Browsing by Title
-
Fako, T.T.; Forcheh, N.; Ncube, E. (Elsevier Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/socscimed, January 1, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examines several key factors that determine nurses’ ability to complete the Botswana Obstetric Record (BOR), an instrument that should help with early diagnosis of problems during pregnancy, labour, delivery and the puerperium. Using a national sample of 309 nurses working in hospitals, clinics and health posts under the local government authority in Botswana, the study found that a nurse’s ability to complete the BOR was significantly related to midwifery training, level of basic nursing training, age group, level of income, job satisfaction, adequacy of equipment, attendance of refresher courses, overall level of in-service training, reliance on workshops and seminars, peer reliance and self-reliance for information on new nursing practices. Multivariate analyses indicated that the most competent nurse in completing the BOR was one trained as a midwife, working in an adequately equipped health facility, and who often consulted with peers as well as attended workshops and seminars. The study concludes that it is more important to train all nurses to become midwives than to upgrade enrolled nurses to become registered nurses if the plan for safe motherhood is to be advanced. Further research is needed to establish the objective competence of nurses who claim to be comfortable completing the BOR. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/564 Files in this item: 1
Prospects of safe motherhood.pdf (2.915Mb) -
Ramatlapana, K.A. (Springer Netherlands. http://www.springerlink.com, April NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Teaching is a field that is dynamic, with innovations necessitating upgrading of skills and education of teachers for the successful implementation of reforms. The behaviour and attitudes of teachers towards teaching and learning and their knowledge banks are the result of the impact of in-service training. This study investigated the perceptions of mathematics and science teachers in Botswana towards in-service provision by the Department of Mathematics and Science Education In-service Training unit (DMSE-INSET), whose mandate is to improve the quality of teaching by supporting teachers through training programmes that enable them to take ownership of their professional development. Data were collected from a sample of 42 senior Mathematics and Science secondary school teachers, using structured interviews with open-ended questions, which were analyzed qualitatively. The findings show that teachers’ concerns included the lack of impact of current in-service training programmes on the education system, no regular follow-up activities to support the one-off workshops and insufficient skills acquired to sustain the implementation of the strategies solicited by the workshops. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/561 Files in this item: 1
Ramatlapana_JMTE_2009.pdf (647.0Kb) -
Oladokun, O. S.; Fidzani, B. T. (Archlib & Information Services, http:www.hwwilson.com/journals; http://www.ajol.info, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: As a result of the affiliation of the colleges of education (COE)in Botswana to the University of Botswana, the libraries attached to the colleges were assessed with a view to finding out if they met the standards recommended for college libraries. Thus, the guidelines recommended in "College Library Standards, 1995 edition" were used in assessing the the six colleges surveyed. The main factors used in assessing the libraries were: mission statement, collection, staffing, budget, technical services/materials organisation, library services, library administration and facilities. The findings revealed that most of the factors enumerated above were found to be inadequate in the six college libraries surveyed. Recommendations were made to all stakeholders to ensure that the libraries were considerably improved to enable them to perform the functions for which they were established. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1096 Files in this item: 1
Oladokun_AJLAIS_2002.pdf (1.854Mb) -
Mahgoub Salah, E.O.; Elbashir Hayat Z.E. (Informa Healthcare http://www.informaworld.com, May NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Seeds of an inbred line (B-11-90) of Karkadeh (Hibiscus sabdariffa) were investigated for their proximate composition (AOAC methods), nitrogen solubility and protein isolate (Karkadeh seed protein isolates [KSPI]) functional properties (standard methods). The fat and protein contents of the seeds were 22.43% and 32.46%, respectively. Nitrogen solubility was good in both water and 1.0 M NaCl at alkaline pH rather than at acidic pH, with better solubility at higher pH levels in water than in 1.0 M NaCl. The functional properties of the KSPI were as follows: water absorption capacity, 181 ml/100 g; fat absorption capacity, 110 ml/100 g; bulk density, 0.77 g/ml; and apparent viscosity (at 208C), 13.42 cps. KSPI showed a maximum foaming capacity at pH 12 and 1.6 M NaCl, a maximum emulsification capacity at pH 11 and 1.8 M NaCl, and a weaker foam stability at neutral pH than at acidic or alkaline pH, with a better foam stability at alkaline pH. The foam stability was considerably improved by treatment with 1.6 M NaCl. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/726 Files in this item: 1
Mahgoub_IJFSN_2009.pdf (900.3Kb) -
