Browsing by Title
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Mphinyane, S.T. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: Thefocus of this paper is on the role of outsider activists who are supporting a group of Basarwa resisting relocation from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) in Botswana. The role of non Basarwa activists is problematized in order to unravel some of the complexities surrounding advocacy, especially its bearing on the relative power of the 'supported'. The paper argues that in the case of Basarwa who are currently being forcibly relocated by the Botswana Government out of the CKGR, oftentimes the voice of 'outsiders' who eloquently expose the human rights abuse of their subjects becomes more dominant than the local voices. This is especially so when the advocacy is done using Information and Communication Technologies (lCTs). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/907 Files in this item: 1
Mphinyane_PBJAS_2002.pdf (682.4Kb) -
Mothibi, J.; Kutua, S. (University of Botswana, www.ub.bw, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: One of the critical elements that determine the competitiveness of nations is the population density of, and quality of its engineers. This view has been corroborated by researchers such as Biluch (1989), Garelli et al (1997), and Gharajedaghi (1986). Unfortunately most African countries are not performing well on this front. Engineering education institutions, entrusted with the task of improving the measures, find themselves in the uneviable position of attempting to operate in environments in which governments are continuously reducing funding to education in general. The objective of this paper is to develop conceptual models which can aid engineering institution overcome the financial constraints, increase throughput of engineers, and improve the quality of engineering education. The model is based on the cybernetics paradigm and is validated through structural and multiplicative corroboration. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/825 Files in this item: 1
Mothibi_BJT_2001.pdf (725.3Kb) -
Mothibi, J.; Kutua, S. (University of Botswana, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, http://ajol.info/index.php/bjt, October NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: One of the critical elements that determine the competitiveness of nations is the population density of, and quality of, its engineers. This view has been corroborated by researchers such as Bilich (1989), Garelli et al (1997), and Gharajedaghi (1986). Unfortunately, most African countries are not performing well on this front. Engineering education institutions, entrusted with the task of improving these measures, find themselves in the unenviable position of attempting to operate in environments in which governments are continuously reducing funding to education in general. The objective of this paper is to develop a conceptual model which can aid engineering institutions overcome the financial constraints, increase throughput of engineers, and improve the quality of engineering education. The model is based on the cybernetics paradigm and is validated through structural and multiplicative corroboration. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/663 Files in this item: 1
Mothibi_BJT_2001.pdf (3.126Mb) -
Bagwasi, M.M. (Elsevier http://www.elsevier.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Using a corpus of about 200 letters written during the time that Botswana was a British protectorate (1885–1966) by and to the British administrators on one hand, and letters written to and by Batswana (natives of Botswana) on the other hand, this paper explores the main differences and similarities between letter writing by Batswana and by the British. The study found that in the letters written by the British there is directness in presenting the point, very little stylistic ornamentation, and emphasis on information or content of the letters. The letters are more formal with shorter salutations and signatures. Letters written by Batswana on the other hand reveal that the conventions of letter writing in Setswana require greetings and an employment of address forms that convey respect and politeness in the Setswana culture. Letters written by Botswana thus have longer introductions and salutations which involve greetings and best wishes. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/731 Files in this item: 1
Bagwasi_JP_2008.pdf (1.100Mb) -
Kanyeto, O.J.; Fried, A.N. (Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Botswana, www.ub.bw, April NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The paper aims to compare predictions by different methods of analysis of the lateral load capacity of unreinforced masonry walls, and to determine whether a relationship can be drawn between theory and experiments. Several analysis methods were employed to predict failure loads of a number of wall panels, and the results were compared with test values. It is concluded that boundary conditions play a major role in the accuracy of analytical methods. When the boundary conditions assumed in the analysis most nearly match the real conditions of the test panels, predictions are most accurate. The authors conclude that finding a rational analysis and design procedure for laterally loaded masonry walls is possible. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/890 Files in this item: 1
