Harla Journal of Applied Science and Materials

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anemia among Women of Reproductive Age Group in Ethiopia, Evidence from 2016 Ethiopian and Health Survey

Mengistu Abebe Tegenge — 2023-12-30

Background: Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developed and developing countries. “The consequences of anemia increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including maternal and neonatal mortality. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors of Anemia among reproductive age women in Ethiopia.

Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out based EDHS 2016. A total of 9416 reproductive age women were included in the analysis. Since, the outcome variable is binary; the appropriate model used was binary logistic regression.

Results: The overall prevalence of anemia among studied women was 27.8%, of which 19.3%, 6.7% and 1.8% had mild, moderate and severe respectively. Region, Place of residence, educational and economic status, 35-45 years of age, diet diversity, fruit/vegetable consumption, iron riche foods, BMI, ANC, contraceptive and numbers of children were statistically significance factors of women to suffer anemia. Rural women and those who were pregnant during the interview had 1.5 (95% CI: 1.3-1.7) and 2.5(95% CI: 2.1-2.9) times higher risk of anemia than counterparts respectively. Women who didn’t use contraceptive (AOR =1.9, 95% CI: 1.6-2.2), didn’t use ANC (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.9- 2.6), didn’t take iron riche foods (AOR= 1.9, 95% CI: 1.5-2.3), didn’t eat fruit/vegetable (AOR =1.5,95% CI 1.2-1.8), ate low diet diversity (AOR=1.6, 95% CI: 1.3-1.9) were more likely to develop anemia than counter parts.

Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia among women in reproductive age is still high in Ethiopia. Family planning, ANC during pregnancy, iron riche foods and educational empowerment of women has positive contribution in struggle anemia.

Ionospheric Instabilities and Their Effects on Ground-based Communication Systems

Belay Sitotaw Goshu — 2023-12-30

Ionospheric instabilities, triggered by solar and geomagnetic activity, pose significant risks to power grids and signal propagation. This study examines the dynamic interactions between electric grid vulnerabilities, signal degradation, and ionospheric disturbances to identify effective mitigation strategies. Using modeled Total Electron Content (TEC), amplitude fading, signal delays, and polarization shifts, the spatiotemporal behavior of these instabilities was analyzed. Simulations, incorporating solar activity indicators such as sunspot numbers, ionospheric anomalies, and geomagnetic variations, revealed significant TEC fluctuations. TEC values were found to peak near the equator and decline at higher latitudes. These variations were strongly linked to signal degradation, including amplitude fading and propagation delays. Polarization mismatches caused by ionospheric disturbances further reduced signal efficiency. Additionally, geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) from these instabilities posed risks to transformers and grid stability, especially in Polar Regions. The study recommends adaptive signal processing, advanced monitoring systems, and real-time GIC mitigation to enhance grid resilience. It emphasizes the importance of predictive models incorporating solar activity data to protect communication and power systems. By addressing ionospheric instabilities, these measures can improve the reliability of global communication networks and energy infrastructure.

Structural, surface, and optical properties of Cerium phosphovanadate prepared by using the solution combustion method

S.J Motloung — 2023-12-30

Assessment of Some Heavy Metal Concentrations in Raw Cow’s Milk Collected from Dairy Farms in Dire Dawa City

Getachew Asfaw Seid — 2023-12-30

Cow milk is a vital dietary product consumed globally due to its rich nutrient content. However, heavy metals present in cow milk can pose significant health risks to humans and animals alike. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of heavy metals, including Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe), and Lead (Pb), in raw cow's milk from dairy farms in Dire Dawa City, Ethiopia. Milk samples were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS), and statistical analysis was conducted using SAS software. The results were subjected to one-way ANOVA with Duncan’s multiple range test to compare concentrations across different dairy farms. Findings showed that Fe, Cd, and Zn concentrations were 2.392 mg/L, 0.087 mg/L, and 0.32 mg/L, respectively, with most values within internationally accepted limits. The results underscore the importance of monitoring heavy metals in dairy products for public health safety.

The Erica Fire Impact on Small Mammal Species Composition and Relative Abundance in the Chilalo-Galama Mountains Range:

Mohammed Kasso — 2023-12-30

The sub-Afroalpine and Afroalpine ecosystems in Ethiopia are fire-prone, but limited studies have been conducted on the effects of Erica burn on small mammals. In particular, little is known about the impacts of Erica burn on small mammals in the Chilalo-Galama Mountains Range. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the impact of Erica burn on small mammal species composition and relative abundance in the area. The study was carried out from September 2013 to December 2016, and trapping was conducted using collapsible Aluminium Sherman Live Traps. The impacts of burning were quantified in terms of faunal species composition, relative and absolute abundance, and species richness. The highest capture rate per trap night was recorded for categories of time since Erica fire above six years, and the lowest was for Erica fire since less than six months. Species richness was least for categories time since Erica fire of one year and six months. The capture rate and relative abundance for each species showed high variation among the rodents and shrews captured, of which Lophuromys brevicaudus and Stenocephelomys griseicauda had the highest rates. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation action in the face of Erica fire, particularly given the high endemicity (more than 83%) of the small mammals in the area. To control the expansion of Erica fire, well designed fire break should be constructed. This study provides important information for the management of small mammal habitats in such fire-prone ecosystems, and underscores the need for further research in this area.