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Abstract During and after recent La Niña events, the decline of the eastern East African (EA) March‐April‐May (MAM) rains has set the stage for life‐threatening sequential October‐November‐December (OND) and MAM droughts. The MAM 2022 drought was the driest on record, preceded by three poor rainy seasons, and followed by widespread starvation. Connecting these dry seasons is an interaction between La Niña and climate change. This interaction provides important opportunities for long‐lead prediction and proactive disaster risk management, but needs exploration. Here, for the first time, we use observations, reanalyses, and climate change simulations to show that post‐1997 OND La Niña events are robust precursors of: (a) strong MAM “Western V sea surface temperature Gradients” in the Pacific, which (b) help produce large increases in moisture convergence and atmospheric heating near Indonesia, which in turn produce (c) regional shifts in moisture transports and vertical velocities, which (d) help explain the increased frequency of dry EA MAM rainy seasons. We also show that, at 20‐year time scales, increases in atmospheric heating in the Indo‐Pacific Warm Pool region are attributable to warming Western V SST, which is in turn largely attributable to climate change. As energy builds up in the oceans and atmosphere, during and after La Niña events, we see stronger heating and heat convergence over warm tropical waters near Indonesia. The result of this causal chain is that increased Warm Pool atmospheric heating and moisture convergence sets the stage for dangerous sequential droughts in EA. These factors link EA drying to a stronger Walker Circulation and explain the predictable risks associated with recent La Niña events.

Kusse Otayto, Wanzahun Godana, Tesfaye Feleke, Sultan Hussen, Mathewos Alemu School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Kusse Otayto, Email kusseotayto0916@gmail.com; kusse.otayto@amu.edu.etBackground: Milk tooth extraction (MTE) is one of the most common harmful traditional practices performed by traditional healers without anesthesia and unsterile materials. The acute and chronic complications of this practice greatly affect the health of children. In order to develop effective preventive measures towards this harmful practice, the extent of the problem and factors contributing to the practice should be verified. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of MTE among under five-years-old children in Alle special Woreda.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken at Alle Special Woreda among 363 women using a multi-stage stratified sampling method. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and data entry was done with Epi-data version 4.4.3.1, while data management and analysis were done with STATA version 14.0. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were used while model’s fitness was checked by Hosmer and Lemeshow test. Variables having a p-value of less than 0.05 were declared statistically significant in the final model.Result: Milk teeth extraction was practiced on 58.68% (95% CI:0.5,0.6) of children. Age of the child less than 12 months, AOR:1.27 (95% CI:1.02,1.6), maternal occupation (housewife) AOR:1.3 (95% CI:1.04,65), paternaleducational, level (illiterate) AOR:1.4 (95% CI:1.2,1.9), residence (rural) AOR:3.6 (95% CI:1.08,12.4), positive attitude AOR:1.65 (95% CI:1.01,2.8) and intentions AOR: 1.82 (95% CI:1.1,3.3) towards MTE practice showed statistically significant association with MTE practice.Conclusions and Recommendations: It was found that milk teeth extraction practice was the most common practice in the study area, with a prevalence of 58.68%. Age of the child, maternal occupation, paternal educational level, residence, having a positive attitude and intentions toward MTE practice all had a statistically significant (P value less than 0.05) association with MTE practice. Society’s barriers, such as knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related, health facility related, and peer and social pressure-related factors, were identified. All stakeholders should put great emphasis on the elimination of this harmful practice.Keywords: harmful traditions, milk teeth extraction, children under five years old

