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Geochemical evaluation of source rock potential of formations penetrated by Muamba-1 well in block 5, Kwanza Basin, Angola
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Petroleum Geosciences of Makerere University.This study addresses the challenges posed by unsuccessful exploration in Block 5 of the Kwanza Basin, Western Angola, and sought to evaluate source rock constraints affecting the development of petroleum potential herein. It employed geochemical techniques, centering on the Muamba-1 Well, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the geochemical factors influencing hydrocarbon prospects in the region. The analysis methodology involved the use of geochemical techniques, utilizing source rock extracts and gas chromatography data. The study covered the entire stratigraphy penetrated by the Muamba-1 Well, enabling a thorough examination of the source rock constraints within Block 5. The results obtained reveal that the Cuvo, Binga, Mucanzo and Catumbela Formations exhibit good to excellent source rock potential. In contrast, the Upper Bucomazi Formation indicates poor potential. The Cuvo, Binga and Mucanzo Formations show mixed gas and oil potential, with a prevalence of gas, while the Catumbela Formation predominantly demonstrates oil potential aligning with their respective depositional environments. Despite the rich organic matter content and favorable potential, the generation potential in Cuvo is low, primarily immature in regards to petroleum generation. In this context, the Binga and Mucanzo Formations stand out as the only mature zones with Catumbela placed in immature zone. Depositional environment results suggest that the Binga and Mucanzo Formations exhibits both terrestrial and marine organic matter deposited in oxic to sub-oxic conditions, while Catumbela Formation contain marine/algal organic matter deposited under reducing conditions but subjected to biodegradation. The geochemical study of Muamba-1 Well Formations provides valuable insights into the understanding of source rocks in Block 5. Findings derived from the analysis of geochemical data across all five major Formations intersected by the Muamba-1 Well indicate a spectrum of source rock potential in Block 5, ranging from poor to good.Norwegian Agency for Development Corporation (NORAD) under its Norwegian Program for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) provided partial funding
Cloud information storage and information sharing in financial institutions in Uganda : a case study of Pegasus Technologies Limited
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements
for the award of a Master of Science in Information Science of Makerere University.The study examined the use of cloud computing in information storage and sharing in financial institutions through third party service provider under Pegasus Technologies Limited Uganda. The specific objectives of the study were; to: Identify which clients’ information is stored and shared through cloud computing by Pegasus Technologies Limited in Uganda, Established the cloud computing techniques used by Pegasus technologies Limited to store and share clients’ information, Identified the challenges associated with information storage and sharing using cloud computing by Pegasus Technologies Limited and Suggested measures for minimizing the risks associated with using cloud computing in information storage and sharing in the financial sector in Uganda. This was a qualitative study which employed in-depth face to face interview, observation and document review methods. 47 respondents participated in the study. The study identified the technical issues and challenges blended in cloud computing security and privacy issues that may lead to bankruptcy which affects human wellbeing since financial institutions holds sensitive client’s data, and at the end, suggested appropriate measures to minimize on the challenges. This study established that Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE) was the most commonly used cloud computing technique for information storage and sharing in Pegasus Technologies Limited. Participants noted that although several cloud computing techniques have been invented on the market, ABE has shown higher importance in improving financial institutions’ data protection. It has an accessibility controller technique with practical features that gives authority to issue keys in information access. The techniques used are, however, associated with challenges arising from technical issues, which makes it hard for Pegasus Technologies’ staff and clients to eliminate since the technical issues are beyond them, which are general in particular emanated from entire cloud computing technologies in the world. In order to minimize on technical issues affecting the use of cloud computing in information storage and sharing in financial institutions in Uganda, through third party service provider, this study recommends the following measures; the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and the National Information Technology Association (NITA) should identify a practical and feasible solution to information theft by recommending effective techniques for sensitive institutions such as banks, also, it should provide a national awareness program for government organizations and play the role of technical advisor to other organizations, Cloud computing services providers should focus on investigating appropriate models, studying the different problems faced by financial institutions, and design strategies for the extensive adoption