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Optical investigation of bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) and antimony telluride (Sb2Te3).
No full textThesis of Master of Science in Physics.This dissertation is devoted to the investigation of the optical properties of two topological insulators, Bismuth Selenide (Bi2Se3) and Antimony Telluride (Sb2Te3), by optical spectroscopy reflection measurements in a wide frequency range (500 – 40000 cm−1 ) and temperature (13 to 300 K) . Utilizing Kramers-Kronig analysis, complex conductivity is calculated from which other optical properties are obtained. The resistivity of both samples demonstrates metallic behavior with residual resistivity ratios of 1.8 for Bi2Se3 and 7.5 for Sb2Te3, indicating purer samples. From the study it is found that near-infrared optical conductivity for Bi2Se3 is dominated by bulk carriers and shows a linear-in-frequency increase in the frequency range from 1500 to 3000 cm−1 , reflecting transitions between bands with complex dispersion. This linearity might be interpreted as a signature of three-dimensional (bulk) Dirac bands. However, no linearity is observed in Sb2Te3. The Drude like contribution at low frequencies may be a signature of surface states contribution to the conductivity. Spectral weight analysis offers insights into the distribution of optical weight with temperature and frequency, revealing the influence of correlation effects and charge excitations on low-energy electrodynamics. Reflectivity measurements on the Bi2Se3 sample crystal reveal insights into its metallic behavior, with a plasma-like feature attributed to Dirac surface states. Direct band gaps and interband transitions characterize its optical properties, with certain transitions exhibiting temperature dependence. Conductivity analysis provides information about charge carrier behavior and scattering mechanisms, revealing the influence of electronphonon coupling and electronic band structure on charge transport. Similarly, temperature-dependent trends in reflectivity for Sb2Te3 unveil complex spectral weight transfers and interband transitions, challenging conventional Drude theory predictions. Conductivity analysis shows conductivity decreasing at low frequencies due to phonon scattering and increasing at higher frequencies accompanied by the emergence of a Near Infra-Red (NIR) band
School environmental adaptations for the inclusion of students with visual impairment: at a selected secondary school in Korogwe district –Tanga, Tanzania.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Special Education.This study explored the school environmental adaptations for including students with visual impairments at a selected inclusive secondary school in Tanzania. Three objectives guided this study: to determine the physical and ecological adaptations made by schools to support the inclusion of students with visual impairments; to explore classroom environment adaptations deliberated for inclusion of students with visual impairments; and the social interaction of students with visual impairments in the school environment. The study employed a qualitative approach, using an exploratory case study design. A purposive sampling procedure was used to select fifteen (15) participants. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The study revealed that there are accessible buildings that accommodate all students, regardless of their diversity. Although orientation and mobility applied to SWVI, they faced challenges because they were not oriented to some school environments, like pathways and places with a new trench. Furthermore, the study revealed the availability of teaching and learning materials, but few work, and the rest do not. Therefore, providing enough learning and teaching materials were needed for SWVI in order to simplify their learning process. Nevertheless, the study indicated that there are few teachers know how to teach an inclusive class still others lacks basic foundation of teaching an inclusive class. Additionally, the study revealed that including SwVI with their peers in extracurricular activities is good; it helps eliminate harmful attitudes towards SwVI and enhances student peer learning. Similarly, the study concluded and recommended that no careful consideration was given to arranging the classes; students were placed randomly without consideration for sitting in front of the class. The SWVI should have been given priority in sitting in front, and some teachers needed to care about that situation. Further, the teachers and other members found in the school environment should use clear language and avoid using visual references to avoid the stigmatisation and segregation of students with Visual impairment. Therefore, the government, through the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT), and different stakeholders need to work together and show commitment to inclusive education by providing enough relevant materials for students with Visual impairment. Moreover, teachers should educate peers about visual impairments and promote empathy and understanding.
