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This study investigated how Asian American parents’ cultural orientation related to domains of racial-ethnic socialization (RES) and child internalizing and externalizing problems. The sample included 159 Asian American parents (Mage= 40.97 years; range = 25-33 years). Findings revealed that parent acculturation and enculturation levels were significantly associated with the child’s internalizing and externalizing problems through RES. These findings suggest that parents who were more acculturated to mainstream American culture were less likely to send messages about avoiding racial/ethnic groups, which in turn was associated with less child internalizing problems. Conversely, parents more enculturated to their culture of origin were more likely to send messages that included avoidance of outgroups, which was then linked to the child’s externalizing problems. The study provides important implications for how parents’ cultural orientations are reflected in their RES messages to their children, and the impact of these messages on child emotional and behavioral outcomes.

A new compound, combrebisbibenzyl (1) as well as two sterols including stigmasterol (2) and 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside of β-sitosterol (3) and seven triterpenoids namely mollic acid (4), oleanolic acid (5), ursolic acid (6), arjunglucoside I (7), arjungenin (8), bellericagenin B (9) and combregenin (10) were isolated from the root of Combretum molle. Compounds 1, 7and 9,AcOEt and MeOH extracts exhibited moderate antioxidant activity with an IC50value of 179.32, 185.21, 195.11 197.41 and 170.21 μg/mL, respectively, for reactive oxygen species inhibition and, inhibition percent value of 57.23, 64.52, 53.55, 67.42 and 65.04, respectively, for DPPH free-radical scavenging. The E. MeOHpresented a moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureuswith DIZs value of 10.1 ± 0.2 from 800 μg/mL while the others tested strains were not sensitive. However, most of the tested bacteria, (S. aureus, Escherichia coliand Salmonella typhimurium) were moderately sensitive to E. AcOEtfrom 800 μg/mL with DIZs value of 8.2 ± 0.1. From the E. AcOEt, five of the isolated compounds were tested against four bacteria strains using the disc-dilusion method. The results showed that compound 1and 2exhibited very good antibacterial activity against all the tested bacteria at the concentration of 30 μg/mL with respective DIZ value of 22.2 and 25.4 for E. coli, 20.2 and 30.2 for S. typhimurium, 22.3 and 23.1 for S. aureusand, 22.1 and 24.1 for Streptococcus faecalis. This antibacterial activity significantly depends on the concentration.

Failure to thrive, brief resolved unexplained event, accidental ingestion, and drowning admissions commonly involve social work (SW) consultation. Care team biases likely influence SW consultation decisions. We examined whether SW consultations varied by patient race for these diagnoses.We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children <6 years of age admitted for failure to thrive, brief resolved unexplained event, accidental ingestion, and drowning between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2020 at a single, academic, standalone children’s hospital in an urban environment. The outcome was SW consultation; the predictor was patient race. We used multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for ethnicity, language, insurance, and diagnosis. We completed a supplemental chart review of a random sample of 10% of patients with SW consultation to determine the reasons that consultations were placed.We included 1199 unique patients; 64% identified as white, and 22% identified as Black. Black patients had 1.61 times higher adjusted odds of SW consultation compared with white patients (95% confidence interval 1.14–2.29). Publicly insured, compared with privately insured, patients had 6.10 times higher adjusted odds of SW consultation (95% confidence interval 4.28–8.80). Upon supplemental chart review, Black patients had SW consultations that focused more often on abuse, neglect, and safety; this was also found for publicly insured patients. There was parity in consultation for resource needs across groups.Black children were more likely than white children to receive SW consultation during hospitalization, as were publicly insured children compared with their privately insured peers; in supplemental review, this was not due to differences in consultations for resource needs. The standardization of SW consultation may promote equitable care.

