Integration of nonlinear loads in modern power systems has led to many issues arising mainly dueto the generation of harmonic currents and the presence of reactive power, both having adverseeffects on power quality and grid stability. Harmonic currents cause increased losses, overheatingof equipment, and voltage distortions, while reactive power imbalances result in inefficiencies inpower delivery and compromised system performance. To overcome these problems, a Shunt ActivePower FIlter design and an optimal control strategy for harmonic mitigation and reactive powercompensation are proposed in this paper. The design incorporates an optimized anti-windup PIcontroller for DC-link voltage regulation and an optimized output filter to enhance the quality of theinjected current. This design is formulated as an optimization problem and solved using the GoldenJackal Optimizer. MATLAB/Simulink simulations validate the proposed method under differentoperating conditions, covering dynamic change of loads and unbalanced grid conditions. The resultshows a remarkable reduction in Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of grid current, and reactive powercompensation meanwhile maintaining the stability of the grid.Keywords: Golden Jackal optimization, Shunt active power filter (SAPF), Optimal control, Power quality,Current harmonics compensation

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

Background
Anemia is a critical complication among hemodialysis patients, often leading to poor outcomes. This study aimed to assess anemia prevalence and identify predictors among hemodialysis patients at Felege Hiote Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2022.


Research design and methods
A retrospective cohort study analyzed 410 hemodialysis patients from January 2018 to February 2022. Data was collected from medical records, entered using Epi-data Version 4.1, and analyzed with STATA Version 14. Kaplan-Meier survival curves assessed survival time, while Cox regression identified anemia predictors.


Results
Of 410 patients, 66 (16.1%) developed anemia, with an incidence rate of 7.9 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 3.1–13.5). Significant predictors included female sex (IRR: 1.5, p = 0.04), rural residence (IRR: 2.5, p = 0.01), low body mass index (IRR: 1.6, p = 0.02), and congestive heart failure (IRR: 6.9, p = 0.02).


Conclusions
Anemia prevalence among hemodialysis patients is high, with key predictors including gender, residence, body mass index, and comorbidities. Interventions targeting these factors, especially in rural areas, could reduce anemia incidence. Study limitations include single-center data, incomplete variables, and lack of causality.





KEYWORDS: Anemia, incidence, predictors of anemia, end stage kidney disease, hemodialysis

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of medicinalplants (MPs) used to treat wounds. Methanol and ethyl acetatecrude extracts of four medicinal plants were examined for anti-bacterial efficacy against gram-positive and gram-negativeAmerican Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains. Plant crudeextracts were produced using the maceration technique andanalyzed using qualitative phytochemical tests. The antibacter-ial properties of plant products were evaluated using the agardisc diffusion assay. The broth microdilution method was usedto determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) andminimum bactericidal concentrations. The data were analyzedusing Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The methanol extract ofRumex nervosus had the highest yield (21%). The methanolextracts of all tested MPs tested positive for alkaloids, phenolics,and tannins. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts exhibiteda dose-dependent increase in the growth inhibition zoneagainst all ATCC. The methanol extract of Plantago lanceolatademonstrated the highest antibacterial activity (16.67 ± 1.15)against Staphylococcus epidermidis. S. aureus and S. epidermidisrecorded a relatively lower MIC (6.25 mg mL−1) from methanolextracts of P. lanceolata, while P. lanceolata and R. nervosusrecorded a lower MBC (25 mg mL−1) against S. aureus.
KEYWORDS: Antibacterial activity; inhibition zone; medicinal plants; MIC; phytochemical; wound

The groundwater level in the Chemoga watershed has been declining due to an increase in water demand, anthropogenicactivities, and climate change effects. This paper uses the WetSpass-MODFLOW coupling to evaluate the groundwater rechargein the Chemoga watershed. The MODFLOW groundwater flow simulation model is then used to simulate the hydraulic headdistribution based on these findings. The input data of WetSpass models are soil, land cover, topography, slope, and ground-water depth, as well as monthly meteorological characteristics (such as temperature, wind speed, and rainfall). The long-termspatial and temporal average annual precipitation of 1,453 mm is distributed as 169 mm (11.63%) groundwater recharge and879 mm (60.5%) surface runoff, while 405 mm (27.87%) is lost through evapotranspiration. In such seasonal variations, thegroundwater head due to the wet/summer stress period varied from 4 to 41 m. While in the dry/winter stress period ground-water head varied from 3.5 to 39.8 m, and also the groundwater head due to the annual stress period varied from 3.7 to 40 m.The findings are extensive and can be applied to water resource management and groundwater resource development in asustainable manner by safeguarding high groundwater recharge locations, and reevaluating allowable groundwater abstractionrates.Key words: ArcGis, Chemoga watershed, groundwater recharge, hydraulic head, MODFLOW, WetSpass-M model

