TRANSITIONING TO ONLINE EDUCATION IN ENGLISH DEPARTMENTS IN BANGLADESH: LEARNER PERSPECTIVES

During the brief coronavirus-induced hiatus in March and April 2020, educational institutions in Bangladesh including public universities began preparations for online classes. By the end of June, almost all private universities and a few public universities had started online classes with limited or no preparation, which was met with appreciation as well as censure from different stakeholders. Against this backdrop, this study was conducted with a view to examining the online teaching-learning scenario at Bangladeshi public universities from the perspective of one important stakeholder, the students, with a specific focus on the challenges they faced with this new mode of instruction. Suggestions were also sought from them regarding how the barriers to online instruction could be overcome. Data were collected from 26 students of English Departments of 11 public universities through semi-structured interviews. The major challenges reported include issues of access and equity, inadequate logistic support and poor infrastructure. Concerns related to curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and psychological issues were also highlighted. In addition, lack of prior experience and inadequate training were identified as serious obstacles. Major suggestions from the participants include ensuring access and equity, providing training opportunities and digital devices to students, and engaging in curriculum and assessment reforms.

Topical application of hemostatic paste

As a measure to control minor surgical bleeding, surgeons usually depend on a number of hemostatic aids. Topical use of bovine thrombin is a widely used procedure to arrest such minor bleeding. A 35 year old male sergeant of Bangladesh Air Force presented with repeated development of hematoma in his left thigh without any history of trauma or previous history of bleeding. Critical analysis of the patients history, routine and sophisticated hematological investigations revealed that the patient developed anti-thrombin antibody following the application of hemostatic paste in the tooth socket five years back during minor dental procedure to stop ignorable bleeding episodes. Therefore, topical use of hemostatic glue/paste or bovine thrombin should be avoided to desist minor bleeding as recombinant human thrombin is now available for topical use

Adjusting for heterogeneity of experimental data in genetic evaluation of dry matter intake in dairy cattle.

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Application of Geospatial Techniques in Evaluating Spatial Variability of Commercially Harvested Mangoes in Bangladesh

Mango is widely known as a popular fruit in South Asia, including Bangladesh. The country is a significant producer of different local and exotic varieties of mangoes in different geographic locations. Therefore, a study of fruit maturity at diverse locations and climatic conditions becomes critical for a sustainable mango production. In responding to this need, this study evaluates the variability of a few selected commercial mango (Mangifera indica L.) varieties and their maturity timeline with respect to spatial extent (longitudinal-latitudinal variations), elevation profile, and time. Remote sensing technology has been widely used for horticultural applications to study fruit phenology, maturity, harvesting time, and for mapping locational differences. In doing so, we have employed remotely sensed data, such as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM) of 30 m spatial resolution, GPM IMERGM precipitation datasets (0.1 × 0.1 degree), NASA GLDAS (Global Land Data Assimilation System) surface skin temperature (0.25 × 0.25 degree), and Noah Land Surface Model L4 3-hourly soil moisture content datasets (0.25 × 0.25 degree). Alongside these, an intensive field data collection campaign has been carried out for 2019 and 2020. It was found that 1° locational variations may result in approximately 2–5 days delay of mango harvesting. The outcome of this study may enhance the appropriate planning of harvesting, production, and the commercialization of mango selection in specific geographic setting for a sustainable harvest and production system in the country

Anxiety among urban, semi-urban and rural school adolescents in Dhaka, Bangladesh: Investigating prevalence and associated factors

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorder is one of the emerging public health problems in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Likewise, in Bangladesh, a growing number of adolescents are experiencing such symptoms though we have very limited research evidence available. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and the factors associated with this condition among urban, semi-urban, and rural school adolescents in Bangladesh. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a two-stage cluster sampling procedure. A self-administered questionnaire was conveyed to 2355 adolescents from nine secondary schools of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Of the respondents, 2313 completed the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7). Besides, sociodemographic information, self-reported body image as well as modification of Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and WHO Global PA Questionnaire (GPAQ) were used to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with anxiety among adolescents. RESULTS: A total of 20.1% of adolescents were experiencing moderate to severe anxiety; of them, a significantly higher proportion (49.9%) of female adolescents were suffering more than males (40.1%). Furthermore, age, student’s grade, father’s educational level, number of family members, and residential setting were found to be significantly associated with anxiety among adolescents. In terms of lifestyle factors, irregular physical activity (AOR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.05–1.63), high screen time (AOR: 1.51; 95% CI:1.21–1.88), sleep dissatisfaction (AOR: 3.79; 95% CI: 3.02–4.76), and underweight body image (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI:1.70–3.28) were found to be significantly associated with anxiety among school adolescents of urban, semi-urban, and rural residential settings. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety is prevalent among urban, semi-urban, and rural school adolescents in Dhaka, Bangladesh. To lessen this prevalence of anxiety among Bangladeshi adolescents, evidence-based health programs- healthy school trials—and policies should therefore be taken based on the findings of this study