Hayelom Berhe,1 Wanzahun Godana,2 Negussie Boti Sidamo,2,3 Gebremaryam Temesgen Birgoda,4 Lielt Gebresillasie,5 Sultan Hussen,2 Selamawit Gebeyehu2 1Department of Nursing, Hossana College of Health Science, Hossana, Ethiopia; 2School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 3Department of Public Health, PHARMA College, Wolaita Sodo Campus, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia; 4Departments of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 5Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Gebremaryam Temesgen Birgoda; Negussie Boti Sidamo, Email degnesh31@gmail.com; Hanehalid@gmail.comBackground: HIV/AIDS remains one of the world’s serious public health challenges. Patients with limited support from their family and community often experience social damage, poor adherence, compliance and are prone to additional psychosocial problems. This study aimed to assess the level of perceived social support and factors among adults living with HIV/AIDS.Methods: Facility-based mixed study (sequential explanatory) design was conducted among 423 adults living with HIV/AIDS attending chronic care follow-up at public hospitals in Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia. Respondents were selected by systematic sampling technique. The bivariable and multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to determine associated factors. All assumptions applied to ordinal logistic regression including multicollinearity, proportional odds, model fitness and pseudo R2 were checked. Level of significance was declared at p-values < 0.05 and 95% CI.Results: Proportion of perceived social support of participants was 128 (30.7%), 197 (47.2%) and 92 (22.1%) with low, moderate and high levels of perceived social support, respectively. Females [(APOR = 2.42, 95% CI:(1.63– 3.58), P < 0.001)], no formal education [(AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: (0.30– 0.789), P = 0.004)], fair adherence [(APOR = 2.07, 95% CI: (1.17– 3.49), P = 0.006)], no comprehensive knowledge about HIV [(APOR = 0.40, 95% CI: (0.26– 0.62), P < 0.001)], and no disclosure status [(APOR = 0.64, 95% CI: (0.43– 0.95), P = 0.028] were significantly associated with perceived social support. Qualitative findings revealed that disclosure and adherences involving income generation activities are beneficial to perceived social support.Conclusion: This study showed that one from three of the participants had low perceived social support. Low perceived social support was associated with adherence, disclosure status of individual, educational status and knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Family, friends, health care providers and significant others should provide necessary support and inform people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) about social support.Keywords: perceived social support, HIV/AIDS, adults, adherence

Negussie Boti Sidamo,1 Sultan Hussen,1 Tamiru Shibiru,2 Meseret Girma,1 Mulugeta Shegaze,1 Abera Mersha,3 Teshale Fikadu,1 Zeleke Gebru,1 Eshetu Andarge,1 Mustefa Glagn,1 Selamawit Gebeyehu,1 Bilcha Oumer,4 Gebremaryam Temesgen5 1School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 2School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 3School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 4Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 5Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Negussie Boti SidamoSchool of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaEmail Hanehalid@gmail.comBackground: Since the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, different public health measures have been implemented to prevent and control the further spread of the disease. However, barriers that influence the effective implementation of public health measures were not explore in Ethiopia especially in study Area. Therefore, this study tried to fill this gap by exploring the barriers to effective implementation of public health measures for prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Gamo Zone of southern Ethiopia.Methods: The study employed a qualitative study with a phenomenology approach among purposely selected 30 individuals in the community and selected institutions. Key informant interview was used to collect the data. The data were transcribed verbatim and translated into the English language. The transcribed data were read several times to clearly understand the content for further analysis. The analysis of the data was conducted based on the modified Tanahashi framework.Results: The study identified different barriers under five main themes: accessibility, acceptability, availability, contact and use, and effective implementation of public health measures related to barriers. The main barriers to effective implementation of public health measures were resistance to change, negligence, lack of community engagement, insufficient training for front line workers, poor supportive supervision, poor law enforcement, and lack of continuous community awareness creation. Beside, acceptability related barriers like cultural and religious norms and availability related barriers like shortage of personal protective equipment and shortage of skilled health professional have also lion share barriers for implementation of the public health measures.Conclusion: The study identified different personal, institutional, and societal level barriers for effective implementation of public health measures for the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, proper and targeted continuous community awareness creation with further mandatory law enforcement activities should be implemented by the concerned bodies to mitigate individual and societal level barriers. In addition, the government with relevant stakeholders should give due attention to equip and protect the frontline professionals by availing the necessary logistic and provision of continuous capacity-building activities.Keywords: COVID-19, effective implementation, public health measures, modified Tanahashi model, barriers, Gamo zone

Tigist Mechal,1 Siraj Hussen,2 Moges Desta2 1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hawassa College of Health Sciences, Hawassa, South Nations and Nationalities Peoples Region, Ethiopia; 2School of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Moges DestaSchool of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, EthiopiaTel +251911744891Email moges22@gmail.comBackground: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common health problem occurring when infectious agents colonize, invade, and propagate the urinary tract including the urethra, bladder, renal pelvis, or renal parenchyma. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of symptomatic UTI, drug resistance pattern, and its associated factors among patients attending adult outpatient department (OPD) at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH).Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2018 to February 2019 among adults ≥ 18 years old with symptoms of UTI. Processing of specimens for culture and identification was done. Antimicrobial susceptibility was done for positive urine cultures. Data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS version 23.0 software. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis test results were used.Results: The overall prevalence of symptomatic urinary tract infection was 32.8% (95% CI: 28.3– 37.6). The predominant isolated bacteria was E. coli 46 (36.2%) followed by S. aureus 21 (16.5%). Gram-negative bacteria were a high level of resistance to ampicillin (71.4%), and tetracycline (68.2%). Gram-positive bacteria were highly resistant to norfloxacin (77.7%). The overall prevalence of multi-drug resistant isolates was 102 (80.3%). Being female, no formal education, and self-medication history had more likely cause UTI.Conclusion: Urinary tract infection (UTI) among adults was prevalent in the study area. Being female, educational status and self-medication history had a significant association with UTI. Resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, and norfloxacin was high. Therefore, culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing should be routinely used for the proper management of patients with UTI.Keywords: urinary tract infection, antimicrobial susceptibility, Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia

Negussie Boti,1 Sultan Hussen,1 Gistane Ayele,1 Abera Mersha,2 Selamawit Gebeyehu,1 Mekidm Kassa,1 Tesfaye Feleke,1 Gebremaryam Temesgen3 1School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 2School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 3Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Negussie Boti Tel +251-920-997-752Email Hanehalid@gmail.comBackground: Mental health disorders have identified as being one of the public health issues throughout the world. Recent evidence reveals that more than 21 million people diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, there is little information about community perception and attitude towards people with Schizophrenia in Ethiopia.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the community perception and attitude towards people with Schizophrenia among residents of Arba Minch Zuria Districts, Southern Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 617 randomly selected adults. Interviewer-administered standard tool was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics like frequency, mean, and median computed. A binary logistic regression model used to identify factors affecting community perception and attitude towards people with schizophrenia.Results: Of the study population, 469 (76%) of respondents had good perception and 390 (63.2%) had positive attitudes towards people with schizophrenia. The study participants identified talkativeness and self-neglect behaviors as the most common manifestations of schizophrenia. Besides, this study identified substance misuse and head injury as the perceived cause and spiritual or traditional methods as a preferred treatment for people with schizophrenia. Moreover, the study participants preferred spiritual or traditional methods for the treatment of schizophrenia. Young age [AOR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.40], females [AOR=2.32, 95% CI: 1.58, 3.41], good perception towards people with schizophrenia [AOR=4.95, 95% CI: 3.25, 7.54] and no formal educational status [AOR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.33, 5.70], and primary education [AOR=3.72, 95% CI: 1.87, 7.39] were significantly associated with the attitude towards people with schizophrenia.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that approximately one-third of the residents had unfavorable attitudes towards people with schizophrenia. Therefore, giving special attention to male, elders and those who were educated, and individuals who have poor perceptions of people with schizophrenia is crucial.Keywords: perception, attitude, schizophrenia, Arba Minch Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia

Seifu Wanaka,1 Sultan Hussen,2 Amsalu Alagaw,2 Kabtamu Tolosie,3 Negussie Boti2 1Gamo Zone Health Department, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 2Arba Minch University, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 3Arba Minch University, College of Natural Sciences, Department of Statistics, Arba Minch, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Negussie BotiDepartment of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaEmail Hanehalid@gmail.comBackground: Maternal health delays like delay in deciding to seek care, reaching a health facility, and receiving appropriate care were identified as the main contributing factors for maternal mortality and morbidity in many developing countries including Ethiopia. However, little is known about the magnitude and factors predisposing for maternal health delays in Ethiopia especially in a rural part of the country. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the magnitude of maternal delays for institutional delivery and associated factors among mothers attending post-natal service at public health facilities of the Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural districts of Gamo zone. Eleven public health centers in the two districts were selected randomly. The Systematic random sampling method was used to select study participants from each public health centers. A total of 394 postnatal mothers were selected every secondly and interviewed in a separate room. Face to face interview methods were used to collect the data. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the associated factors for the three delays.Results: The magnitude of first, second and third maternal delays were 46.80%, 44.00%, and 31.70%, respectively. Unemployed women [AOR: 2.20, 95% CI (1.15, 4.16)], birth preparedness [AOR: 2.70, 95% CI (1.29, 5.71)], husband’s decisions making [AOR: 6.00, 95% CI (2.87, 12.42)] were found to be significantly associated with first delay. Distance to health facility [AOR: 7.00, 95% CI (3.58, 13.71)], and means of transportation [AOR: 3.30, 95% CI (1.13, 9.54)] were found to be significantly associated with the second delay. Availability of obstetric drugs [AOR: 8.40, 95% CI (3.76, 18.76)], and availability of skilled health provider [AOR: 10.40, 95% CI (4.24, 25.69)] were found to be significantly associated with the third delay for institutional delivery.Conclusion: The magnitude of first, second and third maternal delays were high which indicates that most mothers were not receiving institutional delivery services at the recommended time. Maternal socio-economic, obstetric factors and health-care system factors affected the three delays in this study. Therefore, improving women empowerment and resource availability at health facilities is vital.Keywords: maternal delays, institutional delivery service utilization, Ethiopia

