Browsing by Title
-
Ranganai, R.T.; Kampunzu, A.B.; Atekwana, E.A.; Paya, B.K.; King, J.G.; Koosimile, D.I.; Stettler, E.H. (Royal Astronomical Society. http://www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0956-540X&site=1, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: The Limpopo Belt of southern Africa is a Neoarchean orogenic belt located between two older Archean provinces, the Zimbabwe craton to the north and the Kaapvaal craton to the south. Previous studies considered the Limpopo Belt to be a linearly trending east-northeast belt with a width of ~250 km and ~600 km long. We provide evidence from gravity data constrained by seismic and geochronologic data suggesting that the Limpopo Belt is much larger than previously assumed and includes the Shashe Belt in Botswana, thus defining a southward convex orogenic arc sandwiched between the two cratons. The 2 Ga Magondi orogenic belt truncates the Limpopo–Shahse Belt to the west. The northern marginal, central and southern marginal tectonic zones define a single gravity anomaly on upward continued maps, indicating that they had the same exhumation history. This interpretation requires a tectonic model involving convergence between the Kaapvaal and Zimbabwe cratons during a Neoarchean orogeny that preserved the thick cratonic keel that has been imaged in tomographic models. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/326 Files in this item: 1
Ranganai_GJI_2002.pdf (1.361Mb) -
Bonyongo, M.C.; Harris, S. (Willey Blackwell Publishing http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Brand/id-35.html, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: We used body weight ratio to determine the degree of species-packing of the Okavango Delta (22,000 km2) grazers and compared it to that of four conservation areas of similar sizes but varying in the diversity of habitat types. They are Etosha National Park (23,175 km2) in Namibia, Hwange National Park (14,621 km2) in Zimbabwe, Kafue National Park (24,000 km2) in Zambia and Kruger National Park (19,633 km2) in South Africa. We considered possible ecological explanations for existing gaps within the assemblage. The weight ratio (measure of the degree of species-packing) of the grazers of the Okavango Delta was 1.25, with a total of 27 species which was far less than the theoretically expected 2.0. One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed that there were significant differences in the degree of species-packing between the Okavango Delta and other conservation areas of similar size in southern Africa (F1,5 ¼ 166, P < 0.001). Regressing habitat heterogeneity (expressed as number of different habitat types) on species-packing of the five conservation areas yielded a positive linear relationship with R2 ¼ 0.76 implying that 76% of the variation in the degree of speciespacking in the five conservation areas is explained by variation in habitat heterogeneity. We conclude that size ratios are useful descriptors of animal communities and it is a useful measure of species diversity, which can be used for monitoring purposes. Imbalances in weight ratios provide a measure of identifying perturbations due to species loss or arrival of new species within a natural ecosystem. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/608 Files in this item: 1
Bonyongo_AJE_2007.pdf (1.153Mb) -
Sajidu, S.M.I.; Masamba, W.R.L.; Thole, B.; Mwatseteza, J.F. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/ijps, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
-
VanderPost, C.; McFarlane, M. (Elsevier www.elsevier.com/locate/jag, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Locating additional long-term groundwater resources in semi-arid regions of developing countries with growing populations is an expensive undertaking. Simple geographic information system (GIS) techniques can be utilised to facilitate efficient application of expensive geophysical techniques and test-drilling by functioning as an interdisciplinary integration and decision-making tool, especially in data-poor and poorly mapped environments where more sophisticated GIS techniques are not applicable. The paper demonstrates this in the context of the search for groundwater alternatives to the dwindling river water supply in the Boteti area of the Kalahari region in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/573 Files in this item: 1
-
Bonyongo, C.M. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper presents preliminary results from a long-term study on the ecology of large herbivores in the Okavango Delta. The paper evaluates habitat selection and utilization by impala (Aepyceros melampus) at the various habitat scales. Impala, the most abundant and widely distributed mammal species in the Delta, showed seasonality in habitat use and habitat selection. In all seasons impala used mixed open woodlands more than any other habitat type. Open grasslands and upper floodplains are also key habitats for impala. As a mixed feeder, impala are able to use a wide range of habitats. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/931 Files in this item: 1
Bonyongo 2005 Habitat.pdf (1.198Mb) -
