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Determination of the occurrence, virulence genes, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of enterococcus faecalis and enterococcus faecium isolated from poultry of Chongwe, Lusaka, Kitwe, and Ndola districts, farmworkers from the Copperbelt province poultry farms and clinical specimens from Kitwe teaching hospital in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology.Enterococcus has great genetic plasticity and is highly versatile, hence does not only acquire and express mobile genetic elements (MGEs) but also disseminates them to pathogenic and non-pathogenic species of the same or of different genera. As such, it has been associated with various clinical syndromes and is ranked among the major causes of nosocomial infections worldwide. The study aimed to determine the occurrence, virulence
genes, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolated from poultry of Chongwe, Lusaka, Kitwe, and Ndola Districts, Farmworkers from the Copperbelt Province Poultry Farms, and Clinical Specimens from Kitwe Teaching Hospital in Zambia. A total of 833 samples comprising 492 poultry droppings, 108 urine, and 3 rectal swabs from farmworkers, and 138 urines, 89 stool, and 3 pus swabs from patients attending Kitwe Teaching Hospital were processed. Phenotypic methods were employed to identify Enterococcus while confirmation and species identity were determined by genotypic methods. Drug resistance patterns were determined using the standard disc diffusion method and interpreted according to CLSI 2020 guidelines. Polymerase chain reaction was used to identify and detect resistance and virulence genes. In this study the prevalence of Enterococcus was 31.1% in poultry, 30.8% in farmworkers’ specimens (all being E. faecalis), and 29.6% in clinical samples (with E. faecalis making up 58.8% of these). Both E. faecalis and E. faecium showed high resistance to several antibiotics, with E. faecium generally more resistant than E. faecalis. The majority of E. faecalis isolates were multidrug-resistant, with 89.7% in poultry, 75% in farmworkers, and 97.4% in clinical samples. All E. faecium isolates in clinical samples were multi-drug resistant (MDR). The widespread MDR pattern was resistance to ampicillin,
chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, nitrofurantoin, penicillin, tetracycline, vancomycin combination. The frequently detected resistance genes in E. faecalis were tetK and tetM from Kitwe and Ndola, respectively, and in E. faecium, it was aac(6′)-Ieaph(2″)-LA and ermB from Kitwe, and aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-LA from Lusaka. In farmworkers, the frequently detected resistance gene in E. faecalis was tetL. In clinical specimens, the commonly detected resistant gene in E. faecalis was ermB, and in E. faecium, it was aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-LA and tetM. The study also investigated the presence
of gelatinase, aggregation substance, enterococcal surface protein, cytolysin, pheromone cAD1 precursor lipoprotein, E. faecalis endocarditis antigen Regulator of gelE and sprE expression and collagen-binding cell wall protein in E. faecalis and E. faecium, and E. faecium specific cell wall adhesion. Overall, 95.5% of all E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates possessed one of the virulence genes tested. The most prevalent virulence gene was ace being found in 95.5% of all isolates, followed by cad1. The least common virulence gene was esp which was detected in 56.0% of all E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates. The findings indicate a potential for the transmission of antibiotic-resistant strains between these populations and suggest the possibility of zoonotic transmission. Poultry and its products can be contaminated thereby posing a threat to consumers. There is also the possibility of increased healthcare costs and a higher risk of treatment failure due to infection with resistance strains. The discovery highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and monitoring of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in both human and animal populations as well as other settings
Village banking and their influence on the welfare of women in Kaunda square stage one, Lusaka district.
