University of Zambia Online Research Repository
Not a member yet
8755 research outputs found
Sort by
Factors affecting the performance of solar street lights on selected streets of Lusaka district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Physics.Well-illuminated streets play a vital role in enhancing the security and well-being of residents in cities and towns. Investing in solar street lighting can reduce costs spent on grid electricity bills. It can also enhance safety and security at the same time uplift the economy of, women and men who sell/work during late hours. Investment in this area will not only align with the call for gender responsiveness in urban planning in Africa but also help in achieving the sustainable development goal (SDG) 7 which stresses ensuring that there is access to clean and affordable energy by 2030. This study focused on the performance of solar street lights within some selected streets of Lusaka, Zambia, with particular emphasis on factors affecting their performance. The research investigated battery types, switching systems, shading, inclination, and orientation effects on the sampled solar street lights. Systematic sampling selection of street lights was done based on the Yamane Taro formula with a 90% confidence interval for the sample size. The primary data were collected through fieldwork measurement observations and questionnaires. Voltage and current readings were taken in the morning and evening for analysis. The primary data was analysed using a statistical package for social science (SPSS) and Python. The study revealed that the choice of switching system, charging system, and battery type significantly influence the performance of solar street lights in Lusaka. Lithiumion batteries and ultra-capacitors outperformed lead-acid batteries, mainly due to their efficiency and reliability. Flooded lead acid batteries had low efficiency, and lower maintenance requirements and were mainly exposed to vandalism. Physical inspections also identified issues with charge controllers, particularly affecting the lithium-ion batteries and ultra-capacitors. The results revealed that many charge controllers had failed thus allowing the batteries to overcharge in most cases to the extent that they swell and burst. The study showed that majority of the solar street lights are oriented in the northeast, with some facing northwest in roads like Lumumba, great north and Mosi-O-Tunya. Solar panels in the northwest along Lumumba road and great north road exhibited an average power output of 89 W while those oriented in the northeast had the average power of 84 W showing the solar panels in northwest generally outperformed those in the northeast. Furthermore, the orientation and inclination of
solar panels were found to impact performance. Poorly oriented and inclined panels led to incomplete battery charging and limited night-time illumination. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of selecting the right components and installing and ensuring proper maintenance for solar street lighting systems
Investigating the long-term sustainability and economic contributions of village banking in Zambia : a case study in three selected areas in Lusaka.
Get PDFThesis of Master’s degree in Business Administration.This research investigated the sustainability of village banking and its contribution to economic growth in Lusaka, Zambia. The study was conducted in three areas of Lusaka, Zambia: Chilenje (CHL), Chongwe (CHO), and Kamwala (KMS). A total of 34 participants were investigated, exceeding the original sample size of 30. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and secondary data, and analysed using descriptive and thematic analysis methods. The study found that village banking is a popular financial strategy among individuals with significant familial responsibilities. It also revealed several challenges faced by village banking groups, including lack of resources, lack of proper
full literacy, lack of formalisation, and issues with people defaulting on loans. In terms of licensing, more licensed businesses were owned by males, suggesting potential barriers for women in formalising their businesses. On the taxation front, village banking contributes to taxation and revenue generation at various levels. The study concluded that while village banking has potential benefits, addressing the identified challenges is crucial for its long-term viability and its potential to stimulate economic growth. Recommendations include the need for robust security measures, formalisation of village banking groups, provision of larger grants and incentives to farmers, financial literacy training and skills development, simplification of
the tax payment process, support for business formalisation, and addressing barriers to access. The findings contribute to our understanding of the economic implications and sustainability of village banking in Zambia
Systematic review, meta-analysis and whole genome sequence analysis studies of avian influenza virus, influenza d virus, newcastle disease virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
No full textThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Virology.Avian influenza and Newcastle disease are respiratory and often fatal diseases of birds caused by avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV), respectively. They are zoonotic diseases that affect a wide range of avian species and cause substantial economic losses. Moreover, the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in humans strained the global economy and healthcare systems. Despite disease control efforts, these viruses have continued to circulate. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the circulation and genetic characteristics of AIVs, influenza D virus (IDV), NDV and SARS-CoV-2. A total of 2851 and 1150 faecal samples were obtained from wild waterfowl and poultry, respectively, and 198 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from humans in Zambia. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis were conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and standard methods and next-generation sequencing were used to identify and genetically characterise the viruses. The systematic review revealed an overall prevalence and seroprevalence of 3.0% and 4.1% of AIV in African birds, with H5N1 being the most detected subtype. The meta-analysis demonstrated an estimated pooled prevalence
and seroprevalence of IAV in pigs in Africa of 1.6% and 14.9%, respectively, while IDV seroprevalence was at 87.2% in camels, 9.3% in cattle and 2.2% in small ruminants. IAV subtypes H1N1 and H1N1pdm09 were commonly detected in pigs. In Zambian wild waterfowl, 85 (3.0%) low pathogenicity AIVs belonging to various subtypes and 2 (0.07%) avirulent NDVs were isolated. While no AIVs were detected in poultry, 4 (0.3%) virulent NDV were isolated. Moreover, the study reports, for the first time in Africa, the isolation of AIV in glossy ibis and the detection of H2N9,
