Zambia ICT Journal最新文献

{"title":"Developing an automatic identification and early warning and monitoring web based system of fall army worm based on machine learning in developing countries","authors":"Francis Chulu, J. Phiri, Mayumbo Nyirenda, M. Kabemba, P. O. Nkunika, S. H. Chiwamba","doi":"10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V3I1.71","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V3I1.71","url":null,"abstract":"To combat the fall Army worm (FAW-Spodoptera frugiperda) pest which has a negative impact on world food security, there is need to come up with methods that can be used alongside conventional methods of spraying. Therefore this paper proposes a machine learning based system for automatic identification and monitoring of Fall Army worm Moths. The system will aim to address challenges that are associated with trap based FAW monitoring such as manual data collection as the system will automate the data collection process. The study will aim to automate the data collection process by developing a machine learning algorithm for FAW moth identification. The study will develop web and mobile applications integrated with Geographic information system (GIS) technology in addition to trap automation. The tools developed in this study will aim to improve the accuracy and efficiency of FAW monitoring by reducing the aspect of human intervention. At the time of writing this paper, only the web based tool prototype has been developed, therefore this paper mostly focuses on the design of the web based tool. The paper also provides a brief quantification of the chosen machine learning technique to be used in the study.","PeriodicalId":206279,"journal":{"name":"Zambia ICT Journal","volume":"733 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134462776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design and Control of a Grid-connected Seven Level Inverter for Photovoltaic Applications","authors":"F. Mulolani, Francis Kafata, Esau Zulu","doi":"10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V3I1.72","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V3I1.72","url":null,"abstract":"This paper presents the design and closed-loop current control of a grid connected seven-level, 3-phase diode-clamped multilevel inverter for Photovoltaic (PV) applications. The proposed closed loop current control technique is based on the voltage-oriented proportional integral (PI) controller theory. The modulation technique used is level-shifted-carrier sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM). The gain values of PI controller were selected to achieve good current quality and dynamic response. Grid synchronization was achieved by using a synchronous-reference frame phase-locked loop (SRF-PLL). Matlab/Simulink was used for the control system design and simulation. The simulation results show that a 1.34% total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output current was achieved which is within the allowable current distortion limits by international standards. The stability of the system was analyzed using pole-zero mapping and root locus.","PeriodicalId":206279,"journal":{"name":"Zambia ICT Journal","volume":"29 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127278417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Model for an Electronic Health Information Management System with Structural Interoperability in Heterogeneous Environments for continued Health Care","authors":"Kingford Mutinta Haakalaki, J. Phiri, Monica Kalumbilo Kabemba","doi":"10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V2I2.58","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V2I2.58","url":null,"abstract":"Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems have over the recent years become an integral part of any effective Health Care System. Volumes of data is kept in heterogeneous systems and though continued health care highly depends on knowledge acquired from medical history captured at various points, this information is usually not readily available. This is caused by lack of interoperability and use of standards. Usually, interoperability has been targeted at health systems communicating amongst themselves and not with other supporting systems such as administrative systems that may be directly affected by healthcare systems or may themselves affect healthcare systems. \u0000The University of Zambia (UNZA) Clinic EHR does not interoperate with administrative systems systems. This study proposes a model to improve the efficiency of healthcare at UNZA Clinic by introducing an EHR system that applies interoperability with the University’s Human Resource and Student Information Systems at as less a cost a possible. The study was guided by two (2) objectives. A baseline study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the currently implemented modules of the Electronic System at UNZA Clinic to address objective number (1). 200 questionnaires were distributed during clinic visits with 150 of them being used to collect data from within University community. Of these, 50 were given to members of staff that benefit from the health services, 75 to students and 50 to the healthcare providers.  