Determinants of financial performance : evidence from Ethiopia insurance companies

The objective of this research was identifying the determinants of financial performance in case of Ethiopian Insurance Companies over the period of 2010-2015. Profitability ratios were used as proxy of financial performance measurement; return of asset (ROA) and return of equity (ROE). Panel data set from nine insurance companies over the period of six years were used. The descriptive statistics implied that nonexistence of variation in ROA and ROE since the standard deviation statistics for ROA (34%) and ROE (11%) were below the respective means (63% and 19%). To identify the determinants of financial performance, Ordinary least squire (OLS) estimation method was employed. The estimation result showed that capital adequacy, liquidity, size, age, loss, leverage were the key determinants of financial performance. From this researchers concluded that financial performance mainly driven by firm specific factors. Thus, attention should be given to firm specific variables to have a sound financial performance.peer-reviewe

Epidemiology of Fasciolosis in Southwest Ethiopia

The design of strategic deworming programs is one of the control options for fasciolosis, and needs to be supported by local epidemiology knowledge. To address this issue in Southwest Ethiopia, a study using tracer calf and crossectional study methods was made at an endemic area for the disease during 2006–2007. Coprology and necropsy examinations were used to collect information. Results showed that both Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica were abundant in the area with almost equal prevalence rates, and infections of animals occur during the wet season from May to October. The mean number of flukes recovered in the positive tracer calves ranged from 3.0 to 42.5 per animal, and the maximum worm count observed in an individual animal was 66 flukes. The overall prevalence of Fasciolosis in the extensively managed local breeds of cattle, yearling calves, sheep and goats was 74.8%, 55.3%, 35%, and 27.1%, respectively. A significant difference was observed in the prevalence of fasciolosis among cattle, yearling calves and sheep population, while no difference was observed among the goat populations of the five provinces. Based on the regional epidemiology of the disease, a twice yearly strategic deworming program has been devised to control the infection in the region

Evaluation of response to super-ovulation, estrous synchronization and embryo transfer in local Zebu or crossbred dairy cattle

An experiment was conducted at Holetta and Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Centers dairy herd in 2011 to evaluate the number of embryos collected per super-ovulated donor cow, estrus rate (ER) and pregnancy rate (PR) of recipient cows/heifers after embryo transfer. For super-ovulation treatment a total of 19 Holstein Friesian (HF) x Boran crossbred cows were selected as embryo donors and treated with super-ovulation hormones. For embryo recipient about 113 females of pure Boran and Holstein Friesian x Boran crossbred cows and heifers synchronized with estrous synchronization hormones. Out of 52 cows and heifers in estrous after estrous synchronization 34 of them used as embryo recipient out of which 23 females received fresh embryos and 11 frozen embryos. All data were analyzed using frequency distribution and Chi-square test. Results from super ovulation response indicated that out of 19 cows super-ovulated 15 (79%) cows responded to super-ovulation treatment. A total of 31 embryos collected out of which 23 embryos (77%) were transferable and the rest were not suitable for transfer. Mean number of embryo collected per donor was 2.07. Results from recipient estrous synchronization indicated that the overall recipient ER to estrous synchronization was 46% and significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by body condition score (BCS) while the effect of synchronization protocols, parity and breed were not significant. The overall recipient PR to embryo transfer was 20% and significantly influenced by BCS (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that the number of embryo obtained per super-ovulated donor in present study is low. Moreover recipient PR to embryo transfer was also very low. The poor PR of recipient females to embryo transfer could be attributed to high early embryonic mortality. Further research is required to investigate the possible cause of low number of embryo per donor cows and the poor PR of recipient females to embryo transfer

Mixed-species allometric equations and estimation of aboveground biomass and carbon stocks in restoring degraded landscape in northern Ethiopia