Kiravu, C.S.A.M. (University of Botswana, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Computer models are used to replicate the essential performance features of a physical element using convenient modeling and simulation programs. Within SPICE, an acronym for the Simulation Program with Integrated-Circuit Emphasis, a model for the twin-depencence of the machine's open circuit generated e.m.f. on the time-independent flux and machine speed has not been investigated. This paper describes a steady state model of an open circuit DC shunt machine using PSPICE, the PC version of SPICE packaged within the OrCAD programming environment. The model is based on characterization of the generated e.m.f.as field current dependent polymial voltage source whose coeffecients are generated within MATHCAD by applying a linear regression fit on a set of experimental laboratory data points. The simulation results are displayed using the inbuilt graphic postprocessor within PSPICE called PROBE. This results show good replicative model validity within the laboratory range of exciting currents used in the simulative. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/621 Files in this item: 1
Kiravu_BJT_2000.pdf (849.3Kb) -
Mokgothu, C.J.; Adegbesan, O.A. (African Educational Research Network (AERN), http://www.ncsu.edu/aern/links.htm, June NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This study provides information on the psychological and sociocultural correlates of motor skill development of athletes in Botswana. Seventy-three (73) student athletes were sampled on a psycho-sociocultural and motor skills development questionnaire. Results indicated a positive and moderate relationship of the psychological and sociocultural variables on the athletes' motor skill development. Also, significant gender differences were not (P>.05) apparent in mean rating with the psychological and sociocultural variables as they influenced the athlets' motor skill development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/976 Files in this item: 1
Mokgothu_2009.pdf (540.6Kb) -
Thupayagale-Tshweneagae, G. (Blackwell Publishing Ltd. http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/jpmhn, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Studies on the psychosocial effects of grandmothers as primary caregivers in Botswana are non-existent. The purpose of this study was to close that knowledge gap. Twenty-five (n = 25) grandmothers who were primary caregivers to their grandchildren in one rural village of Botswana were interviewed twice a week between January and May 2006. A central theme that emerged from the interviews under psychological effects was ‘disenfranchised grief’ with sub themes that included depression, loneliness, blaming and stress. The themes that emerged on social effects included isolation, loss of control, unavailability of mental health services, financial hardships and a sense of failure for some participants. Implications for mental health practitioners and policy makers are given. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/555 Files in this item: 1
Psychosocial effects experienced.pdf (715.8Kb) -
Ketshajwang, K.K.; Holmback, J.; Yeboah, S.O. (AOCS Press. http://www.springerlink.com/content/120382/, NaN, 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: Seed oils were extracted with n-hexane from three edible Leguminosae seeds: Tylosema esculentum, Xanthocercis zambesiaca, and Bauhinia petersiana, giving yields of 48.2, 17.6, and 20.8% (w/w), respectively. Some physical and chemical parameters were determined to ascertain the general characteristics of the oils. The saponification and iodine values indicated that all three oil samples could be classified among the olive group of oils. This inference was supported by the results of the detailed fatty acid composition of the oils as determined by capillary gas chromatography. The ratio of total unsaturated to total saturated fatty acids in all three oil samples was approximately 70:30, with either oleic or linoleic acid being the dominant fatty acid. These results were in agreement with a proton nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of the fatty acid classes in the seed oils. Thus, the analysis served to justify the use of the three Leguminosae seed oils in food preparations. The work has further indicated that, with their attractive properties, the seed oils from T. esculentum, X. zambesiaca, and B. petersiana are good candidates for further studies to evaluate their future commercial prospects in the Southern African region. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/304 Files in this item: 1
quality and compositional.pdf (1.683Mb) -
Phaladze, N.A.; Human, S.; Dlamini, S.B.; Hulela, E.B.; Hadebe, I.M.; Sukati, N. A.; Makoae, L.N.; Seboni, N.M.; Moleko, M.; Holzemer, W.L. (Journal of Nursing Scholarship. http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/jnu, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose: To increase understanding of the meaning of quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS in four countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, and Swaziland. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design and convenience sample, we administered a survey and collected data on demographic characteristics, measures of severity of illness, and perceptions of quality of life. The purposefully selected sample (N=743) consisted of community-based people living with HIV/AIDS in 2002. Based on the Wilson and Cleary framework for organizing variables related to quality of life, a hierarchical multiple regression was conducted with quality of life as the dependent variable. Results: The sample of 743 persons was 61.2% female with a mean age of 34 years. Approximately 62% of the sample reported having received an AIDS diagnosis. Ten predictor variables explained 53.2% of the variance in life satisfaction. Those participants with higher life satisfaction scores were less educated, had worries about disclosure and finances, did not have an AIDS diagnosis or other comorbid conditions, had lower symptom intensity, had greater functioning, and had fewer health worries. None of these participants was taking antiretroviral medications at the time of this study. Conclusions: Several dimensions of the Wilson and Cleary model of quality of life were significantly related to life satisfaction for people living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Quality of life for this sample was primarily defined as overall functional ability and control over symptom intensity. These findings are similar to studies in developed countries that have shown the significant relationships among functional abilities, symptom control, and perceived quality of life. As antiretroviral medications become more available in these areas, community members and care providers can help clients realize the possibility of living well with HIV/AIDS, and can work with clients to improve functional ability and control symptom intensity to make living well a reality. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/570 Files in this item: 1
Quality of life.pdf (1.142Mb) -
Moges, S.A.; Alemaw, B.F.; Chaoka, T.R.; Kachroo, R.K. (Elsevier, www.elsevier.com/locate/pce, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper is aimed at developing a geostatistical model to improve interpolated annual and monthly rainfall variation using remotely- sensed cold cloud duration (CCD) data as a background image. The data set consists of rainfall data from a network of 704 rain gauges in the Rufiji drainage basin in Tanzania. We found ordinary kriging to be a robust estimator due mainly to its inherent nature of including the non-stationary local mean during estimation. Parameter sensitivity analysis and examination of the residuals revealed that the parameter values of the variogram viz., the nugget effect, the range, sill value and maximum direction of continuity, as long as they are in acceptable ranges, and any different combination of these parameters, have low effect on model efficiency and accuracy. Rather, the use of remotely-sensed CCD data as a background image is found to improve the interpolation as compared to the estimation based on observed point rainfall data alone. The study revealed the improvement in terms of Nash–Sutcliffe model performance index (R2) by using CCD as external drift with kriging provided an R2 of 64.5% compared to the simple kriging and ordinary kriging, which performed with efficiency of 60.0% and 61.4%, respectively. For each case, parameter sensitivity analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of the change in the parameters on the model performance and the spatio-temporal interpolation results. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/500 Files in this item: 1
MOGES2007Rainfall interpolation.pdf (1.188Mb) -
Siphambe, H.K. (Blackwell Publishing Ltd, www.blackwellpublishing.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Using the most recent Household Income and Expenditure Survey data (2002/2003), this paper presents current rates of return to education for Botswana. The results show that the rates of return have in general declined by one percentage point on average between the periods as shown in Table 2. If we, however, look at the averages for the different school cycles, the fall in the average rates is quite significant at about six percentage points between the periods. The biggest fall is for secondary education, especially upper secondary education, which fell by 28 percentage points between the periods. The rates of return to tertiary education, however, rose by more than 50 percentage points. Ignoring upper secondary, the pattern of rates of return has remained similar to the results of the study based on the 1993/1994 data. Rates are higher for tertiary education and lower for secondary than for primary education. This results are still consistent with rates of return generally rising with level of education. At policy level, the results continue to support sharing of costs between Government and beneficiaries or their parents especially at tertiary education level. Second, the results indicate the need for the country to continue to vigorously pursue job creation and reorient the education system from emphasis on white collar jobs. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/984 Files in this item: 1
Siphambe_SAJE_2008.pdf (599.9Kb) -
Magwaza, A.O.; Meijboom, R.; Muller, A.; Mavunkal, I.J. (Elsevier B.V. www.elsevier.com/locate/ica, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Mono- and bis-substituted phosphite complexes [Ru3(CO)12 x Lx] (L = tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite; x = 1, 2) were synthesized by simple substitution reactions, and were characterized by spectroscopic methods. The monosubstituted ruthenium complex disproportionates in acetone producing a mononuclear ruthenium complex as one of the decomposition products. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis established the molecular structure of this new compound. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/259 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Adeyemi, D.A. