The impact of Olympic-led urban regeneration on ethnic minority residents in London : a right to the city perspective

The rhetoric of the Legacy 2012 regeneration is to ‘transform the heart of East London’ emphasising creation of employment for local people and modern facilities, which were anticipated to attract mega-sporting events in the future. Since industrialisation, East London has been known to contain the poorest ethnic minority population in London, the majority of whom live in diverse ethnic enclaves. In the aftermath of deindustrialisation, the residents are experiencing unemployment, poor housing, and lower levels of educational attainment while often becoming dependent on benefit payments. In addition to the Legacy Master Planning Framework (ODA1 , 2007), LLDC2 ’s publications such as ‘A Walk around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’, ‘Community Engagement Policy’, ‘Equality and Inclusion Policy’ were intended to create opportunities for the locals with a view to closing the deprivation gap between the Olympic host boroughs and the rest of London. Drawing on some of the Olympic-led urban development projects in the past, the challenge is to understand the actual benefits derived from these projects, against a background of there usually being an enormous gap between rhetoric and reality in market-driven urban regeneration projects. In this context, the research aims to explore the extent to which the legacy-led regeneration efforts have supported the inclusion of ethnic minority residents in the Legacy Corporation and its surrounding area from a ‘right to the city’ perspective. The theoretical framework adopted Purcell’s (2002) ‘right to participation’ (e.g. residents’ central role in decision making processes) and ‘right to appropriation’ (e.g. access and use of urban spaces), underpinned by Lefebvre’s (1991) philosophical notion of the ‘right to the city’. The research methodology was based on qualitative methods (i.e. semi-structured interviews, photo-elicitation interviews, and the researcher’s direct and unobtrusive observations) to gather empirical evidence from two wards – Hackney Wick and Bromley-by-Bow – with a view to exploring ethnic minority communities’ ‘de facto’ rights and ‘conjoint claims’ amidst the legacy-led regeneration process. The findings provide the basis for the argument that the games-led regeneration is contributing to an unjust trade-off between ‘deprived’ pre-existing residents and ‘upper class’ gentrifiers, ignoring the real and organic need of the poor ethnic minority communities. Moreover, at the time of fieldwork (2015), the top-down and expert-led participatory mechanisms (including residents’ direct participation, representative participation through councillors, etc.) had not ensured ethnic minority residents’ deliberate participation during planning and implementation of the regeneration projects. The empirical evidence suggests that the Olympic promise of socio-spatial transformations in terms of materialising ethnic minority residents ‘de facto’ rights and ‘conjoint claims’ (e.g. jobs, housing etc.) were sidelined to support a top-down neoliberal agenda. The research findings reveal how the targeted ethnic minority residents, although living in a pluralist society, remain socio-spatially excluded amidst the top-down legacy led regeneration process. The application of a rights-based theoretical framework increased the understanding of problems and barriers (e.g. in relation to participating and appropriating the legacy-led transformed spaces) hat hindered residents’ participation and appropriation in a top-down sport-led regeneration process. The research also contributes empirical knowledge in relation to actual benefits (e.g. jobs, housing) derived from mega-event legacies, which is important as more cities are now drawn to host mega-events with a view to achieving subsequent legacies.James-Watt Scholarshi

Factor Affecting Organizational Citizenship Behaviour of Corporate Sector in Bangladesh

Organizational Citizenship behaviour is presumed as one of the emerging management concepts that  are being emphasized for the organizational effectiveness.The present study has been undertaken in order to determine the factors affecting the OCB and to develop a theoretical model on OCB by employing sophisticated multivariate technique- Varimax Rotated Factor Analytical Technique. The study has determined factors affecting the OCB: Organizational Loyalty, Altruism, Civic Virtue, Sportsmanship, Courtesy, Conscientiousness, Organizational Compliance, Problem Concern, Individual Initiatives, Self development. The study has suggested some policy guidelines by developing a conceptual model on OCB. Keywords: Organizational citizenship behaviour, Job satisfaction, Civic virtue, Altruis

