Journal of Science and Sustainable Development

Stakeholders’ Participation in Adult Education Policy Document Formulation and Implementation in Ethiopia

Million Tadesse Woldeyes — 2025-08-31

The purpose of this study was to assess stakeholders’ participation on adult education policy
document formulation and implementation in Ethiopia. Qualitative method was used for this
study. As a result, qualitative data was collected by using interview and document analysis.
Qualitative data, including respondents' views and findings from document analysis, were
presented by describing the responses in phrases. The finding of this study reveals that there are
different categories of stakeholders are involved in implementing adult education program in
the country. In Ethiopia, although significant efforts have been made by the government and
NGOs, illiteracy rates remain high, and the implementation of related programs is still
inadequate. This situation implies that there is no established system that coordinates
stakeholders’ effort and resources towards the effective implementation of adult education
program. This brings about a duplication of efforts and wastage of resources. Therefore, it is
recommended that adult education centers and district education offices, in collaboration with
other stakeholders such as district agriculture and rural development offices and district health
offices, should mobilize the community to promote adult education programs.

Exploring the Lived Experience of Students with Hard of Hearing Impairments in Primary Schools at Ambo Town

Hachalu Geleta Wegari — 2025-08-31

The purpose of the study was to investigate the lived experiences of students with hard of
hearing impairment (SWHHI) in Ambo town, Ethiopia. A phenomenological study was
employed for this study. Seven students with hard of hearing were purposefully selected and
interviewed. The qualitative analysis yielded three overarching themes: challenges of SWHHI,
support provision for SWHHI, and coping strategies. The findings of this study showed that
participants received support from home and school though not in a consistent and planned
manner. SWHHI faced challenges including, communication barriers, social isolation, and
community attitude related problem. Moreover, coping mechanisms such as self-help,
adaptation, social networking, and creating supportive learning environments, were emerged as
crucial strategies for overcoming academic challenges emanated from hearing loss. These
findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the lived experience of SWHHI and
offering implication for creating accessible and inclusive learning environment for SWHHI.

Analyses of Hepatitis C Virus with Targeted Treatment for Chronic Infections: Mathematical Modeling Perspective

Tsegaye Simon Lachamo — 2025-08-31

This paper examined the spread of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among population of
chronically infected individuals receiving treatment. The model classifies individuals into five
categories: susceptible, acutely infected, chronically infected, treated, and recovered, and is
governed by a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The qualitative analysis
focuses on key solution properties such as positivity, boundedness, existence, uniqueness, and
the stability of the disease-free equilibrium, along with a sensitivity analysis. MATLAB
simulations provide additional insights into the progression of the infection. The study findings
highlight the potential of timely intervention, using either direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) or
natural herbal supplements under medical guidance, to significantly reduce the duration of
chronic HCV infection and ultimately eliminate the virus.

Carbon Stock Potentials in Woody Plants of Tullu Qondala Exclosure in Ethiopia: its Implications to Climate Change Mitigation

Fekadu Dejene — 2025-08-31

Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Root and Inflorescence of Enset/Ensete-Vetricosum/ for the Removal Pb(II) from Aqueous Solution

Abdisa Gebisa Jebessa — 2025-08-31

Activated carbon was synthesized from the inflorescence and root of enset/ensete
vetricosum to effectively remove Pb(II) heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The
process involved chemical activation using H3PO4 followed by carbonization at 300°C
for 15 minutes. The most effective conditions for creating activated carbon varied
depending on the source material. For enset inflorescence (flower), a preparation
temperature of 25°C, a pH of 5, and a contact time of 60 minutes yielded the good
results. In contrast, the optimal conditions for preparing activated carbon from enset
root were a temperature of 30°C, a neutral pH of 7, and a shorter contact time of 30
minutes. Adsorbent doses of 1.5 g and 2 g in 200 mL solution were found to be
optimal. The adsorption capacities for Pb(II) by inflorescence and root were
determined to be 1.36 mg/g and 1.68 mg/g, respectively. Freundlich adsorption
isotherm models provided better fits for the experimental adsorption equilibrium data
compared to Langmuir models. FT-IR spectra analysis revealed the presence of
functional groups responsible for binding Pb(II) ions onto the adsorbent. Kinetics
data suggested that the pseudo-second order model best described the adsorption
process. The synthesized activated carbon showed high efficiency in removing Pb(II)
ions from aqueous solutions, making it a promising adsorbent for Pb(II) and related
heavy metal removal.

