Showing papers by "Adama University published in 2012"

Anaemia and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Gilgel Gibe dam area, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract: Anaemia is known to be one of the outcomes of parasitic infection and it may result in impaired cognitive development, reduced physical work capacity and in severe cases increased risk of mortality, particularly during the prenatal period. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of anaemia among pregnant women in Gilgel-Gibe dam area, southwestern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional community based study was conducted on 388 pregnant women living in three districts around Gilgel Gibe Dam area, southwestern Ethiopia. Socio-demographic and socio-economic data were collected from each participant. A single stool sample was also collected from each selected pregnant woman. Haemoglobin concentration was determined by the cyanmethemoglobin method. Plasmodium infection prevalence and intensity were assessed with thin and thick blood film examination. Of the total 388 study participants, 209 (53.9%) were anaemic. Pregnant woman who were rural residents (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.62, 95% C.I: 1.02-2.62, P= 0.042), not using insecticide treated nets (ITNs) during the study period (AOR = 2.84, 95% C.I: 1.33-6.05, p = 0.007), those who were Plasmodium malaria infected (AOR = 11.19, 95% C.I: 3.31-37.7, p= 0.01) and those with Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections (AOR=1.82, 95% C.I: 1.16-2.87, p=0.001) had higher odds of being anaemic than those who were urban residents, using ITNs, free of Plasmodium malaria and Soil transmitted helminth infection, respectively. There was a significant correlation between increasing hookworm parasite load (r = −.110, P< 0.001), Ascaris lumbricoides (r = −.122, P < 0.001) and Trichuris trichiura(r = −.025, P < 0.001) and decreasing hematocrit values. The high prevalence of anaemia indicates it is currently a serious health problem of pregnant women living in Gilgel Gibe Dam area. Plasmodium malaria and soil transmitted helminth infections were significantly associated with anaemia. Antenatal care should promote de-worming and education on personal hygiene. Therefore, there is a need to design strategies that help to diagnose pregnant women for malaria and STH infections during their antenatal care (ANC) visit instead of testing for only haemoglobin (Hgb) levels and blood group.

Barbers' knowledge and practice about occupational biological hazards was low in Gondar town, North West Ethiopia.

Abstract: Several health hazards including communicable diseases and skin conditions are associated with Barbers’ profession to which their visitors are exposed. Thus, knowledge and practice of Barbers would play a vital part in prevention and control of these health hazards. So, the aim of this study is to assess knowledge and practice, and associated factors among barbers about biological hazards associated with their profession in Gondar town, North West Ethiopia. To assess knowledge and practice, and associated factors among barbers about biological hazards associated with their profession in Gondar town, North West Ethiopia, A work place based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 28 to April 6, 2012. The total numbers of Barbers in the town were 960 of which 400 Barbers were participated in the study. Sample size was determined using the formula for single population proportion by considering, 51% proportion, knowledgeable Barbers from Jimma, Ethiopia, 95% level of confidence, 5% margin of error and 15% none response rate. The numbers of barbers included in the study were selected by using systematic random sampling. Data was collected by face to face interview using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with knowledge and practice of barbers. Of 400 barbers, only 72 (18%) had good knowledge about biological hazards associated to their profession, While only 61 (15.3%) were practicing safely during barbering. Knowledge of the barbers was associated significantly with educational level, owner of the business, working hour and work experience, while practice was associated only with availability of UV sterilizers in the room and working hour. Barbers’ practice and knowledge to prevent biological hazards associated with their profession is very poor. Thus, giving training for the Barbers is required toward prevention of biological hazards associated to their profession.

Solar UV-assisted sample preparation of river water for ultra-trace determination of uranium by adsorptive stripping voltammetry

Abstract: The article describes how solar ultraviolet-A radiation can be used to digest samples as needed for voltammetric ultratrace determination of uranium(VI) in river water. We applied adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) using chloranilic acid as the complexing agent. Samples from the river Warnow in Rostock (Germany) were pretreated with either soft solar UV or wit artificial hard UV from a 30-W source emitting 254-nm light. Samples were irradiated for 12 h, and both methods yielded the same results. We were able to detect around 1 μg·L−1 of uranium(VI) in a sample of river water that also contained dissolved organic carbon at a higher mg·L−1 levels. No AdSV signal was obtained for U(VI) without any UV pre-treatment. Pseudo-polarographic experiments confirmed the dramatic effect of both digestion techniques the the AdSV response. The new method is recommended for use in mobile ultratrace voltammetry of heavy metals for most kinds of natural water samples including tap, spring, ground, sea, and river waters. The direct use of solar radiation for sample pre-treatment represents a sustainable technique for sample preparation that does not consume large quantities of chemicals or energy.