IKK promotes naïve T cell survival by repressing RIPK1-dependent apoptosis and activating NF-κB

The inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK) complex regulates the activation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) family of transcription factors. In addition, IKK represses extrinsic cell death pathways dependent on receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) by directly phosphorylating this kinase. Here, we showed that peripheral naïve T cells in mice required the continued expression of IKK1 and IKK2 for their survival; however, the loss of these cells was only partially prevented when extrinsic cell death pathways were blocked by either deleting Casp8 (which encodes the apoptosis-inducing caspase 8) or inhibiting the kinase activity of RIPK1. Inducible deletion of Rela (which encodes the NF-κB p65 subunit) in mature CD4+ T cells also resulted in loss of naïve CD4+ T cells and in reduced abundance of the interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) encoded by the NF-κB target Il7r, revealing an additional reliance upon NF-κB for the long-term survival of mature T cells. Together, these data indicate that the IKK-dependent survival of naïve CD4+ T cells depends on both repression of extrinsic cell death pathways and activation of an NF-κB-dependent survival program

Estimating Catastrophic Costs due to Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Bangladesh

To eliminate TB from the country by the year 2030, the Bangladesh National Tuberculosis (TB) Program is providing free treatment to the TB patients since 1993. However, the patients are still to make Out-of-their Pocket (OOP) payment, particularly before their enrollment Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS). This places a significant economic burden on poor-households. We, therefore, aimed to estimate the Catastrophic Health Expenditure (CHE) due to TB as well as understand associated difficulties faced by the families when a productive family member age (15–55) suffers from TB. The majority of the OOP expenditures occur before enrolling in. We conducted a cross-sectional study using multistage sampling in the areas of Bangladesh where Building Resources Across Communities (BRAC) provided TB treatment during June 2016. In total, 900 new TB patients, aged 15–55 years, were randomly selected from a list collected from BRAC program. CHE was defined as the OOP payments that exceeded 10% of total consumption expenditure of the family and 40% of total non-food expenditure/capacity-to-pay. Regular and Bayesian simulation techniques with 10,000 replications of re-sampling with replacement were used to examine robustness of the study findings. We also used linear regression and logit model to identify the drivers of OOP payments and CHE, respectively. The average total cost-of-illness per patient was 124 US$, of which 68% was indirect cost. The average CHE was 4.3% of the total consumption and 3.1% of non-food expenditure among the surveyed households. The poorest quintile of the households experienced higher CHE than their richest counterpart, 5% vs. 1%. Multiple regression model showed that the risk of CHE increased among male patients with smear-negative TB and delayed enrolling in the DOTS. Findings suggested that specific groups are more vulnerable to CHE who needs to be brought under innovative safety-net schemes

17β-Estradiol Treatment Improves Acetylcholine-Induced Relaxation of Mesenteric Arteries in Ovariectomized UC Davis Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Rats in Prediabetic State

We recently reported sex differences in mesenteric arterial function of the UC Davis type-2 diabetes mellitus (UCD-T2DM) rats as early as the prediabetic state. We reported that mesenteric arteries (MA) from prediabetic male rats exhibited a greater impairment compared to that in prediabetic females. However, when females became diabetic, they exhibited a greater vascular dysfunction than males. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the female sex hormone, estrogen preserves mesenteric arterial vasorelaxation in UCD-T2DM female rats at an early prediabetic state. Age-matched female Sprague Dawley and prediabetic (PD) UCD-T2DM rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and subcutaneously implanted with either placebo or 17β-estradiol (E2, 1.5 mg) pellets for 45 days. We assessed the contribution of endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRF) to acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasorelaxation, using pharmacological inhibitors. Responses to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and phenylephrine (PE) were also measured. Additionally, metabolic parameters and expression of some targets associated with vascular and insulin signaling were determined. We demonstrated that the responses to ACh and SNP were severely impaired in the prediabetic state (PD OVX) rats, while E2 treatment restored vasorelaxation in the PD OVX + E2. Moreover, the responses to PE was significantly enhanced in MA of PD OVX groups, regardless of placebo or E2 treatment. Overall, our data suggest that 1) the impairment of ACh responses in PD OVX rats may, in part, result from the elevated contractile responses to PE, loss of contribution of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) to vasorelaxation, and a decreased sensitivity of MA to nitric oxide (NO), and 2) the basis for the protective effects of E2 may be partly attributed to the elevation of the NO contribution to vasorelaxation and its interaction with MA as well as potential improvement of insulin signaling. Here, we provide the first evidence of the role of E2 in protecting MA from early vascular dysfunction in prediabetic female rats