Mmualefe, L.C.; Torto, N.; Huntsman-Mapila, P.; Mbongwe, B. (Elsevier Ltd, http://www.elsevier.com/locate/microc, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was optimized for the analysis of pesticides with gas chromatography electron capture detection (GC-ECD) and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Factors influencing the extraction efficiency such as fiber type, extraction mode and temperature, effect of ionic strength, stirring and extraction time were evaluated. The lowest pesticide concentrations that could be detected in spiked aliquots after HS-SPME–GC-ECD ranged from 0.0005 to 0.0032 μg L−1. Consequently hexachlorobenzene, trans-chlordane, 4,4′-DDD and 4,4′-DDE were detected in water samples after HS-SPME at concentrations ranging from 2.4 to 61.4 μg L−1 that are much higher than the 0.1 μg L−1 maximum limit of individual organochlorine pesticides in drinking water set by the European Community Directive. The same samples were cleaned with ISOLUTE C18 SPE sorbent with an optimal acetone/n-hexane (1:1 v/v) mixture for the elution of analytes. No pesticides were detected after SPE clean-up and pre-concentration. Precision for both methods was satisfactory with relative standard deviations less than 20%. This work demonstrated the superiority of HS-SPME as a sample clean-up and pre-concentration technique for pesticides in water samples as well as the need to identify and control point sources of pesticides. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/851 Files in this item: 1
Mbongwe_MJ_2009.pdf (786.8Kb) -
Ekosse, G.; Jager, L.; Van den Heever, D.J. (African Forum of Health Sciences http://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajhs/article/view/30803/23134, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This study determines the prevalence of types of sicknesses and diseases affecting patients vising health service facilities and the available health services within the Selebi Phikwe Ni-Cu area, Botswana.Through the administration of the questionnaires and structured questions, attempts were made to establish and verify the existing human health problems at the study area by focusing on respiratory tract related symptoms of sicknesses and diseases.With the aid of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS), interpreted results from respondents indicated that all the health service providers served patients suffering from headaches, persistent coughing, chest pains, lower abdominal pains, pain when passing out urine, genital discharge and diarrhea.Seventy one percent of the health service providers indicated that their patients who suffered from recent loss of body weight, and another 86 % pointed out that their patients had influenza/common cold. Other health complaints reported included unusual spitting, shortness of breath, palpitations, neausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Moreover the health service providers indicated that they had patients who suffered from significant illnesses of which some passed away. However, if they are lacking facilities, patients are referred to bigger health service providers in the country. The findings of the study do not general depict demarcating differnces of health status of residents of the study area to those of the control site. A need therefore for further investigations to be conducted to establish relations of mining activities to human health at Selebi Phikwe is called for. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/425 Files in this item: 1
Ekosse_AJHS_2005.pdf (1.623Mb) -
Mbongwe, B.; Mmereki, B.T.; Magashula, A. (Elsevier Ltd. http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/404/description#description, March 12, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Healthcare waste management continues to present an array of challenges for developing countries, and Botswana is no exception. The possible impact of healthcare waste on public health and the environment has received a lot of attention such that Waste Management dedicated a special issue to the management of healthcare waste (Healthcare Wastes Management, 2005. Waste Management 25(6) 567-665). As the demand for more healthcare facilities increases, there is also an increase on waste generation from these facilities. This situation requires an organised system of healthcare waste management to curb public health risks as well as occupational hazards among healthcare workers as a result of poor waste management. This paper reviews current waste management practices at the healthcare facility level and proposes possible options for improvement in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/223 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Chaturvedi, P.; Pipedi-Tshekiso, M.; Moseki, B.; Kwape, P.E. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/SRE, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Bark of Bauhinia purpurea tree was collected and both the water and methanol extracts were prepared. Both extracts were tested for free radical scavenging activities and phenol content. Water extract was then tested for its protective potentials against alcohol induced toxicity. For this experiment, twenty rats were randomly divided into four groups, alcohol control group, normal control and two experimental groups. The rats in alcohol control group received alcohol (5 g/kg), rats in normal control were given water. Rats in two experimental groups were administered two doses of methanol extract (50 and 100 mg/kg respectively) plus alcohol (5 g/kg) for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, rats were killed after ether anesthesia. Liver and blood samples were collected for biochemical measurements. Parameters measured were thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbic acid. Results showed that both methanol and water extracts scavenged free radicals equivalent to gallic acid scavenging and were found rich in total phenol content. Results of in vivo experiments showed that the water extract inhibited lipid peroxidation, protected the experimental animals from hepatic toxicity and maintained the levels of antioxidants in dose dependent manner. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1018 Files in this item: 1
Chaturvedi_SRE_2011.pdf (207.7Kb) -