Canning Quality Evaluation of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties Grown in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Abstract: Selection of high canning quality common bean has a paramount importance in canning industryand canning quality is mostly evaluated by using combination of different parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the canning quality of common bean varieties together with physico-chemical properties, proximate composition, minerals, phytochemicals and bioavailability of micronutrients. Canning quality was evaluated by using three different canning mediums such as brine, brine with 10 mg kg-1CaCl2 and tomato sauce. In all three canning mediums, the common bean varieties showed significant differences in their canning quality traits. Percentage washed drained weight ranged between 55.05-62.66, 53.44-60.78, 51.34-56.77 for beans canned in brine, brine with 10 mg kg-1 CaCl2 and tomato sauce, respectively. The results revealed the optimum hydration coefficient value of 1.8 for all common bean varieties. Visual appearances, splits, degree of clumping, starchiness, flavor and taste and seed size were also determined through a visual rating procedure as canning quality traits. Awash Melka and Awash-1 bean varieties revealed a good canning quality and Argene bean variety also showed a promising canning quality. However, Chercher and Omer bean varieties were not good enough for canning purpose. Therefore, the information generated in this study could be used by government, agricultural research centers, bean exporters or other stakeholders to enhance production and export of high canning quality common bean varieties.

Impact of Cooperative Learning Approach on Senior Secondary School Students Performance in Mathematics

Abstract: This research work investigated the impact of cooperative learning approach on the performance of secondary school students in mathematics using some selected secondary schools. It employed one hundred and twenty students selected from the entire population of students offering mathematics at the senior secondary two (SS 2) levels of the selected schools. Quasi- experimental research design was used and the samples were grouped into groups A and B named experimental and control groups respectively. The experimental period was four weeks with a total number of sixteen hours of lesson delivery for each group. The experimental group was taught using the cooperative learning approach while the control group was taught using the conventional method. A Mathematics Test of Assimilation (MTAS) was administered to the groups and the result was analyzed using ttest. The analysis revealed that the experimental group has a mean score that is significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.05). It was also observed that sex difference or gender has no significant influence on the performance of students in mathematics when taught using or not using cooperative learning approach (p<0.05). The research generally revealed that the experimental group performed better than the control group. This implies that cooperative learning approach has significant effect on students‟ performance in secondary school mathematics. It is therefore recommended that teachers of mathematics should work together toward the improvement of students‟ performance in mathematics.

Active learning approaches in mathematics education at universities in Ethiopia: the discrepancies between policy and practice

Abstract: This article aims to examine the extent to which active learning approaches are implemented in mathematics classrooms in selected Ethiopian universities. Constructivist learning theories are used as conceptual framework. In a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, four universities in one state are purposefully selected. In the quantitative phase, 84 lecturers completed questionnaires. The qualitative approach included observation of 16 lessons, and interviews with eight lecturers and four department heads. The study found that, although the application of active learning is emphasised in Ethiopian policies, traditional lecture methods dominate most classrooms. Obstacles that practitioners experienced are identified and recommendations made. The significance of the study lies in the fact that it highlights discrepancies between policy and practice. Aktiewe leerbenaderings tot wiskunde-onderwys aan Ethiopiese universiteite : die diskrepansies tussen beleid en praktyk Hierdie artikel beoog om die mate waartoe aktiewe leer in wiskunde-lokale in geselekteerde Etiopiese universiteite geimplementeer word, na te vors. Konstruktiwistiese leerteoriee word as konseptuele raamwerk gebruik. In 'n gemengdemetode opeenvolgende verklarende ontwerp is vier universiteite in een streek doelgerig geselekteer. In die kwantitatiewe fase het 84 dosente vraelyste voltooi. Die kwalitatiewe fase het observasie van 16 lesse en onderhoude met agt dosente en vier departementshoofde ingesluit. Die studie het gevind dat alhoewel Etiopiese beleid aktiewe leer vereis, tradisionele lesings die meeste klaskamers oorheers. Probleme wat dosente beleef, word geidentifiseer en aanbevelings word gemaak. Die waarde van die studie le in die feit dat dit diskrepansies tussen beleidsmakers en die toepassers van die beleid blootle.

Optical and field emission properties in different nanostructures of ZnO

Abstract: ZnO nanostructures with different morphologies e.g. nanotetrapods, nanorods, nanocombs and nanoaeroplanes has been fabricated by evaporation of pure zinc powder without catalysts in the temperature range of 400~900 °C. The structures and properties of obtained products were examined using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction, room temperature photoluminescence and field emission. Photoluminescence spectra showed an ultravoilet-green emission and strong orange-red emission peaks at room temperature. The field emission studies of the as grown nanocombs revealed that threshold field, required to draw a current density of ~1.0 μA/cm2 is ~ 1.4 V/μm. An emission current density of ~9.05 μA/cm2 has been drawn from nanocombs at an applied electric field of ~ 1.92 V/μm. The field enhancement factor found to be ~8050, indicating that the electron emission from nanometric dimension of the emitter. Such, ZnO nanostructures are likely to be candidates as building blocks for constructing photonic and flat panel display.