Production of lactic acid from lignocellulosic biomass is becoming more popular as a way to solve the problem associated with first-generation biomass. In the present study, the optimum fermentation parameters for maximum lactic acid production from khat waste biomass by using immobilized Lactobacillus plantarumwere investigated. The effect of immobilizing the cell on the yield of lactic acid has been investigated, and the yield obtained from immobilized Lactobacillus plantarumcell is 32.78% higher than the free cells. The effects of three process parameters (incubation temperature, pH, and incubation time) on lactic acid yield were investigated. The optimization of lactic acid yield and fermentation parameters was done via response surface methodology with a central composite design. Based on the analysis, the optimum fermentation parameters were found to be incubation temperature of 42.3 °C, incubation time of 40.0 h, and pH of 6.18. Under these conditions, the maximum lactic acid yield obtained was 23.05 g/L. The experimental yield of lactic acid (22.98 ± 0.10 g/L) is in smooth agreement with the predicted one (23.05 g/L), indicating the fitness of the quadratic model used. Generally, the findings of the study suggest that utilization of khat waste as a potential carbohydrate source and immobilization of Lactobacillus plantarumcells for lactic acid production is worthful.

This study aims to identify factors affecting local adaptation strategies smallholder farmers are practising to adapt multiple stresses. Primary data were collected from 400 randomly sampled households from six districts of Wolaita zone by face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Survey data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A binary logit model was employed to identify factors affecting smallholder farmers’ local adaptation strategies. A total of 15 explanatory variables, identified from relevant empirical literature, was included in the binary logit model to assess their relationship to the dependent variable – households’ decision to employ various local adaptations. The study found that eight of the explanatory variables such as age, farmland size, livestock owned, income, distance to market, extension agent visist, participation in the local organizations, and agro-ecology significantly influenced local adaption strategies. Additionally, qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews showed that the role and use of local adaptation have been ignored and marginalized. This study suggests the government should recognize the importance of local knowledge, multiple stakeholders should participate to enhance smallholders’ adaptabilities, interdisciplinary research is required, and communities should be supported to share their knowledge to build synergies between different knowledge systems.

ObjectivesPopulations who seek HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are disproportionately affected by hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV). We examined immunity/vaccination against these infections among participants in the Ontario PrEP cohort study (ON-PrEP).MethodsON-PrEP is a prospective cohort of HIV-negative PrEP users from 10 Ontario clinics. We descriptively analysed baseline immunity/vaccination against HAV (IgG reactive), HBV (hepatitis B surface antibody >10) and HPV (self-reported three-dose vaccination). We further performed multivariable logistic regression to identify characteristics associated with baseline immunity/vaccination. We used cumulative incidence functions to describe vaccine uptake among participants non-immune at baseline.ResultsOf 633 eligible participants, 59.1% were white, 85.8% were male and 79.6% were gay. We found baseline evidence of immunity/vaccination against HAV, HBV and HPV in 69.2%, 81.2% and 16.8% of PrEP-experienced participants and 58.9%, 70.3% and 10.4% of PrEP-nai¨ve participants, respectively. Characteristics associated with baseline HAV immunity were greater PrEP duration (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.41/year, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.84), frequent sexually transmitted and bloodborne infection (STBBI) testing (aOR 2.38, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.92) and HBV immunity (aOR 3.53, 95% CI 2.09 to 5.98). Characteristics associated with baseline HBV immunity were living in Toronto (aOR 3.54, 95% CI 1.87 to 6.70) or Ottawa (aOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.41 to 5.40), self-identifying as racialised (aOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.19 to 4.18), greater PrEP duration (aOR 1.39/year, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.90) and HAV immunity (aOR 3.75, 95% CI 2.19 to 6.41). Characteristics associated with baseline HPV vaccination were being aged ≤26 years (aOR 9.28, 95% CI 2.11 to 40.77), annual income between CAD$60 000 and CAD$119 000 (aOR 3.42, 95% CI 1.40 to 8.34), frequent STBBI testing (aOR 7.00, 95% CI 1.38 to 35.46) and HAV immunity (aOR 6.96, 95% CI 2.00 to 24.25). Among those non-immune at baseline, overall cumulative probability of immunity/vaccination was 0.70, 0.60 and 0.53 among PrEP-experienced participants and 0.93, 0.80 and 0.70 among PrEP-nai¨ve participants for HAV, HBV and HPV, respectively.ConclusionsBaseline immunity to HAV/HBV was common, and a sizeable proportion of non-immune participants were vaccinated during follow-up. However, HPV vaccination was uncommon. Continued efforts should be made to remove barriers to HPV vaccination such as cost, inclusion in clinical guidelines and provider recommendation.

