Professional Learning Communities: Perceptions, Challenges and Possibilities in Ambo University

Recent studies suggest that professional learning community is necessary for increasing teacher’s commitment to their goals and allows them to share their successful practices. The purpose of this study was to analyze the implementation of professional learning communities: perceptions, challenges and possibilities in Ambo University. The study was conducted using mixed research method and explanatory sequential mixed research design. In the first case, in order to obtain quantitative data a close ended questioner were administered to 250 teachers and analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics namely:  mean score, standard deviation, percentages, t-test.  In the second case, qualitative data was obtained through semi structured interview and focused group discussion. The result of the study shows that, all the six dimensions of professional learning community were to a great extent, perceived to be unimplemented in Ambo University. Implications, which are assumed to improve the practices of professional learning community, were highly recommended in the study. Keywords: shared leadership, shared practice, shared values and vision, supportive conditions, collective learning DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-34-05 Publication date: December 31st 202

Nutrient composition, volatile fatty acids production, digestible organic matter and anti-nutrtional factors of some agro-industrial by-products of Ethiopia

Nutrients, metabolizable energy (ME), anti-nutritional factors, digestible organic matter (DOM) and volatile fatty acids (VFA) production of 17 agro-industrial by-products from Ethiopia were determined. Highest amount of ash was found in fishmeal (FM) and of lignin in sisal waste (SW) and banana peels (BP). Cabbage leftover (CL), onion peels (OnP), papaya peels (PaP) and FM had high CP (137 to 490 g/kg DM) and NPN (51 to 141 g CP/kg DM); distillery by-product (DB) and brewery by-product (BB) had high CP (179 and 187 g/kg DM) and NDF (535 and 396 g/kg DM, respectively) but low NPN (21 and 9 g CP/kg DM). CL, OnP, PaP and FM had low NDF (576±9 g/kg DM) except avocado peels (AP) and BB. VFA concentrations were >19.1±1.8 mM except in CPa,FM and AP (< 12.1±2.9 mM). Coffee pulp (CPu), CL and MP had high total phenolics (123 to 151 g/kg DM) and tannin (42 to 86 g/kg DM). BP had largest amount of phytate. Hemolytic activity (saponin) was detected in FM, potato peels, SW, CPa and CL. The feeds can serve as sources of energy and protein

Assessment of Students Misbehavior and Handling Strategies in West Shewa Zone

Recent, studies  suggest that an assessment of students’ misbehavior and sustaining positive school climate for all student  is important in order to support all students in  reaching their full potential. The purpose of this study was to assess students’ misbehavior and handling strategies in West Shewa Zone. The study was conducted using mixed research method and explanatory sequential mixed research design. In the first case, in order to obtain quantitative data a close ended questioner were administered to 250 teachers and  321 students and  analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics namely:  mean score, standard deviation, percentages and t-test . In the second case, qualitative data was obtained through semi structured interview and focused group discussion. The result of the study shows   the existence of students misbehavior that ranges from mildly stressful to extremely stressful. Participating in unauthorized political activism, exhibiting antisocial behavior, cheating on tests and in-class assignments, failing to submit homework, misuse of privileges, entering prohibited areas at school, leaving the school without permission were the major kinds of misbehavior observed at schools. In addition  lack of parental support, low achievement in academic subjects,  lack  to obey the existing discipline polices and orders were    some of the dominating causes  for students misbehavior. Implications, which are assumed to improve student’s misbehavior, were highly recommended in the study. Keywords: misbehavior, discipline,  coping  strategy DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-34-06 Publication date: December 31st 202

HIV-exposed infants on follow up at a PMTCT clinic: risk of HIV transmission and its predictors in north-west Ethiopia