Kanyeto_BJT_2011.pdf (1.581Mb) -
Clausen, T.; Charlton, K.E.; Gobotswang, K.S.M.; Holmboe-Ottesen, G. (Elsevier; www.elsevier.com/locate/nut, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Objective: We investigated whether food variety and diversity are associated with physical and cognitive functioning in older adults in Botswana and designed a simple set of screening questions that predict food variety in this population. Methods: Data were collected (1998) as a national household survey of 1085 subjects 60 y and older. A food variety score, based on a food frequency checklist, was calculated by summing the frequency of weekly intakes of 16 food items (0 to 66). A dietary diversity score was calculated as the number of food groups consumed weekly (0 to 5). A representative subsample (n = 393) was randomly selected for the clinical component of the survey, and measurements on dependency and cognitive function were conducted. Results: Low food variety was found: 35.2%, 59.3%, and 22.4% of subjects consumed no dairy products, fruits, and vegetables, respectively. A higher food variety score was associated with urban residence, ownership of cattle, higher education, and more frequent meals, and these indicators were used to construct a nutritional risk indicator. Higher food variety score was associated with better self-reported health and better cognitive function. Similarly, a higher score on the nutritional risk indicator screening tool was associated with desirable health outcomes. Conclusion: A limited number of foods is consumed, leading to an overall pattern of poor food variety. Higher food variety was associated with improved physical and cognitive functions. A screening tool that predicts food variety in this population has been developed and is recommended to be incorporated at a primary care level to identify older adults most at risk of a poor quality diet. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/212 Files in this item: 2
Gobotswang_N_2005.pdf (2.476Mb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Fako, T.T.; Kangara, L.W.; Forcheh, N. (Academic Journals: http://www.academicjournals.org/, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This study sought to identify factors that can predict knowledge about HIV/AIDS among adolescents in Botswana. The data were collected through a self administered questionnaire from a sample of 1294 students from schools around the capital city of Botswana, Gaborone. The research instrument consisted of 76 items that solicited information on background characteristics of respondents, indicators of family cohesiveness and bonding of children with their parents, indicators of personal adjustment, evidence of sex life, and knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Most respondents (63.1%) displayed adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS. The ‘type of job that mothers did’ was the most important single factor that distinguished between students who had “adequate knowledge” from those who did not. Other factors, which could be used to predict knowledge about HIV/AIDS, were, in order of importance: type of family of socialisation, level of education, extent of common residence among parents, level of conflict in the family of socialisation, extent of disagreement with mother and extent to which sexual issues were discussed with members of the family. The study concludes that intervention policies should target students whose mothers do jobs of a low status and should promote family bonding and cohesion. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/876 Files in this item: 1
Fako_JAHR_2010.pdf (297.5Kb) -
VanderPost, C.; Ringrose, S.; Seely, M. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Image processing in the upper Okavango catchment resulted in ten generalised classes which may be used as base line data for monitoring future overall land-use/cover change assessments over the entire upper catchment. Specific work was undertaken using single images for more detailed land-use/cover mapping in a 10 km buffer along all tributaries of the upper Okavango in Angola and Namibia. In terms of the under-developed Angolan upper catchment there is relatively little land clearing at present, and impacts on water use and quality are expected to be minimal in the near future. This is a consequence of 20 years of civil war, while the return of refugees is being inhibited by the prevalence of land-mines. Much more extensive development is taking place in Namibia along the southern bank of the Kavango river. This area is likely to become more intensively used as Namibia attempts to develop greater food security. Further work is required to monitor the impacts from Namibian agricultural expansion. These are likely to be pervasive in terms of the ecology of both the Mahango Game Reserve in Namibia and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/936 Files in this item: 1
VanderPost 2005 Prelim.pdf (2.370Mb) -