Assessment of on-farm sorghum grain loss under farmers' traditional postharvest practices was conducted in East Hararghe Lowlands in Ethiopia to determine grain loss magnitudes at on-field operation stages. The study used split-plots design with three sorghum varieties and three harvesting times assigned to whole plots and sub-plots, respectively. Harvesting grain loss means were varied from 2.25% to 7.33% with harvesting time. The highest grain loss was recorded at threshing stage with significant differences among the varieties ranging from minimum of 4.40% for Makko to the maximum of 8.52% for Qaqqaba. The total on-farm loss increased from 15.44% for Makko to 18.89% for Malkam harvested at first and last time, respectively. Harvesting on 10 days after days to maturity indicated reduced total on-farm loss for all varieties. On-farm sorghum grain loss causes an estimate of $545.80 million loss to the country, annually.

The article emphasizes the importance of voting and personal advocacy during this significant election year, highlighting how every individual's vote contributes to shaping a better world. Topics include the significance of voting as a civic duty, the role of advocacy in international education, and the impact of participating in elections on global and local issues.

Background: The increased digitization in robotic surgical procedures today enables surgeons to quantify their movements through data captured directly from the robotic system. These calculations, called objective performance indicators (OPIs), offer unprecedented detail into surgical performance. In this study, we link case- and surgical step-specific OPIs to case complexity, surgical experience and console utilization, and post-operative clinical complications across 87 robotic cholecystectomy (RC) cases. Methods: Videos of RCs performed by a principal surgeon with and without fellows were segmented into eight surgical steps and linked to patients’ clinical data. Data for OPI calculations were extracted from an Intuitive Data Recorder and the da Vinci ® robotic system. RC cases were each assigned a Nassar and Parkland Grading score and categorized as standard or complex. OPIs were compared across complexity groups, console attributions, and post-surgical complication severities to determine objective relationships across variables. Results: Across cases, differences in camera control and head positioning metrics of the principal surgeon were observed when comparing standard and complex cases. Further, OPI differences across the principal surgeon and the fellow(s) were observed in standard cases and include differences in arm swapping, camera control, and clutching behaviors. Monopolar coagulation energy usage differences were also observed. Select surgical step duration differences were observed across complexities and console attributions, and additional surgical task analyses determine the adhesion removal and liver bed hemostasis steps to be the most impactful steps for case complexity and post-surgical complications, respectively. Conclusion: This is the first study to establish the association between OPIs, case complexities, and clinical complications in RC. We identified OPI differences in intra-operative behaviors and post-surgical complications dependent on surgeon expertise and case complexity, opening the door for more standardized assessments of teaching cases, surgical behaviors and case complexities.

Whilst mapping with UAVs has become an established tool for geodata acquisition in many domains, certain time-critical applications, such as crisis and disaster response, demand fast geodata processing pipelines rather than photogrammetric post-processing approaches. Based on our 3D-capable real-time mapping pipeline, this contribution presents not only an array of optimisations of the original implementation but also an extension towards understanding the image content with respect to land cover and object detection using machine learning. This paper (1) describes the pipeline in its entirety, (2) compares the performance of the semantic labelling and object detection models quantitatively and (3) showcases real-world experiments with qualitative evaluations.

Background: Our study aimed to understand the illness experience of women living in St Kitts and Nevis who have been affected by fibroids by utilising Leventhal’s commonsense model of illness.Methods: Upon receiving ethics approval, females aged between 18 and 55 who were currently a resident in St Kitts and Nevis and who had an experience with fibroids within the last 5 years were recruited to consent and complete 1-hour interviews during which they described the different ways in which fibroids affects them.Results: The interview guide incorporated the common-sense model; all interviews were 1:1 and a thematic analysis was conducted. The final sample consisted of 11 women, 10 from St Kitts and 1 from Nevis. Their ages ranged from 23 to 49, and the average age of participants was 39 years. Participants described their fibroids in generally negative terms and noted several physical, emotional, social and professional consequences as a result of their fibroid symptoms.Conclusions: Our study revealed the need for a clear strategy for managing patients with symptomatic fibroids—a strategy that includes regular monitoring of patients, good communication between doctor and patient and clear guidance on management for patients.