H8N4, and H10N8 AIV subtypes. Phylogenetic analysis of AIVs revealed that all the isolates belonged to the Eurasian lineage, with their closest relatives being viruses from wild and/or domestic birds in Africa, Asia, and Europe, and were grouped into distinct clusters based on the year of isolation. Furthermore, some internal protein genes of the viruses were closely related to H7 low pathogenicity AIVs. Analysis of the NDV strains revealed that the isolates from wild waterfowl belonged to class I viruses. In contrast, those from poultry belonged to class II, genotype VII and were
closely related to viruses isolated from the Eastern Province of Zambia in 2015. Genetic analysis of 40 SARS-CoV-2 revealed the circulation of Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Delta (AY.116), and multiple Omicron subvariants. Furthermore, 292 mutations were observed, with the majority being missense mutations. Phylogenetic analysis showed evidence of local transmission and possible multiple introductions of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Zambia from different European and African countries. This study highlights the circulation of low pathogenicity AIVs and NDV in wild waterfowls, NDV in poultry and co-circulations of SARS-CoV-2 variants in the human population in the Southern Province of Zambia. Therefore, the study stresses the need for continuous surveillance and monitoring of AIVs and NDV in wild waterfowl and poultry for a better understanding of the eco-epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of AIVs in Africa as well as SARS-CoV-2 circulation in Zambi
An evaluation of reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RTLAMP) for diagnosis of rabies.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in One Health Laboratory Diagnostic Sciences.Rabies is a neurological disease caused by a lyssavirus belonging to the family rhabdoviridae. The causative agent has a global distribution (except Antarctica) resulting in an estimated 59,000 human deaths worldwide. The true disease burden and public health impact due to rabies remain underestimated due to lack of sensitive laboratory diagnostic methods. This is particularly common in underdeveloped countries. This study was aimed at evaluating Reverse Transcriptase Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) as a viable alternative method to RT-PCR and DFAT for diagnosis of rabies in Zambia. RT-LAMP primers were designed based on the most conserved region of N gene sequences covering various rabies
virus isolates representative sequences from around Africa. Amplification products of the RTLAMP assay was monitored by visual colour change of fluorescent dye and by agarose gel electrophoresis. To evaluate the RT-LAMP assay’s applicability to rabies, archived samples stored at -80◦C at the University of Zambia repository were used. A total of 84 samples were tested using both RT-LAMP and RT-PCR, with 25 samples coming from Zimbabwe, 40 samples coming from Zambia, and 19 samples coming from Malawi. The results of the RTLAMP were compared with RT-PCR assay. The RT-LAMP assay was successfully optimized with a turnaround time of about 2 hours and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 96.1% and 100%, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) of the RT-LAMP was 2.19x10-5 ηg/μl of rabies sample RNA. In conclusion, RT-LAMP is a promising alternative to RT-PCR and DFAT for the diagnosis of rabies, offering several advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and sensitivity. While further studies are needed to validate its performance in different settings, RT-LAMP has the potential to become a valuable tool in the global fight against rabies
Evaluation of the growth of NAPSA’s investment portfolio from 2015-2020.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration.This study delved into the comprehensive evaluation of the growth trajectory of the National Pension Scheme Authority’s investment portfolio spanning the years 2015 to 2020. NAPSA, as a significant player in pension fund management within the designated period, has witnessed
notable transformations in its investment strategies, reflecting on the overall growth of its portfolio. The research aimed to analyze this growth, focusing on three specific objectives: understanding the investment diversification patterns, assessing the performance of key investment sectors, and examining the impact of external factors on portfolio growth through regression analysis. The first objective entails an in-depth exploration of NAPSA's investment diversification strategies during the stated period. Through meticulous analysis, it uncovered the allocation patterns across various asset classes such as equities, fixed income securities, real estate, and alternative investments. This examination provided insights into the risk
management practices adopted by NAPSA to optimize returns while mitigating potential risks. The second objective involved a comprehensive assessment of the performance of key investment sectors within NAPSA's portfolio. By employing appropriate financial metrics and benchmarks, the study evaluates the relative performance of sectors such as equities, bonds, and real estate. This assessment shaded light on the contribution of each sector to the overall growth of NAPSA's investment portfolio and identifies areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. The third objective employed regression analysis to examine the impact of external factors on the growth of NAPSA's investment portfolio. By identifying key
macroeconomic variables such as GDP growth, inflation rates, interest rates, and exchange rate fluctuations, the study investigated their relationship with the portfolio's performance. Through regression modeling, it quantifies the influence of these external factors on portfolio growth and provides valuable insights for strategic decision-making. Overall, this study offered a comprehensive evaluation of the growth of NAPSA's investment portfolio from 2015 to 2020, addressing three specific objectives: investment diversification patterns, performance of key investment sectors, and the impact of external factors through regression analysis. The findings contributed to a deeper understanding of NAPSA's investment strategies, aiding in enhancing portfolio performance and ensuring long-term sustainability
Information literacy levels among students in four selected higher education institutions in Lusaka.
