Browsing by Author "Meron Tadesse"

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    Experimental Investigation of Aloe Vera Gel as a Self-Curing Agent in Concrete Production
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-05) Meron Tadesse; Biruktawit Taye (PhD)
    Nature-based admixtures are emerging as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic additives, promoting sustainable practices in construction by replacing depletable resources. Aloe Vera gel is easily accessible and low-cost plant extract that has the potential to be used as a bio-admixture in concrete, improving workability and enhancing compressive strength. Due to the viscose nature of the plant, it is desired to examine the self-curing effect of aloe vera gel in concrete. The research examined the effects of using Aloe Vera gel as a self-curing agent for the concentration of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight of cement. The investigation started with selecting the appropriate concrete making ingredients such as cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate. The important physical tests, parameters useful for categorizing the ingredients and helpful for designing concrete, have been conducted in a laboratory. ACI mix design method was the procedure followed for designing C-30 grade concrete. Workability, split tensile strength, flexural strength, water absorption, drying shrinkage, and compressive strength tests were conducted on concrete samples at specified time intervals. Additionally, mortar samples were cured under two conditions—water-cured and sealed-cured—and their compressive strength was evaluated. The study also analyzed the effect of Aloe Vera gel on the consistency and setting time of cement paste. The addition of Aloe Vera gel improved workability and strength, with 1% gel showing optimal mortar compressive strength, and 2% gel yielding the best overall performance in concrete. On the long term, this natural additive has had an increasing drying shrinkage with the increase in dosage, however the change in length was marginal laid within the allowable limit. Additionally, the natural additive has a retarding effect on the setting time of cement paste. In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of Aloe Vera gel as a sustainable alternative to conventional additives, warranting further research on optimization and large-scale applications
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    The Experience of Social Workers in Humanitarian Service Organizations, Specifically Sos Children’s Village and Selam Children’s Village in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    (Addis Abeba Universty, 2025-11-01) Meron Tadesse; Wassie Kebede
    This study investigates the enduring experiences of social workers at SOS Children's Village and Selam Children's Village in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, both of which are support organizations. This study investigates the experiences of social workers inside two prominent humanitarian organizations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: SOS Children's Village and Selam Children's Village. The research study investigates the unique problems and benefits associated with the profession of humanitarian workers, including the emotional impact of their duties, the nature of the crises they face, and the resources available to them. The study investigates the strategies employed by social workers to uphold professional boundaries while engaging with at-risk persons, as well as to address ethical difficulties, stress, and fatigue. The study examines the methodologies employed to evaluate the experiences of social workers in humanitarian aid organizations through quantitative data analysis. The main results showed that social workers were under a lot of stress since they had too many cases, not enough resources, and worked with clients who were very dangerous. It makes them satisfied due to their success. Often they have a duty for deciding the priors to set. Upon fulfilling their duties in humanitarian aids, social workers need assistance & resources in order to provide their services & protect themselves. This study has the potential to enhance collaboration among social workers from different professions. This will make the organization's training, support systems, and policies better, which will make the care for families and children at risk better.