3D Printed Electronics

Additive manufacturing is revolutionizing the way we build and produce a plethora of products spanning many industries. 3D printing, a subset of additive manufacturing, has shown strong potential in reduced energy use, sustainability and cost effectiveness. Exploring avenues that this technology can be utilized is key to improve productivity and efficiency in various applications; for example electronic systems and devices manufacturing.Electronic systems and sub-systems are built using a variety of materials and processes, which require a large carbon footprint, significant waste products and high production time. We have seen experiments of printed electronics using inkjet printing technology to provide a flexible and cheap production alternative to the traditional methods. Inkjet printing has been problematic and still faces numerous challenges such as quality and speed, in its use in electronic system manufacturing. In addition, inkjet printing does not integrate the other aspects of manufacturing like enclosure and final product assembly.We propose the application of 3D printing technology to support an integrative process for combining circuit board fabrication, solder mask process, electronic component pick and place and enclosure manufacturing. Though we have seen 3D printed circuits, they are crude and lack complexity. The extent of most of these 3D printed circuits have functionality of a button or switch. They do not have the ability to support analog functions with components like an op- amp or a digital circuits to the level of a complex computing system. The integration of these separate processes, circuit board fabrication, solder mask process, electronic component pick and place, and enclosure manufacturing, into a single high efficiency 3D printing additive manufacturing process will yield significant savings in energy use, carbon footprint, waste product, and production time and cost

Situs inversus with renal neoplasm: a case report

This is a case report of a 43-year male patient who presented at the University  Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka, Zambia with a histologically proven renal cell carcinoma and during the course of the investigations, the patient was also found to have situs inversus totalis

Association of HIV with Breast Abscess and Altered Microbial Susceptibility Patterns

Background: Breast abscesses account for 15% of surgical day cases seen in the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia. Nearly all of these cases occur in lactating women. Pre-natal HIV prevalence among women seeking care at UTH was estimated at 25% as of 2004. Baseline surveys have shown that up to 60% of soft tissue infections presenting to the UTH are HIV related.Objectives: To determine if HIV infection is a risk factor for the development of breast abscesses in women presenting to the (UTH). Secondary objective was to identify bacteriological aetiologies and drug sensitivity patterns associated with breast abscesses at UTH.Study Design: A case-control study of 110 consecutive breast-feeding mothers diagnosed with breast abscess upon presentation to the UTH surgical service (cases) and 110 representative controls recruited from the UTH postnatal clinic.Main Outcomes: HIV seropositivity and CD4 counts (if HIV positive) among cases and controls.Results: Fifty-four out of 110 (49.1%) lactating women with breast abscess had positive serologic tests for HIV. Only 25 of 110 (23%) control women tested HIV positive. This difference was statistically significant, with an odds ratio of 3.28 (95% CI 1.83–5.87; p = 0.001). Mean CD4 counts in cases were lower than in controls (338 vs. 568, p<0.001). Staphyloccocus aureus was the main causative agent (91.8%) of isolates. Among S. aureus isolates, 70 of 101 (69.3%) were oxacillin susceptible. Forty-three of 50 (86.0%) specimens from HIV positive patients were resistant to SMX-TMP compared with only 61% of specimens from HIV negative patients (p=0.004).Conclusions: HIV infection appears to be a significant risk factor in the development of breast abscess in lactating women in Zambia. Staphylococcus aureus remains the main causative agent, with MRSA accounting for 30.7% of isolates. SMX-TPM resistance likely stems from the wide spread use of the drug for PCP prophylaxis in HIV positive patients. It therefore should not be used for treatment of acute bacterial infections. HIV related breast infections could be considered as a possible entry point to HIV treatment now that the CD4 treatment guidelines have been adjusted to 350cells/cmm, although this requires further studies for validation. Keywords: HIV, breast, abscess, drug resistance, Zambia, MRS

Male circumcision and HIV in Zambia

Background: Over the last 10 years considerable interest has developed in male circumcision as a possible tool in reducing HIV transmission in high prevalence countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Statements from normative agencies, though cautious, have encouraged the introduction of safe hospital based circumcision practice where the demand for these services exists1. The anecdotal evidence has now been followed by one randomized control trial. The results of two further trials are awaited. In the interim , interest has grown in the question of how male circumcision can be operationalised in a real clinical setting should the two ongoing trials confirm the efficacy of male circumcision.Methods: The University Teaching Hospital Lusaka has been running an integrated dedicated male circumcision service for the last 2years. This site is, as far as we know, the only dedicated public service male circumcision service site in the region.Results: The site has performed 900 male circumcisions. The lessons learnt in relation to administration, cost, techniques, key operator and outcomes are reviewed. Comparison is drawn with the three research sites and public health strategies to reduce HIV transmission. Some conclusions are drawn about possible paths and pitfalls for future sites in the region

Pattern of Bladder Cancer at University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia in the era of HIV Epidemic

