Browsing by Title
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Banda, A.; Mubyana-John, T.; Taylor, J.E. (Global Science Books, http://www.globalsciencebooks.info/, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The influence of burning on soil microbial dehydrogenase activity, nitrogen content and fungal population along the Boro route in the Okavango Delta was assessed in the flood and dry seasons. Soil samples from the burnt plots and the adjacent control un-burnt plots were cultured on agar plates using dilution methods. Fusarium spp. were dominant while Aspergillus species were low in burnt plots. The other fungi such as Drechslera sp., Exophiala jeanselmmei, Penicillium compactum and Chrysosporium merdarium were only in the burnt plots as compared to unburnt control plots. However, fungal diversity and soil dehydrogenase activity reduced after 6 months of burning showing significant increase in Chrysosporium merdarium in almost all the burnt plots. The influence of burning on soil nitrogen was insignificant instead flooding had a stronger influence on nitrogen content than burning. The results indicate that burning increased fungal diversity and biomass, however, reduces overall microbial enzyme activity after burning without influencing soil nitrogen and pH. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/919 Files in this item: 1
Mbuyana_AJPSB_2011.pdf (220.0Kb) -
Phibion, O.S. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, June NaN, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This article examines choral contests in Botswana’s music education. Choral contests have been conducted for many years in Botswana and predate the introduction of formal music teaching in schools. These early contests were often annual choral competitions (tonic sol-fa notation) and were organized through the Botswana Teachers Union or community organizations such as churches. These early choral competitions in fact laid a foundation for formal music teaching in schools. Data for this study was collected through the researcher’s participatory observation as a college choir conductor, a community choir conductor and a competition adjudicator. Rather than empirical research, this article is based on a critical argument about issues the author has experienced. At the time of writing this article, there has been very little to no documentation of Botswana choral music. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1037 Files in this item: 1
Phibion_IJSRE_2012.pdf (1.046Mb) -
Magogwe, J.M. (University of Botswana, Department of English, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This research seeks to examine the role that context or learning situation plays in strategy choice by comparing the strategy patterns of a private English medium secondary and a government secondary school in Botswana. More specifically, the main ofjectives of this study are to, firstly, investigate whether the type of school influences the choice of language learning strategies of its students: secondly, to find out whether private English medium secondary school students use more strategies than government secondary school in Botswana: and, thirdly, to explore the role played by gender on the choice of language learning strategies. Form four students from oneprivete English medium senior secondary school and one government senior secondary completed the strategy inventory for language learning (SIILL). The data was analysed using descriptive statistics to calculate means and standard deviations of strategies and inferential statistics such as ANOVA to establish the relationships between group and individual strategies. The findinds of this study showed that the choice of strategies was not greatly influenced by the type of school from which the student came. However, this study found that government school students relied more on the use of dictionaries. On the other hand, private English medium students volunteered to look for conversation partners in order to get practice in speaking English. In relation to gender, the findings of this studyconfirmed other previous findings that female students use more language learning strategies than do male students. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/859 Files in this item: 1
Magogwe_MJLL_2008.pdf (3.125Mb) -
Mubyana, T.; Krah, M.; Totolo, O.; Bonyongo, M. (Journal of Arid Environments. http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/622855/description#description, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: The effect of flooding on soil total nitrogen, phosphorus and microbial population in different vegetation zones (floodplain, island and woodland) and profile depth (0?1, 0?5, 2?0, 3?0, 4?0 and 5?0m) of the Okavango Delta was studied from February to July 1999. Total nitrogen significantly differed with soil profile depth, moisture regime and months. In the woodlands, insignificant total nitrogen was detected at all depths except at 0?1m, where 0?03% and 1?17% were detected in February and March, respectively. In the island samples, only 0?05% was detected at 4m in February. Nitrogen in the floodplain samples was concentrated in the A1 horizon where 0?12%, 0?61% and 0?03% were detected in February, March, and May, respectively. Organic phosphorus significantly differed with vegetation zone but not with months and depth. Although organic phosphorus was low (0?02–0?52%) at all sites, it was liberally distributed throughout the profiles. On the island, actinomycetes were only detected up to 2m in February and up to 3m in July. Fungi concentrated in the top 0?5m (103–105). In both the floodplain and island samples, bacteria concentrated in the upper 3m. However, after May, populations decreased significantly. In the floodplain, significant actinomycetes populations were only detected in the upper 0?5m. Generally, organic phosphorus showed positive correlations with fungal populations. This study indicates that these soils are low in total nitrogen and phosphorus. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/293 Files in this item: 1