No full textInformation Literacy (IL) skills are vital in Higher Education, where students are expected to be critical thinkers and lifelong learners, particularly in today's digital age. This study sought to investigate IL among students in higher learning intuitions in Lusaka, Zambia. Its objectives were drawn from SCONUL's 7 Pillars of Information Literacy and included: finding out the students' ability to identify an information need; finding out how they defined the parameters of the information needed; es tablishing how they construct strategies far locating information; gauging the students' ability to effectively/efficiently access the information needed;finding out the students' ability to evaluate information; examining how well students organise informa tion professionally and finding out students' ability to apply the knowledge gained. A sample of 250 students was randomly selected from 2 universities and 2 colleges in Lusaka. Structured questionnaires, consisting Likert Scale statements as well as open- and closed-ended questions, were used to collect the data. Research findings revealed that students had difficulties in identifying their information needs; were more familiar with Google that other search tools; used convenient search strategies; used relevance as main evaluation criteria; had difficulties citing electronic sources; and presented information better verbally than in written format. The study concluded that while students showed some evidence of information Literacy, there was a serious need to introduce IL programs across learning programs in order to enhance students' IL proficiency. Further, it was recommended that Library orientation programs be re-designed far more effective IL instruction
Social protection systems for women victims of gender-based violence in Zambia: awareness, accessibility and effectiveness.
Get PDFArticleThis study aimed at exploring awareness, accessibility and effectiveness of Social Protection Systems (SPS) for Women Victims of Gender-Based Violence in Zambia, as a way of mitigating GBV. The study
was qualitatively done under phenomenological design. Purposive sampling was used to sample 4 women victims, 3 officials from government institutions, 2 officials from NGOs dealing with GBV cases who were individually interviewed. Simple random sampling was employed to sample 12 non GBV women victims who completed a questionnaire containing open ended questions. Data was analysed and presented thematically. Findings reviewed that most women are not aware of the existing SPS. Accessibility is a challenge due to distance where such facilities could be accessed, non-existence of SPS in most communities, and lack of knowledge on how SPS can be accessed. Effectiveness is hindered due to insufficient funding, patriarchal system, weak enforcement of laws, lack of trained personnel, and ineffective collaboration between the government and NGOs dealing with GBV cases. The study recommends to the government to ensure SPS are accessible to all women victims of GBV in Zambia
Environmental factors affecting the performance of teachers in public schools in Zambia: the case of secondary schools in Lusaka district.
Get PDFThesisThe work environment may affect workers‟ performance both positively and negatively. Educational policies have been put in place to improve education in Zambia. These policies were put in place to enable educational agencies to fully participate in educational development. Despite government efforts to boost teacher‟s performance in schools, secondary schools still face a number of challenges. Most secondary schools have poor infrastructure while some infrastructural projects take long to be completed.
The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental factors that affect teachers' performance in public secondary schools. A mixed-methods case study design was used, which involved purposive and multi-stage sampling of research participants from four public secondary schools in Lusaka. A sample of 232 was engaged, comprising 12 key informants, 40 teachers and 180 learners. Data was collected through questionnaires and Semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive analysis software SPSS, while qualitative data used narrative and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that there are physical and social environmental factors that positively and negatively affect the performance of teachers in public secondary schools in Lusaka District. Physical environmental factors that positively affect teachers‟ performance include; existence of adequate office size, adequate teaching and learning materials, stocked science laboratories, stocked libraries and ICT facilities. While increased number of learners in class and lack of some teaching and learning materials and lack of motivation negatively affect teacher performance. The Social-environmental factors that positively affect teacher performance were established as the relationships between teachers, learners, and supervisors in various forms. These forms include These forms include; friendliness, the ability of a teacher to command respect, punctuality of teachers, and allowing questions during lessons by teachers. The findings further suggest that explaining to slow learners, presence of standard leadership styles, good relationships between teachers and their supervisors, and among teachers positively affect teachers‟ performance. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on environmental factors that affect teachers' performance in public secondary schools
The strategies of women legislators in the enactment of gender responsive legislation in Zambia, 2010-2016.
