Farmer’s Awareness on Effective Delivery of Farm Information through ICT Mediated Extension Service in Bangladesh

The main focus of the study was to find out the level of awareness about effective delivery of farm information to the farmers through ICT mediated extension service in Bangladesh. The factors influencing awareness of the farmers and the problems faced by the farmers in getting farm information were also explored. Data were collected from a sample of 100 farmers out of 700. A structured interview schedule and check list were used in collection of data through face to face interviewing and focus group discussion (FGD) during October to November in 2012. The awareness was measured by using a 3 point rating scale and appropriate weights were assigned to each of the responses. By adding the weights of responses awareness score was calculated. The effectiveness of ICT mediated extension services was considered based on amount of information being supplied, acceptability, diversity, demand driven and outcome in using information by the farmers. About two-thirds (68 percent) of the farmers had moderate awareness while almost one fourth (26 percent) having high and only 6 percent had low awareness about effective delivery of farm information by ICT centers. The level of education, farm size, family size, annual income, training exposure, organizational participation and extension media contact of the farmers were significantly correlated with their awareness. The stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that out of 9, four variables such as organizational participation, annual income, farm size and family size of the farmers combinedly explain 50 percent variance regarding awareness of effective delivery of farm information. Rendering inadequate services of field extension agents, frequent power disruption, lack of skilled manpower (extension agents) at ICT centers, lack of training facilities for the farmers, and poor supervision and monitoring of field extension activities were the major problems as mentioned by the farmers for effective dissemination of farm information

Prevalence and Assessment of Experience of Dental Caries Among School Going Adolescents in A Rural Area of Sylhet, Bangladesh

Background: Socio-epidemiological data of dental caries helps to plan effective community interventions. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and assess the experience of dental caries among school going adolescents in a rural area of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was donein Sylhet District in Bangladesh, between January and December of 2014. Students of class VIII, IX and X, aged 12-16 years were taken for the study. A total of 90 studentswere divided into 12-14 years and 15-16 years age groups using simple random sampling technique. A pre-designed, self-administered questionnaire was used for demographic survey. Students were examined for dental caries. Assessment of Experience of dental caries was done by Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth (DMFT) index. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 14.37±0.50 years. Females were 68(75.6%) and males were 22(24.4%). 31(34.4%), 30 (33.3%) and 29(32.2%) were from VIII, IX and X respectively. The older age group (15-16 years) had more decayed teeth than that of 12-14 years group (2.28 vs. 1.46; p=0.04). The mean DMFT score was lower in male compared to female (1.43 vs. 2.30; p\u3e0.05).There was significant difference in the total DMFT score among the classes (p=0.009). Mean DMFT score was 1.88. Caries prevalence was 42.2% in the maxillary arch and 58.9% in the mandibular arch. Among males, the mandibular arch showed a higher caries level (63.64%) than the maxillary arch (40%), while in females, in maxillary and mandibular archeswere 42.64% and 42.65% respectively (p\u3e0.05). Conclusion: 64.4% of the study population had dental caries with male predominance; mandibular arch was more involved

DOSTUPNOST MORSKIH RIBA NA COX’S BAZARU U BANGLADEŠU: STUDIJA SLUČAJA O ISKRCAJNOM CENTRU BFDC

Fish availability in the coastal landing center highlights the assumption of stocks in the marine fishing zone of the ocean. This study, therefore, aimed to analyze the availability of marine fishes in the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) landing center, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh between January 2021 and May 2021. A total of 54 species were recorded, of which 42 were marine fishes, 7 were shellfishes and 5 were large fishes. The dominant orders were Perciformes (56%), Scombriformes (17%) and Clupeiformes (10%). More than 56% of the total marine fishes were classified as Least Concern, nearly 10% were categorized as Near Threatened and 2% were marked Vulnerable. The dominant orders of shellfish were Portunidae (43%), followed by Penaidae (29%), Loligonidae (14%) and Octopopidae (14%). Shrimp Penaeous monodon had the highest consumer demand, whereas consumer demand for non-conventional shellfish was comparatively low. Most of the shellfish were categorized as Least Concern. Among large fishes, the wider availability of sharks (five species) and rays (two species) was observed in the winter and monsoon season, although the consumer demand for those large fishes was low. The Vulnerable sharks and rays were Sphyma zygaena and Mobula birostris. This study elucidates the present scenario of marine fishes in the BFDC fish landing center, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.Dostupnost ribe u obalnom iskrcajnom centru naglašava pretpostavku o stokovima u zoni morskog ribolova u oceanu. Cilj ovog istraživanja je analizirati dostupnost morskih riba u iskrcajnom centru BFDC na Cox’s Bazaru u Bangladešu u razdoblju od siječnja do svibnja 2021. godine. Zabilježene su ukupno 54 vrste, od kojih su 42 morske ribe, 7 školjkaša i 5 velikih riba. Dominantni redovi su Perciformes (56%), Scombriformes (17%) i Clupeiformes (10%). Više od 56% ukupne morske ribe klasificirano je kao najmanje zabrinjavajuće vrste, a za razliku od toga, gotovo 10% morskih riba je gotovo ugroženo, a 2% je ranjivo. Dominantni redovi školjkaša su Portunidae (43%), zatim Penaidae (29%), Loligonidae (14%) i Octopopidae (14%). Penaeous monodon je najviše tražena od potrošača, dok je potražnja potrošača za nekonvencionalnim školjkama relativno niska. Većina školjkaša je iz skupine najmanje zabrinjavajućih vrsta. Među velikim ribama, razmjerno veća dostupnost morskih pasa (5 vrsta) i raža (2 vrste) uočena je zimi i u razdoblju monsuna, iako je potražnja potrošača za tom megafaunom niska. Ranjivi morski psi i raže su Sphyma zygaena i Mobula birostris. Ova studija analizira trenutni sastav morskih riba u iskrcajnom centru BFDC na Cox\u27s Bazaru u Bangladešu

