Measuring faecal sluge stabilization and its relation to dewatering performance.

Thesis of Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering.Stabilization and dewatering are indispensable treatment mechanisms applied in the management of Faecal Sludge (FS) that accumulates in onsite containment facilities such as pit latrines and septic tanks. This is because FS is mainly comprised of 80 – 95 percent water and readily degradable organic matter. Based on field observations, Faecal Sludge is normally stabilized (offering limited scope for further stabilization at treatment) due to the longer storage times it spends in the onsite containment systems where it undergoes digestion in mostly anaerobic and facultative conditions. In addition, a potential linkage has been reported between the observed level of Faecal Sludge stabilization and its dewatering performance. It has been noted that more stabilized FS is easier to dewater than fresh sludge which is not stabilized. However, it is not clear how FS stabilization and its relation to dewatering can be measured with practitioners relying on qualitative information such as colour and odour to distinguish between the so-called stabilized and non-stabilized or fresh Faecal Sludge. The study evaluated rapid and low cost methods that can be used to measure FS stabilization, including criteria or index for characterizing a sample as stabilized or not stabilized. The study also assessed the relationship between FS stabilization and its dewatering performance. Methods that can be used for measuring FS stabilization were selected through a two-stage process i.e. screening using a decision matrix and laboratory evaluation to determine method performance and suitability. The relationship between FS stabilization and dewatering performance was determined through laboratory anaerobic digestion and dewatering experiments. A total of 27 faecal sludge samples including a fresh sample were collected and nine parameters related to stabilization and dewatering performance were analysed. The study found that FS stabilization can be measured using low cost methods such as the Volatile Solids to Total Solids ratio and the Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate and is associated with dewatering performance measured as capillary sanction time. Stabilization was correlated to the age/ type of faecal sludge, though the differences based on sludge age were not significant among samples from pit latrines and septic tanks. The observed differences in dewatering performance were associated with differences in level of stabilization. The majority of the FS samples become stabilized after 60 days of anaerobic digestion and a corresponding improvement in dewatering performance was also observed. Based on these results, FS from onsite containment facilities is not fully stabilized, despite the longer retention times at containment. Further, the associations between anaerobic digestion and improvement in dewatering performance as well as stabilization suggests that application of a biological stabilization step at treatment before FS dewatering can be beneficial

Zambia railways and the economic development of Zambia,1967-1991

ThesisThe study has examined the history of Zambia Railways (ZR), its importance and performance in the economic development of Zambia from 1967-1991. It also examined the challenges that ZR faced during the same period. Historically, railway transport played a vital role in the economic activities of post-independence Zambia. Its capacity to transport goods in bulk has had a profound appeal especially in the major economic sectors of the country both locally and in foreign trade. Despite its crucial role in Zambia’s economic activities little is known about ZR’s importance and performance in the major economic sectors of Zambia. This has created a gap in the railway historiography of Zambia which this study attempts to fill. The study focused on the freight traffic as this is the major facility offered by ZR. Both primary and secondary sources comprising numerical and textual data were used in achieving the objectives. Much of the information on which the study is based was derived from archival research, primarily in the ZR Archive in Kabwe, the National Archives of Zambia in Lusaka, and the United National Independence Party (UNIP) Archives in Lusaka, Zambia Consolidated Copper Mine (ZCCM) Archives in Ndola and Central Statistical Office in Lusaka The findings of the study are that at the inception of ZR in 1967, the UNIP government made substantial investments in order to sustain it and improve its efficiency. The study argues that ZR’s performance both locally and externally showed a steady rise in the first decade of its operations, but began to decline after 1976. The decline was mainly attributed to the world economic depression of the mid-1970s, which also affected ZR’s major customers. Thus, the low production in the major economic activities of Zambia especially the mining sector which largely affected ZR’s freight performance. The x downward trend continued well up to the 1991. ZR however, continued to dominate in the external trade transport sector, even in the face of heightened challenges from the road transport sector

Antibiotic prescribing practice in management of cough and/or diarrhoea in Moshi Municipality, Northern Tanzania: cross-sectional descriptive study

