Hind limb bones and locomotion in the Old World monkeys

A functional morphological study of the hind limbs of 49 species of cercopithecids reveals their respective positional behaviour. The result of the principal component analysis, based on sixty indices of the hind limb bones brings Colobus, Cercopithecus (including Miopithecus and Allenopithecus), Cercocebus,and Lophocebus, together, separating them from Macaca, Papio and Theropithecus in the first component. In the second component, colobinae are distinctly separated from the rest, with mangabeys being closest to them. The first component is interpreted to represent the adaptation to the substrata of locomotion, namely, arboreality and terrestriality; and the second their positional behaviour. Key words/phrases: Functional morphology, hind limb, Old World monkeys, principal component analysis, quadrupedalism SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science Vol.25(2) 2002: 205-22

Influence of Different Seed Rhizome Storage Methods on Viability, Growth and Yield of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa L.)

In spite of the importance of turmeric ‘Ird’ as a ground spice and in curry powder in Ethiopia and the efforts made so far to generate improved technologies, its production and quality is remained low compared with the world average. One of the contributing factors is lack of appropriate seed rhizome storage methods, which insisted the current investigation. The study was conducted at Metu agricultural research sub center to determine suitable rhizome storage methods on viability, yield and growth parameter in 2017. The experiment was laid out in RCB-design with 3 replications. This experiment was consisted of twelve treatments which were arranged using 3 planting materials (turmeric mother rhizome, finger Rhizome and mixed rhizome) stored under 4 storage conditions(shade +mulch, nursery +mulch, constructed seed store house, and pit). Analysis of variance revealed significant variation among the treatments for disease incidence (p<0.05), rhizome length and rhizome yield (p<0.01), while non significant for other studied parameters. Mother Seed Rhizome turmeric stored under shade tree+mulch gave the maximum sprouting (88.4%).The least rotten percentage was found from rhizomes stored under nursery (3.71%). Moreover, Mother rhizome stored under shade tree recorded maximum yield and all other parameters viz. highest rhizome viability (94.53%), tiller per plant (2.8), leaf length(25.5cm), leaf width(14.6cm), plant height(28.1cm), rhizome length(5.9cm), rhizome width( 2.0cm), number of fingers per stood(5.2cm) and  yield (38.2 ton/hectare). generally  shade tree +mulch has produced maximum rhizome sprouting and viability, maximum yield and yield related parameters, therefore this storage method is found the best appropriate rhizome storage method  to be used by the users. Keywords: turmeric, rhizome, storage methods, sprouting, viability DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-7-01 Publication date:July 31st 202

TiO2 Based Solar Cell with Jacaranda Mimosifolia, Beta Vulgaris, and Carissa Ovata Sensitizers

Cheap dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using TiO2 nanoparticles and Natural dyes from Jacaranda Mimosifolia, Beta vulgaris, and Carissa ovata. Natural dyes are environmentally and economically better than ruthenium-based dyes because they are nontoxic and cheap. In this paper Jacaranda Mimosifolia and Carissa ovate sanitizers were reported for the first time, and the photoelectrochemical properties of these sensitizers were analyzed. Based on TiO2 nanoparticles, and quasi solid state electrolyte, Carissa ovate and Jacaranda Mimosifolia sensitizers extracted using H2O shows better rectification with Fillfactor (FF)=66%, and 69% and with efficiency of 0.22% and 0.20% respectively were obtained, under Air Mass (AM) 1.5 irradiation. The incident photon to current conversion efficiencies (IPCE) were measured and found that all sensitizer’s shows good conversion of photons to current in the visible region. Keywords: Dye-sensitized solar cell,  Nanoparticles, , photovoltaic, sensitize

The Effect of Forest Governance on Forest Management: A Case of Choke Mountain Watersheds, Amhara National State, Ethiopia

