Browsing by Title
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Omisore, N.O.A.; Adewunmi, C.O.; Iwalewa, E.O.; Ngadjui, B.T.; Adenowo, T.K.; Abegaz, B.M.; Ojewole, J.A.; Watchueng, J. (Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research. http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=0100-879X&script=sci_serial, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Dorstenia barteri and D. convexa extracts and some isolated components of the former were investigated for effectiveness against Trichomonas gallinarum and compared with quercetin and quercitrin. The antioxidant activity of the extracts/compounds was also determined. The minimum lethal concentrations (MLCs) for the extract of D. barteri leaves and twigs at 24 h were found to be 15.625 and 15.625 μg/ml, respectively. However, the MLCs of the leaf and twig extract of D. convexa were 125 and 437.5 μg/ml, respectively. The prenylated and geranylated chalcones were as active as the prenylated flavones, 6- prenylapigenin and the diprenylated derivative 6,8-diprenyleridictyol. The order of the antitrichomonal activity of the compounds at 24 h was: quercetin (0.121 μg/ml) > quercitrin (0.244 μg/ml) ≥ bartericin B (0.244 μg/ml) > bartericin A (0.73 μg/ml) > stigmasterol (0.98 μg/ml) > 6,8-diprenyleridictyol = isobavachalcone = dorsmanin F (31.25 μg/ ml). D. barteri extracts, quercitrin, and bartericin A, and the prenylated flavonoids had potent antioxidant properties. The twig extract of D. barteri was more potent than the leaf extract. Moderate (EC50 >50 μg/ ml) and high (EC50 <50 μg/ml) antioxidant activities were detected in the leaf and twig extracts of D. barteri and the prenylated flavonoids. Prenylated flavonoids and the isolated compounds with antioxidant properties described here may account for the anti-inflammatory action of these extracts. The antitrichomonal and antioxidant activities shown by the extracts and compounds in this study are consistent with the ethnomedicinal and local use of the Dorstenia species studied. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/284 Files in this item: 1
Antitrichomonal and antioxidant.pdf (2.508Mb) -
Loukanov, I.A.; Uziak, J. (Akademiai Kiado, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The effect of enamel-coating on the draught performance of an animal-drawn mouldboard plough was studied. A single furrow swing mouldboard plough-Maun Series, and the same type enamel-coated plough both ox-drawn, are compared under similar working conditions such as soil moisture content, depth and width of cut and approximately constant speed of ploughing. It was found that the enamel-coating reduces both the plough draught and the specific draught. The percentage reduction of the plough draught for enamel-coated plough compared to uncoated plough varied from 12.7% at 25% soil moisture content to 18.1% at 32% soil moisture content (dry basis). It was also found that the percentage reduction of the specific draught achieved with the enamel-coated plough in comparison with the uncoated plough varied from 20.3% at 32% soil moisture content to 25.7% at 25% soil moisture content (dry basis). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/632 Files in this item: 1
Loukanov_PAES_2007.pdf (692.2Kb) -
Yanev, K.M. (University of Botswana, www.ub.bw, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: By the turn of the century, Botswana will be 34 years old as an independent nation. Reflecting on the past, is a background of tremendous achievements from a socio-economic development perspective. The achievements could not have been possible if it was not for the contribution of the construction industry. The construction industry’s (CI) contribution to socio-economic development may be viewed from many areas, among them, creating employment, wealth and demand for manufactured goods, infrastructure and producing factors of production (e.g. office space, factory shells, roads, etc) for other sectors. However, the relationship between the general economy and the CI has not been established explicitly despite numerous studies. Using Botswana’s CI and the economy, some of the paradigms proposed in previous studies revisited. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1063 Files in this item: 1
Yanev_BJT_2007.pdf (928.5Kb) -
Ramberg, L.; Lindholm, M.; Hessen, D.O.; Murray-Hudson, M.; Bonyongo, C.; Heinl, M.; Masamba, W.; Vanderpost, C.; Wolski, P. (Springer, http://www.springer.com, July 19, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The frequency of fires in the Okavango Delta seasonal floodplains peaked at an intermediate frequency of flooding. Floodplains are commonly burnt every 3–5 years. This study showed fundamental changes in ecosystem properties due to burning. A burnt seasonal floodplain in the aquatic phase had oxygen levels well above saturation, 100–200%, while the levels in the un-burnt control site were below saturation and, at night, could decline to 10–40% saturation. The total phosphorous and total nitrogen concentrations were similar on both floodplains but considerably enriched relative to inflowing water, due to nutrient release from the flooded soil-sediment and animal droppings. Zooplankton biomass was very high in both systems although the abundance of fish fry was ten times higher on the un-burnt floodplain. In a low flood year the un-burnt floodplain water had high nutrient levels, primary production, methane emission, and subsequent uptake of methane in biota, as well as a high zooplankton biomass. The very high flood the following year showed the opposite with much lower production at all levels owing primarily to greater dilution of nutrients. The abundance of fish, however, was much higher during the high flood year. Macrophytes and litter provide direct shelter for fish fry but also promote low oxygen levels when decaying. Large flooded areas result in high fish production by removing obstacles related to congestion. This interplay between hydroperiod and fire may be crucial for the maintenance of high biological productivity both in the aquatic and terrestrial phases in a very nutrient poor wetland landscape. Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimal management. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/838 Files in this item: 1
