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Research Article
Development and Nutritional Optimization of a Healthy Snack Bar for Children Using Locally Available Ingredients
Gemechu Duguma Argessa*
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
34-56
Received:
31 May 2025
Accepted:
18 June 2025
Published:
31 July 2025
Abstract: The rising global demand for healthy, convenient, and ready-to-eat foods has increased the popularity of snack bars, valued for their energy density and portability. This study aimed to develop nutritious snack bars for children using locally available ingredients: oats, faba beans, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds. A mixture design supported by Minitab v.18 generated 17 formulations with varying ingredient ratios. Rosemary leaf extract was added to enhance antioxidant properties, and jaggery was used as a natural sweetener. Proximate analysis showed moisture content of 6-8%, ash 1.12-2.57%, fiber 2-3.5%, fat 5-7%, protein 20-24%, and carbohydrates 58-62%, yielding an energy value of 393-400 Kcal/100g. Mineral content included sodium (5-7 mg), potassium (364-440 mg), calcium (4-8 mg), and magnesium (118-121 mg), with micro-minerals copper (0.4-1.67 mg), iron (6-9.25 mg), and zinc (4-7.5 mg) per 100g. The optimal formulation, with a composite desirability of 0.940494, comprised 48.18g oats, 39.80g faba beans, 4g sunflower seeds, and 8.01g flax seeds. Sensory evaluation confirmed its high acceptability, and microbial analysis verified product safety for up to 30 days of storage.
Abstract: The rising global demand for healthy, convenient, and ready-to-eat foods has increased the popularity of snack bars, valued for their energy density and portability. This study aimed to develop nutritious snack bars for children using locally available ingredients: oats, faba beans, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds. A mixture design supported by Min...
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Research Article
Glycemic Control and Associated Factors Among Diabetics on Active Follow up at Public Hospitals of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia
Rudwan Yasin Abrahim,
Abulmejid Gudu,
Dawit Abdi*,
Kedir Nuredin,
Shalo Alemu,
Kidist Mehari Azene,
Bethelhem Fekadeselassie Lemma,
Olifan Getachew
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
57-71
Received:
20 November 2024
Accepted:
28 July 2025
Published:
18 August 2025
Abstract: Background: Poor glycemic control leads to medical consequences, whereas effective glycemic control minimizes acute and chronic complications and death due to Diabetes Mellitus. In some literatures, the prevalence of poor glycemic control approaches 80%. Considering the seriousness of the problem, there is a knowledge gap in the study area regarding the prevalence of poor glycemic control and the underlying causes. Therefore, this study aimed assess the status of poor glycemic control and associated factors among diabetics on active follow up at public hospitals of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia from February 1-28, 2023. Methods: Cross-sectional study design was employed. Proportionate stratified sampling technique was applied to obtain 405 diabetic patients on active follow. Data was entered in to EpiData software version 4.6, then exported to STATA software version 17 for analysis. Three consecutive months’ average fasting blood glucose level was used to determine glycemic control. Explanatory variables with p value less than 0.20 in bivariate logistic regression analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regression analysis model. Every variable with P-values less than 0.05 in the multivariable logistic model was considered as statistically significant. Results: Mean age of pediatric participants was 11.3 years ± 4.1 SD while the mean age of adult participants was 49.8 years ± 14.7 SD. Females made up 52.1% of the total. Overall prevalence of poor glycemic control was 73.6% (95%CI: 69-77.7). Age >50 years (AOR = 3.01; 95% CI: 1.10-8.24), being Unemployed (AOR = 6.06; 95% CI: 1.43-25.60), poor level of adherence to blood sugar testing (AOR = 3.95; 95% CI: 1.61-9.70), duration > 4 years on DM treatment (AOR) = 2.23; 95%CI: 1.001-4.98) and high level of total serum triglyceride (AOR = 10.37; 95%CI: 4.29-25.06) significantly increased the odds of poor glycemic control. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of poor glycemic control in the study area. The factors with statistically significant effects on poor glycemic control included age ≥ 50 years, unemployment, low blood sugar testing compliance, longer duration on treatment, and high levels of total serum triglycerides. I rcommend especial attention to the elderlies, unemployeds and those with long duration on treatment.
Abstract: Background: Poor glycemic control leads to medical consequences, whereas effective glycemic control minimizes acute and chronic complications and death due to Diabetes Mellitus. In some literatures, the prevalence of poor glycemic control approaches 80%. Considering the seriousness of the problem, there is a knowledge gap in the study area regardin...
