Browsing Research articles (Dept of Biological Sciences) by Title
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Bonyongo, M.C.; Mubyana, T. (South African Journal of Science, http://www.sajs.co.za/, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: WETLANDS SUCH AS THE OKAVANGO Delta, located in semi-arid regions, are of great ecological, environmental and socio-economic importance. In most cases, however, few data exist on nutrient cycling in these areas. This paper presents preliminary results of an ongoing study, which investigates the influence of seasonal flooding on soil nutrient status in the different vegetation communities of the delta. Soil K, Na, and pH significantly increased with a decrease in soil moisture, with the values increasing from the primary floodplains to the islands communities. Available P, Ca and Mg decreased as the elevation gradient increased from the riverbed. Although nutrient status generally was highest in the floodplain vegetation areas adjacent to the riverbed, there was no significant difference in available P, Ca and Mg within the vegetation communities. Calcium levels in the different vegetation zones were more influenced by rainfall than floodplain vegetation community. Higher soil Ca was observed in the rainy season, while elevated Mg was recorded after the rains. Overall, these results indicate that flooding is an essential aspect of the Okavango Delta as it may be a primary source of some of the soil nutrients that support the high diversity of plants sustaining the delta’s ecosystem. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/401 Files in this item: 1
Soil nutrient status.pdf (1.635Mb) -
Thior, I.; Gabaitiri, L.; Grimes, J.; Shapiro, R.; Lockman, S.; Kim, S.; Kebaabetswe, P.; Garmey, E.; Montano, M.; Peter, T.; Chang, S.; Marlink, R.; Essex, M. (Elsevier www.elsevier.com/locate/pateducou, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Objective: To determine uptake and socio-demographics predictors of acceptance of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) among postpartum women in Botswana. Methods: Women attending maternal and child health clinics for their first post-partum or well baby visit in three sites in Botswana were offered VCTafter a written informed consent. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics and reasons for declining VCT. Results: From March 1999 to November 2000, we approached 1735 post-partum women. Only 937 (54%) of those approached accepted VCT. In multiple logistic regression analysis, younger maternal age, not being married, and less formal education were significant predictors of acceptance of VCT. Thirty percent of women who accepted VCT were HIV-positive. Conclusion: Our results indicated that in Botswana prior to the initiation of a government Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) prevention program, younger, unmarried, and less educated post-partum women were more likely to undergo VCT. Practice implications: Our results have shown that interventions to improve VCT among post-partum women and more generally among women of reproductive age are warranted in Botswana. These interventions should account for differences such age, marital status, education, and partner involvement to maximize VCT uptake. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/588 Files in this item: 1
GABAITIRI2007VOLUNTARY COUNSELING.pdf (642.1Kb)
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