Bilcha Oumer,1 Negussie Boti,2 Sultan Hussen,2 Teklemariam Gultie1 1Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 2Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Negussie BotiDepartment of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaEmail hanehalid@gmail.comIntroduction: Access to antiretroviral drugs for all infected persons in need is a global health priority. The primary goals of initiating antiretroviral drugs are to suppress human immunodeficiency virus viral replication and to restore immune function. However, adequate nutrition is necessary to manage opportunistic infections and to maintain the immune system. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the recent prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among HIV patients receiving first-line antiretroviral therapy in public health facilities of Arba Minch town, Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia.Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was used among 333 adult patients receiving first-line antiretroviral therapy at public health facilities of Arba Minch town. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with undernutrition. A p-value

The Greater Horn of Africa is prone to extreme climatic conditions, thus, making climate services increasingly important in supporting decision-making processes across a range of climate sensitive sectors. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the recent advances, gaps and challenges in the provision of climate services over the region, for each of the components of the Global Framework for Climate Services. The study explores various milestones that have been achieved toward climate service delivery. The achievements include improvement of station network coverage, and enhancing the capacity of member states to utilize various tools in data analysis and generate routine climate products. The advancement in science, and availability of High-Performance Computing has made it possible for forecast information to be provided from nowcasting to seasonal timescales. Moreover, operationalizing of the objective forecasting method for monthly and seasonal forecasts has made it possible to translate tercile forecasts for applications models. Additionally, innovative approaches to user engagement through co-production, communication channels, user-friendly interfaces, and dissemination of climate information have also been developed. Despite the significant progress that has been made in the provision of climate services, there are still many challenges and gaps that need to be overcome in order to ensure that these services are effectively meeting the needs of users. The research of the science underpinning climate variability, capacity building and stakeholder engagement, as well as improved data management and quality control processes are some of the gaps that exist over the region. Additionally, communication and dissemination of climate information, including timely warnings and risk communication, require improvement to reach diverse user groups effectively. Addressing these challenges will require strengthened partnerships, increased investment in capacity building, enhanced collaboration between the climate information producers and stakeholders, and the development of user-friendly climate products. Bridging these gaps will foster greater resilience to climate-related hazards and disasters in the Greater Horn of Africa and support sustainable development in the region.

Poor agronomic practices, such as inadequate plant density, can result in suboptimal carrot (Daucus carota L.) yield and quality in some regions. In 2020, a field experiment was conducted under irrigation conditions in Gerado, South Wollo administrative zone, Ethiopia, using the Nantes variety as a test crop, to investigate the impact of inter-row and intra-row spacing on carrot yield. The treatments involved three inter-row (row) spacing levels (10, 15, and 20 cm) and three intra-row (plant) spacing levels (5, 10, and 15 cm) in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Row and plant spacing significantly affected (P

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in research interest in vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) due to advancements in wireless communication technology and the vehicle sector. Vehicles to vehicles (V2V) and vehicles to infrastructure comprise a vehicular network. The potential machine learning (ML) method can offer practical solutions for various application fields. Machine learning is a technique where a system uses data that has already been processed to learn from and improve itself automatically. Vehicular networks are a significant application domain where ML-based techniques are highly helpful in solving various issues. Vehicular nodes and infrastructure communicating wirelessly are susceptible to many kinds of assaults. Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) rely heavily on vehicle ad hoc networks (VANETs). These methods enable effective supervised and unsupervised learning of the acquired data, hence accomplishing the goal of VANETs. Because of identifying security concerns in-vehicle networks from source to destination, this evaluation attempts to apply it. We outlined the problems with traffic, safety, and communication in VANET systems, discussed whether or not they could be implemented, and investigated the potential solutions provided by machine learning techniques.