Nutritional Impact on the Productivity of Ready-Made Garment Workers

This study shows the gradual increment in apparel productivity after feeding some nutrients to selected sewing operators who work in a factory named Daarkak, in the urban area of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The specific objective was to identify the consequences of nutritious food in boosting workers’ energy levels to aid in increased productivity. A better result compared to the previous data was found, where the productivity increased substantially after providing selected nutritious food- soya and milk. The overall result was impressive. Since most of the workers belong to the low-middle class or poor families, they do not afford nutritious food in daily life for the lack of knowledge that nutritious food can be availed at cheaper prices. Soya and milk contain adequate proteins and they are available at relatively cheaper costs. These foods enabled them mentally and physically to give higher efficiency during their regular work. This paper explores the possibility of improved productivity after providing workers with nutritious food. When productivity increases, profit also increases.&nbsp

Hydrochemistry, water quality and land use signatures in an ephemeral tidal river : implications in water management in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh

Despite its complexity and importance in managing water resources in populous deltas, especially in tidal areas, literatures on tidal rivers and their land use linkage in connection to water quality and pollution are rare. Such information is of prior need for Integrated Water Resource Management in water scarce and climate change vulnerable regions, such as the southwestern coast of Bangladesh. Using water quality indices and multivariate analysis, we present here the land use signatures of a dying tidal river due to anthropogenic perturbation. Correlation matrix, hierarchical cluster analysis, factor analysis, and bio-geo-chemical fingerprints were used to quantify the hydro-chemical and anthropogenic processes and identify factors influencing the ionic concentrations. The results show remarkable spatial and temporal variations (p <0.05) in water quality parameters. The lowest solute concentrations are observed at the mid reach of the stream where the agricultural and urban wastewater mix. Agricultural sites show higher concentration of DO, Na+ and K+ reflecting the effects of tidal spill-over and shrimp wastewater effluents nearby. Higher level of Salinity, EC, Cl-, HCO3 (-), NO3 (-), PO4 (3-) and TSS characterize the urban sites indicating a signature of land use dominated by direct discharge of household organic waste into the waters. The spatial variation in overall water quality suggests a periodic enhancement of quality especially for irrigation and non-drinking purposes during monsoon and post-monsoon, indicating significant influence of amount of rainfall in the basin. We recommend that, given the recent trend of increasing precipitation and ground water table decrease, such dying tidal river basins may serve as excellent surface water reservoir to supplement quality water supply to the region.Peer reviewe

Associated Injuries in Patients with Maxillofacial Trauma at Dhaka Dental College Hospital by Motorcycle Accident

