Browsing by Title
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Mannathoko, M.C.; Mangope, B. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, March NaN, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: Research in Botswana has shown the importance of parental involvement in primary school education. Consequently, researchers have argued for strengthening the school-community relationship in order to improve the quality of primary school programmes and enable children to succeed in the academic environment. Nonetheless, little has been done to identify barriers to parental involvement in children’s academic work and possible solutions geared towards quality education. This study therefore seeks to investigate the causes of limited parental involvement in their children’s schooling and to identify strategies to help minimise these barriers and improve academic performances in primary schools. This study is a qualitative case study wherein twenty-four participants (twelve teachers and twelve parents) are interviewed. The sample was drawn from the Central North region of Botswana and covered remote, remotest, sub-urban, and urban locations. Random sampling was used to select teacher-participants while parents were identified with help of village headmen. Botswana education policies and school regulation or guideline handbooks were also examined to determine the extent to which these documents promote community involvement. The findings of this study reveal significant divergences in the responses of parents and teachers. Most of the parents, especially those in remote areas, for example indicated that they were not aware that they were supposed to offer teaching assistance services in schools. Teachers in the same areas indicated that parents were not cooperative in contributing to their children’s learning. Likewise, while teachers listed examples of workshop initiatives designed to sensitise parents to the importance of being involved in their children’s learning, parents said they were only called to collect children’s progress reports, for Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings, or to be threatened about failure to pay school development and sports fees. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1138 Files in this item: 1
Mannathoko_IJSRE_2013.pdf (267.9Kb) -
Jourdan, F.; Fe´raud, G.; Bertrand, H.; Watkeys, M.K.; Kampunzu, A.B.; Le Gall, B. (Elsevier www.elsevier.com/locate/epsl, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Continental flood basalts consist of vast quantities of lava, sills and giant dyke swarms that are associated with continental break-up. The commonly radiating geometry of dyke swarms in these provinces is generally interpreted as the result of the stress regime that affected the lithosphere during the initial stage of continental break-up or as the result of plume impact. On the other hand, structures in the basement may also control dyke orientations, though such control has not previously been documented. In order to test the role of pre-dyke structures, we investigated four major putative Karoo-aged dyke swarms that taken together represent a giant radiating dyke swarm (the so-called btriple-junctionQ) ascribed to the Jurassic Karoo continental flood basalt (N3 106 km2; southern Africa). One of the best tests to discriminate between neoformed and inherited dyke orientation is to detect Precambrian dykes in the Jurassic swarms. Accordingly, we efficiently distinguished between Jurassic and Precambrian dykes using abbreviated low resolution, 40Ar/39Ar incremental heating schedules. Save-Limpopo dyke swarm samples (n =19) yield either apparent Proterozoic (728–1683 Ma) or Mesozoic (131–179 Ma) integrated ages; the Olifants River swarm (n =20) includes only Proterozoic (851–1731 Ma) and Archaean (2470–2872 Ma) dykes. The single age obtained on one N–S striking dyke (1464 Ma) suggests that the Lebombo dyke swarm includes Proterozoic dykes in the basement as well. These dates demonstrate the existence of pre-Karoo dykes in these swarms as previously hypothesized without supporting age data. In addition, aeromagnetic and air-photo interpretations indicate that: (1) dyke emplacement was largely controlled by major discontinuities such as the Zimbabwe and Kaapvaal craton boundaries, the orientation of the Limpopo mobile belt, and other pre-dyke structures including shear zones and (2) considering its polygenetic, pre-Mesozoic origin, the Olifants River dyke swarm cannot be considered part of the Karoo magmatic event. This study, along with previous results obtained on the Okavango dyke swarm, shows that the apparent btriple junctionQ formed by radiating dyke swarms is not a Jurassic structure; rather, it reflects weakened lithospheric pathways that have controlled dyke orientations over hundreds of millions of years. One consequence is that the btriple-junctionQ geometry can no longer be unambiguously used as a mantle plume marker as previously proposed, although it does not preclude the possible existence of a mantle plume. More generally, we suggest that most Phanerozoic dyke swarms (including triple junctions) related to continental flood basalts were probably controlled in part by pre-existing lithospheric discontinuities. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/386 Files in this item: 1
Kampunzu2006BasementControl.pdf (2.119Mb) -
