Abstract Mycotoxin contamination in stored sorghum grains poses significant threats to food safety, human health, and agricultural economies in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia where poor post-harvest practices exacerbate fungal proliferation. This study, conducted in Dejen District, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia, aimed to assess mycotoxin contamination levels, farmers' knowledge and management practices, isolate and characterize mycotoxigenic fungi, and evaluate the efficacy of microbial antagonists and botanicals as eco-friendly control measures. A cross-sectional survey of 212 farmers revealed low awareness (29% good knowledge) and practices (40.57% effective management), with significant associations to age, education, and village location (p < 0.05, logistic regression). Mycological analysis of 120 stored sorghum samples from underground pits identified diverse fungi, dominated by Aspergillus flavus (25%) and Fusarium spp. (20%), with low mycotoxin levels (aflatoxin B1 at 1.05 µg/kg, below EU limits). Six fungal antagonists; four Trichoderma (DMUA13, DMUA14) and two Penicillium isolates were isolated and screened via dual-culture assays, achieving 44.53–75.00% inhibition of radial growth against Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. (p < 0.05). Ethanol extracts of Clematis simensis and Laggera tomentosa leaves demonstrated dose-dependent antifungal activity against A. niger, reducing spore germination by up to 68.58% and 68.32% at 100 µg/mL, respectively, comparable to ketoconazole. These findings underscore knowledge gaps among farmers and highlight the potential of native Trichoderma/Penicillium isolates and plant extracts as sustainable biocontrol agents. Targeted education, improved storage, and integration of biological controls are recommended to mitigate mycotoxin risks, enhancing food security in resource-limited settings. This research provides baseline data for policy interventions and further field validation.

Abstract Mycotoxin contamination in stored sorghum grains poses significant threats to food safety, human health, and agricultural economies in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia where poor post-harvest practices exacerbate fungal proliferation. This study, conducted in Dejen District, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia, aimed to assess mycotoxin contamination levels, farmers' knowledge and management practices, isolate and characterize mycotoxigenic fungi, and evaluate the efficacy of microbial antagonists and botanicals as eco-friendly control measures. A cross-sectional survey of 212 farmers revealed low awareness (29% good knowledge) and practices (40.57% effective management), with significant associations to age, education, and village location (p < 0.05, logistic regression). Mycological analysis of 120 stored sorghum samples from underground pits identified diverse fungi, dominated by Aspergillus flavus (25%) and Fusarium spp. (20%), with low mycotoxin levels (aflatoxin B1 at 1.05 µg/kg, below EU limits). Six fungal antagonists; four Trichoderma (DMUA13, DMUA14) and two Penicillium isolates were isolated and screened via dual-culture assays, achieving 44.53–75.00% inhibition of radial growth against Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. (p < 0.05). Ethanol extracts of Clematis simensis and Laggera tomentosa leaves demonstrated dose-dependent antifungal activity against A. niger, reducing spore germination by up to 68.58% and 68.32% at 100 µg/mL, respectively, comparable to ketoconazole. These findings underscore knowledge gaps among farmers and highlight the potential of native Trichoderma/Penicillium isolates and plant extracts as sustainable biocontrol agents. Targeted education, improved storage, and integration of biological controls are recommended to mitigate mycotoxin risks, enhancing food security in resource-limited settings. This research provides baseline data for policy interventions and further field validation.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly infectious and poses significant global health challenges. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are particularly at risk of HBV infection due to occupational exposure through contact with infected blood or body fluids. To mitigate this risk, hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all healthcare workers and is administered in three doses at 0, 1, and 6 months, aiming to reduce exposure and provide immunity against the virus. However, the effectiveness of the HBV vaccine remains uncertain in the study area.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate hepatitis B vaccine efficacy and factors affecting vaccine effectiveness among healthcare workers in all Hospitals of East Gojjam Zone Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia
Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 healthcare workers from March 25, 2024, to November 30, 2024. Simple random sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. Total sample size was allocated proportionally to each hospital. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Moreover, venous blood samples (4–5 ml) were collected from the study participants, and serum samples were analyzed to measure and detect the concentrations of anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and anti-hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Logistic regression model with 95% CI was used to show the statistical association. P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results: The overall sero-prevalence of HBsAg among all study participants was 23/422 (5.5%) (95% CI: 3.0-8.0). In multivariable logistic regression, blood transfusion (AOR: 16.5, 95% CI: 1.53, 29.24) (P<0.011) and dental extraction (AOR: 13.5, 95% CI: 3.99, 45.57) (P<0.000) were significantly associated with HBsAg positivity. In addition, the overall sero-reactivity of anti-HBc was 30/422 (7.1%) (95% CI: 5.0-10.0). Injectable medication (AOR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.73, 10.72) (P<0.002) was significant determinant for anti-HBc sero-positivity. Furthermore, of fully vaccinated healthcare workers, 346/422 (82.0%) (95% CI: 78.0- 86.0 %) of them were sero-protected (had anti-HBs titer ≥ 10 mIU/ml). The paradoxical sero-positivity of HBsAg and anti-HBs among fully vaccinated healthcare workers was 16(4.6%). Moreover, among HBsAg-positive individuals, HBV DNA was detected in 17 (73.9%) of them.
Conclusions and recommendations: The study identified intermediate HBV seroprevalence among vaccinated healthcare workers, indicating suboptimal vaccine efficacy. These findings emphasize the necessity of monitoring post-vaccination anti-HBs antibody levels to address gaps in protection.
Keywords: Hepatitis B vaccine effectiveness, Healthcare workers, Hospitals