Introduction: The increase in resistance of many pathogens to currently available antibiotics has been recognized as life-threatening problem.The development of drug resistance is promoted by irrational prescribing behavior. Inappropriate use of antibiotics is attributed by overprescription,inadequate dosage and use for non-bacterial infections. The purpose of this study was to assess antibiotic prescribing practices in the management of diarrhoea and cough among children attending hospitals in Moshi municipal, Tanzania.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive hospital based study, from September 2010 to March 2011. All children presenting with diarrhoea and cough, aged between one month and 5years attended at the two hospitals were enrolled. Data were collected by a standard questionnaire. Information on the prescribed drugs was obtained from patient files. Results: A total of 384 children were enrolled. Of these, 326 (84.9%) received antibiotics; common prescribed antibiotics were penicillins, sulphonamides, aminoglycosides and macrolides. Eighty percent of children with acute watery diarrhoea and 68.9% with common cold were given antibiotics inappropriately. Inappropriate antibiotic prescription was significantly associated with prescriber being a clinical officer and assistant medical officer, and child having diarrhoea. Inappropriate antibiotic dosage was significantly occurred when prescriber was clinical officer with reference to medical officer. Conclusion: This study observed a high antibiotic prescription rate by clinicians and treatment guidelines for management of patients who presented with cough and/or diarrhoea are followed. Continuing  professional development programmes for clinicians on prescription would help in reducing irrational prescribing practices.Key words: Antibiotics use, irrational prescribing, antibiotic prescribing, pneumonia, cough, diarrhea, under-fiv

An Investigation of the impact on electronic records management on service delivery in the department of immigration in Zambia.

Thesis of Master of Library and Information ScienceThis study sought to investigate the impact of electronic records management on service delivery in the Department of Immigration. Specifically, the study had the following five objectives to achieve at the end of the study: to establish employee’s experience with the electronic records management adopted in the department of Immigration: to determine the extent to which implementation of the ERMS had improved storage of records at the department of Immigration: to assess the extent to which ERMS had improved accessibility and retrieval of records: to investigate the impact of ERMS on service delivery at the department and lastly to identify the challenges arising from use of ERMS in the department. This study used a case study research design using a single cross-sectional mixed methods approach meaning both qualitative and quantitative data was collected for the study. Data was collected from a sample of 110 respondents drawn from target population of approximately 200 staff who interact with the electronic management system (ERMS). A structured questionnaire consisting of close-ended and open-ended questionswas administered on 100 respondents and oral interviews conducted on 10 key informants that were purposively selected for this study. Quantitative data was analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) version 26 while qualitative data was analysed using thematic techniques. The study established that automation has greatly improved the retrieval and accessibility of records as responded by 86.9% of staff surveyed. Further, automation has reduced storage costs and eliminated misfiling and loss of records, resulting improved service delivery. In. Furthermore, results from the study reveal that in terms of improving storage of records, efforts to have full storage off site back-up of records has equally been underway with SMART Zambia. This is to ensure that there is a full recovery plan in times of disasters. In addition,the findings revealed that 86.9% of the respondents were of the view that the implementation of ERMS had improved accessibility and retrieval time of records while 84.5% indicated implementation of ERMS had made it possible for same record to accessed by several users simultaneously. The findings from the fourth objective indicate 90.0% of the respondents rated the speed at which work was being done after implementation of ERMS was faster as opposed to 8.4% who felt it was slow. The major challenges from the studyas revealedby the respondents included lack of fully trained personnel, potential security breaches at , inadequate funding, weak implementation strategies, poor Internet connectivity and frequent power outages, inadequate computer facilities. Other challenges include staff resistance to change. Based on the findings and discussions, the study recommends that the Department of Immigration increases funding to purchase more computers and other related equipment; provides regular staff training based on a thorough needs assessment for all levels of staff;revision of current records management policy to incorporate electronic record management issues spelling out retrieval, accessibility;andimprove backup system to enhance safety and security of electronic records