Keywords: Environmental Adaptation, Impairment, Inclusion, Inclusive education, Visual Impairmen
Risk assessment of endocrine disrupting compounds in selected food items sold in open markets in Zambia; a comparison of Kitwe, Kabwe and Lusaka
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Integrated Water Resources ManagementEndocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are receiving increased attention in the environment due to their link to lifestyles diseases like hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. This research aimed at assessing the presence and quantities of heavy metals and organic EDCs in the selected raw food items sold on open markets in the two cities and one town in Zambia. Fifty samples including Kapenta, fish and vegetables were collected from major open markets of Kitwe, Kabwe and Lusaka. Quick Easy, Cheap, Efficient, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) sample extraction technique was optimised for extraction of selected organic EDCs, with primary secondary amine (PSA) as clean-up sorbents. Microwave assisted digestion was used to extract
metals. Optimised QuEChERS parameters used are 75 mg clean-up sorbent, 5 min extraction time, 400 rpm separation speed, 0.5 g salt (NaCl), 6 mL methanol as extraction solvent. Detection was done using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-optic emission spectroscopy for organic EDCs and heavy metals, respectively. The results showed that
DDT metabolites, including 4-nonylphenol, were not detected in all the foodstuffs. The mean concentrations of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) ranged from 91.05 to 101.76 μg/kg, 77.14 to 123.82
μg/kg, and 85.65 to 98.55 μg/kg for samples from Kitwe, Kabwe and Lusaka, respectively. The mean concentrations of diethyl phthalate (DEP) ranged from 21.46 to 80.69 μg/kg, 63.93 to 161.67
μg/kg and 23.22 to 46.01 μg/kg for samples from Kitwe, Kabwe and Lusaka, respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean concentrations of DMP in all the samples from markets
Kabwe, Kitwe and Lusaka, P>0.05. The mean concentrations of DEP showed no significant difference for samples from Kitwe and Lusaka, P>0.05. However, a significant difference,
P>0.0167, in the mean concentrations was found between samples from Kitwe and Kabwe, and samples from Kabwe and Lusaka with samples from Kabwe Town having higher concentrations,
upto 123.82 μg/kg compared to 101.76 μg/kg and 98.55 μg/kg, in both cases. The health risk analysis of DMP and DEP recorded the hazard index that is less than one, which indicates that the
consumers are safe from the health effects that result from exposure to these phthalates through consumption of food. The investigation revealed that the mean level of trace elements ranged: Cd 3.0±0.33 to Al 3472.3±25 mg/kg for Kitwe; Cd 2.0±0.67 to Al 1698.7±17 mg/kg for Lusaka; Cd 1.9±0.31 to Al 662.7±6.01 mg/kg for Kabwe. The Hazard Index (HI) for all metals in all samples from all markets in Kabwe, Kitwe and Lusaka were greater than 1 indicating possible noncarcinogenic risk. The Carcinogenic Risk (CR) for cadmium was higher than 10-4 in all samples
from all markets in Kabwe, Kitwe and Lusaka. This indicates possible carcinogenic risk from prolonged consumption of foods under study. However, it is recommended that further studies
need to be done to assess total phthalate exposure in order to make wholesome conclusions with regards to health risk through consumption of food from open markets
Contextual antecedents of e-commerce adoption for supply chain management by retail and consumer goods traders in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Operations, Projects and Supply Chain Management.E-commerce, as a transformative technological innovation, offers unparalleled opportunities for enhancing supply chain management efficiency and effectiveness. This study was conducted to investigate the factors influencing the behavioural intention of retail and consumer goods traders to adopt e-commerce for supply chain management in Zambia. The research employs a quantitative design with the data being collected through the administration of questionnaires to a randomly selected sample size of 329 registered retail and consumer goods traders in Zambia. The sample size was determined using the Yamane formula and the data collected was analysed using statistical methods based on correlation and multiple regression analysis in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings indicate that the core constructs of the conceptual model that is based on an adapted Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model (UTAUT) and Theory of Perceived Risk (TPR) model significantly influences the behavioural intention of retail and consumer goods traders in adopting e-commerce for supply chain management. Performance Expectancy (β = 0.261, p < 0.05), Effort Expectancy (β = -0.088, p < 0.05), Social Influence (β = -1.057, p < 0.05), Perceived Risk (β = -0.083, p < 0.05) and Facilitating Conditions (β = 0.201, p < 0.05) have a significant effect on the Behavioural Intention of retail and consumer goods traders to adopt e commerce for supply-chain management. The Pearson’s product moment correlation (r) indicates that all five antecedents are negatively correlated with the dependent variable. The R values for the antecedents, which are performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence, are -0.488, -0.662, and -0.892 respectively suggesting a strong relationship between the variables. Correlation values for perceived risk are -0.35 suggesting a medium strength and those for facilitating conditions are -0.242 suggesting a weak relationship. The limitation of this study lies in its geographical context as the survey was only targeted at retail and consumer goods traders operating in the catchment area of Lusaka, Zambia. The study also established an unexpected negative regression coefficient between social influence and behavioural intention to adopt e-commerce for supply chain management
