Implementation of Integrated E-Learning and Microteaching in Engineering: A Case Study of University of Botswana

It is indispensable for the instructors imparting competencies should have the capability to perform their task efficiently and effectively for the development of workforce skills. In this paper, we discussed the application of combining Micro-lecture methodology with the latest e-learning techniques in a core-engineering course. Audio-visual facilities enabled smart classrooms with micro-lectures using point-based videos, PPTs and images save more time for students to engage more towards practical in the laboratory and to understand the concept easily, which instigates students’ interest and creativeness. This study aims to investigate the effect of using the microteaching methodology in integration with the latest e-learning techniques at the University of Botswana. To achieve this objective evolution is done by considering different pass percentages and online software-based student evolution of course and teaching system. The post-application results showed that the group showed a good rating in grades, presence and knowledge. Students rating received were good i.e. 4.2 and 4.3 in teaching and major course evolution on a scale of five with the pass percentage of 73.1% showing 23% increments from the previous year’s results and excellent reviews

Importance of mechanical cues in regulating musculoskeletal circadian clock rhythmicity: implications for articular cartilage

The circadian clock, a collection of endogenous cellular oscillators with an approximate 24‐h cycle, involves autoregulatory transcriptional/translational feedback loops to enable synchronization within the body. Circadian rhythmicity is controlled by a master clock situated in the hypothalamus; however, peripheral tissues are also under the control of autonomous clocks which are coordinated by the master clock to regulate physiological processes. Although light is the primary signal required to entrain the body to the external day, non‐photic zeitgeber including exercise also entrains circadian rhythmicity. Cellular mechano‐sensing is imperative for functionality of physiological systems including musculoskeletal tissues. Over the last decade, mechano‐regulation of circadian rhythmicity in skeletal muscle, intervertebral disc, and bone has been demonstrated to impact tissue homeostasis. In contrast, few publications exist characterizing the influence of mechanical loading on the circadian rhythm in articular cartilage, a musculoskeletal tissue in which loading is imperative for function; importantly, a dysregulated cartilage clock contributes to development of osteoarthritis. Hence, this review summarizes the literature on mechano‐regulation of circadian clocks in musculoskeletal tissues and infers on their collective importance in understanding the circadian clock and its synchronicity for articular cartilage mechanobiology

Designing an implementation science clinical trial to integrate hypertension and cardiovascular diseases care into existing HIV services package in Botswana (InterCARE)

Background: Despite success in HIV treatment, diagnosis and management of hypertension (HTN) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains suboptimal among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Botswana, with an overall HTN control of only 19% compared to 98% HIV viral suppressed. These gaps persist despite CVD primary care national guidelines and availability of free healthcare including antihypertensive medications. Our study aims to develop and test strategies to close the HTN care gap in PLWH, through integration into HIV care, leveraging the successful national HIV care and treatment program and strategies. Methods: The InterCARE trial is a cluster randomized controlled hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation trial at 14 sites designed to enroll 4652 adults living with HIV and HTN plus up to 2326 treatment partners. Primary outcomes included effectiveness (HTN control) and implementation outcomes using the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation and Maintenance framework, with explanatory mixed methods used to understand variability in outcomes. InterCARE trial’s main strategies include healthcare worker HTN and CVD care training plus long-term practice facilitation, electronic health record (EHR) documentation of key indicators and use of reminders, and use of treatment partners to provide social support to people living with HIV and HTN. InterCARE started with formative research to identify contextual factors influencing care gaps using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Results were used to adapt initial and develop additional implementation strategies to address barriers and leverage facilitators. The package was pilot tested in two clinics, with findings used to further adapt or add strategies for the clinical trial. Discussion: If successful, the InterCARE model can be scaled up to HIV clinics nationwide to improve diagnosis, management, and support in Botswana. The trial will provide insights for scale-up of HTN integration into HIV care in the region. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov reference NCT05414526. Registered 18 May 2022, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05414526?term=NCT05414526.&rank=1

Review of Energy Status and Associated Conservational Issues in Botswana

This paper discusses energy status of Botswana and the environmental concerns associated with the production of energy. It was offered in response to the growing concerns in industry about the need for the conservation of energy and for combating the increasing environmental degradation. Accomplishing vitality proficiency and diminishing ecological contamination are progressively essential parts of expert designing. The paper is meant to address top to bottom comprehension of basic issues of energy thrift and environmental consequences of irrational use of energy resources in industry. There is need for up to date technical knowledge and skills required for achieving the better management of energy, designing of energy-efficient systems and processes and the reduction and control of pollution cost-effectively. This information can successfully be coordinated to different segments of the economy for application and help the divisions in enhancing their aggressiveness despite lessening assets, likely considerable increment in unit vitality costs and the urgent requirement to comply with the increasingly-restrictive pollution-control standards

Experimental study and numerical simulation of the vertical bounce of a polymer ball over a wide temperature range

The dependence to temperature of the rebound of a solid polymer ball on a rigid slab is investigated. An acrylate polymer ball is brought to a wide range of temperatures, covering its glass to rubbery transition, and let fall on a granite slab while the coe cient of restitution, duration of contact, and force history are measured experimentally. The ball fabrication is controlled in the lab, allowing the mechanical characterization of the material by classic dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Finite element simulations of the rebound at various temperatures are run, consider- ing the material as viscoelatic and as satisfying a WLF equation for its time-temperature superposition property. A comparison between the experiments and the simulations shows the strong link between viscoelasticity and time-temperature superposition properties of the material and the bounce characteristics of the ball