Abstract This commentary discusses new advances in the predictability of east African rains and highlights the potential for improved early warning systems (EWS), humanitarian relief efforts, and agricultural decision‐making. Following an unprecedented sequence of five droughts, 23 million east Africans faced starvation in 2022, requiring >$2 billion in aid. Here, we update climate attribution studies showing that these droughts resulted from an interaction of climate change and La Niña. Then we describe, for the first time, how attribution‐based insights can be combined with the latest dynamical models to predict droughts at 8‐month lead‐times. We then discuss behavioral and social barriers to forecast use, and review literature examining how EWS might (or might not) enhance agro‐pastoral advisories and humanitarian interventions. Finally, in reference to the new World Meteorological Organization “Early Warning for All” Executive Action Plan, we conclude with a set of recommendations supporting actionable and authoritative climate services. Trust, urgency, and accuracy can help overcome barriers created by limited funding, uncertain tradeoffs, and inertia. Understanding how climate change is producing predictable climate extremes now, investing in African‐led EWS, and building better links between EWS and agricultural development efforts can support long‐term adaptation, reducing chronic needs for billions of dollars in reactive assistance. In Africa and beyond, climate change brings increasingly extreme sea surface temperature (SST) gradients. Using climate models, we can often see these extremes coming. Prediction, therefore, offers opportunities for proactive risk management and improved advisory services, if we can create effective societal linkages via cross‐silo collaborations.

المقدّمة: يعتبر الداء السكري مرض العصر وله اختلاطات عديدة منها زيادة الأهبة للانتانات بشكل عام والانتانات البولية بشكل خاص لذا تناولنا في دراستنا موضوع دراسة العلاقة بين درجة ضبط السكر لدى مرضى الداء السكري نمط2 وتأثيره الملموس على منع تكرار الانتانات البولية. الطرق: شملت دراستنا 92مريض مصابين بالداء لسكري نمط 2 ولديهم انتان بولي مثبت بالفحص والزرع، كانوا مقبولين سواء بالقسم أو مراجعين لعيادة الغدد الصم اوالكلية. هذا وتمت متابعتهم من ناحية ضبط السكر بواسطة مشعرات الضبط المعروفة وإعادة تقييم الناحية الانتانية لديهم بواسطة فحص البول بعد 3 أشهر كما تم تقصي عن تواتر الانتان لديهم خلال السنة الماضية النتائج: قيم الخضاب السكري الأولية تراوحت بين 6.5% و12.9% وبقيمة وسطى (8.28 ± 1.43%) ومدة تشخيص الإصابة بالداء السكري تراوحت بين 3 أشهر و30 سنة وسطياً (13.3 ± 7.9 سنة) والعلاج الدوائي المتبع عند المرضى: الخافضات الفموية مستخدمة عند 58 مريض (63%) والانسولين عند 34 مريض (37%) موقع الانتان: علوي عند 49 مريضاً (53.3%) وسفلي عند 43 مريضاً (46.7%) وجدنا أنّ كلاً العمر المتقدم p

A significant proportion of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa are vulnerable to extreme climatic conditions, hence there is a high demand for climate information. In response to this need, the Global Challenges Research Fund African Science for Weather Information and Forecasting Techniques has been undertaking a two-year testbed to co-produce tailored forecasts for different sectors using the sub-seasonal to seasonal forecast datasets from the sub-seasonal to seasonal Real Time Pilot Initiative project. Sub-seasonal forecasts are essential for early warning and informed decision-making in the agriculture and food security sector. This study summarises the co-production process of climate services between the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre and the Food Security and Nutrition Working Group for Eastern and Central Africa, highlighting the importance of efficient communication as well as the lessons learnt and challenges faced in the co-production process. A case study approach is utilised to evaluate the model performance. Two contrasting case studies, one for an extreme rainfall event in week three in April and another for the evolution of tropical cyclone Gati were conducted for the year 2020. Skillful and timely climate information and services co-produced has the potential to increase the uptake, ownership, and appropriate use of sub-seasonal forecasts for resilience building in Eastern Africa.Practical Implication.In the past decades Eastern Africa has been plagued by numerous climate related disasters including flooding and drought. Eastern Africa has a relatively dry tropical climate with a high percentage of the region being arid or semi-arid. To properly plan for these events there is need for provision of weather and climate forecasts. Traditionally forecasts have been mostly issued out at short range and seasonal timescales. Creating a glaring gap in the provision of forecasts between the short-range and seasonal forecasts, thus raising the need for sub-seasonal forecasts. Sub-seasonal forecasts bridge the gap between the short-range and long-range forecasts and are critical for informed decision making in the agricultural and disaster risk reduction sectors over Eastern Africa.Here we propose utilisation of a co-production process to increase sub-seasonal forecast uptake over Eastern Africa. The co-production is implemented through a two-year testbed under the Global Challenges Research Fund African Science for Weather Information and Forecasting Techniques. The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre collaborated with the Food Security Nutrition Working Group (FSNWG) for Eastern and Central Africa in the co-production process. The FSNWG coordinates regional food security, and nutrition updates to planners and decision-makers (e.g in disaster and risk reduction, agriculture, livestock sectors). In the region the main drivers of food insecurity include climate, conflict and macro-economic drivers. The European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model outputs are utilized to derive the forecast information. The co-produced products include weekly total rainfall, rainfall anomalies, probability of exceedance, soil moisture anomalies, maximum and minimum temperature anomalies and also the maximum wet and dry spells. The forecast information is disseminated through bulletins and also during the monthly FSNWG plenary sessions. Sharing of the sub-seasonal forecasts in the monthly meetings allows for further direct interaction between the climate information users and producers. The forecasts are mostly used for crop choice, planting timing, drought risk, flood risk, disease outbreaks, early assistance appeals, disaster relief preparation, and early warning with drought and flood risk tied on top decisions made.One major challenge that is often faced by climate producers and users is the communication of the forecasts. In this study the challenge is addressed by incorporating a communication and user service team based at ICPAC. The communication and user service team is composed of social scientists, climate information experts and journalists. Improved communication is fundamental in increasing the uptake of the sub-seasonal forecasts and appropriate use of these climate products by climate information users. In consequence the communication and user services team at ICPAC simplifies the language that is utilized in the forecast bulletins and also improves on the layout of the bulletins. This improves the readability and usage of the forecast outputs. For example, initially forecast bulletins were written in paragraph format, which potentially makes the readability of the document harder. Hence, it was suggested that the forecast bulletins be produced in bullet point form.To evaluate the model a case study approach is utilized for two extreme events that occurred in 2020. One case focused on an extreme rainfall event in week 3 in April and another for the evolution of tropical cyclone Gati. Tropical cyclones that make landfall over Somalia are rare during the October-December season. Results showed that the model is able to capture the wet anomalies for both case studies, hence giving an indication to stakeholders of potential flood risk. However, the model underestimates the rainfall intensity over the region thus use of anomalies might provide more information on the risk of flooding or extended dry spells in comparison to the total rainfall.In conclusion this study has shown that the S2S forecast information have a potential to provide early warning systems and hence, increase the Eastern Africa community resilience. However, to ensure long term viability of the co-production process there is need for continued support in access to the real time S2S forecast datasets.