Kgafela, N.A. (University of Botswana, Department of English, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The paper examines the representation of women in Raja Rao's Kanthapura, especially within the socio-political realms. This will be done in relation to Mahatma Gandhi's principle of Satyagraha. The paper surveys the role played by women in the Indian fight for independence against the British rule and attempts to establish whether their role is a heroic/ dominant or subaltern one. Are they heroines or victims of their own society, i.e. are they being used to sacrifice their 'physical and emotional needs' for the victory of men? Who gets the medal in the end. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/855 Files in this item: 1
Kgafela_MJLL_2006.pdf (1.460Mb) -
Ahmad, M.; Thangaraj, R.; Sathiaraj, T.S. (Springer, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: Bulk samples of Sn10Sb20-xBixSe70 (0 B x B 8) chalcogenide alloys were prepared by the conventional melt quenching technique. Thin films were prepared on wellcleaned glass substrates by thermal evaporation technique. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the alloys with x = 0 and 2 at.% of Bi were amorphous, whereas the alloys with x = 4, 6, 8 at.% were crystalline. The crystalline phases are identified as due to the formation of Bi2Se3 and BiSe2 phases. The microstructural and differential scanning calorimetric studies show the presence of these phases. A simple, straight forward procedure suggested by Swanepoel has been used to calculate the optical parameters, refractive index, and extinction coefficient. The optical gap for all the samples has been obtained from the Tauc plots. The variation in optical parameters for different Bi concentration has been explained on the basis of presence of defect states and the change in stoichiometry with the change in Bi concentration. Description: some symbols on the abstract may not appear as they are on the text. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/752 Files in this item: 1
Heterogeneous crystallization.pdf (777.8Kb) -
Mbewe, D.D. (University of Botswana, NaN, 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper describes the fundamental principles of production and accomplishment of High Definition Television (HDTV)-the television system of the future.It looks at the parameters of high definition television (HDTV),and shows how the values of these parameters can be derived from consideration of the performance of the viewer's visual system. Bandwidth requirements for various TV and HDTV systems are compared, and a number of optical fibre transmission techniques are considered for HDTV. In conclusion it is stated that the large bandwidths demands of uncompressed HDTV can be met by emerging technology in optical fibre transmission systems-in particular, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). The paper is as a result of a project study conducted by the author and a colleage when he studied for his degree at Essex University,England. It makes no reference to the development and relevance of HDTV in the African context. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/627 Files in this item: 1
Mbewe_bjt_1998.pdf (1.386Mb) -
Makgala, C.J. (Routledge, http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~db=all~content=t713429127, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Although economic, political, ethnic and religious factors have led to regionalisms and other divides, causing civil strife and civil wars in many countries, in Botswana the north-south divide existed for a long time merely as a political undercurrent. However, the turn of the twenty-first century saw the explosion of issues motivated by perceptions that it was the north-south divide that caused imbalance in the provision of infrastructural development and ethnic inequality. This article traces the north south divide in Botswana back to the early British colonial enterprise, when it was used for administrative convenience. Although in the post-colony the first president handled the situation pro-actively, his successors abandoned this approach. Regionalism ensued as personal ambitions for power and wealth took political and sometimes tribal dimensions. Ethnic identities were used to bolster campaigns despite the fact that identities in Botswana are multiple and multilayered rather than mutually exclusive. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/590 Files in this item: 1
Makgala_JCAS_2009.pdf (4.772Mb) -
Makgala, C.J. (Routledge (Taylor and Francis group), http://www.routledge.com, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Although economic, political, ethnic and religious factors have led to regionalisms and other divides, causing civil strife and civil wars in many countries, in Botswana the north south divide existed for a long time merely as a political undercurrent. However, the turn of the twenty-first century saw the explosion of issues motivated by perceptions that it was the north south divide that caused imbalance in the provision of infrastructural development and ethnic inequality. This article traces the north south divide in Botswana back to the early British colonial enterprise, when it was used for administrative convenience. Although in the post-colony the first president handled the situation pro-actively, his successors abandoned this approach. Regionalism ensued as personal ambitions for power and wealth took political and sometimes tribal dimensions. Ethnic identities were used to bolster campaigns despite the fact that identities in Botswana are multiple and multilayered rather than mutually exclusive. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/553 Files in this item: 1
Makgala_JCAS_2009.pdf (1.639Mb) -
