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Development of underground mine monitoring and communication system based on wireless sensor networks.
Get PDFThesis of Master’s Degree of Mineral Sciences in Mining EngineeringHistorically, mining has been an enormous contributor to the development and sustainability of several societies. The industry despite being a source of wealth is not without risks and challenges, including environmental and operational hazards. These pose a huge challenge to the safety and health of the workers and equipment and result in huge losses in terms of human capital, machinery, operational time, and valuable infrastructure. Accidents that occur in mines can be minor or significant depending on the nature of operations, and safety measures that have been put in place. The underground environment is particularly more challenging than an open pit environment due to the need for a controlled environment for mining operations to occur.
Controlling the environment requires constant monitoring of parameters that make it safe for humans and machinery to work effectively and safely. To enhance safety and mitigate risks in
underground mining, this study proposes an integrated, real-time monitoring and communication system that utilizes advanced sensing technologies and robust communication networks based on reliable protocols. The system leverages a wireless sensor network (WSN) strategically deployed and placed across the mine to track and report key environmental parameters. These sensors continuously collect and transmit real-time data using a combination of Internet of Things(IoT) based sensing devices, a designed prediction algorithm for every sensing node detecting a designated anomaly, and secure communication protocols. The transmitted data is processed at the designed gateway, located at the central hub, and further sent to an IoT platform where deviations from optimal conditions are identified, triggering automated alerts and emergency response mechanisms. In this study, temperature and humidity were selected as two of the parameters to be used particularly to demonstrate the sensing and communication capabilities of the WSN. A DHT11 sensor was used and combined with an ESP32 microcontroller unit (MCU), which was programmed in C++, to form a single sensing node. This node was programmed to collect and transmit data to the transceiver that relayed it along with other transceivers at an interval of 10 seconds. The system used two communication protocols, ESPNow, and Long Range (LoRa), to transmit the data from the nodes to the transceiver, and from one transceiver to the next respectively. The combination proved effective in that ESPNow provided immediate and real-time updates in localized areas while LoRa transmitted the data reliably over considerable distances without dropping the data integrity. The results of preliminary simulations indicate that the proposed system significantly improves hazard detection accuracy and reduces response times to potential threats. Compared to traditional monitoring methods, the system enhances situational awareness, leading to a measurable reduction in mining-related accidents and improved operational efficiency. Additionally, real-time alerts— delivered via mobile applications, email notifications, and on-site alarms—enable rapid response, allowing for immediate evacuation and risk containment. The findings underscore the importance of integrating digital safety solutions in underground mining operations. This study contributes to broader efforts in improving mining safety standards, aligning with industry best practices and regulatory requirements. Future research should explore further optimization using artificial intelligence for predictive risk assessment, as well as the scalability of the system to incorporate various types of sensors to get a more holistic view of the operational environmen
Challenges and opportunities of water supply and sanitation in unplanned settlements of Monze urban in Southern province, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Integrated Water Resources Management .Human access to water and sanitation services is essential to sustainable development. However, people living in unplanned settlements still lack water and sanitation services. Monze town lies in the Southern Province of Zambia and it consists of both planned and unplanned settlements. Southern Water and Sanitation Company (SWSC) has been mandated to supply water and provide sanitation services to the residents of Monze town. There has been an increase in unplanned residential areas, and challenges have been noted in supplying and accessing water and sanitation services. Unplanned settlements face complex water and sanitation issues due to limited access, inadequate sewage systems, and limited resources. Enhancing these requires community-level solutions, low-cost sanitation technologies, and government support. On the other hand, policy, institutional, and legal frameworks significantly influence water supply and sanitation in unplanned settlements, but weak or absent policies hinder service provision and regulation. This study aimed at assessing the challenges and opportunities of water supply and sanitation in unplanned settlements of Monze urban in Southern Province of Zambia. The specific objectives were to; assess the water supply and sanitation service provision in unplanned settlements; evaluate the effectiveness of policy, institutions and legal frameworks on water supply and sanitation services provision in unplanned settlements and establish the opportunities of water supply and sanitation in unplanned settlements of Monze. Data was collected through household questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, observation checklist from 176 participants comprising of households, civic leaders, SWSC officials and health personnel. A descriptive survey design was used. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 while qualitative was analysed thematically. The results indicated that residents accessed water from taps installed by SWSC and shallow wells in poor conditions. About 92.9 percent of the households experienced water shortages while 84.7 percent of the households used pit latrines on a shared basis posing a health risk. Results also revealed that implementation of the water policy in unplanned settlements was slow. This situation would be addressed if the sector ministry and local authorities incorporate unplanned settlements into existing sector investment plans. Besides, most of the households complained of high water tariffs and delays in connecting water. On the other hand, reports from SWSC and observations revealed that vandalism and illegal water connections led to leaking and hence less supply of water to the users. The respondents indicated that government and other stakeholders should introduce water schemes to improve access to water. The responses from the households were that improved toilets like Urine-Diverting Dry toilets were the best. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goal number six, a multi-sectoral approach was key in solving the challenges of water supply and sanitation in enhancing opportunities in unplanned settlements
Digital chinyanja rhymes, stories and phonological awareness in some Lusaka province public preschools: moderation by executive functions.