Get PDFThesis of Master in Development Studies.This study aimed to investigate the role of village banking in contributing to women's economic welfare in Kaunda Square Stage One. The research had three objectives: to establish the economic benefits that women gain from village banking, to determine the challenges that hinder village banking's contribution to women’s economic welfare, and to identify community strategies that can enhance the effectiveness of village banks in contributing to women's economic welfare. The study used mixed methods, and simple random sampling was used to select respondents interested or engaged in village banking activities. A total of 90 participants were selected, and data was collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Qualitative data was analyzed using key
themes, while quantitative data was analyzed descriptively by using percentages and frequencies/counts. The study found that village banking has a positive influence on the income levels of the participants. With the availability of income, participants were able to access medical services, and the right quantity and amount of food, engage in entrepreneurship activities, and keep their children in school, which improved their well-being. The study also found that challenges
such as short payback periods, loan default, and improper record-keeping decreased the influence that village banking had on their well-being. However, the study found that by ensuring financial training, clear village banking rules and regulations, and regular meetings, village banking's contribution to the participant's welfare could be enhanced. The impact of village banking on the women of Kaunda Square Stage One cannot be overstated. By providing them with access to financial resources and credit, this initiative empowers them to establish or grow their own businesses, which in turn can lead to greater financial stability for themselves and their families. The study recommends that participants should prioritize their education and not just their children to ensure self-development. The study also encourages the government to provide support to village banking groups with vocational training in tailoring and hairdressing since participants lacked the expertise to sustain a profitable business over time. The paper further recommends that the government establish monitoring mechanisms to ensure that village banking groups adhere to responsible lending practices to reduce default rates and prevent the breakdown of village banking
systems. The paper suggests conducting further research to explore the effects of village banking
after the village banking cycle ends
A web based document archiving system using indexing and machine learning for research and innovation grant allocation.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Computer Science.In today’s rapidly evolving world, research forms a cornerstone of human progress leading to new products, services, and technologies, which, in turn, can stimulate economic growth and enhance the quality of life. Research enables people to learn, innovate and address the complex challenges facing a society. It is a powerful tool for making the world a better place and as such many countries endeavor to support the research landscape by providing research grants in different sectors. The process of allocating research grants plays a pivotal role in fostering scientific progress, innovation and knowledge. The traditional manual selection of grant proposals, while well-established can be resource intensive time-consuming, subjective, and
prone to bias. This paper presents an unconventional strategy that leverages machine learning algorithms to enhance the fairness, efficiency, and transparency of the grant allocation process by removing human biases and prejudices that can inadvertently influence funding decisions. The study discussed the design and implementation of a machine learning-based grant allocation system using historical grant data from a reputable funding agency and provided empirical evidence of its effectiveness by selecting the best performing text classification algorithm from a comparative analysis of three models and integrating it into a web based application. The three models compared were the K- Nearest Neighbour, the Naives Bayes and the Support Vector Machine. The Support Vector Machine exhibited the highest performance metrics with an accuracy percentage of 88%, precision of 86%, recall of 87% and F1 score of 87%, whereas the K-Nearest Neighbour portrayed the lowest performance with an accuracy of 41%, precision 52%, recall of 43% and F1 score of 37%. Thus, the Support Vector Machine was integrated into a web based application to facilitate fund allocation. The developed system will promote fair review of research and innovation proposal applications by automatically categorizing them into topic categories that facilitate funding such as engineering, science and technology. The system will also assist in tracking and monitoring the progress for the research projects for which funding institutions invest in and also in digitally archiving the documents in an effective and efficient manne