Abstract Accurate biomass estimation is critical to quantify the changes in biomass and carbon stocks following the restoration of degraded landscapes. However, there is lack of site-specific allometric equations for the estimation of aboveground biomass (AGB), which consequently limits our understanding of the contributions of restoration efforts in mitigating climate change. This study was conducted in northwestern Ethiopia to develop a multi-species allometric equation and investigate the spatial and temporal variation of C-stocks following the restoration of degraded landscapes. We harvested and weighed 84 trees from eleven dominant species from six grazing exclosures and adjacent communal grazing land. We observed that AGB correlates significantly with diameter at stump height D30 (R2 = 0.78; P < 0.01), and tree height H (R2 = 0.41, P < 0.05). Our best model, which includes D30 and H as predictors explained 82% of the variations in AGB. This model produced the lowest bias with narrow ranges of errors across different diameter classes. Estimated C-stock showed a significant positive correlation with stem density (R2 = 0.80, P < 0.01) and basal area (R2 = 0.84, P < 0.01). At the watershed level, the mean C-stock was 3.8 (±0.5) Mg C ha−1. Plot-level C-stocks varied between 0.1 and 13.7 Mg C ha−1. Estimated C-stocks in three- and seven-year-old exclosures exceeded estimated C-stock in the communal grazing land by 50%. The species that contribute most to C-stocks were Leucaena sp. (28%), Calpurnia aurea (21%), Euclea racemosa (20.9%), and Dodonaea angustifolia (15.8%). The equations developed in this study allow monitoring changes in C-stocks and C-sequestration following the implementation of restoration practices in northern Ethiopia over space and time. The estimated C-stocks can be used as a reference against which future changes in C-stocks can be compared

Healthcare workers’ clinical knowledge on maternal and newborn care in Ethiopia: findings from 2016 national EmONC assessment

Background Improving maternal and newborn health indicators are key if Ethiopia is to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. To do so, women need access to skilled attendance at birth and emergency obstetric and newborn care. To maximize their impact, understanding gaps in workers’ knowledge is required to remedy the weakness. This assessment determines knowledge levels of clinical management of maternal and newborn healthcare and factors that influence knowledge. Methods This study used data from the National Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care assessment conducted in 2016. Provider knowledge for MNH was assessed by interviewing providers. Respondents were scored on each question by calculating the number of correct responses provided out of the total possible answers, and standardizing this to a scale of 100. Mixed linear regression was used to determine individual and contextual factors associated with the score. Results A total of 3800 interviews with complete data were included in this study. Most respondents were diploma midwives (73%), BSc midwives (11%) and diploma nurses (10%). On average, midwives scored 60 out of 100 on the question regarding the primary aspects of focused antenatal care and elements of a birth plan. Half of the midwives and health officers, and one-third of nurses knew to provide a loading dose of magnesium sulphate. Midwives scored 90% on the steps of active management of third stage of labor. In the mixed linear regression, working in a private for profit facility, health center/clinic, rural area, or in a facility with a protocol on referral/counter referral predicted lower knowledge scores. More positive scores were associated with work environments that had a computer, internet, and protocols on safe abortion care, management of selected obstetric topics, integrated management of pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal, and newborn, care for low birth weight including kangaroo mother care, and treatment of infection in young infants. Conclusion With regard to most knowledge related questions, health officers and midwives scored similarly. Providers scored substantially better on routine intrapartum and newborn care than on aspects related to care for complications. A substantial proportion of providers indicated that they would never give a loading dose of magnesium sulphate

Reproductive characteristics of Holstein Friesian dairy breed after estrous synchronization with select- synch with or without CIDR

The objectives of this study were to determine estrus (ER), conception (CR) and pregnancy rate (PR) of dairy cows after synchronization of estrus and the relationship between synchronization method and vaginal electrical resistance (VER). A total of 52 Holstein Friesian (HF) females were synchronized with Select-Synch or Select-Synch + CIDR protocols. Results showed that the overall ER, CR and PR were 67.30, 55.90 and 37.00 %, respectively. Mean ER was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for Select-Synch + CIDR treatment compared to Select-Synch alone (80.80% versus 53.90 %). Mean PR was higher for Select-Synch + CIDR compared to Select-Synch (46.30% versus 28.00%;

Assessment of menstrual hygiene management practice and associated factors among prisoners in South Nation Nationalities and peoples region, Ethiopia

