Heterogeneity in returns to schooling: Econometric evidence from Ethiopia

The paper investigates whether returns to schooling in Ethiopia vary across the wages distribution of individuals. To do so it adopts an instrumental variables quantile regression framework that allows for both endogeneity of schooling resulting from unmeasured ability, and possible heterogeneity in the impact of schooling. The empirical estimates indicate that education contributes more to the earnings of the individuals at a lower end of the income distribution. Under the assumption that the wage and ability distributions are related, this result is consistent with the notion that education and ability are substitutes

Profitability Study of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Production around Wendo Genet District, Ethiopia

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) belongs to the family Malvaceae, locally called “karkade”, is an important annual crop grown successfully in tropical and sub-tropical climates. It takes five months from planting to harvesting. This study aims to examine financial feasibility and to determine associated costs and benefits from the production of Hibiscus sabdariffa at Wondo Genet. Two varieties of Hibiscus sabdariffa (WG-Hibiscus-Jamaican and WG-Hibiscus-Sudan) was planted on an area of 100m2 on experimental field with two replications using direct sawing on field and seedling preparation on nursery for determination of costs and returns. The spacing between plants and between rows was 60cm (60cm x60cm). Simple cost accounting method was employed to examine cost benefit of the plant. Net benefit and BCR of hibiscus production was used to determine profitability. The result shows that Production cost of Sudan type hibiscus is almost similar to Jamaican type except harvesting and post harvesting management cost difference caused due to yield difference. However the production of Sudan hibiscus is more profitable both by direct sawing and preparing seedlings on nursery; the study also revealed that producing both type of hibiscus for calyx by direct sawing is more profitable than using seedling preparation on nursery. Generally the study shows production of both type of Hibiscus sabdariffa at wondogenet is profitable

Anatomical variations and distributions of obturator nerve on Ethiopian cadavers

Variations in anatomy of the obturator nerve are important to surgeons and anesthesiologists performing surgical procedures in the pelvic cavity, medial thigh and groin regions. They are also helpful for radiologists who interpret computerized imaging and anesthesiologists who perform local anesthesia. This study aimed to describe the anatomical variations and distribution of obturator nerve. The cadavers were examined bilaterally for origin to its final distribution and the variations and normal features of obturator nerve. Sixty-seven limbs sides (34 right and 33 left sides) were studied for variation in origin and distribution of obturator nerve. From which 88.1% arises from L2, L3 and L4 and; 11.9% from L3 and L4 spinal nerves. In 23.9%, 44.8% and 31.3% of specimens the bifurcation levels of obturator nerve were determined to be intrapelvic, within the obturator canal and extrapelvic, respectively. The anterior branch subdivided into two, three and four subdivisions in 9%, 65.7% and 25.4% of the specimens, respectively, while the posterior branch provided two subdivisions in 65.7% and three subdivisions in 34.3% of the specimens. Hip articular branch arose from common obturator nerve in 67.2% to provide sensory innervation to the hip joint. Accessory obturator nerve was not observed at all in this study. Key words: Variations, obturator nerv

Approaches, methods and processes for innovative apiculture development: experiences from Ada'a-Liben Woreda Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The Improving Productivity and Marketing Success (IPMS) for Ethiopian Farmers'; Project being implemented by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) commissioned Sap-Tec PLC to study the existing potential and execute apiculture development in Ada';a-Liben woreda, one of the IPMS'; ten Pilot Learning Woredas (PLWs). The main objective of this apiculture intervention was to identify the current beekeeping practices, assess potentials and problems, and provide solutions through the introduction of a participatory market-oriented modern beekeeping practice as an income-generating activity to farmers and others who are interested to complement their income. The activities reported in this paper are based on studies and interventions undertaken to enhance market-oriented apiculture development in Ada';a-Liben woreda between 2005 and 2007. This working paper is divided into a number of sections. The first two sections describe the major strengths and constraints of the bee industry in Ethiopia. Section 3 describes the beekeeping institutes and associations. Sections 4 and 5 analyse the most important opportunities and threats for apiculture development and marketing intervention in Ada';a-Liben woreda. Section 6 presents IPMS intervention strategies and lessons learned in knowledge sharing, capacity building, and commodity development including technology transfer, platforms, input supply, credit facilitation and market linkage. This section also discusses the methods used and the achievements obtained so far. Finally, Section 7 discusses both general and industry specific recommendations, which form the basis for further development of the industry. This working paper is intended to provide preliminary information on lessons drawn in beekeeping interventions in Ada';a-Liben woreda and to share the experiences to those who have already launched or are planning to launch apiary development program as an alternative income generating activity. It also highlights the methodologies applied and the lessons learned from the apiculture interventions of the IPMS project for scaling up to other woredas. The main objective of this apiculture intervention was to identify the current beekeeping practices, assess potentials and problems, and provide solutions through the introduction of a participatory market-oriented modern beekeeping practice as an income-generating activity to farmers and others who are interested to complement their income