Mokgatlhe, L.; Groenewald, P.C.N. (Elsevier, http://www.elsevier.com, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: A method for the simulation of samples from the exact posterior distributions of the parameters in logistic regression is proposed. It is based on the principle of data augmentation and a latent variable is introduced, similar to the approach of Albert and chib (J. Am. Stat. Assoc. 88 (1993) 669), who applied it to the probit model. In general, the full conditional distributions are intractable, but with the introductions of the latent variable all conditional distributions are uniform, and the Gibbs sampler is easily applicable. Marginal likelihoods for model selection can be obtained at the expense of additional Gibbs cycles. The technique is extended and can be applied with nominal or ordinal polychotomous data. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1127 Files in this item: 1
Mokgatlhe_CSDA_2005.pdf (564.2Kb) -
Mokotedi, R.T. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, March NaN, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: In recent years, there have been a number of innovations and reforms aimed at making education relevant to the needs of the society. Despite the premium placed on education, there continue to be challenging and persistent issues negatively affecting teacher education. One of these challenges is the generalist approach of primary schools whereby teachers teach all subjects in the curriculum. This is often a departure from their pre-service training where they were trained as specialists. The purpose of this study is to establish new teachers’ perspectives on the role of subject specialization in Botswana Colleges of Education and the implications of this training for the professional development of those who did not specialize in languages. This study adopted a survey research design in which questionnaires were the main data collection instrument. This study targeted two primary schools in the Southern Region with a sample of twenty (20) beginning teachers (with Diploma Certificates in primary schools). Of this sample of twenty, ten (10) completed the questionnaires. The results of this study reveal that beginning teachers advocate for specialization in primary schools because it allows them an area they can teach with confidence. These teachers raised the issue of in-service development and support as a source of information on matters pertaining to language teaching because for those who did not specialize in languages, teaching this complex subject is a challenge and can be highly demotivating. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1136 Files in this item: 1
Mokotedi_IJSRE_2013.pdf (269.0Kb) -
McFarland, D.M. (International Council of Nurses. http://www.ovid.com/site/catalog/Journal/968.jsp, December NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Background: Cervical cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality and morbidity for women in Botswana. Yet, little is known about what women believe to be the causes of the disease. Aim: This paper presents data on factors women in Botswana believe are responsible for the high incidence of cervical cancer in their country. Data were part of a larger study that explored knowledge and perceptions about cervical cancer and Pap smear screening from the perspectives of the clients and the healthcare providers. Methods: The study that generated the data included 30 women of all socio-economic levels, recruited by network sampling. The women’s ages ranged from 31 to 54 years. Demographic data were analysed descriptively. Individualized interview data were content-analysed. Findings: The identified causes of cervical cancer were classified as cervical irritants and non-irritants. The most commonly cited cervical irritants were vaginally inserted chemical agents and traditional medicine. Discussions: Participants identified vaginally inserted chemical substances and traditional medicines as possible explanations for the high incidence of cervical cancer in Botswana. They reported that women used these substances for sexual and hygienic purposes. Although these factors are believed to be the causes of cervical cancer and have not yet been medically acknowledged, verbal reports suggest that their use is problematic. Conclusion: There is a need for health education and for further research to affirm women’s beliefs about the harmful effects of intravaginal agents. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1141 Files in this item: 1
Beliefs about the causes.pdf (1.382Mb) -
Lekoko, R.; Merwe, M. (Springer Netherlands. http://www.springerlink.com, May NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Growth in rural communities, along with attendant changes in social, economic and environmental conditions, challenges members of these communities to take even more responsibility for their lives than in the past. While there is a need to promote sustainable economic prosperity, it is important that developmental approaches should not compromise the potential of citizens to meet these challenges independently. The present contribution is based on a phenomenological study that explored approaches to community development in Botswana. One of the key findings was that these were dominated by a bureaucratized welfare scheme, as the government gave free food and farming implements to poor people in an approach referred to as atlhama-o-je (‘open-your-mouth-and-eat’). The present contribution reflects on the consequences of using this type of approach, arguing that instead of bringing real hope to the rural poor, it generated counterproductive attitudes. In conclusion, the authors suggest alternative strategies that take account of the life experiences of the rural poor and render them less dependent on government intervention for their well-being. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/552 Files in this item: 1
Lekoko_RE_2006.pdf (625.9Kb) -
Masesane, I.B.; Yeboah, S.O.; Liebscher, J.; Mugge, C.; Abegaz, B.M. (Elsevier Science Ltd, http://www.elsevier.com/locate/phytochem, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: The twigs of Rhus pyroides yielded a novel bichalcone 2',40,21-trihydroxy-4',41-dimethoxy-4-O-51-bichalcone. It was identified on the basis of spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The name rhuschalcone-1 is proposed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1028 Files in this item: 1
