Traditional landslide susceptibility assessment methods, such as the Slope Stability Susceptibility Evaluation Parameter (SSEP), are often constrained by subjective judgments. This study aims to develop and validate a novel integrated approach that combines the SSEP framework with Geographic Information System (GIS)-based bi-variate statistical analysis to enhance objectivity and reliability in landslide susceptibility mapping. The study was conducted in the landslide-prone Shoko district of Southwestern Ethiopia. Ten causative factors—slope angle, relative relief, land use/land cover, rainfall, seismic activity, soil type, rock type, structural discontinuities, groundwater traces, and human development activities—were analyzed using field surveys, SPOT5 satellite imagery, and ASTER DEM data. A detailed landslide inventory map documenting 14 historical events was created through fieldwork and remote sensing analysis (satellite imagery and Google Earth). Bi-variate statistics were applied to calculate hazard indexes, which were then used to objectively calibrate and refine the conventional SSEP ratings. The integrated methodology produced a landslide susceptibility map classifying the area into four distinct zones: low, moderate, high, and very high susceptibility. Validation against the known inventory demonstrated the model's effectiveness, with 78.57
Malaria remains a major public health concern in Ethiopia, particularly in endemic settings like Arba Minch Town, where environmental and behavioural factors contribute to persistent malaria epidemic. Despite ongoing control efforts, malaria remains a substantial morbidity, mortality, and socio-economic disruption. The objective of the study was to examine epidemiological investigation of a possible malaria outbreak and risk factors in Arba Minch Town, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2023. A descriptive epidemiological analysis was followed by a 1:1 unmatched community-based case–control study conducted from October 28, 2022, to December 28, 2023. Ninety-four rapid diagnostic test-confirmed cases and 94 neighbourhood controls were selected. Data were collected through structured questionnaires. Data were collected and entered into Epi Info 7.2.6, and then exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 for statistical analysis. Bivariable logistic regression was conducted, and candidate variables (p-value ≤ 0.25) were selected for multivariable logistic regression analysis. The degree of the association was assessed by computing the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95
The integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers improves soil physicochemical properties and wheat productivity, whereas sole reliance on inorganic fertilizers leads to declining soil fertility. In the Bita District of Southwestern Ethiopia, the limited use of lime and coffee husk biochar constrains soil fertility improvement and wheat yields. To address this challenge, a field experiment was conducted during the 2023 main cropping season to evaluate the effects of integrating coffee husk biochar and blended NPSB fertilizer under limed and unlimed conditions on the yield and yield components of bread wheat. The experiment consisted of three levels of coffee husk biochar (2.5, 5, and 7.5 t ha -1 ) combined with three rates of NPSB fertilizer (50, 100, and 150 kg ha -1 ), along with two positive controls (5 t ha -1 biochar and 100 kg ha -1 NPSB) and one negative control (no fertilizer). Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications in a factorial arrangement. The results indicated that the interaction between coffee husk biochar and NPSB fertilizer significantly increased grain yield. The highest grain yield (3.59 t ha -1 ) was obtained from the application of 5 t ha -1 coffee husk biochar combined with 100 kg ha -1 NPSB fertilizer under limed conditions. This treatment also provided the greatest economic return, with a net benefit of 276,280 Birr ha -1 and a marginal rate of return (MRR) of 22,076%. Under unlimed conditions, the same combination yielded the highest net benefit (197,080 Birr ha -1 ). Additionally, applying 7.5 t ha -1 coffee husk biochar with 100 kg ha -1 NPSB under limed conditions resulted in a net benefit of 221,440 Birr ha -1 and an MRR of 13,292%. In conclusion, the application of 5 t ha -1 coffee husk biochar combined with 100 kg ha -1 NPSB fertilizer, particularly when applied with lime, significantly enhances both the grain yield and economic profitability of bread wheat production in the Bita district.
BackgroundInconsistent condom use represents the most proximal behavioral risk factor for acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus. However, certain situations hinder female sex workers from practicing consistent condom use. This study aimed to assess the pooled estimate of inconsistent condom use among female sex workers and identify factors associated with it.MethodsThis study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, 2020 reporting checklist. Electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, Hinari, and Science Direct), Google Scholar, and other university repositories were searched until March 20, 2024, based on the eligibility criteria. Three independent reviewers screened the titles, abstracts, and full texts. Two independent reviewers extracted the data. The Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal checklist was used. The Higgin's I² test was used to quantify heterogeneity. Pooled analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were done. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression test and funnel plot. The pooled prevalence and statistical association were declared at a p-value < 0.05 with the 95% CI.ResultsA total of 24 studies involving 23,496 female sex workers with a median age of 27.3 years were included. The overall pooled prevalence of inconsistent condom use among FSW in Africa was estimated at 46.73% (95% CI: 37.60, 55.86), I² = 99.59%, and p = 0.00. Condom availability (AOR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.92), depression (AOR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.30), no education (AOR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.93), two or more nonpaying clients (AOR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.51, 5.54), having >9 current client number (AOR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.74), violence (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.33, 2.27), and police harassment (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.03, 5.05) were significant factors.Conclusion and recommendationInconsistent condom use was high in Africa. Factors including availability of condoms, depression, and education, having two or more nonpaying clients, client numbers, violence, and police harassment were significant factors. Strategies like improving peer education, providing mental health support, empowering women, and improving female sex workers educational status, ensuring condom availability, and strengthening supply for easily accessible condoms can decrease inconsistent condom use and protect FSWs from STI including HIV.
Effective English language learning requires more than memorizing vocabulary; it depends on learners' ability to use vocabulary learning strategies effectively, develop strong reading comprehension skills, and sustain motivation. However, limited research has explored how these three elements interact within Ethiopian secondary schools, leaving a gap in understanding their combined influence on students' academic performance. Guided by a socio-cognitive perspective that emphasizes the interconnected roles of motivation, strategic behavior, and comprehension processes, this study examined the relationships among vocabulary learning strategies, reading comprehension, and motivation among Grade 11 students in three secondary schools in southwest Ethiopia during the 2024 academic year. A convergent mixed-methods correlational design was employed to integrate quantitative data with qualitative insights and provide a comprehensive understanding. The sample included 480 students selected systematically from a population of 960, as well as eight English teachers who participated in interviews and classroom observations to enhance contextual interpretation and triangulation. Data were collected using an adapted version of Schmitt's (1997) Vocabulary Learning Strategies Questionnaire, a reading comprehension test, and Dörnyei's (2001) Language Learning Motivation Questionnaire. Expert review, pilot testing, and reliability and validity analyses ensured cultural appropriateness and methodological rigor. The findings revealed a strong positive relationship between students' use of vocabulary learning strategies and their reading comprehension performance. Motivation also showed significant associations with both variables, highlighting its central role in supporting language achievement. Qualitative findings reinforced the quantitative results, indicating that highly motivated learners employed a broader range of strategies and participated more actively in reading tasks.