Ngwenya, B.N.; Kgathi, D.L. (Elsevier Ltd; www.elsevier.com/locate/pce, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: This case study investigates access to potable water in HIV/AIDS related home-based care households in five rural communities in Ngamiland, Botswana. Primary data collected from five villages, consisted of two parts. The first survey collected household data on demographic and rural livelihood features and impacts of HIV/AIDS. A total of 129 households were selected using a two-stage stratified random sampling method. In the second survey, a total of 39 family primary and community care givers of continuously ill, bed-ridden or non-bed-ridden HIV/AIDS patients were interviewed. A detailed questionnaire, with closed and open-ended questions, was used to collect household data. In addition to using the questionnaire, data was also collected through participant observation, informal interviews and secondary sources. The study revealed that there are several sources of water for communities in Ngamiland such as off-plot, outdoor (communal) and on-plot outdoor and/or indoor (private) water connections, as well as other sources such as bowsed water, well-points, boreholes and open perennial/ephemeral water from river channels and pans. There was a serious problem unreliable water supply caused by, among other things, the breakdown of diesel-powered water pumps, high frequency of HIV/AIDS related absenteeism, and the failure of timely delivery of diesel fuel. Some villages experienced chronic supply disruptions while others experienced seasonal or occasional water shortages. Strategies for coping with unreliability of water supply included economizing on water, reserve storage, buying water, and collection from river/dug wells or other alternative sources such as rain harvesting tanks in government institutions. The unreliability of water supply resulted in an increase in the use of water of poor quality and other practices of poor hygiene as well as a high opportunity cost of water collection. In such instances, bathing of patients was cut from twice daily to once or not at all. Depending on the severity of HIV/AIDS related symptoms, e.g. diarrhoea, 20-80 additional litres of water could be required daily. The case study demonstrates that, at individual level, access to water is an integral element of the patient's holistic healing process and psychosocial well being. At household and community levels, access to sufficient supplies of potable water when and where it is needed is central to mitigation of HIV/AIDS impacts. Access to water should therefore not be treated strictly as an economic good due to its importance as a basic human need, a social good and indeed a human right. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/172 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)ngwenya_kgathi_PCE_06.pdf (4.416Mb) -
Mogobe, K.D.; Seboni, N.; Brown, M.S.; Ntsayagae, E.; Sebego, M.; Sabone, M. (Elsevier Ltd, http://www.elsevier.com/locate/microc, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: This article represents a case study of one university faculty’s efforts to fight the threat of HIV/AIDS to their student body. This case study reviews the early stages of faculty endeavors beginning with the development of an HIV/AIDS course and continuing through evaluation of the success and failures of the course, as well as current refinements now being made. Because the problem of HIV/AIDS on campus is a common one throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the authors hope that this case study of one faculty’s approach may be helpful to those facing the same challenge. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/972 Files in this item: 1
Mogobe_JANAC_2007.pdf (1.034Mb) -
Mogobe, K.D.; Seboni, N.; Brown, M.S.; Ntsayagae, E.; Sebego, M.; Sabone, M. (Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/704632/description#description, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Botswana currently has one of the highest HIVpositive prevalence rates in the world. University students are an important group seriously affected by this pandemic. They represent one of the country’s richest resources for the future, and faculty at University of Botswana believe there is a responsibility to educate them in a way that helps them preserve their health and vitality. This article represents a case study of one university faculty’s efforts to fight the threat of HIV/AIDS to their student body. This case study reviews the early stages of faculty endeavors beginning with the development of an HIV/AIDS course and continuing through evaluation of the success and failures of the course, as well as current refinements now being made. Because the problem of HIV/AIDS on campus is a common one throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the authors hope that this case study of one faculty’s approach may be helpful to those facing the same challenge. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/548 Files in this item: 1
HIV AIDS education.pdf (1.139Mb) -
Ngwenya, B.N.; Mosepele, K. (Elsevier www.elsevier.com/locate/pce, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Generally, rural households pursue all year round natural and non-natural resource-based livelihood systems to diversify these options in order to cope with risks emanating from a range of shocks and stressors. Artisanal fishing in the Delta is not only a major livelihood option but also a source of food security. This paper is based on analysis of primary data collected from a survey of 248 subsistence fishers’ households through simple random sampling in 22 villages in the Delta. The overall objectives of the survey were to assess the general prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Ngamiland district of Botswana, to investigate potential effects of AIDS-related stressors, particularly chronic illness on artisanal fishing activities, and to assess implications towards food security. Results from this study indicate that HIV prevalence rates for pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Delta are approximately 30% and are related to factors such as marriage, education, and employment. Despite this relatively high prevalence percentage, most of the affected households do not have adequate access to HIV/AIDS support facilities. Support services are provided on the basis of