Study on the Levels of Some Essential and Non-essential Metals in Four Different Varieties of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare l.), Grown at the Farm Site in Dale and Aletawondo Woredas, in Sidamo Zone, Ethiopia

A study was conducted to determine the concentration of essential and non-essential metal accumulation in four different barley varieties grown at the farm site in Dale and Aleta wondo woredas, in sidama zone, Ethiopia using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In this research wet ashing method used to destroy the organic matrix. The mineral concentration of four Ethiopian barley varieties was studied, namely: Semereta, Nech, Senef and Bera barley varieties. Among all the varieties; Semereta showed the highest K, Mg content (4434.86±176.92, 757, 57±36.43) respectively. Nech showed the highest Ca, Zn content (1347.48±483.1980.54±8.66) respectively. Senef showed the highest Cu, Ni content (6.88±0.52, 1.86±0.33). These results may be useful in the food industry for the selection of hull barley varieties for human consumption and for animal feed as supplement of grass. Validation of the method checked by using recovery test of the digestion method. Keywords: Atomic absorption spectrophotometer, barley, essential, non-essential, wet ashing method. DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/83-0

National Spatial Data Infrastructure Building Blocks: The Status Quo in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, geospatial data silos are common due to the absence of a proactive and collaborative geospatial sharing platform. A national sharing platform, Ethiopian National Spatial Data Infrastructure (ENSDI), is in its pre-implementation phase. It is now of crucial concern to identify and prioritize areas of investment. However, we lack information on what is already available and where, and what is still required to deliver ENSDI building blocks. The purpose of this work is to assess status quo of these building blocks. 110 organizations were addressed based on a sampling procedure that is free of personal bias. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, on-site inspections, and a review of secondary sources. The analysis revealed that many national geospatial information and other enabling policies, laws and strategies are already available. Although they do incorporate the value of sharing and accessing information, it appears that they lack details regarding interoperability, inclusiveness, and implementation. This work reveals complex institutional challenges that require better definitions of roles and responsibilities in order to overcome existing overlaps of mandates; and improved coordination of efforts with the geospatial industry. Furthermore, most legacy data sets are available in digital form, but they are neither ready to be shared on the Web nor accessible for the wider Geographic Information Systems (GIS) community. This is largely due to the absence of standardization, negligence of metadata, extended use of proprietary software, absence of clear data models and definitions, and poor (file based) data organization. The absence of Internet connectivity or low band width remains a fundamental obstacle for any web-based sharing of geospatial data. We also identify a lack of expertise in spatial data management, processing and programming. GIS and Remote Sensing specialist remain hard to find. Last but not least, this study recommends further study on data quality and data management issues

Intestinal parasites among HIV/AIDS patients attending University of Gondar Hospital, northwest Ethiopia

Background: Opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections are the major public health problem among human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients. In the absence of anti-retroviral therapy (ART), HIV/AIDS patients in developing countries such as Ethiopia continue to suffer from the consequences of intestinal parasites. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of opportunistic and other intestinal parasites among on-ART HIV/AIDS patients.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2015 to January2016 among pre-ART and on-ART adult HIV/AIDS patients at University of Gondar Hospital, northwest Ethiopia. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and associated risk factors. Systematic random sampling was used to select the study participants. Stool samples were collected and processed using a direct, wet-mount, formol-ether concentration technique and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. The CD4 counts were estimated by using the BD FACS Count system. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 20 software.Results: A total of 150 study participants (48ARTnaïve and102 on ART) were included in the study. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 45.3% – 25.3% in pre-ART patients and 20% in on-ART patients. Two thirds (8/12) of opportunistic parasitic infections were found in the ART-naïve patients and significantly associated with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm3. Those who have no toilet [AOR=5.21, 95% CI: 1.82, 16.03], source of water from stream [AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.05, 7.72], who have diarrhea [AOR = 11.38; 95% CI: 4.69, 15.61], WHO stage III [AOR =5.3; 95% CI: 2.47, 11.56] and ART status [AOR = 4.2; 95% CI: 2.02, 8.77] were significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites.Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasites was found to be higher in ART-naïve than on-ART patients. High proportions of intestinal parasites were associated with lower CD4 counts, ART naïve, diarrhea, WHO stage III, absence of toilet and source of water from stream. Therefore, public health measures and adherence to ART for ART naïve should be strengthened to improve the quality of life of these patients. [Ethiop.J. Health Dev. 2019; 33(2):65-72]Key words: Opportunistic intestinal parasites, CD4 T-cells, Anti-retroviral therapy, diarrhea, Gonda

Geospatial Data Sharing Barriers across Organisations and the Possible Solution for Ethiopia

