Electronic Waste and Sustainability: Reflections on a Rising Global Challenge

Globalization, technological advancements, advent of the internet, near-universal availability of mobile phones and changing consumer preferences have led to a boom in the electrical and electronics industry. Such products are now available in almost all countries of the world. The increased availability and consumption of electronic products have also led to rapid rise in the volumes of electronic waste (e-waste) globally. Markets have traditionally not paid sufficient attention to post-consumption behavior for electronic products and hence safe disposal and management of e-waste has always remained a critical issue. There are significant sustainability issues related with e-waste at local as well as at global levels which call for increased attention of governments, businesses, and societies. This paper reflects on the sustainability aspects of e-waste and resulting global challenges. It also reviews the sustainability related issues due to e-waste from different approaches and offers discussion on the relevant policy implications

Pantalar arthrodesis in a case of chronic subluxated tibiotalar and subtalar joint with secondary arthritis: a case report

Post-traumatic arthritis is the most common cause of ankle arthritis. Pantalar arthrodesis (PA) is a salvage operation that can be used to create a stable and functional plantigrade foot for those who have a painful ankle joint with significant bony destruction and/or malalignment of ankle and hindfoot producing deformities and instabilities not amenable to bracing, orthotic devices or shoes. It is commonly performed as a double staged procedure. We present a case of 50 years old male with chronic subluxated tibiotalar and subtalar joint with secondary arthritis who was operated with a single staged pantalar arthrodesis with a follow up of 6 months. A single staged Pantalar arthrodesis combining both transfibular approach for ankle and olliers approach for triple arthrodesis is an effective surgical treatment option in a case of chronic subluxated tibiotalar and subtalar joint with secondary arthritis

Nutritional, microbial and sensory quality evaluation of fermented Setipinnaphasa, Hamilton 1822, (PhassyaShidal), marketed in North-east India

Fermented Setipinnaphasa (Phassya Shidal) is a traditional fish product, popular in the north eastern states of India, because of its typical flavor and aroma. The proximate composition, biochemical, microbiological and sensory qualities of Phassya Shidal available in markets were studied. The results of the analysis showed that the market samples of Phassya Shidal were a good source of protein (27.20%). The pH and moisture content were 6.2 and 37.52%, respectively. Both Phassya Shidal and fresh Setipinnaphasa (raw material) were rich in lysine, leucine, valine, aspartic acid, alanine and glutamic acid. The effect of fermentation on the amino acids content of the sample was not significant except in histidine (P<0.05). An increase in the contents of fatty acids and amino acids composi-tion was observed in the Phassya Shidal during fermentation. Significant variations (P<0.05) in the proportions of some unsaturated fatty acids were noticed between product and fresh fish. The major saturated fatty acids were C16:0 and C18:0. The Oleic acid was the prominent monounsaturated fatty acid. The dominant polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were of the n-3 series. The major PUFA found chiefly in linoleic acid and linolenic acid in both the samples. The physicochemical analysis revealed that the product was of acceptable quality. The bacterial flora of Phaasya Shidal comprised of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp. and Escherichia coli indicating unhygienic handling practices during preparation and storage. Though the product had acceptable sensory quality, strict hygienic measures should be adopted during processing to safeguard the health of the consumers

Benefits and challenges in adopting social media for SMEs: A case from Bangladesh

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges, Benefits, and various determinants which play an important role in adopting social media among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh, based on the (Technology-Organization-Environment) TOE Model. The TOE framework seeks to understand the significant factors influencing the decision to adopt social media in SMEs in Bangladesh. Research methodology: In the study, a random sampling method was used to select a representative sample from the existing active SMEs in different regions of Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire was designed to measure constructs such as relative advantage. Preliminary data were collected from 365 small and medium enterprises through field studies. Then the survey data were analyzed using logistic regression (L.R.) of the independent variables included in the TOE framework Results: The outcomes of the study found that only 5 variables: relative advantage, complexity, consistency, top management's assistance, and innovative management factors significantly influence SMEs' decisions to adopt social media. Limitations: The busy schedules of the respondents are key limitations for the study along with the study area. If the study could explore more districts besides Dhaka city, then the study outcomes would be more extensive. Contribution: The results from this study will help SME foundations, research institutes, and government policymakers to formulate strategies for optimal use of social media in SMEs