The remaining 25 questionnaires were shared amongst staff dependents and the community outside the University. \u0000Our results show that there is potential to improve on patient delay time. Many respondents suggested that automating the processes and securely sharing electronic records amongst the offices that attend to them would better the service. A model has been proposed to address objective 2 for the design of a prototype that adheres to HL7 EHR Standards. In order to achieve an interoperable eHealth Records System, we have investigated and proposed a Web Service architecture.","PeriodicalId":206279,"journal":{"name":"Zambia ICT Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130598588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"“WhatsApp” as a Learner Support tool for distance education: Implications for Policy and Practice at University of Zambia","authors":"Francis Simui, Godfrey Mwewa, A. Chota, F. Kakana, Kasonde Mundende, Lukali Thompson, Peggy Mwanza, D. Ndhlovu, B. Namangala","doi":"10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V2I2.55","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V2I2.55","url":null,"abstract":"One of the norms of distance education is that learners are the drivers of their learning and teachers merely facilitate the learning process. To this effect, learners are expected to be fully engaged in their studies throughout for them to perform well in their studies. However, the ‘distance’ factor inherent in distance education has been identified as one of the major challenges for learners studying in this mode. The geographical isolation significantly detracts from the need for social interactions that are usually afforded by face-to-face situations. Consequently, the void leads to isolation, confusion, stress and ultimately contributing to high failure rate and drop-outs from the academic programmes. In this study, we document the use of “WhatsApp” as a tool for learner support among postgraduate students on the distance learning mode within the University of Zambia. The study, through “WhatsApp”, follows students where they are found and learns from them without disrupting their privacy and culture to inform ODL policy and practice.  It is now clear that the University should be proactive to encourage the creation of self-generated social networks to mitigate vexing emergent issues students face on the distance learning mode.","PeriodicalId":206279,"journal":{"name":"Zambia ICT Journal","volume":"10 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131010038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Creation of an Agricultural Geographical Information System","authors":"Alinani Simukanga, Madaliso Patrick Muhone, Joseph Mulenga, J. Phiri, Mayumbo Nyirenda","doi":"10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V2I2.57","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V2I2.57","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 \u0000 \u0000To properly monitor the grain storage facilities, small scale farmer land parcels and track crops grown in the land parcels, we propose an information system that uses GIS technologies. The proposed module would assist in improving food security by providing a real-time record of stock levels in the various strategic grain reserves. It would also help the Government through Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) adequately target small scale farmers of the poorest households by displaying their land parcels. Knowing where farmers are located is vital information for the planning process. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000","PeriodicalId":206279,"journal":{"name":"Zambia ICT Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124450839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design and Development of an optimal algorithm to assign applicants to suitable teaching positions","authors":"Mumbi Chishimba, D. Kunda","doi":"10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V2I2.59","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V2I2.59","url":null,"abstract":"Resource allocation has always been an area of interest and the era of computing. This is especially true in areas of computing such as machine learning which provides many solutions to the problem of resource allocation. The issue addressed in this paper is the issue of optimal allocation of applicants (teachers) to positions in schools where their area of specialization will be better applied. We develop an algorithm that is able to allocate applicants to schools based on the applicant qualifications and the school’s needs. We use the principles of resource allocation and machine learning in order to create an application to allocate applicants to schools where their qualifications are most suited. Methods used include classification techniques in machine learning, regression and   similarity comparison. For the identification is subjects an applicant in proficient in, various machine learning algorithms are tested to determine which machine learning algorithm will be best. The actual process of identifying which applicant qualifies for a school position is also tested against sequential assignment if applicants to schools. The results of this were that the algorithm based assignment of applicants to schools produced more accurate assignment of applicants to schools than the sequential assignment of applicants. The aim of this algorithm is to provide a solution to that automatically identifies the needs (subjects) of a school, determine which needs are to have a higher priority, identify the qualifications of the applicants and assign the applicants to the school according to the school’s needs and the applicant’s qualifications.","PeriodicalId":206279,"journal":{"name":"Zambia ICT Journal","volume":"50 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115808309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the readiness of students to use mobile applications in collaborative learning: A case of Copperbelt University.","authors":"P. Mumba","doi":"10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V2I2.38","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V2I2.38","url":null,"abstract":"To improve student performance and retention rates, higher institutions of learning are constantly researching on the approaches, tools and techniques to use. In recent times, concepts such as mobile learning, electronic learning, collaborative learning, flipped classroom and deep learning have emerged. These describe the different approaches that institutions are using to improve student performance and retention rates. However, the successful implementation of an approach largely depends on the willingness of the users (learners and educators) to use. Even the best approaches or techniques cannot yield fruitful results if the users are not willing to use them. This paper assesses the willing of students at Copperbelt University to use mobile application-aided collaborative learning in their studies.","PeriodicalId":206279,"journal":{"name":"Zambia