Influence of seasonal flooding.pdf (3.953Mb) -
Dikinya, O.; Hinz, C.; Aylmore, L.G. (Csiro, http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/84.htm, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The paper examines the effects of electrolyte concentration and sodium adsorption ration (SAR) on the relative saturated hydraulic conductivity (RHC) and the ionic behaviour of calcium (Ca) and sodium (Na) ions in the Na-Ca echange complex. Batch binary exchange and saturated column transport experiments were carried out to quantify these effects using agricultural Balkuling soil and mining residue. Generally, RHC has been found to decrease with time, with increasing SAR and with decreasing electrolyte concentration. The more rapid decrease in RHC in the mining residue, particularly at the lowest concentration (1 mmol/L), was consistent at all SAR values. The decreases in RHC were likely to be caused by partial blocking of pores by dispersed clay particles, as evidenced by the appearance of suspended clay particles in the effluent during leaching. Significant differences in RHC were abserved in the passage of fronts of decreasing electrolyte concentration for CaCl2 and SAR 15 solutions through the soil columns. These differences were attributable to structural alterations (slaking) of the media and the nature of the particles released and mobilised within the porous structure at a given point in the column. Measurements at the critical threshold concentration and turbidity increase in SAR to 15 is initially accompained by erractic RHC, presumably due to the break up of soilaggregates under the increased swelling forces. The less coherent mining residue soil was substantially more vulnerable to blockage of pores than the Balkuling soil in which clay particles are likely to be more readily mobilised, and hence available to re-deposit and occlude the matrix pores. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/312 Files in this item: 1
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Nijegorodov, N.; Winkoun, D.P.; Nkoma, J.S. (Elsevier Science Ltd http:www.elsevier.com/locate/saa, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Please refer to the attached article for an ABSTRACT. The abstract was not uploaded here due to formula appearance problem in UBRISA. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/403 Files in this item: 1
Nijegorodov_SAa60_2004.pdf (1.056Mb) -
Nijegorodov, N.; Winkoun, D.P.; Nkoma, J.S. (Elsevier Science Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/saa, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: The fluorescence and laser properties of seven specially chosen aromatic compounds are studied at 293 ◦C. The quantum yield of fluorescence, γ, decay times, τf , of the deaerated and non-deaerated solutions are measured. The oscillator strength, fe, fluorescence rate constants, kf , natural lifetimes, τT 0 , and intersystem crossing rate constants, kST, are calculated. Some laser parameters are calculated or measured experimentally. It is found that the position of the T level plays an important role in the fluorescence and laser properties of aromatic compounds. If the T level is situated below the Sp level, it decreases the quantum yield of fluorescence and the decay time and increases the threshold of laser action. If, due to some structural changes of a molecule, the T level is situated higher than the Sp level, then the quantum yield of fluorescence and the decay times are increasing and the threshold of laser action is decreasing. Such influence of the position of the T level upon fluorescence and laser properties of aromatic compound is explained by the fact that the Sp level mixes with the T level more readily than with other τ ∗ levels. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/366 Files in this item: 1
Nijegorodov_SAa60_2004.pdf (1.056Mb) -
Nijegorodov, N.; Mabbs, R.; Winkoun, D.P. (Elsevier Science Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/saa, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Please refer to the attached article for an ABSTRACT. The abstract was not uploaded here due to formula appearance problem in UBRISA. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/402 Files in this item: 1
Nijegorodov_SAa59-2003.pdf (1.367Mb) -
Bose, K. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, December NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The study assessed the views of in-service participants of the University of Botswana (who are pursuing Bachelors degree in Primary Education) regarding the empowerment of Early Childhood Education teachers with Information and Communication Technology skills. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs were adopted. Eighty-two final year students constituted the sample. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. The findings showed that the respondents strongly believed that the Early Childhood Education teachers in Botswana should be empowered with Information and Communication Technology skills. However, they didn’t find the existing curriculum feasible due to lack of in-depth content and pedagogy adopted to deliver the content. The findings showed that the student teachers were not able to realize the usefulness of the popular, generic packages and communication tools. The participants of the study suggested for a comprehensive curriculum with spread-out modules that could offer basic Information Communication Technology skills initially, and provide advanced features in succession, in order to enable them infuse content with technology; perform administrative tasks efficiently; conduct research in Early Childhood Education; and generate local-specific multi-media packages for young Batswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/978 Files in this item: 1
