Browsing by Author "Worku, Solomon"

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    Efficiency at maximum power and Optimized efficiency: an information theory approach
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Worku, Solomon; Bekele, Mulugeta (PhD)
    We consider a model heat engine which is based on the concepts of information theory, attributing irreversible energy dissipation to the information transmission channels. The different communication channels, classical and quantum, are characterized by their channel capacity. We obtain that the model recovers the Carnot principle in the reversible limit and the efficiency at maximum power expression of non reversible thermodynamics. We use optimization criterion to derive the objective function which is a quantity that help us for the derivation of optimized efficiency. The criterion predicts the performance regime of the model heat engine lying between efficiency at maximum power and Carnot efficiency. Such regime should be considered as optimum performance regime of the model heat engine. We derive the optimized efficiency, which has the same linear term for the different information channels in the linear response regime, lying between efficiency at maximum power and Carnot efficiency. We expect the optimization method we used to be applicable to any finite-time thermodynamic heat engine which meets Hernandez et al [1] requirements. Besides it gives clue on the study of high performance thermodynamic heat engine
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    Exploring the Status of the Leaner-Centered Approach in Efl Classes: Grade 8 in Focus
    (Addis Ababa University, 2009-07) Worku, Solomon; Beriso, Italo (PhD
    This study was concerned with exploring the status of the leamer-centred approach in EFL classes with particular reference to three selected primary schools in Addis Ababa, namely:Kilinto, Lafto and Hizbawi Sera wit Primary Schools-Akaki Kaliti sub-city, Lafto sub-city and Yeka sub-city respectively. To achieve the set objective two survey questionnaires, one for teachers and one for students, were used to survey participants about their responses. The students' questionnaire was meant to examine whether they like to learn English individually, with a partner, in small groups or in a large group. It also required them to identify the methods frequently used in their English classes. The questionnaire also incorporated issues related to teachers' approach towards error correction. Similarly, the teachers' questionnaire included key areas that revolve around whether or not they employ the suggested leamer-centred methods in their English classes. On top of this, teachers were also asked to provide their views on the benefits of using specific active learning methods. In addition interviews were held with teachers and students. Accordingly, the semistructured interview questions for teachers consisted of seven points, which dealt with the methods that they used most of the time. Teachers were also inquired to express their opinions on the challenges and the solutions for effectively and efficiently implementing the leamer-centred approach in their own context. The interview questions for students contained four points. They ranged from how they wanted to learn English to what they suggest in order to improve their English out of class. In a similar vein, focus group discussions were held with teachers and students. The focus points of the discussions with teachers were on the applicability, challenges, bottlenecks and solutions to this approach. Similarly, the students' focus group discussions included the type of topics they prefer to learn in their English classes. Discussions were also made with students on how they manage their own learning as part of their learning strategies. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to analyze the results. The major findings showed that some of the challenges in effectively and efficiently implementing the leamer-centred approach in primary schools are: i) large class size ii) lack of awareness iii) lack of training ivY lack of support from stakeholders v) lack of self-motivation Finally, the recommendations were made based upon the conclusions of the finding. I
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    Prevalence of Unintended Pregnancy and Child Birth and its Determinants in Harar Town; Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba Universty, 2002-04) Worku, Solomon; Fantahun, Misganaw (PhD)
    Unintended pregnancy and births could have negative consequences for children, for their parents, for their sibling and for the society as a whole. Regardless of the level of health care access and use reducing the number of pregnancies will lower maternal death rates. A descriptive cross sectional study design was used to assess the prevalence and socio demographic determinants of unintended pregnancy and or childbirth in Harar town. The study was carried out in nine kebeles, from three keftegnas of the town. A multistage sampling technique was conducted to select a total of 1000 females of reproductive age group (15-49 years) for interview. A structured questionnaire survey and four-paired focus group discussion were used as the method of data collection. A total of 983 females aged 15-49 years randomly selected women responded to a pretested structured questionnaire designed to illicit information concerning most recent unintended pregnancies, childbirth and induced abortions. Fifty five point six percent of the respondents were currently married, 29.7 % never married, 9.4 % were divorced/separated and the rest 5.3% were widowed. The mean age at first marriage was 18.8(SD=4.5) The majority of the respondents were found to have formal education. Knowledge of contraceptive method showed 96.6 % of the respondents knew at least one method. Among 785 sexually active women 326(41.5%) were reported to be current user of modern contraceptive method 195(33.7%) had ever used MC but 264(24.8%) among viii sexually active women were non-users. The occupational status indicated that 321(32.7 %) were employed including self employment 429(43.6%) were housewives, students constituted 127 (12.9%) and 106 (10.8%) were unemployed Two hundreds twenty-five out of 675 ever pregnant surveyed respondents (33.33%) reported that their most recent pregnancies were unintended. Of these, about half 112 out of 225 reported had unintended childbirth and the rest 113 ended in induced abortion. The prevalence of unintended childbirth constituted about 16.59 % while induced abortion was found to be nearly 16.74 %. Age at first marriage, marital status, education and number of pregnancies, respondents age and economic status were found to be the key predictors of unintended pregnancy or it’s measured outcomes: unintended births and induced abortions. System design and coherent strategy will be very important to meet unmet needs that result in unplanned and unwanted fertility both with respect to strengthen advocacy and increase access of modern contraceptive methods through community distribution and other social organizations as well as empowerment of women which enables them to be decision maker in their sexual and other aspects of life.
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    Role of Electronic Banking on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Ethiopia
    (2016-12) Worku, Solomon; Ponnala, Venkati (PhD)
    This thesis aims to examine the Roles of E-banking on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Ethiopia. A successful bank in presenting good services to clients and gaining profit is the one using new banking tools. The study has examined the roles of e-banking on return on assets as one of the most fundamental indexes of profitability. The study used secondary data employed purposive sampling technique to select ten banks for the study commercial banks operating in Ethiopia covering the periods from 2013 to 2015. In light of prior literature, key explanatory variables were identified to disclose their relationship and influence on financial performance of commercial banks. These independent and other control variables are value or price of transaction of ATM, value or price of transaction of POS, debit card, number of automated teller machine terminals, number of point of sale terminal and market share of banks. Result using random effect panel least square regression with the aid of E-view 8 application exhibited that numbers of ATM terminals, number of POS terminals and bank market share have positive and significant role on financial performance of commercial banks measured by return on asset. The study shows that increased number of ATM, POS and market share had a positive role on the financial performance of commercial banks with many banking institutions indicating that increased market share allowed a company to achieve greater scale in its operations which generally improved its profitability. Therefore, this study recommends for enhancing return on asset commercial banks should exert more on awareness creation about e-banking service and timely support for users will cause an increase in e-banking practice in Ethiopia. Key Words: Electronic Banking; Commercial banks; ROA; Profitability