Uncontrolled degradation and collapse of stalled replication forks (RFs) are primary sources of genomic instability, yet the molecular mechanisms for protecting forks from degradation/collapse remain to be fully elaborated. Here, we show that polynucleotide kinase-phosphatase (PNKP) localizes at stalled forks and protects stalled forks from excessive degradation. The loss of PNKP results in nucleolytic degradation of nascent DNA at stalled RFs. This mechanism is different from the BRCA2-dependent fork protection pathway, which protects stalled forks from excessive MRE11-dependent nucleolytic degradation. Our research shows that hydroxyurea treatment leads to increased misincorporation of ribonucleotides in DNA, which in turn traps TOP1 on stalled RFs. We have also found that reducing the levels of TOP1 or TDP1 in cells can reverse the degradation of nascent DNA observed in PNKP-deficient cells. In summary, our data suggest that PNKP plays a role in maintaining the stability of stalled RFs.

The article reflects on the achievements and milestones of NAFSA: Association of International Educators in 2024, as shared by its executive director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Fanta Aw. Topics discussed include the organization's efforts in expanding learning and professional development, advocating for international education, and fostering community through conferences and partnerships.

Two-part alkali-activated materials are typically comprised of powders rich in aluminosilicates combined with solutions containing alkali silicates as activators, exhibiting properties akin to cement. However, the use of highly alkaline solutions poses health, safety, and environmental risks during field operations, making the one-part concept a better alternative for in-site applications. This paper aims to investigate the influence of precursor combinations on the development of one-part alkali-activated binders. To achieve this, silico manganese slag (SiMn) was partially replaced by various aluminosilicate precursor powders, including granite powder, crystalline silica flour (SF), amorphous micro silica (MS), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBBFS). A potassium silicate powder with a molar ratio of 3.9 was used as the alkaline activator in all mixes. Compressive strength test results indicated that the materials gained strength over time. The highest compressive strength among the binary combinations corresponds to 90 % SiMn and 10 % GGBFS yielding an average compressive strength of 47.8 MPa at 28 days. The presence of a high content of calcium and magnesium aluminosilicates from the slags enhanced the activation reaction, resulting in elevated compressive strength. However, the binary combination with MS provided the lowest strength, reaching about 20 MPa after 28 days. The samples substituting 50 % of SiMn with MS were not practical due to the high specific surface area of MS. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images also confirmed denser and well-bonded structures for the slag mixes which, are in accordance with the compressive strength results.

Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrixand Bighead Carp H. nobilis, collectively known as bigheaded carps (BHC), are invasive fishes in the Mississippi River and surrounding basins. Increasing evidence suggests harmful impacts of BHC on native fisheries (e.g., competition). Monitoring the abundance of BHC is difficult with traditional fisheries gears, and few studies have evaluated early life stage sampling. Identifying the spawning locations of BHC through early life stage sampling has the ability to enhance management efforts by applying focus to areas that have potential to serve as population sources. We evaluated the performance of three gears in sampling larval BHC and native taxa within large‐river tributaries in terms of abundance, community assemblage, and size structure. We sampled ichthyoplankton in tributaries with active (push net) and passive (drift net, light trap) gears from March through September 2016. Relative abundance of BHC was greatest in push nets followed by drift nets and was lowest in light traps. Native cyprinids and catostomids as well as BHC comprised a large portion of the total catch. Environmental and habitat characteristics (stream velocity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature) related to BHC reproduction influenced each gear’s ability to capture larval BHC, although relationships in final models were not significant. Taxonomic size selectivity existed among gears; in particular, larger BHC were collected in push nets relative to the other gears. Push nets were the most effective in sampling BHC, and remaining gears exhibited unique strengths. Although less effective than active push nets, drift nets proved useful for monitoring BHC in tributaries and may be advantageous in shallow systems with adequate flow. Light traps were ineffective at capturing BHC larvae in tributaries but may offer utility in lentic habitats or for native cyprinids. Our comparison serves as a guide for monitoring larval BHC in their invaded range and for detection in new areas, such as tributaries of the Great Lakes.