Masesane_P_2000.pdf (321.5Kb) -
Monaka, K.C. (National Inquiry Services Centre, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The conventional composition of the English syllable is captured in the template: CQ^ Vi^ CQ''. This means that the onset accommodates a minimum of zero and a maximum of three consonants, the coda a minimum of zero and a maximum of four, whilst the nucleus takes a minimum of one and a maximum of two vowels. This article focuses on the onset constituent, and argues that the English onset branches twice instead of three times. It argues that the conventional three position onsets are derived from word initial consonant clusters, and that these onsets do not appear to hold word medially where only onsets with two positions appear to be attested. Motivating evidence is drawn from other languages, specifically Italian, Spanish and Portuguese, because it is believed that, except for the coda, the binary branching nature of syllable constituents is universally imposed in the worid's languages. Also, no one language or dialect can exhaustively account for all linguistic phenomena — evidence to demonstrate an otherwise systematic behaviour of a phonological unit may have to be drawn from other languages or dialects. A brief overview of the Optimality Theory account of syllable onset is given, and areas of overlap are noted. Description: Some symbols may not appear the same as in the original abstract URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/735 Files in this item: 1
Monaka_SALALS_2007.pdf (2.111Mb) -
Jain, P.; Thapisa, A.P.N. (Emerald, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: The question of low productivity in Botswana is a cause of concern and a study has been carried out into perceptions about productivity in a sample of academic and public librarians. The main barriers to productivity were a lack of: job satisfaction, technological facilities and employee empowerment, together with poor management, working environment, relationship among staff, and inefficient use of human and material resources. The authors suggest that a serious culture change is required which would involve modifying both management and employees attitudes towards work, behaviour and commitment. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/824 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LM_2000.pdf (709.6Kb) -
Mantlana, K.; Veenendaal, E.; Arneth, A.; Grispen, V.; Bonyongo, C.; Heitkonig, I.; Lloyd, J. (Blackwell, www.blackwell.co.uk, August NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: C4 savanna grass species, Digitaria eriantha, Eragrostis lehmanniana and Panicum repens, were grown under optimum growth conditions with the aim of characterizing their above- and below-ground biomass allocation and the response of their gas exchange to changes in light intensity, CO2 concentration and leaf-to-air vapour pressure deficit gradient (Dl). Digitaria eriantha showed the largest above- and below-ground biomass, high efficiency in carbon gain under light-limiting conditions, high water use efficiency (WUE) and strong stomatal sensitivity to Dl (P = 0.002; r2 = 0.5). Panicum repens had a high aboveground biomass and attained high light saturated photosynthetic rates (Asat, 47 μmol m−2 s−1), stomatal conductance, (gsat, 0.25 mol m−2 s−1) at relatively high WUE. Eragrostis lehmanniana had almost half the biomass of other species, and had similar Asat and gsat but were attained at lower WUE than the other species. This species also showed the weakest stomatal response to Dl (P = 0.19, r2 = 0. 1). The potential ecological significance of the contrasting patterns of biomass allocation and variations in gas exchange parameters among the species are discussed. Description: Some mathematical formulas in the title and abstract may not appear as they are in the original article URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/872 Files in this item: 1
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Murray-Hudson, M.; Mmopelwa, G. (Global Science Books, http://www.globalsciencebooks.info/, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Most work globally on Phragmites spp. has been done in temperate northern hemisphere localities, where winter low temperatures and short day lengths cause a seasonal decrease in growth. In this study, we report above-ground stem length-mass relationships, stem densities and daily growth rates in 3 Phragmites australis reedbeds in the flood-pulsed, subtropical Okavango Delta, with the aim of assessing the economic value of this plant, which is widely used throughout north-western Botswana for cladding house walls and fencing yards. Stem density averaged 77m¯² in 32 plots. Length-mass relationships were best represented by a power function y = 8.05x¹•⁸⁵, where y is the dry mass in grams and x is the length in meters (r²=0.895). The mean daily growth rate was 0.015 m and did not appear to vary systematically with season. The maximum standing crop calculated from stem length was 2.89 kg m¯², and occurred in May 2005. Annual above-ground production was conservatively estimated at 20-30 t ha¯¹. Assuming that harvesting takes place not more than once annually, reed beds in the Okavango Delta are worth ~US$ 45,000 ha¯¹ at market. This land use value is over 90 times that of flood recession agriculture in the same area. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/918 Files in this item: 1
Murray-Hudson_AJPSB_2011.pdf (1.180Mb) -
