Expropriation, Valuation and Compensation Practice in Amhara National Regional State (ANRS) -- The Case of Two Cities (Bahir-Dar and Gonder)

The Amhara National Regional State similar to other regional states of the country has faced enormous economic and social problems. The question of housing and other real estate construction for high population pressure, the development and investment questions, poor public utility facilities and other public interests are some of the problems that need the intervention of the Regional government. In order to facilitate these needs of the society, the city municipalities have been using “expropriation” as a meaningful and useful management tool. However, different compensation standards among government institutions, inadequate compensation standards for loss of land use rights, shortage of professional and qualified valuers, lack of reliable data and poor expropriation, valuation and compensation procedures are some of the problems that impede the implementation of expropriation, valuation and compensation in the region in general and in the two big cities of the region (Bahir-Dar and Gonder) in particular. This study therefore tries to deal about eminent domain powers of the government in acquiring land for public use in Amhara National Regional State particularly referring to the two big cities ( Bahir-Dar and Gonder) focusing on the expropriation process, valuation practice, fairness and adequacy of compensation payable

CAPRINE γδ T CELL BIOLOGY

CAPRINE gd T CELL BIOLOGY AUGUST 2020 ALEHEGNE W YIRSAW, DVM, ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY, ETHIOPIA MSC., ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY, ETHIOPIA PHD., UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST DIRECTED BY: PROFESSOR CYNTHIA L BALDWIN Goats are important food animals and are disseminated globally. Their productivity is impacted by infectious diseases thus impacting the livestock owners and the community. γδ T lymphocytes or T cells have vital roles in immune responses in mammals and thus we identified information gaps regarding these cells in goats. We used genome annotation, PCR amplification of genomic DNA and cDNA, and Sanger and PacBio sequencing for this research to evaluate the important receptors of these cells, i.e. the T cell receptor (TCR) and the hybrid pathogen pattern recognition receptor (PRR) and TCR co-receptor known as WC1. The annotated TCRγ (TRG) and TCRδ (TRD) loci were similarly organized in goats as previously reported for cattle and the gene sequences were highly conserved between these ruminant species. However, the number of genes varied slightly as a result of duplications within loci and differences occurred in mutations resulting in pseudogenes. Goats have 6 functional and 1 pseudogene TRG gene cassettes and TRD genes have one constant gene (TRDC), 4 joining genes (TRDJ), 7 diverging genes (TRDD and 34 TRD variable genes (TRDV). In cattle, the WC1+ γδ T cells only use TCRγ genes from one of the 6 available cassettes and we found the same conservation for goat WC1+ γδ TCRγ gene usage. With regard to the co-receptor, we found evidence for up to 30 caprine WC1 genes, twice that of cattle, and seven different WC1 gene structures of which 4 are unique to goats. The most distal WC1 scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domains known as SRCR a1, based on sequence and position, were highly conserved among goat breeds but fewer were conserved between goats and cattle. Caprine WC1 genes also had multiple splice variants of transcripts coding for the intracytoplasmic domains that in some cases eliminated tyrosines shown previously to be important for signal transduction. In summary, goat WC1 molecules may have expanded functions given their expanded number and structure variations. Using immunofluorescence and flow cytometric analysis and monoclonal antibody (mAb) GB21A, reactive with the TCR δ constant region (TRDC), we found that the proportion of gd T cells in caprine blood was not significantly less than that of CD4 or CD8 T cells, with WC1+ γδ T cells ranging from ~20-90% of the total. Less than half of the WC1+ cells could be classified as WC1.1+ or WC1.2+ subpopulations by additional mAb staining indicating a large third subpopulation in goats. Since WC1 gene expression may direct pathogen responses the WC1 genes expressed by subpopulations of WC1+ γδ T cells were also identified by next-generation sequencing. To experiments to evaluate responses to pathogens, we found that naïve gd T cells proliferated in in vitro recall cultures stimulated with Leptospira borgpetersenii or Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) above that in control cultures without antigen or those with M. bovis BCG. The responding cells included both WC1+ and WC1- γδ T cells and the WC1- γδ T cells produced IL-17. In ex vivo PMA-stimulated cultures WC1+ γδ T cells were shown to also produce IL-17 while WC1- γδ T cells produced both IL-17 and interferon-g (IFNγ). In the future, more extensive studies of caprine gd T cells will be needed to evaluate the role of the various γδ T cell subpopulations to important livestock pathogens. Knowing this information will be important for understanding how to engage these cells in vaccine designs

