Role of Advanced Technology-Assisted English Teaching in Pakistani Classrooms

The methods and trends to teach students the English language is changing widely over time. Technology-based programs and computer-assisted software are taking place rapidly. These programs help both teachers and learners. The use of ‘Blogs’ or ‘Weblog’ and ‘Vlog’ for language teaching facilitates language learning. The present paper aims to analyze the rationale for using Vlogs and Blogs for ELT practitioners. It further investigates the merits and demerits of its usage because technology has become an integral part of teaching. For this purpose, an open-ended questionnaire was disseminated to 20 ESL teachers. A qualitative study found that vlogs improve students’ listening, pronunciation, and conversation skills, while blogs allow users to read and write materials. Instructors use it to read up-to-date material and motivate their students to learn easily and effectively. Findings prove that most participants use technology in different teaching activities and situations. These are more positive and a few negative impacts on teaching and learning the English language. The study is significant because modern classrooms have different requirements than traditional classrooms, and students prefer technology on notes and tough reading materials.  Keywords: ELT, Vlog, Blog, teaching, open-ended questionnair

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

Influence of online sensory branding experiences on brand loyalty in South Africa

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence online purchase intention in the context of Bangladesh, specifically focusing on the relationship between eWOM, Website Quality, Promotional Activities, Trust, Security, and online purchase intention. Convenience sampling method was employed to gather data from 260 participants through online and offline surveys between January and February 2023. The study employed different statistical methods to analyze research data including Descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s Alpha, and Multiple Regression analysis. The results indicate that eWOM, Website Quality, Promotional Activities, and Trust have a significant impact on online purchase intention. Interestingly, security was not found to be a significant factor in determining online purchase intention. These findings contribute to online marketers’ knowledge of the factors that influence customers’ intention to buy products and services from online platforms and can assist them in developing value-driven online marketing strategies

Acceptability and short-term complications of PPIUCD

Background: Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is an effective form of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC). Postpartum IUCD insertion is labelled when IUCD is inserted within 10 minutes to 48 hours of expulsion of placenta. assess the acceptability and short-term complications of postpartum intrauterine contraception device insertion in tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to assess the evaluation of factors associated with acceptability of post-partum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD). Methods: This was a prospective observational study was conducted at department of obstetrics and gynecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Results: Out of 360 eligible counselled postpartum patients, 48 (13.3%) women underwent PPIUCD insertion. Acceptance of PPIUCD was higher in the age group of 25-30 years (43.75%), having former health counselling about PPIUCD (70.8%), multipara (68.75%). The commonest complications were missing thread (8.3%) followed by lower abdominal pain (6.25%), irregular per vaginal bleeding (4.2%). Conclusions: PPIUCD is not very acceptable in our set up but it is a safe, highly effective method of contraception with very few side effects and no major complications and contraindications. The acceptability of PPIUCD can be increased with antenatal counselling and institutional delivery

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

Survival and toxicity outcomes of induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone in inoperable stage III and IVA/B head and neck cancer

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with or without induction chemotherapy is widely practiced in inoperable stage III and IVA/B head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the survival and toxicity outcomes of induction chemotherapy combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone in inoperable stage III and IVA/B head and neck cancer patients. From June 2018 to July 2020, 86 patients participated in a quasi-experimental study. Patients were purposively assigned to one of the two arms (arm A or arm B). Arm A got induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemo- radiotherapy, while arm B got only concurrent chemoradiotherapy. According to our findings, the 2-year progression-free survival rate in arm A was 48.8% vs 37.2 % in arm B (p-value=0.042), and the 2-year overall survival rate in arm A was 65.1 % versus 60.5 % in arm B (p-value= 0.416). There were no statistically significant variations in treatment-related toxicities between the two groups (p-value &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, inoperable stage III and IVA/B head and neck cancer patients who got induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemotherapy had a better progression-free survival rate than those who received concur- rent chemoradiotherapy alone. BSMMU J 2021; 14(4): 144-14