Search

What is already known about this subjectRates of childhood obesity have increased since the mid-1970s. Research into behavioural determinants has focused on physical inactivity and unhealthy diets. Cross-sectional studies indicate an association between psychological stress experienced by parents and obesity in pre-adolescents.What this study addsWe provide evidence of a prospective association between parental psychological stress and increased weight gain in pre-adolescents. Family-level support for those experiencing chronic stress might help promote healthy diet and exercise behaviours in children.ObjectiveWe examined the impact of parental psychological stress on body mass index (BMI) in pre-adolescent children over 4 years of follow-up.MethodsWe included 4078 children aged 5-10 years (90% were between 5.5 and 7.5 years) at study entry (2002-2003) in the Children's Health Study, a prospective cohort study in southern California. A multi-level linear model simultaneously examined the effect of parental stress at study entry on the attained BMI at age 10 and the slope of change across annual measures of BMI during follow-up, controlled for the child's age and sex. BMI was calculated based on objective measurements of height and weight by trained technicians following a standardized procedure.ResultsA two standard deviation increase in parental stress at study entry was associated with an increase in predicted BMI attained by age 10 of 0.287 kg m(-2) (95% confidence interval 0.016-0.558; a 2% increase at this age for a participant of average attained BMI). The same increase in parental stress was also associated with an increased trajectory of weight gain over follow-up, with the slope of change in BMI increased by 0.054 kg m(-2) (95% confidence interval 0.007-0.100; a 7% increase in the slope of change for a participant of average BMI trajectory).ConclusionsWe prospectively demonstrated a small effect of parental stress on BMI at age 10 and weight gain earlier in life than reported previously. Interventions to address the burden of childhood obesity should address the role of parental stress in children.

What is already known about this subjectRates of childhood obesity have increased since the mid-1970s. Research into behavioural determinants has focused on physical inactivity and unhealthy diets. Cross-sectional studies indicate an association between psychological stress experienced by parents and obesity in pre-adolescents.What this study addsWe provide evidence of a prospective association between parental psychological stress and increased weight gain in pre-adolescents. Family-level support for those experiencing chronic stress might help promote healthy diet and exercise behaviours in children.ObjectiveWe examined the impact of parental psychological stress on body mass index (BMI) in pre-adolescent children over 4 years of follow-up.MethodsWe included 4078 children aged 5-10 years (90% were between 5.5 and 7.5 years) at study entry (2002-2003) in the Children's Health Study, a prospective cohort study in southern California. A multi-level linear model simultaneously examined the effect of parental stress at study entry on the attained BMI at age 10 and the slope of change across annual measures of BMI during follow-up, controlled for the child's age and sex. BMI was calculated based on objective measurements of height and weight by trained technicians following a standardized procedure.ResultsA two standard deviation increase in parental stress at study entry was associated with an increase in predicted BMI attained by age 10 of 0.287 kg m(-2) (95% confidence interval 0.016-0.558; a 2% increase at this age for a participant of average attained BMI). The same increase in parental stress was also associated with an increased trajectory of weight gain over follow-up, with the slope of change in BMI increased by 0.054 kg m(-2) (95% confidence interval 0.007-0.100; a 7% increase in the slope of change for a participant of average BMI trajectory).ConclusionsWe prospectively demonstrated a small effect of parental stress on BMI at age 10 and weight gain earlier in life than reported previously. Interventions to address the burden of childhood obesity should address the role of parental stress in children.