Background: The HIV pandemic created an enormous challenge to the survival of mankind worldwide. Vertical HIV transmission from mother to child accounts for more than 90% of pediatric AIDS. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs are provided for dual benefits, i.e. prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child and enrolment of infected pregnant women and their families into antiretroviral treatment. The availability and use of short-course antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis, a safe and well-tolerated regimen, can contribute significantly to PMTCT during childbirth. This study assessed risk and predictors of HIV transmission among HIV-exposed infants on follow up at a PMTCT clinic of a referral hospital. Methods: Institution-based retrospective follow-up study was carried out on all records of HIV-exposed infants enrolled between September 2005 and July 2011 at Gondar University Hospital PMTCT clinic. Secondary data were collected using a structured data extraction format prepared in English by a trained nurse working at the PMTCT clinic. Data were then entered in to EPI INFO Version 3.5.1 statistical software and analyzed by SPSS version 16.0. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify variables that had association with vertical HIV transmission. Results: A total of 509 records were included in the analysis. The median age of infants at enrolment to follow up was 6 weeks (IQR=2 weeks). A total of 51 (10%) infants were infected with HIV. Late enrolment to the exposed infant follow-up clinic (AOR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.35, 6.21), rural residence (AOR=5.05, 95% CI: 2.34, 10.9), delivery at home (AOR=2.82, 95% CI: 1.2, 6.64), absence of maternal PMTCT intervention (AOR=5.02, 95% CI: 2.43, 10.4) and mixed infant feeding practices (AOR=4.18, 95% CI: 1.59, 10.99) were significantly and independently associated with maternal-to-child HIV transmission. Conclusion: There is a high risk of MTCT of HIV among exposed infants on follow up at the PMTCT clinic of the University of Gondar referral hospital. This finding could push decision-makers to enhance commitment and support an adequate and sustainable extension of the use of PMTC services to rural mothers, expand services to rural settings in the PMTCT scaling-up program

Practices and challenges of activities for successful practical lab work in chemistry at Debre Markos Preparatory School, East Gojjam, Ethiopia

Chemistry is a field of study in which a lot of experimentation is involving. An experiment is a test carried out under controlled conditions to demonstrate a known truth, to examine validity of a hypothesis and to determine the efficacy of something new. Laboratory experience also gives students an opportunity to observe chemical systems and to gather data useful for the development of principles subsequently discussed in the textbook and in class. However, experimental work is a fundamental part of any science course and this is especially true for chemistry courses. It is vital to know that any one in chemistry should be able to conduct practical work effectively. This paper seeks to offer an overview of the current situation in higher education, and explores what might be the aims for today. It also argues that laboratory work in higher education cannot be seen in isolation. For most students it follows school laboratory experiences which are rapidly changing, and has to relate to material taught in lectures and tutorials. But, learning chemistry by doing practical work at Debre Markos higher education preparatory secondary school is not organized in such a way. So, the researcher needs to conduct this study to explore all things that are happening there. The study employed in both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The researcher used descriptive research strategy and data were collected by using questionnaire, interview, document analysis, FGD and observation. The sample size of this study is 221; 212 students and 8 teachers, the school administrator and the delegated lab technician were also considered. It was analyzed by percentage, mean value, t-test and one-way ANOVA by SPSS program version 20. The main challenges of DMHEPSS practical works were lack of teachers’ interest and carelessness, lack of wise school administrator, lack of professional lab technician, lack of conducive lab environment were the main challenges that the researcher was discovered. Therefore; motivating and encouraging teachers, training teachers, creating awareness of students on practical works, employing professional lab technician and improving the attitudes of school administrator were solutions to be taken there

Ethnobotanical knowledge and practices of traditional healers in Harar, Haramaya, Bati and Garamuleta, Eastern Ethiopia

