (66.1%, (95%CI: 62.1%- 70.1%)) health care workers had good infection prevention practices. Having good knowledge on infection prevention meausures (AOR =1.53, 95%CI: 1.05-2.22), having positive attitude towards infection prevention practices (AOR=2.03, 95%CI: 1.26- 3.26), having awareness on availability of standard operating procedures (AOR=1.97, 95%CI: 1.34-2.93) and presence of continuous water supply (AOR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.11-2.56) were predictors of good infection prevention practices.Conclusion: Two-third of the healthcare workers had good infection prevention practices. Having good knowledge on infection prevention measures, having positive attitude towards infection prevention practices, having awareness on availability of standard operating procedures and presence of continuous water supply were predictors of good infection prevention practices. To sustain good practices, adequate pre-service and in-service training should be in place to equip and update health care workers about infection prevention precautions. The need for continuous supervision should be implemented to strengthen adherence for infection prevention practices among workers along with sustainable and reliable water supply is crucial.Keywords: Healthcare workers, Infection prevention, Nosocomial infection, Practice, Addis Abab

Nile tilapia (\u3ci\u3eOreochromis niloticus\u3c/i\u3e) fried in recycled palm oil: implications for nutrition and health

Fish constitutes a occasional food for the Sidama people of Hawassa, the capital city of Ethiopia’s Sidama Region and the site of a large endorheic lake. Freshly-caught fish, especially Nile tilapia or koroso in Local name, are typically fried prior to consumption. Despite the sensory qualities, fried foods are not always advisable due to the impact of frying on the nutritional quality of food. This study was designed to assess the nutritional quality of Nile tilapia that had been fried in the same palm oil over six consecutive frying cycles. The raw fish were purchased from the Lake Hawassa fish market and fried at Hawassa University by simulating local preparation methods. A gas chromatography- mass spectrophotometer (GCMS) was used for the fatty acid profile analysis and a total of 22 fatty acids were elucidated. The nutritional quality indices of fatty acids was determined by calculating the recommended formula and JMP pro 13 was used for statistical analysis. The study results revealed that the tilapia fried in the oldest, most used oil, cycles 3–6, contained high amounts of saturated and trans fatty acids, as well as high atherogenic and thrombogenic indices; however, it was also lower in essential and cis fatty acids, the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, the per-oxidizability index, and the nutritive value index. Conversely, fish prepared earlier (cycles 1–3) with fresher oil were higher in essential fatty acids and cis fatty acids, while the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, the per-oxidizability index, and the nutritive value index were also high. Fish fried in an earlier cycle were also low in saturated and trans-fatty acids, with a lower atherogenic index, and thrombogenic index. Therefore, it can be concluded that repeatedly using the same frying oil to prepare Nile tilapia contributed to the loss of nutritional value. Results suggest that palm oil should be limited to no more than three frying cycles to maximize nutritional intake in of fish consumption

Trajectories of state building and peace building in Ethiopia : the role of peace settlements

In a region that is characterized by minuscule and diminutive span of statehood, Ethiopia nonetheless stands out. For many in Africa and much of the developing world, foreigners appropriated the period of entry into modernity, and the course of history had to be restored. But the Ethiopian case is just the opposite. The sole African state to defeat European colonialists and retain its independence through the 19th century scramble for Africa, its people have an understandable pride in their history, which informed their peace and state building trajectory in a distinct way

THE PREVALENCE OF HIV-1 ANTIBODIES IN 106 TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS

ABSTRACT: Sera were collected from all 106 tuberculosis (TB) patients consecutively seen over a period of six months at the Armed Forces General Hospital. All were tested for the presence of HIV-I antibodies, using the ELISA (Wellcozyme) and confirmed with the Western Blot (Biorad), out of which 7 reacted positively. Six of the seven HIV-I positive patients had pulmonary tuberculosis and only one had the disseminated form as opposed to 31% of the 106 patients presenting with the latter. Five of the HIV -I positive patients had a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) compared to 30 of the 99 HIV-I negative patients (39.4%). The study seems to show a positive association between HIV-I infection and tuberculosis. We therefore believe that further studies should be done in this country in order to a certain the association between the two diseases

