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UNLABELLED: IntroductionInnovative interventions are needed to improve HIV outcomes among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with HIV. Engaging AYAs in intervention development could increase effectiveness and youth acceptance, yet research is limited. We applied human-centred design (HCD) to refine adherence-support interventions pretrial and assessed HCD workshop acceptability. METHODS: We applied an iterative, four-phased HCD process in Kenya that included: (1) systematic review of extant knowledge, (2) prioritisation of design challenges, (3) a co-creation workshop and (4) translation tables to pair insights with trial intervention adaptations. The co-creation workshop was co-led by youth facilitators employing participatory activities to inform intervention adaptations. Iterative data analysis included rapid thematic analysis of visualised workshop outputs and notes using affinity mapping and dialogue to identify key themes. We conducted a survey to assess workshop acceptability among participants. RESULTS: Twenty-two participants engaged in the 4-day workshop. Co-creation activities yielded recommendations for improving planned interventions (eg, message frequency and content; strategies to engage hard-to-reach participants), critical principles to employ across interventions (eg, personalisation, AYA empowerment) and identification of unanticipated AYA HIV treatment priorities (eg, drug holidays, transition from adolescent to adult services). We revised intervention content, peer navigator training materials and study inclusion criteria in response to findings. The youth-led HCD workshop was highly acceptable to participants. CONCLUSIONS: Research employing HCD among youth can improve interventions preimplementation through empathy, youth-led inquiry and real-time problem solving. Peer navigation may be most influential in improving retention when engagement with young people is based on mutual trust, respect, privacy and extends beyond HIV-specific support. Identifying opportunities for personalisation and adaptation within intervention delivery is important for AYAs. Patient engagement interventions that target young people should prioritise improved transition between youth and adult services, youth HIV status disclosure, AYA empowerment and healthcare worker responsiveness in interactions and episodic adherence interruptions.

Structural, psychological, and clinical barriers to HIV care engagement among adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYAH) persist globally despite gains in HIV epidemic control. Phone-based peer navigation may provide critical peer support, increase delivery flexibility, and require fewer resources. Prior studies show that phone-based navigation and automated text messaging interventions improve HIV care engagement, adherence, and retention among AYAH. However, little is known about AYAH experiences utilizing electronic phone-based peer navigation and automated text messaging (E-NAV). We assessed the experiences of AYAH receiving phone-based peer navigation to address barriers to HIV care engagement and viral suppression. We purposefully selected participants randomized to E-NAV within the Adapt for Adolescents in Kisumu, Kenya, and conducted 20 in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted by a trained qualitative researcher between October and December 2021 and explored topics such as health-seeking and care experiences, E-NAV acceptability and benefits, and the client-navigator relationship. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. We then applied inductive and deductive coding, followed by thematic analysis. Overall, participants found E-NAV acceptable in regard to content and frequency-particularly the opportunity to select a preferred time for calls/text messages, including evenings and weekends. They found the tone of navigator calls and messages friendly, supporting relationship building. Further, AYAH-navigator relationships were described as fraternal, client-focused, and confidential, which supported a personal connection and trust. Reported E-NAV benefits included adherence and appointment reminders, increased knowledge about HIV care, and strategies to address HIV stigma. Electronic navigation is a promising method for youth peer navigation because it optimizes reach (both in time and space) for youth that have severe constraints on both while preserving the ability to create a rapport and a relationship with patients.

The purpose of the study was to interrogate factors that influence labour turnover of married female workers in Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the retail industry. The study utilized the qualitative research approach with structured interviews being used to solicit data from twenty-two purposively selected participants who had left employment within the last five years from SMEs in the retail sector. The findings of the study showed that labour turnover of married female workers in the retail sector was alarmingly high. The main drivers of labour turnover were sexual objectification of married female workers at workplaces, heavy and physically demanding work and human engineering. Disputes of rights, glass ceiling and securing marriages were some of the major propellers of labour turnover of married female workers in SMEs in the retail sector. The high rate of labour turnover significantly affects the performance of SMEs. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing information on labour turnover of married female workers an area which has not been explored by many researchers. The results also help managers of SMEs in the retail sector and government authorities to pay close attention and possibly address the problems faced by female employees in the retail industry.

