Disjunctive Normal Level Set: An Efficient Parametric Implicit Method

Level set methods are widely used for image segmentation because of their capability to handle topological changes. In this paper, we propose a novel parametric level set method called Disjunctive Normal Level Set (DNLS), and apply it to both two phase (single object) and multiphase (multi-object) image segmentations. The DNLS is formed by union of polytopes which themselves are formed by intersections of half-spaces. The proposed level set framework has the following major advantages compared to other level set methods available in the literature. First, segmentation using DNLS converges much faster. Second, the DNLS level set function remains regular throughout its evolution. Third, the proposed multiphase version of the DNLS is less sensitive to initialization, and its computational cost and memory requirement remains almost constant as the number of objects to be simultaneously segmented grows. The experimental results show the potential of the proposed method.Comment: 5 page

Differential Impact of Organic and/or Inorganic Fertilizer Application with Row Planting on Maize Yield Growth of Major Maize Growing Regions of Ethiopia

This study examines the differential impact of adoption of fertilizer (organic, inorganic or both) with row planting on maize yield growth using 673 sample farm households in four major maize growing administrative regions of Ethiopia. Propensity score matching (PSM) technique was employed since it is an increasingly utilized standard approach for evaluating impacts using observational data. It is found that adoption of fertilizer with row planting doesn't have the desired positive and significant impact on yield growth in all of the administrative regions considered except one region called Amhara. Thus, the study recommends that the agricultural research and extension system of the country should further consider the various differences that exist among different regions and areas of the country so as to generate and disseminate appropriate and suitable improved agricultural technologies and information. Keywords: Impact, Maize, Fertilizer, Row Planting, Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/11-21-01 Publication date: November 30th 202

Workshop 1 - Intro to BlockChain

Workshop 1 Intro to BlockChai

Escherchia Coli O157:H7 as an Important Cause of Food Borne Illness

Escherichia coli O157 is the most common member of a group of pathogenic E. coli strains and a cause for food borne illness. Transmission of E. coli O157:H7 to humans is principally via contamination of food by animal faeces, with cattle considered to be the primary reservoir. Typical illness as a result of an E. coli O157:H7 infection in humans can be life threatening, and susceptible individuals show a range of symptoms including haemolytic colitis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura. People of all ages are susceptible to infection with enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7. However, the young and the elderly are more susceptible and are more likely to develop more serious symptoms. The enteric habitat of E. coli in animals provides easy access to animal-derived meats at slaughter and at points downstream in the food production process. An effective control program to substantially reduce E. coli O157:H7 infections will require the implementation of intervention strategies throughout the food continuum, from farm to table. Keywords: E. coli O157:H7, Enterohemorrhagic, Haemolytic uraemic syndrome, Shiga-like toxi

Parthenium hysterophorus L: Ecological and Socio-economic Impacts and Its Management Practices in Ethiopia: Review

Biological invasive alien species (IAS) are non native species of plant and animal origin, and widely recognized among the greatest threats to ecosystem biodiversity and productivity. Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L., Asteraceae) is one of the invasive alien species. It is originated in sub tropical area of south and North America but currently distributed in most other tropical and sub tropical countries like Australia, India, China, Kenya, West Indies, Israel, Taiwan, Nepal and Ethiopia. Parthenium is becoming a major challenge for developing countries like Ethiopia striving for food security. In Ethiopia the weed is spreading almost throughout the country. But the degree of infestation varies from region to region and dominantly was observed in road sides, vacant sites and partially in agriculture. The negative effect of parthenium weed was reported in crop production and pasture land, human health, animal production and health, biodiversity and soil property. The impact of the weed causes substational yield loss of cereals, horticultural crops & pastures. Parthenium weed affects natural habitat of native plants, and the allelopathic potential of P. hysterophorus is believed to play an important role in the ability of the plant to displace natural vegetation and interrupt natural succession in the natural environments. The soil chemistry and nutrient availability of parthenium infested area is changing as the time is longer. Manual and Mechanical, Prevention, cultural, chemical and biological control strategies have been proved futile individually to curb proliferation of P. hysterophorus. So, integrated approaches are warranted to restrict the invasion of this weed. Currently, even though P. hysterophorus is considered a weed, its beneficial attributes are coming to the forefront. Traditional medicine, Nano-medicine, bio-pesticide, green manure potential, agent for bioremediation of toxic metals and dyes, herbicide, cheap substrate for enzyme production, as source of protein for livestock and source of biogas are some of the recently discovered future implication of P. hysterophorus. So, utilization of parthenium for different purpose is one of the controlling mechanisms. Keywords: Management; distribution; impact, Allelopathy; Parthenium hysterophorus L