Drivers of land use-land cover changes in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Land use-land cover change (LULCC) is driven by the interplay of forcing factors that act at global, regional, and local levels. Previous studies investigated mainly the basic socioeconomic drivers of LULCC. However, these studies less considered climate change vulnerability as a potential driver. Hence, this study is aimed to assess LULCC drivers in more fragile and dynamic landscapes of the East African Rift Valley region for the period of 1986-2016. We used a combination of Remote Sensing, Geographic Information System, logistic regression, and descriptive statistics to quantify and analyze the data. Image analysis results indicated that during the overall study period (1986-2016), grass/grazing land, agricultural land, and bare land have increased by 124%, 42%, and 34% respectively, whereas scattered acacia woodland, bush/shrubland, and swampy/marshy land have declined by 52%, 50%, and 31%, in that order. This image-derived change trend is in line with farmers’ perceived results. The top most influential drivers of LULCC includes population growth (95%), fuelwood extraction (93%), agricultural land expansion (92%), charcoal making (92%), climate change/recurrent drought (79%), and overgrazing (71%) in descending order of percentage of respondents. Education level and age of farmers significantly (p<0.05) affected their perception towards less perceived drivers. Hence, in order to reduce the adverse socio-environmental impacts of spectacular LULCC in the region, policy and decision makers need to take into account such principal drivers, particularly population growth and climate change

Characteristics and outcomes of adult Ethiopian patients enrolled in HIV care and treatment: a multi-clinic observational study

Background: We describe trends in characteristics and outcomes among adults initiating HIV care and treatment in Ethiopia from 2006-2011. Methods: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal analysis of HIV-positive adults (≥15 years) enrolling at 56 Ethiopian health facilities from 2006–2011. We investigated trends over time in the proportion enrolling through provider-initiated counseling and testing (PITC), baseline CD4+ cell counts and WHO stage. Additionally, we assessed outcomes (recorded death, loss to follow-up (LTF), transfer, and total attrition (recorded death plus LTF)) before and after ART initiation. Kaplan-Meier techniques estimated cumulative incidence of these outcomes through 36 months after ART initiation. Factors associated with LTF and death after ART initiation were estimated using Hazard Ratios accounting for within-clinic correlation. Results: 93,418 adults enrolled into HIV care; 53,300 (57%) initiated ART. The proportion enrolled through PITC increased from 27.6% (2006–2007) to 44.8% (2010–2011) (p < .0001). Concurrently, median enrollment CD4+ cell count increased from 158 to 208 cells/mm3 (p < .0001), and patients initiating ART with advanced WHO stage decreased from 56.6% (stage III) and 15.0% (IV) in 2006–2007 to 47.6% (stage III) and 8.5% (IV) in 2010–2011. Median CD4+ cell count at ART initiation remained stable over time. 24% of patients were LTF before ART initiation. Among those initiating ART, attrition was 30% after 36 months, with most occurring within the first 6 months. Recorded death after ART initiation was 6.4% and 9.2% at 6 and 36 months, respectively, and decreased over time. Younger age, male gender, never being married, no formal education, low CD4+ cell count, and advanced WHO stage were associated with increased LTF. Recorded death was lower among younger adults, females, married individuals, those with higher CD4+ cell counts and lower WHO stage at ART initiation. Conclusions: Over time, enrollment in HIV care through outpatient PITC increased and patients enrolled into HIV care at earlier disease stages across all HIV testing points. However, median CD4+ cell count at ART initiation remained steady. Pre- and post-ART attrition (particularly in the first 6 months) have remained major challenges in ensuring prompt ART initiation and retention on ART

Predicting Trends, Seasonal Effects, and Future Yields in Cow’s Milk through Time Series Analysis

A dairy is a place that is used for handling milk and milk products. Dairy products are basically based on milk. Milk is used to prepare dairy products, such as butter, cheese, and milk powder. There is always a great demand for milk and milk products among people. This study attempted to investigate the trends in the actual yield of cow’s milk production at Andassa dairy farm. We used secondary data for the study of the daily milk production of cows at Andassa dairy farm. The specific objectives of the study were—to identify whether the milk production is time-dependent or not; to predict in which season the milk production is high or low; to examine the daily trend analysis of milk production; to fit the appropriate model; and to forecast the milk production for the future. The study was conducted based on quantitative variables. So, the dependent variable is the average daily milk, and the independent variable is the time measure at which milk production is measured each day. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the data that were collected from the dairy farms in the sector. This study covered a total of 179 days of milk production. The results reveal that the milk yield of cows is declining, and that milk output is time-dependent, according to the time series plot, and that the model is ARIMA

Characterization of the domestic goat γδ T cell receptor gene loci and gene usage