Keter, F.K.; Ojwach, S.O.; Oyetunji, O.A.; Guzei, I.A.; Darkwa, J. (Elsevier Science Ltd, www.elsevier.com/locate/ica, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: A series of pyrazolyl palladium(II), platinum(II) and gold(III) complexes, [PdCl2(3,5-R2bpza)] {R = H (1), R = Me (2), bpza = bis-pyrazolyl acetic acid}, [PtCl2(3,5-R2bpza)] {R = H (3a), R = Me (4)}, [AuCl2(3,5- R2bpza)]Cl {R = H (5a), R = Me (6a)} and [PdCl2(3,5-R2bpzate)] {R = Me (7)} have been synthesised and structurally characterised. Single crystal X-ray crystallography showed that the pyrazolyl ligands exhibit N^N-coordination with the metals. Anticancer activities of six complexes 1–6a were investigated against CHO cells and were found to have low activities. Substitution reactions of selected complexes 1, 2, 3a and 5a with L-cysteine show that the low anticancer activities compounds and that the rate of substitution with sulfur-containing compounds is not the cause of the low anticancer activities. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1032 Files in this item: 1
Keter_ICA_2009.pdf (1.240Mb) -
Jain, P.K.; Lungu, E.M.; Prakash, J. (Elsevier Science Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/renene, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: The Republic of Botswana is one of the sunniest countries in Southern Africa. It has very little cloud cover, insufficient rainfall, very low humidity, and very low wind speed throughout the year for most parts of the country. The daily extremum temperatures appear to be very much related to solar irradiation which in turn depends on sunshine duration. In Botswana, solar irradiation on a horizontal surface is measured only at Sebele, but sunshine duration and extremum temperatures are measured at several locations throughout the country. This paper presents bivariate models that relate solar irradiation to sunshine duration, and solar irradiation to extremum temperatures for Sebele, Botswana. Autocorrelation analysis revealed that the solar irradiation series is stationary for d=2 and D=0, sunshine duration series is stationary for d=0 and D=0, while the extremum temperatures series are stationary for either d=0 and D=N where N=1, 2, . . . or d=1 and D=1. It is found that there is a lag of three months between the peaks of the differenced series of fractional sunshine duration and fractional solar irradiation. On the other hand it is found that there is at most a lag of one month between the peaks of the differenced series of maximum temperature and solar irradiation, and that there is no lag between the peaks of the differenced series of minimum temperature and solar irradiation. Analysis of the noise component revealed that the bivariate processes under consideration behaved either as a purely seasonal MA processes of order (0,1,1) or as ARIMA processes of order (0, 1, 1)x (0, 1, 1)12 or as a purely nonseasonal, autoregressive process of order 2. We claim that the relationships found for Sebele can be applied to estimate solar irradiation at other locations with climatic conditions similar to Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/177 Files in this item: 2
jain_RE_2003.pdf (1.288Mb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Moswela, B (Kamla-Raj Enterprises; http://www.krepublishers.com/, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examined and discussed the nature of problems boarding schools in Botswana experience. The focus was on the boys' side of boarding. The paper argued that if the recreational facilities in boarding schools were not provided in sufficient quantities, students would seek other means which are not necessarily approved by school rules to keep themselves from boredom. Equally contributing to students' behaviour problem in boarding institutions is the multicultural composition of boarding students and the general poor calibre of boarding staff that have a duty of care to the students under their stewardship. The poor conditions at boarding schools and lack of close supervision, the paper concludes, encourage students to misbehave. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/148 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)Moswela_JSS_2006.pdf (676.3Kb) -
Phibion, O. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, March NaN, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper is aimed at discussing the information contained in Borankana (Phathisi), traditional music practiced by the Bakwena in the Kweneng District of Botswana. The paper was conceived through the collaborations between ethnomusicology classes and their subjects/respondentsin an effort to better understand Borankana traditional music performance, and its daily uses today. This paper addresses not only the traditional music, but also the traditional learning and transmission of the music. Data was gathered by author and students through kgotla (tribal administration) visits, oral interviews with the informants, as well as internet search and other secondary printed information repositories such as books and journals. Oral interviews were recorded using an audiotape for future referencing and photographs were taken of the practical music performances. It was evident in the interviews that for the Bakwena of Botswana, Borankana music was traditionally used for entertainment by both young and old people. However, it was also evident that dancing activities were largely dominated by men and boys while women sang, clapped hands and ululated. Historically, Borankana was performed during tribal activities only. Now it mainly used by men in day-to-day activities for entertainment with women accompanying through singing, hand clapping and ululating. Changes in costumes and the materials used to make instruments over time is also discussed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1064 Files in this item: 1
Phibion_IJSRE_2012.pdf (619.0Kb) -