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Mnjama, N. (Library Management; Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.; www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister; www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This article seeks to answer one basic question: “Are archival institutions in the Eastern and Southern African region developing, stagnating or receding backwards?” Design/methodology/approach – This article reviews the state of archives and records management in the Eastern and Southern African region. It argues that many archival services in the region have gone through a period of retardation and are in dire need of revitalization. Findings – The article indicates that the challenges of managing electronic records are enormous and that unless measures are taken the region stands to lose much of its valuable historical and cultural heritage. Originality/value – The article suggests various ways of revitalizing archival services in the Eastern and Southern African region. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/57 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mnjama_archival_landscape.pdf (4.734Mb) -
Mnjama, N. (Emerald Group Publishing Limited; www.emeraldinsight.com/0956-5698.htm, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: The Kenya National Archives and Documentation Services is seen as a success story by many other African archival institutions. The Department has made major strides in developing records services, opening five regional centres and partially automating most of its finding aids. However, as this article indicates, major aspects of managing public sector records remain chaotic and regulations governing the management and disposal of public records are flouted by many Civil Servants. The article concludes by suggesting that the time has now come for the National Archives to focus on the management of the entire life cycle of records rather than managing only the preservation stage. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/108 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mnjama_kenya_2003.pdf (1.793Mb) -
Ntseane, D.; Maundeni, T. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, www.thuto.org/pula/html/, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Based on the premise that children in the 21st century face numerous problems that affect their educational, social, psychological, and physical well being, this article argues that social workers are needed in Botswana schools to help students deal with the psychosocial problems that hinder effective learning. Such problems include truancy and school drop-outs, divorce, H1V/A1DS, poverty, child abuse, substance abuse, low-selfesteem, teenage pregnancy, sexual harassment and lack of support services. Children cope differently with psychosocial challenges. Some are resilient and can thrive in the face of adversity; others cannot. The latter can benefit greatly from planned interventions by social workers. This article aims to spark debate and further research among stakeholders involved in issues of social work and education. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/880 Files in this item: 1
Ntseane_PBJAS_2004.pdf (601.9Kb) -
Moswela, E.; Mukhopadhyay, S. (DS, http://www.tandfonline.com/, May NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Students with disabilities are under-represented in higher education (HE) institutions in Botswana. The number of students with disabilities is on the rise but parity has not been attained. The struggle of students with disabilities to access and participate in HE remains an issue of great concern for disability activists and researches. This paper sought to document the experiences of university students with disabilities took part in the study. Data were gathered through semi-structured focus group interviews. Later on these data were triangulated with an analysis. Six themes emerged, namely: attitudinal barriers; resource barriers; structural barriers; policy related issues; lack of support mechanisms; and lack of skills and knowledge. Implications of the findings to institutions of higher learning are discussed in order to promote wider participation for students with disabilities in HE in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1072 Files in this item: 1
Moswela_DS_2011.pdf (3.053Mb) -
Alimi, M.M.; Bagwasi, M.M. (Sage Publications http://www.sagepublications.com, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Using samples from local newspapers, letters and public speeches, this article argues that English assimilates to and reflects the Botswana culture through borrowing and semantic modification. It discusses those terminologies and expressions that depict the cultural values of Batswana in the usage of English in Botswana. Two types of borrowed items are discussed: those depicting old traditional practices that cannot be translated into English (kgosi and mophato) and those reflecting recent socio-political experiences in Botswana including the HIV/AIDS threat (tebelopele and omang). The people’s culture is also expressed by items such as brigade and the lands that have been semantically modified. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/728 Files in this item: 1
