Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal

Larvicidal Activities of Soapberry (Phytolacca Dodecandra) and Chinaberry (Melia Azedarach) Powders, Separate and Combined Application against Anopheles Species (Diptera: Culicidae) in Ethiopia

Ararsa Mashu, Oljira Kenea, Sisay Dugasa — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Malaria mosquito larvicides of plant origin have comparative advantages. They are easily available, accessible to end users, and environmentally friendly as compared to synthetic insecticides for controlling malaria vectors. This study was undertaken to assess larvicidal activities of Soapberry (Phytolacca dodecandra) and Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) seed powders, separately and in joint application, against wild Anopheles species in Western Ethiopia. Aqueous and methanol solvents were used for botanical extractions. The
standard mosquito larvicidal bioassay procedures were employed using 1140 wild-collected 3^rd instar larvae of Anopheles mosquitoes. Results revealed that methanol extracts outperformed aqueous extracts when used alone, and Chinaberry seed products displayed the highest mortality compared to Soapberry seed products. When paired with Soapberry, methanol extracts were the most poisonous crude extract with the lowest median fatal concentration values against the mosquito larvae (LC95, 3.368 mg/L; LC50, 1.009mg/L). On the other hand, aqueous extracts of Soapberry (LC95, 112.52 mg/L; LC50, 6.64 mg/L) had high fatal concentration values against the mosquito larvae. Larval mortality rate increased with concentration and the combination of the botanicals. The study recommends that joining Soapberry and Chinaberry seed extracts with higher concentrations of methanol is a promising control option against malaria mosquito larvae.

Enhancing how to practice writing chemical symbols and formulae through a competencybased curriculum approach among environmental science trainees at Oromia State University, Chiro Education Campus, Ethiopia

Taressa Bedada — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the effects of competency-based curriculum strategies on first-year environmental science trainees at Oromia State University, Chiro Education Campus, in writing chemical symbols and constructing chemical formulas. Using an explanatory design with pre- and post-tests, the study compared trainees receiving competency-based curriculum-based instruction with those taught traditionally. Pre-test results showed strong recognition of familiar elements (Cl, Ca, H, Fe) but difficulty with less familiar ones (Ag, B, Hg). The experimental group showed significant gains: recognition of Ag increased from 33.33% to 78.70% and Hg from 27.27% to 96.90%, while correct formula construction for Cu₂O, Fe₂S, and Cu₃(PO₄)₂ rose from 33.33%, 15.15%, and 18.18% to 93.94%, 90.90%, and 87.87%, respectively. The control group showed minimal improvement. Findings confirm that teaching methods and strategies effectively enhance chemical literacy by addressing misconceptions in oxidation states, charge balancing, and polyatomic ion identification, emphasizing the value of scaffold and concept-driven instruction. These findings demonstrate the importance of purposeful, scaffolded, and conceptually driven instruction in enhancing trainees' chemical literacy. To address particular learning gaps and customize instruction, teachers should identify students' preexisting misconceptions early on.

The Effect of Mindfulness and Psychological Resilience-Based Intervention on Academic Engagement among University Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Assefa Degebas — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A quasi-experimental single-group pre-test post-test design with an embedded mixed-method multiple case study was used to examine the effect of a mindfulness and psychological resilience intervention on students' academic engagement. Quantitative data were gathered before and after the intervention to measure variation in academic engagement (behavioral, emotional, and cognitive aspects) and GPA. Paired sample t-test statistical analysis was used for within-participant comparisons. After each participant was qualitatively examined, cross-case thematic analysis was conducted to identify the common patterns and mechanisms underlying change. A framework for assessing the effectiveness of the intervention in a higher education setting was provided by the use of standardized processes, repeated evaluations, and the integration of quantitative and case-based data. The result reveals that cross-case thematic analysis identifies three major themes: strengthened emotional regulation, improved behavioral consistency, and enhanced cognitive flexibility and academic performance with varying intensities. Significant difference shown between pre-test and post-test intervention in emotional regulation at t (13) = 6.803, P < .001; cognitive flexibility at t (13) = 4.861, P < .001; and academic achievement (GPA) at t (13) = 6.011, P < .001. Thus, the possible benefits of incorporating such variables into learning environments are to promote students' achievement.

