This study aims to evaluate how age, harvesting seasons, and culm height affect the properties of various bamboo species. The properties of bamboo fibres for composite development in Ethiopia have not been investigated so far. In this study, the properties of Y. alpina and B. oldhamii were scientifically investigated for bamboo culm structural applications and bamboo fibre composite development based on age and the harvesting season. Y. alpina was collected at Injibara and Mekaneselam which are located in east Gojjam and south wollo, whereas B. oldhamii was collected at Kombolcha which is located in south Wollo, Ethiopia. Three representatives of bamboo plants were collected in the three regions, namely from three age groups, across two harvesting months. The highest and lowest moisture content and shrinkage were measured at the ages of one year and three years, respectively, whereas basic densities were measured at the ages of three years and one year. The harvest month of November yields higher moisture content and shrinkage but lower basic densities compared to February. Yushania alpina has a higher moisture content and shrinkage but lower basic densities compared to Bamusa oldhamii. The current research demonstrates that the three-year-old groups and the harvesting month of February produce yields more suited for construction and structural purposes due to the ensuing good dimensional stability after drying. From the highest to the lowest percentage of the degree of crystallinity of the yield, it is that derived from Inj., followed by Meka., and then Kombolcha, respectively. Bamboo fibres have high powder crystals and degradation temperatures which make them suitable for composite development at two year old. Yushania alpina has a higher degree of crystallinity and degradation temperature of cellulose compared to Bambusa oldhamii.

Purpose: M/S Assela Malt Factory (AMF) is the pioneer in malt supply to the breweries throughout the Ethiopia. The boiler plant faces machines failures, and rate of failures is increasing year after year, which affect the production cost. The important problems of the boiler plant are machine breakdown, machine idle, production loss, too much maintenance man hour, high maintenance expenses, and plant capacity loss. Objective of the research is productivity improvement through identification of problems in machines and the improvement of efficiency, employee's attitude and culture of work.Quality in maintenance and the associated product quality is aimed to be enhanced by application of Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and set maintenance plan for the plant. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study proceeded with observation, data collection, related literature review; document analysis, interview, and giving training for the operators to embark upon 5S implementation at boiler house. A three steps approach for maintenance and improvement of the machine were implemented. First to set the cleaning procedure for the machine and work place, inspection and check for the cause of breakdown and initiate corrective action by maintenance, and final to assign the standard plan for maintenance.