Socio-economic Structure & Sustainable Development of Indigenous Society: A Study on the Munda Community

The main aim of this research is to determine how to develop sustainable development for the Munda community based on their current socio-economic structure in view of their current condition The study is mainly quantitative in nature Koira and Dumuria upazilas of Khulna district and Shyamnagar Debhata and Tala upazilas of Satkhira district were selected through convenient sampling techniques for the purpose of collecting primary data because a large part of the Munda community lives in these areas A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 250 respondents from five preselected areas The respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique The data was analyzed in terms of statistical indicators of frequency and percentage The results of the study show that social indicators economic indicators and cultural factors are very weak among the Munda community Among the social indicators Munda women and men have very little interest in following hygiene rules sanitation birth control Economic indicators show income sources and job opportunities The Munda community has been facing many challenges recently Many educated boys and girls in the Munda community spend their days in agony due to a lack of suitable jobs which has a negative impact on everyone in the community Cultural factors show that the Munda community which is plagued by poverty can celebrate its cultural events in a grand manner so that other communities or ethnic groups do not get any idea about their culture This research will be of great help to those who work with the indigenous communities of Bangladesh especially the various ministries of the government NGOs policymakers and government and private research organization

Craniovertebral Junction Koch spine – an unusual presentation treated with a novel approach: case report and review of literature

The retropharyngeal space lies in the posterior pharyngeal wall between the middle and deep layers of the deep cervical fascia. It extends from the base of the skull to the mediastinum and frequently serves as a conduit for spread of disease from the neck into the chest. Spinal tuberculosis is the commonest extra pulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis. Clinical findings of cervical tuberculosis includes neck pain, restricted neck movements, quadriparesis, radicular manifestations, kyphosis, and sensory disturbance. It should be suspected in an adult person who presents with a destructive lesion of the cervical vertebra and retro-pharyngeal mass. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent the serious complications of the disease. We present here a 46 years old female who presented to a tertiary care setup with acute onset dyspnea and quadriplegia with bladder bowel involvement managed with trans oral incision and drainage of retropharyngeal abscess followed by posterior occipitocervical fusion supplemented with Anti Koch Therapy with a good follow up

Preparation, acceptability and quality evaluation of fermented fish product Mowa shidal prepared from the Mola carplet (Amblypharyngodon mola, Hamilton, 1822)

Mowa shidal was prepared from sundried Amblypharyngodon mola by the traditional fermentation process at ambient temperature, maintaining all possible hygienic conditions. Biochemical, microbiological and sensory qualities at the different stages of fermentation of Mowa shidal was monitored. The product was perfectly matured after 120 days of fermentation showing the characteristic shidal smell and a moist and sticky surface. The fermentation process did not show any significant effect (P>0.05) on the proximate composition. The product had a high nutritional quality. The protein and ash content of the sample were recorded to be 31.28-31.70% and 9.95-11.11%, respectively and pH showed 5.8-6.5 in 180 days of fermentation. The physicochemical analysis revealed that the fermented product was of acceptable quality. The TPC of Mowa shidal was 5.86 log cfu/g in the first month of fermentation and it reached 4.82 log cfu/g after 120 days. The counts gradually decreased with the increasing duration of fermentation. Most of the isolate was found to be Staphylococcus aureus. After the second month of fermentation S. aureus reached 54% of total count and might play an important role in the fermentation process. Pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella spp. and E. coli were absent, which indicate good sanitary practice during processing. Thus, the good quality shidal can be produced from A. mola with a high nutritional quality and consumer acceptability

Nutritional, microbial and sensory quality evaluation of fermented Puntius sophore Hamilton, 1822 (Puthi shidal) marketed in North-east India