Effect of financial inclusion on economic growth in East African countries

Getachew Kebede Hailu, Wondaferahu Mulugeta Demissie, Etana Ayeru Fekede — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the relationship between financial inclusion and economic growth in East African countries, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, over 2004–2021. Using ARDL regression analysis, it investigates the effects of the Financial Inclusion Index (FII), institutional quality (IQI), ICT index (ICTI), and Gross Savings (LogGS) on GDP per capita (logGDPPC). Results reveal notable differences across countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda show strong positive links between financial inclusion and growth, driven by mobile banking innovations and supportive institutions. In contrast, Burundi and Sudan display weak or negative associations, reflecting instability and underdeveloped systems. Ethiopia and Uganda exhibit positive but modest outcomes, highlighting the need for more efficient financial markets and better savings allocation. Overall, findings suggest that financial inclusion alone is insufficient; institutional reforms, stronger governance, and improved credit access are essential to maximize growth benefits. Policy recommendations emphasize strengthening financial infrastructure, promoting financial literacy, and enhancing regulatory frameworks to foster inclusive development. These measures align with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and the African Union's Agenda 2063.

Geography Teachers' Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge and Practical Challenges in Integrating Geospatial Technology in Secondary Schools in Bale Zone, Ethiopia

Kedir Gebi, Kidanemariam Paulos, Solomon Tadesse — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In Ethiopia, there is limited research indicating the level of geography teachers' knowledge and skills and classroom use in relation to geospatial technology in secondary schools. For this reason, this study assessed (1) teachers' technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge levels regarding geospatial technology; (2) practical challenges to geospatial technology integration; and (3) opportunities for using geospatial tools in selected public secondary schools in Bale Zone, Ethiopia. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected
through questionnaires, interviews, and observations from 51 teachers and 10 department heads, selected purposively. Frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used for data analysis. Results revealed that teachers face significant gaps in technological knowledge, technological content knowledge, technological pedagogical knowledge, and technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge. According to 80% of respondents, the deficiency is mainly because of the lack of geospatial tools in schools, limited
familiarity with technology, insufficient training, and a lack of strategies for effective technology integration. However, opportunities like a few desktop computers and information and communication technology centers exist. Findings from interviews and observations corroborated the quantitative results. The study recommends that Ethiopia's education system consider providing geospatial resources, ongoing professional development, and support for integrating technology into teaching.

Evaluation of Wind Energy Potential in Injibara, Awi Zone, Ethiopia

Teklie Lissanu Tegegne, Melkamu Belayneh Beyene, Beyene Tesfaw Ayalew Ayalew — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

With the rising demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources, wind energy assessment has become more significant, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study investigates the wind energy potential of the Injibara area of Awi Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia, by applying Weibull and Rayleigh statistical distribution models. The data was then analyzed to determine the wind characteristics, wind power density, and the suitability of wind turbines for high altitude atmospheric conditions. The
Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and Method of Moments (MOM) methods were used to estimate Weibull parameters, and the wind speeds were extrapolated to the turbine hub heights of 30 m and 50 m. The results show that the Weibull model is a better fit for the observed wind data than the Rayleigh model. The wind power estimation in high altitude regions is greatly affected by air-density
correction. The wind potential at Injibara is moderate with a mean annual wind speed of approximately 2 m/s at 10 m height, which is suitable for small and medium-scale wind energy applications. The results of the study offer significant insights for the selection of turbines, planning of renewable energy, and sustainable energy development in Ethiopia.

Photometric Studies of Similar Mass Ratios of Contact Binaries

Dereje Wakgari Amente — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article analyzed KIC 3832382 and KIC 7339345, similar mass ratio binary systems that were recorded in the extended Kepler/K2 space telescope using the PHOEBE 0.31a program. The two contact binaries have a mass ratio of 0.61 with fill-out factors of 31.97% and 22.41%, respectively. The fill-out factors reveal that they are a marginal contact configuration. Both binaries show the O'Connell effect. After dark spots were added to the secondary component of KIC 3832382 and to the primary component of KIC 7339345, in addition to a red spot on the secondary component of KIC 7339345, the asymmetric light curves fit well. The evolutionary states of the two components were analyzed, and it was found that their evolution is in the early stages. Secondary components are exactly between the Zero Age Main Sequence (ZAMS) and Terminal Age Main Sequence (TAMS) lines, whereas primary components are entering the main sequence lines. Furthermore, the stability of the binaries was checked under different scenarios, as discussed in the discussion section, and it was revealed that they are relatively stable.