Sorghum and pearl millet contain anti-nutritional factors such as tannins and phytic acid, which limits their use in processed food products. Pre-treatment processes of these traditional grains such as dehulling, roasting, and fermentation, have potential to reduce the anti-nutritional factors. However, there is death in data on their efficacy. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of dehulling, fermenting and roasting on the proximate, micronutrient and anti-nutritional content of sorghum and pearl millet flour from Zimbabwe. The grains were roasted, dehulled, fermented, and milled into flour. Four treatments namely, (1) unprocessed sorghum (control 1), (2) processed sorghum, (3) unprocessed pearl millet (control 2) and (4) processed pearl millet were prepared. The treatment samples were evaluated for proximate and mineral content using standard methods of analysis (AOAC, 2000) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry (ICP-OES) method, respectively. Phytates and tannins were measured using the UV Spectrophotometer method. The alkaloid content was determined gravimetrically. Data were analysed statistically using ANOVA at 95% probability. Sorghum processing i.e. dehulling, fermenting, roasting and milling significantly increased the protein content (from 15.0±0.08 to 20.0±3.98%) and ash content (from 3.6±0.05 to 4.2±0.52%) (p0.05). Similarly, the protein content of pearl millet significantly increased after processing (from 20.0 ±0.07 to 25±2.875) (p0.05). The magnesium content decreased significantly after processing sorghum (p0.05). The magnesium and sodium content decreased significantly after processing (p0.05). Processing of sorghum and pearl millet is recommended since it improves the nutritional composition and lowers anti-nutritional factors.

Between 2000 and 2008, Zimbabwe was hit by one of the devastating economic situations which threatened the lives of businesses and also led to the closure of several businesses. The main purpose of this paper was to trace the survivors of Zimbabwe’s 2000-2008 economic distress and establish the strategies they employ to avert future economic pandemics in the country. A mixed research approach was utilised to carry out the study, with data being collected from a sample of 105 business people and their employees in rural Zimbabwe. A self-designed questionnaire and interview guide were used to solicit data from participants with descriptive and thematic analysis data analysis methods being utilised as data analysis tools. The study revealed that while a significant number of businesses closed their businesses due to the economic downturn some survived and self-rejuvenated and moved on in 2009 when the economy stabilised. The strategies most businesses in rural areas employ to avert effects of future economic distress include among others; 1) diversification, 2) trading in foreign currency, 3) avoiding selling goods on credit, and 4) keeping savings in USD and traditional banks. It was recommended that businesses in rural areas need to manage their businesses in a more professional way so that they do not easily get affected by socio-economic shocks and political upheavals.

Finger millet (Eleucine coracana), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and bio-fortified vitamin A 'orange' maize (Zea mays) are three nutrient dense crops currently being promoted in Zimbabwe. The effect on nutrient content of processing these specific crop varieties has not been investigated. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the effects of germination and roasting on the proximate, mineral, and anti-nutritional factors in finger millet, cowpeas and orange maize. Finger millet grains were germinated for 48hrs, cowpeas and orange maize for 24hrs, at room temperature (20-23[degrees]C). Both raw and processed samples were dried and milled into flour for the determination of proximate and mineral and anti-nutritional composition. Protein content of finger millet increased significantly after processing from 6.53[+ or -]0.25 mg/100 g to 11.27[+ or -]0.15 mg/100 g in germinated finger millet flour (P Key words: Traditional grains, millet, orange maize, biofortification, germination, roasting, nutrients, anti-nutrients, INTRODUCTION Finger millet (FM) (Eleucine coracana) is widely grown in Zimbabwe with variations in colour (brown, white and light brown cultivars). The grain is also characterized by a high concentration [...]

Pasta is one of the most consumed staples worldwide. New formulations incorporating novel nutritious ingredients are now common in its production. The purpose of this study was to formulate, optimise and evaluate the sensory properties of sorghum-based extruded gluten-free pasta. Sorghum flour, pearl millet flour, high-iron bean flour (Biofortified NUA 45 beans) and Hermes potato flour were evaluated for proximate and micronutrient composition, formulated to produce pasta through the extrusion process. Three sorghum-based pastas, namely sorghum high bean pasta (SHBP), sorghum bean pasta (SBP) and sorghum high potato pasta (SHPP) were produced and evaluated for sensorial properties (visual, palpatory and gustatory qualities). The Box-Benhken Design (BBD) in conjunction with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to select the best formulation by evaluating cooking quality parameters and sensory parameters. The protein content in the four flours ranged from 10.52% to 22.00%. NUA 45 bean flour had significantly (p0.05) difference in the cross-sectional area, surface appearance and surface property of the three cooked pastas. A significant (p

