Abstract: Food insecurity in peri-urban areas is exacerbated by high living costs, limited access tohealthy food, and economic inequality. Despite its growing prevalence due to factors like land lossfrom urban expansion, food insecurity has received limited attention. In Ethiopia, drastic urbanizationcreates competition for land between agriculture and urban development, which is becoming extremein peri-urban areas., This study aims to assess the impact of urban expansion on food security amongexpropriated peri-urban households in Ethiopia. Using a calorie intake-based food security line, wecategorize respondents as food-secure or -insecure. The research analyzed data from 350 expropriatedperi-urban households through a structured questionnaire, employing descriptive statistics andbinary logistic regression. About 67% of the respondents were classified as food-insecure. The binarylogit model identified several significant determinants of food security, including compensationamount and type, household head demographics, agricultural land rent participation, irrigationand credit access, off-farm income, and organic fertilizer use. To address food insecurity amongexpropriated households, policymakers must prioritize these factors. Government attention andpolicy consideration are crucial to ensure the well-being of these vulnerable populations.Keywords: urban expansion; food insecurity; calorie intake; expropriation; Ethiopia

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is an important cereal crop grown in arid and semiarid regions where water and otherresources are limited. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns have resulted in frequent droughts, which caused significantyield loss in sorghum. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in sorghum cultivation due to its resilience to climatechange and potential source of food and income. The symbiotic interaction of sorghum with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)has been found to induce several physiological and molecular changes that improve the ability of sorghum to withstand droughtstress. This symbiotic relationship enhances water and nutrient uptake, osmotic adjustment, activation of stress-responsive genes,stomatal regulation, and antioxidant defense, leading to improved drought tolerance in sorghum. Agricultural practices such asreduced tillage, cover cropping, intercropping, crop rotation, and the use of organic amendments promote the diversity andeffectiveness of AM fungal symbiosis. Such agricultural practices create more favorable conditions for AM fungal establishmentand growth while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. In this review, we highlight AM fungal symbiosis on sorghumgrowth, physiology, and molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of AM fungal symbiosis under moisture deficitconditions. Overall, the present review elucidates sorghum production and breeding success in Ethiopia, the symbiotic mechanismsbetween plants and AM fungi, the prospects of biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture, the potential of AM fungal symbiosis as asustainable approach to improve sorghum production and its synergistic effect with other crop management practices.Keywords: Arbuscular Mycorrhizae; biofertilizer; drought tolerance; sorghum; sustainability; synergistic

Abstract: Peanut production plays a crucial role in global food security, particularly in developingcountries, where it provides essential nutrition and income. This paper examines the optimizationof peanut production through genetic advancements, climate adaptation strategies, and sustainablepractices. The primary objective is to increase yields by addressing challenges related to climatechange, pests, and resource constraints. Globally, peanut production is hindered by rising temper-atures, irregular rainfall, and declining soil quality, impacting both yield and quality. Developingcountries, especially in Africa and Asia, face additional challenges, such as limited access to advancedagricultural technologies, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient support for smallholder farmers.The vital issues include genetic vulnerabilities to pests, climate stress, and inefficient water use.Recent genetic research has provided insights into breeding more resilient, drought-resistant varieties,offering hope for improving yields, despite environmental challenges. The adoption of climateadaptation strategies, precision farming, and integrated pest management is essential for boostingproductivity. These, along with optimized irrigation and nutrient management, have significantlyimpacted peanut production in resource-limited settings. Additionally, drought-resistant varietieshave proven crucial, enabling farmers to increase resilience and yields in areas facing climate stress.In conclusion, optimizing peanut production requires continued investment in genetic advancements,infrastructure, and sustainable practices. Future efforts should focus on improving climate adaptationand sustainable farming techniques for long-term success.Keywords: climate adaptation; drought-resistant varieties; genetic advancements; integrated pestmanagement; precision farming; sustainable practices

Background: Evidence-based practice is clinical decision-making using the best evidence available in the context of individual patients' preferences and clinical expertise. It is serving as a crucial instrument for the health science disciplines to minimize the theory-practice gap although the level of practice is unknown. Thus, this study aimed to assess nurses' implementation of evidence-based practice in nursing process and its associated factors in South Wollo Zone Public Hospitals.
Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed method was employed from April 1 to May 29, 2023, among 419 nurses for the quantitative part and 15 others for the qualitative part. The data were collected using structured, pretested, self-administered questionnaires. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select participants for the quantitative and qualitative studies, respectively. The bivariable analysis was done primarily, and variables with a p-value < 0.25 were further examined using a multivariable logistic regression model to control con-founders. Then, variables having a p-value less than 0.05 with a 95% CI were used to declare significantly associated factors. The key informants were interviewed using pre-made interview guidelines, and then open code software was utilized to conduct a thematic analysis.
Result: Nurses who had poor implementation of evidence-based practice in the nursing process were 228 [54.42%; 95% CI: (49.8-59.3)]. Similarly, the key informants concluded that the implementation of evidence-based practice in the nursing process was low. Participants who were 31- 40 years old [AOR = 0.61, 95% CI: (0.38-0.99)], 41-50 years [AOR = 0.32, 95% CI: (0.15-0.65)], working at general hospitals [AOR = 3.37, 95% CI: (1.39-8.18)] and comprehensive specialized hospitals [AOR = 7.29, 95% CI: (3.06 - 17.31)], lack of training about evidence-based practice (AOR = 2.50, 95% CI: (1.36-4.56)], and lack of internet access [AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: (1.43-4.23)] were factors associated with poor levels of nurses' implementation of evidence-based practice in the nursing process. The absence of computers, libraries, and updated guidelines were other factors identified on the quality analysis.
Conclusion: Nurses' implementation of evidence-based practice in the nursing process was low. Age, working in general hospitals, and comprehensive and specialized hospitals, lack of training, and internet access were factors that had significant associations. Hence, hospital managers should give an attention to internet access and training about utilization of evidence-based practice in nursing process, particularly for those aged above thirty years old.