Bose_IJSRE_2010.pdf (2.043Mb) -
Mutshewa, A. et al (Archlib and Information Services, http:/www.hwwilson.com/journals; http://www.ajol.info, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: Public libraries are established to be used by communities. Surprisingly, many people in communities where there are public libraries do not make use of them. This descriptive study investigated the information needs and information-seeking behaviour of such non-library users, so that the libraries could redesign their services to attract them. Also examined are the barriers encountered by non-library users in getting information, their reasons for not using the library, and their perceptions on current outreach efforts by libraries in the communities. The target population for this study was the community of non-library users in Botswana. The snowball sampling method was used to select 302 respondents from 34 research sites in the country. The findings indicated that respondents knew about the existence of the library through friends, Kgotla meetings, and advertisements in local media, and they were also willing to participate in the activities of the library. However, lack of time, distance to the library and inadequate relevance of the library resources and services to the activities the respondents were engaged in seemed to be the main barriers to library use. In terms of information required, it was difficult for the respondents to express their information needs; nevertheless, the study was able to establish that the respondents often needed information on current affairs, education, business and agriculture, and they used radio, newspapers, friends, work supervisors and personal experience to meet their needs. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1099 Files in this item: 1
Mutshewa_AJLAIS_2010.pdf (376.1Kb) -
Snell, R.; Sebina, P. (Australian society of Archivists, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper puts forward ideas about trying to take public access to government information from where it currently is - a few painful, costly and hard fought steps from its strongly resisted implementation - towards where it should be in an information age. The current state of play in Australia after more than twenty years of experience is barely measurable. The comments in this paper are focused on the capacity of citizens to access non-personal affairs information on a routine and relatively unproblematic basis. If in other areas of the information revolution we had accepted the same minimal results as we have with Freedom of Information (FOI) then the Internet, laptop computers, iPods and BlackBerries would have all remained unbelievable elements of speculative science fiction. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/424 Files in this item: 1
Snell_AM_2007.pdf (1.239Mb) -
Biza-Khupe, S. (EuroJournals Publishing, http://www.eurojournals.com/REFAS.htm, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Financial information regulation forms an integral part of consumer financial markets, while market efficiency provides a measure of the aptness of any financial regulatory architecture. There has been a noticeable shift in paradigm in financial information regulation globally. Many governments are demanding increased financial information disclosures from financial institutions to investors and borrowers. To the extent that the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) has been attributed to a lax financial regulatory regime, there has been an increased propensity for control and disclosure. This stance has gained impetus despite evidence suggesting that increased financial information disclosures breed information oversupply. Information oversupply adversely effects individuals’ rationalisation and financial decision-making processes, a matter which impedes on the overall market efficiency. Despite the proliferation of financial information oversupply in consumer financial markets, this phenomenon has remained relatively unexplored. This paper contributes to the literature by conducting an empirical exploration of the determinants of financial information oversupply emanating from the prevailing information regulatory regime. A model incorporating both the psychological and cost/benefit theoretical streams is proposed and tested using data collected from Melbourne residents in Australia. The Cost of Information Search and Prior Memory Structure were found to significantly influence the dependent variable, while the dependent variable did not significantly relate to Credit Experience and Age. The implications of the study are discussed and areas for further research suggested. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1087 Files in this item: 1
Biza-Khupe_RFAS_2011.pdf (1.901Mb) -
