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Acceptance of blackboard technology by mechanical engineering students at the University of Botswana

Uziak, J. (Tempus Publications, NaN, 2009)

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Abstract:

Technology-based teaching and learning is entering academic life at an amazing rate. It comes whether invited or not. Students and lecturers are confronted with new technologies. There are new teaching methods to accompany them, and new pressures to use them. E-learning is penetrating all areas of teaching and learning: academic institutions and corporate training alike. It has been generally accepted as a major and viable component of higher education. However, it is not clear how students accept the use of new technology. This paper deals with the question of acceptance by analysing the University of Botswana engineering students' reflection on Blackboard technology.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/694

Files in this item: 1

Uziak_IJEE_2009.pdf (976.8Kb)

Application of enamel-coating for draught reduction of a mouldboard plough

Loukanov, I.A.; Uziak, J. (Akademiai Kiado, NaN, 2007)

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Abstract:

The effect of enamel-coating on the draught performance of an animal-drawn mouldboard plough was studied. A single furrow swing mouldboard plough-Maun Series, and the same type enamel-coated plough both ox-drawn, are compared under similar working conditions such as soil moisture content, depth and width of cut and approximately constant speed of ploughing. It was found that the enamel-coating reduces both the plough draught and the specific draught. The percentage reduction of the plough draught for enamel-coated plough compared to uncoated plough varied from 12.7% at 25% soil moisture content to 18.1% at 32% soil moisture content (dry basis). It was also found that the percentage reduction of the specific draught achieved with the enamel-coated plough in comparison with the uncoated plough varied from 20.3% at 32% soil moisture content to 25.7% at 25% soil moisture content (dry basis).

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/632

Files in this item: 1

Loukanov_PAES_2007.pdf (692.2Kb)

Automobile pollution and the environment

Inambao, F.L.; Mosweu, M. (University of Botswana, NaN, 1999)

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Abstract:

It is widely recognised that air pollution caused by the global rapid increase of automobile traffic is a threat to the environment. With regard to automobiles there are three general areas of concern: urban pollution, especially in highly populated cities with high density of private transport, depletion of the ozone layer and pollution resulting in disturbance of natural environment. Several methods of effective control of automobile emsissions to meet current and future environmental demands are analyzed.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/626

Files in this item: 1

Inambao_BJT_1999.pdf (951.9Kb)

Continuing professional development for practicing engineers in developing economies

Oladiran, M. T. (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=13, August NaN, 1999)

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This paper presents the results of an investigation to determine the level of continuing professional development (CPD) for engineers in developing countries. Questionnaires were administered randomly to engineers of different specialties. It was found that CPD for engineers in developing countries seems neglected. Experience and state of the art in the profession are, thus, not usually acquired in an organized fashion. Nevertheless, many of these engineers would support the introduction of continuing professional development at all levels of their careers.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/666

Files in this item: 1

Oladiran_IEEETE_1999.pdf (763.3Kb)

Coupled buckling design of steel laced columns

Uziak, J.; Gizejowski, M. (University of Botswana, NaN, 2009)

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Abstract:

A new design developed by the authors that gives an opportunity to account for the interaction of different modes of buckling is presented.Eurocode 3 model is used as the reference model, an equivalent geometric imperfection comprising of an initial bow being equal to the length divided by 500 is used.The model is based on the design criterion referred to the individual chord components. It allows to avoid the application of complicated procedure based on an explicitly given imperfection parameter. It is achieved by a treatment of a chord local buckling mode between lacing connections in the same way as the plate buckling of chord sectional elements.The buckling design of the compound number can therefore be carried out in the same wayas for a single element provided that the stiffness of lacing members is properly taken care of.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/610

Files in this item: 1

Uziak_BJT_2009.pdf (1.086Mb)

Cyclic plasticity of polycrystalline nickel under axial–torsional loading

Batane, N.R.; Morrison, D.J.; Moosbrugger, J.C. (Elsevier, www.elsevier.com, NaN, 2010)