of cloud computing by financial institutions. They should better understand the essential factors affecting the organization's use of cloud computing and related technologies, the service providers of cloud computing technologies should have better interaction with the financial institutions experiencing these novelties to deliver a healthy environment for the use of cloud computing and to reduce uncertainties surrounding the use of cloud computing in these government agencies, Service providers should take necessary actions to mitigate the uncertainties associated with using cloud computing. The location of the data storage is one of the uncertainties around their techniques. Factors such as internet connectivity, cost, security, trust, integration, backup, provider dependability, employee knowledge, customer awareness, and transportability are significant concerns when planning to use cloud computing in banks. The service provider should be capable of delivering secure and reliable environments in the most accessible, economical, and convincing way. This leads to a supportive environment for the business, financial institutions should use cloud computing techniques to monitor the banking system to avoid loss of information that may cost them a lot. This will reduce client complaints of information loss and raise un-privacy issues of the banks
Factors influencing the likelihood of first-day neonatal mortality in Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Statistics of Makerere UniversityThe objective of this study was to investigate the socio-demographic, healthcare-related and obstetric factors associated with the first-day neonatal mortality in Uganda. The study utilized the UDHS 2016 child dataset, comprising of 15,522 cases. In order to minimize recall bias, the study was limited to children who died within three years prior to the 2016 survey, resulting in a sample
size of 9,650. The research employed Chi-square tests and a complementary log log model to establish the relationship between the socio-demographic, healthcare-related, obstetric factors and first-day neonatal mortality Among socio-demographic factors, both the mother's age at childbirth and the child's birth weight emerged as significant contributors to first-day neonatal mortality. The study also revealed that healthcare-related factors associated with first-day neonatal mortality included the quality of care
received rather than just accessibility to a health centre and whether the child was immediately placed on the mother's or care-giver's bare chest. Concerning obstetric factors, parity was found to be associated with first-day neonatal mortality. However, abortion history and mode of delivery showed no significant association with first-day neonatal mortality. Particularly, early motherhood (OR=0.503; CI=0.269, 0.942; P=0.032), high parity (OR=2.480; CI=1.765, 3.84; P<0.05), and a child born with low birth weight (OR=1.689; CI=1.130, 2.526; P=0.011) significantly increase the first-day neonatal mortality of children. Conversely, practices such as immediate skin-to-skin contact (OR=0.377; CI=0.251, 0.567; P<0.05) and receiving quality care at the health facility rather than just accessibility (OR=1.811; CI=1.232, 20662; P=0.003) significantly reduce the likelihood of first-day neonatal mortality. The research suggests that both the government and other stakeholders should implement targeted programs to effectively address and mitigate these identified factors
Knowledge and practices of rift valley fever prevention among refugee households keeping animals in the Basecamp of Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda
No full textA research dissertation submitted to Makerere University School of Public Health in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Master of Public Health DegreeIntroduction: Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a mosquito borne viral zoonotic disease in Africa and the Arab world associated with outbreaks during heavy rains and prolonged flooding, a phenomenon that has been observed in areas around Lake Nakivale.
Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, practices, and risk factors associated with RVF among refugee households keeping animals in the Basecamp of Nakivale refugee settlement.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study design involving mixed data collection methods was conducted using a sample size of 424 refugee households keeping animals who were selected randomly by systematically skipping an interval of 5 households in the Basecamp of Nakivale refugee settlement in the period from 17th to 21st April, 2023. Data collected on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and practices regarding RVF was entered into Microsoft excel, cleaned and exported to STATA version 16.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors associated with the outcome variables.
Results: Of the 416 respondents 52.4%, (218) were males. The mean age was 44.8 ±1.0 years, and the biggest proportion, 42.8% (178) had no education at all. Many respondents 41.6% were livestock farmers, 75.5% were grazing on communal land, 47.4% practiced free-range system, and 50.2% had lived at the base camp for more than 10 years. Overall, there was poor knowledge and poor practices with; 33.1% had good knowledge of RVF while only 21.2% conducted good RVF preventive practices. The commonest RVF risky practice was eating meat from dead or sick animals (39%) and consuming milk from sick animals (12%) and the commonest source of RVF knowledge was veterinary consultation (56.8%) and listening to radio (40.3%).