No full textThesisIn this study, the question of whether preschool executive functions (EF) moderated the
effect of a rhyme intervention on early phonological awareness (rhyme awareness)
achievement has been investigated. Current understanding suggests that executive
functions in older children contribute to academic achievement and school readiness.
To date, however, there is little empirical evidence among young children in Zambia
that support the specific role of executive functions in moderating the effect of an
emergent rhyme intervention on rhyme awareness as the earliest emergent component
of phonological awareness. Using a between-subjects experimental design (randomised
pretest–intervention–posttest), this study explored data from 375 children aged 5 to 6
years from 14 public preschools in three districts (Kafue, Chilanga and Lusaka) in
Lusaka Province. The children were randomly assigned to one of the three conditions:
intervention (rhymes and stories), or the two active control conditions (action video
games or free play). The EF was assessed using direct and indirect EF measures
including Pencil Tap, Digit Span, Stroop and Task Orientation while rhyme awareness
was tested using the rhyme production, recognition and picture rhyming tests. The first
objective was to determine the performance of pre-schoolers on the named EF tests
from preschool to Grade One. Second, to ascertain if EF indeed predicted rhyme
awareness. The third objective was to identify the type of EF assessment approach
(performance-based and/or observer reports) that strongly predicted rhyme awareness.
The study found that executive functions improved from the begining of preschool to
the beginning of Grade One. On the second objective, a positive relationship between
EF and rhyme awareness skills was found while on the third objective, sustained
attention as assessed by task orientation, contributed a significant portion of variance
in rhyme awareness skills after accounting for letter knowledge, vocabulary, age,
parental education and socioeconomic status. The study found that EF consistently
moderated the effect of the relationship between rhymes, stories intervention and rhyme
awareness skills. The findings of this study suggest that preschool children in public
schools with adequate EF skills benefit more from rhyme awareness interventions
compared to their peers with limited executive function skills. In addition, the positive
relation observed between executive functions and rhyme awareness suggests that
cognitive skills facilitate phonological awareness during preschool years. Future
research, policy and practical implications of the current study findings are discussed
in this report
A study of factors that determine micro and small enterprises (MSEs) adoption of mobile money for business transactions: a case of MSEs in Lusaka central business district.
Get PDFThesis of of Master of Business Administration in FinanceThe Study aimed to understand the factors that influence the adoption of mobile money services for business transaction purposes by small and medium enterprises (MSEs) in Lusaka. The aim was divided into three specific objectives. These objectives were to assess the factors that determine the use of mobile money by MSEs for business transaction purposes; to examine the relationship between these factors and the use of mobile money by MSEs for business transaction purposes, and to ascertain the effect of the factors on the use of mobile money by MSEs for business transaction purposes. The study used cross-sectional primary data. The study employed a pragmatism research philosophy and mixed research approach. The data was collected using a survey questionnaire administered by the researcher to respondents sampled using purposive sampling techniques. The study had a sample size of 102 respondents. The empirical results showed that most businesses who use Airtel money started using it less than a year ago, consider the cost to be fair, save on the platform, are affected by insufficient space borrow on the platform and are also affected by the unavailability of agents. The regression results showed that savings and insufficient float have a statistically significant impact on the adoption of mobile money. Saving using mobile money increases the likelihood of using it to conduct business transactions and issues of insufficient float among agents constrain the probability of using it to conduct business transactions. From the findings, it was recommended that mobile money providers create a mobile money product tailored for micro and small businesses
Review of the local governance building construction quality control framework in Zambia : case of Lusaka city.
Get PDFThesisBuilding Construction in Zambia has been booming at a faster rate than ever before. Local
authorities have had the challenge of pacing up in quality control with these fast developments.
The integrity of built infrastructure in a city guarantees safety of occupants, minimises
maintenance costs to buildings, and safeguards the economic investments secured in the
infrastructure. This results in important savings which can be available for economic growth.
The quality of built infrastructure in Zambia has been clearly put to the test by adverse
conditions as heavy storms and floods, earth vibrations and movements, and fires. These
incidental conditions are all becoming too common in Zambia, especially with the effects of
climate change. The news media reports houses and buildings collapsing, roofs being blown
off, and public infrastructure damage especially during the rainy months of October to March.