Job satisfaction is one of the key antecedents to organizational competitiveness and growth. The main objective of this paper was to explore the status of job satisfaction and strategies for increasing job satisfaction for backyard manufacturing small to medium enterprises (MSMEs) workers in Mucheke suburb in Masvingo urban. The study utilized a qualitative research approach with semi-structured interview being used as the main data collecting tool. Snowballing and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 11 backyard manufacturing SMEs and 40 participants who participated in the study. The study established that the level of job satisfaction for employees in backyard MSMEs was extremely low. The main precipitators of low job satisfaction were inappropriate tools, inadequate raw materials, inappropriate plant layout, unpaid overtime, failure to supply protective clothing, poor salaries, congested workstations and poor leadership. It was also established that low job satisfaction had devastating effects on the performance, growth and survival of MSMEs since it propels the production of poor products, high labour turnover and absenteeism, pilferage of tools and raw materials, stress induced accidents and emergency of more competitors as workers start their own businesses. The strategies that can be employed to increase job satisfaction are by providing counselling services for employees, establishing beneficial cafeteria benefits for all categories of employees, establishing in-house health centres, establishing flexible work arrangements and also providing social services to all categories of employees, training and developing managers and giving workers living wages. The study is essential in that it provides new insights and knowledge on approaches and strategies of improving job satisfaction for backyard industry workers.

Methods We applied an iterative, four-phased HCD process in Kenya that included: (1) systematic review of extant knowledge, (2) prioritisation of design challenges, (3) a co-creation workshop and (4) translation tables to pair insights with trial intervention adaptations. The co-creation workshop was co-led by youth facilitators employing participatory activities to inform intervention adaptations. Iterative data analysis included rapid thematic analysis of visualised workshop outputs and notes using affinity mapping and dialogue to identify key themes. We conducted a survey to assess workshop acceptability among participants.Results Twenty-two participants engaged in the 4-day workshop. Co-creation activities yielded recommendations for improving planned interventions (eg, message frequency and content; strategies to engage hard-to-reach participants), critical principles to employ across interventions (eg, personalisation, AYA empowerment) and identification of unanticipated AYA HIV treatment priorities (eg, drug holidays, transition from adolescent to adult services). We revised intervention content, peer navigator training materials and study inclusion criteria in response to findings. The youth-led HCD workshop was highly acceptable to participants.Conclusions Research employing HCD among youth can improve interventions preimplementation through empathy, youth-led inquiry and real-time problem solving. Peer navigation may be most influential in improving retention when engagement with young people is based on mutual trust, respect, privacy and extends beyond HIV-specific support. Identifying opportunities for personalisation and adaptation within intervention delivery is important for AYAs. Patient engagement interventions that target young people should prioritise improved transition between youth and adult services, youth HIV status disclosure, AYA empowerment and healthcare worker responsiveness in interactions and episodic adherence interruptions.