Dallas, H.F.; Mosepele, B. (African Journal of Aquatic Science http://www.nisc.co.za/journals?id=2, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The spatial distribution of aquatic macroinvertebrates in the Okavango River Delta, Botswana, was investigated during the low-water period in February 2003. This complements an earlier study undertaken during high-water in June 2000. Seventy-five samples were taken in a range of aquatic habitats at 29 georeference points in four focal areas: Upper Panhandle (UPH), Lower Panhandle and Guma Lagoon (LPH), Moremi Game Reserve/Xakanaka (MGR), and Chief’s Island (CI). Over 180 morphospecies (approximately 63 families) were recorded during the survey. Multivariate analyses of macroinvertebrate assemblages indicated that assemblages in each of the four focal areas were at least 54% similar at morphospecies level, and 71% similar at family level, although some taxa were more or less common in different areas. Differences in macroinvertebrate assemblages were observed amongst different habitat types, with differences most pronounced between the deltaic habitats and isolated seasonally-flooded pools and temporary rain-filled pools in MGR and CI. The highest number of taxa was recorded in the MGR (125), followed by the UPH (96), CI (93) and the LPH (89) areas. The most families were recorded in the Hemiptera (11), followed by Mollusca (10), Diptera (nine), Coleoptera (nine), Crustacea (six), Ephemeroptera (six) and Odonata (four). Three families of Hirudinea and Trichoptera, and one family of Lepidoptera, were also recorded. Hydracarina were common but not identified beyond order, while Oligochaeta were less frequently recorded. With respect to the different aquatic habitats sampled, the highest number of taxa was recorded in marginal vegetation in the channels and lagoons, although inundated floodplains, floating vegetation and marginal vegetation in backwaters also supported many taxa. The fewest taxa were recorded in sediment. This survey, whilst representing a ‘snapshot’ of the system under low-water conditions, highlights the importance of maintaining a mosaic of aquatic habitats in the Delta. Further studies would enhance our knowledge of the aquatic macroinvertebrate biodiversity of the Okavango Delta, thereby contributing to its conservation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/869 Files in this item: 1
Dallas_AJAS_2007.pdf (1.160Mb) -
Mazonde, I. (SRA International Publications, http://www.srainternational.org, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This prelude reflects upon the international ethics conference that was held from December 6-9, 2009, at the University of Botswana in Gaborone, Botswana. Seeking international partners and then forging mutually viable and effectively working links with them is the life blood of a university in a developing country. This partnering is necessary largely because a university in a developing country often lacks resources and affirmation. The resources it lacks range from intellectual capital to funding for its scholarly endeavors. This paper demonstrates how the University of Botswana, as an example of a university in a developing country, has reached out to join hands with a resource-endowed community in the western world through putting up a world class and modern international conference on ethics, one of the most topical concerns in academia. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/639 Files in this item: 1
Mazonde_JRA_2010a.pdf (194.8Kb) -
Kapche, G.D.W.F.; Fozing, C.D.; Donfack, J.H.; Fotso, G.W.; Amadou, D.; Tchana, A.N.; Bezabih, M.; Moundipa, P F; Ngadjui, B.N.; Abegaz, B.M. (Elsevier Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/phytochem, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Five prenylated arylbenzofurans, moracins Q–U, were isolated from Morus mesozygia (Moraceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. Along with these compounds, 3b-acetoxyurs- 12-en-11-one, marsformoxide, moracin C, moracin M, moracin K, artocarpesin, cycloartocarpesin, morachalcone A were also isolated. Four of the five compounds, (moracins R–U) displayed potent antioxidant activity. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/315 Files in this item: 1
Prenylated arylbenzofuran.pdf (3.853Mb) -
Ngadjui, B.; Watchueng, J.; Keumedjio, F.; Ngameni, B.; Simo, I.; Abegaz, B. (Elsevier Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/phytochem, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: The twigs of Dorstenia angusticornis and Dorstenia barteri var. subtriangularis yielded 16 compounds. Two novel diprenylated chalcones: 3,50-di-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbut-3-enyl)-4,20,40-trihydroxychalcone, 3, 4-(2,2-dimethylpyrano)-30-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbut- 3-enyl)-20,40-dihydroxychalcone and the known stipulin were isolated from both species. 3-(2-Hydroxy-3-methylbut-3-enyl)- 50-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-4,20,40-trihydroxychalcone and the known compounds: 4-hydroxylonchocarpin, kanzonol B, bartericins A, B, C and 30-(2-hydroxy -3-methylbut-3-enyl)-4,20,40-trihydroxychalcone were isolated from D. barteri while the known compounds: gancaonin Q, paratocarpins C, F, and lupeol were obtained from Dorstenia angusticornis. b-Sitosterol and its b-D-glucopyranoside were isolated from both species. Structures of these secondary metabolites were established using spectroscopic analysis, especially, NMR spectra in conjunction with 2D experiments, COSY, HMQC and HMBC. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/253 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)Prenylated chalcones, flavone.pdf (3.563Mb) -