Beshir Legas Muhammed, Mohammed Hussen Seid, Adere Tarekegne Habte Department of Chemistry, Woldia University, Woldia, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Beshir Legas Muhammed Email legasbeshir@yahoo.comBackground: Coffee is a well-known beverage that is widely used around the world. Despite the wide use of coffee in Ethiopia, there is a lack of extensive studies addressing the issues related to the caffeine content and hydrogen peroxide antioxidant activity of varieties of coffee types, particularly in Habru woreda, Ethiopia.Objective: This study aimed to determine the caffeine content and hydrogen peroxide antioxidant activity of raw and roasted coffee beans collected directly from Habru woreda, North Wollo zone of Ethiopia.Methods: The study was conducted in Bohoro, Girana, and Wurgisa kebeles of Habru woreda, Ethiopia, by collecting 500 g of green beans of Arabica coffee without considering their variety. Then, the collected beans were divided into raw and roasted coffee to perform aqueous and dichloromethane extraction of their caffeine content and hydrogen peroxide antioxidant activity using UV-Vis spectrophotometry.Results: The amounts of caffeine in aqueous and dichloromethane extraction were in the range of 124.01− 191.27 ppm and 145.15− 200.09 ppm in raw and roasted coffees, respectively. Using the IC50 value, the hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity of the aqueous phase coffee bean extracts in Bohoro raw, Bohoro roasted, Wurgisa raw, Wurgisa roasted, Girana raw, and Girana roasted coffee were 32.17 ppm, 11.69 ppm, 26.14 ppm, 3.12 ppm, 24.83 ppm, and 11.06 ppm, respectively, while that of ascorbic acid was 6.91 ppm.Conclusion: The study showed that the highest amount of caffeine in both aqueous and dichloromethane solvent extraction was found in Bohoro’s raw and roasted coffee beans. Also, the amounts of caffeine in all coffee bean samples were safe and the antioxidant activity was excellent. In most of the samples, significant variations in the concentration of caffeine in raw and roasted coffee bean samples were observed in the two extraction solvents.Keywords: caffeine, coffee, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, UV-Vis spectroscopy