Plantations of fast-growing tree species are important in climate change mitigation efforts because of their enormous potential for carbon storage and the potential affected mainly by tree species type and composition, which influence particular carbon pools in the system. This study estimates biomass and soil organic carbon (SOC) under selected fast-growing tree species in Ethiopia's Diksis district, Oromia region. Major parameters, height (H) and diameter at breast height (DBH), were measured in permanently sampled plots (9mx9m) with three replications to evaluate the biomass carbon stock of selected species. Soil samples (0–15 and 15-30 cm) were also collected to determine soil organic carbon (SOC) and bulk density. Above and below-ground biomass (AGB) and (BGB) were calculated using the site and species-specific allometric equations, and SOC was analysed using appropriate procedures in the laboratory. The results showed that the highest total biomass carbon stock was recorded for Eucalyptus globulus (5.7Mg C ha-1), and the lowest was recorded for Eucalyptus grandis (1.2 Mg C ha-1). Amongst the studied tree species, the highest and lowest mean total soil organic carbon (SOC) was recorded for Eucalyptus saligna (60 Mg C ha-1) and Eucalyptus viminalis (35.4 Mg C ha-1), respectively. The study also revealed that plantation sites could enhance carbon stock accumulation in biomass and soil organic carbon. Hence, considering that incorporating fast-growing tree species in plantations is helpful in climate change mitigation strategies is a preeminent approach beyond their economic values.

Bamboo, a fast-growing giant grass, typically begins yielding within three to four years of planting. Despite Ethiopia's abundant bamboo resources, many suitable dryland areas remain uncultivated, particularly in the eastern lowlands. This study, conducted from 2011 to 2014 at the Dire Dawa plantation site, evaluated the adaptation and growth performance of lowland bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica) and identifies effective management practices for this region. A total of 162 bamboo seedlings were cultivated using three soil mix types: Treatment 1 (T1) with a 3:2:1 ratio of local soil, animal manure, and sand; Treatment 2 (T2) with a 3:2 ratio of local soil and animal manure (without sand); and Treatment 3 (T3) with a 6:2 ratio of local soil and animal manure (without sand). After four months in the nursery, seedlings were selected based on growth performance and transplanted with (W1) and without mulch (WO). The experiment followed a factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data collected at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were analyzed using SPSS software. There were no significant differences in survival and adaptability across soil mix types and mulching treatments, although variations in growth were observed. T2 demonstrated superior performance in shoot emergence, culm height and root collar diameter, while T3 exhibited the lowest growth. Based on these findings, the 3:2 soil mix is recommended for optimal bamboo growth in Dire Dawa and similar agro-ecologies, with consistent watering during the first three months post-plantation to ensure successful establishment.

Abstract Highland bamboo has been traditionally used in building construction, wall partitioning, ceiling, doors, windows, and roofs and has contributed in people’s livelihoods. This paper focuses on pinpointing bamboo value chain, its opportunities, and challenges. Site selection and observation, review of existing knowledge, key informant interview and market assessment in the value chain, stakeholders’ consultation workshop, processors workspace visit, and group discussion were performed. We found that highland bamboo is a raw material, semi-processed and processed product and sold at different locations passing through different routes based on the request and demand of the customers in the value chain. We identified different bamboo landraces in the studied areas. However, there are knowledge gaps by processors on the use of the different races for different purposes. Traders buy bamboo culms based on their sizes by giving different grades. The price of the product varied from product to product depending on the quality of bamboo raw material/culm used and the time (man-days) required to make the finished product. Local processors’ capacity to produce well-finished products is affected due to lack of important machineries and tools. Therefore, introducing and promoting modern processing tools and machines through credit support systems are crucial to make processors more competitive in the value chain. Moreover, the study identified major challenges faced by bamboo growers, culm traders, and processors that have effects on bamboo value chain development. Therefore, it is important to work towards alleviating/minimizing the major challenges in the bamboo value chain considering all actors to strive towards improving the value chain.