The study was conducted to reveal and document ethnobotanical knowledge and practices of traditional healers in selected sites of Eastern Hararghie. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews and field observation from 9 traditional healers in 4 study sites of Eastern Hararghie. Data were collected, quantified and summarized using graphs, tables and different ranking techniques. The study revealed 32 medicinal plants species belonging to 31 genera and 25 families. The plants were used to treat 17 major human and animal ailments, 81% used for the treatment of human disorders while the remaining 19% for both. Of the reported species 44% were herbs, and 28 % each were shrubs and trees. Leaf was the most frequently used plant part accounting 62%, followed by fruit (16%) and root (16%). Oral administration was the most commonly used route (60%), followed by topical (31%) route. The most preferred solvent added during the preparation of medicinal plants was water (50%), while 38% of the plant remedies used without any solvent. Fidelity value analysis indicated that Allium sativum L. (83.3%), Gomphocarpus integer N.E.Br (80%), Punica granatum L. (75%) and Cordia africana L. (75%) were the most preferred species used for the treatment of abdominal pain, febrile illness, evil spirit and skin lesions, respectively. Moreover, Allium sativum L. was the first ranked medicinal plant used for the treatment of abdominal pain followed by Vernonia amygdalina Del. and Cucurbita pepo L. This study suggested that traditional healers in eastern Hararghie zone have profound ethnobotanical knowledge and practices.Keywords: Eastern Hararghie; Ethiopia; Ethnobotany; Medicinal plants; Traditional healer

In Vitro antibacterial activity of rumex nervosus, plantago lanceolata, solanum incanum and lepidium sativum against selected bacterial pathogens of human and animals

Medicinal plants are used as a primary means of tackling different ailments especially in developing countries. In the present study, the leaves of Rumex nervosus, Plantago lanceolata, Lepidium sativum and Solanum incanum were collected and extracted by maceration method using 70% methanol. The extracts were concentrated and the yields recorded. Antibacterial effects of the extracts were tested on selected bacteria such as Streptococcus, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, E. coli, and Salmonella which were obtained from Haramaya University, Veterinary Microbiology Laboratory. Preliminary screening test for the extract was made using agar disc diffusion method and subsequently the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by agar dilution assay based on the zone of bacterial growth inhibition. The finding indicated that Rumex nervosus showed have the highest zone of inhibition (20mm) against the genus Salmonella followed by Plantago lanceolata with the zone of inhibition (16mm) against L. monocytogenes. On the other hand, Lepidium sativum and Solanum incanum did not have any antibacterial activity against all the cultured bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration of Rumex nervosus against S. aureus were 1.56x103μg/ml and that of Plantago lanceolata against L. monocytogenes were 6.25 x103μg/ml and 1.25 x 104μg/ml, respectively. From the findings it can be concluded that Rumex nervosus and Plantago lanceolata have shown to be a better antibacterial activity against selected bacterial pathogens, while leave extracts of other medicinal plants do not have any effect. Fractionated components of the plants might show better effect which needs further investigation using different solvent and standard medium.Keywords: Agar disc diffusion, Antibacterial activity, Rumex nervosus, Plantago lanceolata, Solanum incanum, Lepidium sativu

Effect of rate of inclusion of fishmeal prepared by cooking and sun drying of fish offal on feed intake and nutrient retention of growing Rhode Island Red chicks

Effect of cooked and sun dried fish offal on intake and nutrient retention of growing Rhode Island Red (RIR) chicks in southern Ethiopia was evaluated. Unsexed day old RIR chicks were uniformly brooded, vaccinated against Gumboro and Newcastle diseases. At the age of 14 days, 10 chicks were assigned to each of the 5 replicates of the 6 dietary groups, fed for 11 weeks and daily group feed intakes were recorded. The control diet (T1) consisted of Maize (34.1%), wheat short+bran (21.0%), limestone (1.20%), salt (0.5%), premix (0.1%), lysine (0.05%), methioinine (0.05%), roasted soybean (27.0%) and noug cake (16.0%); the rest of the diets contained all ingredients in the control plus fishmeal at rates of 3.32% (T2), 6.64% (T3), 9.96% (T4), 13.28% (T5), and 16.6% (T6) of the diet and had 19.76, 18.89, 19.82, 18.44, 18.96 and 19.20% cp, respectively. At the beginning of the feeding trial, 13 chicks representing initial body weight of those in the trial were stunned by dislocation of the neck. At the end, one male and one female chick from each of the 3 replicates of each of the 6 treatment groups were systematically selected, tagged, fasted for 12 hours, weighed, and stunned by dislocation of the neck. All carcasses were kept intact in deep freezer at -20°C and then cut into small pieces in freezing condition, minced and dried in an oven at 65°C for 80 hours, ground, homogenized and chemically analyzed. Chicks fed T1 had significantly (