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, March NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Recently, the reading-writing connection has come into focus as an area that can be exploited to address English as a second language (ESL) writing skills development. This is because various studies have identified ESL writing as being grossly inadequate both at the junior secondary, senior secondary and college levels in Botswana and elsewhere in Africa where English is learned as a second language (L2). Even in situations where English is taught as the first language (L1), the problem of writing persists. This paper discusses ESL composition teaching and learning issues by looking at the integration of reader-response based pedagogy with process writing as a way of improving the learning and teaching of composition writing skills at the junior secondary school level in Botswana. The paper also discusses the implications of this strategy in writing pedagogy and the procedure for its use in composition writing skills development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1013 Files in this item: 1
Adeyemi_IJSE_2011.pdf (688.4Kb) -
Arua, E.A.; Arua, C.E. (International Reading Association, www.reading.org/, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Reports of the poor reading culture of Batswana appear periodically in the popular media, especially the newspapers (see Baputaki, 2006; Hosia, 2007; Seboni & Swartland, 2009). These impressionistic reports speak of an alarming deterioration in the culture of reading in Botswana. In the sense in which it is employed, “poor reading culture” means lack of a reading habit among children, adolescents, and adults, both educated and illiterate. The label thus encompasses complete illiteracy, functional illiteracy, and aliteracy (Sisulu, 2004). Without supporting evidence, the poor reading culture label is difficult to justify for any population group in Botswana. Consequently, we, in this article, investigate the holiday reading behavior of some junior secondary school students in the country to ascertain the extent to which the label applies to them. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1014 Files in this item: 1
Arua_JAAL_2011.pdf (963.1Kb) -
Kumar, R.A.; Raizada, M. (BONELA, www.bonela.org, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: HIV continues to spread throughout the world, posing increasing challenges to human rights, at both national and global levels. The epidermic continues to be marked by discrimination against certain population groups; those who live on the fringes of the society or who are assumed to be at risk because of their behaviour, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, gender or social characteristics that are stigmatised in a particular society. As the number of people living with HIV/AIDS continues to grow in nations with different economies, social structures and legal systems, HIV/AIDS related human rights issues are not only becoming noticeable, but also increasingly diverse. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/868 Files in this item: 1
Kumar_BRELH2_2008.pdf (1.629Mb) -
Majinda, R.R.T; Abegaz, B.M.; Bezabih, M.; Ngadjui, B.T; Wanjala, C.C.W.; Mdee, L.K.; Bojase, G.; Silayo, A.; Masesane, I.; Yeboah, S.O. (IUPAC. http://www.iupac.org/publications/pac/, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: Marketed plants are very important items of trade in many parts of the world. The community uses these for a variety of purposes such as foods, cosmetics, flavors, spices, and medicines. It seems that plants that are used for medicinal purposes form the most common category. Four plants used for treatment of microbial infections, viz., Bolusanthus speciosus, Erythrina latissima, Crotalaria podocarpa, and Elephantorrhiza goetzei, were investigated, and these yielded several known and novel structures, some with appreciable antibiotic activity against the test organisms. The activity of some of the isolated plants and the parts of the plant from which these were obtained lend support to their traditional use. Bulbine abyssinica and B. capitata yielded phenylanthraquinones, some of which were shown to possess strong antiplasmodial activity. In addition, these yielded isofuranonaphthoquinones, which were also found to be weakly antiplasmodial and antioxidant. Scilla nervosa yielded several known and novel homoisoflavoinds of the 3-benzylchroman-4-ones and 3-benzylidinechroman- 4-one type, as well as some stilbenoids. The homoisoflavonoids showed strong antitumor activity against various cancer cell lines. Rhus pyroides gave a novel bichalcone, which showed weak antifeedant activity, consistent with the observation by farmers that the plant was avoided by corn cricket. Results from investigated Dorstenia species originating from Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Tanzania yielded styrenes, coumarins, chalcones, and flavonoids. The chalcones and flavonoids showed various levels of prenylation or geranylation, and an observation made so far is that prenylated flavonoids are only found in Dorstenia species of African origin. The only example of a bis-geranylated chalcone is found in Dorstenia. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/308 Files in this item: 1
Recent results from.pdf (4.630Mb) -
Mnjama, N. (Sage Publications http://idv.sagepub.com, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Seeks to demonstrate that successful implementation of Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation is directly linked to effective and efficient records keeping regimes. Where records keeping systems are poor or ineffective, the implementation of FOI will either be problematic or fail to achieve the desired results. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/250 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)Mnjama_ID_2003.pdf (1.112Mb) -