The HIDDEN Protocol: An Australian Prospective Cohort Study to Determine the Utility of Whole Genome Sequencing in Kidney Failure of Unknown Aetiology

Early identification of genetic kidney disease allows personalised management, clarification of risk for relatives, and guidance for family planning. Genetic disease is underdiagnosed, and recognition of genetic disease is particularly challenging in patients with kidney failure without distinguishing diagnostic features. To address this challenge, the primary aim of this study is to determine the proportion of genetic diagnoses amongst patients with kidney failure of unknown aetiology, using whole genome sequencing (WGS). A cohort of up to 100 Australian patients with kidney failure of unknown aetiology, with onset <50 years old and approved by a panel of study investigators will be recruited via 18 centres nationally. Clinically accredited WGS will be undertaken with analysis targeted to a priority list of ∼388 genes associated with genetic kidney disease. The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients who receive a molecular diagnosis (diagnostic rate) via WGS compared with usual -care (no further diagnostic investigation). Participant surveys will be undertaken at consent, after test result return and 1 year subsequently. Where there is no or an uncertain diagnosis, future research genomics will be considered to identify candidate genes and new pathogenic variants in known genes. All results will be relayed to participants via the recruiting clinician and/or kidney genetics clinic. The study is ethically approved (HREC/16/MH/251) with local site governance approvals in place. The future results of this study will be disseminated and inform practical understanding of the potential monogenic contribution to kidney failure of unknown aetiology. These findings are anticipated to impact clinical practice and healthcare policy. Study Registration: [https://dora.health.qld.gov.au], identifier [HREC/16/MH/251]

The effect of staff satisfaction in developing employee work performance and their retention moderating role of knowledge sharing (an empirical study of a Business School in Bangladesh)

Employees are a substantial part of the set-up of any organisation. They play a key role as the workforce provides expertise in developing value and are one of the basic resources needed in every production process. This study includes IBAIS University which making a policy to achieve a long term vision to be a “world-class institution” by 2025. It focuses on the condition of the Bangladeshi higher education industry, which from the early nineties has been competing with local public and foreign universities to provide educational services to society. As a result, it is of significant importance to maintain employee satisfaction with their commitment and involvement in supporting the effort to sustain long-term targeted achievement. This research purpose is to analyse the effect of employee satisfaction moderated by knowledge sharing towards employee work performances and retention. The participants of this study are all employees of the institution, with the data gathering techniques applied including questionnaires and multiple regression analytical methods with moderating variables. The results of this study show that employee satisfaction has a significant effect towards employee work performance and retention. On the other hand, knowledge sharing doesn’t appear to have a significant effect on employee work performance or retention

Responses and screening of white jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) genotypes against salinity stresses

Soil salinity, a serious threat to jute cultivation in saline areas (southern parts) of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) has developed a moderately salt tolerant White Jute variety (BJRI Deshi pat-8; BJC 2197) in 2013 which can’t grow well in saline areas having more than 8.0 dSm-1 salinity stress. Hence, 23 whitejute accessions and one control variety (BJC 2197) were tested to isolate the salt tolerant accession(s) for hybridization purpose followed by augmented design in farmers’ field having nearly 8.0-9.0 dSm-1 salinity at Patuakhali district during mid-March to mid-August 2019. The experimental plot size was 3.0 m2 (3 m × 1 m) for each genotype having 3 lines of 1.0 m length, plant-plant: 10-15 cm and line- line: 30 cm distance. Soil salinity was recorded during sowing, vegetative and plant maturity stages. In this study, the highest plant height 2.84 m was recorded in Acc. 2750 followed by Acc. 2589 (2.76 m) and Acc. 1779 (2.69 m). The highest fiber yield (9.0 g plant-1) was observed in Acc. 1779 followed by Acc. 2589 (8.40 g plant-1) and Acc. 2750 (8.0 g plant-1). The lowest plant mortality rate (2.5%) was found in Acc.2750 followed by Acc.1779 (6.24%), Acc. 1780 (7.50), Acc. 3556 (11.10%), Acc. 2589 (11.20%) and BJC 2197 (16.5%). Few seeds were germinated in Acc. 3020 and Acc. 3658 but plants were died after 20 days of sowing. Six genotypes of cluster I showed higher diversity in Euclidean cluster analysis. The Acc. 2750, Acc. 1779, Acc. 2589 of cluster I having relative salinity tolerance and good fiber yield capacity would be grown in next year for confirmation as well as hybridization with the existing salinity susceptible variety to develop high yielding white jute variety for saline areas