Two new oligomer mixed ligand complexes, comprising 21 ([Co21(phen)42(bipy)21]Cl42 (C2)) and 100 monomerunits ([Co100(phen)200(bipy)100]Cl200 (C3)) were synthesized. These complexes, designated as [Co21(phen)42(-bipy)21]Cl42 (C2) and [Co100(phen)200(bipy)100]Cl200 (C3), were employed for the modification of a glassycarbon electrode (GCE) to detect ciprofloxacin (CPF) in tablet formulations and human urine samples. Bypotentiodynamic deposition, the modified electrodes (poly(C2)/GCE) and (poly(C3)/GCE) were prepared,forming a conductive electroactive film on the GCE surface. The modified electrodes were characterized usingcyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, which revealed an increased effective surfacearea and a significant reduction in charge transfer resistance of the electrode. An oxidative peak at a lowerpotential with a six-fold increase in peak current was observed at the poly(C2)/GCE. The absence of a reductivepeak in the reverse scan indicated the irreversibility of the electrochemical oxidation of CPF. The correlationcoefficient between the peak current and the square root of the scan rate indicated that CPF oxidation at the poly(C2)/GCE was primarily controlled by diffusion mass transport. With a detection limit of 3.4 × 10 9 M, thevoltammetric current response of CPF at the poly(C2)/GCE under optimal circumstances showed a linear trendwith concentrations ranging from 5.0 × 10 8 to 2.0 × 10 4 M. It was discovered that the CPF levels in theexamined tablet brands fell between 98.35 % and 101.30 % of their stated ranges. The recovery results for tabletand urine samples ranged from 99.44 % to 99.95 % and 99.25 % to 100.51 %, respectively, with interferencerecovery showing an error of less than 4.73 %. When it came to determining CPF in tablet formulations andhuman urine samples, the new approach outperformed recently published voltammetric methods. This superi-ority can be attributed to the simplicity of the electrode modification step, the lowest limit of detection, and areasonably wide linear dynamic range.
Keywords: Electrochemical determination; Ciprofloxacin; Poly(μ-4,4′-bipyridine(bis(1,10-phenanthroline))cobalt(II)chloride)); Glassy carbon electrodeTablet formulations

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

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

Background: Armed conflicts significantly disrupt healthcare systems, leading to infrastructure destruction, shortages of medical supplies, and reduced access to essential health services. The Amhara region has experienced prolonged conflict, raising concerns about its impact on healthcare delivery. Understanding the extent of these disruptions is crucial for informing policy responses and humanitarian interventions.
Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of armed conflict on healthcare delivery in the Amhara region.
Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods: Conducted between June 1 and July 10, 2024, this meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library. Eligible studies included English-language observational studies and grey literature addressing healthcare disruptions, infrastructure damage, and health crises. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 14, and study quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
Results: Twelve studies, encompassing 12,037,279 participants, were included. The pooled prevalence of health impacts was 76.71 % (95 % CI: 76.63-76.78). The conflict rendered 60 % of healthcare facilities nonfunctional, disrupted medical supplies for 70 % of the population, and reduced service availability by 80 %. Chronic disease management, mental health services, maternal care, and immunization programs experienced significant declines. Subgroup analyses indicated a higher prevalence of health impacts in studies published after 2022 (70.72 %) compared to those published before 2022 (28.35 %).
Conclusion: Armed conflict in the Amhara region has severely disrupted healthcare services, leading to facility closures, medical supply shortages, and significant declines in essential health services. Urgent interventions are required to restore healthcare infrastructure and services.

Keywords: Amhara; Armed conflict; Meta-analysis; Prevalence; Systematic review.

Introduction: One of the main complications for stroke patients is aspiration pneumonia, which is an acute lunginfection brought on by the entry of endogenous flora and various bodily substances from the gastrointestinaltract into the respiratory system. Aspiration pneumonia following a stroke was linked to older age, gender,dysarthria, denture use, cerebral atrophy, and basal ganglia-infarcted foci. Despite improvements in care, theepidemiological and prognostic effects of pneumonia associated with stroke are increasing mortality andmorbidity.Objective: To assess the pooled prevalence of aspiration pneumonia among stroke patients in Ethiopia.Methods: Several databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, African JournalsOnline (AJOL), grey literature, and articles from the repository of Ethiopian universities, were examined to findavailable articles. The data were extracted and sorted in Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA/MP 17.0 foranalysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa (NOS) was employed to assess each study’s qualities. A weighted inverse vari-ance random-effects model with a 95 % confidence interval was used to examine the pooled prevalence ofaspiration pneumonia. The Galbraith plot and funnel plot were used to evaluate heterogeneity and publicationbias, respectively. To identify the possible cause of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis and meta-regression wereperformed. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Result: The pooled prevalence of aspiration pneumonia among stroke patients in Ethiopia was 31.65 % (95 % CI:25.30–38.01). Visual examination of the Galbraith plot reveals the presence of significant heterogeneity (I2 =96.55 %, p < 0.001). Studies conducted in Addis Ababa and Harar revealed the highest prevalence of aspirationpneumonia: 37.67 % (95 % CI: 31.56, 43.78). Similarly, articles carried out before 2020 and studies done usingcross-sectional study design revealed the highest proportion of aspiration pneumonia: 32.97 % (95 % CI: 24.96,40.98) and 36.75 (95 % CI: 32.11, 41.38), respectively.Conclusion: Nearly one-third of stroke patients developed aspiration pneumonia. The highest prevalence wasreported in Addis Ababa and Harar regions. As a result, early detection, treatment, and control of stroke areadvisable to prevent the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia.
Keywords: Aspiration pneumonia, Stroke, Cerebrovascular accident, Systematic review, Meta-analysis, Ethiopia