Synergetic Effect of Ni-CuO Nanocomposites with Activated Carbon Synthesized from Zeamays Bark for the Removal of Methylene Blue Dye

Tibebu Alemu — 2025-08-31

In this study, nanomaterial adsorbents including CuO, Ni-CuO, Ni-CuO/activated carbon (AC),
and Ni-CuO/zeamays bark (ZB) were synthesized and evaluated for the removal of methylene
blue (MB) dye from wastewater discharged by Anmol Paper Production PLC. Structural and
surface characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform
infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-visible
spectroscopy (UV-Vis). XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a monoclinic CuO phase, with
a reduction in crystal size from 34.26 nm (CuO) to 18.06 nm (Ni-CuO/ZB). SEM revealed a
porous, hair-like morphology in Ni-CuO nanocomposites. FTIR spectra indicated the presence
of OH and CO functional groups, enhancing adsorption potential. UV-Vis analysis showed a
bandgap reduction from 3.22 eV (CuO) to 2.10 eV (Ni-CuO/AC) and 1.75 eV (Ni-CuO/ZB),
suggesting improved visible light absorption. Batch adsorption experiments showed that Ni
CuO/ZB achieved the highest MB removal efficiency of 99.03% under optimized conditions: 110
ppm dye concentration, pH 12, 1.0 g adsorbent dosage, and 120 minutes contact time. The
adsorption process conformed to the Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo-second-order
kinetics (R² = 0.99), indicating multilayer adsorption and a chemisorption mechanism. Overall,
the Ni-CuO/ZB nanocomposite demonstrated superior performance, making it a cost-effective
and sustainable candidate for industrial wastewater treatment.

Effects of Short Story Instruction on Students’ Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Skills Development and Reading Motivation: The Case of Second Year English Major Students

Yezabwork Merga — 2025-08-31

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of short story intervention on Ambo
University students’ reading comprehension, vocabulary skills development and reading
motivation. All second year English Language and Literature major students were purposefully
selected as the subjects of this study. They participated in six months short story interventions.
Quasi-experimental research design was employed. The researchers used a within-subject
design where a single group of subjects is exposed to all levels of independent variables, a short
story. Next, the students were given intensive training that lasted for six weeks. After the
completion of the training, a post-test was administered. Then, the results were collected and
recorded. The collected data was analysed by using paired sample t-test and descriptive
statistics (mean and standard deviation). The result of the data analysis revealed that short
story intervention has a significant effect on the improvement as the paired sample t-test results
indicated that a statistically significant improvement in reading comprehension, t (19), 4.41, p
<0.001, with the very large effect size (Cohen’s d=3.40); vocabulary skills development showed
significantly higher score than before the intervention t(19)=11.43, p=0.001, Cohen’s’ d=0.99,
95%) and level of reading motivation levels from pre-test result to post-test result t(19) = 11.32,
p = 0.001). Based on the findings, it was recommended that appropriate short story should be
used in the teaching of reading and vocabulary so that it may help students to improve their,
reading comprehension, vocabulary skills and motivation to read.