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is endemic to Zambia and is associated with changes in the patterns of both AIDS and non- AIDS defining cancers. Bladder cancer is one malignancy that has been noted toincrease in the era of HIV/ AIDS epidemic. This study sought to describe the pattern of cancer of the bladder at UTH in the era of HIV/AIDS epidemic in respect with the epidemiological characteristics, prevalence of HIV infection and the histological types of bladder cancer in patients with cancer of the bladder.Patients and Methods: A prospective cross sectional, hospital based study was performed at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka, Zambia, between November 2009 and November 2010. Patients with bladder cancer who presented to the hospital during this period were recruited and  parameters studied included patients demographics, HIV status and pathology of cancer. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS 17.Results: A total of 53 patients with median age of 57.49 years who had histological confirmed bladder cancer were recruited during this one year period. The male to female ratio was 1.3 to 1. Of the 53 patients, HIV infection was found in six patients (11.3 %). Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histological type (60.4%) followed by Transitional cell carcinoma (30.2%) and adenocarcinoma was least common type (9.4%).Schistosoma infection was found in 14 patients all had SCC. The study found a statistically significant reduction in the mean age of bladder cancer in HIV infected patients.Conclusions: Squamous cell carcinoma is still the most common histological type of bladder cancer in Zambia and it's strongly associated with schistosomia infection. Haematuria remains to be the most common presenting symptom in bladder cancer patients

Project Delivery Systems, Procurement Practices and Implementation of Building Construction Projects in the Kenyan Judiciary

Kenyan population increased from 20 million in 1985 to approximately 47.6 million in 2019 and with it, demand for justice also increased yet the growth did not come with improved Judiciary infrastructure. This attracted the World Bank through the Judicial Performance Improvement Project (JPIP) to fund 30 major court construction projects while the Kenyan Government also funded another 33 such projects from 2013. However, by January, 2020,only 10 projects had been completed and successfully handed over with all the 63 projects being out of the planned time and with variation on the original scope of works.This gave rise to this study that aimed to evaluate the influence of project delivery systems on implementation of building construction projects in the Kenyan judiciary as moderated with the procurement practices. The study was based on general systems theory. Pragmatism paradigm and convergent parallel mixed research design was adopted and proportionate stratified sampling was used to select a population of 234 consisting of judiciary staff, construction staff  and consultants.Primary data was collected through use of questionnaires, interviews and document  content analysis. Reliability was tested using Cronbach’s Alpha while data was analyzed using descriptive statistics which included measures of central tendency. Qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis to triangulate results derived from quantitative data. Inferential statistics was analyzed by correlation, simple linear regression and multiple regression analysis. Two hypotheses were tested to establish whether there were significant relationships between project delivery systems and implementation of building construction projects in the Kenyan Judiciary, namely  1.H0:  Project delivery systems have no significant relationship with implementation of construction projects in the Kenyan Judiciary and 2.H0: There is no significant moderating influence of procurement practices on the relationship between project delivery systems  and implementation of construction projects in the Kenyan Judiciary.The findings were that there was a significant influence of project delivery systems on the implementation of construction projects in the Kenyan Judiciary and that procurement practices significantly moderated the relationship between project delivery systems and implementation of building construction projects in the Kenyan Judiciary.The slope coefficient was significant when p ≤0.05. The findings of the study will be beneficial to policy makers, project managers in public and private sectors and scholars regarding project delivery attributes on implementation of building construction projects. Keywords:Project delivery Systems, Procurement Practices and Implementation of Building Construction Projects. DOI: 10.7176/CER/13-6-03 Publication date:September 30th 202

Pattern of Bladder Cancer at University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia in the era of HIV Epidemic

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is endemic to Zambia and is associated with changes in the patterns of both AIDS and non- AIDS defining cancers. Bladder cancer is one malignancy that has been noted to increase in the era of HIV/ AIDS epidemic. This study sought to describe the pattern of cancer of the bladder at UTH in the era of HIV/AIDS epidemic in respect with the epidemiological characteristics, prevalence of HIV infection and the histological types of bladder cancer in patients with cancer of the bladder.Patients and Methods: A prospective cross sectional, hospital based study was performed at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Lusaka, Zambia, between November 2009 and November 2010. Patients with bladder cancer who presented to the hospital during this period were recruited and parameters studied included patients demographics, HIV status and pathology of cancer. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS 17.Results: A total of 53 patients with median age of 57.49 years who had histological confirmed bladder cancer were recruited during this one year period. The male to female ratio was 1.3 to 1. Of the 53 patients, HIV infection was found in six patients (11.3 %). Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histological type (60.4%) followed by Transitional cell carcinoma (30.2%) and adenocarcinoma was least common type (9.4%). Schistosoma infection was found in 14 patients all had SCC. The study found a statistically significant reduction in the mean age of bladder cancer in HIV infected patients.Conclusions: Squamous cell carcinoma is still the most common histological type of bladder cancer in Zambia and it's strongly associated with schistosomia infection. Haematuria remains to be the most common presenting symptom in bladder cancer patients.