Simo, I.K.; Ngadjui, B.T.; Abegaz, B.M. (Elsevier Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/biochemsyseco, June 18, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Dorstenia (Moraceae) is a mainly tropical genus of some 170 species (Mabberley, 1987). There are 23 species in Cameroon where a decoction of the leaves is administered for the treatment of cough, headache and stomach pain (Bouquet, 1969). The genus is made up largely of herbaceous perennials with succulent and non-succulent scrambling rhizomes (Berg et al., 1989). The twigs of Dorstenia angusticornis were collected in February 2002 from Kumba South West Province of Cameroon. Voucher specimen (No 28165/sfcam) is deposited at the National Herbarium Yaounde, Cameroon. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/255 Files in this item: 1
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Abegaz, B.M.; Ngadjui, B.T.; Folefoc, G.N.; Fotso, S.; Ambassa, P.; Bezabih, M.; Dongo, E.; Rise, F.; Petersen, D. (Elsevier Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/phytochem, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: A monoprenylated flavan and two monoterpenoid substituted furanocoumarins were isolated from the twigs of Dorstenia elliptica along with 3-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-4,20,40-trihydroxylchalcone, psoralen, bergapten, O-[3-(2,2-dimethyl-3-oxo-2H-furan-5-yl)butyl] bergaptol, b-sitosterol and its b-d-glucopyranoside. The structure of the flavan was determined as 6(1,1-dimethylallyl)-7,40- dihydroxylflavan and the monoterpenoid substituted furanocoumarins were assigned as O-[3-(2,2-dimethyl-3-oxo-2H-furan-5-yl)-3- hydroxybutyl]-bergaptol and O-[2-(5-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-3-oxo-2H-pyran-2-yl)ethyl]bergaptol, respectively, using spectroscopic analysis, especially, 2D NMR spectra. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/286 Files in this item: 1
Prenylated flavonoids,.pdf (3.692Mb) -
Mnjama, N. (Archlib and Information Services, http:www.hwwilson.com/journals; http://www.ajol.info, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper reviews the state of the audio-visual collections held by different government institutions in Botswana. The rationale of such review rests on the observation that although audiovisual materials constitute a vital information resource in such institutions, they are often not adequately managed after they are created. The paper identifies the types of audiovisual materials found in the public sector and the challenges in the management of the materials. The paper shows that many of the problems related to the management of audiovisual materials in the country emanate from weak legislative framework, lack of trained personnel in the management of audiovisual materials, technological challenges, inadequate storage facilities and the perception by users that audiovisual materials are not as valuable as records in other formats. The paper proffers strategies for dealing with the challenges of preserving and improving the use of audiovisual materials in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1090 Files in this item: 1
Mnjama_AJLIS_2010.pdf (117.8Kb) -
Morobe, I.C.; Obi, C.L.; Nyila, M.A.; Gashe, B.A.; Matsheka, M.I. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes is known to cause epidemic and sporadic cases of listeriosis. The present study investigated the occurrence, antibiograms and molecular serotypes of the organism in various retail outlets in Gaborone, Botswana. Food samples were obtained randomly from selected supermarkets and street vendors in 5 geographical areas of Gaborone from May, 2007 to September 2007. L. monocytogenes was isolated and positively identified by using morphological and biochemical tests. From a total of 1324 food samples tested 57(4.3 %) were positive for L. monocytogenes. Out of the 57 isolates of L. monocytogenes 7 (12.3%), 3 (5.3%), 0 (0%), 27 (47.4%) and 20 (35.1%) were isolated from cheese, raw milk, meat (biltong), frozen cabbage and salad (coleslaw), respectively. From the 5 geographical areas selected for sampling in this study, Gaborone South recorded the highest number 19 (33.3%) of L. monocytogenes isolates while Gaborone West recorded the least, 7 (12.3%). The findings in this study reveal the presence of L. monocytogenes serotypes 1/2a and 1/2b in ready to eat food and highlight the need for education and training programmes in food safety in Gaborone, Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/996 Files in this item: 1
Morobe_AJB_2009.pdf (86.64Kb) -
Letamo, G. (Cambridge University Press; www.cambridge.org, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of, and socio-demographic factors associated with, overweight and obesity in Botswana. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2007 using a multistage sampling method to select a representative sample of 4107 men and 4916 women aged 20–49 years. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the socio-demographic factors associated with overweight and obesity. Mean BMI values for men and women were 21.7 kg/m2 and 24.4 kg/m2, respectively. Both overweight and obesity levels were higher among women than men. Overall, 23% of women were overweight compared with 13% of men. Obese women constituted about 15% compared with only 3% of men. However, 19% of men were underweight compared with 12% of women. The main socio-demographic factors associated with overweight and obesity were being older, living in a city/town, being married and having attained higher levels of education, and these relationships were statistically significant at the 5% level. Although over-nutrition is prevalent among adult female Batswana, underweight remains an important public health problem for males. Programmes and other interventions aimed at concurrently addressing both under-nutrition and overweight need to be developed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1023 Files in this item: 1