Fisheries managers are devoting considerable effort, time, and funding toward limiting the spread of invasive Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilisand Silver Carp H. molitrix(hereafter, “bigheaded carps”). A better understanding of factors that influence spatial patterns of bigheaded carp reproduction can help fisheries managers to prevent their spread. To examine factors that influence spatial patterns of reproduction, we sampled ichthyoplankton by using drift nets and push nets in three tributaries of the Illinois and Wabash rivers during March–September 2016–2018. We compared relative abundances of bigheaded carp eggs and larvae among tributaries by using CPUE. Abiotic data were analyzed from individual study tributaries and were pooled among tributaries with substantial versus minimal evidence of bigheaded carp reproduction. In total, 5,689 larval bigheaded carp were captured during three sampling seasons. Of the six study tributaries, we captured the most bigheaded carp larvae in the Sangamon River, followed by the Little Wabash, Embarras, Spoon, Mackinaw, and Vermilion rivers. Based on previous literature, we investigated differences in watershed area, discharge, water temperature, turbidity, and free‐flowing stretches of river in our study tributaries. In general, tributaries with greater relative abundances of bigheaded carp eggs and larvae had larger watersheds, greater discharge, lower Secchi depths (higher turbidity), and longer free‐flowing stretches than those with minimal evidence of reproduction. This study provides a thorough investigation of bigheaded carp reproduction in six large‐river tributaries and will help fisheries managers to better monitor and mediate the spread of these invaders by facilitating the prioritization of potential monitoring locations.

The level of e-participation in the Czech Republic is below EU average in a long term. In order to expand the research on this topic, we created an overview of the municipal mobile apps that are being used in the Czech Republic, analysed their functions, and performed a pilot evaluation. Overall, 84 mobile apps from Google Play Store and Apple Appstore were sorted into 15 types and divided into the two main groups according to their design: 1) universally designed products that municipalities can use for an appropriate monthly flat fee which depends/varies based on its selected functions; 2) custom designed products according to the requirements of the municipalities' management. We conducted a content analysis of the applications and identified their offered functions. Via a pilot evaluation we discovered that the universally designed apps scored significantly higher in four out of the five evaluated criteria than the custom designed apps.

Providers caring for patients with severe, therapy-resistant asthma have novel options for their treatment. Administration of additional inhaled corticosteroids at the time of increased symptoms, a strategy referred to as anti-inflammatory rescueor AIR, has been proved to be effective in reducing the frequency of exacerbations and improving asthma-related quality of life. Long-acting muscarinic antagonists can be used in combination with long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilators for additional bronchodilation. The care of the patient with severe asthma must also include a strategy to help avoid severe, life-threatening asthma attacks, with intense patient education and a recommended survival toolkit.

As many as 15% to 20% of patients with asthma have incompletely or poorly controlled asthma despite treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilators. They are vulnerable to burdensome symptoms, limitations to their exercise capacity, and asthma attacks that can be frightening and potentially life-threatening. This article outlines a systematic approach to their evaluation, attempting to identify remediable factors that are making their asthma more severe than most other persons with asthma. This approach includes an emphasis on ensuring the correct diagnosis, minimizing exposures to stimuli that worsen airway inflammation, alleviating modifiable comorbidities such as chronic rhinosinusitis and gastroesophageal reflux, and supporting regular medication adherence and effective technique for administering inhaled medications. A basic diagnostic laboratory work-up is recommended, to be modified and amplified according to individual patient needs.

The author offers outlook for international education and the U.S. higher education sector following the 2024 U.S. presidential elections. Topics discussed include the commitment of NAFSA: Association of International Educators to the purpose and policy goals of international education, the possibility of divisions within the society and communities depending on the outcome of the elections, and the challenges which may be faced by international educators in 2025.

The aim of this study is to identify likely pathogenic (LP) and pathogenic (P) genetic results for autism that can be returned to participants in SPARK (SPARKforAutism.org): a large recontactable cohort of people with autism in the United States. We also describe the process to return these clinically confirmed genetic findings.

The article focuses on the urgent need for higher education institutions to prioritize long-term student success to navigate the upcoming enrollment decline. Topics include the importance of shifting from a reliance on international students as financial resources to fostering a holistic student experience, the need for inclusivity in international enrollment strategies, and the necessity of strengthening institutional infrastructure to support diverse student populations.