Bamboos are naturally fast-growing species in tropical and non-tropical regions, with some species growing more than 1 m per day. Oxytenanthera abyssinica is an important bamboo species that could help meet current and future needs worldwide. This study was designed to assess the effects of harvesting techniques and intensities on sustainable utilization of O. abyssinica. Clumps that had a similar number culms were used to conduct the experiment. A factorial experiment with two harvesting techniques (X-shape and Horse-shoe shape) and five levels of harvesting intensities (25, 50, 75, 100 and 0 % harvesting of mature culms) was conducted for five successive years in the dry season. Sprouted and dead shoots, recruited culms, and mean culm diameter at breast height were recorded. Data were analysed using two-way-ANOVA. Culm/shoot sprouting had significantly different values with harvesting techniques; the X-shape harvesting technique produced a higher number culms than horse-shoe harvesting technique. Interaction effects between harvesting techniques and harvesting intensities on shoot sprouting, culm recruitment and shoot abortion were not observed. Both harvesting techniques and intensities had a significant effect on mean culm diameter; i.e., 25 % and 75 % of the mature culms harvested under the X-shape and horse-shoe harvesting techniques, respectively, produced thicker bamboo culms than the unharvested clump (control). Culm recruitment decreased in the second year, and then increased in the third year, subsequently showed a decreasing trend for all treatments. This may have been related to repeated culm harvesting. The population structure has also varied with harvesting technique and intensity. To utilize this species sustainably, the species may need a specific cutting cycle. This study suggests the need for further study through incorporating cutting cycles with different levels of harvesting intensity to develop a sustainable management method.

The Buoyancy-driven flow of two immiscible liquids having varying density and viscosity is studied in a three- dimensional inclined confined channel. Initially, the heavier/lighter liquids occupy the upper/lower parts of the channel, respectively, which is an unstable configuration. The numerical simulations are performed using a multiphase lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) that is further implemented on the graphics processing unit (GPU). The three-dimensional flow dynamics and the associated physics are studied based on various parameters such as viscosity ratios (m), Atwood numbers (At) and Reynolds numbers (Re). The results were presented in the form of iso-surface/contour plots, average density profiles, and lengths of interpenetration. It is observed that larger interpenetration occurs with iso-viscous liquids having higher density gradients (higher At). The Reynolds number had a non-monotonic effect on the axial lengths of interpenetration (Lp*); Lp* increases till Re = 500 and then decreases for Re = 1000. At larger Re, due to the development of Kelvin- Helmholtz instabilities higher transverse interpenetration is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highland bamboo (Oldeania alpina) (K. Schum.) Stapleton (syn: Yushania alpina), is a naturally distributed and cultivated species in the south, south-west, central and north-western highlands of Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess and describe bamboo landraces in Ethiopia based on their dendrometric and morphological traits, and also to understand their potential uses in a local context and identify and recommend potential landraces for wider industrial application. It was carried out in potential highland bamboo growing areas of four regional states of Ethiopia, viz., Amhara, Oromia, Sidama, and Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Regions. An extensive field survey was conducted using “transect walk for direct observation” across bamboo stands to collect technical information on identifiable characteristics for ethno-taxonomy, potential household uses, and workability of the culms of the different highland bamboo landraces. The study revealed about 24 landraces with some distinct morphological differences and traditional uses. A cladistic method also exposed some hierarchical dissimilarity among clusters of highland bamboo landraces. In the principal component analysis, nodal area contributed the highest variability among the landraces. The study also found the existence of differences in the preference and utilization of different highland bamboo landraces for various products and purposes based on the properties of the landraces. Based on the preferences of knowledgeable local bamboo processors and quality features observed on the landraces in each of the specific sites, we conclude that landraces such as Lala, Lodo, Tsarzo, Hinkonokita, Sella, Midasho, Ganticha, Shimiti, Demamo, Tikuro and Agade be widely promoted in new areas in the highlands. This would enable wood-based industries to produce quality end products while maintaining the diversity of landraces in the landscape.