Population Dynamic Production Statistics of Horse and Ass in Ethiopia: A Review

Related research results and facts of population dynamic production statistics of horse and ass in and out of Ethiopia were reviewed with the aim of delivering information to the improved production and management plan of a country. The study revealed that Ethiopia has large horse and donkey resources approximately 6.21million donkeys, which is 32% of Africa’s and 10% of the world’s donkey population and 2 million horses which is 33.5% of Africa population.  Donkeys are the cheapest option for the Ethiopian family.  They are relatively inexpensive to buy in comparison to horses, mules and oxen. The study also showed that donkey and horse number in Ethiopia increased during the 2000-2012 period at an average annual rate of 4.55% and 3.33% respectively. But donkey number declined during 2002 by an average rate of 2.6%. As a conclusion, improved management practices and feeding regimes and the delivery of accessible, sustainable and affordable equine health services are required to enhance equine performance and welfare. Keywords: Trend, Donkey, Globa

Seroprevalence of Caprine Brucellosis and Its Associated Risk Factor in Mirab Abay district, South Eastern Ethiopia

Brucellosis is an infectious bacterial zoonotic disease resulting in a serious economic loss in animal production sector and deterioration of public health. There is no previous study information on Seroprevalence of caprine brucellosis in Mirab Abay district. The cross sectional study was conducted with objective of determining prevalence and associated risk factors for caprine brucellosis from four selected peasant association (PAs) in Mirab Abaya districts through February to April in 2009. A total of 389 blood samples collected from goats and tested for the presence of brucella antibodies. Sera were first screened for brucella antibodies by modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (mRBPT) and positive sera were further subjected to test using the Complement Fixation Test (CFT) for confirmation. Out of 26 (6.7%) mRBPT positive sera subjected to retest by using CFT confirmed that 20 (5.1%) were positive for the caprine brucellosis. Among variety of factors considered, age of goats was found to be significantly associated with seropositivity (P<0.05). On the other hand, statistical analysis of the data showed no significant difference in seroprevalence to Brucella antibodies with that of herd size and sex of animal examined (P>0.05). The results revealed that established circulation of the organism in the study area. Thus, appropriate control measures needs due consideration. Keywords: Brucellosis, Caprine, CFT, mRBPT, seroprevalence, Mirab Abaya, Ethiopia

Performance of animal-drawn, ripper attached maize-cum-fertilizer planter

Availability of conservation tillage implements, especially tillage-cum-planters, in Ethiopia is limited. Some of these available tillage-cum-planters perform well only on light soils while others perform poor due to the complications they have on their seed-fertilizer metering systems. To overcome the problem, a new ripper attached animal-drawn maizecum- fertilizer planter (RAP) was developed. The implement was compared with a sweeper attached planter (SAP) and the conventional method of planting in rows (CMP) as a check in RCBD with three replication in a plot size of 10x40m2 at Melkassa Agricultural Research Center (MARC). The results showed that the seed spacing and seed per hill uniformity (ability to drop two seeds per hill) of RAP were found to be 28.53+4.21cm and 69.39+3.24% respectively. Whereas, SAP achieved 34.37 + 9.11cm and 31.72+8.67% seed spacing and seed per hill uniformity respectively. Based on total time taken to prepare the land and seed sowing, RAP (14.29+2.36 hr.ha-1) had shown greater efficiency over SAP (24.84+2.13 hr.ha-1) and CMP (170.67+15.09hr.ha-1). Based on planting operation time measured, statistically significant variation among the means of RAP (14.29+2.36 hr.ha-1), SAP (24.84+2.13 hr.ha-1) and CMP (66.70+7.15 hr.ha-1) at 95% confidence interval was obtained. In seed emergence/plant population/ test, it was found that there was significant variation among the means of RAP (43553±2031plant.ha-1), SAP (37347±4275 plant.ha-1) and CMP (47117±3518 plant.ha-1). This excelled performance of it and its easieness in manuverability make the new planter a better candidate for CA practice