Keywords:  Ethiopia; Evidence-based practice; Nurses; Nursing process.

Improving maternal and perinatal outcomes can be achieved by identifying factors affecting successful vaginal delivery following induction of labor, particularly in developing countries with low rates of induction. Besides this, evidence regarding the magnitude of successful vaginal delivery following induction and associated factors is limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of vaginal delivery following induction and associated factors among laboring women at South Wollo Zone Public Hospitals of Ethiopia, 2023. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 from April 1 to June 15, 2023. A systematic random sampling method was used to select each participant. A pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and checklist were used to collect data. Epi-Data version 4.6 and SPSS version 26 software were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to identify significant variables. Model fitness was checked using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test. The study reported that 75.6% of participants gave vaginal delivery following induction with a 95% CI (71.00-79.80). Mid-upper arm circumstance 23-28 cm (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.19-5.47), multiparty (AOR = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.430-6.33), favorable bishop (AOR = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.74-8.26), oxytocin with cervical ripening method (AOR = 3.74, 95% CI: 1.99-7.04), and birth weight less than 4000gram (AOR = 5.40, 95% CI: 1.54-18.91) were factors significantly associated with successful vaginal delivery following induction. Therefore, obstetric caregivers should consider pre-induction assessments such as bishop score of the cervix and fetal weight estimation and improving the nutritional status of pregnant women.

Keywords:  Associated factors; Ethiopia; Induction of labor; Vaginal delivery.

Male involvement in infant care is an effective intervention to improve infant health outcomes. However, evidence regarding male involvement in infant care and its associated factors is limited in Ethiopia. To assess the male involvement in infant care and associated factors among infants less than one year in Bibugn district of Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 606 participants from April 1-30/2023. A systematic sampling technique was used to select each study participant. Data was collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were entered into Epi data 4.6 and analyzed using statistical Product Service and Solution (SPSS) version 2 5. Both descriptives, mean, frequency and analytical statistics were employed. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 in bivariate logistic regression were entered into a multivariate logistic regression to identify associated factors. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. The prevalence of male involvement in infant care was 42.2% with a 95% CI (38.26-46.12). Male who did not attend formal education (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.14-0.43), having one child (AOR = 5.66, 95%CI = 2.94-10.88), having male infants (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.60-3.95), first infant order (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.36-5.39), having adequate knowledge towards infant care (AOR = 5.56,95% CI = 0.12-0.28), and having favorable attitude towards infant care (AOR = 1.70,95% CI = 0.34-0.99) were factors associated with male involvement in infant care. Less than 50% ( 50%) of males are involved in their infant care. Educational status of males, number of infants, male infants, male knowledge, and attitude towards infant care were significantly associated with involvement in infant care. Therefore, efforts should be directed at improving males' educational status, knowledge, and attitude to improve their engagement in caring for their infants.

Keywords:  Bibugn district; Ethiopia; Infant care; Male involvement.

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites are the most widely used materials and preferable interms of biodegradability, cost production, recyclability, and low density. The main aim of thisstudy is to conduct an experimental investigation on tensile strength and impact strength ofpalmyra palm leaf stalk fiber (PLSF) and sisal fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composite. Thecomposite material was fabricated using hand lay-up techniques. The working parameters aremass fraction ratio of PLSF/sisal fiber and volume fiber fraction with the matrix. Tensile strengthand impact energy resistance tests were experimentally conducted according to the ASTM stan-dard dimensions. The results revealed that the addition of sisal fiber to PLSF enhanced the tensilestrength by 12.850 %, 26.540 %, and 30.630 % respectively compared to pure Palmyra palm leafstalk fiber reinforced composite (PPFRC). Whereas, the addition of PLSF to sisal fiber improvedthe impact of energy by 20.980 %, 13.610 %, and 11.880 % compared to pure sisal fiber rein-forced composite (PSFRC). The tensile strength with 20 % fiber volume fraction is improved by53.996 % and 12.188 % compared to 10 % and 15 % of fiber respectively. The impact strengthwas also enhanced by 24.931 % and 10.030 % compared to 10 % and 15 % of volume fiberfraction respectively. The tensile strength and impact energy of the treated fiber compositeincreased by 62.243 % and 22.478 % respectively compared to the untreated hybrid Palmyrapalm leaf stalk and sisal hybrid fiber reinforced composite (UHPSFRC). Generally, the HPSFRC-2(Palmyra palm leaf stalk/sisal fiber) (P/S ratio 50/50 % ratio with 20/80 % ratio of fiber/matricpercentage reinforced polymer hybrid composite) has good tensile strength and impact energy.Therefore, the mechanical property of the (Palm/Sisal) hybrid composite can be used for themanufacturing of the automotive interior parts like door panel, dash board, seat back, andautomotive roof.
Keywords: Handy lay-up, Hybrid fiber, Mechanical properties. unsaturated polyester resin