Noteworthy also is the many reported fires to buildings, and the limited buildings resilience to
fires, compromising the structural integrity of the infrastructure. More diverse is the residential
building construction, which accommodates all classes of social and economic standing. It is
therefore important to identify the factors affecting the quality of building infrastructure in
Zambia. This research focussed on identifying these factors to the built environment with
central focus on one of the fastest developing cities in Zambia, Lusaka. Key input was sought
from the developers in Low, Medium, and High-cost development areas of Lusaka. The
Institutional mechanisms of the Local authority on development control were also reviewed to
identify gaps in the building quality control. It was evident from the research that most
developers lacked the technical input into the design and construction methodology of their
developments. This was further exacerbated by the inadequate stage inspections to buildings
by the Local authority, prolonged timelines to obtain approvals, and gaps in the design scrutiny
framework. The identified factors and gaps affecting building construction quality forms a clear
basis for regulatory review.
Key Phrases: Building Construction, Developers, Institutional framewor
Staff turnover and its associated factors at Investrust Bank Plc.
Get PDFMasters Of Business Administration In Management StrategyStaff turnover in the Zambian banking industry has been and still is a menace. For smaller banks especially, it continues to manifest itself even among newly employed graduates. The aim of this research study was to establish the factors associated with staff turnover in the banking industry, particularly Investrust Bank Plc. The study was restricted and conducted in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia where Investrust Bank Plc has 7(Seven) branches i.e. Kitwe Main, Copperbelt University, Freedom Avenue, Buteko Avenue, President Avenue, Chililabombwe and Chingola Branches with a total number of 63 members of staff. Out of the 63 members of staff,50 participants were purposively recruited to participate in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires and in-depth interviews on 10 former staff. The study findings showed that the high staff turnover rate at Investrust Bank Plc falls within the management controllable factors which included and not limited to low salaries, low career growth because of lack of promotions and lack of clear procedures for promotions etc. It was also observed that the lack of clear procedures for promotions reduced staff morale and could be attributed to the perception that there is no transparency in the promotion process. In order to mitigate the problem of staff turnover at Investrust Bank Plc, recommendations include; revision of the income and compensation of its staff, especially at lower management. This was justified on the basis that the cost of living in Zambia had increased significantly and the current remuneration could not sustain employees; thus, seeking opportunities elsewhere. The other recommendation to the bank was career growth, transparency in the promotion procedure; improve on work culture, less work stress, training and development of staff on current job roles, among others. The findings generated in the study lead to a number of key implications for Investrust Bank that would help manage staff turnover and ensure staff continuity in order to live up to the standards of the competitor banks and be the leading and most preferred bank to work for. The study findings were important for many reasons and would be useful in the implementation of effective bank policies and regulations to facilitate retention measures.The key words of the study are: Staff, Staff turnover, Voluntary Staff turnover and Factors
Women and the liberation struggle in Zambia: a historical study of their roles and significance 1948 - 1964.
Get PDFThesisThe study examines the significant roles played by women in the liberation struggle of Zambia. It
argues that the role of women in the fight for Zambia’s independence struggle has been neglected
in spite of the oral data from the actual participants and few records which prove their participation
in this period. The study further argues that the literature on women participation in this domain is
scanty. Many writers suggest that women had no impact or played insignificant roles in precolonial
societies. The study has revealed that the main reasons for such a notion is that precolonial
societies were steeped in patriarchal order which discriminated women’s roles to domestic
spheres. Mainly the platforms of politics were considered as just for men while the women’s
platform was considered to be private. Hence public platforms such as politics were not considered
as places for women but for men. However, women still participated and had great influence and
impact in politics. The study reveals that women played significant roles for the fight of Zambia’s
independence. The inception of women’s participation in public politics has been attributed to the
civil disturbances which took place in the Copperbelt. The evidence shows that women contributed
greatly towards the struggle for better working conditions in the mines of Northern Rhodesia. This
was their beginning of active participation in politics of this country. Women were incorporated
in the labour strikes and the Welfare Societies that fought colonialism and its discrimination. When
political parties were formed to fight colonialism in Zambia, women still continued to work with
men to liberate Zambia from colonial masters. The study also shows that most political parties
which were formed in Zambia incorporated the women in their activities. In the African National
Congress (ANC), Zambia African National Congress (ZANC) and United National Independence
Party (UNIP), women played crucial roles in party mobilisation, dissemination of information,
provided and cooked food for the men in detention and those who were hiding in the bush from
the wrath of colonial authorities. They helped in raising funds which were used for the smooth
running of the political activities. The women also played an important role in organising other
women who took part in the protests, picketing, rioting and demonstrations as a way to rebel
against colonialism and its systems. The study concluded that despite women facing many
challenges coming from patriarchal phenomenon, their participation in the struggle for
independence contributed to various achievements which are still visible to date. This is because
when Zambia gained independence many of the patriarchal norms which suppressed them were
relaxed
Distribution, severity and molecular variations in angular leaf spot of beans caused by phaeoisariopsis griseola in selected areas of Zambia.