Goats and cattle diverged 30 million years ago but retain similarities in immune system genes. Here, the caprine T cell receptor (TCR) gene loci and transcription of its genes were examined and compared to cattle. We annotated the TCR loci using an improved genome assembly (ARS1) of a highly homozygous San Clemente goat. This assembly has already proven useful for describing other immune system genes including antibody and leucocyte receptors. Both the TCRγ (TRG) and TCRδ (TRD) loci were similarly organized in goats as in cattle and the gene sequences were highly conserved. However, the number of genes varied slightly as a result of duplications and differences occurred in mutations resulting in pseudogenes. WC1+ γδ T cells in cattle have been shown to use TCRγ genes from only one of the six available cassettes. The structure of that Cγ gene product is unique and may be necessary to interact with WC1 for signal transduction following antigen ligation. Using RT-PCR and PacBio sequencing, we observed the same restriction for goat WC1+ γδ T cells. In contrast, caprine WC1+ and WC1− γδ T cell populations had a diverse TCRδ gene usage although the propensity for particular gene usage differed between the two cell populations. Noncanonical recombination signal sequences (RSS) largely correlated with restricted expression of TCRγ and δ genes. Finally, caprine γδ T cells were found to incorporate multiple TRD diversity gene sequences in a single transcript, an unusual feature among mammals but also previously observed in cattle

Insecticidal Activity of Some Traditionally Used Ethiopian Medicinal Plants against Sheep Ked Melophagus ovinus

Twelve medicinal plants and a commercially used drug Ivermectin were examined for insecticidal activity against Melophagus ovinus sheep ked at different time intervals using in vitro adult immersion test. The findings show that at 3.13 µL/mL, 6.25 µL/mL and 12.5 µL/mL concentration of Cymbopogon citratus, Foeniculum vulgare and Eucalyptus globulus essential oils respectively, recorded 100% mortalities against M. ovinus within 3 hour of exposure. Significantly higher insecticidal activity of essential oils was recorded (P=0.00) when compared to 10 μg/mL Ivermectin after 3-hour exposure of M. ovinus at a concentration of ≥1.57 μL/mL, ≥3 μL/mL, and ≥12.7 μL/mL essential oils of C. citratus, F. vulgare, and E. globulus, respectively. Among essential oils, C. citratus has showed superior potency at a three-hour exposure of the parasite (P=0.00) at a concentration of ≥0.78 μL/mL. Strong antiparasitic activity was recorded by aqueous extract of Calpurnia aurea (80% mortality) at a concentration of 200 mg/mL within 24 h among aqueous extracts of 9 medicinal plants. The results indicated all the four medicinal plants, particularly those tested essential oils, can be considered as potential candidates for biocontrol of M. ovinus sheep ked

National disability-adjusted life years(DALYs) for 257 diseases and injuries in Ethiopia, 1990–2015: findings from the global burden of disease study 2015

Background: Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) provide a summary measure of health and can be a critical input to guide health systems, investments, and priority-setting in Ethiopia. We aimed to determine the leading causes of premature mortality and disability using DALYs and describe the relative burden of disease and injuries in Ethiopia. Methods: We used results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2015 (GBD 2015) for non-fatal disease burden, cause-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality to derive age-standardized DALYs by sex for Ethiopia for each year. We calculated DALYs by summing years of life lost due to premature mortality (YLLs) and years lived with disability (YLDs) for each age group and sex. Causes of death by age, sex, and year were measured mainly using Causes of Death Ensemble modeling. To estimate YLDs, a Bayesian meta-regression method was used. We reported DALY rates per 100,000 for communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional (CMNN) disorders, non-communicable diseases, and injuries, with 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) for Ethiopia. Results: Non-communicable diseases caused 23,118.1 (95% UI, 17,124.4–30,579.6), CMNN disorders resulted in 20,200.7 (95% UI, 16,532.2–24,917.9), and injuries caused 3781 (95% UI, 2642.9–5500.6) age-standardized DALYs per 100,000 in Ethiopia in 2015. Lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and tuberculosis were the top three leading causes of DALYs in 2015, accounting for 2998 (95% UI, 2173.7–4029), 2592.5 (95% UI, 1850.7–3495.1), and 2562.9 (95% UI, 1466.1–4220.7) DALYs per 100,000, respectively. Ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease were the fourth and fifth leading causes of age-standardized DALYs, with rates of 2535.7 (95% UI, 1603.7–3843.2) and 2159.9 (95% UI, 1369.7–3216.3) per 100,000, respectively. The following causes showed a reduction of 60% or more over the last 25 years: lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis, neonatal encephalopathy, preterm birth complications, meningitis, malaria, protein-energy malnutrition, iron-deficiency anemia, measles, war and legal intervention, and maternal hemorrhage