Geospatial data sharing across organisations is a well-recognized challenge with multiple facets. Due to the absence of appropriate space for the sharing of and access to geospatial assets, these often remain scattered and locked within various economic sectors of Ethiopia; this means that datasets are not maintained or updated regularly, efforts are duplicated, finding available datasets is difficult and there is no single reliable version of the data. Exploitation of the full socio-economic benefits of using geospatial information is therefore impossible. This paper therefore aims to assess inter-organisational geospatial data-sharing challenges and the possible solutions within Ethiopia. A lack of coordination between organisations, poor data quality and compatibility, institutional, legal, policy, and technological issues are identified as major challenges. Ethiopian National Spatial Data Infrastructure (ENSDI), which has already been introduced, should be further promoted as the collaborative entity for effective cross-sectoral geospatial data sharing. A national strategy to hand over informal SDI initiatives, building on existing efforts, setting clear (top-down) ENSDI development approaches and collaborative investments in the building blocks of ENSDI are suggested to enable the successful execution of ENSDI as a cross-sectoral geospatial data-sharing mechanism

Evaluation of the protective efficacy of Salmonella Gallinarum 9R strain vaccine against Salmonella strains isolated from cases suspected of salmonellosis outbreaks in poultry farms in central Ethiopia

Salmonellosis is one of the most important bacterial diseases of poultry causing heavy economic losses. Though it can be prevented through vaccination, regular monitoring of the protective efficacy of the vaccine against field outbreaks is essential since antigenically dissimilar serovars may evolve compromising the efficacy of the vaccine. This study was, therefore, carried out to evaluate the protective efficacy of the currently used attenuated Salmonella Gallinarum 9R strain vaccine against experimental challenge with field isolates of Salmonella strains obtained from disease outbreaks. Three Salmonella serovars viz Salmonella Gallinarum, Salmonella Pullorum and Salmonella Enteritidis isolated and identified (phenotypically and molecularly) from outbreaks suspected of salmonellosis were used for the challenge experiment. A total of 90 chickens randomly divided into 2 categories (vaccinated and non-vaccinated control) each comprising 45 birds were used for protective efficacy study. Each of these categories were further subdivided and randomly assigned into 3 groups each comprising 15 birds for challenge with each of the three field Salmonella serovars. Chickens were vaccinated subcutaneously with live attenuated Salmonella Gallinarum 9R vaccine containing 2x107 CFU per dose. Each group in both vaccinated and non vaccinated category were challenged with the three field serovars (one strain per group) through oral administration of 1 ml of bacterial suspension containing 5×107organisms. Post challenge follow-up showed no mortality in all vaccinated groups challenged with each of the three serovars while a mortality of 53.3% (N=8), 13.3% (N=2) and 0% was observed in S. Gallinarum, S. Pullorum and S. Enteritidis challenged nonvaccinated groups, respectively. None of the challenge Salmonella strains were  recovered from liver and spleen of the vaccinated birds two weeks after challenge. In conclusion, the currently used attenuated S. Gallinarum 9R strain vaccine against fowl typhoid can effectively confer protection not only against field strains of Salmonella Gallinarum, but also cross-protection to S. Pullorum and S. Enteritidis involved in causing poultry salmonellosis outbreaks in Ethiopia.Keywords: Central Ethiopia; Poultry; Salmonellosis; Vaccine efficac

Women's Independent Household Decision Making Power and its influence on their Autonomy in relation to Child Vaccinations: a mixed-method study among Women of Reproductive Age in Northwest Ethiopia

AbstractBackground: The importance of women’s empowerment in influencing health outcomes has received attention globally, but there is limited information in Ethiopia on the relationship between women's household decision making power and the autonomy of decision making in relation to child vaccinations.Aim: The study aimed to assess the role of women's household decision making power on their autonomy in relation to child vaccinations.Methods: A community based mixed method study design was conducted among women who had 12–23-month-old children in Wogera district, Ethiopia. The sample size was determined using a single population proportion formula for the quantitative aspect of the study and the data collection for the qualitative study continued until saturation. The quantitative data was collected using a piloted questionnaire. SPSS software was used for quantitative data analyses. X2-square test was conducted to explore the association between women's household decision making power and their autonomy in relation to decision making around child vaccinations. Framework analysis was employed to analyse qualitative data using open code software.Results: A total of 584 women participated in the quantitative study and 13 In-depth interviews (IDI) with 13 key informants (KII)were conducted for the qualitative study. Majority, 88.2% (95% CI: 85.7, 90.6) of the respondents have autonomy to vaccinate children. This study showed that nearly two-thirds, 61.6% of the women had household decision making power. Respondents of the qualitative study noted that women had low household decision making power. Women's household decision making power is associated with women's autonomy to vaccinate children (x2=92.775a, df=1, P<0.001).Conclusions: The overall level of women’s household decision making power was relatively low compared to EDHS reports whereas women's autonomy to chid vaccination was high. There was a strong relationship between women’s household decision making power and their autonomy in relation to child vaccinations. It is therefore important to implement activities, for example, provision of behavioural change communication (BCC) in the community, that can improve women’s household decision making power which in turn will influence child vaccination coverage. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2021; 35(SI-3):86-97]Key words: Women, Household decision making power, Women's autonomy, Vaccinatio