In Ethiopian highlands, Choke Mountain watersheds is endowed with a number of natural resources such as fresh water, fertile soils, wildlife and a large number of natural vegetation species and it is located at the center of Blue Nile Highlands. It has considerable ecological and socioeconomic significance at the local, regional, and national levels. However, land degradation has impaired the capacity of the land to contribute to food security. This study therefore, assesses the Performance of forest governance on forest management. The necessary data were generated both from primary and secondary sources. This study revealed that growth in population without increases opportunities to acquire off-farm income tends to place increased pressure on forest and communal grazing land, weak forest governance, greater increment of agricultural and bare land at the expense of decreasing forest and afro-alpine vegetations, limited institutional capacity and limited law enforcement to protect encroachment of forest and communal grazing land clearly indicates the prevailing danger of land degradation in the area. Keywords: choke mountains, forest governance, forest management, forest degradation

Assessment the Production Constraints of Phyllody and Fusarium Wilt Diseases in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes in Western Zone of Tigray

The study was conducted during 2016 main season with the objectives of (i) to identify fusarium and phyllody resistant sesame genotypes in the area, (2) to study the prevalence, incidence and severity of phyllody and fusarium wilt among genotypes in the study area .From each variety 10 random sample plants were taken in each study areas and assessed for phyllody and fusarium wilt. Data showed that phyllody and fusarium appeared at different growth stages: seedling, flowering and capsule formation. Phyllody diseases Incidence and severity was higher at capsule formation this is due to many transmitting agents available during flower initiation and capsule formation. The study indicated that phyllody diseases were 100 percent prevalence, 5%-100%, severity and 0% -30% incidences. HuRC-3 and HuRC-4 were resistant genotypes whereas Setit -1, Hirhir, Humera-1, Land race gumero were highly susceptible (HS). Three varities HuRC-1, Setit-2 and WARC-95 showed moderate susceptible (MS).  Fusarium wilt was distributed the study areas 100% prevalence and mean % incidence ranged from 5% (Rawuyan) to 25% (Humera) and percent severity was ranged from 5% (Rawuyan) to 12.5% (Maykadra). Maykadra (12.5%) and Adebay (10%) phyllody severity recorded high severity percent followed by Rawuyan (5%) and Humera (5%). Fusarium wilt severity was recorded from 5%-100% among genotypes and 100% prevalence and mean % incidence ranged from 10% (Humera) to 25% (Maykadra). The percent disease severity was ranged from 20% (Humera) to 50% (Maykadra). Fusarium wilt was high incidence and severity in Maykadra followed by Rawuyan and Humera. HuRC-1, Setit -1, Hirhir, HuRC-3, and HuRC-4 were among the resistant (R) sesame whereas land race Gumero moderate susceptible. HuRC-4, WARC-95, Set-t-2, Hirhir, Humera-1, HuRC-4, HuRC-3 were resistant (R) and Setit-1, HuRC-1 moderate resistant (MR) whereas land race gumero identified as moderate susceptible (MS) to fusarium wilt. Keywords: prevalence,, incidence, severity, resistance, susceptibl

MHD Partial Slip Flow and Heat Transfer of Nanofluids through a Porous Medium Over a Stretching Sheet with Convective Boundary Condition

This paper investigates the boundary layer analysis for magnetohydrodynamic partial slip flow and heat transfer of nanofluids through porous media over a stretching sheet with convective boundary condition. Four types of nanoparticles, namely copper, alumina, copper oxide and titanium oxide in the ethylene glycol (50%, i.e., Pr = 29.86) and water (i.e., Pr = 6.58) based fluids are studied. The governing highly nonlinear and coupled partial differential equations are solved numerically using fourth order Runge-Kutta method with shooting techniques. The velocity and temperature profiles are obtained and utilized to compute the skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number for different values of the governing parameters viz. nanoparticle volume fraction parameter, magnetic field parameter, porosity parameter, velocity slip parameter and convective parameter. It is found that the velocity distribution of the nanofluids is a decreasing function of the magnetic parameter, porosity parameter, and velocity slip parameter. However, temperature of the nanofluids is an increasing function of magnetic field parameter, nanoparticle volume fraction parameter, porosity parameter, velocity slip parameter and convective parameter. The flow and heat transfer characteristics of the four nanofluids are compared. Moreover, comparison of the numerical results is made with previously published works for special cases and an excellent agreement is found.  Keywords: Magnetohydrodynamics, Partial Slip, Porous medium, Convective boundary, Nanofluid