Credit challenges faced by female (SMEs) : a case study of Mufumbwe district.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration.The objective of the study on Credit Challenges faced by female Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Mufumbwe District of Zambia, was to examine the constraints experienced by female SME owners in their quest to access credit facilities from financial institutions, to fund business initiatives such as start-up endeavours, business operations, and business expansion. The study employed a descriptive analytical quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The sample for the quantitative approach for the study comprised 80 female SMEs and 1 Bank while 2 institutions dealing with SMEs were included as key informants for the qualitative approach. Questionnaires were used to collect data which was subsequently analysed using Descriptive analysis. For the qualitative approach, interviews were for data collection while content analysis was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that access to credit facilities has a significant relationship with female SME capabilities of procuring new technology and improving performance for them to survive and attain sustainability and growth, hence the need to resolve the long-standing female SME financing challenges like high interest rates, short term loan product offerings, and rigid requirements of collateral and audited financial statements. On the other hand, the study revealed that female SME survival was not only dependent on accessibility to credit facilities but also proper SME management, which affects operations and profitability and subsequently loan repayment capabilities. The findings also revealed that banks continued to prefer immovable assets as collateral when lending to female SMEs. The study therefore recommends taking measures to resolve the credit challenges in female SME financing through formulation of schemes to lend to groups of female SMEs at relatively low rates while the group members of female SMEs share default risks, implementation of Credit Guarantee Schemes, formulation of collateral registers with guidelines on valuation and
disposal of securities, as well as provision of incentives to banks that lend and effectively monitor the performance of female SMEs to ensure success
Remodelling a company’s marketing strategy to increase revenue: a case study of Zambia airports corporation limited.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business AdministrationThis study investigated the marketing strategies of Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) and their impact on revenue generation. Employed a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates both qualitative and quantitative data to provide a holistic understanding of ZACL's marketing dynamics. The interpretivist research philosophy underpinned the study, aligning with the qualitative nature of the investigation into the subjective realities of marketing strategies and their effectiveness. The research was conducted across ten Zambian airports, with a target population of 1049 Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) employees. A stratified sampling technique was utilized, reflecting the employee distribution across the airports. The sample size was
282 employees distributed as follows: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport: 138, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport: 45, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport: 53, Mfuwe International Airport: 14, Chipata Airport: 14, Kasama Airport: 3, Mansa Airport: 6, Mongu Airport: 3, Solwezi Airport: 6 and Mbala Airport: 1. Data collection methods included an extensive literature review, interviews with key personnel, and analysis of air transport records. Quantitative data were gathered through structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained via interviews with management staff. This comprehensive approach ensured a thorough understanding of the situation at each airport. Data analysis employed thematic and content analysis for qualitative data and statistical techniques such as multinominal/binary logistic regression analysis, omnibus test, likelihood ratio test, chi-square tests, and z-tests for quantitative data. The study aimed to examine the existing marketing strategy, establish reasons for the lack of significant revenue gains, and
propose an ideal marketing strategy for competitive advantage. The findings revealed that despite ZACL's emphasis on digital engagement and customer
experience, the current marketing strategy had not led to significant revenue gains. High operational costs, increased competition, and market volatility were identified as key barriers. The study concluded that ZACL requires a more integrated marketing approach, focusing on innovation, adaptability, and customer-centricity to achieve sustainable growth and maintain a competitive edge. To ensure the rigor of the research, reliability and validity were addressed
through standardized data collection procedures, pilot testing, and the application of statistical tests. The study contributes to the strategic planning process of ZACL by providing valuable insights into the optimization of marketing strategies within the aviation industry