Full immunization coverage and its determinants among children aged 12-23 months in Wogera district, Northwest Ethiopia

AbstractBackground: Immunization is considered one of the most affordable health initiatives for children. Though there is good progress in Ethiopia, the amount of fully vaccinated children, is still below the target. Possible challenges include women having home visits and men’s’ involvement in vaccination uptake. Therefore, this study aimed to determine full immunization coverage and its determinants among children aged 12- 23 months in Wogera districts, Northwest Ethiopia.Aim: This study aimed to determine the full immunization coverage and its determinants among children aged 12-23 months, and to assess the level of immunization coverage and its determinants in Wogera districts, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Wogera district from May 28-June 25/2020. Cluster sampling method was used to recruit 598 study participants. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with full immunization. Odds ratios with 95% Confidence intervals were used to determine significant variables.Results: A total of 584 mothers who had children aged 12-23 months participated in this study. The full immunization coverage was 76.5% (95%CI 73.2-79.8). Mother age >40 years (AOR=7.37, 95% CI: 1.65, 32); mothers who initiate vaccine uptake(woman empowerment) (AOR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.13-2.39); mothers who had 1-3 ANC visit (AOR=2.51, 95% CI:1.14, 5.52), and 4+ ANC follow up (AOR=2.73,95% CI: 1.26, 5.91); r health extension worker's home visit during the first weeks of postpartum period (AOR=1.76,95% CI:1.10, 2.84), and males involved in child immunization (AOR=3.27, 95% CI:1.84, 5.81) was positively associated with being fully vaccinated , however, birth order of 6 and above (AOR=0.35, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.86) was negatively associated with being fully vaccinated.Conclusion: In this study, the full immunization coverage is found to be suboptimal, and it is far from the expected national target coverage. Maternal health care uptake; women empowerment; home visits by HEW during the first week of the postpartum period and male involvement in child immunization were found to be predictors of being fully vaccinated. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2021; 35(SI-3):16-27]Keywords: Full immunization, Children12-23 months, Northwest Ethiopia, Male involvemen

Genetic Characterization of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Viruses, Ethiopia, 1981–2007

Virus diversity indicates a virus reservoir in this country

Norm Selection and Standardisation in Gamo

This research deals with norm selection practices and the accompanying challenges in the standardisation process of Gamo Omotic North Ometo language. The language has recently developed a written form which mainly serves as a medium of instruction. In attempting to explore the construction of written norms, this research has applied concepts that focus on how the use of a language affects a society (Labov 1970: 30, cited in Wardhaugh 2006:16) and what social conditions inspire the legitimisation and construction of a standard norm (Bourdieu 1991). A linguistic approach (Byron 1978:398) has been used to trace the norm selection practices in written Gamo. The data has come from written documents, interviews and focus group discussions. This analysis of the salient issues uncovers the underlying problems of the standardisation process (Kaplan and Baldauf 1997:88). The results demonstrated that the standard norm is based on the Northern dialects of Gamo, especially the Ɗače dialect. By assessing the current trends of standardisation and the social views towards it, this research argues for a 'dialect democracy approach' where norms of various dialects are unified and a neutral standard is established (Msimang 1998)

Lexical Translanguaging in Textbook Preparation for Education in the Gamo Language of Ethiopia

As a country where more than 85 languages are spoken, Ethiopia framed, in its Education and Training Policy of 1994, which was revised in 2021, the right to use mother tongue in primary education. Following this, around 33 languages are implemented in schools as a Medium of Instruction (MoI). Gamo is one of the languages used as a MoI in primary education and taught as a subject up to high school. This functional expansion of Gamo into Education required textbook preparation, and accordingly, textbooks for different subjects, including Gamo as a language subject, were published. One major feature of the Gamo textbooks is availability of Amharic and English words, and this research aims to apply translanguaging, which is the discursive language practices of bilingual speakers to describe the practice of using words from different languages in the textbooks. Lexical data were collected from five textbooks written in Gamo and interviews were held with students and teachers to find out information about the process of textbook writing and translanguaging. The strategies identified in the textbooks include alternative translanguaging, borrowing, lexical inventions and bilingual compounds. These strategies were used to address education in the Gamo language and to communicate meaning effectively. Writers used their Amharic and English repertoire to represent meaning when a word for a concept is not available in Gamo. In other instances, alternative words were provided as a means of enhancing meaning clarity