The reaction of secondary school and university students toward COVID-19-induced lockdown

Background: The Coronavirus pandemic triggered a worldwide partial lockdown. The lockdown instigated the school’s shutdown making the students follow their courses in the virtual modalities while staying at home. Methods: The data were collected using an online survey using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study involved anonymous as well as voluntary 77 secondary schools (Grades 9th to 12th) and 132 university students (class standing 1st to 5th year). Results: The lockdown introduced excruciating experiences for most of the students; however, it also created unanticipated opportunities to learn new skills and develop insights on how to mitigate unforeseen crises while remaining reasonably productive. The steps taken to reduce exposure to the coronavirus infection showed a gender discrepancy. Accordingly, males were disproportionately taken risks regardless of the curfew imposed, while females were deeply concerned about the lockdown-induced break of social connections. Students who were attending public schools, presumably from low-income families were found to be more productive during the lockdown compared to their private school counterparts. This shows that, in some instances, the Coronavirus pandemic is a blessing in disguise. The lockdown created mixed feelings; accordingly, the students reported significantly varied responses towards it. This also introduced some inconsistencies in the response of the students. Perceptions about the lockdown and its impact in most instances significantly varied among students, which unlocked the opportunities to learn new lessons on how to manage unprecedented crises. Conclusion: Policymakers need to take into account gender and living standard while developing strategies to mitigate unprecedented challenges

The effect of psychosocial factors and patients’ perception of tuberculosis treatment non-adherence in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Although there are several studies reported on factors affecting tuberculosis (TB) treatment non-adherence, there is information gap on psychosocial and patients’ perceptions aspects. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the effect of psychosocial factors and patients’ perceptions on TB treatment non-adherence in Ethiopia.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa from May to December, 2014. Thirty one health facilities were randomly selected and 698 TB patients, who had been on treatment, were enrolled consecutively using patient registration number. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, knowledge, psychological distress, alcohol use, tobacco smoking and six HBM domains. Treatment adherence level was the main outcome variable, and it measured using visual analog scale. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 was used for data analysis.Results: Non-adherence level within last one month prior to the study was 19.5%. After controlling for all potential confounding variables, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) status (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.79, 95% Confidence interval (CI) (1.09 -2.95)), alcohol use (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI (1.33-3.37)), economic status (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI (0.33-0.82)), perceived barriers (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI (1.10-1.47)) and psychological distress (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI (1.47-2.29)) were independently associated with TB treatment non-adherence.Conclusion: ART status, economic status, alcohol use, perceived barrier and psychological distress are the major areas that need to be targeted with health promotion intervention to enhance TB treatment adherence.Keywords: Treatment Non-adherence, Determinants of treatment non-adherence, Health Belief Model, Tuberculosi

Practices and challenges of school improvement program in Waghimra administrative zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

The main purpose of this study was to investigate practices and challenges of school improvement program [SIP] in Waghimra Administrative Zone. Mixed methods approach with concurrent design was utilized, and data were collected from randomly selected 1,033 primary and secondary school teachers, 10 school principals, 11 woreda and zone education experts, 13 student representatives and nine Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and Kebele Education and Training Board (KETB) members using questionnaire, interview, focus group discussion, and document reviews. The collected data were analyzed quantitatively using one sample t-test and one-way ANOVA and qualitatively using descriptions. The findings revealed that the planning and execution of the SIP and its domains (teaching-learning, leadership, learning environment and community participation) were low in the administraive zone with variations among woredas. Due to the lack of qualified and experienced teachers and school principals, the teaching and assessment practices were not effective. School principals’ capability of planning and executing SIP was also insufficient. Most primary and secondary schools of the zone (99%) were below the expected standards. Community participation in the school affairs falls below expectation. Accordingly, continuous capacity building training on SIP, methods of teaching, assessment, curriculum development, and instructional leadership need to be provided for teachers, school principals and woreda and zone education experts. Besides, to construct standard schools and fulfill educational facilities, involving various stakeholders (governmental and non-governmental organizations and volunteer individuals and the community at large) is a timely concern