COVID 19 is one of the major disasters that significantly disrupted the socio-economic statuses of various businesses and nations at large. The purpose of the study was to explore the extent to which COVID 19 affected financial inclusion in Zimbabwe. The quantitative research methodology and the purposive sampling technique were employed. Data was collected using in-depth and focus discussion group interviews from 35 participants. Data was analysed using thematic data analysis approach. Barred people in rural areas from accessing financial services which directly and indirectly increased the magnitude of poverty among people running informal businesses. Financial inclusion, is a key driver to poverty reduction; hence the negative impact of on financial inclusion significantly propels poverty in societies. Digitalizing financial services is one of the strategies which can be utilized to promote financial inclusion in the post-era. Financial institutions should use technology in financial services, so that those in rural areas do not incur transport and logistical costs for accessing financial services. Digital finance and other various financial innovations should be used to achieve financial inclusion in rural areas. Policies that encourage the delivery of formal financial services in rural areas should be developed. Governments should consider granting subsidy to providers of financial services so that they can offer basic financial services at low cost to the excluded population. Thus, governments ought to commit themselves to the delivery of accessible, affordable, appropriate and cost-effective financial services to unserved or underserved households. The study provides managers of financial institutions with various techniques of providing financial services to the informal sector in the post-eras in rural areas. It also provides managers with information pertaining to the risks in providing financial services in post-pandemic era in rural areas. Managers of internet service providers has a role in making sure that the rural folk have access to the facility so that digital banking systems become realizable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study assessed traditional farmers' preferences for indigenous pigs and their awareness levels toward reproductive biotechnology. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study employed a mixed-methods con¬current triangulation design with a pragmatic approach. For quantitative data collection, a ran¬domly selected sample size of 622 respondents was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. A semi-structured interview guide was used in seven focus group discussions (FGDs) for qualitative data. For quantitative data, descriptive statistics were used to find out how often something happened, and chi-square tests were used to look for relationships. For qualitative data, thematic analysis was used. Results: The majority (66.9%) of respondents were female, and they had largely (64.8%) attended a primary level of education. A slight majority (43.1%) of the respondents were 30–45 years old. Most respondents (65.1%) were low-income earners (below K500). Incidentally, the majority (74.1%) of respondents had low awareness of reproductive biotechnologies. Respondents' aware¬ness levels were associated with gender (p < 0.001), education (p < 0.001), income (p < 0.01), and not age (p > 0.05). With regard to trait preference, a total of seven indigenous pig traits were reportedly preferred, of which disease resistance (25.9%) and litter size (23.8%) were the most preferred. From FGDs, participants valued indigenous pigs, citing many preferred traits, of which disease resistance and litter size were the most emphasized traits. Some participants were aware of many reproductive biotechnologies and their perceived advantages. However, they were more familiar with artificial insemination, heat detection methods, and synchronization. Conclusions: The majority of respondents had low awareness of reproductive biotechnologies. Respondents' awareness was associated with sociodemographic characteristics. The identified indigenous pig traits preferred by traditional farmers included adaptive and productive traits. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(2.000): 255-266]

Health and safety issues are fast becoming established fundamental antecedents in the development, survival and growth of Small to Medium enterprises (SMEs) throughout the globe. The study sought to find out the main causes of workplace related accidents in SMEs in the construction industry. Furthermore, the study sought to establish managerial strategies employed by SMEs in the construction industry to curb workplace related accidents and also to develop a good health and safety culture in their employees. A quantitative research approach was utilised with closed ended questionnaire being used as the main data collection instrument. A multiple descriptive case study was used to carry out this study. Data was collected from a sample of 100 (Female-20; male-80), drawn from SMEs in the construction industry in Masvingo urban. Data analysis was done using the Statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21 and Microsoft Excel. The study established that the main precipitators of accidents at workplaces are inappropriate machinery and equipment, inadequate awareness campaigns, failure to put danger warning signage, inadequate and inappropriate personal protective equipment. The strategies that can be employed to curb workplace accidents in the construction industry are giving workers incentives for not involved in accidents, safety meetings before work start, effective communication system, and employee participation on safety issues, training and development, creation of a safety committee and designing a good and effective layout.

Background and Aim: Pig production remains crucial to the livelihood of farmers in Zambia. However, low production continues to undermine efforts to reduce animal protein deficit; hence, the need emerges to improve production through biotechnology. To contribute to the prediction of their acceptance, this study assessed the attitudes and preferences of traditional farmers toward reproductive biotechnologies by exploring the socio-demographic characteristics of farmers. Materials and Methods: The study conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey that employed a mixed-methods design with a qualitative-quantitative methodological triangulation. Quantitative data were obtained from 622 respondents using a questionnaire, whereas seven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to obtain qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Results: The majority (65.1%) of the respondents were low-income earners who mainly (64.8%) attained primary education. In addition, pig farming was dominated by middle-aged (43.7%) and elderly (40.7%) individuals. Moreover, most of the respondents owned (51.3% and 78.0%) more than 2 acres and six pigs, respectively. Furthermore, the respondents expressed a positive attitude (3.84±0.42) toward reproductive biotechnology application. However, despite supportive opinions (4.17±0.54) and favorable behavioral intentions (4.09±0.51), their feelings were generally neutral (3.10±0.89). In addition, the study observed various contrasting attitudes across socio-demographic factors. The respondents mainly preferred artificial insemination (AI; 66.2%). The results of the FGDs supported the survey findings. Nevertheless, the lack of information, knowledge and practical exposure, absence of peer influence, perceived beliefs and risks, poverty situations, and gender issues were pinpointed as the identified barriers to the biotechnology acceptance of the participants. Conclusion: The respondents generally supported reproductive biotechnology application and its contribution to improved production. However, further promotion of the favorable attitudes of the farmers will be required. In this case, interventions sensitive to their socio-demographic characteristics, perceived barriers, and identified contributing factors to favorable attitudes will be crucial. In addition, despite the overwhelming preference for AI, efforts to promote AI-supporting reproductive technologies are required because they contribute to AI success rate.