Motlaleng, G.R. (Botswana Society, http://www.botsoc.org.bw, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper aims to show trends and variations in the Botswana Pula exchange rate before and after the introduction of the crawling-peg exchange rate system. The survey indicates that previous devaluations not accompanied by the crawling-peg exchange rate system were short-lived. It is shown that since the adoption of the crawling-peg exchange rate system the Pula has been depreciating. Additionally, the variance and the standard deviation revealed that variations in the nominal bilateral Pula exchange rates have been minimal since the adoption of the crawling-peg exchange rate system. To corroborate the foregoing, both the variance and the standard deviation are computed for the nominal and real effective exchange rate of the pula against major currencies using quarterly data. The findings also suggest that the variations have been minimal after the crawling peg. This is shown by small variance and the standard deviation of both the nominal and real effective exchange rates. This implies stability in the Pula exchange rate and positive results of the crawling-peg exchange rate policy regime. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1008 Files in this item: 1
Motlaleng_BNR_2009.pdf (4.632Mb) -
Siphambe, H.K. (Taylor & Francis (Routledge), www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com/, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Regional integration is a necessity for sustainable development and the generation of dynamic growth amongst SADC countries. For real integration to be achieved, there is a need for deep integration, which allows countries to surrender part of their sovereignty to a supranational power that will be responsible for bringing in uniformity amonst member nations in terms of policies and action. Countries in the region, even those like Botswana that have done well economically, share problems of poverty, high unemployment and disparuty in income distribution. Botswana, however, has some lessons to offer to the region, coming mainly from its prudent management of the economy, democracy and peace. As regional integration may lead to underinvestment in skills development if not properly coordinated, countries need to pursue employment creation more vigorously. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/885 Files in this item: 1
Siphambe_DSA_2004.pdf (701.0Kb) -
Mogalakwe, M. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: About a decade ago, the left learning Review of African Political Economy (ROAPE) published an article by Hoogvelt et al 1992)entitled: ‘The World Bank and Africa: A Case of Mistaken Identity.’ The article criticized the World Bank’s simplistic tendency to lump together African countries as if Africa is one entity. In their critique of the World Bank’s simplistic methodology, the authors cite several statements from the bank’s reports that posit, inter alia, that Africa is facing deepening crisis because of weak economic growth, low levels of manufacturing, poor export performance, declining industrial output, climbing debt, falling per capita incomes, low levels of investments and savings, weak institutional capacity and deteriorating social indicators, all compounded by accelerating population growth. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/784 Files in this item: 1
Mogalakwe_PBJAS_2003.pdf (1.064Mb) -
Ketlogetswe, C.; Mothudi, T.H. (www.elsevier.com/locate/resconrec, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Recycling operations have become one of the primary strategies forwaste management,worldwide. Especially, recycling operations are viewed as among the most effective techniques for reducing the amount of municipal solid waste disposed at landfill sites. Botswana’s environmental policy on recycling stipulates, among others, that all waste management authorities should provide information on the classification and quantities of controlledwaste targeted for recycling. This paper, therefore, examines the extent to which recycling operations in Botswana have either been conducted in compliance with or in violation of some major environmental requirements as enunciated on statutory guidelines. Compatibility between environmental policies on recycling and actual practice is evaluated focusing on two companies (Dumatau trading and Botswana Tissue) involved in recycling operation. Data from the two companies is complemented by one collected from the Gaborone landfill site. Finally, this study discusses on the role played by various stakeholders in policy formulation and implementation with particular emphasis being placed on a select number of non-governmental organisations (NGO). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/378 Files in this item: 1
Ketlogetswe2005EnvPolicy.pdf (750.2Kb) -
Maundeni, T. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, www.thuto.org/pula/html/, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Even though HIV/AIDS affects people of all gender and age, most HIV research in Botswana has mainly focused on either girls or women, neglecying the boy child. This paper discusses the reasons for this neglect, explores the various factors that predispose the boy child to HIV infection and concludes by outlining strategies for the wayforward. The paper points out the need for more reliable data on the number of boys infected with HIV and calls for intensive HIV education with special emphasis on skills and social norms. It argues that the key challenges in addressing the needs of boys at risk of HIV infection lay in convincing the public that children have to be tested for HIV and, deconstructing traditional concepts of masculinity in ways that fit new realities. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/879 Files in this item: 1
Maundeni_PBJAS_2004.pdf (796.6Kb)