Determinants of supply chain agility at Zambia medicines and medical supplies agency in Lusaka district.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science Operations, Projects and Supply Chain Management.Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has a responsibility to supply medicines and medical supplies to health facilities (Government of The Republic of Zambia, 2019). Although preliminary factors affecting Supply chain agility (SCA) have been reported, it is not well established how SCA is affected. The current business environment is characterized by constant change, turbulent and volatile markets, shorter product life cycle, and increased demand uncertainty. Therefore, attainment of quality and affordable healthcare is dependent on the ability of the healthcare organizations to promote resilience and mitigate operational and quality risks through support of dynamic capabilities that reduce negative
impact of supply chain instability and disruptions. The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of Supply Chain Agility at Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) in Lusaka District. The researcher used a mixed method, descriptive approach. Taro Yamane formula was used to determine the sample size of 80 respondents at 0.05 level of significance from the total population of 150 members of staff. From the distributed 80 questionnaires, only 67 responded giving 83% as response rate. Purposive sampling was used on senior management as key informants who were interviewed and random sampling for other staff. Stata, a statistical software was used to analyse descriptive and inferential statistics while thematic descriptive framework was used to analyse qualitative data. The findings showed the independent and dependant variable were positively correlated as they had a p value of less than 0.05. Overall, the new mandate for ZAMMSA is to procure medicine and medical
commodities though still facing administrative bottlenecks which is affecting SCA. The study revealed that supply chain agility is effective in managing an organization's supply chain in Zambia. The study deduced that, the sooner the procurement mandate is finalized and stabilizes the model using the four objectives will effectively and efficiently take-off. Therefore, the Ministry of Health/cabinet should ensure that ZAMMSA takes up its full mandate, by creating a robust delivery system to the health facilities and hubs, introduce a buffer supply chain management system to avoid expiry drugs. The agency should comprehensively and intentionally adopt the combination of market sensitivity, swift response, process integration and flexibility as a model for supply chain agility; and future studies should triangulate the SCA model of ZAMMSA from the perspective and experiences of the demand side and when or if possible from the supply end as well should be under taken
Factors influencing the use of HIV self-testing kits among adolescents: a case of Kalingalinga compound, Lusaka.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Public HealthIn Zambia, HIV self-testing is vital for HIV prevention, but there's limited understanding of its use among adolescents. In Zambia, HIV self-testing has become integral to HIV prevention and control, yet a knowledge gap exists regarding its prevalence, utilization trends, and determinants among adolescents. This cross-sectional investigation, conducted in the Kalinglinga compound of Lusaka district, engaged 391 participants, with a robust response rate of 97.7%. Employing a
pretested questionnaire, data were analyzed at univariate, bivariate, and multivariate levels. Univariate analysis revealed a 79% non-usage prevalence. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between non-usage and marital status (χ² = 7.064, p = 0.029), monthly income (χ² = 11.058, p = 0.030), kit availability (χ² = 16.868, p = 0.000), accessibility (χ² = 12.066, p = 0.002), and cost perception (χ² = 10.016, p = 0.007). Age, gender, education, religion, having a sexual
partner, unprotected sex, and drug use didn't significantly affect usage (p > 0.05). The analysis identified several key factors associated with a higher prevalence of non-usage of HIV self-test kits among the study participants. These factors included being aged 18-19 years, male gender, having primary or no formal education, being single, having a higher income, lacking a sexual partner, never engaging in unprotected sex, residing in areas with limited availability and
accessibility of self-test kits, and having uncertainty about the cost of acquiring these kits. These demographic and situational characteristics collectively contributed to a greater likelihood of non usage among the surveyed individuals. Multivariate analysis found higher income as a barrier (OR = 1.473, 95% CI: 1.222 - 2.252), while being single increased non-usage odds (OR = 2.424, 95% CI: 1.432 - 4.102). Areas without kits had higher non-usage odds (OR = 1.827, 95% CI: 1.129 - 2.956). Uncertainty about kit costs led to higher non-usage odds (OR = 2.708, 95% CI: 1.230 - 5.964). These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions addressing specific demographic, socioeconomic, and predisposing factors impeding HIV self-testing. The study enriches the body of knowledge on HIV self-testing, offering insights for policy and program development to bolster public health strategies for HIV prevention and control
An investigation into the state of record management at Chibombo district education board secretary’s office and the effect on teachers in central province of Zambia.