Alimi_JAAS_2009.pdf (1.466Mb) -
Wolski, P.; Masaka, T.; Raditsebe, L.; Murry-Hudson, M. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Seasonal changes in inundation area and peak flood occurrence in the Okavango Delta are analysed using a multiple regression technique. The multiple regression models developed constitute useful and simple tools for predicting inundation area and peak flood occurrence in the Okavango Delta. The regression model for monthly inundation area achieves a coefficient of determination of 0.80 and standard error of 538 km². Explanatory variables in the model are various expressions of long-term and short-term antecedent rainfall and inflow conditions. The model for flood peak occurrence can be used for accurate predictions only in the Jao-Boro distributary, for which it achieves a coefficient of determination of 0.85 and standard error of 15 days, with distance to Delta inlet and an expression of flood size as explanatory variables. Propagation of the flood in the two other analysed distributaries, Maunachira-Khwai and Mboroga-Santantadibe, is complex and its quantitative description appears to be beyond the capacity of a simple regression approach. Additionally, the analyses presented provide insight into the role of storage in the dynamics of flood in the system: hydrological inputs are accommodated in the large system storage, and hydrological response is strongly dependent on the factors affecting (slow!) release from that storage. Based on the analyses, the classic model of kinematic flood wave propagation has been adapted accordingly. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/954 Files in this item: 1
Wolski 2005 Aspects of sea.pdf (2.080Mb) -
Pansiri, J.; Temtime, Z.T. (Emerald Publishing Group Ltd, www.emeraldinsight.com/jmd.htm, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The paper aims to identify perceived critical managerial factors (PCMFs) affecting the performance of SMEs, show the direction and extent of relationship between PCMFs and firm characteristics, and forward some research and policy implications. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/180 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_JMD_2008.pdf (1.957Mb) -
Chilisa, B. (Research and Development Unit, University of Botswana. http://www.thuto.org, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: The article reports findings on the impact of HIV/AIDS on the University of Botswana. Data from multiple sources was used to ascertain prevalence rates, morbidity and mortality among students and staff. Prevalence rates andfuture projections on morbidity could not be ascertained for both students and staff because of the absence of reliable data. The main conclusion drawn is that mortality rates for industrial and junior support staff are almost as high as that of the national adult population (15-49 years). Mortality rates for students and academic staff are however much lower than that projected for equivalent age groups in the national population. The study recommends the setting up of a comprehensive management information system supported by action-oriented research to inform institutional planning and to help comprehend how the epidemic will affect the university URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/604 Files in this item: 1
Chilisa_PULA_2001.pdf (1.076Mb) -
Ongori, H.; Agolla, J.E. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBM, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This research finding is based on the responses obtained from the undergraduate students at a higher learning institution (University) in Botswana. This paper investigated the stressors, symptoms and effects that are likely to be experienced by the undergraduate students in higher institutions (Universities). Stressors related to time, academic pressure, and academic environments were explored. A total of 320 students participated in this study. Data was collected through selfadministered questionnaires that were randomly distributed to the students during lecture time. Data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics and Tables. The open ended question was thematically analysed and the result presented in Table 5. It was found out that, academic workload, inadequate resources, low motivation, poor performance in academic, continuous poor performance in academic, overcrowded lecture halls, and uncertainty of getting job after graduating from the university lead to stress among students. It is hoped that, these findings will help the individual students, lecturers, career and counselling centres, and the university administrators to put in place mechanisms that mitigate the effects of stress at the University. In addition, the finding will also spur a scholarly debate on academic stress among students in higher institutions. We therefore suggest that, other researchers should consider using triangulation method. The limitation of our study was the sample size and lack of geographical coverage since our study only concentrated on one university. Therefore, the findings of this study cannot be generalised and as such the researchers suggest replication of this study using larger samples from other parts of the world to validate our findings. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/837 Files in this item: 1