Statistical models to study the BMI of under five children in Ethopia.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Maternal and child malnutrition has long and short-term consequences on the health status of the people and on the country’s economy. It is among the major public health problems in Ethiopia. Worldwide, maternal and child malnutrition is an underlying cause for more than 3.5 million deaths each year. About 35% of the global disease burden is in under five children. Such a heavy burden requires an understanding of the nutritional status of the people, especially children under the age of five years and associated factors. Therefore, this study attempted to use possible statistical methods to estimate the effects of the risks related to the nutritional status of children. It also tried to identify the socio-economic and demographic factors that are associated with the BMI of under five children in Ethiopia. The study employed the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. A nationally representative sample of children under the age of five years was used to get information on weight and height measures of under five children. The BMI of children under five years of age was used as a response variable to fit weighted quantile regression. The covariates, age of a child, sex and other relevant socio-economic and demographic factors were used in the study. Following the quantile regression, the generalized linear models such as logistic regression model was applied after categorizing the response variable, BMI of under five children, into two categories namely normal and malnourished. Following binary logistic regression, an attempt to fit ordinal logistic regression was made. That means nutritional status was considered as ordinal outcome with four categories namely underweight, normal, overweight and obese. The findings and comparison of estimates using these different statistical methods with and without complex survey design were presented. The results revealed that methods that take into account the complex nature of the design, perform better than those that do not take this into account. It has also been found that age of a child, weight of child at birth, mother’s BMI, educational attainment of mother, region and wealth index were significantly associated with under five children’s nutritional status. Furthermore, the results are discussed and then a conclusion is made in the context of policy implication for Ethiopia.Refer to page i for two articles that were published from this thesis

Preliminary Report: Conservation Concerns for the Lalibela Rock Hewn Churches

This report details preliminary findings on the damaging nature of conservation work being conducted on the rock hewn churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia. The report examines two works, namely the EU funded shelters over five churches and the American Embassy funded conservation works on the Gabriel-Rafael church

Rainfall and Temperature Trend Analysis at Indibir Station, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia where crop production overly depends on rainfall and temperature, studying the trend of these climate variables at a local scale is essential to devise proper strategies that enhance adaptive capacity. In light of this, a study was conducted in Indibir station, Gurage Zone to analyze rainfall and temperature trend. Data on climate variables (1986-2015) were obtained from National Meteorological Agency of Ethiopia. Mann-Kendall test was used for the analysis of trend in rainfall and temperature from 1986 to 2015 time period and carried out by XLStata softwares. The analyzed data indicated the respective annual and kiremt rainfall amounts were found to increase by a factor of 4.5 and 6.15 mm/year. However, the seasonal belg rainfall amount decreased by -2.23 mm/year and it was not statistically significant for the study period of 1986 to 2015. Respective annual and belg maximum temperature showed an increasing trend by a factor of 0.03 and 0.06 OC/year, but a decreasing trend was observed in kiremt maximum temperature by -0.13 OC/year. Minimum temperature revealed a decreasing trend at annual, belg and kiremt seasons by a factor of -0.2, -0.16 and -0.1 OC/year, respectively. Development planners of the area should design strategies and plans by taking into account a declining belg rainfall and increasing temperature impacts on livelihood of local communities

Assessment of the Prevalence of Good Governance In The Public Sector: the Case of Public Institutions in Debre Birhan Town

Having seen its desperate importance and the great efforts of the government in achieving good governance, this study stands to assess governance in public institutions making its topic ‘an assessment of the prevalence of good governance in public institutions.’ The main objective of the study is assessing how far good governance is prevalent in public sector institutions and the research was conducted on 11 public institutions purposefully selected in Debre Birhan town. The study employed qualitative research methodology and data was collected through questionnaire method and the data obtained both from public institution employees and service users together with the information obtained through interview from selected officials. The descriptive analysis made revealed that institutions are on the way striving to achieve governance practically in their institutions. Based on the analysis conducted using five core elements of good governance namely accountability, transparency, equity and equality, effectiveness and efficiency and participation different achievements and failures were observed. Frameworks and mechanisms for good governance implementation are found ready. The necessity of engaging the society in full scale participation, the need for trainings, workshop, seminars, on good governance, increasing implementing capacity of the institutions, the necessity of using different mass medias including the regional mass medias for good governance issues , struggling against corruptions are recommended for the failures in public institutions in their run forward to achieve good governance