No full textThesis of Master of Education in Educational Management.This research aimed to investigate the state of record management at the Chibombo District Education Board Secretary‟s Office and its Effect on Teachers in Central Province, Zambia. The study was purely qualitative and guided by the records life cycle model of Theodore Schellenberg and the records continuum model by Frank Upward. To carry out this study, a case design study design was adopted and 22 participants were selected who consisted of 10 technical members and 15 teachers from 5 different schools. The participants were selected using nonprobability sampling design, specifically heterogeneous purposive sampling. The study used semi-structured interviews to collect data from the participants. In addition, secondary sources such as reports to augment the findings of the study were used. The Objectives of the study were to explore the state of record management at the Chibombo District Education Board Secretary's Office; assess the extent to which teachers in Chibombo District are affected by the state of record management at the Chibombo District Education Board Secretary‟s Office; examine the level of security provided for records at the Chibombo District Education Board Secretary‟s Office; determine the factors that contribute to the state of record management at the Chibombo District Education Board Secretary‟s Office; and to find strategies that would improve record management at the Chibombo Education Board Secretary‟s Office. The data obtained from the participants was analyzed for findings accordingly using constant comparative analysis. The key findings indicated that the state of record management at the Chibombo District Education Board Secretary‟s Office was poor. The investigation also revealed that the level of security provided for records was both adequate and inadequate. Furthermore, the research showed that mismanagement and lack of skilled personnel contributed to the state of record management at the Chibombo District Education Board Secretary‟s Office. Recommended Strategies include digital migration, enhancement of office capacity, maintenance of office space and provision of continuous in-service training programs as well as the provision of trained equipped with the knowledge and skill to be responsible for records
A comparative study between private transport truck business and taxi business in Choma, Zambia.
Get PDFTheis of Master of Business AdministrationTransportation is key in any business environment. It determines the movement of goods and services from one place to the other connecting the service provider and consumer so that there is an exchange. Additionally an effective transport industry reduces cost. This report presented Choma town, the administrative capital of southern province as the place of study .The two main transport business forms that were compared were registered private truck and
taxi business in Choma, Zambia. Therefore, the aim of this research was to assess which transport business was most favourable to venture in Choma between private truck and taxi. To add on, this dissertation was based on a mixed method type of methodology and adopted an embedded mixed research design .Additionally the sampling frame was gotten by the simple random technique. Moreover, the study sites were divided in two places. Data collection from taxi drivers was done at the taxi rank around spar outlet while the other was the main taxi rank along Livingstone road in the CBD. Data from participants under private truck was done from the natsave ground. Two types of data collection instruments namely questionnaires and structured interview schedules were used. The target population size of 50 was considered and after calculation, the adjusted sample size was 44. Additionally, the time frame for field work was a minimum of one month and data analysis followed with data being analysed for correlation and regression. Two types of variables were considered
namely the independent and dependent. Never less, other forms of variables were present and were demonstrated in the conceptual framework. To add on, a conceptual framework was adopted so as to show how variables interacted to influence the dependent variable being earnings monthly for both transport business methods. Therefore, this study concluded that private truck was the better of the two transport business alluding to statistical and qualitative
data generated. The research recommended study in fields such as uber and using a less general title of study
Exploration of higher education qualifications on women’s participation and appointment to decision making positions in public administration in Lusaka, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies.The success of development efforts depends on making women equal partners in all matters of the economy. Higher education, to be certain, by itself, is not a panacea but a necessary condition for the advancement of women in society. Through higher education, the journey towards participation in decision making power begins. Access to education is considered an important determinant of women’s appointment to decision making positions in public administration. This is because women’s increased education is positively associated with autonomy of decision making in different sectors of society. As such, women’s decision-making power increases when they are empowered with higher education. The main objective of this study was to explore the role that higher education qualification plays on women’s appointment to decision making positions in public administration. The sample for the study included 25 participants who were interviewed from various ministries in Lusaka. Both secondary and primary data were gathered for the study. Primary data was gathered using semi-structured interview guides and secondary data was obtained from documents such as journals, reports as well as websites. The research design used was a case study design. Non-probability sampling technique, using purposive and snow ball sampling methods were employed in the study. Data were analysed using thematic analysis by employing reflexive thematic analysis. Findings of the study revealed that despite women acquiring higher education qualification in Zambia, their appointment to decision making positions in public administration has not been achieved fully. Factors such as horizontal and vertical segregation were found to affect women mostly at institutional level and also were the reasons for the low numbers of women in decision making positions. Therefore, the study recommended that various stakeholders need to prioritize the importance of women’s participation and appointment by enacting and implementing laws, policies and regulations. Women also should be empowered with training and upgrading skills to better participate in decision making
Evaluating the role of Zambian commercial banks in the prevention of money laundering, a case study of access bank Zambia limited.