Purpose:The concerted effect of national culture and risk-taking behaviour of individuals on decision-making has not been given much attention in the literature. This paper, thus, attempts to investigate how the two variables, separately and jointly, affect the decision-making of firms.

The high interface area in nanocrystalline materials leads to advanced structural and functional properties that are interesting for a variety of applications and products. Three distinct examples for potential applications are given: Nanocrystalline and submicron-sized light-weight intermetallics based on γ-TiAl exhibiting favourable deformation behaviour at reduced temperatures, nanocrystalline cermet coatings produced by thermal spray process exhibiting improved hardness and wear resistance, and nanocrystalline Mg hydride-based composites for hydrogen storage in future mobile applications exhibiting extremely high, reversible storage capacity and fast kinetics.

The sustained use of eHealth is influenced by the dynamic and nonlinear interactions of technological, social, organisational and economic factors. However, most eHealth implementation frameworks are modelled linearly without capturing the complex relationship among elements of the ecosystem to ensure technology acceptance. The model-based theory-building research approach followed in this study aimed at enhancing the understanding of techno-organisational factors' influence on the acceptance of eHealth technology. A qualitative research approach and system dynamics modelling are applied to develop a system dynamic model of techno-organisational factors of eHealth acceptance. The 'average workforce turnover' showed a stronger influence on the simulated 'acceptance rate' of both eHMIS and SmartCare systems in the techno-organisational dimension. Therefore, retaining skilled workforces in the healthcare organisation should be the focus in the techno-organisational dimension of sustainable eHealth implementation to increase the 'acceptance rate' of eHMIS and SmartCare in Ethiopia.

This study assessed quantitative and qualitative postharvest loss of tomato through the supply chain in Northwest Ethiopia using FAO load tracking method. The treatments comprised of four critical steps through the supply chain and three harvesting locations. Two-way ANOVA was used to estimate the combined contributions of harvesting location and supply chain and significant difference was tested at p < 0.05. In addition, the effect of refrigerated storage on the quality and shelf life of tomato was studied. The mean postharvest loss of tomatoes within five days of tracking along the unrefrigerated supply chain was 25.91 ± 1.04%. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in postharvest loss, weight loss, firmness, colour L* and a*/b* value of tomatoes through the supply chain among the three districts. Low temperature storage improved the quality and extended the shelf life of tomatoes by delaying their ripening time in terms of colour, firmness and weight loss.

Eligibility for lung cancer screening (LCS) requires assessment of lung cancer risk, based on smoking history alongside demographic and medical factors. Reliance on individual face-to-face eligibility assessment risks inefficiency and costliness. The SUMMIT Study introduced a telephone-based lung cancer risk assessment to guide invitation to face-to-face LCS eligibility assessment, which significantly increased the proportion of face-to-face attendees eligible for LCS. However, levels of agreement between phone screener and in-person responses were lower in younger individuals and minority ethnic groups. Telephone-based risk assessment is an efficient way to optimise selection for LCS appointments but requires further iteration to ensure an equitable approach.

The objective of this study is to apply HEC–HMS for hydrological modeling of the Gojeb watershed. The daily precipitation and stream flow, Land Use Land Cover (LU/LC), soil, and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) were the data used to achieve the objective. The sensitivity analysis of the watershed parameters showed that Curve Number (CN), initial abstraction ratio (λ), and lag time (tlag) were most sensitive, whereas wave travel time (K) and channel storage coefficient (x) were moderately sensitive. The sensitivity of these parameters signifies that LU/LC, soil types, topography, and channel geometry, which are the dominant runoff causative factors, are lumped by these parameters. Model calibration and validation were conducted from 2002 to 2008 and 2009 to 2014, respectively. The selected objective functions during the calibration and validation periods were PEP (Percentage Error in simulated Peak), PEV (Percentage Error in simulated Volume), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Percent bias (PBIAS), and Coefficient of Determination (R2). Their respective values during the calibration period were 16.44%, 10.3%, 0.81, 10.42m3/s, 11.64% and 0.87; and during the validation period, 3.92%, 22.95%, 0.551, 12.85 m3/s, 22.91% and 0.73. The result showed that HEC–HMS well simulated the daily runoff of the Gojeb watershed. The average monthly observed and simulated flow during the entire simulation period were 1,044.9m3/s and 841.4m3/s, respectively, whereas the annual average observed and simulated runoff values of the watershed were 12,538.8 m3/s and 10,096.8m3/s, respectively. Hydrological modeling of the Gojeb watershed helps to better understand the effect of watershed management practices on surface runoff. The HEC–HMS model can also be used for water scarce areas with limited data or for ungauged watersheds.