Conclusion and recommendations: The study stipulates the need to address the knowledge gap for RVF and the poor practices among most refugee in Basecamp of Nakivale refugee settlement lest they remain at higher risk of RVF attack in case of any outbreak in the animals they keep or trade in. These outbreaks can be effectively prevented and managed with collaborative efforts of the OPM, district health, veterinary department, the security, development partners and the refugee community with a shared risk perception that RVF is a serious threat to humans, animals and the environment
Depression, social support and alcohol use among refugees in Nakivale Refugee Settlement
No full textA research dissertation submitted to Makerere University College of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Psychology, Department of Mental Health and Community Psychology in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Clinical Psychology of Makerere UniversityThe study focused on examining the effect of depression, social support and alcohol use among refugees in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. The objectives of the study were to; assess the relationship between depression and alcohol use among refugees, examine the relationship between social support and alcohol use among refugees, examine the relationship between depression and social support among refugees and assess the moderating role of social support between depression and alcohol use among refugees in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. A correlational study was conducted among 200 refugees in Nakivale refugee Settlement. Depression was measured using a patient health questionnaire, social support was measured using a multidimensional scale of perceived social support questionnaire and alcohol use was tested using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between depression, social support and alcohol use. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The study indicated a significant positive correlation between depression and alcohol use(r= 0.801, sig= 0.000) which implied an increase in depression leads to an increase in alcohol use. A negative significant correlation was revealed between social support and alcohol use (r= -0.537, sig= 0.000) and between depression and social support (r= -0.796, sig= 0.000) which implies an increase in one variable leads to a decrease in the other and vice versa. This indicated that there is relationship between social support, alcohol use and depression. The study revealed that social support moderates between depression and alcohol use among refugees in Nakivale Refugee Settlement where efforts should be made to understand and maintain the high levels of social support to reduce the prevalence of depressive symptoms; and reduce the risk of alcohol use
Mapping and developing an Interprofessional education and collaborative practice framework for Health professional students within an African international elective learning environment
No full textA thesis submitted to the Directorate of graduate training in fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) of Makerere UniversityThe current global burden of disease, which includes emerging and re-emerging diseases, calls for interprofessional partnerships, even beyond one's country of practice. However, there are hardly any opportunities in Africa that cultivate interprofessional learning experiences, through attachments in health care settings, different from those in one’s home country. International Electives (IEs) in Africa are a viable platform to utilize. However, in Africa, hardly any structure to promote interprofessional education and collaborative practice during international elective placements exists. This study aimed to explore the status of interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) within the African international elective programs and develop a framework to guide institutions to implement IPECP during IEs. Methodology This was a multi-methods study that utilized qualitative and quantitative online data collection. Qualitatively, document review and key informant interviews were done with faculty at the four training institutions in Africa. These included Makerere University, Uganda, Kenyatta University, Kenya, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and the University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe. For quantitative data, an online self-administered questionnaire to students was used. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS 17.0, while qualitative data was analysed thematically using an inductive and deductive approach using Atlas TI 8 software. Results All IE-curricula (22) used at the various training institutions in this study lacked aspects of IPECP. Furthermore, (87.4%, n=146) reported that students who come for IEs at their institutions rotate and interact with students and faculty of the same professional discipline with hardly any interaction with other professional disciplines. Nevertheless, there is a generally positive perception among the faculty and the students (76, SD±8.1) on the viability of IPECP during IEs at the various training institutions. The possible barriers included curricula of various health professional disciplines not being integrated, and a lack of knowledge and training of IPECP among faculty and students. All participants in this study thought it was important to develop a framework to guide the implementation of IPECP during IEs. The framework developed showed to be usable and enables students to gain ICP skills during IEs while appreciating the transcultural differences and similarities. Conclusion Although there is hardly a practice of IPECP during IEs at the various four institutions included in this study, the framework developed is adaptable to the African training institutions, and enables learners to gain ICP competencies, while appreciating the transcultural differences and similarities in another country. A longitudinal study to establish the long-term impact of students and faculty participation in IPECP- IEs in various health professional training institutions in Africa, would be key. The framework developed was piloted, using the virtual approach. More researchers and institutions can use the framework and pilot it, using the blended and physical mobility approach to enhance its validity.
