The effect of pula devaluation on non-mining export sector in Botswana

This dissertation investigates the effects of exchange rate devaluation on non-mining exports in Botswana over the period 1984-2012 and the exchange rate pass-through effect to consumer prices. The economy of Botswana is significantly dependent on mineral exports, particularly the diamond. The dominance and over-reliance on diamond exports in the economy has led to low levels of economic diversification. Bank of Botswana has over the years devalued the pula, in attempt to stimulate growth of non-mining export industries and to enhance non-mining export competitiveness. However, raising export competitiveness this way may be inflationary and have no significant effect on non-mining exports. The study investigates the existence of cointegration between real effective exchange rate and the non-mining exports using the Johansen method of cointegration. The vector error correction model is used, to examine the short-run dynamics of the model. The results suggest that a positive long-run relationship exists between real effective exchange rate and Botswana’s non-mining exports. The results of the exchange rate pass-through suggest that nominal exchange rate has a short term relationship with consumer prices in Botswana. However this relationship does not hold over the long run

Characterization of Phase and Emulsion Behavior, Surfactant Retention, and Oil Recovery for Novel Alcohol Ethoxycarboxylate Surfactants

This semi-annual technical progress report describes work performed at Clark Atlanta University under DOE Grant No. DE-FG26-97FT97278 during the period October 01, 1997 to April 01, 1998 which covers the first six months of the project. During this reporting period, laboratory space to set up the surfactant characterization measurement system in the Research Science Center was made available. A Ph.D. student in Chemistry was identified and is supported as a Graduate Research Assistant in this project. Her contribution towards this project will form her Ph.D. thesis. The test matrix to perform salinity and temperature scans was established. Supply requests to obtain refined hydrocarbon, surfactant, and crude were processed and supplies obtained. A temperature bath with a control unit to perform temperature scans was obtained on loan from Federal Energy Technology Center, Morgantown, WV. The setting up of the temperature control unit, and associated chiller with water circulation lines is in progress. Tests were conducted on several hybrid surfactants to identify the best surfactants for future experimental work that yield almost equal volumes of top, middle, and bottom phases when mixed with oil and water. The student reviewed the current literature in the subject area, and modeling efforts that were established in previous studies to predict electrical conductivities and inversion phenomena. These activities resulted in one published conference paper, and one student poster paper during this reporting period

Acute effects of static and dynamic stretching on jump performance after 15 min of reconditioning shooting phase in basketball players

2016-09-15. Effects of long term stimulation of textured insoles on postural control in health elderly. In JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS - ISSN:0022-4707 Annino, G; Palazzo, F; Alwardat, M; Manzi, V; Lebone, P; Tancredi, V; Sinibaldi Salimei, P; Caronti... Resp. del dato : GIUSEPPE ANNINO Identificativo : hdl:2108/164271 01 - Articolo su rivista validato errore 10/11/2016 12:37 Sito docente: Success

Trachoma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Results of 46 Baseline Prevalence Surveys Conducted with the Global Trachoma Mapping Project.

PURPOSE: Trachoma was suspected to be endemic in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We aimed to estimate prevalences of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF), trichiasis, and water and sanitation (WASH) indicators in suspected-endemic Health Zones. METHODS: A population-based prevalence survey was undertaken in each of 46 Health Zones across nine provinces of DRC, using Global Trachoma Mapping Project methods. A two-stage cluster random sampling design was used in each Health Zone, whereby 25 villages (clusters) and 30 households per cluster were sampled. Consenting eligible participants (children aged 1-9 years and adults aged ≥15 years) were examined for trachoma by GTMP-certified graders; households were assessed for access to WASH. RESULTS: A total of 32,758 households were surveyed, and 141,853 participants (98.2% of those enumerated) were examined for trachoma. Health Zone-level TF prevalence in 1-9-year-olds ranged from 1.9-41.6%. Among people aged ≥15 years, trichiasis prevalences ranged from 0.02-5.1% (95% CI 3.3-6.8). TF prevalence in 1-9-year-olds was ≥5% in 30 Health Zones, while trichiasis prevalence was ≥0.2% in 37 Health Zones. CONCLUSION: Trachoma is a public health problem in 39 of 46 Health Zones surveyed. To meet elimination targets, 37 Health Zones require expanded trichiasis surgery services while 30 health zones require antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement interventions. Survey data suggest that trachoma is widespread: further surveys are warranted

Telecommunications law and regulation in Lesotho - A critical analysis

In 2000, the Lesotho telecommunications sector underwent a fundamental change in structure, from that of monopoly to one of competition. A new regulatory regime was introduced and a regulatory agency, the Lesotho Telecommunications Authority was established to promote telecommunications development and to safeguard competition. The 2000 legal framework supports competition but fails to adequately minimise the regulatory risk. The new regime also failed to facilitate improved or satisfactory sector performance. The Lesotho regulatory framework addresses most internationally recognised telecommunications regulatory issues, but most areas needs improvement if sector performance and investor perception is to be enhanced. Firstly, the Government must give the regulatory Authority functional independence. Secondly, the Authority must revisit various policy areas. For instance universal access policy and programmes that bring affordable services to the rural and urban populations alike must be developed and implemented; complimentary policies that encourage the use of the services and investment in the sector, like investment, consumer protection and competition policies must be adopted; alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, especially for disputes between the regulator and service providers must be introduced and preferred in the sector. The challenge is to bring telecommunication services to all communities including low-income families and communities in rural and mountainous areas. Thus whatever policies are adopted, universal access and improved sector performance should be a guiding goal which must be pursued rigorously

The dependence of the continuous phase mass transfer coefficients on molecular diffusivity for liquid-liquid extraction in agitated vessels

Ph.D.A.H. Peter Skellan

Effects of surface active agents on minimum impeller speeds for liquid-liquid dispersion in baffled vessels

M.S

Lab Report

student number 2304616

Establishing idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) as a precursor to work role performance

The study determines the relationship between i-deals and work role performance amongst employees across industries in the South African context. The study follows a quantitative approach, and a cross-sectional design was adopted. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was chosen. An online questionnaire was used. A total of 231 employees from various industries in Johannesburg, South Africa, were included in the sample. Data were collected using pre-established instruments, and SPSS was used to analyse data. Reliability analysis was used to determine the psychometric qualities of the instruments. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis were chosen to examine the data against the research objectives. The study’s findings confirmed a relationship between i-deals and work role performance. Task and work responsibility, schedule flexibility and career development predicted work role performance. The findings assist researchers and practitioners in dealing with and understanding how these customised work arrangements affect individual work role performance. Expanding knowledge of i?deals will help employees and employers improve their dynamic and organisational needs more effectively. HR practitioners will also use the concept of i-deals as a strategic tool to retain talented employees. The study adds to the literature on i-deals and their relationship to work role performance in a South African context. There are limited studies in South Africa regarding our knowledge of i-deals. The present study’s results contribute to the literature on i-deals and their relationship with work role performance within a South African context