Forecasts on sub-seasonal to seasonal (S2S) timescales have huge potential to aid preparedness and disaster risk reduction planning decisions in a variety of sectors. However, realising this potential depends on the provision of reliable information that can be appropriately applied in the decision-making context of users. This study describes the African SWIFT (Science for Weather Information and Forecasting Techniques) forecasting testbed which brings together researchers, forecast producers and users from a range of African and UK institutions. The forecasting testbed is piloting the provision of real-time, bespoke S2S forecast products to decision-makers in Africa. Drawing on data from the kick-off workshop and initial case study examples, this study critically reflects on the co-production process. Specifically, having direct access to real-time data has allowed user-guided iterations to the spatial scale, timing, visualisation and communication of forecast products to make them more actionable for users. Some key lessons for effective co-production are emerging. First, it is critical to ensure there is sufficient resource to support co-production, especially in the early co-exploration of needs. Second, all the groups in the co-production process require capacity building to effectively work in new knowledge systems. Third, evaluation should be ongoing and combine meteorological verification with decision-makers feedback. Ensuring the sustainability of project-initiated services within the testbed hinges on integrating the knowledge-exchanges between individuals in the co-production process into shaping sustainable pathways for improved operational S2S forecasting within African institutions.

The present study investigated the impact of selection for body weight (BW) on productive performance, predicted BW and genetic improvement of related traits in Japanese quail. Base population, selected parent and F1 progeny were tested. Pens and cages were used for rearing and breeding. A total of 240 birds in two successive generations, 27 sires and 54 dams (as selected parents) were used. Body weight from multiple regression equation, covariance analysis and combining models were estimated, response to selection, realized heritability and genetic correlation were computed for BW, weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The results showed that the response to selection for BW, WG, FI and FCR were 11.48 g, 27.04 g, 37 g and -0.2, respectively. The estimated heritabilities for the same traits were 0.78, 0.67, 0.52 and 0.77, respectively. Predicted equation (DUHOK equation) for BW as dependent variable on the initial body weight and sex ratio was derived. The final response for the body weight was determined as 5.84 % of live BW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of 1.5 °C and 2 °C global warming levels (GWLs) on intra-seasonal rainfall characteristics over the Greater Horn of Africa. The impacts are analysed based on the outputs of a 25-member regional multi-model ensemble from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment project. The regional climate models were driven by Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 Global Climate Models for historical and future (RCP8.5) periods. We analyse the three major seasons over the region, namely March–May, June–September, and October–December. Results indicate widespread robust changes in the mean intra-seasonal rainfall characteristics at 1.5 °C and 2 °C GWLs especially for the June–September and October–December seasons. The March–May season is projected to shift for both GWL scenarios with the season starting and ending early. During the June–September season, there is a robust indication of delayed onset, reduction in consecutive wet days and shortening of the length of rainy season over parts of the northern sector under 2 °C GWL. During the October–December season, the region is projected to have late-onset, delayed cessation, reduced consecutive wet days and a longer season over most of the equatorial region under the 2 °C GWL. These results indicate that it is crucial to limit the GWL to below 1.5 °C as the differences between the 1.5 °C and 2 °C GWLs in some cases exacerbates changes in the intra-seasonal rainfall characteristics over the Greater Horn of Africa.

We analyze the potential effect of global warming levels (GWLs) of 1.5 °C and 2 °C above pre-industrial levels (1861−1890) on mean temperature and precipitation as well as intra-seasonal precipitation extremes over the Greater Horn of Africa. We used a large, 25-member regional climate model ensemble from the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment and show that, compared to the control period of 1971−2000, annual mean near-surface temperature is projected to increase by more than 1 °C and 1.5 °C over most parts of the Greater Horn of Africa, under GWLs of 1.5 °C and 2 °C respectively. The highest temperature increases are projected in the northern region, covering most parts of Sudan and northern parts of Ethiopia, and the lowest temperature increases are projected over the coastal belt of Tanzania. However, the projected mean surface temperature difference between 2 °C and 1. 5 °C GWLs is higher than 0.5 °C over nearly all land points, reaching 0.8 °C over Sudan and northern Ethiopia. This implies that the Greater Horn of Africa will warm faster than the global mean. While projected changes in precipitation are mostly uncertain across the Greater Horn of Africa, there is a substantial decrease over the central and northern parts of Ethiopia. Additionally, the length of dry and wet spells is projected to increase and decrease respectively. The combined effect of a reduction in rainfall and the changes in the wet and dry spells will likely impact negatively on the livelihoods of people within the coastal cities, lake regions, highlands as well as arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan. The probable impacts of these changes on key sectors such as agriculture, water, energy and health sectors, will likely call for formulation of actionable policies geared towards adaptation and mitigation of the impacts of 1.5 °C and 2 °C warming.