Foodborne illnesses as a result of poor food handling practicespose a significant threat to public health. The main objective of thissystematic review and meta-analysis was to pool the level ofhygienic food handling practices among food handlers working inpublic food establishments in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Aninclusive search of databases was undertaken usingPubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and GoogleScholar from the 1st of January 2014 to the 30th of December 2023.Data was collected, entered into Excel, and finally exported toStata V.17 for analysis. Eyeball testing using forest plots, CochraneQ test statistics and I2 had been used to identify and measure het-erogeneity. The pooled prevalence of hygienic food handling prac-tices was estimated using a random effects model. The pooledprevalence of hygienic food handling practices of food handlers inthe Amhara region was 48% [95% confidence interval (CI): (43%,53%)] with significant heterogeneity (I2=94.39%, p

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to identify best hot pepper varieties & planting method for yield and resistance to F. oxysporium in West Gojjam, Ethiopia under field and greenhouse condition. The green house experiment was conducted at Burie Campus by using plastic house prepared with 3.5 m height and an area of 4m by 3 m. The experiment was conducted by transplanting of 6 hot pepper varieties with 2 months seedlings. Inoculation was performed following the standard cut-root dip inoculation technique. Hot-pepper varieties were grouped in to: immune, resistant, moderately resistant, susceptible and highly susceptible. Oda Gibe was the best variety that showed 9.7 % wilt incidence followed by Oda Haro that showed moderately resistant with a reaction of 26.3 % wilt incidence. On the other hand, the field experiment was conducted at Mankus kebele, Jabi Tehinan Districts with a total of 12 treatment combination (6 hot pepper varieties: Bako local, Marko Fana, Melka Awaze, Melka Zala, Oda Gibe and Oda Haro with 2 planting methods: Ridge and flat plant bed).The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Two months old Seedlings were transplanted on plots having an area of 4 m x 3 m (12 m2). Observations of naturally occurring fusarium wilt development was inspected at 7 days interval three times. Growth parameters of hot pepper were affected by the main effects of variety and planting method but insignificantly by their interactions. Besides the varietal effect, the longer plants and more number of primary and secondary branches were recorded from raised bed that has showed less disease incidence than flat planting. On the other hand, all yield related parameters were significantly different by the interaction effect of variety with planting method. The highest mean marketable as well as mean dry total pod weight was obtained from ridge planting of Oda Gibe variety which has showed least susceptibility to fusarium wilt. Oda Gibe and Oda Haro variety integrated with Raised bed significantly reduced Fusarium wilt incidence as compared to the area production system of Marko Fana with flat planting method. However, the experiment was conducted at a single location, so that it would be better if it is repeated over season and location to provide comprehensive recommendations. Key words; - Planting method, Fusarium wilt, hot pepper, Incidence

This study suggests an enhanced version of the adaptive fuzzy fast terminal synergetic controller(AF-FTSC) for controlling the uncertain DC/DC buck converter based on the synergetic theory ofcontrol (STC) and newly developed terminal attractor technique (TAT). The benefits of the proposedSC algorithm involve the features of finite-time convergence, unaffected by parameter variations, andchattering-free phenomenon. A type-1 fuzzy logic system (T1-FLS) make the considered controllermore robust and is utilized to estimate the undefined converter nonlinear dynamics without resortingto the usual linearization and simplifications of the converter model. Taking a switching DC-DC buckconverter as a demonstration, the suggested AF-FTSC is thoroughly analyzed and executed on adSPACE ds1103 controller board. The outcomes of the experiment confirm the competence andapplicability of the suggested regulator.Keywords: Synergetic control, Fuzzy logic system, Fast terminal method, Finite-time convergence, DC/DCbuck converter

