Interplay between Swelling Kinetics and Nanostructure in Perfluorosulfonic Acid Thin-Films: Role of Hygrothermal Aging

Impacts of processing, storage, and operation on thin-film perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomer coatings used in electrodes of electrochemical devices remains unestablished. In this work, alteration of structure-function relationship in ionomers is achieved via exposure to elevated temperature and humidity (hygrothermal aging). Findings reflect a strong inverse correlation between aging-induced ionomer thin-film domain orientation and water-transport kinetics evaluated from swelling. Impact of aging is shown to be more pronounced on platinum due to interactions with PFSA, as evidenced by greater increase in nanodomain orientation parallel to substrate accompanied by reduced water transport, in contrast to silicon support

Performance trials on different rates and ratios of N and P fertilisation in Ethiopia to inform field-specific Maize-Nutrient-Management advisory

This report of the Scaling Readiness of Nutrient Management decision Support Tools project focuses on agronomic trials that serve to inform the development of scalable, field-specific advisory for maize farmers in Ethiopia. These trials were conducted to generate additional information required to make a mobile phone-based nutrient decision support tool – Maize-Nutrient-Manager – more scalable in the context of institutional limitations in fertilizer availability and distribution in Ethiopia. The focus of the trials is on establishing proper N:P ratio’s for different fertilization rates with the fertilizers available to farmers in West-Shewa and Jimma (two major maize belts in Ethiopia). The trials were conducted with additional funding from the TAMASA project and in collaboration with EIAR. As the latter institute is involved in conducting fertilizer trials and the development of recommendations, this collaboration also aimed at forming an appropriate entry point for institutionalization of the decision support tool that is being developed

Using community conversation in the fight against HIV and AIDS

While promoting participatory communication approaches in the fight against HIV and AIDS and a myriad other problems continues, empirical research into its effects has been dismal. This study endeavoured to assess the impact community conversation (CC) in curbing the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Data were collected from twenty-one participants, six facilitators and a coordinator of the CC project using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGD).The study found that the selection of facilitators from the community; the willingness and their positive approach to the programme by participants, facilitators and Kebele administrators were the positive factors that contributed to the proper implementation of CCs. However, the overwhelming number of participants, some facilitators’ limited skills in moderating discussions, the absence of relevant stakeholders, overlapping of CCs with other programmes of the Kebeles, lack of follow up, and interference of Kebele administrators were found to be the major limitations to the success of the CC interventions. Key Words: Community Conversation, Participatory Communication, Alternative Media, HIV and AID

Maize-Nutrient-Manager: A mobile phone application for field-specific, balanced nutrient management advisory

To increase productivity and profitability, while limiting nutrient losses and related GHG-emissions, African smallholders need more tailored fertilizer advice. Yet, such advice critically hinges upon – largely lacking – field-level management data, as management is key to efficient fertilizer use. The Maize- Nutrient-Manager (MNM) mobile phone application enables collection of such data at scale, and directly converts this data into actionable advice for the farmer. Focusing on field-level management data, MNM can identify those management practices that are currently imperative for enhancing smallholder farmers’ efficient use of fertilizers in their locality, thereby increasing productivity while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This document describes the background, design principles and development process of then MNM mobile phone application, as well as its pilot use in advisory practice in the Mbozi and Momba districts of Songwe region, Tanzania

Evaluation of neem (Azadirachta indica) derivatives for management of sorghum stem borers (busseola fusca (fuller) and Chilo partellus (swinhoe))

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is the most potential plant for solving the multidimensional problems of the rural people. Neem, Azadirachta indica and Persian lilac, Melia azedarach, with different   formulations were tested against stalk borers on sorghum at Sirinka and Chefa in 2002/03 and 2003/04  cropping seasons. This field evaluation experiment was arranged in complete randomized block design  with three replications. Sorghum varieties 'Gambella 1107' and local land race 'Jigurty' were used at  Chefa and Sirinka, respectively. Two lepidopterous stem borer species, Busseola fusca and Chilo partellus were important at Sirinka and Chefa, respectively. Three treatments were tested: a water extract from neem seeds, a powder form from neem seeds and Persian lilac leaves. Synthetic chemicals, Cypermethrin I% granules and Karate 5% emelsifaible concentrates and an untreated control were included for comparison purpose. Infestation and damage levels of stalk borers were reduced using each botanical at different formulations in both locations and years as compared to untreated control. Among treatments, powder forms of' 1 neem seeds and Persian lilac leaves were effective in reducing percent head chaffiness and infested plats. Moreover, the percentage of grain yield increase of 7 to 18 and 8 to 15 were obtained over untreated check using neem seeds and Persian lilac leaves, respectively. High yield ad.vantages over untreated plots were also recorded using Karate 5% emelsiafiable concentrates arid Cypermethrin I% granules with the range of 6 to 27 % and 13 to 40 %, respectively in each location and year.Key words: Azadirachta indica, Melia azedarach, Stem borers, Busseolafusca, Chilo partellus

