RESUMEN
The emission of sulphur dioxide (SO 2) from mining activities presents significant health hazards, particularly to communities near industrial zones. This mixed-methods study investigates the nexus between (SO 2) exposure and respiratory health in Kankoyo Township, Zambia. Employing community engagement, expert interviews, spatial analysis, and a retrospective examination of 15 years of health and (SO 2) data, the research identified a troubling correlation between (SO 2) exposure and adverse respiratory health effects among the local population. Expert interviews highlighted that respiratory issues constituted approximately 75% of health complications, with a notable reduction in asthma cases following the installation of a monitoring station and upgrades to smelter operations. Spatial analysis demonstrated that (SO 2) levels in Kankoyo exceeded the Zambian Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) limits by 1713% identifying it as a significant pollution hotspot. Additionally, wind profile analysis indicated frequent low-speed winds from the east-northeast (ENE), contributing to pollutant accumulation. Based on these insights, the study recommends implementing real-time pollution data sharing, affordable air quality sensors, addressing medication shortages, establishing specialized respiratory clinics, launching IT-driven awareness campaigns, and further research into additional pollutants and confounding factors.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Minería , Dióxido de Azufre , Humanos , Dióxido de Azufre/análisis , Zambia/epidemiología , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Adulto , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/efectos adversos , Adolescente , Adulto Joven , Niño , Estudios Retrospectivos , Enfermedades Respiratorias/epidemiología , Enfermedades Respiratorias/inducido químicamente , Preescolar , Anciano , Monitoreo del AmbienteRESUMEN
This study investigated the preparedness and experience of students for the fast-paced convergence of ICT and higher education. Overall, 366 distance students with a history of self-directed learning through correspondence courses were profiled using structured text-based online interviews. Twelve students' attributes on ICT material possession and competencies and experience of Open Distance and Open Learning (ODeL) were collected and analysed. The findings show that the majority of students (72%) who had prior knowledge about the basic concepts of ODeL modalities indicated satisfaction with the e-learning environment while the learning mode is challenging for traditional students (28%). Statistically significant positive correlations (ρ = 0.00) were observed between ICT competencies or preparedness: the level of prior academic qualifications (HAQ: r2 = 0.35); key challenge faced (KC: r2 = 0.26); and the convenience of ODeL (C.ODeL: r2 = 0.18). To ensure that students are not left behind with the proliferation of ICT in distance education, principal component analysis revealed that having prior knowledge about the ODeL modalities is an important attribute that contributes to students' preparedness for the e-learning environment, thus bridging the variance between the expected expectations and the actual expectations.