Ongori_ERR4_2009.pdf (1.161Mb) -
Alemaw, B.F.; Shemang, E.M.; Chaoka, T.R. (Elsevier Science Ltd, http://www.elsevier.com/locate/pce, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Botswana is a semi-arid country with limited recharge to groundwater resources. Groundwater however is a major source of water for domestic, industrial and agricultural uses. There is therefore the need to ensure that the groundwater resources are of drinking quality, by protecting them against pollution sources such as landfills, pit latrines, industries, agricultural pesticides and waste. In this study a preliminary assessment of vulnerability of groundwater to pollution in Kanye well field in SE Botswana is undertaken. In order to assess the vulnerability of this aquifer to pollution, soils types, mapped geology and information from 82 boreholes were input into a GIS system to classify pollution vulnerability using Theissen polygons of the study area. Results indicate that 58% of the well field area is highly or very highly vulnerable to pollution, 34% is moderately vulnerable to pollution, and only 9% has low vulnerability. Estimates of the aquifer media characteristics in areas with only a few observations or few geological logs were considered to have higher uncertainty than areas with many observations. However, the use of the polynomial estimator enabled consideration of simple uncertainty for the aquifer media characteristics and pollution vulnerability modelling process. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/888 Files in this item: 1
Alemaw_PCE_2004.pdf (375.0Kb) -
Oladiran, M.T.; Uziak, J. (http://www.ais.up.ac.za/digi/docs/oladiran_paper.pdf, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: During the first semester of 2007/2008 academic session at the University of Botswana (UB), some mechanical engineering courses were delivered using a blended method i.e. online resource (eLearning) and traditional face to face approach. This paper presents results of a study to analyse students’ perception of the eLearning technology, namely WebCT/Blackboard. An electronic questionnaire was administered to a cohort of third year mechanical engineering students for the study. The questionnaire consisted of 92 items that covered such areas as facilities, resources, access, instruction and quality issues. An open ended section enabled students comment on other issues related to the course delivery. The results show that students were very receptive of ICT based course delivery. The paper discusses the challenges of using eLearning and proffers recommendations to ensure that maximum benefit is derived from technological investment and staff effort. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/459 Files in this item: 1
Oladiran_AICT_2009.pdf (548.4Kb) -
Mangope, B.; Kuyini, A.B.; Major, T. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, June NaN, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This study examines the role and functions of the Botswana Assessment Centre in diagnosing the learning needs of primary school students. It also examines the issues and challenges faced by learners with special needs who are not assessed for placement and/or instructional modification in regular primary schools. This study endeavours to articulate the issues around this lack of assessment and its implications for the learners and teachers of such learners. Forty-nine teachers from primary schools in Gaborone and surroundings responded to a thirteen-item questionnaire. Data from this questionnaire was analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests and ANOVA. The results show that the Botswana Assessment Centre (Central Resource Centre (CRC) is unable to assess all students who require assessment and that there is a long wait time for assessments. The results also revealed that although the majority of schools had School Intervention Teams (SIT) who were responsible for referring students to assessment, the role of teams was unclear in some schools. This study recommends that government address the critical shortage of staff facing the Centre and pay more attention to the composition and functioning of the SITs. Finally, the Ministry of Education should explore other ways of ensuring that assessment for placement and modification of instruction can be efficiently and effectively carried out across Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1079 Files in this item: 1
Mangope_IJSRE_2012.pdf (1.630Mb) -
Muzila, M.; Setshogo, M.P.; Moseki, B.; Morapedi, R. (Global Science Books, http://www.globalsciencebooks.info/, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The genus Prosopis comprises 44 species. Extensive introgression and hybridization is suspected in the genus, which makes identification of the species very difficult. Accurate identification of the species is crucial in controlling invasive species, within this genus. That is so because the method of control is species specific. The objective of the study was to determine the taxonomic structure of Prosopis species in Southern Botswana. A systematic qualitative approach was used to sample the species such that specimen selection was based on observable morphological discontinuities. The morphological characters were subjected to multivariate analysis since the analysis has been reported to be