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

Introduction Vaccination is a critical public health intervention that significantly reduces morbidity and mortalityamong children. Despite its importance, vaccination coverage remains suboptimal in many regions, including EastGojam, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. This study investigated the sociodemographic, economic, and cultural determinantsof vaccination status among pediatric populations in East Gojam.Methods Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 1,900 respondents, categorizing vaccinationstatus as not vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or fully vaccinated. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyzethe impact of predictors such as child age, gender, parental education level, household income, geographic location,access to healthcare, trust in healthcare providers, sources of vaccination information, cultural beliefs, and perceivedgovernment support for vaccination.Results The results revealed that higher parental education levels and urban residence positively influence vac-cination status. Older children were less likely to be fully vaccinated, indicating a need for targeted outreach. Accessto healthcare services and trust in healthcare providers significantly promoted vaccination, whereas negative culturalbeliefs and misinformation adversely affected vaccination status. Perceived government support for vaccinationwas also a significant predictor.Conclusion This study concludes that addressing these multifaceted determinants through educational programs,improved healthcare access, trust-building initiatives, accurate information dissemination, stronger governmentalsupport, targeted outreach for older children, community engagement, and multisectoral collaboration can enhancevaccination coverage and improve public health outcomes in East Gojam and similar settings.Keywords Vaccination, Pediatric populations, Ethiopia, Sociodemographic factors, Health services accessibility,Cultural beliefs, Trust in healthcare providers, Parental education, Multinomial logistic regression

Agro-nanotechnology—the application of nanotechnology in agriculture—holds immense promise for addressing main challengesin African agriculture and promoting sustainable development. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of how agro-nanotechnology is being utilized across Africa, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize various aspects of agricultural practiceson the continent. Firstly, the utilization of nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanofertilizers, and nanopesticides offersopportunities for enhancing nutrient management, improving soil health, and increasing crop productivity in diverseagroecosystems across Africa. Nanofertilizers, with their controlled release mechanisms, facilitate efficient nutrient uptake byplants, thereby reducing nutrient losses and enhancing fertilizer use efficiency, which is crucial for resource-constrainedsmallholder farmers. Nanopesticides suggest improved efficacy in pest and disease control, reducing environmental harmcompared to traditional pesticides. Their targeted delivery also minimizes off-target effects, which is crucial for Africa’s foodsecurity. Nanosensors also enable real-time monitoring of soil and crop health, enhancing precision agriculture. Nanotechnologyin postharvest management reduces food losses and improves safety. However, its adoption requires careful consideration ofsocioeconomic and regulatory factors to ensure equitable access and environmental safety. Collaborative efforts involvingpolicymakers, researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders are crucial for harnessing the benefits of agro-nanotechnology whileaddressing potential risks and concerns. In conclusion, the integration of agro-nanotechnology into African agriculture presents atransformative opportunity to enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability, contributing to the continent’s efforts towardachieving food security, economic development, and environmental conservation.Keywords: agro-nanotechnology; nanofertilizers; nanopesticides; nanosensors; precision agriculture

This study aims at exploring the potentials and drawbacks of utilizing social media to promote tourism industry in East Gojjam Zone. The study will be geographically limited to East Gojjam Zone and will not include media platforms other than social media. The research will bring significance to the culture and tourism offices, agencies that work on tourism industry and an input for the government organizations in policy formulation as well as for future researchers. Qualitative research approach with descriptive design will be employed. The population of this study is social media pages of Culture and Tourism Offices of all the woredas found in East Gojjam Zone and of the Zones’ Culture and Tourism Department. The sample will be purposive sampling of all social media pages of the woredas and the zone. Focus group discussion and indepth interview will be conducted in eight selected woredas and zonal culture and tourism office. East Gojjam Zone has 19 woredas including Debre Markos town. The data will be gathered using content analysis of the social media posts, focus group discussion and in-depth interview. In addition, data will also be collected from reports, and publications like newsletters and articles.To collect the data official support letter will be submitted to the Culture and Tourism Department of East Gojjam Zone. The authenticity of social media pages of the woreda tourism offices will be confirmed with the concerned bodies at the zonal level. The collected data using online content, in-depth interview and focus group discussion will be triangulated for data analysis. The researchers expect to find out social media usage patterns and preferences in tourism promotion, social media promotion strategies and implementation, social media regulation and governance in tourism promotion. Atotal budget of 201, 722 ETB will be allocated to conduct the whole study from April to September, 2024.