Biochemical, microbiological and sensory qualities of Puthi shidal from the markets of North-east India were studied. Puthi shidal was found as a good source of protein (38.35%). Its pH and moisture content was found to be 6.1 and 33.44%, respectively. It was rich in lysine (11.8±1.9 g 100g-1 ) among essential amino acids, whereas glutamic acid was the highest (21.4±3.6 g 100g-1 ) in non-essential amino acids group. The major saturated fatty acids were palmitic acid (14.0±1.5 mole %) and stearic acid (17.0±2.3 mole %). The oleic acid (19.1±1.5 mole%) was the prominent monounsaturated fatty acid. The dominant polyunsaturated fatty acids were of the n-6 series. The major polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) found chiefly in linoleic acid (11.0±1.4 mole %) in the sample. The microbial load (log cfu/g) of Puthi Shidal comprised of total plate count (5.4±0.35), Staphylococcus aureus (2.4±0.30) and Streptococcus spp. (1.1±0.1), indicating unhygienic handling practices during preparation and storage. The physicochemical analysis i.e. total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) (116.20 mg%), non protein nitrogen (NPN) (2.50%), peroxide value (PV) (39.12 milliequivalent O2/g of fat), free fatty acids (FFA) (64.50% as oleic acid) and overall acceptability (6.9±0.59) revealed that the product was of acceptable quality. Though the product was found to have high nutritional value, strict hygienic measures should be adopted right from the preparation of raw materials, processing methods and during storage, in order to safeguard the health of the consumers

Effects of intravenous midazolam during spinal anaesthesia for caesarian section

Background: Spinal anaesthesia for caesarian section is associated with hypotension, bradycardia, and nausea and vomiting. The study was done to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sub hypnotic dose of midazolam in prevention of intraoperative complication of caesarian section under spinal anaesthesia.Methods: In this study one group of women (N=250) received midazolam 0.02 mg /kg bolus immediately after delivery of baby and 0.01 mg/kg half hourly. Equal number of women who received placebo was taken as control group. Intraoperative emetic episodes, scores of sedation and mephentermine consumption were recorded.Results: Proportions of intraoperative nausea and vomiting were 12% and 51% in midazolam and control groups respectively (p<0.0001). To maintain the haemodynamic stability the requirement of mephentermine was significantly less in midazolam receiving women (p<0.0001). Twelve women of control group and no women of midazolam group required atropine. The number of patients that required tramadol 50 mg or more for chest pain, shoulder pain and headache was significantly lesser in midazolam group than in control group (p<0.001). Oxygen supplementation was necessary for more number of women of midazolam group (14%) than of control group (2.8%).Conclusions: Sub hypnotic doses of midazolam are safe and significantly reduce the incidence and severity of hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, vomiting and chest pain during caesarian section under spinal anaesthesia. Routine supplementation of oxygen may be necessary when midazolam is used

Physiological responses of sub1A QTL under induced dehydration stress for varying days in rice

This study analysed the rice genotype with sub1A quantitative trait loci that may interact with ongoing exposure of dehydration. cv. Swarna Sub1 had more nutrients efficiency with increased membrane permeability than cv. Swarna. sub1A QTL with its expression to water / osmotic deficit, however, indirectly to impede the oxidative stress under dehydration might help cv. Swarna Sub1. At maximum dehydration cv. Swarna Sub1 had 1.12 fold excess electrolyte leakages than cv. Swarna under dehydration. cv. Swarna Sub1 had better Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-malic enzyme activity to secure carbon dioxide exchange. A proportional increase in enzyme activity all through dehydration stress maximize under light in cv. Swarna Sub1. At maximum dehydration cv. Swarna Sub1 at saturating substrate concentration was increased by 1.12 fold than other cultivar. The ratio of glutathione (GSH:GSSG) more depleted in cv. Swarna Sub1 through the dehydration period. cv. Swarna could be more promising to retrieve the activity by 1.80 fold than cv. Swarna Sub1 under maximum dehydration. Dehydroascorbate reductase activity was also maintained in cv. Swarna with 1.20 fold ahead than cv. Swarna Sub1 under same condition. As a biomarker of oxidative stress cv. Swarna Sub1 appeared to be less sensitive with the loss of protein oxidation, however, recorded with 25% less carbonyl content than cv. Swarna. Both the genotypes had scored a significant sensitivity with tissue specific distribution for reactive oxygen species as detected by histochemical assay