Get PDFMaster Of Arts In Gender StudiesThe study investigated the influence of women on Gender Responsive Legislation (GRL) as
individuals and as a caucus in the Zambian National Assembly from 2010 to 2016. It sought
to examine the role of the women’s movements in supporting the work of the women
legislators. The study was anchored on determining whether or not women legislators
influenced the introduction of GRL and amendments to legislation. The study further
examined the role of women in parliamentary committees.
A descriptive study design with a mixed method approach was adopted. The sample
comprised of 62 participants. 37 male Members of Parliament (M.P) selected randomly. 6
women MPs, 6 participants from Women’s Lobby Group, 6 from Women in Law and
Development in Africa and 5 from the Ministry of Gender were sampled purposively. Two
critical actors from the NGOCC (Advocacy officer) and the women’s desk at parliament were
also selected purposively.
The findings revealed that the role of the women’s movement was focused on capacity
building in debate, supporting women candidates, advocacy on the legislative process as well
as attempting to create a men’s network. Evidence showed that some women legislators
consider some women’s organisations to be aligned with certain political parties. Women’s
efforts also resulted into the introduction of the Gender Equity and Equality Bill of 2015 even
though some male MPs questioned their unity. On the other hand, an attempt by a woman
legislator to have a bill (Termination of Pregnancy bill) brought to the house was not
supported. The findings further revealed that the discussions on certain concerns by the
women’s caucus translated into programmes for the ministry of gender such the strategic plan
to end child marriages of 2014.
Furthermore, women legislators significantly influenced amendments to the Anti-Gender
Based Violence (Amendment) Bill of 2011 and the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill of 2010 in
which they advocated for the protection for victims of GBV such as protection orders from
the courts and inclusion of minimum sentence for rape cases respectively. Evidence indicated
that women played an active role in committees, although women and girls concerns such as
child marriages and education rights were restricted to the gender committee. However,
leadership roles were limited for the women legislators due to under-representation.
Therefore, the study recommended the enactment of legislation that improves women’s
representation, funding the women’s caucus as well as engaging in constant dialogue and
research with the women’s movements on various issues affecting women and children.
Key words: Gender responsive legislation, Bill, Amendmen
Assessing bacteriological quality of fresh black soldier fly larvae.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Tropical Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis (TDZ).Black Soldier fly larvae (BSFL) is an insect larva that is used as a source of proteins for animals, including pigs, poultry, and fish. It is also used to decompose organic matter. This study aimed to assess the bacteriological quality of fresh BSFL and investigate the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus as potential model pathogens. A total of 17 BSFL samples were collected from a dumpsite in May 2022. Then washed, disinfected with 70% ethanol before rinsed twice with distilled water, 1g weighed and
homogenized then inoculated to MacConkey and Blood agar media and incubated at 37 °C for 24 hours. Bacteria isolated from BSFL were identified using colony morphology, Gram staining, Catalase test, Mannitol Salt Agar for Staphylococcus and Eosin Methylene Blue for E. coli, and the isolates obtained were selected based on their characteristics. E. coli and Staphylococcus were subjected to Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST) using
the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Antibiotics-resistant isolates were further assessed for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-encoding genes using Polymerase Chain Reaction. From 17 samples the process of culturing yielded 79 isolates based on colony morphology. Out of 79 isolates, only 20 (25%) were Gram-negative, while the remaining 59 (75%) were Gram-positive. Among the 20 Gram-negative strains, 95% (19/20) were E. coli, while Gram-positive isolates were dominated by Staphylococcus at 47.5% (28/59). All 19 E. coli isolates were resistant to three or more antibiotics classes (multidrug-resistant), exhibiting resistance to gentamicin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, cefotaxime, cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, and ampicillin. Furthermore, three out of 19 (3/19, 16%) E. coli isolates tested positive for blaTEM and blaCTX-M drug resistance genes that encode class A extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and can be responsible for therapeutic problems due to the resistant conferred. While all Staphylococcus isolates showed resistance to cloxacillin, none of them was
positive for the mecA gene. The study revealed that fresh BSFL harbour bacteria of zoonotic significance