Every year, millions die in road accidents globally, imposing significant economic and humanitariancosts. While road traffic accidents are a major health concern, many developing countries, includingEthiopia, struggle to address this issue effectively. Ethiopia ranks second in East Africa for severe roadtraffic accidents, highlighting the need for improved injury reduction strategies. This study introduces anovel approach by chronologically identifying and prioritizing accident black spots in the studied area,Ethiopia. This method provides a valuable tool for transportation authorities and traffic police to targethigh-risk areas for immediate intervention. Focusing on the Dembecha-Injibara highway segment,the study employs both descriptive and inferential analyses, using the Zegeer method to calculateaccident rates. It also uses factors of weight contributing to road traffic accidents and their severityto rank accident-prone areas. The findings reveal that areas near Finote Selam, Banja, and Burie arehighly prone to severe accidents, with specific accident frequencies and priority values identified.Recommendations are offered to address these high-risk areas and mitigate severe traffic accidents inthe study region.Keywords: Road Traffic accidents, Severity, Prioritization and identification of Black Spot

In many regions of Ethiopia, particularly in the study area, high-quality livestock feed is scarce, particularly during the dry season.Indigenous browse species could potentially ofer alternative sources of feed, but their potential has not been fully exploited, owingto a lack of detailed information. Without detailed information on the nutritional value of indigenous browse species, it is difcultto assess their suitability as feed sources. Tis knowledge gap indicates that even if these plants are abundant, they may not be usedefectively because their nutritional benefts are not well understood. Te objective of the present study was to fll this gap bysystematically evaluating the biomass yield and nutritional content of indigenous browse species. Te mean biomass yields forvarious indigenous browse species varied signifcantly (p < 0.05) among species, with Ficus thonningii producing the highest,whereas the biomass yields of Vernonia amygdalina were the lowest. Arundinaria species exhibited the highest NDF content(68.5%), whereas V. amygdalina had the lowest NDF content (46.8%). Te crude protein content varied signifcantly (p < 0.05)among the species, with Acacia albida having the highest (20.3%), whereas the crude protein content of Carissa edulis was thelowest (13.3%). Hence, the crude protein content of all indigenous browse species is sufcient to meet the maintenance needs ofcattle, sheep, and goats because, as stated by Kearl and NRC, the crude protein levels required for maintenance in these animalsrange from 7% to 10%. Te crude protein content of indigenous browse species is sufcient to meet the milk production re-quirements of sheep and goats because the crude protein levels required for milk production for these animals range from 12% to16%. For lactating dairy cows and growing beef cattle, Kearl recommended CP values of 14%–18% and 12%–16% required,respectively. Terefore, indigenous livestock producers should incorporate these species into their production systems to enhanceproductivity. Tis approach can also help mitigate the high costs associated with concentrate feeds, which are typically expensive.Keywords: biomass; browse species; nutritional composition; species composition

Precision agriculture technologies (PATs) transform crop production by enabling more sustainable and efcient agriculturalpractices. Tese technologies utilize data-driven approaches to optimize the management of crops, soil, and resources, thusenhancing both productivity and environmental sustainability. Tis article reviewed the application of PATs for sustainable cropproduction and environmental sustainability around the globe. Key components of PAT include remote sensing, GPS-guidedequipment, variable rate technology (VRT), and Internet of Tings (IoT) devices. Remote sensing and drones deliver high-resolution imagery and data, enabling precise monitoring of crop health, soil conditions, and pest activity. GPS-guided machineryensures accurate planting, fertilizing, and harvesting, which reduces waste and enhances efciency. VRToptimizes resource use byallowing farmers to apply inputs such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides at varying rates across a feld based on real-time data andspecifc crop requirements. Tis reduces over-application and minimizes environmental impact, such as nutrient runof andgreenhouse gas emissions. IoT devices and sensors provide continuous monitoring of environmental conditions and crop status,enabling timely and informed decision-making. Te application of PAT contributes signifcantly to environmental sustainabilityby promoting practices that conserve water, reduce chemical usage, and enhance soil health. By enhancing the precision ofagricultural operations, these technologies reduce the environmental impact of farming, while simultaneously boosting cropyields and proftability. As the global demand for food increases, precision agriculture ofers a promising pathway to achievingsustainable crop production and ensuring long-term environmental health.Keywords: environmental sustainability; precision agriculture technologies; precision farming; sustainable crop production