On the derivation, convergence, consistence and stability of a new numerical integrator

Abstract: For any numerical integrator to be efficient, ingenious and computationally reliable, it is expected that it be convergent, consistent and stable. In this paper, we develop a new numerical integrator which is particularly well suited for solving initial value problems in ordinary differential equations. The algorithm developed is based on a local representation of the theoretical solution to the initial value problem by a nonlinear interpolating function (comprising of the combination of polynomial, exponential and cyclometric functions). We further test whether or not the integrator satisfies the conditions for convergence, consistence and stability. From the analysis presented, it is obvious that the new numerical integrator can provide accurate solution to the original differential equation.

Designing distributed agricultural information services for developing countries

Abstract: In developing countries, agriculture is the largest livelihood provider. Nevertheless, the vast majority of gains by farmers are unsatisfactory despite the efforts put into the agriculture cost inputs. At present smallholder farmers, farmers associations, consumers, intermediaries and supporting organizations (e.g., extension agencies) are often unable to engage effectively in agricultural markets since these markets are prone to inefficiencies. Small and subsistence farmers in particular tend to have unfavorable linkages to markets due to a lack of market orientation. They continue to rely on market information supplied and verified through traditional word-of-mouth approach. Many producers and smaller intermediaries also lack experience to effectively utilize such market information to improve their well-being.

On the use of goal-oriented methodology for designing agriculture services in developing countries

Abstract: Access to agricultural information services is vital to improve the livelihood of farmers in many directions specifically in the developing countries. There are several requirements for these services most of which stem from the nature and livelihood of involved stakeholders. Though various systems have been put to use so far, most failed to integrate these stakeholders in their requirement elicitation and design strategies. This paper uses a goal-oriented approach to provide an exhaustive view on the domain from specific design ideas to abstract requirements. The approach allows us to consider alternatives when developing novel services and to balance the impact that each design space can have on functional requirements of the system to-be. The analysis and design process took a bottom-up approach that starts from field study to the use of goal-oriented approach for the analysis and designing of requirements for the system to-be.

Development of quality assessment tool for geospatial data acquisition in surveying and geoinformatics

Abstract: Quality of geospatial data has become a major source of concern for users of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This is not unconnected with the proliferation of geospatial data that abound in the industry as a result of development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). GIS can be defined as a tool for integrating both spatial and non-spatial data from various sources for analysis and management. This tool, which has become a house-hold name in all facets of human endeavour, has little to offer in terms of determining quality of data acquired without the provisions of other external measures. In this study, a computer tool (software) was developed to determine the quality of geospatial data using horizontal coordinates of points from satellite image and large scale cadastral maps of a study area. The developed spatial data quality assessment tool is codenamed 'GeoQAss'. The procedure adopted involved the use of statistical models to determine the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between the satellite image coordinates against coordinates of the same points obtained from large scale cadastral maps. Test of hypothesis was carried out using Chi-Square statistic at 95% confidence level to ascertain conformity of the variance of the satellite data with the variance obtained for large scale maps. The analysis of the results proved the efficacy of the developed tool in assessing the quality of geospatial data to determine whether or not they (geospatial data) are useful for further applications in GIS environment.

Development and performance evaluation of a mechanized hand borehole drilling rig in submerged areas of Nigeria

Abstract: Significant of water for agricultural production, be it crop or animal production and even for domestic use cannot be over emphasized. A mechanized hand borehole drilling rig was developed with entire mechanism involve the vertical movement of the drilling bit. The main components of the machine are the power screw, power transmission unit (crown bevel gear), the drilling bit, turning handle and the frame. In operation, as the drilling bit rotate it penetrates the soil until the required depth is attained. A depth of 1m was chosen for the purpose of this study and if more drilling pipes are provided, a depth of 4-6m can be achieved. A performance test was carried out on the rig and an average depth of 1.8m was attained in 15 minutes for sandy soil, 1.7m in 20 minutes for sandy loam and for clay soil, an average depth of 1.2 m for 23 minutes was also achieved. The constructed drilling rig uses human power to operate and for this reason it can only be used for shallow borehole drilling, where the water table is close to the surface. A device of this nature can be manufactured in small workshop to aid water supply in small farms especially during dry season, mostly in the rural areas. Hence the outcome of the research will help further researches water availability and its predicaments.

Identification, effects and prevention of ergonomic hazards among construction technology students in nigeria

Abstract: Ergonomic hazards are silently reducing the effectiveness of thousands of workers in the construction industry. The need to nib the problem from the bud has become very necessary by focusing attention at the training stage of future workers of the construction industry. This is to expose hazards they may likely face. The paper identified some common ergonomic hazards such as ones that affect students when handling task manually, hazards that affect upper limbs and those that are caused as a result of vibration. Furthermore, the paper also exposed the effects of the hazards on workers and students. Solutions to the hazards were proffered. Finally recommendations were made; among which is the need to put in place an effective risk assessment plan in workshops and laboratories.