Letamo_JBS_2010.pdf (61.18Kb) -
Chaturvedi, P.; George, S.; John, A. (British Journal of Biomedical Science. http://www.ibms.org/index.cfm?method=publications.british_journal, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: In the present study, preventive and protective effects of Ocimum gratissimum in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity are assessed in albino rats. A methanol extract of O. gratissimum leaves is prepared, with a yield of 3.5% (w/w) of the dry weight of leaves. Graded doses of the extract (10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight), together with ethanol (5 gm/kg body weight) are administered orally to experimental groups for 30 days. Normal control rats receive distilled water only, while rats in an alcohol control group (AC) receive ethanol only for 30 days. O. gratissimum reduced the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance in all experimental groups (E1â E4). Alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels fell in all experimental groups (E1â E4), but this reduction was significant only in groups E3 and E4 (P<0.05), indicating inhibition of lipid peroxidation by free radicals generated after ethanol metabolism. Levels of antioxidants also increased. Ascorbic acid and glutathione levels increased in all experimental groups (E1â E4; P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). A significant increase in catalase (P<0.05) was noted only in group E4, although an upward trend was noted in all experimental groups. This study shows that O. gratissimum prevents free radical damage to the liver and thus protects the organ from oxidative stress. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/309 Files in this item: 1
Preventive and pro.pdf (2.493Mb) -
Nenty, H.J.; Adedoyin, O.O.; Odili, J.N.; Major, T.E. (Academic Journals. http://www.academicjournals.org, April NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: More than any other of its aspects, assessment plays a central role in determining the quality of education. Quality of primary/basic education (QoE) can be viewed as the extent to which the process of education at the primary education level maximizes desirable outcomes in terms of cognitive, affective and psychomotor behaviour of the learners. Given human resources demand for development in the society some cognitive skills are more desirable than others. Hence education, to meet the skill demand of the society must ensure the development of such desirable skills among learners. Since teachers are the key executors in the processes of ensuring the development of these skills, their perception as to the level to which each of such skills differ in enhancing quality of primary/basic education, and the level to which current assessment practices ensure the development of each of these skills are important in any attempt to contribute solution to the problem of quality in basic education in Africa. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which primary school teachers in Botswana and Nigeria perceive the six levels of Bloom’s cognitive behaviour as being different in the extent to which they enhance quality in basic education and the level to which their current classroom assessment practices involve items that measure each of these levels of cognitive behaviour. Survey data from 191 primary school teachers from Gaborone district in Botswana, and 300 similar teachers from Delta State in Nigeria were analysed using repeated measure ANOVA to test related hypotheses. The main finding was that there is a significant discrepancy between the level to which, in the perception of the teachers, each of Bloom’s level of cognitive behaviour enhances quality of education and the level to which their classroom assessment practices are able to provide for the development of such behaviour among learners. The results were discussed and recommendations made on how to enhance quality in primary/basic education through classroom assessment practices. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/589 Files in this item: 1
Nenty_ERR_2007.pdf (973.0Kb) -
Mothusi, B.; Dipholo, K.B. (John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. www.wiley.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This article argues that efforts by the Government of Botswana to embark on privatisation of some parastatals as well as contracting out the provision of certain services with the main intention of enhancing productivity and strengthening the private sector will not have a negative effect on the strength and nature of the existing strong developmental state. It is argued that the cautious and pragmatic approach adopted by the government, coupled with the fact that privatisation in Botswana is embraced voluntarily (that is not imposed on the country by either the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a condition for financial assistance), hiving off parastatals to the private sector will not result in the weakening and ultimate demise of the state as it has happened in some countries within Sub Saharan Africa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1128 Files in this item: 1
Mothusi_PAD_2008.pdf (840.7Kb)