A pilot study to compare HIV status, cervical and penile pathology among couples attending the urology unit at the University Teaching Hospital Lusaka, Zambia

Background: Cancer of the cervix is the most common malignancy in women of childbearing age in Zambia. It is known to be associated with HIV infection and oncogenic strains of HPV. However, there are few studies of penile lesions as a predictor of malignant and premalignant cervical lesions in female partners.Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the association between men with penile lesions and premalignant cervical lesions in their female partners.Design: Thirty-seven couples were screened for penile and cervical lesions to determine the association between the two. The male partners had a biopsy and the female partners had a Pap smear.Results: Among 37 female partners, 29 (78.3%) had some type of cervical lesion. Two (5.4%) were undetermined and 6 (16.3%) of the females had normal Pap smears. Among the spouses with diseased cervices 22 (59.4%) were premalignant and 5 (13.5%) were malignant. The combined prevalence of malignant or premalignant cervical lesions among female partners was 73.0%. The HIV prevalence in the cohort was 88.9% (among those who agreed to be tested). The prevalence of premalignant or malignant cervical lesions was 75% in HIV positive and HIV negative females, and 66.7% in those who refused HIV testing.Conclusion: This small pilot study suggests a high prevalence of premalignant or malignant lesions in females whose partners have penile lesions. In this cohort, HIV infection was not associated with a higher risk of neoplastic cervical lesions.Keywords: Cervical cancer, penile cancer, HIV, Pap smear, Zambi

Framework for addressing drawbacks of central government fiscal transfers in Zambia

ThesisThe Constitution of Zambia establishes a local government system where a sound financial base is established for each Local Authority with reliable and predictable sources of revenue. To ensure financial survival of Local Authorities; the central government provides Local Authorities grants -to guarantee effective provision of municipal services. Local Authorities, therefore, depend on central government grants and other statutory allocations to meet expenditure. These grants are linked to central government’s determined policies resulting in local authorities become dependent on them than on internally generating revenues. This dependence has led to Local Authorities’ lax effort in broadening revenue generating strategies. The result is a culture of poor financial standing, inexplicable failure to engage in commercially viable investment programmes and failure to accomplish decentralization process. This study therefore aimed at providing a framework to eliminates drawbacks of central government grants and facilitate the implementation of decentralization in Zambia. Data was obtained through purposive and critical case sampling (using person to person interviews and questionnaire interviews) as well as secondary data through literature reviews and content analysis of local authority project documents. The methodology adopted a mixed method approach. The key result of the interviews was the identification of measures being used to enhance revenue generation. The interviews were also aimed at obtaining preliminary data which was then used to enhance the questionnaire survey. The sample size for the questionnaire was 102 computed at 95% confidence level with a 5% confidence interval. Data analysis was quantitative and included use of descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance to examine the relationships between variables. T-test were also used. The results allowed conclusions on how to eliminate the dependence and dominance relationship with central government, remove reliance on fiscal transfers (grants) and induce local authority autonomy to guarantee local performance and sustainability of income generation. Keywords: Local authority, autonomy, grants, commercial investment, revenue, decentralisatio

User Involvement, Procurement Practices and Implementation of Building Construction Projects in the Kenyan Judiciary

Kenyan population increased from 20 million in 1985 to approximately 47.6 million in 2019 and with it, demand for justice also increased yet the growth did not come with improved Judiciary infrastructure. This attracted the World Bank through the Judicial Performance Improvement Project (JPIP) to fund 30 major court construction projects while the Kenyan Government also funded another 33 such projects from 2013. However, by January, 2020,only 10 projects had been completed and successfully handed over with all the 63 projects being out of the planned time and with variation on the original scope of works.This gave rise to this study that aimed to evaluate the influence of user involvement on implementation of building construction projects in the Kenyan judiciary as moderated with the procurement practices. The study was based on general systems theory. Pragmatism paradigm and convergent parallel mixed research design was adopted and proportionate stratified sampling was used to select a population of 234 consisting of judiciary staff, construction staff  and consultants .Primary data was collected through use of questionnaires, interviews and document  content analysis. Reliability was tested using Cronbach’s Alpha while data was analyzed using descriptive statistics which included measures of central tendency. Qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis to triangulate results derived from quantitative data. Inferential statistics was analyzed by correlation, simple linear regression and multiple regression analysis. Two hypotheses were tested to establish whether there were significant relationships between project delivery attributes and implementation of building construction projects in the Kenyan Judiciary, namely  1.H0:  User Involvement has no significant relationship with implementation of construction projects in the Kenyan Judiciary and 2.H0: There is a significant moderating influence of procurement practices on the relationship between user involvement  and implementation of building construction projects in the Kenyan Judiciary. The findings were that there was a significant influence of user involvement on the implementation of construction projects in the Kenyan Judiciary and that procurement practices significantly moderated the relationship between user involvement and implementation of building construction projects in the Kenyan Judiciary. The slope coefficient was significant when p ≤0.05. The findings of the study will be beneficial to policy makers, project managers in public and private sectors and scholars regarding project delivery attributes on implementation of building construction projects. Keywords: User involvement, Procurement Practices and Implementation of Building Construction Projects. DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/13-18-12 Publication date:September 30th 202