ICT Journal","volume":"19 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115696582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Access to Career Guidance through Information and Communication Technology by Learners with Visual Impairment in Selected Secondary Schools of Zambia","authors":"Chitalu Chipili, D. Ndhlovu, Francis Simui","doi":"10.33260/zictjournal.v2i1.54","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33260/zictjournal.v2i1.54","url":null,"abstract":"The study explored why learners with visual impairment in selected secondary schools of Zambia were more braille inclined in accessing career guidance information than through ICT. Key among the objectives that guided the study was to identify why learners with visual impairment were more braille inclined in accessing career guidance than through ICT. UTAUT theory guided this study. A case study design was used in presenting and discussing the findings. Population was all pupils with visual impairment and their teachers in selected secondary schools in Zambia, while the sample size was fifty-two (52) segmented as fourty (40) pupils, four (4) head teachers, four (4) career guidance teachers and four (4) grade teachers. The study found that due to inadequate or non-availability of ICT facilities, learners with visual impairment did not access career information through ICT. In addition, inadequate ICT trained teachers and ICT unclear policy contributed to learners being more braille inclined than ICT. Instead, learners accessed career information through braille and word of mouth only. For these reasons learners did not participate in ICT practical lessons and examinations consequently, restricted in their career choices. The study therefore, recommended that the Ministry of General Education should supply ICT facilities, train teachers in ICT, formulate clear policy on ICT for learners with visual impairment and ECZ should introduce practical examination in ICT.","PeriodicalId":206279,"journal":{"name":"Zambia ICT Journal","volume":"40 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114847606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceptions of distance students on the efficacy of Online Public Access Catalogue as an information retrieval tool at the University of Zambia","authors":"Pailet Chewe, E. M. Chitumbo","doi":"10.33260/zictjournal.v2i1.40","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33260/zictjournal.v2i1.40","url":null,"abstract":"The survey aims to investigate distance students’ perceptions of the efficacy of the online catalogue as a tool for information retrieval at the University of Zambia. A survey research design has been adopted in the study. Convenient sampling method was used to select 160 distance students. A structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to undergraduate distance students. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyse quantitative data into frequencies and percentages. The study established majority of distance students rarely used the online public access catalogue in exploiting the resources in the university library. Instead they employed shelf-to-shelf browsing in information searching and retrieval skills. Lack of proper orientation and user education were identified as major factors militating against their maximum utilization and exploitation of the resources in the university library. The findings of the study will inform stakeholders on how best to turn around the negative trends of OPAC.","PeriodicalId":206279,"journal":{"name":"Zambia ICT Journal","volume":"119 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129552326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Using Open Source Tools for Analysis of the Mutation Rate of African Cassava Mosaic Virus","authors":"Grey Chibawe, Lillian Mzyece, Mayumbo Nyirenda, J. Phiri","doi":"10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V2I1.50","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.33260/ZICTJOURNAL.V2I1.50","url":null,"abstract":"Popular tools used in studies in life sciences are often costly. This often pauses challenges to researchers in spite of the fact that research continues to be a key to the successful systematic development of new knowledge and a fundamental aspect to the usefulness of all higher education. Particularly, higher education also aims to advance, create and disseminate knowledge through research. Such critical studies like mutation studies therefore require affordable and fast results yielding software. In such research, open source software tools become handy in place of expensive proprietary tools. In order to provide alternative software tools for research, we decided to use a case study of the mutation of the African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV) done by researchers in Zambia. The study of ACMV mutation is hampered by fragmented and non-user-friendly tools, which are currently available. A number of the tools used also depend on network connection, especially the Internet, to access and analyze data. To help alleviate this problem this research proposes the use of open source libraries in biopython to generate cost efficient and user-friendly solutions. Additionally, we propose the use of an open standard using XML as a standard protocol to share data between applications or stages in genomic data analysis of the ACMV. In our strife to provide open source solutions we analysed various tools and noted that biopython is quite popular. During our study of biopython our initial results show that it’s possible to use free tools to analyze data in the life sciences and consequently reduce the time and cost required to analyze ACMV. Based on this case study we propose the adoption of such open source libraries in order to make research much more affordable for scientists in the life sciences for researches that operate within a constrained budget.","PeriodicalId":206279,"journal":{"name":"Zambia ICT Journal","volume":"327 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133572638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}