Effects of Sectoral Employment and Value-added Shares on Economic Structural Transformation in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) Countries: Using Panel Corrected Standard Error (PCSE)

Alemu Ayele, Jayamohan Manchakadavat, Arega Shumetie — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the effects of sectoral employment, value-added share, and growth rate on the economic structural transformation (ST) of 18 SSA countries from 1990 to 2020. Total ST was calculated using shift-share analysis. The share of employment in agriculture and the share of non-manufacturing value added positively affect ST; whereas the share of employment in nonmanufacturing and services, the value added of manufacturing, agriculture, and the growth rate of services negatively affect ST. The growth rate of agriculture and manufacturing positively affects ST. The relationship of income and structural transformation appears to diverge from classical theory, exhibiting a negative linear relationship and a positive quadratic relationship between income per worker and ST. Agricultural transformation should be prioritized to ensure an increase in productivity. Results suggest that the positive employment
shift and the rise of low productivity service sector absorption through reskilling, and an absence of growth in manufacturing, should be addressed through policies to enhance value chains. Overreliance on output growth is not an adequate stimulus. The path-dependent nature of SSA's transformation, continued to focus on agriculture, poor manufacturing sector performance, and informal services proliferation, warrants country-specific and contextcontingent policies to have inclusive growth, departing from historical experience

Teachers' Job Motivation in Government Secondary Schools of Wollega Zones, Ethiopia

Alemayehu Feyisa, Kitessa Chemeda — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the level of teachers' job motivation in government secondary schools across the Wollega zones of the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, using a descriptive survey research design. The study examined differences in teachers' motivation based on gender and educational qualifications, from teachers' perspectives. Through proportional stratified sampling, 26 government secondary schools from which 364 teachers were selected using simple random sampling techniques were chosen. Data were gathered using condensed Herberg's two-factor motivation questionnaires. Reliability analysis of the instrument was conducted using SPSS version 24.0 and yielded an excellent Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.94. Consequently, data were analyzed using frequency distributions, percentages, means, standard deviations, and independent t-tests. The finding revealed that the overall level of teachers' job motivation was moderate. Additionally, the independent t-tests showed no statistically significant difference in job motivation level based on either gender or educational qualifications. Based on the findings, it is recommended that school principalsstrengthen institutional teachers' recognition systems and improve workplace conditions to enhance overall motivation.

Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility Practice on Sustainable Development: Evidence from Leather Factories in Lume District, Oromia, Ethiopia

Adugna Hunde Ganati, Chalchissa Amentie Kero, Misganu Getahun Wodajo — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to investigate the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices on sustainable development (SD) in the leather factories operating in Oromia, Lume district. To address the aims of the research, a cross-sectional quantitative method was used. Data
were gathered from 256 samples with 91% response rate. Data were analyzed using descriptive, correlation, and ordinal logistic regression analyses using SPSS version 16 and Jamovi version 2.6.44. Data analysis shows that leather factories are playing their economic and discretionary responsibilities, but low emphasis was given to legal and ethical responsibility practices. Correlation analysis reveals that economic, legal, ethical, and discretionary responsibility practices are significantly and positively associated with SD. Besides, the effects of CSR practices on SD were examined. The result revealed that economic, legal, ethical, and discretionary responsibility practices have a significant and positive effect on sustainable development (β=1.41, 1.24, 1.10, 0.635, and p-value <0.001), respectively. Further, it is found that CSR practices explains 18% variations in sustainable development. Thus, the researchers suggest that the government and other concerned bodies have to play their part to engage Lume leather factories in CSR practices through creating awareness, engaging stakeholders, and law enforcement to ensure SD.

Business Sustainability Practices in the View of the Triple Bottom Line Model: The Case of Oromia Regional State Foreign Firms, Ethiopia

Girma Negussie Hurrisa — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

As stakeholder awareness grows, organizations' attention to business sustainability practices increases to meet their expectations. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the sustainability practices of the Oromia Region using the TBL model. The study used a sample size of 745 respondents drawn from key stakeholders such as customers, employees, members of the local community, and concerned government officials. The data were analyzed using a nonparametric hypothesis test as well as descriptive statistics techniques, as the data distribution didn't meet the parametric tests' assumptions. Consequently, the findings showed that business sustainability practices have a significant association with the environment, profit, and people. Moreover, business sustainability practices in the region were discovered to be at a viable stage in the TBL model. Sustainable operations could bring business reputation, which in turn gives rise to better returns in the long run. This article is novel in its nature to address the framework of the business sustainability phase in the Oromia regional state, which will further initiate academia and practitioners to delve into the issue. Thus, all the key stakeholders should
collaboratively work together towards optimal business sustainability.