Occurrence, Associated factors, and Antibiogram Profiles of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhi Among Food Handlers in Restaurants in Hawassa City, Ethiopia

Ridwan Mohamed Omar — 2025-08-31

Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhi are among the most common foodborne
pathogens transmitted by asymptomatic food handlers. This study aimed at determining the
occurrence and antibiogram profiles of S. Typhi and S. aureus among food handlers in
restaurants in Hawassa City, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was
conducted from August to November 2020, utilizing laboratory analysis of nasal swabs and
stool samples from 100 volunteer food handlers working in restaurants in Hawassa City based
on standard culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests. Ten (10%) of the 100 food handlers were
nasal carriers of S. aureus whereas no S. Typhi was found. Five of the ten S. aureus isolates
were resistant to one or more of the seven antibiotics tested. Of the isolates that showed
resistance, one showed single resistance to penicillin while four (40%) showed resistance to two
or more drugs. Two isolates showed double resistance, and one isolate showed triple resistance.
Of the multiple resistant isolates, one belonged to Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), which
was resistant to penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and oxacillin. All the S. aureus isolates
were vancomycin sensitive. This finding implies that food handlers may be a potential source of
foodborne disease outbreaks in the community, and the finding of multiple resistant isolates
suggests inappropriate use of antibiotics. This highlights the importance of educating food
handlers about the necessity of hhygienic food handling and responsible use of antimicrobials.

Effects of Mediated Learning Experiences for Hard of Hearing Children on Language Development

Alemayehu Teklemariam — 2025-08-31

The present study aimed at determining the effect of an educational intervention in enhancing the Amharic
language level of grade one students, particularly focusing on Mediated Learning Experiences (MLE) and
instruction strategies from teachers. The intervention was applied in two comparatively equal sized
government primary schools with 200 students divided equally between experimental and control groups. All
of the students who took part were of low socioeconomic status. The key objective was to determine whether
MLE would be able to bring about language development, in hearing impaired and hearing students. To
collect data, the research performed audiometric tests for the diagnosis of hearing impairment, the
application of sound level meters to ascertain ambient noise in classrooms, and standardized testing for
ascertaining language capacity. Results showed that 13.5% of the test participants experienced some form of
hearing impairment. Ambient noise in classrooms was found to be a significant auditory impediment to
learning. The outcome was that the intervention based on MLE had a very positive impact on the language
acquisition of the total group, as well as on both hearing and hard-of-hearing students. The intervention
recipients also showed notable improvement in their Amharic language when compared to the control group.
Ultimately, the innovative research highlights the accessibility and possibility of the MLE approach. In
promoting active participation and cognitive interaction, MLE was a valuable practice to enhance disparate
learners. The effective implementation of this approach in this setting reveals that flexibility and
accommodativeness could be made. teaching methodologies an intrinsic part of the primary school syllabus to
ensure equal and effective learning for all students regardless of their hearing or socio-economic
requirements.

Adolescents’ Psychological Well-being: The Role of Sex and Family Structure

Geda Tolera — 2025-08-31

Adolescents' psychological well-being is a salient factor in fostering their comprehensive
psychological, socio-emotional, and physical development, enabling them to thrive during this
period of rapid growth. A range of individual and social factors contributes to the perceived
level of adolescents' psychological well-being. This study aimed to investigate the influences of
family structure and sex on adolescent’s psychological well-being. A correlational research
design was employed to achieve the purpose of this study. Data were collected from a randomly
selected 340 adolescents (158 males and 182 females) through proportionate stratified
sampling, by using Ryff’s psychological well-being scale. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard
deviation), two-ways ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis were employed to examine
relationships and differences. The results indicated that Adolescents who participated in the
present study exhibited a lower level of psychological well-being. When compared by sex,
female adolescents are found better in their psychological well-being than their male
counterparts (F (1,339) =8.55, P<.05). Adolescents from intact families (i.e., where both
biological parents live together) are found to be better in their psychological well-being than
adolescents from non-intact families (F (1, 339) = 12.822, P <.05). Overall, both sex and family
structure were identified as significant factors influencing adolescents’ psychological well
being. Female adolescents exhibited higher levels of psychological wellbeing than male
adolescents. Both female and male adolescents from intact demonstrated higher levels of
psychological well-being than those from non-intact families. Given the low levels
psychological well-being observed among adolescents, key agents within their immediate
ecological systems such as families and schools, bear a critical responsibility to actively foster
and enhance their psychological well-being. Thus, all stakeholders involved in adolescent
psychosocial development are encouraged to actively contribute to promoting adolescents'
psychological well-being. This support serves as a foundation for their positive growth and
development.