Analysis of Seed Potato Systems in Ethiopia

This study aimed to analyze the seed potato systems in Ethiopia, identify constraints and prioritize improvement options, combining desk research, rapid appraisal and formal surveys, expert elicitation, field observations and local knowledge. In Ethiopia, informal, alternative and formal seed systems co-exist. The informal system, with low quality seed, is dominant. The formal system is too small to contribute significantly to improve that situation. The informal seed system should prioritize improving seed quality by increasing awareness and skills of farmers, improving seed tuber quality of early generations and market access. The alternative and formal seed systems should prioritize improving the production capacity of quality seed by availing new varieties, designing quality control methods and improving farmer’s awareness. To improve overall seed potato supply in Ethiopia, experts postulated co-existence and linkage of the three seed systems and development of self-regulation and selfcertification in the informal, alternative and formal cooperative seed potato systems. Resumen Este estudio tuvo el propósito de analizar los sistemas de producción de papa en Etiopia, identificar limitantes, y priorizar opciones de mejorar, mediante la combinación de investigación de escritorio, apreciaciones rápidas y estudios formales, encuestas a expertos, observaciones de campo y conocimiento local. En Etiopia co-existen sistemas de semilla informal, alternativo y formal. Domina el sistema informal, con baja calidad de semilla. El sistema formal es muy pequeño como para contribuir significativamente al mejoramiento de esa situación. El sistema informal de semilla debería tener como prioridad el mejoramiento en la calidad de la semilla mediante el aumento en la atención y habilidades de los productores, mejorando la calidad de la semilla-tubérculo de las generaciones tempranas y el acceso al mercado. Los sistemas alternativo y formal de semilla deberían priorizar el mejoramiento en la capacidad de producción de semilla de calidad, mediante la validación de nuevas variedades, el diseño de métodos de control de calidad, y mejorando la atención del productor. Para mejorar el suministro general de semilla de papa en Etiopia, los expertos postularon la co-existencia y asociación de los tres sistemas de semillas y el desarrollo de autorregulación y autocertificación en los sistemas cooperativos de semilla de papa informal, alternativo y formal. Keywords Potato . Seed quality . Seed tuber . Seed system . Quality improvement . Expert elicitation . Solanum tuberosum Introductio

Pattern and treatment outcome of patients with achalasia cardia after Modified Heller’s Myotomy: experience from Ethiopia

Background: Although achalasia condition occurs in males and females with equal frequency, there are studies reporting that there is a male predominance even in Ethiopia. There appears to be striking international variations with significant differences between countries with respect to prevalence, occurrence in different sex and age groups and clinical features. The main objective of this study was to determine the pattern of clinical presentation and demographic characteristics and to assess the surgical treatment outcome of patients with achalasia. Methods: This was a 5-year retrospective review of medical records and theatre operation register notes of patients operated for achalasia of cardia at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa. Selected socio- demographic variables, clinical presentations, radiologic imaging, post-operative course and final outcome were recorded on a structured format. Data was entered, cleaned and edited using EPI info version 3.5.1 for windows and analyzed using SPSS version 15 for windows. Frequencies, percentages, Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test were applied to describe and compare the difference between sex, age and dysphagia scores. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to evaluate the surgical treatment outcome after patients underwent Modified Heller’s Myotomy (MHM). Results: A total of 46 patients’ records that were operated for achalasia were reviewed, of whom 56.5% were males, 52.2% were of younger age (52.2%) with a mean of 26.4 years (Range: 14 – 65 years). Thirty eight (82.6%) patients suffered from grade 3-4 dysphagia. Higher dysphagia score, with no significant statistical difference, was predominantly seen among the young (87.5%) and female (95%) patients. Severity of symptoms of dysphagia was significantly reduced after Modified Heller’s Myotomy (P<0.0001). Conclusion: Slight predominance of male sex and younger age group was found among patients operated for achalasia. Modified Heller’s Myotomy was found to be effective in alleviating symptoms of achalasia

Khat Chewing and Mental Distress: A Community Based Study, in Jimma City, Southwestern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Khat (Catha edulis) contains a psychoactive substance, cathinone, which produces central nervous system stimulation analogous to amphetamine. It is believed that khat chewing has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of individuals as well as the socioeconomic condition of the family and the society at large. There is lack of community based studies regarding the link between khat use and poor mental health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between khat use and mental distress and to determine the prevalence of mental distress and khat use in Jimma City. METHODS: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in Jimma City from October 15 to November 15, 2009. The study used a structured questionnaire and Self Reporting Questionnaire-20 designed by WHO and which has been translated into Amharic and validated in Ethiopia. By multi stage sampling, 1200 individuals were included in the study. Data analysis was done using SPSS for window version 13. RESULTS: The Khat use prevalence was found to be 37.8% during the study period. Majority of the khat users were males (73.5%), age group 18-24 (41.1%), Muslims (46.6%), Oromo Ethnic group (47.2%), single (51.4%), high school students (46.8%) and employed (80%). Using cut-off point 7 out of 20 on the Self Reporting Questionnaire-20, 25.8% of the study population was found to have mental distress. Males (26.6%), persons older than 55 years (36.4%), Orthodox Christians (28.4%), Kefficho Ethnic groups (36.4%), widowed (44.8%), illiterates (43.8%) and farmers (40.0%) had higher rates of mental distress. We found that mental distress and khat use have significant association (34.7% Vs 20.5%,