Effects of market orientation on sustainable competitive advantage in Ethiopia's manufacturing industry

Kumala Tolessa Gadeffa, Zerihun Ayenew Birbirsa, Misganu Getahun Wedajo — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The manufacturing industry is essential for the growth of the economy, with the food and beverage subsector representing a major contributor to Ethiopia's industrial growth. To evaluate the relationship between market orientation and sustainable competitive advantage, this explanatory study surveyed 293 high- and mid-level managers from food and beverage manufacturing firms in Addis Ababa and Shaggar, Ethiopia. Participants were determined through a combination of stratified and purposive sampling techniques. SEM (AMOS 23) was applied, while EFA and CFA were applied using SPSS 27. The KMO values for sustainable competitive advantage (0.900) and market orientation (0.820), together with a p < 0.001 value, confirmed the suitability of the data for further analysis. The structural model demonstrated strong goodness-of-fit indices, including RMR = 0.020, GFI = 0.956, AGFI = 0.928, NFI = 0.981, IFI = 0.992, TLI = 0.989, CFI = 0.992, and RMSEA = 0.048. The findings revealed that market orientation exerts a significant positive influence on sustainable competitive advantage, emphasizing its strategic importance in improving the long-term competitiveness of Ethiopia's food and beverage manufacturing firms. The study contributes to market orientation and competitive advantage literature and provides practical suggestions for policymakers and industry practitioners.

Effect of Climatic Variability Parameters on Maize Yields in Central and Eastern Ethiopia

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study uses long-term observed and future data to assess how climatic conditions affect maize output throughout Ethiopia's four agro-ecological zones and the relationship between climate variables and maize yield. In both lowland and highland zones, trend analyses showed increasing maximum and minimum temperatures and decreasing precipitation, rainyseason duration, wet-day frequency, and seasonal rainfall. The results of regression and correlation studies indicate that factors linked to rainfall account for 61.64% of the variability in maize yield, emphasizing precipitation as a key factor influencing productivity. Rainfall variability was identified as the most important determinant of maize yield, particularly in lowland and moisture-stressed areas, where delayed onset, early cessation, and uneven distribution of rainfall substantially reduced crop productivity. However, highland and midland areas were more
sensitive to increasing temperatures, which accelerated crop development, shortened the grain-filling period, and ultimately reduced grain yield. The combined effects of increasing temperatures and irregular rainfall intensified water stress during critical growth stages, resulting in considerable yield reductions across all agro-ecological zones. Findings emphasize the necessity of location-specific agronomic adaptations and policy interventions, such as drought-tolerant varieties, adjusted planting dates, and water-conserving practices, to sustain maize production under changing climatic conditions.

Environmental Architecture Research–Practice Partnerships (A.RPPs): Integrating Green Building Theory and Practice in Ethiopia

Amsalu Geneti, Fathi Bashir — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Green building systems are essential instruments for achieving environmental sustainability. Even though many nations have adopted a
sustainable rating system for environmentally friendly construction, adoption tends to be fragmented. In this regard, this paper seeks to
investigate green building systems in Ethiopia in terms of policies, coordination, awareness among professionals, and implementation. In this regard, a mixed methodological strategy involving literature review and empirical investigation has been used. Data has been collected from governmental and non-governmental construction sectors, universities, and professionals. Based on the data, it can be seen that even though there is wide awareness about sustainability, its implementation faces challenges due to a lack of a national framework for green buildings, an ineffective monitoring mechanism, fragmentation of coordination, and a weak link between research and practice. In this regard, the research indicates that the problem is not of policy commitment or awareness among professionals but the lack of a mechanism that can translate sustainable practices into implementation. To address this problem, the paper suggests the
Environmental Architecture Research-Practice Partnership (A.RPPs) model based on the Dual Evaluation-Creation Cycle (Dual-ECC).

Decade of Green Innovation Research: Tracing the Intellectual Structure and Emerging Trends

Geda Jebel Ababulgu, Zerihun Ayenew Birbirsa, Misganu Getahun Wodajo — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper analyzes 3,931 publications on green innovation (2010–2023) using VOSviewer bibliometric software. Results reveal that while China dominates publication volume, Germany and Taiwan are more frequently cited, indicating higher research impact. Thematic analysis identifies three core research clusters: eco-innovation and environmental policy; management and technological aspects of green innovation; and sustainable business models with industry applications. These clusters reflect the field's multidisciplinary nature, integrating environmental economics, corporate sustainability, and innovation management perspectives. Co-citation analysis highlights the central role of the Journal of Cleaner Production, Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, and Resources, Conservation & Recycling. Temporal keyword analysis reveals a significant shift in research focus: early studies emphasized foundational concepts like eco-innovation and corporate social responsibility (CSR), while recent work prioritizes urgent issues including carbon emissions, renewable energy, and green finance. The analysis demonstrates that green innovation research increasingly emphasizes macroeconomic and
regulatory dimensions, particularly in developing countries. This work offers valuable insights for future research, identifying financial strategies, policy frameworks, and localized implementations as priority areas for investigation.