Segobye, A.K. (Routledge (Taylor and Francis) www.routledge.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The colonial and postcolonial experiences of Africans reflect the myriad changes which African societies have undergone over the last few centuries. These include cultural, political and economic transformations mainly carried through formal education and the entrenching of western knowledge and technologies. The material and ideological changes were facilitated by a number of factors which varied over time and place. Formal education via religious missions became one of the tools for accelerated cultural transformation. It instilled new values and cultural aspirations for Africans caught in the complexities of colonial life. Education became the main vehicle for many forms of liberation from poverty, oppression and the inequities oflife. It offered an escape from what was perceived as the inadequacies of African knowledge systems creating new classes and voices within African societies. University education, as and when it became accessible to Africans, was invariably laden with multiple expectations for those who gained entry from their families and the wider communities within which they lived. The university thus became a complex landscape steeped in often contradictory aspirations including the transformation of individual and collective ideas. For some, it marked the attainment of a position of superiority, elite status, and often new forms of power, whilst for others it was a place of learning and enlightenment, associated with the creation of new liberties, and tools for realising broader freedoms. The idea of transformation in the university in Africa can thus be situated in the contradictions and opportunities that university education in Africa has come to represent. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/741 Files in this item: 1
Segobye_SD_2007.pdf (995.1Kb) -
Tesfaye, G.; Teketay, D.; Fetene, M.; Beck, E. (Elsevier, www.elsevier.com, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: Regeneration of seven indigenous tree species having significant ecological and economic importance was investigated in the Munessa-Shashemene dry Afromontane forest (MSF), southern Ethiopia. Densities and distributions of seedlings, saplings and trees were assessed along gradients of altitude, light and disturbance using quadrat sizes of 10×5 m (for seedlings) and 20×20 m (saplings and trees) following line transects. The number of individuals, frequency and height of the study species were recorded in the quadrats at every 100 m drop in altitude. Seedling densities varied markedly among the species and altitudes. Mean densities (number of individuals ha−1) of seedlings ranged from zero (Polyscias fulva) to 5334 (Prunus africana), and from three (Polyscias fulva) to 102 (Podocarpus falcatus) for trees and saplings. Canonical Correspondence Analysis revealed that seedlings of Celtis africana and Croton macrostachyus were highly favored by disturbance and, hence, were concentrated in canopy gaps within the forest. Based on their population structures, the study species could be categorized into three groups: (1) Species that showed the highest proportion of individuals in the lowest height class and with a gradual decrease towards the upper height classes, which suggests good regeneration; Podocarpus falcatus, C. africana, C. macrostachys and P. africana belonged to this group. (2) Species that showed higher proportions of individuals in the lowest height class and with missing individuals in the subsequent middle height classes, indicative of hampered regeneration; Syzygium guineense and Pouteria adolfi-friederici belonged to this group. (3) Species with no individuals in the lowest and middle height classes but represented by individuals in upper height classes; P. fulva belonged to this group. The species categorized in the last two groups exhibited hampered regeneration, and P. fulva is in the verge of local extermination. High seedling densities (e.g. C. africana and P. africana) and/or adaptive defense mechanisms to herbivory (e.g. P. falcatus and C. macrostachyus) were common attributes of species, which exhibited good regeneration. Regeneration problems were largely attributed to human disturbance, lack of suitable habitat for seed germination or problems associated to seed set (seed predation or abortion). Our study indicated that P. fulva, P. adolfi-friederici and S. guineense require the highest immediate attention for conservation in the MSF. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/827 Files in this item: 1
-
Temtime, Z.T.; Shunda, J.P.W. (Science Publications / ANSI Journals; http://www.ansijournals.com/3/c4p.php?id=1&theme=3&jid=itj, June NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: The relationship between the degree of information technology usage, company size and its strategic planning practices has critical implications for sustainability of firm competitiveness. However the relationship has been conceptualised and operationalised in relation to only large firms. Only a few studies have attempted to examine the nature of this relationship in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies. This article examines three things: (1) the perception of SMEs about the role of IT in firm competitiveness, (2) the planning behaviour and practices of SMEs, and (3) the relationship between SMEs IT usage and planning behaviour. Data were collected from 44 SMEs in the Republic of Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/198 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_PJIT_2002.pdf (2.582Mb)