This article investigates irony as a literary stylistic device in the book and analyses the effect of irony on the likely complex metaphor texts read in the perspective of the Tigrigna Proto- Semitic language (see Appendix A). In the introduction, the state of scholarship on literary and rhetorical devices and theories of irony and metaphor have been reviewed. In the two following sections, irony is distinguished as a literary stylistic device in the book; and engaging the language and culture of Eritrea, selected ironic metaphors (4:1-3; 5:1-3; 5:18-20; 7:7-8; 8:1-3) are analysed and interpreted for the possible meanings in the integrated Tigrigna language and culture (TGN) versions. In Eritrea, in Tigrigna ethnic, figures of speech--irony and metaphor are part of their culture and we have chosen to read Amos through Eritrean eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highland bamboo (Oldeania alpina) is fast growing perennial plant that occurs as small holder plantation and naturally in the highlands of Ethiopia with a wide range of values and uses. This study assessed environmental conditions where the species grows, and related the sites-suitability information to other potential regions in Ethiopia. Field survey was conducted to Oldeania alpina growing areas in Ethiopia. Data were collected on dendrometric and environmental variables from field plots of 400 m2 of bamboo stands in three replications in each of the study districts in the regions. Consultations were also held with key informants, women, youth and elder focus group discussants on the common uses and production constraints of the species. The study identified wider uses of the species from being raw material for household utensils, furniture, fencing to building local houses in Ethiopia. Observations indicate that Oldeania alpina grows in the south, south-western, central and north-western highlands of Ethiopia at altitudes ranging from 2200 to 4000 m.a.s.l. It grows rapidly, where after planting from offset, starts to yield useable culm within three to four years. The species growing sites characteristics in the present study indicated that it’s well performing in the altitudinal range between 2387 and 2979 m.a.s.l. We recommend promoting highland bamboo in Ethiopia for better culm yield on sites with elevation from 2300 up to 3500 m.a.s.l with mean annual rainfall >1200 mm, temperature varying from min. 6 °C to max. 30 °C and slope from 0 to 60% to attain optimum growth across the country.

Abstract Background In Ethiopia, about 92.3% of all the fuelwood (firewood and/or charcoal) is consumed for cooking, heating and lighting purposes by domestic households and the demand is growing from 10 to 14%. However, there are little/no practical experiences or documented indigenous knowledge on how traditional people identify and select high fuelwood producing plant species with short rotation periods at Boset District. Therefore, the present study was aimed at: (1) selecting and documenting high fuelwood producing plant species at Boset District; (2) identifying major predictor variables that influence the prioritization and selection of species; and (3) develop a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) to predict the selection of species. Methods A total of 96 informants comprising 59 men and 37 women between the ages of 18 and 81 were sampled. Data were collected using structured interviews, guided field walk, discussions and field observations. Results Collected data indicated that 88.5% of the informants involved in firewood collection, while 90% practiced charcoal making. A total of 1533.60 Birr per household on average was earned annually from this activity. A total of 25 fuelwood producing plant species were identified and documented at Boset District. Of these, Acacia senegal, Acacia tortilis and Acacia robusta were the three best prioritized and selected indigenous high fuelwood producing species. Prosopis juliflora, Parthenium hysterophorus, Azadirachta indica, Calotropis procera, Cryptostegia grandiflora, Lantana camara and Senna occidentalis further grouped under introduced fuelwood species. Prediction of GLM assured sampled Kebeles and source of income generated from fuelwood species positively and significantly (p

It was noted that the overall stability of foam concrete mixtures made by single-stage technology depends significantly on the measure of distribution of the dispersed gas phase involved in the mixing. The effect of the gas phase structure on the foam concrete mixture was evaluated by the value of the current consumed by the concrete mixer. The results of the experimental studies have shown the relevance of the scientific justification of mass transfer phenomena, that occur during mixing of raw materials in an industrial turbulent mixer. It was found that the process of dispersion of large-sized gas inclusions formed in the foam concrete mixture in the initial period of high-speed mixing is characterized by achieving the maximum power consumption at the mixer shaft. Then there is a slight decrease in energy consumption, in which there is an additional distribution of the dispersed gas phase, sufficient to attain stability of the foam concrete mixture.