Oladokun, O. (Routledge (Taylor and francis)/www.routledge.com, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The focus of this study is on the information-seeking behavior of the off-campus students in 2 of the 7 satellite centers of the Centre for Continuing Education, the outreach arm of the University of Botswana. Although the university deeply committed itself to the project, the university library could not afford to establish branch libraries in all the off-campus centers. With the nearest university branch libraries located some 160 km and 200 km away from the centers of study and only branch offices of the public library available, the findings revealed that the library and information needs of the students were not significantly met. As printed sources were revealed as their preferred choice of information format, e-mail and the Internet sources were not given much priority, even though there was evidence that suggests the students were adequately equipped through the teaching of information skills. Questionnaire and interview tools were used. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1000 Files in this item: 1
Oladokun_JLA_2010.pdf (1.118Mb) -
Daka, J.S.J. (http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=555., NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: In August 2002, the University of Botswana changed from a yearlong to a semester based academic system. However, the progression regulations were not be fully implemented on the information system mainly due to problems of interpretation. Due to this, a manual system was used. The manual system could not cope in making recommendations for all students leading to some regulations not being applied. To address this, a revision of the regulations was undertaken in 2007. These regulations require implementation on the information system. This paper discusses the main aspects of the 2007 regulations and their implementation via a computer program. The paper shows that a complete implementation of the regulations is possible using a computer program. The program was applied to sample students' academic results to provide progression recommendations that were found to agree with expected results. The paper concludes that an information system based implementation ensures uniform application of regulations. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/470 Files in this item: 1
DAka_IJEDICT_2008.pdf (154.8Kb) -
Raseroka, K. (Elsevier, http://www.elsevier.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper reflects on factors that need to be considered for establishment of an equitable knowledge society that will secure the Indigenous Knowledge space. While information communication technology facilitates the capture of a predominantly oral-based indigenous knowledge, its contribution to exploitative approaches to information access, also encourages the development of such knowledge as a commodity for competitive advantage, a factor that requires serious consideration. The basis for this consideration should be the World Summit on the information Society (WSIS) Principles which provide the promise of equitable access to information as a base for creation of the knowledge society through ethically grounded information use and sharing. ª 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/489 Files in this item: 1
Raseroka_IILR_2008.pdf (1.088Mb) -
Chaturvedi, P. (Oxford University Press, Oxford Journals; http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/, March NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: In the present study, inhibitory effect of the methanol extract of Raphanus sativus root on lipid peroxidation has been carried out in normal rats. Graded doses of methanol extract of root of the plant (40, 80 and 120 mg kg 1 body weight) were administered orally for 15 days to experimental treated rats. Distilled water was administered to experimental control rats. At the end of experiment, rats were killed by decapitation after ether anesthesia. Blood and liver were collected to measure thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, reduced glutathione and activity of catalase. Results indicated that the extract of R. sativus root reduced the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance significantly in all experimental treated groups (P50.05) as compared to the experimental control group. It also increased the levels of reduced glutathione and increased the activity of catalase. In vitro experiments with the liver of experimental control and experimental treated rats were also carried out against cumene hydroperoxide induced lipid peroxidation. The extract inhibited in vitro cumene hydroperoxide induced lipid peroxidation. R. sativus inhibits lipid peroxidation in vivo and in vitro. It provides protection by strengthening the antioxidants like glutathione and catalase. Inclusion of this plant in every day diet would be beneficial. Description: eCAM Advance Access originally published online on February 20, 2007 eCAM 2008 5(1):55-59; doi:10.1093/ecam/nel077 Version available here is the 2007 version. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/182 Files in this item: 2