A critical evaluation of judicial mediation in Malawi

Includes bibliographical referencesThis dissertation considers the place of mediation within the constitutional framework of Malawi, with particular reference to the High Court (Commercial Division) (Mandatory Mediation) Rules, 2007 (the Commercial Division mediation rules). These rules prescribe the process of mediation that is presided over by the Judges of the Commercial Division. Of particular interest is the question whether the High Court mandatory mediation rules are in keeping with the spirit and purpose of mediation. Further, the research critically examines the current practice of mediation in the Commercial Division. On 18 May 1994 Malawi adopted a Constitution which is founded on various underlying principles and policies. These include a commitment to actively promote the welfare and development of the people of Malawi by adopting and implementing policies and legislation aimed at achieving the peaceful settlement of disputes. In order to achieve this goal an attempt has been made to adopt mechanisms by which differences can be settled through negotiation, good offices, mediation, conciliation and arbitration. In particular, Malawi through its judicial arm of government has adopted mediation as part of the process of settling disputes.3 Further, in 2007, the Malawi judiciary established the Commercial Division to deal with commercial matters. The jurisdiction of the Commercial Division is provided under Rule 5 of the High Court (Commercial Division) Rules (the Commercial Division rules).4 And, through subsidiary legislation the Malawi Judiciary has what are called the Commercial Division mediation rules. Accordingly, it is expected that, except where the rules allow it, every matter that comes before the Commercial Division must first go through a process of mediation. Such a process has to be overseen by Judges who sit in the Commercial Divisio

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected children receiving care at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Northern Tanzania: A cross- sectional analytical study

Introduction: Paediatric adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is a dynamic  process involving many factors. Adherence for the majority on therapy matters to prevent failure of 1st and 2st line therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV infected children. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional hospital based analytical study, from October 2011 to April 2012. HIV-infected children aged 2 to 17 years who had been on treatment for at least six months were  enrolled. Data were collected by a standard questionnaire. Two-day self-report, one month self-recall  report, and pill count were used to assess adherence. Results: One hundred and eighty three respondents participated in this research. There were 92 (51%)  males and 91 (49%) females. Only 45 (24.6%) had good adherence to their drug regimen when subjected to all three methods of assessment. Males were more adherent to ART than females (OR= 2.26, CI  1.05-4.87, p=0.04). Adherence was worse among children who developed ART side effects (OR= 0.19, CI 0.07- 0.56;p=0.01), could not attend clinic on regular basis (OR= 3.4, CI 1.60- 7.36, p=0.01) and missed drug doses in the six months period prior to interview (OR= 0.40, CI 0.18- 0.82, p= 0.01). Conclusion: Only 24.6% of paediatric patients had good adherence to ART when subjected to all three  measures.Drug sideeffects, missing drug doses in the six months period prior to study start, monthly income and affording transportation to the clinicwere strong predictors of adherence.Key words: HAART, Adherence, Tanzania, HIV, childre

Introduction of a learning management system at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College

Background. Medical schools in Africa face daunting challenges including faculty shortages, growing class sizes, and inadequate resources. Learningmanagement systems (LMS) may be powerful tools for organising and presenting curricular learning materials, with the potential for monitoring and evaluation functions.Objective. To introduce a LMS for the first-year medical student curriculum at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMU Co), inMoshi, Tanzania, in partnership with the Duke University School of Medicine (Durham, North Carolina, USA).Methods. Observations were made on the requisite information technology (IT) infrastructure and human resource needs, and participation in trainingexercises. LMS utilisation was recorded, and two (student and faculty) surveys were done.Results. The KCMU Co IT infrastructure was upgraded, and an expert team trained for LMS implementation. An introductory LMS workshop forfaculty had 7 out of 25 invitees, but attendance improved to more than 50% in subsequent workshops. Student attendance at workshops was mandatory. Use of the LMS by students rapidly expanded, and growing faculty utilisation followed later. By the end of the second semester, online examinations were offered, resulting in greater student and faculty  satisfaction owing to rapid availability of results. A year after LMS   introduction, 90% of students were accessing the LMS at least 4 days/week. A student survey identified high levels of satisfaction with the LMS software, quality of content, and learning enhancement.Conclusion. LMS can be a useful and efficient tool for curriculum  organisation, administration of online examinations, and continuous monitoring. The lessons learned from KCMU Co may be useful for similar academic settings