Get PDFThesis of Master’s in Business Administration.This study employed a comprehensive research approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to investigate the role of Zambian commercial banks in preventing money laundering, with a specific focus on Access Bank Zambia. The overarching research objectives aimed to assess the effectiveness of anti-money laundering (AML) measures, identify variables contributing to the rise in money laundering instances, and analyze the active
participation of Zambian commercial banks in AML initiatives. The study encompassed a diverse participant pool, involving 60 individuals for the quantitative phase and 10 participants for the qualitative phase. Data collection incorporated a dual-method strategy, employing interview guides and questionnaires to gather information. The quantitative aspect employed a research design featuring correlation and regression analysis to evaluate the interplay between variables influencing AML effectiveness. In parallel, qualitative interviews were conducted to delve deeper into participants' experiences, and thematic analysis was applied to unveil recurring patterns. The quantitative findings underscored a robust correlation between AML effectiveness and pivotal factors such as staff training, corporate culture, and technological advancements. Notably, staff training and awareness, corporate culture, and regulatory environment emerged as significant contributors to the success of AML programs. The subsequent regression analysis quantified the impact of these variables, offering nuanced insights into the specific measures significantly influencing perceived AML program effectiveness. Qualitatively, recurring themes identified through thematic analysis emphasized the vital role of ongoing staff training programs, the influence of a strong corporate culture, and the impact of technological advancements on AML
procedures
An investigation on the effects of youth unemployment on increased crime in Lusaka district of Zambia: a case study of Chibolya compound.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration (MBA) .This study explored how Zambia's high youth unemployment rate affected the rising crime rate of Lusaka Province's Chibolya Compound in Lusaka District. The research employed a case study design. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered using structured and semistructured questionnaires. The secondary goals were to assess the major causes of youth unemployment on increased crime in Chibolya Compound, discover the impact of unemployment among youths in Chibolya Compound, understand how these youths survive without employment, and identify government programs that could mitigate youth unemployment. Sixty (60) purposefully chosen adolescents were given questionnaires and guides with which to gather data. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Microsoft Word, and Excel were used for analysis. This study was motivated by the realization that until the root causes of the high unemployment rate for youth were found, no meaningful solution to this issue can be implemented. The unemployed adolescents participated in the study's survey because we believed that they were in a better position to provide important primary
data because they were the ones who knew their circumstances and the reasons behind them the best. The findings indicated that economic recession, a lack of life skills, and little exposure to the job market were the major contributory factors to youth unemployment in the district of
Lusaka. Other indicated causes include a lack of opportunities to access some industries, a lack of skills, low education levels, corruption and nepotism, and low entrepreneurship levels combined with financial challenges. However, this results in criminal activities, prostitution, excessive alcohol consumption, and poverty due to low or no income. To address the challenge of high unemployment among youths, the country must first attend to these causes. This study recommended that to improve the livelihoods of Kanyama's youths, they should be given priority when there are employment opportunities within their communities, such as road or drainage construction. Youths would also address underlying cause of unemployment by
building affordable schools at all levels and ensuring that life skills and high-quality education are provided. The government should create jobs to reduce the consequences of high youth unemployment. Additionally, the government and all stakeholders should confront this matter before it degenerates into an uncontrollable situation. This study also recommended encouraging youths to stop selling cannabis and form cooperatives to access Community Development Fund (CDF) to venture into business. The study also recommends that awareness campaigns about the National Youth policy should be occur