Get PDFThesisFungal angular leaf spot disease of the common beans is caused by the pathogen Phaeoisariopsis griseola (Sacc.) Ferarris synonym, Pseudocercospora griseola. The pathogen is estimated to cause about 60-100% yield loss. A survey was carried out to assess the prevalence, severity and incidecnce of angular leaf spot disease and it was established that angular leaf spot was prevalent in all the 41 fields surveyed in the nine districts. The highest percentage severity index was recorded in Mpika (28%) and the lowest was in Kaputa (2.2%). The highest average severity was in Muchinga province. However, ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference in severity among provinces with F=3.36, p=0.045. The incidence was high with eight fields having incidence greater or equal to 80%. There was no significant difference in incidence between provinces with F=2.17, p=0.128. Most of the farmers in the surveyed fields used seed which was recycled and also bought planting seed from the market. Nevertheless, a multiple regression revealed that source of seed and cropping system did not contribute a significant amount of change in disease incidence with R2 = 0.076. The main cropping system which was practiced by the farmers was monocropping where as very few farmers practiced intercropping but there was no significant difference in disease incidence in monocropped and intercropped fields t(39)=1.72, p=0.93.
Symptomatic bean leaf samples were also collected from each field and were cultured on potato dextrose agar, V8- juice agar, and water agar. The resulting condia were identified using published literature. Polymerase chain reaction of the P. griseola genomic DNA which was run using selected ISSR markers (UBC 889,888 and 809) revealed high genetic diversity among the 91 isolates. The genetic diversity was assessed using similarity indices which was in the range of 0 – 1, Shannons H =3.16 and the Simpsons 1_D = 0.93 thus showing that indeed there is diversity among the isolates. The concatenated tree dendrogram showed that isolates were clustering according to districts and in some subgroups there was a mixture of isolates from different districts. The results also revealed variation of isolates within the districts as well. This high genetic diversity implies that the pathogen can easily overcome existing resistance in the bean plants thereby leading to higher infections. This calls for regular sceening of existing and new varieites for resistance to angular leaf spot disease. The high genetic variability also means that new pathotypes will arise over time thus creating the need to study the pathogen further using differential cultivars to determine which pathotypes are present in Zambia
Exchange rate pass through to domestic prices in Zambia.
Get PDFThesisThe major objective of the thesis was to examine the exchange rate pass through to
domestic prices in Zambia. The first specific objective examined the exchange rate
pass through to consumer prices using the SVAR. Results have shown from that
exchange rate passthrough is incomplete and asymmetrical. Results also show that
Kwacha depreciation increases consumer price inflation in Zambia. This means that
exchange rate movements have the capacity of impairing inflation targets in Zambia.
Therefore, to achieve price stability, policy makers should not only focus on monetary
stability but also on the exchange rate stability. The second specific objective examined
the exchange rate pass through to sectoral prices in the agriculture, manufacturing and
services sectors. The findings have shown that the services sector is the most affected
sector by exchange rate movements. This is followed by the manufacturing and
agriculture sectors. This is likely because the services sector is dominated by wholesale
and retail sector, tourism sector and financial services which are sensitive to exchange
rate changes. The manufacturing sector is affected because it heavily depends on
imported inputs. This sends the signal to policy makers to boost our manufacturing
sector and reduce its heavy dependence on imports. Zambia needs to encourage the use
of local inputs to reduce dependence on imported inputs. The government should also
encourage local tourism thereby reducing the impact of external shocks to this sector.
This will reduce the impact of external shocks to the sector. The agriculture sector is
least affected by exchange rate movements. This could mean there is less foreign trade
in the sector. The government needs to encourage foreign trade in the sector. Finally,
the thesis examined the impact of Chinese presence, multilateral and regional
globalisation on the exchange rate pass through in Zambia. Results show that Chinese
presence has a greater effect than regional globalisation on the exchange rate
passthrough to consumer prices. This shows that China has a greater influence on
Zambia. There is need to strengthen China-Zambia trade relations to reduce trade cost
and trade tariffs on goods imported from China. This may have the reducing effect on
the exchange rate pass through to consumer prices and consequently on inflation in
Zambia. There could be need to strengthen and increase regional trade since regional
trade has a lower effect on the exchange rate passthrough to consumer price inflation