Assessing profit determinants of Zambian-owned banks pre and during the COVID-19 era.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Finance and Business Management.The objective of the study was to assess the factors that influence the profitability of Zambianowned commercial banks throughout the period from January 2013 to December 2021, with a specific focus on First Alliance Bank (FAB), Indo Zambia Bank, and Zanaco. The study included descriptive statistics and panel data analysis to investigate the link between profitability measures (ROA and ROE) and several factors. Regression models were used to assess the financial features and performance indicators. The key findings indicate that there is a positive correlation between the Debt to Equity Ratio (DER) and Return on Assets (ROA), but this link is not statistically significant. This suggests that the DER may not have a substantial impact on ROA, and other factors such as operational efficiency may be more important. In contrast, a notable inverse correlation between Debt-to-Equity Ratio (DER) and Return on Equity (ROE) suggests that a greater dependence on debt diminishes the returns on equity, highlighting the dangers of excessive leverage. The study also discovered a possible adverse effect of Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR) on both Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE), which contradicts the belief that a higher LDR results in increased profitability. In addition, the analysis revealed that an increased
proportion of deposits compared to assets (DTAR) did not necessarily improve profitability. Both return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) exhibited a negative coefficient, although it was not statistically significant. In a similar vein, the study could not uncover robust statistical proof to substantiate the expected positive correlation between Deposits to Assets Ratio (DAR) and profitability. However, a positive inclination was indicated between DAR and Return on Equity (ROE). The text study's policy suggestions and contributions advise that banks should exercise caution when leveraging and managing assets. It proposes that banks should enhance their performance by enhancing operational efficiency instead of solely relying on rising debt or deposits. These findings enhance our understanding of financial parameters and how they affect bank profitability. They question existing financial theories and promote a more comprehensive perspective on the dynamics of the banking sector. The study's thesis asserts that the factors influencing bank profitability in Zambia, specifically in relation to financial ratios such as DER, LDR, DTAR, and DAR, are intricate and do not consistently conform to traditional financial theories. Consequently, banks must reevaluate their approaches to leveraging and asset
management in order to improve profitability and asset management
Development of an in-house serological test to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS COV-2) using recombinant nucleocapsid protein.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in One Health Laboratory Diagnostic Sciences.Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a major global concern for public health. This laboratorybased study was conducted at the University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine (UNZAVet) laboratory. The study aimed at developing an in-house test to detect SARS-CoV-2 using the
recombinant SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid gene. Recombinant based protein immunoassays are frequently used in veterinary medicine to detect antibodies against different viruses. There is no in-house recombinant protein-based immunoassay (IFA/ELISA) for detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Zambia. The N gene from the full SARS-CoV-gene was obtained by PCR using N gene primers tagged with SacI and SphI restriction ends. The N gene was cloned into a vector plasmid pCAGGS-MCS. The cloned N gene was transformed into competent DH5α cells. The N gene was purified and sequenced to ensure that there were no mutations within the gene and then transfected into VERO-E6 cells for protein expression. Archived serum samples (ten samples) of individuals previously infected with COVID-19 were tested for COVID-19 using OnSite® Rapid Test. The recombinant NP expressing cells were used as an antigen for an in-house immunofluorescent antibody test (IFA). The serum samples that tested positive on the rapid test were subjected to IFA using the recombinant N antigen prepared. None of the positive testing sera showed positive results on the assay. This could have been due to the expression system used which expressed a non-reactive protein. Another possible reason could have been the serum samples having low reactivity to the recombinant protein because the time frame between infection and when the samples were collected was not known. Hence, validation of this assay could not be conducted. The techniques used in recombinant antigen development, for detection of antibodies can potentially be applied in manufacturing of serological diagnostic kits. The findings of this study indicate that there is need for further investigations into the development of serological tests for sero-surveillance of COVID-19