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Research Article
The Interconnectedness of Identity and Environment: A Comparative Study of Season of Migration to the North and The Overstory
Jihan Abdul Rahman Oshiesh*
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
72-79
Received:
10 May 2025
Accepted:
28 May 2025
Published:
20 August 2025
Abstract: This comparative study examines the intricate theme of interconnectedness between identity and environment in Tayeb Salih's Season of Migration to the North and Richard Powers' The Overstory. Both novels intricately intertwine personal narratives with broader ecological contexts, illustrating how cultural histories and the realities of environmental degradation profoundly shape individual identities. In Season of Migration to the North, Salih delves into the protagonist Mustafa Sa’eed's dual identity, which is burdened by the colonial legacies that significantly impact both his personal experiences and the natural landscape of Sudan. This exploration reveals how colonial histories continue to resonate within contemporary identities and environmental conditions. Conversely, Powers' The Overstory employs multiple perspectives to reveal the profound connections between human experiences and the health of the environment, emphasizing that our narratives are inextricably linked to the lives of trees and ecosystems. Both authors encourage readers to engage in a reflective examination of their relationships with nature through nonlinear narratives, urging a recognition of collective responsibility toward environmental preservation. This study highlights the essential role of literature as a vital medium for fostering ecological consciousness and cultural understanding, ultimately demonstrating that the crisis of identity is deeply intertwined with the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Abstract: This comparative study examines the intricate theme of interconnectedness between identity and environment in Tayeb Salih's Season of Migration to the North and Richard Powers' The Overstory. Both novels intricately intertwine personal narratives with broader ecological contexts, illustrating how cultural histories and the realities of environmenta...
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Review Article
Strain Improvement Through Genetic Engineering and Synthetic Biology for the Creation of Microalgae with Enhanced Lipid Accumulation, Stress Tolerance, and Production of High-value
Alebachew Molla*,
Gedif Meseret
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
80-95
Received:
23 July 2025
Accepted:
5 August 2025
Published:
27 August 2025
Abstract: Microalgae are microscopic, unicellular or simple colony-forming photosynthetic organisms found mainly in freshwater and marine environments. Unlike multicellular macroalgae, microalgae lack complex structures such as roots, stems, and leaves. They perform photosynthesis using pigments like chlorophyll, producing oxygen and serving as primary producers in aquatic ecosystems. Microalgae have emerged as a promising platform for sustainable production of biofuels, high-value biochemicals, and nutraceuticals due to their rapid growth and ability to accumulate lipids. However, natural strains often exhibit limitations in lipid yield, stress tolerance, and metabolic versatility that restrict their industrial application. Strain improvement of microalgae through genetic engineering and synthetic biology involves precise modification of genetic and metabolic pathways to enhance desirable traits such as lipid accumulation, stress tolerance, and production of high-value compounds. This review highlights recent advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology approaches aimed at enhancing microalgal strains for improved lipid accumulation, stress tolerance, and biosynthesis of high-value compounds. Emphasis is placed on novel transformation methods, genome editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9, metabolic pathway optimization, and transcriptional regulation strategies. We discuss challenges in strain development, including stability and scalability, as well as future perspectives integrating multi-omics and systems biology to accelerate industrial applications of microalgae for sustainable biofuel and bioproducts production.
Abstract: Microalgae are microscopic, unicellular or simple colony-forming photosynthetic organisms found mainly in freshwater and marine environments. Unlike multicellular macroalgae, microalgae lack complex structures such as roots, stems, and leaves. They perform photosynthesis using pigments like chlorophyll, producing oxygen and serving as primary produ...
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Research Article
Ensemble Machine Learning Model for Predicting Prices of Used Cars in Kenya
Moses Onserio*,
Fidelis Mukudi
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
96-105
Received:
31 July 2025
Accepted:
12 August 2025
Published:
28 August 2025
Abstract: Most Kenyan car owners prefer used vehicles due to their affordability, leading to a booming used car market. However, the absence of an objective pricing mechanism has led to inconsistent and subjective pricing, with prices varying significantly from seller to seller. This research aimed to provide a data-driven solution by incorporating key vehicle attributes. Using Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, the research implemented machine learning techniques: Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Gradient Boosting, Linear regression as base models, and Permutation for feature explanation to enhance accuracy and interpretability. The individual models were trained and evaluated using 5 cross-validation. Random Forest emerged as the best with a Mean Absolute Error of 0.1174, and Linear regression was the last with a Mean Absolute Error of 0.2635. For performance optimization, the four best baseline models (RF, SVM, KNN, and GB) were combined using a Stacking Regressor, which achieved an R-squared score of 0.9725, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.1137, and a mean squared error (MSE) of 0.2171, showing an improved predictive performance compared to individual models. Feature importance analysis identified mileage, car age, annual insurance, engine size, and usage type (Kenyan/Foreign) as the most influential features.