The demand for organic agriculture has been growing due to concerns about the environmental and health impacts of chemical-intensive farming. The study aimed to investigate the effects organic fertilizers on carrot (Nantes) growth and yield in Tehuledere district. The experiment was conducted at two sites (Gobeya and Libannos) using four fertilizer types (vermicompost, conventional compost, mixture of the two, and inorganic fertilizer) and a control. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications, and data were analyzed using R-software. The study analyzed various growth (emergence percentage, plant height, leaf number, fresh weight, and dry weight of leaves), and yield (root length, root diameter, fresh weight of roots, marketable root yield, unmarketable root yield, and total root yield) parameters. Generally, fertilizer application improved (p < 0.001) growth and yield compared to the control. Vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer (NPSB) showed similar results (p > 0.001) but the highest values (p < 0.001) for most of the parameters (marketable yield was 41.7 t/ha±0.76 for vermicompost and 42.5 t/ha±1.14 for NPSB). However, NPSB could pose negative environmental impact that could not result in sustainability if used in excess and inappropriate (method and time) in particular. Therefore, carrot production using vermicompost is recommended for farmers of Tehuledere district and similar agroecological areas to enhance productivity while contributing to sustainable agriculture. The results have implications for policy makers, researchers, and farmers interested in promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable carrot production., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests:Tewodros Alemu reports financial support was provided by 10.13039/100009131Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in collaboration with Biovision Africa Trust through Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD) to implement the project 'Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOAI)' of pillar-I phase-II. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 Wollo University.)

Introduction: Curriculum-based sexual and reproductive health education (CBSRHE) is one of the preventive strategies targeting youth in higher institutions to protect them from sexual and reproductive health problems, despite never assessing the effect in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of CBSRHE on knowledge and attitude about SRH services to have safer sexual behaviors among first-year students of Arba Minch University., Method: We conducted a quasi-experimental study among purposively selected campuses. The campuses were allocated to (i) an intervention arm consisting of curriculum-based sexual and reproductive health, or (ii) a control arm for those who were free from intervention. Data was collected, at baseline and immediately after the intervention ended by using a structured self-administered questionnaire. To compare differences in the change from baseline to post-intervention between the two arms we use the chi-square test and independent-samples t-test. To see the effect of the CBSRHE by controlling the effect confounding inverse probability-weighted analysis was conducted., Result: A total of 832 and 820 students participated in a baseline and post-test respectively. The proportion of youth who practice receptive penetrative sex decreases from 40.9% to 28.3% in the intervention arm compared to 37.6% to 37.3% in the non-intervention arm between baseline and end line, with statistically significant differences between groups. However, there are statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of changes in contraception utilization (X2 = 1.21; P>0.05). Furthermore, there were significant improvements in knowledge and attitude among the intervention arm a comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS (ATE = 0.22,95% CI, 0.14 to 0.29; p < 0.01), an average change of attitude toward HIV/AIDS(ATE = 1.32, 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.47; p < 0.01), comprehensive condom knowledge score (ATE = 0.23, 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.33; p < 0.01) and the average change of attitude toward condom score (ATE = 1.83, 95% CI, 1.19 to 2.77; p < 0.01)., Conclusion and Recommendation: It was found that there was a significant difference in knowledge and attitude toward a disk sexual behaviors among r one student. This implies that the educational authority o the country can gain through the adoption of courses to all universities across the country, besides doing further comparative studies to determine the long-term effect of the course supported with models and/or theories like the theory of change., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Boti Sidamo et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: There is an urgent need to increase diversity among scientific investigators in the HIV research field to be more reflective of communities highly affected by the HIV epidemic. Thus, it is critical to promote the inclusion and advancement of early-stage scholars from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in HIV science and medicine., Methods: To widen the HIV research career pathway for early-stage scholars from underrepresented minority groups, the National Institutes of Health supported the development of the Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI). This program was created through partnerships between CFARs and Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions throughout the United States., Results: Seventeen CFARs and more than 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions have participated in this initiative to date. Programs were designed for the high school (8), undergraduate (13), post baccalaureate (2), graduate (12), and postdoctoral (4) levels. Various pedagogical approaches were used including didactic seminar series, intensive multiday workshops, summer residential programs, and mentored research internship opportunities. During the first 18 months of the initiative, 257 student scholars participated in CDEIPI programs including 150 high school, 73 undergraduate, 3 post baccalaureate, 27 graduate, and 4 postdoctoral students., Conclusion: Numerous student scholars from a wide range of educational levels, geographic backgrounds, and racial and ethnic minority groups have engaged in CDEIPI programs. Timely and comprehensive program evaluation data will be critical to support a long-term commitment to this unique training initiative., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding or conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)