Teledentistry: Limitation and Challenges

Dentistry is the top listed most risky jobs in this pandemic Covid 19 situation, as dentist contain close face-to-face contact with the patients which increase the potential transmission of the (SARS)-CoV-2 virus from human to human through direct contact via oro-pharyngeal droplets and indirect contacts with fomites where dental professionals are highly vulnerable to get infected from the coronavirus. Thus, dental practice has mostly been suspended during this period. Teledentistry introduces a novel solution to resume dental practice by providing dental treatment, guidance, and education through teleconsultation, telediagnosis and telemonitoring through Information Technology (IT) instead of direct contact with patients. But there are some major challenges like lack of government initiatives, compensation strategy, legal issues, technical base, co-ordination among doctors, along with patients’ co-operation and limitations in telediagnosis. This technical note highlighted these limitations and challenges to make a concern to the dentist as at least teledentistry can accompaniment the existing threaten dental system during this living pandemic

TRIBAL FORMULATIONS FOR TREATMENT OF PAIN: A STUDY OF THE BEDE COMMUNITY TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PRACTITIONERS OF PORABARI VILLAGE IN DHAKA DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

The Bedes form one of the largest tribal or indigenous communities in Bangladesh and are popularly known as the boat people or water gypsies because of their preference for living in boats. They travel almost throughout the whole year by boats on the numerous waterways of Bangladesh and earn their livelihood by selling sundry items, performing jugglery acts, catching snakes, and treating village people by the various riversides with their traditional medicinal formulations. Life is hard for the community, and both men and women toil day long. As a result of their strenuous lifestyle, they suffer from various types of pain, and have developed an assortment of formulations for treatment of pain in different parts of the body. Pain is the most common reason for physician consultation in all parts of the world including Bangladesh. Although a number of drugs are available to treat pain, including non-steroidal, steroidal, and narcotic drugs, such drugs usually have side-effects like causing bleeding in the stomach over prolonged use (as in the case of rheumatic pain), or can be addictive. Moreover, pain arising from causes like rheumatism has no proper treatment in allopathic medicine. It was the objective of the present study to document the formulations used by the Bede traditional practitioners for pain treatment, for they claim to have used these formulations over centuries with success. Surveys were conducted among a large Bede community, who reside in boats on the Bangshi River by Porabari village of Savar area in Dhaka district of Bangladesh. Interviews of 30 traditional practitioners were conducted with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk method. It was observed that the Bede practitioners used 53 formulations for treatment of various types of pain, the main ingredient of all formulations being medicinal plants. Out of the 53 formulations, 25 were for treatment of rheumatic pain, either exclusively, or along with other types of body pain. A total of 65 plants belonging to 39 families were used in the formulations. The Fabaceae family provided 7 plants followed by the Solanaceae family with 4 plants. 47 out of the 53 formulations were used topically, 5 formulations were orally administered, and 1 formulation had both topical and oral uses. 8 formulations for treatment of rheumatic pain contained Calotropis gigantea, suggesting that the plant has strong potential for further scientific studies leading to discovery of novel efficacious compounds for rheumatic pain treatment

Effect of Ajwa date pits powder (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on body composition, lipid profile and blood pressure in patients with hyperlipidemia: A randomized clinical trial

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Ajwa dates pit powder (ADP) on lipid profile, body composition and blood pressure in patients with hyperlipidemia.Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled clinical study was carried out on 40 patients with total cholesterol >200 mg/dl, triglycerides >150 mg/dl and BMI >25, of either sex, aged 30-50 years, who were recruited through written consent. The patients were divided into two groups (n=20 each): the ADP and the control group (CG). All patients received the doctor’s prescribed class A statin (Rosuvastatin/ Atorvastatin) 10 mg/day, while 2.7 g ADP was given on daily basis before breakfast with lukewarm water for 40 days and the control group received the same amount of wheat flour. Body composition, blood pressure and lipid profile were determined at baseline, and after 20 and 40 days. Data were analyzed by using SPSS and GraphPad Prism.Results: ADP significantly reduced body weight (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.001), fat mass, body fat percentage, visceral fat area and waist circumference compared to the control group. Similarly, ADP significantly (p=0.000) decreased the serum level of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. Conclusion: ADP may have the potential to improve dyslipidemia and obesity