Risk modeling of non-communicable diseases using socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle and family disease history among university students in Bangladesh

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the basis of socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle-related determinants, environmental and psychological characteristics, and individual and family disease history among university students in Bangladesh. Study design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Using the WHO STEPwise approach for NCDs, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,140 students. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 22. Results: In all, 29.2% of the respondents (BMI a 23.00 kg/m(2)) were overweight and/or obese, and almost two-thirds (65%) of them did not take part in any physical activity (PA). A third (33.3%, p = 0.002) of male smokers reported health problems and it was found that environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was significantly responsible for developing asthma (OR = 0.55; CI = 0.33-0.93). Individual and family history of NCDs was statistically significant for obesity and asthma and considerably increased the odds ratio for heart disease. Conclusion: This study shows that the number of students suffering from different types of NCDs is not negligible. Their lifestyle and family history of NCDs are responsible for this to a significant extent. Urgent initiatives should be taken to rein in the spread of NCDs among the youth of Bangladesh

Investigation on mechanical, gas barrier, and biodegradation properties of graphene oxide reinforced bovine trimmings derived collagen biocomposite

Now-a-days, let out a huge number of bovine trimmings based solid waste from tanneries has caused significant environmental concerns. To overcome this problem, this study emphasizes on bovine trimmings derived collagen based high-performance composite with graphene oxide (Col-GO) by using solvent evaporation method. The Col-GO composite film formation was governed by plasticization with glycerol, crosslinking reaction of collagen chain; and H-bonding interaction between GO and collagen functional groups. The Col-GO composite films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and contact angle measurements. FTIR and TGA results indicate that interfacial H-bonding interaction between GO with collagen, and thermal stability of Col-GO composites film. Contact angle results indicate that hydrophobicity of Col-GO films was significantly enhanced compared to pure collagen film. The SEM analysis results indicate the homogeneous integration of GO in the Col-GO composite film. The composite film exhibits improvement in tensile strength and Young's modulus (YM) by 45% and 33% respectively. The water and gas barrier properties of the composite film improved by 47.4%, 66.57%, and 87.34%, respectively compared to pure collagen film. The Col-GO composite film showed excellent biodegradation in the soil burial test, degrading 79.47% in 42 days. The potential of the biodegraded Col-GO composite sample as a biofertilizer has been investigated by cultivating Spinacia oleracea seeds. The Col-GO composite film might be a very promising bio-compostable flexible and sustainable packaging film alternative to plastic packaging made from oil. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Impact of Exogenous Application of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield Contributing Attributes of Summer Tomato

The experiment was conducted with the intention of investigating the impact of different concentrations and combination of the plant growth regulators on growth and yield contributing attributes of summer tomato. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Resign (CRD) with four replications. Different plant growth regulators viz. T0= Control, T1 = 20 ppm NAA, T2 = 20 ppm GA3 and T3 = 20 ppm NAA + 20 ppm GA3 were used in the study. The growth and yield contributing characters were significantly influenced by the application of plant growth regulators. At harvest, the longest plant (86.90cm), number of cluster plant-1(9.95), bud cluster-1(8.01) flower cluster-1(5.94) and fruits plant-1(16.48) and fruit yield plant-1(309.04g) were found in BARI Hybrid Tomato-8. At harvest, the maximum plant height (88.30cm) was found in T2 and the number of number of cluster plant-1(10.12), bud cluster-1(8.26)flower cluster-1(5.99) and fruits plant-1(17.65) and fruit yield plant-1 (328.99 g) were found with the application of 20 ppm NAA+20 ppm GA3, whereas the minimum for these characters were recorded from control plants. In case of combined effect of variety and plant growth regulator, the maximum plant height (90.79 cm) was found in V4T2 which was statistically similar to V4T3, and the number of number of cluster plant-1(11.68), bud cluster-1(8.80) flower cluster-1(6.78) and fruits plant -1(23.95) and fruit yield plant-1(474.60 g) were found V4T3 whereas the minimum for all these characters were found in control plants. Therefore, it can be suggested that 20 ppm NAA along with 20ppm GA3 can be effective in enhancing growth and yield of summer tomato

Topical application of hemostatic paste

As a measure to control minor surgical bleeding, surgeons usually depend on a number of hemostatic aids. Topical use of bovine thrombin is a widely used procedure to arrest such minor bleeding. A 35 year old male sergeant of Bangladesh Air Force presented with repeated development of hematoma in his left thigh without any history of trauma or previous history of bleeding. Critical analysis of the patients history, routine and sophisticated hematological investigations revealed that the patient developed anti-thrombin antibody following the application of hemostatic paste in the tooth socket five years back during minor dental procedure to stop ignorable bleeding episodes. Therefore, topical use of hemostatic glue/paste or bovine thrombin should be avoided to desist minor bleeding as recombinant human thrombin is now available for topical use