An investigation into the awareness and utilization of HIV/AIDS information resources and services of the National Aids Council of Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Library and Information Science.The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a retrovirus that attacks the immune system results in a continuous immunodeficiency that predisposes the infected to opportunistic infections, came to the fore in 1981. In the absence of a potent antiretroviral treatment, immunodeficiency is often in due course fatal in nearly all cases. This is because it would have reached the advanced stage described as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study aimed at investigating the awareness and utilisation of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) resources and services offered at the National AIDS Council (NAC), using a case study research design and collecting data from a sample of 10 health organisations in Lusaka who have membership representation on the National Health Promotion Technical Working Groups of the National Aids Council. At each health organization, nine (9) questionnaires were administered, and 1 key informant was interviewed using an interview guide. The study’s overall objective was to investigate the awareness and utilisation of HIV/AIDS information resources and services offered by the National AIDS Council. Following this, the specific objectives were to: find out the awareness of HIV/AIDS information resources available at NAC; discover utilisation of HIV/AIDS information resources available at the National AIDS Council; and ascertain utilisation of HIV/AIDS services available at the National AIDS Council. The study revealed that all the respondents (all key informants and 82% of questionnaire enumerated respondents) were aware of the HIV/AIDS information resources available at the National AIDS Council which they preferred to access in digital format as they could access the information remotely, the majority of the 52 (67%) respondents were of the view that the HIV/AIDS information in the library was accessible which they frequently made use of and, the majority of the 39 (50%) respondents were of the view that they were given ample time to utilise the HIV/AIDS services at the National AIDS Council. Some of the challenges the study revealed include less digital and local content materials, access challenges to materials and less sensitization among others. The study recommends that National AIDS Council should collect more IEC materials in digital format, National AIDS Council should ensure that its internet connectivity is improved to ensure that it is efficient to facilitate accessibility to the IEC materials without challenges to users, National AIDS Council should ensure that they collect the latest IEC materials, and that the IEC materials should include local content as much as is possible, and National AIDS Council should ensure that more sensitization is done to the general public on IEC materials so
that more people can utilise the resources
In vitro evaluation of different temperatures attained during steam inhalation with and without eucalyptus saligna fresh leaves crude extract on SARS-COV-2 infectivity.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science Degree In One Health Laboratory Diagnostic SciencesCoronavirus disease of 2019 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. It is a highly transmissible emerging pathogen in humans. Primarily, infection happens when the spike glycoprotein on the surface of the virus binds to the host cell receptors resulting in a variate of asymptomatic and symptomatic infections. The disease’s global case fatality, though dependent on the viral variant, ranged between 1.7% to 39% at the peak of the pandemic and there was no known medication to counter such effects. As a result, there was an urgent need for remedies to counter the disease. Among alternative remedies to conventional ones was steam inhalation, a notably typical home-setting remedy locally called Ukufutikila in Zambia. Studies have indicated that certain temperatures of steam when inhaled could inactivate SARS-CoV-2 although this information remains scanty. This study endeavored to determine the effects of temperatures attained during steam inhalation, a home remedy, both in the presence and absence of Eucalyptus saligna fresh leaves crude extract on the in
vitro infectivity of SARS-CoV-2. Eight participants were recruited to each undergo steam inhalation for 20 minutes in which temperature variations were determined and ranged from 94.7°C to 54.4°C. These temperatures, based on the activity of Alkaline phosphatase (a surrogate glycoprotein), were then used to determine the in vitro infectivity of SARS-CoV 2. The SARS-CoV-2 material was inoculated into Vero T2 cells both in the presence and absence of E. saligna fresh leaves crude extract (13% in culture). Prior to inoculation, the SARS-CoV-2 material was heat treated following the determined temperature profile from
steam inhalation. When SARS-CoV-2 material was heat treated or when inoculated in the presence of E. saligna fresh leaves crude extract, no observable cytopathic effects (0% of assays) were seen on the Vero T2 cells over a period of 72 hours. Withal, there was no significant virus growth (p = 0.771) estimated after exposure to the two treatments. The results observed in this study shed light on the possibility of steam inhalation being an efficient regimen in the management of COVID-19. In order to have more knowledge on the effects of steam inhalation temperatures on SARS-CoV-2 in vitro infectivity, this study
recommends clinical trials involving COVID-19 asymptomatic patients and exposed frontline workers prior to onset of symptoms or immediately following exposure. Also, that further analyses on E. saligna fresh leaves crude extract be carried out to understand which phytochemicals are responsible for inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 in vitro infectivity