Medication Non-Adherence among Adult Psychiatric Out-patients in Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

Background: Information on adherence of adult psychiatric patients to biological modes of treatment is scarce in Ethiopia. Knowledge on adherence is essential in terms of future prognosis, quality of life and functionality of such patients. This study was conducted to assess the magnitude and associated factors of non-adherence to medication.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2011 at the psychiatry facility of Jimma University Specialized Hospital, which provides service to more than 10 mill people. A sample of 422 adults with psychiatric illness in the follow-up outpatients was selected consecutively. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire by face-to-face interview and from patient medical records. The four-item Morisky scale was used to assess degree of medication adherence. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 and descriptive, chi-square test and logistic regression statistical methods were used. P-Value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant in the final model.Results: Out of the 422 patients, 40.3% were females and 59.7% males. The prevalence rate for nonadherence was 41.2%, non-affective psychoses diagnosis contributing the highest rate (44.5%). From the total non-adherent respondents, 78.2% attributed their non-adherence to forgetting. Irregular follow-up, poor social support and complex drug regimen were independently associated variables with nonadherence.Concluction: The result of the study showed that non-adherence among psychiatric patients in Southwest Ethiopia is high and revealed possible associated factors. Adherence needs integrated efforts in creating a mechanism in enhancing regular follow-up, informal social support system and ongoing awareness creation among professionals.Keywords: mental illness, non-adherence, Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Ethiopi

Predicting Residential Energy Consumption Using Wavelet Decomposition With Deep Neural Network

Electricity consumption is accelerating due to economic and population growth. Hence, energy consumption prediction is becoming vital for overall consumption management and infrastructure planning. Recent advances in smart electric meter technology are making high-resolution energy consumption data available. However, many parameters influencing energy consumption are not typically monitored for residential buildings. Therefore, this study’s main objective is to develop a data-driven energy consumption forecasting model (next-hour consumption) for residential houses solely based on analyzing electricity consumption data. This research proposes a deep neural network architecture that combines stationary wavelet transform features and convolutional neural networks. The proposed approach utilizes automatically extracted features from smart-meter readings by applying wavelet decomposition, convolution, and pooling operations. This study’s findings have demonstrated the advantage of integrating wavelet features with convolutional neural networks to improve forecasting accuracy while automating feature extraction

Iodine deficiency in primary school children and knowledge of iodine deficiency and iodized salt among caretakers in Hawassa Town: Southern Ethiopia

Background: More than two billion individuals worldwide have inadequate iodine intake and the adverse consequences of iodine deficiency are widely observed.Objective: To assess the iodine status of primary school children and the knowledge of iodine deficiency disorders among their caretakers.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hawassa Town, Southern Ethiopia. The study participants were school children (n=116) aged 7-9 years. A two-stage sampling method was used to select participants. Goiter and urinary iodine concentration were measured in the children to evaluate their iodine status. Socioeconomic characteristics, dietary patterns and caretaker knowledge of iodine deficiency were assessed by using questionnaires. Household salt iodine concentration was also measured.Results: Total goiter rate was 13.6% and was significantly associated with age [AOR=13.4 (3.2-55.7)]. Eighty two percent of the children had urinary iodine concentration below 50 ìg/L, indicating the presence of moderate iodine deficiency. None of the households were using adequately iodized salt. More than half of the respondents did notknow about the importance of iodized salt. Conclusion: The observed degree of iodine deficiency in children and the limited knowledge about iodine in an urban area such as Hawassa stress the urgent need for implementing interventions to combat iodine deficiency. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2012;26(1):30-35