population size and/or status of the settlement (i.e. urban, urban village, rural or remote). Therefore, since about 50% of the Delta’s population lives in settlements of less than 500 people, they receive health services indirectly through major population centres whose capacity to deliver timely HIV/AIDS services is limited. This disproportionate access to HIV/AIDS services disadvantages the majority of fishing communities in the Delta, and may affect their ability to fish. Moreover, about 53% of sampled households had cared for a continuously ill person/s (CIP’s) in the last 5 years, out of which approximately 29% felt that this seriously impacted fishing activities. These serious impacts included sale of family assets, depletion of savings, and switching or abandoning fishing activities. Subsequently, household food security is seriously affected because fish provides a significant proportion of food to CIP households where approximately 55% of households get their food from fish products. During food shortages, CIP households resorted to a hierarchy of strategies which included cutting down on meals or reducing meal portions, looking for paid work, gathering wild fruit, asking for food from relatives, selling livestock, and getting social assistance. In conclusion, artisanal fishing is a natural safety net which constitutes an important buffer for households affected by HIV/ AIDS-related stressors in the Okavango Delta. Access to fish helps these households mitigate potentially adverse impacts such as deterioration into chronic poverty. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/572 Files in this item: 1
NGWENYA2007Okavango.pdf (1.602Mb) -
Phorano, O.M.; Nthomang, K.; Ngwenya, B.N. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Batswana have been hard-hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The Botswana government has initiated the Community Home-Based Care programme to provide material support for HIV/AIDS patients cared for at home by family members and relatives. This paper identifies and explores emerging home care issues and pays specific attention to potential risks related to poorly managed clinical human and solid waste disposal generated through home-based care of HIV/AIDS patients in Ngamiland and Kweneng Districts in Botswana. Data were collected through focus group discussion with care-givers, discursive interviews with professional service providers, and participant observation. The results of the study indicate that the majority of care givers received material benefits provided through the CHBC programme. However, it was clear that CHBC did not have the capacity to address other critical needs for the proper care of patients in the home. Most households studied are very poor and lack basic facilities such as toilets, basic waste receptacles and regular collection of solid waste. Access to these facilities is important for disposing of both clinical and ordinary human and solid waste from HBC patients. Poor sanitation facilities - especially the improper handling of soiled laundry and inadequate ventilation - increase risks of infection. The study recommends the formation of care-giver support groups to reduce risks associated with poorly managed clinical solid waste disposal generated from home care-giving of HIV/AIDS patients. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/952 Files in this item: 1
Phorano 2005 HIV.pdf (2.631Mb) -
Ngwenya, B.N.; Butale, B.M. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Home care involves the transfer of a patient’s medical supervision from a formal institution to a family setting in the context of a community. The aim of this paper is to assess the resource capacity of families to provide immediate home care to HIV/AIDS related chronically or terminally ill member/s in Maun in Ngamiland District. Data for the study was obtained through cross-sectional interviews with 61 care-givers. Ethnographic methods were also used: these included informal interviews with key informants, unobtrusive participant observation, and narratives of individual and family life experiences. Data collection focused on assessing family resource capacity to access three forms of capital, namely social, productive and produced. Issue focus analysis on qualitative data, and descriptive frequencies and cross-tabulations on quantitative data were carried out. Generally, care-givers reported receiving non-material support from multiple sources. These included moral support from close family members, especially their own children, siblings, parents and spouses, and less from parents’ in-law and their extended family. The threshold of care-giving resource demands could either fragment the family unit, on precipitate ‘enclave-like’ or ‘disengaged’ co-existence or passive aggression. On the other hand, caregiving resource demands may enhance mutual obligation and shared responsibility among family members. A high level of tolerability tends to reduce vulnerability and facilitate pooling limited resources in ways that enhance family capacity. Conversely, adversarial intra-family relations compromise the ability of a family to mobilize its resources. About 70% of care-givers were dependent on non-farming activities as their source of livelihood. Care-giving depletes family resources, including the abandonment of income generating activities. About 81% of care-givers said that they could not do anything to recover or reverse the loss. Access to produced capital such as telecommunication infrastructure is important in terms of the dissemination of public education information aimed at helping reduce risks and the prevention of infection. A significant proportion of care-givers had access to a radio (60%) and cell-phone (48%). The paper ends with some policy recommendations. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/953 Files in this item: 1
Ngwenya 2005 AIDS.pdf (3.334Mb)