Utility of Findings Overall, this study’s findings will guide the academic community and policymakers in health professional training, on effective implementation of IPE and assessment of ICP competencies during international elective programs in Africa.This study was funded by the AFREhealth National Institute of Health (NIH)grant award number R25TW011217-3 and the Makerere University HEPI-NIH Grant award number 1R25TW011213
Financial stress, social support and depression among Makerere University postgraduate students
No full textA research dissertation submitted to the Department of Mental Health in partial fulfilment of the award of Masters of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology of Makerere UniversityFinancial stress frequently top the list of adult stressors, with nearly three-quarters of adults (72%) approving this type of stress and almost one in three adults (29%) experiencing increased financial stress. The consequences of financial stress extend far beyond the immediate victims, families, communities, and society as a whole. Among the most vulnerable groups affected by financial stress are university postgraduate students. This study aimed to investigate the link between finanial stress, social support and depression among Makerere university postgraduate students. The study employed a quantitative approach which was correlational in nature, with a sample of 178 university postgraduate students as a sample size from Makerere University. Data was collected using a self-report structured questionnaire. Data was entered into SPSSV23 and analyzed using Pearson Chi-square for hypothesis 1, 2 and 3 and PROCESS macro by Andey Hayes was used for hypothesis 4. Findings indicated that financial stress is not significantly related to social support (X2(2, n=178) =2.054, p>0.05. Also, finding indicated a positive significant relationship between financial stress and depression (X2(2, n=178) =39.314, p0.05. Lastly, the findings showed that social support doesn’t mediate the relationship between financial stress and depression among Makerere university postgraduate students (b= -.050, se= .055, p >0.005). This implies financial stress can have severe psychological consequences for its victims, including increased levels of psychological distress such as depression. Exploring the relationship between financial stress, social support and depression can shed light on the scope of the mental health challenges faced by university postgraduate students. Hence the study recommends that different stake holders like university administrators should collaborate with students and provide local support services
Emotional intelligence, perceived social support, and psychological adjustment among secondary school going adolescents in Uganda and Kenya
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Department of Mental Health, School of Psychology in partial fulfillment for the award of a Master’s of Science in Clinical Psychology of Makerere UniversityAdolescence is characterized by many challenges that are physical, personal or social in nature. These challenges require the adolescent to be in a constant state of change and adjustment as they try to adapt effectively while still functioning efficiently. The psychological adjustment of adolescents is affected by various factors such as their emotional intelligence, and the quality and quantity of their social resources. However, this has not been researched widely in Sub Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence, perceived social support and psychological adjustment of school going adolescents in Uganda and Kenya. A quantitative approach was used to collect data from a sample of 224 adolescents (48.7% female) in their second or third year of secondary school education. Self-report measures were used to assess for emotional intelligence, perceived social support, satisfaction with life, depression and anxiety. Data was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, Process macro and ANOVA. Results showed significant relationship between emotional intelligence and satisfaction with life, perceived social support and satisfaction with life, depression and anxiety, and emotional intelligence and perceived social support. In conclusion, despite having moderate to high levels of emotional intelligence and perceived social support, 46.6% of adolescents still reported moderate to severe depression and 35.2% reported moderate to severe anxiety levels. Further research is needed to gain an in-depth understanding into the factors leading to high internalizing symptoms in this study population. Timely and effective interventions are recommended to support adolescents with poor psychological adjustment in order to alleviate their symptoms and improve their overall well-being
Methicillin resistant staphylococcus on inanimate objects in paediatric treatment units of Mulago National Referral Hospital
No full textBackground: Hospital environment and inanimate surfaces have been reported to be colonised by different pathogens. Contact with colonised objects may lead to pathogen transmission resulting in increased morbidity and mortality especially in the critically ill patients. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococci have been extracted from various hospital inanimate objects and have been shown to be among the most prevalent bacteria contaminating hospital fomites. This pathogen been found to be responsible for a growing number of nosocomial infections which appear to be disseminated globally with a prevalence varying from 5 to 50%. This coupled with the increase in Anti-microbial resistance in this population, there is growing need to address and update infection control methods in public hospitals.