Background: Facial skeleton injuries are common in emergency departments and can cause physical and psychological distress. The mandible is the most commonly fractured site, followed by the maxillae, zygomatic bone, and nasal bone. Tooth injuries are also common. Although rarely fatal, these injuries may be associated with life-threatening conditions in other parts of the body. Objective: To assess the other bony and soft tissue injuries along with facial bone fracture Methods: It was a cross-sectional observational study carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dhaka Dental College and Hospital. Main outcome variable were age, sex, site, etiology, bony and soft tissue injury over the skin. Thirty patients with maxillofacial trauma who were attended to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery were selected for the study. Study Period: 10 January 2019 to 15 July 2019 Results: Majority of the patients were in the 2nd to 4th decade (80%) with a male to female ratio of 6.5:1. The motorcycle accident occurred with pavement 9 (30.0%) followed by 20% with truck, 5 (16.7%) with bus, 13.3% with motorcycle, 10% accident with pedestrian and 6.7% with autorickshaw. Mandible was the most commonly fractured facial bone (36.67%), followed by midface fracture (20.0%), Lefort-II (16.7%) and Lefort-III (13.3%). Closed head injury such as scalp injury were more 19 (63.3%) then linear fracture 7 (23.3%) and depressed fracture of temporal bone. A total of 23 (76.7%) patients were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and rest of 7 (23.3%) had no helmet. The soft tissue injuries were significantly more in non-helmeted subjects (p< 0.05). Non-helmet subjects sustained more injuries as compared to helmeted subjects. The injuries were significantly more in non-helmet motorcyclists Conclusion: The study found that males aged 21-40 were most commonly injured in motorcycle accidents, with motorcycle riders and rideshare businessmen being the largest groups of victims. Midface fractures were the most common facial injury and were significantly associated with helmet use. Protective gear was found to be low among motorcycle riders, particularly passengers, impacting the severity of injuries sustained

Spinal Cord Injury: Causes, types of manifestation and related complications of the patients in northern division of Bangladesh

Background: This study explores Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) in the Northern Division of Bangladesh, including its etiology, symptoms, and complications. The research focuses on this region to understand the etiology, varieties of SCI presentations, and the issues affected persons encounter. Purpose: to study the causes, symptoms, and complications of Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) in Northern Bangladesh. Methods: In order to better understand Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) among patients at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital and Rajshahi-CRP, Northern Division of Bangladesh, a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was used in this study. This convenience sample (n=300) includes patients who are undergoing treatment as well as those who have been discharged. Patients with SCI who have not had a head injury meet the inclusion criteria; patients who are unconscious or lack a diagnosis are not. Validated by a clinical physiotherapist, the data collection process uses semi-structured questionnaires and in-person interviews in accordance with ethical criteria that have been authorized by the ethical review board of Rajshahi Medical College. This ensures that patient care is not compromised. Results: The study had 300 participants, 80% male and 20% female, aged 20–50. About 42% were employed, mostly secondary school graduates, and rural residents. Trauma caused 64% of spinal cord injuries and paraplegia. 34% had pressure sores, while 92% had moderate discomfort. Urological and muscle problems affected 70% of patients. 68% of participants had psychological issues, including depression. Autonomic dysreflexia was 14%. Conclusion: &nbsp;This study illuminates the origins, symptoms, and complications of Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) in Northern Bangladesh, providing useful insights for better management and care

Preclinical HbA1c level studies of makaradhwaja and siddha makaradhwaja after chronic administration to male Sprague-Dawley rats

Background: Makaradhwaja (MD) and Siddha Makaradhwaja (SMD) are Ayurvedic preparations used as traditional medicines for different clinical indications in the rural population. Principle purpose of using MD is controlling hypotension and while SMD is useful in peripheral circulatory failure treatment. In this study we evaluate the influence of these preparations on HbA1c (%) level.Methods: To find out the average plasma glucose concentration over prolonged period of time, MD and SMD were administered chronically to the male Sprague-Dawley rats at a dose of 40 mg/kg. After 28 days of chronic administration of MD and SMD the following changes were noted and Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was determined.Results: The results of the study of in vitro quantitative determination of rat HbA1c concentrations in serum studies, MD demonstrated a negligible (0.61%) decrease in the HbA1c level of the blood of the male rat (p=0.902). Whereas SMD demonstrated a negligible (1.83%) increase in the HbA1c level of the blood of the male rat (p=0.782).Conclusions: Between these preparation MD slightly decreases HbA1c level of the blood of the male rat, whereas SMD found in increasing HbA1c level of the blood of the male rat