The Acoustic Correlates of [ATR] Vowel Harmony in Somali

In the scholarship on the Somali language, lexical and syntactic structures have received disproportionately more attention than phonetic analyses. The goal of the present study was to empirically describe the relationship between tongue root harmony constraints and several other phonetic features of Somali vowels that affect vowel quality in the articulation of selected phonemes. To accomplish this, baseline measurements of the acoustic features of each set of [± ATR] (Advanced Tongue Root) vowel sounds were taken in spectrograms and compared across sets. The measurements made for each waveform include: fundamental frequency, formant 1, formant 2, formant 3 and vowel duration. The values were submitted to an independent samples t-tests. The tests indicate that F1 is the most reliable correlate of [ATR] followed by Duration. F2 is reliable for some vowel pairs while F3 demonstrated little significance. F0 was not a significant correlate in distinguishing between any vowel pairs

Laser spectroscopy of some jet-cooled organic molecules

http://www.ester.ee/record=b1065237~S1*es

Value Chain Analysis of Maize: The Case of Bako Tibe and Gobu Sayo Districts in Central West Ethiopia

This research attempted to generate useful information on maize value chain, which helps governmental institutions and NGOs to assess their activities and redesign their operations in Bako Tibe and Gobu Seyo districts. The research was done by identifying actors and mapping their interactions, evaluating incentives and cost structure, estimating determinants of maize marketed surplus. Data was collected from 199 randomly selected households, 53 maize traders, and 7 input suppliers. For data analysis, both descriptive and econometrics analysis of Tobit model were used. The result of the study showed that, maize average production, yield and marketed surplus were 36.95 quintal, 31.44 quintal per hectare and 18.23 quintal, respectively. Input suppliers, producers, traders and consumers were the main actors in the value chain. In the chain, no maize processors and exporters identified in the study areas. Through the value chain, the maximum value added was about ETB 49 per quintal and rural assemblers obtained the highest share of gross profit next to producers. The econometric model result showed that current price, district, fertilizer used, marketing costs, land allocation, distance to main market and non-farm income were significantly determining maize marketed surplus. Keywords: Mapping, Marketed surplus, Marketing Margin, Tobit model, Value chain

Assessment of Constraints and Opportunities of Tea Out-Growers in South West Ethiopia

This research attempted to generate useful information on tea out growers’ constraints and opportunities in tea production and marketing, which helps governmental institutions to assess their activities and redesign their operations. The research was done by interviewing tea out growers surrounding the two major tea plantations Wush Wush and Gumero in south west Ethiopia. Data was collected from 120 randomly selected households. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Relative Severity Index to analyze constraints. The obtained result showed that, out-growers on average allocated 1.37 ha land to produce tea. They plucked on average 295 kg/ha export standard or 731 kg/ha local standard green tea leaves in one harvest in main season. Relative Severity index analysis revealed that out growers’ major constraints of tea production were high price and timely availability of inputs, shortage of inputs, high cost of production, need intensive plot management, lack of capital, no government intervention and extension service and lack of training. However, they have good opportunities in obtaining frequent income almost throughout the year, high cash income, low risk of animal damage and theft. Keywords: Tea out growers, Gumero, Wush Wush, Relative Severity Index, constraints DOI: 10.7176/DCS/11-6-02 Publication date:June 30th 202

Giardiasis in Ethiopia

Abstract: A countrywide survey of giardiasis, using formal-ether concentration method, among school children and residents showed overall prevalence rates of 8.9% and 3.1 % , respectively. The corresponding rate for non-school children {5-19 years of age), however ,was 4.4% showing that the school children are ore significantly infected than their non-school counterparts {P < 0.005). There were no significant differences between overall male and female infection rates in both populations {P > 0.01 ). However, by age, children are more infected than adults in both populations. Infection rates did not vary with altitude. In this paper, the possible mode of transmission and factors influencing it are discussed. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1995;9(2) :77-80

INTESTINAL HELMINTH INFECTIONS AT ZEGIHE, ETIHIOPIA, WITH EMPHASIS ON SCHSTOSOMIASIS MANSONI

ABSTRACT: A total of 400 stool specimens were examined by Kato thick smear technique to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis mansoni and other helminth infections among people living in Zeghie town, Northwest Ethiopia. The most prevalent infections were schistosomiasis, ascariasis, and trichuriasis. The infection rates among school children for Schistosoma mansoni. Ascaris lumbricoides and 1richuris trichiura were 69.7 % , 77.7 % and 64.7% , respectively. The respective infection rates of these helminths among the residents were 53.1%, 60.6%, and 50%. The prevalence of schistosomiasis appeared to be higher for males than for females. The high prevalence of infection observed for these helminths in the present study clearly indicates the need for timely control measures.[Ethiop. I. Health Dev. 1993;7(1):21-26

THE INCIDENCE OF SCHSTOSOMIASIS IN BAHIR-DAR, ETHIOPIA

ABSTRACT: A study was made in Bahir Dar, north-western Ethiopia, for a period of twelve months, to determine the incidence of schistosomiasis mansoni. All children aged 10 year:. and younger in Dil Chibo and Teyima Elementary Schools were stool-examined by the formal-ether concentration technique at the beginning of the study to select schistosomiasis mansoni negative children for a later incidence study. Accordingly, 139 children in Dil Chibo and 104 children in Teyima were found negative and used for an incidence study. In the incidence surveys, the stool specimens were examined by the Kato method. The overall annual1ncidence rates for Dil Chibo and Teyima school children were 194/1000 and 382/1000, respectively. The rates obtained at the second survey were higher than the rates obtained at the first survey, 164/1000 and 36/1000, respectively, for Dil Chibo and 292/1000 and 77/1000, respectively, for Teyima schools, Males had a higher schistosomiasis incidence than females (P<0.01), The incidence also appeared to vary with age. The value of incidence as a measure of transmission is discussed. [Ethiop.J. Health Dev. 1993; 7 (1):17-20

Epidemiology of Plasmodium and Helminth Coinfection and Possible Reasons for Heterogeneity

Understanding the impact of helminth infections on clinical malaria is useful for designing effective malaria control strategies. Plenty of epidemiological studies have been conducted to unravel the nature of interactions between Plasmodium and helminth infection. Careful broad summarization of the existing literature suggests that Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm infections may increase the risk of clinical malaria and associated morbidities, but Trichuris trichiura infection is not associated with the occurrence of clinical malaria and related outcomes. However, findings about effect of Ascaris lumbricoides and Schistosoma haematobium infection on clinical malaria are contradictory. Furthermore, the nature of relationship of helminth infection with severe malaria has also not been determined with certainty. This review summarizes the findings of epidemiological studies of Plasmodium and helminth coinfection, placing greater emphasis on the impact of the coinfection on malaria. Possible reasons for the heterogeneity of the findings on malaria and helminth coinfections are also discussed