This study aimed to investigates the precipitation and temperature trends over ten districts of Jimma zone in the twenty-first century using observed and model simulation data sets. The precipitation and temperature trends are analyzed for the reference (1981–2010) and two future periods, namely, mid-century (2031–2060), and end-century (2071–2100) using Innovative Trend Analysis. For future period, we analyzed the ensemble mean of precipitation and temperature based on data from four high resolution models, namely, High-Resolution Hamburg Climate Model 5, Regional Atmospheric Climate Model (RACMO22T), Climate Limited-Area Modeling Community (CCLM4), and the Rossby Centre Regional Atmospheric Model (RCA4). Based on the analysis, the annual, summer and autumn rainfall trend during the reference period are − 4.079 mm/year, 2.147 mm/year, and − 1.639 mm/year, respectively. The winter rainfall reveals a negative trend (− 0.135 mm/year) during the reference period. However, the winter rainfall shows a positive trend (0.465 mm/year and 0.067 mm/year) towards the end-century period under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. On the contrary, the autumn rainfall showed consistent decreasing trend during the two future periods. The maximum increasing trend (1.376 mm/year) in annual rainfall was obtained during the mid-century period under RCP4.5 scenario, whereas the maximum annual decreasing rainfall trend was obtained during the mid-century period under RCP8.5 scenario (− 0.649 mm/year). The minimum temperature showed significant increasing trend throughout the study periods. However, the maximum temperature showed decreasing trend during annual and winter in the mid-century period under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. The highest increasing trend of the minimum temperature was during winter and autumn, while the highest increasing trend of the maximum temperature was during the summer and autumn seasons. The result further indicate that the minimum temperature increment was faster as compared to the maximum temperature. The study can be used as a first-hand information to develop efficient adaptation policies and mitigation measures that aids to combat the adverse impact of climate change.

The paper examines the impact of bank risk-taking behaviour and market power on efficiency within the East African community. Comprehensive types of risk-taking behaviour include credit risk, liquidity risk, capital risk and insolvency risk, while structural and non-structural measures of market power are employed. Unlike previous studies, bank efficiency is decomposed into technical, pure technical, scale, cost and revenue efficiency. Using a two-step system GMM on 149 banks with 1,805 observations over the period 2001-2018, the findings reveal that the effect of bank risk-taking behaviour varies depending on the type of efficiency and existing market structure. Market power is observed to precede all types of bank efficiency, thus supporting the concentration-efficiency hypothesis that banks with greater market power are more efficient. Overall, reduced bank risk-taking behaviour and greater market power leads to more bank efficiency. The results present potentially important policy recommendations for bank risks, market power and efficiency.

Purpose: The study measured quality financial inclusion, a more comprehensive measure of financial inclusion, and examined its determinants at a consumer level in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: This study leveraged on FinScope 2015 survey data to compute a quality financial inclusion index using polychoric principal component analysis. Subsequently, a heteroscedasticity consistent ordinary least squares regression model was employed to assess determinants of quality financial inclusion. Findings: The empirical findings indicated that gender, education, financial literacy, income, location and geographical proximity determine quality financial inclusion. These findings could inform policymakers and financial services providers on how quality financial inclusion can be promoted through tailoring financial products for various socio-demographic groups. Research limitations/implications: Due to data limitations, the study was confined to South Africa and did not capture digital financial inclusion. Hence, future studies could replicate the study in Sub-Saharan Africa's context and compute an index that captures digital financial inclusion. Practical implications: These findings could inform policymakers and financial services providers on how quality financial inclusion can be promoted through tailoring financial products for various socio-demographic groups. Originality/value: This study proposed a more comprehensive measure of quality financial inclusion from a demand-side perspective by accounting for important dimensions that include diversity, affordability, appropriateness and flexibility of financial products and services.