Job engagement is about the degree of connection employees have with their work. Engagement theories suggest that employees experience engagement cognitively, emotionally, and physically. If and the extent to which this is the case, specifically within South African municipalities, remains largely indeterminate. This study therefore investigates the relationship between dimensions of job engagement and perceived organizational performance in South African municipalities. A quantitative research approach was followed, and data was collected through an online survey administered to a non-probability sample of municipal employees. The study reveals that of the three dimensions of job engagement, emotional and physical engagement demonstrated statistically significant relationships with perceived organizational performance although physical engagement turned out as a stronger predictor. Surprisingly, the relationship between cognitive engagement and perceived organizational performance was not statistically significant. Consequently, it is imperative for jobs in municipalities to be better designed with a clear intention to foster job engagement.

Increasing and competing demands on agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa mean that policy and investment decisions become more complex. Despite growing consensus on the need for sustainable agricultural intensification, there is limited agreement on how to achieve this in practice. Governments and societies face uncertainty and complex choices. This paper explores the potential of Multi-Stakeholder, Social Learning (MSL) approaches, facilitated by National Learning Alliances (NLAs), to improve policy and investment decisions. Comparative evidence from a donor-supported research and learning programme in Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia is used in a theory-based evaluation approach to assess the contribution of the NLAs to capacity and practice change amongst individuals, networks and senior decision-makers. Ten outcome cases are explored, including their contribution to systemic changes in the governance of evidence. Key lessons included: the value to decision-makers of engaging with informal networks; importance of combining dialogue, deliberation and experiential learning; the need to create safe spaces in national level MSL processes; the demanding combination of facilitation skills and commitment; and appropriately flexible support. This suggests a need not only for the production of quality research, but crucially support for MSL as a means of contributing to the good governance of evidence and sustainable change.

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends periodic evaluations of influenza surveillance systems to identify areas for improvement and provide evidence of data reliability for policymaking. However, data on the performance of established influenza surveillance systems are limited in Africa, including Tanzania. We aimed to assess the usefulness of the Influenza surveillance system in Tanzania and to ascertain if the system meets its objectives, including; estimating the burden of disease caused by the Influenza virus in Tanzania and identifying any circulating viral strains with pandemic potential. Methodology From March to April 2021, we collected retrospective data through a review of the Tanzania National Influenza Surveillance System electronic forms for 2019. Furthermore, we interviewed the surveillance personnel about the system’s description and operating procedures. Case definition (ILI-Influenza Like Illness and SARI-Severe Acute Respiratory Illness), results, and demographic characteristics of each patient were obtained from the Laboratory Information System (Disa*Lab) at Tanzania National Influenza Center. The United States Centers for disease control and prevention updated guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems were used to evaluate the system’s attributes. Additionally, the system’s performance indicators (including turnaround time) were obtained by evaluating Surveillance system attributes, each being scored on a scale of 1 to 5 (very poor to excellent performance). Results A total of 1731 nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples were collected from each suspected influenza case in 2019 from fourteen (14/14) sentinel sites of the influenza surveillance system in Tanzania. Laboratory-confirmed cases were 21.5% (373/1731) with a predictive value positive of 21.7%. The majority of patients (76.1%) tested positive for Influenza A. Thirty-seven percent of patients’ results met the required turnaround time, and 40% of case-based forms were incompletely filled. Although the accuracy of the data was good (100%), the consistency of the data was below (77%) the established target of ≥ 95%. Conclusion The overall system performance was satisfactory in conforming with its objectives and generating accurate data, with an average performance of 100%. The system’s complexity contributed to the reduced consistency of data from sentinel sites to the National Public Health Laboratory of Tanzania. Improvement in the use of the available data could be made to inform and promote preventive measures, especially among the most vulnerable population. Increasing sentinel sites would increase population coverage and the level of system representativeness.