General Objective: This study sought to investigate the occurrence, distribution and resistance patterns of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus on inanimate objects in the Paediatric treatment units of Mulago National Referral hospital.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2024 at the Paediatric treatment units of Mulago National Referral Hospital. Random sampling from selected inanimate objects was used to collect samples which were analyzed using standard microbiological methods to assess the occurrence and resistance patterns of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus. Data collected was analyzed using IBM SPSS software.
Results: Of the 150 samples collected, 146(97.3%) were positive for growth from which 140 isolates of Staphylococci were obtained. Out of the 140 Staphylococci isolates, 38(27.1%) were Methicillin Resistant of which 34(89.5%) were MRCoNS and 04(10.5%) were MRSA. The susceptibility pattern of MRCoNS and MRSA to other antimicrobial agents revealed that the lowest resistance was to Linezolid and the highest to Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole at 97.4% and 92.1% respectively.
Conclusion: The rate of MRCoNS was more than MRSA and Linezolid was the most effective against these organisms
Extended spectrum beta lactamase gram negative bacteria contamination of inanimate objects in Paediatric wards at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda
No full textA dissertation report submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Science in Immunology and Clinical Microbiology Degree of Makerere University.Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global crisis that endangers the efficacy of antibiotics and also the treatment provided. Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) resistance among beta lactams especially third generation cephalosporins is one of the most common among enterobacteriaceae worldwide and its upward trend is of increasing clinical concern. Infections with these ESBL producing organisms continue to be associated with higher rates of mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. These multidrug resistant bacteria are often found on inanimate objects and cross contamination leads to Hospital Care Associated Infections (HCAIs) which are believed to be transmitted by touching contaminated environmental surfaces that are often a source of infections to these paediatrics. This study was intended to find out the extent of colonization of ESBLs and their associated genes among the different enterobacteriaceae that colonize inanimate objects in paediatric wards at Mulago hospital. Methods: A cross sectional study looking at ESBL contamination on inanimate objects in paediatric wards at Mulago hospital was conducted after ethical approval from College of Health Sciences and Mulago hospital. Inanimate objects were aseptically swabbed and samples taken to MBN laboratories for analysis. These were cultured and organisms identified were tested for susceptibility to antibiotics using the disk diffusion method to identify possible ESBL producing organisms. Results were analysed using ms excel, SPSSIBM Statistics v.20 to determine the descriptive statics as well as the diagnostic accuracy measurements and then summarised in graphs and tables. Results: From the 150 swab samples, we isolated a total of 93 gram negative bacterial organisms. The first six most resistant drugs were Amoxixillin Clavulanic acid with the highest level of resistance followed by Piperacillin tazobactum, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and then Ampicilin. Citrobacter species 9 (9.6%), Acinetobacter species 34 (36.5%), Enterobacter species 9 (9.6%) Escherichia coli 20 (21.5%), Klebshiella species 7 (7%), Yersinia species 3.3% (3/91), Bordetella species 3 (3.2%), Pseudomonas species 2 (2.2%), Alcaligens species 1 (1.1%) and Moraxella species 5 (5%). Conclusion: The prevalence of ESBL in our study is high 11.6%, with the commonest ESBL isolate being Enterobacter species. Isolates are resistant to ampicilin and chloramphenicol are highly susceptible to imipenem