Introduction: Menstrual hygiene management practice is the requirements and necessities; such as the use of a sanitary pad or clean and mushy absorbents, sufficient washing of the genital area, proper disposal of the used absorbents, and other special needs for the women during menstruation. Objective: To assess menstrual hygiene management practice and associated factors among prisoners in south Nation Nationalities and Peoples Region, Ethiopia, 2022. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to July 30/2022. The total sample size was 605 and a simple random sampling technique was used to select prison institutions and women. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Data were entered using Epi data 4.6 version and analyzed by using SPSS version 26 software. Multicollinearity was checked and the goodness of fit test was done by using the Hosmer Lemeshow model of goodness fit test. Univariate analysis was done and variables with p value less than 0.25 were taken to bivariate logistic regression analysis. Adjusted odds ratio with the 95% confidence interval was considered and statistical significance was at a p-value less than 0.05 in bivariate logistic regression analysis. Result: The prevalence of menstrual hygiene management practice was 50.6% (95% CI 47.3–54.4). Age 19–29 years old [AOR: 5.03, 95% CI 1.73–14.62], educational status; not formally educated [AOR: 0.05, 95% CI 0.02–0.13], educational status; primary level [AOR: 0.17, 95% CI 0.07–0.39], previous occupation; student [AOR: 2.56, 95% CI 1.06–6.21], previous occupation; a private employee [AOR: 4.11, 95% CI 1.48–11.42], previous occupation; government employee [AOR: 3.46, 95% CI 1.18–10.14], absence of support from family [AOR: 0.14, 95% CI 0.08–0.24] and absence of work engagement in prison [AOR: 0.44, 95% CI 0.25–0.78] were associated with MHMP. Conclusion: In this study, about five from ten women in prison practice menstrual hygiene management. Age, educational status, previous occupation, support from family, and work engagement in prison were important risk factors for MHMP. Therefore, support from family and engaging the women to work in prison institutions may increase the MHMP in prison institutions

Assessment of public finance management : accounting and reporting practice : evidence from Mizan-Tepi University, Bench Maji, Kaffa and Sheka Zone (finance and budget sections)

A sound public financial management is vital for efficient and equitable utilization of scarce national resources. However, public financial management specifically on accounting and reporting practices hindered by several problems that lead budgeted resources to deficiency. The objective of the study was to assess public financial management: accounting and reporting practice; Mizan Tepi University, Bench Maji, Kaffa and Sheka Zones. Descriptive method of data analysis with the help of SPSS version 21 was used. Findings of the study showed that in selected public bodies there is no compliance with directives in preparing report, mismatch of approved budget with expenditure, lack of collaboration between budget and finance section with integration of IBEX system, misapplication of server and lack of IBEX trained experts. Thus, the public bodies have to refer financial manuals, record budget with respective code, correct amount, checking the approved budget balance, hire qualified IBEX experts and configure multi user IBEX system.peer-reviewe

Magnitude, Severity, and Associated Factors of Anemia among Under-Five Children Attending Hawassa University Teaching and Referral Hospital, Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia, 2016

Background. Anemia is a widespread public health problem associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Infants, under-5-year-old children, and pregnant women have greater susceptibility to anemia. The magnitude and associated risk factors for anemia vary in different settings. The study aimed to assess the magnitude, severity, and associated factors of anemia at Hawassa University Teaching and Referral hospital, Hawassa, southern Ethiopia. Methods. In a hospital-based cross-sectional study, a total of 422 under-five children were included. Sociodemographic data and other predisposing factors were collected by structured questionnaire. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for hemoglobin determination using a Cell-Dyn 1800 automated analyzer. Stool samples were collected and processed using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration method to detect intestinal parasites. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical packages. Binary and multiple logistic regressions were computed to assess factors associated with anemia. p value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Result. The overall prevalence of anemia was found to be 41.7%. The mean hemoglobin level was 10.59 g/dl. Anemia was of mild, moderate, and severe type in 6.6%, 19%, and 16.1% of the children, respectively. Children in the age group 6–23 months (AOR = 2.04 (95% CI: 1.13, 3.69)), and mothers having no formal education (AOR = 1.73 (95% CI: 0.99, 3.02)) were identified as associated factors for anemia. Conclusion. The prevalence of anemia among the study subjects was 41.7% indicative of the fact that anemia is an important public health problem. It was associated with the child’s age, residence, mother’s education level, and intestinal parasite (Ascaris lumbricoides). It clearly indicates that there should be well integrated public health interventions to improve the health status that needs to be prioritized to prevent anemia among children under five years of age