Abstract: Most Kenyan car owners prefer used vehicles due to their affordability, leading to a booming used car market. However, the absence of an objective pricing mechanism has led to inconsistent and subjective pricing, with prices varying significantly from seller to seller. This research aimed to provide a data-driven solution by incorporating key vehic...
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Research Article
Pre-extension Demonstration of Soil Test Crop Response Based Phosphorous Calibration Study for Maize Production (Zea mays L.) at Abay Choman District, Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
106-111
Received:
14 July 2025
Accepted:
5 August 2025
Published:
29 August 2025
Abstract: Pre Extension demonstration was held in the Abay Choman district to show how using soil tests can help decide the right amount of phosphorus fertilizer for growing maize. The goal was to create awareness about why soil tests are important for maize production and to gather feedback from farmers and others stakeholders for future improvements in technology. The test was done on the fields of seven farmers, which were used to repeat the experiment. There are two treatments: (T1) blanket recommendation and (T2) a recommendation based on a soil test that indicates how much phosphorus fertilizer to use, along with a recommended nitrogen fertilizer amount of 92 kg per hectare. Plot size for each treatments was 10 m x 10 m = 100 m2. Maize variety “BH-661” was used with the spacing of 50 cm and 80 cm between seeds and rows respectively. A total of 4 FRGs units which are having 43 male and 17 female members were established. For gender issue 22.1% of the participants were women and 77.9% were men. A grain yield of 6275 kg per hectare was recorded as the most favorable when fertilizers were utilized based on soil analysis. The application of a standard fertilizer led to a yield of 5,136 kilograms per hectare. The average grain yield obtained with soil test crop response based suggested phosphorus fertilizer was 6275 kg/ha with yield advantage of 22.17% over blanket recommendation. Moreover, financial investigation result appeared that net of return 119162.00 and 98850.00 ETB per hectare were picked up from soil test crop response based p-fertilizer suggestion and blanket recommendation respectively. Based on these actualities, the scaling up/out of soil test crop response based suggested P-fertilizers should be carried out for encourage maize generation at the study area.
Abstract: Pre Extension demonstration was held in the Abay Choman district to show how using soil tests can help decide the right amount of phosphorus fertilizer for growing maize. The goal was to create awareness about why soil tests are important for maize production and to gather feedback from farmers and others stakeholders for future improvements in tec...
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Research Article
Performance Evaluation of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Cultivars for Biomass and Chemical Composition Yields
Daniel Wana*,
Dawit Abate,
Meseret Tilahun,
Nebi Husen
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
112-121
Received:
17 June 2025
Accepted:
3 July 2025
Published:
29 August 2025
Abstract: One potential perennial forage legume that can be adapted to a variety of agro-ecologies is alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The best adaptive alfalfa cultivars in the highland regions of the West Arsi Zone are not well known, despite the fact that alfalfa is a valuable source of high-quality animal feed. In order to find high-yielding, adaptive, and high-quality alfalfa cultivars for the study locations, the study was carried out. Using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, seven alfalfa cultivars FG-09-09, Magna-801, FB-96-T-206, FG-10-09, Magna-788, Alfalfa-Italy, and Hunter-river (Adapted Check) were assessed. In terms of plant height, leaf to stem ratio, number of tillers per plant, herbage DM yield, and seed yield, the results indicated substantial (p<0.001) variations across cultivars. Experimental years had a significant impact on plant height, leaf to stem ratio, and seed yield (p<0.001), as well as herbage DM yield and the number of tillers per plant (p<0.01). The highest DM output was achieved in the third year (2022/23) (specify the year) of production, while the mean DM yield recorded in the establishment year (2020/21) was lower than that of the second (2021/22) and third (2022/23) years. Among the studied cultivars, Magna-801 and Hunter River had the best seed yields during the three years, whereas FG-10-09 had the highest DM output (2.92-6.53 t/ha) in comparison to the other cultivars. Therefore, it is advised that smallholder farmers be shown these cultivars, and that they be made popular for production in agro-ecologies that are similar to those that have been evaluated. Additionally, more research is needed on the best times to plant, clip, and regulate soil moisture in order to increase alfalfa seed yield.
Abstract: One potential perennial forage legume that can be adapted to a variety of agro-ecologies is alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The best adaptive alfalfa cultivars in the highland regions of the West Arsi Zone are not well known, despite the fact that alfalfa is a valuable source of high-quality animal feed. In order to find high-yielding, adaptive, and hig...
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