BackgroundCholera continues to cause morbidity and mortality in developing countries, including Tanzania. Since August 2015, Tanzania Mainland has experienced cholera outbreaks affecting 26 regions and a 1.6% case fatality rate. The current study determined the virulence factors, genetic relatedness and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the Vibrio cholerae isolated from different regions in Tanzania.MethodsA cross-sectional study that involved the genetic characterization of V. cholerae isolates from eleven regions in Tanzania was carried out. There were 99 V. cholerae isolates collected between January 2016 and December 2017. The study perfomed a Multi-locus Variable-number tandem-repeat analysis for genetic relatedness and Mismatch Amplification Mutation Analysis polymerase chain reaction for analyzing toxin genes. All the isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Data were generally analyzed using Microsoft excel, where genetic relatedness was analyzed using eBurst software v3.ResultsAll isolates were V. cholerae O1. Ogawa was the most predominant 97(98%) serotype. Isolates were genetically related with a small genetic diversity and were positive for ctxA, tcpA El Tor virulence genes. All isolates (100%) were sensitive to doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, tetracycline, ceftriaxone, and chloramphenicol, while 87.8% were sensitive to ciprofloxacin. A high resistance rate (100%) was detected towards erythromycin, nalidixic acid, amoxicillin, and ampicillin.ConclusionThe V.cholerae O1 serotypes Ogawa, El Tor variant predominantly caused cholera outbreaks in Tanzania with strains clonally related regardless of the place and time of the outbreak. Most of the isolates were susceptible to the antibiotic regimen currently used in Tanzania. The high resistance rate detected for the other common antibiotics calls for continuous antimicrobial susceptibility testing during outbreaks.

Sexual harassment at workplaces significantly infringes the fundamental rights of both men and women to gender equality and social justice. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether sexual harassment at workplaces significantly affects job satisfaction among workers in SMEs in the construction industry. The study employed a purely qualitative research methodology to carry out the study. Convenience sampling technique was employed to select the 50 (fifty) participants who took part in the study. All the 50 workers who participated in the study were drawn from ten (10) SME construction companies in the city of Masvingo in Zimbabwe. Data was solicited using a 14-item face to face interview guide which was developed by the researcher. Data was analyzed and interpreted using the thematic data analysis method. The study established that sexual harassment at workplaces directly and indirectly affects workers in the construction industry’s job satisfaction levels. Sexual harassment at workplaces results in decreased work performance; increased absenteeism, loss of job or career, loss of income, being objectified and humiliated, loss of trust in the types of people that occupy similar positions as the harasser or his or her colleagues. Sexual harassment also leads to psychological disorders of victims. All the effects of sexual harassment negatively affect job satisfaction for workers in the construction industry. The study recommended that all arms of government responsible for enforcing sexual harassment laws and regulations should closely monitor sexual harassment activities in organizations and impose prohibitive sanctions upon the perpetrators. Organizations should also punish all the perpetrators of sexual harassment at workplaces.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the implication of COVID 19 on job satisfaction among workers in SMEs in Zimbabwe. A purely qualitative study was undertaken to establish how COVID 19 affects the attitude of workers towards their work. The study utilized a multiple case study design with an interview being utilized as the main data collection tool. Data was collected from a sample of 20 (n=20) participants who were selected using purpose sampling approach. Data was analyzed using a combination of thematic analysis and descriptive analysis. The study found out that COVID 19 significantly affects job satisfaction among workers in SMEs. COVID 19 resulted in the decrease in workers’ salaries, employment opportunities and job security. The study also found out that COVID 19 increases employee stress due to fear of contracting the disease and propel poor working conditions for workers in SMEs. It was therefore recommended that employers should lay special emphasis on ways and strategies that protect workers from contracting COVID 19. The measures and strategies which can be used to promote employee satisfaction during the COVID 19 pandemic include among others giving workers risk allowances, creating a safe work environment, provide personal protective equipment to workers and employing flexible work arrangement

The COVID 19 pandemic has had a significant impact on livelihoods; the virus has affected not only the health sector but the work life of people as the government instituted measures to contain the spread of the virus. This study sought to explore how SMEs in Masvingo, Zimbabwe were affected by a government declared lockdown. In particular, the study sought to establish how the SMEs responded to the lockdown, the strategies that they instituted and the implications of the lockdown on the productivity of the SMEs. A qualitative approach was adopted specifically adopting the descriptive case study approach as a research methodology. Ten participants who participated in this study were conveniently selected from 7 purposively selected SMEs in Masvingo town. Indepth interviews were used for data collection. Results indicated that SMEs were negatively affected by the lockdown. Most of them stopped operations and had to lay off some of their employees. Production in most cases was halted and this entailed that the future after the lockdown was bleak for them. The SMEs appealed for government support to enable them to resuscitate after the lockdown.