Effects of supplementation of different indigenous species of browses to Arsi-Bale yearling goats on feed intake, growth performance, and helminthes loads

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of browse tree leaves meals on growth performance and parasite load of naturally parasitized yearling goats. Thirty-six Arsi-Bale yearling bucks which were naturally parasitized with helminths were randomly allocated to one of the following feeding treatments; T1 = Chloris gayana grass hay ad lib + 100g concentrate, T2 = T1 + dried 100g of Acacia tortilis leaves, T3 = T1 + dried 100g of Acacia seyal leaves, T4 = T1 + dried 100g of Acacia senegal leaves, T5 = T1 + dried 100g of Millettia ferruginea leaves and T6 = T1 + dried 100g of Vernonia amygadalina leaves. Goats were fed on corresponding diets for 70 days. Fecal egg count and body weight changes were recorded every 14 days. Higher feed conversion efficiency was observed in goats supplemented with dried browse tree leaves of Acacia seyal (T3), Millettia ferruginea (T5), and Vernonia amygadalina (T6). All supplemented goats had significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower fecal egg count (FEC) at day 70 and grew significantly (p&lt;0.05) faster than the control group. Goats supplemented with dried browse tree leaves of Acacia seyal, Millettia ferruginea, and Vernonia amygadalina grew faster than goats supplemented with other dried browse tree leaves. A rapid and significant reduction of FEC was observed in goats supplemented with Millettia ferruginea starting from day 14 and the lowest (p&lt;0.05) value was attained at day 70 after treatment. Similarly, goats supplemented with Vernonia amygadalina showed an accelerated reduction of FEC starting from day 28 and attained the lowest (p&lt;0.05) value at day 70 after treatment. Goats supplemented with Millettia ferruginea (T5) and Vernonia amygadalina (T6) had the lowest (p&lt;0.05) FEC at all times after supplementation and grew faster than the other groups. The rapid and accelerated reduction of FECs and fastest growth rate observed in goats supplemented with Millettia ferruginea and Vernonia amygadalina indicated that these browse tree leaves could be effective to control helminths parasite and improve the growth performance of parasitized goats

Anthelminthic effects of extracts of indigenous browses from mid rift valley of Ethiopia

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential anthelminthic properties of extracts of leaves of indigenous browses (Acacia seyal, Acacia senegal, Acacia tortilis, Millettia ferruginea, and Vernonia amygadalina) based on three in vitro assays. Acetone extracts of browses at different concentrations (75 to 1200 μg/ml, for egg and larvae and 100mg/ml for an adult) were tested on three developmental stages of Haemonchus contortus (eggs, infective larvae, and adult worms) using egg hatch assay (EHA), larval migration inhibition assay (LMIA) and adult worm motility inhibition assay (AMIA). Significant effects were obtained with all five browses but differences were observed depending on the parasitic stages. The effects of five browse extracts on egg hatching were concentration-dependent, the highest (P&lt;0.05) egg hatch inhibition rate was observed at 1200 μg/ml concentration for all browses. All extracts had a higher effect (P&lt;0.01) than that of the negative control, phosphate buffer saline (PBS). In contrast, no concentration-response relationship was found for infective larvae and adult worms, although more potent effects were observed with the highest concentrations. The LMI rate (70%) induced by Vernonia&nbsp; amygadalina extract, at a concentration of 300 μg/ml, was the highest (P&lt;0.05) of all other browses, even at higher concentrations. The highest LMI rate (62%) induced by Acacia senegal extract at higher concentration, was lower than that of LMI rate (70%) induced by Vernonia amygadalina, at 300 μg/ml concentration. Vernonia amygadalina was found to be highly and rapidly effective against adult worms inducing the highest mortality rate (90%) as soon as 4 hrs after incubation. Overall, the in vitro results suggest that these five&nbsp; browses do possess anti-parasitic properties and Vernonia amygadalina showed the most effective anti-parasitic property. These effects remain to be confirmed through in vivo study