Inhibitory response of raphanus.pdf (861.5Kb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Lekoko, R.; Modise, O. (IJLE, http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tled20, February NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper argues that lifelong learning can be a torch for education that is relevant, appropriate and appreciated by many Africans if conceptualized within the African Indigenous Learning (AIL) framework. Such learning is entrenched deep in the practices, cultures and ways of knowing of many Africans. The fundamentals or the ideals of lifelong learning in AIL can be presented in three dimensions of time, space, and I/We. Woven together, these concepts present a context in which lifelong learning is defined by aspects such as learning-in-action (immediacy of application); interactive methods; and a time that is only valued in respect of events that constitute it. Generally, an understanding of lifelong learning from the western perspective hinges on the linearity, economics and individualism of learning and these concepts may not be well promoted within the framework of AIL. It is not difficult to imagine the impact of borrowed concepts of learning on Africans if applied uncritically. Africans cannot afford to be oblivious of the differences in contexts between them and the western world. Context, therefore, is central to the application of lifelong learning. The authors of this paper have a full understanding that people in different parts of Africa may view lifelong learning in different ways. Thus, the term ‘African’ is used to underscore the importance of context. The authors also note that the advantages of lifelong learning to Africa are obvious vis‐à‐vis learning as a human right and a social justice. While these ideals are helpful, Africans cannot be subservient to how lifelong learning comes packaged from the western perspectives. To illustrate some differences, some ideals of lifelong learning in the AIL are introduced through the case of an adult education compensatory programme, and a three dimensional model is proposed for applying these ideals. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1118 Files in this item: 1
Lekoko_IJLE_2011.pdf (3.077Mb) -
Pansiri, N.O. (SAGE Publications. http://ema.sagepub.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: A descriptive study using questionnaires was conducted in 2004 to assess the effectiveness of instructional leadership displayed by primary school management teams following the implementation of the Primary School Management Project in Botswana. Leadership skills, Coordination of instructional activities, management of curriculum and quality of learners were key variables that guided the study. Respondents were 240 primary school teachers including school heads and 575 learners. Data were analyzed descriptively through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program using frequencies and percentages. The results reveal school management teams' lack of interpersonal skills necessary for classroom supervision, inability to mobilize parents to participate in school instructional improvement activities, teachers' unauthorized use of corporal punishment and lack of creativeness and innovativeness for management of curriculum change. Regarding quality of learning, the study identifies learners' inability and lack of freedom for self-expression and inadequate acquisition of basic literacy skill at varying degrees between rural and urban schools. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/520 Files in this item: 1
Pansiri_EMAL_2008.pdf (1.891Mb) -
Moswela, B. (EMAL, http://ema.sagepub.com, January NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This study was conducted to determine how instructional supervision was carried out in schools. The study begins with a brief outline of the decentralization of the inspection system in Botswana. It proceeds to present a brief global historical background of instructional supervision before findings on instructional supervision are discussed. Evidence from the findings, which were obtained from teachers and head teachers through a structured questionnaire and interview, suggests that the environment in which instructional supervision takes place in schools is rather hostile and intimidating to teachers to make any meaningful impression on the improvement of teaching standards. Instructional supervisors’ effectiveness is constrained by the much expanded secondary education system that has seen a massive increase in schools and teachers in a relatively short time. The study concludes with the recommendation that, for instructional supervision to fully benefit schools, it needs restructuring so that the teachers and the head teachers play a more meaningful and effective role. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1076 Files in this item: 1
Moswela_EMAL_2010.pdf (1.527Mb) -
Kgathi, D.L.; Bolaane, B. (Sage http://wmr.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/19/4/342, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: Sustainable solid waste management is a strategy for achieving environmental quality in both the developed and the developing world. Environmental quality is a necessary condition for an increase in per capita welfare over time. The paper suggests alternative instruments for solid waste reduction, re-use and recycling. But to be able to apply the suggested economic instruments, the quantities and composition of the waste must be known. Having identified the current instruments of Botswana’s solid waste management (regulatory measures, environmental education, and economic instruments of property rates, service levy, and sanitation fees), the paper argues that these do not go far enough in enhancing environmental protection. Alternative instruments such as solid waste collection and disposal levies, deposit refund schemes, and product levies are suggested. It is also suggested that public environmental education and regulatory measures should be strengthened. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/480 Files in this item: 1
Kgathi_WMR_2001.pdf (1.278Mb)