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the relevance of business intelligence (BI) in businesses in general and tourism firms in particular. BI has been hailed as an innovation that can propel businesses that adopt the system to high productivity and efficiency. This paper confirms that view but further adds that BI also enhances a business’s competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach - This paper reviews literature on the use of BI in tourism. Although current literature is largely fragmented, focusing on BI, the tourism industry and the notion of competitiveness separately, this paper makes an attempt to bring the three sub-themes in the same study and highlights their interconnectedness. The study adopts two environmental analysis models to better analyze this matter. First is the environmental analysis model as based on Downes’s modification of Porter’s five forces framework. The second model used is the resource-based view approach to business environmental analysis. Findings - This paper affirms that the tourism industry is one of those industries that continue to benefit from the advantages that come with the adoption of a BI system. Literature shows that the tourism industry was one of those that first adopted BI in order to benefit from the benefits that come with its adoption. Such advantages include flexible and user friendly tourists’ data capture, storage, retrieval, processing and analytical capabilities. Research limitations/implications - This was a largely literature review-based study. There is, therefore, room for strengthening its findings by conducting field work and mixed methods research for more robust results. Practical implications - This study will surely benefit the tourism industry and business in general from its highly favorable conclusions to the benefits that come with the adoption of a BI system. It can also be used as a reference in to the tourism field, especially aggregating important concepts and literature that can help future practical studies. Social implications - Society will also benefit from this study in terms of the new knowledge that has been generated. Members of society will then be in a position to demand products and services that are a result of innovation and informed decision making. Originality/value - Although this paper is largely based on literature, the conclusions reached are those of the authors. A close assessment of the literature in BI and the tourism industry was done, resulting in the conclusions reached by the authors.

Job satisfaction of all categories of workers is one of the key antecedents that ensure increased competiveness of organizations. The need to establish factors that impede job satisfaction among people living with war induced disabilities was the main aim of this study. Furthermore, effects of war that adversely affect the attitude of workers with war induced disabilities towards their work were a major driver of this paper. The study employed a pure qualitative research approach where data was collected using face to face interview from 29 participants and analyzed using the thematic data analysis method. Participants were selected using snowballing sampling technique. Job satisfaction was found to be extremely low among employees living with war induced disabilities. People with different disabilities experience a host of work and home related challenges which significantly affect their job satisfaction levels. The problems encountered by people living with disabilities that affect their job satisfaction are mainly centered on ergonomics, lack of relevant assistive technology, stigmatization, discrimination and lack of physical and emotional protection from weather conditions, workmates and supervisors. The link between job satisfaction of workers with war induced disabilities and organizational competitiveness would further advance theory of job satisfaction and provide managerial implications that is helpful for an improved organizational performance. The study recommended that organizations should re-organize their work stations so as to accommodate the needs of people with disability.

: Introduction: To develop a patient‐centred financial incentive delivery strategy to improve antiretroviral treatment adherence in adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with HIV in Kisumu, Kenya, we conducted a mixed methods study exploring preferences. Methods: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) and focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted simultaneously to identify preferences for five incentive delivery strategy features: value, eligibility, recipient, format and disbursement frequency. We used consecutive sampling to recruit AYA (14–24 years) living with HIV attending three health facilities in Kisumu, Kenya. We calculated mean preferences, willingness to trade, latent class membership and predictors of latent class membership. The FGD explored preferred incentive features, and, after deductive and inductive coding, qualitative findings were triangulated with DCE results. Results: Two hundred and seven AYA living with HIV (46% 14–17 years, 54% 18–24 years; 33% male sex, 89% viral load Conclusions: Providing small financial incentives as cash was well‐aligned with AYA preferences in this setting. AYA should additionally be offered a choice of other incentive delivery features (such as mobile money, recipient and disbursement frequency) to optimally align with the specific needs of their age group and life stage., INTRODUCTION Although financial incentives have been extensively investigated to improve uptake of HIV prevention interventions and adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) in adults living with HIV, the use of this [...]