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Abstract:	The axial–torsional cyclic deformation behavior of polycrystalline nickel was investigated by performing fully reversed plastic strain amplitude controlled fatigue experiments at effective plastic strain amplitudes ranging from 1×10−4 to 1×10−3. Experiments were accomplished under proportional and 90◦ out-of-phase nonproportional loading paths. Results indicate that loading path has very little effect on the cyclic response at the lower effective plastic strain amplitude. However, at the higher effective plastic strain amplitude, significant additional hardening is induced by the nonproportional loading path.
Description:	some symbols may not appear as in the original abstract.
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/10311/847

Files in this item: 1

Batane_MSE_2010.pdf (613.9Kb)

Designing architect's brief for a Faculty of Engineering

Oladiran, M.T.; Foster, J. (Trans Tech Publications http://www.scientific.net/AMR.62-64.551, NaN, 2009)

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Abstract:

A team of academics produced a Design Brief (DB) to assist architects design a scholarly physical environment for modern engineering education and research. The information gathered from external and internal sources was used to define important themes that the buildings should reflect and hence to arrive at a list of the required spaces. Critical internal and external reviews and budget constraints led to a series of successive refinements of the DB. A design competition was organised for all interested architects in the country to select the architect for the project and consolation prizes were awarded to second and third finalists. The planned development will provide 17900 m2 and 25200 m2 net usable space and estimated gross building area respectively.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/599

Files in this item: 1

Oladiran_AMR_2009.pdf (635.7Kb)

Domestic use of electrical energy from wind energy in Botswana

Dimitrova, J.; Slivkov, G. (University of Botswana, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, http://ajol.info/index.php/bjt, April NaN, 1998)

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Abstract:

This paper presents an examination of the possibility of using wind turbines generating electricity for households in the remote rural areas of Botswana. On the basis of theoretical consideration of the wind system generating electricity, and the power demands of a typical Botswana rural household, some types of possible advanced systems are recommended. Comparative information is given about the costs of solar (photovoltatic) and wind power systems. From an analysis of the magnitude and the distribution of the wind in Botswana, conclusions are made about the areas where the wind system for electricity generation could be used during the whole or part of the year.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/664

Files in this item: 1

Dimitrova_BJT_1998.pdf (2.728Mb)

Draught requirements of enamel coated animal drawn mouldboard plough

Loukanov, I. A.; Uziak, J.; Michalek, J. (Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences http://agriculturejournals.cz/web/RAE.htm, NaN, 2005)

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Abstract:

The power requirement of tillage implements is an important design consideration particularly for animal-drawn implements where the power is limited. The paper presents the possibility of reduction in the draught requirements of animal-drawn mouldboard plough by using enamel coating on the soil-engaged components such as the mouldboard, share and the landside. Trials were conducted to compare enamel-coated Maun Series single mouldboard plough (manufactured by Zimplow Limited, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) with similar uncoated plough, both animal-drawn, under comparable working conditions. Experiments were done at 25% and 32% d.b. soil moisture content on a red clay soil in Zimbabwe. The parameters measured in evaluating the draught performance of both ploughs were the tractive effort(pull),speed of ploughing,depth and width of ploughing,and soil conditions(i.e.soil moisture content,soil bulk density and soil penetration resistance). It was found that for similar working conditions the enamel coating reduced the specific draught by 20 to 26% depending upon soil moisture content.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/705

Files in this item: 1

Uziak_RAE_2005.pdf (504.4Kb)

Energy and exergy analyses of energy consumptions in the industrial sector in South Africa

Meyer, J.P. (Elsevier Science Ltd, http://www.elsevier.com/locate/apenergy, NaN, 2007)

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Abstract:

The energy-utilization over a 10-year period (1994–2003) has been analysed for the South African industrial sector, which consumes more primary energy than any other sector of the economy. Four principal sub-sectors, namely iron and steel, chemical and petrochemical, mining and quarrying, and non-ferrous metals/non-metallic minerals were considered in this study. Primary-energy utilization data were used to calculate the weighted mean energy and exergy efficiencies for the sub-sectors and then overall values for the industrial sector were obtained. The results indicate that exergy efficiency is considerably lower than energy efficiency in all the sub-sectors, particularly in mining and quarrying processes, for which the values were approximately 83% and 16%, respectively. The performance of exergy utilization in the industrial sector can be improved by introducing various conservation strategies. Results from this study were compared with those for other countries.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/668

Files in this item: 1

Oladiran_AE_2007.pdf (589.3Kb)

Energy and exergy analyses of energy consumptions in the industrial sector in South Africa

Oladiran, M.T.; Meyer, J.P. (Elsevier http://www.elsevier.com, NaN, 2007)

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Abstract:

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/957

Files in this item: 1

Oladiran_AP_2007.pdf (792.0Kb)

Energy applications in Botswana

Oladiran, M.T. (Elsevier Science Ltd, http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/269/description#description, NaN, 1995)

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Abstract:	Botswana depends heavily on imported petroleum products for all premium applications. However, there is an abundant reserve of coal and other alternative sources of energy. This paper presents the energy trends and the various options for harnessing the resources. The importance of energy conservation is also discussed.
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/10311/670

Files in this item: 1

Oladiran_ECM_1995.pdf (958.6Kb)

Energy losses in a ram press machine for vegetable oil expression

Uziak, J.; Loukanov, I. A. (Dalhousie University, NaN, 2009)

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URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/617

Files in this item: 1

Uziak_CANCAM_2009.pdf (664.5Kb)

Engineering education in Botswana

Foster, J. D. G. (Tempus Publications http://www.ijee.ie/, NaN, 2002)

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Abstract:

The economy of Botswana has grown rapidly since it became independent in 1966, but the population is only 1.7 million. Engineering construction projects are of large scale. The University of Botswana offers engineering degrees in four disciplines, under programs that cover ten semesters. The particular challenges to engineering education in Botswana, as well as the structure of the present and future University of Botswana programs, are described in this paper. Emphasis is placed on a wide range of student individual investigation and design work, and the benefits of a particular project to the student and the program are stated in an illustration.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/704

Files in this item: 1

Uziak_IJEE_2002.pdf (769.0Kb)

A fourier method of determining the speed fluctuation coefficient of a general slideer-crank mechanism

Uziak, J.; Foster, J.D.G. (University of Botswana, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, http://ajol.info/index.php/bjt, October NaN, 2001)

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Abstract:

In this paper a method is presented which enables the solution of the equation of motion of the slider-crank mechanism. Expansion of functions into Fourier series is used in this method, whereby the solution of the equation of motion is also obtained in the form of Fourier series. This method enables also the determination of the coefficient of speed fluctuation of the slider-crank mechanism. The method creates the basis for an analysis of the influence of various factors, e.g. the working conditions or the construction parameters of the system, on the coefficient of speed fluctuation.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/665

Files in this item: 1

Uziak_BJT_2001.pdf (2.257Mb)

A fourier method of determining the speed fluctuation coefficient of a general slider-crank mechanism

Uziak, J.; Foster, J.D.G. (University of Botswana, NaN, 2001)

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Abstract:

In this paper a method is presented which enables the solution of the equation of motion of the slider-crank mechanism. Expansion of functions into Fourier series is used in this method, whereby the solution of the equation is also Fourier series. This method enables also the determination of the coefficient of speed fluctuation of the slider-crank mechanism. The methods create the basis for an analysis of the influence of various factors, e.g. the working conditions or the construction parameters of the system, on the coefficient of speed fluctuation.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/702

Files in this item: 1

Uziak_BJT_2001.pdf (999.6Kb)

Fundamentals of coal gasification technology and its relevance to Botswana coal industry

Khartchenko, N.V.; Oladiran, M.T.; Douglass, G.W. (University of Botswana, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 1999)

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Abstract:

Coal is plentiful in many parts of the world but its combustion can create severe environmental and aesthetic problems.In the past three decades, the cost of crude oil and natural gas has been unstable and the reserves of these fuels are exhaustible. Other non-conventional energy resources, for example, solar, wind and tidal energy are only making a small contribution to the energy mix in few countries. Consequently, coal still has an important role to play to satisfy the energy demand, especially when it can be converted before combustion to other less environmentally objectionable forms, e.g. coal gas/producer gas. This paper describes the basic principles of coal gasification process and compares the performance of different gasifiers. The fundamentals of the raw gas cleaning methods are presented and experience to date of coal gasification in Botswana is discussed.It seems certain that coal gasification in tanderm with combined cycle power plant will be a principal technique for electricity generation in the next century. The paper recommends that Botswana takes necessary actions to gain maximum advantage from these developments.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/710

Files in this item: 1

Khartchenko_BJT_1999.pdf (1.810Mb)

Introduction to general education courses to engineering programmes at the University of Botswana

Uziak, J.; Oladiran, M. T. (Tempus Publications http://www.ijee.ie/, NaN, 2009)

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Abstract:

Complementary studies are fundamental for accreditation of engineering programmes in line with the Washington Accord. This paper presents the experiences of the University of Botswana in introducing General Education Courses (GECs) for the purpose of broadening the educational experience of all students, with particular reference to engineering students. Students registration data captured in the Integrated Tertiary Software (ITS) were analysed using Excel software. The five-year study period was from 2002 to 2007. Results indicate that engineering students mainly took GECs offered by the science and technology disciplines. It is concluded that GECs should be retained within the engineering programmes but the student advisory system should be improved and skills (e.g. IT competencies) that are important for professional development should be embedded in core courses instead of in general education.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/700

Files in this item: 1

Uziak_IJEE2_2009.pdf (886.3Kb)

Investigating the pumping process of a resonance-vibrating pump for medium-depth boreholes

Loukanov, I. A. (Research in Agricultural Engineering http://journals.uzpi.cz/web/RAE.htm, NaN, 2007)

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Abstract:

This paper deals with the pumping process of a resonance-vibrating pump, which utilizes the resonance vibrations of one degree-of-freedom oscillating system. The pump is powered by a mechanical shaker consisting of two counter rotating offset masses and operating in resonance. The study investigates the nature of the pumping process and conditions required to achieve pumping action. Equations for the flow rate, pressure developed at ground level or any height above it, the pump efficiency, and the power delivered by the shaker are derived. The analysis of the pumping process revealed that the flow rate of the pump may be maximized either by increasing the acceleration imparted on the oscillating system, and/or by reducing the resonance frequency. It was found that the pressure developed by the pump is independent of the depth of pumping, provided that the same acceleration is imparted, and its efficiency may be increased either by reducing the resonance frequency and/or by increasing the depth of pumping. The preliminary test results about the flow rate and pressure developed at ground level appeared to be close to the values predicted by the proposed theory. Based on the analysis of the theoretical and experimental findings it is concluded that the equations derived in this study may be employed in designing resonance vibrating pumps for a desirable flow rate, pressure, and efficiency in pumping water from a specified depth.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/693

Files in this item: 1

Loukanov_RAE_2007.pdf (792.9Kb)

The level of recycling operations in Botswana

Ketlogetswe, C.; Kemoeng, L.L.; Nato, L.T. (University of Botswana, www.ub.bw, NaN, 2004)

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Abstract:

This paper describes a case study that evaluated the level of recycling operations in Botswana. Recycling operations are now recommended as effective waste management strategies for reducing the amount of municipal solid waste disposed at landfill. In assesing the level of recycling operations in Botswana, two companies which are effectively involved in the recycling operation were selected as the focus of the evaluation process. Then data from the two companies is complemented by the data collected from Gaborone landfill site. Finally the role of non-governmental organisations particularly environmental watch Botswana (somarelang Tikologo) is discussed.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/10311/822

Files in this item: 1

Ketlogetswe_BJT-2004.pdf (799.8Kb)

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