good at identifying hybrids. The multivariate analysis included anova, cluster analysis, factor analysis and canonical correlation. The study revealed four pure lines of Prosopis and nine hybrid species. The pure lines are Prosopis chilensis, P. juliflora, P. velutina and P glandulosa and they all belong to one section, ALGAROBIA. The observed hybrids were P. chilensis x P. glandulosa, P. glandulosa x P. chilensis, P. juliflora x P. glandulosa, P. chilensis x P. juliflora, Acacia karroo x P. juliflora, P. glandulosa x P. pallid, P. juliflora x P. pallid, P. chilensis x P. juliflora x P. glandulosa and P. chilensis x P. pallida. It was therefore concluded that the Prosopis species in Southern Botswana have formed a hybrid swam. And for the hybrids P. chilensis x P. glandulosa and P. glandulosa x P. chilensis it was concluded that gene flow between P. chilensis and P. glandulosa is bidirectional. For the hybrid P. juliflora x P. glandulosa it was concluded that gene flow was from P. juliflora to P. glandulosa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/921 Files in this item: 1
Muzila_AJPSB_2011.pdf (252.4Kb) -
Moleele, N.; Ringrose, S.; Arnberg, W.; Lunden, B.; Vanderpost, C. (Taylor and Francis http://www.clas.ufl.edu/lueci/southworth/RS-class-advanced/Discussion-readings/Moleele%20et%20al%202001%20Assessment%20of%20veg%20indexes%20i.pdf, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: Considerable signi® cance is placed on the mapping and monitoring of degraded areas in semi-arid regions of the world, including Botswana. Degraded areas include those suVering from bush encroachment, believed to result from heavy cattle grazing over a number of years. However, certain bush encroachment species have been found to be relatively nutrient-rich.The present work considers the extent to which a series of quanti® ed layers throughmainly bush encroachment canopies can be identi® ed using conventional and newly derived vegetation indexes and transforms based on Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery. Field work involved the strati® cation of green biomass into ® rstly the herbaceous cover layer; secondly the 0.3± 1.5m browse layer; then the 1.5± 2.5m browse layer; and ® nally the >2.5m browse layer. Biomass measurements from these layers were statistically associated with conventional vegetation indexes and transforms such as the NormalizedDiVerenceVegetation Index (NDVI), brightness and greenness values, and relatively newly derived darkening indexes involving the mid-infrared bands. When green biomass and transformed pixel data were averaged per classi® ed vegetation unit, weak negative correlations emerged between grass biomass and the transformed pixel data and no signi® cant correlations developed with the woody biomass (browse) layers. However, when point data were used in the analyses, results showed that most indexes and the brightness transform were signi® cantly correlated with the lower browse layer. Only the darkening indexes and brightness function were sensitive to the browse layers individually and the browse plus grass layers. This work shows the limitations of conventional indexes such as the NDVI in terms of browse and herbaceous layer assessment. New indexes for forage assessment based on relationships between the mid-infrared bands, such as those found in the new MODIS TERRA platform, are urgently required for semi-arid areas. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/410 Files in this item: 1
Moleele_IJRS_2001.pdf (903.7Kb) -
Balogi, K.T.O. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Since the 1980s, some major villages in Botswana have experienced an increase in deviance and crime among youth. This deviance is often manifested in an escalation of criminal gangs that are mostly male in composition. The intense search for the causes of this problem by traditional and modern custodians of law often blame parents' inability to control and guide their children. This paper explores some of the difficulties of regarding the family as either the cause or the potential solution to the problem of youth deviance and crime. Blaming families fails to take into account the effects of societal changes that undermine the effectiveness of the family as an agent of social control. Drawing on existing literature, this paper concludes that it is no longer useful to assume the centrality of the family in combating youth crime. Poverty, unemployment, changes in marriage patterns and divorce must also be taken into account, as all of these have serious implications on the structure and agency of the family. This calls for a baseline study on the family to put the fundamental issues of its structure and agency into proper socio-economic and cultural perspective. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/895 Files in this item: 1
Balogi_PBJAS_2004.pdf (666.2Kb) -
Inambao, F.L.; Mosweu, M. (University of Botswana, NaN, 1999)[more][less]
Abstract: It is widely recognised that air pollution caused by the global rapid increase of automobile traffic is a threat to the environment. With regard to automobiles there are three general areas of concern: urban pollution, especially in highly populated cities with high density of private transport, depletion of the ozone layer and pollution resulting in disturbance of natural environment. Several methods of effective control of automobile emsissions to meet current and future environmental demands are analyzed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/626 Files in this item: 1
Inambao_BJT_1999.pdf (951.9Kb)